Author Archives: K

Macbook Pro 15″ First Impression

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It’s been almost a full day since I opened up the box with my brand spanking new 15″ Macbook Pro. So far I’m having mixed emotions about one topic in particular, which has me thinking about my options for returning the computer. It should be noted that most of my comparisons and opinions are based off my last Macbook Pro, which also sported a 15″ screen, but was almost 6 years old.

So what is it that has me thinking about returning the computer? It’s the monitor/screen or, as Apple calls it, the display. I upgraded the display to a hi-resoluation anti-glare display. This apparently had implications that I didn’t realize. My first observations, before I even turned on the computer, was the silver border around the display. This isn’t what I was expecting based on the pictures on the Apple website, the computers I played with at the Apple store, and my brothers 13″ Macbook Pro. Turns out the Apple website does indicate there is a silver border on the anti-glare displays. This is something that I can easily get over. What I’m having difficulty with is the smaller font. With the higher resolution and increased screen space comes a much smaller font. I find myself increasing the font size when reading the news on various websites. Considering my eye-sight is just about 20-20 now following LASIK eye surgery, that should give you a good idea of how small the font is and how it would be difficult for someone with slightly less perfect eye sight to get anything done with this screen.

That’s not to say the computer didn’t leave a few positive impressions. First of all, the same display I’m concerned about with regards to font is spectacular with pictures and video. It is very clear and crisp. The battery life is also great. I’ve been using the computer on and off for about 5 hours now and still have a good hour left according to the battery monitor. The keyboard is also solid and easy to type on, a stark contrast to the problems I was having with the older computer, but still better than the older computer when it was at its best. The trackpad takes a little getting used to, specifically the fact that the full trackpad can be clicked, but the numerous swipe options make it worth the time and effort to learn.

So there you have it. According to the Apple website I have 14 days from the date of receipt to initiate a return either through Apple.com or at an Apple Store. I was also surprised at the lack of any language regarding a restocking fee. I may have to contact Apple to ensure there is no restocking fee, which might have an affect on my final decision. Anyway, I haven’t made a final decision, but am mulling my options at this point.

Pants on Fire

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I lied. It wasn’t on purpose and, at the time, it was was I thought to be the truth. A few weeks ago I posted about doing some comparisons between various Apple computers, including the Mac Mini, 13″ Macbook Pro, 15″ Macbook Pro, and various Windows based computers. The results of the compaisons would then be posted to the blog in order to help with my decision on what computer to buy. This is something I did back in 2006 prior to buying my current 15″ Macbook Pro. Well, the comparisons never happened and, if you happen to follow my Twitter account, you know I decided to purchase a new computer yesterday.

To be honest, buying a Windows computer never crossed my mind. The experience I’ve had with my current 15″ Macbook Pro, which I bought almost 6 years ago, has been spectacular. Add the fact that I continue to run Windows using Boot Camp, so why not have the option to use either operating system. During the past 6 years I increased the RAM, operating system (twice), and hard drive. However, I wasn’t able to updrade to the latest version of OS X – Lion – due to the computer being too old.  In all, things just worked and I appreciate that fact. Recently, though, the buttons have started to ware down. There may be a way to fix this problem, I’m not sure, but after almost 6 years I’m ready for a new computer, one with specs that are current.

CNET.com does a good job reviewing various computers in the wild and recommending their top choices. Even their top choices get put into various categories (i.e., budget, mid-size, desktop replacement, netbooks, and ultra-portable). In the overall laptop category, the Macbook Pro is right at the top of the list. In comparison, the Samsung Series 7 (15″) comes closest to the Macbook Pro in specs at about $500 less cost.  Here’s what CNET.com has to say:

Samsung’s Series 7 Chronos 700Z5A-S03 is the closest Windows equivalent to a MacBook Pro in terms of specs, power, and design and even nearly matches on battery life, but it’s $500 less expensive than an entry-level Apple 15-incher.

