This was just a so-so story. The 1st episode was MUCH MUCH better. I mean, the whole rise of robots was a great advance to the whole Matrix story, this one was just some no-name character in a training simulation. Take away the Matrix plot and this could have been any Anime style cartoon.
Smaller doesn't necessarily equal better. Sure it takes up very little space on your desk, but for the power user, what does this really offer? Come to think of it, all it really looks like is a repackaged laptop in a "desktop form factor", if you can call it that.
I get going for style and all, but I think you really have to offer something more than just style if you are putting a $1500 pricetag on a 1.6 GHz computer (and a clock/CD player ISN'T it). Hell, they even say it, for $300 less, you get a better Gateway computer that is basically the same thing.
Oh yea, BTW - for those of you ACs keeping score - FP.
That is the biggest question. I mean, as long as people have waited for it, will it be all that? So far I don't think any game that has been awaited THIS LONG has ever really lived up to it all.
I have a friend who did some record production a few years back. Overall his cost of production was never more than $3000 or $4000. That all said, he never had to do the recording or the mixing or any of that. Nor was paying the band part of the deal. Still when we are talking real production cost of the CDs themselves, we are talking dirt for that. When you start talking studio time and the time and effort to mix a CD properly, then we are talking a great deal more.
But still, just looking where I live (Austin, TX) people are able to churn out decent CDs without a huge effort or much money, so when you get right down to it, outside of paying your "talent" we are talking a relatively small figure.
Damn, I am glad that I am not the only one that thinks that this guy is stupid and should be locked up for what he did. I love how people come to your defense when you are facing a case like this, but ignore the fact that laws were broken.
Kevin Mitnick, Randal Schwartz, and now Igor Serebryany - all criminals who should get what they deserve.
I just came back from a small village in Mexico about the size of this one. They have internet access now, but I have to ask: Do these people really need it? These people have gotten along fine without computers, why do they need them now? Sure, it is a nice convenience for tourists when they travel to these areas, but you can't tell me indiginious people, such as these, truely need internet access or computer usage.
I love all these articles that tell you how to be successful in life/work/love/etc. What it all comes down to is doing something you love. Everyone seems to think that success is measured by the number of zeros before the decimal on your pay check. It is all about enjoying what you do.
I worked 2 years as a network admin for a law firm. Payed great, but the job just burned me out. It wasn't worth it. Sure after I left the place I found myself in some financial difficulty, but it was better than hating was I was doing.
I think my current CS professor said it best:
One of the critical things to being happy is being able to make a living doing something that you love to do, that expresses you to yourself and to others, and that perhaps they don't even have to pay you to do. Ask yourself what you would do if you won the lotto (that is, after you got tired of partying, which I realize might be a while). If I won, I think I would still try to write "beautiful" code and that I would still try to teach others how to do the same.
One of the things you're trying to figure out in college is what is that thing that you'll love to do, day in, day out. It's hard to do, but try to put aside any preconceived notions you have about a career: the money, the image, the chicks/hunks (whatever floats your boat), etc. Try to ground yourself by thinking out what the activity will be on a daily basis, and whether that activity is something you'll love and feel fulfilled by. Maybe it's being a computer scientist, maybe it's not. If working for the Red Cross, writing a novel, or being a money manager is the way to express yourself, do that.
To me - Success can't be measured by numbers or scores, or anything tangible. It comes down to your heart and head. That is what really matters.
Maybe the EQ players just need to get a life. I mean, if they want to experience a "player based political system", the US Govt is a good way to start. And the results are real.
I never claimed that it would or would not work. Overall, the design looks very feasable.
This all being said, it is radically different than the design of the working "Jet Pack" that is out there. I mean, he has 4 lower exhaust ports, that is where I point out that heat is an issue. Sure, wear a fire suit - no problem, maybe, but then again maybe not. The Bell Rocket Belt had jets far outside of the device, away from the pilot's body (not to mention they were small). This thing has the exhausts vents right on top of you. And they are huge.
Again, we are talking a radically different design from the BRB, I don't think comparisons to it are applicable. I stand by what I have said. Vibration (possibly) and heat are problems that could arise from this design.
And one (or more) of the Super Bowls. Plus a Bond movie too (Thunderball I think).
Just from what I have seen, I think those were the Bell Rocket Belt that he was talking about (seen here). I think his design has it's merits. But it also has flaws. If it will work - great, but I just am not sold.
Weight - they mentioned that it would be around 120 kg with everything attached (next to the 2nd picture). That would be around 275 lbs!!! They said it would probably need some sort of base wheels to deal with this (basically, something to support the whole device while you wear it, but aren't flying).
Vibration - not something I had considered, but it should be. I wonder what the engine he has would cause, especially combined with the carbon fiber of the housing.
Heat - this is something I was wondering about. I mean, you accelerate heat to the speed needed for a project like that, and you usually get a bunch of heat. That could be a bad thing. Just looking at how it is setup, I see leg burns just from the air exhaust, not to mention how hot the device itself would get, which would be right next to your head, face arms and torso.
I wish this guy luck, but all things considered, I don't know if he has totally put thought into the external effects of the device.
