Showing posts with label toys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toys. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

New Dell XPS 15 Touch Screen Laptop

The new Dell XPS 15 Touch Screen Laptop might be my next laptop. The touch screen part doesn't affect me in any way as I'm not accustomed to the touch interface via tablet or smartphone. I just need a light, powerful, portable laptop with resolution higher than 1366 x 768. I prefer at least x1024 because I don't like huge icons or text. I make due with it on my ASUS G50VT-X5 because it's a work horse desktop replacement—rated one of the best at it's time of inception about five years ago.

This is a little pricey...like a Mac Book Pro or Air but I'm a long-time Windows user and I don't feel like learning a new operating system or keyboard shortcuts.

We'll have to ponder this decision a little longer...

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Buckyballs

I saw an article today on Gizmodo about Buckyballs being banned by the Feds (linked to story while it lasts). I've never purchased or used Buckyballs. I've seen the little cubes holding them and thought, "Cool, I'd like to buy those just because," and then I'd see the price and think, "I'm not paying that much for a whimsical item."

However, banning this product because it poses a hazard to children is over-the-top freaking ridiculous! I fully understand the hazards, somewhat severe, these could pose to children, hell even some adults, but that's not a valid enough reason to just ban Buckyballs.

If they ban shit on the potential hazards it poses to stupid, uneducated, ill-raised, irresponsible children, then they should ban other products that are "adult only" like:
  • Spray paint—18 or older to purchase but it doesn't stop children from using, playing with, spraying in own eyes or inhaling. BAN IT!
  • Super glue—Most places require you to be 18 or over purchase because of the inhalant factor kids like to use it for. I've seen stories and have had similar incidents myself with super gluing fingers, hands, lips and clothing as a kid. BAN IT!
  • Guns—Purchased by "responsible" adults based on background checks and how many accidental deaths have occurred with children finding the guns and shooting themselves, their sibling or their friends? BAN IT!
I think you get the ridiculousness I'm trying to share.

My final thoughts are it's Nature's way of thinning the herd and survival of the fittest. The kids will either die from their stupidity or learn from it. Either way, we are all better off with either outcome! Some would say I'd think different if it were my kids. Maybe or maybe not. I'd be worried and hope they lived to learn from it. I would think that my kid was a dumb ass for doing it but every kid does something stupid more than once throughout their childhood. It'd also be kind of funny. But in the end, they lived; they learned; and we could laugh about it after the fact.

Again, I know doing stupid things way more than the average male growing up and I've survived. I don't look back and think it was a product's fault. I knew better and just didn't listen to my parents or the label warnings (after being able to read). It's human nature to be a dumb ass every now and then. It's not the manufacturer's, company's, or product's fault. But we get no money when we, ourselves, accept the blame.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Test driving the 2011 Tachyon XC HD Helmet Cam

About a week ago, I received my 2011 Tachyon XC HD Helmet Cam that I posted about here. Basic shipping was fairly quick. It delivered within 5 days and that was just fine for me as I had no immediate plans/ideas on what to do with it. I think I mentioned it was a WAY spontaneous purchase.

It delivered in a pretty standard smallish corrugated box. It had the ballooned plastic bag packaging that secured another smaller box which was the actual camera box. So, they were already leaps and bounds ahead of how Walmart ships computer/electronic products.

I opened the box to reveal the camera, two mounts (one for everything/anything or the top of a helmet and one for the side of a helmet), a 12" strip of velcro tape, USB cable, HDMI cable, remote control, and 2 lens covers for paintballing protection. I think that was about it. Oh yeah, there is a glossy 3x5 paper that says something like, "To save the universe, we have put the manual online and is available at blah blah blah." Not that I'm knocking their attempt at saving trees but a quick-start 3x5 paper could have sufficed versus what they decided to do.

