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People keep repeating this but it isn't true.

Except that a simple Google search shows that it is true. For instance, Best Buy give you two free blu-ray discs from whatever discs they have in stock with the purchase of a player. I think there may be a reason it seems like over a very short time period Sony's format has been doing a little better than HD-DVD. For the record, I think both formats are vastly underpowered in storage space, forward-looking video quality, and value for the price. But if Sony is going to misinform, I am going to go with the competing format every time. In this case, that means HD-DVD. Plus, you can buy porn on HD-DVD. On that basis alone, Sony's desire to be the moral police on my television, I would have to choose against Sony.

Nobody except Apple is allowed to make any money from anything Apple related: you can only buy Apple stuff at the Apple Store or at Apple.com, businesses can only purchase hardware or software for Apples through Apple, and Apple makes sure it's stuff only works with Apple stuff:

I call BS! I know of a number of places, stores, I can legally buy Apple merchandize from. I know of two stores that legally sell Apple stuff, computers and iPods, peripherals, software for Macs, and accessories for iPod exclusively. They not only sell these but also offer Apple authorized repairs and services, one is not more than 10 minutes walk for me. Though I wouldn't buy one there, peolle can even buy Macbooks; iMacs, Mac Minis, and Mac Pros; Apple Cinema displays; or iPods from Best Buy. I can think of other national retailers that also sell Apple stuff. Simply, saying users can only buy Macs, iPods, and other Apple stuff from Apple is pure BS!

Nobody except Apple is allowed to make any money from anything Apple related: you can only buy Apple stuff at the Apple Store or at Apple.com, businesses can only purchase hardware or software for Apples through Apple, and Apple makes sure it's stuff only works with Apple stuff:

I call BS! I know of a number of places, stores, I can legally buy Apple merchandize from. I know of two stores that legally sell Apple stuff, computers and iPods, peripherals, software for Macs, and accessories for iPod exclusively. They not only sell these but also offer Apple authorized repairs and services, one is not more than 10 minutes walk for me. Though I wouldn't buy one there, peolle can even buy Macbooks; iMacs, Mac Minis, and Mac Pros; Apple Cinema displays; or iPods from Best Buy. I can think of other national retailers that also sell Apple stuff. Simply, saying users can only buy Macs, iPods, and other Apple stuff from Apple is pure BS!

Nobody except Apple is allowed to make any money from anything Apple related: you can only buy Apple stuff at the Apple Store or at Apple.com, businesses can only purchase hardware or software for Apples through Apple, and Apple makes sure it's stuff only works with Apple stuff:

I call BS! I know of a number of places, stores, I can legally buy Apple merchandize from. I know of two stores that legally sell Apple stuff, computers and iPods, peripherals, software for Macs, and accessories for iPod exclusively. They not only sell these but also offer Apple authorized repairs and services, one is not more than 10 minutes walk for me. Though I wouldn't buy one there, peolle can even buy Macbooks; iMacs, Mac Minis, and Mac Pros; Apple Cinema displays; or iPods from Best Buy. I can think of other national retailers that also sell Apple stuff. Simply, saying users can only buy Macs, iPods, and other Apple stuff from Apple is pure BS!

Nobody except Apple is allowed to make any money from anything Apple related: you can only buy Apple stuff at the Apple Store or at Apple.com, businesses can only purchase hardware or software for Apples through Apple, and Apple makes sure it's stuff only works with Apple stuff:

I call BS! I know of a number of places, stores, I can legally buy Apple merchandize from. I know of two stores that legally sell Apple stuff, computers and iPods, peripherals, software for Macs, and accessories for iPod exclusively. They not only sell these but also offer Apple authorized repairs and services, one is not more than 10 minutes walk for me. Though I wouldn't buy one there, peolle can even buy Macbooks; iMacs, Mac Minis, and Mac Pros; Apple Cinema displays; or iPods from Best Buy. I can think of other national retailers that also sell Apple stuff. Simply, saying users can only buy Macs, iPods, and other Apple stuff from Apple is pure BS!

I just saw 2 Wii sitting on the shelf at my BestBuy. This was this evening, so obviously nobody camped out there this morning. I think the supply is matching the demand where I live.

