Ubuntu Review Goes Haywire, Leaves Me Broken Inside

If there's one thing great about Ubuntu Linux, it's the fact that it's free and encouraged to stay that way. There's also their whole approach to Linux, supposedly "dumbing it down" with a friendlier user-interface for those who have never touched the OS ever in their life.

After holding off for so long, I decided to take a sip of the soda just to see how it made me feel deep down inside.

I found the user-interface indeed impressive, with quick streamlined installation, a sleek Gnome skin to match everything, and the majority of my drivers already pre-installed. I had to hunt a bit for my Soundblaster Live! drivers, but after that I was up and running with my internet like it was nobody's business.

In a nutshell, that's probably the best thing about it. Internet access made easy. You basically need an administrative password to change anything that would effect the end-user so in a sense, it keeps anybody who doesn't know what they're doing from ever tainting the OS with useless crapware. It's a beautiful approach to user stupidity, really.

However, as far as intuitiveness, Ubuntu fails on all fronts. Not only does the system make it nearly impossible for normal user to figure out how to install a simple program, but icon placement, categorical organization, and folder handling are dreadful, if not the worse I have ever seen in a package meant for mainstream users.

That said, it wasn't all bad. I could easily browse the internet, write a paper, and talk on AIM with no hiccups at all. Unfortunately, with abominable user-interface and high learning curve for simple things such as installation, it's hard to recommend this to anyone looking for a "fun" experience. It's free, but sometimes it's free for a good reason. 7.6/10.

Nintendo DSi Review

I was hoping I'd be a little more stoked since I got my grimy hands on an imported Nintendo DSi. However, after playing with it for about an hour, I believe the upgraded options are pretty much useless for a person who uses a flash cart already. The browser still sucks and is slower than my GRE score processing time. Sure, the extra $30 you'll be paying may seem worth it for the two webcams, larger screens, and improved anti-crack hinge design, but those who already own one should see no need whatsoever to upgrade. That said - it's still a DS Lite underneath it all, so of course you should grab get one if you don't have one already. Just grab the cheaper model if you're looking to save some money. 8.5/10.

Macbook Air Review

You can't judge a book by its cover - and you definitely cannot judge the Macbook Air without actually holding it in your hands.

I'll admit, I hated the idea of an ultraportable that's thin enough for me to sit on and break in half. I found the idea of reducing the speed lower than a standard Macbook a dumbfounding step backwards. I also believed the market would be so small for such a laptop that Apple would ultimately have to slap themselves with a flyswatter and come to their senses, realizing they should have just gone with a thinner 12" Macbook Pro.

Boy, was I wrong. The attentive details Apple put into the product is simply jaw dropping. I literally stood there in complete awe as I struggled to grasp how thin and light the laptop was. Upon opening it, I fought my inner child to not replicate the Macbook commercial and putting it into a manila envelope. The screen is wonderful. The keyboard is slick. The smooth aluminum makes it feel like an enlarged Nano.

The problem is the price-tag. Matching the price point of the Macbook would have been a brilliant idea, though very unlikely, and it would have completely changed the way people thought of laptops.

Less is more? How does that work? Basically, the laptop squeezes everything out, be it USB ports, an optical drive, or a dedicated video card, and characterizes itself to be everything Apple represents: creativity, small footprints, and integration into life. If only the price were more encouraging, this would most likely be the best laptop Apple has ever made. 8.8/10.

Macbook Pro Review, Epitome of Laptops

I've never had to play favorites before. Not like this. Not with something so controversial. However, if I had to pick a laptop for the next 3-4 years, the Apple Macbook Pro wins no contest. Again, working at the computer shop forced me (Yeah, right) to take the latest model for extensive test runs lasting 5-6 hours at a time. Here's what I've concluded:

I think the greatest part about a Macs are the fact that you can always get those "Ah-ha!" moments in there, and when you do, it's ever so satisfying. For those who use the Adobe Creative suite, this is even so much more a of a necessity as it streamlines so perfectly with the OSX interface. Movies play on VLC so sexily and it can function as a media center all in itself - and with the remote: even sexier. 9.7/10.

Pros: Beautiful. LED-backlight saves battery. One of the lightest 15-inchers. Great software. Matches silver goodness. Dual-boot is now feasible.

Cons: Gets quite hot, like all laptops. Burns hole in your pocket after preliminary purchase.

LaCie External Drives, F.A. Porsche Design Review

Having to deal with these annoying drives at my workplace I've found their failure rate to be approximately 74%. I've never seen a drive returned for RMA so many times in my life. Save yourself a headache and avoid the LaCie brand at all costs. 1.2/10.

Apple Macbook Review

Photo courtesy of Justine's photoblog. Today, I'm going to give a quick lowdown on the already extremely popular college choice laptop, the Apple Macbook 13". Features are robust: built-in iSight, latest wireless technology, and Front Row & Apple Remote are especially cool.

Ease of use? It's nearly flawless. The computer comes free of bundled software, which is something I must say should be a requirement for all computers in the future. The design and screen is reminiscent of the DS Lite, with a glossy finish on the outside and a matte inside. Portability, hell yes - it's light enough to carry anywhere, and small enough to fit into most backpacks without any trouble. The best part is how well everything integrates together, iChat, iTunes, Safari, and even Microsoft Office (which you need to buy BTW). Also, if you are uncomfortable using the Apple key to copy and paste things, you can always manually set them to use the CTRL key in System Preferences.

The touchpad seems to be annoying at times, especially when it comes to scrolling requiring the "two-finger" touch which confuses itself as a right click, so I've found everything works so much better with an external mouse. Also, the edge of the laptop is surprisingly crisp, so it might bug those who rest their wrists on it.

Other than that, battery life is superb, it looks way better than Vista, and simply put, it's one of the most beautiful technologies you can own for less than a grand today. 9.2/10.