PBollin

Apple Imac

patrickbollin — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 03:15:04 +0000

Apple Imac Aluminum - Introduced April 2008

The Apple Imac is designed as an all-in-one machine, where the components and the screen are integrated into a case slightly bigger than that of the common flat panel monitor. Packaged with a traditional mouse and keyboard, the Imac can be up and running in fewer than 10 minutes for even the most technologically inept individuals. (I will post a review of OSX Leopard soon)

The Imac is Apple’s offering to the middle-upper class individual, one that wants more than the Mini but finds the Mac Pro to be too powerful, too expensive, or both. While not cheap by any means, the Imac is perfectly affordable at $1200 and offers features that are comparable to similarly priced PCs.

Students and even most professionals will find that the Imac is more than capable of meeting their everyday demands. The speakers are good if not excellent and the dedicated video card can play the majority of the PC games offered today through Bootcamp.

However, there are a few things that could be improved upon. First, Apple should offer the option of a matte screen. Sure glossy screens look great for everyday use, but photo and video editors alike shy away from the saturated hues that these screens generate. Second, USB ports should be added to the left side of the computer. The effect of this would be twofold; it allows for easier access for commonly used gadgets (flash drives, iPods), and may provide the extra ports many users have been clamoring for. While I do not necessarily need more than 3 ports, I am tired of turning my computer 90 degrees to insert and remove my flash drive and iPod cables.

There is no doubt in my mind that my Imac is the best computer that I have ever owned. Sure it is the most powerful, but it is the first one that plain “just works” day in and day out. The combination of reliability, looks, and performance makes the Apple Imac one of the best values in computing today. Don’t just take my word for it, check out the technical reviews offered by Cnet and Arstechnica, the proof is in the pudding.

Mac Mini

patrickbollin — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 03:51:35 +0000

I could write a story regarding why I decided to switch to Apple computers but I lack creativity and do not want to bore you with the minutia that is my life. Therefore, in the best interest of this blog, I will write my reviews in a no-nonsense manner, giving you the facts as I see them and separating the wheat from the chaff.

Apple Mac Mini – Introduced in 2005

The Mac Mini was my first foray in the world of Mac OSX, as I finally decided to convert after hearing glowing reviews of OSX Tiger. The Mini is for lack of a better word, mini in almost every respect. Its diminutive size is complemented by a sorry lack of features and computing power. Interestingly, the Mini does not ship with a keyboard or mouse and upgrading the RAM is made difficult by the space saving design of the case. It must be noted that the power adapter that comes with the Mini is roughly half the size of the computer itself, making it an eye-sore for any minimalist.

If you are looking for a basic computer that will work well for surfing the web, updating your blog, writing papers, and listening to music, the Mac Mini will suffice just fine. Do not expect to play games or do any video editing on this machine, as it does not have a dedicated video card and has a slower CPU.

I believe that Apple established this product for those of us that wanted a Mac but couldn’t justify the high price when a more powerful Windows PC was available for less. While the Mini is “cheap” it doesn’t come with input devices and requires an external monitor. Don’t get me wrong, the Mac Mini is a fine computer, but Apple offers a better value in the Imac, which I will review in the coming weeks. As for my Mini, it died before its time when it was struck by lightning on July 4th, 2007. It was a sad time indeed, but it gave me a reason to upgrade to its bigger and better brother.

Gadget Corner

patrickbollin — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 06:01:18 +0000

I intend to introduce to you, my intrepid readers, a small column that will cover the gadgets and electronics that I use and why I use them. Being a self-proclaimed perfectionist and always fearful of buyers-remorse, I usually make the act of purchasing any high tech or pricey item a fairly time consuming process. I scan the internet for posts regarding quality, ease of use, reliability, etc. until I am convinced that I have found the best product or the one that offers the most value.

In the near future, I will begin a short series of reviews regarding why I am an official “mac addict” and have succumbed to all of Steve Jobs’ commands.

Say “No” To Cinnabon

patrickbollin — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:03:55 +0000

Today I drove to Wellington Ohio to pick up an antique barrister bookcase for my parents as a Christmas present. (I will post a picture in a later post) I took my trusty GPS, which guided me along the way at a record pace. Most of my trip consisted of the Ohio Turnpike, which for most purposes, is as good any turnpike in all the land. However, I must warn you of something, something which really threw me for a loop.

Do you know of those Turnpike Rest Areas? The fancy ones with the glass pavilions and food courts? I am sure that they are great resources and have been enjoyed by many, but I found a fatal flaw in the Cinnabon shop near Norwalk. Having never been to a Cinnabon before, I didn’t know what to expect, except world famous cinnamon rolls and quality hot chocolate. Would I be so out of line to expect these things?…well apparently yes, I was asking too much of Cinnabon. Much to my dismay, the hot chocolate I purchased was non other than a cup of hot water and Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate mix! WTF??!! Really? Is this all you got?? I couldn’t believe it, I even had to pour the mix into the water myself.

I know that there is nothing of relevance in this post, but take it from me. Do not order hot chocolate from Cinnabon.

I hope to use WordPress as a tool to give myself direction

patrickbollin — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:59:25 +0000

It is late and I am tired so I will leave my first post at this;

“Do Something”

I also have a weak tumlr at: patrickmbollin.tumblr.com