Friday, December 21, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 76: DUKE NUK-WHA?

Episode 76: Duke Nuk-WHA?

With wOOt now being titled the word of the Year by the us dictionary, you know that this year has been a boon of a year, with gamers having something regardless of what they like playing available for them - even rare fruit like team fortress 2, and gems like Call of Duty 4!

On the show itself, I was shocked to cover a real piece of Duke Nukem forever info, and many other companies were festive, with ATI giving away free stuff, As were microsoft (with a catch). As a bonus, I have a chat with Charlie brown on Asus EEE tips and resources, and comment on the results of the Google Zeitgeist search results for this year (hint: Hi5 is now the most popular growing music group in the world!)

Christmas time is here, and I wish you all a merry christmas, presents for your family (and yourself!) and the usual joy that you should be getting pumped over.


Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!



If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (56:03, 25.5mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

Flirting robots pass human test
itwire.com - source

Microsoft giving away Vista ultimate - with a catch
slashdot.org - source

ATI is to give away more steam content for free
steam.com - source

Command and Conquer FPS announced
shacknews.com - source

Nintendo Wii gets gifty
gamespot.com - source

Next jackass movie coming to the internet
yahoo.com - source

No new highend ATI Graphics cards in 2008?
xbitlabs.com - source

Video of the week:
Duke Nukem Forever teaser
I'm not kidding... its 50 seconds of joy
Go watch on shacknews.com


Another Video of the week:
A podsafe christmas song, by Jonathan Coulton
Youtube. Love it. This is a very catchy, chipmunky song tune
Go watch on videosift.com

Yet Another Video of the week:
New Batman trailer
Moody, actiony
Go watch on their site

Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 75: BITS AND PIECES

Episode 75: Bits and Pieces

This week I am a bit baffled that someone gushes about World of Warcraft being able to save their life, but get my feet back on the ground when I discover a video of the vaporware Optimus Keyboard - quite a sight!

Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!



You can have a listen using the player here:




If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (37:50, 17.2mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

Boy Survives real life attack using MMO skills
wired.com - source

Pirate bay goes open source
digg.com - info

First video of the Optimus Maximus Keyboard!
gizmodo.com - source

No more open wifi?
techdirt.com - source

Facebook tells everyone what you like
techcrunch.com - source

Asus says: go ahead and upgrade your eee!

eeuser.com - source

Linux is going to take over the low end pcs
digg.com - source



Tip of the week:
Hidden installer program helper on your pc
Did you know Windows XP has a piece of software, that helps you package up
a bunch of your stuff to make it easy for someone else to install, called iexpress?
pcmechanic for the rescue



Video of the week:
24 hour pizza delivery
What if Jack beur, delivered pizza?
Go watch on youtube

Another Video of the week:
Speed Racer
Cheesey, nostalgic (not), and by the Matrix guys. I'm a bit unsettled.
Go watch on youtube

Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 74: TRASH TALKING REVIEWS

Episode 74: Trash talking reviews

The video and technology industry are definately not in the christmas spirit, with backlashes, choice words, and a lot of general monkeying around is happening.

With Jeff Gerstman getting fired for alledgedly writing a bad review on gamespot, does this mean the end of game reviews which are honestly worth reading? and what about one of the largest gaming mergers happening in history to break up a dreary sunday news day?

That still not enough? Well, the Asus EEE pc's finally made it out into at least Myer in small quantities, just like the One Laptop Per Child project having its first successful deployments in third world countries. Phew!

Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right (its an orange icon), or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!



You can have a listen using the player here:




If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (44:48, 20.8mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

Microsoft Santa robot starts swearing and getting jiggy with it
theregister.co.uk - source

Activision and Blizzard to merge
kotaku.com - now this is a suprise announcement!

AMD gets annoyed at intel
itwire.com - source story

Microsoft sued 140million for multiple passwords
techdirt.com - source

Microsoft Trash talks Firefox
dailytech.com - source

Write a bad review? get fired
primotechnology.com - Jeff Gerstman, you will return.

Secret Mailing list clouds Wikipedia
slashdot.org - source

The OLPC project
cbsnews.com - source

Myths in gaming
gamepro.com - source

Tip of the week:
Warzone 2100 for Free!
That's right, a Real Time Strategy which was made open source in 2004, has been
updated to better run on newer computers (openGL support),
as well as be a good game in its own right.
Highlights include customizing your units heavily, and a futuristic dead world type setting,
This is almost a steal at under 16megabytes.
More information, and downloads available at http://wz2100.net



Video of the week:
B*stard boyfriend breakup
With lines like this, who needs girlfriends
Go watch on youtube (ok, that tag line sucked)

Asus EEE Tip: Enabling Advanced mode
Your bundle of joy comes with a lot of future potential. To get at most of it,
Asus have provided an "advanced mode" where you are able to change your
theme, add new applications and tweak your mini-machine.

