Episode 133 - Geek Measuring Tools! SXSW Sucks, New Gadgets for Long Distance WiFI, Best Brand of UPS, WorldofWarcraft Headset, Free Email Archive [Discussion] [Archive]

serafina

03-25-2010, 10:40 PM

Veronica's over SXSW, Patrick's found a pint sized heat gun. What brand of Uninteruptible Power Supply do we buy? Free Wireframe Tool? Check out Mockingbird. Lots of you suggested gear from Ubiquiti Networks for Long Distance WiFI. Is there a Volume Hack for the oh-so-quiet Nexus One?

Watch or download this episode here (http://revision3.com/tekzilla/wowheadset)

frisby

03-26-2010, 12:20 AM

This episode was unhinged. I enjoyed the UPS info this week, I have been thinking about getting one for the last few days.

Love the show.

fee

03-26-2010, 01:05 AM

Very cool episode, loved that headset!

mikec

03-26-2010, 01:10 AM

Someone should get flogged. Check the credits. Otherwise, good show.

burnedtubes

03-26-2010, 01:32 AM

That was the most unhinged, off the hook, off the chain episode ever! :D

enpe

03-26-2010, 02:30 AM

Someone should get flogged. Check the credits. Otherwise, good show.

Robert Heron is looking sexy ...

mikec

03-26-2010, 02:53 AM

Robert Heron is looking sexy ...

Might suggest you get new glasses or drink less beer.

Mrs Heron, please don't get upset with me.

computoman

03-26-2010, 06:25 AM

We are just thinking about you.....

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/7844/screenshotr3gedit.png

spinney

03-26-2010, 07:10 AM

Patrick was totally unhinged this episode. Those measuring tools were unhinged, as was the headset.

ojimaru

03-26-2010, 08:34 AM

Adam Savage's geek toolset is one to drool over. For geeks anyway.

Anybody know how the Fatal1ty (and this new Creative WoW headset) compares to the Steelseries Siberia V2?

Edit:
Insert obligatory Headphone Musume (Girl) (http://www2.117.ne.jp/~ota-beam/otb-hp.htm) link.

ajax299

03-26-2010, 09:26 AM

What was with the "unhinged" montage? Confusing. Another good show though, and those headphones look comfortable. I'm not complaining about my Sennheiser HD 202's but those just look like two giant pillows connected by a band that glow pretty colors. If I were buying I'd go for the wired since I avoid wireless where it's not necessary.

omikron

03-26-2010, 10:30 AM

havek23

03-26-2010, 12:51 PM

I'm already drunk from taking a drink every time Patrick said "completely unhinged" during this episode...

veronicazilla

03-26-2010, 04:14 PM

Awesome episode but did anyone else take a close look at Veronica's desktop when she was demoing the WoW headset. Besides the Mcafee security scan, look in the lower right hand corner. "This copy of windows is not genuine". That would explain the black background, better hope M$ doesn't see this episode.

Not my laptop, just the tester unit at the office that I installed the software on. I wasn't about to lug my entire gaming rig back into the office!

serafina

03-26-2010, 04:55 PM

computoman

03-26-2010, 06:16 PM

Windows s/b ,MSWindows.. The gui is not exclusive to Microsoft. We bought a heat gun for removing paint from Lowes for $25. Lots of fun to reclaim reusable parts from old motherboards and circuit boards. They are not just for heat shrink anymore. Long live Mythbusters! The only thing better than having all the geek toys is having the knowledge to know how to use them. Love the Freudian moment with V using the heat gun against Pat.

nav13eh

03-26-2010, 09:13 PM

Viewer questions?! (This is Random) Check out the projector I just bought; http://bit.ly/9Y6QYH

feedboy

03-26-2010, 10:31 PM

Hey Patrick, just an FYI, we have two Fry's here in Georgia just north of Atlanta. They've been here a few years now. The place is addictive!

sirpoonga

03-27-2010, 03:08 AM

I have Turtle Beach X41s for my Xbox. I get popping in voice chat when the batteries start to get low.

