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As you probably already know, I have not been maintaining my Blog lately. This is due to technical issues, The download server was not working, I was not able to post any new content etc. Anyway, after several weeks in the making, I have The Geek Blog, back up and running, and ready to help. I managed to salvage, the old posts, content and the old layout.
So The Geek Blog is back and ready to help, Enjoy!
Expect daily content.
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I purchased the Nokia N810 two weeks ago, and already have a lot to say about it. My first impressions of the device were pretty unexpected, I expected the device to be somewhat flimsy with it’s foldable stand and sliding touch screen, when in actual fact the device seemed very enterprise standard. The brushed aluminum and constant look, gave the device a prestigious feel, as it deserves with its rather hefty $427.99 price tag.
My first disappointment with the device came when trying out the built-in QWERT keyboard, the buttons seemed to be too flat and not distinct, and the keys were also rather hard to press down when typing with both thumbs. It was a similar story with the D-pad, the silver surrounding of the selection button was too flat and far too difficult to press down. As for improvements on the keyboard, I would love to see the screen being able to tilt forward to allow the keyboard to be used flat on the table, more so like the HTC advantage.
The large 4.13” touch screen boasts a huge 800*480 pixel resolution for ‘desktop class’ web browsing, and in this field, this device really delivers. I found myself using my laptop far less than before I purchased this device, for Instant messaging, e-mail, and web browsing, this device almost rendered my laptop useless.
The foldable stand on the rear of the device, (shown in the picture above) came in very handy for tasks such as watching movies, witch this device does very nicely on it’s high resolution display. Also located on the front of the device, is a VGA quality webcam that can be used with VOIP programs such as Skype. We also found a free application for the N810 to allow you to take photos and videos using the built in camera. We also found an application that would link your camera to the GPS and mapping capability that this device provides right out of the box, it allowed you to take a picture and automatically attach it to your given position on the map.
Now to talk about the GPS specifically, the GPS receiver to me still felt very low quality, more so like the one included in the Nokia N95. It took a long time to track all of its twelve satellites, and still only provided the accuracy of my $100 4 satellite tracking Garmin GPS. The device includes free maps of the world, and gives the option to upgrade to a navigation service including turn-by-turn services, for a small charge.
On the second day of having the device, I had to upgrade the OS to the newer Diablo version, as most of the applications available for download, including Skype, would only work with the newer OS. The Linux based OS that the device comes pre-installed with, seemed very functional. It was far more responsive than the equivalent Windows Mobile OS, and seemed to have far more apps available.
My only real nag with the device is hat I had to return it. Not because, I didn’t like it, but because there was a fault with the touch screen. What seemed to be a pocket of air formed right under the touch sensitive area of the screen, this if nothing else made me doubt the quality of the device. Whether I will buy the same device of not, is left up to how Best Buy responds to my complaint.
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eee PC RANTS!!!
Well what can i say about the eee pc? well what i should be saying is what CAN’T i say about the eee pc. It’s small, light, and very portable, so it’s perfect right? No, far from it. You can certainly tell that it’s cheap notebook, that may or may not be a problem to you, but it is to me. There are lots of devices in this notebooks class that cost around the same, which are far better made. The best word i can use to descibe it’s workmenship is ‘tacky’.
Another problem for me is the keyboard, although it’s ‘full sized’ (meaning it has every key) it’s almost impossible to type on. I would much rather they missed out a few unnecesary keys, or at least made them combo keys, and made the keys slightly bigger.
Another big problem is it’s webcam, 0.3 mp, your joking right, no. This device was aimed at bloggers, (like myself, the reason i bought one) and yet everything that puts it into that catagory, is well cheap. I know it’s a cheap notebook, but like a previously said there are plenty of better alternatives. You can get a full sized Vista laptop for $50 more!
So lets sum it up.
1) Full sized keyboard for typing blog posts.
– Too small for ‘real’ typing.
2) Webcam for recording youtube videos.
– People won’t be able to make out your face.
3) Connect to a high speed wifi network for posting.