There you have it. Why do a comparison when others are willing to do it for you?!

Just because I didn’t post any comparisons to the blog doesn’t mean there wasn’t a slew of thoughts going through my head. It was about a week ago I decided to go with the lower level 15″ Macbook Pro, while upgrading the RAM (8 GB), hard drive (750 GB @ 7200 RPM), and screen (high resolution anti-glare). The biggest differece betweent the lower level and upper level include a slightly faster processor, a better graphics card (1 GB vs. 512 MB), and about $300 in total cost. The total cost for the computer, including tax, turned out to be just over $2,500. A hefty price to pay, but not so bad when you consider how much I use computers and how inegral they are to my life.

Something else that occurred to me yesterday was the ease of purchasing the new computer using the Apple Store app on my iPhone. It really couldn’t have been any easier as I was sitting at Tony P’s having lunch. All I had to do was pick the computer, upgrade specifications, log in using my iTunes password, and input the 4 digit American Express security code. In all it took only a few minutes.

I’m now in a waiting period. The computer is set to ship in 1-3 days and deliver sometime between February 21 – 23. However, I’m hoping it will arrive on Friday so I can play with it after returning from Reno, NV. I’m exicted. Can’t wait!

Muddied Waters

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During the past few of weeks I’ve said I can see letters both close and far pretty clear with my left eye, but am having trouble seeing letters with my right eye that are not so close (in the 12-15 feet range).  I’ve been using a digital clock on a Bose Wavesystem that sits under the TV as a baseline. Well, yesterday I had my 4 week check-up since having the surgery and the results from this last check-up muddied the waters even more.  I was able to read the eye chart at 20-20 with my right eye and 20-25 with my left.  This goes against everything I’ve been saying.  Even worse, when I got home, the digital clock was still blurred with my right eye and clear as day with my left.  There seems to be a disconnect between what the doctor considers 20-20 and what my “at home” test results show.  Anyway, my next appointment is scheduled for 2 months from now.  During the next 2 months I’m hoping my sight will continue to get better and even out. In addition, I’m hoping I stop over analyzing the whole situation, especially considering how much better my eye sight is today versus before the surgery. Then again, anyone that knows me understands my inclination towards over analysis. It’s just part of who I am.  Get over it!  :-)

The Slacker Update

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It’s been about a week since my last post. As much as I try to prevent this from happening, sometimes the blog takes a back seat to other things going on in my life. Anyway, I’ve decided to do a consolidated update from the previous week.

*****

Biking on Saturday – What was originally planned as a relaxing bike ride from my house to Temescal Canyon Road on the Venice Beach bike path turned into more of a bar hopping extravaganze when I ran (er, biked) into a few friends that were stationed at The Terrace. They were about to ride their bikes to Santa Monica for a mani-pedi, a term we later changed to paws and claws. Yeah, I have guy friends that get their paws and claws done. I found it a little odd too, but this is Southern California we’re talking about, that’s why I fit in so well. I decided to join them for the ride, but stopped at a local Starbucks when they got their paws and claws done. On our way to Santa Monica we passed by this house that can only be described using pictures. This is not something that was done for Halloween, it is like this all year round.

*****
Super Bowl Sunday – I decided to stay home to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, a concept I really liked because I was able to watch and listen to the game without people interrupting. This can be overwhelming at the local watering holes with a large slew of people around. Anyway, I want to congratulate the Giants (and their fans) on winning the Super Bowl. This congratulations is two-fold. First of all, the Giants won, which is a feat in itself. Second, the Giants beat the Patriots, a team I loathe more than the Yankees. That’s saying a lot!

