XBOX 360 IS NOT IN SHORT SUPPLY

We've all heard the buzz of the Playstation 3 and the Nintendo Wii but can you actually get a hold of one? Probably not and neither could we here at technobabble.

You may be surprised to know that the Wii and the PS3 are NOT the only next-gen consoles out there. Microsoft has a very capable system of the their own. By now you know we are talking about the xbox 360.

Now when we go for hardware here at technobabble we don't go for the cheap we get the best out there. Saying this we opted for the "pro" version of the 360 with the 20GB hard drive thus giving the console the ability to play older XBOX games (with a quick emulator download from xbox live). Our particular 360 also came with "Project Gotham Racing", wireless controller, and a headset. We also purchased the game "Kameo".

As a new person to the whole online maketplace idea that Microsoft has with it's xbox "live" system I can't see how online services could be handled any better than Microsoft has designed theirs. The only thing that I would like to see is built-in wireless connectivity. My 360 in particular is no-where near an internet connection in my house (I live in a 120 year old house obviously never wired with network cable so I use a wireless connection). Other than no wireless connectivity hooking up hardware-wise is easy. It's truly plug and play (unless you have a special set-up like static IP's or something of the such).

Games load extremely fast. I was impressed how the load time was even improved for the emulated xbox games.

The firmware OS design is amazing. The blades as they have been called are a great design and extremely easy to navigate.

Time will tell but Microsoft has made a winning console in my book.

UPDATE:

I've had some time to check out the console further and man does it have its strengths and weaknesses.

From the beginning people have been complaining about the heat that comes from the 360. I have to agree about the heat. It actually heats the my office are hear at technobabble to a point where I could actually close the furnace vent in the room. Mind you that's only when the 360 is playing an actual 360 game. When you're playing XBOX games, browsing the 360 menus, or listening to music it doesn't seem to kick out as much heat. The worst part about the heat is that not only does the console release a heck-load of heat so does the "power brick" (as it has been termed).

The Second thing I would like to comment about is the the fan noise. Crap this thing is loud. Again the fans are only loud when the console is playing an actual 360 game.

The way Microsoft seems to being pointing for this console is to make a media hub for the home. Where it stands right now that would be impossible until they can fix the heat and noise problem. It simply isn't quiet or cool enough for a home-theatre setting.

PLAYSTATION 3 RELEASED IN JAPAN

Sony has released the new Playstaion 3 in Japan today with only 100 000 units available to consumers.

Reported from many different sources there are Japanese people rounding buildings with lines to get the new console.

North America still waits for its whole 400 000 units to come (although it was first reported to be 600 000 units) on November 17.

Sony has blamed many things for the low production of the PS3 including the blue-ray optical drive and the low-yielding Cell processor.

Many analysts expect the PS3 to win the next console war but not by as big of margin. Playstation has some the the biggest platform games out there including SOCOM: US NAVY SEALS and most people consider Final Fantasy a platform game as well (even though Final Fantasy XI was released for the XBOX 360).

One things for sure, if you haven't already slapped down some money for a pre-order of your very own PS3 you won't be getting one this Christmas.

MMMMM... HOTDOGS

One of the best Canadian inventions known to mankind : the Hot Diggity Dogger! The Duchampbell Sales company says this hot dog toaster makes the world's best hotdogs! All you have to do is plug in the toaster, place two hotdogs into the round vertical slots and two buns in the semi-circle slots and push down the lever. In about five minuits, your hotdogs are grilled and your buns are toasted! You can change how much your hotdogs and buns are cooked by adjusting the heat knob to lighter or darker. How easy is that?
This invention is sure to be one that Jeff and I would like to try out - and Kev, well, he's already saving up to buy one!
The Hot Diggity Dogger: $49.95
Hotdogs and buns not included.
-written by Cee-

TECHNOBABBLE PODCAST 10 SLIRPY PODCAST

Episode 10 is out. We have put it on a new feed however so if you want to subscribe to it please click here:

http://www.switchpod.com/users/jeffbreyer/feed.xml

This is a pretty laid back episode but a lot of fun.

Enjoy!

SQUARE-ENIX RELEASES FINAL FANTASY XII

Square-Enix has released the 12th volume in their Final Fantasy Series.

Not only is Final Fantasy XII the new addition to the family, it also leaves the rest of the Final Fantasy's in the dust when you compare the game design.

