Before I get into the good stuff, though, there are a couple of
caveats. I don't think these amount to problems with the device, since
they're natural consequences of its design rather than flaws, but
they're probably important to note. The main caveat is that I doubt the
Eee would be adequate for anyone as a replacement for a full-blown,
up-to-date desktop or laptop PC. The screen real estate, storage
capacity, and keyboard are all a little too tight for that--a
consequence of the unit's small size. As always, choice of a computer
is never just about power, though: it's about finding the right balance
of features, size, weight, and cost for an individual's particular
needs. The second caveat is that if the features you need are ones that
the Eee provides out of the box with the pre-installed operating
system, it'll certainly work well for you from the moment you turn it
on, no worries at all. However, while it's possible to add great
flexibility and functionality to the device by adding and tweaking
software, you'll need to have or gain a basic working knowledge of the
Linux operating system to make that happen, unless you want to buy and
install a copy of Windows XP (which opens another can of worms...). The
version of Linux that comes pre-installed on the Eee really is
fantastic, and any decently intelligent person who's willing to spend
some time learning, experimenting, and surfing some user forums online
for solutions can learn whatever he/she needs to know in pretty short
order. But, if you're not already familiar with Linux, there will be a
slight learning curve involved if you want to add software, etc.
Read the rest of this entry ... (379 words left)
There's a lot of good about this controller. The sixaxis feature is
intriguing, the PS3 button lets you access the menu, power on/off etc
but once you get the Dual Shock 3 controller then go back and play with
this again, you'll have a bit of an empty feeling. The good news is
that the DS3 release means the price is dropping on this controller.
The bad news is no charge cable is included, so you might need to buy
another one. BTW, you don't have to spend $12 at Best Circuit, google
"USB mini B cable", and you can pick one up for a song and dance.
I went from playing the Original Super Smash Brothers on the N64 to SSB
Brawl. The biggest transition is getting used to the new wii control
style. This game allows you to choose from 4 different controller
styles, and then map the buttons on the controller to do the action you
define. (Yes, you can save the button configuration so you don't have
to enter it every time.)
I'm not going to write a huge review of the gameplay because it tops
almost any other game ever made, without remorse. The graphic's, score,
story, and every other feature meet all expectations and anyone who
says otherwise is being overly critical on a game that they would have
probably been critical on even if it weren't this good, just because of
all the hype.
We had a party with the Splash Bomb Water Slide w/ Boogie Board. The
kids really enjoyed it. There were about a dozen children ranging in
age from 3-8. They had a blast sliding down the slide both on their
bellies and on the boogie board. About 6 kids have also played with it
one more day and so far, so good. The only thing that is irritating is
that the slide and the pool part keep coming apart since it is just
velcroed together. I also do not expect this will last all that long,
but the price was good and the kids love it.
