Caught myself iPadding

(tags ipad, hardware)

Ugh, this is one of those posts that mentions the iPad. I caught myself first thing in the morning looking up its product page and availability at Sofmap. Lucky for me it's not yet available in Japan. Some negative blog posts about the developer restrictions reminded me about my decision to not buy one.

わふー! はろー・わーるど！なのです。(A Kudo PC unboxing affair)

(tags hardware, PC, Windows 7, Kudo)

Today was the 6th Nipponbashi Street Fair, but I was only interested in one thing: The Noumi Kudryavka PC netbook. It's a VisualArt's / Key Official Original Goods「わふーでハイすぺっくなnetbookなのです。」 To make a long story short, I purchased one way overpriced Atom Pineview netbook.

I woke up at 6:00 AM, arrived in Nipponbashi at around 7:40. I thought I was late, and I was, since there was about 500 people already. They lined us up in groups of 60. I was standing in the middle but for some reason, they decided to let our group (5th!) enter first. I finished buying everything at 9:15 AM, and I headed back home, missing the rest of the Festa.

One unremarkable cardboard box gives way to a kawaii assault. The box set is basically the netbook and the themes backup CD-ROM.

Everything seems to be in order. Glossy finish with no imperfections. Hard disk looks alright at 320GB. No discernible way to upgrade the 2GB RAM. Only two USB 2.0 ports and both of them on the left side.

There are important things to do before booting into Windows 7 Home Premium Japanese. I first checked the boot up sequence, then did a quick MemoryTest+. After that I backed up the hard drive using Clonezilla Live USB. Finally I ran Windows, played around with the themes and backgrounds, and checked out my Miku score.

This is pretty much my first time to listen to Naomi Kudryavka in depth. It's the original voice actress Miyako Suzuta (鈴田美夜子). The PC comes with 6 voice themes: maid, wife, sister, love, wahoo and russian. The wife one is good for a laugh but the sounds are longer than 3 seconds so I know I will tire of them quickly. First I need to make some noise by making errors.

Now to actually play this Little Busters!. It's been 2 years already and I still haven't finished any scenarios. I just like the way she's illustrated. Now that there's enough space I will install that game, Kudo-Wafter (クドわすたー) when it comes out, and Starcraft 1 right now!

Not really my hardware: Xbox 360 Update locks out non-licensed memory devices

(tags hardware, Xbox 360, DRM)

Software lockouts seem to be a theme lately. There's the Apple and the Palm Pre synchronization battle, the Apple Store (also Zune, Android) approval nightmares. The latest one hits home: the November 2008 Xbox 360 Update will render my Datel Max Memory expansion cards useless, according to the official insider blog, Major Nelson. (Thanks Kotaku, Joystiq)

I used the first card of 8GB for all the DLC I bought including XBLA games and expansions. I used the second card of 8GB for Xbox official videos that are no longer available like the Prince of Persia (2008) video where the rock beast enemy thumps the wall in time with music beat change. I think it was an E3 exclusive release, but revised afterward.

I was mad at first, but I'm not really that angry anymore. So what if my game saves disappear? I let go of my saves from my Apple IIgs games, Mac games, and I sure don't have my Doom, PS1, PS2 saves backed up anyway. I haven't really accomplished anything worthwhile, except maybe my high scores. No 1cc replay data anywhere. Perhaps this is the feeling of not being able to take it with me. I bet the only things that will be saved in the next 10 years will be my YouTube videos about Bangai-O Spirits and this blog. Oh wait, I haven't backed this blog up recently. Uh oh.

a sweet Nano review: iPod Nano G5 and A Little Snow Fairy Sugar

(tags iPod, hardware, Sugar)

I did update my iPod to the Nano "generation 5". Orange, neck strap, grippy case.

I've been rewatching A Little Snow Fairy Sugar (ちっちゃな雪使いシュガー). I have not seen yet my favorite anime facial expression, which could be summed up as \(>.<)/ . I don't miss a thing.

PS3 Slim reasons

(tags PlayStation 3, hardware)

Yeah well the PS3 Slim was officially announced. I briefly considered it as my first PS3, but have decided not to get it yet. Pros and Cons for me:

Pros:

• 250W consumption instead of 280W or even 380W.
• Smaller
  
• Blu-ray
• Used as a Blu-Ray reference hardware
  
• Interesting exclusive games like Flowery and Uncharted and ... (what? I can't remember)
• Free wireless
• Free multiplayer
  
• User upgradable data storage (takes HDDs and SSDs)
• Interesting integration with my PSPs?
  

Cons:

• Still kinda big. I wished that PS3 Slim meant PS2 Slim size. In yer dreams buddy.
  
• Backward compatibility with PS2. This is not very important but I must list it.
• No more Linux install. This is not very important but I must list it.
• "only" two USB ports. Though I suppose PS3 must support USB hubs.
  

There's a Gundam game + PS3 Slim bundle for the Japan region. I don't know Gundam games but this combo will certainly sell like hotcakes. Also, according to this blog post entitled "10 Reasons Why the PS3 Slim Will Save Sony", in the US, the PS3 needs to sell lots of hardware (at least 9 million more) just to keep up with the Xbox 360 infiltration. It sure doesn't help that the Xbox seems hip to video rental, since Microsoft scored exclusive use of the up and coming mail-order rental service NetFlix.

I feel like this PS3 Slim could finally restart the console wars. And Sony still has Gran Turismo and Final Fantasy series in their pocket. But what do I know, I only own a Xbox 360 so that must make me a poor console fanboi/snob.

Remote control and evaluating used PSPs

(tags Playstation Portable, hardware)

I got one official remote control for the PSP-2000, called the PSP-S140. I was surprised that this hardware is not compatible across the whole line of PSPs, so I was extra careful perusing the used accessory bins.

Also the remote's buttons are full of fail. The volume controls and the rewind/fast-forward buttons are not discernible by touch. I clipped it to my shirt and mistakenly put my bag strap on top of it, causing the volume to rise. Ripping off headphones, now that's something that never gets old.

And I was foolish enough to try to buy another PSP-2000. You see, my current PSP-2000 is perfect in every way, except for one glaring black dot or dead pixel right in the middle of the screen. Now it doesn't really matter to the game play, but I see it every time the load screen comes on, and it makes me sad. Really sad. It's still a reminder for me how foolish I am to trust Sofmap's description of used hardware. I don't want to keep noticing it, reminding myself to try before buying, and forcing myself to ignore it. Argh, it never ends.

Anyways, the sales associates do not put any effort into showing how imperfect a used PSP is. Obviously its in Sofmap's best interest if I don't notice. But they do allow me to check the condition of the display while it is on. Every time though, I can't believe how inept these sales associates are. They try to show me the item without going to the staging area, instead balancing case keys, batteries, and the PSP in their hands. They blow and/or wipe on the screen with their own hand. They don't seem to know that the sell-back area has cleaning tools. They should know. The last time I asked if I can wipe the display with my own cleaning cloth. They gave me permission, and I was surprised.

So I've evaluated 3 used PSPs already, rejecting them all, I have come to the conclusion that anything below 16800 yen is imperfect, despite the (intentional?) spotless defect reports. I think I will give up.

Those models are all just the "Blume series: Rose Pink" color cases. I have some hope for the next iteration of the PSP (not the PSPgo), since one color coming in autumn is pinkish. I should get a PSP-3000 anyway for comparison.

All thumbs

(tags game, Playstation Portable, Hatsune Miku)

I am still plugging away at Hatsune Miku Project Diva (初音ミク プロジェクトディーヴァ), unlocking costumes. I finally finished the swimsuit costume unlock for Ruka Megurine (巡音ルカ), which requires beating all 32 songs at Normal difficulty/Great rating, or higher, using the regular Ruka costume. There is also another costume unlock which requires the same at Hard/Great. I tried to kill two birds with one stone, by attempting all 32 at Hard difficulty and getting Great ratings, but two songs are infuriatingly out of my grasp at the moment. I also jumped around the song order, so I was somewhat when the game didn't award me the unlock costume. After I re-did a song at Normal/Great, it unlocked. Yeah.

To unlock the other swimsuit costumes for the other four characters, I have to do the same 32 song thing using their regular costumes, respectively. Ah ha ha. I must not do them in Normal difficulty because that only exercises two buttons. Thumb, don't fail me now.

