...because I already have one of the original Surface Pro devices, and I actually really like it. And yes, we all hate microsoft around here, I know... I still like it.
I picked up a 1st Gen pro when Best Buy had them on sale a few months ago - they were selling the 128GB version for $499, which was less than I paid for my original (1st gen) iPad, so I thought I'd give it a try.
It's actually a decent little gaming machine, especially considering that it's using the 'onboard' intel graphics. I managed to google around and find a compatible driver so I could pair a playstation 3 controller with it via bluetooth, which also registers the controller via xinput / emulates an x360 controller, and it runs everything gaming-related I've thrown at it so far beautifully. This includes several steam games (Portal / Portal 2, Rayman Legends, Castle Crashers, Geometry Wars), several 'standalone' PC games, (League of Legends, Minecraft, Diablo 3) and an assortment of console emulators. You do have to occasionally turn down the resolution or tone down the eye candy a bit, but it's not especially noticeable when you're playing on a 10" screen, and I haven't had to drop anything below 1280x720 to get good framerates yet. I don't expect it to play Crysis, but to be fair, i haven't tried anything on that end of the 'hardcore' requirements spectrum either.
I also have started using it with FL Studio to do some audio editing and messing around with stuff - and that works incredibly well too.
I have heard of the surface 'music cover' and would be interested in buying one to play with, but I have yet to find one for sale from Microsoft - they don't offer them either in their brick-and-mortar stores, or on their store website... You can 'demo' one in their stores though, which I have done, and which made me want to purchase one to take home and play with more, but it seems that 'shut up and take my money' doesn't always work, sadly... (granted, I know people have them on eBay, and I may go that route at some point if I decide I want one badly enough...)
I use it to take notes in meetings at work, either typing in Word or using the stylus and Windows Journal. I use it as an RDP client to remote to other systems and do stuff as needed, for which it's VERY convenient.
The screen is decent - I would say that 1920x1080, while technically impressive to the masses (or something), is not a suitable resolution for a 10" device, at least for me. Also, 1920x1080, with 150% 'scaling' turned on (the default) causes problems with some desktop applications. As such, i have dropped the desktop resolution to 1366x768 for daily use, which still allows the 'tablet' apps to run and also allows me to actually SEE the desktop (and the contents thereof) when I'm out and about. I'm glad it has the capability to run a higher resolution, though, because I do occasionally connect it up to an external display.
The kickstand on the thing is actually a really great feature. And yes, I know how dumb that sounds.
All in all, i've been very pleasantly surprised with this thing. It's a good general-purpose device. I don't think I'd ever want to use it as my primary PC, but it's an awesome secondary system, and it's a great portable device (it beats the hell out of dragging around the laptop I used to carry with me to do the same kinds of things).
To be completely fair though, it's got some issues too.
- The touchscreen acts wonky sometimes - you can touch a single point on the screen and it will register multiple touches in different spots - which is really annoying when you're trying to enter text using the on-screen keyboard. It doesn't happen that often, and usually wiping off the screen and trying again will fix it, but it's still worth mentioning.
- The cover (I have the 'type cover') will sometimes randomly disconnect from the device. Pulling it away from the device and then reconnecting it will fix this, but this is also an annoyance. On the flipside, typing on the 'type cover
I worked with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety during the implementation of the new DL's, and helped deploy the new equipment. The 'touch signature' (fingerprint) that is captured is NOT encoded anywhere on the license. As of right now, these images are stored on a central server, and used ONLY as an additional means of verification when the license (or ID card) is issued / renewed.
In addition to the fingerprint, the digital photo that is taken is run through facial recognition software - your photo is initially captured by a driver examiner when you take your driving test or apply for an ID, and then again at the Tag Agency where you actually receive your license / ID. The two photos are compared by the software, and the license is issued if there is a high match percentage (I don't know the actual number).
(As an aside, this has virtually eliminated 'valid' fake ID's being issued, in the case of one person going and applying for an ID or DL, testing for it and being approved, and then giving someone else the verification document to take to a tag agent.)
The state used to require two forms of ID to replace or renew a DL / ID; with this new system, your fingerprint and your photo fulfill that requirement and verify your identity without requiring any additional documentation.
The barcodes on the license only contain the information that is actually on the front of the license - There is a standard barcode that contains the DL number and Date of Birth (if I recall correctly), as well as a '2d' barcode containing all the information (address, organ donor, etc).