computoman

03-27-2010, 05:05 AM

Viewer questions?! (This is Random) Check out the projector I just bought; http://bit.ly/9Y6QYH

I might get this one just for grins and play with it like the old projector laptop combo.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3729932

gravylookout

03-27-2010, 06:59 AM

"I'm hot AND fast!" - Veronica Belmont

primeone

03-27-2010, 07:57 PM

My photos used in this weeks episode. Veronica from the Buzz Out Loud Live show recording.

http://j.imagehost.org/t/0626/4436322844_afcdc1dd51_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplan8podcast/4436322844/in/set-72157623627062012/) http://j.imagehost.org/t/0030/4435551713_aebd7b2c30_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplan8podcast/4435551713/in/set-72157623627062012/) http://j.imagehost.org/t/0839/4435549711_ccf3629bdb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplan8podcast/4435549711/in/set-72157623627062012/)

Also a photo of V from the GDGT event, wearing what appears to be a very stylish GDGT "Have" Shirt ....

http://j.imagehost.org/t/0234/4438290880_b9124f0bbc_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplan8podcast/4438290880/in/set-72157623631882694/)

... or well just a sticker on it at least ... Would be a cool shirt for girls if Ryan & Peter ordered that top with embroidered HAVE on it ... from a branding product perspective at least I think.

davmoo

03-28-2010, 11:10 AM

Hah. It still has the Windows 7 RC installed. Luckily we didnt need it for more than 2 hours at a time. ;)

All those geeks at the studio and you guys can't crack the final release? My 8 year old nephew can do that :D

keenanj

03-28-2010, 01:44 PM

The EOC1650 wireless access point / bridge is 200mW and super small. It has both a 5dBi omni antenna and a 7dBi directional for up to a mile range.
There is more info and specs here:

http://www.keenansystems.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=260

For longer distances the EOC-2610 has 600mW! and a 10dBi directional antenna for up to 5 mile range. There is also a SMA connector for a larger external antenna.

More info Here:
http://www.keenansystems.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=2&products_id=251

I hope Patrick brings these cool long range devices on the show to talk about further.

mikec

03-28-2010, 06:18 PM

"I'm hot AND fast!" - Veronica Belmont

She has said that she is "a walking HR violation".

Just wonder how gray her parents got when V was a teen? Just joking.

computoman

03-28-2010, 07:13 PM

fee

03-28-2010, 10:17 PM

ajax299

03-29-2010, 04:50 AM

I live in Seattle so I know of Fry's. I'm a little scared of it actually. It'd for sure liberate me of any and all income, kinda like going into a la-z-boy store and trying not to buy a pwnful recliner. Just not happening.

Kinda random but I'd like to see another build soon if you could manage it, a-la systm of course. I'm not sure what you haven't done though... Or maybe just an episode of crazy ways to destroy hardrives. Like when Kevin Rose used thermite on one on techtv. Destruction is fun isn't it? Tear down a wall and wire something?

davmoo

03-29-2010, 09:45 AM

Oh, one of you with physical access to Patrick, poke him and ask where in Fry's he found the radar gun. I'm assuming in the model rocketry, robotics, science, and miscellaneous section, but I'll ask anyway so I don't overlook it.

When I'm checking out at Fry's they always ask me "Would you like to put this on a Fry's charge account?". And my standard reply is always "I spend too damned much here as it is, don't encourage me!".

darknessgp

03-29-2010, 03:01 PM

Awesome episode but did anyone else take a close look at Veronica's desktop when she was demoing the WoW headset. Besides the Mcafee security scan, look in the lower right hand corner. "This copy of windows is not genuine". That would explain the black background, better hope M$ doesn't see this episode.

