I haven’t done one of these in while…
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Random Phone Photos
Tags: Phone Photos
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Review: Sony Cyber-shot W300
Having read 10+ page reviews of cameras meant to be simple and convenient is a bit much. So, my short review of the Sony CyberShot DSC-W300 will consist of mostly bullet points with a little extra at the end: Quick, to the point, no wasted time.
Pros:- Small, light and well built
- Easily accessible manual features
- Little shutter lag
- Fast burst mode
- Acceptable picture quality
- Interesting face tracking feature
Cons:- Annoying proprietary data cable
- Annoying proprietary memory
- Only has a 3x optical zoom
- Lens unnecessarily extends when syncing photos via USB
- 13.6 MP is excessive
- Controls are easy to use, but not with gloves
- Creepy ‘Smile Shutter’ feature
The controls.
Why are the cables annoying? This Sony, like all other Sony cameras (I suspect) uses an unnecessary and inconvenient proprietary cable. This means I have to carry an additional cable with me if I want to transfer photos off of the camera when I’m away from home. A standard mini USB cable is superior in every way.
Why is the Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo Super Extra Jumbo memory format annoying? First, it is Sony-only, and it is more expensive than comparable SD memory. (But only slightly) What else? I can’t use clever memory cards like the EyeFi WiFi and skyhook-enabled SD card that would allow me to tag each photo with GPS coordinates and wirelessly transfer images to my computer. (which would have eliminated the cable issue)
That said, the W300 compares favorably to other similar cameras and the above annoyances are pretty minor. The W300 is a great point-and-shoot and is a good companion to a DSLR.
What review would be complete without a meaningless chart and/or graph?
Some sample photos from the W300: (Click photos for unreasonably large 13.6 MP / 4224×3168 image)
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iPod Touch 2.0 Update & Apps
I upgraded my iPod Touch OS to version 2.0 last week. Below are a few of the applications I’ve downloaded/purchased with some quick highlights and what I think of them.
iPod Touch Software Update 2.0
Publisher: Apple
Price: $9.99
Software Update 2.0 adds the ability to download/install applications from the App Store, ‘push’ access to email/calendars, and a better calculator. (Oh, the ability to take screenshots too.)
Pros:- App Store
- Push email
- Third party applications
- Safari seems more stable than in initial (iPod Touch 1.x) version
Cons:- Battery life seems to be reduce, perhaps I’m just using the iPod more…
- Push email audible ‘beep’ notification is annoying, too invasive, and Blackberry-like
Rating: 5/5 (buy)
Enigmo
Publisher: Pangea
Price: $9.99 USD
“Enigmo is the most unique game that you’ll find for the iPhone or iPod Touch. It is a 3D puzzle game where you manipulate slides, bumpers, and other pieces to control streams of flowing liquid. Liquids (water, oil, and lava) fall from “droppers” and will bounce around the walls of a puzzle. You move and rotate the various puzzle pieces in order to divert the flow of the falling droplets so that they can reach their target. The faster you complete each level, the more bonus you will receive.”
Pros:- Very playable
- Intuitive controls
- Nice graphics
- Predictable physics
- Adequate level of difficulty
- Many levels (40)
Cons:- Touchscreen control interface sometimes results in finger obscuring important items/objects on display
- Field of view somewhat constrained on more complex levels
- A landscape view would be a natural and useful feature (see previous point)
Rating: 4/5 (buy)
Cro-Mag Rally
Publisher: Pangea
Price: $9.99 USD
“Cro-Mag Rally is an incredibly diverse and entertaining racing game, and there is nothing else like it for the iPhone / iPod Touch! The game is visually stunning, has incredibly fun driving physics (you steer with the iPhone itself!), and is suitable for all ages.”
Pros:- I like driving simulations, this almost qualifies…
Cons:- User interface is novel but a little awkward
- Acceptable graphics (visually interesting, but not quite “stunning”)
- Game play is a little slow
Rating: 2.5/5 (meh…)
Morocco
Publisher: Bayou Games / Thomas Aylesworth
Price: Free
“The classic strategy board game of Othello® (also known as Reversi), now available for the iPhone™ and iPod® touch.”
Pros:- Nice game
- Good price
- Nice game
- Good price
- Adjustable level of difficulty
Cons:- Locks up
- Icons for game control/options (preferences, new game, etc.) not obvious or labeled
- Slow when played against opponent with highest level of difficulty
Rating: 3.5/5 (good game, needs to be more stable)
Remote
Publisher: Apple
Price: Free
“The free application that turns iPod touch and iPhone into a remote control for iTunes and Apple TV.”
Pros:- Works as advertised and very handy
Cons:- None that I’ve found
Rating: 5/5 (works like an Apple app (not including Mobile Me))Tags: 2.0, App Store, Apple, Bayou Games, Cro-Mag, Enigmo, iPhone, iPod, iPod Touch, Morocco, Pangea
