Personal computing discussed

Search found 86 matches

by gigafinger
Fri May 03, 2019 8:48 am
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: MCU
Replies: 236
Views: 41161

Re: MCU

Wow. This thread... While I tend to agree that time travel is pretty much the worse plot device, I didn't mind it here because COMICS ARE WEIRD! Basically any movie with time travel pisses me off to some degree, especially all the big hitters like Interstellar and Arrival . I really enjoyed the char...
by gigafinger
Thu Oct 04, 2018 9:08 am
Forum: Mobile Tech
Topic: For everyday use laptop, better to get low budget one or entry level gaming?
Replies: 12
Views: 7336

Re: For everyday use laptop, better to get low budget one or entry level gaming?

I just purchased a Certified Refurbished Dell Inspiron 15” 5000 (5575) from the outlet for $446.85 with coupon code "1415inspcw9". I think this was a pretty good deal. I'll probably add an M.2 at some point. I plan on using this for Fusion 360, some small coding projects, auto/motorcycle t...
by gigafinger
Fri Jul 20, 2018 9:06 am
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: What are you listening to RIGHT NOW?
Replies: 4343
Views: 785509

Re: What are you listening to RIGHT NOW?

Here's a small sample of what's in my playlist lately:

Devouring Radiant Light - Skeletonwitch
Vile Luxury - Imperial Triumphant
Liquid Anatomy - Alkaloid
Our Raw Heart - Yob
Carnage - LIK
Winter Lights - Skyborn Reveries
Ámr - Ihsahn
by gigafinger
Fri May 25, 2018 7:19 am
Forum: Echo Vale
Topic: Sound bar recommendations <$300?
Replies: 8
Views: 9033

Re: Sound bar recommendations <$300?

I bought my parents the Yamaha YAS-207. It sounds pretty good, is simple to use, and subtle looking. As far as I know, they have not had any issues using it with the cable box and blu-ray player.
by gigafinger
Fri May 25, 2018 7:09 am
Forum: Gaming
Topic: Battletech game coming out
Replies: 178
Views: 40764

Re: Battletech game coming out

I just finished the game recently. Pretty much every mech I had at any point during the game, I loaded up with medium lasers and SRMs, and enough heat sinks to almost always be able to fire everything at once. Maximum armor. Sometimes, when there was some extra weight or a hardpoint I didn't know w...
by gigafinger
Fri May 18, 2018 7:54 am
Forum: Gaming
Topic: Battletech game coming out
Replies: 178
Views: 40764

Re: Battletech game coming out

I've been enjoying this game a ton! I had to restart, much like derFunk, after figuring out a lot of the game mechanics by reading more about the game and messing around. I kind of wish there was a little better explanation about the weapon ranges shown in the facing arc. I feel like the UI has just...
by gigafinger
Tue Feb 13, 2018 11:18 am
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: What are you listening to RIGHT NOW?
Replies: 4343
Views: 785509

Re: What are you listening to RIGHT NOW?

Coma Noir by The Atlas Moth - This just dropped and, boy, it is good. My anticipation was met with one hell of an album. I'm seeing them tomorrow.
by gigafinger
Thu Jan 11, 2018 9:08 am
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: What are you listening to RIGHT NOW?
Replies: 4343
Views: 785509

Re: What are you listening to RIGHT NOW?

The auto-tuned Kurt Cobain that's making the rounds is breaking my brain. https://vimeo.com/249694026 Oh god why? :o My most recent listens (album - artist): E - Enslaved A Wake In Sacred Waves - Dreadnought Tidals - Spotlights Painted Ruins - Grizzly Bear Sabbath Bloody Sabbath - Black Sabbath Mal...
by gigafinger
Wed Dec 20, 2017 8:42 am
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: STAR WARS TIME! - Spoiler Lock Lifted
Replies: 471
Views: 72353

Re: STAR WARS TIME!

tanker27 wrote:
Same but even so his order is still whacked out.

What is the proper [First] order?
by gigafinger
Tue Dec 19, 2017 11:38 am
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: STAR WARS TIME! - Spoiler Lock Lifted
Replies: 471
Views: 72353

Re: STAR WARS TIME!

