the battle for size

In the computer world, size also matters. But unlike in basketball, here, smaller means better. You see, ever since people started being dependent on computers, portability has always pushed designers to create smaller and more portable computing machines.

From the large cabinet-like designs of Charles Babbage, computers became small enough to be placed on top of desks or tables, giving birth to the familiar desktops. And then when desktops needed to be carried from the house to the office (which required traveling across several miles), impracticality gave rise to an even smaller version of computers we now call the laptops.Then, just when you think that pinnacle of computer evolution has been reached, various computer companies have embarked on an even greater conquest to minimize laptop sizes.

ASUS, for example, has just released its smallest addition to the pc world - the ASUS eeepc. It’s so small, it’s no bigger than an ordinary Cattleya binder notebook. The screen size is an eye-popping 7.5 inches, yet it packs enough power to serve everyday functions like spreadsheets computations, document processing, and even wireless internet surfing. (Actually, there’s so much more to this tiny beauty that I plan to make a seperate post on it in the future.)

Mac, on the other hand,  has released its own version of a small laptop in the form of the MacBook Air. It’s a stunningly thin computer that can fit inside a small brown envelope. Amazing right? Definitely! And what’s even more incredible is the fact that the MacBook Air didn’t have to compromise functionality, speed or any of its usual features for its size. It comes equipped with a core 2 duo processor, an 80 GB HDD with a 64 GB SSD optionial ungrade, wireless connections (built-in Air Port and Bluetooth), an Intel graphics accelerator, the GMA X3100, and a 13.3" LCD. 

The computer world is truly a fast-evolving one. And if this two are just examples of what’s to come, then I’m extremely excited about the future. Who knows, maybe the next generation of computers could even fit in the palm of our hands.

Intel in mac

I’ve always looked up to Apple for going against the behemoth known as Intel. For years they’ve always stood proud, resisting the shadow of the giant processor company without resulting to imitation or paralleled development. They’ve always had their style and have always protected their identity even against the undeniably fast growing pc users that support Bill Gates and Intel - a trait that is valued by most if not all mac supporters… well at least until now.

Because you see, Apple has recently released its version of the dual core too. The difference with Intel based units is, well, there is none… not anymore because Intel chips have now penetrated mac computers. Now, mac computers come in dual cores. And the familiar Intel inside sticker now grazes the sleek surface of the apple. 

According to Apple though, nothing has changed. The interface remains the same. All applications, softwares, the appearance, all remain true to the Mac tradition (except for the black version). But, I can’t say the same though for the supporters. 

Pentium what?

Before the release of Intel's new generation of processors, it was easy to track the progress of computers (and also to find out how outdated your PC is). All that you had to do was to find out the number label of the latest Pentium processor. For example, if your computer is run by a Pentium II processor then it is two generations older than a Pentium IV computer. Recently, however, things got a little bit more complicated. 

If you've been to a computer store lately, you'd see showcases of units powered by processors like Pentium D, Pentium M, CoreDuo and Core II Duo. So what happened to the numbers? Why the sudden shift of labels?
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car we call ours

We've had our car, a red 89-series Lancer, for more than two years already. It was given to us by mama and papa, andrea's dear mom and dad, as an unspoken gift. And it has served us very well except for a few (alright many!) occasions. And ever since we've had it, we've experienced several road adventures already - the latest of which included a busted tire and an incredibly busy but lucky afternoon on Marcos Highway.

I admit, because of the high maintenance that it required, I've seriously considered selling the car. And i've thought about it for quite some time. No disrespect intended for mama and papa, but because Mateo (our son) now rides the car with us, I've grown more cautious and sensitive to the way the car performs. And with the creaking sounds and all I fear that it might just break down on us leaving my family in the middle of nowhere, miles and miles away from the closest help, or even worse, (God forbid!) if it causes an accident.
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Broadband Problems

Since I conceptualized this blog to be all about everything fast, it's kinda ironic to start it off with something i find really slow - our internet connection. But since it's such a relevant topic, I don't mind talking about it. In fact, it's recently been such a controversial issue in the house that I just have to blog about it. 

REWIND: My story started slightly more than a year ago, back when andrea (my beautiful and dearest wife) and I found out that we're having a baby. We agreed that she'd give up teaching for a while so she could take care of our child. Unfortunately, after computing, we realized we would need more than what I get from work to make ends meet especially when the baby comes. So my resourceful wife thought about working while staying home - a way to take care of the baby while still earning additional income. The catch is - we needed to have a fast internet connection at home, so we got one
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