[LaW]Maverick

Yeah the Droid X is pretty nice, but i dont like the look of it, and how the camera sticks off the back making it bump up. I know someone with the incredible, and i really like using it and the way it looks. I don't know yet, it's something I'm talking about with my fiance right now since she will be on my plan soon also, and her entire family is on ATT. Also I will need to pay the $200 for the phone, when i only ended up paying $30 for the Aria in the first place. I'll update whatever happens, cuz I'll decide very soon if i wanna switch.

You know, I forgot to mention, the Droid 2 is out, and man is it sweet. If your office gets a discount on voice/data plans, you may get equipment discounts as well. The Droid 2 is a little smaller than the Droid X as well, which may be a plus for you from what you're saying.

As far as her family being on AT&T, if you get share plan, you can get Friends & Family on Verizon and call them as if they were other Verizon owners. That being said, F&F might not be available on the lowest tier share plan. My F&F supports 10 numbers.

I have the Droid X on Verizon, and I love it. I had a BB Curve on ATT and had to get rid of it, as even in the middle of Chicago I could not get a signal in a ton of places. I have had no issues with my Verizon service so far, and the X is awesome. I would caution that you will need to charge the battery daily, but it is supposed to get better when Android 2.2 drops next month, and is for sure better then the incredible.

It should be noted that the Droid X has the highest rated battery life of any smart phone on the market (yes, SJ, that includes iPhone). Additionally, they have a 1-click root for the Droid X that I used on some phones here in the office.

Really, don't wait the 20 days, ditch AT&T, go with VZW (Sprint is actually pretty good now too, but you get a discount with VZW). The Droid X is a waaaaaaay better phone than the Aria.

I will have to try Zombies Live . . .

No clue..just thought we could have fun figuring out the doo-dads in there. I mean, that looks like a giant oscilloscope...why? What's with the cool light-panel in the dash? I mean, the guy who installed the stuff really did a good job--took his time, made it look good....but WHY IS IT ALL THERE!? WHAT DOES IT DO!? lol

Edit: I spelled "weird" well in the subject line, didn't I?

Bringing this topic back from the dead to update what i just got last weekend.

 

I did end up getting AT&T for a service provider. Simply because i got the lowest minutes and they have rollover, plus a great weekend deal on a phone i liked. I get zero signal at work though, which i hate. (ground floor of a hospital)

The phone i got is the HTC Aria which runs on Android 2.1. I got the unlimited text and 2GB data plan. I'll lower it to 200mb if i don't seem to use that much data after a couple months to save $10/month.

 

Quick question though, is there a way you can ever update the Android version u have, and also, what are some of the best apps to download for android? That is all, thanks!

The Aria is an OK phone--unfortunately a bit locked down by AT&T. However,you can root it here. Why root? It allows you to do things like WiFi tether and what not for free. In all honesty, however, I would ditch AT&T if you're still within your return period and go get a better phone on a different provider with no data caps. In a busy month, I use around 4 GB of data, and AT&T's international data rates (if you ever travel) are HORRIBLE. Oh, and roll-over minutes DO EXPIRE, read carefully. Aaaanyway, I digress.

Apps to download:

~Lookout (anti-virus)

~Advanced Task Killer (remember to configure to only close the programs you don't want to keep open)

~SNesoid (SNES emu)

~NESoid (NES emu)

~psx4droid (PSX emu)

~Poynt (dern handy location-based app)

~Nook (they have a lot of free eBooks)

~CardioTrainer (great workout program)

~Barcode Scanner

~ColorNote (best note taking app I've found)

~Voice Recorder (great voice-note app)

~Talk To Me (on the fly translator)

~Trap! (addictive game)

~Key Ring (replaces your membership cards)

~Astro File Manager

~DroidLight (may not work on Aria)

~SetCPU if you root

~Adobe Reader

~AppMonster (back up your apps)

~Barnacle if you root (make a WiFi hotspot using your phone's connection)

~Dropbox

~Goggles (Google Goggles...it's just cool)

~Zedge (for ringtones and such--free)

~WeatherBug (prolly the best weather app--at least that I've found)

~SoundHound (listens to music and tells you what it is)

~Google Voice (can help you save minute)

That should get you started...

I honestly can't even think of a use for any of the stuff in this car except some sci-fi addicts attempt to make his lackluster ride look like something out of a B movie.

