Breathless Apple name rumor: It’s the iPad

Some weeks ago, in San Francisco and with much fanfare, Apple launched their latest product, the iPad. Not since the iBook of genesis has there been such a reaction to an Apple story. What is all the fuss about??Well, the price for one thing. It costs $499 for the basic and $829 for the top one (with 64GB and 3G). This may sound a lot but personally, I was expecting it be around $1000.

Now, what do you get for money?? Well, Its half an inch thick, weighs 1.5 lbs and has a 10 inch screen. It looks like an iPhone fed with steroids but technically, it’s called a tablet and it’s supposed to fill the gap in the market between the smart phones and the laptops. This area has proved something of a Bermuda Triangle for the computing industry. In the early nineties Apple launched the “Newton”. It was also a tablet and it flopped massively… though Microsoft also tried a couple of things but master blaster Bill gates could not get hold of it.

Now, If we look at iPad with the end-user’s point of view, What is the point of a phone which is too big to put in you pocket or a lap top without a keyboard?? What does an iPad actually do?? The answer is both “Surprisingly little” and “Pretty much everything”. It lacks, what Tech-geek call, a “killer-application”, meaning it can’t make you a cup of tea (although how long before Apple launches iTeasmaid?). It does more or less the same stuff as the iPhone, only it’s bigger, that’s all. But in that key detail lies a host of killing applications. Size, in the instance matters. Lots of things are better on bigger screen, “The bigger the better”. Things like reading, coding or gaming. A bigger screen is also better for videos, but iPad lacks on movies, but it’s a matter of time, I guess. In the meantime you can amuse yourself by playing Computer games. iPad has something for every age group, be it gaming, coding or viewing pictures, but alternatively if you are too grown-up for such things you could also use it for work as it has eReader for ePapers and eBooks.

But the iPad is far from perfect. It’s many flaws have not escaped the reviewers.

Firstly, and by far the most serious, the iPad can do lots of things, but it can’t do them all at a time. You can’t, in other words listen to Spotify whilst browsing.

Second, and most surprising, there is no camera, not on the front for iChat, nor on the back for taking pictures. Can you believe this? These days, even things that come in cereal packets are supposed to have a camera on them.

Third, the iPad can’t deal with flash content on websites. This isn’t a big deal on something as small as the iPhone but it will leave big holes in the tablet’s browsing experience.

Then there are the smaller gripes; it can’t handle widescreen or HD; it needs too many adapters; it has a silly name (faintly suggestive of feminine hygiene).

But the Apple detractors are missing the point. It isn’t finished product. It’s a new platform for programming developers. Imagine what all those clever app creators could come up with a bigger screen. One of the developers on Facebook, Joe Hewitt spelt out the implications: “If you are a developer and you are not thinking about how your app could work better on the iPad and its descendants, you could deserve to get left behind,” that’s what is different about the iPad- it has potential.

GAMING : Animated Roulette ????

I don't really mind people occasionally playing PlayStation/PSP/XBox or to say just Video Games but when they become obsessed and feel like they have to play at least three to four hours a day, it just takes the idea to a whole new extreme.
I find it hard to understand how these people can endlessly play Video Games, isolating themselves from everyone else. Even when two people play a Video Game together, they become so involved with the game losing all sense of happenings around them.
Seriously, where's the enjoyment in shooting someone like one does in Call of Duty/ Counter Strike or in Fifa, where you play "Cyber" Football, you play the same game again and again, surely it's more fun to play actual football, with real people? It does make me concerned for these people who spend most of their time in front of their TV with holding something with both hands... eh... a Gaming controller.. Don't think too much...
As a sociable person, I find it hard to understand why someone would sit in front of a TV, not talk to anyone else in the room, and just play what?? yeah, that's right.."Video Games". It just seems like a very boring thing to do. My brother and husband love to play Xbox/PSP,( Brother??, Husband??? WTF are you talking abt?? Right? Okay, read it till the end or you may have a wrong impression.., you might have lost the track too..so... ) My brother and husband love to play Xbox/PSP and when I look at their faces whilst they are playing, I see focus, intensity and "don't you dare disturb me look". I remember once my husband had thought he'd lost his PSP, I have never seen him panic so much and he threatened to hurt someone if it was not found. Whether he was serious or not, Who knows, but as a long time Video Game player you wouldn't want to mess with his console.
There are lot of arguments about people who play video games, but I get on with all of them, but just cant see why they would spend their time playing games rather than going out clubbing or whatever else.
But maybe, because I just like going out having a boogie, I prefer to dance rather than sit in front of a screen. Going to Yates, where you see so many people, maybe any of your freind, (that's quite hard though) and get to catch up on gossip and everyday life is so much more fun than playing on a Video Game against someone who you don't even know or a bloody computer operated soldier/Player.
Obviously people Video game for other reasons, but everyone has a friend they can talk to. Again, I don't mind people who play Video games, but its those who don't recognise the balance between reality and cyber who let down the majority.

