For the last 6 months or so I’ve been going back and forth on my next computer purchase. As I’ve mentioned before, I like 2 machines. 1 that is mobile that I can keep small, light and having only what I need to have while I’m mobile. And the other for my desk which holds all of my media (music, photos, video) and does everything the mobile machine does.
I haven’t had that. Not since my PC died in early ‘07, shortly after I got the MacBook. And, while the MacBook is a great little mobile machine, it just doesn’t have the horsepower I need for doing other things. As it turns out, there are a few other issues I have with it as well.
So I’ve been watching the refurb shop at the Apple store for a 20″ iMac (the good one, not the low-end model), a 24″ iMac and a 15″ MacBook Pro. After my last trip, I’ve made my decision.
15″ MacBook Pro.
This came to me as I was trying to edit video on the road on the 13″ MB screen and watching as iMovie brought the machine to a smoking, screeching halt and declared 200+ minutes to export a 15 minute long video. No good that. Also I got the chance to check one out in person at that ginormous Apple store in Boston. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend it.
So, when the time comes, I will get a 15″ MBP for my desk. Run it off the juice with the battery removed (if I can) and use it mobile when I need the extra power.
Something else that I discovered after last week was just how cool the iPhone was. Every day during MTTS it saved our asses no less than twice, and some days more often than that. Whether it was finding the nearest Starbucks or giving us directions from point a to point b, just have access to Google Maps, even as slow as it is over EDGE, was a godsend!
Now, I’m not going to do anything foolish like drop Verizon and go to AT&T. Besides not liking AT&T, the coverage, where I spend most of my time, is crap. And, since it’s the only phone I carry, I like it to work all the time.
What I’m actually hoping to be able to do is get my MBP sometime before Apple stops that student special so I can also get an iPod Touch. Um, sure, it’s, um, for teh lad. Yea, that’s the ticket!
All of which hinges, directly or not, on my getting work. Don’t forget, I am for hire! Feel free to pass along my contact info and whatnot to anyone that you think could benefit from my skills.
Ok, back to processing one more video. Then, and only then, will this round of MTTS be done!
A little non-MINI video for you…
I actually enjoyed Virginia Beach quite a lot. My room was ocean facing on the 3rd floor with a balconey, so I slept with the door open. It was exactly like sleeping on the beach, except without the sand.
If you happen to make it there and you are looking for a place to eat, be sure to check out The Raven. And, if you do get there, ask for Jessica. Tell her the White Roof Radio boys sent you. Some of the best service I’ve ever gotten from a teenager. No foolin’.
Finally back to the land of smog and dry heat!
Travel today went without incident. Flew through Denver again and even got my bags when I got home. Must have been my lucky day!
Just finished going through a ton of emails. I have more photos to post, I have some more video to edit and post and Todd has more audio. All of that will be coming up later this week.
MTTS was very very very cool! It was great to meet everyone that I hadn’t, and awesome to see those I already know.
Complete write up to follow soon. After I eat. And sleep. And do laundry. And kick the jet lag.
If you are following along with the Twitter, then you already know I’m in Miami. South Beach to be more exact.
I kept it easy there, but the trip here was pretty rough. Early start from ONT to Denver, and that flight was pretty ok.
Until it was time to land.
By far, the worst turbulence I’ve ever experienced in a large (Airbus a320) airplane. Ever.
Until I left Denver.
Holy crap. And, just for good measure, holy crap.
A collective gasp from all of the passengers on the full plane (again, the Airbus a320) 3 times from take off to cruising altitude. We shimmied to the left, shimmied to the right, rose, fell and, quite possibly, did 3 barrel rolls. My eyes were closed, so I’m not 100% sure on that last one. Since this was a flight to Orlando, there were more than a few kids. Some were scared quiet, some were excited like it was their first trip on a roller coaster and 1, the poor girl sitting behind me, got a bit sick. Bru. Tal.
The woman next to me started by patting herself on the back during all of this which I thought was interesting. Until she ended up clutching her husband for dear life. Imagine 10-15 minutes of this. Ugh. It wasn’t any fun that’s for sure.
I get to Orlando without incident and, if I might say, that airport sucks. It’s currently in a state of tear down/rebuild which is the only reason I can figure for there not being any signs that should have directed me to the correct shuttle/train thing to get to my gate. I didn’t miss my flight, but it was close.
Embrarer 120 Turbo was the equipment from Orlando to Miami. I had seat 4a, which means nobody on either side of me, right at the wing. And, for UK Paul, that was the best flight of the day. Yes, on a plane with propellors at 18K feet, smooth as butter. A bit loud, but that’s to be expected. But it was a nice way to end a very long day of travel.
Or would have been had my bags made the journey from Orlando to Miami with me.
Also would have been nice if the server was up at all yesterday. For those of you inconvenienced by that, I am truly sorry. Something about fsck not running. I certainly hope whatever the problem that has been plaguing the server all week is fixed ’cause I really need it to work for the next 12 days or so.
Time to get cleaned up as best I can, get my MINI and see what’s going on for the rest of the day. And, maybe another cup of coffee. Not sure yet.
This is a repost for those that don’t follow along at the other sites but might be interested in following along as we cover a National Automotive Event.
If you’ve already seen this at dbmini, WRR or MF, no need to click through because it is exactly the same. I will say that I will be fairly sparse around here for the next week and change starting Thursday.
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