Datel MAX Memory Adaptor for Xbox 360: Finally I can backup

(tags Xbox 360, hardware)

For some reason, my backwater Sofmap (Kobe) had copies of the Datel's Xbox 360 MAX Memory Adaptor (Xbox360用 MAXメモリ アダプタ). This device allows me to use MicroSD cards (the smallest Secure Digital variation) instead of pricy Xbox 360 memory for backup, and also backup that memory card to my PC! I love things that enable capabilities like backup. But then again let's calculate this:

Xbox 360 Hard Disk 120 GB: 15750 yen (130 yen per GB, MSRP (==定価))

MicroSD card 8GB: 1980 yen (240 yen per GB, discount price)

Wow, the Xbox 360 official hard disk is the cheaper option! Unbelievable! Still I'm not going to stop buying MicroSD cards. I can use them in other ways as well.

I just installed the new Xbox 360 system update (2009-08) with the reduced HDD install size feature, but of course, Microsoft doesn't allow "Installed Xbox 360 Game" items to be moved or copied, especially to memory adaptors like these. It's not a size assumption. It seems to be policy.

I bought this memory adaptor just because it was novel and new. Unfortunately it's like 4750 yen, so this is really not cost effective. Still, I cannot over look the backup capability. My Sofmap no longer has any more stock of this adaptor, so it must be selling like hotcakes. Finally, I saw that the US version of this adaptor includes some internal memory like 2 GB or 4 GB and a PC USB adaptor. Huh. Ripped off! :-(

dead pixel begone... please?

(tags Playstation Portable, hardware, failure)

I didn't buy my pre-ordered copy of Hatsune Miku (初音ミク －Project DIVA－) yet, but to prepare I bought another PSP. So oh yeah welcome to 2008, but unfortunately the PSP-2000 is used and it has a dead or stuck pixel right in the middle of the screen. It's black when the background is cyan, and invisible when it is lavender-purple. Oh no.

My first two PSPs didn't have any dead pixels, so I was expecting perfection.

Obviously the thing to do is to get knowledge and run the pixel exerciser video. It's been running for 10 minutes, but no change. Let's let the video run overnight. I hope I win.

The price of cross compatibility

(tags game, hardware, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)

I really want to play my Xbox 360 with a decent D-pad controller. Here's something that looks nice, reported by Engadget, called the Cross Fire Adapter for Xbox 360. I don't regularly buy stuff from overseas, so the shipping rates are always a bummer for me.

Eeek.

Wii want to play Tennis: MotionPlus out soon?

(tags Wii, hardware)

According to Engadget, Nintendo's newer controller, called the MotionPlus, is rumored to be out before this June. The first time I played the Wii, it was that Wii Tennis game. I wasn't impressed enough to buy the console, because the controls were not there. Perhaps with this more accurate controller, I'll be playing virtual tennis again?

No PSP 2000 in sight (newbie's first response)

(tags PlayStation Portable, hardware, auction)

I can't be bothered to figure out how to install custom firmware on my two PSP 1000s, and yet I want to play the latest games with better hardware (more internal memory?), so I'm trying to find a PSP 2000. Sofmap only has a trickle of used PSP 2000s, and they are gone every time I recheck. Plus it doesn't help that I am finicky about the case color. I want the lavender purple, though Sofmap only seems to get the black ones. I could also go for the Monster Hunter Bronze or Value Pack Bronze (to match my Gold and Silver).

So just today I turned my auction sniping searching prowess onto this area. Whoa boy, this is a different sort of auction. The basics of auction buying, that is to say, bid, win, send money, receive, are pretty much the same. However the sheer volume of action from sellers and bidders makes me think I'm drowning in a ocean. Also, sellers add all sorts of for-pay options, which makes selecting an auction to bid a hassle.

It looks like the keywords for me are CFW (custom firmware), PSP 2000, 新品 (new not used), and LP or ラベンダー パープル (lavender purple).

PSP wants and Hitsuji-kun nara Kisu Shite Ageru

(tags game, PlayStation Portable, hardware, Naoto Tenhiro, illustrator, DLC)

Now I want to spend some time with the PSP. Never mind that I own two firmware-crackable PSP-1000 series, I am searching for a new/used PSP-2000. I missed my chance because I thought they would still be available. The currently available PSP-3000 seems to have a wierd screen, though I haven't seen it in person.

I was checking out the available used hardwares. There wasn't anything available in Osaka Nipponbashi for PSP-2000. Well it was a pretty good week for the PSP, because Square Enix brought out a Final Fantasy product and it seems to have sold half a million in just a couple of days, w00t. I wonder if it's Monster Hunter "Square Enix" version or something. Ahem, yeah. Okay, today I spotted a bunch of PSP-2000 used. None of them are my desired pastel colors so I am still waiting.

Macross Ace Frontier is waiting for me. Also I will be picking up that Idolm@ster PSP series that will be appearing next February (it seems to be delayed). I do want WipeOut Pulse, and my copy is just pulling at my heart strings every time I go to the store.

Finally, I just learned today from reading Gamaga Magazine that a "heartful", Naoto Tenhiro (天広直人) illustrated game will be coming soon for the PSP. It's called Hitsuji-kun nara Kisu Shite Ageru (羊くんならキスしてあげる). The original work has been serialized for some time now in that glossy gal-ge magazine, E2 (Media Works/Softbank).

Also, it seems to have a PC browser only game, available from an online game distributor Playing Drama, since 2007/04 (appearing in serialized form). Looking at this page, I bet the PSP version is only a port of this web/PC game. Ah hahah.... I just realized that I won't touch this web/PC game version, because it requires an online connection. To make matters worse, this online service will end 2009/03/31 and there's nothing written about purchased DLC. This means it will evaporate into nothingness!!! Hahaha DLC Death strikes again! Time to salvage the free background graphics and other stuffs, since that's what I care about.

Actually, the seiyuu seem to be a good lineup, including Saeko Chiba (千葉紗子) and Ryoko Shintani (新谷良子). The PSP version will have the same seiyuu, so I look forward to hearing them. Also it seems to use a vertical screen orientation, which is pretty novel. Finally, there will be a telephone card omake for different shops. I hate this kinda of exclusivity, but I'm used to jumping through (expensive) hoops for Tenhiro stuff. Hahah.

bye bye DS Lite accessories

(tags game, hardware, Dual Screen)

My reaction: I don't want the Nintendo DSi, yet. Wake me up when there's a Pokemon version.

So when this thing comes out in a little less than a month from now (in the Japan region), probably all the DS Lite accessories will be gone. It's like trying to find a USB-based power charging cable for the GBA Micro. Impossible. I had to use Yahoo Auctions JP for that.

I am going to hoard the screen protectors and faceplates and cases (edit: and connector cap replacements).

Dual Wield Dual Screen Duel: Pokemon Pikachu DS and games

(tags hardware, game, Dual Screen, Pikachu, Princess Maker, Ketsui, Chrono Trigger, telephone card, television)

The other reason I was in shop today was to pick a screen protector film for my Pokemon Pikachu DS. Yes I haven't opened it until now and I've really been meaning to do it. The film made by Suncrest and called "magic film", claims to "self-heal any scratches". Sure. I only tried it out because it's about the same price as the other films. Anyway, slap that puppy on. I'm pretty happy with how I positioned the film. Usually I'm pretty sloppy. Unfortunately air bubbles and dust never seem to leave me alone.

So I recommissioned the DS (lite) I have been using, my pink Love and Berry DS, as my permanent One-Seg TV in my rack. I can't keep it on twenty-four seven: there seems to be a hot-spot that whitens the center of the screen after a day or two. Don't worry, it seems to disappear after I power off for a couple of hours.

Anyways, in a couple of days, I will have two DS games in the "training" catagory. (How else do you translate "育成"?). One is Princess Maker 4, of course I cannot pass up the ero-kawaii Naoto Tenhiro telephone cards. The other is the Kumatan-chi (くまたんち). I only liked it for the 2D static graphics, then I saw a gameplay/official trailer video and I was completely (re-) sold. The animation is so fluid and so cute. Plus the telephone cards FTW.

And Japanese shopkeepers never remind you to preorder. That's just too pushy. Instead, they have a wall where you can anonymously gawk and slack. I took a ganderand there was Ketsui DS coming around on 2008-10-23. Shmup action on the DS, bring it! Also Chrono Trigger DS as dated as 2008-11-27. I am not missing this one either, in both senses of the word. (Still need to dig out Chrono Cross, ugh) Neither of them have telephone card type omake, but they come with soundtrack CDs, I think. Perhaps Ketsui has a "superplay" video disc?

Surely now I can restart my Mysterious Dungeon: Shiren The Wanderer stuff again?

ipod (non-) lust 2008

(tags hardware, iPod, iTunes)

I am so glad that the iPod product announcements are like clockwork, come every September. I know exactly when my iPod becomes a lemon.