To do this:
  1. Launch file manager (its in the work tab)
  2. Click on tools at the top, then Open Console Window
  3. type sudo bash (this lets you hack around) after each next step, press enter.
  4. type apt-get update (this updates the list of apps you can update)
  5. type apt-get install kicker , and press y and enter when it asks to install
  6. type apt-get install ksmserver , and press y and enter when it asks to install
  7. Type exit, enter to exit your sudo acces. Do this again to leave the terminal.
  8. Done! Now when you tap the power button, there is a full desktop option on the far left. Enjoy...

Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!

Monday, November 26, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 73: ASUS EEE REVIEW

Episode 73: asus EEE madness

With Gadget Madness running through my veins, I review the Asus EEE Laptop before it reaches australian shores and give a verdict on what may be a gadget lovers dream device. I also talk about Service Pack 3 for Windows XP and how it may affect people moving to Vista - and even have some room to fit in an excellent video to watch this week, and tips to help troubleshooting a friends pc even easier

Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!



You can have a listen using the player here:




If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (49:25, 22.mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

MS Explorer crashes
news.bbc.co.uk

Seasame St: not for kids!
boingboing.net - where else would this be from?

Testers say XP Sp3 is faster
computerworld.com - soruce

Top 10 IT Disasters
zdnet.co.uk - list

Asus EEE Review
By Brett (thats me!)

I talk about using the EEE, its Specifications, and why this laptop may be one of the most fun gadgets you may ever purchase - its a lot of fun!

(note the 50cent coin to compare the size of the laptop)

Tip of the week:
Theme: Support and diagnostics
These two tools are sure to make showing people your latest photoshop trick or running through a problem when you can't be there yourself easy, as well as finding out what is in your computer much easier in a pinch.
Camtasia Studio 3 - for free
Go watch on youtube

Adia32

Find
Go watch on youtube


Video of the week:
I feel fantastic!
Written by Jonahton Coulton, who also wrote "still alive" for Portal,
this song is catchy and will make you smile
Go watch on youtube


Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!

Secret link - If you don't tell your wife you won the lottery, prepare to get your butt kicked!
miamiherald.com - source



Friday, November 23, 2007

Tiny gadget - big oomph.


Oh my, what do we have here.....
Coming Sunday, A Podcast, and a chat about the Asus EEE.

Monday, November 19, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 72: EGAMES EXPO

Episode 72: eGames Expo

This week on the show I talk about my time at the eGames exhibition, held at the exhibition centre in melbourne between 16-18th November.

Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!


If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (36:18, 16.6mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

Korea launchs camp for web addictions
nytimes.com - source

Why COD4 Looks so hot
next-gen.biz - source

Skip ads? then no program guide for you
itwire.com.au - source
(The soup nazi will turn in his metaphorical grave)

ID Software to launch a mobile divison
gamedaily.com - source

Hard Games - discussion
kotaku.com - source
Reader question: What is the Hardest game YOU have played? Let me know and I'll mention it in next weeks show

Video of the week:
Good Game - Pure ownage episode
A funny episode that took advantage of the Pure Ownage crew being in melbourne.
The cast is full of energy, and the choice of games will make you laugh.
Go the roffle cup!
Go watch on ABC.net.au
(Note: the episode is 8, Season 2)


Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it! Spread the word and if you like the show, let your friends know.

hidden link: This movie is about cats flying


Bonus:
Partial Transcript of the eGames coverage:
Things were off to a bit of a shaky start, with the exhibition centre also being host to the popular "Sexpo". I had to double check I was going to the right place, with all the ads for that outside the front, and not much signage for eGames. After that, I got inside and spent some time looking around - there were a lot of stalls around, as well as computers gaming. I was impressed by the lack of extra cheesy "DOOF DOOF" music, which made it easier to hear people compared to last year. Many friendly people, both from Stalls, and the actual people coming in to check out whats going on. All kinds of ages were there, from Veterans coming to check it all out, all the way to kids with their families playing the latest games on the Wii and Playstation 3.

