Crackdown Update

So I have been logging in some hours playing Crackdown and I must say it has been quite addictive. Full review to come after I beat the single player. Co-op play is functional but not seamless. The story in the game (if you can call it that) doesn't seem very long but I am sure I will be keeping myself busy unlocking achievements. Finally a game that doesn't have a list of impossible achievements. While by no means easy, given enough time and effort most of them seem doable.

Halo 3 Beta Launch, er I mean Crackdown is Avalible

So its February 20th and as many many rabid Halo fans know, Crackdown is now available at all major stores. Having played the Xbox Live Demo very briefly, I am almost sad that Microsoft tied in the Halo 3 Beta with Crackdown because the game is quite fun. You play a genetically altered super cop (Deus Ex anyone?) who's mission is to take back a city overrun by gangs. It is a free roam game which allows players to tackle on missions in any order. After personally suffering through both Halo 3 Beta registration options, this is the easiest way to participate in the beta as long as you're willing to shell out 60 smackeroos. Even though I managed to make it through the hoops by continually refreshing my browser during the second round of registrations for the beta, I am probably going to pick up Crackdown. Reviews to come once I get around to getting the game or when Falcon decides to put his copy down.

Samsung SyncMaster 941BW

My Samsung SyncMaster 941BW arrived today and replaces a standard 17in panel. Put next to my old Samsung 940BW the two are identical except for a slightly wider bezel on the 941 (its barely noticeable unless you're me). with no difference in monitor heights and windows lining up when they span the two monitors, my OCD is now sated. In all seriousness, at $179 (after rebate) from Newegg, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824001088, it's quite a steal. Widescreen 19 inch monitors don't offer the same amount of area as a standard 19in but it does allow me to put more windows side by side as well as enjoy widescreen dvds and video. The first thing I adjusted was the brightness on my monitor, it is blindingly bright if you leave it on the factory settings. The native resolution of the monitors are 1440x900 and Samsung is nice enough to ship both a DVI and VGA cable, good to see they don't skimp on their products. If you're in the market for a cheap new monitor give the 941bw a consideration. As it is not a higher end model with lots of extra features there are no USB ports, there is no height adjustment, and you cannot swivel the screen 90 degrees. Finally, the lcd panel does sit a bit low, something that should be considered before purchasing.

**I believe (just to the best of my understanding) the 941BW is merely the 940BW with a bezel that is a teensy bit wider. The screen specs are the same and height/width and stand are exactly the same otherwise. Buy whichever one is cheaper if you're shopping around.**

How to Fix Your Broken 4G iPod

Browsing the internet I have discovered that there are a few iPod owners who have been fixing their broken iPods with a rather simple solution. A few months ago my iPod locked up and gave me the sad error face reminiscent of the icon you get on a Mac unable to bootup. After trying to fix it by using the restore function in iTunes as well as the iPod soft, I was quite peeved at the prospect of shelling out another 300 dollars or so dollars for a new one. Deciding I didn't really use my iPod enough to justify buying another one I angrily whacked my iPod against my desk a few times in frustration. After such loving care, the screen glowed and came to life proudly displaying the apple logo on the screen. Since this incident my drive doesn't make any weird whirring sounds and has given me no problems. The lesson to be learned is that if your iPod is no longer under warranty, you might as well give a good whack before spending any money on it. It may very well fix whatever is ailing your iPod.

**DISCLAIMER** If you break your iPod or crack the screen by whacking it too hard, I bear no responsibility as this is just a last ditch suggestion. Obviously you should use your warranty if it is still in effect.

Wii Classic Controller

So I've finally found a classic controller for the Wii and downloaded Super Mario World and Mario for NES. Playing NES games with the Wiimote feels very familiar, even though the controller is slightly longer and the buttons are slightly smaller compared to the original NES gamepad. The same can be said of the classic controller, everything is a bit smaller than a SNES controller but it remains very responsive. After trying to play Super Mario World with a game cube controller I recommend that you shell out the 19.99 and just get a classic controller. My only gripe about the set up is that like the Nunchuck, the controller plugs into the Wiimote, but it is a small price to pay to better enjoy Nintendo's Virtual Console.

iPhone? No Thanks

As my current mobile phone contract winds down, I have started a casual search for a new mobile carrier. With all the hoopla regarding the iPhone deal with Cingular/At&t it was on my radar. Priced at around $500 dollars Apple can forget about my business. I am quite content with my iPod and do not see a need to have a cell phone that's also an mp3 player. For 500 dollars I might as well get myself a swanky phone upgrade with a carrier and buy myself an iPod nano while treating my friends out to a crazy night on the town. For 100-200 dollars you can get a pretty nifty cell that takes low quality pictures, functions well as a phone, and looks very sleek. I predict that the iPhone will not move in high numbers. Spoiled rich kids and ubertechnophiles will run to Cingular on launch day but typical consumers as well as businesses will stay away. Apple is betting on style over function which is a dangerous game with mobile phones. I want my phone to work. I want to be able to dial numbers without looking and if I am going to spend over 300 dollars I want my phone to sync with my e-mail while allowing me to send quick responses. I can not imagine the frustrations that will be experienced by those who attempt to write text messages or emails that are longer than a few abbreviations unless apple has an innovative new entry method. So while I may be slightly jealous of the trendy folks chatting on their iPhones later in the year, my practical side won't mind.