HAL 9000: "I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that"

HAL 9000: "I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that" 

Don't allow your computer to keep you from taking control of your Destiny. Be the Master of your own Fate. * I just had a Revelation: I should apply this to my job too!

This is an update on the purchase of my new HP Envy J130us. Listen so that you don't run into the same problems.

Although my Toshiba L775D is no HAL, like in the Classic Movie, "2001, A Space Odyssey", it DOES have me by the gonads right now, because it houses a lot of the files and programs that I need to continue on with my mission. And, I can't transfer any of these files to my new computer.

I've tried to transfer these files to my new HP Envy, but for some reason, my new HP Envy doesn't acknowledge my Seagate external hard drive when I connect it to a USB port. Maybe it's because of the Windows 8.1 OS (operating system), but I'm not really sure. I'll have to search for some hardware drivers later to see if that will correct the problem.

If it does, I'll be able to share a lot of good info and videos with you that I've found about computer programs and optimization. And, maybe even some money-making opportunities.

Anyway...

I bought my Seagate 500 gigabyte external drive a few years ago from Best Buy, and it has always performed like a Champ - never failing or letting me down. I love it. I've got movies on there, music, articles, my ideas, notes, family pictures, books, audiobooks, ebooks... It's the bomb. It's like having my own portable cloud.

But, if I can't find a solution online to make it work with the HP Envy, I may have to upgrade to a new Seagate external drive with USB 3.0 capabilities - especially if I want to keep the drive on the Envy free of clutter. And, that will cost me more time and money to find out what this bad-boy can really do.

Another reason why this Toshiba has me by the balls is because, it works with my Rocketfish wireless keyboard and mouse. The HP Envy doesn't. It worked fine during the first session. But, after I took a break, closed the lid on the Envy, then went back to my research, the mouse had stopped working. I had to put the mouse a few inches away from Envy just to get it function.

The keyboard was unresponsive at first. Then it lagged (more than normal). Then it went back to working again.

Yeah, I also thought the batteries were losing their charge, but I replaced them with brand new batteries and there was no difference. Then, I went online to look for some hardware drivers, but I didn't find any. So, I'm still using the Toshiba 95% of the time.

There has always been a delay with this Rocketfish wireless keyboard and mouse when I first start a session or start typing (and it is very annoying), but it works. And, as much as I want to use my new HP Envy, I don't want to have to work for long periods of time with that heavy-ass 17 inch computer on my lap. This is a dense computer that's very solid and weighs like there's a bar of steel buried right in the center of it.

Ah, but I DO have to comment on the "resting feel" of the HP Envy 17 when it's on my lap:

Maybe it's the way its designed, but it actually doesn't feel all that uncomfortable when resting on my lap. In fact, I really don't notice the actual weight of this solid high density computer.

But, I still don't want to have to pick it up and put it down and pick it up and put it down every time I need to make a move or get out of bed. That's annoying also. I'd rather have the wireless keyboard and mouse to carry and keep the laptop stationary - regardless of whether I want to sit in a chair and work or lie down in bed and work. And, since the Toshiba provides this convenience, I have no choice but to use it as my primary machine.

But, oh, how I want to get my greedy little hands on that HP J130us Envy... It's lying here beside me.

But, what can I do with it?

The Toshiba has Windows 7 on it... Need I say more?

So, I guess, right now, the Toshiba Satellite is the boss...

And, I'm just a little pee-on getting pissed on (again).

Man, it's the story of my life... I can't win for losing.

Anyway, be wary of compatibility issues before you buy your new system. Get accessories and programs that are equipped to work with whatever operating system you will have on your new machine. If you don't, you're going to have to wait to get the most out of your new purchase. And, you're going to have to spend MORE money to replace the good accessories you already have.

Video provided by KlingonSpider

- PC Power Junkie

Super-Quick Review: Amazon.Com Does It Again. HP Envy 17 Inch Received One Day Early.

Boo-Yoww!

