Green
Topic: Gadgets/Gizmos
I'm unreasonable. Possibly just silly. I think it's because I'm so addicted to gadgets.

I have an iPod Shuffle. It holds 512 Mb of data. I can hold a lot of music on it; it is more than enough for my needs. I've never filled it and gone through every song on it in one sitting. I like it very, very much.

I finally got my wife something for Christmas. We've been waiting for a bonus to come in, and it did, so we got her what she wanted. She could have had a PSP, or a new video card, but she chose over those an iPod Nano. It's a very nice gadget. She could have got the 2 gig Nano, but for only 50 dollars more, she opted for the 4 Gb. It holds her music and her audio books. It's black, sleek, small, and she even bought a carrying case with a belt clip on it. She can carry it with her everywhere. She loves it.

Functionally, it's identical to my Shuffle, except it holds 8 times more music than my Shuffle. Which means it holds 8 times more than all the music space I need. Hells; she could put all her favorite songs on it, still have plenty of room left over, and only hook it up to her PC to recharge it now and then. It's better than mine, but functionally, it's identical in every respect but one, and that one respect is inconsequential; more storage space than I'll ever need is, in practical terms, just as useful to me as 8 times more storage space than I'll ever need.

And that's why I'm unreasonable, or possibly just silly. Despite the fact that, for all intents and purposes, we both have exactly the same thing, I'm envious of her technology. She's been very wonderful and understanding about my computer's clocks, vid, and RAM capabilities, and here I am jealous of her iPod. I really don't know why. I think it's a technogeek thing.

I'm very happy for her. I'm glad whenever she gets what she really wants, because I do not believe she's good enough to herself, and she earns every respite from the stresses of work and modern life that she can get. Having her music stored on a device that's smaller than a pack of Trident gum is a great thing; she can take it fishing, or shopping, or wherever she wants to take it. I wanted her to have it, and I'm glad she went all out and got what she wanted, and what she deserved. I really am.

But I'm envious. I don't know if that makes me a bad person or not, but at least I can admit I'm envious, and move on. I'm sure in time my envy will be replaced by common sense, probably the next time I get something really cool for myself. So, with that in mind, I say this from myself, to myself... "Self, she's happy, that's what counts. Get over it."

I feel better already.

Nostromo
Topic: Gadgets/Gizmos
The Lovely and Talented Ghost Wolf has on her computer the aforementioned and much-lauded Zboard. And this is great, inasmuch as it allows specific keysets for specific games, or a generic keyset for... uhm... generic gaming.

But on the system I'm now running, I have something a little different, but equally gametastic. It's the Nostromo N52, by Belkin.

Here's the numbers.

-14 programmable keyboard-style buttons
-2 programmable thumb buttons
-Mouse wheel, including 3rd mouse button (wheel depresses like a mouse button)
-A programmable, 8-way directional pad
-An adjustable, removable left-hand rest (This is a bigger deal than it seems)
-Stable base with internal metal weight and rubber footpad (So is this)

Requirements:
-USB port
-CD-ROM or DVD drive (for software installation and drivers)
For Windows platforms:
-Windows 98, 2000, Me, or XP
-Pentium 233Mhz or compatible with 32Mb RAM
-30MB available hard drive space
-DirectX compatible video card
For Apple platforms: (I'm talking to you, Joe)
-Mac OS 9.04 or later or Mac OS X v10.1.2 or later
-102Mb hard drive space for Mac OS X
-10Mb hard drive space for Mac OS 9

That's right. It's a cross-platform controller.

Installation was easy. I installed the software, plugged in the speedpad, and it was ready to go; the keys are pre-set in the first shift state (more on that in a minute) to correspond to, essentially, the left-hand keyboard keys. But some customization is in order, here.

You have the aforementioned keys. What the numbers don't say is that there's 3 shift-states to the controller... red, green, and blue. Counting the unshifted state, you have 4 shift-states, each one capable of having completely different key settings from all the other shift-states. The good news on that is that it allows you to have a Hell of a lot of programmed keys. The bad news is that 3 of them in each shift-state have to be keys that shift you to the other 3 shift states, or you're stuck there. The pad has a light bar right underneath the thumb (space) bar. There's 3 LED's on it, each one lighting a color that corresponds to the 3 shift states (red, green, and blue). Now that I've bored you with that, here's what it means: you can see quickly and easily what color-coded shift-state you're in by looking at the light bar. No lights, no shift state.

