Go read up on "CSS" on DVD, then revise your offtopic statement.
Re:CmdrTaco drags big brass ones along the ground
on
iPad Review
·
· Score: 1
So..... I have to either:
a) Buy an iPad, Buy an App, and hope the recipe is in the App...
b) use my existing laptop/buy a netbook (cheaper than an iPad), and access one of MANY free recipes online with video/audio thanks to supporting flash/etc.
I know which one I will choose.. its not (a)
In fact, in my household, we have a small LCD TV in our kitchen, which can be connected to a netbook, etc.. oh and it is a TV, that can display TV too...
you woudl be surprised at HOW much Java is used in the back end in Google. One big example, GMAIL.
Java CAN be very efficient and perfromant if doen right (just like C++). IT just depends on the developers, and Java has its fair share of mediocre developers too.
I agree with you in principle. A good JIT oriented runtime, such as Java, and.Net, can due to their nature (run time optimization, etc) can appraoch and even exceed C++ in many circumstances. in fact a lot of the performance loss in such systems is due to the JRE, and CLRs in built protection mechanisms (such as garbage collection, and bounds checking), which if were used as standard in C++ would make them a lot more equivelent in terms of performance.
I know many seasonsed C++ developers "poo poo" garbage collection, saying that a good developer can manage memory better. This is not always true and actual evidence point the other direction, ie Garbage Collection can IMPROVE performance, even over skilled engineers. the reasons include the fact that garbage collection allows such optimisations such as moving bocks around in memory (defragmentation) without effecting the code. Socondly, highly tuned hand crafted memory management, requires econsiderable development time, and when done as part of a team effort, can lead to the optimisations being not "optimal".
But going back on topic. Multi Core processor support. A good JVM, or CLR type environmrnt can abstract mutithreaded applications quite nicely. Even old applications can utilise different threading mechanisms by just "upgrading" the runtime. On top of that, languages based on these runtimes make programming threads easy, so that developers (Especially average ones) can utilise threads without requiring the knowledge of black arts.
That only applies to the newer Slim version. however, they are just normal screws, easy to obtain. Nothing special.
But yeah, they fitted the "softer" screws to avoid people from damaging the thread on the HD from being idiotic. That was a common issue they observed fromt he earlier PS3, Joe sixpacks ripping the threads on the HDD due to overtightening, or misalignment.
Easier (and cheaper) to replace a screw than a HD.
The region label on the cover only shows the "intended" region where the game is meant to be played, but the hardware does not lock out a USA disc in a European PS3.
However, there may be a region issues in terms of Online/Downloadable content. However, thats entirely in the software and is up to the publisher.
You are right mostly about all that. I can clarify a few.
1) Compatible with any USB storage device. Compare to "no third party" locking of Xbox360 proprietary memory. (Wii uses SDHC I think?)
Correct, though there are some limits (multi partition devices are not supported well, possible size limits). Though these limits seem more technology oriented, and may be fixed by firmware.
2) You don't have to buy an Eye Toy for the camera. Supposedly any UVC compliant USB camera will work.
Correct to a point. Any UVC compliant camera should work (I have used various logitech, and MS webcams with it). However, you will not be able to access any special features of the camera beyond the UVC spec, unless a special driver is made for it. However, most webcam's Microphones are supported as long as they confirm the standard USB HID-Microphones. However, somes games may still require the Playstation eyes, as they are programmed specifically to the specifications of that camera, and require the mutli array positional Microphone of the Playstation Eye for positional stuff.
3) Same for USB headsets 4) Same for Bluetooth headsets 5) Same for keyboards/mice for browsing and chat
Correct, any Blutooth or USB KeyBoard/Mouse/Headset or combo keyboard mouses work fine
6) Want a bigger hard drive? Put in any 2.5" SATA drive
Largely correct, though you may want to make sure your drive doesnt generate too much heat, or is thicker than normal. Not sure how it handles hybrid SSD/Magnetic drives either.