Now, I've heard a few legitimate horror-stories about Amazon.com (a few), and I've had my OWN bad experience with Amazon once after several good orders I placed with them. But, overall, Amazon is still a great source for online shopping. Ninety percent of the time, they'll do you right.

And, the other 10% of the time.... well, I really can't  complain, because my "bad experience" wasn't much to rant or rave about.

In fact, I inflicted this heinous crime on my Self for not paying attention to what I was doing, so I can't point the finger at anybody. Hell, even I admit that what I did was dumb.

Somehow, I overpaid on Amazon shipping.... Somehow, I paid double for shipping the products I wanted.

I know what you're thinking: "How in the hell did I do that???" 

Instead of putting all of the orders on one ticket (skin care products, dog food, electronic accessories), I put them on separate tickets. I was mad that Amazon didn't catch this and help me out, but I didn't realize what had happened until after I saw my bank account.

I said, "Damn!"

And, to be totally honest... I did this twice. lol...

Well, I was a "rookie".

It could've happened to almost anyone - especially a newbie. But, other than that confusing moment, all of my Amazon experiences have been superb. So, I STILL support and recommend Amazon.com for buying anything online - especially over Best Buy.

Anyway... Let's talk about my new PC.

I ordered my HP Envy the other day and was expecting to see it Tuesday after I got off of work at 11:00PM, but I got a shock when I got home.

I know you know what happened, but let me tell you the story anyway.

All day - without me even initiating the conversation - people were telling about the new computers they'd bought for themselves or their children with their tax refund money. Four-hundred bucks here; Six-hundred bucks there. Some of them found deals in pawn shops. Blah, blah, blah... 

One of my co-workers even mentioned to me that he recently BUILT a high-powered computer from scratch.

I was like: "What in the hell is going on??? WHY is everybody so interested in talking about computers today?"

I knew the Devil was messin' with me, because deep down, I was kind of worried about that computer - and the "demons" (the problems) that were to come.

I was already anxious to take that HP Envy for a test-drive, but after a while, I was getting obsessed with the thought of just seeing what I really bought.

I was like: "damn... Why didn't I spend the few extra bucks and have the thing shipped on Monday?" 

In hindsight, I know that it made more sense to have it shipped to me on Monday - especially since I was getting off at 1PM on Monday and 11PM on Tuesday - but, during the shopping and ordering process, I was trying to control my eagerness. I didn't want to overlook anything on the specifications, and I didn't want to get TOO excited about the Envy, and then feel the emotional pain of disappointment and regret later (because of Windows 8 and the touchscreen).

I've read so many negative reviews about Windows 8 that I was afraid I'd be stuck with yet ANOTHER crappy computer.

So, although I was thrilled about getting the Envy, I had mixed feelings about my overall decision.

But, again, I received a Blessin'.

Right now, I'm happy as hell...

I KNOW The Cyber-Gods have my back (because I was mostly worried about my new computer sitting alone out there in the open, on the porch, in the cold, and in the dark for six hours, until I got home), but lo and behold, just as I was about to turn my bike onto the driveway, I noticed that big brown Amazon box standing there on the porch behind the black handrails like a little two-year-old kid smiling at me.

I kept my cool like I didn't even see it. But, I can't lie. I was giddy as hell. I couldn't help but smile as I parked my ride.

I said, "Oooh hell... Now, I get the chance to test that bad-boy out."

Those people at Amazon.com always surprise me. I never expect to get my shipments earlier than the delivery date. But, sometimes it happens. 

But, the main thing is: Whenever I order something, it's always on time, and everything is all right.

I don't get any half-opened packages, damaged packages, products I didn't order, or products that don't work. Everything is always cool.

So, when I place an order, I'm confident that everything is gonna be All Good... (90/10 Rule)... That's how I feel about Amazon.

I still haven't used the computer yet, but I created an un-boxing video with my Kodak Playsport. 

Unfortunately, I loaded the video onto this Toshiba Satellite. So, it may take a while to render a high-quality video.

