I’m jealous of lifestyle journalists. This is because they get invited to soft openings of retail stores that can afford to give away something to everyone, as compared to tech journalists who need to go through a raffle to being home something really nice. I guess this is because lifestyle products are generally cheaper – clothes, shoes, accessories, CDs … as compared to tech products – laptops, mobile phones, a legitimate copy of Windows Vista …
Lifestyle events = everyone takes home something
Tech events = raffle off one really nice prize
I’ve finally come to the conclusion that the Nintendo Wii is the ultimate gaming console of choice compared to the XBOX 360 and PS3 – in lieu of my tastes with video games. Here are the reasons:
The Wii complements / replaces your gym membership. After playing tennis, bowling and baseball for more than 40 minutes, I was literally tired from swinging the controller simulating the real thing.
You won’t have a hard time selling the idea of a console to non-gamers in the family. A living room with 4 controllers makes for a good game of doubles in tennis. A game of bowling has never been more fun in your very own living room. You can simulate the entire experience of being in a real bowling alley with chips, drinks, music and gab while waiting for the next guy’s turn to bowl.
The roll out for the online store, additional information channels (news, weather, etc) is still in the works and they look promising. There is also a virtual “Mii” world as well as a SD/MC card reader for viewing and editing pictures.
You can play Nintendo Gamecube games on the Wii, as well as attach the old skool Gamecube controllers if you are after the “traditional way” of playing games.
It is so darn cheap at $250.00. Controllers cost $60.00 a piece ($40 for Wiimote and $20 for nunchuck). Games are $50.00 a pop. Nintendo supposedly includes a one year international warranty also.
Update: The Wii is now cheaper at only $200.00 and will come in a variety of colors. The Wiimote strap can also be replaced to something sturdier. Just call Nintendo customer service. Eat your heart out PS3!
So December 15 2006 marked my last day as the “online guy” at Hinge-Inquirer Publications. The month of transition was spent, for the most part, looking for someone who was good enough to take over the challenging task of managing the online efforts of the Inquirer’s magazine arm.
After several emails and heart to heart talks, I finally found my replacement, with the blessing of Poch our publisher as well as Adel Gabot, our group editor.
The funny thing about online publications is that you tend to be a bit more open with who’s replacing who, and who’s doing what. I guess its because these things require a sense of transparency (then again, what doesn’t?) to readers in front of the computer.
It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you the new head of HIP’s online endeavors, Kevin “Kiven” Codamon, who is 2006’s blogger rookie of the year (top 10 in PTB in 4 months? whoa!). I’ve gotten to know Kiven as a hardworking writer from the early days of Game! Magazine and he also dutifuly took up a blogging project that I offered him several months ago at Cellphone News.
I will still remain as editor at large for Mobile Philippines and continue writing for the HIP tech publications which include GAME! and PC Magazine Philippines.
As for “my legacy” — it was a great honor to have helped start the very first corporate blog network in the Philippines (thanks Poch and Adel for believing in this vision). To the readers — if you don’t know what I’m talking about, bookmark our homepage at http://hip.ph and watch our blogs grow within the next few months.
So what will I be doing now on a more regular basis?
I’m encountering a small technicality in comment approving. Please bear with me as we try to figure it out. Moderated comments will have to stay moderated, but if you are part of a “trusted list” of commenters, then everything should be fine.
My high school bud brought home a Nintendo Wii for the holidays. Four controllers, a neat bag (sold separately) and the unit itself. We’re off to his sister’s wedding which consists of a two night stay at a resort (Villa Escudero). The Wiimote and nunchuck are so ergonomic and comfy, it is scary.
I’m thinking of having one ordered from the States but I’m worried about warranty issues. I know that the Wii is also available here but an extremely insane price of $600.00. I’d love to get advice from people who have already bought one and live here.