7) Media playback is UPnP based and supports quite a few formats (MKV being the most notable exception). I can use the PS3 as a MythTV frontend!
Correct, and its even DivX certified.
There is one other thing that also suprised me, considering its a Sony product. Sony sells a DVB tuner here in UK and Aus called the PlayTV. This twin DVB (Digital) tuner turns the PS3 into a full featured PVR for Freeview (UKs Free digital Terrestrial system). Whats really cool is that the recorded programms are easily copied onto a USB drive (using the menu), and are just the raw MPEG streams, complete with sub streams (subtitles) ready to be burnt to DVD or encoded to any other format.
Not sure about Hulu, I am in the UK, but we get the free BBC iPlayer instead, and also Vidzone.
net result for you = +1 song you want net result for artist = -1 sale to someone who WANTS their song.
Whether you agree with the mega corps or not, you ARE enjoying the art (by your admission its a song you WANT), but not paying for it in anyway, just gettign it free (leeching).
Dont get me wrong, I dont agree with the megacorps, but if i wanted a song, I do buy it, and not leech it, irregardless of the megacorp behind it. You cannot commit a real crime (copyright infringement) where you actually USE the material you have infringed, just because you dont like Megacorp Inc.
You didn't go "From Soho down to Brighton, did you?" 8-)
Although i suppose you said that as a joke, from Soho, to London Victoria (there the train to brighton departs) is a 10 minuite journey on the Underground (assuming from Oxford Circus). Its a cheap journey too. beating car/taxi in speed and price.
I actually started my journey from Harrow, which was longer, but still cheaper/quicker than car overall.
Compare a similar trip from Washington DC, to Fredericksburg, VA on the US's only train - amtrak.com. Google maps says it's 52.5 miles and 1:06.
Amtrak wants a minimum of $88 (58 GBP) for two adult round trip tickets. The outbound leg takes a minimum of 1:05, and the return trip takes a minimum of 1:15.
I can drive that same route (105 miles) for a tenth of that, and arrive at the same time as the train.
Additionally, this schedule shows a minimum of 4 stops each way.
And non-US citizens still wonder why we don't just take the train???
Actually I DO understand why you guys dont take the train, and I was trying to say, it needed be that way!:)
Wouldnt you take a train if it was competitive to car?
Really good point you have made. Its strange that 'Class' can still exist in peoples mentality.
Here in the UK, you will see suits, and the unwashed mass sharing the same carraige in the London Underground. its often called the great "class equaliser". And its pretty much accepted.
Indeed, many "suits" prefer public transport, as they can whip out their laptops and do some work.
If you dont copy: - net result for company and artist = 0 - net result for you = 0
If you do copy: - net result for company and artist = 0 - net result for you = +1 (you 'enjoy' the art without compensating the artist/company)
Hence why copying is NOT the way to make a stand, you are just a freeloader.
Better idea: Buy from independants via web sites: - Megacorps net income = 0 - Artists tied to Megacorps net income = 0 - Independant artist = +1 (possibly more money than going via Megacorp per sale) - your net result = +1
And you have stated the one point that most people miss.. HS trains can run on ordinary tracks too, albiet at lower speeds.
When the channel tunnel originally opened, and Eurostar Services commenced, the British did not have their high speed link ready. It was hilarious watching these sleek beauties (http://www.helsinki.fi/%7Ejriihima/uk/uk_eurostar_capitals_thirdrail_london_2007_L.jpg) running along side aging 60's slamdoor relics such as these: http://www.girr.org/girr/england/slam_door_car.jpg
Yet still the Eurostar was still often faster and more convenient than plane.
Actually building the damn thing may not be difficult at all, especially where straight lines already exist. Uprating to HS operation, may be a LOT simplier than you think, and quite possibly cheaper than building a (fast) highway.
Russia has free LAND.
Brtiain built HS1 ahead of schedule, and under budget, despite some very tricky engineering over difficult terrain and built up areas. The technology exists, and the trains exist. I really think 10 years is do-able.
