Okay, so I have to confess.  I don’t own an iPhone, iPod or any other product made by Apple.  And, I probably never will.  In fact, I really despise Apple products due to their overbloated price and zealous marketing hype.  There’s no real excuse to own an iPhone, iPod, iTouch, MacBook, etc, when an equivalent product, like a PC, can perform way faster (and just as stable) at a cheaper price. 

As a longtime PC enthusiast, don’t bother getting into an argument with me about the merits of Steve Job’s propaganda.  And please, if you invite me over to a so-called dot com lunch, I want to hear REAL IDEAS, listen to REAL success stories, and discuss REAL new trends.  Just put away the damn iPhones and stop bragging about how much Apple has stolen your hard earned money.

Since I work at home in front of my computer, why the heck would I want to be electronically connected for a few hours with an overpriced product from Apple?  Because the ads are so cool? 

I’m sure not everyone shares my lack of enthusiasm, especially with companies that continue to push out Apple iPod accessories as fast as possible.  There’s most certainly a few good ones and, of course, the downright horrible as pictured below.

In addition, I read an article that iPhone’s can now be used as a Heart Rate Monitor.  At first I thought it was a cool, novel concept until I found this picture on the actual implementation.  Of course, the ad was done in typical Apple style - cheesy & overcooked.

Can you just imagine the curious stares and having to explain what you’re doing?  My recommendation, unless your modeling for an Abercrombie & Fitch ad, don’t try this in public!.

Long live Microsoft PC’s & Zune Media players!

Yes, it’s been a while since I’ve posted an update.  My time has been occupied with a new and very addicting videogame called “Left 4 Dead” (PC & Xbox 360).  Developed by Valve Software, the game centers around four individuals and their quest for survival during a Zombie Apocalypse.  A mature rated game, Left 4 Dead carries an eclectic theme with cinematic sequences and movie-based end credits.  A homage to Zombie flicks of the past.

If you didn’t know by now, I’m also a pretty big fan of Zombie movies.  It’s not the blood or gore that draws me toward undead corpses and their desire to consume human flesh.  What really sparks my interest is the social commentary behind each Zombie movie, especially the “Dawn of the Dead” series by George Romero.  Left 4 Dead doesn’t carry the same message as commonly found in a Romero movie but the game play is still very enjoyable.

What makes Left 4 Dead so addicting is due to the “A.I. Director”.  Each game is never the same as the A.I. changes each experience based on certain variables, such as health, etc.  And if you think separating from your team is a good idea, think again, the AI will make you suffer.  One wrong move can cause a series of events that will put the team at peril.  Teamplay dynamics and communication is necessary in order to beat the game.  Coordinating a well planned strategy can mean death or survival.

Overall, Left 4 Dead is a well polished game by Valve Software.  If you have a capable PC, I would highly suggest getting the PC version over the Xbox 360.  The game has benefited PC users, since they’re the first to receive patches and downloadable content at no additional cost!

I tried so hard but the temptation was too great to handle.  After much personal turmoil and soul searching, I finally gave in to my evil desires.  Yes, I bought another laptop!

The Gateway P-7801u is far from an ordinary laptop.  It’s a behemoth for gamers on the road.  Thanks to my speedy purchase at NewEgg.com, I can now leave a path of virtual destruction away from home.  A perfect companion for those long hours in the shopping mall, especially when my wife can spend an eternity looking for shoes.

Gateway P-7801u with Intel Core 2 Duo, 17.0″ Wide UXGA &
NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GTS 1gb.  Available at Newegg.com

This is not your typical laptop with wimpy on-board graphics or long battery life.  The Gateway P-7801u takes everything politically correct about laptops and throws it into the gutter.  Weighing in at almost 10 pounds, you can debate whether or not the notebook is portable at all.  Despite all this Liberal nitpicking, the laptop, ultimately, serves one real purpose (and does it really well); a no frills excuse for playing hardcore games with phenomenal performance.

If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that won’t break your bank account, the Gateway P-7801u FX Notebook is a perfect choice.  Similar offerings from Alienware, Dell, Sager, VoodooPC, etc, can cost up to three times as much.  Gateway continues to prove their naysayers wrong by bringing added value to a segment that’s well known for its overbloated price.  Please note: this model is selling fast so don’t wait too long to make a decision.  The Gateway P-7801u is available at NewEgg.com.  Click here to see the latest price.

Low and Behold!  “Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3″ has finally been released for the PC and Xbox 360!  As a quirky counterpart to C&C: Tiberian series, Red Alert 3 brings an added dose of over-the-top humor to a well packaged game.  Even though I’m only a couple hours into the single player campaign, its been an enjoyable experience so far.  Multiplayer has been pretty fun as well.

Red Alert 3 is not the most strategic RTS game in the market but it retains a quintessential charm that most titles are lacking today.  A polished game that doesn’t take itself too seriously but packs a boatload of fun in single player or multiplayer mode.