Yes, there, I am out in the open now, ready to admit it. For the longest time I’ve been watching Netbooks, saying to myself – it’s really a useless toy, why spend money even?
Sure you could check your email on the tiny screen, but can you play online video from YouTube or Hulu? Well, not in HD, but works just fine as regular video!
But surely it can’t even play local MP4 files full screen – Yes it can, aparently!
But you won’t even be able to play any 3D games or run Vista! Well, 3D games work! I was shocked to discover that even World of Warcraft runs, on minimum settings, of course. Vista I haven’t tried (and don’t recommend to), but Windows 7 (RC) works nicely on this machine!
In fact, I decided to post this from my little Netbook! We picked it up for only $260 before recent family vacation, and it proved to be an integral part of the family during the trip. Sure I was waiting for some real 3D (will nVidia’s Ion platform ever materialize?), but with the trip on the horizon and this great Woot price, decided that this is a worthy investment, for now.
Overall we’ve been really happy. Family mostly used it to visit Facebook and watch online (and offline) videos. Did I mention that our model came with 160GB hard-drive and 6 hr battery life? Two really important characteristics, in my opinion, making it much more than a toy. My only complaints are 10″ screen (really minimum), and keyboard size (but new 11″ models have bigger keyboard also). Oh, and be sure to always use Full Screen mode on your web browsers (key F11 on most).
In unrelated news, our Internet at home is back! Comcast tech came and delivered, as they say. It’s very fast and stable now, and we are happy. So, to celebrate, enjoy this fun music video! If you are not on Netbook, hop over to YouTube site and watch in HD.
I was wondering when PBS will jump on the web bandwagon and offer their shows on-demand via the Internet.
I checked again today, and looks like their library is growing nicely. It used to be just one or two shows available last time I checked, but library is much bigger now.
But, what was most thrilling is that finally majority of Nova programs are available online, in full length and decent quality glory! Looks like video web delivery was tough for the team, but maybe it’s for the best, as you should be able to download the shows, if you’re so inclined.
A lot of interesting things to learn, presented in popular fashion. So, check it out. I decided that this is even worthy a small entry on my videos page, for later reference.
I am not into putting together "year end review" of 2007, like some other bloggers, and I especially don’t like all the posts on New Year Resolutions for 2008. One of the late lessons you learn in life is that when you Talk about doing something in the future, and you keep talking about it, chances are you will not do it. The more you discuss doing something (instead of actually going for it!), the more you realize that it probably isn’t all that great, or something could go wrong, or just loose interest in general…
So instead of some empty resolutions, I took some affirmative action today, some first major steps, if you will, with more to follow:
First, I am adding Watch page to my blog. It’s right up there on the header, next to About Me and other pages. The idea is to aggregate some of my favorite videos in one categorized page. Right now it’s mostly videos I blogged about already, that I enjoy, but I will be adding some other fun videos as I come encounter them. Hopefully you will return to that page often (Bookmark it!) and I trust you will enjoy them as well.
Second, I am announcing launch of another blog called EconoVille that I will moderate (but guest posters are welcome). As you probably figured, it will focus on all things related to Economy and Economics. I have been fascinated by Economics as a science for a while now, and I find it especially amazing that even in this day and age with all the research that was done, Reality often drifts away from our Economist predictions.
I am also taking affirmative action on few other project of mine, but I am not prepared to talk about those just yet. Details sure to follow, I promise.
So, have a great new year! I will continue to update my Shared Deals & Blogs (on the right column here) multiple times each day with the latest bargains and major tech developments and news. I also hope to bring you more tips about technology and, of course, life in general.
PS: Do yourself a favor this year and start using Web Readers (Google Reader or Bloglines), it makes it so much easier to keep up with your favorite blogs and web sites! And, once you sign up for free account there, don’t forget to Subscribe to this Blog!
Welcome to 2008!
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