We were told early on that Square-Enix was designing a completely revamped battle system and we can see the results now. Final Fantasy XII's battle system is based more closely to Final Fantasy XI where all battles happen directly on the field rather than going into a battle phase like previous volumes in the series.

Square-Enix also had to drop the amount of polygons to allow enemies to be seen on the field. This makes no difference to game graphics because the world is very well designed and coloured. If I was to compare the colours used in this world I would probably compare them to Romancing Saga. There are a lot of pastel type colours but this also helps in the shaping of the characters as they don't have as many polygons.

I know that all sounded very technical so here's something you'll appreciate. The battle system is great. I'd say the only draw-back is the camera. I'm not sure how Square-Enix thinks but their cameras always act opposite to what they should. I've also had the camera get stuck a couple times and that's not good when you are being attacked.

The CG sequences are right up to par. Some of the beginning war sequences remind me of Star Wars Episode III.

You'll see for yourself when you pick up Final Fantasy XII.

BLING BLING : TEEHEE, THAT SOUNDS HILARIOUS COMING FROM MY MOUTH!

I know you've all at one point tied some ethernet wires together to make a colourful necklace or bracelet, but how about some of this stuff!

Gentlemen... how about adding some circuitboard cufflinks ($64) to give your suit a nerdish flare? I know Jeff can't wait to wear his suit with those stylish pieces.

Ladies... wouldn't you enjoy slipping a pair of capcitor earings ($15) on to complete that perfect outfit? Trust me when I say that know exactly what to wear with those!
Like it large and on a chain? Try on a gold microprocessor necklace ($50).

This is one of the most interesting websites that I've ever seen. I never really thought about using computer and electronic componants to make jewelry. You can find these inovative items at fractalspin.com along some other interesting objects made out of computer and "techno" parts.

-written by Cee-
-edited by Jeff-

PODCAST UPDATE

Episode 10 of technobabble podcast is done and now in edit. It should be complete by next Friday at the latest.

PIMPED OUT AT THE CLUB

The fashion at the club this season isn't the usual midrift revealing tops and mini skirts - NO! It's the T-Equalizer, coming in the ultra fashionable colours of red, purple, green and blue, or the original shirt of yellow and red bars. (This is no joke it's real.) Show off to your clubbing friends that you want to be the talk of the party.
When the music starts, the coloured panel on your shirt will magically flash to the rhythm of the music just like an equalizer on your computer. All you have to do is throw in 4 AAA batteries and wear it to the club.

The T-Equalizer comes in small - x-large, and costs $29.95. (Batteries not included.)

Don't lose your groove at the door, wear the T-Equalizer and become the center of the light show!

-written by Cee-

MICROSOFT RELEASES WINDOWS INTERNET EXPLORER 7

Microsoft has released Windows Internet Explorer 7.0.

Not much to say about this. I have a review about the beta version and it hasn't changed very much or even at all since then.

My recommendation is if you use Internet Explorer you should update. It is certainly a much better brower than before including tabs. If you don't use Internet Explorer you should update anyways. Most people believe it still has the same core as version 6 but it may turn out to be more secure in the long run.

Next recommendation to those of you who use Internet Explorer please switch to Mozilla FireFox or even Opera (I like it just a little bit more). These browsers are completely free and are far more secure than Internet Explorer.

Happy surfing.

SONY RELEASES SILVER PLAYSTATION 2 IN NORTH AMERICA

Sony has released a silver version of the PlayStation 2 in North America.

This confims the rumors that there was a special PS2 coming and as you can see by the picture from the left that the silver PS2 is real.

I picked up one from Wal-Mart today.

It comes complete with well, nothing. It come with a standard controller painted silver like the unit itself. It comes with an improved version 4 of the online software.

The finish is a little bit more elegent than the slate colour version. There is no difference in perfomance so there is no advantage to buying this other than the update online firmware/software.

I intend to keep this as a momento and eventually to use over my slate version because this is the very first time Sony has ever released a version of their hardware in a different colour than black and slate in North America.

UPDATE:

I have been doing some more research on the differences between the two versions of the PS2 and have found a new almost disturbing item having to do with a hardware change on the silver PS2.

As you know you have always had the option to use a dial-up connection for your internet connection all the way back to the original PS2. You could also connect via the network port on the back to get onto a broadband connection.

Sony has deleted the network port on the new silver PS2 obviously making the statement that no one uses a modem to connect to the internet.