– No option for wireless N, or 3g.
4) Highly portable for use anywhere.
– With a two hour batterie life, i don’t think so.
So yes, this is a pretty lousy device, but somehow i still like it. I think it’s because i respect it’s goal, “A cheap, fully functional, education computer for under $400” While i respect and agree with this goal, i don’t think it’s met it. I’m eager to see Asus’s next attemp.
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I still to this day, more than a year into Vista’s life, believe that Windows XP was the peak of Microsoft Windows. It’s stable, easy to use, and has great support, so why then did a company like Microsoft build a product such as Vista? Not many people know this, but Vista is actually a lot more secure than XP, in fact it’s probably the most secure OS on the market, including OSX! In this sense maybe Microsoft did make the right decision, XP was not secure, with over 90% of the computer market using Windows XP it was easy to see why.
So in Microsoft’s point of view, they took a step backward in order to take two steps forward. They had to rebuild Windows from the ground up, starting with a new file system. So they destroyed compatibility in Order to make Vista more secure. So in this sense Windows 7 or ‘Vienna’ should be the next Windows 98, it should have the security of Vista, with better compatibility now that the world has had chance to catch up with the new prospect of Windows.
Or at least that’s what I thought before I saw the latest version of Vienna running on a Dell laptop. They were demonstrating the new features of Windows 7, including multi-touch. They obviously haven’t learned from their mistakes with Windows Vista. I’ll give you an example, remember when all you needed to run XP smoothly was integrated graphics, the only reason you would buy a computer with a separate graphics card was to run games. Then along came Vista, sure Vista looks nice when your running Aero but have you seen the Basic theme! I’m going to say if a computer running Vista did not have at least an 8400, I wouldn’t want to use it. Vienna does not look any different, I wonder how many people who own a brand new vista computer, happen to have multi-touch screens on them!
I could be wrong in saying this, but I think that Windows Vienna will be just as big of a disappointment as Vista. As the title of this article suggests, if there isn’t a dramatic change in Vienna, I’m buying a Mac.
Filed under: Desktops, Gadgets/Handhelds, Laptops, Software/OS | 4 Comments »
The eee PC is a great device, for anyone who travels allot and requires a constant digital link with the world. This device certainly delivers, with built in 802.11b/G wifi this device will keep you connected and up to date.
The device is very tiny, with a screen just 7″ across, you can take this device anywhere. The Only real let downs of this device are its physical features. The keyboard is too small for touch typing, and so is the track pad.
The Linux based Operating System is fantastic, it gives you quick access to all the features this device has too offer. With support for Windows XP/Vista and even Mac OSX, this device is a must.
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The fourth instalment of the popular series by Rockstar features improved graphics, new features, and new gameplay. Players take on the role of Niko Bellic, a rough-around-the-edge chap from Eastern Europe. Niko has arrived in America, in Liberty City — a land full of promise and opportunity. His cousin convinced him to emigrate, to join him in his mansion and life of luxury, but as soon as he steps off the boat, Niko discovers the truth about the American way. Still, the wealth, the comfort, the bliss of the good life, it all really is here … And it’s all for the taking.
GTA IV reinvents the series with a renewed version of Liberty City detailed to the last pothole and rooftop vent. There are now four boroughs to explore plus extra area outside of Liberty City proper. With the ability to climb obstacles, drive cars, steer boats and pilot helicopters, the world of GTA is more accessible than ever before.
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Well, what can I say? I knew that this subject would generate quite a lot of attention, but this was frankly amazing. And after answering the question ‘How do I do this on my PC?’ for the 50th time, I felt I had to do a more detailed video. So here it is.
A Step-by-step guide.
1, Check what version of OSX is most suited to your particular computer hardware. There are many versions of OSX patched, and ready to be installed, you just have to make sure you have the right one. You can do this by going to www.osx86project.org and searching for your hardware among the many available versions of OSX.
