Windows 7 Pre-Sale Pricing… False Advertising?
I noticed in the newspaper this morning that Fry’s Electronics is having a 1-day sale of Windows 7 Professional full version (pre-order) for $129.99 US. Since the full version retails for $299.99 US, this seems like a great deal. However, upon close inspection of the ad I noticed that this version is being called “OEM for System Builders” which made me a bit suspicious. Since I normally build my own systems for my own personal use, you would think that this “system builders” label would apply… and it does, in a way.
After googling “OEM System Builders”, I learned that this particular version of the OS has a limitation where you can only install it on one computer. It is also tied to the motherboard of the computer so you can’t replace the motherboard at a future date and reinstall Windows 7. So you basically can only install it one specific computer and that’s it. Since I often upgrade the motherboard on my main desktop system on a regular basis (for speed-up reasons or to replace a defective board), the OEM System’s Builder version wouldn’t work for me.
So just a friendly warning if you run across an ad like this in the newspaper or on www.newegg.com, etc. I’m planning to wait until after Oct 22nd (official release date) and head down to my local Costco store to pick one up.
Zune Accessories 50% Off
With the recent retirement announcement for the current Zune models, it doesn’t surprise me that Microsoft is selling Zune accessories at 50% off. So if you’re looking at getting some accessories for your Zune, here are some items for sale:
- Zune Premium Headphones $19.99 ($39.99)
- Zune Home AV Pack $29.99 ($59.99)
- Zune Leather Case 4/8 GB $14.99 ($29.99)
- Zune Car Pack $34.99 ($69.99)
- Zune Dock Pack $19.99 ($39.99)
- Zune AC Adapter $14.99 ($29.99)
- Zune Cable Pack $14.99 ($29.99)
Although these accessories are for the current, recently discontinued Zunes, items such as the Premium headphones and AC Adapter should also work for the new Zune HD devices. I really like the Premium headphones, so I might order another set at this reduced price.
Apps on the Zune HD?
A blogger for the Seattle Times wrote a brief comment on what he saw at at Zune HD demo recently, and the most interesting part of his comment is his reference to Apps on the new device. Apparently, he saw “Apps” on the main menu screen of the demo unit, and the Zune demonstrator mentioned that Microsoft wasn’t ready to discuss the possibility of Zune applications or app developers.
This is extremely intriguing, since most people want games and cool apps for their mobile devices. Since the iPod Touch has such apps and games, it only makes sense for Microsoft to follow suit. From what I’ve read, you can create apps for the existing Zune models now, however, these apps are made via a gaming programming language and are not the easiest to create. In fact, it’s down right hard to create a Zune app now since you have to jump through a lot of hoops and hacks to do so.
Hopefully, Microsoft will have a easier way of creating Zune apps and will provide good documentation to potential developers. I’m not entirely sure what the Zune OS is based on (i.e., is it a derivative 0f WinCE, Linux, etc?) but I hope app development is easier than for the Windows Mobile OS devices (Pocket PC and Smartphones). I’m currently working on writing an app for the Palm Pre WebOS device (Linux OS) and it is surprising easy to create apps (I plan to discuss more about this on my tech blog), however, the WebOS programming tools aren’t very mature and there’s lots of holes and lack of capability currently. Hopefully, Microsoft will make programming for the Zune HD much easier.
Just Pre-Ordered a Zune HD
Well, I bit the bullet and pre-ordered a Zune HD 32 GB player. It was just too good to resist! 
Now, I wasn’t too sure what the big advantage is to pre-ordering versus just buying it at a local retail store (since either way it is available Sept 15th), but since my wife gets a 10% discount from Amazon I asked her to order it for me. So, hopefully Amazon won’t have any big shortages and I’ll get my Zune HD around the release date.
Normally, I’m not the type to pre-order anything. I usually wait to read reviews, check out my potential purchase live at a local store, and finally agonize over the actual need to make the purchase. In this case, since I already have a Zune 80 that works perfectly fine for my needs, I ‘m a bit surprised at my uncharacteristic decision to pre-order the Zune HD. After looking at all the new features, it wasn’t too difficult for me to justify upgrading to the Zune HD. Of course, I’ll need to get use to going from 80 GB of storage to 32 GB, but I think that is manageable.
What I’m really looking forward to, is having a slimmer unit that is lightweight, has a larger and nicer touch screen, and has the ability to access the Internet with a web browser. I can certainly see myself pulling out my Zune HD to check my email or read some news at Starbucks or any other locale with free WiFi. And because of the smaller size, I will certainly be tempted to take my Zune HD with me to more often than my heavier Zune 80.
What I find interesting, is that the Zune HD appears to be superior to the iPod Touch. Granted, Microsoft has mimicked the user interface of the Apple iPhone/Touch, but I think they added a lot of flair to it. The hardware appears to be nicer than the iPod Touch (in my opinion), and I think Microsoft has a real winner here. If they can get developers to create apps for the Zune HD, that would be the icing on the cake!
Once I get my Zune HD I’ll post my personal review of the player and will give everyone the pro’s and con’s compared to my old trusty Zune 80.
The Mac Evaluation is Over…and The Verdict Is?
In my last posting I mentioned that I was exploring the possibility of switching to an Apple Mac system. Specifically, I was looking at a Mac Mini so I could minimize my investment in a new system and reuse my current hardware (i.e., wide screen LCD monitor, keyboard, mouse). I was able to spend some time at the local Apple Store and talk with a long-time Mac user who worked there, and also had about 2 days of hands-on stick time with a Mac Mini connected to my current LCD Monitor and hardware. Below are my findings:
I have to admit that I was enamored by the coolness factor at the Apple Store, which was loaded with iMacs, MacBooks, iPhones, and iPods. I visited the store in the late afternoon, and it surprisingly filled with customers. I opted to try out a Mini Mac configured with a 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (4 MB Cache), 2 GB of RAM (667 MHz Bus), 120 GB hard drive (5400 RPM), which was the high end model. As you can see from the specs, the speed of the components are those typically found in a laptop (most desktop PCs have hard drives running at 7200 RPM). Of course, this is necessary to fit everything in such a tight, compact package of the Mac Mini.
