Thursday, December 29, 2011
My Baby, the Asus G53 SW
So about two months ago (roughly), i decided to treat myself and buy an actual laptop, as an upgrade from my netbook, a HP Mini 110-1125NR
After looking up good prices, what i wanted versus what i needed i narrowed it down to a few selections, but ultimately chose the Asus G53 SW, Republic of Gamers series machine, a 15 inch gaming laptop.
BTW, i got it from the folks over at XoticPC.com, Not even a $100 over a grand, Shipped within a week, nothing broken, good discount, and they threw in OS disks for cheap too, so far I'm very happy...
BUT, what did it come with you might ask? (I'll tell you even if you didn't...)
- Nvidia GTX 460 GeForce Graphics Card with 1.5 gigs of DDR5 ram
- Core i7 2.2 processor, 3.0 with Turbo Boost (free upgrade from a 2.0 processor from Xotic PC)
- 8 gigs of DDR3 1333 ram (free upgrade from 6 gigs from Xotix PC)
- 1 USB 3.0 and 3 USB 2.0 ports
- HDMI port
- VGA port
- Glossy screen (versus the matte finish that Xotic PC offered to install)
-and really just a whole bunch more
But how does it run??
AWESOME
My biggest fear was going to be that i spend a lot of money on an OKAY laptop when i could have spent a lot less FOR a lot less...
So far i've ran CS:S with an FPS of over 200
(not fair though, since that game is pretty old now and lets face it, in reality doesnt NEED that much from a decent up to date computer...
But i have also have the awesome experience of playing Skyrim on high settings without a hitch, the game runs smooth, real smooth (unless NOT plugged into a power supply besides the batter, since gaming is demanding of course)
Without FRAPS recording video i can EASILY get over 30 FPS doing simple quests, gathering, and just looking at how beautiful the land of Skyrim is, and how wicked cool it is to slay its dragons...
But enough about Skyrim, this isn't a review of that (although if you DO want to read a review for said Skyrim, you juuuust might find one here!
I could honestly talk about it's gaming aspects for ever, but it would be more talk about the games in general, so here's a quick list of what i have played on my Asus:
- Counter Strike: Source on MAX
- The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim on HIGH
- Portal on MAX
- EVE Online on MAX
- The Old Republic on MAX
The only difficulties i have experienced were either with my internet connection, or the server quality of the games i was playing.
Moving right along now
Awesomeness aside, the ONLY gripe i have so far with the Asus G53 is its size...it's a beast....
As you can see, it looks like it can eat my old netbook for sunday brunch
The screen size may be 15 inches, but i've had it compared next to a 17 inch laptop (the brand slips my mind, but it really isn't important for this quick comparison), it was bigger.
That being said, it's a gaming laptop, if i wanted portability i would have stuck with my netbook
BUT
What i do love about it's size, is the AMAZING fans Asus placed on this sucker
For those of you who don't know, the lights you can buy for the fan placements are rightly named "after burners", because even without lights, that's exactly what they look like, and boy do they work well like one too..
those bad boys jet out hot air, enough to keep the bottom of my laptop ridiculously cool, I had read reviews where owners had had their laptops on their laps (duh?) in hopes that the heat would keep them warm on a cold day/night, but to no use, and i have found myself on the same boat several times!
Overall this laptop has yet to disappoint, it was at a good price (good, NOT cheap), I don't really care about the size, so that doesn't take away from it,It's not an apple product, so it won't break on me and it actually does what it is supposed to(yes i went there), i can get my gaming fix to go, would i recommend this? Yes, will i? No, because i want to feel special and be the only one out of my friends to have it...
If you have any questions about the laptop, it's performance, price, or just want to tell me about the cool cat video you found online feel free to post a comment!
Links
Where i bought said laptop
XoticPC.com
Review for Skyrim
CBU Banner
Video capture of Skyrim on MEDIUM settings
Derp...
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Windows 8
So I've seen some pictures, and read a few articles about Windows 8,
and so far I've decided that I won't be getting it.
Why?
Because from what i can see, it's a Tablet Optimized OS
Now that by itself is not the problem.
If Microsoft wants to make a Tablet OS, that's all fine and dandy,
BUT the same OS is going to be on desktop and laptops too.
From what i have seen, it will resemble the Windows Phone 7 UI,
you know, those blue tiles that make up your home screen.
After reading some articles on LifeHacker, their bit on the Metro UI, Desktop, and Windows Explorer of Windows 8 has lead me to one assumption and i have previously mentioned.
It's just a tablet OS, but on a desktop.
Don't get me wrong, i know it's a bit much on the CPU, but i like Windows 7, and overall i like the experience Microsoft has created with their OS's (Note: i never had Vista, but i know everyone makes mistakes, even Microsoft)
But i really don't like what I've seen so far...
