*Relaxed*

Oyasumi minna-san!

MK is here today to tell you about a pretty awesome website that I’ve learned about recently called “Lockerz.com”.

Really, what Lockerz.com is, is a members-only website where you can earn points by doing simple things like answering questions and watching videos. And the coolest thing is that you can use those points to buy really cool prizes.

Check this video out!

As some of you might know from reading my previous post, MK herself has been very closely eying the 21.5″ iMac, that’s why I was so interested in this video and now this site.

But the thing is that membership on this site is “invitation-only” which means that you have to be invited by someone who already has membership on the site. ( Like me! )

OK, so now what MK would like from you is the following:

If you or anyone you know is interested in membership at Lockerz.com, just email me saying “Please invite me”. Then I’ll send you an invite and you can start earning points.

MK’s email: missionaryk@gmail.com

*Glad to be home from school*

Hola minna-san!

As you might know, I posted a little “Laptop Research” post some months ago where I checked out different laptops that I’ll possibly be buying in the future.

But since then, I’ve realized that maybe I shouldn’t be getting the laptop I was planning to get. Actually, I don’t think I should get a laptop at all.

I’ve realized that when I weigh the pros and the cons, it would probably be the wisest choice to get, instead of a laptop, a desktop.

As those of you who read my last post about this whole laptop research would know, I was planning on getting a Macbook Pro. But since Mac computers themselves are so expensive, I started considering a

The new 21.5" iMac

cheaper alternative to the Macbook Pro: an iMac.

When I went to Apple.com to do some further research, I realized even more that the iMac, might in fact be a much wiser choice.

Let’s take a look at some of the different aspects of the two candidates:

Macbook Pro vs. iMac!

Price: So, the cost of the Macbook Pro that will suite my needs is a whopping $1,500! Though it’s not so hard to believe coming from Apple, it is still a big difference from the price of the 21.5″ iMac, which goes for $1,2oo.

Another thing to keep in mind is that when I buy my new computer, whichever one I pick, I’m going to buy Final Cut Express with it. Final cut Express costs $200. What struck me as very notable was that, the iMac + Final Cut Express would still be less than the Macbook Pro alone. Definitely something to keep in mind.

So this round goes to: iMac!

Technical Specifications: What is also pretty awesome on iMac’s part is that even though the price is lower, the tech specs are significantly higher.

Key Tech Specs Macbook Pro:

• 13.3″ glossy screen
• 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
• 4GB of RAM (Memory)
• 250GB hard drive
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics

Key Tech Specs iMac:

• 21.5″ glossy screen – much bigger screen
• 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo – Much faster processor
• 4GB memory
• 500GB hard drive – 2x hard drive size
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics

Looks like this round also goes to: iMac

Other Random Pros & Cons of the iMac

Pro: With an iMac, I can choose to get a full keyboard with Numeric Keypad. And I’d really love that because, I always use the “delete” button when I type. So when I chose to switch to Mac, that was something I knew I’d miss, since most Mac keyboards don’t have a “delete” key. But if I get that keyboard then I don’t have to give up the “delete” button.

Con: The iMac is not portable. I mean, I can live without the portability right now, since where I live, it’s very uncommon for people (especially school students) to walk around with laptops (at least if they don’t wanna get them stolen). So I wouldn’t miss it that much. I think it’s definitely a fair trade-off. I’ll probably just keep my current laptop for when I need to go on vacations. (Because I have to have my computer then too – otherwise I die).

OK, MK must leave minna-san now. Lemme know what you think about MK’s decision.

Have a lovely day!

Ja~ne!

*There are strange people in my house*

Hora minna-san!

Of course, MK was just browsing around on Youtube for some videos on her dream laptop, the Macbook Pro. As I was doing so, I found a video that shows me even more reasons to believe that, for what I plan to use it for (HD Video editing), a Mac would probably be the best choice.

I actually found this pretty surprising myself, seeing that the PC was so much more powerful and Pinnacle is also a very good video editing software. It seemed like a really unfair comparison.

But it’s way cool that in the end the Mac was still better at playing and editing the HD video.

What does minna-san think about this conclusing; Is Mac really better than PC when it comes to video editing?

Let me know what you think!

Ja~ne!

*Blessed*

Konbanwa minna-san!

Long time no see! How’s everything going?

Since MK has a lot of free time on her hands today, she decided to take a moment to blog to minna-san.

BTW, since about a month ago, MK has been working on improving her typing skills. Before, I used to type with just two fingers, my thumb and my index finger, and sometimes I’d use my middle finger. But after some practice with the proper typing technic (Oh no! I forgot how to spell technic…), I now type much faster (or at least I feel like I do). I use pretty much all of my fingers now. And I have to look down at the keyboard less often than before which must definitely be helping me raise my typing speed.

Anyway, but that’s not going to be the main topic of this post. What I really wanted to blog about is:

My dream of becoming a Mac!