Of all the countries suited for High Speed rail, the USA should be one of them. You guys have the land and capabilities. You guys should be showing us (europeans) how to do it, not the other way round. And no, it doesnt have to be all 200mph trains to make a huge difference.
Lets take my country, poor old battered UK, with aging victorian infrastructure that is heavily critisised, in my opinion, rather unfairly.
We have "local" lines running at 50/70mph. Sub-Main lines running at 100mph, Main lines running at 125mph, and now the High Speed 1 line running at 183mph.
Even with this motley selection of lines, we find Train can often be faster than car. Remember our highest speed roads (the motoways) are max 70mph, and suffer from traffic jams. Even the 100mph lines are faster, and even when you take into account stations, they can still be faster than a motoway at 70mph especially during heavy traffic when at times the average speed can drop to less than 30mph.
Last year, me and my wife when to Brighton from London, on the Brighton express it took just 45 mins to get there on a 100mph line with 2 intermeadiate stops, a journey that would easily take about 1 hour 30 mins by car. the cost was £4.50 each one way, total £18, MUCH cheaper than car (fuel/parking costs, etc). And we were toally relaxed and enjoyed the trip, enjoying alcohol/etc.
The best part is when we travel parrallel to a motoway, and we roll past all the drivers in their jams. Even when there is light traffic, the 100mph trains easily roll past cars going at 70mph (30mph relative speed)
Its even more pronouced going on the Eurostar to paris at 180mph, its crazy when the train runs parrallel to a motoway. The cars, going at 70mph look like they are at a standstill (the train is travelling 110mph faster than the car, over twice the speed).
Dont get me wrong, I do own a car, a BMW, which is nice to drive, etc. But sometimes you just cannot beat the train for sheer comfort.
The USA could be BETTER than us for railways, as you guys have land, etc.
Agreed, as I said earlier, one of the real stars on PSN is High Velocity Bowling. Its a motion controlled bowling game that exists NOW, for current machines/controllers, and just works. And is probably one of the most favourite party games we have (especially after a few drinks). Cheap too.
Try the PS3's High Velocity Bowling. Its been available for a while, its motion controlled, and costs only £7 last time I looked. (it uses the DS3/SixAxis motion control) and its actually a party game that is fun.. on the PS3.
IT is frequent, true. But not as bad as one may think for a bluetooth device. Remember it wasnt that far back that Bluetooth devices only lasted one month.
Changing batteries every 1 year is do-able, and considering the benifits (no need for line of sight, etc) i can accept it.
Religion is not harmfull, its the people who lead that can be. In all cases of war based on "religious" grounds, its not hte religion that said "we must fight THIS war" its a person (religious or not), who craved power then used religion as a means to an end.
Remember Religion itself is based on a Belief system. You need to suspend certain facts to follow a faith, therefore the said "leader" only needs to create new "facts" as part of that faith to get what he/she wants.
Actually a lot of BT keyboard and mouse sets behave as a normal USB HID compliant device when used with the provided dongle. My Microsoft Wireless 7000 KB + Mouse's dongle has a HID bridge that is on by default with a simple bluetooth stack implemented on the dongle, that only works with the mouse/keyboard. It is only when I install the drivers AND choose to install the BT stack that it switches to full BT mode (It is possible to install the Intellipoint software without enabling the bluetooth stack to save memory if you wish)
Slashdot Mirror
Amen, I agree too with that!
My Missus, is a game freak (PS3/PC) loves gadgets, Comic freak, science, tech... bascially a geeks best possible partner...
Oh and she is very feminine too, and is hot :)
You have find sexy/intelligent/geek friendly women out there!
This is slashdot, many dont have much experience of the species called "females", let alone get close enough to understand.
Kids? for a Teen/adult game?
Google would like to have a word with you! (Gmail, Buzz, Adwords, etc)
Go read up on "CSS" on DVD, then revise your offtopic statement.
