Nintendo 3DS is coming. Should get in line now?

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By Winda Benedetti

The Nintendo 3DS portable game machine has just launched in Japan and stores have already sold out of their initial supply. And as Nintendo gears up to release the gadget in North America, the question is: Will the same thing happen here?

Will western consumers decide that playing 3-d games without the 3-d glasses is worth $ 250? Are we willing to drop the kind of cash we'd pay for a home game console on a handheld game machine? (You can purchase a Wii or an Xbox 360 for $ 50 less.) Is the 3DS so amazing that we should start lining up in front of electronics stores right now?

Nintendo 3DS will launch its game machine March 27th here in North America for $ 249.95. According to reports from Japan, retailers there — swamped by enormous lines during this past weekend's launch — quickly sold out of their first shipments, going through some 400,000 units.

Are you planning to buy a Nintendo 3DS?Absolutely! I can't wait to play 3-d games without those blades 3-D glasses.
I'm tempted. But I'm still trying to decide.
$ 250 is too much. My trusty DS Lite/DSi will do the job just fine.
Forget the 3DS. The portable game gadgets I'm waiting for is. .. (tell us in the comments below)
What's this three dee everyone keeps going on about?
VoteTotal Votes: 147

I recently had a chance to spend some time with to 3DS and I can say it's a compelling and wow-inducing machine with lots of bells, whistles and features that make that $ 250 price tag seem fair. But is it a must have game machine? As in, is it something you must have as soon as it arrives in stores?

I'll save my final verdict for our full review but I can say that, as of right now, I'm a bit torn.

The 3DS is a sleek, stylish gadget, about the same size as the best-selling Nintendo DS Lite and DSi. It's got that smart Nintendo DS clamshell design with the top screen being the one that shows off the 3-d images and the bottom screen being the touch screen. The top screen is larger than the older-model Nintendo DS Lite or DSi screens at 2.77 inches and the bottom screen is 3.02 inches.

The 3DS also has three cameras — two of which are designed to let you take your own 3-d pictures. And it has a Circle Pad, which is a much-appreciated analog stick for game control.

Meanwhile, seeing games in 3-d right there in your hands without any glasses is certainly the kind of thing that drops jaws.

The 3DS ' screens look great with their 800 × 240 pixels (top) and 320 × 240 pixels resolution display (bottom). Playing to 3DS launch game like Nintendogs + Cats "makes you feel like you could reach out and actually touch your virtual pet. Meanwhile "Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition" simply jumps right off the screen in all its butt-kicking glory.

3-D + "Nintendogs + Cats" = seriously petable virtual pets.

And playing the augmented reality challenges in "AR Games" (a title that comes pre loaded on all 3DS devices) is a mind-boggling, surreal blast. In this game you use the 3DS ' cameras and motion sensors to look around your own real-world environment and interact with virtual creatures and items super imposed there.

But I have to say, after that wow factor wore off, I did find myself wanting to turn the 3-D off at times and just go back to good ol' 2-D gaming. Of course, the nice thing about the 3DS is that you can do just that — the 3-d slider allows you to easily adjust the intensity of the 3-d visuals as well turn off the 3-D completely while you're playing.

I don't believe that extended 3-d gaming on the 3DS would make me hurl (as 3-d viewing does to some people), but I can say that my eyes felt more strained as I played. More importantly, there's one question that nags at me — how good will the 3-d viewing really be when we're playing games that ask us to move our bodies around?

The 3DS comes with both a motion sensor gyro sensor and embedded. And several of the 3DS games I had a chance to test drive — "Steel Diver," "AR Games" and "Face" Raiders "(another pre-loaded title) — all task players with moving about during the game.

"Steel Diver," for example, is a game that has, at times, you turn your body right and left to search for enemy ships to gun down. It's as if you're in a submarine looking around through a periscope. The 3DS's motion sensors detect your movement and adjust the on-screen view as you turn your body, looking for enemy targets.

But the thing is, to see the 3-d imagery correctly, you have to keep your head directly in front of your 3DS. There's only a small window for wiggle room. Moving your body around and keeping your head aligned with the gadget at the same time isn't horribly difficult. But it does require some extra attention and, if you move your eyes too far out of alignment, the visuals go wonky.