On the contrary, I love playing games. Surprised?? Why the hell would I write such a stupid article then?? Okay, clearing the fog off your glasses, this post is dedicated to My lovely Sister "Nidhi" who keeps saying all this whenever I play (:P). I guess, now she'l believe, that I understand her and I don't do it intentionally, gaming is addictive and you just can't control yourself once you are into it, After all, what kind of insane kid would grow up to hate chocolate if your favorite Aunt owned a chocolaterie, huh?.... or maybe this post is just a platform to play more without getting disturbed next time. :P Keep thinking....

Adios, Keep playing Gamers !!!!
Go..Go...Go....!!!!
Gateway, bristol 10 feb

Liveliness of bristol

Bristol is one of the UK's most amazing and inspiring cities. It's also very lively place with a vibrant cultural and social scene. There is everything from live music clubs to independent films, modern shopping malls to historical landmarks,bars and international restaurants. There's something for everyone whatever you interests.
Upon visiting the university, I was taken away with the beauty of the city and the friendly staff at the university, especially in the Engineering Faculty department. It seemed like a very welcoming and supportive environment. I felt lucky to be greeted by lecturers who were clearly at the forefront of their research areas, not only their expertise, but also their genuine interest in the thoughts and options of their students strike as a rare combination. I really love it here. It has got everything a good city offers as well as being pretty safe. There seems to be a good mix of people, although it does live up to its posh kid stereotype a bit, but generally the normal happy people seem to find each other and have an awesome time here. Everything is a little bit more elegant in United Kingdom, from the cars to the clothes; from the houses to the bridges. It really makes you appreciate beauty in a different way. You can appreciate the pure English style of the houses and I felt like another era. The city is totally wild! you can stay out all night if you want to and not be bored. There are some weeks where we've been out somewhere different every night. There's a massive mix too, from cheesy clubs to Brazilian dance music, so you get to figure out what you really like. I have grown very fond of Bristol. When the weather is clear, u can see for miles from the Clifton Suspension Bridge and with just a short walk away is the Downs & Ashton court Estate, where you can walk, run or bike for miles undisturbed. I think these open areas add to everyone’s enjoyment of the city...



The Wills Memorial Building- The construction of the building began before the World War I and took almost 100 years to built. It is situated on Queens Road, at the top of Park Street. It is Bristol's most prominent landmarks & is regarded by most people with the University of Bristol. This tower is impressive, quite high and is encircled by brightly-colored heraldic shields .There is a bell weighing over 9.5 tons, which strikes every hour above the noise of the city traffic.

Clifton Suspension Bridge- It’s the jewel in Bristol!! Its world famous because of its spectacular setting on the cliffs of the Avon Gorge, drawing thousands of visitors a year just to stroll across for views of the gorge and elegant Clifton. I have always been fascinated by architecture, but to come and see this 700 foot long & 250 foot high bridge that was build in 1836 really blew my expectations. There is no fee for crossing the bridge but you can buy a yellow button for a donation to keep the bridge in good shape, plus all vehicles crossing have to pay a toll. Crossing it gave me the chills of history that was made here, thinking about all the people that used this bridge since 1836 and it is in impeccable shape. This bridge is located on such a height that once you are on it you can feel the wind blowing at an extreme pace.

The More Explored , The Less Understood Goa !!

Goa is one of the most beautiful places in India gifted with sun kissed beaches, nature’s tranquility and exotic natural beauty. Thousand of visitors from across the world visit this carnival state to enjoy their holidays in splendor. Goa is gifted with innumerable tourist attractions with marvelous forts, catholic churches, temples, palm fringed beaches and coconut grooves. No visitor will ever get bored, in fact the lively environment of this carnival state is sure to make visitors spell bound. People visit this romantic state to enjoy their holidays in the most splendid way. In this little heaven Nature is always at its best and the charming beaches are simply irresistible.