I know they mentioned it was a test machine, but I'd also point out that this is very common for test machines. Why waste a good cd key on a machine that get's wiped every other month or more often? Here at work we have a couple of VMs with Vista on them. No valid key, so they constantly pop up the "you might be a victim of counterfeiting"

sir_scutter

03-29-2010, 04:35 PM

I have to see a Fry's now.. do they sell Pelican cases that will fit in my truck? I can't wait. It'll be completely unhinged.

nav13eh

03-29-2010, 09:03 PM

All those geeks at the studio and you guys can't crack the final release? My 8 year old nephew can do that :D

Now thats the geek family.

nav13eh

03-29-2010, 09:06 PM

I might get this one just for grins and play with it like the old projector laptop combo.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3729932

It might work. I don't care if mine is HD, or that I will use the DVD for this but when Avatar comes out (end of april) I will hang a Screen over my TV and use the surround, it will be awesome!

indomitabletv

03-30-2010, 01:09 AM

I like it. Informative and playful (but not annoyingly so).

davmoo

03-30-2010, 05:52 AM

Why waste a good cd key on a machine that get's wiped every other month or more often?

If they're only using it to test software, I don't buy that excuse. If you don't make major hardware changes, you can validate the same key online eleventy-billion times so long as you are validating it on the same machine it was originally validated on the first time. I've got a test laptop I use that I bet I've revalidated both Vista and Windows 7 on it several dozen times each. I've been testing several software arrangements for a specific application and I know I've revalidated 6 times just this week...and its only Tuesday. I need to take a little time to image a validated copy and reinstall that every day instead of doing an actual reinstall.

If the group is too cheap to buy a key, at least have the guts to admit it instead of hiding behind bogus excuses.

fee

03-30-2010, 12:37 PM

If they're only using it to test software, I don't buy that excuse. If you don't make major hardware changes, you can validate the same key online eleventy-billion times so long as you are validating it on the same machine it was originally validated on the first time. I've got a test laptop I use that I bet I've revalidated both Vista and Windows 7 on it several dozen times each. I've been testing several software arrangements for a specific application and I know I've revalidated 6 times just this week...and its only Tuesday. I need to take a little time to image a validated copy and reinstall that every day instead of doing an actual reinstall.

If the group is too cheap to buy a key, at least have the guts to admit it instead of hiding behind bogus excuses.

On my Test machines i don't even activate. Windows 7 will last 30 days before you have to activate it, most of my test machines dont have the same parts that long!

darknessgp

03-30-2010, 04:51 PM

If they're only using it to test software, I don't buy that excuse. If you don't make major hardware changes, you can validate the same key online eleventy-billion times so long as you are validating it on the same machine it was originally validated on the first time. I've got a test laptop I use that I bet I've revalidated both Vista and Windows 7 on it several dozen times each. I've been testing several software arrangements for a specific application and I know I've revalidated 6 times just this week...and its only Tuesday. I need to take a little time to image a validated copy and reinstall that every day instead of doing an actual reinstall.

If the group is too cheap to buy a key, at least have the guts to admit it instead of hiding behind bogus excuses.

ok, then change mine to "Why waste a good money on a test machine?" What's the advantage of activating windows on the test machine? IMO, there isn't one. There's no reason you HAVE to activate windows on a machine that solely gets used for testing.

Also, davmoo, in reference to your cracking statement. I'm guessing it was in jest, as they are a business and if it was found out that they cracked any of the software they use, it would become a serious legal issue.

davmoo

03-31-2010, 03:00 AM

What's the advantage of activating windows on the test machine? IMO, there isn't one.

In my line of work, clients sometimes see my test machines. My clients don't seem to appreciate things like "this program is pirated!!!!" warning messages flashing up during demos. And every now and then Microsoft releases updates to "fix" copies of Windows that have been cracked. By having a key dedicated to my test machines I don't have to worry about either issue.

