IPad Review

Continuing the A-Z Challenge from Arlee at Tossing it Out

Today is I - and just in time for my review of the iPad!

This may not sound professional, but so far, it's freakin' awesome!

The screen is very bright and vivid - the colors just glow. The touch pad is incredibly responsive - when flipping pages of a book or zooming in on a photo, it requires the lightest of touch. You don't need a cumbersome manual with the iPad, the interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. Just like the smaller pods, you can quickly sync all your media into the device.

Downloading apps is where it gets fun! Of course NetFlix and Pandora were priorities. So was iBooks - and I've a list of books I want to download now. Apple allows you so download a sample of the book to read. Hard to tell exactly how much - maybe 10 or 15%? You can adjust the font type and size, which is nice. The pages flip just like a real book, too. And in color (ahem, Kindle.)

The Marvel app is very nice. There's several free comic books to start out your collection, and it appears most are about $1.99. What's amazing is how you read them! You can view a whole page or zoom in on one frame. Either allows you to scroll to the next page or frame with the touch of the screen. The color is absolutely amazing, too. I think this could be a revelutionary jump in the comic book and graphic novel industry.

There's one tiny speaker at the bottom of the device, but the sound quality is quite impressive.

I also downloaded the Pages app (like Word), but haven't had time to really utilize with the program. Too many apps, not enough time!

Overall, I am impressed! The response time is incredible, the graphics vivid, and the applications unlimited. With Internet access, I can keep up with the world with the press of a button. The iPad is definitely my new favorite tech toy!

This is not just an eReader - it's an iTouch on steroids. And I'll smack the next person who compares the iPad to a Kindle. (I'll use the iPad box - that thing's like a brick!)

Heavy Metal / Hard Rock

Continuing the A-Z Challenge from Arlee at Tossing it Out. Today is H - Heavy metal and hard rock!

* And just to let you know, my iPad came yesterday afternoon! (So I was playing with it all last night.) I hope to have a review of the device for tomorrow. So far, it's damn cool!

Music is a big part of my life. I minored in music in college and currently play guitar. Nothing relaxes me more in the evening than thirty minutes playing either my electric or acoustic guitar.

I also enjoy listening to music. My iTouch is loaded with music, CDs live in my car, and my iPod is essential gym equipment. I listen to music when I write as well. I know many writers prefer silence, but my creativity flows better with tunes in the background.

What type of music? You've probably guessed I lean toward the heavy end of the spectrum. I prefer progressive rock, with its complex melodies, time changes, and guitar riffs. Most of my music is not "accessible" - as in most radio stations won't play it. However, between Pandora, iTunes, and YouTube, I have no problem finding the latest rock music.

Just to give you an idea, here's a few of my favorite bands:


Rush
Dream Theater
Pantera
In Flames
Shadows Fall
Yes
Symphony X
Serenity
Ayreon
Marillion
Megadeth
Catherine Wheel

Your musical tastes may vary!

Now that you understand the place music has in my life, how important is it to you? What genre do you prefer? Do you play an instrument? And do you play music while writing?

Fallout and Farscape

Continuing the A-Z Challenge from Arlee at Tossing it Out - today is F, and I have selected Fallout and Farscape.

Fallout New Vegas

I'm an avid gamer, especially RPG, although I try not to spend hours in front of my computer. Since the next Starcraft game may never see the light of day, I've set my sights on Fallout New Vegas instead. It's slated for a fall 2010 release for Windows, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. Fallout is an amazing game that combines a first-person shooter with an RPG. Two of my all time favorite gaming moments happened in Fallout. But that's a blog for another time. It's not yet rated, but I'm sure it will be an "M" for mature. Visit the official site HERE

Farscape

Remember Farscape? Unlike Firefly, this series actually survived several seasons and spawned a couple mini-movies. I've been watching Farscape on NetFlix and now recall why I enjoyed this quirky, colorful series. Ben Browder and Claudia Black (both of whom went on to do later episodes of SG1) are great, as is the cast of eccentric characters. The Jim Henson Company was responsible for many of the characters and still have Farscape on the company website. I'm also amazed how many fan sites exist on the web, such as Watch Farscape Even though half the characters are dead, I wonder if it's too late to do another movie...?


Are you a Farscape fan? Fallout fan? Are you just hanging around hoping I will post another photo of Kate Beckinsale?

Eureka!

Continuing the A-Z Challenge from Arlee at Tossing it Out, today is E - and Eureka!

Have you heard of a little show on the SyFy channel named "Eureka"? Well, if you haven't, it's time to update the NetFlix queue and check out the first three seasons. The show centers on U.S. Marshal Jack Carter (Colin Ferguson) who stumbles upon a remote town populated by geniuses, government secrets and amazing technology. Jack is tasked to become the new sheriff of Eureka and deals with a slew of killer tech, crazy scientists and the dark secrets of Global dynamics. This is a show with smart writing, witty humor and a great ensemble cast. Jack struggles with the dilemmas of the town and Zoe (Jordan Hinson), his rebellious teenage daughter. "Eureka" never takes itself too seriously and has a mission to entertain your socks off for an hour. If you enjoy adventurous, fun-spirited and funny science fiction, then I highly recommend this breath of fresh air. Get caught up on the first three seasons before season 4 begins Friday, July 9th at 9:00PM.

And I received two more awards!

First, the Picasso Award from Summer at And This Time Concentrate!

And the Prolific Blogger Award from Rayna at Coffee Rings Everywhere

Ladies, thank you so much. And I would like to echo Rayna's sentiments and pass both along to those of you participating in the A-Z Challenge. Arlee threw out the gauntlet and we have risen to the challenge!