Monday, May 11, 2009

Apple versus PC

First off, I would like to state that I have no laptop. In today's world, what's the use? With more upgrades, new software, new hardware, and all the add-ins, I figure at this point in my life, I'll let CLU pick up the bill and use the library computers.

However, in my lifetime, I have unquestioningly used Apple computers - and loved them. It helps that ever since I was 6 or 7, my family has had a Macintosh computer. In my academic career however, PCs have ruled. So I have had influences from both sides. And I still love macs.

Sure, they are more expensive.... but does that really matter to the average college student. I'm already loaning tens of thousands of dollars, whats an extra 3 or 4 grand to get a reliable computer that would last longer than a PC? I think that when it comes down to it, there is a very distinctive type of person that would buy an Apple versus buying a PC.

The person that would buy the Apple is more future-oriented, wants reliability, and knows that AppleCare will take care of everything. The PC buyer is looking for the quick-fix-now solution, and solely looking for the cheapest thing on the market.

(Side Note: Costco will replace your iPod with a new, better one... for free! more on my love/hate relationship with costco later....)

macs rule :D

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Assignment 4/27/2009

New convergent product: "Take Me Away" Computer

This product would be a completely virutal computer. For example, the keyboard would be displayed by a light and keys could be displayed anywhere. This virtual keyboard works by motion sensors. It would look like this, but the actual piece would be about the size of a Blutooth headset:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42arjYExl0788essnifmjTtgZo1UwkaWLHi8RbLXTHEJkFwzuohKZuJrpzzR2YxYsTbyC9pNZvmAbkeoAYTWVeAsKxdHnV1jQNyx0sNXia7yHhinskM130bVqy23b91reAn1fq3SoFveh/s400/virtual_keyboard.jpg

And the screen would be virtual and touch "screen" as well. The complete project would look like this:

http://www.dba-oracle.com/images/future_pc.jpg

Because it is all virtual, it is easily transportable. Imagine going on a plane, without having to bring onboard a computer, a computer case, and battery. You could put this device in your carry-on or purse without having to worry about how much space it takes up. And, once onboard, set-up is fast and easy, not to mention convenient when the plane hits turbulance. Shutting it down would be just as easy to. Just close it and leave!

Lastly, this product would run off of rechargable batteries. While the batteries would need to be somewhat powerful, it would not take as much energy to display the screen and keys as it would to on a regular computer, thereby not only being more "Green" but more awesome as well!

Monday, April 20, 2009

LOST IV

ugh, i haven't even been watching, but i heard the show has been amazing the past few weeks. hopefully ill watch it soon (like for study breaks :D ) so i can post about it soon!

Twitter

In today's Los Angeles Times, an article stated that companies can use Twitter to make or break their reputation. The three examples they used were CNN, Amazon, and Dominoes.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-twitter20-2009apr20,3,7741291.story

Why is this story interesting? Because it focuses on the business aspect, instead of the personal aspect, of Twitter. Companies use this site to update consumers/customers on everything that is going on. However, anyone can create a fake user name and pretend they are company. What happens in this case is that the actual company will buy them out, and pay them to maintain and continue update the tweets, just so long as they are positive about the company.

My favorite quote from the article: " 'There's a mob mentality to social tools where people quickly try to put fuel on the fire, really encouraging brand damage and damage to individuals,' said Jeremiah Owyang, a senior analyst at Forrester Research."

Monday, April 6, 2009

Dixie Chicks

First off, let me say that I love the Dixie Chicks. I think their music is great, innovative, and they go where no country band has gone before. From songs about "mattress dancing" to how to deal with an abusive husband, these girls have reached farther than other country bands.

That being said, Natalie has a lot of nerve saying what she did, especially across seas. However, she is indeed entitled to her opinion, and the public did go way too far on this single topic. The reason I think it got so out of hand was not because of what she said, but when she said it. It was too early for such a snide comment.

On another note, the best part of the movie was the very end when the Dixie Chicks were back in London. Natalie said something to the extent of, "People have been asking me 'What are you going to say?' and I told them 'I really don't know. I just make it up as I go.' But I have thought of what I am going to say and that is uh, We're ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas."

rofl hahahaha.....

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

LOST III

I didn't know that they weren't showing new episodes last week. Turned out to be a repeat, which sucked :( As is this week... A total bummer because I told y'all to watch it. Sorry about that.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

LOST II

So even though Lost is my favorite show (ever!), this season has not been capturing my attention. I've been somewhat disappointed in the plot and where it is all going. Characters are acting, well, out of character. Also, while the time travel is interesting, it can be difficult to follow. The show feels like a bad episode of Star Trek, Early Edition, and Days of Our Lives thrown together.

I can't imagine that Lost is picking up new fans at this poing. There is too much going on: the plot is too thick and the characters are well developed, even though their motives seem to be continually changing. My boyfriend and I were watching the new episode last night. He has only seen the show a few times, so he knows a little bit about the plot. When we were watching last night, however, the questions about what was going on, who was who, and why are they doing that were never-ending. I'm glad I Tivo'd it!

If you haven't watched it before, check it out, see how intricate it is, and blog back about what you thought please!