Companies like Scorptec which is a well known online aussie pc store were there, and I got to see in person for the first time a Nvidia 8800GT. Although still roughly the same length as the Nvidia 8800 Series cards, the single slot cooler looks a lot more neat and "cleaner", and more professionally made. Standing in a case next to its bigger brother, a 8800Ultra sure showed whos boss, with a massive cooler that was still not able to hide the heat pipes and huge heatsink underneath cooling the card.


Intels talk on the newer Penryn and future processors was pretty neat, the enthusiasm from the intel speaker was cool, talking about overclocking, and even having an assistant on stage that was showing how to actually overclock, and explained all the normal terms like multiplier, front side bus. From the speech it is evident that Intel are very confdent of extending their lead more from AMD. I sure wouldn't like to be in AMD's camp right now, although I hope they are able to pick up their ball sometime next year to keep things competitive. Even more fun before the intel speech, was a build off competition as well, where 5 people went on stage, and they all were under pressure to build a computer as fast as possible. The bonus? The winner got to keep the pc they had just built! Roughly worth $2,500 - so a pretty high spec one.

There was a cosplay section, which definately sticks out as one of the funnest and cool things to watch that I've seen in a long time! I thought that this would have been cheesy, knowing that cosplay is about people dressing up like their favourite video game charecters, but this was just geek heaven. Some obscure games were represented besides the usual final fantasy, things such as a law game on the Nintendo DS, and as soon as they struck their charecter poses I burst out laughing remembering the game - Good times, and a great dose of nostalgia, and fun fan stuff! a big highlight that was unexpected for me.

Speaking of people, there was a large array of people that behind the scenes, make the community tick. For example, not just representitives - but the real people running and helping in their field. People from gamestah were there both on a discussion panel as well as doing live commentary for lan games where players got to take on Immunity, well known for being the best Counterstrike 1.6 players and overall most respected clan in australia. So of course, they whooped everyone, but there were free for alls with people at the expo, and if you were unlucky enough to take on immunity, you would get a shirt and prizes for it (next year, maybe a towel or cloth would be good, to wipe their sweat off if they were able to take a round without raging!)


Monday, November 12, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 71: HELLGATE HELL

Episode 71: HELLGATE HELL

It's game madness! I try to pick up the pieces and keep track of everything that is coming out - and in the process, I get swept away by the Awesomeness that is Call of Duty 4.

Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!


If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (28:44, 13.4mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

Online Translator insults ministers mum
theregister.co.uk - source

Hellgate Billing Issues
shacknews.com - source


New Wii Channel: Check Mii out coming
gameinfowire.com - source

The end of online stupidity
tgdaily.com - Full story

I also talk about Call of Duty 4. I can see that eating up a lot of time!

Video of the week:
Stupid gaming moments
A collection of funny bugs, What the? moments and other weird
bits in old games.
Go watch on videosift.com


Video of the week:
Pure Pwnage Episode 15
Well, I ranted about it last episode, now you can watch it for yourself!
Go watch on purepwnage.com

Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Next Episode coming soon!

Episode 71 coming tommorrow

Can't sleep, CoD4 will beat me, Can't Sleep, CoD4 will beat me...

For those who don't have either the orange box or Call of Duty 4 - Wow... It is a great game.

Monday, November 05, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 70: PURE OWNAGE

Episode 70: Pure (P)wnage

After a great weekend, I take the time to go to the World Premiere of Pure Pwnage in Melbourne at the Astor Theatre. Besides taking some poor quality pictures, I meet a lot of great people, and even get too have a picture taken with the guys themselves.

As well as that, theres a lot of games coming out! - And Metal Gear 4 delayed, so I cry a bit about that.

Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!

If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (30:05, 13.7mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

Manhunt survives Hot coffee spill
gamespot.com - info

Crackers to use GPU cards to get at your stuff
pcauthority.com.au - info

PS3 Owns the record books
bbc.co.uk - source

Tip of the Week:
Gmail is now offering IMAP support
The first tip here is to do with Gmail. With this tip, you can now check and send your emails from your favourite email program!
pcworld.com

Improved vista bootup
An extremely easy tip for Vista users - run msconfig, and follow the step (one step!) to have a full color bootup instead of a clunky old school one!
ocmodshop.com -


Video of the week:
COD 4 Arcade mode
Call of Duty 4.... Arcade Style. You get points for chain kills
Go watch on gametrailers


Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!

