External Drive
As most of you know, I own a couple of external drives. The primary external drive is a W.D. 1TB, which hosts the music library and software downloads. I attempted to copy 200GB + to the external drive, but cancelled the copy because it was just too slow.
As much as I want to blame Vista, I think the USB 2.0 interface is the problem. The USB 2.0 architecture is fine for casual use, but for heavy duty reading and writing a FireWire cable is a must-have option.
So, today I stopped by Frys Electronics and purchased a handy-dandy FireWire cable. Good lord, FireWire cables are expensive! What the !#$%^&? That is a topic for another day. I do not have formal times, but operations appear to be 50% faster. Nice!
Notebook IV
Another HP notebook has failed, dammit. HP needs to get their !#$% together. The Pavilion notebook series appears to be a lemon! I have already had 3 notebooks repaired and this is number four. WTF is right.
Video MacGyver
MacGyver is at it again! This time it is not a car window, but a video capture challenge. Not a problem for MacGyver, what is the challenge? I want to capture the output from an XBox 360 to video. Easy as 1-2-3.
Let us see, we need a couple of paper clips, strips of tape, wire, and RCA-type connectors (if you do not want to splice the video cables). Bam! A video-capture device. The software required to capture the video stream is no problem either.
I downloaded several free solutions, but all except one suck! You can download the others if you want to waste an hour or just get Debut from NCH Software. The program is easy-to-use and it works with no fuss or endless configuration. XBox 360 to video, done!
DVR Features
I own a DVR, which I use on a regular basis. The more I use it, I am finding that this model is missing some core features. It does not have a duplicate recording feature to detect that a show was previously recorded and is still available on the internal storage.
Another feature that is missing is the ability to automatically advance to the next show and create a playlist. I have to access the recorded listing menu and select each show. Model the DVRs after the software-based media players. Duh.
I do not know if other DVR models have the above features, so I need to research it. If the above are not current features, manufacturers should get busy and give me due credit for the innovative ideas. A wassupjose.com edition, NICE!
The City Burns
*Car-ash!* It's official the dead fish we all know as Circuit City is closing its stores. I stopped shopping at the electronics chain years ago, because their prices were always higher than the competition, their return policy sucks, and their sales people are morons.
I buy all of my electronics at Best Buy, Frys Electronics, Costco, or Wal-Mart. I do not need to be hounded the second I walk into the store. If I want to be nagged and pushed around like a rag doll, I would visit the nearest car dealer.
Just for the record, some Best Buy stores suck too. Their return policy bites and their in-house Geek Squad computer services are horrible. Learn how to handle a laptop morons! I am still pissed that you chipped the keyboard and scratched the LCD. Check this out!
Get Your Scratch On
iPhone and iPod Touch freaks can get their scratch on with the FREE MixMeister Scratch, DJ Scratch application. I use the MixMeister application to edit and mix digital tracks, but thought I would post this freebie. Perfect for the mobile DJ, ha!
iPod Nano Out of Stock
As you know, I lost my iPod Nano a few days ago. Sigh! I do not want a 3rd generation Nano with the cheesy LCD. I want to replace my black 8GB model. I stopped by Costco, no stock available. I called a couple of stores, no stock available. Dammit.
I was going to call the Apple Store, but look what I found conveniently stocked with various iPod models. An iPod vending machine, sweetness. I like the self-serve stores and machines, because I can select what I want with no hassles, swipe the ATM card, and I am AUDI.
Camera Recommendations?
I am in the market for a new digital camera, but do not want a point-and-shoot. I own two Canon's and one Kodak, which work great but it is time to take the photography training wheels off and upgrade to a SLR camera.
Why shopping for a new digital SLR camera? I stopped by Costco this weekend and saw the Canon SLR bundle on sale for a kewl $1000+. I thought about purchasing it, but I need to do some research before I buy a new camera.
I am reading the various camera reviews on Cnet and other portals, but would like to solicit both the blog authors and readers too. If you own a 2007-year or newer digital SLR camera, I would be interested in your feedback.
The camera will be used for everything and anything, so no specialty features are required at this time. I am looking for a camera that is easy to use, forgiving of amateur mistakes, and produces great pictures. Any thoughts on the Nikon D40?
Slashbot Will Rule The World
In the never ending quest for Guitar Hero products, tips, tricks, etc. comes to you a post about Slashbot! A robot that rocks Guitar Hero via a conversion box and several electronic solenoids. The robot achieves a 90% accuracy rate. Cheaters!
More From CES
The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas unveiled the latest and greatest in consumer electronics. Here is another gem for that person in your life that has it all ... a Taser MP3 player. Now you can listen to your favorite playlist and shock the ~!#$%^ out of others!
Anyone want to listen to Peter Gabriel's Shock The Monkey? * z-a-a-a-a-a-a-p!*
