THIS BLOG HAS BEEN MOVED! November 25, 2006
Posted by stoykish in Uncategorized.add a comment
This Blog has been moved to www.gobloggit.com
It would be appreciated if you continue to visit and comment on the E-Media Blog but keep in mind to go to its new adress.
Once again the blog has been simply moved and will continue to do its past purpose.
Double Mac Post! MacBook and iPhone November 22, 2006
Posted by stoykish in Computers, Mac.1 comment so far
Apple has announced their of new models in the MacBook lapttop series. The new MacBooks come equipped with Core 2 Duo Processors from Intel and are up to 25 per cent quicker than the previous generation according to Apple.
The three new models are available with processor speeds of between 1.83 and 2 gigahertz (GHz). These laptops come equipped with integrated web cameras and 13 inch displays. They are priced between 1,079 and 1,479 dollars, depending on selected options.
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The iPhone has come again into the spotlight, after a research analyst from Prudential Equity Group, Jesse Tortora, said that his checks indicate that Apple may launch not one, but two cell phones, as soon as January 2007.
At the same interview Tortora said that one model will be a smart phone, including integrated keyboard, video and music capability, while the other model will be a slimmer phone with just music functionality.
Always Use Encryption with Bluetooth November 20, 2006
Posted by stoykish in Computers, Security.2 comments
When using a keyboard that connects wirelessly to your computer with a Bluetooth connection you should ideally only operate with some sort ot authenticitation and active encryption in place.
“Listening In” on Bluetooth devices is is becoming a growing problem that originated from the ability to easily spy on data transmitted wirelessly the old fashion way by infared.
Munich-based PC Professionell magazine advices you not to use unenryption or unsecure wireless devices, especially bluetooth is areas where security and privacy are crucial factors.
The Dawn of the DirectX 10 Era November 19, 2006
Posted by stoykish in Hardware.add a comment
We have been hearing about DirectX 10 hardware and the miraculous advantages it has over DX9. We have even seen the screenshots of games in development. However, until today, the hardware has been lacking. However Nvidia has finally delivered the hardware goods first over ATI. The first official hunk DirectX 10 compliant hardware is the Nvidia GeForce 8800GTX and 8800GTS.
The new DX10 hardware has unified architecture which churns out more shader units as they can be utilized more efficiently than a fixed function layout. Ushering in the new era of computer graphics is the GeForce 8800GTX with 128 unified shader units and the GeForce 8800GTS with 96 shader units. These two bad boy pieces of hardware will run about $460 for the 8800GTS and about $670 for the 8800GTX.
The days of pipelines will soon be history.
Epic Battle(s): AMD vs. Intel November 19, 2006
Posted by stoykish in Computers, Hardware.add a comment
AMD over the past quarter has lost many of its bragging rights because of the new generation of Intel products. Now it is seeking to take back what it once had, the upper hand, by launching a new system platform that boasts two processors and is aimed at high-end users who are willing to pay top dollar for bleeding/killer/amazing performance.
A day after Intel unleashed its latest counterattack — a chip that features four processing cores on a single chip– AMD on Wednesday demonstrated 4×4, a system co-designed by Nvidia aimed at gamers and enthusiasts. This 4×4 beast can handle four PCI express slots, two Ethernet ports and support for as many as 12 hard drives. It will be available to consumers by the end of November, but of course this little guy will cost you over $1,000.
Both Intel’s quad core chip and AMD’s 4×4 platform are aimed at the extreme high end of the PC market. While that segment accounts for just 5 percent of the market, both companies see it as crucial.
Console Showdown November 18, 2006
Posted by stoykish in Fun and Games.add a comment
Well now that the PS3 is finally here and the Wii is only hours away we cant help but ask ourselves, which one is simply better. By better we mean considering value and cost, mulitimedia features, and of course the game library.
When compared side by side, the PS3 has the most impressive specs, a 3.2GHz Cell processor and powerful 3D graphics capabilities, you get an intense PC-caliber gaming experience here without the technical issues of a standard computer. The PlayStation also displays its games in stunning hi-definition and even plays Blu-ray movies along with standard DVD discs.
