Prepare to Travel to the UK
Yesterday I was packing the disc of PC and Xbox 360 games, and finally I got more than one hundred disc put inside the two 72-disc storage boxes. For years I haven't upgraded my desktop, so I don't play PC games much in recent years. Instead, I bought a Xbox 360 last November and have had much fun with this console. However, considering the regional restriction of some Xbox 360 titles in the future, I give up to send my current console (NTSC-J) to the UK and plan to buy a new one (PAL) near the end of this year. On the other hand, my brother, a post-doc in the University of Oxford, will come home in next January and try to clean up all his stuff in the UK, including a desktop and LCDs. It's a good news to me as that I can upgrade his desktop and play all the games that I was unable to play in these years, like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. (frequent crash), The Witcher (oh, my GPU...), Neverwinter Nights 2 (a little bit low frame rates), etc.
Though, he said to me, "You won't have much time to play those games, you're a postgraduate student, and you have to spend most of your time on work." Well, I don't know. He has Wii but rarely plays it. (I will take the Wii from him too, since Wii has stricter regional restriction, it's useless if he brought it back to Taiwan.) I told him that if he's so interested in gaming, he would have found time to play anyway. Thus, I still decide to bring so many games to the UK with me.
The unfortunate fact is, regarding the regional restriction of Xbox 360 titles, I cannot bring three of my games to the UK since they aren't compatible with PAL machine. The first one is Ace Combat 6, eh, actually I don't like it much. I would like to wait for Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X, it looks pretty much the same, or even better, than Ace Combat 6 to me. Battlefield: Bad Company, I've played enough with single player campaign except those achievement with hard difficulty. And the last one is Forza Motorsport 2, this is a bundle package with the console. I feel sad that I cannot bring this great racing game, but the good news is the subsequent title will come up, maybe next year. So I probably will take Forza Motorsport 3 in the future.
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Digg thisLittle Laptop Acer Aspire One
I have a HP 15" Pavilion dv6000, it is a heavy, big laptop aiming for multimedia entertainment. Every time I carrying it walking outside, I feel like grabbing an assault rifle M16 in hand. The weight isn't its only drawback, the 6-cell battery has a duration around two hours in normal operating condition, which is pretty short comparing with the average duration of other laptops. This is definitely a great laptop made in high quality and elegant design by HP, but the weight and the limited battery duration make it suitable as a portable desktop rather than a laptop that you'd like to carry during travel. I think I really need a small laptop that is capable of browsing WWW and making document outside my home, for example, in cafe.
Unfortunately, most light laptops with long battery duration cost much more money than others. For instance, Sony's TZ series costs 50% more than my HP dv6000, and Lenovo's X300 costs more than twice! To accomplish the mentioned jobs above, a high performance machine like X300 is too much, it would be like using nuclear weapon to destroy a bunch of soldiers. It's meaningless. What I need is just a small laptop having capabilities of network connection, web browser, document editor, and maybe some simple multimedia players. Don't forget a beautiful appearance and easy-to-use interface as well. Acer Aspire One is just the right one that fits my needs and, of course, my budget.
Aspire One has Intel's brand new CPU Atom, which is aimed for reducing power consumption. And my Aspire One equips an 8GB SSD instead of conventional HDD, the version having 120GB HDD will be released later. The SSD version of Aspire One uses Linpus Linux Lite as its operating system, which is based on Fedora Core 8. This is not the first time for using Linux as a default operating system on sub-notebooks, ASUS's Eee PC has used Linpus as well, but it is customised differently according to the manufacturer's design. I like the idea of using Linux distribution as the operating system instead of Microsoft's Windows XP or the later Vista. Regarding the inferior hardware of sub-notebooks, using Linux requires less resources and it would make laptop still have an appropriate level of performance. Though most Windows users probably have some difficulties to accept Linux in the first place.
For some PC nerds, they concern the performance of SSD and the flexibility of using Linpus. The writing speed of SSD in Aspire One is pretty low, and therefore the SSD is probably a MLC, which has less lifespan than the more expensive SLC. And the Linpus is customised for this particular laptop, so it wouldn't be that convenient for nerds to do all things they want. Some have started to install Ubuntu to replace the original Linpus, and it seems Ubuntu works well except some driver issues. So far, I haven't encountered any big problems with Aspire One. I've installed some applications successfully through yum or by myself, and now I can use gedit to edit LaTeX document and export it into PDF. Considering the price, the weight, and many other features, I really enjoy using the Aspire One right now.