*****

Golfing on Monday – Late last week I was notified that I reached the limit of vacation accrual at work. After getting over the fact that I really want to take a vacation soon, I saw the positive and took this past Monday off to hit a round of golf. We picked Woodley Lakes this week. A relatively open and forgiving course perfect for building confidence in ones game. I was sitting at 84 on going into the 18th hole, a long Par 5. I managed to hit a perfect drive that faded from right to left landing in the middle of the fairway, leaving about 250 yards to the pin. With a hybrid-3 club, the 2nd shot landed about 50 yards from the pin, leaving me with 3 shots to make par (and 89). I chipped onto the green, leaving myself with 2 shots and about 20 feet from par. Well, I bogeyed the hole, 3 putting my way to a 90. My putting really stinks. But it was a beautiful Monday morning and early afternoon, much better than sitting in an office.

*****

Health – If you were wondering, there’s still a hefty knot in my back, but it’s feeling much better, which allowed me to hit the links for a round of golf. My right eye is a tiny bit better than last week, but there is still a noticeable difference in visual acuity (the technical term) between my right and left eye. Things I can see clearly with my left eye aren’t so clear still with the right. I’m hoping it clears up, but if it doesn’t, I guess the worst case scenario is to go in for “tune-up” surgery on my right eye. This is something that was discussed prior to the surgery and is allowed within the 1st 6 months following the original surgery date… for a small fee, of course. This is something I’ll have to think about. Who knows, maybe it’ll clear up by the time the decision needs to be made.

Anyway, there’s the slacker update from the past week. Next week I’ll be posting a travel update from Reno, Nevada. This will be my first time visiting that city.

Apples vs. Apples

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I can’t believe it’s been almost 6 years since I last went through the process of buying a computer. It was actually a little over 6 years ago when the thought of buying an Apple computer first crossed my mind. At the time this blog was just in its infancy and I documented my analysis in a few posts using the term “Apples vs. Oranges” one, two, and three. In this case, Apples was a reference to an Apple computer and Oranges was a reference to Windows based computers. Well, the time has come for me to go through that analysis again. Although I’m 99% sure to buy another Apple computer, I still might to do an analysis of a couple of Windows computers, just to see what the difference is these days compared to 2006.

Prior to purchasing the Apple MacBook Pro I had owned a few Windows computers, each only lasting a few years before I was ready to throw it out the window with frustration. I would go on to deal with the aggravation for up to a year before finally buying a new one. Well, after almost 6 years I can’t say I’m extremely frustrated with the MacBook Pro, especially after upgrading the RAM and hard drive during the past couple of years. However, some buttons have been causing grief lately, specifically the space bar and mouse button. The space bar doesn’t always work, so I find myself going back to add spaces between what should have been separate words. I thought this might be due to something stuck underneath the space bar, but that turned out to be wrong after taking apart the computer and using compressed air to blow it all out. In addition, the left side of the mouse button doesn’t seem to work anymore, which is the part I tend to use the most.


I’ve been going through various thoughts about my next computer during the past couple of weeks. Do I stick to a 15” MacBook Pro, which will go for about $2,600? Or, do I go smaller with a 13”, which will go for about $1,700? Another option is the Mac Mini, which will go for about $1,250. The thought behind getting the Mini is that I’ve become quite accustomed to using the iPad for most tasks. The primary uses for the standard computer is a central repository for all of my music, photos, and general documents, using Windows/Boot Camp to update Quicken, and to accomplish tasks that are just easier with a standard computer. Manipulating photos (i.e., cropping), something I do before uploading photos to the blog, is something I’m able to do with the iPad, but it’s just easier and quicker with a standard computer. With Pages and Numbers installed on my iPad, I’m able to create and update documents and spreadsheets at my heart’s content. So, if I only need a standard computer for those limited reasons, do I really need one that is portable? Also, the thought has crossed my mind about buying a Bluetooth keyboard for the iPad, which will make it easier to write longer blog posts, making the standard computer less needed. I may actually do this sooner rather than later to test out how much I can reasonable use the iPad. And spreading out the expense between a new computer early in the year and a new iPad later in the year will definitely take pressure off the wallet.


