Gear for Geeks of All Persuasions
We at Network Computing, children, really, at heart, have made our lists, too. So if you're dreading that awkward moment when your loved ones ask you what you want for the holidays this year, just bookmark this article, send the URL to your spouse or print it and mail it to mom. They'll appreciate the suggestions as much as you will appreciate ripping the wrapping off that box from Apple.
Speaking of Apple, tech editor Mike DeMaria in Syracuse, N.Y., was the catalyst for this article when he tried to pass off a love note about Apple's iPod as a New and Improved article for the Sneak Previews section of the magazine. Mike's editor tried but couldn't find the network-worthiness of the lovely little boom box. But, at the same time, there was no ignoring Mike's lovingly crafted prose when he described one of the smallest and lightest portables out there as "a work of art."
Here's what Mike has to say about the iPod:
Tying into the concept of the Mac as a digital hub, and just in time for the holidays, this device plays MP3, AIFF, and WAV audio files. It has a 5 GB drive, which can hold about 1,000 songs. Files are not transferred by USB, as traditionally done by MP3 players, but instead iPod uses Firewire, which is much faster. The iPod from Apple Computer costs $399. For more information, go to www.apple.com.
When pressed for a more comprehensive wish list, Mike sent in the following:
Nintendo GameCube
Computers that don't crash, that's what I like in a console. The $199 GameCube console is one of the cheapest new video game systems on the market today. Sporting a PowerPC processor and moving to DVDs instead of cartridges, this machine has a lot of horsepower behind it. It integrates with GameBoy Advanced, which is a fun way to kill time on the train ride home. Several launch games are offered at $49.95. For more information, go to www.nintendo.com.
But wait, there's more!
Map of the Internet
You keep a road map in your car, so why not equip your Network Operation Center with a map of the Internet? After seeing this diagram, you'll know why it's called the World Wide Web. We already have one on display at the Syracuse Real World Lab®, and take my word for it, the $29.99 price tag is misleading -- it's actually priceless! Find it here.
No one ever accused Mike of being a cheap date.
RSS