After booting up the OS, those little tiles will be the default screen one will see, and the Desktop can be reached after clicking on the respective tile to get their, which makes me cringe.
Again, if this was just for a tablet it would be fine, tiles and icons make more sense when you have to touch everything on the screen. But if I have to sit on my computer and use a mouse to navigate something that was made for a touch screen, then I don't know if i want that OS on my computer.
The windows explorer too has gotten an update from what I've read, it makes it look a lot prettier, but functionality wise, not much else.
The way things are going I'll stick to 7, and maybe even just go with a more minimalistic OS like Linux or Ubuntu, you know, something made to run on an actual computer...
(I was going to try out the developers build of it, you know, to give it a far chance, but it needs either a clean install or dual boot, but after seeing it needs at LEAST 16gb of free space i passed, i just don't think it's for me...)
and so far I've decided that I won't be getting it.
Why?
Because from what i can see, it's a Tablet Optimized OS
Now that by itself is not the problem.
If Microsoft wants to make a Tablet OS, that's all fine and dandy,
BUT the same OS is going to be on desktop and laptops too.
From what i have seen, it will resemble the Windows Phone 7 UI,
you know, those blue tiles that make up your home screen.
After reading some articles on LifeHacker, their bit on the Metro UI, Desktop, and Windows Explorer of Windows 8 has lead me to one assumption and i have previously mentioned.
It's just a tablet OS, but on a desktop.
Don't get me wrong, i know it's a bit much on the CPU, but i like Windows 7, and overall i like the experience Microsoft has created with their OS's (Note: i never had Vista, but i know everyone makes mistakes, even Microsoft)
But i really don't like what I've seen so far...
After booting up the OS, those little tiles will be the default screen one will see, and the Desktop can be reached after clicking on the respective tile to get their, which makes me cringe.
Again, if this was just for a tablet it would be fine, tiles and icons make more sense when you have to touch everything on the screen. But if I have to sit on my computer and use a mouse to navigate something that was made for a touch screen, then I don't know if i want that OS on my computer.
The windows explorer too has gotten an update from what I've read, it makes it look a lot prettier, but functionality wise, not much else.
The way things are going I'll stick to 7, and maybe even just go with a more minimalistic OS like Linux or Ubuntu, you know, something made to run on an actual computer...
(I was going to try out the developers build of it, you know, to give it a far chance, but it needs either a clean install or dual boot, but after seeing it needs at LEAST 16gb of free space i passed, i just don't think it's for me...)
Monday, September 12, 2011
Death of paper
So here I am just browsing online like I tend to do, and I see some random post in the LA Times about how Ikea will be making bookshelves with the intent to hold anything BUT books.
The article went on to say how Ikea thinks that paper books will be pretty much gone in the not-so-distant future.
Really?
Does anyone else feel like that no matter how hard we try, paper books, PHYSICAL books that you can hold in your hand won't and shouldn't go away?
I mean I'm all for the digital era, I love it, I'm a total fan of technology, most of the time I'm completely immersed in it, but am i the only one who thinks that too much technology is a bad thing?
I guess you could say I'm a bit paranoid, but if everything, and i mean everything goes digital, isn't that a bad thing?
Power outages would kill people, I'm sure libraries would go just about dead.
What's wrong with buying a book? How can buying a digital copy totally overcome a tangible book in your hand?
physical books are awesome!
It has tons of cool features:
-Lets you share with as many friends as you have
-requires no batteries or charging of any kind
-lets you take notes in it
-Just bend a page corner and you have the page you were on bookmarked
-You don't have to update it
-Usually pretty portable
-People think you look smart if you're reading them in public for fun
-They make good coasters
So i know i went on a bit of a tangent, but it really bothers me that people believe, and want books in physical form to go away, soon enough the way we chronicle things will go digital too, then the day some guy decides an EMP would be cool, there goes everything(that's a little extreme but i stand by what i say).
I just think that having a fine line between what should and shouldn't go completely digital should be drawn, you know?
Links Ikea bookcase thing
The article went on to say how Ikea thinks that paper books will be pretty much gone in the not-so-distant future.
Really?
Does anyone else feel like that no matter how hard we try, paper books, PHYSICAL books that you can hold in your hand won't and shouldn't go away?
I mean I'm all for the digital era, I love it, I'm a total fan of technology, most of the time I'm completely immersed in it, but am i the only one who thinks that too much technology is a bad thing?
I guess you could say I'm a bit paranoid, but if everything, and i mean everything goes digital, isn't that a bad thing?
Power outages would kill people, I'm sure libraries would go just about dead.
What's wrong with buying a book? How can buying a digital copy totally overcome a tangible book in your hand?
physical books are awesome!