Also, davmoo, in reference to your cracking statement. I'm guessing it was in jest

Actually not at all. Its so easy to crack Windows 7 that it would take me longer to explain to someone how to do it than it takes to just do it.

as they are a business and if it was found out that they cracked any of the software they use, it would become a serious legal issue

Granted IANAL and all that (although I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express a few weeks ago), but I would think cracking a copy of the OS, which makes no changes that are viewable on camera, would be no worse from a legal standpoint that having a machine pop up "This copy of windows is not genuine" while it is on camera.

computoman

03-31-2010, 07:23 AM

Their are a ton of tutorials on the net to fix certain software. Since we use open source, we do not have to worry about any of that crap. Never was a fan of companies that used a bios or the like to validate it's software. Nothing but pure drm. Tired of companies that think they own my machine. Microsoft should start renting out computers if they want so much control. Then they might have a leg to stand with their business practices.

darknessgp

03-31-2010, 04:35 PM

In my line of work, clients sometimes see my test machines. My clients don't seem to appreciate things like "this program is pirated!!!!" warning messages flashing up during demos. And every now and then Microsoft releases updates to "fix" copies of Windows that have been cracked. By having a key dedicated to my test machines I don't have to worry about either issue.

I'll give you that one, there can be times when clients might see a test machine... though I would think that you'd have 1 or 2 machines that are classified as client test machines.

Actually not at all. Its so easy to crack Windows 7 that it would take me longer to explain to someone how to do it than it takes to just do it.
I agree, it's easy. That still doesn't mean a business should. see below...

Granted IANAL and all that (although I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express a few weeks ago), but I would think cracking a copy of the OS, which makes no changes that are viewable on camera, would be no worse from a legal standpoint that having a machine pop up "This copy of windows is not genuine" while it is on camera.
The issue is breaking copyright protection and the legal issues with that. It has nothing to do with what is shown on camera. If it was found out that a business was pirating copyright material there would be legal issues. period.

I completely agree with you on the professionalism it does not present when a machine pops up with the "You may be a victim of counterfeiting" message crap. and I only hope that Microsoft will change it to something less annoying and in your face about it.

Edit: Computoman, do you even know what the discussion going on is? or did you skim, hit a few key words, and then generate your own small rant?

nav13eh

03-31-2010, 10:19 PM

I completely agree with you on the professionalism it does not present when a machine pops up with the "You may be a victim of counterfeiting" message crap. and I only hope that Microsoft will change it to something less annoying and in your face about it.

They will never change it, because of this exact reason, you get busted.

computoman

03-31-2010, 11:20 PM

Edit: Computoman, do you even know what the discussion going on is? or did you skim, hit a few key words, and then generate your own small rant?

Actually I do, but was trying to be reserved for once in what I think of MS. If you do not own a program you have no business messing with it. I have quoted it before and posted it on the site. The supreme court said if you do in fact legally own a piece of software, you have every right to modify it to your needs. You can interpret that the way you want.

davmoo

04-01-2010, 08:31 AM

The supreme court said if you do in fact legally own a piece of software, you have every right to modify it to your needs.

And again I'm going to ask you for links to that/those ruling(s).

computoman

04-01-2010, 09:13 AM

I have put the links seveal times. Why do I need to do it again? A simple web search will it anyway.

davmoo

04-01-2010, 09:55 AM

I have put the links seveal times. Why do I need to do it again? A simple web search will it anyway.

I just did an extensive web search. And I do indeed find ONE ruling that the Supreme Court ruled that one has the right to modify software.

It was the Supreme Court of FINLAND. Granted I've not taken a world geography class in 35 years, but last I heard Finland is not a part of the United States.

So I'll again ask for those links.

nav13eh

04-01-2010, 10:15 PM

The supreme court said if you do in fact legally own a piece of software, you have every right to modify it to your needs.

I did not no that, but unlike linux, you don't have the source to do extreme modification anyway.

computoman

04-02-2010, 02:06 AM

Have disassembler, will decode. If you know how to do machine language, who needs source code.In any case there are also decompilers, I need to get back into it.

It has been so long. I forgot it was denied Certiorari, but in effect by not hearing the case, it was affirmed.

http://www.techlawjournal.com/topstories/2005/20051107.asp

davmoo

04-02-2010, 03:27 AM

It has been so long. I forgot it was denied Certiorari, but in effect by not hearing the case, it was affirmed

SCOTUS electing to not hear the case is nothing even close to "The supreme court said if you do in fact legally own a piece of software, you have every right to modify it to your needs", which is what you said.

