USB pen drive review
 

I am partial to my USB pen drive. Basically, USB pen drives are relatively cheap (mine cost about $25) large (I got a 64mb, but they come in sizes up to a gig - if you are willing to pay) hard to destroy (at one person claims that his survived a trip in a washing machine with his data intact) fast (I find about 10X faster) alternatives to a floppy.

You basically stick the drive (the size and shape of a small highlight pen) into your computer's USB drive (I also bought a few USB A/M-A/F extension cords, but some USB pen drives come with a short one), and it is automatically recognized (takes, at most, about 3 seconds). If you have any system above Windows 98SE, no software is needed.

I went with one branded by Targus (diskonkey.com seems to make the same device for Compaq and Fujifilm) and bought it from Ecost.com (http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?dpno=371963). I also got bunch of extra extension cords (http://www.accessmicro.com/productin...&rnd=735702448). Basically the cheapest I could go for what looked like good quality.

Good:
-fast
-hard to break
-large
-idiot proof
-lets you copy and paste a whole bunch of files in one shot
-my model works fine with Windows 98SE AND Windows 98 (and probably even NT - with software)
-my model has its own on-board processor

Bad
-not supposed to work with Windows 95
-my model did not come with extension cord
-included password data protection software did not work well with Windows 98 (so I deleted the file)
-my model does not have write-protection switch
-does not seem to work with Windows 98 when you use an unpowered USB hub
-to properly "close out" and remove the drive (not needed on Windows 98), you have to first close the files you were using on the USB and then select any file or directory not on the USB and/or close the program you were just using (just like not ejecting a floppy when you have an open file or the computer thinks it is still working with the floppy)

Leagal, didn't you have one of these too?

Re: Other Gadgets (besides computers)
 

That's a great price. But I've never heard anyone rave about the Dish PVR. In fact, I've heard that the interface is so poor it's nothing but a glorified digital VCR. Still, even if you hate it, it's dirt cheap, and you can always get a standalone Tivo to plug your plain-vanilla Dish receiver into --- though that's nowhere near as elegant as the DirecTV/Tivo combos.

Xbox or PlayStation 2
 

Xbox or PS2 -- Which is better?

Beef(yes, I know I'm immature)Clerky

Re: Xbox or PlayStation 2
 

PS2 ... because you want to be able to play Dance Dance Resurrection [spree: gaudy graphics; pokes fun at Jesus Christ]


-pc

Re: Xbox or PlayStation 2
 

First of all, awesome avatar--one of the classics. Second--what type of games do you like, FPS, sports, platform, puzzle, driving, RPS, is multiplayer important? Xbox seems to have better sound and graphics, but not as many compelling games as PS2 which has tons and tons of developers developing games for it. In any event, I'd wait a little and wait for the price to drop--rumors are that the consoles (Xbox and PS2) will drop another $50 or so this fall, so maybe you might want to wait.

Actually, I play a lot more on the PC than I do consoles these days--Counterstrike still kicks ass, though I don't.

Any other CS'rs out there? Wanna play?

Flinty

usb key
 

Yeah, I use it all the time. Very useful for when I need to move a powerpoint presentation, short video clip or song from one computer to another.

Re: Re: Xbox or PlayStation 2
 

First, thanks re the avatar; a picture at once spectacularly funny and devastatingly sad. I'm trying to figure out a way to make it easier to see while staying within the avatar res. limits.

As for xbox v. PS2, I am leaning toward PS2 simply because it has more games regardless of my interests. The only thing that gives me pause is that xbox seems to have so much going for it in terms of technology. But it seems that the technology has yet to be fully exploited and who knows if it ever will. Really, the only logical answer is to get both, although Mrs. Clerky likely would become irate.

Beef

Re: Re: Re: Xbox or PlayStation 2
 

Don't forget, PS3 and Xbox 2 are just around the corner, and prices will drop....you might check ebay for the PS2 (and with your savings, get more games and accessories, perhaps save enough for a used Xbox too!). Good luck and happy gaming!

Flinty

Re: Re: Re: Xbox or PlayStation 2
 

How far away are PS3 and Xbox2?

Re: Re: Re: Xbox or PlayStation 2
 

Well, in this case, around the corner is 2005 or 2006, which isn't soon enough for you. They won't really talk about the new console release dates for fear of eating into their current sales of PS2 and Xbox. I do think the console prices will fall again this xmas season, if you can wait that long. Then again, it's only about $50, which the price of a game these days. There still might be some good deals on Ebay, in which case you might get the system, controllers, memory cards and games bundled nicely for a good price.

Flinty

Re: Re: Re: Xbox or PlayStation 2
 

Thanks, Flinty, you've been a big help. Do you know if the xbox has TiVo-type capabilities, or if it can be "hacked" to do so?

Re: Re: Re: Xbox or PlayStation 2
 

I haven't heard anything about any mods or hacks to convert an Xbox to a PVR-Tivo device--although it is rumored that the Xbox2 will have such "all-in-one" features, as Bill and M$oft continue their foray into consumers' homes. I think the recent hacks have mostly been mod chips and further attempts to run Linux on the system.