From the time I first learned the difference between Mac and PC, I’ve  always felt that Mac was superior to PC. Now, I’m definitely not against people who are for PC or anything. I just personally get the feeling that when it comes to computers, you get what you pay for. One of the biggest arguments that people who prefer Windows have is the obvious price difference between Mac machines and PC machines. But I believe, from my experience, that really you have to just dig deeper in your pocket sometimes if you want something that’s gonna be more productive. Especially when it comes to computers since they generally cost a larger amount of money than many other things. So I feel that if you’re gonna spend hundreds of dollars to get a computer (which you hope to go with you for at least 4 years), it’s worth it if you have to spend some extra hundred bucks to get a computer that you’ll really love.

So, you guys probably won’t be surprised when I say that my dream computer (at least right now) would be the…

The 13″ MACBOOK PRO!!!

I consider this to be the best designed laptop out there. I know for others a bigger screen would be more useful, and for them of course the bigger Macbook Pros would no doubt fulfill their needs. But because all my previous laptops have been so heavy and… just not fun to carry around, I’d love to try a smaller, lighter laptop. I’ve always found the 13.3″ screen of the Macbooks to be the perfect size; they’re easy to fit in most bags, they’re light, yet they’re not too small.

*sigh*

OK, I think I’m done expressing my awe to minna-san.

Gotta go now.

I’ll probably be back to express more awe in the future.

‘Til then…

Ja~ne!

*Going to go do some homework soon*

Konbanwa minna-san!

Once again, as MK was aimlessly browsing Youtube for cool videos and channels, she came across this Youtuber who goes by the name of Mystery Guitar Man. I had a look at a few of his videos and I absolutely love them all. I definitely recommend checking him out.

Here’s one of my favorite videos from him.

Lemme know what minna-san thinks!

Have a ton of homework, hoping to get the chance to blog again soon!

Ja~ne!

*Mood: Grouchy*

Aloha minna-san!

MK‘s currently in a strangely grouchy and irritable mood. I’m not sure exactly why this uncool mood has come upon me right now, though I may have a slight idea as to what the cause might be.

Anyway, but still, MK is going to blog today in the hopes of raising her spirits in this way.

The topic I have chosen to blog about today is:

My new Flip UltraHD!

As those of you who have been following MK’s very occasional blog updates know, right on New Years’ Eve, I got home from my vacation and received from my parents the Flip UltraHD! WHEE!

Originally, I had asked my parents for the Sanyo Xacti CG10, because I believe it’s a much better camera for the

Sanyo Xacti CG10

price.

So to anyone out there reading this post and considering a Flip HD, check out the Sanyo Xacti CG10 which is about the same price as the Flip UltraHD in some places, or just a bit more in other places.

But anyway, since my parents were unable to find a store that sold the Xacti (strange), they settled for the more popular (yet not as good) Flip UltraHD.

Would minna-san like to know a secret secret?

The reason why MK needed an HD camcorder was because she’s planning to start posting videos, and maybe even do a web-show in the future.

But I’m not completely sure about any details yet.

Anyway, so now’s the time for MK to do a short review on her new portable camcorder!

The Flip UltraHD: Review!

The Flip UltraHD has 8GB of built in memory and with that it records 120 minutes, or in other words, 2 hours of footage.

Hardware:

Alright, so when I first got the camcorder and did the unboxing, the first thing I noticed about it was that, although it’s significantly thicker than the Flip MinoHD, it’s not as big of a deal as I thought it would be, it feels good in my hands, I don’t know if people with super small hands have problems with that or not, but for me, the size isn’t an issue. My only negative comment about it is that, it would have been pretty cool if I could fit it into my pocket, but I can’t seem to accomplish that.

Maybe I need bigger pockets.

I’ve heard complaints about the patented Flip USB dongle thing being a bad idea because when you plug into your computer, the camcorder itself puts strain on the dongle, for instance if your USB port is to high above your desk. But I haven’t had any problems with it so far, though I know for some people it would become an issue.

Video Quality:

To show minna-san the video and sound quality of the Flip UltraHD, I went out into my yard and spent some quality time with my two parrots. Unfortunately, the video still doesn’t give a very good sense of how good the microphone is, but I hope it’ll be good enough.

Conclusion:

Other than the video and sound quality, there aren’t many other aspects to the Flip UltraHD since it’s only function is to record HD videos. The Flip UltraHD also comes with built in FlipShare software which is supposed to make things more simple for people who are less familiar with computers in general.

Specifications:

So, now for the most important information, the specs.

Package Contents:

• Camcorder
• Rechargeable battery pack
• Wrist strap
• Soft case
• Quickstart guide

Minimum System Requirements:

Warning: Please be sure to pay close attention to these system requirements. MK was unfortunate enough to pass these by so, right now, her computer is barely able to play the videos recorded on the Flip properly because her computer doesn’t meet the minimum requirements.

PC: 3.0 GHz Intel Pentium 4 or faster processor, Windows XP SP2 with 512 MB of RAM or Vista with 1GB of RAM, and USB 2.0 port

Mac: 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo or faster processor, 1GB of RAM, OS X Tiger 10.4 or Leopard 10.5, and USB 2.0 port

Digital video format:

H.264 video and AAC stereo audio in MP4 file format

Video Resolution:

HD 720p (1280×720, 16:9 widescreen) at 30 fps

- – - – - – - – - – - – - -

So, that was MK’s short review on the Flip UltraHD. Hopefully minna-san found it helpful in some way.