I'm personally still of the opinion that any show titled "Survivor" should be about people actually living through something... Like being infected with the ebola virus, or having to swim through pools of frickin' sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their frickin' heads.
Rabid wombats, fussy pre-schoolers, or even some ill-tempered sea bass would do.
I have a question concerning copyright, though. When you purchase (or shoplift.. let's say acquire) a physical media device - in this case an audio CD, you are reciving a tangible item. You can hold it, feel it, etc. You can also use it as a means of enjoying the intellectual property it contains, which, if I'm understanding things correctly, is what the purchase price of the CD was all about. If I choose to convert the media on that CD into another format, is that allowed under fair use (say I don't like using CD's because they are easily scratched, but I've got a kickin' 8-track player in my car, and a way to transfer these songs to THAT media [because the iPod analogue is overused]) - is it infringement to make a 'copy' of the media for personal use in this instance?
I (possibly mistakenly) was under the impression that it is indeed perfectly legal, falling under the blanket of fair use. I was also under the impression, however, that archival backups were also covered under fair use (I own windows98, but my original CD is scratched all to hell - luckily I burned a backup of the CD for just that reason before the original became a coaster) - I suppose the ideal I'm trying to understand is this: What exactly am I entitled to as a purchaser of someone else's intellectual property - is it the ability to use the work itself, or just the ability to utilize the physical media until such media is destroyed or rendered unusable, and then I should purchase a new 'copy' of said work?
I realize that the agreement is different in each instance, based on the individual licensing of said work, but fundamentally, when I buy a CD, am I buying a piece of plastic, or am I buying the ability to enjoy some music?
Can we get this guy for a slashdot interview? I'd be quite happy to see what his replies are to some of our more intelligent posters' comments and questions, including some of the quite logical and well-articulated of those posted in this thread.
Until they (the RIAA) come up with a business model for distributing content over P2P networks that actually makes them money, they're going to keep fighting file sharing.
What I don't understand is why they simply don't offer a file-sharing license as an option with an ISP signup. You pay a nominal fee (say $10-$20), billed with your recurring monthly charge for internet access, and in return you get to legally access and use these files. I would assume that this would squash any arguements concerning "stolen" goods. As long as you're a registered user of the "pay-to-play" access, you can download and share media. Period.
It would seem that this type of licensing makes the most sense. The proverbial cat is out of the bag concerning file sharing - KaZaA isn't going anywhere, nor is Grokster or any of the other clients. And no one at all has brought up any mention of the tremendous file sharing and trading that happens on USENET or IRC. A flat licensing fee, IMHO, would be their best option to solve the problem, save face in the public eye, AND recieve compensation for their work.
Part of being a performer is just that - performing; putting on a show. Be it in an onstage venue, such as a play or musical, or on a movie set, or at a concert.
No matter what the clamor is from the "Industry," people need to realize that without the performers, there would BE no RIAA / MPAA. There would be no problem.
As a hobbyist musician, and having "Real" musician friends (people that perform for a living), I can testify that P2P is not hurting the performers.
Case in point:
I do not purchase CD's unless I like the band. I do not know if I enjoy the music or not unless I've heard it. Such is the dilemma. ANY purchase made is an investment - an investment in one's own well-being (such as purchasing food or medicine), an investment in one's happiness (such as purchasing a game or other forms of entertainment), an investment in one's future (traditional monetary investing, purchasing educational materials or "time" in a classroom). When I invest in something, I want to recieve the most satisfaction for each dollar I spend.
Literal translation: If I like the music, I buy it. If it sucks, I don't.
Personally, and this is ONLY my point of view, I see no problem with downloading a song from a P2P network. If the song is played on the radio, what kind of protection scheme is in place to prevent the recording of said broadcast?
How does the RIAA plan to circumvent the digital recording of music in the future? Making it more difficult to "rip" a CD does nothing, except render current "unprotected" players obsolete, thus creating more artificial demand for unnecessary products. As far as I know, as long as any given audio player produces sound thru speakers, the song(s) can be recorded and saved in an unprotected digital format, to be *gasp* "shared" online.
And (I know this has been said before) what about the rights of users who's files are open source, or not subject to copyright. As I mentioned, I am a hobbyist musician. I CREATE works, therefore I own the rights to said works. If I want to upload a file of my own to a P2P network, I have the right to do so; at least as much right as Metallica does to sue their fans for violating their copyright.
