Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
A Quick Review on the Cyborg R.A.T. 7 Gaming Mouse (9.9/10)
My previous mouse (The Microsoft Sidewinder, an exceptional mouse) wore out a few days ago, so I got the opportunity to get a new one. I decided on the Saitek Cyborg R.A.T. 7 mouse, this time purchased from Best Buy (Who have amazing warranty, by the way).
Despite it's shining reviews, I was a little nervous purchasing it, simply because of how unusual its design is, and I wondered if the many ways to adjust it would get in the way or be uncomfortable. However, upon using it for the first time I had my answer - not at all! So here's a little review on it.
Design - 10/10
The revolutionary design of this mouse is based completely on being adjustable to fit each gamer's needs. The idea is cool enough, but the execution was flawless! The only thing I could as for is palm height being adjustable as well, but it's really not necessary. And they couldn't have made it look much cooler, either! There's two other types of palm and pinky rests and a custom weight system, all of which that aren't used are stored in the nifty tin that comes with it. In terms of design and appearance, I completely give it a perfect 10. (As a side note, I love the "Rapid-Fire" written on the left mouse button. It's cool.)
Function - 9.8/10
The buttons are all nice and sensitive, and the DPI range is nice (800-5600). I love the DPI switching button below the scroll wheel, and the way the adjusting tool is stored in the back of the palm, with the weight system. The precision is excellent as well, thanks to the dual-eye tracking system which reads each axis separately.
The only complaints I have are that the two thumb buttons are a little too long, which makes the rear one harder to reach, and the thumb scroll wheel is nice, but I have yet to find a really good function for it aside from weapon switching.
One feature I'm particularly impressed with is the button located at the tip of the thumb. This button activates Precision Aim mode, which instantly reduces your mouse sensitivity by a customizable amount while activated, without changing your DPI. This makes, say, sniping in an FPS much easier. The metal chassis also adds a rock-solid feel, and the braided cable is another lovely feature.
In addition, they made the adjustments so easy to do. It's very nice!
Packaging - 9.9/10
The packaging is very well designed, with some interesting angles and a magnetically-shut viewing door with more information on the mouse on the inside of it, and a robotic dinosaur beautifying the inside and outside of the box. The angles on the corners made it a little difficult to take the plastic and cardboard that sealed the mouse and the tin inside a little difficult to get out, but not too much.
Very attractive package, which most definitely says that Saitek is proud of this product. I would be too!
Software - 9.9/10
The software for setting the 4 DPI settings, the reduction in Precision Aim mode, key commands, etc. is spectacularly easy to use and user friendly, and looks very nice as well.
Overall - 9.9/10
I am in love with this mouse. It performs like a beast, it looks amazing, and it's very comfortable. I would recommend this to any gamer. (Though a mouse like the Razer Naga may be nicer for MMO-exclusive players, as having your hotkeys under your thumbs to leave your hand free for maneuvering or other things is priceless.) I can see myself getting another one when this one wears out - unless a new model (aside from the wireless-optional R.A.T. 9) or something even more revolutionary comes out.
Amazing mouse, and well-deserving of the awards it's gotten, including PC Gamer's Editor's Choice with a rating of 98/100, IGN's Best of 2010, and Maximum PC's full 10 rating and comment of "Best Gaming Mouse Ever."
Here's the website for it - http://cyborggaming.com/prod/rat7.htm
Drew
Despite it's shining reviews, I was a little nervous purchasing it, simply because of how unusual its design is, and I wondered if the many ways to adjust it would get in the way or be uncomfortable. However, upon using it for the first time I had my answer - not at all! So here's a little review on it.
Design - 10/10
The revolutionary design of this mouse is based completely on being adjustable to fit each gamer's needs. The idea is cool enough, but the execution was flawless! The only thing I could as for is palm height being adjustable as well, but it's really not necessary. And they couldn't have made it look much cooler, either! There's two other types of palm and pinky rests and a custom weight system, all of which that aren't used are stored in the nifty tin that comes with it. In terms of design and appearance, I completely give it a perfect 10. (As a side note, I love the "Rapid-Fire" written on the left mouse button. It's cool.)