Anyhow...I was eager to jump in and just shoot some quick video to see how it worked/looked. I borrowed the 8GB SD Class 6 card from my Canon point-and-shoot camera for saving. I put in some AA batteries that I know are newish—they were bought about two weeks ago but haven't been used and have been kept in a dry room-temperature cabinet. I turned the camera on and hit the START/STOP button. I recorded about 10 seconds of my desk area and the camera battery status bar showed very low. I was like, "WTF?" because I just put the "new" batteries in. I thought maybe I got a bad two or had some older batteries than I thought. So I picked two more and it did the same thing.

Now I have to confess that these batteries were the Sunbeam brand from the 99-Cent store...come on, I can get 4 for $1 and sometimes 8 for $1. After reading a bit in the manual, I find that it recommends some of the most expensive fucking batteries known to man. The manual suggests Energizer Ultimate Lithium suggesting it will last 6-8 hours of recording. It also recommended some high-end Duracel batteries but I don't recall the exact name and it only expected 4-6 hours of battery juice.

I finally got some of the Energizer Ultimate Lithiums. Damn things are like $8.99 for four at Fry's but I've seen some for $10-$12 at other places like Kroger. These damn things better provide much better and longer juice than the Sunbeam bitches!

Turns out they do. Now I don't know if they get the 6-8 hours the Tachyon manual suggested but I have gotten about 2- 2 1/2 hours...so far.

Here is a slightly over two minute video of my driving and testing the Tachyon XC HD camera. I upped the speed to 2x for the video and added Alphaville's Forever Young because there is absolutely no sound or any good sounds picked up by this camera. I can tell you four kids were in the vehicle talking, yelling, singing and the radio was up pretty high but yet the camera plays it back like they were whispering. I knew this going in so it's not an issue for me as I'm not exactly wanting to use this to record my kids' activities.

Without further ado...



The video is pretty damn clear. Amazingly so. It also didn't pick up the jitter or bounce of the camera. I think it may have image stabilization but I'm not sure. There were times when the car vibrated due to rough pavement and you could hear the camera rattle because I only taped down one side of the mount. It was a test run so I wasn't making a more secure fixture as I just needed quick and temporary.

I still have another 58 minutes of driving but it's not much different than this 2 minutes. I like it because it is cool for me to see all the different places I drive and may or may not see because of having to pay attention to driving. Also, it would be cool for historical purposes (personally) to see how the highways, streets and structures have/will change.

So, stay tuned for hopefully some more video sharing.

Thursday, January 06, 2011

Tachyon XC HD and/or GoPro Hero HD

I guess there is some CES show going on because I'm seeing a lot of random posts on Gizmodo, BoingBoing and other "geeky" websites/blogs about upcoming products and such. It's getting kind of annoying.

However, I did see one article that is of interest, mainly because I just have been looking at this product along with another for comparison. I probably really don't need either product but I can't help but want it and see what I will do with it.

So the article title is GoPro Sports Camera goes 3-D.

I've been looking at the GoPro Hero HD (now at Best Buy for $299.99) and the Tachyon XC (now with HD for $179.99).

Again, I don't know how much I'd actually use this for action sports or whatever but I think I could find something to do with either of them...maybe both...especially if I purchase one (which I did) or both.

Yep, I took the plunge for the cheaper one (Tachyon at $179) yesterday to see what I can do with this little guy. I figured the cheaper one was a better investment for me in case I decide to eBay it or something after I find that I don't REALLY need it.

I've look at many videos from both cameras and they are both pretty cool on YouTube or wherever. It's tough to decide. I mean I like the extra effort put into make the Tachyon's housing waterproof instead of the GoPro's separate housing. The quality and options in mounts are pretty equal for both. After looking at the two again today, I have noticed a main difference in video recording. The Tachyon is 720p at 30fps while the GoPro is 1080p/960p/720p at 30 or 60fps. That's a big difference in my opinion but I'm no videophile so I don't know what actual difference in video quality it is for 30fps versus 60fps or 720p versus 1080/960p. I'm sure both are pretty good but in my uneducated opinion, the 1080p @ 60fps would have to be better than 720p @ 30fps. I would assume this is the reason for the slightly over $100 difference in price. Again, I'm not a video expert but this is obviously not apples to apples comparison but apples to apples+oranges+grapefruits.