You also overlook the fact that the defendant in that case had source code, the program was developed ONLY for that defendant, and no written agreements existed. It sets no precedent for widely distributed commercial software. You're reading facts in to this decision that simply do not exist.

And using a disassembler, etc, in most situations would fly directly in the face of the DMCA, and SCOTUS has most certainly not struck that down.

Try again.

computoman

04-02-2010, 08:19 AM

Having or not having the source code is irrevalent, code is code is code binary or not.

As far as I am concerned the dmca is dejure, defacto, or whatever illegal. since it contradicts common law.and is not what a reasonable man would do. The dmca is equivalent to marrying someone whom you eventually divorce. And then after the divorce is over you still have claim on your ex. Pure nonsense and legalaized oppression if not slavery. The authors of the dmca obviously do not understand the difference between a lease and a sale. They sold it, so they have to let it go. If they want to keep control over it, they should have leased it out. Let me put it anohter way/ if you purchase a home, according to the dmca, you could not remodel it. Utter stupidity. In Texas, not so long ago we would have tarred and feathered such yankee mentaliity.

The industry got backslapped for shrinkwrap agreements with the fine print, The dmca is becoming the equivalent. Most companies that try to pull the dmca type crap eventually go out of business first. The ones that do not use those types of tactics stay in business for years. The you know what will hit the fan soon enough.

davmoo

04-02-2010, 10:11 AM

The industry got backslapped for shrinkwrap agreements with the fine print, The dmca is becoming the equivalent. Most companies that try to pull the dmca type crap eventually go out of business first. The ones that do not use those types of tactics stay in business for years. The you know what will hit the fan soon enough.

Yeah, companies that use shrink wrap agreements die fast. Just look at what happened to IBM, Microsoft, Apple, and Oracle, just to name a few.

And I mean no offense with how I'm going to put this, but its the truth. Your personal interpretation of the DMCA and other laws, and whether or not they are valid and enforceable, is totally and completely irrelevant. And for that matter, so is mine. The only person who's opinion counts is the judge or judges hearing the case. And their entire interpretation counts, you can't just take the parts you like ("THEY SEZ I CAN MODIFY MY PROGRAMS!") and ignore the parts you don't like.

Get caught speeding and tell the cop or the judge that you disagree with the speeding law and see how far that gets you.

computoman

04-02-2010, 07:00 PM

Speeding is a safety issue. I do not disagree with them. There is no safety issue in adapting software last I looked. though with "in-service" medical equipment, that might be a different matter.

Never seen Oracle in a box.I have acquired oracle developer stuff legally without investment. Microsoft is no where in the position it once was or could be. Ibm was smart and went to open source. etc.

I will say one thing that if I do mod something that is not open, I will not take commercial advantage of it. To me that would be crossing the line. dmca at worst should;d be a tort not a criminal act unless safety is involved. Like I said before. If I figure out a way to get more advantage from something intended or not, the seller can not and should not come back and cry foul they did not charge enough in what was an arm;s length transaction.

No one can own or limit knowledge without being a tyrant. Knowledge is free. from a higher power than the media industry. It should not be against the law to use your brain...... Otherwise, you might as well close down all the schools. Another video store closed down the street, Thanx dmca for help killing jobs.

davmoo

04-02-2010, 11:00 PM

Another video store closed down the street, Thanx dmca for help killing jobs.

That's Redbox and Netflix causing that, not the DMCA.

computoman

04-03-2010, 01:14 AM

At a lower level yes, but what caused the retail prices to go up ? Nothing, but greed. I hated to go to video stores, they made you feel like a criminal with all the thall shalt not copy, Checking out was like going through a gestapo check point. Mpaa attitude ruined the customer experience.

I do not know why most people copy Hollywood stuff as most of it is trash anyway. Independent film makers and other artists that support creative commons have a chance to put Hollywood out of business. It will happen. Legal attacks will only hasten the event.There was a study that alleged that people who get movies from alternate sources, usually spent the most for movies. Ironic....

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2010/03/bittorrent-legal-attack/

I will not purchase any more movies. Home movies do not sound that bad anymore. My experience has been ruined. by the traditional imperialistic media industry. for that matter, I would just as soon sing and play terribly on my guitar than listen to paid for audio.. Working on a homemade banjo now.

