Ok, I’ve never really been a gamer. Well let me restate that- I was obsessed with Sim City 2000 and Gran Turismo 4. I think my problem is that I have a rather short attention span when it comes to games. I’ll obsess over them for about 2 weeks and then I have little to no desire to play them again. Others, like my college roommate or friend Brad, have the innate ability to play until the game is complete (and I mean, done). I don’t possess that sort of will-power. I will, however, spend hours playing with less exciting pieces of software like Aperture or checking out the latest Web 2.0 fads (Twitter, I’m looking at you). However, that has all changed.
I haven’t been looking forward to a computer/console game like this in a LONG time. So much so that I’m even thinking of upgrading the Mac’s graphics card. The scope of this game is unreal… At any rate, I purchased the Spore Creature Creator and I’ve had a blast creating random abominations. Check out my Spore page here. Looking forward to September 7! (well, not as much as I’m looking forward to July 11, but the anxiety is definitely there).
After some serious searching on Craigslist I managed to find a slightly used iMac G4 for the low, low price of $200. Now, that may seem a lot for a computer that is 5 years old but we all know how well Macs hold their value. Buying a 5 year old PC would be ludicrous, sure. However, this thing is more like a piece of home decor. And, it fits perfectly on the desk in our guest room.
Here are the specs (as purchased):
15″ Display
1GHZ PowerPC G4
512mb ram
Upgrades thus far:
Purchased 1GB ram (being delivered Monday). Although Apple only officially supports 1GB total- the unofficial word is that it will hold 1.5GB total (512mb DIMM and 1GB SODIMM- user replaceable).
Airport Extreme card. Let me say the belkin wireless usb adapter I purchased was a nightmare. After 5 different drivers it still was not working. The airport extreme was purchased at Fry’s, installed in 10 minutes, and working in 5. Sometimes it’s best to just stick to Apple products since they play nicely together.
Installed Apple Remote Desktop (client). This will be for maintenance and general spying when guests are in town (kidding! sorta).
Upgrades coming:
New Keyboard/Mouse!. My wife and I cleaned the hell out of the keyboard (each individual key) because it was 7 layers of disgusting. However, I still don’t like it- too bulky for the desk it sits on. Also, not having the Mighty Mouse really stinks due to the lack of a scoll ball.
All in all, it’s a great little computer. Obviously no where near the horsepower of the current intel-based macs but still a great work of design and engineering.
Ok, so I am definitely a little late on this…what can I say, it’s been a busy couple of months!
I wanted to give my favorite things I/we bought this past year…I’m setting aside music as that will have it’s own post here shortly… The following is a list of things that I have no cognitive dissonance (read: buyer’s remorse) that have more than payed for themselves in one way or another. Without further ado..
10. Leopard - If you remember I stood in line for the new version of Mac OSX this year. I’ve got it running on the two machines here at couldn’t be happier. The screen/file-sharing ability alone was worth the upgrade.
9. Expedit Bookshelf (Ikea) - Revolutionized and organized the “study” (it’s in quotes because nobody actually studies here but it does sound fancy). We’ve got this puppy on it’s side along with some pull-out containers that organize endless cd’s, cords, and abandoned gadgets.
8. Apple Wireless Keyboard - so small and so stylish. For someone who now has to have two keyboards on the desk at all times this is a much-needed upgrade due to size and portability. BTW, I’m selling a slightly used (previous generation) wireless keyboard on eBay if you’re interested.
7. Apple TV - I’m starting to realize I have a problem.. At any rate, this thing is great- streams all my Top Gear shows, every photo, and every song to the TV downstairs. Has been a hit with the “let us see your photos!” crowd.
#’s 5 and 6 are a pair…front-loading washer/dryers are the wave of the future..I’ve seen the future - and it’s paved in ultra-quiet, lower water consumption, high RPM goodness.
#4. LG French Door (Bottom Freezer) Refridgerator - the KING of the kitchen. Two big doors swing wide. Alarm sounds if you leave the doors open for 30 seconds. Can keep an entire buffalo cold (maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration).
#3. Dirt Devil Kruz - Yeah, you totally didn’t see that coming. Let me tell you how great this thing is. It’s the PERFECT vacuum for hardwood floors with it’s angled head, soft rubber wheels, and it’s nifty charging station means it’s always ready to suck. And, it looks like an alien- so, that’s all you need to know.
#1. The House - No brainer for me. We’re loving this new house and couldn’t be happier on our decision. Moving a little outside the city was tough but it was the right choice (and cheaper too). More pictures to come of the inside once we’re 100% unpacked (we still have boxes in the garage, paint to be splattered, and things to be hung).
I hope you’ve enjoyed the list for 2007. If you’ve got a favorite item you’d like to mention feel free to do so in the comments… Also please note that 2008 is looking good for new purchases as well (more to come shortly)
Shameless post…I’ve been invited to Pownce via a friend…To be honest, I’m still trying it out.
So what is it? Well, according to the Pownce website:
What is it?
Pownce is a way to send messages, files, links, and events to your friends. You’ll create a network of the people you know and then you can share stuff with all of them, just a few of them, or even just one other person really fast.
It’s made by the guys at digg and so far it seems pretty slick. I’ve only got two friends as of now but maybe more as time progresses. So, if you’re a geek and want a free invite (I’ve got 5 left) leave me a witty comment in the comment section with your email and I’ll send an invite your way. Again, must be a witty comment..nothing weak.
I’ve been working on a site for my cousin Reed for a little while now. Actually, I had it slated to be done sometime back but some other projects popped up and delayed it. Continue reading →