Here is the BestBuy, if you live in the MD/DC area.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=cat1209 1&type=page&allstores=no&mode=fromResult&storeId=2 65

Not available from any online store? I beg to differ.

http://amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/105-3241028-37140 34?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=Beatl es&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Go

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?_dyncharse t=ISO-8859-1&id=pcat17071&type=page&st=Beatles&sc= artistSP&cp=1&sp=&qp=ccat02001%23%23-1%23%23-1~~q4 26561746c6573~~nf47%7C%7C426561746c657320285468652 9&list=y&usc=%A0-Artist&nrp=15&iht=n

http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/artist/B eatles/a/Beatles.htm

Yes, yes, I know. You hate CDs. But the notion that Beatles music is not available at any online store is a misnomer. And I guess that we're just going to have to agree to disagree when it comes to our definitions of "a convenient, simple and cost effective solution". :)

"Where does it say that users who have recently bought new "Vista" PC's will be receiving upgrade versions of Vista and not a full install?"

A quick Google for "Windows Vista Rebate" yielded this from Best Buy.

I didn't go to the effort to track down the rest of the major retailers & manufacturers, since I believe it's not necessary. I've seen enough of these rebates to feel safe assuming it's the standard case.

To quote the link: "...Customers with Windows XP Home will receive a Windows Vista Home Basic Upgrade DVD. Customers with Windows XP MCE will receive a Windows Vista Home Premium Edition Upgrade DVD. Customers with Windows XP Pro will receive Windows Vista Business Upgrade DVD..."

As a side note, I've heard rumors that since it's technically an upgrade license, it technically voids the CoA/license key for the XP install... so once these folks go Vista, they can't choose to go back to XP if they so desire.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7961 468&st=satellite&type=product&id=1153336300075

There's already quite a few decks that will play either. However, you still have to buy a service specific tuner, antenna and then the subscription. The front end however can play either.

Care to explain why Best Buy states they dont have any to even purchase on-line?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?navLevel=5 &type=category&navHistory=cat00000%2Bcat02000%2Bca t02119%2Bpcmcat91400050028&id=pcmcat104100050000 I am a big fan of Nintendo's viral marking though..

There aren't any PS3's out there!. I've been trying to get one since launch date, and I still can't find any.

If you want to know who'll win the high-def DVD war, it's the one which offers a writable version first. Geeks will leap on it for their hefty backups. It'll sell. And the market will take over. Meanwhile, I'll start saving up for that terabyte drive.

Putting 8 gigs of memory in any device is no big deal. Were the Treo trying to be an MP3 player, it'd have more memory. But even though the Treo isn't trying to be an MP3 player, it can be one--and these days you can buy a 4GB SD card which puts the Treo at the same memory size as the 4GB iPhone. So without batting an eye, there is nothing technologically interesting about the iPhone over the Treo except the high-end model has 8GB (and my Treo can effectively have 12GB if I want to get 3 cards... how expandable is the iPhone?). Now if you want to make the argument that the GUI of the iPhone is better, well, that's something we won't really know until they start selling them and it's also ultimately a matter of opinion. Some people like bells and whistles, some people like simplicity. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of things the iPhone does can ultimately be done on the Treo with fewer clicks based on the iPhone demo video I saw--they were doing zooms and stuff by moving two fingers in opposite directions while I could do the same thing on my Treo with a single hand with a single click. There just wasn't anything I saw the iPhone do that made me think, "Awesome!" because I'd done it all before on my Treo. Sure the iPhone looks pretty, no-one's denying that. But things like zooming in by moving two fingers in opposite directions strikes me as a whistle that'd probably slow me down rather than make my experience easier.

Anyway, it takes something a little more technologically innovative to get me excited about a product. I don't doubt they'll succeed at selling a good number of these things, but my point is that it's most definitely not the earth-shattering innovative next generation smart phone. It's essentially a Treo with a bit more emphasis on the media side than the phone side. But there's nothing really new about anything they've done.

Just because you select your self out of the market doesn't mean it's not interesting to anyone else.

I never said it won't be interesting to someone else. I'm sure it will be. I'm sure they'll sell quite a few. My musings are over the undue excitement about the technological aspects of this device. It's not doing anything that hasn't already been done by a Treo for years. I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of brainless wonders on CNN reporting on this new fangled device; but I've always thought that Slashdot was more of a geek site where people have some understanding of the technology involved. And feature and technology-wise, there really isn't anything new here that warrants so much excitement.

