Nintendo Wii's Elebits Is Ele-fun

I had the opportunity to pick up this game yesterday and figure I could whip a quick review of it. I try to have the whole family perform the reviews, but since I was the only one to really get into this quirky game, I better just go ahead and complete the review myself.

The game play is unique from other console type games; you are required to use both the Wii-mote and the nunchuck. The Wii-mote is your zapper gun and the nunchuck is you movement. You can walk in all directions using the nunchuck and stretch up and crouch down using your Z button on the nunchuck. Your zapper is your tool to catch the little Elebits. You just simply point and click your zapper to catch the Elebits as well as move items around. The environment (house rooms) is completely movable; if you see an object then eventually with enough strength you will be able to move the objects.

You can stack chairs on top of couches on top of the dinning room table if you like. Keeping the objective in mind, which is to catch as many Elebits as you can in a certain amount of time or with out breaking to many objects or without making to much noise. The Elebits represent watts or power, the more you collect the more you can do. As you collect the Elebits different appliances become available to turn on, which in turn will release more of the little creatures. Overall the game play is very good. Please keep in mind that the game is in the first person point of view and that puts a lot of strain on your eyeballs and may even make some people (my wife) sick to their stomachs due to the fast movements of your field of view.

The graphics on this game are better then we have seen from the Wii thus far and although they are still very cartoon oriented, though they work perfectly in this odd game. The sound on this game is hard to judge, but for one they didn’t stick in my mind nor did they annoy me. I would have to say that at least they had some voice over work done for the story line, unlike Zelda which is all text based.

Fun Factor on this title is excellent, I played through a few levels and had to go back and play more later in the evening. I eventually stopped playing around midnight last night and I awoke with Elebits dancing in my head. I left off at what would be the first boss of the game and that round was pretty tough. The Boss multiplies at first into 3 ghosts, when you zap the 3
ghost the boss turns into 5 smaller ghosts and then 10 mini ghosts. The ghosts can be really difficult to see at times and one hint I’ll give you is to look up in the rafters of the level, they like to hide up there.

This game is entirely innovative and I am sure there will be sequels released in the future and hope the Elebits become another Nintendo household name. Who would guess that little hiding Elebits would be such a big hit. I have never played anything similar to this game and it is only showing a bit of what the Nintendo Wii has to offer. Elebits is probably now my favorite Wii game. My library is not huge, but Elebits is the 5th Wii title that I have purchased.

Since I have only made it to the 7th or 8th level I really can’t put a number on the difficulty level of this game, but I did have to play the first boss at least 4 times without beating him. The first thing I am going to do when I get home is to put that ghost in his place.

I think this is an excellent game for the Nintendo Wii and I would highly recommend it. I rate this game as a solid 8.3 and it should be in every Wii owners collection.

About The Author: Robert Lyttle. Nintendo supporter since 1/10/1985. To view other articles, reviews, video, etc. please visit my Family site http://www.wiitod.com

Bluetooth Headsets: Overview

It seems that every day, virtual movers and shakers are introducing new products and systems to make our lives a little bit easier. Bluetooth technology is one of the biggest advances to hit the market. Bluetooth wireless technology makes it easy and convenient for users to enjoy wire-free, short-range communication between devices. It is a globally available standard that connects portable computers, mobile phones, MP3 players and even cars, all without wires. People who use Bluetooth technology enjoy communication without any ties, so it only makes sense to have the right wireless headsets.

Manufacturers have found that it's not easy to create a really good wireless headset for Bluetooth. On the contrary, it is much more difficult that designing wired models. Bluetooth headsets can never be as small or as light as wired headsets, simply because the battery and extra functions must be included all in one unit. This extra size impacts how the headset mounts on or around the users' ears.

There are two main styles of Bluetooth headsets. The more comfortable, yet less secure models are held into place with a loop around the ear. Others are "earbud" styles that are placed directly inside the opening of the ear. More secure, but certainly less comfortable.

