krazor

Derek Maybe I can help light the way a little as I own the aforementioned Dell and I just bought my wife a Toshiba for our anniversary. The differences here hardware-wise are roughly what you have listed. The ONLY reason I bought the Toshiba is I found one left at Best Buy for 1100 bones. I simply could not pass it up. My Dell was 2850.00. Hers doesn't have the CD-burner, UXGA etc but you get the idea. ANYHOO... I have compared the two video cards and there really is no contest. You most definitely want the 32MB GeForce. It's much faster, smoother, prettier in all games I've tried. As far as the UXGA... you want that also. My Dell looks smashing at it's native and fantastic resolution of 1600 X 1200. No contest here either in my mind, YMMV. Keep in mind the fact that the UXGA display looks it finest when it is being run at its' NATIVE RESOLUTION. Some have complained about turning their resolution down and the screen getting slightly fuzzy. Mine does not seem to have this problem, however after using the 1600 X 1200 rez for an extended period, every other setting looks like utter crap. LOL! Hope that helps.

Be sure to check which bios version you are running on your Dell (A02, A03 etc.) There are some incompatibility issues with those HACKED drivers at 3DChipset.com. Read back a bit in here: Dell Inspiron Video Forums There is a ton of info here to help you over any bumps. There is a newer driver on Dell's site here: Dell GeForce 2 Go XP drivers. These are dated 10-19 and I believe they work for WinMe as well as XP. It also includes a bios upgrade to A05. I don't have my copy yet (EB says shipped Wednesday) so I can't be of anymore help until my copy arrives. My system: Dell Inspiron 8100 15.1" UXGA Display 1.13 Ghz Pentium III 256MB 133mhz SDRAM NVidia GeForce 2 Go 32MB 20GB Hard-drive 8X DVD 24X 8X CDRW 56K Modem WinMe DX 8.1 Let me know how it works out. Maybe you can wade through the woods before me and make my trip a little easier. [ 11-23-2001: Message edited by: krazor ]

Low lying fog totally blotted it out here in the northern subs of Detroit MI. Nary a flash was seen. EDIT: You'd think being born and raised in Michigan, Detroit would be the LAST word I'd mispell!! AARG! [ 11-18-2001: Message edited by: krazor ]

I dunno... I'm really enjoying this show actually. The insight into the Vulcan culture is absolutely amazing. I like the whole concept of humans being the rambunctious and eager race, whom the Vulcans are trying to restrain. Are they protecting us from the rest of the universe or the universe against us? Very cool.

So what did you all think about the Andorians? In my opinion, it was the best episode yet. The ending was most excellent. An intriguing portrayal of the notorious Vulcan arrogance. I really liked the Andorians. I hope they utilize them in further episodes so that we may witness some character development.

[ quote: No, seriously though, I think we're all saying the same thing, just differently. I have an excuse, I'm going through post-release blues (its like sending a kid off to school for the first time), whats yours? Heh. Probably one too many Budweisers, internet access, and a computer. Yeah... I think that covers it. You're right though. I think we're all pointed in the same direction. I am also familiar with that feeling of sending a kid out into the world, since I am the lucky father of 4 rascals. quote:As for opinions - you should know better than that. Everyone here is opinionated. I wouldn't have it any other way!

quote:You clearly missed the point the guys are making. You'd be better served if you actually.. read comprehend understand the posts. As far as I can tell, its not about what he did write, but what he didn't. I believe I did all three of those things. I think MY point was missed. Maybe I could have stated it a bit differently. I was merely suggesting that an E-Mail may be taken more seriously once the game is released and those rebutting any points made in the review would have more credibility. Upon rereading my post I can see how that particular point could have been misconstrued. I did and do understand the points made by many here. I too am a space-sim afficianado as well as BC3K player. quote: Anyway, you are new here - as such, I doubt that you are in any position to question the opinions of those who have played a BC title in one form or another. New...? I may have only registered one year ago and posted very little, but I have been reading this forum dang near since it's inception and I own EVERY iteration of BC3K (1.0, 2.0, 2.08 which I bought just to get a nice factory printed manual even though I purchased the extra printed one sold through here) as well as all the extras that were sold. I have all the print mags that featured BC3K in any form dating back to 1996, when I first dicovered this game, and have followed and read nearly every discussion, review and preview that has been online. So... am I still not in any position to politely express my opinion? I thought I was. I'm not some clueless newb. I am very familiar with this game and it's history. Derek, I realize that you can't remember every little thing about everyone who crawls out of the woodwork, but if you will recall, these are the reasons you let me in the original beta and register here, even though I was a sometime participant on space-sim (never in the detractor camp). quote: Denny Atkin (CGM) did a 4-page Beta preview of the game and thats because he knows the game inside out. Did you read it? Of course I did. See above. quote: I've already said it once (maybe something got lost in the translation) - for a game of this size and given a single page to do it in, how much could any reviewer write about a BC title without missing something? Even I couldn't do a single demo to convey the scope of the game, without having to break it up into sections - and I not only designed it, but wrote about 90% of the code for it. Only a complete and utter fool, who deserves to be either (a) parted from his money or ( parted from the luxuries of enjoying a game ....would take a review at face value without reading between the lines, trying a demo, reading other reviewers (by reviewers, players etc). Fifteen people can review the same product and those fifteen people will write different things. There is nothing here that I disagree with. The point of my original post was missed. I agree with everything everyone has said about the review. I guess I get tired of seeing some of you guys getting written off for sycophants when there are good and valid points being made in defense of BC3K and BCM. I was hoping to make a suggestion that would help some of the more overzealous of you retain a little credibility. quote: I know that you probably don't know this, but you should learn it pretty darn quick : the people this game was designed and developed for, don't give a rat's ass what a reviewer writes, as they're going to get the game anyway. That is not to say BC gamers aren't going to raise the roof because some reviewer didn't mention something they find cool about the game. If I were a reviewer and had to write a review of this game, I sure as heck won't know whats important to anyone but me - the reviewer. I happen to be one of those people. I must fit the demographic. Late thirties, intelligent, disposable income, extensive knowledge of the game and it's history, played and enjoyed every game in the series, own damn near every space-sim in recent history. C'mon Derek, give me a little credit! I'm not here to start sh*t. I'm here because I like the game and have a financial and personal (ie: many, many hours!) investment. I'm going to buy the game regardless of any reviews. quote: I think of Andy's review as the Cliff Notes version - and thats as good as it gets. Red Faction got two pages. Go figure. I also agree that a one page review does not justify this game, and I make that call without having played the final version, based on the same knowledge and reasons that everyone else has. In fact, I dare say that Andy didn't play the game for very long if hardly at all. That is definately my opinion of course, and I could be wrong, but that is the impression I got from the review. In closing, I hope that all is clear now. I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers. I just call 'em like I see 'em.

