With the imminent release of one of the most highly-anticipated console games ever, Grand Theft Auto IV, I decided it was finally time to purchase a “next-gen” video game system. That is, since GTAIV was only being released on the XBox 360 and Playstation 3, I wasn’t going to be able to use my wonderfully-entertaining Nintendo Wii to play it, so I had to pick one of the other systems.
At first, my decision was an easy one, one that would be made on price alone. The least-expensive version of the XBox 360 (the “Arcade” system) is roughly $280. The least-expensive version of the Playstation 3 is roughly $400. Plus, I soon discovered that if I purchased an XBox 360 along with GTA IV from BestBuy.com, I would receive a $50 Best Buy gift card for free, essentially bringing the price of the XBox 360 down to $230… what a deal! I couldn’t pass that up.
I quickly made my purchase on Monday, April 27th, 2008 and selected store pick-up for both the console system and video game. Shortly after placing my order, I received a series of e-mails from BestBuy.com letting me know that my $50 gift card was getting ready to ship, GTAIV would be ready for in-store pick-up on April 29th, and that the XBox 360 Arcade would be ready for pickup on April 28th, since the store was closed when I placed the order. Fair enough. This was shaping up to become the easiest game release ever. I had everything pre-ordered for store pickup, so no waiting in line and no worrying if they’d run out of copies before I got my hands on one. Boy, was I wrong about that.
Mr. Potato Head has made his debut at Disney’s California Adventure. While Toy Story (Midway) Mania isn’t open yet, it looks like the ol’ spud couldn’t resist interacting with guests early.
He made his debut to some of us on Tuesday, yesterday he was a bit shy only showing himself every few hours, but TODAY he was out in all his glory! Here are some of the first pictures I have seen of him anywhere on the web in his new home! Sorry about the image, lame camera phone (which he made fun of me for!)
I haven’t entirely figured out what I’m supposed to do with them, but I suppose that will come over time. For now, I’ll be posting things there that won’t be anywhere else… day-to-day, hour-to-hour, and minute-to-minute type things.
Let me know if there’s anything cool I’m missing about Twitter.
Posted by Ricky on March 26, 2008 at 4:41 pm · Permalink
I can’t believe how well this thing not only walks on its own but also recovers from being pushed over and slipping on ice. It can seemingly navigate even the most complicated terrain. I’d love to see something like this walking around theme parks! It’s only a matter of time…
I’ve been using a DVR (digital video recorder… like Tivo) for a couple of years now and love it. The model I have been using is an 8300HD, provided to me by my able company, BrightHouse Networks. While it may have a few quirks, it reliably does everything I want it to do with little difficulty. I can view TV listings, record single shows, set up series recordings, all in both standard definition and HD.
So, when I purchased a second HDTV and moved my old one to the bedroom, I felt like it was time to get a second DVR for the house. What I got, however, was a nightmare. Instead of giving me the 8300HD, a BrightHouse rep handed me the 8300HDC, a newer model. At first, I thought this was a good thing… new version, must be upgraded. No. Definitely not. In fact, it’s a major downgrade.
The new model is slow, unresponsive, randomly freezes, takes over 10 minutes to reboot, and often does not record what I want it to. It also is MISSING features that were previously available… features that are vital to a successful DVR.
One such feature is the complete lack of priority when it comes to setting up series recordings. Both boxes have 2 tuners and can record 2 programs at the same time. If I have it set up to record three different shows that are all on at the same time, the 8300HD would choose which 2 to record based on its priority list, which is set by me. The 8300HDC, however, has no priority list, so it seems to randomly select which 2 of the 3 to record. I have no control over it. So, I’ve had to cancel all conflicting shows to ensure that only the ones I absolutely want are recorded.
Occasionally, I’ll turn on the TV in the bedroom and find that the 8300HDC has completely forgotten how to tune in to channels and thus has not recorded anything since the last time I turned it on. Somehow I feel like that defeats the point of having a DVR.