Of course overwhelming video and processing power isn’t everything. Nintendo’s Wii proves this by offering up maddeningly addictive and intuitive game play. The Wii’s wireless controllers make even the bundled Tennis, Bowling, and Boxing sports titles amazingly enjoyable. Every day at lunchtime, a line forms in front of the Wii we have set up in the PC Magazine labs.
Don’t count out the Xbox 360 though. Because of a recent software update, the 360 can now output game graphics to an HDTV in glorious 1080p just like the PS3. Add to this the deep library of existing tittles and new HD DVD player attachment and you still have a more than worthy competitor. Oh and dont forget about Gears of War.
Playstaion 3
Pros: Killer specs and raw power, Blu-ray player, Media card reader, HDMI support with 1080p. Works with PS1/PS2 titles.
Cons: Expensive, no controller vibratio, HDMI sold seperately, no killer games (yet)
Verdict: A multimedia beast with a Blu-Ray player but no real value yet because it lacks must have games and a bit on the expensive side. 3.5/5
Nintendo Wii
Pros: Innovative controller, easy to use and understand, definetly fun for all ages, and very engaging gameplay
Cons: No HD support, doesnt play DVD’s, graphics are mediocre when compared with PS3 and Xbox 360
Verdic: A fun and engaging system with a new style of gameplay that appeals to all, and very affordable as well. 4/5
Xbox 360
Pros: Gorgeous graphics, immersive audio, HD DVD multimedia support with 1080p, a stellar collection of games and upcoming ones as well, Xbox Live
Cons: A bulky console from Microsoft, a bit expensive as well
Verdict: The Xbox 360 provided an incredible bang for you buck with its immersive graphics, multimedia support, very impressive games, and the best console online community, Xbox Live. 4/5
Zune Review November 18, 2006
Posted by stoykish in Audio.3 comments
The expectations were for Microsoft to deliver a “Microsoft” product, not all the user friendly, commonly bugged, and both rugged and rigid. Microsoft did just that, it delivered a typical product, not underwhleming but not extrordinary. Read on for the review and make up your own mind on wheter Zune deserves a spot on your upcoming wishlist.
Hardware
The Zune is about as wide as a 5gb Ipod but taller, heavier, and thicker than even the 80GB version. What do you get for that extra size? A larger 3-inch display — which, like the iPod, is also QVGA — and WiFi (802.11b/g). You lose battery life by comparison, which is crucial considering the 5G iPod isn’t exactly known for its battery performance. 
The device layout is simple: static five way d-pad (that, of course, looks like a scroll wheel — more on that in a bit), dedicated back and play / pause buttons, a dock connector and audio-out port, and hold switch. A really cool feature of the Zune is the magnetic headphones which wind up nicely and dont fly all over the place when you want to use them. All in all a solid machine with an impressive display and standard navigation controls.
Interface and Menu
Zune adds the experience of viewing albums and their respective cover art. Nice! Generally speaking, however, you’ve got to get yourself used to the way the the “twist interface” (the Zune team’s name for PMC2) works. You’ve got categories up top (albums, artists, genres, songs, etc.), and moving left or right drops down a selection. This is generally a faster method of navigating large amounts of media, unlike the iPod,which example, requires you to back all the way out of your hierarchy to access your media from a different angle (for example switching from song view to artist view). Adding songs to a playlist, selecting tracks to send to another Zune, going from music to video, all of these common experiences are easy and quick to do. The photos, WiFi community, and radio are both nice features which are well done and easy to use as well.
Software and Music Service
Definetly the weakest point or fault of the Zune is the Music Service. The marketplace jsut doesnt have enouhg music altough we are almost definite that will change because this Zune is the first of many products in a line. The software is pretty decent and hooking up with your pc should present no real problem, same goes for you Xbox 360 as well. Overall great software support but the marketplace simply lacks media for now…
Verdict
All in all a great portable audio system with a great future ahead of it.
To get more reviews or suggested retailer check out the following links