Why is it limited to Best Buy? No Microcenter around? No other stores that sell laptops? Dell? Sams club even carries laptops and TVs. But if it has to be between the 2, I would most likely buy from Newegg because I've always had stellar parts and delivery from them. But I can also trouble shoot some of my own problems without having to call the Geek squad right away. If you friend knows didly squat about computers, BestBuy may be the best option in case something does go wrong, then they can actually go somewhere and ask them to figure out whats wrong rather than guessing and mailing it in to Newegg.

 

I voted after i posted and LOL'ed when i saw it was 11 Newegg, 0 BestBuy

He has me--I've never needed the Geek Squad, and I'm free (for friends) in the computer repair department. I remember asking a Geek Squad guy if they sold DDR2 800 laptop RAM, his response was: "Um..we sell laptop RAM."

ME: "OK, do you have DDR2 800?"

Psuedo Geek: "It's laptop RAM."

ME: "You don't know what type or speed it is?"

Psuedo Geek: "Uh, it's RAM for a laptop."

I pushed the End Call button in disgust at that point.

Thanks to whoever added the poll!

Mav I picked up this based on your recommendations and some research on my part a couple months ago. Hands down one of the best purchases I've ever made, it rocks.. I know that is out of your budget, but I'm a asus fanboy now.

Glad you like it--I'm still drooling over that thing. I have a G72 and I love it...despite the fact I'm only sporting a Core 2 Duo, it still plays Crysis cranked up.

Thanks for everyone's input on this, by the way, I just want my friend Adam to buy a computer he doesn't end up hating after 2 years.

"They prefer Best Buy because they can talk to people face to face if they have any trouble, and discuss computer options."

 

are you signing up to be their geek squad?

I never said I agreed--was trying to keep my opinion out of it to be as objective as possible. (but the Geek squad is useless, for the record)

Remember to add if you're comfortable buying at NewEgg or not (or if you'd prefer it over Best Buy)...I've shared the link to this thread with my friend (his name is Adam) so he can check out what we say.

Edit: These aren't computers for hardcore gamers, by the way, but one of them will be used for MATLAB, which, from what I understand, could benefit from a decent processor.

Here are the front runners:

One of these: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=cat13504&type=page&pageIdentity=searchDriven&useProductString=true&productString=1218202473024*1218204529080&unProductString=1218231414432*1218231411833*1218181728993*1218152462975*1218202472261*1218152460142*1218202473277*1218206200334*1218100581211*1218124208054*1218165344675&catId

This: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba+-+Satellite+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i5+Processor+/+14"+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+500GB+Hard+Drive+-+Slate/1006408.p?id=1218207311895&skuId=1006408

This: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba+-+Satellite+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i5+Processor+/+16"+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+500GB+Hard+Drive+-+Charcoal/1010474.p?id=1218208016100&skuId=1010474

This: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220751

or This: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220687

The last one is primarily because of the crazy-good battery life.

OK, pretty much everyone here is experienced in buying a new computer--and all of you are gamers and have a respect for hardware. So, I'm going to start a poll to help my friend make a decision on his buying a computer.

See, they want to buy their computers at Best Buy, but I have found some good deals on NewEgg for systems with a little bit more juice (and better manufacturer's warranties). They prefer Best Buy because they can talk to people face to face if they have any trouble, and discuss computer options.

They are trying to keep to a budget at around $600 to $850 or so.

What I want is your opinion: would you buy a new laptop at Best Buy, or NewEgg?

Also, how do you guys feel about ASUS laptops vs. Toshiba?

(san` edit, added poll)

Can we not post polls anymore?

(edited by Laz just to mess with Mav...added the poll.)

I personally liked it when it shot the CD...that thing is wicked!

Additionally, if you're restoring an image, you're not going into any of the install sections. Go here:

"backup/restore"

"Advanced Nandroid Restore"

"Choose Backup"

Pick the backup you want (the RA-dream)

select everything (I do this whenever flashing a full recovery image like this)

click "Perform restore"

That should do it. Good luck!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi4g_U0hoOg&feature=player_embedded

That's awesome

Well I'm sure you're correct, I'm just a cooling nut lol

I hear ya'...until I got my hands on it, I was positive it was heat, but he's gone all out in that department.

Naw, I'm sure it's not heat, Preach. He has a pretty nice Artic Cooling heat sink, on top of that he has an Antec P183 case (the stainless looking version) with good Antec 120mm fans throughout.

I put my 850w PSU in there, and everything ran smooth as silk--no crazy chirping noise like before, and no crashes. I'm fairly sure that cures it.

