Posts

Apple TV Review

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A few months ago I bought an Apple TV.  I thought between the size of the actual device and the ability to plug in to my already extensive iTunes music library that it would be a great purchase.  I’ve been meaning to write this review for awhile, but in that time I actually sold the Apple TV on EBay.  I’m very happy I did so and I even recouped most of the purchase price.  It basically came down to one thing; the Apple TV is not powerful enough. The Apple TV is an interesting device.  Apple has even said themselves that it is a hobby for them.  The box holds so much potential but it just lacks in too many ways.  At least for me.  Before I go and bash the device I’m going to let you know that there are some positives.  It’s a wonderfully designed piece of hardware.  It’s small and nice to look at.  If you live in the iTunes world it’s also a great piece of hardware.  It connects beautifully with iTunes and if...

How A Student Nerd is Created

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I found this comic a few days ago and I’m sure anybody reading this blog is this person or has been helped by a person like this.  I think I actually laughed out loud a few times while reading it.  Let me know what you think. Why It's Better To Pretend You Don't Know Anything About Computers

Our Motorola Droid Review

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So after 3 days of Droid, here’s my good, bad and ugly in reverse order. First, background: I have been a blackberry user for ~4year (8700 and Curve).  I also own an iPod Touch *UGLY*: Have YET to be able to sync my Microsoft exchange with the Droid’s email feature. Droid admittedly (they say so in their manual) does not do a good job at syncing to Microsoft exchange, they offer a few solutions which all involve getting your Exchange Admin involved and then tell you to download some 3rd party apps which get around MS’s security requirements and so on. This could be a dealbreaker for many people. I can’t say for sure if this problem is universal or if it’s just my Exchange server’s fault, or even my fault for screwing up the sync. I have been working around this by using the **AWESOME** web browser to connect to my company’s online email server but this hack won’t do me for long. *BAD*: *Physical Keyboard*- not good. I don’t have a ton ...

Microsoft Security Essentials

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I hate paying for software.  I will occasionally do it if I cannot find it easily online or if I feel the developer deserves the cash.  I’ve used many different anti-virus software packages over the years and I think I finally found one that I really like.  It also happens to be free.  I used to use Norton Antivirus like many people. I’d pay for it because I didn’t think there was any other way.  I then moved on to a free version of McAffee that my school gave me.  I probably used that for years before moving on to the next one; AVG. I loved AVG for a long time.  It was fairly quick, updated often but it was a little obtrusive.  I dealt with that though because the product was truly free.  About a year ago I AVG had a false positive that caused iTunes to get messed up.  I freaked out and uninstalled AVG and iTunes so nothing bad would happen to my music collection.  The next day a fix was issued but it was already too late for ...

Keeping in touch with Friends & Family While Travelling

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I've been doing a lot of international traveling as of late and keeping in touch with family and friends in the states can sometimes prove to be difficult.  I should rephrase t hat.  It's not difficult but it's difficult to do it cheaply.  I've learned a few things along the way and I'll let you know what I've been using to do this on the cheap. 1. A smartphone with unlimited internet access This is a must.  I've been able to be on gChat and email without some people even knowing that i'm in Europe.  I've been using an unlocked iPhone 3G and a Pay as you go SIM card from O2 in London.  I put 15 pounds on the SIM card and it came with unlimited internet.  If I really wanted to I would never have to use the 15 pounds and just use the following program to make all of my calls. 2. Skype on your smartphone (or at least your laptop). Skype has allowed me to place phone calls to the US at very cheap rates.  Using Google Voice (mention...

Motorola Droid the true iPhone Killer?

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I think the Motorola Droid might actually have a chance to see some serious buyers. I will lay out a couple reasons I think this phone will be a hit. First, Verizon has terrible handsets to date. I have used the Blackberry World, Curve, and now the Storm. They all have their benefits but they also all have very big downsides as well. So a nicely placed Android smartphone with a good design would be the number one seller right away. Second I think the Storm two has been fumbled horribly. This might have been the leader if they truly fixed all the problems with the current Storm, but with out the fancy Android operating system. Third I seriously think there are a lot of Verizon users out there like me just waiting and searching for a good touch screen Smartphone that can rival the iPhone. Now don’t get me wrong. I think this Droid is in the same league with the iPhone no way. First AppStore, second loyal Apple Fanboys, third Gizmodo/Engadget/TUAW, they are all over the iPh...

Windows 7 is Here

Windows 7 officially has launched today and Microsoft was encouraging people to host “Windows 7 Parties.” Seriously, I’m not kidding.  Windows 7 is a great operating system and I would recommend it to anybody but this is just too funny.  Check out the official guide on how to host your party then watch FunnyOrDie’s spoof of it. Hosting Your Windows 7 Torrenting Party - watch more funny videos