I'm excited to get the Tachyon and see what it does for me. If I like it, I might actually jump in for a GoPro for the extra HD resolutions. Again, I'd have to research more and see a product on MY computer versus on web.

Once, I get the Tachyon XC HD and get to tinker and play around with it I'll try to remember to do a follow-up post to give my personal review to add to the many already out there. Maybe this will be the one product that I type about getting, got and used but never returned to post my opinion.

I wouldn't hold your breath.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Alienware M11x -- What I've learned so far

So far the Alienware M11x has been pretty easy to set up and play with. I've installed just about all the programs I need and/or want without a hitch. The M11x doesn't come with a CD/DVD drive but luckily I already had an ISO of Office 2007. I don't have a copy of Office 2010 yet and I don't think I'll get one anytime soon so 2007 will have to do for now.

I'm temporarily using the McAfee suite that came with it but I will not be renewing or extending the license. There's no way I'm paying for virus protection when I have a few options for free such as AVG Free or MS Forefront. I will install one of these soon but I just didn't want to take the time right now to uninstall McAfee and install the others because I wanted to get tinkering with this machine.

A few things that I've noticed so far is:
  • The keyboard is a little bigger than my Samsung N110. The layout is somewhat better too because the arrows keys do not include other functions like my N110. That's a benefit for me as I like to use the arrow keys as well as the functions that are typically doubled upon them in smaller keyboards.
  • The screen is bigger and better. It still doesn't have the resolution I like or even near it but what can you do on a laptop. My big ASUS doesn't have the resolution. They are seemingly all 1366 by 768 pixels or somewhere in that vicinity. That goes with the quality of the graphics card and I can deal with it. I'm just used to being able to see more on my desktop monitor(s).
  • The touch pad is a little too far to the left of the keyboard. I have noticed that my left thumb tends to graze the left side of the touch pad just enough to make the mouse move or jump around when I don't want it to. I'm sure I can "fix" this by using a USB mouse and turning off the touch pad.
  • The temperature seems to get a little hot on the bottom of the machine. I'm not playing any games or setting it on my lap. It is just sitting on my desk which is solid, flat wood. It's not overbearing hot. It's just hotter than I'd expect from sitting on a flat, wood surface. I'm sure there is some setting I could mess with but remember, I've just taking it out, set it up and loaded some necessary software on it. I haven't delved into the intricacies of the M11x...yet.
  • The back-lighting is pretty cool. The wife even commented on it (along with the entire machine she thinks it's "really neat."). Again, I haven't changed the colors or anything yet so it is just the blue setting. Back-lighted keyboard is definitely a plus in the cool cosmetic factor.
  • Sound has been decent so far. Again, not a huge test run yet but I did watch a YouTube clip and the sound seemed good. YouTube isn't that great for testing because the clips' audio is sometimes too high or too low so it wouldn't be a good test if this was the case. I'll run some of my MP3s on it and see how it goes since I know they are all pretty much at the same decibel level.
  • The facial recognition hasn't worked yet. It initially captured my mug during initial set up but I don't think it got a good capture of it. Every time it tries to verify my mug at this time it fails. Sometimes it has been the very poor lighting in my office/bedroom but I did try it once in what I thought was brighter lighting. I'll re-initialize and see how it goes after but in theory it seems/looks like a cool toy/feature.
I guess that's about it for now. It's a pretty cool little machine so far and I can't wait to tinker with it some more on a higher level like CD/DVD ripping and some photo imaging/manipulating.

I'm still trying to make sure I have all my add-ons for Firefox and Chrome to match all my other machines so one of these days I'll be able to just waste time on it. Until then...

