That Just Happened — Zune Freezes Over

This is it. Say goodbye to 2008…and to all those bad habits. Wipe the slate clean. Knock out those resolutions! What? You never follow through with your New Years’ resolutions? Get some help! stickK is a website that promotes healthier and happier living by enabling its users to form Commitment Contracts. That’s right…a financial obligation to succeed. stickK was co-founded by Dean Karlan, an Economics Professor at Yale. The idea is based on two simple principles of behaviorial economics: [1] people don’t always do what they claim they want to do, and [2] incentives get people to do things. Check out the stickK FAQs for more info on how this site works.

Apparently at about 2:00am this morning, every owner of a 30GB Microsoft Zune experienced the ultimate freeze. According to Gizmodo, there were “tons of reports—tons—about failing Zune 30s“. By ‘tons’, they mean all 12 Zune owners.

Congrats to the Rice Owls for stomping the Western Michigan Broncos last night in the Texas Bowl, 38-14. The game was highlighted by two former San Antonio standouts, Chase Clement (Alamo Heights) and Jarett Dillard (Sam Houston). And, of course, the head coach is none other than David Bailiff of my Alma Mater [Southwest] Texas State University. Not only does Dillard hold the NCAA record for career touchdown receptions (60), but he and Clement hold the Division I-A record for career TDs between a QB/WR duo (51).

How about a Derrich.com Best Gadgets of 2008 list? Everyone else is doing it, so why not. Here are my Top 5:

[1] Kodak Zi6 HD Video Camera. About $50 cheaper than its counterpart, the Kodak Zi6 is a quality camera that shoots videos in 720p HD. HD! And also unlike its counterpart, it features an expandable memory slot for up to 32GB of vids. And, of course, it comes in pink .

[2] Roku Netflix Player. For $99 (and a Netflix membership), you can get movies on demand anytime. The Netflix Player allows you to sift through a selection of over 12,000 movies and TV shows — some in HD — for instant viewing on your televish.

[3] BlackBerry Bold 9000. Yeah, I’m biased. But it’s a great phone! As I previously pointed out in my Bold vs E71 comparison, the BlackBerry Bold 9000 boasts impressive battery life, a great browser, WiFi, and an ever-growing supply of useful apps.

[4] Wii Fit. This selection might be questionable; but with the introduction of a new year come those New Years’ resolutions. And if you’ve never played a Wii before, try out the boxing game for a few minutes. You’ll be winded. I guarantee it. The Wii Fit Ultimate Fitness Bundle is the perfect alternative to a gym membership. This year over 2 million Wii-related items were sold on eBay. So, I know someone out there will agree with me on this one.

[5] Toshiba REGZA 42″ LCD HDTV. Not exactly a gadget, but another impressive piece of hardware from Toshiba. For under $900, the Toshiba REGZA 42RV535U 42″ LCD HDTV can be hanging on your wall. I thought Toshiba had outdone itself with last year’s 37 inch 720p LCD, which I purchased for a skosh over $850. For a little more, you get 1080p in a 42 inch screen. The picture is amazing. While there are probably better TVs out there, you can’t argue against the ‘value’ value of this HDTV.

Well, it’s certainly been an interesting year for me…and for the rest of us as well. I’m happy to be blogging again…I’m about to be a baby daddy a second time…but there were definitely many speed bumps for me along the way. Good riddance to 2008! Bring on 2009! I hope all of you have a safe and Happy New Year!

Popularity: 26% [?]

Toshiba 37AV500U — An Impressive 37″ LCD HDTV

If you’re looking for a straight forward, no nonsense TV…this is it. I’m an “open box” junkie. So when I noticed the price on this TV, I thought for sure it was included in that category. But the Toshiba 37AV500U is a new TV, not ready for the OB shelf.

Toshiba 37AV500U: not just a pretty face

Before purchasing a TV, I like to see them in action…side by side…mano a mano. I compared this one to a 37″ Regza and a 37″ LG (both also new). The Regza was about $100 more and the only difference I could find was an extra HDMI slot. The LG was also impressive, but it was almost $300 more.

Aside from being aesthetically pleasing with its glossy black thin bezel, the Toshiba’s picture is sharp…crisp. Black screens are black instead of gray. And you’d never know it was only 720p without reading it on the specs first. But given that it’s only 37 inches, the resolution is sufficient. So far, I’ve watched everything from CNBC (moving tickers) to movies to San Antonio Spurs games…all in HD. Videophiles worried about response times and lag commonly associated with LCDs will be pleased (I’m using the HDMI connection). And the SD channels actually come through really nice compared to other HDTVs. Finally, the SoundStrip speakers actually provide clear and rich sound up to a certain volume. I expected it to sound like an alarm clock. But for a home theater setup, you’ll want to add speakers.

I’d rate this TV is a solid 8.0 out of 10.0. What the 37AV500U does lack in features, it definitely makes up for in picture quality and overall value! Like I said…this TV is easy to use, easy to hook up, and easy on the eyes!

Popularity: 75% [?]