Sunday, October 28, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 69: VALVE OWNED

Episode 69: Valve Owned

In the Last week, Valve have shown that not only they have the most tight and controlling grip of their online software purchases, they went a step further and enforced it. The craziness that happened from it will make many people think twice about purchasing from them again.

I also give a rundown on building a computer for people looking to get a new one done for the Christmas season! More than likely for yourself of course, but you need to know about what to get! - so here is some help.

Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!



You can have a listen using the player here:




If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (49:24, 22.5mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

Zest owns the orange box
Consumerist Link

Local whiz speeds up broadband by 200 times
news.com.au - clever chap

Storm Worm strikes back
Network world.com - source

Nvidias new cards
Whirlpool forum thread with info and release dates

Nokia's 5 megapixel N82 with WiFi and GPS spotted?
Engadget.com - Source and photo

Eeeupdate!
http://eeepc.asus.com/en/product.htm
Look forward to a worldwide release, spec bumps and more
*BREAKING NEWS* The Asus EEE is listed in a New Zealand Dick Smith Store, for a Price of 599nzd for the 4gig with Webcam version - release date of November 1st!

Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!



And now, for Brett's buying a PC Guide! Remember to email me using the address above if you would like any part expanded on, or any questions about it!


A lot of people have poor computers around here, so its about time we show them what they can have! And when you compare it up using this list, you'll see that its a fair bit cheaper than you expected too.
With a complete box, that excludes a screen and keyboard.

The screen and keyboard/mouse are the most important parts in my opinion, because its what your looking at most of the time (you don't look at your case that much do you?), and the keyboard mouse will always hold you up regardless of speed, if they arn't good.

Off my head, The G5 Mouse (second edition) is $72 at msy, an excellent price. The G15 keyboard, is ~100-150. I say that, because the old one is about to be refreshed with the new one, which will cost more.

Screenwise, for the low end consider a Chimei 221D 22inch for $329. LCD's are the way to go now due to portability and size/weight. I would recommend if you do photo editing or want quality, Samsungs 215TW or 244TW ($660 pccasegear.com / $1300) Would be what I would get (215tw i have now), followed by Dell's 24, 27, and 30 (!) inch screens are all good (~750, 1300, 1700 - dell.com.au)

To build a computer, or have one built for you, the box will need the following:

Case/PSU
RAM
CPU
Motherboard
HDD
GPU

So, lets go through each of these items, and see what you need, and give you an option with it.

Case/PSU

The case is important, as if there is not enough space, you won't be able to fit bigger cards (ie the 8800gtx when it came out). As well as this, ventilation, weight, bling (or non bling!) are important too. I try to budget $250-$300 for a case, and the PSU. Funnily enough, as you get more expensive cases, they rarely come with a Power supply, which you kind of have to get to turn it on.

An example of a good brand is Antec, and example of a average to poor one is Thermaltake. Top tier ones are Shuttle (mini), and Li-lian

The Best recommendation I can give? Always buy the one you like - shop at http://www.pccasegear.com.au because you can see what each one is like, and you can look at detailed specs and photos - they have a big range. Shipping is $10 there anywhere in australia, and if you get any other parts from there, then you get that included in the shipping. Bonus! I'd allow $120 if I was forced to go with a cheaper case and psu


RAM:
Ram is a tough one for an uneducated or rushed buyer. You will usually end up buying the cheapest generic, have it put out errors and make your life hell. For what its worth, 2 gig kits are $100-$130 on msy, which are good. If you are intending to upgrade, you will usually need new ram, as current ram is DDR2 style. With Windows XP, your limit of ram is 2.5-3gig (its limited by a variety of things). If there is the budget, 4gig of ram is great both in value and power - but you will need to use Vista as well. This will be in 2 x 2gig sticks. The reason for two sticks is to go "dual channel", which is good. Why is it good? It uses two interfaces at once to communicate with your pc, doubling the bandwidth that your ram can communicate at - a nice bonus, although in games it isn't too much of a jump.

CPU:

Currently the best choice by far is Intel's Core2Duo and santa rosa chips. Blah-di-blah blah? Ok, The Intel E4500 is Dual Core, 2.2ghz, and 2mb of Cache. Nothing to be sneezed at, and that 2.2ghz will beat the pants off anything last generation. The price for this one on msy is $179 atm. The reason I avoided the better bang for buck processors is due to the cpu being the best part to upgrade in the future. By buying a Intel Q6600 (quad core processors) straight away, you might not be able to jump too much without needing to upgrade other parts, such as DDR3 (in the future) and possibly a newer motherboard. Intel Q6600? $329. Great value.

