Simple Living

So here is my quick review on the SanDisk CZ48 USB 3.0 Ultra Flash Drives. I purchased two (2) 32gb capacity CZ48's and have been using one for several large file transfers.  Paid $ 17/each on Amazon (had I acted sooner, I might have snagged them for $ 14.99/each).   Very quickly...the Read/Write Speeds I've been getting: Read - 75mb/second Write - 25mb/second Optimized for Read Speed Only You can read the customer comments on Amazon and SanDisk makes it clear in their response that the CZ48's only optimized for Read Speed and don't expect much on Write.  25mb/second is still decent and faster than the 4-10mb/second I would get on USB 2.0 drives so it's bearable.  Considering they are priced about the same as a USB 2.0 Cruzer Glide of the same capacity...it makes sense to buy the CZ48 Ultra instead.  But if you want fast Write Speed...skip this drive and consider the Extreme CZ80 or Extreme Pro CZ88. Pros: Decent Read Speed Good Price - abo

It has been almost a year since I last purchased the Audio Technica MTH-50's and they are still going strong.  I blogged about them back around March 2014 of last year.  They still sound great and probably better.  I wouldn't necessary call it 'burn-in'  and think more you get used to how they sound and start to pick up more of the minute details that would be blurry or drowned out in a cheaper pair of headphones.  In hindsight, while the 'white' color seemed cool...they pick up dirt and crap a lot easier and especially the pleather headband is showing some wear and tear.  I can see this eventually peeling and cracking at some point.  This doesn't detract from the sound quality and they will remain usable for a long time.  However, I do wish they had invested in higher quality materials for the headband material. Recommendation? Would I still recommend the MTH50's?  Yes.  These are worth the money.  The only other pair I might consider in this range

Linux Distributions have improved from when I last attempted to install Ubuntu in 2009.  Lubuntu 14.10 was effortless in terms of installation and nearly everything is laid-out in a very intuitive manner.  I was literally up and running within minutes and in maybe two (2) hours completely running Linux on the Toshiba Netbook NB505. Specs The Toshiba is a very weak machine and spec-wise nothing amazing.  It has a puny Intel Atom N455 1.67ghz Processor, 1gb Ram and 250gb HDD.  That's about it.  Running it on Windows 7 Starter was a painful experience and while I got it tweaked where it was reasonably functional, there were certain things you just could not do such as watch a full movie or surf the internet.  Otherwise, some basic typing was all the Netbook could offer.  With Linux however, it has given the Netbook a new lease on life and while marginally faster on boot times and most other tasks, it did make watching a movie or surfing the internet more reasonable.  There

I've always wanted a 6900 series G-Shock and decided on the classic version...a plain 6900-1v model.  I was worried about the size as the 100B I bought last year was just too big and tall.  The 6900 is bigger than a 5600, but not as bad as a 100B. Buttons a Plus The plus of the 6900 over a 5600 is the placement of the light button up front in the Big G below the watch display.  Buttons are the plain metal pushers, still easier to press than a 5600. Features Lacking One thing lacking is World Time.  I actually like this option and the 5600 has it.  Better still was my old Pathfinder 1300 with its big display and you can toggle up or down...5600 only goes one direction. Closing Been only a day, too early to tell.  I do like the black color...fitting a 'tool' watch.  One crappy side is the plastic buckle.  That ain't gonna last.  Metal buckle at least.  For less than $40, this watch is a deal.  So no complaints there.

So...my first purchase of 2015.  A Casio G-Shock 6900-1v for just $38. I've always wanted a basic 6900 and figured why not? Should be here in a few days. Yeah...was expecting to buy the Seiko Sarb, but still wavering on which color dial and they spiked the price up $30.  I'll wait for it to go back down and it'll be my second purchase of 2015....maybe.

So...my first purchase of 2015.  A Casio G-Shock 6900-1v for just $38. I've always wanted a basic 6900 and figured why not? Should be here in a few days. Yeah...was expecting to buy the Seiko Sarb, but still wavering on which color dial and they spiked the price up $30.  I'll wait for it to go back down and it'll be my second purchase of 2015....maybe.

After all these years, I'm surprised at how much I still enjoy Johnnie Walker - Red Label.  It has just enough Bite & Harshness to make you know your drinking Whisky that is not always apparent with it's more tame stable mates.  Normally, I consume Black Label as my main Go To Whisky Drink, but there is just something about Red Label.

