September 16, 2006

Gadgetry



The Zune is interesting -- and there are a few things I like about it (customizable backgrounds, usertags, better video support [I presume]), but it seems a bit clunky, which is okay for a first start. I just doubt it has what it takes to top the iPod this late into the game. Microsoft should have unleashed this two years ago. Also, launching only with a 30GB model is not going to appeal to the hardcore user who wants everything on one unit. I've got 45GB of media on my 60GB iPod video, and am intensely jealous of the new 80GB model that is cheaper than the one I bought eleven months ago. I'm way more in awe of the new iPod Nano models, though. I doubt I'd buy one, but I would lovingly accept it as a gift.



This looks to be my next major purchase, unless I wait until after the mid-November system launch blitz. My parents are currently offering to pay for half as my graduation present, though I think they may volunteer more if I wait a bit for some of their bigger bills to pass. Currently, I'd had to pay about $700+, but I'd like to get that down closer to $500. No, I don't need a laptop, and I don't need a Mac, but I'd really like a Mac, and I'd much prefer it to be a laptop. The MacBooks are affordable and beautiful, and will come in handy when traveling.



Launching two days after the PlayStation 3 is a mistake, but I'm fine with the price and the pack-in. I'll be spending $1000 on game systems between November 17-19. Disgusting. I hope they delay the PS3.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was going to get a Wii, and then I decided to go to LA for the SMT/AMS Conference instead. If I can get enough grant money to cover my travel expenses I may still buy one, but I'm not sure. Maybe next semester. The new systems just don't really appeal to me. I've become a bit of a handheld system gamer now.

Andrew Hayward said...

Ah, very cool. I'd like to get out to California this year, but I think I'm heading to Boston in a couple of weeks. I'll probably end up in California for interviews and whatnot in a few months anyway. Hope you enjoy the trip!

I'm psyched about the Wii, but the launch lineup isn't amazing. Wii Sports will be neat, and Zelda will probably be grand, but beyond that, I don't see any other must-haves. I'll probably try to get my hands on Tony Hawk and a couple of other third-party games.

Anonymous said...

Fortunately for me, with the PS3 being pushed back until Spring next year, if I were to invest in a Wii, it'd be no problem.

December 8th, for £180? Niceness. Whether or not I can afford one at launch is another matter all together...

The real selling point for the Wii for me, is the ability to download old NES, SNES and N64 games (and backwards GC compatability), as I have never owned a Nintendo console in my life. That and I'm also hoping I can get my hands on a download of Super Mario RPG...