I agree this is a free market, but, I am not talking about the poor as in destitude, we are talking poor as in: 'Three $50 games are out, which ONE am I going to buy because I can't afford more than that?' At the same time, how many people say 'No' to games like DAOC or EQ because $30 for the game + $10 a month for the right to play. This is entertainment, and while it is relativly cheap, it is not something that anyone can just drop money on easily.
And it is a whole other thing to argue what I put in, I get out. If we say you put in time, then everyone is on the same playing field. True some have more free time than others, but overall, we are talking that everyone has TIME. Money is a whole different issue.
But if the game succeeds with those with disposable incomes, will that be enough to make the game go? Sure those with a money will (or I should say MAY) play, but if the game is only limited to that market, then: 1- won't a huge market (poorer gamers) be left out 2- won't this smaller pool of players lead to a less than fulfilling game, which causes players to leave which results in even LESS fun which... The game sounds interesting, but I think that they are trying to get way to close to true reality, and in games, that might be the line that you don't want to break.
Do you remember the Omnibot and Omnibot 2000? I see this thing going the way of them. Though early on, I see them selling well. Heck, with a sub $100 price tag, you can't go wrong. But I am sure the novelty will wear off soon enough.
That isn't true. I mean, PCDJ (which I am using) and DJPower both allow for doing some very solid beat matching. Plus with equipment like the Numark DMC-1, you have some VERY solid offerings out there.
What I find interesting about this article is that they make it seem like using IPods is the only way to go right now. There are a TON of options out there, and many of them very powerful, you just have to have the right equipment. I guess it is like any nitch market, where the people in the know will understand, while it will seem like news to the uninformed.
I have to say that no reggae/hip hop/jungle/you name it DJ would ever want to play MP3s
That is what they said about CDs a few years back.
I am not saying that we are looking as MP3s as the future of DJing, because each DJ will have their own media of choice. But just as you saw CDs become more popular once they had some solid CD mixers out there, with the advent of solid MP3 mixing options, I am sure that we will see MP3s (well, lets just say digital music files) become more prominent.
And I don't agree that it is just with the type of music you DJ. It doesn't mater the style of music you play, because the equipment will catch up to allow you to do what you want (again, see what happened with CDs).
If he really thinks this, then he is not a true DJ. There is a huge difference between spinning and just bluring music together. I can do that, but to be able to actually keep a SOLID flow of music takes the ability to beat match and group themes etc. I am trying to learn how to do these, but it certainly is not easy. But I have friends that are DJs and it certainly is an art. Of the 3 guys I know, 2 can keep a party rocking, but the 3rd guy while being able to mix and such, finds a way to clear the dance floor faster than that Baby Ruth cleared the pool in Caddyshack.
Slashdot Mirror
That won't be out until May. You can go to the web site (www.theanimatrix.com) and check - they have a list of what is coming out.
It wasn't a mess up - this is what was expected.
RonB
This was just a so-so story. The 1st episode was MUCH MUCH better. I mean, the whole rise of robots was a great advance to the whole Matrix story, this one was just some no-name character in a training simulation. Take away the Matrix plot and this could have been any Anime style cartoon.
RonB
I thought they said European Inteligence. Then I knew I had been up too long.
RonB
Smaller doesn't necessarily equal better. Sure it takes up very little space on your desk, but for the power user, what does this really offer? Come to think of it, all it really looks like is a repackaged laptop in a "desktop form factor", if you can call it that.
I get going for style and all, but I think you really have to offer something more than just style if you are putting a $1500 pricetag on a 1.6 GHz computer (and a clock/CD player ISN'T it). Hell, they even say it, for $300 less, you get a better Gateway computer that is basically the same thing.
Oh yea, BTW - for those of you ACs keeping score - FP.
RonB
But is that by your choice? I mean, two of my old bosses I can tell are in places that they are very happy in and will not be leaving anytime soon.
If you find your nitch, then it is very possible. Remember, what might not be a match for you is perfect for someone somewhere.
RonB
That is the biggest question. I mean, as long as people have waited for it, will it be all that? So far I don't think any game that has been awaited THIS LONG has ever really lived up to it all.
RonB
I have a friend who did some record production a few years back. Overall his cost of production was never more than $3000 or $4000. That all said, he never had to do the recording or the mixing or any of that. Nor was paying the band part of the deal. Still when we are talking real production cost of the CDs themselves, we are talking dirt for that. When you start talking studio time and the time and effort to mix a CD properly, then we are talking a great deal more.
But still, just looking where I live (Austin, TX) people are able to churn out decent CDs without a huge effort or much money, so when you get right down to it, outside of paying your "talent" we are talking a relatively small figure.
RonB
Haven't you heard the motto: Avoid Drinking and Driving - get drunk at home.
RonB
Damn, I am glad that I am not the only one that thinks that this guy is stupid and should be locked up for what he did. I love how people come to your defense when you are facing a case like this, but ignore the fact that laws were broken.
Kevin Mitnick, Randal Schwartz, and now Igor Serebryany - all criminals who should get what they deserve.
RonB
I just came back from a small village in Mexico about the size of this one. They have internet access now, but I have to ask: Do these people really need it?