Function - 9.8/10
The buttons are all nice and sensitive, and the DPI range is nice (800-5600). I love the DPI switching button below the scroll wheel, and the way the adjusting tool is stored in the back of the palm, with the weight system. The precision is excellent as well, thanks to the dual-eye tracking system which reads each axis separately.
The only complaints I have are that the two thumb buttons are a little too long, which makes the rear one harder to reach, and the thumb scroll wheel is nice, but I have yet to find a really good function for it aside from weapon switching.
One feature I'm particularly impressed with is the button located at the tip of the thumb. This button activates Precision Aim mode, which instantly reduces your mouse sensitivity by a customizable amount while activated, without changing your DPI. This makes, say, sniping in an FPS much easier. The metal chassis also adds a rock-solid feel, and the braided cable is another lovely feature.
In addition, they made the adjustments so easy to do. It's very nice!
Packaging - 9.9/10
The packaging is very well designed, with some interesting angles and a magnetically-shut viewing door with more information on the mouse on the inside of it, and a robotic dinosaur beautifying the inside and outside of the box. The angles on the corners made it a little difficult to take the plastic and cardboard that sealed the mouse and the tin inside a little difficult to get out, but not too much.
Very attractive package, which most definitely says that Saitek is proud of this product. I would be too!
Software - 9.9/10
The software for setting the 4 DPI settings, the reduction in Precision Aim mode, key commands, etc. is spectacularly easy to use and user friendly, and looks very nice as well.
Overall - 9.9/10
I am in love with this mouse. It performs like a beast, it looks amazing, and it's very comfortable. I would recommend this to any gamer. (Though a mouse like the Razer Naga may be nicer for MMO-exclusive players, as having your hotkeys under your thumbs to leave your hand free for maneuvering or other things is priceless.) I can see myself getting another one when this one wears out - unless a new model (aside from the wireless-optional R.A.T. 9) or something even more revolutionary comes out.
Amazing mouse, and well-deserving of the awards it's gotten, including PC Gamer's Editor's Choice with a rating of 98/100, IGN's Best of 2010, and Maximum PC's full 10 rating and comment of "Best Gaming Mouse Ever."
Here's the website for it - http://cyborggaming.com/prod/rat7.htm
Drew
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sickness And The Future!
I'm sick as a dog right now. Which gets rather old, rather quickly.
On the bright side, I'm so close to graduating I can almost taste it. I'm really really excited. I just need to brush up on my math a little more and I'll be good for my tests. After that, this summer will be spent studying my Computer Service and Repair book, and hopefully getting my IT certification sometime this year. After that I'll be able to find a job in the field I like, and get some experience while I save money for college. Which I'm also kind of excited about (but really nervous because while I'm not necessarily a slow learner, I'm not a great mass-information-studier - I hope it doesn't prove too overwhelming for me).
I'm getting less hours at work than I was in fall, which is okay because I'm really starting to treasure and enjoy the time I have at home. Before I started working, I thought having a part-time job would be a low-stress, work-every-so-often-to-make-some-cash sort of thing. I'm not sure if it's specifically my job/workplace or if it's everywhere, but I was completely wrong. It's really stressful sometimes, especially before inventory or inspections, and I was working full-time hours in fall because they needed me so badly. It's definitely a shock at first. I'm not necessarily looking forward to working full-time for the rest of my life. But it shouldn't be too bad if I get a job I enjoy with an acceptable working environment. Which could be harder to find than I think right now.
Anyways, it's late and I should sleep, because I want to feel better!
Drew
On the bright side, I'm so close to graduating I can almost taste it. I'm really really excited. I just need to brush up on my math a little more and I'll be good for my tests. After that, this summer will be spent studying my Computer Service and Repair book, and hopefully getting my IT certification sometime this year. After that I'll be able to find a job in the field I like, and get some experience while I save money for college. Which I'm also kind of excited about (but really nervous because while I'm not necessarily a slow learner, I'm not a great mass-information-studier - I hope it doesn't prove too overwhelming for me).