FYI: Regional people like me, if you can't find a store thats cheap enough, consider getting it shipped, or doing a roadtrip if its worth it.


Motherboard

The bit that all your computer parts plug into, that goes in your case.

A volatile market. Weekly Prices drop, new models come out, so its hard to keep on top of this part. I allow $100 for budget computers, and try to keep it under $275 for performance computers. I choose based on features, cooling, and overclocking features.

The choice of motherboard will dictate what cpu's you are allowed, which you can tell by finding its socket type or pin numbers - Socket 775 is the Intel's, AMD AM2 940 is for the older AMD Chips (not recommended except for absolute bottom budget systems).

Budget, I would go with the ASUS P5KPL G31 ($103)

Performance, the Gigabyte P35-DQ6 ($269) is ok. Again, if you need to shop, you will choose one best for you.

HDD
HDD = Hard Disk Drive By the way! Its the thing that stores all your stuff, your O/S, games, etc. Don't be the tool at the lan with 4-5 80gig hdd's from all his older pcs - just buy a 500-750gig hdd for $175-$285 (again, msy). Seagates are well known, personal experience matters here of course, and again Seagates warranties are currently the best, followed by Western Digital.

If you need to save money, a 250gig HDD from whoever (maxtor - $58 will suffice, but don't say I didn't warn you.


GPU


Gp-what? Graphics Card, Sit down :P
If your reading this, It's very likely that you love gaming - this part will likely be looked at the most. Forget integrated, end of discussion (some motherboards come with a graphics card which are perfect for business machines).

I'm going to skip most of the budget cards and recommend either a high end Direct X 9.0 Card, or a Direct X 10 one.

So, The Nvidia 7900Gt 256meg (if you can find it, expect ~$200) is a fantastic card. However, most places are not selling it anymore. So, that Leaves you with the ATI Sapphire X1950Pro 256meg ($192, MSY) - a great performing card. No fluff, just good.

But what you really want is a Nvidia 8800 Series card. This means a Gigabyte Nvidia 8800GTS 320meg ($412, msy) is excellent value for its performance and a good allround card. If your running a larger screen, consider the version with 640meg ram for better high resolution gaming ($529 for the Gigabyte Version and $545 for the asus one).

The rumored 8800GT coming out on October 29th looks to change this, offering performance similar to the 8800GTX (a 768meg monster that is $735+) For a price point similar to the cards above. ATI's Card will follow shortly after, although not much is known about where it fits in your pc making piece of pie.

Budget - $679
Performance - $1719

Pick and choose between the choices above, and you'll end up at a price range between the two here. If you're not building it yourself, allow $100 to get someone to do it for you. Don't expect your highschool friend to do it for $10 - thats just cruel on them.

This doesn't include buying a Operating system. I like giving people the choice of buying their own - or using something like Ubuntu or other means. Having said that, Vista Ultimate oem was $300 and lowering, and if your doing a new system from scratch, you might as well go with it now.

After that, Enjoy your pc!

Other tips? Forget Brand loyalties, Forget about SLI/Crossfire (two cards) unless you are planning on a high budget system from the start.

Like this story on ausTech news? then leave feedback for me on it, and I'll get back to your comments. Hope you enjoyed it!

Thursday, October 18, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 68: MAH BIRTHDAY

Episode 68: Mah Birthday

The week of my birthday! It was a heap of fun, but im sorry for missing an episode due to it though! after settling down, I found out there were lots of things as a kind of present from the gaming gods, there is demos such as Call of Duty 4, Even the mighty Unreal Tournament 3!

As well as that, there is the Orange box - I have a look at that and give the opinion on it all.

Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!


If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (27:27, 12.5mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

Soldier of Fortune Announced... then banned in australia
Kotaku.com - source

Sonic in smash brothers
Internode - source

Battlefield 3 Leaked info
Digitalbattle.com - source

Brett Talks about all the new demos coming out - in particular:

Call of Duty 4 - demo here thanks internode
Unreal Tournament 3 - demo here thanks internode

Windows SP3 Beta spotted in the wild
Slashdot - source

Video of the week:
Helicopter Stunts
A famous internet video that I don't like describing!
Go watch on youtube


Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!

Sunday, October 07, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 67: WiiJacket

Episode 67: WiiJacket

This week we talk about nintendo's free Wii Jacket offer they are doing - great of them to do that! /As well as that, we see the cool tech thats not in the future, but just about to come out - such as instant boot operating systems.

