Tech Link: "Why I'm returning my new iPad and buying a Kindle Fire"

I just read an article over at Yahoo about an author returning his/her "new iPad" (niPad). I have similar sentiments, but a different comparison entirely.

Quick Review: The new iPad

As a techie FanBoy, my mind keeps rolling and rolling if I have been missing into the "the new Ipad" craze. Apple, it seems, has been slowly grasping on my system: slowly, but surely, playing games with my mind. However still, I manage to push back the rabid attack, that ghastly whisper keeps me awake at night, but I knew that sooner or later, I have to stand up and fight. So, I did the unthinkable, and "got" one for a test run. I tested one for a couple of days, and the verdict is that: I am not sold out on "the new iPad" (ok, that's really quick isn't it?). This is based on my usage model with my old iPad (first gen). Here on, I will call "the new Ipad" as niPad and my iPad 1 as oiPad. And if you haven't been turned off because I already posted my conclusion, then go read more.

Rant: Why I am holding out on "The new" iPad

I remember months, and I mean like sometime October last year, wifey has been inquiring me whether I plan to get an "iPad 3". Not that she used it often, she actually use it only to play Doodle Jump and that's like about once or twice a month at most. However, she noticed I have been carrying it every time we'll go on lunch outside or getting a long drive. It's because iPad is easy for the kids to use (no mouse, power cord, small enough) while I normally use my Samsung Galaxy Mini Android Phone for music. Anyway, the way I have been reading into the rumors is that, iPad 3 is going to be a killer device. But I already burned myself once when I got iPad 1 and was severely underwhelmed.

Tech Link: Diablo III May 15 [yeah, 2012]

So finally, this long awaited game will be released. I have my pre-order since last year placed on Amazon. Here's hoping I can get it by May 15. Been a heck of a loooooong wait since D2, and I can hardly wait for this next installment!

Tech Link: It is official, iPad 3 is out!

Well, it's not it's unofficial, but just saying it's officially unveiled by Apple today. Before the unveiling, wifey has been asking if I am interested since I already have iPad 1. iPad 2 has nothing really new to offer to me so it's a "so so" for me. Besides having iPad 1 (2010), iPod Nano (2007), I only added one iOS device lately to the family, which is iPhone 4S.

Tech Link: CPU-Z v1.60 is out

The new version is out. The version supports the obvious: Ivy Bridge (and yeah, that AMD too). But you know the drill, so if you're aching to get the latest and greatest, head on to the website to download the tool.

Tech Link (Industry): Google, MD?!?

It seems like Google is on the quest to full web domination. My last post was about Google's Public Alert, and now, Google is improving the way health-related searches are being provided. It is promising, but as is always the case with little knowledge, sometimes, it's dangerous. What I meant is, if "some" people believed anything and everything Google provided regarding the health-related searches, then "these" people might actually do more harm than good. I, myself, do checked on Google for many things health-related. But to be sure, and if I feel things are serious, I just pay a doctor a visit.

Tech Link (Industry): Google's Public Alerts

Google announced today the launching of their new baby: Google Public Alerts (GPA, ugh). It is like Google Maps (and similar), only that it focuses on emergency alerts, like storms, earthquake and the like. It currently gets the data from three major sources: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Weather Service, and the US Geological Survey (USGS). So if you have a knack for disaster (or just want to research or know more about it as it happens), head on to GPA (click me, yep, me).

Tech Link (Industry): Performance Tuning Protection Plan by Intel®

Intel released a very nice plan for CPU enthusiasts that is sure to be a hit for extreme overclockers. With plan selling for as low as $20, and $35 as the highest, enthusiasts that can buy $900 will be happy to have that extra protection.

The plan covers processors with "K" and "X" suffix and falls on Intel® 2nd Generation Core™ processors based on LGA2011 platform. Note that while Intel offers this plan, Intel is still playing it safe and not "endorsing" overclocking.

For the typical overclockers, this option is, just that, an option. What this plan really applies to is when enthusiasts starts pushing volts way beyond specification using exotic coolers. Of course, even casual overclockers using stock aircooler can avail of this, if only to get that secure feeling and guilt-free conscience if and when you break your CPU.