This new round of iPods is not very interesting, but I had a chance to sample them at a store recently. I first thought I would gravitate toward the new "classic" 120GB, but I feel bogged down by the weight. I dig the motion sensor of the slim iPod Nano, and I tried the shake-to-shuffle feature. You can't turn the shuffle off that way, it seems. Plus rotating to Cover Flow and other spirited animations makes me say "Shiny!". I did forget to sample the iPod Touch. I think its the price that puts me off.

Anyway, I'm going to try to go another year without an upgrade. I hope that solid state discs (SSD) tech will reach the size of my library, which is now about 60GB full of mostly 160 kbps MP3s. Anyways, that would make my current iPod 5.5gen almost two years old. AppleCare on it is almost expired. Adding bluetooth makes it somewhat feel new again but battery life is abysmal.

This iPod news has made me re-stitch some cover art for my ripped CDs. I found this great blog for anime related CDs scans. Strictly 600 by 600 pixel samples. I'm going to keep an eye on it.

And iTunes 7.7 is frustrating. I know iTunes 8 is out but the software quality on these Windows releases make me pause. 7.7 seems stop ripping my CDs if I click on the window while it's ripping. WTF, this is totally unlike the previous versions. I want to downgrade, and yes Old Versions of iTunes for Windows will work nicely. Actualy this is the only quibble I have. It's still slow and unresponsive, but my data seems safe and not corrupted (knock on wood).

No cable, Bluetooth life

(tags hardware, ipod)

I've been recently in a Bluetooth mood (because of my new computer, but that's for another post). I bought a Bluetooth keyboard, a Filco mechanical touch keyboard (which again I should talk about in another post). Before that, I already had a Bluetooth-capable mouse, the Microsoft Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000. I bought another USB-to-Bluetooth transceiver just for my desktop machine by "PCI". And now, I've really caught Bluetooth fever because I bought a headphone receiver and a iPod-to-Bluetooth transceiver.

First off, my "home" Bluetooth network looks like this:

headphones <-> Sony receiver <-> Bluetooth transceiver <-> Project Sugar PC running iTunes

First off, the Sony receiver is the Sony DRC-BT15 (white) "for music". Basically its a Bluetooth audio sink supporting A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) and AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile) with some cell phone integration capabilities such HFP (Hands-free profile) and HSP (Headset Profile). There was another series with the model number DRC-BT15P (P?!?) which is aimed at only cell phones but I couldn't tell the difference between the plain and the P version. In any case, I had to charge it up (1 hour), then connected it to my stereo buds. I tried it out with my Project Sugar desktop PC with no problems. Just remember to press the power button 7 seconds from cold start to start the pairing process. It comes with this white-violet LED that looks really cool. Anyway, Bluetooth is mainly line of sight, so I had to move the PC based USB-to-Bluetooth transceiver "nub" to a fairly central position. It's great, I can move to my kitchen or even the bathroom without any interruption. If there is interruption, the music just cuts off digitally, not like the only weak analog signal of old. Other than that, I really like the relative lightness of this headphone set.

My iPod Bluetooth network looks like this:

headphones <-> Sony receiver <-> Sanwa transceiver <-> iPod 5G (with video)

Second, I tried out the Sanwa Supply ipod-to-Bluetooth receiver (MM-BTAD10, white). Stupid Sofmap store only had black, so I had to run to Yodobashi Camera to get the white version. Pairing consists of connecting it to the iPod and pressing play. Pretty straightforward. Aah, my iPod is now wireless. It feels like a remote control now. Unfortuately I had to cut my iPod skin in order to snugly fit the tranceiver to the body. I worry that this will break off the dock connector.

So I have these wireless audio headphone set. I binded the headphone wires with that reusable hollow electric cable wrap (only 4.1mm in diameter) so my neck doesn't look too wired, and I clip the Sony reciever to it. It's not too heavy but it looks like crap. Oh, did I mention that I only use 2000 yen in-ear buds, with the wire wrapped up and over my ear cartilige so that it hangs over the top of the ear? Totally sweet. Only that the receiver has a battery life of 6 hours. Damn Sony.

Heck: Apple IIGS laptop

(tags hardware, Apple IIGS, customize)

Ben Heck doesn't seem to play much video games himself, but he's a retro-fitting hardware wiz, with modifications like one-handed Xbox controller, PS3 laptop, portable SNES, etc. But this is the first time I've really wanted one of his creations: Apple IIGS laptop (thanks Engadget)

The air slits at the front totally remind me of the IIGS ventilation slits. The IIGS, like the IIe, had multiple expansion slots, and I knew that in recent times, even a Compact Flash hard drive expansion card was available. However, Ben Heck had to right angle the memory expansion card (!) and the CF expansion card as well. Wow. I remember installing my memory expansion card, 1MB, and I physically had to install the chips on it because it was originally a 256KB card, haha.

In reality, it would probably be more efficient to emulate the Apple IIGS on my post-2000 PC. Still that doesn't detract from this brilliant one-of-a-kind mod.

Xbox 360 Joystick with nice polygons

(tags game, hardware, Xbox 360, joystick, Windows)

I won an auction recently for the Xbox 360 Hori Dead or Alive 4 edition joystick. I was lucky to get it for less than 1_0000 yen. It's probably because the seller had only 2 seller ratings (of course, 0 bad seller ratings). I got it last Thursday during the Spring Day holiday. If I had lost the auction, I would have gone to Play Asia and just import the no-poly-chick version.

I don't think I've handled the Xbox 360 version of a Hori joystick before, but I do have the Hori Real Action Pro "Special Edition" for the PS2. They feel the same, or more like, I fumble through the motions. I'm just not good with joysticks. The dead zone for this joystick doesn't feel so great, but perhaps its just me.

The first game I thought about to try it out was Omega Five. But that was a mistake because it's an analog joystick affair. I guess I'm too lazy to switch discs. So I brought out the Dead Or Alive 4 and it controls like I expected. I then tried out Shikigami No Shiro 3, and remapped the buttons to the bottom row, and there was no problem. I was able to weave and stick with some dexerity.

Since its a USB, I tried it out on my Windows PC. The Charge and Play kit driver was already installed, so this joystick didn't need any additional software. But I ran into the same "HAT" problem. The buttons worked but the stick didn't move. For some dumb reason, I only realized I could use the Joy2Key remapper. So now the stick works and there's no discernable input lag.

Unfortunately my PC seems to stutter. I couldn't enjoy anything. That will teach me to VMWare and shmup at the same time.

I put the joystick back in the box. Perhaps this April, I will have my Ikaruga.

MOAR WANTZ: hardware version

(tags game, hardware, GameCube, Xbox 360, Dual Screen, television, science fiction, Contra)

Sorry for the title, but I just gotta get rid of my continuing irrational consumerist bent. At least for tonight.

I am searching for that GameBoy Player for the GC, but for the GC and DVD-playing combo unit Panasonic Q. I could level up my FFTA on the GameCube! But I keep losing the bidding on the auctions. I suppose I won't win unless I bid 1_0500 yen or more. Grr.

And yes, those Xbox 360 arcade sticks by Hori are still untouchable. The domestic Dead or Alive 4 or Virtua Fighter-themed Hori Fighting Stick EX2s seem to averaging 1_3000 yen at the bidding close. One recent auction was for the US version of the stick, and gone with the quickness for 1_0500 yen, whoa. The picture on the auction showed a Play Asia shipping box. Hm, duh, check there. I see it for a no-hassle 8250 yen, with free shipping to (within?) Japan. :-/ But no DoA polygon chick to soothe my fancy, har har.

I was contemplating getting one or two more Nintendo DS TV One-Seg adapters directly. I am using it at my rack daily, not even turning it off. I wonder if the screen will burn in? Since I have a couple of DS and DS Lites laying around, I should emulate the losers in the Max Headroom TV series. Whoa, nostalgia.

Episode 1 "Blipverts": Investigative TV news reporter Edison Carter uncovers the disturbing secret of a new TV technology called "Blipverts,” high-intensity commercials with the ability to overload people's neural network causing them to explode.

Imagine Japanese Blipverts. >:-]

Damn I wanna watch this series again. Reading the Predictions sections on the Wikipedia page makes me think it parallels the author Jules Verne's often accurate technological predictions.

I can't think of any other (specific) hardware that I want, save for the Asus EeePC, so this blog post is finished. Time to get whipped by Contra Dual Spirits (魂斗羅 Dual Spirits). I guess I'm looking forward to the hidden characters, fap fap.

Pikachu reuse

(tags kawaii, character goods, Dual Screen, hardware, Pikachu)

I stopped by the Pokemon Center on a quiet Friday. There seemed to be a lot more Pikachu goods for some reason. Maybe hard times are hitting the Pokemon brand?