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Alienware M11x -- just a quick unboxing

I got my Christmas present (one of them anyway) from my wife and kids yesterday. I ordered it. It was a good-priced deal. Dell had a deal on an Alienware M11x. It's not the newest version with the i5 or i7 processor because I didn't want to spend that kind of money on a new laptop since I already have a "power" laptop in my ASUS that I wrote about some time ago, circa 2009. I still have that big beauty but that's slightly the problem: it's BIG! It's what I wanted, a desktop replacement, but sometimes it's not that convenient for everyday travel between home, work and school. I also purchased a netbook the same time as my ASUS. It was a Samsung N110. I still have it too.

The issue comes with the in-between of those two machines. The ASUS is big but great on speed and funtionality. The Samsung is small and has fairly decent functionality but it lacks speed and keyboard-sized comfort.

Enter Alienware M11x. I've seen this in the news since it's come out. It was way too expensive at its introduction for poor little me. I got an email a week or so ago about it being on sale. I'm sure because the i3/i5 versions had been introduced and those are way too expensive for poor little me. They have greater speed and functionality but they just aren't what I am looking for right now.

Anyway, the Alienware was $799 on Dell's website (same as at Best Buy). The price with coupon codes thru Gizmodo and LogicBuy knocked it downto $549. I first ask, "How can you not think of and end up buying this at a $250 discount?" So, I jumped in, slightly hesitantly. Not because I was unsure of the deal...I figured I could eBay it if I had to. I was hesitant because asking the wife to get another computer would be a tough sell especially since I just bought our two kids Sony laptops (another VERY good deal on those sleek powerhouses!).

So, to make a longer story short. I got the Alienware M11x in the "mail" yesterday. That's about an 11-day turnaround from date of order to being left on my door step. And that's what FedEx actually did. They left it on my door step. WTF? I can't believe they didn't have to have it signed for or at least shipped it in a "disguised" box. It wasn't obviously marked as Alienware but it wasn't hard to discern that it was a laptop. Besides, neighborhood thieves don't look to see what the box contains...they take the box and look at the contents later hoping they did well.

Just a quick list of the specs:
  • Cosmic Black
  • Overclockable Intel Core2 Duo SU7300 1.3GHz (3MB Cache, 800MHz FSB)
  • 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1066MHz (upgraded from standard 2GB)
  • 11.6-inch WideHD 1366x768 (720p) WLED
  • 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 335M
  • 250GB SATAII 7,200RPM

Also, following are a few of the simple unboxing pictures. Hopefully, I'll follow up with a sort of review of the Alienware M11x once I have the time and experience with it to properly share. Don't hold your breath because I haven't "reviewed" many products that I have talked about getting in the past. Maybe I'll remedy that by using the M11x.

   

   

   

   

   

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Waboba Water Bouncing Ball

While we were in Hawaii, this product could be found at every ABC Store and just about any other beachfront store for $19.99. It can be found here for $9.99 plus s/h. If you know in advance of your beach trip, it might be worth picking it up for cheaper because I'm sure any touristy beach will overcharge for this thing.

I don't know the big deal with this is. It doesn't "bounce" on the water. It's more like a "skip" like when you skip a flat rock across the water's surface but this isn't going to poke an eye or knock teeth out.

Needless to say, we passed on this little gem.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Best Buy is stalking me!

I was looking to buy some things at BestBuy.com the other day because I have two rewards coupons worth $55 to put towards my purchase. I was adding things to my cart to see the price + shipping (if applicable) - the coupons to see what my overall cost would be. I thought about getting another PS3, the 250GB version, or an iPod Touch 64GB. I don't really need either but I figured with $55 off it makes it more enticing to purchase.

Anyway, about a day later, I get an email with the statement shown in the screen capture. I thought it was kind of funny and intrusive. Maybe they have a lot of people that thought they submitted their order when in reality they didn't. I don't know but it didn't make me want to rush over and do it.

Instead, it kind of made me think they were questioning my intelligence. Saying to me, "Hey dumb ass customer! You forgot to complete your order. Get your stupid ass back to our web site and complete it correctly!"

