The Macbook may be the only notebook that is comperable price/feature wise. Our spec’d notebook for comparison:

• 1.83 ghz 2MB cache
• 667mhz system bus
• 1 GB (2X512MB) 667mhz RAM
• 80GB HD
• Slot-loading DVD (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
• Intel Onboard 950 64MB Shared Graphics (ack!)
• On-board camera
• 13.3 (1280X880) TFT Screen
• 1 Firewire, Two USB 2.0 ports, One Mini-DVI port
• Built in 1000GB Ethernet, Airport 54MB WiFi, and Bluetooth
• Various digital media management and scaled-down editing software
• 5.25lbs. (heavy for a little guy)

Price: $1,249.00 ($1,184 Educational Price)

Thoughts:

I don’t know if the smaller form factor adds to the price. I also don’t know if the software is that great to justify a higher price. I think the Intel Graphics sucks, and they want you to pay an extra $400 to get 2GB of RAM (which could offset the crappy graphics card). $400 is GOUGING (crucial.com has the memory for $337.55–about $363.45 less)!

Comparative PC–ASUS Core Duo 1.83ghz.

• 1.83 ghz 2MB cache
• 667mhz system bus
• 1 GB (2X512MB) 667mhz RAM
• 80GB HD
• DVD Super-Multi (DVD-RAM/CD-RW)
• Intel Onboard 950 128MB Shared Graphics (better!)
• No camera
• 14.1 (1280X800) TFT Screen
• One Firewire, Five USB 2.0 ports, One VGA, One S-Video (more USB, no DVI)
• One Express Card Slot
• Built in 1000GB Ethernet, Intel 54MB WiFi, NO Bluetooth
• Various digital media management and scaled-down editing software
• 5.25lbs. (same as smaller Mac)

Price: $1,050.00

Conclusion:

I REALLY don’ like that there isn’t another option for video from Apple. They could be alot more flexible in thier configurations. RAM could be offered at 1X1GB for a price instead of only having 2X512MB or 2X1GB (and they want to RIP you for the RAM!). I like the added feature of having the video camera, and the bluetooth, but they also could have added a few more ports. Asus has the expansion to add another video card, which is nice.

All in all, I like the Asus better, but the Apple Macbook is comperable.

Tags: The Macbook, Apple Macbook

Abby has been desiring a new computer. Namely, she has put the onus on me for an Apple laptop. I have been getting more interested in Apples recently, but checking out the options has set me back a little. It doesn’t seem like they are worth the extra money. They seem way more expensive (especially the Powerbook Pro).

So, the next couple posts will be an exploration of the pricing difference between a Mac and a PC notebook.

Tags: Apple, Powerbook Pro

Well, as promised, Abby and I took a deep breath and watched our recorded episode of “Heroes” last night. As expected, Heroes Episode 2delivered gimmicky plot devices (queue the accidently played answering machine that the bad guys decided to leave unerased, and the thumb drive that was never found in the iguana cage), generic dialogue, and acting that only occasionally was believable.On the other side, I liked Greg Grunberg’s acting, and I’ve never seen a man “de-brained” on national TV. The plot is starting to come together and, while gimmicky, is fun to watch. For me, I think it gets one more shot. The writers have shown themselves to use cliched plot and Keanu Reeves-type dialogue, but the show has the ability to be at least entertaining from an action-movie perspective.

That said, I just wish there was more character-driven TV shows. I love undestanding character development (LOST)and seeing a good character arc over the course of a plot. Right now some characters have the potential to have a good arc, but most are flat. Sure, when you introduce eleven characters at once you aren’t going to get very deep.

So right now the conclusion is: better dialogue and better acting…it could be great. Right now, I treat it like an action movie–low expectations and just go along for the ride.

Tags: Heroes, Heroes Episode 2, Greg Grunberg

For all of you who don’t know, I was “adopted” into the Salva family. When I say adopted, I mean they took me in and discipled me, getting me to the point where I could be self-sufficient in my relationship with Christ. This week, on Thursday the Salva family is bring back my new sister, Angie. They are in the Phillipines right now.

The adoption has taken about two years, tens of thousands of dollars, and alot of bureaucratic red tape. I can’t wait to be a part of loving her into the family!

Tags: adoption