Here's the breakdown:

•  Intel® Core™ i5 2500K= $20
•  Intel® Core™ i7 2600K= $25
•  Intel® Core™ i7 2700K= $25
•  Intel® Core™ i7 3930K= $35
•  Intel® Core™ i7 3960X= $35

Tech Link: CES 2012 Coverage

If you are like me that always wanted to go to CES but never got the chance (*hint* work, budget, and family restrictions), then you're probably prowling the web for bits of information and whatever pieces you can sink your drooling mouth on about the latest and greatest upcoming gadgets in the future. But fear not, because of the popularity of the event, lots of tech websites have decent coverage, where they post pictures and even videos of products. Of course, I'm pretty sure some site will also post umm, the hot BOOTH BABES, but I digress. Here's some of my favorite sites, listed based on my preference (the first being my favorite):

• CNet
• PCWorld
• Engadget

Then there's the old-school gawking at some tech-sites like Tom's Hardware and Ars. I normally don't trust TehInq (yes, wrong spelling I know), but if you need more CES fix, you can also check it out.

As for the gadget I am excited about, I really would like to have a:

• Glass-cased Ultrabook ala HP's Envy. If only it has a dedicated graphics like Radeon or nVidia, then I'm pretty sure I'll snag one as soon as it is released. I guess I might have to wait a little longer though.
• Then I'm also rooting for a better DVR, DISH has some cool things brewing, but I am more a PC guy so I'm looking for a better solution than what Ceton currently has to offer. (And no, SiliconDust sucks, unless they improve their product, won't buy any SD product anymore).
• And lastly, I'm contemplating whether I'll get a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 LTE. Or whether I should just skip it and get a Windows Phone since I never had one.

And so the noodle-every-night meal begins today. I'll save up and see what I can scrounge up to buy the cool gadgets.

Merry Christmas

Woot, Merry Christmas everyone. Hope you all got your wishes, and then more.

Tech Link (Gaming): Blizzard DOTA (!?#@)

This has got to be one of the coolest thing Blizzard will be making as one of their official maps. I have always been a fan of DOTA, and with Blizzard releasing their very own version, with heroes and such, I can't be any happier. I am pretty sure that Blizzard will ensure that heroes will be fairly balanced, easy to play and learn, and like their other games, hard to master. I am not surprised, when there's actually full games released based on DOTA, Blizzard should have done this as well a looooong time ago.

Tech Link (Industry): Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 7.0 Plus 4G

This is going to be interesting: T-Mobile + Samsung = 4G goodness. Samsung has always been pretty aggressive this past years to nibble at Apple's heels when it comes to tablets and smart phones. I have come to love Samsung, due mainly to my experience with my Samsung Galaxy Mini, the most affordable and smallest Android-based smart phone at the time of release. As tablets and consumers became more mature and aware of the different offerings, Samsung is positioned to take on Apple, at least, on hardware-level. The only thing stopping me from getting one is the price. If it hits $199, I'll be grabbing it. Don't get me wrong, at $299 (which becomes $249 after mail-in rebate) is pretty good price, but still, after I got my HP TouchPad at a such bargain price, I am hoping that manufacturers would follow suit. Sure, hardware cost is still high at this time, but heck, demand has picked up and surely, there should be many parts manufacturers which should drive price down.

Tech Link (Industry): Hands-on: Nokia's Lumia 800 is exactly what Microsoft, Windows Phone 7 need

Woot, nice to see Nokia getting its act together. My first ever mobile phone was a Nokia, and before I moved to my Android-based Samsung Galaxy Mini, I have used N9x (N95 and N98) and was pretty happy with N95. However, N98's "touch phone" isn't responsive so that pushed me to change brand and OS. I really miss Nokia's Maps though, and its FREE turn by turn navigation. Anyway, Nokia announced their newest line of product and these babies looks sleek. If they'll have smooth experience, and can perform basic functions of a phone (it's a smartphone), that is "send and receive call, and text messages, then I'm all set. And if these phones can interface to my XBox and PC with a much smoother experience than what my iOS and Android devices, then it's even more exciting. The only downside is that, US folks won't be getting their hands till next year. I can't blame them, this country is full of iPhone users.