Regarding licensing: Again, just MY PERSONAL OPINION - if I purchase a CD, software item (such as an application or video game), or even a book -- I am purchasing a tangible item which is a storage medium for the product I have licensed for use. Basically, as long as I can prove that I purchased the license (Save those reciepts), I can listen to said songs wherever, whenever, and however. I can utilize said software wherever, whenever, and however. I can enjoy said book wherever, whenever, and however. But what if the original storage medium is destroyed? Tough luck, says the licensor? I don't think so.
Just random thoughs on the issue. Feel free to flame away.
-z-
We may need a new genre of game - think about this --
Even though there were FPS games before ID's DOOM, DOOM basically revolutionized the gaming industry -- Creating swarms of clones and sequels, some good, others bad. What major innovations have there been since then? Sure, we have "True" 3d now -- you can look up and down ingame. We have a plethora of different weapons. Monsters, zombies, dragons, etc... but they're all the same game.
Even though there were 3d "platform" games before Nintendo's Mario64, it also was the game that brought platformers up to date with 3d graphics and such. DK 64, Banjo-Kazooie, and even the newer Mario Sunshine.... They're all the same game.
And what about the sim-whatever craze? There are railroad tycoons, and rollercoaster tycoons. Cities, farms, themeparks, etc... but they're all basically the same game too.
I'd personally love to see some of the current consoles or pc gaming platforms pushed to the max with some retro gaming. Take Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for example - a truly innovative, wonderful game, combining RPG elements into a beautifully rendered 2d platformer. I replay it about every 4-5 months, and usually find new items and things that keep me coming back for more.
Metroid Prime was another good example of a remake, however I was suspicious at first. I'd still like to see another 2d remake of metroid, but I can't gripe too much about Prime. The ability to link up with the GBA Metroid: Fusion is also pretty neat, but I think that there could have been more than just transferring the fusion suit, or unlocking the NES metroid.
Basically, I think we need a new genre of game... If you look at the racks at CompUSA, BestBuy, or (insert your software store here), all you'll see is this---
Slashdot Mirror
...because I already have one of the original Surface Pro devices, and I actually really like it. And yes, we all hate microsoft around here, I know... I still like it.
I picked up a 1st Gen pro when Best Buy had them on sale a few months ago - they were selling the 128GB version for $499, which was less than I paid for my original (1st gen) iPad, so I thought I'd give it a try.
It's actually a decent little gaming machine, especially considering that it's using the 'onboard' intel graphics. I managed to google around and find a compatible driver so I could pair a playstation 3 controller with it via bluetooth, which also registers the controller via xinput / emulates an x360 controller, and it runs everything gaming-related I've thrown at it so far beautifully. This includes several steam games (Portal / Portal 2, Rayman Legends, Castle Crashers, Geometry Wars), several 'standalone' PC games, (League of Legends, Minecraft, Diablo 3) and an assortment of console emulators. You do have to occasionally turn down the resolution or tone down the eye candy a bit, but it's not especially noticeable when you're playing on a 10" screen, and I haven't had to drop anything below 1280x720 to get good framerates yet. I don't expect it to play Crysis, but to be fair, i haven't tried anything on that end of the 'hardcore' requirements spectrum either.
I also have started using it with FL Studio to do some audio editing and messing around with stuff - and that works incredibly well too.
I have heard of the surface 'music cover' and would be interested in buying one to play with, but I have yet to find one for sale from Microsoft - they don't offer them either in their brick-and-mortar stores, or on their store website... You can 'demo' one in their stores though, which I have done, and which made me want to purchase one to take home and play with more, but it seems that 'shut up and take my money' doesn't always work, sadly... (granted, I know people have them on eBay, and I may go that route at some point if I decide I want one badly enough...)
I use it to take notes in meetings at work, either typing in Word or using the stylus and Windows Journal. I use it as an RDP client to remote to other systems and do stuff as needed, for which it's VERY convenient.
The screen is decent - I would say that 1920x1080, while technically impressive to the masses (or something), is not a suitable resolution for a 10" device, at least for me. Also, 1920x1080, with 150% 'scaling' turned on (the default) causes problems with some desktop applications. As such, i have dropped the desktop resolution to 1366x768 for daily use, which still allows the 'tablet' apps to run and also allows me to actually SEE the desktop (and the contents thereof) when I'm out and about. I'm glad it has the capability to run a higher resolution, though, because I do occasionally connect it up to an external display.