And, what's even worse than that is: I haven't got started yet, so it might be a while before I publish anything.

Or, maybe...

I could use the HP, and then, load the video onto THAT computer to test it's capabilities - AND to render the final video......

(mmmmm... that sounds like a good plan....)

Anyway...

I know a lot of people are apprehensive about ordering stuff online, but that's because they think they'll get cheated out of their money, or they're not sure about how quickly they'll get satisfaction if they have a problem.

Yeah, it's easier and faster to go back to the store and cuss someone out if you have a problem. And, you'll be able to get a refund quicker if you're not happy with your purchase. But, if you see a good deal online for a high quality product promoted by a major company like Amazon, why not save yourself some cash and get the bargain? Hell, I know people at work who are Amazon.com Addicts. And, some who complain that their wives are Amazon.com Addicts. They love it. And, you KNOW that most women know the best places to shop.... And, a lot of them shop online at Amazon.

Hell, some people love Amazon.com more than they love The Home Shopping Networks!

I'm saying this and I'm not even an affiliate. I don't get any kickbacks or compensation from Amazon. I'm a regular shopper too.

I'm telling you this because it's the first time I've ever spent a thousand dollars in one whop on anything... And, I don't feel I've made a bad decision for doing it. Go Amazon.

- PC Power Junkie

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For the record: although I've had a few bad experiences with Best Buy, I know they can't be all bad and that they have their fans as well. What you really have to do is shop, learn, and compare online stores regularly to see what you've got to work with out there. I'll probably go back to Best Buy in the future, but I've had too many bad experiences to feel comfortable about going back to them right now.

VIDEO: AMD Vs Intel Choosing The Right CPU

AMD Vs Intel Choosing The Right CPU 

This is a video I just discovered tonight from Tech Of Tomorrow. Tech Of Tomorrow has hundreds of videos about "gaming" and YEARS of experience with "gaming", gaming computers, and gaming products, so this host knows a lot about High Performance.

This particular video is about Intel and AMD processor comparisons that I think you'll find helpful when choosing your next laptop or desktop system. View it a couple of times and get out there and research before you buy.

I'll be honest with you, I got seriously lucky when I purchased my HP Envy from Amazon.com. 

The truth is: I was at a crossroads between the AMD and Intel processors. I liked the AMD Quad-Core processors because of my experience with that first HP Pavillion g7 with that A6 under the hood. 

Then, my interests expanded when I saw that Dell Inspiron 15R in Wal-Mart with the i5 Intel processor. It wasn't the i5 processor that caught my attention. It was all of the other features on the Dell that turned me into a an Inspiron stalker. After lurking around on the Dell website for a couple of weeks window-shopping, I suddenly became greedy for the most powerful processor they had that would fit into the Inspiron.

This greed also lead me to seek out the most powerful AMD processors.

Because I had little experience and knowledge about processors, I wasn't sure which one was the best for my needs. And, the more I read, the more confused I became.

I decided to go for "a little extra" when I finally made my decision, and according to this video by a "gaming" expert, I did the right thing. And, I've done MORE research in the past couple of days that have led me to believe that I've done the right thing. But, again, I got lucky. Or, maybe my Guardian Angel is just tired of seeing me abused and led astray.

Anyway...

Don't take a chance with your time, peace of mind, and hard-earned cash. Check out this video for an expert second opinion before you buy!

I may end up doing my own video about CPU basics in the future after I do a review on my HP Envy. But, we shall see.


Video provided by - techtomorrow

- PC Power Junkie

My Life Sucks, But It's Ok. 17 Inch HP Envy On The Way.

Those damn short-sellers and Illuminati-wannabee-market-moving-scoundrels have drug my stock down to the damn ground...

It's a damn shame.

Why are some people so scandalous and greedy that they live to look for "loopholes" and schemes to cheat any type of system that they can find? Or, they live to cheat and manipulate honest hardworking people who are just trying to make a decent living and live The Good Life.

Why, Lord, Why?