Aww, the plastic case illustration is just so perfect. :-)

It's not like I'm going to use yet another Pikachu skin and case and stylus. But I will use the hand towel for bathing. Okay, no jokes about electricity and the bath, please.

Sweet chocolate, Sweet TV: DS One-Seg TV tuner adapter

(tags Dual Screen, television, hardware)

So I got the 1400 XBLA point card for this month's Idolm@ster DLC sale. My habit of scoping the Sofmap shop sometimes (always?) makes me regret. It led me to a used Nintendo DS One-Seg TV tuner adapter (ワンセグ受信アダプタ DSテレビ).

It retails for 6800 yen and is only available directly from Nintendo's online store. I heard it was hard to obtain back in November 2007, but since I bought this one used, it must be in supply now.

I completely forgot that I wanted it. Well, I don't really want to watch TV, but I need to learn Japanese. Real Japanese, not anime Japanese. (Yeah right). I will learn CM (commercial) Japanese. It will be epic zany. (Maximum risky?!?) "FRISK! FRESHENS YOU UP!" :-)

It's pretty large, isn't it. It always surprises me about the quality of the used goods from Sofmap. They're sparkling clean and if there's a scratch or something missing, the handy red seal has the description. It seemed to me that this particular unit was unused (opened). In comparison, Book Off is pretty scary because the goods are really in crappy condition. I never go there for anything, even manga.

I haven't used my DS in a long while, and I though I'd be using my Pikachu DS Lite by now. Darn Rubik's Cube hobby. So I'm still slinging the Love and Berry DS Lite with Pikachu skin. The clear plastic tabs here seem to fit snugly even though there's a yellow skin in the way.

I need to use the antennas, even though I'm only about a meter away from the outside. It's really big, huh.

Here's one of the intended uses, watching a Japanese drama/mystery with subtitles. Vertical mode works just as well as horizontal mode. Obviously the TV display is smaller, but the subtitles are crisp and clear (thereis normal size and big size). Not all programs have subtitles, though.

I'm learning through osmosis, really. The program shown above is 「佐々木夫妻の仁義なき戦い」. I though the lead female character here was famous actress Kyoka Suzuki (鈴木京香, picture) who I think is super-fine. At least, she was super-fine in the 1990s. But it was that Last Samurai hotness with the one word name, Koyuki (小雪, picture). Meh. The picture shows someone else, though. It's ... it's someone I don't know but she looks familiar.

Horizontal mode with the dialog log feature. I am amazed that there is a log feature at all (instant win) and that it takes pictures automatically as well. Very nice.

Mmmpht, Johnny Depp. He's dreamy. Well I mean he's a great actor. He's like a leading actor of our time, IMHO. I would watch his movies because he's in it, just like I would for Denzel Washington. But I don't actively watch movies. :-/ Anyways, this movie is supposed to be "bilingual" but even though I set it to alternate audio channel, it's still in Japanese.

I just figured out that I can magnetically attach my DS TV to my rack. I think I need to buy the licensed accessory though, because this 100 yen magnet seems a bit flimsy. Now I want a remote control for this thing, hehe. Touching the screen with my finger makes me feel like I'm Star Trek or Knight Rider. Sweet.

Ouch, the battery is already dying. I started watching at 21:45, and now it's about 24:12. Two hours and counting. (It finally conked out at 24:21, so about 2.5 hours).

There are some deficiencies with this DS TV. The screen is small (compared to the PSP One-Seg TV, but I don't have that yet). The on-screen buttons are quick but not quick enough for my lighting reflexes. The shoulder and XYBA buttons don't seem to do anything, which is a shame. They should be remappable to functions like Show Log, Toggle Subtitles, Change Channel. That would be cool. I was expecting an on-screen program display for all the channels, but perhaps that's too much. Oh, okay, Yahoo TV has me covered. And of course, no recording. I need a PSP for that.

There is a port to add your own antenna. I need lay an antenna wire (unused from my PC's One-Seg adapter) and a charging wire on my rack. I won't move this DS any more, heh.

This is sweet. In fact, maybe I should buy another one. Damn, get me an IV and change my seat to a toilet. I'm never leaving my computer desk/rack now. :-)

Enduring with a slow libretto

(tags hardware, Windows)

I'm not yet into getting a new PC or laptop yet. (Those Lenovo B5 size notebooks look tempting though.) So I played around with my Libretto L1. I was updating the Windows patches on it yesterday. The 27 patches (!) took all night to apply. Is this computer really slow or did my speed expectations change or am I running heavier software or what else? Now I know why I don't have Firefox on this machine, heh.

I need a special dialing wand: Asus Eee PC

(tags computer, hardware, Windows)

I had a chance to try out the Asus Eee PC in person this week. It's the "Eee PC 4G-X", which I think corresponds to the Eee PC 4G. As I said before, I am disappointed that the Japanese version comes with Windows XP Home SP2 for the OS. I did want to try Linux on this machine, but it's a minor gripe because I actually like tolerate Windows XP, huh. I think the reason for the Windows XP is that Linux distributions don't have comfortable Japanese input methods for free, and the much heralded ATOK for Linux would add 1_0000 yen to the price (20%!).

However, the most important part, the keyboard, is unusable with my hands. Maybe my fingers are too fat. :-( I've always wanted a small computer to just type with, like a Tandy Model 102, or an AlphaSmart. For a time I had the Palm with the foldable keyboard but it was tacky. Also I have a Libretto L1 which is pretty much what I want, but too bad its slow (too slow for even AJAX Gmail ugh) and obsolete (short battery life, noisy fan, low memory, no on-board wireless or ethernet!). Coming back to the Asus Eee PC, I like the keyboard layout itself. The FN key coupled with the arrow keys are the Home, End, PgUp, PgDw combination that makes so much sense. I don't really like the tilde key (Kanji key) being in the same row as the Esc and F1, but I can deal. I'm an Emacs Caps-Lock-Is-Control-Key and AutoHotKey user, so any other niggling bits I can fix up quick.

Other than that, I found that it gets hot on the bottom, which is disconcerting. XP Home, but with no games installed (sol.exe is not there!) and Windows-F1 has no contents installed! The disk reports 1.3 GB free out of 4GB. I am wondering if I can keep an SD card in the slot for my essential apps like Firefox, Emacs, Ruby, Git, Subversion, Cygwin, etc. I wish I could have tried out Parsec47 on it. I didn't bother figuring out how to install more RAM. And there was no camera application for the camera, that I could find (nothing in the Start Menu or Desktop). Strange. notepad.exe, winver.exe, dxdiag.exe, calc.exe, and mstsc.exe I checked and they are all there.

The screen itself is readable, but just barely. I wonder what the DPI is. Let's see, is it 133 DPI? (/ (sqrt (+ (* 800 800) (* 480 480 ))) 7.0) Oh yeah. Oh this is interesting, set the Windows DPI setting to 80 DPI for mo' better viewing. Probably Japanese is unviewable though.

Now I am viewing the various user threads and wikis about gaming on this machine and I figured out Unreal Tournament 99 and StarCraft are playable. Wow. Oh wait, it's 2008 already. Where's my flying car, hurk hurk.

I gotta wait for Eee PC version 2.0, but at least now I can rest easy knowing that Asus will target the Japan market.

Missed the window: PlayStation 3 Console

(tags hardware, PlayStation 3)

On 2008-01-09, Sony announced the last shipment of PlayStation 3 with PlayStation 2 backward compatiblity for the Japan market. My default go-to store, seems to have none in stock over the last week I have checked. I don't really want to buy it from another store, because of the store points. Tight leash, huh.

But what would I use it for... Only Linux on a PS3 is interesting to me now. I guess I could get Everyday Shooter.

Another "good" purchase for the Xbox 360: Media Remote

(tags hardware, Xbox 360)

At the shop I picked up this small Microsoft official remote control for about 1200 yen. I thought it was a pretty good deal anyway. I suspect that this remote is supposed to be part of a bundled system, because I've never seen it before.

Its only a good deal because the media controls on the Xbox 360 using a regular game controller are confining. There's no one-touch fast forward or rewind! There's a menu that lets you do that, but that is so idiotically user unfriendly. So here we are with a remote control that can do one-touch fast forward or rewind, which is just extra hardware that makes up for a software design shortcoming. Ugh. Still it's not the complete cat's meow because there's no button for resizing video. Gah.

I spent yesterday night on trying to stream my media from my Windows XP computer (not Media Center). Before the Xbox firmware update 2007-12-04, I used the Zune software as the Xbox recommended. Unfortunately when I upgraded the Zune software, the shares weren't working right. I even had to manually restart the "Zune Network Sharing" service, so the client is pretty iffy. I considered using third party software such as the on-the-fly transcode TVersity but luckily I figured out that Windows Media Player 11 has media streaming. Yes! Delete Zune app for great justice! The shares were also wonky but I fixed it to my current satisfaction.