It has tons of cool features:
-Lets you share with as many friends as you have
-requires no batteries or charging of any kind
-lets you take notes in it
-Just bend a page corner and you have the page you were on bookmarked
-You don't have to update it
-Usually pretty portable
-People think you look smart if you're reading them in public for fun
-They make good coasters
So i know i went on a bit of a tangent, but it really bothers me that people believe, and want books in physical form to go away, soon enough the way we chronicle things will go digital too, then the day some guy decides an EMP would be cool, there goes everything(that's a little extreme but i stand by what i say).
I just think that having a fine line between what should and shouldn't go completely digital should be drawn, you know?
Links Ikea bookcase thing
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Mac VS PC
One thing that truly grinds my gears to no extent is the argument of "Mac VS PC"
At the end of the day it doesn't bother me what people choose, whatever they want to use is up to them so it's all fine and dandy, BUT, to argue Mac or PC is wrong!
Why is this wrong?
PC!!!!
Let us look at the definition of pc yeah? (you don't really have a choice i'm posting it anyways)
Wikipedia defines it as "
A personal computer (PC) is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator."
wow, it says NOTHING about the operating system!
BUUUUUT! i know how people don't like the stigma attached to the beloved Wiki, so what about dictionary dot com?
"personal computer
noun a microcomputer designed for individual use, as by a person in an office or at home or school, for such applications as word processing, data management, financial analysis, or computer games. Abbreviation: PC "
So when people argue over Mac vs PC they're pretty much saying that a Mac isn't a personal computer, right?
I know it's not something to get all riled up about but it just adds to the animosity i already have toward Apple.
The real arguement is MacOS (the current version would be Lion) and Windows 7, it doesn't flow off the tongue as much but it's at least correct, everything after that is matter of Opinion (mine being that MacOS is the spawn of smugg people adjusting to an overly complex OS, but that's for another rant).
Lets' just hope next time i over hear someone say the whole "Mac vs PC" offense God totally gives me the patients i need not to lose it,
Later days.
Links Dictionary dot com's definition of PC Wikipedia definition of PC
At the end of the day it doesn't bother me what people choose, whatever they want to use is up to them so it's all fine and dandy, BUT, to argue Mac or PC is wrong!
Why is this wrong?
PC!!!!
Let us look at the definition of pc yeah? (you don't really have a choice i'm posting it anyways)
Wikipedia defines it as "
A personal computer (PC) is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator."
wow, it says NOTHING about the operating system!
BUUUUUT! i know how people don't like the stigma attached to the beloved Wiki, so what about dictionary dot com?
"personal computer
noun a microcomputer designed for individual use, as by a person in an office or at home or school, for such applications as word processing, data management, financial analysis, or computer games. Abbreviation: PC "
So when people argue over Mac vs PC they're pretty much saying that a Mac isn't a personal computer, right?
I know it's not something to get all riled up about but it just adds to the animosity i already have toward Apple.
The real arguement is MacOS (the current version would be Lion) and Windows 7, it doesn't flow off the tongue as much but it's at least correct, everything after that is matter of Opinion (mine being that MacOS is the spawn of smugg people adjusting to an overly complex OS, but that's for another rant).
Lets' just hope next time i over hear someone say the whole "Mac vs PC" offense God totally gives me the patients i need not to lose it,
Later days.
Links Dictionary dot com's definition of PC Wikipedia definition of PC
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Stewe Jobs done?
Steve Jobs resigned today as CEO of Apple.
Although I am not an Apple fan i do know and will acknowledge that this is BIG
In his letter, he states that he is no longer able to do his duties, and recommends Tim Cook, although he would like to stay as chairmen of the board, hopefully he can still do THOSE duties right?...
You can see the full press release at Engadget
How this will turn out for Apple in the long run I'm not sure, i think though for a bit Apple stock may drop faster than a lead balloon, since there is major uncertainty,
again, i might not be an Apple fan, but i will say this, if it weren't for Steve who knows where the Halo franchise may be so thanks Steve...for Halo....
Although I am not an Apple fan i do know and will acknowledge that this is BIG
In his letter, he states that he is no longer able to do his duties, and recommends Tim Cook, although he would like to stay as chairmen of the board, hopefully he can still do THOSE duties right?...
You can see the full press release at Engadget
How this will turn out for Apple in the long run I'm not sure, i think though for a bit Apple stock may drop faster than a lead balloon, since there is major uncertainty,
again, i might not be an Apple fan, but i will say this, if it weren't for Steve who knows where the Halo franchise may be so thanks Steve...for Halo....
Tech Blog?
So, originally i had no clue what i was going to do with this account, i only started it to write posts for my CC's paper....but i never did that (yeah i know i guess that isn't really helping now is it?). But throughout the day i have so many internal rants going on about media and all things tech that i figure this would be a good medium to have it expressed, whether or not people actually read it is another story.
So for the person out there reading (which is probably just me), stay tuned for my rants?
kthxbai
So for the person out there reading (which is probably just me), stay tuned for my rants?
kthxbai
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