Like I said, if someone really loves the iPod/Mac interface, sure, I can see why they'd be excited about that. But all the hype this product is getting is completely out of proportion with the advances it offers. It's a smart phone by Apple that does about the same thing as Palm's been offering for years. Forgive me if I'm not acting like this is some big deal.

To be clear, nobody (not even Steve Jobs) cares why you don't want it. You asked why someone would.

Maybe you were replying to someone else. I never asked why anyone would want one (though I did ask why someone would want 8GB on a phone). Talk about a strawman.

you can always just order one online from best buy:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9999 65800050007&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat1 04100050000&id=pcmprd65900050007 says ships in one day.

or you can buy a bundled PS3:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site//olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat 104100050000&type=category

you can always just order one online from best buy:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9999 65800050007&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat1 04100050000&id=pcmprd65900050007 says ships in one day.

or you can buy a bundled PS3:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site//olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat 104100050000&type=category

So, will I be able to buy a Total HD Player that plays both Blu-Ray and HD-DVDs? I'd like one of those.

TotalHD is a disc format rather than a player; as someone else already pointed out this requires that the publisher put the movie in both formats (Bluray and HD-DVD) and then publish in the TotalHD format. TFA *does* talk about a new player by LG that will cost more (nothing on how much more) but will play both formats.

Warner claims that their format is a better solution than a new player that plays both formats. I have to disagree there at least with respec to what's better for the consumer. Were publishers to actually adopt this format en masse it would seem good because it would mean people with either system could see the results. But the cost would be passed on and considering what the markup is already it would probably mean some pretty expensive movies. The main nail in the coffin for this is the fact it requires publishers to go for that model. Even if they do it would probably only be for those movies they deemed most profitable. Meanwhile they already have been publishing in the current formats which our intrepid consumer cannot play because he only has the one player.

But in the second scenario you get a dual format player from LG. That choice puts initiative and control back where it belongs; with the customer. Sure you had to drink the kool-aid and buy the new expensive device to do it, but don't you feel like you're in control now? In any case at least that way you get to see all the movies. That makes more sense that wishing and hoping that an industry that is known for its sheisterism, shenanigans, and drooling, stupid, heavy-handed, mafia-style greed will suddenly become enlightened and either a) learn to get along like nice people, or b) be kind enough to bridge the gap and open their arms with a new dual format that just screams love and happiness and joy -- Peace, Love, Total HD, and all that rot.

Since the Blu-Ray players cost something like $1000 to $1500 and HD-DVD players are about $500, I can only imagine what the LG player will cost. It could be $3000 or whatever they want at this point. And there's where I am.

I refused to buy VCRs at $1000 but when they got down to $100 I was willing to live with it (some people waited for $50 or free) then we went through the same progression *exactly* in price for CDRs, DVDRs, DVD players, etc. And honestly we all know early adopters get screwed many many ways. Quite apart from the price there is the question of choice, availability of support, supplies, media, etc, and the level of community. Not to mention the steepness of learning curve and how much data will be available for you to overcome it.

My first CDR drive was complete shit, tempermental, and the software, drivers, and firmware were just nasty. If it wasn't locking up the system it was spitting out coasters, and the software left invisible turds all over the system whenever you installed it or did anything with it. It didn't like you messing with them either, because it became paranoid that this time you were going to wipe it out and never put it back on again. That drive cost me like $150 or something. $20 drives lasted a lot longer, performed better, and the free software I used was the best for burning (in fact the best and most user-friendly burn environment by far IMHO is Linux + xcdroast). It was the same with my DVDRW. I broke down and got one for like $150 and it didn't last at all. It worked ok at least. But the ones I use now cost like $20 and are made by Sony instead of the off-brand the other one was.

I

So, will I be able to buy a Total HD Player that plays both Blu-Ray and HD-DVDs? I'd like one of those.

TotalHD is a disc format rather than a player; as someone else already pointed out this requires that the publisher put the movie in both formats (Bluray and HD-DVD) and then publish in the TotalHD format. TFA *does* talk about a new player by LG that will cost more (nothing on how much more) but will play both formats.

