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1. 
   Review - Speccy

   1.00.089 Beta (Jan 21, 2010)

   -1 for crashing (BSoD) my PC which is Quad Core 3.0Ghz Intel based.
   It's working nicely on my notebook which is an Dual Core 2.1Ghz AMD based.
   
   Not sure what's going on with the code but it ground my Intel system to a halt. The hard drives all started clicking and anything that was going on completely froze before the system then BSoDs and reboots. I'm a little worried to try it again even as the versions progress. I'll probably try again when it moves out of Beta.
   
   On the AMD based notebook, all works fine. I can't tell what the problem is. I DO have many hard drives both internal and external on the PC, as well as different devices hooked up, but that's where the differences stop. Both systems have similar programs installed ... in fact, much the same, and they both run 7 64bit, one with 8GB RAM the notebook with 4.

2. 
   Review - ESET NOD32 Antivirus for Windows (32-bit)

   4.2.22.0 Beta (Dec 27, 2009)

   Eset is one of the best, and has been for a while. It's lightweight, easy to use and almost 'install and forget it' due to it's frequent, silent background def. updates.
   Anyone who thinks AVG or Avast (Free or Paid) are in the same league is unfortunately deluded or have never used Eset for any amount of time.
   I've been using Eset for years and I've never gotten a malware or virus infection while using it. I've also gotten very, very few false positives. Perhaps 1 or 2 in a year.

3. 
   Review - nVIDIA GeForce Drivers for Windows

   191.07 (Oct 29, 2009)

   While the driver works fine, somewhere along the line the Nvidia Control Panel has been rendered useless for some built in video models, for instance I'm using a Nvidia 630i/7100 MGPU and the Nvidia Control Panel will no longer open.
   
   This means I no longer have access to detailed configurations or controls like acceleration, performance vs. quality settings or color control. I've tried everything, including a fresh OS install. I've notified both the board manufacturer and Nvidia, both who claim Windows 7 certification with said driver and chipset however neither of them seem to be able to isolate or iron out the problem.
   
   So for the record, if you're using Windows 7 64bit and the Nvidia 630i 7100 chipset, upgrade your drivers ONLY if you don't need access to your settings, as the Nvidia Control Panel no longer works for this chipset.

4. 
   Review - Vuze for Windows

   4.2.0.9 Beta 34 (Oct 23, 2009)

   I absolutely love Vuze. I use it on my HTPC and use utorrent on my laptop.
   It's a way more presentable interface for my HTPC. The search function is also way more comprehensive for 'far from pc' use vs. Utorrent.
   It does use more memory than utorrent, but imho it's worth it. If you have a system with 4GB or more RAM, you won't feel a thing....gfi! you won't regret it.

5. 
   Review - Intel Chipset Device Software

   9.1.1.1014 (Jun 19, 2009)

   Intel releases these updates for their own brand boards first in every scenario. Then they filter down the line to the generic 'all chipset' area on Intel's site.
   So for those wondering where this and these types of updates come from, simple go to Intel's site and pick any of their current boards. I've used these releases before and they work, but it doesn't mean that they'll keep working - one day they may really be for intel boards only.

6. Comment - You bought HP TouchPad, it's discontinued, now what?

   9.1.1.1014 (Aug 19, 2011 - 5:17 PM)

   It wasn't a mistake. WebOS is impressive, but nothing HP was doing drew enough dev. attention. After everything, the most important part of these mobile systems is the apps.
   In an already 'crowding' space, WebOS never stood enough apart so as to attract too many, or maybe even any customers away from the other 4 majority smart OSs (Android, iOS, BB, MS). In the end, if they were getting maybe 1 out of 10 customers to buy their product - how does that make sense? Not sure who's to blame here, it may just not be a good time to attempt a market penetration right now. I thought the WebOS idea was great, when they said they'd put it on laptops and desktops etc. That's all gone now. If they were to continue, I don't think they could have made what it would have taken to make it cost effective anyway. Let's see what the future holds. It may not be truly dead yet.
   
   I'm hoping the current ones out there will plummet in price. I'd def. pick one up for 100-200.

7. Comment - Apple lied to get that injunction against Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1?

   9.1.1.1014 (Aug 15, 2011 - 6:04 PM)

   The bonus is how they open the app drawer initially as well for the picture. Add that to photoshopping/image resizing of the design; as a judge if I didn't know better I'd have said "shame on you" to Samsung as well.
   
