最後って言ったけど、まさかほんとに最後になたとは...

Even though I used the words "last time" in the last post before leaving BC, I did not expect it to really be the last from Coordinator.

Roughly one week after my stuff arrived and the set up of my system, the tragedy happened. I was in the middle of using the computer when it suddenly restarted without warning, only to be stuck on the motherboard splash screen. Nothing I did can get it to go past that screen. After a few reboots (the power button was acting weird as well and would start the system automatically when I released my finger after the 6 seconds or so it took to shut down), the monitor wasn't even able to detect the video signal anymore.

I was overcame by a terrible sense of dread. Here I was, totally new in town and didn't know anyone. Without the computer, I couldn't check the internet for computer shops or try to Google for possible cause and fix. I couldn't even look for bus routes to get to the nearest computer place.

Luckily this was Saturday, and a couple from church was very kind and offered to drive me around town to look for a new computer. After a few stops, I ended up ordering a desktop from PC Cyber. Of course, my biggest concern was being able to get the free upgrade to Windows 7, otherwise I'd stay with XP. The guy at the shop checked for me and assured me it's fine, so I went ahead with the order.

Before I got the computer, I told bro that I think I would hate Vista. Almost a week and a half later, I still think I should have stuck with XP when I ordered the computer. Over half of my programs aren't compatible, and there's just so much quirks and annoyance that I'm still struggling with Vista everyday. Granted, there's a few good things about Vista, namely the ability to control the volume of all running programs individually, copying/moving files seem to be faster than XP, and the local search function actually works. The computer is running faster in general, but I think that's due to the much enhanced hardware specs.

Here's a quick comparison the hardware and software:

[Coordinator]          -> [Sirius]
Intel P4 @ 2.8GHz      -> Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 @ 2.66GHz
512MB DDR              -> 4GB DDR3
120GB + 250GB IDE HDD  -> 500GB SATA HDD + 120GB/250GB IDE HDD
ATI Radeon 9200SE      -> NVIDIA GeForce 9400 GT
Windows XP Pro         -> Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
DVDRW + CDRW           -> DVDRW
AVG + Zone Alarm       -> Rogers Online Protection
Nero 6.0               -> Windows built-in burning
NJ Star Communicator   -> Google Chinese Input + MS Japanese IME

It's obvious it's a pretty bit jump from Coordinator to Sirius. I was already planning to get a new computer either near the end of this year or sometimes next year. By then, Windows 7 would be out, and i7 might be more affordable. The tragedy really happened at a bad time, forcing me to go with Vista... -__-

The software programs listed above are changed due to incompatibility with Vista or Vista 64-bit. Some programs I haven't found an alternative yet and are not listed. I haven't gone through all my programs and devices yet (yeah, I'm lazy...) so there's likely more. If there's more casualty, you'll surely hear me rant. My games better work...

So what did I do during my computer-less days after work, beside the usual chore? I finished watching Bleach DVD Box 1 and picked up my NDS again. I started on ワールド・デストラクション 導かれし意思 (World Destruction: Michibikareshi Ishi) but switched to Final Fantasy IV after a day. There's absolutely nothing wrong with World Destruction. I just got sucked in by FF IV after the initial play.

My only previous experience with the game was FF II for North America, which I learned was an easy type version. The DS version follows the same story line as the original SNES version, but the visuals are completely remade with 3D graphics, and there's event cut scenes with voice over (this is the reason I didn't go with the North American version). Right now I just finished fighting the water archfiend after Cecil transformed into a paladin. The event where Palom and Porom sacrificed themselves almost had me in tears. T__T

While it's more difficult for me to play it in Japanese, especially when I need to look for an item or spell during battle, I find the reading and voice over more engaging and thus allows me to enjoy the experience more. With the increasing number of games that have voice over, I think the few that I have right now (Chrono Trigger, DQ IV & V, FF III) might be the only RPGs I can get here. I'm seriously looking at buying stuff online now. There's NO place to buy Japanese media here, and the few places that sell anime DVD have rather meagre selections. If I can get past the obstacle of having someone there to receive the delivery, I can order anything online to my heart's content (and what my wallet can afford)!