Here are some links about Xbox hacks/modifications:

http://news.com.com/2100-1040-937124.html

http://www.xboxhackz.com/

http://www.xenatera.com/bunnie/proj/anatak/xboxmod.html

http://www.pcgameworld.com/story.php/id/183/

Personally, I think you're just better off building a gaming pc than going through that much trouble.

Happy gaming...

Flinty

iPod
 

On a different topic -- I am thinking of getting an iPod (as a longtime Mac user, it is about time)

I plan to set the iPod up to work in the office -- Anyone have recommendations or experience with the different speaker options out there. I know there is a Sony wireless set, though I am worried about interference. The JBL speakers look pretty cool.

I know all the rumors that now is not a good time to buy an iPod since an upgrade is "around the corner" -- but without hard evidence on that, I could be waiting a long time.

Thoughts?

IPOD
 

I have the IPOD, and I have a splitter between the speakers for my computer and for the ipod. When I come in the morning, I plug my IPOD into one end, and I can listen, and at the same time, get the notification of new email and such.

There is some convincing proof that a new IPOD is coming out soon. Most if not all stores have depleted their stock of the 5 GB IPODs. There might be something at the July Macword convention.

DirecTv
 

I wish they could sell an HD decoder box less than $500, if they could I would switch.

-dd

New iPods (?)
 

For those of you looking to buy an iPod, Apple appears poised to introduce new models with some styling revisions from the first generation of models:

Think Secret article

Here's one artist's rendering:
http://www.thinksecret.com/archives/ipod.gif

Personally, I'm getting in line for one of these when they come out.

New iPods
 

The new iPods are cool -- but worth the extra $$? If you are a macuser (as I am), the USB2 is not so necessary, and the buttons and base are not giving much functionality -- I am thinking those exisiting 10gb and 20gb models might have a sudden price drop -- so once the new one comes out that might be a time to snap one of the old ones up.

New iPods
 

I'm taking the USB 2 aspect as something for the windows version. That is, it comes with firewire, but the cradle has an adapter plug that allows use of USB2 instead. Mac devotees will keep using firewire, and it won't clutter the ipod itself.

From what I can tell, stocks of the old 10 and 20 gb models are running down in inventory, so the price deals might not be too large. Although it can't hurt to check it out.

Pentax DigiBino - DB100
 

Anyone have a pair of these? It combines binoculars and a digital camera. Pretty cool, but I wonder if it is worth the cash. The camera is less than 1 MP. Haven't been able to locate them in a store near me to try out.

Pentax DigiBino - DB100
 

Why does everything have to be more than one thing? I have never heard of these, but I can't imagine the binocs or the camera is that good overall, if for no other reason than 1MP and the fact that good binocs are usually 8-10x, whereas a camera zoom is usually on the 3x order.

Pentax DigiBino - DB100
 

Specs from CNET:
Combines digital camera and binocular functions into one device. Binocular has 7x magnification with 280 mm lens in 35 mm format. The camera features a 1/3" progressive CCD sensor, 16 MB flash memory, 1.6" LCD, 800K effective pixel resolution.

They caught my attention when I was looking to buy a compact set of binoculars. Sometimes I just don't feel like lugging the big Nikon's around, and it would be neat to get a photograph of that hawk that hangs out at the woods by the pond.

iTunes can be hacked to permit file sharing
 

[moved to computers thread because I'm an idiot]

Murdoch buys DirecTV
 

I've had no interruptions at all, and I don't think storms will effect you much, unless your dish gets zapped.....

:)

Roxio and PressPlay
 

Roxio is acquiring PressPlay and is going to relaunch Napster (bought at fire sale prices) as a fee-based service. Thoughts as to whether it will be good competition for Apple (once they release for WinTel systems)?

aV

TiVo
 

Boo. Now Tivo plans to gather customer user data: Yahoo article.

They purportedly will only aggregate the data. For now, is my guess.

Palm Buys Handspring
 

An attempt by both companies to survive?

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp..._handspring_dc

aV

Home Theatre Show
 

Stereophile is hosting it's annual Home Theatre Show in SF this week. All the hot new stuff will be there. If you work in SF, it's worth checking out if you like stereo/video gear - high end - it's all here.

Home Theatre Expo

— The Home Entertainment Show highlights the best of the best in home entertainment. With over 250 exhibitors, 80 demonstration rooms, an exciting live music program, and in-depth seminars, it is the largest and most comprehensive event of its kind! Learn the latest about HDTV, SACD, DVD-Audio, DVD, surround sound, two-channel audio, and more.

Thursday, June 5
The Grand Opening Concert (6–8pm) is presented by Delphi XM SkyFi and is free to everyone. The concert will illustrate the diversity of music that can be found on the XM Satellite dial. Stop in and enjoy some of the West Coast's most eclectic acts:

The Josh Jones Trio, a Latin jazz ensemble will kick off the evening. Jones' music is conga-driven and flavored with the caliente spirit of your favorite island paradise. Music like this can be found on XM Channel 75, Luna.