Anyway, those are my thoughts right now and chances are, knowing how I can analyze the death out of this kind of thing, my thoughts will probably change many times before settling down to buy my next computer.

LASIK – 1 Week Post Surgery

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It’s been just about a week since I had LASIK surgery to correct my astigmatism. About every hour each day I’ve been using Refresh Plus lubricant eye drops. And about every 3-4 hours I’ve been using anti-inflammatory eye drops (Prednisolone Acetate Ophthalmic Suspension USP) and anti-bacterial drops (Zymaxid) drops to prevent infection. I’ve also been taking showers using swimming goggles to prevent water from getting in my eyes and wearing an eye shield at night to prevent myself from rubbing my eyes when sleeping. It sound like a lot, but it hasn’t been that much of a nuisance to deal with.

Overall, this past week has seen my eye sight fluctuate from good to ok to relatively blurry and back again. It’s been somewhat of a roller coaster that has had me wondering if the surgery was a success or not. Apparently, after talking to a few people, I’m not the first to have a feeling of disappointment during the first few days after the surgery. Even with that slight disappointment, there was no denying my eye sight was much better than before. I didn’t need glasses or contacts to just use the computer, watch TV, or drive. I should probably heed the advise I gave my mom last year prior to having knee surgery… Patience!

On Wednesday I even ventured out for a round of golf with some co-workers at Oak Creek in Irvine, CA. Apparently the surgery didn’t help my golf game, but I did manage to sink a long chip in on the final hole. I’m guessing it was in the 60+ foot range, but I’m not sure. A range finder wasn’t implanted as part of the eye surgery. Again, it seems the cost of the surgery should result in a few side benefits, but apparently not.

Anyway, earlier today I had a check-up with the doctor to see how things are progressing. My visual acuity in each eye is about 20/25 and combined I’m about 20/20. What that means is I’m able to see at 20 feet with each individual eye what a “normal” person can see at 25 feet. With both eyes open I’m now able to see what a normal person can see at 20 feet. I’ve spent all these years trying not to be normal and here I am having paid almost $4k to be able to see normal. What was I thinking?! The doctor said my eye sight will continue to get slightly better over the course of the next week or two, at which point I should be at about 20/20 with each individual eye. That’s consistent with what I’ve read online, which noted eye sight will reach about 75-80% of maximum during the first 3-4 days and will then improve modestly for up to 3-6 months.

The doctor still recommends I take the anti-inflammatory drops for a couple more days. Also, he noted I should continue to keep water out of my eyes, sleep with the eye shields, and refrain from strenuous exercise for another week. My next check up is in 3 weeks. I’ll post another update (hopefully) after the check-up.

LASIK Surgery

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Preliminary results are in from the LASIK surgery after an early morning follow-up with the doctor today. Although I won’t categorize my sight as 20-20, it is darn near close. I’m hoping over the course of the next few weeks, as the swilling goes down my eyes will heal to full 20-20 vision, but only time will tell.

We left the house yesterday to make our way to the Laser Eye Center in Los Angeles around 7 AM. My brother was the designated driver and waited at the Starbucks across the street until the surgery was over, which was around 11:15 AM. The surgery itself only lasted less than 30 minutes. The preliminary tests and paperwork took over 2 hours leading up to that point. The doctors assistants (not sure if they’re called nurses) put me through various eye tests. I was given a boat load of information to remember and documentation to sign while the doctor looked at the test results. There were a lot of patients in the facility preparing for eye surgery, almost too many people, which made things a bit uncomfortable. I also wasn’t a big fan of having to sign my life away prior to the surgery, about 30 pages of documents to initial and sign. The one item I really didn’t like was having to sign a document requiring any “lawsuits” to go through an arbitrator rather than a jury court. This should not be allowed and giving me this document to sign after I had already paid for the surgery was very inappropriate.

