i summon one kim

While I was stuck waiting for car service without Internet access, I couldn’t help but wonder how much it would cost to have it on my cell phone plan. I’ve probably fallen behind in understanding all the options.

I think I have GSM data on my plan, but I don’t think a 9600 bps connection would make me happy with a web browser. I’d also need to have dialup with my ISP — a service which I’ve chosen not to have since everyone I know has broadband Internet access (with the baffling exception of my brother).

GPRS to the rescue? I think that would be a fine idea. It only presents a couple of dilemmas: I think I’d need a new phone and a new laptop. I don’t think my phone can do GPRS, and other than unsightly wires and dongles, the only option for getting the bits from the phone to my laptop would be infrared (no bluetooth). And do I still need a separate ISP as well?

I’ve entered the next stage of serious Hi-Fi by purchasing my first outboard Digital Analog Converter (DAC): the Entech 203.2 Number Cruncher. It is indeed a great enhancement to the AudioTron I added six months ago.

Encouraged by the promises on the AudioTron mailing list of greater sound from using the optical digital output of the AudioTron, I started to look for an affordable DAC. My receiver has no digital inputs, and I didn’t want to upgrade it now, as it would undoubtedly lead into wanting a 5.1 (or 6.1) system and new speakers and … (more…)

I added a Turtle Beach AudioTron to my stereo system this week. It’s an MP3 / WMA player that fits comfortably in a rack together with all the other hi-fi gear. I have already been storing the best parts of my CD collection on the home network as MP3 files, so I can listen to my favourites on the train (just copy files to a portable MP3 player) and while working on the computer. With the AudioTron all those files can be played on the stereo system. (more…)