OK, so I'm fixing this guy's computer and I'm fairly certain I have the problem figured out, but I figure some quick opinions here to back my own findings up would be helpful. So here's a run-down:

-Computer was crashing when playing high-end games such as Crysis (this thing can handle Crysis at Ultra High across the board)

-Memtest was successful...basically, all hardware tests (I think a total of at least 10 were run multiple times) said everything was fine

-I got it last night and loaded up Crysis with no sound, the computer never crashed, but the PSU was making a warbling noise that sounded none-too-good

So, what I'm thinking is that, at peak load, the PSU if getting over-burdened and causing instability in the system...especially after hearing the sound that thing was making...PSUs should not make squealing clicking noises when the load is cranked. It didn't crash at my house, but that could be something as simple as cleaner power at my place. He is at the limit of what that power supply can dole out. Here are some quick-specs:

-Socket 1366 i7-940 (2.93ghz)

-ASUS P6X58D - Premium board

-BluRay Drive

-6 GB of DDR3 OCZ RAM

-WiFi PCI-E board

-ATI Radeon HD 5870

-some assorted peripherals

-OCZ Vertex II SSD (flash based) at 30GB

-Seagate Barracuda 7200 RPM 320 GB drive

Basically, when I put his system in a PSU calculator, they suggested a minimum of 620w (with everything plugged in). He has an OCZ 650w supply in there (it is 80 plus) right now. I generally like to keep a 200w buffer, and thus would suggest an 850w supply to replace it.

When the computer crashes, it generally blue-screens out according to him, though I couldn't reproduce the problem. Well, some PSU calculators say around 550w.

My first inclination was heat, since it would just shut off on him sometimes (and he said that there would be artifacts on the screen from time to time). However, I was monitoring the heat via HW Monitor, and it topped out at 55C during 45 minutes of Crysis, which is kinda hot, but shouldn't wreck the system. Most of the time while playing Crysis, it was around 45C. The GPU heat was also within tolerable levels.

The PSU, RAM, GPU, and I think the processor have all been RMAed, the problem hasn't changed. I suppose it COULD be something with the motherboard, but since the PSU was making that crazy noise (it wasn't loud, just strange), which sounded strained to me, I'm leaning toward that route. I'm fairly certain (now) that it's not heat.

I'm also thinking it might be drive conflict of some sort of drive conflict as it never crashes when he's accessing stuff from the C: drive (the SSD), but only when he's playing games stored on the Seagate. That would be strange indeed.

Personally, I thought the dysentery was the best part . . .

:luxhello: :luxhello:

Funny how Stutters didn't post the other major maker of smart phone operating systems that was ousted at Black Hat as having some security issues--why would I EVER install a wallpaper app that tells me it's going to save my location data (Android Market warns you before you install)? http://www.informationweek.com/news/software/open_source/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=226300286&cid=RSSfeed_IWK_All

Please note the iPhone apps that grab your location data percentage is higher...(yes, I know some numbers definitely look bad the other way too, just saying, be fair in your slams )

Now that I'm done firing back at SJ, I can answer your question:

It's called psx4droid Yeah, it runs well enough that, if you push the button at the right time, you will get off a special attack. Pretty sweet. Too bad current phones probably don't have the horse power to run PS2 games....

Just thought other Android owners might be interested: I can now play Playstation 1 games on my Droid. Yes, they run smoothly. I'm pretty happy about it! :-)

I have tested it out with Final Fantasy VII so far...but what this means is that I can now play Final Fantasy I through IX on my cell phone! Mwa Ha Ha!

1.5 hour commute from me! :-)

I'm speechless: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V9o8solS7M&feature=player_embedded

I feel left out! :-( If my wife hadn't lost her job, I'd have been there this year.

bummer than apple doesn't make one....

Gee, I thought the magical, revolutionary, super-camera on the iPhone 4 would be all the camera anyone ever needs...

Hahaha...all kidding aside, I know a pair of semi-professional photographers, and they both recommend Canon. They told me that Nikon makes a great camera, but, with Canon, you get the same level of photographic quality with a higher level of reliability. Basically, they were of the opinion that Nikons are a little delicate and described Canons as tanks...

That being said, I was talking to them about this last year when thinking of buying a Rebel XTi...I went with a point and shoot for the time being (Canon G9), which I love. I needed something that would also take decent video, and DSLRs didn't do that at the time (though some do now).

Just my two-cents...hope it's useful...I know the Apple-quips always are!