Don Reisinger

Author Archive for Don Reisinger

Columns

Can Microsoft Ever Be ‘Cool’ Like Apple?

Don Reisinger, Mar 3rd 2012 Discuss [169]

As I was sitting at my desk earlier this week checking out the stories surrounding Microsoft’s Windows 8 Consumer Preview talk at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, I was struck by something: the press event was very long and very boring.

I then thought back to the many, many Apple events I’ve covered. Nearly all of them, with the exception of iOS- and Mac OS X-focused events, are compelling and deliver news from beginning to end. More importantly, they effectively convey the single message that has made Apple so popular: “we’re cool and we know it.”

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Columns

Why I’ll Never Talk to My TV – And Why You Shouldn’t Either

Don Reisinger, Mar 1st 2012 Discuss [44]

With all the talk surrounding the Apple TV dominating discussions around Cupertino, I thought it’d be a good time to think about some of the features reportedly making its way to that set. Chief among them is Siri, Apple’s virtual personal assistant.

According to the latest reports, Siri would allow Apple TV owners to give all kinds of voice commands, including change the channel, modify volume, open applications, and more. By all measure, it would be like having the same iPhone-based Siri experience on a big television in your living room.

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Columns

Dear Apple: Please Use Your Cash to Make A Game Console

Don Reisinger, Feb 26th 2012 Discuss [67]

Over the last several weeks, everywhere I turn, I’m hearing about all the cash Apple has on hand. Some say that the company should hold on to its nearly $100 billion in cash, while others say it’s time to spend some of it. Apple, for its part, has said that it will spend the cash when it feels the time is right, but didn’t give any assurances that it’ll happen.

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Columns

Why Netflix’s Original Programming Is Its Best Idea Yet

Don Reisinger, Feb 23rd 2012 Discuss [6]

Earlier this month, Netflix launched an original program starring Steven Van Zandt (of The E Street Band and “The Sopranos” fame), called “Lilyhammer.” The show details Van Zandt’s character’s life in Lilyhammer after he was forced to turn on the mob.

There are some who say that the show is fun and worth watching, while other critics say it’s a disappointment. As for me? Well, I’m not here to evaluate a new show. Instead, I’m here to tell you that Netflix’s decision to produce its own original programming is its best idea yet.

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Columns

Microsoft Is Right To Not Sell A PS Vita Competitor

Don Reisinger, Feb 18th 2012 Discuss [141]

Although the PlayStation Vita’s official launch date is February 22, those who invested in the First Edition Bundle were able to get their hands on the Vita on February 15.

I happen to be one of those lucky people. Against my better judgement, I decided to plunk down the $350 to get the Vita, a case, a 4GB memory card, and Little Deviants. And since I got my hands on the portable, I’ve been quite happy with the experience — and somewhat impressed with the fun factor Little Deviants delivers.

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Columns

How Important Is Product Pricing, Really?

Don Reisinger, Feb 17th 2012 Discuss [15]

Whenever I review a software product or gadget, one of the key elements I must consider is price. Time and again, I need to determine if the value a product delivers is enough to justify its price tag. And in far too many cases, it doesn’t.

But I’m starting to wonder how much price really matters. Surely we’d all like to save a few extra bucks whenever we can, but if the right product comes along that satisfies many of our desires, we find a way to justify purchasing it in our mind. The device over there that’s $200 cheaper is nice and all, but it’s not the one we want. And that’s all that matters.

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Columns

The PS Vita Will Be Sony’s Last Portable

Don Reisinger, Feb 13th 2012 Discuss [156]

Sony’s PlayStation Vita will be launching soon. The portable will come with dual thumbsticks, a nice, big display, and a design that puts Nintendo’s 3DS to shame. And at a starting price of $249.99, it’s in the sweet spot for serious gamers who want a solid portable.

But just because the PlayStation Vita seems attractive, it doesn’t mean that it’ll be a winner. In fact, I’m a firm believer that the Vita will be Sony’s last portable, and the device that could very well put an end to the company’s entire mobile-gaming division.

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Columns

Why I Don’t Want to Imagine A World Without A DVR

Don Reisinger, Feb 11th 2012 Discuss [20]

Over the past several weeks, I haven’t had much time to sit in front of my television when my favorite shows come on. I’ve either been out of the house, working, or doing something that wouldn’t allow me to watch anything live.

Luckily, though, I accessed my favorite shows on my DVR and TiVo. Whenever I had a chance to check out an episode, I did. And when I realized that what I was watching was really not worth it, I deleted it and moved on. Best of all, I didn’t have to watch a single commercial.

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Columns

Why Microsoft’s Kinect Is the Next Big Thing In Gaming

Don Reisinger, Feb 4th 2012 Discuss [47]

As I’ve said numerous times on these pages before, I’m deeply concerned by motion gaming. I think it’s holding the gaming business back and helps to make the space seem “gimmicky” — something I thought we were trying to move away from.

My issues with motion gaming have prompted me to turn my back on the Wii. In fact, I haven’t even seen my Wii in well over a year, since it’s been sitting in my closet with the rest of the obsolete and boring consoles I’ve bought over the years.

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Columns

Do You Still Need An iPod?

Don Reisinger, Feb 2nd 2012 Discuss [59]

When Apple announced its fiscal first quarter earnings last week, which encompassed the three months ended December 2011, much of the attention went to the company’s exceedingly strong iPhone and iPad sales. There was also a lot of talk about its huge profit and exploding cash reserves.

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Columns

Apple Retail Will Be the Last Tech Stores Standing (And That’s OK)

Don Reisinger, Jan 31st 2012 Discuss [60]

When I think back over the years, I can remember countless technology-focused brick-and-mortar stores I enjoyed shopping at. From CompUSA to Circuit City to the ridiculous number of other stores that came and went, there was a time when a large portion of my life was spent shopping in the brick-and-mortar.

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Columns

Why I’d Take An Xbox 360 Over An Apple TV Any Day

Don Reisinger, Jan 28th 2012 Discuss [192]

I’m often asked by friends if they should buy an Apple TV. They usually head to the Apple Store to buy a new iPad or iPhone, and while there, they come across Apple’s little set-top box. For just $99, it seems like a bargain. And so, they ask me if they should plunk down the cash to buy one.

The first question I ask when I field the question is, “do you own an Xbox 360?”