So I've been watching my previous iPod rips and more importantly, my downloaded game replays and shows on my Xbox 360 despite the fact I don't have a seperate TV. I am reusing one of my monitors in the dual-screen setup, so this is only for those time I am not computing.

Oh yeah, I have to wrap that remote in some kind of plastic wrap. Geez, its really been a long time since I've touch a TV remote of any kind. :-/

Venturing out of my cave: "Game Show in Osaka Nipponbashi by Joshin"

(tags game, hardware, auction, Nipponbashi, Osaka, convention)

Ever since I bought a Xbox 360, started my expenses budget, and got into Rubik's Cube, I've been avoiding Osaka Nipponbashi "Den Den Town". But for some reason I am bored so I decided to at least head out in that direction. There are many things to check for:

• Dead or Alive 4 limited edition package Xbox 360 game (~3500 yen used) ::1
• Dead or Alive 4 arcade joystick by Hori (~10000 yen used!) ::1
• Ichigo Mashimaro stick poster from Dengeki 15th anniversary convention (Yahoo Auction) ::2
• Barasui cover Comic Dengeki Gakuen from Dengeki 15th anniversary convention (Yahoo Auction) ::2

::1:: check at Sofmap, A-Too shop, Big Tiger, Super Potato
::2:: check at K-Books and Mandarake

Yesterday I tried to check out the Xbox 360's joystick options. You know, the regular controller has a horrid D pad and Ikaruga (斑鳩) is coming out this month. I might as well learn how to play with a joystick. I want to get the Dead or Alive arcade stick but the Yahoo Auctions always end up greater than 1_0000 yen. This is for a "low-quality" Hori Stick! At Sofmap Kobe, the Virtual Fighter 5 Live Arena arcade stick for Xbox 360 is either all sold out (on the first day?!) or all pre-ordered (I saw all the boxes behind the register) so I couldn't get one. That's when I decided to visit Osaka.

And though I did check out that Arkanoid DS game in the shop I decided that I know what it feels like to wait for a ball and control it indirectly, remembering the first time I played Arkanoid on my Apple IIgs so long ago, so I passed on it. That Space Invaders game for the DS is on my watch list, though.

And I was reminded that Shikigami No Shiro Episode -3 (式神の城III) was coming out for the Xbox 360. It's also coming out for the Wii, huh. There's no information on if its useable with a stick or not. Still I don't know why I want to get this game because I won't play it to get my full money's worth and I haven't finished playing the second game in the series.

But on the same page, there was an announcement for the "Game Show in Osaka Nipponbashi by Joshin" (ゲームショー2007 in大阪日本橋 by Joshin 公式ホームページ) happening right now. Now I must go to Osaka. I can try out the game, I suppose, but I don't expect my opinion to change. There's plenty of new games too: Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword (DS), Patapon (PSP), as per the usual Final Fantasy stuff. Takahashi Meijin will be there for a talk show and game event. But oh no, there are game "companions" and I don't expect to actually get inside becuase they are holding it inside two Japanese-sized stores. I'll probably be waiting on the staircase for hours. :-/

Get ready now! >:-o

What I want for Christmas

(tags hardware, emacs)

Consider that every day on this blog is like a unrestrained Christmas morning. Not quite a Nintendo 64 Christmas morning, though.

But anyway.

Emacs. On a Asus eee PC. This is totally sweet. (picture)

What if I ripped my DVDs? (And how about a pony?)

(tags DVD region 2, DVD region 1, DVD region 3, computer, storage, hardware)

While cleaning up my totally disorganized cave, I contemplated ripping my DVDs. For my music, I don't even do FLAC just 192 Kbit CBR MP3s, so this whole excursion is out of character. But let's just calculate. I am assuming that if I rip the DVD, I can play it back on some software DVD player, with all the subtitles and niceties intact.

Let's say I had 400 of DVDs. WTF! I just realized I don't have a complete list of the DVDs I got. The CD (compact disc audio) situation is even worse. And I don't want to even think about all the game discs and other stuff I can't copy. :-(

One DVD holds at most 4.37 Gib (Gigabits SI notation). I suppose I have some dual-layer DVDs but let's skip that for now. I know I don't have more than 5 dual-sided DVDs, so I'll also skip that. So! I'm looking at 1.75 Tib of raw DVD data.

On 2007/08 I bought a 500 Gib hard drive for about 1_2800 yen. So without any redundancy it will cost me 4_5000 yen just to keep stuff I already have, but with more convenience. I assume that compression won't get me much because this is already lossy data. In terms of a 12-13 episode anime (in Japan), that's about 1.5 sets.

Would I want to RAID it? Probably, and at RAID 5. This would probably entailing buying another computer and buying cards/switch for Gigabit Ethernet, and budgeting 1_5000 yen per year for electricity. I would also wish to encrypt it. Or I was thinking of doing the single HDD swap trick with those fancy eSATA or "USB 2.0 to SATA" connections, which is risky, right?

Sounds expensive. I think I'll just let them sit in my cave right now. Or maybe I should get rid of some? :-/ I can't "beam them up" where I'm going.

Regret Xbox 360: Faceplate

(tags Xbox 360, hardware)

I tried removing the faceplate of the Xbox 360, but it was a no go. The official documentation is at the Microsoft Help and Support as article KB907331, though this four step process doesn't alleviate my fears of snapping the faceplate into pieces.

Component to VGA upcan converter: Made for PSP lite?

(tags PlayStation Portable, hardware, video)

PSP Gadgetz pointed out the "PSP-2000 VGA BOX 2198P", which is a Component to VGA video converter. The output is 1600 by 1200 (SXGA) D-Sub connector and the input is Component. Sounds great, since I'm still in the "analog" video world (VGA connector, 4:3 based monitors).

Halo 2 fun but Kasumi Xbox 1 "dies"

(tags Xbox 1, hardware, failure, FPS)

I've been playing Halo 2's Campaign mode over the weekend, trying to find the levels that I like. So far I like the bridge one not because of the Scorpion but because I can go through it with a Warthog. I try to give my shotgun-riding support my rocket launcher or a rifle. Also I really like the Covenant Carbine and the SMG, they are cool. Again I'm doing the levels on Heroic not Legendary because I wanna have fun.

But on Monday, my "Kasumi" Xbox 1 refused to read my Halo 2 disc. Then I tried an audio CD, which confirmed it was a problem with the drive. My Xbox is effectively "dead". Now I'm faced with the prospect of "hacking" my Xbox 1 though I resolved not to modify it. I'm glad that somebody wrote up this Xbox drive failure problem, but disappointed that its frequent enough to occur. I'll give the "DVD drive cleaning kit" option before looking at adjusting the laser's potentiometers (!), replacing the laser (!) or replacing the drive unit (.).

With any hardware failure I am despondent. I even fleetingly reconsidered not buying a Xbox 360. Ha, yeah sure.

Tales from a Xbox 360 owner

(tags Xbox 360, game, hardware, Idolmaster)

I actively pursued some personal hands-on Xbox 360 knowledge by asking a co-worker about his setup. He's an FPS-on-PC and action/adventure game guy, and not at all a typical Japanese gamer. So here are my questions in italic, and his answers:

• Is 20GB enough? Sure, I delete demos quickly and Japan doesn't have a video service like in the U.S. so its enough.
• Are game saves big? No, just a couple hundred KB per game.
• How about downloading items? Yeah, I bought some map packs, in the tens of megabyte range. The Idolm@ster stuff is which is "8 catalogs" is a total of about 2GB (see wikipedia).

(photo from 「ビビッドなチャイナ服が登場！ 「アイマスカタログ」第8号配信」 2007-08-29)

• Can I use a VGA LCD monitor? Sure, you can use the VGA cable, no fuss. But why do 4:3 when 16:9 is so much better?
• Will it output "1080p" onto a widescreen LCD monitor? No games support it so why would you need that? Make sure to get a 20 inch or bigger display if you wanna go widescreen.
• Is it good to have HDMI on a monitor? Yeah if you want to use the DVD upscaling function. PS3 has the same requirement, no DVD upscaling on non-HDMI connections.
• Wireless (controller)? Batteries go pretty fast so buy rechargables like "enerloop" or you can try out the "Charge and Play Kit". I've lost power to my controller a number of times.
• Did you service your Xbox and if so how many times? I sent it in just one time a couple of months ago. (I think he has an early Xbox 360.)
• 65 nm process Xbox? I haven't heard any confirmation about this yet, and though the heat sink configuration might have changed in new Xboxes doesn't mean its a 65 nm.