Now it’s time for MK to go work on her pile of homework that she has to do.

Ja~ne!

*Mood: Content*

Hola minna-san!

MK‘s finally back from an almost 2-week “vacation” (even though it was HORRIBLE) on my home island (the island that I moved from). My brother and I have been dying to get back home for multiple reasons.

One of the reasons why I wanted to get back home swiftly, was because my dad told me on the phone that he’d gotten me a Flip HD, and that it was waiting for me at home!

When I got home, I was so happy to finally be able to unbox my new Flip UltraHD!

Here are a couple pictures from the unboxing :

Front of the box

Box inside of the box

The Flip HD!

OK, I think I forgot to take a picture of the Flip HD outside of the box. Gomen.

But I gotta now.

I’ll try to find some time to make a short review of my new white Flip UltraHD in the near future.

MK is going to try to blog more often, but I won’t make any promises since I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep them.

Until then,

Ja~ne!

*Mood: Somber*

Ohayou minna-san!

Genki desu ka?

Just some months ago, MK’s laptop crashed for the first time. I was a nervous at first but when it recovered, I just brushed it off. After some weeks, it crashed again. And again. I can’t remember just how many times my laptop has crashed so far, but I know that it has started crashing more and more often.

The other day, my dad came home and he, my brother and I were hanging out in my room. My laptop was on, of course, and I think I was showing them something online when it crashed once again! But this time, when I tried to turn it on again, it just showed that scary black screen, kinda like this one.↓

Only, mine was empty and just said "Operating System not found"

When I saw this, MK became a bit panicked. I tried pressing the Enter-key but ever time I pressed it, another “Operating System not found” would just show up. Again and again.

So, I was forced to shut down my laptop by force.

Tip: For those of you who aren’t great with computers (like my mom), you might have experienced times when you are unable to get your computer to respond, therefore, also unable to get the computer to shut down. In such predicaments, try holding down your computer’s power button for about 5-7 seconds. The computer will shut down forcefully.

Anyway, so once MK’s computer was down, I proceeded to pray and ask God to restore my computer back to normal, even if just for a short period of time so that I could get my files backed up.

Of course He heard my prayer and allowed my computer to start up normally again.

But now I know that I should really look into a new laptop that I can buy soon, because my dad said it probably won’t be long before it happens again, and it might not start up again!

So, MK has been looking into some laptop-candidates.

Of course, as I’ve said in a previous post, a Macbook/Macbook Pro is one of MK’s laptop candidates.

Macbook Pro!

For a long time, I’ve wanted a mac because I think Mac are superior to Windows for multiple reasons. I also love how macs are so good at creative stuff. Macs are just like, the world’s coolest computers.

Of course, I do agree with people who feel macs are overpriced. But I think macs are kinda like luxury vehicles. You pay extra for the fact that it’s a mac and it’s got the world-famous apple-logo on the lid. It’s possibly just a mind-share thing.

But anyway, if I were to buy a mac, I’m pretty sure I’d buy a 13″ Macbook Pro. Because I’ve always loved the size of the 13″ White Macbook, and obviously this one is the same size, only much better build and much better specs.

But to be realistic, I don’t know if my parents would buy me a mac at the moment since it’s at such short notice plus our family’s currently going through a difficult time financially.

So, MK has turned her eyes to some less costly candidates:

1. Sony Vaio CW-series
2. HP Pavilion dm3z series
3. Dell Inspiron 14

Those are the candidates I have seen and am looking into at the moment. If you know anything about any of these candidates, let me know please, I need all the info I can get.

MK will report back to minna-san in the near future with some more information and thought about these and maybe some more laptop candidates!

But for now, I have homework to do!

Ja~ne!

*sigh*

Konbanwa minna-san!

Surprised that MK has returned so quickly?

Well, this will just be another short post about something that I realized today.

So, as some of you might have seen through my tweets, today was a difficult day for me at school. I was pretty overwhelmed throughout the day because I’ve been having a permanent mountain of homework for weeks now. I feel like I can never really get away from it and I’m just so tired!

Anyway, so what I noticed is that, when someone would talk to me, I’d feel better. I was being pretty asocial for most of the day because of my mood, but when someone would reach out and talk to me, it helped. Even talked to the lunch lady in the cafeteria slightly lifted MK’s spirits for a while (even though she’s not super nice ).

So, next time someone you know isn’t in top spirits, try talking to them. And you don’t even have to talk to them about what’s wrong, even just casual talk can be all the person needs.

Warning: Don’t be annoying, though. Unless the person shows very obvious signs that he/she wants you to continue talking to them, know when to stop talking and let them have some peace and be alone. Whatever his/her problem is, he/she needs to have some time to think it through.

—————–

Oh! MK has another video to share with minna-san!

It’s music/piano-related again.

What do you think? I love it. Nintendo rules!

Homework time!

Ja~ne