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“Server” is a concept, part 2: Redundancy

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A while back, I wrote about the announcement of Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion), and how people were freaking out about it being dumbed down with regards to the Server OS (or the possibility that there would be no Server version). Today (and yesterday), a rumor has been going around that Apple is thinking about killing the Mac Pro, and how everyone is freaked out that there’s no alternative for “pro”. Which then brought out the FUDtards again to talk about how sad they are that the Xserve was killed, and how the Mini Server isn’t a real server, etc. Which brings us to part 2 of my “Server is a concept, not hardware or software”. Or more specifically, “Redundancy shouldn’t be only at the system level”.

I won’t rehash what I’ve already said, but I will touch a bit on the hardware argument since it came up. Someone brought up that the Mini Server should have (for redundancy/resiliency):

  • Dual power
  • Dual Thunderbolt
  • ECC RAM

I won’t argue too much with the ECC RAM, since it would be a relatively easy thing to do (though ECC RAM can’t correct for BIG errors, so it’s not really the amazing thing people say it is, plus it tends to be slower), but the other two, I will argue a bit with, and they both are basically the same argument.
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6W LED GU10

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A few weeks ago, I installed track lighting in a room in our house. It uses 120v GU10 bulbs, and knowing that the minimum wattage on a halogen bulb that size is about 35w, I thought I might save a bit of money by switching to LED bulbs. After looking around online, I found these for a decent price, and figured they would be worth the risk to buy two and see how they did.

In short, they are, with a single caveat: They’re ~3000k color temp. In long, they’re pretty nice. They’re 6w, pretty bright for their wattage, and instant on. I haven’t tried them with a dimmer yet, but from what I’ve read, they can “flicker” when dimmed fully. That said, I like them. My wife, on the other hand, doesn’t: at least not for their intended purpose. She wants to use the room to show artwork, and 3000k makes the art look too blue. So, I’ll be on the hunt for some 2700k GU10 LEDs (which, seems to be a market cornered by Toshiba).

For now, though, I’d recommend them for “light”. I wouldn’t recommend them if you care about the color temperature being similar to Halogen (they’re significantly cooler when compared side by side). Not to mention they’re pretty darn inexpensive now. No clue at this point about longevity.

[xrr rating=3/5]

DGT Cube game timer

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This is a pretty simple review. This timer is a six sided game timer, where you can set total time, time per move, time per move with saved time, etc. I got it mainly for things like Monopoly, Scrabble and Settlers. I’m largely to blame here, as I take a very long time to make game moves if I don’t have something forcing me to move. The timer works simply enough, as you set the time for all players, then simply start. To finish your move, and move onto the next person, you just rotate the cube to the next color. Simple simple simple. I’m actually thinking about buying the Pyramid version for 4 player games, but the cube works for that as well. The only thing it doesn’t really do is some of the more advanced chess timing schemes, but it’s time-per-turn plus saved can basically be used to do what amounts to delay time.

Anyway, it’s great. Simple to use, easy to read, and it makes people get a move on. =)

[xrr rating=4.75/5]