Choosing an Xbox 360

Written by Shaun in Games

Microsoft has three basic versions of the Xbox 360 console: the Xbox 360 Arcade, the standard Xbox 360 and the Xbox 360 Elite system. The base system is the same for each with added benefits to enhance gameplay and media enjoyment for each different console bundle.

The Arcade version has limited storage for arcade games. It would not be gamers first choice for a video game console. The standard Xbox 360 has a 20 Gb hard drive, which is sufficient storage for games and a few songs and a video or two. The Elite has 120 Gb of storage and comes included with a HDMI digital audio-video cable. This is for those users who expect downloading and storing many video, photos, game data or music. The HDMI cable is convenient for those that need that type of connection for their home theater system. The Elite is the only system that is all black as well.

All the systems have Silver Xbox live memberships and a wireless controller included. Game compatibility is the same for the regular and Elite consoles. They are compatible with all Xbox 360 games plus over 300 original Xbox games. The Arcade version is compatible with all Xbox 360 games.

Obviously the prices for the consoles are different. The arcade machine can be had for around $280. The standard sells for around $350. The Elite goes for $450.

The Xbox console is not that large when compared with the Nintendo Wii and Playstation 3. It is sleekly designed and has interchangeable faceplates that allow it to be fitted into a home cinema rack. The wireless controller is really cool and wonderfully convenient. The Xbox console supports four wireless controller devices.

The Xbox 360 has amazing graphics. All the games are optimized for high definition output. In addition, it has USB 2.0 ports for attaching accessories. Accessories include a steering wheel for driving games and a chat messenger that allows you to send instant messages to your friends while you are playing. These accessories are not included with the console bundle and must be purchased separately. The Xbox 360 console is HD ready for games and has Dolby Digital sound to give players a complete surround sound gaming experience.

The console will play on any television, high definition or not. You just need to have the video and audio inputs for the TV or home theater system. The Xbox 360 console plays audio CDs, as well as DVDs, stores photograph and will play mp3’s. The Xbox 360 truly represents a big leap forward in next generation gaming technology.

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Be a Guitar Hero

Written by Shaun in Games

Guitar Hero 3 is one of the world’s most popular games, but mastering it will take a bit of time. The typical guitar hero strum involves one push of the strum button while holding down the fret buttons associated with the notes. While this strategy works well for songs on the lower level difficulties, as you begin to push yourself to the next level, you’ll want to begin incorporating pull offs.

A pull off is one of the most difficult techniques to master in Guitar Hero 3. It requires precision timing and quick reflexes. Only certain song sections have pull off sections in them. The sections will be denoted by notes that have a white border, as opposed to the typical black one.

If you have 3 notes, let’s say green, red, and yellow, in order one right after another you could complete these notes using the pull off technique. When the first note hits, you’ll want to have all 3 fret buttons pressed down. This is the start of the pull off, and the only time during the technique that you will press the strum button.

As the notes ascend the scale you simply “pull off” the already completed fret notes as they pass across your screen. This type of action allows you to play songs and note combinations that would otherwise be too difficult to strum manually. If you want to start playing the most difficult songs on the hardest levels in the game then pull off is a technique you will need to add to your tool belt and master.

The most difficult aspect of nailing your pull offs is getting the timing down pat. On the more difficult songs, the note combinations are quite literally flying by you on the screen. You’ll have to slowly memorize the location of the pull off note combinations to really make this technique effective. But with a little bit of practice and persistence there’s no question you can start nailing those pull off’s and shredding the scales.

Another technique you may consider is the hammer on.

A hammer on is basically a pull off in reverse. Instead of pressing all of the buttons initially, you simply hold down each fret button as the new note comes onto your screen. Much like the pull off, this allows you to play increasingly faster and more difficult note combinations.

While it may take you some time to get accustomed to these new techniques, once you have them mastered and burned into your muscle memory, you too can be a guitar hero!

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Ride a Unicycle, Sherlock!

Written by Shaun in Geek Toys

Have you ever considered riding a unicycle? Believe it or not riding one is not just for clowns and parades. Learning to master the unicycle can be one of the most challenging fitness activities you can attempt. It takes coordination and perseverance to peddle that one wheel, but when you accomplish it you find that it can be very enjoyable.

Unicycles are not usually that expensive. Sure you can get a tricked out carbon fiber model if you want, but that is really not necessary. Just head down to the local bike shop and see what they offer. You will usually find what you need between $50-100. Or try eBay, but you’ve already thought of that.

When purchasing your unicycle the main thing you want to make sure is that it fits. You want to be able to extend your leg almost straight out at the bottom of the pedal stroke, much like you would on a regular bicycle. If the seat post cannot be raised high enough you will find learning to ride will be much more difficult.

So now that you have your unicycle, how do you learn to ride? One of the best ways to learn is to mount the unicycle while holding on to the side of something like your garage. You will want to throw your leg over the saddle and put your foot on the pedal. Leaning against, and even holding onto your prop, put your other foot on the other pedal and get your balance. Once you have your balance simply push off and begin pedaling forward.

Once movement has begun you will want to lean forward ever so slightly. The first couple of tries you may find yourself slipping backward. You will have to be quick to get your feet back under you in the event you start to fall back off the unicycle. Just grab the nose of the unicycle as you dismount and stand up normally on the ground, and go have another try.

One thing that could help your balance is to mount and dismount the unicycle inside of a doorway. If you have room just push off and try a few pedal strokes to get the hang of it. Riding a unicycle can be frustrating the first few tries but as your balance improves you will find yourself pedaling further and further away.

Once you start getting the hang of pedaling relatively long distances you will want to learn how to turn. Turning is simply a matter of body English. If you want to go right you slightly twist your upper body to the right. The same for going left. Talk about a core workout.

Learning to ride a unicycle is certainly a challenge. But it can be a lot of fun. With a little practice and determination you too can learn to master the one-wheeled cycle.

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The Net Fool’s Outrageous Contest

Written by Shaun in Announcements

Sorry this is not a gadget, game, or cube toy. It’s a contest, and it’s a good one.

I’m not normally one to post something like this, as I usually find it akin to a chain letter. When I get those, I generally respond with: a) derision, b) “idiot”, or c) this web site. But I’m making an exception in this case because The Net Fool has put together a crazy delicious prize package for his contest. Check out the complete prize list below. They all look attractive, but I think I’m partial to the Entrecard package or the custom blog theme. Can you really go wrong with either of those?

To enter, subscribe to their e-mail feed, make a post like this one, or just leave some comments. Good luck!

Full contest details via the Net Fool

Cash

Web Hosting

WordPress Themes & Design

WordPress Scripts & Software

Blog Advertising

Blog Reviews

Subscriptions

  • 2 Year Subscription to GoStats Pro from GoStats
  • 5 One-Year VIP Memberships to CreateBanner.com from Xavier Media
  • Premium Subscription to DotSauce.com from DotSauce

Entrecard Credits

Miscellaneous

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Office Warfare: Make your own Trebuchet

Written by Shaun in Cube Goodies

trebuchet.jpgTrebuchet isn’t just a popular font. Build your own warfare machine at your desk, and pillage your surrounding cubicle dwellers. I dare anyone to park in your spot after you load up a few rounds in your trusty trebuchet. Put it together with pliers, a cutting tool, and glue.

ThinkGeek is quick to point out that this trebuchet is for instructional purposes only and should not be used on any live targets. :)

Get your own trebuchet here

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