Google have released what is, in essence, a connector for Outlook. What this actually does is to make Google Apps Premier Edition a very legit rival to Microsoft’s Exchange server.
It costs $50 per year, per server, which I’m sure will seem quite steep to many when Google Apps’ free edition can host 50 users for free. Essentially, what you get for this fee is bumpage of the storage space to 26GB per user (from approx. 7GB on the free edition) and the ability to use this connector software.
You may be wondering why this is any better than using IMAP, or even POP3, with the standard Gmail edition. Well, this new connector uses a proprietary protocol that is much faster than either of the aforementioned methods, and also syncs contacts and calender, as well as providing certain features that were previously only available to Exchange users, such as calender sharing amongst colleagues.
The game that everyone has been waiting for, EA’s The Sims 3, is now out!
I’ve got my hands on a copy and will be writing up a more comprehensive review at some point, but my initial thoughts are that it is really a fairly simple evolution of Sims 2. Sure, there is more freedom to move your character around their neighborhood, but other than that it seems to be the same old story.
The guys from ITidiots and The Mac Show have started releasing a new audio podcast called Unwatchable. It’s well worth checking out if you want some witty tech-based banter. Check them out in the iTunes podcast directory or at itidiots.com
Today I’m reviewing my new Logitech G9 mouse, and the Razer Goliathus Alpha (the big one!) “gaming surface” that I bought with it. I think we should get the price of these items out of the way before continuing, as these products are undoubtedly high end; the mouse cost me as near as makes no difference to £40, and the mat was £15.
I made the decision a couple of days back to order myself some new peripherals. I had been using a really tired and uncomfortable optical mouse that I had gotten for free from somewhere a while back, so decided that I would buy a decent replacement mouse. While I was browsing Ebuyer, I also decided upon buying a “gaming surface” (or mouse mat) and a webcam.
I settled on the Logitech G9 mouse, Razer Goliathus Alpha surface and the Microsoft VX-1000 webcam. So far I am impressed. The mouse is brilliant and tracks really well along the surface, and the picture quality on the webcam seems good for the price. Hopefully I’ll get round to doing a proper review on these products soon!
As I mentioned in my previous update (albeit over a week ag), I’ve been enjoying the game GT Legends on my now correctly functioning graphics card.
Managed to grab a couple of mods off of the ‘net, and you can see the result in this vid. Me lapping the 1967 Shelby GT500 around Top Gear’s infamous test track. Quality of the video is a bit crappy, but that’s what happens when you compress video to hell and back.
Well I got my Powercolor ATI HD4670 card replaced by Ebuyer this week, and I’m pleased to report that the new version has solved the problem. That’s right. It actually runs in PCI-E x16 mode!
Suffice to say, I’m back up and running in GT Legends, and have been having a blast with Eleanor – a 1967 Shelby GT500 for those not in the know – around Top Gear’s test track (a video might appear soon if I can be bothered!
Well I thought that it was odd that my new PC (Intel Pentium Dual Core, 4GB RAM, Asus P5KPL-AM, ATI HD4670 512MB) couldn’t play GT Legends on any graphics level whatsoever without lag, nor Call of Duty 4. After some investigative work I have discovered that the graphics card is running at PCI-E x1 mode, instead of x16 mode. I have also tested it in a different machine and had the same results, so it appears to be a card issue. I just have trouble understanding how the card can function perfectly but be running at the wrong PCI-E speed.
Anyway, I have filed an RMA to Ebuyer and hope that a replacement will solve my problem. If not, I’ll be at a bit of a loss, to be honest.
The Hotelicopter is based on a Soviet machine, which is already the largest helicopter in the world (well, until they make this one). This 4 story behemoth includes a vast array of 5 star resources including spa treatment rooms, private entertainment and room service.
It is said to be taking its inaugural flight sometime in June. Time will tell, but I have an inkling this may be a slightly early early April fools joke?
Dell has revealed their latest machine, the Studio One. It is an iMac-esque all-in-one build, and follows Dell’s latest design cues with the glossy finish and different colours.
Specs are very flexible, with all range of Intel CPUs from Celerons to Core 2s said to be available. Up to 4GB RAM and 750GB hard disk are also on the cards. Graphics power for the 18.5 inch screen comes from either the Nvidia 9200 or 9400. Sadly, options such as blu-ray, or even webcam, are paid options.
Have to admit, though, I think this is a really sleek looking design. Dell are really starting to hit the nail on the head with their latest products! Gone are black matte plastics of yesteryear!
