TechLore - Caffeinated Pixels

Jolicloud Review and First Impressions

Peter Redmer — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:09:20 GMT

Is Jolicloud the new netbook OS of choice?

Mintpass Mintpad: Internet Tablet Done Right?

Peter Redmer — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:06:26 GMT

Back in the day, a mobile device that could browse the Internet was incredible, expensive, hard to find, and often cumbersome. I remember how absolutely cool it was to browse the mobile web from my Sprint PCS Vision phone, although it was only black-and-white text, of course. Before the advent of the iPhone, the Palm Pre, the BlackBerry Storm, HTC Mogul, T-Mobile G1, and other phones fully capable of browsing the Internet gracefully - the Internet tablet attempted to bridge the gap. I always wanted an Internet tablet, but they were far too expensive and limited to make it worth it, and besides, only a few years later I was able to browse the web reasonably well on my PocketPC with a tethered Bluetooth connection. My phone didn't have a decent browser or PDA capabilities, but my PDA did. Now, though, I've caught wind of a brand new device that is now available in Korea - the Mintpass Mintpad, and I really want one. I don't need one, I want one. Why? Because it's relatively inexpensive and it looks like a LOT of fun to use. This nifty little gadget is compact and features a bright 2.8" touchscreen. They seem...

Tetris's 25th Reminds Me Of My Favorite Puzzle Games

Peter Redmer — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:19:56 GMT

In case you didn't notice, on June 5th, one of the most famous puzzle games of all time celebrated it's 25th anniversary... Tetris . Even Google honored the puzzle-shifting masterpiece with its own custom search page logo. Game Informer featured a wonderful interview with Alexey Pajitnov - the original creator, who to this day is delighted that his brainchild has inspired generations of gamers to exercise their neurons. In fact, Tetris is thought to be the raw material from which all other puzzle games have been wrought. Reading the GI article and a recent game of multiplayer Tetris DS showed me how truly addictive puzzle games can be... and how I've been playing puzzle games for a very long time. So, for those who haven't branched out from the world of colored falling blocks and catchy chiptunes, here's some of my other favorite puzzle titles of all time: The Lemmings Oh come on, you haven't played this one? Seriously? OK, you probably have played Lemmings ... a true classic. Instead of falling colored blocks, you get falling... Lemmings - humanoid creatures that only do what you tell them, and otherwise will happily march off of cliffs to their certain squishy...

Pre-ness Envy: Will iPhone Users Defect to Palm's Shiny New Superstar?

Peter Redmer — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:53:48 GMT

I hate it when new cellphones come out. Even if I'm happy with the one I already own, I inevitably lust after whatever's new, eagerly rationalizing the extra costs involved, and at some points in the past, even considered owning two phones (and on two occasions, actually did.) Which is, like poodles and most vacations to Vegas, wasteful yet entertaining. As such, here begins a new chapter in my endless gadgetry novel... the Palm Pre . I'm seriously wondering whether Apple/AT&T is going to lose some customers over this little beauty... there's a lot that it does that's really tempting. Here's some of the reasons why I (and probably others) would consider defecting to the Palm-side... Multitasking Duh! I could multitask on an old Windows 95 computer, why can't I do it on my iPhone? The Pre allows you to have multiple apps open, drag stuff between each, have more than one browser window open, etc. This is a long missed feature in the iPrecious and is not to be underestimated. A Real Keyboard Being a big guy, I'm somewhat ham-fisted at times. I've gotten pretty nimble with the iPhone's not-keyboard, but I still type up my fair share of...

My Name Is Peter, and I'm An App User

Peter Redmer — Thu, 14 May 2009 22:51:32 GMT

An iPhone App user, to be exact. I'm starting to feel like I've become some kind of social pariah simply for owning and using my iPhone. Since when do I have to explain myself? I guess it's because a lot of iPhone users are jerks. I saw this article today, about those who have become "app-noxious." Some of the behavior is deplorable, but I'd like to make my case for iPhone apps... when used with some sense. Some People Need To Be Corrected Yes, it's true. We've all known this person, the know-it-all who's really a moron. Opinions are opinions and facts are facts. Intelligent individuals know where to clarify and draw the line. That guy who absolutely (and rudely) insists that his knowledge is superior to yours, even though you can prove he is incorrect, needs to be put in his place. Your iPhone can help with that, app or no app. So do it. Correct them, unless there is a downside to doing so (i.e., they are your boss, your wife, a dating prospect, someone to whom you owe money, someone who's armed, etc.) No matter how loud, dominating, overpowering, or pompous said individual is, your iPhone will...

Review of the Dark Spire for Nintendo DS

Peter Redmer — Fri, 01 May 2009 20:38:12 GMT

I'm absolutely in love with Atlus , a game company after my heart. They typically either create or publish games that are unique, unusual, very "Japanese," extremely difficult, or a mix of some or all of the above. One of their freshest titles exemplifies at least three of these qualities, if not all of them - the Dark Spire . This game is definitely NOT for everyone, and is reserved for only the most hardcore, self-deprecating pale-skinned dungeon dwellers out there. Not that I'm like that or anything ;) Premise of The Dark Spire OK, so how about this - you have to delve into the evil wizard's Dark Spire and um, kill him. That's about it for the plotline, and frankly - that's all I need. In my famous quote to my sister (in response to her general preference for RPG's with deep plots): "It doesn't have any of that stupid storyline crap." Now don't get me wrong, I do enjoy a good story - just don't mix it in with a hardcore dungeon crawler, it doesn't work. By now, I'm guessing you've already figured out the premise... navigate a dungeon (using only 90 degree turns,) level grind, find...