Ha! I know it wasn't anything like that. I was just kind of surprised how they emailed me about having items left in my cart. I wonder how this would pan out in an actual brick and mortar store. Fill my cart while walking around the store and then I just leave it in an aisle somewhere because I decided not to purchase anything after all. I bet one of the sales associates would chase my ass down like I stole something. LOL!

Anyway...


Thursday, January 28, 2010

AT&T must be rolling in the dough

I am a Sprint cellular customer. I have been for a long time. I haven't had any issues with their service. I have had issue with their pricing (for phones) and subsequent customer service. As a long term customer, I should be able to get any benefits a new customer would get i.e. free or very low-priced new model cellular phones. I shouldn't have to renew my commitment. It should be obvious that I am committed!

I'm not into all the hub-bub about who has 3G, 4G or whateverG. As long as mine works and it's damn near the competition, I'm pretty much satisfied.

I've heard many issues with AT&T's network, especially with the iPhone. Congestion on and overwhelming the servers, etc. I would think that any service would have had problems not knowing to the extent the iPhone would tax their equipment. New product, new service, new problems. It's the way of business.

What I don't understand is that AT&T has always had issues with simple cellular and data usage. I can't say this from personal usage as I've only been on Sprint and a brief, regrettable stint on T-Mobile many years ago when I left Sprint for "better phone pricing" but shittier service (there is a reason T-Mobile customer service is rated highly...they had to make up for the shitty service).

Anyway, I just read that AT&T was once again awarded the network deal with the iPad. Story here while it lasts.

I guess it's great that Apple and AT&T have this budding relationship. It's good to see that companies can make money off of each other and still maintain the partnership. The problem is that AT&T is adding another product that will tax their equipment, the iPad.

First we had the iPhone. Then the Kindle. Then the Nook. Now the iPad. All working on the AT&T 3G or 4G network. I'm not sure how the 3G separates from the 4G but if all but the iPhone will be on 3G then I think there is going to be further issues.

Our relatives in Pawnee, Illinois purchased a Nook and got it a few weeks before Christmas. While we were visiting over Christmas vacation, my wife wanted to purchase a book on her cousin's Nook on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They couldn't. The Nook kept telling them that the network was unavailable and to "Please try again, later." WTF?! The day after Christmas it worked just fine. What we assumed happened is that all these people opened their Christmas presents to find a Nook and started downloading books. This in turn clogged the network for a few hours/days. Now, granted this won't happen every time or hardly at all but I think they will be entering new "happening every time" territory with the iPad.

Anyway, I just thought it was interesting how everything mobile is basically on the AT&T network. So, AT&T should not ever run into money problems for at least a few years.

The other funny thing I see in their commercials is how they compare their network and package pricing for cell service to Verizon and T-Mobile but never Sprint. To me, it's got to say something. Some will say that Sprint isn't seen as competition. Others will say, and I agree, that Sprint isn't competition because the network on top of better service plan pricing puts Sprint above the others. I'm not saying Sprint is the one to beat overall (even though I've had no issues with the service itself) but their service plan pricing seems to always have been better than Verizon and AT&T.

Okay, end of random thought for now...


Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Apple iPad

I still haven't jumped on the Apple bandwagon for any of their products although I really do crave a 120GB iPod Classic or the 64GB iPod Touch once they aren't so expensive.

But the iPad looks pretty damn cool. Again, too expensive for my pocketbook but it would be cool to play around with for a smaller price.

I'll have to see it in action personally before I really even considered purchasing for $500-$900 and it not be a full laptop or desktop.

Photos at Cnet here.


Sunday, January 10, 2010

I miss my 90' Jeep Wrangler

This is was my 1990 Jeep Wrangler. Got it in 1992 with 4,000 miles on it. I put approx. 130,000 miles on it.

I sold it in 2008 or 2007. I forget which as it was traumatic so I blocked out the actual event.




Monday, December 07, 2009

Tony Hawk Ride for Wii

I bought my kids a Wii for Christmas. Walmart was running a deal that started Saturday, Dec 5th and I think runs until the 12th. You buy the Wii for $199 and they throw in a $50 Walmart gift card. I'd say that's a pretty good promotion.