Unfortunately, most light laptops with long battery duration cost much more money than others. For instance, Sony's TZ series costs 50% more than my HP dv6000, and Lenovo's X300 costs more than twice! To accomplish the mentioned jobs above, a high performance machine like X300 is too much, it would be like using nuclear weapon to destroy a bunch of soldiers. It's meaningless. What I need is just a small laptop having capabilities of network connection, web browser, document editor, and maybe some simple multimedia players. Don't forget a beautiful appearance and easy-to-use interface as well. Acer Aspire One is just the right one that fits my needs and, of course, my budget.
Aspire One has Intel's brand new CPU Atom, which is aimed for reducing power consumption. And my Aspire One equips an 8GB SSD instead of conventional HDD, the version having 120GB HDD will be released later. The SSD version of Aspire One uses Linpus Linux Lite as its operating system, which is based on Fedora Core 8. This is not the first time for using Linux as a default operating system on sub-notebooks, ASUS's Eee PC has used Linpus as well, but it is customised differently according to the manufacturer's design. I like the idea of using Linux distribution as the operating system instead of Microsoft's Windows XP or the later Vista. Regarding the inferior hardware of sub-notebooks, using Linux requires less resources and it would make laptop still have an appropriate level of performance. Though most Windows users probably have some difficulties to accept Linux in the first place.
For some PC nerds, they concern the performance of SSD and the flexibility of using Linpus. The writing speed of SSD in Aspire One is pretty low, and therefore the SSD is probably a MLC, which has less lifespan than the more expensive SLC. And the Linpus is customised for this particular laptop, so it wouldn't be that convenient for nerds to do all things they want. Some have started to install Ubuntu to replace the original Linpus, and it seems Ubuntu works well except some driver issues. So far, I haven't encountered any big problems with Aspire One. I've installed some applications successfully through yum or by myself, and now I can use gedit to edit LaTeX document and export it into PDF. Considering the price, the weight, and many other features, I really enjoy using the Aspire One right now.
TIP101 - Battlefield: Bad Company
Collectible Weapons
In the single-player missions there are many weapons waiting for you to collect. The simplest way to find these weapons is to notice the white "X" on the map, this icon denotes a weapon or a useful item, for example, RPG or C4 explosive. However, sometimes the weapon can only be collected from a dead enemy, so be aware of those killed enemies, remember to check their body after dealing with them. When you find a new weapon, you only need to grab it for a while until a picture of the weapon pop-up on the screen, that means this weapon is collected. Then you may change the weapon back to the previous one.
Use Assault Rifle As Much As Possible
In some circumstances, an assault rifle isn't the best choice, however, it's the most flexible weapon genre in the game. Assault rifle has good firing rate and is accurate enough in a range of 300 meters, and it can produce much damage upon the enemy. Other weapon genres have many restrictions, for example, shotgun definitely isn't suitable for a range longer than 50 meters, sniper rifle has extremely low rate of firing, and submachine gun isn't accurate enough when you try to hit an enemy 100 meters away. So assault rifle is the only weapon that you can use to hit a target from close range to long range, with acceptable accuracy and damage. Besides, many assault rifle equips grenade launcher, this device is pretty handy as a short-range fire support. Think about making explosions and letting the wall collapse, the enemy hides behind the wall shows up and you can hit him with your rifle at will. Pretty sweet. Though, as I said, sometimes it'd be better to use other weapon, but you don't know what's waiting for you in your first play, so to stick on assault rifle is the best idea to guarantee your survival.
Hitting Your Enemy in Multiple Ways Is Fun
In many cases, there isn't the only way to deal with the enemies or objectives. You can kill a tank by RPG, if any, or you can use mortar strike designator to call mortar shells hitting the tank from the sky. Sometimes your objective is to explode something, in this case you probably want to explode them with C4. But actually it probably would be easier to hit them severely by mortar shells. It's on your call. Though sometimes you don't have choice, you need to stick on the particular solution to deal with the condition. Whatever situation you meet in the game, try to think about the solution in different ways, it would be much fun.
In the single-player missions there are many weapons waiting for you to collect. The simplest way to find these weapons is to notice the white "X" on the map, this icon denotes a weapon or a useful item, for example, RPG or C4 explosive. However, sometimes the weapon can only be collected from a dead enemy, so be aware of those killed enemies, remember to check their body after dealing with them. When you find a new weapon, you only need to grab it for a while until a picture of the weapon pop-up on the screen, that means this weapon is collected. Then you may change the weapon back to the previous one.