The kickstand on the thing is actually a really great feature. And yes, I know how dumb that sounds.
All in all, i've been very pleasantly surprised with this thing. It's a good general-purpose device. I don't think I'd ever want to use it as my primary PC, but it's an awesome secondary system, and it's a great portable device (it beats the hell out of dragging around the laptop I used to carry with me to do the same kinds of things).
To be completely fair though, it's got some issues too.
- The touchscreen acts wonky sometimes - you can touch a single point on the screen and it will register multiple touches in different spots - which is really annoying when you're trying to enter text using the on-screen keyboard. It doesn't happen that often, and usually wiping off the screen and trying again will fix it, but it's still worth mentioning.
- The cover (I have the 'type cover') will sometimes randomly disconnect from the device. Pulling it away from the device and then reconnecting it will fix this, but this is also an annoyance. On the flipside, typing on the 'type cover
I worked with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety during the implementation of the new DL's, and helped deploy the new equipment. The 'touch signature' (fingerprint) that is captured is NOT encoded anywhere on the license. As of right now, these images are stored on a central server, and used ONLY as an additional means of verification when the license (or ID card) is issued / renewed.
In addition to the fingerprint, the digital photo that is taken is run through facial recognition software - your photo is initially captured by a driver examiner when you take your driving test or apply for an ID, and then again at the Tag Agency where you actually receive your license / ID. The two photos are compared by the software, and the license is issued if there is a high match percentage (I don't know the actual number).
(As an aside, this has virtually eliminated 'valid' fake ID's being issued, in the case of one person going and applying for an ID or DL, testing for it and being approved, and then giving someone else the verification document to take to a tag agent.)
The state used to require two forms of ID to replace or renew a DL / ID; with this new system, your fingerprint and your photo fulfill that requirement and verify your identity without requiring any additional documentation.
The barcodes on the license only contain the information that is actually on the front of the license - There is a standard barcode that contains the DL number and Date of Birth (if I recall correctly), as well as a '2d' barcode containing all the information (address, organ donor, etc).
I'm personally still of the opinion that any show titled "Survivor" should be about people actually living through something... Like being infected with the ebola virus, or having to swim through pools of frickin' sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their frickin' heads.
Rabid wombats, fussy pre-schoolers, or even some ill-tempered sea bass would do.
Ugh... I despise television.
-z-
I have a question concerning copyright, though. When you purchase (or shoplift.. let's say acquire) a physical media device - in this case an audio CD, you are reciving a tangible item. You can hold it, feel it, etc. You can also use it as a means of enjoying the intellectual property it contains, which, if I'm understanding things correctly, is what the purchase price of the CD was all about. If I choose to convert the media on that CD into another format, is that allowed under fair use (say I don't like using CD's because they are easily scratched, but I've got a kickin' 8-track player in my car, and a way to transfer these songs to THAT media [because the iPod analogue is overused]) - is it infringement to make a 'copy' of the media for personal use in this instance?
I (possibly mistakenly) was under the impression that it is indeed perfectly legal, falling under the blanket of fair use. I was also under the impression, however, that archival backups were also covered under fair use (I own windows98, but my original CD is scratched all to hell - luckily I burned a backup of the CD for just that reason before the original became a coaster) - I suppose the ideal I'm trying to understand is this: What exactly am I entitled to as a purchaser of someone else's intellectual property - is it the ability to use the work itself, or just the ability to utilize the physical media until such media is destroyed or rendered unusable, and then I should purchase a new 'copy' of said work?
I realize that the agreement is different in each instance, based on the individual licensing of said work, but fundamentally, when I buy a CD, am I buying a piece of plastic, or am I buying the ability to enjoy some music?
Thanks.
-z-
Obligatory Star Trek / Photon Torpedo reference here.
-z-
Can we get this guy for a slashdot interview? I'd be quite happy to see what his replies are to some of our more intelligent posters' comments and questions, including some of the quite logical and well-articulated of those posted in this thread.
-z-
Until they (the RIAA) come up with a business model for distributing content over P2P networks that actually makes them money, they're going to keep fighting file sharing.
What I don't understand is why they simply don't offer a file-sharing license as an option with an ISP signup. You pay a nominal fee (say $10-$20), billed with your recurring monthly charge for internet access, and in return you get to legally access and use these files. I would assume that this would squash any arguements concerning "stolen" goods. As long as you're a registered user of the "pay-to-play" access, you can download and share media. Period.
