The new version of Rocky Lhotka's CSLA.NET framework is available for public beta download. A quick look at the new version is pretty cool with full support for generics and a cool change to the data portal so that the transport mechanism is transparent and interchangable. I am amazed at all the new improvements and changes but it really doesn't break existing code bases if you are using CSLA.NET 1.1. You can view the change log to get a glimpse of the changes.
I never posted the specs or pictures of my Media Center PC that I built March of last year (2005), so I decided to do it now. Below are the specs of the Media Center PC I built along with some pictures of my setup. If you are not interested then why are you still reading this?
SPECS:
PICTURES:
I have always been infatuated with ninjas. I remember when I was a kid I had like three ninja outfits, made ninja weapons with stuff around the house, and I even went to a ninja movie at the theaters in my ninja outfit. That stays between you and me. People at my work and I always get into an argument about what capabilities a ninja has. There are two camps....one that says ninjas have some magical powers and the other camp that says ninjas are just assasins. I am in the latter.
Just after a heavy discussion about this last Friday, a co-worker emailed me a link to a video podcast called Ask-A-Ninja. This is the funniest and at the same time coolest video podcast. I now need to get a video iPod just because of this video podcast. Take a look at them. They are only a couple minutes long.
Go over to Engadget and vote for the Tablet of the Year award.
Yesterday I picked up the new XV6700 from Verizon Wireless and I finally dropped my Cingular service. There were several reasons why I did this. The number one reason was the phone. I love this phone and my friend has had it for a while with Sprint and I have played with it. I was waiting for Cingular to get it but I waited long enough. The second reason was that Cingular service is absolutely horrible. I left Nextel because their service was bad and I went to Cingular. Cingular is about ten times worse. We can put a man on the moon but they can't make a damn phone that works well. The Verizon service so far has been awesome. The third reason is that a lot of my friends have Verizon and they have free in-network calling so I can reduce the number of billable minutes in a month. My Cingular bills have been over $250/month for the past several months.
Anyway, I love the phone so far. Now Toledo just needs to get EVDO service soon. I will then be able to use the phone as a Bluetooth modem and connect to high speed internet service. I love number portability...I just hate the damn early termination fees. Oh well, its worth it to try different providers and keep the same number.
There are rumors that Apple is going to introduce some HDTVs with built in Mac OS X at tomorrow's MacWorld keynote. That would be big and would make me think twice about Media Center. If this rumor were true, just think how much of the consumer market they would gain. If lots of people start buying these TVs, Apple would gain a big share in the consumer market and maybe could eventually overpower Microsoft especially if they have the same success they have had with the iPods.
You have to admit that there are several problems with the Media Center PCs vs the Apple model of building the OS right into the TV. Here are some problems with the current Media Center PCs:
If Apple built the OS right into the TV and packaged it with Front Row, they would solve most of the problems listed above. You know it would be beatifully designed. You know it would be easy to use. There is no hardware to purchase. There is already plenty of content. How about an iPod dock built right in to solve the mobile content issue?
I think Apple is on the right track if this rumor is true. I paid over $1000 to build my MCE PC plus another $4000 on the 42“ plasma television. The rumored prices are $2999 for a 42” TV and $3999 for a 50” TV. Those are good prices just for a TV but it would also be a fully functioning computer as well. Microsoft, you should start paying real close attention to what Apple is doing.
Toshiba demonstrated their new WiFi screen detachable tablet PC at CES this week. Engadget has some pics. I am glad to see that Toshiba has resurected this new form factor after HP discountinued their TC1100 tablet which had a detchable screen. This ups that one more by having the ability to still use the keyboard while it is detached because it uses Wifi to comunicate with the screen.
Something new from CES is the Mogo Mouse. This is a mouse that is stored and charged in your PC card slot on your laptop or tablet. You can pull it out an use it anywhere. It doesn't look that confortable to use but it is a cool idea. I am anxious to see who will sell it so I can give it a whirl.
I have been wanting to go to the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas for a while now and I always say that I am going to go. There are always a lot of cool stuff there, plus its Vegas baby. Problem is that you need to be part of the “industry” to get an invite. So I plan on getting into some hardware reviews. This is not only to go but it is fun for me to get to play with new gadgets and nerd devices. I can be a pretty honest reviewer as well. So look here for some reviews to come. I have some ideas so that it will not be your typical hardware review.
I ordered my new Dell 20” Ultrasharp wide screen flat panel monitor on Wednesday and I received it on Friday. That is very quick especially when I got free 3 day shipping. I set it up on Friday removing my two old CRT monitors and now I use a docking station I got with my tablet and my new monitor for dual screens. It is a very good display and I especially like the wide screen. A lot more room on my desk too so I can put more sh1t it. I got it with 20% off and paid somewhere around $450 for it. Dell is now offering 30” monitors which are very similar to Apple's cinema displays. Very nice!
