Well Done Bink.nu!

Well Done Bink.nu! Congratulations on this, you've been great for Microsoft news the last few years. Thoroughly deserved.

http://bink.nu/Article9252.bink

HD-DVD surpasses Blu-Ray

Toshiba has shown off a 51GB HD-DVD disc, while the size of Blu-Ray discs currently being produced is 50GB (thus beating them by 1GB...)

I'm sure I read an article earlier that said Blu-Ray had made a ~200GB disc...

http://www.dvdtown.com/news/hddvdgoesbeyond50gbwithnewdisc/4260

(BTW: I am a Blu-Ray fan, but think HD-DVD will win.)

Microsoft takes email design back 7 years

(Of particular interest to Programmers, Web Designers and Newsletter-writers:)
Microsoft have changed the way emails are rendered in Outlook 2007. The new method uses the Microsoft Word rendering engine, thus completely changing the way most emails appear.

Look at the article for more information and screenshots.
http://www.campaignmonitor.com/blog/archives/2007/01/microsoft_takes_email_design_b.html

$60 to remove rubbish from PC?

Those of you who aren't making your own PCs and purchase them from PC World, Dell and the like must know how it feels when your PC is shipped with a load of software installed. This includes "sign up for this ISP" and trial versions of programs. (I'm thinking Norton particularly here).

Recently, when Dell was asked about the software it preinstalls, it said that the "OEM Advertising" helps keeps the prices lower. There was even an insinuation that paying $60 more for the PC would be enough not to have software preinstalled.

More information (and source):
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070111-8598.html

Cisco sues Apple

Most of you have heard that Cisco have decided to sue Apple for use of the name 'iPhone'. This article does point out some problems which could swing the 'silly' (Apple's word, not mine) lawsuit in Apple's favour.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/12/iphone-does-cisco-miss-out-due-to-prior-art/

Why I've not been blogging

Heya all,

My mock exams finished Thursday evening, so most evenings have featured revision, thus little blogging. Since finishing, evenings feature celebrations and doing all the things I haven't been able to do during the mocks, thus little blogging.

It should gradually pick up soon (and if Digg becomes compatible with New Blogger that would help too)!

All you who have been mock-ing: Enjoy your "mocks are finished" parties!

Thanks Powweb

Yay! Powweb have just upgraded my bandwidth from 400GB/month to 800GB/month, and my webspace from 20GB to 40GB!

Now thats a step into making the people happy who are annoyed with the changes Endurance have made.

Yay, someone points out problems with the iPhone

If you've been reading this blog this evening, you'll have realised that I have had several rants about the iPhone, Apple, iPods and the Mac-loving crowd of Digg users.

They've managed to digg up a post which explains problems with the iPhone:
http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2007/1/10/6559

...but even then, this guy has to say he wants one. He wouldn't get digged-up otherwise. Grrr...

Line Rider Videos

I have to admit that I do not very much like Line Rider. Most courses are fairly boring and all seem to follow the same sort of template. But I take my metaphorical hat off to these guys, who have all made fantastic courses.

May I present to you "The Best of Line Rider on YouTube";













(best at the top, thanks to http://splashcastmedia.com/the-best-of-line-rider-on-youtube and http://digg.com)

Toilet Server

Hmm... Interesting place to put a server... in the men's room...

http://thedailywtf.com/Articles/A_Secure_and_Well-Ventilated_Location.aspx

Oh you diggers...

Just 30 seconds after making the last post, I checked back on Digg.

The Top 10 comprises of 5 iPhone stories, thus demonstrating the love of Diggers of Macs, iPods and Apple. This angers me.

Here's someone saying they didn't like the iPhone (most of the others say that they do, and go along the lines of "I pity Nokia, and RIM"). One bloke has even said "this'll do it for the cellies". If you like making sure your MOBILE PHONE is up to date (NOT cell phone) you are NOT a CELLIE (which to me sounds like you are a prison inmate).

http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/editors/2007/01/keynotereax/index.php

EDIT: Sorry, this article likes the iPhone too. :-@

Apple iPhone

Its been rumoured for a while, and now its confirmed and manufactured, with examples at MacWorld. First, let me state that my personal opinion of iPods and Macs is low. Very low when it comes to Macs. Don't know why, but they just get on my nerves. Anyway, heres a link to some of the first iPhone pictures, and to be honest - I like it...

http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=2370
(via digg.com)

Ouch...

Intel made an 8-core monster PC for CES. (2x4 core, 4 core = dual dual core)

Take a peek;
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/2007/01/09/ces2007_intel_eight_core/

New Microsoft Keyboard

Microsoft are making a fancy gaming keyboard, which features among other things blue backlit keys, gold plated USB connectors, programmable keys.

It'll be available in the summer this year for around $70.

Loads of information:
http://bink.nu/Article9238.bink

Picture:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/2007/01/08/ces2007_microsoft_reclusa/

Bloggers having problems...

Unfortunately, Blogger is having a few problems at the moment and the ability to post is sporadic and some features aren't working (I normally email my posts in).

Regrettably, what with my Greek exam tomorrow(!) I won't be posting much for tonight (and probably not tomorrow night either).

Shame as its in the middle of CES as well.

Trip in Space @ Microsoft's Expense?

How do you fancy a trip into sub-orbital space?
Or an XBox360?
Zune?
Vista Ultimate Laptop?
24" Widescreen Monitor?
Media Centre PC?
30" Widescreen Monitor?
Games for Windows?
Lifecam?
Office Ultimate 2007?

...all at the expense of Microsoft and AMD...

Microsoft have teamed up with AMD to offer the "Vanishing Point" competition, which enters you into sweepstakes to win any of these prizes. Answer puzzles for a greater chance.

UNFORTUNATELY (hear my anger) under-18s are not eligible although for a change, UK citizens can compete.

Find out more;
www.vanishingpointgame.com

Windows Home Server

Microsoft has announced a Winodws Home Server product at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). It looks to be pretty good, but I, personally, am concerned about the pricing. Windows Vista is still expensive enough and if they plan on charging the same amount for Vista + an extra, its going to become unaffordable.

 

More information about the features and plans for Windows Home Server can be found here:

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070108-8573.html

Ultimate PC Package... £8,100

As per usual, I've been working out the costs of certain computers. This time the challenge was a "money to burn" system or an "ultimate performance absolutely required" system. I finished - check out the PDF for a Quad Core, Dual 8800GTX Graphics, 3TB, 4 Optical Drive system, as well as a package to go with it, including dual 20.1" tfts, gaming keyboard and mice, wifi phone, colour laser printer and more...

Package Cost: £8,100.00
Computer Only: £5,650.00


Ultimate Package.pdf