Reviews: July 2006

Monday, July 31, 2006

The Apple iPod Nano

Overview
Apple's iPod series has received significant acclaim for design and usability. The Apple iPod Nano is no different. It's a small, light unit that allows you to listen to music and play videos.

The Good

The iPod Nano's light cutting-edge design
The ability to play videos/shows adds to the utility
The battery life is still fairly solid at over ten hours

The Bad

It isn't inexpensive--Apple products never are price leaders
Some say it isn't as sturdy as other units due to its thin design

Final Opinion

The Apple iPod Nano is a well-designed unit. Whether you need all of its bells and whistles, and whether you want to trade a bit of durability for its slim design is the key question.

Want to learn more? Visit Amazon for reviews and pricing.

Posted @ 12:00 PM 0 comments

Palm TX

Overview

The Palm TX was released late last year by Palm, Inc. The product received largely positive reviews. Let's take a quick look at the product:

The Good

The Palm TX is affordably priced at under $300
It has a large vivid color screen
It's Bluetooth and WiFi wireless capabilities are easy to use
It has a MP3 player

The Bad

While most still consider the Palm OS easy to use, it has not received much attention of late
It has 128MB of memory, which can be limiting if you store a lot of music and videos

Final Opinion

If you're looking for an affordable wireless device, the Palm TX deserves strong consideration.

Labels: Handheld, Palm TX, PDA, Wifi, Wireless

Posted @ 1:52 AM 0 comments

Freakonomics by Levitt and Dubner

Overview

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner is a fairly controversial book because it successfully ties a drop in crime to the Roe v. Wade decision. The book also looks at a number of other interesting areas. One of which is it illustrates how gangs work similar to corporations. In fact, the gang members with the most dangerous jobs make very little money, but they do it in hopes of moving on up. Another chapter worth pointing out is how Freakonomics discounts the importance of parenting methods.

The Good

It's original and controversial--it's one of the more entertaining reads out there
Freakonomics is a fairly quick and easy read that isn't overly technical

The Bad

There's not much to speak of--unless you don't like their conclusions

Final Opinion

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything is a great read. It's quick enough that a library rental may suffice, but it may be handy to have so you can quickly reference their arguments.

Posted @ 1:27 AM 0 comments

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Overview

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a 17th Century adventure that is set in the Caribbean Sea. After Captain Jack's ship is stolen, the movie turns into a chase for the ship, the treasure, all while he tries to save Governor's daughter.

The Good

It has a good cast
It's a light, but relatively entertaining fictitious adventure

The Bad

It's a little long at well over two hours
The plot has a few holes

Final Opinion

It wasn't a personal favorite. But, it and its sequel have been well received. For a fan of this type of adventure, the first installment of Pirates of the Caribbean should be worth watching.

Read more opinions of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl at Amazon's website.

Posted @ 1:13 PM 0 comments

RV (The Movie)

Overview

The movie RV is a surprisingly entertaining film. While a little over the top and reminiscent of Home Alone at times, it is a funny film that can keep your attention. Robin Williams' character changed the family's trip plans so he could present for his job and ultimately keep it. Needless to say, him and his well-to-do family had numerous bumps along the way.

The Good

Robin Williams had a pretty good performance, as did Jojo and the rest of the cast
All in all, the theatre seemed to be pretty entertained by the humor throughout

The Bad

This type of movie doesn't exactly break any new ground

Final Opinion

If you like this genre of movies, RV may be worth watching. If you're not a fan of over-the-top comedy, then this film may not be for you.

Labels: Robin Williams, RV

Posted @ 10:48 AM 0 comments

Outsourcing America by Ron & Anil Hira

Overview

The book Outsourcing America examines the implications of the current outsourcing movement. Let's take a quick look at the book:

The Good

This book has unique ideas to make the United States more attractive to businesses--including reducing the high healthcare burden through socialized medicine
The book doesn't resort to the "easy answer" which often is complete protectionist

The Bad

Some may still consider this book to be one-sided on this topic

Final Opinion

This book is an interesting analysis of an escalating trend. If you're interested in the topic of outsourcing, Outsourcing America is worth a read.

Labels: Anil Hira, Outsourcing America, Ron Hira

Posted @ 3:02 AM 0 comments

Reviews by Category

Here you'll find product reviews grouped alphabetically by their respective category. The goal is for this to add an additional element of organization to the blog.

Books