Use Assault Rifle As Much As Possible
In some circumstances, an assault rifle isn't the best choice, however, it's the most flexible weapon genre in the game. Assault rifle has good firing rate and is accurate enough in a range of 300 meters, and it can produce much damage upon the enemy. Other weapon genres have many restrictions, for example, shotgun definitely isn't suitable for a range longer than 50 meters, sniper rifle has extremely low rate of firing, and submachine gun isn't accurate enough when you try to hit an enemy 100 meters away. So assault rifle is the only weapon that you can use to hit a target from close range to long range, with acceptable accuracy and damage. Besides, many assault rifle equips grenade launcher, this device is pretty handy as a short-range fire support. Think about making explosions and letting the wall collapse, the enemy hides behind the wall shows up and you can hit him with your rifle at will. Pretty sweet. Though, as I said, sometimes it'd be better to use other weapon, but you don't know what's waiting for you in your first play, so to stick on assault rifle is the best idea to guarantee your survival.
Hitting Your Enemy in Multiple Ways Is Fun
In many cases, there isn't the only way to deal with the enemies or objectives. You can kill a tank by RPG, if any, or you can use mortar strike designator to call mortar shells hitting the tank from the sky. Sometimes your objective is to explode something, in this case you probably want to explode them with C4. But actually it probably would be easier to hit them severely by mortar shells. It's on your call. Though sometimes you don't have choice, you need to stick on the particular solution to deal with the condition. Whatever situation you meet in the game, try to think about the solution in different ways, it would be much fun.
Recent Gaming: BioShock
BioShock is my first game on Xbox 360, I bought it with the console in November last year. Nonetheless, I still haven't walked through the game from the start to the very end (but I do know what's going on in Rapture). Though I regard BioShock as a great game with lots of great features, beautiful graphics, horrible scene, rich storyline, and so forth, but I just has no passion as I had when I was playing Call of Duty 4. I guess the reason is that I prefer something with realistic military looking, whatever it is a WWII M1 Grand rifle or a modern M4 carbine. Indeed I played lots of military games in the past decade, combat flight simulation, WWII turn-based strategy game, tank simulation, tactic shooter, etc., which means it's easier for me to get addicted into somewhere I'm always familiar with. Believe it or not, even after my military service (I was a gunner on M60A3) for more than two years, I still love to practice tank gunnery with Steel Beasts Pro PE. I'm so addicted to military stuff.
On the other hand, I feel that it couldn't explain everything, so perhaps there are more reasons deeper under the surface. Maybe I don't like those blood on the wall, oh yes, I don't like the horrible scene pretty much during my exploration in Rapture. And there's more. You see, I recall the great moment when I played Doom for the first time at 14, my hand was shaking while firing my shotgun to blast those bastards. I was too excited and anxious at the time. Now, as I grew up, the feeling never comes back. At the time I encountered the first splicer in BioShock, I hit him lazily with my wrench and thought, "oh, why should I have to hit this poor guy?" Moreover, though there are many plasmids and tonics I can use, I don't see how most of them are beneficial to the player. Well, for the case of plasmid, I almost only use electric bolt and incinerate, and others seem to be dump or useless to me. Maybe I would feel happier if I had more funny ways to kill those splicers. I don't know, I just feel Rapture is not the place for me.
Actually, there's another game gave me a similar feeling as BioShock does: Dues Ex 2: Invisible War, which I never finish as well.
On the other hand, I feel that it couldn't explain everything, so perhaps there are more reasons deeper under the surface. Maybe I don't like those blood on the wall, oh yes, I don't like the horrible scene pretty much during my exploration in Rapture. And there's more. You see, I recall the great moment when I played Doom for the first time at 14, my hand was shaking while firing my shotgun to blast those bastards. I was too excited and anxious at the time. Now, as I grew up, the feeling never comes back. At the time I encountered the first splicer in BioShock, I hit him lazily with my wrench and thought, "oh, why should I have to hit this poor guy?" Moreover, though there are many plasmids and tonics I can use, I don't see how most of them are beneficial to the player. Well, for the case of plasmid, I almost only use electric bolt and incinerate, and others seem to be dump or useless to me. Maybe I would feel happier if I had more funny ways to kill those splicers. I don't know, I just feel Rapture is not the place for me.
Actually, there's another game gave me a similar feeling as BioShock does: Dues Ex 2: Invisible War, which I never finish as well.