So..... I have to either:
a) Buy an iPad, Buy an App, and hope the recipe is in the App...
b) use my existing laptop/buy a netbook (cheaper than an iPad), and access one of MANY free recipes online with video/audio thanks to supporting flash/etc.
I know which one I will choose.. its not (a)
In fact, in my household, we have a small LCD TV in our kitchen, which can be connected to a netbook, etc.. oh and it is a TV, that can display TV too...
Iraq was "supposed" to have had weapons of mass destruction......... yet it was still invaded.....
Not much difference between nukes, and bio weapons in terms of MAD....
you woudl be surprised at HOW much Java is used in the back end in Google. One big example, GMAIL.
Java CAN be very efficient and perfromant if doen right (just like C++). IT just depends on the developers, and Java has its fair share of mediocre developers too.
I agree with you in principle. A good JIT oriented runtime, such as Java, and .Net, can due to their nature (run time optimization, etc) can appraoch and even exceed C++ in many circumstances. in fact a lot of the performance loss in such systems is due to the JRE, and CLRs in built protection mechanisms (such as garbage collection, and bounds checking), which if were used as standard in C++ would make them a lot more equivelent in terms of performance.
I know many seasonsed C++ developers "poo poo" garbage collection, saying that a good developer can manage memory better. This is not always true and actual evidence point the other direction, ie Garbage Collection can IMPROVE performance, even over skilled engineers. the reasons include the fact that garbage collection allows such optimisations such as moving bocks around in memory (defragmentation) without effecting the code. Socondly, highly tuned hand crafted memory management, requires econsiderable development time, and when done as part of a team effort, can lead to the optimisations being not "optimal".
Google around for more infomation, such as this blog:
http://hollycummins.blogspot.com/2008/10/garbage-collection-myths.html
But going back on topic. Multi Core processor support. A good JVM, or CLR type environmrnt can abstract mutithreaded applications quite nicely. Even old applications can utilise different threading mechanisms by just "upgrading" the runtime. On top of that, languages based on these runtimes make programming threads easy, so that developers (Especially average ones) can utilise threads without requiring the knowledge of black arts.
To answer some of your questions:
There are cameras other than the EyeToy that work on the PS3?
Yes any USB cameras that support the UVC standard will work, thoguh some GAMES may require the Playstation Eye.
the Xbox 360 wireless controllers are NOT bluetooth.
As for the other things, here is a comment i wrote for another story.
http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1587178&cid=31522810
That only applies to the newer Slim version. however, they are just normal screws, easy to obtain. Nothing special.
But yeah, they fitted the "softer" screws to avoid people from damaging the thread on the HD from being idiotic. That was a common issue they observed fromt he earlier PS3, Joe sixpacks ripping the threads on the HDD due to overtightening, or misalignment.
Easier (and cheaper) to replace a screw than a HD.
PS3 games DONT have region encoding...
The region label on the cover only shows the "intended" region where the game is meant to be played, but the hardware does not lock out a USA disc in a European PS3.
However, there may be a region issues in terms of Online/Downloadable content. However, thats entirely in the software and is up to the publisher.
You are right mostly about all that. I can clarify a few.
1) Compatible with any USB storage device. Compare to "no third party" locking of Xbox360 proprietary memory. (Wii uses SDHC I think?)
Correct, though there are some limits (multi partition devices are not supported well, possible size limits). Though these limits seem more technology oriented, and may be fixed by firmware.
2) You don't have to buy an Eye Toy for the camera. Supposedly any UVC compliant USB camera will work.
Correct to a point. Any UVC compliant camera should work (I have used various logitech, and MS webcams with it). However, you will not be able to access any special features of the camera beyond the UVC spec, unless a special driver is made for it. However, most webcam's Microphones are supported as long as they confirm the standard USB HID-Microphones.
However, somes games may still require the Playstation eyes, as they are programmed specifically to the specifications of that camera, and require the mutli array positional Microphone of the Playstation Eye for positional stuff.