I'm getting less hours at work than I was in fall, which is okay because I'm really starting to treasure and enjoy the time I have at home. Before I started working, I thought having a part-time job would be a low-stress, work-every-so-often-to-make-some-cash sort of thing. I'm not sure if it's specifically my job/workplace or if it's everywhere, but I was completely wrong. It's really stressful sometimes, especially before inventory or inspections, and I was working full-time hours in fall because they needed me so badly. It's definitely a shock at first. I'm not necessarily looking forward to working full-time for the rest of my life. But it shouldn't be too bad if I get a job I enjoy with an acceptable working environment. Which could be harder to find than I think right now.
Anyways, it's late and I should sleep, because I want to feel better!
Drew
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Spring Is Here, Finally!
It's about time we started getting some spring weather! I've been getting sick of the gross, wet, heavy snow we've gotten for the last month. A bit of snow, melts, A bit more, melts again. And fast melting. There's been flooding in ditches, on farmland, etc. It's so crazy!
I got out my bike today and gave it a tune-up (while Dad helped a friend do the same to hers!), and I went for the first ride of the season. I feel bad about not going for longer - I could have rode all night. It felt so nice! Plus, I'm not used to this wind-through-my-hair business. It's really cool. There's a big difference between wind over your scalp or your centimeter of hair. But when your hair's long enough that the wind starts to shift it and flow between the hairs? Surprisingly pleasant!
I also cut some wood for fires this summer. (PS. I like circular saws!) Depending on how many fires we have this year, we may have enough for the entire summer! Now if only the grocery store would get our bulk wieners in again. We usually buy an entire boxat a time. It's pretty sweet.
I've grilled burgers (an activity I particularly enjoy) twice in the last week as well. It feels so nice to not be so cooped up in the house all the time, to go out without any sort of coat, and to start driving again! (I'm super determined to get my driver's license before my birthday!)
I really love summer. I'm getting really excited about it. :D
Drew
I got out my bike today and gave it a tune-up (while Dad helped a friend do the same to hers!), and I went for the first ride of the season. I feel bad about not going for longer - I could have rode all night. It felt so nice! Plus, I'm not used to this wind-through-my-hair business. It's really cool. There's a big difference between wind over your scalp or your centimeter of hair. But when your hair's long enough that the wind starts to shift it and flow between the hairs? Surprisingly pleasant!
I also cut some wood for fires this summer. (PS. I like circular saws!) Depending on how many fires we have this year, we may have enough for the entire summer! Now if only the grocery store would get our bulk wieners in again. We usually buy an entire boxat a time. It's pretty sweet.
I've grilled burgers (an activity I particularly enjoy) twice in the last week as well. It feels so nice to not be so cooped up in the house all the time, to go out without any sort of coat, and to start driving again! (I'm super determined to get my driver's license before my birthday!)
I really love summer. I'm getting really excited about it. :D
Drew
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Inspection
Today we had an inspection from some higher-ups at work. Hence my all-afternoon-and-evening shift yesterday and morning shift today, the former of which was rather intense. However, it went well and the manager said they were impressed. So that's good.
Nothing else to add about yesterday, and very little about today. I watched a few movies - Jonah Hex, Insanitarium (VERY twisted. I like a good tragedy), and The Experiment (Didn't like that one. While I understand it, I don't at the same time. The people acted under their circumstances far differently than I think I would). We had nicer weather today. Warm, with a cool breeze. A little warmer and it would have been perfect. Thoroughly enjoyed doing carts today.
I really have nothing to say this evening. It's been a weird day. Nothing was different or wrong, but it felt like it for some reason. So I guess I'll leave it at that for tonight. I may be in better spirits tomorrow and have more to say.
Drew
Nothing else to add about yesterday, and very little about today. I watched a few movies - Jonah Hex, Insanitarium (VERY twisted. I like a good tragedy), and The Experiment (Didn't like that one. While I understand it, I don't at the same time. The people acted under their circumstances far differently than I think I would). We had nicer weather today. Warm, with a cool breeze. A little warmer and it would have been perfect. Thoroughly enjoyed doing carts today.
I really have nothing to say this evening. It's been a weird day. Nothing was different or wrong, but it felt like it for some reason. So I guess I'll leave it at that for tonight. I may be in better spirits tomorrow and have more to say.