The action on the keys is nice, the mouse wheel is firm, and the "fire" button just above the directional pad is conveniently placed; however, for a game that requires repeatedly firing (first-person shooters especially), I recommend changing that to a weapon select key (or something that doesn't require rapidly repeated tapping), and making one of the keypad keys your fire key. The button doesn't respond as well as those keys, and it makes a difference.
The directional pad is very nice, and has a smooth, rocking action to it. It's useful for movement, replacing the WASD movement.

The remapping software is convenient and easy to use. It's intuitive, and allows multiple methods for remapping the key. Tapping one of the keys or controls on the N52 will highlight the assignment text on the software display. Or, conversely, you just point and click at the image of the controller, and it will do the same thing. You activate the remap command, tap the key on your normal keyboard, and it's assigned.
And just because it's nice to just fire up your software and not have to change your profile on the N52, it's got the ability to associate with a file; so if you execute, say, EQ2.exe, it knows to load your Everquest 2 profile. If you execute, say, Unreal Tournament 2004, it loads that profile. All you have to do is associate each profile to the particular game's executable.

But wait... there's more.

You can program macros.

Got a function in one of your favorite games that requires a lot of actions? Maybe a cheat code, or a complex maneuver? You can assign any of the controls to activate a macro that executes the keystrokes as you programmed it. Again, the software for this is easy to use.

I prefer the N52 to the Zboard because it allows me to use a regular keyboard at the same time. I don't have to adjust to a different setup just to type text to someone, or look for the "delete" key. Like the Zboard, profiles are associated with executable files. On the Zboard, I put in a keyset, and it automatically boots a game I associated with that keyset. But the N52 does it the other way around; when I run a game I associated with a profile, it automatically loads that profile. No keyset switching, no manual profile loading, just load-and-play.

Downside: I booted my system this morning, and it thought the N52 was my regular keyboard. I had to disconnect it and reboot. That may have been a glitch caused by the fact my USB 2.0 drivers hadn't been installed yet,* or maybe it will always be that way. But it's USB, so it's easy to remove the cord, boot, and put the cord back in. There may also be a way to prevent this in the software that I have not yet found, but in the meantime, it's a minor inconvenience. UPDATE: I just rebooted the system, after having installed the 2.0 drivers for USB, without unplugging the N52. The system recognized the keyboard and the N52 as separate entities. So that seems to be the answer: it only gets confused if you're using USB 1.0. 2.0 fixes that.

The cost for this gadget o' gaming goodness? $37.99 USD at Best Buy (that link takes you to the N52 on Best Buy's site). About what you'd pay for a decent keyboard, and less than you'd pay for the Zboard, and that's not counting the specific keysets that Zboard sells separately for $20 USD. The Belkin on-line purchase price is $50 USD, so go to Best Buy.

I'm still playing with the layout for EQ2; but I'm getting closer to something that works best for me. And that's another thing I like over the Zboard; if I don't like the layout, I can change it. And since I can go to a windowed mode in EQ2, I can even change it while I'm playing the game. This makes fine-tuning it a lot easier and quicker.

Nutshell:
Pros:
Easily configurable
Easy to install
Works with existing keyboard, doesn't interfere with it
Programmable macros
Inexpensive
Cross-platform capable
Low system drain
Low system requirements
Handrest easily removable, and adjustable for larger hands
Easy to use, fun to use

Cons:
System confuses N52 and keyboard at startup if using USB 1.0
"Fire" button less responsive than keys

Recommendation: Why don't you have one already?

*Long story short: I forgot.

Hardware
Topic: Gadgets/Gizmos
I like screwdrivers. No, not the orange juice and vodka kind (although those are nice too). Screwdrivers for tightening screws. And I don't mean bolts, because those need a wrench, and that's not the same.