3) Same for USB headsets
4) Same for Bluetooth headsets
5) Same for keyboards/mice for browsing and chat
Correct, any Blutooth or USB KeyBoard/Mouse/Headset or combo keyboard mouses work fine
6) Want a bigger hard drive? Put in any 2.5" SATA drive
Largely correct, though you may want to make sure your drive doesnt generate too much heat, or is thicker than normal. Not sure how it handles hybrid SSD/Magnetic drives either.
7) Media playback is UPnP based and supports quite a few formats (MKV being the most notable exception). I can use the PS3 as a MythTV frontend!
Correct, and its even DivX certified.
There is one other thing that also suprised me, considering its a Sony product. Sony sells a DVB tuner here in UK and Aus called the PlayTV. This twin DVB (Digital) tuner turns the PS3 into a full featured PVR for Freeview (UKs Free digital Terrestrial system). Whats really cool is that the recorded programms are easily copied onto a USB drive (using the menu), and are just the raw MPEG streams, complete with sub streams (subtitles) ready to be burnt to DVD or encoded to any other format.
Not sure about Hulu, I am in the UK, but we get the free BBC iPlayer instead, and also Vidzone.
net result for you = +1 song you want
net result for artist = -1 sale to someone who WANTS their song.
Whether you agree with the mega corps or not, you ARE enjoying the art (by your admission its a song you WANT), but not paying for it in anyway, just gettign it free (leeching).
Dont get me wrong, I dont agree with the megacorps, but if i wanted a song, I do buy it, and not leech it, irregardless of the megacorp behind it. You cannot commit a real crime (copyright infringement) where you actually USE the material you have infringed, just because you dont like Megacorp Inc.
You didn't go "From Soho down to Brighton, did you?" 8-)
Although i suppose you said that as a joke, from Soho, to London Victoria (there the train to brighton departs) is a 10 minuite journey on the Underground (assuming from Oxford Circus). Its a cheap journey too. beating car/taxi in speed and price.
I actually started my journey from Harrow, which was longer, but still cheaper/quicker than car overall.
Compare a similar trip from Washington DC, to Fredericksburg, VA on the US's only train - amtrak.com. Google maps says it's 52.5 miles and 1:06.
Amtrak wants a minimum of $88 (58 GBP) for two adult round trip tickets. The outbound leg takes a minimum of 1:05, and the return trip takes a minimum of 1:15.
I can drive that same route (105 miles) for a tenth of that, and arrive at the same time as the train.
Additionally, this schedule shows a minimum of 4 stops each way.
And non-US citizens still wonder why we don't just take the train???
Actually I DO understand why you guys dont take the train, and I was trying to say, it needed be that way! :)
Wouldnt you take a train if it was competitive to car?
Really good point you have made. Its strange that 'Class' can still exist in peoples mentality.
Here in the UK, you will see suits, and the unwashed mass sharing the same carraige in the London Underground. its often called the great "class equaliser". And its pretty much accepted.
Indeed, many "suits" prefer public transport, as they can whip out their laptops and do some work.
There is another aspect to that:
If you dont copy:
- net result for company and artist = 0
- net result for you = 0
If you do copy:
- net result for company and artist = 0
- net result for you = +1 (you 'enjoy' the art without compensating the artist/company)
Hence why copying is NOT the way to make a stand, you are just a freeloader.
Better idea:
Buy from independants via web sites:
- Megacorps net income = 0
- Artists tied to Megacorps net income = 0
- Independant artist = +1 (possibly more money than going via Megacorp per sale)
- your net result = +1
And you have stated the one point that most people miss.. HS trains can run on ordinary tracks too, albiet at lower speeds.
When the channel tunnel originally opened, and Eurostar Services commenced, the British did not have their high speed link ready. It was hilarious watching these sleek beauties (http://www.helsinki.fi/%7Ejriihima/uk/uk_eurostar_capitals_thirdrail_london_2007_L.jpg) running along side aging 60's slamdoor relics such as these:
http://www.girr.org/girr/england/slam_door_car.jpg
Yet still the Eurostar was still often faster and more convenient than plane.
