Jun 19

So I got my new laptop last week, the Dell Vostro 1400, and I’ve had some time to get acquainted with it since then. I know that most of you have been awaiting my verdict regarding this particular piece of technology with much anticipation, and so I will favor you with a brief review.

In a nutshell: I love it. The only complaint I have is the time that it took for me to get it!

While I admit that I am fairly easy to please, I must say that I couldn’t have been happier with my purchase. It’s fast, quiet, and runs all of my applications easily. The cooling is more than adequate, I am able to go for long periods of time with the Vostro sitting comfortably on my lap and I have no complaint.

It’s only available in black, which may be a turnoff to some, but I happen to be quite fond of the color, so it’s a non-issue; after all, true excellence does not draw attention to itself.

I definitely got my money’s worth from this purchase; I can find nothing else in the current laptop market that would match the sheer value that I got from my hard-earned cash.

In short: Two thumbs up.

Jun 16

So I recently finished “reading” the book Freakonomics, as purchased for my by my father. I use the term “reading” loosely, as I mostly skimmed through a lot of the book and only seriously delved into a few chapters, as is characteristic of my ADD. That being said, I give the book two enthusiastic thumbs up.

By far the most interesting portion of the book was delving into the economics of a Chicago crack gang; from the payroll to the board of directors to the ramifications of gang warfare, the entire chapter was one interesting read. Other interesting sections regarded debunking the numerous pseudo-explanations for the drop in crime in the mid-90’s, contrary to what experts were predicting

Overall, I’d say that this is a book worth reading.