Screwdrivers have to be held in a manner that is very inefficient for the task for which they have been designed. You can't apply sufficient torque to the screw head designed for a regular, standard, flat-bladed screwdriver. That's probably why they make cross-tip screws and screwdrivers. And they make two kinds of those. There's one that has a really pointy tip and one that has a rounded tip. Neither of these work particularly well, either.

Then there's the ones that need Allen wrenches. Those don't count either, because it's not an Allen screwdriver. It's an Allen wrench.

The difference is wrenches are offset 90 degrees, maximizing the efficiency of the tool. Screwdrivers are in-line, and a lot of energy is wasted just trying to keep a grip on the thing, or keep it seated in the screw. Wrenches are better, but still we keep screwdrivers around.

We try to add whistles and bells to make them better. I have two that I especially like; both are ratcheting screwdrivers. A slide on the grip adjusts whether it drives, extracts, or locks in place and works like a normal screwdriver. Both have multiple heads. One is really short, useful for working on a PC case. The other is really long, has a flashlight built-in and shining on the screw you're driving. It also has a retractable magnetic tip that is useful for picking up dropped screws. It's useful for working on the car and similar things. But they both are shining* examples of gussying up a screwdriver to make it more useful, instead of just using an fastener that is tightened by wrench.

That's why I like screwdrivers. They are a clear example of Human nature... no matter how much better a job can be done, there's always enough people that will cling to the old way that there will still be a market for it.

*Literally, in the case of the flashlight screwdriver.

iPod Vs. MuVo: There Can Be Only One!
Topic: Gadgets/Gizmos
Not really. I'll keep them both. They're like little electronic pleasure sticks.

Okay, that didn't sound right at all. But they are nice to have.

The comparison will be between the MuVo and the iPod Shuffle. Note that MuVo makes a TX version, which has a voice recorder, and also a TX FM, which has a voice recorder and an FM tuner. We'll just look at the basic MuVo, though, since it is functionally similar to the iPod Shuffle. The advanced MuVo offers the functions I mentioned above, but at a higher cost.

Moving on.

The first category: storage.
iPod Shuffle has 512 Mb of storage capacity, and can be used as a "thumb drive" as well. So far as I can find, the Shuffle comes in the 512 Mb flavor, or for a little more, the 1 Gb taste sensation. The MuVo comes in morsels of 64Mb, and 128 Mb, although the TX and TX FM have larger storage sizes ranging from 128, 256, and 512 Mb, and 1 Gb feast. For similarity's sake, though, we'll stick to the basic MuVo. The iPod has more memory capacity, and wins this portion of the comparison. However, the MuVo has the option of allowing you to purchase another memory stick portion, and you can swap them out for more total memory. It's not all in one unit, and it will cost more overall, but you can effectively have more memory on the MuVo. This is a win for the iPod, though, since all the storage is in one package, consecutive, and more functional than swapping memory sticks.

Next: functionality. Both can be used as a flash drive (or a "thumb drive") allowing you to store music or other files for easy transfer to another computer. To play MP3's, the iPod Shuffle has a simple set of controls allowing you to play, pause, advance, rewind, increas or decrease the volume, and change modes from serial play to shuffle, where it plays the songs in random order instead of sequential. You simply uncap the USB connector, and plug it in to the port, and you can manage the files on the device using the very effective software with which it is packaged.
So does the MuVo, but there's a catch: the MuVo slides into a support sleeve sort of thing, which houses it while it is not plugged into your USB port. To use it as an MP3 player, it must be plugged into this sleeve. The battery is in the sleeve, and the USB plug is protected by the sleeve as well. So while the iPod is stand-alone, the MuVo has two portions, and it loses MP3 functionality while not connected to its dock. Simplicity wins this one; iPod takes the functionality point.

Battery life: the MuVo uses one AA battery to power itself when it is used as an MP3 player. The battery doesn't sit in the connections very well. And the cover does not lock into place effectively, either. Plus the battery, while easy to replace, does not last long and needs frequent replacement. Furthermore, if it does not get seated in the casing just right, the slightest jar may momentarily disconnect the battery, shutting off the MuVo.
iPod uses a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. It is housed within the iPod itself, and recharges up to 80 percent after sitting in your USB port for 2 hours. It charges completely after 4 hours (just plug it in when you go to sleep, and you'll be set). The power lasts a good while, too. The down-side is that the batteries will, eventually, be un-rechargeable. And they can't be replaced by the user. You need to mail your iPod to the Apple folks so they can do that for you.
This one's a toss-up. Half a point each. While the iPod is easier to recharge and you don't have to buy batteries, the MuVo can have the batteries replaced by the user. The downside on Muvo is the battery life and the unreliable battery casing.