Now that I have a Wii, I was looking for games to buy that are rated well for the kids (and me)! So, I stopped on over at GameSpot to do some research. On the Wii page, I saw this game, Tony Hawk Ride, and I was shocked. I don't think I've ever seen a Tony Hawk game rated so badly. I thought it was the Tony Hawk golden touch for all his games. But it seems he's lost that touch. I didn't read the review because if it isn't rated at least a 7.5 then it's really not worth my time to even take a look.

I have a PS3 but apparently I have to have more game systems like I did when I was young (Sega Genesis, Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega Dreamcast). I would like the Xbox360 next but we'll see.

You can never have too many gaming systems, right?


Thursday, November 26, 2009

Kingston 16GB Data Traveler Vault USB 2.0 Flash Drive

This little gem came into my email today from Buy.com. I can't believe this little booger costs $240 and that's with a discount of like 50%. So, it's normally like $500. I didn't completely and thoroughly read the description but the word "vault" makes me think this flash drive is special...like it has some sort of super security/encryption on it.

Either way, it's way too much money for a 16GB flash drive. Shit, for any capacity flash drive.


Friday, November 13, 2009

In the news 11/11/2009

From Yahoo! News the headline reads:
Man distracted by bird drives Bugatti into marsh

Article here for as long as it lasts.

Only thing(s) I can say is, "How the hell can a Lufkin, Texas man afford a Bugatti?" and "What the fuck was this guy doing that a bird distracted him AND he dropped his cell phone?" I bet the rich bastard was speeding as well. Who the hell wouldn't be in a Bugatti?

I'm not bitter that he had a Bugatti to trash. Honestly. I guess I'm old school and a '69 Camaro Convertible SS is way cooler! Image here courtesy of Dixie Dream Cars.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

My newest unnecessary electronic purchase


55 inches of pure manly love! This is my new LG 55" 1080p 120hz LCD HDTV. It was just purchased from Best Buy Wednesday afternoon during my lunch.

Best Buy is running a really good deal on home entertainment this week but I'm sure it'll be extended since the holidays are coming and they'll want your business. The current deal is if if you spend $999 and up on home entertainment then you get the financing option of 3-yr-no-interest. Now that I think about it I believe that's why and what on I purchased my previous LCD HDTV...it's a 42" I think. Anyway, that's a really good deal no matter what size, brand or kind (LCD, LED, Plasma) of television you end up purchasing. I still don't like or trust plasma and LED TVs are too new and too expensive right now for me to take a chance although they are super thin. Which is cool in itself.

So, in case you didn't know, a 55" LCD TV is big but not cumbersome unless it's still in the box. I have a Dodge Grand Caravan and it has a pretty big cargo area with the two back seats taken out. I only took one out thinking that was enough room but when I saw the box of the 55" I was like, "Oh man, that may not fit." Alone it would but I also got an LG Blu-ray player as a package deal with the 55". I also purchased a 32" LG LCD TV. Both these LCD TVs are replacing tube TVs so I am definitely upgrading. All I have to do now is upgrade my DirecTV to HD and I could experience the complete awesomeness of the 55". The problem is that I don't know if I really want to mess with the added expense especially since I need to pay these purchases off over the next three years or less.

In the end, I think this will be my Christmas. Which is okay. I always tell my wife not to get me anything anyway because she knows I will get myself something somewhere long the way to Christmas. That way she won't have to wonder if I'll like whatever it is she purchases for me as a gift from her and the kids.

No more toys for me for a while. Although I really do like this Browning .22 pistol or the Beretta .22 (although I think the one I saw was all blue/black steel) or a S&W Sigma 9mm I saw at Academy Sports the other day....NOPE! Must remain focused. No more purchases!!

Anyhow...I can't wait to hook the PS3 up to this 55" baby and see how the regular DVDs play. I would say, "Blu-ray," but I don't have any of those just yet. I may rent one just to see what it's like because it could be amazing on 55".