The surgery was completed using two separate machines in separate rooms. The first machine was used to create an outline on my eye which would later be opened to create a flap. This was probably the most intese part of the surgery as the doctor used a tool to open my eye lids and then placed another tool around my eye. It felt like they took my whole eye ball out of the socket. The doctor was constantly putting drops in my eyes. Once I was placed under the machine the flap outline only took about 30 seconds per eye.

I waited in that room for about 10 minutes while they set up the 2nd machine. They had me stand up to walk over to the next room. The doctor worked on one eye at a time, first opening the flap on the eye, then placing me under the laser for the machine to do its thing. I was surprised how quick the actual surgery took, maybe 10-15 seconds per eye. At one point I think I heard the assistant say something about 11 seconds. All I really saw was an array of green lights. Then the doctor placed the flap back onto the eye. I could see him using a brush like tool to flatten it out in place.

The surgery itself was only half the battle. For the next 5-6 hours I kept my eyes shut. Each hour I would open my eyes to put in lubricating drops. Every 3rd hour I also put antibacterial drops to prevent infection and steroid drops to reduce the swelling. This whole time I was wearing clear plastic covers over my eyes to make sure I didn’t accidentally rub them. After a couple of hours I took a vicodin as my eyes were burning up a bit. I was able to take a few quick 30 minute naps during those 5-6 hours, but it was an uncomfortable period. At around 5 PM I finally opened my eyes, but only for short periods as I was still very sensitive to light.

From here on out I only have to wear the clear plastic covers over my eyes when sleeping. I also have to refrain from getting water in my eyes when taking a shower. Those swimming goggles I bought many years ago are finally going to be used, just not for the reason I intended. After a couple of weeks I’ll get back to normal sleeping and showering practices.

A few things to note for anyone planning on having the surgery. First, realize that the cost of the procedure is negotiable prior to the date of the surgery. I was told this by a friend after the consultation, but decided against making a fuss at that point. Second, make sure to request all prescriptions prior to the day of the surgery. I was given a prescription for antibacterial drops prior to the day of the surgery, but not the prescription for steroid drops. This caused a little hectic period after I got home and was looking for the drops, only to realize all they gave me was a prescription. My brother had to run out to Walgreens to fill the prescription. So that’s about it for the surgery, on to my next endeavor, whatever that turns out to be.

LASIK Eve

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Tonight will be, if all goes well, the last night I wear glasses or contacts for a very long time. I’m under the assumption that sometime in my 50′s and 60′s I’ll need to wear “cheater” glasses to read as my eyes get old and tired. I’m sure Joker knows how that feels.

All has gone well this week as I’ve prepared for the surgery. Last Friday night I removed my contacts for the last time. Since then I’ve been wearing very old glasses to get through the day and taking lubricant eye drops once or twice a day. I’ve been thinking about how long I’ve had these glasses. The answer: 15 years. It was the summer between my junior and senior year of college, when I was working as an intern for the Depository Trust Company (DTC) in downtown Manhattan. That’s a long time to have a pair of glasses. Since my eye sight hadn’t change much since then and I started wearing contacts not long after, buying a new pair of glasses didn’t seem warranted. Since I started wearing contacts I would only wear glasses while watching TV just before calling it a night.

I’ve had a few nervous moments this week thinking about the surgery. What if the there’s an earthquake during the surgery? Or, what if the power goes out for no apparent reason? Do they have a UPS to keep things working? I’m pretty those thoughts come from field of employment. But seriously, what happens if the surgery is a total failure leaving long lasting side effects? I realize the chances of that happening are few and far between, but it is possible. I’ll have to learn to blog using speech to text software. How else will everyone know what’s going on in my life?!