These people have gotten along fine without computers, why do they need them now?
Sure, it is a nice convenience for tourists when they travel to these areas, but you can't tell me indiginious people, such as these, truely need internet access or computer usage.
I worked 2 years as a network admin for a law firm. Payed great, but the job just burned me out. It wasn't worth it. Sure after I left the place I found myself in some financial difficulty, but it was better than hating was I was doing.
I think my current CS professor said it best:
To me - Success can't be measured by numbers or scores, or anything tangible. It comes down to your heart and head. That is what really matters.
RonB
Maybe the EQ players just need to get a life. I mean, if they want to experience a "player based political system", the US Govt is a good way to start. And the results are real.
RonB
I never claimed that it would or would not work. Overall, the design looks very feasable.
This all being said, it is radically different than the design of the working "Jet Pack" that is out there. I mean, he has 4 lower exhaust ports, that is where I point out that heat is an issue. Sure, wear a fire suit - no problem, maybe, but then again maybe not. The Bell Rocket Belt had jets far outside of the device, away from the pilot's body (not to mention they were small). This thing has the exhausts vents right on top of you. And they are huge.
Again, we are talking a radically different design from the BRB, I don't think comparisons to it are applicable. I stand by what I have said. Vibration (possibly) and heat are problems that could arise from this design.
RonB
And one (or more) of the Super Bowls. Plus a Bond movie too (Thunderball I think).
Just from what I have seen, I think those were the Bell Rocket Belt that he was talking about (seen here).
I think his design has it's merits. But it also has flaws. If it will work - great, but I just am not sold.
RonB
Weight - they mentioned that it would be around 120 kg with everything attached (next to the 2nd picture). That would be around 275 lbs!!! They said it would probably need some sort of base wheels to deal with this (basically, something to support the whole device while you wear it, but aren't flying).
Vibration - not something I had considered, but it should be. I wonder what the engine he has would cause, especially combined with the carbon fiber of the housing.
Heat - this is something I was wondering about. I mean, you accelerate heat to the speed needed for a project like that, and you usually get a bunch of heat. That could be a bad thing. Just looking at how it is setup, I see leg burns just from the air exhaust, not to mention how hot the device itself would get, which would be right next to your head, face arms and torso.
I wish this guy luck, but all things considered, I don't know if he has totally put thought into the external effects of the device.
RonB
I agree this is a free market, but, I am not talking about the poor as in destitude, we are talking poor as in: 'Three $50 games are out, which ONE am I going to buy because I can't afford more than that?'
At the same time, how many people say 'No' to games like DAOC or EQ because $30 for the game + $10 a month for the right to play. This is entertainment, and while it is relativly cheap, it is not something that anyone can just drop money on easily.
And it is a whole other thing to argue what I put in, I get out. If we say you put in time, then everyone is on the same playing field. True some have more free time than others, but overall, we are talking that everyone has TIME. Money is a whole different issue.
RonB
But if the game succeeds with those with disposable incomes, will that be enough to make the game go? Sure those with a money will (or I should say MAY) play, but if the game is only limited to that market, then: ...
1- won't a huge market (poorer gamers) be left out
2- won't this smaller pool of players lead to a less than fulfilling game, which causes players to leave which results in even LESS fun which
The game sounds interesting, but I think that they are trying to get way to close to true reality, and in games, that might be the line that you don't want to break.
RonB
Now if he could only figure out humor.
RonB
If you look on their web site, the table/case is called the PRISM II. I found it.
RonB
You are all dorks. It's just Star Wars, not the fucking Bible.
wasn't this news about 4 or 5 years ago? Now that we are 2.5 years past Y2K, it makes this a moot point. Hell, why is this even on Slashdot now?
RonB
Do you remember the Omnibot and Omnibot 2000? I see this thing going the way of them. Though early on, I see them selling well. Heck, with a sub $100 price tag, you can't go wrong. But I am sure the novelty will wear off soon enough.
RonB
That isn't true. I mean, PCDJ (which I am using) and DJPower both allow for doing some very solid beat matching. Plus with equipment like the Numark DMC-1, you have some VERY solid offerings out there.
What I find interesting about this article is that they make it seem like using IPods is the only way to go right now. There are a TON of options out there, and many of them very powerful, you just have to have the right equipment. I guess it is like any nitch market, where the people in the know will understand, while it will seem like news to the uninformed.
RonB
I am not saying that we are looking as MP3s as the future of DJing, because each DJ will have their own media of choice. But just as you saw CDs become more popular once they had some solid CD mixers out there, with the advent of solid MP3 mixing options, I am sure that we will see MP3s (well, lets just say digital music files) become more prominent.
And I don't agree that it is just with the type of music you DJ. It doesn't mater the style of music you play, because the equipment will catch up to allow you to do what you want (again, see what happened with CDs).
RonB
But I have friends that are DJs and it certainly is an art. Of the 3 guys I know, 2 can keep a party rocking, but the 3rd guy while being able to mix and such, finds a way to clear the dance floor faster than that Baby Ruth cleared the pool in Caddyshack.
RonB