I don't know what you are basing your rankings on but they are whack! /sigh I thought they were whacked out, too, but then I realized I was reading it backwards. Worst at the start, best at the end. Also not sure that it needs the spoiler tag. :lol: Think less than symbol and spoiler tags just in c...
by gigafinger
Tue Dec 19, 2017 10:40 am
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: STAR WARS TIME! - Spoiler Lock Lifted
Replies: 471
Views: 72353

Re: STAR WARS TIME!

I saw the movie over the weekend. It was... ok. I don't know about you guys, but I cannot stand the characters Fin, Poe, Hux, and Phasma. Every scene with any one of them made me wince. Fin can't do anything on his own and his side quest was basically all Rose and Benicio. Poe comes off as disin...
by gigafinger
Mon Dec 18, 2017 10:49 am
Forum: General Hardware
Topic: What is your sound set up?
Replies: 106
Views: 24683

Re: What is your sound set up?

Speakers: Audioengine A2+ Headphones: Schiit Jotunheim with Balanced DAC powering Sennheiser HD650 headphones with balanced cable I'm a big fan of the Jotun. I think it's one of the best desktop amplifiers for the money right now. Man, I've been meaning to get my Schiit on, and that Jotun would hav...
by gigafinger
Wed Nov 08, 2017 8:50 am
Forum: General Hardware
Topic: What is your sound set up?
Replies: 106
Views: 24683

Re: What is your sound set up?

Speakers: Audioengine A2+

Headphones: Schiit Jotunheim with Balanced DAC powering Sennheiser HD650 headphones with balanced cable

I'm a big fan of the Jotun. I think it's one of the best desktop amplifiers for the money right now.
by gigafinger
Wed Feb 22, 2017 1:51 pm
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: New Motorcycle
Replies: 6
Views: 6000

Re: New Motorcycle

I'm my own wrench, so BMW maintenance is not that expensive for me. In all honesty, air-cooled bimmers are probably easier to work on than most motorcycles. Valve adjust every 2-3 oil changes, valve covers are right in the open. Plugs are very easy to replace since they are at the top of the heads (...
by gigafinger
Wed Feb 22, 2017 9:16 am
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: New Motorcycle
Replies: 6
Views: 6000

Re: New Motorcycle

That's a nice machine. I contemplated buying one, but I'm not a bagger kind of guy. I own a 2005 BMW R1200ST for touring duties. I'm very close to buying an XDiavel this spring.
by gigafinger
Thu Nov 10, 2016 1:13 pm
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: Dr. Strange..
Replies: 15
Views: 2345

Re: Dr. Strange..

I just watched it last night. I'm really bummed out that they did not use any spell names like "By the Flames of the Faltine!" or "By the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak!" Also, magic seemed way too easy when fighting, but hard when the plot needed it to be. Also, why did a lot of the ...
by gigafinger
Wed Aug 17, 2016 12:06 pm
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: Nissan/Infiniti VC-T engine - variable compression
Replies: 23
Views: 3315

Re: Nissan/Infiniti VC-T engine - variable compression

With variable compression via piston stroke, you get the benefits of the Miller cycle without having to open the intake valves. This will obviously be paired with a CVT transmission, so this engine will be a lower revving torque monster with great efficiency and very low emissions. Assuming this eng...
by gigafinger
Tue Aug 16, 2016 2:03 pm
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: Nissan/Infiniti VC-T engine - variable compression
Replies: 23
Views: 3315

Re: Nissan/Infiniti VC-T engine - variable compression

OK, given this, I wonder why BMW's solution never caught on? Moving the head sounds like a bad idea. How flexible would the intake and exhaust plumbing need to be? How would cam drive and tension be affected? How would this work with modern variable valve timing? How effectively can you seal the cr...
by gigafinger
Tue Aug 16, 2016 1:42 pm
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: Nissan/Infiniti VC-T engine - variable compression
Replies: 23
Views: 3315

Re: Nissan/Infiniti VC-T engine - variable compression

does anyone have an animation? That diagram isn't really doing the trick for me I can try with words... In the "efficiency" image, the radius is longest from crank center (not pictured) to piston connecting rod pin in the multi-link rocker arm. In the "power" image, the radius i...
by gigafinger
Tue Aug 16, 2016 12:30 pm
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: Nissan/Infiniti VC-T engine - variable compression
Replies: 23
Views: 3315