Day 1-

In Goa, the rickshaw, taxi drivers and guest houses owners are just waiting to fleece you and we were not going to let this happen to us. So, we had already booked the LIC guest house for us beforehand, we didn't have to put in extra money for the stay. Another sensible thing we did was we hired 5 Honda Activa's and a bike. That really made the trip more enjoyable for next 4 days, we hired them from Colva beach. One of the wise decisions in retrospect was to have arranged a self-driven jeep that made moving around adventurous, enjoyable and economical. So, we hit Colva beach as soon as we hired our vehicles. After an hour of craziness in water, we started playing beach footy and all the random stuff (for many,being at a beach was the first experience), we were like done for the day, but then me and one of my friends, Bhitesh decided to go deep into the water together to enjoy the view from deep inside the sea.
Then we were headed towards the Benaulim beach, one of the best beaches of Goa. Had a great time and then sat down at some shack; enjoyed some shots with lovely candle lights on table, the tides got high and the sound of water was mind blowing.
After the hectic day we were off to the guest house, Aj's GPS helped us throughout the journey.

Day 2-

It’s never easy to wake me up early morning and that was what Aseem and Kartikey realized that day. We had decided to leave early for Calingut Beach and till 10:30 I was like showing no signs of getting up :P. With a driving force to enjoy this trip to the fullest, I was finally up. Had a nice breakfast at the guest house made by our dear Happie bhaiya (I'l have to write another article if I need to descibe that creature) and we were headed towards Beach Calingut. I was like "Get up now you lazy bum, don't spoil your day lying in bed".

Romance at Beach Calingut ;) The beach was stuffed with mallu and goan aunties and hell lot of people, enjoying with their loved ones. Looked pathetic to me and we left within an hour after inquiring about Water Sports. Depressed from the Calingut we were headed to Bagha beach.
Bagha beach brought in some energy into our body. Some (in fact a lot) pretty chicks roaming around, loud music, water sports, beach side massage and everything you expect from a beach could be seen there. We targeted water sports first and went for that scary and crazy scooter ride (Wonder how those scooter guys operate the whole day in that salty water). After bitching for about 30 minutes in salty sea water with banana ride and carpet ride, we headed for the deadly para sailing.
It was an experience of a lifetime, with my body floating in mid air. I asked the bhaiya to allow me to jump into the water, but he was too scared..hot blood listens none; I jumped into the water in the middle of the sea and it was just too good, just awesome. I love water; it makes me feel relaxed, be it swimming in the pool or just jumping into the tank of my house :P. In the evening we had our dinner at Sher-e-Punjab, a so-so restaurant on Beach Calingut.
We planned out to visit the famous Saturday night market before hitting the discotheque. However, unfortunately it had been shut down during the off season. We were soon out of that place, roaming on the streets of Goa before we hit Goan roads at mid night.

Day 3-

With reasonable road signage and helpful souls on the streets, driving on Goa roads felt like the most natural thing to do, especially for Indians, used to the Indian driving rules! ;). We did have some trouble with missing signage on critical points but generally the roads appeared clean, wide and certainly better marked than Gurgaon else we had AJ with his GPS. The drive through narrow roads lined with Goan houses, filled almost invariably with red or yellow hibiscus flowers and a small Jesus or Mother Mary statue could be seen at every single house. Beaches of Goa holds fabulous attractions and gives visitors the most memorable time to enjoy along the beaches, we thought of just exploring the beaches in the North, as we had already booked the tickets for a cruise named Caravela (All thanx to Nitesh for the Cruise superb idea) One can go for lavish cruises or enjoy the exciting night life on the beaches and explore the unlimited fun attached with them.
Everything in this carnival state is simply captivating and leaves every visitor spell bound. It is the place with unlimited fun and excitement. We went to Beach Dauna-Paula, I don't know what to discuss about this beach. Its such a waste of time to go there, there's some statue which was made in the memory of some french girl, who committed suicide ..blah blah..Oh god !! It was so depressing... I wont suggest anybody to go there. After that, we were headed to Caravela. On the way to Caravela, we encountered a beach named Mira-Maar; it is the best beach I have ever seen and I mean it, so serene with hardly any people around, perfect beach for a couple, away from the crowded world, just peace everywhere. Perfect for a beach walk with hand in hand with your lover, but unfortunately we were 12 guys !! :( There is always pro's and con's to everything.
There's a road side food trolley market outside that beach with lots of spicy junk food. I had a doner and gol gappas; they both were amazing. After enjoying for a couple of hours at Mira-Maar, we left for Caravela, the ticket included entry to the Casino with unlimited drinks, Russian dancers and buffet dinner. It was the best experience ever, we spent around 8 hours there and then we reached back to the guest house somewhere around 5 in morning.