Warner claims that their format is a better solution than a new player that plays both formats. I have to disagree there at least with respec to what's better for the consumer. Were publishers to actually adopt this format en masse it would seem good because it would mean people with either system could see the results. But the cost would be passed on and considering what the markup is already it would probably mean some pretty expensive movies. The main nail in the coffin for this is the fact it requires publishers to go for that model. Even if they do it would probably only be for those movies they deemed most profitable. Meanwhile they already have been publishing in the current formats which our intrepid consumer cannot play because he only has the one player.

But in the second scenario you get a dual format player from LG. That choice puts initiative and control back where it belongs; with the customer. Sure you had to drink the kool-aid and buy the new expensive device to do it, but don't you feel like you're in control now? In any case at least that way you get to see all the movies. That makes more sense that wishing and hoping that an industry that is known for its sheisterism, shenanigans, and drooling, stupid, heavy-handed, mafia-style greed will suddenly become enlightened and either a) learn to get along like nice people, or b) be kind enough to bridge the gap and open their arms with a new dual format that just screams love and happiness and joy -- Peace, Love, Total HD, and all that rot.

Since the Blu-Ray players cost something like $1000 to $1500 and HD-DVD players are about $500, I can only imagine what the LG player will cost. It could be $3000 or whatever they want at this point. And there's where I am.

I refused to buy VCRs at $1000 but when they got down to $100 I was willing to live with it (some people waited for $50 or free) then we went through the same progression *exactly* in price for CDRs, DVDRs, DVD players, etc. And honestly we all know early adopters get screwed many many ways. Quite apart from the price there is the question of choice, availability of support, supplies, media, etc, and the level of community. Not to mention the steepness of learning curve and how much data will be available for you to overcome it.

My first CDR drive was complete shit, tempermental, and the software, drivers, and firmware were just nasty. If it wasn't locking up the system it was spitting out coasters, and the software left invisible turds all over the system whenever you installed it or did anything with it. It didn't like you messing with them either, because it became paranoid that this time you were going to wipe it out and never put it back on again. That drive cost me like $150 or something. $20 drives lasted a lot longer, performed better, and the free software I used was the best for burning (in fact the best and most user-friendly burn environment by far IMHO is Linux + xcdroast). It was the same with my DVDRW. I broke down and got one for like $150 and it didn't last at all. It worked ok at least. But the ones I use now cost like $20 and are made by Sony instead of the off-brand the other one was.

I

So, will I be able to buy a Total HD Player that plays both Blu-Ray and HD-DVDs? I'd like one of those.

TotalHD is a disc format rather than a player; as someone else already pointed out this requires that the publisher put the movie in both formats (Bluray and HD-DVD) and then publish in the TotalHD format. TFA *does* talk about a new player by LG that will cost more (nothing on how much more) but will play both formats.

Warner claims that their format is a better solution than a new player that plays both formats. I have to disagree there at least with respec to what's better for the consumer. Were publishers to actually adopt this format en masse it would seem good because it would mean people with either system could see the results. But the cost would be passed on and considering what the markup is already it would probably mean some pretty expensive movies. The main nail in the coffin for this is the fact it requires publishers to go for that model. Even if they do it would probably only be for those movies they deemed most profitable. Meanwhile they already have been publishing in the current formats which our intrepid consumer cannot play because he only has the one player.

But in the second scenario you get a dual format player from LG. That choice puts initiative and control back where it belongs; with the customer. Sure you had to drink the kool-aid and buy the new expensive device to do it, but don't you feel like you're in control now? In any case at least that way you get to see all the movies. That makes more sense that wishing and hoping that an industry that is known for its sheisterism, shenanigans, and drooling, stupid, heavy-handed, mafia-style greed will suddenly become enlightened and either a) learn to get along like nice people, or b) be kind enough to bridge the gap and open their arms with a new dual format that just screams love and happiness and joy -- Peace, Love, Total HD, and all that rot.

Since the Blu-Ray players cost something like $1000 to $1500 and HD-DVD players are about $500, I can only imagine what the LG player will cost. It could be $3000 or whatever they want at this point. And there's where I am.