Nissan/Infiniti VC-T engine - variable compression

I just read a few articles about Nissan's new VC-T engine and came away very impressed. It's a very elegant solution using levers to change piston stroke and therefore compression ratio on the fly. http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-technology/news/a30392/infiniti-vc-t-variable-compression-tur...
by gigafinger
Thu May 26, 2016 1:16 pm
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: Youtube Red
Replies: 23
Views: 4447

Re: Youtube Red

I was a subscriber to Google Play Music (I really like it) before YouTube Red came around. I didn't think Red would be a big deal, but not watching ads has been life changing. Best $10 a month I ever spent as I use music and YouTube way more than Netflix.
by gigafinger
Tue May 10, 2016 10:08 am
Forum: Visual Haven
Topic: Anyone wall mount (not stand mount) your HDTV?
Replies: 12
Views: 3580

Re: Anyone wall mount (not stand mount) your HDTV?

I have my 50" wall mounted. The top of the screen is about 8-10 inches higher than seated eye level. Watching is very comfortable.
by gigafinger
Thu Apr 21, 2016 8:20 am
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: I'm looking for a new wallet
Replies: 38
Views: 4815

Re: I'm looking for a new wallet

http://www.magplates.com/BASTION-MINIMALIST-PU-LEATHER-WALLET-p/mnmlstwllt.htm I bought one of these about six months ago. It's already starting to look like it needs replacement. Seams are starting to let go and the PU leather is starting to tear. I'm definitely buying something made of real leathe...
by gigafinger
Wed Apr 13, 2016 2:21 pm
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: Anyone repair anything today?
Replies: 1407
Views: 199238

Re: Anyone repair anything today?

localhostrulez wrote:
Sheesh, what are you listening to that needs that much bass? 8x15" subs? :o Even listening to E-40 (bass-heavy rap) with my 8" sub and bookshelfs is enough to penetrate walls and bug roommates.

I assume this is for watching movies. Helicopters must sound amazing :lol:
by gigafinger
Tue Feb 23, 2016 8:29 am
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: Rant - Windows 10 Stability
Replies: 18
Views: 2072

Re: F*** You Windows 10!

Why not eff you, Steam?
by gigafinger
Fri Oct 02, 2015 1:32 pm
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: When Curbs Attack
Replies: 93
Views: 8731

Re: When Curbs Attack

Let's hope that Number 2 did not cause more damage to the vehicle. Tow guys don't give a ****.
by gigafinger
Thu Oct 01, 2015 9:26 am
Forum: Visual Haven
Topic: Large format display with adaptive sync?
Replies: 5
Views: 1917

Re: Large format display with adaptive sync?

drfish wrote:
Yeah. Also, I didn't notice until reading through it again that they have the same update for the 55" version. Pretty cool.

This sounds delicious! (Bad pun!)
by gigafinger
Thu Oct 01, 2015 8:13 am
Forum: Visual Haven
Topic: Large format display with adaptive sync?
Replies: 5
Views: 1917

Large format display with adaptive sync?

Are there any 50-inch or larger TVs/monitors with adaptive sync technology?
by gigafinger
Mon Aug 24, 2015 12:46 pm
Forum: Storage
Topic: SSD performance difference between 512GB to 1TB?
Replies: 12
Views: 14713

Re: SSD performance difference between 512GB to 1TB?

For SATA drives, it's typically diminishing returns after 256GB. At 512/1TB, you should buy based on capacity or price and not worry about speed since they're all so fast. Some have a slightly larger boost from 256->512, but very little afterward. What's the rest of the system look like? You might ...
by gigafinger
Mon Aug 24, 2015 10:59 am
Forum: Echo Vale
Topic: So what are you using for computer audio?
Replies: 156
Views: 42081

Re: So what are you using for computer audio?

I'm using the Audioengine A2+ and love them. Built in USB-DAC and plenty of power (and bass) for listening at the computer desk. I'm actually thinking about picking up a pair for my work machine (rMBP+Thunderbolt Display). Good to know. They are fairly directional, but that's a given at their size....
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