Hell, I'm not looking for a "free ride". I try to contribute to society like everyone else. And, I'm investing my money in a company that contributes something to society.

Cloud Computing.

How can anyone hate on cloud computing when all the Major companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft - hell everybody that IS somebody -  is going to "the cloud" and offering cloud services?

Not only that, there are everyday individuals like you and me out there who have their OWN private cloud set-up too. They have everything they need (that's digital) linked in their cloud so that they can access that information on whatever type of device they're using at the time (a cell phone, a tablet, a computer, a media player, a TV, a car, etc.).

And, don't forget about Chromebooks. Chromebooks are primarily cloud-based computers - and, they're starting to sell like hotcakes because of how cheap, mobile, and secure, they are. So, cloud computing is really not a bad thing. You may even decide to have YOUR own private cloud one day.

But, this stock that I have scalped and bled my paychecks for is much more than Cloud Computing.

But, those slithering short-sellers and stock manipulators don't care about how good a company is. They have found a way to drive stocks up and down so that they are able to make money off of companies whether those companies are beneficial to society or whether those companies are worthless as crap. They don't care who loses money or how many people lose their job because those bums are greedy as hell. Ten times greedier than the average Joe out there. And, that's not a good thing. I hate to say it, but the stock market (or some parts of it) is nothing but a racket.

Don't forget "The Wolf Of Wall Street".... And, realize that he's not the only one with that type of mindset OR those types of ideas. There are a BUNCH of reptilian hyena scumbags lurking around out there.

I hate to wish evil on others, but...

Dear God,... Please let the Securities and Exchange Commission step in and hunt those scandalous rascals down and put all of their heads on a stick. Pleeeease.

.... driving the price of oil and gas up.... I'm sick of ov'em.


Maybe I'm just grumpy because of my job.

Lord, I know I should appreciate my blessings, but I never realized that hating my job so much would be this stressful.

I had to fight with myself to hate that hell-hole because I genuinely like the place. The atmosphere, my co-workers, helping customers; everything is cool. And, I'm always learning something new. It's a sweet deal, although the pay is despicable as hell.

But, I was certain that learning to hate my job would give me the Motivation I needed to quit working for "The Man" and to step-out on my own and BE "The Man", but I was wrong. And, I've paid the price for the error of my ways. Hell, I'm STILL paying the price.

My life has been suckin' for over a year now.

I've been injured on the job, and I've kept working because I really can't afford to be out for days or weeks at a time.

I'm broke, so I can't (or don't want to) dive into a serious relationship right now. Hell, look at me. I can't even afford to have a Sweetheart on Valentine's Day.

I've been a slave to a demanding pug for what seems like a decade. Pitiful.

I'm still dealing with one of the slowest computers in the whole wide world because I was ripped-off by Best Buy.

The Boss is always demanding as hell and never understanding... Plus, the scheduling sucks.

And, I don't even want to get started talking about Obama and why I think he should've left the HealthCare thing for later and focused on Energy and Jobs first....

....I don't know... I'm just whining and rambling I guess.

But, I DO have some Good News...

I'm not gonna spend too much more time on this Toshiba Satellite!

That's right.

I'm sending this bad-boy out to pasture.

I'm trading it in for an HP Envy which will be here soon.

I had a lot of videos I wanted to make since I've finally decided on what I wanted to do with my life. But, trying to make a movie on this Toshiba with the programs I have is like trying to win the Kentucky Derby on a 3-speed bicycle..... (...is that a good analogy? ....hell, who cares.)

There are days when I've turned on my Cyberlink PowerDirector program to make a movie and I'd have to restart the computer to get any work out of it. And, when it did work, the process was so slow that I felt like I just wanted rip my brains right out of my skull and slam'em through the screen.

I've also used Gimp and a simple program like Microsoft Movie Maker - which sometimes "froze" on me and wouldn't do anything until I restarted the computer.

It's like EVERY idea I have is either doomed or cursed.