Day 4-

For the first destination of that day we headed to Fort Aguada. It was a typical Portuguese architecture surrounded by the Indian ocean from 2 sides. Chilling heat and we were all dead within 15 minutes, decided to leave that place but Penny suggested lime soda; A few glasses brought in some energy and were headed towards Beach Vagator. It was hot, really hot; I took off my T-shirt and rode Activa all day with a pair of shorts. I suggest not to take much of T-shirts to this beautiful place, they were hardly of any use to me :P. There wasn’t much of a difference between Beach Vagator and Beach Anjuna. There were very few people on both the beach, with hardly any foreigners. We went to beach Anjuna because we heard that they put up a flea market, unfortunately, we found a small market and we had plenty of time to shop. Shopkeepers didn't try to cheat us that much but I feel really sorry for all the foreigners there. After spending plenty of time at the shacks with lovely live music played by some foreigner band, we planned to hit the Discotheque.

Earlier we had two options to choose from Titto’s or Mambo’s. However, since the stag entry in Titto was 800, we decided to hit Mambo’s ;) We were there by 9. After inquiry I found the discotheque starts at 10:30 and the disc rolls till 4 o’clock in the morning. I was like "wow", We kept killing time and checked out the concept of high street pubs (British Concept). In the mean while we met some random guy who was having some kind of passes to Club West End, he told us, there was a DJ from London who was supposed to spin the wheel that night, with no Indian crowd. :) with lot of excitement we hit that club and it was awesome. Trance (first in my list of preferred music genre’s) was the theme.
We all were some 3 beer down and I was just about to experience the best night ever.
This part of the trip is what made dancing really dirty till 2 O’ clock and we just didn’t stop. Pretty chicks, some cool DJing, Headbanging, 2 more beers and what else can you ask for. It was not the First time on a discotheque with friends but it was fun.

Day 5-
We were headed for the Beach Candolin, when we reached there, it was like we've got what we were looking for from the past 4 days, It was like a dream come true, but unfortunately it was our last day so we just had a couple of hours for the birdwatching. Amazing crowd, no Indians at all, foreigners massaging, getting themselves tattooed and pierced at wierd parts. Just everything what ever you can think of. Finally we left for some final shopping for our loved ones as a dream run was coming to an end. We had a train back to Delhi at afternoon. Bought some Fenni, port wine and Goan cashew (all these things are quite famous in there), I got myself tattooed on the arm :) Finally our journey got over here and we all got tanned like hell. Sunscreen's just dint work.
Visit once and you will take back innumerable fascinating moments to cherish throughout your lifetime.

Let me get your mouth melt !!

I was quite impressed after my first visit to Barbeque Nation (BBQN) which is located at Sec- 26,Chandigarh. I had heard about it almost from the time I started staying in
Chandigarh because, if nothing else, I am a connoisseur of a good eating-out experience. BBQN promised to be all that and much more. I went to Barbeque Nation with a good idea of what I was supposed to get there, but knowing beforehand and actually experiencing it, are two very different things.

First things first. BBQN has a system of Rs 850 per head oops! that's too much for a student !! but then it included unlimited snacks, drinks, cocktails, mock tails and a buffet dinner, with loads of sweet dish. So, we thought of giving it a chance. The dinner menu is fixed regarding dishes, but the menu itself keeps changing each day. Anything above and beyond that comes out of the extra cash.

So one evening, me and two of my best friends planned to get down there. We made sure to reserve a table first (This is must! Go without a reservation and you will have to join a long queue of people outside). Once inside, we found all the cushy sofas around the corners were filled up except the one we had booked, we chose the corner table because people tend to speak louder after boozing. We were seated at a comfortable table (:)) and all agog to share the experience. The ambiance was cozy but understated, the place provides a very different look.
Good European art on the brick walls and lovely Italian furniture.

The waiter promptly inquired as to our tastes- All non-veg, and arranged 3 brown place settings in front of us. Then the gastronomic delight began. He placed skewers of succulent meat and vegetable tikkis and paneer tikkas ;) in front of us. 90% was cooked, we were supposed to cook the rest of the 10% of our dinner all by ourselves on the grill. One gets an opportunity to actually turn and twist the skewers and burn their barbecue’d meat or vegetarian mashed balls to realize that it’s not as easy as popping one of those mouthwatering kebabs into your mouth.
I must admit, it was a novel experience, sitting in the corner of a posh restaurant and grilling our own food. The replenishment kept coming...faster than we could finish them. There are these cute flags at every table that you turn down when you have had enough of the unlimited appetizers. We didn't use them till the end as we planned to have drinks and snacks are must with it. :P

The buffet itself consisted of a variety of dishes. Mughlai, Thai, Chinese, and Italian. The dessert list boasted 6 different dishes and so many pastries and condiments that the mind boggled. Each dish was cooked to perfection and tasted divine.
Next time we plan out I'll make sure I have fasted for sometime before we make the reservations because I don't want to miss out on a single item next time.
An altogether amazing experience.

Cheers !!

click for free hit counter