My concern is, keeping our eyes in that sweet spot when playing games like this could quickly get frustrating and tiring and players could wind up flipping that 3-d slider to "off" before very long. As games editor Todd Kenreck Msnbc.com notes in his video preview up top, he experienced that very issue from shaking the machine while playing Super Street Fighter IV. "

It's no good if we're spending $ 250 for 3-D that we simply wind up turning off. But again, I'll save my official verdict until after I have a chance to spend more time with these games and have a chance to get used to this new feature.

Meanwhile, Nintendo has announced the list of games players will be able to purchase the very first day the 3DS arrives in stores. The suggested retail price for 3DS games will be $ 40. From Nintendo itself, you'll be able to grab "Pilotwings Resort," "Steel Diver," and "Nintendogs + Cats." And that's it from them on the day of launch.

In the past, Nintendo has launched a Mario Bros. game alongside most of its new game machines — and Mario and Luigi are sorely missed here, in what feels like a somewhat thin first-party launch lineup. But Nintendo has said that it does have several other games in the works and scheduled to arrive in 2011, including "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," "Star Fox 64 3D," "Kid Icarus: Uprising" and a new installment in the Mario Kart series. So Mario is on his way.

Meanwhile, third-party publishers will have the following games ready to go on launch day:

"Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition," "The Sims 3," "Madden NFL Football," "Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D" LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, "" Ridge Racer 3D, "3D" Super Monkey Ball, "" Bust-A-Move "Universe," "Samurai Warriors: Chronicles," "Asphalt 3D," "Combat of GiantsDinosaurs 3D, 3D, "" Rayman "and" Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Shadow Wars. "

While there are some really good offerings there, I'm not sure I see the killer game yet — the one that makes camping out for a 3DS worth doing. But stay tuned for more on the 3DS launch as we dig deep into the machine, its features and its games to help you decide whether you're ready to spend $ 250 on Nintendo's latest gaming creation.

For more gaming news, see:

Winda Benedetti writes about games for msnbc.com. You can follow her tweets about games and other things right here on Twitter.

The Easy-Bake Oven should lose the bulb

By Suzanne Choney

Not everyone is thrilled with the next removal of incandescent bulbs of 100 Watts from the market in 2011. Among those not emotionally or psychologically prepared for this reality: fans of the Easy-Bake Oven the kids popular, who used a light bulb since 1963, when the first model has hit the shelves of toy.

In "Easy-Bake Oven loses his soul," Salon writer Francis Lam observes that "rumors of the death" of the oven are "exaggerated"

Rumbling through the Internets yesterday were concerns that the federal ban on incandescent bulbs, due to kick in next year, meant that everyone's favorite childhood fed bulb burn danger was condemned. Happily, Hasbro has announced that the Easy-Bake Oven was reborn, like all Phoenix, as the Ultimate Easy-Bake Oven. Only this time is going to be fired with some zippy small heating element, this means that some child somewhere is going to be very unhappy, when his parents rip the thing over to insist that can change the light bulb.

... I mean, that a 100 watt bulb was so inefficient to transform energy into light that it may bake a cake as a by-product is sort of its argument against itself. Still, I can't help feeling a little something may be lost with the change.

In fact, the bakery — (so to speak) in the national Toy Hall of Fame in 2006 — has a revered place in American society, reflecting the eras with its various looks and colors.

The oven has started with the color Turquoise (and the model of 2010 has that retro color and appearance, as a tribute to his beginnings), was the pink (of course) and also — egad — avocado green in the late 1960s. Easy-Bake Oven Hasbro's own story notes that the Green outside "has been replaced by gold harvest (ah 1970s)" in 1970.

But what's under the hood that now has many shaken.

"We are aware that the incandescent bulb 100 Watts will no longer be available starting in 2012," a spokesman for Hasbro said msnbc.com "in the autumn of 2011, Hasbro will launch the Ultimate Easy-Bake Oven, introducing a new way to cook for the next generation of chefs. This new kiln has a heating element that does not use a bulb and offers a wide range of mixes reflective of the hottest cooking trends of today. "

In a press release on the 2011 model, Hasbro says:

This brand new furnace has an elegant and modern features perfect for tweens today! Girls love to gather with their friends to create and decorate cakes and snacks at the new furnace that has a heating element, similar to a conventional oven and that do not require a light bulb.

The new Bake Oven will be "an extended menu which includes cookies, red velvet cupcakes, cakes, pizza, pretzel sticks, cinnamon twists and brownie."

