Tag: Blackberry

Three Big Distractions

Today’s post is going to be short and sweet. I could say it is because it is the weekend before final exams. The university has a random final exam time algorithm that assures no one will have to take two final exams at the exact same time. Well, for this semester, this algorithm has decreed that I will be taking my engineering physics final at 8:00 am Monday morning. But wait! It gets better! I then have to take my multivariate calculus final at 10:30 am Monday morning. Back to back the two worst exams I can imagine I’ll ever have to take. This weekend should be full of cramming for physics and calculus at the same time (while these two classes DO have a lot in common, it turns out the exam material is NOT going to overlap as much as one would hope). I’m aiming to graduate with some sort of “cum laude” attached to my degree, so I’m not taking these classes just to pass. I need to do well in them.

I could also say this post is short because something almost more important than acing those finals has come up. I’m set to have a phone interview with Microsoft for their summer internship Tuesday afternoon. The prospect of interviewing with Microsoft is both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. I mean, come on, it’s Microsoft. How awesome would working there for a summer be?? I will be asked to code. Over the phone. In real time. I know I will be asked about data structures and algorithms. I was informed that I should also be prepared to answer behavioral questions. All in all, I feel like I should be doing a lot of cramming for that this weekend.

However, all of these things don’t seem nearly as important as the fact that my new HTC Thunderbolt came in the mail Thursday. After waiting impatiently for the battery to charge, I turned it on just after midnight and started setting it up. Having come from Blackberry, there is a huge learning curve. I am learning how to use the touch screen for the first time. The virtual keyboard is not nearly as efficient as my old Blackberry’s physical QWERTY. I still haven’t figured out all the features and I still only have one email set up (who needs school email on their phone, anyway?). I love it all though. I immediately downloaded: Pocket Frogs- had never heard of this one, but it’s like Tamagotchi frogs, oooh so cute!-, Words with Friends- this is mostly so I can continue to lose games to my mom, now from ANYwhere!-, and Angry Birds- being a Blackberry user, this game was never free before so I have to give it a try. Once I spend a little more time with it, I’ll probably have a lot more intelligent things to say, good and bad. As far as smart-phones go, I’m definitely glad I’ve made the switch to Android. Maybe someday I’ll even find time to start programming some apps for it!

Next week, I’ll let you know how the Microsoft interview and finals went, but more importantly, how I’m coming along learning my new phone.

What every (nerd)girl wants for the holidays.

Ok, so not EVERY girl wants these things, but hey, I thought I would have a bit of fun this week and just give you a list of items I would love to see under my tree this holiday season.

HTC Rezound. For the past two years I have been a Blackberry girl. My contract is up this month and it’s time for a new phone. This Android seems to be exactly what I’m looking for. With 4G capabilities, I’ll be able to do all my tech things on the go. I will be able to edit documents, send emails, and play Words with Friends from just about anywhere. It’s going to make my Blackberry look sad and small.

GOgroove Laptop Speaker that happens to look like a Panda. Don’t ask me why, but my computer gadgets tend to have two themes: red or pandas. I like pandas, okay? These little portable speakers plug right into a laptop or music player. Cute and loud, who could ask for more?

Zumba Fitness. When I’m not sitting in front of my PC, I love to Zumba. And here’s a game they’ve made that bring Zumba into your living room. I hear exercise is good for you, so this is what gets me moving. And not having to go to a gym or fitness center is a big plus.

Samsung Galaxy Tab. I was one number away from winning this in the raffle at the Grace Hopper Celebrating Women in Computing Convention. I think this means, by all rights I should have one. While this is definitely not a “must have” item, it still would be nice if Santa found he had a little extra spending money this year. A tablet would be one of those gadgets that would be nice for in-between tasks. Not quite big enough to play all my computer games on, but bigger than a phone so easier to read the latest e-mag.

Skyrim. I am a die-hard Morrowind fan. Oblivion was a letdown for me, but this latest work by Bethesda may just rekindle my love. There has been a lot of enthusiasm, including on this very website. The promise of an organic world with non-linear gameplay is definitely my cup of tea. I want to get my hands on this game and try it for myself.

Raspberry Pi. This bitty computer looks awesome. I want one. Seriously, at the price they are offering, I want several. It’s a board that is basically a sandbox for those interested in doing some serious programming or not so serious, if you’re so inclined. It comes with great stuff like USB 2.0, SD Card, Micro USB, RCA and Audio jacks, and HDMI. If you spring for the pricier version, it comes with Ethernet hook-up as well.  Awesome.  If Santa doesn’t get this for me, I’m definitely buying one anyway.

What tech gadgets and games are you hoping or wishing for this holiday season?

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