Apple Netbook Coming in October For $800? July 14, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in App Talk, Geek Talk, Movies/Film, iPhone, technology.Tags: Apple, iPhone, iPhone Max, MacBook, MacBook Mini, netbook, rumors, technology
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A lot of gadget and technology updates to talk about today.
Though rumors of an Apple netbook have been running rampid for about 2 years now, it seems that some validity has come to light regarding the possibility of a release. According to a couple Chinese manufacturers that work closely with Apple on the iPhone, there has been a call-to-order for netbook parts and assembly – all of which are pointing towards an October 2009 release of a netbook. What makes it interesting is that there are apparently orders for 9.2″ touch screens! Is this a MacBook Mini or an iPhone Max?
To further this claim today, there are a lot of sites (Engadget, Macrumors) reporting that credible sources are putting the price range at $800, claiming that Apple will be avoiding the low-end consumer products that would put them in the same market as Acer and Asus.
Personally, I think this formula will work well if it comes to fruition. Apple doesn’t make cheaply made products. They pride themselves in design and usability, and creating a crappy computer for the sake of competing against an already full market doesn’t make sense. Further, putting a netbook at around $800 seems fair to me. I would pay $800 to have a fully functional touchscreen tablet with all the same features as my MacBook Pro, but with more versatility. $800 seems not too much, but not too little. Not too much in that it’s an affordable price for someone in the market for a computer, and not too little for those Apple elitists who actually don’t mind paying a couple hundred extra dollars to have the Apple logo, and bragging rights. Would you buy it?
*Picture above is a predicted mock-up of what the Apple netbook may look like.
Recreation of Apollo 11 July 14, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Travel, technology.Tags: Apollo 11, astronomy, Buzz Aldrin, Moon, Nasa, Neil Armstrong, planets, space, universe, We Choose the Moon
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Starting 90 minutes before the 40th anniversary (8:02a.m., July 16) WeChooseTheMoon.org will be virtually recreating the Apollo 11 moon landing made famous by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
Apparently, you can go to the website and watch the shuttle take off and it will show the entire process from start to finish. I guess it will take a long time (getting to the moon takes a long time, right?).
So, if you were sleeping while it happened 40 years ago, or weren’t born like me, bookmark and set your alarm to relive the experience…from your desktop.
Samsung HMX-U10 Coming in September July 14, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Movies/Film, iPhone, technology.Tags: cameras, Flip, gadgets, Geek, Geek Talk, HD, HMX-u10, Mino, Samsung, tech talk, technology
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Samsung’s response to Flip’s Mino handheld camcorder is coming out this fall, and I might be the first person in line to get it.
I’ve always been a huge fan of movies and movie-making, but since the death of my old Panasonic camcorder a year or so ago, I’ve had no interest or money to buy a new one. I’ve always thought the Flip cameras looked easy to use, and worked on the go, but could never take myself seriously shooting small movies or videos with it, and then editing in Final Cut. It just seemed not worthy.
Samsung is releasing this HD camcorder with an H.264 recording rate in September for a very nice price of $200. It also comes with a 2″ LCD screen where you can even edit your videos and upload them straight to YouTube. Those are some great features that Flip can’t boast.
Now that the iPhone has entered the “point-and-shoot” market, it will be interesting to see how quickly some of these cameras get upgrades to try to stay competitive in the market.
For the same price as the Flip Mino and the iPhone 3GS you are getting a lot more bang for your buck with the HD sensor, 2″ screen, video editing options, YouTube uploading options, and of course the H.264 output. In my opinion the Samsung HMX-U10 is the complete package.
Half-Blood Prince Opens Tonight! July 14, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Movies/Film, Music, Political, technology.Tags: America, Deathly Hallows, Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter, JK Rowling
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Wow! July 15th really snuck up on me. I remember whining and complaining back in November that the release date for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince had been moved to July, and here I am getting all excited about tonight’s midnight release.
I am still debating on whether or not I am going to the midnight release. I have a real job now, and have to wake up at 6a.m. every morning, and getting home at 3a.m. with my heart pounding from my reaction to the movie doesn’t look like a great forecast for my work day on Wednesday. However, there’s the fanboy inside of me that is screaming, “GO! ARE YOU SERIOUS!? WHY WOULD YOU LET CORPORATE AMERICA KEEP YOU FROM SOMETHING YOU LOVE!?” Either way, I will be seeing it Wednesday.
I’ll be back after the movie is over to give my 2 cents about the movie, what to think compared to the book, and looking ahead for Part 1 of Deathly Hallows which has already started filming.
30,000 Hits! July 13, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Love, John, technology.Tags: 000, 30, hits, web traffic
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JohnThrasher.net is continuing to grow! We just hit the 30,000 hits mark! Thank you all for reading and contributing to the random things I have to say!
