Kraftwerk - Home Computer

Half-Life Alyx

I recently got the Valve Index and started playing Half-Life Alyx. Wow! This is an amazing game that happens to be VR. I'm a little over half way through the game and I can't wait to play some more. My legs and feet have been aching from standing for multiple hours playing. Valve have been praised on many occasions for the ground breaking Half-Life series of games. Half-Life Alyx is another game worthy of praise. It feels like a natural fit with the others. But, it also makes VR feel totally normal. The puzzles and fights are all perfectly paced for VR, hard but not impossible. Fun and not frustrating but also not too simple. I have found myself feeling totally immersed in the world. I can't wait to see how the game ends.

Eurythmics - This Is The House

Valve Index - First Impressions

I recently got the Valve Index VR Kit. I was on the fence for some time about which PC based VR setup to get. But, I got to try the Index recently and liked what I experienced.

I had spent some time with the 1st generation Oculus Quest and Playstation VR. I used Oculus Link with my gaming PC to try out Steam VR games. The link cable solution is ok, but the quest is just not very comfortable for long term play. The quest shines with wireless play. If only Facebook would keep them as a separate entity. They now require the Facebook login for using the Quest and I have no intention of doing business with Facebook ever again. So I needed something else.

The Index is a higher end premium VR headset with best in class controllers. The kit also comes with two base stations used for tracking you in the play area. I almost just barely enough room to play in my office. I could honestly use a few more feet of clear space to be comfortable. But, it's good enough for now.

The headset is super comfortable and easy to adjust. You can get custom lenses if you need glasses. I'm not sure if you could wear glasses with it. The only downside to the headset is the cable that runs to your PC and to power.

The controllers are fabulous. Best controllers I have used so far. They do reasonably good finger tracking, depending on how the game handles it. The only downside to the controllers I have experienced so far is the system button, its supposed to be harder to hit, but I find it impossible to hit when I need it, and I still accidentally hit it occasionally.

The base stations require power, but connect to the computer wirelessly. They can be mounted to the wall, on stands, or you can just set them on shelves. I have had no issues with them so far. The tracking is great as far as I can tell.

I haven't figured out how to use the passthrough mode with the index yet. I'm sure it won't be hard to figure out, but the Quest was easier to set up and a little more forgiving in many ways. I think Valve should steal a few things from Oculus to make things easier.

Apple M1 Review and Looking Ahead

Apple released some entry level computers this year with their new in-house processor the Apple M1. There have been many reviews on these new machines. I got one of the 13" Macbook Pro and it is amazing. It makes my iMac Pro feel old. If you need a new Mac it would be hard to go wrong by getting one of these entry level M1 Macs.

But, what I'm more interested in is one of the rumored high end Mac Pros, that are likely to get the 2nd version of the new M1, an M1X, or even an M2. If the current Mac Pro had been a little cheaper I may have gotten one, but the price was just too damn high for me. The idea of a smaller Mac Pro with the new processor and even a new Apple made monitor gets me super excited. I just wish it was here now.

The Muppet Show now streaming on Disney+

Finally all five seasons of The Muppet Show will be streaming on Disney+

I've had the first 3 seasons on DVD for years, but seasons 4 and 5 were never made available. I haven't seen any of these episodes since they were originally on TV. I hope most of the shows are intact.

Blancmange - Living On The Ceiling

IAMX - No Maker Made Me

Radiohead - Bodysnatchers

Feeling Stupid Old Today

Nothing reminds more you that you are getting older than a Birthday with a big round number.

1971 in the United States