Taiwan, paradise of computer DIY
People probably know Taiwan makes large amounts of laptop each year, in 2007 around 80% laptops in the world are manufactured by Taiwan manufacturer through OEM or own label, such as ASUS, ACER, and BenQ. Actually, Taiwan is also a paradise of computer DIY, there are many people assemble PC compartments by themselves. I always establish my own PC in that way, except the very first one, an 8088 AT/XT when I was 10.
In most cases, we can divide the buyers in Taiwan into three groups. The first one is those has little or no knowledge of computer, somehow they think computer is a necessity and affordable, then they usually choose label PC manufactured by ACER, ASUS, HP, or Dell. Therefore they only need to pay money for the PC and have whole warranty and technical support from the manufacturer.
The second group is those who buy PC from store, the PC is assembled in the way of DIY by the seller of the store (well, I won't call them professional since many of them even have lesser knowledge than a fair standard). Stores form a cluster in certain districts in downtown of each major city in Taiwan, many of these store clusters has a long history of selling electronic devices before PC becomes a must-have. And there are newer chain stores to sell PC compartments, laptops, and other electronic products. Hence the store asks for customer's needs and negotiate with him/her a list of PC compartments until customer feels the price and the expected performance is both acceptable. These people might has minor or fair knowledge of computer, but due to many reasons they don't want to do it by themselves. Laziness or lacking confidence, perhaps.
The last group, mainly formed by people under an age of 35, establish their PC by themselves all along. Buying PC compartments is very convenient and easy in Taiwan, you just need to visit those stores, which are easy to find in downtown, and walk around. People have fair or better knowledge of computer are capable to find what they want in these places quickly, but it's a nightmare for those has lesser knowledge of computer DIY, since there are too many stores and too many products to see, from LCD to case, from graphics card to RAM, all of PC compartments! Most of my friends are capable to establish PC on their own, they were college guys and studied science or engineering, even not in the field of information science or technology or engineering. We usually become consultants (a PC guru?) and help family or friends to establish their PC.
I even have thought that this had been how a computer is bought and established for many years. Though, at last I find many people, like my parents, totally have no idea of what a computer is and how it is formed. So I guess the fashion of computer DIY is raised by the convenient environment and the needs of a computer for specific purposes like gaming. After buying Xbox 360 and laptop, I finally realize DIY is not the only way to get a computer. Still, I would like to have a high-end PC for gaming by the manner of DIY, but I can appreciate the other choices better now.
In most cases, we can divide the buyers in Taiwan into three groups. The first one is those has little or no knowledge of computer, somehow they think computer is a necessity and affordable, then they usually choose label PC manufactured by ACER, ASUS, HP, or Dell. Therefore they only need to pay money for the PC and have whole warranty and technical support from the manufacturer.
The second group is those who buy PC from store, the PC is assembled in the way of DIY by the seller of the store (well, I won't call them professional since many of them even have lesser knowledge than a fair standard). Stores form a cluster in certain districts in downtown of each major city in Taiwan, many of these store clusters has a long history of selling electronic devices before PC becomes a must-have. And there are newer chain stores to sell PC compartments, laptops, and other electronic products. Hence the store asks for customer's needs and negotiate with him/her a list of PC compartments until customer feels the price and the expected performance is both acceptable. These people might has minor or fair knowledge of computer, but due to many reasons they don't want to do it by themselves. Laziness or lacking confidence, perhaps.
The last group, mainly formed by people under an age of 35, establish their PC by themselves all along. Buying PC compartments is very convenient and easy in Taiwan, you just need to visit those stores, which are easy to find in downtown, and walk around. People have fair or better knowledge of computer are capable to find what they want in these places quickly, but it's a nightmare for those has lesser knowledge of computer DIY, since there are too many stores and too many products to see, from LCD to case, from graphics card to RAM, all of PC compartments! Most of my friends are capable to establish PC on their own, they were college guys and studied science or engineering, even not in the field of information science or technology or engineering. We usually become consultants (a PC guru?) and help family or friends to establish their PC.
I even have thought that this had been how a computer is bought and established for many years. Though, at last I find many people, like my parents, totally have no idea of what a computer is and how it is formed. So I guess the fashion of computer DIY is raised by the convenient environment and the needs of a computer for specific purposes like gaming. After buying Xbox 360 and laptop, I finally realize DIY is not the only way to get a computer. Still, I would like to have a high-end PC for gaming by the manner of DIY, but I can appreciate the other choices better now.
