We have now bulldozed our way into the five most important weeks of the year. Ok I don’t really think that’s true. But now is the time when we all put together our wish lists in anticipation of getting the goodies we desire. With my late birthday, it is these five weeks when my greed wishes are somewhat satisfied.
Right now, I don’t have the foggiest clue of what I plan to buy for anyone. It’s still November, which means it is definitely more than one week before Christmas; I’ve got time.
But I do know what I’m most excited about, and what I might just go ahead and get for myself because I just can’t wait.
UNIVERSAL REMOTES
The first is a new universal remote control. I’ve had 5 remotes fighting for space on my coffee table with the dirty dishes, empties, and laptop for just too long. I could tolerate them longer, except that my ailing TV remote is now nearly useless. The most important buttons, such as channel/volume up/down and the zero work only about 10% of the time. Having spent time home with a working remote, I’ve decided I just can’t take it anymore. Right now I’m using my receiver for volume control and my VCR for channel control. A cheapy universal remote will resolve these core issues, but a true UR is what I want.
I’ve got my eyes set on the Logitech® Harmony® 688. I’ve been interested in advanced URs for a while now, and the Logitechs have received very good reviews. In short, they are very functional, very easy to set up, and very easy to use — even passing the “beer test” (being easily operated with one hand — Sony’s fail here). Setup primarily consists of plugging the remote into your USB drive and telling it what components you have and how you use them. Look to spend $100-125 on a universal remote that should last for as long as you don’t break and/or lose it.
I know that tons of you guys have clutters of remotes. And I know that when I visit I never have a fucking clue which one does what to what. Look for my first-hand review of this product in the near future. (Although now that I’m looking at it, if I can find a deal on an 880, (which has a color LCD screen and charger base) I just might have to upgrade.)
DIGITAL CAMERAS
Truthfully, I have done very little shopping or researching in this respect. However I know enough that for what I want I am unwilling to pay for it. The family will probably be picking up the bill for this one.
My choice is the Canon SD400. I primarily want a camera that is compact that I can easily carry around in my pocket. Sony has some slim cameras, but I refuse to trust Sony. Others that caught my eye were from Fuji and Nikon. After reading the reviews, however, it looks like this Canon, which is part of the ELPH series is what I want from a camera.
The downside, as I learned, is that once you get the camera, you’re pretty much on the hook to buy a memory card.
Expect the new year to bring constant, new pictures of BrokenGnome’s travels.
DVD CHANGERS
Several years ago I got a 110 disc Technics CD changer. It works pretty well. Now I have about 150 CDs and about 60 DVD titles spanning about 80 discs. So I want something that holds 300 or 400 discs, is easy to use, expandable, and quality. It appears that the product I want simply does not exist. Sony makes some products, but again I don’t trust Sony and the reviews aren’t great. Pioneer makes some as well, but their reviews are not much better. Kenwood may have a crappy product, too. Overall none of them seem to really be loved by consumers.
If you know of a product you think I might like, let me know!
I’ve read that the Sony’s may scratch your discs. This is unacceptable. They do have a keyboard input to let you type in titles. But everyone seems to hate their navigation system anyway. The Sony does allow dual-sided discs to be flipped, and the others apparently do not.
Either way, they all seem to be lacking to the point that I don’t really want one.
So I want good picture and sound quality. That should be pretty easy these days. A good interface is next on the list. Allow disc names to be long enough to be complete. A keyboard input is not sufficient. A USB input with PC interface is probably necessary. And heck, since a USB connection is needed, you might as well let me keep my software discs in there as well.
Any ideas?
STEREO EQUIPMENT
I still need to buy a center channel speaker. I’ve been putting it off for several years now and for no good reason. I had an infinity for a brief period before selling it for profit. I’d like to go with a Polk now.
Buy me up some good Polk surround speakers if you have some extra change.
MOVIES
DVDs
Office Space, there’s a new special edition. My original “disappeared” years ago (thanks frat club). Snatch, Major League, Airplane! and Gettysburg: some classics. Add in the first two seasons of the Family Guy.
WHAT DID I GET FOR MY BIRTHDAY
Of note:
- A bottle Crown: always a good choice!
- A 130+ piece Crafstman mechanic’s wrench and socket set. That’s a gift that will keep on giving my whole life.
- The winter coat I’ve been meaning to buy for about the last 3 years. Finally I’ve got a coat with a little style. I hope it can last for 6 years.
Wha Says:
I have to be honest. I don’t really want much of anything anymore. The thing I do want, (a Taylor guitar, studio microphone, funding for my next CD, a raise, a house with a yard,etc) do not really fall in line with the ‘achievable goals’ scenario.
It’s really a strange feeling. I think I have most of what I have ever wanted. I’m completely spoiled. I guess I could always use some new golf clubs, but then again, they’re too expensive for someone to just buy me. Plus, I’d want to pick them out.
It’s a strange feeling. My favorite part of Chrismas is hanging out with my family. Presents just don’t seem to matter. I’m not trying to sound self righteous, either. I’m a selfish jerk. I really just feel that I’m completely spoiled. I hope you guys get to this point. It’s sweet.