Any frequent user of a computer knows that interface design is important. We are all aware of our common input interface: the keyboard and mouse. Lurking beneath these common devices is another, more important aspect of a computer interface: the output device. Looking back on the days when LEDs and printers were the primary output devices, we take for granted our monitors attached to video cards. Despite the age and inefficiencies of our clumsy keyboard and mouse interface, the combination has served us well. Similarly, despite the age of our monitor outputs, they do the job just fine. Just like the features of that new super 114-key multimedia keyboard, or a 7 button laser mouse, graphical interface design through the monitor has gone through its own evolution. This week in "Notes from a Vista User" I plan to highlight the history of the Windows GUI, and displaying the latest evolution of that design that is present in all versions of Windows Vista to some extent or another: Aero.
Continue reading "Notes from a Vista User - Chapter 2 - I hope I didn't break that glass..." »
In other news, as of July 20, 2007, I will be out of state for a little while. I may, or may not have internet connectivity, but I will endeavor to make sure I get at least a few minutes.
Where will I be? Baltimore, Maryland for Otakon 2007. This will be the second time I've gone to Otakon, first being in 2005. You can read about that experience here.
I endeavor to try to make end of day write-ups, though my Sunday write up may wait until I return home. I should have some internet access between the hotel and convention center, so I shouldn't disappear entirely. This year, compared to my other write-up, expect pictures.
The countdown starts: 14 Days remain.
In lieu of this week's "Notes from a Vista User," which I'm still writing, I decided to switch gears a little bit. My topics this week come straight from the news. Sony's Playstation 3 is edging its way closer within the reach of the masses with its recent $100 price cut. Sony's 80GB Playstation 3 introduction in August can be seen as competition for Microsoft's XBox 360 Elite. Is it worth the price tag of $599? Should Sony even be worried? In other news, Sony also released information on a new PSP model. Is it worth the repricing? TV-Out is nice and all, but is it worth the loss of homebrew as well? We also have E3 this year, where most of these announcements have come from. Of the many things that's been said about E3 this year is that it's much smaller than previous years. Is this the end for E3?
With but 2 days remaining for my departure to Baltimore, I learn some rather disconcerting news. Unfortunately, internet access while at the hotel and convention center are not free. That being the case, I will have to hold off on my writings until my return. With luck, I'll have plenty of pictures, and stories to tell.
This will be my last post until I return, and yes, I know I have an article due to be posted, I haven't finished writing it yet.