Then he recommended some games. He imports foreign games so he's just like me, but only when he confirms (through official announcment) that they work on the console (ie region-free). For example he bought BioShock the U.S. version and complains that the English subtitles don't follow the dialogue exactly. He plays it in English, and but he doesn't talk to me in English, huh. He gives a thumbs down on Lost Planet. "Play it at your own risk." Huh, but that's not stopping me. "Avoid Trusty Bell, it has a bad (weak) story." Gears of War is good. "Did you know if you change your language they speak English?" Ooh thanks for that info. What about Project Sylpheed? "Um, well its okay :-/" Viva Pinata? "Not bad." "I don't completely finish games, I just keep on moving on to the next ones. :-)"

Upcoming games? Ace Combat 6 (ACE COMBAT 6 解放への戦火), his thumb's up. Beautiful Katamari (ビューティフル塊魂). I asked why?!? Because "its fun and I played it on the PS2". Halo 3? No, I'm not getting that (?!?! why not!). Lost Oddessy? "Hm, maybe." Assassin's Creed (アサシン クリード) Yes. How about those newly announced Xbox Live Arcade games (shmups)? "Hm, well." I think he was feigning interest there just to humor me.

Now I have about two weeks before the Xbox 360 comes to my home. OMG it seems like I can't wait. I need to check if my Xbox 1 games are compatible. I need to make sure I can secure a Halo-edition Xbox at my local store. I need to really make sure I don't want the Elite edition. Will I buy a JP Halo 3 or wait till more info about English-capable version? Aaah!

No line for you: PSP "Lite" Crisis Core Pack

(tags hardware, PlayStation Portable, store, pre-order, failure)

Glad I went to the Sofmap Kobe one day early. The Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII (クライシス コア -ファイナルファンタジー VII-) 10th anniversary limited edition pack is totally sold out, even by pre-order.

Even if I line up (like last time), there won't any left. I didn't pre-order because I thought I wasn't interested in the game. I suppose I'm more interested in getting a PSP "lite" one week early. I was thinking of heading off to Osaka's Yodobashi Camera and/or Den-Den Town's Sofmap to line up, but I don't really want to.

Oh and I finally saw some plastic mockups of the PSP "lite" color variations. I change my mind, the Lavender Purple is the one I want.

Let's get this schedule straight: Xbox 360 hardware

(tags Xbox 360, hardware, purchase)

Over the last week, for some unknown reason, my motivation to get an Xbox 360 has jumped from "eventually" to "want to play it now". Maybe its because I can name 5 games I want to play on it consistently (unlike a Wii or a PS3), or maybe its because of Halo 3 fever. No its not because of BioShock fever, though I wanna play that eventually. It troubles me though that I haven't remembered the release dates of the newer Xbox models, Halo and Elite edition.

At first, I used Yodobashi Camera again to check the release dates, but Wikipedia has more information.

Xbox 360 Halo Special Edition : 2007-09-27 Thursday (open price but 44800 yen at Yodobashi Camera) 20GB HDD, essentially a regular ("Premium") system but with Halo colors and HDMI output.

Xbox 360 Elite Edition: 2007-10-11 Thursday (47800 yen) 120GB HDD and of course HDMI output.

One thing that is not certain is when Microsoft will hardware refresh it. I don't want my Xbox to fail and I don't want to deal with shipping it back for service. According to Engadget, 65 nm CPU have been in production since 2007-08-01, so I hope that it will be in the September refresh.

I think I'll get the Xbox 360 Halo Special Edition, though 20 GB (14 GB usable) doesn't seem like much storage.

Cold shower on iPod lust: iPod Classic 160GB and iPod touch

(tags music, hardware, iPod)

Its been almost a year since I got my second iPod (5.5gen, 80GB). Today Apple announced the new iPod line up and it's hard not to ignore.

The iPod Classic (Engadget) has two improvements for me, the 160GB size and the Cover Flow. Not much, eh, since my library is only 52 GB.

The iPod Touch (Engadget) seems pretty cool. I would use the WiFi and Internet browser. 16GB is a disappointment however. The screen is only 89 mm but has a higher resolution than the PSP (480x320@160dpi vs 480x273). This is the one I want to buy, but unfortunately, I saw at Sofmap that it will be 48000 yens. Ouchie.

The overriding reason for me to pass on this refresh is that I still haven't my money's worth out of my current one. 43000 + 8000 yen over about 350 days, thats about 140 yen per day for the privilege to own and use an iPod. Besides I'm not using it to the fullest with about 15 GB free on it and no recent video conversions. The battery still works.

See you in a year iPod Touch!

edit: changed title

OMG Bad Cable!

(tags computer, hardware, failure)

I'm back and copying data to my new 0.5 TB RAID-1 drive. This is going to take a while :0

I was totally wrong about my RAID woes... It was a bad cable! I first determined that it wasn't the HDD data condition by retrying the old cable. Then I closely examined the old cable. I could even see it for myself: if I wiggle the cable I could see the contacts inside the clear connector bounce around, eg its not soldered correctly. OMG! Its sickening.

I read somewhere that SATA connectors are supposed to be able to withstand tens of insertions or even less. I wonder if its true. Maybe this is the difference between SATA and eSATA.

5 nines? I don't even require 1 nine

(tags computer, hardware, failure)

I was complaining about RAID-1 woes, but it turns out that it was user error. Never mind that it was me who booted the computer while a cable on my RAID was loose. Though I fixed that problem on another boot, I compounded the problem by ignoring the RAID controller screaming at me at every boot. After I backed up the RAID-1 disks and using rsync to figure out the difference between the disks, I let the RAID controller BIOS fix the disk set. After that the RAID controller doesn't complain at all even with the same HDDs. (Also I replaced the SATA cable to each of the drives but I doubt that is resolution.) Imagine that, the RAID controller checks the stability of the data of each drive.

So, no, my motherboard is working fine. In fact I'm going to trust it with more RAID.

Now I'm going to fix my computer. I just need to remove 3 HDDs from my case. Instead of posting a blog about it, I should be motivating myself to do it. Hence the title. My computer has been "down" for a little over a month. (I am changing the meaning of uptime to just my data, not my host OS for dramatic purposes.) Uptime for my data doesn't seem to be important to me, only connection to my entertainment Internet. I haven't synced my iPod in a month! Also I seem to be more dependant on services provided over the Internet like Gmail and Google Reader.

Okay, I'm turning off the computer now. Here we go!

Pikachu love: DS Lite, silicone case, backpack

(tags game, hardware, Dual Screen, character goods, Pikachu)

I've been sitting on this for a couple of weeks, but some stuff came now so I can now show you the height of my Pikachu obsession. Yes, I was able to buy a Pokemon Pikachu DS Lite (ポケモンセンターオリジナル ニンテンドーDS Lite ピカチュウエディション)! Thats the one on the left. The one on the right? Let's just say I didn't have faith in securing one through an online auction for it, so I canvassed Nipponbashi Den Den Town for it. Only 27800 yen, which seems to be around the fetching price on the auctions... Why another?

The flyer for the Pikachu DS Lite (shown top right) sold for 1000 yen on an auction, IIRC. When will I actually open one of these DS Lites? Soon now.

The top right shows a Pikachu backpack for small kids that I bought yesterday at Toys R Us. No way I will actually use this for its intended use. I will, however, use the backpack for storing my pristine Pikachu DS Lite. Ha ha ha!

But that's not all. Today my Amazon.co.jp shipment came in, though I doubted a timely delivery during the O-Bon holidays. In it was the yellow Takara-Tomy licensed Pikachu silcone case (Nintendo DS Lite ポケモンシリコンカバー イエロー) that received DSFanboy attention. I couldn't find this case in the usual children's shops, nor at Sofmap or other game related stores, so I did my first ever Amazon.co.jp ordering. The carrying case on the right is available everywhere, but I got it at the Pokemon Center Osaka.

I'm going to test out the silicone case on my Love and Berry pink DS Lite, which I can imagine is a vomit inducing color wonder. My intention is to use it on the Pikachu DS Lite, but again the color is probably horrendous.

Hot Xbox 360

(tags Xbox 360, hardware, failure)

Xbox 360 is a hot item, but its also poorly designed, according to Nikkei Electronics article 「Xbox 360のどこが壊れやすいのか」 or "Fragile Part of Xbox 360? Thermal Design Expert Investigates". (Thanks Kotaku) What I find particularly distressing is that there hasn't been any hardware improvements from 2005 to May 2007.