It would seem that this type of licensing makes the most sense. The proverbial cat is out of the bag concerning file sharing - KaZaA isn't going anywhere, nor is Grokster or any of the other clients. And no one at all has brought up any mention of the tremendous file sharing and trading that happens on USENET or IRC. A flat licensing fee, IMHO, would be their best option to solve the problem, save face in the public eye, AND recieve compensation for their work.
Just my $0.02.
-z-
Part of being a performer is just that - performing; putting on a show. Be it in an onstage venue, such as a play or musical, or on a movie set, or at a concert. No matter what the clamor is from the "Industry," people need to realize that without the performers, there would BE no RIAA / MPAA. There would be no problem. As a hobbyist musician, and having "Real" musician friends (people that perform for a living), I can testify that P2P is not hurting the performers. Case in point: I do not purchase CD's unless I like the band. I do not know if I enjoy the music or not unless I've heard it. Such is the dilemma. ANY purchase made is an investment - an investment in one's own well-being (such as purchasing food or medicine), an investment in one's happiness (such as purchasing a game or other forms of entertainment), an investment in one's future (traditional monetary investing, purchasing educational materials or "time" in a classroom). When I invest in something, I want to recieve the most satisfaction for each dollar I spend. Literal translation: If I like the music, I buy it. If it sucks, I don't. Personally, and this is ONLY my point of view, I see no problem with downloading a song from a P2P network. If the song is played on the radio, what kind of protection scheme is in place to prevent the recording of said broadcast? How does the RIAA plan to circumvent the digital recording of music in the future? Making it more difficult to "rip" a CD does nothing, except render current "unprotected" players obsolete, thus creating more artificial demand for unnecessary products. As far as I know, as long as any given audio player produces sound thru speakers, the song(s) can be recorded and saved in an unprotected digital format, to be *gasp* "shared" online. And (I know this has been said before) what about the rights of users who's files are open source, or not subject to copyright. As I mentioned, I am a hobbyist musician. I CREATE works, therefore I own the rights to said works. If I want to upload a file of my own to a P2P network, I have the right to do so; at least as much right as Metallica does to sue their fans for violating their copyright. Regarding licensing: Again, just MY PERSONAL OPINION - if I purchase a CD, software item (such as an application or video game), or even a book -- I am purchasing a tangible item which is a storage medium for the product I have licensed for use. Basically, as long as I can prove that I purchased the license (Save those reciepts), I can listen to said songs wherever, whenever, and however. I can utilize said software wherever, whenever, and however. I can enjoy said book wherever, whenever, and however. But what if the original storage medium is destroyed? Tough luck, says the licensor? I don't think so. Just random thoughs on the issue. Feel free to flame away. -z-
...Better not name it "*-craft" or you're likely to get shut down by Blizzard.
-z-
We may need a new genre of game - think about this --
Even though there were FPS games before ID's DOOM, DOOM basically revolutionized the gaming industry -- Creating swarms of clones and sequels, some good, others bad. What major innovations have there been since then? Sure, we have "True" 3d now -- you can look up and down ingame. We have a plethora of different weapons. Monsters, zombies, dragons, etc... but they're all the same game.
Even though there were 3d "platform" games before Nintendo's Mario64, it also was the game that brought platformers up to date with 3d graphics and such. DK 64, Banjo-Kazooie, and even the newer Mario Sunshine.... They're all the same game.
And what about the sim-whatever craze? There are railroad tycoons, and rollercoaster tycoons. Cities, farms, themeparks, etc... but they're all basically the same game too.
I'd personally love to see some of the current consoles or pc gaming platforms pushed to the max with some retro gaming. Take Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for example - a truly innovative, wonderful game, combining RPG elements into a beautifully rendered 2d platformer. I replay it about every 4-5 months, and usually find new items and things that keep me coming back for more.
Metroid Prime was another good example of a remake, however I was suspicious at first. I'd still like to see another 2d remake of metroid, but I can't gripe too much about Prime. The ability to link up with the GBA Metroid: Fusion is also pretty neat, but I think that there could have been more than just transferring the fusion suit, or unlocking the NES metroid.
Basically, I think we need a new genre of game... If you look at the racks at CompUSA, BestBuy, or (insert your software store here), all you'll see is this---
FPS, FPS, FPS, RTS, RTS, RTS, MMORPG, MMORPG, MMORPG, SIM-something, SIM-something, SIM-something.... etc.
It's time for something new.
-z-