Long live creative commons.

tokenuser

04-03-2010, 04:33 AM

What was the last movie released under CC that you saw?

computoman

04-03-2010, 04:50 AM

Can not name them all.
http://remixaustin.org/resources/movies-and-film/45-movies
http://www.archive.org/details/feature_films

tokenuser

04-03-2010, 04:58 AM

OK, second link first. Each of those movies have fallen under public domain because their copyright holder did not reassert their ownership. Those are NOT CC released movies.

First link. Yep. Huge commercial successes each of them <sarcasm>. Suffering for your art does not pay the bills.

davmoo

04-03-2010, 06:00 AM

Long live creative commons.

CC is good and all that, and if the creators of content wish to use that license and give their movies away, that is certainly their right to do so as the content creator.

However, maybe I'm different, but I prefer to be paid for what I create. Why? Because I've grown accustomed to the little luxuries of life...things like being able to pay my mortgage, being able to buy a decent car, being able to put gasoline in that car, having food in the cabinets of the house that mortgage pays for, etc. My dog, cats, cockatiel, fish, and chickens all like to eat too...they're funny like that. You can preach to me all day long about that "information wants to be free" horse crap, but it ain't free to make most content and it ain't free to live life. If you don't like that I charge for creating something, then don't consume what I create. Your dislike of my prices or licensing does not give you the right to steal it.

I may also be different in that I consider paying $10 to $20 or so in exchange for being able to buy a major motion picture and watch it any time and as often as I want to be a fair and reasonable price. Especially when movie tickets around here are $7.50 a pop.

computoman

04-03-2010, 08:33 PM

You still do not have a clue... It is not the price. What movies I actually do watch is not for public knowledge. Especially since someone is so quick to ridicule what you obviously do not understand. Most creative commons work is also copyrighted. I think Artists should be paid. I have no qualm with that, What I object to is the traditional media industry thinking they have a right to control what I own, what I see and what I think. The traditional media can not accept the fact that they are not they only source for pleasure on the block anymore. Just a bunch of spoiled brats like the banking industry just plain and simple. How much money is really going to the artists under the mpaa/riaa guise? It seems the middlemen in the traditional media are getting all the real money. Going to creative commons good for both the artists and the consumer.

tokenuser

04-03-2010, 08:52 PM

I drawed yuo a picktur.

http://www.norm1037.com/assets/images/a_geek_on_a_high_horse.gif

(actually I didnt, but it looks like someone else knows you well)

computoman

04-03-2010, 10:42 PM

Edited:
It's about having options. not limitations.. It is a shame the distinguished mr tokenuser has in effect resulted in insults

davmoo

04-04-2010, 02:08 AM

It's about having options. not limitations. It is obvious that human defecation has bloated your mental attitude.of eliteness,

And here we go yet again. When you can't debate the message, you attack the messengers personally. Because we do not agree with you, we have mental problems.

*plonk*

Don't bother replying to me, because for now this is the last response I will make to you on this forum. When I see you've grown up, maybe I'll change my mind.

computoman

04-04-2010, 03:35 AM

It was not meant for you daymoo.. Did you read the prior message? I was just replying to Mr. God's gift to mankind and his derogatory remark towards me, So far I have let him off very easy.

tokenuser

04-04-2010, 01:17 PM

I'd like you to find the derogatory remark.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words.
I am guessing that the childs drawing of a man sitting the wrong way on a high horse hit too close to home.

The problem I have is that for you everything that is commercial is automatically evil. CC and FLOSS is the only valid way of living. Dumpster diving is the new Fry's.

I am not anti FLOSS, I am not anti CC. I see them as valid alternatives - often inferior, but there is some wheat amongst the chaff ... and if it is fit for purpose then the obvious way to go.

You ignore the work of those that want to profit from their work - because they have obviously "sold out to the man". As a developer, I will not "steal" someone else's content. Are your rights as a consumer any stronger than my rights as a producer? You seem to think so.