Windows 8.1 is Out

I’ve been optimistic about Windows Blue when it was announced so when the open beta Started, I got myself copies of the 32 and 64-bit versions. I have the 64-bit version installed (in dual boot with Windows 7) on my secondary desktop PC (with a 22-inch monitor) but I don’t use it. My 12-inch netbook (also in dual-boot with Windows 7), however, boots to Windows Blue 32-bit

I found Windows 8.1 as a possible saving grace for Windows 8. It is, after all, still Windows 8. People liking it because of the return of the Start Button but still hate it because of the Start Screen. Let’s face it, the Start Screen interface and the Modern Apps are more for tablets.

Impressions: Xperia Z1 f (mini)

Sony should definitely release the Xperia Z1 f internationally and not make it a Japan exclusive. Sony Ericsson did the mini concept right before. When the Sony Ericsson Xperia mini was released in 2011, it had practically the same internal hardware as the flagship that year, the Xperia arc. Actually, the internal hardware specs were shared by the arc, neo, pro, ray, mini, and mini pro. We have to admit, though, that the arc and its batchmates didn’t have top of the line hardware. But still, same internals at different sizes, that’s how it should be done.

Samsung and HTC offer the Galaxy S4 Mini and HTC One Mini respectively. Good for their size but not as powerful as their larger flagship counterparts. I have to hand it to both, though, that their mini phones do look good and have decent sizes. They’re almost close to my ideal smartphone size which is the size of the iphone.

I’ll be waiting for this Z1 f. I’m even tempted to get the Lime variant. They call it Lime, but it’s still yellow to me.

Here are some sources about the Xperia Z1 f release:

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Sony-Xperia-Z1-f-mini-Officially-Unveiled-with-4-3-Inch-Display-Snapdragon-800-CPU-389871.shtml

http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_launches_xperia_z1f_on_ntt_docomo_in_japan-news-6951.php

Two Years Using Two 2nd-Gen. Intel Core PC’s - Part 3: CPU, Motherboard, and RAM

The usual distinction among PC’s is the CPU. It becomes a most fundamental specification or decription that overshadows the other parts. It is, afterall, central.

The motherboard’s importance becomes somehow underrated even though from a software point, the motherboard is the PC. It’s actually also called a mainboard. Replace the motherboard and Windows (software and licensing) treats it as a different PC. People don’t usually distinguish between motherboards as the PC’s performance is less dependent on this. As long as it can make the CPU and the other chosen parts, it’s already at least good enough.

RAM also has a similar case, with no obvious performance differences between frequency specifications. Performance varies, though, when you change the amount RAM and that is where overall system performance.

	Work PC	Home PC
	Intel Core i7 system	Intel Core i5 system
CPU	Intel Core i7-2600K	Intel Core i5-2500K
MB	MSI P67-C45	Asus P8P67 LE
RAM	4x 4GB Kingston DDR3-1333	8GB (2x4GB kit) G-Skill Ripjaws DDR3-1333

Two Years Using Two 2nd-Gen. Intel Core PC’s - Part 2: Work and Play

Wow. It took me a week for the second part. Oh well. Moving on...

Of note in the table from the previous part are the costs of the two computers. My work PC costs around 20% more than my home PC. That makes sense since it is justifiable for a machine that’s meant to generate income to be more expensive than one meant for entertainment. (The latter actually results in more cost but the income from the former offsets that. Besides, we work to have fun afterwards. Haha. Anyways...)

Removing the software cost as those don’t really have a performance impact, it makes less sense now. It went from a difference of PHP 12,000 to only PHP 4,000. With only that difference between the cost of productivity and the cost of entertainment, the home/play PC begins to seem a bit overpriced. The work PC on the other hand, even with the higher cost, becomes of better value. This is where subjectivity comes in.

	Work PC	Home PC
	Intel Core i7 (LGA 1155)	Intel Core i5 (LGA 1155)
Total Cost	PHP 81,000	PHP 69,000
HW only	PHP 66,000	PHP 62,000