I Was Not at the Michael Jackson Memorial July 10, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Movies/Film, Music, Personally John, Political, Television, Travel, technology.Tags: celebrities, Corey Feldman, Michael Jackson, Music, school
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All through life I have had to endure the somewhat ridiculous and extremely depressing comparison of looking like Corey Feldman.
Now, I’m not saying he’s a bad looking guy, but when I look in the mirror I don’t see Corey Feldman. At all. This dates all the way back to like…my Kindergarten teacher mentioning it, and then laughing at me in the hallway before lunch. (Yes, I remember Mrs. Shatzer, and I hope you’re reading this.)
Apparently, Corey Feldman showed up to the Michael Jackson memorial concert dressed…as Michael Jackson. Why? I mean it would be one thing if you wore a glove, or big sunglasses, or even a self-made T-shirt. But, wearing the entire outfit with the bangs in the front and all? What a sad day to be compared to Corey Feldman.
P.S. What’s with the fact that none of the performers that sang at this memorial even knew him or met him? Kind of bizarre.
Third Mortal Kombat Movie In the Works!? July 8, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Movies/Film, Music, Television, technology.Tags: Midway, Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, movie, Scorpion, video games, Warner Brothers
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According to the man who played Scorpion in both of the previous Mortal Kombat movies, there is a possibility of a third Mortal Kombat movie in the works!
According to the actor, filming starts in September. By the sounds of it, he isn’t sure if Scorpion will actually be in the movie, which is fine by me. I liked Scorpion but would like to see a new team of fighters taking over the franchise if they decide to bring it back.
Also interesting is that Warner Brothers just acquired Midway Games, and now has control of the rights of the game/movies. The article says that Warner Brothers is trying to do in a darker comic direction and may redirect the franchise all together.
Considering Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li was a major bomb at the box office, I don’t know if there is a lot of truth behind this apparent rumor. However, I think the Chun-Li situation was a matter of promotion/budget. I didn’t even hear about the movie until 2 days before it was released in theaters – and it wasn’t even released within 250 miles of where I live!
I don’t care if the next Mortal Kombat movie is a huge flop, but it would really fun to see more of my favorite childhood video game characters come to life.
Dress Like A Cow: Get A Free Chick-Fil-A Meal! July 6, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Uncategorized.Tags: Chick Fil A, Chickens, Cows, Fast food, food, Free
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I got this e-mail this morning that is somewhat exciting and somewhat weird. I won’t be dressing like a cow, but if someone else would like to and give me their free meal I would really appreciate it.
Are you dressing up?
Serena Williams Wins 2 Grand Slam Titles In One Day! July 4, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Uncategorized.Tags: Andy Roddick, Australian Open, Dinara Safina, Grand Slam, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, tennis, Venus Williams, Wimbledon, WTA Tour
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Earlier today at the All England Lawn and Tennis Club in London, England, Serena Williams beat her sister Venus Williams to win her 3rd Wimbledon Singles Title, 11th Grand Slam Singles Title, and then partnered with Venus to win the Ladies’ Doubles title as well! How many people can say they won 2 Grand Slam titles in one day?
It was a similar scenario this year at the Australian Open back in January when Serena beat Dinara Safina for the singles title, and later partnered with Venus to win the Womens’ Doubles title. Last year Venus beat Serena for her 5th Wimbledon crown, and again went on to pair with her sister to win the Ladies’ Doubles title in 2008. Later that summer, the two would pair to win the Olympic gold medal in Womens’ Doubles as well.
Despite the fact that Serena Williams now holds 3 of the 4 yearly Grand Slam titles, she is still not the No.1 player in the world. Somehow the world No.1 ranking goes to Dinara Safina who was blasted off the court by Venus Williams in the semifinals 6-1, 6-0, and has never won a Grand Slam title. The WTA’s quantity over quality reflection of the rankings is a sad moment in professional sports when 1 person holds 3 of the 4 slams.
I hate to toot my own horn here, but I totally called this two weeks ago, right here on this very blog! Scroll down or click here to see my predictions from a few weeks ago. I also got 3/4 men’s semifinals, and the final right. I will find out tomorrow if (6) Andy Roddick beats the 5 time Wimbledon champion (2) Roger Federer. It’s a huge mountain to climb, but something is telling me this is Roddick’s chance.
Congratulations to Serena AND Venus for making tennis history today!
Britney’s Official “Radar” Video Surfaces July 1, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Movies/Film, Music, Television, iPhone, technology.Tags: Apple, Blackout, Britney Spears, Circus, iPhone, Outrageous, Radar, Toxic, video, Womanizer
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It’s probably a matter of time before this video gets taken off of YouTube, so enjoy it while you can.
And by enjoy it I mean try to get through the whole thing without feeling befuddled or saying “What the hell is going on.”
