Press Events

Published
by
Chris
on September 5, 2008
in Opinion
. 0 Comments

Once again the Mac/tech heads are waiting with anticipation on what will emerge from Cupertino, CA on September 9th. I am asked by my non-Mac using friends, what’s the big deal??? And to be honest for me it is about new technology, that’s it, I don’t need to rush out and buy it I just really enjoy technology, in fact I think that all companies should hold press conferences when the release new products. And I mean all companies. I’m always wondering what exciting things are happening in the exciting world of Dole Salad in a Bag and if they could get someone who has the presentation skills of Steve Jobs it be that much more interesting.

Thanks for stopping by.
Chris

The Problem

Published
by
Chris
on September 3, 2008
in Abi and Just a blog entry
. 1 Comment

Casa de Platypus is in the midst of what could potentially be a big problem, you see, I think, no, I know that my daughter is a junky. There I’ve said it, not proud of it, but it does feel good to actually say it. I know what you are thinking, she’s so young. That’s right she is, I never thought that I’d have to deal with this, and definitely not at this age but it happened and I’m pretty sure that it is all my fault, I unwittingly did this to her.

In the bigger picture it isn’t a huge problem right now, I mean she is still in the early stages of her life and it is possible that she’ll just get bored with it but what if, what if it leads to harder things? She’s already shown in interest in some harder stuff, I find her with my stuff sometimes…

What has me this concerned you ask? My daughter is a Star Wars junky, she’s about a few weeks off from comic books and that will eventually lead to graphic novels and then one day I know that I’ll open my browser to find photos of her at Comic-Con dressed as Princess Leia and not as a defenseless Leia from the early movies in the long white gown and cinnamon buns on the side of her head, no I’m talking Leia that was Jabba’s prisoner.

She loves all things Star Wars, in the beginning I was encouraging this behavior, I thought “better this that Miley Cyrus” but I’m thinking this parental encouragement might have been the wrong path to go down, I didn’t really appreciate the potential repercussions.

While Star Wars is her preferred sci-fi of choice she enjoys many space based dramas and I fear that at any moment she’s going to ask me who my favorite Trek captain was, what if we prefer different captains, what kind of environment is that going to bring into the home?

I mean I should have seen this coming, what kind of kid chooses to see the Clone Wars on the last day of summer break, ask for Star Wars DVD’s for holidays??? What have I done?

Thanks for stopping by.
Chris

Acer Aspire One

Published
by
Chris
on September 1, 2008
in Review and Technology
. 3 Comments


I’ve been playing with HC’s new Acer Aspire One for the last week and I have to say that this Mac user is pretty impressed with this tiny little Windows XP laptop, so much I’m hoping that Apple will finally release one of these tiny little netbooks. The first thing I noticed about A-One (as the cool kids call it) is that it appears bigger than it actually is, sitting next to a Asus 8.9 inch screened Eee the Acer screen and keyboard looked bigger, even though it isn’t. Second is that the glossy CrystalBrite screen really makes the colors “pop”.

Spec wise this particular A-One is packing a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD, 3 USB ports, 2 media card readers (one SD/MMC slot and another multi reader), webcam, mic, 802.11b/g, VGA out, and an ethernet port.

What is impressive about this is the fact that this is all packed inside a case that can eliminate the need for a separate laptop bag if you carry a messenger bag or medium sized purse, which was the selling point for HC since she travels a fair amount for business, no more need to her to carry a carry-on, a purse and a laptop bag anymore.

When you look at a small netbook like this the first thing you have to do is remember that it is not a big laptop, it isn’t a media powerhouse and it will not handle the large programs that you use on a bigger machine with the speed that you are used to with a big desktop or regular laptop, but it runs XP and Office 2007 impressively quick.

Pros:
- Size (both dimensions and weight)
- Impressively specced out of the box
- Bright screen
- All in one, webcam, mic, speakers, wifi, etc.
- Price

Cons:
- The screen takes getting used to
- Battery life could be better and can be if you spend the extra $100+ on the extended battery
- Upgrading RAM means voiding the warranty and basically dissecting the entire machine
- Don’t forget some headphones

All in all, this is a great little machine that can easily do 98% of what a full-sized laptop can do and while the screen is just 8.9 inches in this era of supersized desktop monitors it really doesn’t feel that cramped, the keyboard on the other hand does take some getting used to, I’ve fat fingers a few extra characters typing this review on it but it lends itself quite well when I go to hunt and peck typing. I’d say that the Acer Aspire One is the perfect choice as an email/IM device, to accompany a desktop or desktop replacement laptop, a business traveler that wants something that will lighten their load, anyone who just wants something for couch surfing or catching up on some work, or at this price it would be a great beginner laptop for a child, the small keyboard is ideal and I could see elementary schools buying these up in bulk. I know when it is time for Abi to get a computer for school I’ll definatelty consider a netbook, especially if one finds its way out of Cupertino.

Thanks for stopping by.
Chris

Adjustments

Published
by
Chris
on August 28, 2008
in Just a blog entry
. 0 Comments

Being that I am the work at home/stay at home parent I’m a lucky guy, I get to shoot photography and design websites which is something that I really enjoy doing and I get to push work aside when I need to or if I want to play when Abi is home. It is really a great opportunity, gives me a creative outlet, allows me to volunteer at the school, and most importantly it gives me time to spend with Abi.

That being said, it also means that I go through a bit of an adjustment phase when breaks start and when they end, I’m currently going through one right now…and it is kind of sapping my creative juices. I find myself looking at the clock more than I normally do to see if it is time to go get Abi and play again.

But for now, I get back to work…in my giant multi-roomed cubicle.

Thanks for stopping by.
Chris