Can you tell I am excited about my new TV purchase?!

By the way, the TV stand I'm currently using may be temporary. Also, as mentioned/questioned by my friends and family, the red tape on it is so the drawers didn't fling open while I was moving it around. If I keep it, it will be painted (per the wife) and the tape will be removed (DUH!).

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Walmart shopping

I was perusing the Walmart website and came across something I found silly.

I was looking at this product...



And near the bottom of that product's page, it said the following...



I don't see the correlation. I mean a multitool to a foot warmer?? Weird.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Creative Vado for $39.00 at Dell (Daily Deal)

From the links at Slickdeals.net. Click here to see the deal as it lasts (probably just today since it is a "daily deal"). This is a really sweet deal in my opinion.

I want one...or two...but I really don't need one, especially since most point-and-shoot digital cameras come with video-taking capability. Besides, I don't think this is true HD, maybe 720p at best, but nothing phenomenal and the zoom sucks. It still could be a cool toy for my kids or me.

Must resist. I will not submit. Resistance is not futile!


Goodbye and Good Riddance!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Beretta Elite II CO2 Airgun Pistol

As the post title states, this is the Beretta Elite II CO2 Airgun Pistol. You can find it here at Sports Authority. If the link expires, go to the Sports Authority web site and either search this item number (3257517) or CO2 air pistol and select the Beretta brand link.

I purchased this about a week ago at the brick and mortar store down the street. I actually paid $54.99 + tax. I picked up a box of sixteen CO2 canisters. I thought I had a box of or quite a few BBs at home but I was mistaken. I just had about thirty inside the chamber of my Daisy BB/Pellet rifle. I'll be making another run soon to get the BBs for more fun.

I mainly purchased this for tagging the gosh darn squirrels in my backyard. The little bastards keep dropping pecans, leaves and just all kinds of shit upon my back driveway and occasionally on my vehicles when I park them back there. I've had a few opportunities to tag the little bastards but I'm not sure if it's my inaccuracy or the gun isn't powerful enough to penetrate the hide. I think I'm hitting them and they just have a tough hide. I sort of know this when I have hit them in the past in previous yards with my ten-pump rifle. The BBs are very penetrating but the pellets (in the rifle) usually did a good job.

I guess I don't really care to kill them (or do I). I'm just hoping that if I at least keep hitting them it will scare them away. If not, I will look into reloading the rifle and making the bastards bleed.

The cool, and dangerous, thing about this gun is that it looks EXACTLY like a real 9mm Beretta...my real 9mm Beretta. There are some subtle and obvious differences upon closer inspection but I wouldn't recommend pulling this out in front of anybody, especially a cop. You may not live to tell about it!

Anyway, next thing to purchase/refill, is my paintball gun...well, my nephew's paintball gun but since we no longer talk and I have it in my possession still, I guess it IS my paintball gun. I got to get some air put into the CO2 canister I have and get some paintballs. I bet that will make the squirrels think about coming around these here parts again! That is as soon as I find out which freaking rubber maid bin it is stored in in my garage.

Friday, September 18, 2009

More new gadgets that I can't afford

I saw a new camera that's coming out in October (Article here). It's the Pentax K-x DSLR. It looks nice in the color red and I believe the article said it comes in 3-4 colors. It's 12 megapixels and shoots HD video all for the low price around $200. Seems like a good deal since the Rebel XT I have was running $899 without the lens a few years ago. I didn't pay that much for it. Well, I paid more than that but I got an 18-55mm, a 75(I think)-300mm, a metal carrying case, another carrying case, 3 filters, a wide angle lens, a 4GB compact flash card, an off-brand flash, compact flash adapter, some other things and a service agreement for something like $1,200 total.

Anyway, this looks pretty cool. I think I favor the red color too. It kind of pops and looks more like a sporty camera. I want to buy one although I still love and use my Rebel XT but I must see how CNET rates it first...and I think I need to get my Zune HD 32GB.

So many toys and gadgets. So little money and so little time.


Goodbye and Good Riddance!