Considering this, I actually can't remember the last online game that I have played that you could play over a dial-up connection. I searched through our own collection here and only found one title (ATV Offroad Fury 2; we haven't gotten rid of this because it is a "NOT FOR RESALE" title that came with our very first PS2) so I think Sony has figured that the dial-up connection is basically taking up space on the back of their trusty console.

Looking at the contents of the package I should have clued my self in when the "Online Start-Up Disc" (included with every PS2) said "Broadband Only" on itself and had a whole new version number (4.0).

Additional comments on the silver PS2 not relating to the deletion of the Dial-Up port is about the finish.

The finish like I reported in the original report was, well, exquisite. The major difference is that the exterior of the silver PS2 is no longer grained like the graphite PS2 giving the silver version a much sleeker, more metal looking finish.

Also the logos for what kind of media it can play are not engrained into the plastic and are instead painted on. The open logo has also been taken away from the flip-top as well.

DELL RELEASES AMD POWERED DESKTOPS IN CANADA

Dell is now offering to Canadians the option of having AMD processors in it's new E521 series desktops.

You can purchase a system with a AMD Sempron 3400+ all the way up to the AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+.

Even though theses are very powerful processors Intel still has the one-up on AMD with the Core2 processors on the market today.

This is a good move for Dell, allowing users to have true options between their computer line-ups. I am now ready to buy a Dell because I still prefer the AMD processor over the Intel.

Dell is pushing the AMD market basically only for the home user and has not released any business desktops as of yet. There are also no notebooks with the AMD processor in it either, which isn't really a bad thing since they aren't nearly as efficient as the Intel Pentium M.

TECHNOBABBLE UPDATE

Howdy all,

I (Jeff) have been very busy lately and haven't been able to update the website or get another podcast (or netcast?) because of my real-life job. Real life you say? Yes, the even I have to work to make money as well as my co-editors Cee and Kev.

I thought you all deserved an update so here it is.

So what's happened since my last post. Let's see...

Between the month of September to October I have seen a few changes. Well, maybe not that many. The RIAA is still trying to cut down on the rights of consumers, Intel has released the Core2 Duo, Apple releases a new iPod (well an update anyway), laptop batteries are still unsure of whether to work or blow-up, Apple releases a lemon version of iTunes and starts selling video on the iTunes store (only in the US I might add), and apparently Microsoft Internet Explorer has another critcal flaw (I beg of you all to download Mozilla Firefox and use it instead of Internet Explorer).

That's a lot of stuff.

Anyway there's going to be a new podcast coming out this weekend or next so be ready for it. We purchased a better microphone and have set up a new recording studio.

I also wanted to mention that I have partnered up with J. C. Hutchins to promote his podiobook trilogy 7th Son. He is currently on his second book in the trilogy Deceit. This is a great sci-fi audiobook and it's FREE!!! Anyway, J.C. is a great guy and I wish him all the best. I will put one of his bumpers in my RSS and in my next podcast. Check out 7th Son by J.C. Hutchins.

I will start updating technobabble more regularly very soon.

Until next time,

Jeff

STEVE IRWIN : CROCODILE HUNTER

Steve Irwin, crocodile hunter, was killed this week by stingray while shooting a film. The poisonous barb pierced Irwin in the heart and he was pronounced dead not much later.

To the Irwin family and friends,

Our hearts and prayers go out to you in this time.

APPLE UPDATES IMAC AND MINI

Apple has released and update to the iMac and mac mini product lines.

The biggest addition to the group is the huge 24 inch iMac that runs the Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The previous models also now run the Core 2. The price for the base 17 inch has went down due to the fact it has lost the ATI graphics card (it now has integrated Intel graphics).

Apple has also increased the amount of ram that can be put into the iMacs and just overall made the iMac a great value to anybody that's looking for a computer.

Apple also released an update to the mac mini. There is no option for the Intel Core Solo processor anymore so you get a Duo no matter what. Which is goo considering the Solo isn't that powerful.

I gues I have no option anymore but to get a mac ASAP.

32-BIT VERSION OF WINDOWS VISTA NOT SUPPORTING HD-DVD OR BLU-RAY

The MPAA (if that was who indeed stomped on this) has stomped on innovation and on the pocket-books of people once again.

This comes from an interview with Steve Riley when he announced that Windows Vista 32-bit edition will not play any of the next generation high-definition formats.