And noted: "participation of adults and electricity required".

Me, I'm waiting for the Sun version of the Easy-Bake, thank you very much.

Catch up with Suzanne (that really should never near any oven because she is a terrible Cook) on Twitter, or join our conversation about technology Facebook page.

MacBook Pro coming says: what buyers should know Apple

If you were planning on heading to the Apple store this President's day to go shopping for a new MacBook Pro, you might want to hold off until at least Thursday. Apple should announce a MacBook Pro updates this week with machines that are thinner and lighter and have zippy new Intel processors and better screens, according to the latest entries. The favorite date for the new line-up of MacBook Pro is Thursday 24 February, according to MacRumors.

Now that I've ruined vacation plans and Apple theme you've got nothing better to do, here's a rundown on the latest rumors and allegations surrounding the upcoming update to Apple's MacBook Pro.

Suspicions of Apple

Apple has reportedly been launching its retail partner party to prepare for a product launch this week. The company said some of its European partners expect shipments of sealed new products this week, and perhaps already Monday, according to Apple Insider.

Shipping time for new Apple MacBook Pro, via its online store also has slipped from 24 hours three to five business days, a potential sign of an impending MacBook Pro. $ 1000 MacBook white is still listed as shipping within 24 hours, so don't expect an update to the device.

Rumored Specs

At the moment are pretty sketchy Rumors about features and improvements for the new MacBook. Most Apple watchers expect Apple to unveil new MacBook Pro sporting Intel processors Sandy Bridge. New Intel chips offer improved graphics performance and efficiency. Apple MacBook Pro lineup should not be affected by the recently discovered design flaw in Intel Sandy Bridge chips.

Apple may unveil a redesigned frame for unibody MacBook Pro line, according to DigiTimes Taiwan-based. Also, most of the entries indicate typical improvements like improved screen of a resolution, improved battery life and a laptop thinner and lighter.

Fueling Apple Rumors

Cult of Mac has an interesting story about how Apple's exclusive agreement may turn up in use Liquidmetal fuel cells power Apple laptops and mobile devices.

Fuel cells used in laptops could make the devices last for 20 hours or more without recharging, says Cult of Mac.

Liquidmetal is a metallic alloy corrosion resistant Liquidmetal technologies produced by twice that is as strong as titanium, but can be modeled as plastic during the manufacturing process. Apple was recently awarded a patent for an internal component of a fuel cell "-amorphous alloys solidifying mass", something that sounds very much like Liquidmetal.

Apple in August has purchased exclusive rights to use Liquidmetal in electronic products. The League has been around since 2003 and first used in a variety of consumer products including SanDisk Cruzer USB thumb drive. It is not clear whether fuel cells would in Liquidmetal says Apple devices any time soon.

When Apple is about to announce new products is to provide always a little guess--earlier reports said the new MacBook Pro would not be coming up in March, as soon as possible. Regardless, if you're thinking of getting a new Mac this week, should probably hold off until Friday.

Connect with Ian Paul (@ ianpaul) and Today @ PCWorld on Twitter for the latest technology news and analysis.

Should students cite universities over poor grades?

A student who graduated from a British University with GPA equivalent approximately 3.2, lost his bid to the High Court to lift his final degree.

Nigerian BORN Tony Wogu earned a 2: 2 computer science in the United Kingdom classification scheme and argued in court for compensation and that his final grade would be raised in the allegations of discrimination, low staffing and equipment.

Defend themselves in court, argued that its low grade would cause him to struggle to get him decent work. However, the Court held that the Court had no place to rule on academic decisions, arguing that academics would be adequately equipped to judge, whereas lawyers and judges are not

This in itself bolsters academic integrity and autonomy by the legal system in certain situations.

This is not the first time that a student has sued a University, however. In 2008, a student at Brooklyn College in New York City sued the University to you to commit to a psychiatric unit for illegal surveillance after in his private residence, which turned out to be true.

If the University student appears in an educational session, or if the students are the customers at colleges and universities payment receive academic recognition, raise questions.

But serve as a warning that, in the midst of University budget cuts across the world, which the institutions must maintain technological standards to enable students to get the most out of their taxes.

Should students cite universities over poor grades? Can be measured academic integrity? Your institution use obsolete equipment which are not under? Leave a comment.