Instead of giving a length comparison between the Vista OS and Mac OS X, I’ll try to just highlight what I thought was important in my decision whether to switch. First, the Mac booted up very fast (less than 1 minute) and was ready to go, compared to my Vista PC which takes more than 1 minute to boot up, and even then it continues to load system processes in the background as I try to start up Firefox or Outlook. Also, I found the Mac system very snappy in performance, with no noticeable lag in any activity I was doing (albeit, I was just checking email, web browsing, and working with Excel spreadsheets). It seemed that the Mac OS (with UNIX under the hood) was a very well tuned, efficient operating system.
The one thing that really stood out for me, was the appearance of the Mac interface. It reminded me of the various flavors of Linux that are currently available (e.g., RedHat, Ubuntu, etc) with the fonts and appearance of the drop-down menus and windowing system. I’ve always liked the high-res icons that are used in these Linux system, and they are also present in the Mac OS. So, on the surface the Mac OS appears to be just another flavor of Linux that you can download for free from the Internet (although I can’t comment on a performance comparison). Read the rest of this entry »
Zune 30’s will come back to life tomorrow!
The ZuneInsider site states that Zune 30’s all stopped working today because of a leap year issue (2008 has 366 days), and that the Zune software will correct itself on January 1st, 2009. So, just let your Zune 30’s battery drain and then sync/charge it after noon GMT. This is only a problem with the Zune 30’s, since it is affecting a specific component only present in that device. The 2nd generation Zunes (Zune 4/8/16/80/120) are not affected.
Now, noon GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) should be the following for those in the US:
EST: 7 am
CST: 6 am
MST: 5 am
PST: 4 am
AKST: 3 am
HST: 2 am
Man, that was a close call for Microsoft. I guess the next time this could happen is in 2012, so mark your calendars! 
UPDATE: It looks like the Zune 30s are starting to wake up today, on January 1st. Lots of owners reporting on the various Zune forums that their devices are syncing and coming back to life again.
December 31st, 2008: All Zune 30 devices have stopped working!
The big news for Zune 30 owners, is that as of today their Zunes have stopped working. Yes, that’s right. It seems that ALL Zune 30’s (with both the original and updated firmware) have a frozen screen on boot up. Here is Microsoft’s response found on the zune.net home page:
Customers with 30gb Zune devices may experience issues when booting their Zune hardware. We’re aware of the problem and are working to correct it. Sorry for the inconvenience, and thanks for your patience!
What a giant programming blunder! A nice New Years’ Eve present from Microsoft.
I’m sure Microsoft is scrambling now, and lots of Zune programmers are frantically fixing the problem and putting together a firmware update. Hopefully, these “bricked” Zunes CAN have their firmware updated in their current state. However, what if the solution cannot be administered to the Zune by consumers? What if the update needs to be done with special hardware or special tools that the consumer doesn’t have? Will Microsoft have a gigantic recall of Zunes 30s?
Of course, the online and printed news will soon have this information plastered across the world by tomorrow. That kind of press certainly won’t help with Zune sales.
I’m crossing my fingers that when I sync my Zune 80 (and my wife’s new Zune 8), I don’t see the dreaded frozen screen…
Microsoft finally has an Online Store
After all this time, Microsoft finally brings online their own Internet store. Seems strange that it took so long for Microsoft to catch up with the vast majority of online vendors to sell their wares. You probably won’t find huge discounts, but at least they now have an Internet presence with their products. Along with selling software, they also have Zunes for sale with associated Microsoft accessories. Personally, I would search Amazon.com for Zune accessories (both Microsoft and 3rd-party manufacturer) for the best deals.
Zune 120 GB for $249 US
There’s some pics of the new Zune 120 GB floating around on the Internet, and it looks identical to the Zune 80 except the backing is black in color. I’m not sure if the screen resolution is higher or if the OS is upgraded, but I would guess the Zune 120 is simply a Zune 80 with more storage. Since the Zune 80 was also selling for $250, I’m guessing they may lower the price of the Zune 80’s or discontinue that model in favor of the Zune 120.
My Zune 80 is working great, so I don’t see a need to upgrade anytime soon. Microsoft will have to come out with a model that is faster, thinner, lighter, and has better battery life, more WiFi capability (web browser?), and higher res-screen before I consider buying a new device!
Google’s New Web Browser
Google recently released their new web browser called Chrome, which from the info on their web site, is a completely new browser designed for speed and reliability. If you want to try it out on your Windows system, you can download it from this link.
I downloaded Chrome on my laptop last night and gave it a test run. It has a very minimalistic appearance, without the traditional menu bar that we see on nearly all applications. It is touted as being fast, but I didn’t see much of a difference from FireFox (which I’ve been using for the last few years). Since I’m comfortable with FireFox, I probably won’t mess with Chrome unless I read more about how well it works for others.
It doesn’t surprise me the Google is coming out with their own browser. Microsoft is copying Google (trying to get into the ads business), and Google is now copying Microsoft with a new browser. Sometimes I think Google is trying to show up Microsoft, demonstrating that they can create better software at a much quicker pace. And if we look at the Microsoft-Google scorecard, we see the following: Read the rest of this entry »