Drew
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Another Day, Another... Lack of Anything Special.
One thing I'm going to have to get the hang of making my post titles relevant to what I have to say. Then again, that implies knowing what I'm going to say beforehand! :) (I suppose I could title them after I write them...)
Anyway! Today was kind of average, aside from the ridiculous weather we've been getting lately. It's been blowing snow off and on (I know, it's April. It's been kind of stupid.) and then melting. Then sitting at a coldish temperature overnight, rinse, and repeat.
So, as it was cold this morning, I took some extra time after my alarm woke me up to just sit there, half covered by my blanket, trying to ease myself into the day. Thank goodness I woke up 15 minutes earlier than the typical half-hour before my shift starts, otherwise I'd have been very late! When I did finally get up, I (obviously) got dresses in my work uniform and when I put my left sock on, a huge hole broke in the heel. I then went to work for 6 hours.
I think this is the time at which I will add what I'd like to say. To everyone who shops at a grocery store (in other words, everyone in the world), please don't get angry with your typical part-time clerk if we don't carry a product you like. There is absolutely nothing I can do about this. I point this out because I'd imagine it works the same way in all grocery stores. The power to bring in new products belongs to the managers/company. Getting angry about it doesn't get you your product, and it has the potential to ruin this clerk's day. I think I'll tack on that it's the same way with the arrangement of the store.
Aside from a little issue with that, there were a couple unusual things today. First, there were a lot of clerks in for a while. I asked around about why and didn't get a straight answer, but it appears that some of the higher-ups from the company were coming in for some reason and the managers wanted the stock out quickly and the store looking nice. The second was that I got to do something new, though not particularly exciting. I was assigned the task of cleaning the old, dried milk that gathers on the shelving and in collector plates underneath. It's not a very enjoyable task. But it does kill that last bit of time on your shift rather quickly!
Nothing really happened aside from the typical schoolwork and chilling on the internet after work. So, I really have nothing more to talk about. So I'll end it here. :J
Drew
Anyway! Today was kind of average, aside from the ridiculous weather we've been getting lately. It's been blowing snow off and on (I know, it's April. It's been kind of stupid.) and then melting. Then sitting at a coldish temperature overnight, rinse, and repeat.
So, as it was cold this morning, I took some extra time after my alarm woke me up to just sit there, half covered by my blanket, trying to ease myself into the day. Thank goodness I woke up 15 minutes earlier than the typical half-hour before my shift starts, otherwise I'd have been very late! When I did finally get up, I (obviously) got dresses in my work uniform and when I put my left sock on, a huge hole broke in the heel. I then went to work for 6 hours.
I think this is the time at which I will add what I'd like to say. To everyone who shops at a grocery store (in other words, everyone in the world), please don't get angry with your typical part-time clerk if we don't carry a product you like. There is absolutely nothing I can do about this. I point this out because I'd imagine it works the same way in all grocery stores. The power to bring in new products belongs to the managers/company. Getting angry about it doesn't get you your product, and it has the potential to ruin this clerk's day. I think I'll tack on that it's the same way with the arrangement of the store.
Aside from a little issue with that, there were a couple unusual things today. First, there were a lot of clerks in for a while. I asked around about why and didn't get a straight answer, but it appears that some of the higher-ups from the company were coming in for some reason and the managers wanted the stock out quickly and the store looking nice. The second was that I got to do something new, though not particularly exciting. I was assigned the task of cleaning the old, dried milk that gathers on the shelving and in collector plates underneath. It's not a very enjoyable task. But it does kill that last bit of time on your shift rather quickly!
Nothing really happened aside from the typical schoolwork and chilling on the internet after work. So, I really have nothing more to talk about. So I'll end it here. :J
Drew
Monday, April 18, 2011
Day One
I've spent a large portion of the day today, as well as hours out of the last two, designing this crazy blog. It's definitely a fun process, creating a colour scheme, designing the header, scaling and sizing everything, adding some useful gadgets, making the layout just right, so you're happy with it. (And just as a note, my 'About Me' section still needs to be updated, and some text colours need to be adjusted.)