Zack Whittaker, the youngest of ZDNet, English is a student studying an undergraduate degree in BA (Hons) Criminology and social policy at the University of Kent, Canterbury.

When should you buy a new laptop?

Artwork: Chip TaylorWe have all been there, or someone who has experienced: finally replacing the ageing, annoying old laptop with something new, just to see a laptop significantly better go on sale only one or two months later and polished. Nobody likes to make a big purchase only to discover that you're stuck with last year's model. A credit card is all the more difficult to swallow when you're still paying for a laptop that is no longer even for sale. How do I know when is the right time to buy a new laptop, or if you really even need a new laptop at all?

You really need a new laptop?

First, to assess whether elegant package made of metal and Silicon that is eyeing something that you need. Sure, the new templates are sleek and graceful and hold great promises of greater power and current laptop has no additional functionality. But consider this: as time goes by, the same money you get more portable or the same power and features gets cheaper. The longer you hold on to the laptop you have, the more you bang for your buck when you update finally.

Consider what to do with your laptop, and what you want to do. If the current model still works correctly, runs all the applications you want to run quite nicely and access all the services you want, without problems, might as well stick with it. The right time to get a new system when you notice that you have changed your current needs and laptop no longer meets those needs. Perhaps you have bought a laptop heavier because rarely travel, but find yourself in a new job or position that requires a lot of travel. Now, the weight and limited battery life of your laptop are a constant source of frustration. Perhaps the games you've played two years ago racing purposes on your laptop, but not modern games and gaming is a big part of your laptop use. Maybe web services have evolved beyond the capabilities of your laptop and Hi-def YouTube clips (for example) stutter and chop, forcing you can view the low-res version.

Of course, if the laptop is not working properly, is beyond warranty, and will cost more to what is truly worth repairing, you're better off buying something new. If this is the case, or if you find that needs have outgrown your current laptop, it's time to start shopping.

Timing your purchase

There are dozens of considerations in purchasing a new laptop. Depending on your needs, you will want to look for size, weight, battery life, performance (CPU, RAM, graphics, speed of the drive) storage options, and more. That is beyond the scope of this article-suppose you have some idea of what you want. (If you haven't, start with our guide to purchasing laptops).

If you do not want to buy something just to have a better or cheaper model to hit the market a few weeks later. At the same time, can't wait forever. At some point you heat your credit card and pull the trigger on a new laptop purchase. When is the right time?

If you're eyeing Apple products, the timing is relatively simple. Apple won't move prices, all that often, so the biggest concern is to avoid buying a new MacBook just before the next major revision hits the market. Apple tends to update its line of laptop twice a year: typically there is a significant change in the line-up in spring (March to may timeframe) and some minor updates in autumn (October or November). The exact timing varies, but if you read the rumor Apple focused websites and blogs and visit regularly our friends at MacWorld, you'll get a sense of when the new models are coming.

Laptop Windows side come from a wide range of suppliers, and timing is all over the map. When Intel released new processors (such as the "Sandy Bridge" 2nd generation processors just released), you can count on updates to existing product lines from most major PC vendors. Other times warm for updates to the laptop is in late spring ("Grads and dads") and mid-to-late summer ("back to school"). Sometimes you will see a few new models leading into the rush vacation at the end of the year, but that time is most often eaten with special offers and discounts on existing models.

The most important thing to remember is: Don't Panic (with apologies to Douglas Adams). No matter when you buy, you can be sure that something better still getting long before too long. Focus on improving your new laptop on the old one and try not to get hung up on what you could have gotten if they only had waited another six months. If you waited to buy a new laptop until you really need one, you really shouldn't miss.

Don't overlook the previous generation

Even when the new models of laptop hit the market, it could be appropriate to take into account patterns of "old" that were all the rage just a couple of months earlier. These are often sold at a discount to clear out inventory deep, possibly saving you hundreds of dollars. These may not have the glitz and glamour of the latest and greatest thing that has just hit the market, but that hardly makes them obsolete. After all, these were quite large and current models only a couple of months earlier.

It is not like the fast moving world of smartphone where new OS versions may be available only on newer phones, locking is old software and exciting new features if you buy one before. This is the world of Windows (or Mac OS or Linux). The main features and software are the same and maybe just run a little slower. If you can live with that, and if the template you just withdrawn offers all the functionality you need, it's worth keeping in your list of potential purchase if discounts are deep enough.