Hardware prices

On 12/18/2006, I purchased “CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800″ from NewEgg for $263.00 USD; straight out of my NewEgg account history.  Last week, I decided to buy 2 more GB for the same motherboard, and because I’m neurotic I have to buy the exact same brand and model.  Even though the RAM heatsink colors don’t match the MB slot colors and that almost makes my head explode.  I’m now rocking back and forth in my chair.

Going back into NewEgg, I clicked on the product link from my account history to see if the product is still available.  It is, and the cost for the exact same product is now 19.99 after rebate.  Combine “the endless march of technology” with some RAM price fixing allegations and you have something special.  Anyone else have similar stories?  To be fair, either about being psychotic or about drastic hardware prices drops on your equipment will do.

Nuno’s wallpaper

If you’ve been to KDE-look or sites like Interfacelift, you’ll know that people love their wallpapers.  Although there are some guidelines for “What makes a good wallpaper?” it still often remains a matter of personal taste.  And Nuno’s recent wallpaper is one of my favorites:

The funny thing is that this wallpaper also seemed vaguely familiar to me.  Last night, I remembered why:  A few years ago, I was trying to take some photos at night during a snowstorm and my auto-focus was catching different flakes and refused to cooperate.  I didn’t notice this until after reviewing my first shot, which looks like nothing in particular it’s so abstract:

I’ve put two 1920X1200 versions in my image gallery if anyone wants an inferior version with a story behind it.  Anyway, great work Nuno, I just love the balance, the color palette, the simplicity, everything; it’s really a top-flight default first impression for users.

Camp KDE 2009: T minus two weeks

Two weeks from today, barring unforeseen circumstances, I will be basking in Jamaica for the start of Camp KDE 2009.  For attendees, please make sure that:

• Travel is booked (where Montego Bay is bar far, far the preferred airport to use; only Kingston if necessary)
• You’ve noted your travel on the Camp KDE travel wiki
• You have registered on our site
• You are prepared about travel from the airport to the resort
• You are confident about your resort reservations and lodging
• Speakers are ready with their presentations
• You are informed and ready from a visa perspective
• You’ve noted any inclusion in planned excursions for a realistic count
• You are ready to participate in BoFs

I can’t wait to see you all.  We will have more details shortly on what to expect for presentation recording for those that cannot attend.

100,000 and counting

Days of yore, days of dispute on the origins on mankind, days long since gone before dinosaurs ruled the land and Xenu had yet to visit our planet.  Back in this innocent era, I switched from Google Blogger to WordPress.  Carbon dating, also known to help determine the true ages of the Golden Girls and the last year that comedian Sinbad made a good movie (result->null value), places this cataclysmic event all the way back in 2007.

Since changing, I’ve recently surpassed the 100,000 total view mark.  No, not people that have gone to PlanetKDE and read an entry; total views served up from my site.  This number may not be impressive for people with popular blogs on tech article-friendly topics such as KWin and Plasma, but always remember: No one, including myself, is exactly sure what I write about.  But you, gentle readers, must be gluttons for punishment.

So fret not frauleins, more is on the way, much more.  Thanks to my readers for all the traffic in 2008, and here’s to more in 2009.

Camp KDE 2009: Travel wiki now open

Quick update: Roger and Dmitri have opened the travel wiki page for Camp KDE.  Please take some time to fill out your travel itinerary.  This will also start to give us a good idea on attendees numbers in conjunction with our recently opened registration module, let alone help attendees to see when friends are coming and coordinate airport trips.   We’re only a month away from the event, so book your travel!  As always, contact us with questions at campkde-organizers at kde.org.

Camp KDE 2009: Visa letters

Hey everyone.  So far, we’ve only received a few requests for conference invitations for Visa purposes.  All attendees should make sure they understand if they will need a conference invitation.  Don’t hesitate to make a request to campkde-organizers at kde.org if you do.

To be honest, I’ve seen some conflicting information online about Visa needs, so it’s best to check and confirm for yourself regarding your country in particular.

Camp KDE 2009: Group excursions finalized

In a Perfect World ™, we would have announced the registration module only after having the activities decided upon and added.  The organizers had a meeting today and the trips were finalized, and so Gamaral is updating the registration module right now.  If you have already registered, please make sure to sign-up for either or both trips if interested.  What’s important is that although I’ve always felt that alcohol and cliff diving go together like peanut butter and jelly, we are doing the events on separate days.  What’s planned?

Tuesday, January 20: In the afternoon, we will be chartering a trip to YS Falls.  This site hosts a series of waterfalls, natural spring pool and garden area.  This trip has a maximum allocation of 30 people – if demand is sufficient we can also schedule a second trip that day (likely one in the morning and one in the afternoon).

Wednesday, January 21: A trip to the Appleton Estate, a rum producer with a distillery dating back to 1749.  Located on the Black River, the estate is situated in one of the more picturesque valleys on the island.  We have space for up to 80 people.  Not that anyone would be interested, but there may indeed be sampling and taste testing involved.

I sincerely doubt the free online photos I discovered do either locale justice.  But I think we all know that Jamaica won’t disappoint in the scenic department:

Original size here.

Camp KDE 2009: Registration module now open!

Thanks to Gamaral, our registration module is now open.  Please create an account on the Camp KDE site and sign-up if you’re attending.  If you have any questions, contact our mailing list at campkde-organizers at kde.org.

Enough holiday wallpapers to gag on

Ok, the obsessive-compulsive bout is over.  There’s now a total of 11 holiday wallpapapers – enough to for the 12 Days of Christmas song assuming you already have a partridge in a pear tree wallpaper. And I’m pretty sure that’s the default selection – why wouldn’t it be included in every distro?  Now with clear conscience I can think about other things.

Why don’t I ever have OCD episodes with useful stuff?

Happy holidays from KDE

Tra diddly da!

Tra diddly da!

I’m finally getting a breather at work, which means that it’s time to wrap up Camp KDE preparation, and not a moment too soon.  But it also means I actually had some free time tonight, and that means holiday wallpapers for you, gentle reader.  Four 1920×1200 wallpapers and one 1600×1200 one (the second one as I’m sure you can tell by the dimensions).

Happy holidays and enjoy!

As usual, the original sizes can be found here in my Picasa gallery.  Just click on the magnifying glass on the upper right hand side of each image to get the full size.