Actually building the damn thing may not be difficult at all, especially where straight lines already exist. Uprating to HS operation, may be a LOT simplier than you think, and quite possibly cheaper than building a (fast) highway.
Russia has free LAND.
Brtiain built HS1 ahead of schedule, and under budget, despite some very tricky engineering over difficult terrain and built up areas. The technology exists, and the trains exist. I really think 10 years is do-able.
Of all the countries suited for High Speed rail, the USA should be one of them. You guys have the land and capabilities. You guys should be showing us (europeans) how to do it, not the other way round. And no, it doesnt have to be all 200mph trains to make a huge difference.
Lets take my country, poor old battered UK, with aging victorian infrastructure that is heavily critisised, in my opinion, rather unfairly.
We have "local" lines running at 50/70mph. Sub-Main lines running at 100mph, Main lines running at 125mph, and now the High Speed 1 line running at 183mph.
Even with this motley selection of lines, we find Train can often be faster than car. Remember our highest speed roads (the motoways) are max 70mph, and suffer from traffic jams. Even the 100mph lines are faster, and even when you take into account stations, they can still be faster than a motoway at 70mph especially during heavy traffic when at times the average speed can drop to less than 30mph.
Last year, me and my wife when to Brighton from London, on the Brighton express it took just 45 mins to get there on a 100mph line with 2 intermeadiate stops, a journey that would easily take about 1 hour 30 mins by car. the cost was £4.50 each one way, total £18, MUCH cheaper than car (fuel/parking costs, etc). And we were toally relaxed and enjoyed the trip, enjoying alcohol/etc.
The best part is when we travel parrallel to a motoway, and we roll past all the drivers in their jams. Even when there is light traffic, the 100mph trains easily roll past cars going at 70mph (30mph relative speed)
Its even more pronouced going on the Eurostar to paris at 180mph, its crazy when the train runs parrallel to a motoway. The cars, going at 70mph look like they are at a standstill (the train is travelling 110mph faster than the car, over twice the speed).
Dont get me wrong, I do own a car, a BMW, which is nice to drive, etc. But sometimes you just cannot beat the train for sheer comfort.
The USA could be BETTER than us for railways, as you guys have land, etc.
Agreed, as I said earlier, one of the real stars on PSN is High Velocity Bowling. Its a motion controlled bowling game that exists NOW, for current machines/controllers, and just works. And is probably one of the most favourite party games we have (especially after a few drinks). Cheap too.
Also Lemmings is good. And cheap.
And Outrun 2006 for the retro lot.
Try the PS3's High Velocity Bowling. Its been available for a while, its motion controlled, and costs only £7 last time I looked. (it uses the DS3/SixAxis motion control) and its actually a party game that is fun.. on the PS3.
IT is frequent, true. But not as bad as one may think for a bluetooth device. Remember it wasnt that far back that Bluetooth devices only lasted one month.
Changing batteries every 1 year is do-able, and considering the benifits (no need for line of sight, etc) i can accept it.
Religion is not harmfull, its the people who lead that can be. In all cases of war based on "religious" grounds, its not hte religion that said "we must fight THIS war" its a person (religious or not), who craved power then used religion as a means to an end.
Remember Religion itself is based on a Belief system. You need to suspend certain facts to follow a faith, therefore the said "leader" only needs to create new "facts" as part of that faith to get what he/she wants.
Actually a lot of BT keyboard and mouse sets behave as a normal USB HID compliant device when used with the provided dongle. My Microsoft Wireless 7000 KB + Mouse's dongle has a HID bridge that is on by default with a simple bluetooth stack implemented on the dongle, that only works with the mouse/keyboard. It is only when I install the drivers AND choose to install the BT stack that it switches to full BT mode (It is possible to install the Intellipoint software without enabling the bluetooth stack to save memory if you wish)