I mean: It has been torture to use this thing (this Toshiba). And, that was after I upgraded the ram memory from 4 gigabytes to 8 gigabytes. It made a difference in some aspects, but overall, it can't run with the Big Dogs.

You know why? It's because it's all about the Processor.

Don't get me wrong. Other components make a difference in the processing speed of your computer, but the Processor is either the "brains" or the "muscle" in your system. It seems to make the real difference. It's like when you step on the gas pedal in your car. Hell, you don't want that bucket to stall, do you? Hell naw... When you hit the gas, you want your car to Move.

The Toshiba I have is packed with an A4 Dual-Core processor and is okay for light-work (like: making short and simple video clips on YouTube, downloading music and movies, saving videos from your phone or camera, photo editing, blogging, making music, etc.)

But, if you want to do these things FASTER, then you need more Horsepower.

Which is why I went to Amazon.com and got this new set of "wheels":

Boo-Yoww!

HP Envy 17-j130us 17.3-Inch Touchsmart Laptop with Beats Audio

It's due in a few days, and I can hardly wait.

But, I'm STILL on the hunt for the Elusive SuperComputer!

Don't think I'm not happy about being able to own this rocket, but there were some other cyber-crafts out there that I was damn near ready to sell my soul for.

Those were the REAL Big Dogs. Rigs. Gaming Computers and such. Two Thousand and Three Thousand Bucks each!

That's way out of my league.

And, built with components I want but would really have no use for at this level in my "career".

Which makes me wonder about something...

Why in the hell would Hewlett Packard put a touchscreen on a laptop computer???

Why would ANYBODY put a touchscreen on a laptop. Who needs that crap on a laptop???

It just doesn't make much sense to me.

And, unfortunately, I couldn't find the one I wanted on Amazon without the touchscreen. This was it.

Hopefully, it won't suck.

But, even if it doesn't, I'm sure I'll find something to whine and complain about. Stay tuned.

- PC Power Junkie

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HP Envy 17-j130us 17.3-Inch Touchsmart Laptop with Beats Audio

Specifications

Display.............. 17.3" diagonal HD+ BrightView LED-backlit touchscreen display (1600 x 900)

Memory.............12GB installed memory

Hard drive...........1TB 5400RPM hard drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection

Processor..............Intel Core i7-4700MQ Processor (2.4GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.4GHz)

Battery/life...........6-cell 62WHr lithium-ion battery (up to 4 hrs, 30 mins of battery life)

Operating system........Windows 8.1

Weight and dimensions.......7.07 lbs, 16.38"W x 10.83"D x 1.16"/1.32"H

Finish.................................Glass fiber with silky soft-touch paint in natural silver

Graphics card...................Intel HD graphics 4600 with up to 1792MB total graphics memory

Optical drive.......................SuperMulti DVD burner

Wireless...............................Intel 1x1 802.11ac WLAN and Bluetooth with WiDi

Warranty..............................1-year limited hardware warranty with toll-free support

HP Envy 17-j130us 17.3-Inch Touchsmart Laptop with Beats Audio

Screen Size	17.3 inches
Max Screen Resolution	1600x900 pixels
Processor	2.4 GHz Core i7-4700MQ
RAM	12 GB DDR3L SDRAM
Hard Drive	1024 GB
Graphics Coprocessor	Intel HD graphics 4600
Wireless Type	802.11 A/C
Number of USB 3.0 Ports	4
Average Battery Life (in hours)	4.5 hours

Other Technical Details

Brand Name	HP
Series	Envy
Item model number	E8A04UA#ABA
Hardware Platform	PC
Operating System	Windows 8
Item Weight	7.1 pounds
Item Dimensions L x W x H	10.83 x 16.38 x 1.32 inches

Color	Natural Silver
Processor Brand	Intel
Processor Count	1
Computer Memory Type	SODIMM
Hard Drive Interface	Serial ATA
Hard Drive Rotational Speed	5400 RPM
Optical Drive Type	SuperMulti DVD burner
Audio-out Ports (#)	1
Batteries:	1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)