Tech Link (Industry): Amazon "Fire" Sale

Don't mistake this for the "HP TouchPad FireSale" that happened a month or so ago. But just the same as HP's "fire sale", Amazon launched a new product called Kindle Fire which seems like an interesting device. Boasting full color, Android OS, it also has its very own browser names "Silk". Then there's also more features, it comes with a free Cloud storage, and fully support Amazon's wealth of services, from movies to music, to apps. Come to think of it, Amazon might very well be the Apple killer since they carry an eco-system similar to Apple (integrated store, and device). Head on to Amazon to check out their announcement...

Article: SiliconDust HDHomeRun Prime Review

I. Introduction
Just a couple of months ago, I am completely oblivious of the modern Digital Cable TV world. While I have subscribed, on and off, cable and satellite or dish TV, those experiences are years gone by and with comparably old and dated technology. I have mostly getting my fix of “TV” using a traditional “rooftop antenna” and for the most part, I am using streaming content over the web for just about anything video related. My “News” are either from radio, or from Facebook, or the intermittent pop up alert from CNN on my tablet. Boy, have I missed a lot. But now that I finally decided to upgrade my internet from AT&T DSL to Comcast Cable, it comes with a big bonus: digital cable TV.

Article: Fanboy's quest for Digital Cable TV enlightenment

As a “newbie” at Cable TV, I have been learning a lot stuff rather painfully. As a guy who mostly watch movies, TV shows and series at Netflix, Hulu, and the old traditional TV antenna, I haven't really been catching up with the latest trends in Cable TV and HDTV in general. So jumping in this haven't been easy, what with all the cost associated with the service and the “complexity” of having a decent digital Cable HDTV system.

As an upstart in this field, I decided to go with Comcast/XFinity and skipped AT&T mostly because I've just had enough of AT&T's internet service. Besides, other than AT&T, I can't really find any provider in my area so either AT&T or Comcast.

Quick Look: Wireless USB PC Remote Control Mouse for PC

Well, I bought a new gadget for home and I figure I might as well add my review here at my own Blog to bring it "up to date" a bit and also help a few people out there.

Anyway, I transferred to my new home, well far far away from my previous one (one country to another), so I needed to sell a few things and acquire new things. Unfortunately, some of the things I brought with me are basic, but working just fine. While I will bring the "core components", I left the common ones. An example is my HTPC. While I brought the whole CPU (Core 2 Duo, 2GB DDR2 RAM, 500GB HD), I did leave my wireless mouse and keyboard behind to save up some baggage space and of course, shed off some weight (you know how airlines tend to penalize for overweight baggages).

Press Release: ViewSonic Brings Dual OS Intel Atom Processor-Based Tablet to Market

Wow, best of "two worlds" has come. This has gotta be nice, at least in paper. Running Android, for the rich app, simplicity of use, and just being one of the "them" will surely entice fans of the genre. Of course, with Win7 OS as well, flexibility and support for so many devices and software will surely make this a very appealing replacement for netbook/ultra portable and also make this a viable hardware for use in corporate environment...

Now, if only HP's WebOS can only  be installed in these babies, then it would be awesome. This will mean that there will be more market for consumers. However, I can only imagine the support might not be as smooth. With one OS, it would be acceptable, dual OS is going to be tough, and triple OS might be impossible...

Tech Link (Industry): Previewing ‘Windows 8’

This is a very interesting demo from Microsoft. I have always been a Windows user, and while I don't loath or hate other OS, I just got too used to this operating system. I don't even have to "hard learn" new stuff whenever MS came out with new OS, well, except during my transition from MS DOS to Windows 3.1/WFW (Windows for Workgroups). So anyway, the big news is super cool: touch interface for the upcoming Windows 8.

It's such a long time coming for the interface to show up. While "touch" has been implemented on desktop PC before this version of OS, it requires 3rd party hardware/software and it doesn't really operate differently than having a mouse (yeah, that was too long ago). Anyway, so now MS comes up with cool-looking interface and if this proved to be stable, it is a definite winner. I mean, it can run your usual Windows program, and then you can have both touch and "traditional" desktop interface, a marriage of both world = awesome. Check out the video and then read on more to see the official MS statement.