I refused to buy VCRs at $1000 but when they got down to $100 I was willing to live with it (some people waited for $50 or free) then we went through the same progression *exactly* in price for CDRs, DVDRs, DVD players, etc. And honestly we all know early adopters get screwed many many ways. Quite apart from the price there is the question of choice, availability of support, supplies, media, etc, and the level of community. Not to mention the steepness of learning curve and how much data will be available for you to overcome it.

My first CDR drive was complete shit, tempermental, and the software, drivers, and firmware were just nasty. If it wasn't locking up the system it was spitting out coasters, and the software left invisible turds all over the system whenever you installed it or did anything with it. It didn't like you messing with them either, because it became paranoid that this time you were going to wipe it out and never put it back on again. That drive cost me like $150 or something. $20 drives lasted a lot longer, performed better, and the free software I used was the best for burning (in fact the best and most user-friendly burn environment by far IMHO is Linux + xcdroast). It was the same with my DVDRW. I broke down and got one for like $150 and it didn't last at all. It worked ok at least. But the ones I use now cost like $20 and are made by Sony instead of the off-brand the other one was.

I

Until I can walk into Office Depot, Compusa, or Best Buy and find two computer sections, those with Windows, and those with Linux, there is no competition.

If it's not in the store, it is not competition.

And, any computer sold to the general public needs to be able to boot up to a desktop by just pressing the power button. No complicated questions, just a desktop, with all applications, including the all-important web browser(s), available with a click of the mouse.

Also, the price needs to be down there, no other isles full of machines hundreds of dollars cheaper.
They go for the price first, and the features next.

Apple has that reversed, so are shut out of lots of sales.

I'm not big on product loyalty. You never know when a product will turn to trash in its next iteration, so if, say this guy had a better interface and syncing software, I'd get it or whatever trumps the iPod next September on my iPod's expected dead-battery birthday (when I plan on replacing the battery and giving it to my sister).

Wow! I was thinking about getting my friend a pre-paid phone for christmas!

The best one I've found is this one: link

$18!!!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?_dyncharse t=ISO-8859-1&id=pcat17071&type=page&st=twilight+pr incess&sc=Global&cp=1&nrp=15&sp=&qp=&list=n&iht=y& usc=All+Categories

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7985 736&type=product&cp=1&id=1155065411028

Of course they are still ungodly expensive. I hope people realize you can use any HDMI cables.

Just so you know, apple is taking care of this problem, it is called iTV (for know, the name will probably change). iTV will allow the video to be streamed from the computer to your television. I am going to assume that once Apple has proved the success of iTV, that is when the major studios will jump in. Heck, when iTV comes out, I am going to jump on the bandwagon, and get myself one. I am looking forward to this device. The only thing I ask of the device is a way to add additional storage for the movies (movies get quite large, and I want to have by entire library at my disposal), as well as being able to play mutiple movie formats (mpeg, avi, etc). I am not worried though, Apple will work it out, and I will be adding to my collection really soon, and iTV, video iPod, and not to mention, the upcoming iPhone. Me and my MacBook can hardly wait...

Oh, and if you want to have some portability with the iPod video for those long drives, I recommend getting something like the Sonic Impact Portable Video System

I have an HDTV and my Gamecube Games look fantastic on it. Also with the Wii 480p and 16:9 is (at least for Nintendo 1st party) the standard.

Oh yeah. And I just found this! In response to parent. Lovely. Just lovely.

Okay, I know... you shell out through the nose just to have your plasma/LCD/DLP screen and you want to see the reason you paid so much. It's natural.

Not quite - I know the reason I paid so much. It's because I want to see a great picture.

You get what you paid for. Caveat emptor, peeps. If you get an HDTV, prepare to seek out the content made for HDTV. Otherwise, it's just another TV, now isn't it?

And that's the point. People will seek out that content, and they'll get it from Xbox360 and PS3, but not from the Wii. You may think that's not important now (I disagree) but in a couple of years time it's going to look bad.

Seriously, I can get a quality CRT television--fully loaded features--for a fraction of what it costs to get a same-size HDTV. On average, the ratio appears to be 10:1 (If I can get the CRT for $50, the same HD model costs $500) and it's not changing very quickly.

Rubbish. Here is a 27" SDTV at BestBuy. $300 is a pretty decent price for a good quality CRT screen of that size, I think you'll agree. And here is the HD version of the same model. It's a whopping $80 (or 25%) more expensive. Even the HD LCD of the same size is only $600, which is twice the CRT price.

