Archives for: July 2009
07/26/09
I very rarely purchase movies, as I usually only watch them once, and Netflix satisfies my movie needs nicely. If I were to purchase movies, however, they'd be Blu-Ray.
It's not that I'm super-picky when it comes to picture quality, and the only "special feature" I've every used is the documentary on the Special Editions of Lord of the Rings (OK, I saw the cheesy space alien "documentary" on the Stargate DVD): It's that prices have fallen to where Blu-Ray isn't too luxurious a choice.
Rent or buy, you're going to need a player. I went to the place where everybody knows my name, Fry's (in Industry), and sought a Blu-ray player for my computer.
I purchased the Sony BDUX10S because it was on sale. It works fine and comes with different color face plates, not unimportant if your computer is in your living room like mine is.
One problem I have with a computer Blu-Ray player versus a set-top unit: Software. The Sony I purchased comes with software to play Blu-Ray discs, Cyperlink PowerDVD, but I've had to update several times to play some of the newer discs like Firefly. So far, it's played everything I've plopped onto the BDUX1OS's tray, but I don't expect my luck to hold out forever.
The solution would be to buy standalone software. Well, buying the software separately costs $99.00 or, more than the drive itself.
I'd advise everybody purchasing a computer to consider a Blu-Ray combo player- one that plays but doesn't record Blu-Ray, at least, if the cost isn't more than about $100 more.
Sony SATA Blu-ray Disc-ROM Drive (Internal)
Stargate (Extended Cut) [Blu-ray]
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Extended Editions) [Blu-ray]
Firefly: The Complete Series [Blu-ray] by Joss Whedon
Blu-Ray story below:
Tags: "should i buy a blu-ray player", blue-ray, blueray
07/09/09
My son's had a PSP for a couple of years now. It's annoying to see him try to play it while were out at dinner and, much worse, while were walking, but he seems to enjoy it and, more importantly, can put it away for extended periods of time. He plays Yu Gi Oh and some racing game. He doesn't use the internet, which is virtually impossible on a PSP anyways.
My daughter never plays it. Yet, when I asked her what she wanted for her birthday, she said "a Nintendo DSi." I read some reviews and then a few more, and pretty soon, I actually became kind of interested. Certainly, this was a purely squid reaction- the looking at specs and features- as I've never played them and God knows I don't have time to start. Anyways, I came up with this quick, non-expert comparison:
Games: If you prefer Pokemon over Yu Gi Oh, then Nintendo is the way to go. If you prefer the other one, then vice-versa. I think Nintendo games tend to be more youth-oriented. Apparently, Yu Gi Oh is a mature, sophisticated cartoon compared to Pokemon.
Internet: Both have Wi-Fi. The PSP requires you to input text and select links thought buttons while the Nintendo lets you use a stylus, which is 100% easier. The DSi also has parental controls, eliminating a parental worry.
Music: The PSP lets you play the common formats. You have to convert your mp3s to AAC if you wish to listen to music on the Nintendo.
Movies: PSP can, DSi, nope. This is a huge advantage, I think.
Convenience: The Nintendo can download games. You have to carry cartridges for the PSP.
Gameplay: Both systems allow players to play against owners of the same system and game.
Extras: The DSi has a camera.
It should be noted that most of the functions above can be done on a phone, although internet might force people to pay for a costly data plan if the phone doesn't have WiFi.
It's a tough choice. I'd say most kids would prefer the ability to watch movies on a long road trip over being able to browse the internet more conveniently at a coffee shop.
What do real experts say? That I'm dead wrong. Nintendo sells far more Nintendo DSs than Sony does.
By the way, this site will let you find the Cheapest Nintendo DSi .
Nintendo DSi + 2GB SD Card Bundle
PlayStation Portable (PSP) Value Pack
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