Overrated and Underrated Tech - Exposed!
Posted 10/08/08 at 09:56:45 PM | by Mark Edward Soper
Just as we nerds have overhyped some technologies, we've also overlooked some even better alternatives. PC World has put on its thinking cap and posted its picks for the ten most overrated technology products and services - and alternatives that deserve a closer look.
So, How Would You Rate These Contenders?
- Ultra-portable laptops versus mini-laptops
- Microsoft Zune versus Apple iPod Touch
- Windows XP versus Windows Vista
So, which of these need their inflated reputations needled, and which ones deserve more love? Let's find out.
"The envelope please..."
PC World likes ultra-portable laptops better than mini-notebooks, citing their falling prices and much better performance. Zune get the nod over the iPod Touch, getting the love for its wireless sync, FM tuner music tagging, and streaming to other Zunes. And in the XP versus Vista battle, the preference goes to...Vista, for its better mobile device handling, multimedia file handling, networking...and even UAC gets some love for making the OS more secure.
The Peoples' Choice
Check out the complete list, then stop back by and tell us your favorites. Got nominations for a head-to-head faceoff? Tell us who wins - and why.
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My Choices
Submitted by maniacm0nk3y on Wed, 2008-10-08 21:46
I would go with ultra-portable because of performance as well, I would only buy a mini if budget forced me to.
For the media players, I would go with iPod because of ease of use, and regular updates. I have only used the Zune once, but from what I have done I would change the way the menus and buttons work. That's the biggest issues...I will easily give it a second chance, but for now I'm stuck with my 60GB (yes, that one), until the battery dies out.
I am actually turning to Vista. After a problem with performance, no matter what I did to it after a fresh install, and now having a sketchy time playing games (they quit randomly), I am installing Vista.
Good List
Submitted by Fugazi on Wed, 2008-10-08 20:17
Although the list is from PC world, your arch nemesis, the list is fairly accurate. The standout for me was the Zune and its underated status, because it really is. I have an original black 30gb and its still kicking ass with the help of frequent firmware updates. Kudos to Microsoft for making an iPod killer, the only problem is society has established that anything less than an iPod is crap. We'll atleast true geeks understand what's good.
Oh, and an honorable mention is the Thinkpad, just got a new T400 and I'm very pleased. Thinkpad's were better when IBM made them, but they still remain the best notebooks on the market.
-Andy
Submitted by zodi on Wed, 2008-10-08 21:43
I agree on the Ipod thing Andy. Its funny though all my friends who bought them have returned them for some reason or another. And two have also bought MS Zune.
that's funny, considering
Submitted by XSV DBLs on Thu, 2008-10-09 11:58
that's funny, considering the Zune runs on some of the crappiest software. Two of my friends have Zunes, and their software randomly closes when they're using it.
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