I don't know about you, but the ability to jump into using your computer for basic Voice calls as well as Internet use (and youtube viewing!) is pretty tempting, especially for laptops that like to have as little going as possible for battery life.


Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!


If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (29:40, 13mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

iPod Nano - pyro edition
baynews9.com - source

Amiga boss says AmigaOS 5 - Better than OSX
engadget.com - source

Kids prefer the NES to the psp
whatjapanthinks.com - source

Woman gets sued $222,000 for songs by the RIAA
tgdaily.com - source

Ubisoft apologizes for slur used in scrabble on the DS
digg.com - source

Wiimotes get jackets - for free!
dvorak.org - source
For us Aussies, you can claim them with the following info:

To request a "Wii Remote Jacket", contact NINTENDO CUSTOMER SERVICE on (03) 9730 9822 Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm (EST)

Just remember to scribble down your serial number from under the console.

Microsoft tries to push IE7 to everyone - even pirates
slashdot.org - source

And, in dedication to finding this out:





Asus motherboard comes with Net and VOIP
phoronix.com - instant boot for the win!


Video of the week:
Harry Potter is a bad room-mate
What if you lived in a shared house, with Harry potter?
could you put up with being called a "muggle"?
Go watch on youtube


Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!

Friday, September 28, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 66: G9 Review

Episode 66: G9 Review

Among Quake wars coming out, and world in conflict rising up in popularity, there is a little thing called Halo 3 coming out. Oh, and in between that, I give a massive review of the logitech G9 Mouse. So, if your wanting to find more about that mouse, here is the first podcast review of one - and its in australia, bonus!

Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!




If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (41:45, 19mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

Opening music provided thanks to the Final Fantasy OCRemix project: http://ff7.ocremix.org/

Boy Survives two hour plane flight, holding on to the plane wing

rian.ru - source

OLPC : give one, get one free
olpc.com - source

Halo 3 Breaks Records on release
news.com - source

Jack Thompsons son now playing Halo 3
gamepolitics.com - source

DVD Recorders gone legal
engadget.com - source


G9 Review

Made for ausTech news, I take a comprehensive look at the mouse, covering the look of this crazy mouse, including:

  • its look
  • Colour changing LED's
  • Buttons
  • Setpoint software (actually worth using!)
  • And the very cool profile button and microgears feature

secret link: this is sparta - emo edition


Video of the week:
Sparta Remix
A famous internet video that I don't like describing!
Go watch on youtube


Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!

Saturday, September 22, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 65: SWAP MEETS BEGONE

Episode 65: SWAP MEETS BEGONE

This week on the show we find out that the popular computer swap meets in Australia have been closed, after over 16 years of tradition. We look into why and what this means for us, and if it will effect people shopping for computer parts.

Also on this weeks show:
Rich gaming kids
Usb3
Playstation rumbles
new Aussie net laws



Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!


If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (30:55, 14.1mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

Wii is confirmed ahead of all consoles
tgdaily.com - source

12 Year old Starts gaming company, gets 6.5 million
venturebeat.com -source

USB 3 to be in 2008
engadget.com - source

Photoshop -free web version
gizmodo.com - source

Sony's DualShock 3 is finally official: PS3 gets rumble
engadget.com - source

New aussie cyber-crime law
australianit.news.com - source

Tip of the week:
Final Fantasy 7 Album for free
Free and Final Fantasy 7! Always good, it is a 3 CD big collection of songs that for FF7 fans will bring back memories, and for others, the quality of this will amaze you
link to ff7.ocremix.org



Video of the week:
If business meetings were like internet forums
First!.... The title sums it up, but its a business meeting,
with a internet forum mentality. Very Funny.
neatorama.com link - streaming


Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!

Friday, September 21, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 65 preview

Episode 65, Coming soon!

Next episode should be here by 23rd September - I've been held up by just getting the Logitech G9 mouse (I'm literally holding it in its box still now)

At the moment, heading to the Pixar Exhibition, so I will see you after it!

Friday, September 14, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 64: Whirlpool sued

Episode 64: Whirlpool sued

This week the popular Whirlpool forums has been sued! we look at why and whats going on with it at the moment. On top of that, the Quake wars demo is finally out. First thoughts from a beta player and battlefield 2 player inside this weeks episode.

Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!

