Home

Core i7 FTW!!!!

2010-02-01T16:34:14Z

Ahhh, to watch a computer that doesn't stutter over World of Warcraft on it's lowest settings is a thing of beauty. This weekend I pick up a nice, shiny new laptop. Welcome to the HP dv7 series of laptops. For those interested in looking up the specs themselves, the model number is dv7-3085dx. Now, for those who just love to read, allow me to get my geek on. This bad boy is rocking the Intel Core i7-720QM. Four cores of extreme power in a portable shell makes me tear up just a bit. They are tears of joy, of course. Next, 6gb of DDR3 RAM to help with all those applications that I'll throw at it. Continuing, we have a dedicated graphics card. (Side Note: I am advocating for the erradication of integrated graphics. They are a bane on unsuspecting comsumers that know nothing more than what the price tag says. And I don't buy the power cunsumption arguement.) The nVidia GeForce GT 230M has a gorgeous 1gb of on-board, dedicated RAM. This uses the proprietary PhysX engine and CUDA technology. The rest of the highlights include 500gb hard drive, Windows 7 64-bit Home Premium, built-in webcam, wifi, and a 17.3" LED Hi-Def Widescreen display. Now, it also came with a fairly standard DVD dual-layer drive. This is fine for me. I would have preferred a blueray player, but it was not a deal breaker. So, there it is. Sweetness in a portable package. Enough said.

Mike Brown

The Average Geek

A New Perspective

2010-01-24T23:19:11Z

I downloaded a new audio book this weekend. I call this a game changer. The book is entitled "Crush It" by Gary Vaynerchuck. Some out there consider Gary V an annoying, loud mouthed self-promoter. I say that's the uninformed opinion. Take some time to watch his video blog called Wine Library TV. Watch a couple of keynotes he has given at places like the Web2.0 conferences. This man has true, unadaulterated passion. I have never thought that I could ever do something that I truely loved. I have now listened to this book twice this weekend. And I think that I am going to take the challenge that this book gives. I still have a fulltime job, so now is the time to take this opportunity to "Crush It." I see my free time dissappearing for the next few years, but if it allows me to take my passion for tech, gaming, and all things geek, and turn it into a career that doesn't feel like work, then it's worth it. I seriously suggest that you listen to or read this book. Gary's passion is contagious, and I don't know anyone who can't benefit from this.

Pick up Crush It in book form, or over at Audible.com.

Enjoy Crushing It!

Mike Brown

The Average Geek

Time is a Cruel Mistress

2010-01-05T16:02:58Z

I am beginning to realize that the last 3 months of a calendar year are not the best months for starting a podcast. With that said, here begins a new year. Everything seems brighter, happier, and more hopefull. First show of 2010 will be up by the end of the week. I have much to talk about as the holidays brought some new tech, movies, and news. And more updates to follow on the social networking front. Here is a reminder of the various ways to interact with The Average Geek.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/averagegeekcast

Email: averagegeekpodcast@gmail.com

iTunes: The Average Geek Podcast

Podbean: http://averagegeekpodcast.podbean.com/

Please give feedback, suggestions for topics, or just let us know how much you like us!! =;)

Mike Brown

The Average Geek

The Average Geek #5 - Finally…. A Modern Podcast

2009-12-06T03:38:57Z

After a one month hiatus, show #5 is up. Life inserted itself where it saw fit, and finally allowed us to record. Greg and I talk about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, the seemingly successful launch of the Motorola Droid, and the invites we received for the Google Wave Preview. The show is available for direct download at PodBean, or over at iTunes. Enjoy!!!

I Love Dental Work.......Not Really

2009-11-24T18:46:30Z

I was expecting to get a show up by last weekend. Well....... that didn't happen. Some major dental work reared its ugly head and talking for any length of time just wasn't an option. Greg and I will record something either tonight or tomorrow, and I will post it by weeks end. I apologize, again, for the lack of posts. Maybe the holiday spirit will infuse me with the energy to get moving. See you on the flip side......

Mike Brown

The Average Geek

The Average Geek #4 - This “is” the Droid You’re Looking for…

2009-11-06T05:10:21Z

Episode 4 is here, and I talk about 2 big topics this week. First, the ever present John McCain introduces legislation trying to make sure that the telecom companies can walk all over the idea of “Net Neutrality.” Then the Motorola Droid prepares to enter the smart phone market and I rundown the features this contender brings to the ring. I also go solo as Greg is a bit under the weather. Enjoy this episode of The Average Geek!!

Download at iTunes and Podbean.

Sarcastic Gamer Community Comes Through,.... and other news

2009-11-04T03:27:12Z

Folks, the preliminary results are in, and the 24-hr gaming marathon has eclipsed $150,000!!! Final numbers are not yet available, but Sarcastic Gamer mentioned that we could even pass $160,000 at this rate. I want to personally thank the entire gaming community, their family, friends, and all others who donated or participated in the event. It proves to me that no matter our economic situations, we all know a worthy cause when we see one. Thanks again!!

Now, on to business as usual. I am about to record episode 4. I will be solo this time as Greg has been a little under the weather lately. Hope to post by tommorrow, which will keep pace with a show once every 2 weeks like I was hoping.

And yes, I know the posts are still lagging. Continuing to work on that.....

The Average Geek #3 - Game On…..Live!!

2009-10-22T02:40:59Z

Episode 3 is here, and this week we rock online gaming. Specifically, we talk about the website attempting to bring high-end gaming to the masses, OnLive.com. The folks at OnLive are betting on the massive amounts of bandwidth available to carry there larger-than-life ideas to reality. The question is: Can they do it? Listen in and found out more on The Average Geek!! Listen in iTunes or on Podbean.

UPDATE: The Extra Life fundraiser that Greg and I participated in has become a tremendous success. The total-to-date has eclipsed $140,000!!! And there is still time to participate. Just visit the The Average Geek donation page to help in the fight against Pediatric cancer. Donations will be accepted through October 31st, 2009.

Into High Gear!!

2009-10-20T02:18:34Z

I know. Some people - o.k., alot of people - are wondering why the posts are few and far between. I am still getting the hang of running this website. Even with the advantages of having a host like squarespace, this takes quite a bit of time. I knew that going in. I feel that now, with better understanding, and some better planning, I can start to bring a more steady stream of content to the site, my twitter feed, and the podcast. Please stick with me and I promise to make it worth your while.

Mike Brown

The Average Geek

The Average Geek #2 - Ridin' the Wave

2009-10-07T23:54:14Z

Episode #2 is now posted. It took longer than I expected because that little thing called life just kept interrupting. This episode covers the prices and deals for the imminent release of Windows 7, how Apple and Palm are trading punches with the Pre’s ability to sync with iTunes, the rumor that IT departments are looking at Windows 7 as a new boon on IT spending, and an in-depth look at Google’s next big project: Google Wave. Please visit iTunes or PodBean to enjoy the show.