Jinxed it: Current RAID 1 woes

(tags hardware, computer, failure)

Looks like my Project Sugar got upset or jealous about my new PC explorations, because it corrupted my RAID 1 data drive. Yikes. I don't have a backup of my RAID 1 drive. How to backup at least 70 GiB of stuff? Get another HDD?

About a month ago, I got a new SATA HDD to replace a failing non-RAID data drive, initally via external USB 2.0, but starting last week, via internal SATA. I must have bumped something or whatever, because the RAID drive problem started then. First it was as if the motherboard didn't recognize the RAID 1 at boot. I figured out that BIOS couldn't recognize one of the drives, and/or finding the second drive as failed. Denial set in and tried a trick: I forceably deleted and re-added the registration of the RAID array, which seemed to work only if I didn't cold boot.

But I checked the Event Viewer's "System" Log and the RAID driver was failing with timeouts. Uh oh. I decided to do a ChkDisk but that revealed the corruption. I lost:

• My zsh shell history
• My iTunes Library metadata
• recent CDs I ripped
• other not so recent CDs that seemed to get the contents of the recent CDs
• my trust in software RAID controllers

I truly don't know how much has been corrupted. :( There's no log file a log file available in Event Viewer's Application Log "Winlogon" source (thanks pcstats forum) but it is incomplete (!), and all I have to work on is the modification dates and the re-syncing of archaic MP3s to the iPod that left my head scratching.

The biggest problem I think is my iTunes Library metadata. The binary file iTunes Library.itl was lost, and it was rebuilt from supposedly pristine iTunes Library.xml file. Unforunately that meant that every song in my 50GB library was imported with today's date. Ugh. And unfortunately the iTunes COM for Windows SDK doesn't seem to allow modifying the Date Added field. Perhaps if I (programatically) edit the XML file by changing the Date Added field and force a re-import... XML massaging, ugh.

I considered building another RAID 1 ... I would need a interface card (3970 yen) because I think its the SATA controller failing. Then I would want two 500 GiB HDD (1_3500 yen each). Then again I thought, "what are you going to do when that fails"?

I'm leaning more and more towards online services, and online storage (backup) is something I need to look into. At say 70 GiB, a service such as Amazon Simple Storage Service would cost me initially 20.00 USD the first month and 10.00 USD for storage. I could either try to figure out how to rotate and encrypt a backup out of this raw service, or try a registered backup client. My naive implementation would require a seperate disk for scratch space. Hm. Naive.

Learning about the Core 2 Duo

(tags Windows, hardware, game)

I'm not yet ready to upgrade my computers just yet, but its always good to be knowledgeable. To run Unreal Tournament 3, my current rig Project Sugar just won't cut the mustard, I think. So I did a Wikipedia session on Intel "Core" processors.

It turns out that Core is at least two different things, a "Core Duo" and "Core 2 {Duo/Quad}" etc. "Core" 1 is a 32-bit processor, while "Core 2" is 64-bit. The Duo or Quad refers to the number of multiprocessing cores on the chip, 2 or 4. Also the Core family has good power consumption behavior, something around 60 W idle, 100W load. And it turns out one can use Windows XP 32-bit on a Core 2.

I've settled on the Core 2 family, because I don't intend to buy another computer within 3 years. What I need to do is find a Core 2 Duo, in my price range which is 2_0000 to 4_0000 yen. Then I can start selecting a motherboard and RAM. Then I keep that configuration data up to date until more about Unreal Tournament 3 is released.

I am totally confused with the Core 2 numbering scheme though.

Please sir may I have another: Pokemon Pikachu DS Lite online raffle

(tags game, hardware, Dual Screen)

How many DS Lites do I need? If its the Pokemon Pikachu DS Lite, two?

It turns out that I can register for the online raffle because I'm a Pokemon Dai-Suki club (ポケモンだいすきクラブ) member. Who isn't these days, since I think there are millions of them. There are two periods to enter. The first just ended today. The second starts up next month.

Yee. I used up all my luck this year, going to that Ichigo Mashimaro concert for free and getting one Pokemon Pikachu DS Lite.

I think I need to rename this blog "Greed". "Greed is good, greed works."

shop stop potpourri

(tags game, hardware, pre-order)

Because of yesterday's PSP "lite" announcements, I went to Sofmap on the way home today. Lets just forget I was there yesterday after the weekly Japanese language lesson.

There wasn't any pre-order info about any of the PSP "lite" or about the FF 7 Crisis PSP bundle. They did though have some Wii in stock, and just for a moment I considered a purchase.

No new figures, no new games of note, no Xbox 1 games of note, no wanted computer games, no anime or other DVDs. I did pick up Leah Dizon's "Koi shiyou" (「恋しよう♪」) CD + DVD, at regular price though.

This weekend I will be picking up the Pokemon Pikachu DS Lite, so I prepared by buying a screen film, a white metal stylus, a recharging base unit for only 280 yen (but no cables), and a DS game case that holds 12 games, just like old reversable one. I still need a upper chassis and lower chassis case.

Pastel PSP, 1-seg PSP, Crisis PSP

(tags game, hardware, PlayStation Portable, Japan, collectable)

I am excited about this news (thanks PSP Fanboy for linking to the original press release). Sony will be release 6 different colored PSPs "lite" (PSP-2000) on 2007/09/20 (Thursday).

Rose Pink and Lavender Purple are the fourth and fifth from the left. Both are pastel colors that look wonderful. I can't decide which one I want so maybe I'll get both. :-)

Also Sony will be release the 1-seg digital TV tuner, something I wondered about before. I tried 1-seg before on my computer, but I am not watching it now. Sony has to gall to make this a PSP lite exclusive. I can't use it on my PSP "phat".

Finally, Square-Enix will be releasing a limited edition PSP "lite" for the Final Fantasy VII "Crisis Core" game on 2007/09/13 (Thursday) (thanks PSP Fanboy). Is this also in my sights? I don't know FF 7 and I felt like I got burned buying that Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings DS Lite bundle and finally it's silver, so I will pass. Though "exclusive" and "limited-edition" always perks my ears up. I am a sucker.

PSP "lite" named as PSP-2001, video output clarified

(tags game, hardware, PlayStation Portable)

The Sony PSP's newest revision is called the PSP-2001, according to the FCC inspection (US). (thanks Engadget) Also the video out functions seem to be clarified, according to the Quick Reference manual:

"Video from games can be output only when the TV in use and the cable connecting it support progressive mode screen display. Also, video may not be able to be output to the TV for some functions other than games."

Gamers will need to get component cables, while video-goers should be able to use either component or composite cables.

Won a chance to purchase a Pikachu DS Lite!

(tags game, hardware, Dual Screen, ECsite)

Oh yeah! I won a chance to purchase the Pokemon Pikachu DS Lite (ポケモンセンターオリジナル ニンテンドーDS Lite ピカチュウエディション)! Effort pays off! Here's the postcard back and front (personal information hidden, of course, by telephone cards):

I thought I didn't win early last week because the announcement was supposed to start on 7/9 (Monday). So the whole week, I have been checking the mailbox, but dreading the disappointment. I even started looking at Yahoo Auction JP for it. Friday the thirteenth, though, was my lucky day.

The sticker on the back of the postcard is probably to protect against counterfeiting, since it has a hologram on it. Also, the postcard is numbered. My number is a 5 digits, so maybe they have a lot of these.

Now, should I take a day off work to get it on the first day? (2007/07/20 Friday) Hm, no.

Time to bring home an Xbox 360 elite

(tags game, hardware, Xbox 360)

Finally the Xbox 360 Elite (an Xbox 360 Premium with black case and 120 GB HDD) will be sold in the Japan region for 4_7800 yen (thanks Kotaku, Game Watch Impress)

Time to buy it and play IdolM@ster.

Or should I wait for the sweltering Japan summer to subside?

edit: Looks like I have no choice. It comes out 2007/10/11!

Downgrade a 3.10-3.50 PSP just around the corner?

(tags game, hardware, PlayStation Portable, crack)

A crack seems to have been found for the uncracked PSP firmwares 3.10-3.50 (2007/01 to present). Although no downgrader is yet avaiable, it is inevitable. Now you can pick any hardware of your choosing, instead of just silver, muhahah.

The demo for the crack seems to require Lumines US or EU for right now. Perhaps the JP version will be developed soon. In any case, I need to get my copy of a Lumines soon. It seems other people are thinking the same thing.

Game catchup: Puzzle Quest

(tags game, Dual Screen, hardware, puzzle)

I am only playing Puzzle Quest right now. I've been concentrating on beating the game, which means skipping optional stuff.

For a while there was one boss that was kicking me to the curb but I managed to clear it. Then from there it was smooth sailing. I think it's because I found a weapon that gives me extra damage because of my level and also I equip a ring that regenerates health. The enemies rarely regenerate health and they hit wimpy, so I am cleaning up.