Believe me - HDTV is here right now and people are buying it. It was early adopter 3 years ago when I bought my plasma (and I paid the premium, belive me) but it's mainstream now.

Okay, I know... you shell out through the nose just to have your plasma/LCD/DLP screen and you want to see the reason you paid so much. It's natural.

Not quite - I know the reason I paid so much. It's because I want to see a great picture.

You get what you paid for. Caveat emptor, peeps. If you get an HDTV, prepare to seek out the content made for HDTV. Otherwise, it's just another TV, now isn't it?

And that's the point. People will seek out that content, and they'll get it from Xbox360 and PS3, but not from the Wii. You may think that's not important now (I disagree) but in a couple of years time it's going to look bad.

Seriously, I can get a quality CRT television--fully loaded features--for a fraction of what it costs to get a same-size HDTV. On average, the ratio appears to be 10:1 (If I can get the CRT for $50, the same HD model costs $500) and it's not changing very quickly.

Rubbish. Here is a 27" SDTV at BestBuy. $300 is a pretty decent price for a good quality CRT screen of that size, I think you'll agree. And here is the HD version of the same model. It's a whopping $80 (or 25%) more expensive. Even the HD LCD of the same size is only $600, which is twice the CRT price.

Believe me - HDTV is here right now and people are buying it. It was early adopter 3 years ago when I bought my plasma (and I paid the premium, belive me) but it's mainstream now.

Maybe if LGP didn't sell a game for £20.00, then sell an UPDATE for £3.00 which actually doesn't add any new functionality, but merely provides support for that game from LGP and the ability to install future updates, people would be more receptive.

Maybe if Tux Games didn't charge $35 more for Quake IV than Best Buy does for the Windows version, they'd get more sales.

What do you mean by doing "their bit"? Should they keep their mouth shut about the problems they have running the games they want to play, yet shout from the rooftops when something actually IS released that supports Linux? Should they purchase games they don't want, to generate more sales for you, which is really the only thing that's going to entice developers to give your company licenses for more games.

What BestBuy are you talking about? The only bestbuy I know sells computer/electronics products. I don't seriously see how they could be blamed for making people fat. Oh, they sell TVs, which people sit in front of and get fat. They also sell MP3 players which people may use while going for a jog.

Actually the controller is chargeable. When it's dying just plug it in and keep playing 'wired' while it's getting recharged.
Also, HDTVs are a lot cheaper than 'thousands of dollars' http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7600 955&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat951000500 15&id=1130981752759 for example

I know you're just trying to be smart, but you weren't there. I happen to shop at Best Buy, and I was offered a service plan on a 512 meg MP3 player.

Grow balls, AC.

PS I surf the internet at work. Here is a link to a $49 player at BB. Looks like I see a little 'protect it' logo. Seems I can buy a 2 year contract for $8.99.

Checking places like Circuit City, Best Buy, EB Games, GoGamer, Amazon.com, etc... they are all selling the game for ~ $19.99

It's important to factor in the other things that come with the $199.00 HD-DVD player also. It comes with an Xbox 360 Universial Media Remote which Best Buy has it listed as $29.99 ( Best Buy ). It also comes with the HD-DVD version of King Kong which Best Buy also has listed as $29.99 ( Best Buy ). So, really you are only paying about $140.00 for the HD-DVD drive itself.

It's important to factor in the other things that come with the $199.00 HD-DVD player also. It comes with an Xbox 360 Universial Media Remote which Best Buy has it listed as $29.99 ( Best Buy ). It also comes with the HD-DVD version of King Kong which Best Buy also has listed as $29.99 ( Best Buy ). So, really you are only paying about $140.00 for the HD-DVD drive itself.

"Generally speaking, over the past twelve years or so, there has been a consumer expectation that disc based games are maybe $59 on the high end to $39 on the low end. So, what I can say now is, I think it would be a bit of a stretch to think that we could suddenly turn around and say 'PS3 games now $99.99'."

Best Buy *do* sell turntables. In fact, they have a huge selection of *3* turntables ($90-$280)
        http://www.bestbuy.com/site//olspage.jsp?id=cat030 37&type=category

compared to the selection of 7 "Home Stereo Class" CD Players at Circuit City ($77-$255)
        http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Turntables/sem/rpsm /catOid/-12944/N/20012898+20012924+20012944/rpem/c cd/categorylist.do

Circuit City has *5* systems for sale, though 1 of them looks like it's only purpose is to convert vinyl to Mp3 format.