I won't worry about looks; that isn't important to me. If it's important to you, then look them up.

Cost. yeah... the nitty-gritty. Muvo with 128 Mb (the model I own) retails at $49.99 USD, and is currently out of stock. This will make it hard to obtain the additional memory stick portions too. You'll probably end up getting the NX (voice recorder only), TX, or TX FM version, which sells for, respectively, $99.99 USD, $59.99 USD, and $69.99. Remember, these are for the 128 Mb versions: to match the iPod storage capacity, the TX FM will cost you $119.99 for 512 Mb, or 169.99 for 1 Gb. iPod sells for $99.00 USD for 512 Mb, and $149.00 USD for 1 Gb. You'll get fewer features with the iPod, but pay less, than for a MuVo TX FM of the same storage capacity. Look at this page for a listing of MuVo's and their features and prices. Here are all the iPod features and prices. Compare and contrast on your own for your personal needs and preferences. But if you get a MuVo TX with 512 Mb of storage, you'll pay the same you would for an iPod of the same storage, plus it has voice recording capability. I doubt I'd use that very much, personally. But you might. For my purposes, the cost is identical. Half point each.

So. What do we got here. 3 total points for iPod, and only 1 point for MuVo. iPod Shuffle wins.

If you disagree, that's cool. Get your own web page and do your own comparison. This is mine, and reflects my opinions. You are entitled to your own opinions, and you're more than welcome to express them, so long as you do it somewhere else. Good day.

I Switched
Topic: Gadgets/Gizmos
Just kidding.

Last night I went dancing with the lovely and talented Mrs. Spidor, and we had a great time. It was a work function, but it was still fun, and I learned some interesting things about my co-slaves.

There were door prizes. There were laptop computers, there were personal DVD players, and American Express gift cards. They were raffled off, and lots of people got nice things.

I got an iPod.

The model I got is the iPod Shuffle, which has a 512 Mb capacity. It's 4 times larger in storage than my MuVo.

I'll be comparing the two of them over the next couple of days or so. I'll let you know what I think.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...
Now Playing: Summer Night
Topic: Gadgets/Gizmos
After months of telling meself I'd get one 'eventually,' my wife brought home a white noise box for me.

For those that may not know what I'm talking about exactly, this is a box that plays background noise to help you sleep. Mine plays sounds that mimic a heartbeat, a spring rain, a mountain stream, white noise (a waterfall), ocean waves, and a summer night (crickets and other such sounds).

My favorite by far is the crickets. The 'lub-dub' of the heartbeat is more creepy than restful, and while normally I like that, it keeps me awake instead of letting me rest, defeating its purpose. The spring rain is okay, but I keep waking up thinking the water is running. Likewise the stream. The waves sound too much like passing traffic, of which I already hear way too much. The white noise is kind of okay, but I think a radio is on and hasn't been tuned to a station.

But the crickets are great... they drown out background noise, and have a nearly hypnotic effect. I sleep very well with this thing on. Daysleepers everywhere, get one of these, you need it, no lie Bwana.

Just listening to it is restful. If I start to concentrate on one set of cricket chirps... just listening to it... I get sort of drowsy... and just... sort of...

ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

What to do...
Topic: Gadgets/Gizmos
I want one of these, but it doesn't have all the whistles and bells my current keyboard has, and I'd miss them.

I like whistles and bells.

Actually, I like gadgets... and the whistles and bells my current keyboard has are like mini-gadgets, all lined up like little soldiers of convenience, ready to respond to my orders and make my computer using experience even better.

And the other one just lights up.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm... could I rig my current keyboard to light up?

Probably. Would it be worth the effort and expense, though? Probably not.

Meh. The light-up one is still way cool, though. But I'll stick to the one I've got.