The people (I assume the MPAA) said that it is too easy to get around the copy protection with 32-bit processors and believes that the only way to protect their content is to use 64-bit processors.

This is bad news for the consumers that have purchased their computers with Intel Pentium and AMD Athlon (and even Sempron) processors thinking that they would just upgrade to Vista 32-bit edition. Now consumers will have to buy a completely new computer. Which begs the question:

How many of us really want and need this next generation format?

Doing this not only means spending money on not just the drive but also a brand new mid-range computer. THIS SUCKS! (unless you like to spend all your money)

Now to clarify, this wasn't Microsoft's fault (however they could have stood up for the consumer a little better) but Microsoft was told that if they want their operating system to run these new mediums of storage they need to use 64-bit technology.

Later, Microsoft released that you will still be able to use the drive as a back-up device but not play any of the movies released by either HD-DVD or BLU-RAY, which kind of defeats the purpose since we can buy external hard drives a heck of a lot cheaper.

Do we really want these new high-definition formats? Or do we just want an easy way to watch content at high quality play-back? IPTV is looking better and better all the time.

APPLE RECALLS 1.8 MILLION BATTERIES

Apple is the second in the not so distant past to recall 1.8 million of their own Li-Ion batteries.

The surprising thing to note is that the batteries included in this recall are made by Sony.

If you didn't read the story I posted a bit ago about the Dell battery recall here is the significance:

Both companies batteries are made by Sony.

Sony has been under attack for many things as of late including their batteries and the now famed "rootkit". Their own Playstation 2 had a recall on it power adapters a year or so ago.

What is Sony up to creating crappy parts? Are they too busy with the Playstation 3 or are we to expect and thrid-rate product from them for their next console as well?

DISCUSSION FORUMS NOW AVAILABLE

We have created a new discussion area for technobabbleonline.com and it is open for use.

Just click on the link the the right that says "Discuss the Topics" and it will go right to the discussion area.

There is registration required but I don't get any of the information so your safe.

DELL RECALLS CRAPPY BATTERIES

Batteries have been in the news for the past months with stories of explosions and fires. Dell is the latest company to be bothered with the possibility of laptop batteries exploding.

Sony makes the batteries that are in current recall, which includes 4.1 million batteries from thirty-three laptops in Dell's manufacturing line.

Lithium is a fairly dangerous element and anything that has to do with Lithium should not be taken lightly.

Many people blame the fact that since most parts for laptops, and computers in general, are crappy due to them being built in China.

Dell is reassuring consumers that the only way this happens is if there is a short circuit and that only happens in rare circumstances.

Dell isn't the only company that has been having problems with batteries lately. The first we started hearing reports of bad batteries was with Apple's new MacBook Pro. This has been photoed and you can find photos on the internet of swelling and exploding batteries.

Best advice for now? Keep your laptop off your lap and turn it off when you don't use it. Dell says for their computers in particular to shut down the laptop, take out the battery, and plug in your laptop to use it.

Who's next? HP/Compaq? Sony? Acer? Time will only tell.

APPLE RELEASES NEW INTEL DESKTOP

Apple has just released the last of it's Intel computers with the new Mac Pro.

This system promises to be very powerful with options of two 2GHz to 3GHz Dual Core Zeon processors, up to 16GB of DDR2 RAM, up to four hard drives with a total of 2 terabytes to local storage, 4 nVidia GeForce 7300 GT cards, as well as an option for 2 superdrives.

I think this system really puts Apple on the top end as far as desktops go. You can even get an optional fibre channel card.

If what everyone has been saying about the new Intel chip is really true this is the fastest computer on the market now.

AMD AND ATI BECOME LOVERS AFTER ALL

Rumors for the past couple of weeks have been flying about a possible merger between AMD and ATI.

Well, it seems our rumors have become truth as AMD and ATI joined hands in a coalition against Intel on July 24, 2006 at a cost of 5.4 billion dollars.

To most people this is viewed as a despiration move for AMD as they don't seem to have a new chip to compete with the new Intel Core 2 chips.

Though the real reason may never be know to us AMD and ATI seem to think the reall reason is integrating their processor and graphics chips to create a new chip.

This is an interesting move for AMD as nVidia has been making a fairly good chipset for AMD for a long time called nForce.

We'll see how long this lasts and whether or not this merger will really give AMD what it needs to beat Intel.