Custom PC Building

The idea of custom building a PC can seem like a daunting task to those with little computer hardware experience. This is the reason companies like Dell, HP, etc do well, as they offer systems already setup in a variety of configurations. For the inexperienced, this is the easiest way to get started with a new PC. However, it would be wise to always weigh the options and look into custom computers.

There are several advantages to custom computer building. One of the most important, in my opinion, is the fact that you can select each component specifically to fit your needs. The most recent computer build I did was configuring a system mainly to be used for audio production. Knowing the needs of my setup I was able to put more quality into things like processing power, connectivity, memory and hard drive space / speed. Conversely, I was able to cut corners in price on things that weren't as much of a priority, like the graphics card for example. I was able to go with a very basic one, according to my needs. Another advantage is price. For the system I configured, as a comparable Dell or HP computer would have cost an average of $700-$800 dollars more. Also, I was able to choose from a variety of computer cases to get the look that I desired.

With even a modest amount of hardware knowledge, putting together a PC from it's parts can be a fairly simple procedure. There is a wealth of information and tutorials available on the Internet that can all but walk you through it step by step. Or at least offer guidance in the event that you come across any issues. Even with these resources, if you aren't comfortable in assembling and setting it up, there is another option. There are many custom PC companies that will assemble and setup your choice of components, and deliver a ready to go product based on your choices. Companies such as AVA Direct, CyberPowerPC, and OriginPC are just a few examples of those that provide these services. If you are planning on or shopping for a new computer, hopefully you will at least take some time to research the possibilities!

Amazon Drone Delivery

I recently had the pleasure of viewing a podcast on NPR.org about Amazon and their plans to use drones for delivery in the future. The podcast outlines how Amazon is working on technology that would allow packages to be loaded onto a drone in the warehouse, and sent out for delivery.  The first thing that comes to mind is safety. They state that the plan is for the drones to fly at an average altitude of 400 feet, which would potentially would be high enough to not interfere with traffic, power lines, etc; yet low enough to be out of the way of other aircraft.

On the surface, this sounds like an intriguing idea. I agree with the ideas that freight traffic and the associated costs / carbon footprint is getting out of hand. With the constant increase of online shopping, that will continue to get worse, and drone delivery could actually become a viable option.

The downside is the potential list of problems that could occur. Would hackers or hijackers be able to find a way to tamper with the drones or their route? Would the actual drop off of product have any potential personal injury concerns? Another question to be asked is how would the cost of operating these drones compare to the costs of traditional shipping. These questions aside, the future of drone deliveries is a very interesting concept to keep an eye on in the near future. I for one, am rather excited to see how it shakes out.

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/11/30/457884746/amazon-offers-new-glimpse-of-what-its-drone-delivery-could-look-like

Computers And Recording Software

Being an IT guy and also recording engineer and studio owner, I am often asked what is the "best" recording software. There is no best overall, because it all depends on your specific needs, budget, and work flow. However, many people believe that Avid's Pro Tools software is the best in the business. Although Pro Tools may be the most widely used recording software, in my opinion it is far from the best... especially in terms of price-to-performance ratio.

Similar to the way the term "Xerox machine" is used when talking about a copier; or how "Band-aid" is used when talking about a bandage; Pro Tools, being a pioneer in computer recording software is synonymous with recording in general. In my opinion, that is the reason its most used; name recognition. I believe that many other software packages, including Cakewalk's Sonar (my personal favorite and tool of choice), and Apple's Logic have far surpassed Pro Tools in features, ease of use, and price-to-performance ratio. In my own business, i also have Pro Tools software, but only because clients inevitably ask for it, or have projects that were started in the program. However, 9 times out of 10, when they experience Sonar at my facility, they realize that Pro Tools is no longer king of the hill. Again, it still somewhat depends on the way you work in recording, and your specific needs. But there are far better options around, in my humble opinion. So this begs the question: What's in a name?

I know we are all guilty of this at one point or another... Rushing out to buy that next new hottest thing in an attempt to be on the cutting edge of technology... only to have our pride shot down when something newer and better is released before our product is even broken in. There's always that new processor, new laptop or new OS, the next new Iphone, or video game system or some similar electronic device or setup. Then the next thing you know, yours is outdated and obsolete. 

Is it that the new tech is advancing  faster than we can keep up?  Or are technology companies simply playing on the fact that we will go out and make purchases solely to be at the forefront of new tech ? Are we being tricked into buying things we don't need? Or will those extra few gigabytes or slightly faster processor or slightly higher-resolution  screen make some huge impact on our lives? I wonder if we can answer this question before windows 8, and iPhone 6 comes out.