I've never really blogged much. I've always felt kind of silly, putting my thoughts and experiences onto the internet for anyone to see if they come strolling by. But after realizing how interesting, fun, and even informative reading peoples' blogs can be, I decided to give it another shot. Who knows, maybe I'll stumble upon some things I didn't know about myself, or find that somebody is interested in what goes on in this crazy 'ginger' head of mine!
I suppose I'll start with an introduction. My name's Andrew, though I typically go by Drew. I'm nearing adulthood, which is really crazy. I've been homeschooled all my life. I live in Saskatchewan, Canada. And, as you've probably guessed (considering the entire blog is themed around it), I have really red hair. :D I'm told I have a good sense of humor as well...? I'm single (and in no hurry to change that), and I live with my parents. My dad has had a chronic pain condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in his right arm and part of his neck and back for about 13 years. Makes life a lot different. My mom works in a shoe store called The Soleman. (And I have to say, they sell quality footwear!)
I work part-time as a Clerk in a nearby grocery store. It's an alright job. I could have asked for more from my first job, but there's a few people I'm certainly glad I met (because they're just plain awesome), and there's a lot of things I really think I'll benefit from in the future, such as the strength I'm gaining from constantly lifting heavy merchandise, pushing carts, carrying salt to customers' cars.
I have an incredible love for technology. I enjoy building and repairing computers, despite my currently limited knowledge (I am going through the CompTIA certification material, "Computer Service and Repair" by Richard M. Roberts), and I enjoy gaming on the PC I bought myself a few months after I started working. :)
I also have an immense love for music. I like a lot of different genres, so I couldn't list a favourite if I tried. I'm learning to play a bass guitar (Which I affectionately named "Layla," after Clapton's song), which I've had for about a year.
I have a smallish group of friends, though it's kind of been expanding lately, which is really cool.
I guess I'll leave it at that for my introduction, as it's late and I have to work in the morning. I'm planning to keep up blogging around once a day, so I'll have something more to say tomorrow. Though it won't be easy - blogging is, as easlier stated, really weird for me. :)
Drew
I've never really blogged much. I've always felt kind of silly, putting my thoughts and experiences onto the internet for anyone to see if they come strolling by. But after realizing how interesting, fun, and even informative reading peoples' blogs can be, I decided to give it another shot. Who knows, maybe I'll stumble upon some things I didn't know about myself, or find that somebody is interested in what goes on in this crazy 'ginger' head of mine!
I suppose I'll start with an introduction. My name's Andrew, though I typically go by Drew. I'm nearing adulthood, which is really crazy. I've been homeschooled all my life. I live in Saskatchewan, Canada. And, as you've probably guessed (considering the entire blog is themed around it), I have really red hair. :D I'm told I have a good sense of humor as well...? I'm single (and in no hurry to change that), and I live with my parents. My dad has had a chronic pain condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in his right arm and part of his neck and back for about 13 years. Makes life a lot different. My mom works in a shoe store called The Soleman. (And I have to say, they sell quality footwear!)
I work part-time as a Clerk in a nearby grocery store. It's an alright job. I could have asked for more from my first job, but there's a few people I'm certainly glad I met (because they're just plain awesome), and there's a lot of things I really think I'll benefit from in the future, such as the strength I'm gaining from constantly lifting heavy merchandise, pushing carts, carrying salt to customers' cars.
I have an incredible love for technology. I enjoy building and repairing computers, despite my currently limited knowledge (I am going through the CompTIA certification material, "Computer Service and Repair" by Richard M. Roberts), and I enjoy gaming on the PC I bought myself a few months after I started working. :)
I also have an immense love for music. I like a lot of different genres, so I couldn't list a favourite if I tried. I'm learning to play a bass guitar (Which I affectionately named "Layla," after Clapton's song), which I've had for about a year.
I have a smallish group of friends, though it's kind of been expanding lately, which is really cool.
I guess I'll leave it at that for my introduction, as it's late and I have to work in the morning. I'm planning to keep up blogging around once a day, so I'll have something more to say tomorrow. Though it won't be easy - blogging is, as easlier stated, really weird for me. :)
Drew
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