2, Go to my favourite little Web site www.isohunt.com and search for the name of the version of OSX you found earlier. You will then have the option to download a ‘.torrent’ file. This simply a link to trackers and locations on other computers where you can download the actual file. the ‘.torrent’ file must be opened with the appropriate program, in my case I use uTorrent which is a free, stable, program. Be very patient as the download will most likely take hours, days, or even weeks!
3, Find yourself a good ISO burning program, in my case, I use a very stable and lightweight program called ‘ISO Burner’ “Wow what an imagination!” you can either use something like that, or you can use your existing ISO management programs, such as Power ISO, or Magic ISO. Mount and burn your downloaded OSX ISO to a most likely necessary DVD.
4, The fun bit. Correctly set up your computer for booting from your DVD drive. This can be done in your BIOS, simply by finding something similar to boot priority and selecting your optical drive. once you have exited the BIOS, you will be prompted to boot from the DVD, press ENTER and allow it to load.
5, After about 10 minutes of loading, you will begin the install of Mac OSX. Its fairly straightforward from there, but I must stress to you to select the correct packages to install, I.e. don’t install AMD Enabled if you have an Intel Processor.
6, Lastly, enjoy having the best of both worlds. And for any help, location of drivers or general discussion, please visit the www.osx86project.org Web site. Or e-mail me at willjfergus@gmail.com
Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Software/OS | 47 Comments »
I purchased the MX revolution mouse from Logitech about a month ago. It is by far the most impressive mouse I have seen so far. Here are just a few of the features I like best about it.
– It has a perfect shape that fits your hand beautifully. I found it to be very good for my hand when playing games for long periods of time. It is curved around your hand, and gives a lot of ‘clicking room’ to be subject to the user’s preference.
-The Search tool. The MX Revolution has a little button with a magnifying glass on it, when pressed will open your favourite search engine on the web, or the instant search tool inside of Windows Vista or the Spotlight tool inside of Mac OS X. But perhaps the most intuitive feature of this search tool, is that it ill also search for any text you happen to have highlighted at the time, again either within a web search engine of on your local disc.
-The thumb screw. This mouse has a secondary scroll wheel just where you thumb sits, this wheel provides lots of user functionality. Firstly, (By default) it will scroll between windows in flip 3D inside of windows Vista, But this function can be changed to anything you like. Secondly, it can be used to turn the volume up and down, this is what I use and I have found it to be very useful during game play. This scroll wheel has another cool features, which is that it can be ‘pushed’ inwards to provide an even greater range of functionality, I have it set to Mute my computer when pressed. Like I said their are huge customisation options for this scroll wheel, as shown below.
-Rechargeable Battery. Yes, the MX revolution is wireless, but what most wireless mouse’s lack are rechargeable battery’s. It sound like a simple and obvious features, but one that most manufacturers have forgotten. The MX revolution comes with the built-in rechargeable battery, and charging cradle. The mouse just sits in the cradle, and within an hour your ready for 14 days of gaming! The Mouse features a charge indicator on the side, which illuminates when the mouse is active. There is also a tray icon which indicates your charge, and warns you when the charge it getting low.
-Last but most definitely not least, the main scroll wheel. You may think that there isn’t much you can do to a scroll wheel to make it special, but Logitech have done a fantastic job! For starters, the scroll wheel will not just scroll up and down, but also side-to-side. But the most amazing feature of the MX Revolution’s scroll wheel, is what Logitech call ‘Micro-Gear’ technology. This basically is a feature that lets you switch from click-to-click scrolling, to ‘hyper scrolling’. This is basically where you spin the scroll wheel, and it will carry on spinning until you stop it. An absolutely wonderful feature, and one that I could not live without, now that I’ve used it.
This is overall a fantastic mouse, and money well spent.
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At just 105.9 x 49.5 x 12.9 mm, the Samsung Soul features a 2.2-inch “Magical Touch” display, 5.0-megapixel camera with face detection, microSD card slot, HSDPA, and Bluetooth 2.0 / USB 2.0 connectivity.
touchpad display system that will morph the user interface, changing icons according to the application you are using. For example, in music mode playback controls will appear, but whilst sending an SMS these will be replaced with editing functions.
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