ASUS ZenWatch Review

Here's Engadget's review of the ASUS ZenWatch, one of the most stylish Android Wear devices released to date:

ASUS ZenWatch Review - Engadget

I'm kind of on the sidelines of the wearables discussion because I've chosen not to buy into them yet.  To me each outing of new hardware never dares to be anything more, and the limitations of the software and hardware of this form factor are very apparent and limiting.  Even the glitzy announcement of the Apple Watch wasn't all that impressive when you looked at what we're getting.

But, if you're dying to be an early adopter, the ZenWatch surely is one of your best bets right now.  Only the Moto 360 took a real approach to style otherwise, and still suffered due to what was capable.  I would not mind wearing this on my wrist every day.

Just as a side note - I think part of the issue here too is that $300 for a watch is a decent price if you're buying quality because it lasts forever.  Not true with a smartwatch, which I predict won't be desirable to keep much longer than your typical smartphone refresh cycle.  I'm sure that's what the companies making these watches intend, and at some point that might be worth the investment, but with the current state of affairs in the smartphone business I'm far from convinced.

Movie List - Birdman

Now, full disclosure, I saw Birdman on a quiet Monday night at my local indie movie theater.  It was the first time ever being there, and it was awesome.  Calm, quaint, and well curated with some of the best films getting small releases.  It was literally perfect for me.  The reason I mention it, is that this warm fuzzy feeling of nostalgia for a place I was seeing for the first time may have influenced my opinion of Birdman.  That said, let me tell you about it.

The film opens, and you're immediately hit with the weird altered reality that this film exists in.  A one in which you hear the inside of Michael Keaton as Riggan Thompson's head as he floats about three feet above the ground in his tighty-whitey's.  From this relative serenity you're launched headfirst into the film, which moves at an astounding pace and never really lets up.

There are a few major aspects of Birdman that set it apart and that I'm still thinking about now.  The first is just the technical mastery that went into making this film work in the way that Alejandro González Iñárritu chose to shoot it.  The film essentially bolts you into this omnipotent steadicam that floats and flies and bounces through the movie's only locale - the St. James Theater in NYC.  The resulting effect is this feeling that every scene is happening real time, even though it is not, and time passes exponentially in between scenes throughout the film.  Because the film is formatted like one single cut, you get the feeling that you are actually watching a live production.  You can feel the buzz and energy of a play both during scenes on the boards of the St. James and behind the scenes in the dressing rooms and out on the streets of Manhattan.  I loved it, and it makes the movie an important one to watch.

The nature of Riggan's supernatural abilities is something that is constantly questioned throughout the film.  Scenes that showcase his 'powers' are always concurrent with the audience hearing the inside of his head.  The reality of the scene is broken, and you're left wondering when to believe.  I loved questioning this, and if you're like me, you probably will through the end.

Finally I just want to mention that the performances in this movie are wonderful.  Keaton reminded me just how much I love him.  Edward Norton absolutely killed it.  Naomi Watts was brilliant.  Emma Stone, who isn't necessarily my favorite for a more serious role like this one, was wonderful. Zach
Galifianakis was, well he was himself, but he was hilarious and I loved it.  Honestly the screen was filled with talent the entire film.

Overall, Birdman is one of my favorites so far of the year.  It has flaws, and it's not going to make you walk out feeling drastically different, but it's an excellent dark comedy executed brilliantly.  Put it on your list.

I'm A Real Computer Scientist Now - Unicomp Ultra Classic Review

The IBM Model M keyboard is a true classic.  A landmark in computing hardware.  A mainstay in nerd culture.  A truly beautiful peripheral.  And now it's mine!  Well - sorta.

I just bought a Unicomp Ultra Classic Keyboard in Brilliant White, the first upgrade I've made to the PC I built for myself two years ago - safe to say it's a long time coming.  I've been mulling over the possibility of upgrading my keyboard and mouse (that upgrade still pending) since I put my rig together; of course opting to buy the cheapest peripherals available to bring the overall cost of my PC down.  I've researched and debated over a stylish wireless chicklet keyboard, all forms of Cherry MX keyboard switches, etc.  Price, reviews, style, so many things to consider...

There only ever seemed to be one keyboard that left the same great impression on all of its users.  One golden standard for what this peripheral could be.  The IBM Model M.

I could type for hours (literally, this bad boy is great) but The Verge's Adi Robertson put together this incredible article about the Model M and it's history.  One of the driving forces behind me deciding to go with the Ultra Classic from Unicomp.

So, how is it?

I've been typing on this keyboard for a few hours now.  I love it.  Going from my old standard Logitech rubber dome (see below) to this is so refreshing.  Before you even hit the action on the keys it's already more comfortable.  Each key cradles your fingers , awaiting your input.

The switching is loud, deliberate, and responsive.  Compared to certain Cherry MX switches the feedback isn't as immediate.  You still are pushing each key to a hard audible click before feedback and if you're not used to the force required sometimes keys will be missed.  I find I struggle the most hitting the farther keys like Backspace just because the angle and distance that you're reaching from.  I'm beginning to type differently already though.  Instead of resting my hands limply in front of the keys I'm floating higher above the taller keys, already making me more swift and deliberate in my typing.

My only complaint would be that the feedback and key positioning doesn't really lend itself to gaming.  I think it'll be somewhat of an upgrade from my Logitech, but it's no gaming keyboard.  It was never meant to be.  The Model M was meant for typing.  It does its job.

Now, STYLE.  The original Model M in its humble, dull grey casing and keys, isn't the most beautiful thing.  It's functional, practical, but not beautiful.  The Ultra Classic black however is much more exciting.  The contrast between the keys and casing really make them pop.  Of course, the standard grey keys of the Black Ultra Classic weren't enough, so I had to upgrade to the Brilliant White keys.  It was an excellent decision.  The keys truly are brilliant white.  On my black-brown Ikea desk in the midst of my black monitors, speakers, mouse, and the like - they appear to be hovering brightly in space.

I feel I got the best of both worlds.  I have the substance and engineering of the original Model M with updated electronics and aesthetics.  I can't wait to bash this thing until it finally dies, which if it's anything like the original, will hopefully be not for a very, very long time.