Luckily, I’m not willing to let “scary” thoughts prevent me from moving forward. Hopefully that will never happen… just don’t expect me to go jumping out of planes, that will never happen. :-)

Southwest 1582 / 2545

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Tuesday, January 3 – Flight 1582
Depart Los Angeles (LAX) at 09:10 AM
Arrive in Sacramento (SMF) at 10:30 AM

Friday, January 6 – Flight 2545
Depart Sacramento (SMF) at 06:50 PM
Arrive in Los Angeles (LAX) at 08:10 PM

Lost in the shuffle this past week between updating the blog with the 2011 Year in Review and 2012 Goals was the fact that I traveled to Sacramento, California. This was a follow-up business trip for a project I started during August 2011. The usual suspects were in place as I flew with Southwest, rented a car through National Car Rental, and stayed at the Fairfield Inn by Marriott. All of those were the same as the trips that occurred in August. However, there was one big change to how it all happened. With all the travel last year I was able to gather enough points to get status with Southwest and National. As a Southwest “A-List” member I’m guaranteed priority check-in, allowing me to board with the first group and get the best available seat. No more having to check-in 24 hours in advance to get the best boarding number. I was also able to use a special baggage check line allowing me to cut the whole line of other people looking to check-in. The perks don’t stop there. I was also allowed to use the priority security lane access, allowing me to again cut the whole line of people going through security. If you’ve read any of my posts about dealing with Southwest on a Monday morning at LAX, you’ll understand how big a deal that is. The perks of traveling also made its way to the renting a car. I’m now an Emerald Club Executive member with National, allowing me to rent the mid-size car and get an automatic upgrade to a full size car. This week I had the pleasure of driving a Dodge Charger. I thought it would be fun to drive a fun/fast car for once, which is about as far from a Jeep Wrangler as you can get. And it was a nice ride. The hardest part was figuring out how to open the gas tank.

A small piece of advice for people that don’t know or don’t rent cars often. Have you ever rolled up to a gas station, parked, the figured out the tank is on the other side of the car? Well, I learned last year that the answer is right in front of you. Located in the middle of the gas gauge is a picture of the tank and an arrow pointing either left or right. The arrow is pointing to the side of the car the gas tank is located. And you thought there was nothing to learn on my blog!

My next travel for business isn’t scheduled until mid-February, so I have another small break from the travel life… assuming I don’t take a much needed vacation at some point in between.

Goals for 2012

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This past week my posts were concentrated on reviewing what happened during 2011, but now it’s time to start looking forward to 2012. I’m again hoping for some changes to occur in my life, changes that will hopefully make it easier to reach my goals this year. The plan is to keep the same goals this year as last. I’m thinking, by keeping the same goals, I’ll have a barometer to work against. I’d like to meet the goals, but if I don’t, I should at least find a way to do better than last year. I guess you could say I have two sets of goals, the same ones as last year and to beat last years totals. So, without further ado, here they are:

  • 150 Days Exercising – There’s something that came up last year that I want to be more specific about this year. The specification is to exercise 150 DAYS. In other words, there is no option to exercise twice during a given day in order to catch up. Also, in order to qualify as exercise, the activity must last at least 30 minutes.
  • 8 Rounds of Golf – This is the one I was most disappointed about last year. After a friend moved to SoCal from the Denver area during the summer I was able to pick up a few more rounds. I’m going to have to keep that ball rolling this year. If I do I should be able to hit the magic number pretty easily.
  • 5 Hikes – This is another one that I should be able to do better at. It’s an easy way to get out of the house to see the backcountry. Well, when compared to Denver, the backcountry is somewhat limited in the LA area, but there are still some remote places to get lost.
  • 5 Bike Rides – Again, to be more specific, these will only include destination bike rides, not the bike rides from my house to Santa Monica. Those will still count towards the number of exercise days, but not towards the number of bike rides. I’m also going to add one more caveat… any bike ride that results in alcohol being consumed during the ride will not count. However, alcohol may be consumed directly after the ride. :-)

    • Keeping up with the same goals as last year, I want to make sure to visit 1 new vacation destination. The location has yet to be determined, but I a have a few running around in my head.

    Wish me luck!