If you're not watching it... you should be. VH1. Right now. Currently, Billy Joel is on. So far, a great show.

I'm going to pipe in and agree with Aramike's post regarding the E-Mail campaign, albeit for a different reason. Those of you who have NOT played the FULL GOLD VERSION of BCM really have no basis for rebuttal. Andy Mahood has more information than you do at this point. If I were him, I wouldn't take a single one seriously as the game has not even been released yet. The beta testers may have a leg to stand on but then again, they may be viewed as biased. You guys may want to wait until the game is released before any kind of E-Mail barrage begins or you risk being discounted.

quote:Originally posted by ShoHashi: Krazor, shoot me an email at [email protected] with your address if you are interested in it AND IF you're in the continental United States. I'll mail it out on Saturday, no charge. Done & done!! Thank you kindly my good man. You are truly a gentleman and a scholar. As I've stated before, I respect people who stick to their word. I am more than glad to send you some bucks... at least let me cover shipping. Thanks to all also. I had a good time on the forum today. Maybe I'll participate more often. I do believe you are a good bunch.

So how about it Shohashi? You want to off that AGP one? Let me know how much to BUY it from you if indeed you are willing to sell it now that Aramike doesn't need it. [ 10-09-2001: Message edited by: krazor ]

quote: Alright, how about $68 no shipping charge at all? Deal! Whoop... waitaminit... quote: I'm willing to knock it down to 80 + shipping, that has to be my final offer. sorry Aw c'mon... that's no way to do business. I'll have to pass. Especially since the AGP version is going for 55.00-75.00 on e-bay and I could gain another PCI slot with that one. quote: Side note: krazor, where do you put all of those systems? With that many, i'd be stepping on keyboards and sleeping with a monitor for a pillow! Heh. I have a computer business and my basement is my shop. Over the years I have accumulated many interesting computers and computer related items. My wife calls it my "cave".

OK... I'll go 60 bones, but that's it. I do have specific need for it as I noted earlier so I don't think I'm a complete idiot for wanting it. I have different machines for different things. I have my 1.13 Mhz Dell laptop with the 32MB GeForce Go for general gaming & use, I have a 933Mhz PIII with a 64MB GeForce 2 (soon to be a GeForce 3 and 1.5 Ghz plus Athlon as soon as I get the time to rebuild it) for gaming, an 866Mhz PIII with dual Voodoo 2's for glide and recent DOS games (I may downgrade this one to a 450 Mhz PIII that I have laying around... the 866 is overkill for the games I'm using it for), a 486DX4 100Mhz for older DOS games and finally a 486 33Mhz for abandonware. I have a Pentium 233MMX that I could bump the 2 Voodoo 2's down to for a 6th machine for games like Nuclear Strike (sorry..heh.. I still love this game. Simply blowing stuff up is quite fun actually!) and BC3k V2.09. I do have numerous other working machines (Including two full Commodore 64 setups and a Commodore 128! Yeeha!), to P75Mhz Compaq's, many 386's, 3 iterations of the Apple II... but the first 5 I listed are the ones I use most. Like I said... a Voodoo5 would be great in my 866 as it would free up 2 PCI slots for other things. [ 10-09-2001: Message edited by: krazor ]

quote: Make sure you have your proof of purchase though. You'll need it. I no longer have the E-Mail but I do have the credit card statement of course. If that isn't sufficient, $5.00 is no biggie. I'll still buy the game regardless. It's good to know that you are honoring your promise. If you remember, I defended this point on Usenet at the time.

quote: Yep. The discount is $5 off the full price -------------------- President, 3000AD Designer/Lead Developer The Battlecruiser Series Hey Derek... Yer allright. quote:And a question of curiosity: why do they (Shirley/Fab/Jag in particular) call this place the "Taco Palace"? That unfortunately is a flame-war side effect stemming from Derek's nick "Supreme Commander". It's been twisted to "Taco Supreme Commander" (Taco Bell reference). The only reason I know this, as Derek knows full well, I have been a Usenet regular/lurker for years. I am not as well known as just about everyone else there, but I am known nonetheless. Derek also knows me as harmless and a long-time BC fan who owns every iteration of the game as well as all the add-ons.. (you know, wall map, printed manual etc) as well as a first-phase beta participant. I am neither a staunch supporter or detractor, just a fan of the game. I am not well-liked by either side... in fact,... Derek probably likes me more than the rest of those guys do! I prefer to sit out the main war and occasionally needle those who need needling. Heh.