Tag Archives: Sony

DS Lite in my future?

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The new DS Lite was officially released on June 11th in the U.S. It was available early in some stores, like Target. The other day, I was in Target with my wife and I got to play “New Super Mario Brothers” on the DS Lite.

The Nintendo DS Lite is a slick piece of hardware. I’m not sure I fully appreciate the touchscreen. I own a PSP. I bought it with the hopes that this elegant gaming system would be one of the most hackable and powerful portable computers for a decent price. I have seen Windows 95 run on the PSP and Sony has a web browser that is works with its wi-fi capabilities. The most interesting hack has been the emulators available for the PSP. The idea of playing Nintendo’s Pro Wrestling or Punch Out on a portable machine was a great draw.

When the best games on a PSP are Nintendo’s old 8-bit games or Sega Genesis games – there’s something wrong. If I wanted to play Nintendo games – why not just get a Nintendo system?

When I was playing New Super Mario Brothers it was very fun. I hadn’t played a Mario game in years. It was a new experience with Mario having new moves. My wife was trying to talk to me while I was playing the game, but I was mesmerized by the game. She was trying to ask me if she could get some XBOX 360 game. I was in my own world playing the DS.

I don’t know about how hackable the DS is. I’ve never looked into it. I have seen some of its media player options, but they are very clunky. The new design of the DS Lite makes it look as stylish as an iPod. Plus, the screens are protected by the clamshell design. No need for a special case – although I’m sure some will try to protect that snazzy white case.

$129. Maybe I’ll scrounge that up and also pick up New Super Mario Brothers if I get the DS.

Test: Skype + Bluetooth Headset + MacBook Pro

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I am currently without a landline phone. I have relocated for the summer and I chose not to get a standard phone. I have high-speed Internet access, so I decided to use Skype on a MacBook Pro and I just added a Bluetooth headset so I could talk and walk away from my computer if necessary.

The Bluetooth headset I purchased is a Sony Ericsson Akono Headset HBH-608. I am unfamiliar with Bluetooth headsets in general and after my wife went through a bunch of reviews, this is the one I chose. It can be used with cell phones and VOIP, plus it was about $50 – a decent price.

Skype is offering free Skype Out calls for at least the end of the year. I’ve tried out the headset the past two days. The included documentation claims that the headset has a 5 meter range. I don’t that’s quite accurate. While the headset does function within 5 meters of my MacBook Pro, the sound quality becomes static-y. Now, I’m not sure if that is a function of the headset, Skype, or the fact I live in an area with many wireless networks.

The headset is comfortable for about an hour and half. After about that time, the headset became uncomfortable. The speaker hits a very odd spot on my ear – it hits above my ear canal and falls into a ridge (perhaps a diagram would be helpful). Otherwise, the audio quality is quite good.

It works quite well with both iChat and Skype audio chats. OS X found the headset quickly and pairing was relatively painless. The combination doesn’t completely replace a real phone, I still use my cell phone on occasion. I’d like to put together a USB device that works with Skype with a standard phone because standard phones are more comfortable for some situations. Currently, the only USB devices that work with Skype and a standard phone are compatible with Windows only. I have Parallels Desktop; I think I could have the USB device work on it or I could use my old Windows laptop.

The test has been successful for now. I use the phone for maybe an hour a day so the headset, Skype, and MacBook Pro is a reasonable solution.