Or I was until the final boss. That guy just owns me, with arbitrary spells and bonus. I ran away with my tail between my legs. I have no idea how I'm going to clear this guy, because frankly leveling up doesn't seem to do any thing.

There is part of the game that I am still unsure of, and that is the resistance points. How do I accumulate them and use them to my advantage?

I'm going to keep playing this game until I beat the end guy. It's proper.

A Pikachu DS Lite!

(tags game, hardware, Dual Screen)

OMG, a Pikachu DS for purchase! (thanks DS Fanboy)

I am going out now to secure my raffle ticket to enter to win a chance to purchase. Ugh.

A tricorder in yoko mode: PSP GPS and Minna no Chizu 2

(tags hardware, PlayStation Portable, GPS)

Last week along side the DS purchase, I bought the PlayStation Portable GPS attachment with the Minna no Chizu 2 (みんなの地図２, or Everybody's Map 2). This is the first GPS I have that I actually use as a mapper. So now I can cart around the PSP as a toy GPS. Yes, it's just a toy for the dabbler.

I already traveled my normal work route and my Nipponbashi / Osaka Den Den Town route from Tennoji through that Tennoji Zoo. The GPS part is functional, but it doesn't mean its reliable. It seems I have to wait a long time (couple of minutes?) for the first synchronization. If I have clear skies and no big buildings around me, it will continue to receive signal and show my current position in signal intervals. This is after learning I need to keep that GPS attachment parallel (not perpendicular) to the ground. There doesn't seem to be a way to add an attenna to it.

There is also another signal method, called PlaceEngine. This is very interesting. I'm not exactly sure how it works, but it requires that you turn on your Wi-Fi. It's a service that can be used from your notebook PC, as well. Just with the PlaceEngine (free) service, you can get your position within a couple of meters, when it is accurate. Most of the time it's not, and most of the time there's no signal. I got an accurate signal in downtown Kobe, on occasion. Hm. Am I "warmapping"?

For walking around and looking geeky, I set the signal polling to every 10 seconds, "PlaceEngine then GPS" method. That way I can turn off PE with the hardware switch. There is no such switch for the GPS. This works, because if I get both PE and GPS, and PE is not giving me a good positioning, I want it to use GPS. Since the PSP is not a PC, it doesn't seem to multitask the PE and GPS polling. One alternate method "GPS then PE" seems slower. This doesn't drain my battery as fast as I thought.

Minna no Chizu 2 is more than a GPS/PE enabled map. It is connected to the online user-generated content site PetaMap. You can upload your "My Spots", edit and share them in Web 2.0 fidelity. When you want to put the data back onto your PSP, you just download it as a Guide, kinda like a restaurant guide. Unfortunately, PC integration ends there. You can't download it in format you started with, or make paths or do more fancy stuff.

PetaMap uses Google Maps, which in turn uses Zenrin map data, which is the creator of this PSP software. Zenrin is the big name for map data, and as far as I can tell its accurate. The map data includes icons for convenience stores and gasoline stores, etc.

Also that PlaceEngine requires service data (of course the UMD has some data already). It's a big 15MB file that seems to be updated weekly. One interesting thing is that you can post your position data to PlaceEngine which they will use to correct the data. Since the PSP is a lot smaller than a PC, it should work better for this purpose.

Here's a couple of things I wish it could do:

• Work in an (outdoor) train or bus.
• Automatically record waypoint data like a normal portable GPS does.
• Add a graphical user layer for paths.
• Add/draw my own icons for positions.

Here's a couple of things it does that I think botches it:

• Load times to get to the first map. Ugh, 2 to 3 minutes? Who needs a movie intro?!
• Fade in/out effects for the menus. Ugh, waiting 2 seconds is the crap.
• Loading "My Spots" data is not automatic.
• Favoring measurement method. Sure you have both signals coming in, but which one does the user want to use?

And well, here's what it does good:

• GPS works
• PlaceEngine works in a downtown area
• You can rotate the map freely because everything is a vector.
• Find best path from an arbitrary Start and Goal.

Unfortunately for me, I had to upgrade my PSP firmware to 3.11 to use it.

Well if I ever travel, I'm going to try to use this. There is Tokyo this weekend...

Pieces are falling into place: flash memory for PSP

(tags hardware, PlayStation Portable)

It seems I don't even have to lift a finger anymore, since Sofmap carries all I need. Take for example this MicroSD to Memory Stick Pro DUO adapter. It can be had at many of the Sofmaps I frequent.

Geez, 2GB is literally nothing to sneeze at. It's so tiny!

2GB hits the sweet spot on price. Well the Sony official MSProDuo is about 8000 yen, and this MicroSD is about 5000 yen. The adapter cost 1500 yen so I'm still ahead. (I am not considering throughput, though.) But the biggest MicroSD is currently only 2GB, though it seems 4GB is just around the corner. Also, the PSP cannot use memory cards over 4GB without firmware 2.81. That's no problem for me, since I'm not willing to buy 1_5000+ yen memory yet.

2GB is good for holding and ripping up my UMDs. A UMD is about 1.8GB. Though I'm not downloading ISOs, I do want to speed up my game playing. Comic Party is still on my list of things to do, and it better be quicker this time around.

But why still the official MSProDuo? Ripping needs stable hardware, and plus I don't yet trust MicroSD + adapter right now. But going with MicroSD is beneficial if I get a "flash cart" for my DS. I haven't researched this part so I don't know the benefits.

Now all I need is bronze: PlayStation Portable Silver

(tags game, hardware, PlayStation Portable)

I woke up today and said to myself, "I'm going to downgrade a PlayStation Portable". Here's the first part of the puzzle:

Firmware version 3.01, oh boy. All pixels ok, an imperceptible scratch right in the middle. The filter/film I attached doesn't cover the whole screen, so I'm going to have to buy another. I actually scoped it out last night, but I decided to get it after canvassing Tennoji and Nipponbashi/Den-Den Town. This will be the second PSP I bought at Sofmap Osaka, hm.

I suppose tomorrow morning I'm going to say to myself the same thing, because I'm too tired to do the grueling downgrade tonight.

The word is shunsatsu

(tags game, hardware, ECsite, Final Fantasy)

I swear that anybody that wanted a Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings Sky Pirates Edition could have gotten one, if they were around the Kobe area. Senaka: OtaRoad blog mentions that FFXIIRW:SPE was already sold out. "Shunsatsu" (瞬殺) Yes, I keep forgetting this word, but this is what I meant with that 'virtual "theft"' post.

There are limited edition PlayStation Portables

(tags game, hardware, PlayStation Portable, ECsite)

My new favorite RSS feed, PSP GadgetZ, had an article (Japanese) on the PlayStation Portables available from the PLAYSTATION Signature site. I was ignorant of the special edition PSPs "TSUKIMI" and "KACHOFUGETSU", but they are sold out. Personally I like the TSUKIMI design, because it is black and gold.

Purchase quest: Final Fantasy 12 Revenant Wings Sky Pirates Edition

(tags game, hardware, Final Fantasy, DualScreen, purchase)

I took half a day off to buy the Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings "Sky Pirates" edition (ファイナルファンタジーXII レヴァナント・ウイング スカイパイレーツエディション), which is just the game and yet another DS Lite with some custom imprint.

I woke up at around 4:30 AM, but didn't get moving until 6:15. I was first in line at the Sofmap Kobe at 7:15. There was a sign saying line up here, but it was still vague because there are two escalators. No one else showed up from 7:30 to 8:45, so I read the last week's Famitsu magazine. (What a good issue: Final Fantasy 1 for PSP guide, Toki wo Kakeru Shojo review, editorial student Takamare! Takamaru comic and other various infos).

Luckily a Sofmap guy showed up at around 8:45 and took my name and Sofmap member number. He said I didn't have to wait in "line" no more, ha ha. And the store opened at 10:00 instead of the normal 11:00 so I did some other things like take pictures of Kobe in the morning. The weather was spectacular.

I got back to the store, and was first at the register. The game wasn't exactly flying off the shelves, no lines, no crazy FF peeps. I noticed the register gal took my copy from a stack of 5 with Post-Its of customer names. Could it be 5 other people showed up early? If they did I didn't see them.

It got me kinda of thinking, Is this game any good? It got 9, 8, 7, 9 from Famitsu (yeash I invoke the Famitsu scores). And its says it's RTS for beginners so I'm there.

Let's stop the blog and play!

UPDATE: I forgot to mention that the official homepage is hosting time-limited downloads of backgrounds. I already missed the first two days' sets, aww.