Free Peoples is a Bay Area–based band whose playing fuses bluegrass, folk, and jazz. The members come from various projects, most notably Billy Kreutzmann's TriChromes, Buzz, Top Four Flights, and Soulstice. Music in this genre can be found on XM Channel 14, Bluegrass Junction.

Melora Hardin will finish the evening. She's an explosive performer who harks back to the torch singers of the '30s and '40s. More music from that era can be found on XM Channel 73, Frank's Place.

TiVo Home Media Option
 

I'm getting close to getting TiVo. And the home media option is appealing. In particular, I like the idea of being able to record on one tivo and then play back (over a network) on another. Has anyone done this? Does it hog bandwidth? Also, do you have to get a second subscription for the second tivo machine to get it to work?

TiVo Home Media Option
 

Yes. Not me specifically, though --- I have the DirectTV/Tivo combo. DTV controls the hardware and hasn't enabled HMO on it yet. I look forward to it happening, if ever --- I'd like to stream MP3s from my computer through my home theater system.

Yes, according to the standalone Tivo Series II users who post on www.tivocommunity.com. If you're using a wireless ethernet adapter, apparently it can take a good deal of time to move a one-hour program from box to box --- like maybe 45 minutes, depending on recording quality.

Yes. I don't know if you also have to pay the $99 HMO fee for both boxes. If the answer is "yes," consider just getting a DirecTV combo box in each room. As cheap as the boxes and subscription are, it's probably cheaper just to pay the $4.95/mo mirroring fee and set up season passes on each.

those tricky tricky telemarketers
 

I wonder if they verify the number before sending the coupon (hint, hint).

I kind of trust the FTC to crack down on any of these scams. I can sort of see it play out . . .
FTC: We've received numerous complaints that your co. has been calling people on the DNC list.
Co: We have a business relationship with them
FTC: What is that relationship?
Co: They requested a coupon from us.
FTC: Do you have a copy of that request?
Co: Uh, no.
FTC: Bam. How about we settle for $1000 for each violation?

Direct TV
 

Okay, it looks like I'm going to finally pull the trigger on Direct TV (with Tivo). Do I care whether I have a "standard dish" versus a "triple LNB dish"? What does the extra $50 bucks get me?

Direct TV
 

You get the ability to do many other things. Spend the $50 it's totally worth it. Unless you only have 1 TV and never intend to watch one thing and record another.
It gives you dual tuner capabilities for those times that 2 things are on at the same damn time, you can record 1 and watch the other. Allows for additional rooms for TV's and Tivos.

Direct TV
 

Actually, "Triple LNB" means it's an elliptical dish, capable of receiving up to three DirecTV satellites. It's unrelated to the number of outputs --- look for the term "integrated multiswitch"; any dish sold in a package with the DirecTivo will have two coaxial outputs capable of feeding dual tuners, which is what NFH is talking about.

The elliptical dish allows you to receive some specialty channels like NASA, Spanish channels, and HDTV movie channels (NB: not HDTV locals, which are still over-the-airwaves, not satellite-based). Basically, you're future-proofed if you decide to get an HDTV receiver (still about $500) or later upgrade to the announced HDTV DirecTivo.

My Spanish is muy pobre and I don't get up at 3 a.m. to watch the Florida shuttle launches, but I got the elliptical so my WAF will be higher if I decide to buy the HDTV DirecTivo next year.

Direct TV
 

Triple LNB does in fact mean three outputs. The very first dishes were single LNB, and only had 1 output. Then came the dual LNB ones, which are standard now. You can use multiswitches on dual LNB dishes to get additional outputs in certain multiples (4, 8, etc.), but not on single LNB dishes. I'm not aware of a difference between a "multiswitch" and an "integrated multiswitch" other than just marketing words.

If someone's going to need more than 3 outputs, I wouldn't get a triple LNB dish unless it's free or close to free, since you would have to buy a multiswitch anyway.

Direct TV
 

Is there some way to merge this thread with the "Slot C" discussion on the FB? All this engineering talk is making me blush.

new toy
 

From everything I've seen, that phone is the balls. I'd like to get one so i can use iS¥nc, as well.

Biggest worry: how's the GSM coverage?

Palm Zire 71
 

Anyone have this? I am interested in watching my huge collection of porno videos on this device and wondered if the screen resolution is adequate.

Palm Zire 71
 

Not with the lousy production value of most porn...

Bought my wife one several months ago -- she loves it. The camera function has only adequate resolution, but is better than nothing when that's the only camera you have around.

Other than the typical PDA functions, she uses it extensively for deposition note-taking, along with a collapsible keyboard and "Docs to Go" to sync it with Word. She does a lot of one-day traveling for deposition coverage, and it's a lot easier than lugging around a laptop (particularly when dealing with airport security).

It's got a pretty great display, and is pretty fast -- much better in both regards than my Treo 270.

TiVo
 

Any thoughts vs. Replay TV?

Also, are there no longer different brands of TiVo units? IIRC, Sony and Panasonic (maybe), and perhaps others) also made Tivo units. Is that no longer the case? And does it matter? Should one just get the Tivo-branded unit listed on the website?

Also, get the "lifetime" plan or the monthly? In other words, should I expect the unit to last longer than 24 mos.?