XBOX 360

I've played my new XBOX 360 a lot since I got it for Christmas and I'm pretty happy with it overall. First, the graphics are great. Every game looks so polished and detailed. A recent upgrade also allows it to output in 1080p, so future games may support that. Gears of War looks incredible on a HDTV. I like the graphics better than Half Life 2 and Counterstrike on my PC, which has an ATI Radeon X800XT video card.

Second, I really like the XBOX's ability to connect to my desktop PC and play mp3s, videos, and show pictures. I had to install the Zune software (or upgrade to Media Player 11) & adjust my desktop's firewall to do this, but it was still relatively easy for me. Unfortunately, the 360 can't play all media types. It won't play the mpeg movies I have. I think it's really cool to have my music playing while I'm playing games.

Third, I'm impressed with the XBOX Live online service. I've downloaded a couple of movie trailers and game demos already for free. I also played a puzzle arcade game last night. There's other content that's available for purchase. I think this service is a great value add for the console. Playing games and chatting with other players over the service is fun of course too. I also really like the fact that the headset plugs into the wireless controller so I don't have cables strung across my family room. FYI, my gamertag is Frontline 9.

I do have a couple of gripes, though. First, the XBOX 360 caused my TV to hum as soon as I plugged it in. After looking this up on the internet, I determined that I have a ground loop. I really can't fault the XBOX for this since it worked fine at my parent's house. I ordered a signal isolator from eBay to correct the problem. For now, I'm unplugging the power cord when I'm not using the XBOX so I don't get the hum.

Second, the XBOX is somewhat loud by itself because of the DVD drive. I notice it during gameplay because it's reading the disc a lot. It seems much quieter when I'm just on the XBOX dashboard.

Third, my biggest complaint is that the 360 doesn't support a keyboard and mouse in games. I've played a lot of Gears of War lately, but I'm frustrated by the controls. I thought I'd get better after using the gamepad for a while, but it's still no where near as natural as a keyboard and mouse. I feel this is essential for first person shooter games. I signed this petition today which is calling on Microsoft to support a keyboard and mouse.

Christmas 2006

We're spending Christmas with my parents this year. My sister flew out from San Jose too. Barb's Dad Jack sent us these nice flowers (see pic). I'm helping my Dad setup his new PC. He bought a HP Pavilion d4650y. I actually like it. It came with RAID 1 already configured. It also has a removeable USB hard drive. I scored some great rebate deals at CompUSA and Radio Shack: I got a wireless router and a wireless USB adapter for $1 each. I also found a wireless keyboard and mouse for $10. My plan is to setup the old PC in the family room next to the 55" Sony TV. My new XBOX 360 looks awesome on that TV.

Thanksgiving 2006

We visited family in Monterey during the week of Thanksgiving. It was great to see everyone. When we arrived Saturday, my sister took us to the Sharks-Flyers hockey game. On Sunday, she took us to 2 wineries near San Jose: Ridge and Picchetti Bros. We stayed with Barb's dad Jack Monday & Tuesday nights. Barb led the cooking on Thursday. Her sister, mother, and 2 nieces came to visit. The next day, we played with the nieces in the park and went to Bonfante Gardens. Barb's friend Sandra was kind enough to let us crash at her place while the rest of the family stayed at Jack's. We enjoyed a nice walk in Carmel with her and her husband Kevin. We continued to drive down to Rocky Point so I could get the picture above. The weather was clear & 60 degrees for most of the week, which was a nice change from NY. Even though I was able to run on the beach twice, I still gained 5 lbs from the recreational eating.