Original Link: https://www.anandtech.com/show/3246



My speech went well out in Cali, although I wasn't the happiest with it since I haven't done one of these things pretty much since I moved up to CT. A few more and I'd hopefully get back into the swing of them, but I'd like to keep my traveling to a minimum until I move back to a place where the most convenient airport is a little closer than an hour away :)

One of the items I talked about extensively in my speech was ATI's OCUR device, something that I don't think has really gotten enough attention. Maybe everyone is just content with their current set-top box solutions, but I personally can't wait for this thing to come out. I have yet to find a DVR that has a better/faster UI than MCE, and the prospect of easily sharing content (including encrypted HD/premium content) across your home network is quite appealing. Honestly my only concern at this point is what Apple's plans are for the Digital Home and interacting with (or acting as) a HD-DVR. Right now the Macs on my network play quite well with the PCs, but if Vista ends up being the center of my "Digital Home" then I'm not sure how things will change. Front Row is just as much of a novelty as MCE is today in my mind, add HD-DVR capabilities (or any DVR for that matter) and then we're talking.

The little teaser I posted in my last update didn't end up panning out. The hardware works, but there is something wrong with the performance so we've got to wait until fixed/newer hardware is in our hands. I apologize for leaving you all hanging like that, I just expected things to be a little more final than they were.

And to those who are asking, I should have a Core Duo based 17" iMac in my possession by the end of next week. I'm still working on securing a MacBook Pro but I'm guessing I won't be able to get one before retail availability at least. The more I think about it the more I'm convinced that the reason I'm not as impressed/excited about the first Intel Macs is the fact that the design hasn't changed since the last generation. I'm used to, at least in recent history, being blown away or pleasantly surprised by Apple's designs - and to release the first ever Intel based Macs with nothing more than the same designs that we've already had/seen is disappointing. I have a feeling that we'll see something more spectacular at WWDC when Apple has had a little more time and these current Intel-Macs will be examples of an opportunity for Apple to accelerate the transition, but not their best foot forward.

My less than two day trip out to Cali reminded me of why I was so burnt out from traveling after college/high school - almost 7 years of taking red-eyes from the west coast does take its toll on you. It is nice coming home to Vinney and being able to sleep in something other than a hotel or a plane though. The feeling at the end almost makes the tough travel hours worthwhile.

Combining my last two discussion points together - taking off your shoes at airport security checkpoints + my PowerBook's metal chassis = some of the biggest sparks I've ever seen go between my fingers and any object that wasn't a light socket. It's especially bad when you add in the drier weather out west.

I spent a good part of today swapping winter tires/rims off of one of the cars. Winter isn't over but it has been unseasonably warm up here lately, I'm just hoping it lasts for the next 4 months - it would be a nice farewell present :)

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