At least that’s how I see it. Oh and Blu-ray didn’t just win on the few technical merits it has, I’m sure there was a lot of $$$ exchanged between $ony and the $tudios behind closed doors to put an end to this format war. It still isn’t enough to convince me to by a Blu-ray device and abandon my DVDs. I’m glad Microsoft didn’t add the HDDVD drive as part of the Xbox 360 and jack up the price. I didn’t want an Xbox 360 for movies, I wanted if for the games.

“As a result of recent decisions made by Toshiba, Hollywood studios, and retailers, Microsoft plans to withdraw from HD DVD. Xbox will no longer manufacture new HD DVD players for the Xbox 360, but we will continue to provide standard product and warranty support for all Xbox 360 HD DVD Players in the market,” the company said in the release. “As we stated earlier, we do not believe this decision will have any material impact on the Xbox 360 platform or our position in the marketplace. HD DVD is one of the several ways we offer a high definition experience to consumers and we will continue to give consumers the choice to enjoy digital distribution of high definition movies and TV shows directly to their living room, along with playback of the DVD movies they already own.”

With the recent price drop in the HDDVD Xbox 360 accessory, I’m willing to buy one and pick up some of my favorite movies that are already going on sale for $15 or less.

~ LoneWolf

My Antec TruePower 2.0 power supply finally died this morning. After some lengthy troubleshooting, I finally decided to go out and pick up a new PSU. It was either the closeness of TigerDirect or the bigger variety at Fry’s for this tech run. I chose Fry’s. I didn’t spend too much time wandering, I wanted to get my PC up and running right away in case the problems with my PC would go beyond a power supply replacement. As I worked my way to the power supply section I tried not too look around and get distracted by all the cool things I would end up drooling over. I was looking for another 500 watt psu, minimum, hoping for an Antec because of their quiet running fans, and if the PC gods were favoring me this morning, modular in design so that I wouldn’t have to worry about excess cable mess.

Call it luck, or the favor of the PC gods, but I found everything that fit my needs: The Antec NeoPower 500.

NeoPower – Customizable Power

Set up your power supply your way, with NeoPower. NeoPower features advanced cable management which allows you to customize the cables you use in your system reducing cable clutter and enhances the airflow throughout your computer. The result is a cooler quieter system, making NeoPower the premier choice for high-performance PC systems. NeoPower is available in a variety of models including 430W, 500W, 550W, 650W and 650W with blue internal illumination. Now you can set up your system the way you really want it.

Features:

• NVIDIAâ„¢ SLIâ„¢-ready certified
• AQ5 – 5 year warranty
• High Efficiency, Super Quiet Operation
  • So highly efficient (up to 85%), one super-silent 80mm fan keeps NeoPower cool
• Advanced Cable Management System
  • Improves internal airflow and reduces system clutter by allowing you to use only the cables you need
• Universal Input with Active PFC
  • Use anywhere in the world without worrying about input voltages; Active PFC improves voltage stability and delivers environmentally-friendlier power
• Dedicated Power Circuitry
  • Delivers safer, more reliable output to your system’s delicate components. Includes dedicated voltage outputs, triple +12V output circuits, voltage feedback circuitry, and tighter ±3% regulation for improved system stability
• Supports ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V systems (only 500, 550 and 650 models); backward compatible with all ATX12V systems
• Three +12V output circuits provide maximum stable power for the CPU independently of the other peripherals
• Accurate power rating allows NeoPower to deliver its full rated power, 24 hours a day rated at 50ºC
• PCI Express graphics card power connector (Dual connectors for NeoPower 500, 550 and 650 models)
• Low-speed 80mm fan delivers whisper-quiet cooling and ensures quiet operation by varying fan speed in response to load and conditions
• Industrial grade protection circuitry prevents damage resulting from short circuits (SCP), under voltage protection (UVP), power overloads (OPP) and excessive voltages (OVP)
• Approvals: UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TÃœV, CCC, C-tick
• MTBF: 80,000 hours

And as an added bonus, it was on sale at $70 instead of $110 before tax! Props to Fry’s for the very affordable replacement power supply!

~ LoneWolf

Once you’re ready to graduate from the fisher-price-esque guitars of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, and learn some real guitar, Guitar Rising is something to look forward to when it comes out. Real guitar probably not included. This is an awesome concept, especially for those who want to try it out before actually committing time and money to weekly lessons with an actual teacher.

The GameTank-developed title won the Developers’ Choice Award at the Austin Independent Game Conference, and the premise is simple: this is a game that wants to help you learn the guitar. With a real guitar. Any real guitar. It’s a neat idea, and the “Why don’t you stop playing games and pick up a real instrument” people will finally have a title to embrace. The familiar interface from other rhythm games and the ability to use any guitar could make this a very accessible way to brush up on your skills or learn for the first time. ~ ArsTechnica/Opposable Thumbs

This is definitely going on my “Mid-life crisis/recapturing my youth/what if/bucket” wishlist. ;P

~ LoneWolf