It arrived!  Got the Seiko SSB003 in the mail and its a very nice watch. Aesthetics - Dial -  more a Glossy Silver than 'White'.  Pics don't do it justice and it's a very appealing color. -  Sub-Dial  - 3 registers at 3,6,9 o'clock.  Black color contrasts nicely with the Silver Dial. -  Bracelet -  20mm Steel.  Cheap and Rattly, but ok.  Identical to one used on some snkk Seiko 5 series. -  Bezel  - this was interesting, the case is a unibody design so the bezel is not a separate piece. -  Size  - it's a nice 40mm watch and a more conservative and classic feel.  Height is about 10mm and overall comparable in dimensions to my Omega Seamaster 2531.80. - Weight -  Case has some heft, bracelet is very light and total weight is same as my Rolex Explorer. Usage - Chronograph -  uses the 6T63 movement.  Some call it a 'MechaQuartz' as the Chronograph functions just like a pure Mechanical Chronograph watch would.  The big red s

Wow...there are an endless number of different Seiko models.  The SNDF line are amazing.  Some have a very retro and classly vibe.  I love these models: SNDF35 - White/Red Stripe SNDF37 - Black, Red Bezel SNDF87 - White/Blue, Orange Seconds SNDF93 - White/Blue, Yellow Seconds I may pick up one.  Need to decide which one.  Leaning towards the 87 or 93, but that 35 looks so gorgeous. Bezel issue with SNDF Thankfully, I didn't pull the trigger.  After some thought...these models have some design issues.  The 35 and 37, 12 hour bezel is redundant.  While the color scheme is nice....there is no reason to put an extra set of hour mark indicators.  The 87 is gorgeous, but others online have complained about the blue bezel.  As I look at it more closely, I tend to agree.  Why did Seiko mess up these fine watches with the bezel?  They also seem large and hopefully are not beyond 42mm. SNDD Other honorable mention are the SNDD91..White w/ Red Register Dials. SC

What is it with Seiko watches?  I'm smitten with several models lately...the SSB007 chronograph is stunning and reminds me vividly of my first watch a humble Guess Chronograph.  The Arctura GMT model SUN003 with black dial is also amazing and looks so cool with its futuristic curves and design.  I'm missing my old Guess Chronograph.  While it was nothing special horologically, it was my first watch and that particular style and feel holds some sentimental value to me.  The SSB line looks awful close.  And some are going for $100 brand new on Amazon so very affordable. SSB003 - White Panda To help me decide...I am listing the various models and styles to pick which one is right for me.  So far I like the first few of the series...the 001, 003, 007, or 013. SSB001 - white SSB003 - silver/black Panda, red seconds SSB005 - blue SSB007 - black SSB009 - white, gold TT SSB011 - black, black bezel, red seconds SSB013 - white/black Panda, red seconds SSB015 - b

Yup.  The Audio Technica M50 sound better with age.  Some call it 'burning in', personally, I think it's more getting used to how they sound and becoming familiar with their audio signature.  However, there are limits and the M50's block out external sound quite a bit making them not great at work when I people might be yelling my name across the office or cubicle and I cannot hear them.  Also, you can crank up the sound and not realize it...but others can hear you as they leak sound quite a bit.  They suck when wearing glasses or while being on the move (ie walking, running, etc.)  For a busy coffee shop, a noisy airplane ride or when you just want to hear some tunes while chilling in bed....these are perfect. I found the smaller Audio Technica WM77's are perfect for work.  They give a decent sound stage without sacrificing ability to hear others around you in the office.  I'm kinda questioning whether the flat cable causes some loss in audio quality and wi

Enjoying studying at home.  It's much more convenient and cheaper!  Loving it (actually, doing this as I have to do laundry and wanted to take care of it today so I am totally free tomorrow).

I am studying at home this weekend and picked up some Starbucks Drinks at the local grocery store.  It tastes surprisingly good and cheaper than buying it at the actual Starbucks shop.  While there is the joy of drinking coffee at Starbucks, this is a good second when you want to stay in. 11 oz Iced Coffee w/ Milk (ICM) my favorite drink. Only 50 calories.  Not bad....

A spot was available at Coffee Bean.  Onwards to the studies.  Went back to the M50's.  Much better for noisy coffee shops.