In a not too unexpected announcement, Covad Communications has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Platinum Equity in an all-cash transaction valued at roughly $1.02/share.

I truly believe that Apple computer has won the “how cool can we package our products” contest, but of all the other companies that I’ve seen, it would appear that Bang & Olufsen (B&O) is running a very close second.  Their stereos, televisions, telephones and headsets are the coolest of cool and it’s usually not long after they release a new product that you’ll find it in a James Bond movie or Nip Tuck episode.  What you can’t see in those shows is how well those products work or how they’re packaged, which is what I’m hoping to bring to you here.

You would think, for nearly $400, that a Monster Cable Home Theater and Lighting Controller (AVL 300 Home Theater and Lighting Controller) would do everything that you could want and more.  Unfortunately, in my case the more is raising my blood pressure and increasing my frustration.

In all fairness, I have yet to call Monster technical support, and I will do that before I toss this technical powerhouse, but my initial impression is poor.  First, it would seem that the Monster product uses the Logitech software and the automated internet setup is little more than an interface to select how your house is laid out (which rooms you want to control) and the exact model numbers of products that you have and want to control.  In Monster’s case this can be a television, DVD player, or even a Monster controlled light switch – or pretty much anything else that takes a remote control.  Once you’ve selected your rooms and equipment you’re supposed to plug in the remote via USB and it downloads your configuration.  My experience wasn’t so fluid.

With the new launch comes a new look.  Hopefully you will find this new look more readable and a more enjoyable experience.  If you’re reading this via .rss I encourage you to stop by to see what we’ve done.

~geek

I play golf.  I’m a geek.  I like gadgets.  When I want something new I generally look for LED lights, LCD displays, and sometimes I even search for a driver or putter that will significantly improve my game.  All right, sometimes I just look for things that will either make me look more well prepared (e.g. geekier) or that will look better in my bag.  Until now, I have seldom thought that a new tee could make me look more well prepared or worldly.  Apparently, while I wasn’t looking, Moma (Museum of Modern Art) changed that.

That’s right the A-Balance Golf Tee  claims:

The three-piece construction and four rounded pins of this tee are designed to reduce resistance and friction between the club head and the tee at impact, minimizing backspin and sidespin to create a flatter, more penetrating flight for longer distance off the tee. Set of three.

Which is exactly what I need to improve my game.  All righty then.

~geek

It was bound to happen, but now it’s official; Information Week is reporting that a California man has files a class-action suit against Apple for bricking iPhones with their latest firmware update.  In a unique twist, he is looking for a permanent injunction against Apple to limit their ability to sell locked phones – no other dollar amount is mentioned in the suit.  Obviously, this would have a huge impact on the cell-phone market as a whole, as the suit claims that Apple prohibits iPhone consumers from using and purchasing a cell phone service other than through AT&T.” Don’t all cariers do the same thing?

My personal opinion is pretty straight-forward.  I believe that Apple is selling a product and if they want it to work with the carrier of their choice, that’s their choice and they should be able to do that.  How is this any different then Dish/DirectTV selling me a box and dish that works only with their service?  Maybe I should sue DirectTV because I want to move to Dish and their equipment isn’t supported. Nah, maybe not so much.

What do you think?

~geek

Over the past few years I’ve made a number of attempts to get thegeekchannel.com off the ground and believe that I’ve finally come up with a way to leverage how it’s working for me.  That said, this is the third try to come up with something that might be both entertaining, intellectually stimulating and fun for me to produce.  Hopefully you will like what I accomplish and share your thoughts and opinions on my ideas, comments, and life. 

 ~geek