   Oh Apple. Apple. Apple. Apple.

8. Comment - Sprint, RIM 'mutually' decide to scrap PlayBook 4G release

   9.1.1.1014 (Aug 13, 2011 - 9:55 AM)

   This, from Betanews
   
   "Are we seeing the end of the RIM PlayBook? The 4G version apparently will no longer be released, the company suggests."
   
   and this from RIM
   
   "RIM has decided to prioritize and focus its 4G development resources on LTE. We remain excited and committed to delivering innovative and powerful 4G tablets to the US market together with our carrier partners. Testing of BlackBerry 4G PlayBook models is already underway and we plan to enter labs for network certifications in the US and other international markets this fall."
   
   don't mesh.
   
   Note, that statement from RIM is AFTER the whole Sprint cancellation of the tablet. I don't think it's 'the end' at all. Just like the typical BB phone, the Playbook isn't as palatable as it's competitors for the general customer. It's small and very expensive for what you get. However, businesses and governments have and continue to show interest in different countries around the globe so as long as they can provide the product I'm sure there'll be some demand for it.

9. Comment - We want your Windows XP memories

   9.1.1.1014 (Aug 12, 2011 - 1:17 PM)

   I did. The end was quite anti-climactic, as he didn't finish.

10. Comment - Samsung's Bada outsells Windows Phone in Q2

    9.1.1.1014 (Aug 12, 2011 - 1:14 PM)

    I don't agree with some of what you say. One of the biggest reasons Apple is able to move it's products well is the fact that they have a loyal fanbase. People don't seem to realize that.
    Apple beats every other manufacturer in terms of moving their devices. Even with something like 10 or whatever percent of the market share, that's 10 full percent going to Apple vs. PC makers who have to share up 90% between how many.
    
    This being said, Apple doesn't have to do much to outsell their competitor. All they have to worry about is losing loyalty and that doesn't happen often. My cousin is a graphic designer and has been a Machead for the 30+ years. No one could ever convince her otherwise. Her 6 kids are now also Macheads because this is what they've grown up on. I remember a decade ago when anything you got for an Apple computer was at the least 50% more than it's PC counterpart and mostly all unnecessarily proprietary. Apple has moved away from this, but the idea of 'locking in' customers is still fully there.
    
    So this whole "integration" thing? It may look good to/for some folks but not for everyone. Apple users have had this force fed down their throats for years and so, this is what they've come to want and expect. True integration would have been allowing the ipod to work with other media players. This was not the case, in fact Apple went out of the way to make sure it was locked to itunes and itunes only. This started a phenomenon where ipods became instantly popular because of that insta-% market share Apple had...so it went with the ipod touch, iphone and ipad and while this isn't the direct reason they do so well (they ARE good products), it's sort of like cheating as that foot is in the door vs. competitors. The rest of us are 'shared up' between competitors while Apple enjoys the full attention from their loyalists.
    
    Microsoft imo is not doing themselves a favor with embracing this idea because it's not an idea that's universal to buyers. Most of us want to use our own stuff. We don't want to be locked into using this program for this reason. The Zune failed because MS insisted on creating software for it to interact with vs. just allowing it to work on Windows Media Player or other software. Zune software was nice, but seemed to be a try on iTunes, which isn't going to survive general consensus because it requires a certain mindset to really work for it.
    
    I DO agree with you that a certain amount of integration is key, but just on the part of OSes being able to port over to various platforms. I'd love to see one Windows version able to be put on everything from phones to computers - this is where I think we'll achieve ultimate synergy. I don't expect to see it soon, but it could happen. Imagine you buy a single copy of Windows 'X' and are able to put it on your phone, tablet, notebook and PC all with a similar look and easy integration between them all but not necessarily being locked into it.
    
    Windows Phone as it is, is nice...but there's nothing going for it which would allow it to outshine Android or iOS per se. Blackberry will survive because there are still many work environments that prefer it's security and ease of use vs. 'the rest'. Samsung Bada isn't necessarily a smartphone OS, it's a platform. I'd liken it more to Symbian than WP at all and the reason they've outsold WP is that the phones are cheaper and everywhere (already penetrated every market). WP is still making its rounds and it's still not in developing countries. I expect WP to catch up and pass Bada when Nokia starts outing WP7 on their devices. Nokia, like Samsung has penetrated every market as well, and will for sure have deals pushing their hardware/WP software.