If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (23:42, 10.7mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

Wikipedia reaches two million articles
itwire.com - source

Local forum Whirlpool sued
itwire's coverage
Not forgetting whirlpool's own media coverage

Quake Wars demo is out
internode download lonk
If you use an ATI card, I recommend the hotfix, for either Vista or XP

Video of the week:
Meet the engineer
I can't get enough of these Team fortress 2 videos, and hopefull you can't neither! This one focuses on a country lovin' wrench wielding engineer.
Go watch on gametrailers
download on internode

Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!

Saturday, September 08, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 63: FATTY IPOD

Episode 63: FATTY IPOD

On this weeks show, I cover the new apple iPods; how good are they and what they mean to you - whether your buying one or not.
New demos are around the corner and they get a lookin too!

(apologies for the wrong original listing ;) )
Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!


If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (36:27, 16.6mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

Apple launch live
live.gizmodo.com
But really, the juice is at apple.com too.

Pong was originally going to have a round ball!
youtube video link

Xbox gets 20,000 of the wrong Wrong power cords
digg.com - discussion

QuakeWars Demo coming out 10th September (this monday!)
community.enemyterritory.com

As well as this, I cover some Asus EEE updates, talk about the kinds of iPod users there are, and that I want a laptop (donations accepted!)

Tip(s!) of the week:
Free ubisoft games (ad-supported though) :( available here
Free command and Conquer 1 (thanks Charliebrown)

Video of the week:
Clocks (coldplay) on mario paint
Have a smile and watch old games playing new songs
Go watch on youtube


Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!

Thursday, September 06, 2007

next episode coming out tommorrow!

Well, after getting back from the Bourne ultimatium so late, I've decided to call it a night - But look forward to a very detailed round up of all the new iPod range!

Friday, August 31, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 62: BIOSHOCK

Episode 62: BIOSHOCK

This week we talk about Bioshock's release - the good and bad things that have come with it, as well as talking about the logitech G9 Mouse. With the first reviews out there, what do they think of it?

Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!



You can have a listen using the player here:




If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (32:24, 14.2mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

Teen nearly kills himself trying to fix his xbox 360
tgdaily.com - information

Gadgets blamed for teens lack of sleep
engadget.com - source

Bioshocks "rootkit"
slashdot.org - source

Bioshock review
arstechnica.com - great review here

Microsoft Thinks new users are pirates
dvorak.org - rofl

First review of the G9 Logitech mouse found
techgage.com - for the win! review

IBM server owned
engadget.com - short and sweet story


Video of the week:
Crysis Nanosuit trailer
Glossy ad showing what looks to be all ingame footage to the popular Crysis game - a good first video, showing off all the cool things you can do with that powerful suit thing you get...
Go watch on gametrailers

Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!


seeeecreett: "in bed, I only roll 20's"

Friday, August 24, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 61: SKYPE GO BOOM

Episode 61: SKYPE GO BOOM!

This week we talk about the system-wide outtage of skype.
With the reliance of skype being so great, what does it being down mean for its future?

I also talk about the future of Cooling CPU's, as well as The blu ray and hd-dvd war still going strong (and probably to their own loss!)

Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!

If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (34:50, 15.8mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news

Housekeeping:
At the beginning of the show, I talk about how Mechwarrior 2's music soundtrack was awesome. Well, you can listen too!
Check out this link to see an ingame section featuring the music
and then I have a link to the intro movie for a bit of a trip down memory lane for those who played it way back in 1997.

Shownotes:


Arm wrestling in machines in japan - they break your arm!
brietbart.com - weird name, but its the source

Toshiba announces 320gb Laptop harddrive
engadget.com - source

Playstation 2 to get wiimote ripoff
megagames.com - source

Cooling CPU chip breakthrough
megagames.com - source

Skypes big outage
tgdaily.com - Full story
ITwire has a interesting article too.

The Next gen dvd format war continues
techdirt.com - source

Tip of the week:

Spamhilator
A simple piece of software that checks the email you are getting isn't spam. If it isn't, then bam! less worry for you, and more real emails to focus on.
More info and free download at its website


Video of the week:
Teamfortress 2: Soldier
A bit of a follow up to "heavy weapons guy" - this one is even funnier!
Streaming and hi def download links here

Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!



Secret link:

Blind women hits hole in one
Metal gear solid getting frisky


Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Next episode coming out tommorrow!

Next episode is coming out 23rd of august!

I hear that holograms are coming.... Thats about all im saying :P

Thursday, August 16, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 60: NOKIA BOOBOO

Episode 60: Nokia booboo

First Sony done it, now Nokia have joined the ranks! Listen in and find all about their mess up.

Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!

If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (21:30, 9.8mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)


We are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!: http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

Aussie lingo causes scare
smh.com - source

Nokia recalls 46 Million batteries
dvorak.org - Short snippet

Heavenly Sword has 10gig of Sound Data Alone
ps3fanboy.com - source

Bioshock gone gold
gamershell.com - source

Bittorrent becomes closed source
digg.com - source

Olympic committee chooses XP over Vista
slashdot.org - source

Xbox 360 price drop
itwire.com - information


Video of the week:
Gangsta Star wars
20 Million views, as popular as the numa numa man
Atomfilms is where it's at


Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!

Episode 60 coming latter today!

Episode 60 is coming around the corner!

It's been recorded and ready to go out the door - but unfortunately its getting so late here that if I don't get to sleep, I'll be in the bad side of the books tommorrow. So, Coming first thing tommorrow, is the episode!

In this one I point out Nokias battery recalls, and huge sound files in games. Tune in!

Thursday, August 09, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 59: EYE ON MAC

Episode 59: Eye on Mac

Apple had a product announcement, and I thought I'd wait around and get the juicy bits from it so I can pass it on! As well as that, Logitech are about to bring out some new hardware, for the win!

Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!



If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (29:28, 13.4mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

Nintendo wii about to catch up with the 360!
vgchartz.com - source and stats

Apples new stuff
engadget.com - summary of news stories

Logitechs G9 and G15 update
engadget.com - original story
Image of the new G15 Keyboard

Web Based Quake Zero announced
kotaku.com - source

During this episode, I also talk about the Asus EEE laptop, a laptop I can't wait to get when it comes out locally - so be sure to stay tuned for the latest info about it.

Tip of the week:
G15 Information Applet
A lcd screen add-on for your G15 Logitech keyboard. If you've played around with a few already and wanted something really meaty try this - it literally scans through webpages you look at, and displays the important stuff so you can go away and play games while still staying up to date!
ploki.info - with thanks for their applet



Video of the week:
iD announces RAGE
iD Software have been working on their next engine for a long time, and it shows in this neat looking trailer for the future game.
Not youtube, but gametrailers.com for once!

Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!

Secret one: His shoes popped off!
Secret two: the little helicopter I was talking about

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Next episode coming out after the Apple unveiling

Just letting you all know that the next episode could have come up today...

But it didn't.

Why not?

Well, Apple have decided to launch their new Mac range at 3am Australian (well, brisbane..) time, so I figured it would be more useful to postpone it for a day!

So, have a good one, and see you on the other side of tommorrow - with some juicy bites of apple and other tech information ready for you!

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

ausTech news - Episode 58: AUSSIE GAME INDUSTRY BOOM

Episode 58: Aussie game industry boom

Although its been a quiet week, I find time to talk about wireless media players, as well as the positive state that the games industry is in Australia - heres to a great future!

Remember you can always subscribe by clicking the podcast icon in the top right, or by putting this link into your iTunes/podcast program: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AustechNews - Its easy and free to subscribe, and gives you the show as soon as we make them!

If you'd like, you can download this show straight away (27:52, 13.1mb), by clicking here (if you get a prompt, you want to save it to your computer)

Lastly, we are also on digg, if you would like to vote for us on there!:
http://digg.com/podcasts/ausTech_news


Shownotes:

Change googles background to black, to save worlds energy
blackle.com - oook

uTorrent is now the official bittorrent client
torrentfreak.com - source

BlackBerry owes this guy a girlfriend
networkworld.com - source

Aussie Game Industry now worth 1 Billion Dollars
itwire.com.au - source

WoW reaches 9 Million users
Link to gamearena thread - where is the proper story! Regardless, thats 9 Million poor souls..

During this show, I also talk about Wireless Media players, the three models I mention are the Zensonic z500, the Mediagate 350HD, and the Apple TV.

Tip of the week:
Seperate your Work time from your leisure time!
Lifehack usually come up with the goods on practical stuff, and this is no exception.
http://www.lifehack.org/



Video of the week:
WTFJuice
After watching this Viral video, I have decided that I would like to become a tree... you'll see.
Lets just hope you like chicken.
Go watch on youtube
And there is a second part..

Our email address is austechnews@gmail.com . However feel free to leave a voice mail for feedback and comments on the show as well. Thanks for supporting the show and listening to it!