So.. what’s my point here? First, if you have an 8300HD with BrightHouse, hang onto it. Guard it with your life. You won’t get another one if something happens to it. Second, if anyone out there works for BrightHouse or knows how I can replace my terrible 8300HDC with an 8300HD, please let me know. I’d love to get rid of this terrible piece of technology.
And please, don’t tell me to switch to DirecTV, Tivo, or Dish Network. Trust me, I’m already considering it.
Posted by Ricky on March 17, 2008 at 2:48 pm · Permalink
Ah, finally, video of the production Optimus Maximus keyboard in real world use with our machine running the Configurator software. We wont spoil all the fun, hit up the video after the break to see it in action.
For those who haven’t heard of it before, the Optimus Maximus keyboard began as a concept rendering quite some time ago, featuring tiny OLED video screens in each key. Now, the team behind the concept is working hard for the keyboard to become a reality (albeit an expensive one). A functional prototype now exists, as used and video-recorded by Engadget (see the link below).
Show off your creativity and promote the many benefits of your favorite browser as part of the Firefox 3 T-Shirt Design Contest. The winning design will be featured as the official Firefox 3 T-Shirt in the Mozilla Store. You will receive worldwide recognition for your work, and an opportunity to win prizes
Are you up for the challenge? We want to see your designs
There’s a new iPod game available for purchase and download from the iTunes Store this week. It’s called Pirates of the Caribbean: Aegir’s Fire, and it costs $4.99.
Based on Disney’s popular movie trilogy, this game puts you in pursuit of Aegir’s Fire — a mythical flame that drags ships to the ocean floor. You captain the Black Pearl as you search the world for treasure, sink your enemies, battle sea monsters and outwit the Royal Navy.
The game features more than 30 missions; you acquire a crew that has varied abilities which can help you fulfill your quests, featuring characters you’ll remember from the movies. You can plunder hidden treasures and loot, unlock secret bonus levels and replay previous missions.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Aegir’s Fire works with third-generation iPod nanos, iPod classics and fifth-generation (video) iPods.
Toshiba Corp is planning to give up on its HD DVD format for high-definition video, conceding defeat to the competing Blu-Ray technology backed by Sony Corp, a company source said on Saturday.
Now how long will it be before a reasonably-priced Blu-Ray player hits the market? Years? No more pressure from HD-DVD for them to drop their prices.
I’m still waiting for a $5 blowout HD-DVD sale. Anyone find one yet?
Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N) has decided to exclusively sell high-definition DVDs in the Blu-Ray format, dealing what could be a crippling blow to the rival HD DVD technology backed by Toshiba Corp (6502.T).
The move by the world’s largest retailer, announced on Friday, caps a disappointing week for HD DVD supporters, who also saw consumer electronics chain Best Buy Co Inc (BBY.N) and online video rental company Netflix Inc (NFLX.O) defect to the Blu-ray camp.
Yep, I sure am glad I bought that $98 HD-DVD player from Wal-Mart just a few months ago… ugh. Someone point me in the direction of the $5 blow-out HD-DVD sales when they show up, please. I don’t want this thing to turn into a $98 paperweight.
distant creations is a blog about the world and more.
the world is: amazing. amusing. creative. confusing. this blog is here to deliver the best and worst of the world and beyond. from distant lands to your home town.
With the imminent release of one of the most highly-anticipated console games ever, Grand Theft Auto IV, I decided it was finally time to purchase a “next-gen” video game system. That is, since GTAIV was only being released on the XBox 360 and Playstation 3, I wasn’t going to be able to use my wonderfully-entertaining Nintendo Wii to play it, so I had to pick one of the other systems.
I quickly made my purchase on Monday, April 27th, 2008 and selected store pick-up for both the console system and video game. Shortly after placing my order, I received a series of e-mails from BestBuy.com letting me know that my $50 gift card was getting ready to ship, GTAIV would be ready for in-store pick-up on April 29th, and that the XBox 360 Arcade would be ready for pickup on April 28th, since the store was closed when I placed the order. Fair enough. This was shaping up to become the easiest game release ever. I had everything pre-ordered for store pickup, so no waiting in line and no worrying if they’d run out of copies before I got my hands on one. Boy, was I wrong about that.