As far as records/albums, Circuity City has them but on special order. Best Buy does not seem to offer them at all, at least
not through a quick search of their online inventory.

And if America's Largest Retailer (http://www.walmart.com) doesn't sell turntables or vinyl records, then there must not
be any money in selling the item.

In other words, if vinyl is making a comeback then somebody better tell the stores to start stocking players and music.

Vinyl will always be a nostagic item, not a "mass public popular" item.

I bought my record player at Best Buy just last year.

In fact: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?type=categ ory&id=cat03037

and $2000 for an HDTV

Yeah, but would it look way better than a 600$ normal CRT TV? I seriously doubt it.

Here are two Sharp Brand TVs being sold at Best Buy:

20" LCD Widescreen HDTV - $700
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp;skuId=7761 273&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat951000500 15&id=1142288702196

32" Flat-Tube Standard-Definition Digital TV - $520
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp;skuId=7631 217&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat951000500 15&id=1130986501280

For $180 less I can get a 50% bigger tv. The big difference here that might convince me to spend more isn't "HD quality", it's the fact that the LCD tv is thinner, lighter, and probably requires less power to run. The "HD" is only going to make its way in due to government requirements to meet the standard, not due to consumers upset that their 27" Standard Def. TV doesn't look good enough.

Yeah, but would it look way better than a 600$ normal CRT TV? I seriously doubt it.

Here are two Sharp Brand TVs being sold at Best Buy:

20" LCD Widescreen HDTV - $700
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp;skuId=7761 273&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat951000500 15&id=1142288702196

32" Flat-Tube Standard-Definition Digital TV - $520
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp;skuId=7631 217&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat951000500 15&id=1130986501280

For $180 less I can get a 50% bigger tv. The big difference here that might convince me to spend more isn't "HD quality", it's the fact that the LCD tv is thinner, lighter, and probably requires less power to run. The "HD" is only going to make its way in due to government requirements to meet the standard, not due to consumers upset that their 27" Standard Def. TV doesn't look good enough.

You're paying for OS X, yes, but you're also paying for what you *don't* buy.

You're paying for OS X, yes, but you're also paying for what you *don't* buy.

I think that Best Buy cable is going to be more like $149

HDMI cables are only going to run you $20 anyway

After checking bestbuy.ca and futureshop.ca I found 1 1080P HDTV and it was not 1000 bucks, it wasn't even close.. I've only seen a 1080p TV in a super high end audio/video store.

One 1080p TV from Outpost.com (Fry's Electronics) for under $1000 right here.

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4860630?site=sr:S EARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Too bad it won't take a 1080p signal. You've fallen for one of the great wonders of the video world, advertising scalled inputs resolutions while actual native input resolution being something different hidden amongst the fine print.

Linky to the $39 Progressive DVD player
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7679 425&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03013&id=113 4703131739

is pretty simple, effective, and easy to maintain. Granted, I only have about 1500 DVDs in my system, but I think it would scale pretty easily.

I put them in a case similar to these (the exact ones I use appear to no longer be carried by Best Buy).

In my particular case, I label the DVDs with the content, then write a category and disc # on each sleeve. I created little cardboar dividers that I slip between the categories. I then add the disc to an excel spreadsheet that I keep with the category, disc #, and description of the contents. For 30,000, you might want a database, but for me, a spreadsheet is adequate. I can fit about 300 discs in a box.

I find it very easy to find stuff and I find it very easy to maintain when adding new stuff. I tried the binders, but those were just too much trouble to keep organized and they took up way too much space. Space-wise, you simply can't get much more efficient than this.

Most people think Windows XP Home Edition costs less than $100. In fact, that's the price of the upgrade only. The full version costs $200. Similarly, the full Proffesional Edition cost more than most people think.

In order to legaly put Windows on your Mac, you're going to need the full version of one of these products. If Microsoft has significan't better pricing with Vista than with XP, this will be cheaper, but the full version of their curren't OS, when sold shrink-wrapped to the public, is significantly more expensive than most people think.

TW