When you are shopping for Bluetooth headsets, take the following points into consideration:

Cost
This is an obvious issue. Prices range from the affordable to the truly lavish, so you might have to shop around to compare prices before you choose.

Ergonomics
Comfort should be your primary consideration, as users typically spend a great deal of time with Bluetooth headsets.
- Check to see if the device can be removed and replaced from your ear quickly and conveniently
- Make sure that the control buttons on the headset are easy to use
- If you wear glasses, be sure that the device can be used while you are wearing eyeglasses, or sunglasses
- Some calls can take a long time. Make sure that your Bluetooth headset will be comfortable after an extended period of time
- Try wearing the device in both ears. You may want to switch side to side for comfort or convenience
- Compare Bluetooth headsets to see which are the lightest. Weight is a very important consideration, as you don't want the device to cause discomfort or fall off
- See if the headsets come with a carry case. You'll need to store or transport it when not in use

Ease of use
Some gadgets meant to make our lives easier, only cause frustration.
- Commands and controls should be easy to use and remember
- Be sure that the volume level is easy to adjust. If you're on a call that lasts from your office to the subway station, you'll need to be able to adjust the volume quickly and easily
- You're shopping for Bluetooth headsets to enjoy the latest in instant communications, so make sure that the headset you choose turns on quickly
- Make sure that a support number is provided to call if you need guidance or if you have a problem with the device
- Check the manual. It should be well written and easy to understand

Features
Not all Bluetooth headsets are created equally. There are a variety of features that may or may not be included in the one you choose.
- Ask about the battery. Know the type of battery, how much talk time it can hold, and how to tell if it's fully charged or losing charge
- Don't assume that the Bluetooth headsets you choose can be paired with every one of your wireless devices. Check and verify this before you buy
- Does the headset carry a good warranty? Who will you call for service if you have a problem?
- Check the sound quality for receiving and sending audio
- How is the range? The headset won't be much good to you if the range keeps you tied to your home or office

There are other important capabilities to consider in comparing Bluetooth headsets. Voice tags, transfer calls, three-way calling, last number redial, call reject, link to other phones and mute options are all convenient features. Check to see how it looks on you. You might not want a headset that is large and obvious, or you may prefer a model that stands out.

While technology changes our lives, it also shapes our lives. Using Bluetooth headsets gives us the freedom to stay connected without being tied down.

About The Author: Linda Miller contributes articles to several popular web sites, especially http://nugoz.com and http://wetid.com

Microsoft Zune Hits The Streets

Zune is upon us, and if you weren't aware of it you are among the few that the Microsoft marketing machine has missed. Run a Google search on the name, and the first six results listed are all websites - or more accurately, domain names - produced by Microsoft and containing their promotional material.

Zune is the Microsoft MP3 player, available on the market for just a few weeks now. It has a thirty gigabyte hard drive, a three inch square video LCD and costs two hundred and fifty bucks. There are a couple of features that the iPod doesn't have: the Zune has some "preloaded" music on it from contemporary artists; it also has wireless transfer capability so that one Zune can ship music or photos to another Zune over a short distance. Overall, however, it's fair to say that, in its current format, the Zune does not represent a significant improvement over the iPod, or a compelling reason to pick it up if you already have an iPod.

Microsoft would have you see it a little differently. They are casting the Zune player as the first in a series of products to be released under its Zune brand. "Designed around the principles of sharing, discovery and community, Zune will create new ways for consumers to connect and share entertainment experience.. .With Zune, we are not simply delivering a portable device, we are introducing a new platform that helps bring artists closer to their audiences and helps people find new music and develop new social connections. "

Along with the media player the Microsoft Zune music store has sprung to life and at the same price as the iPod music mart - ninety nine cents per. Currently, they have two million tunes available compared to Apple's 3.2 million. Early Microsoft press releases hype song sales from labels "DTS, EMI Music's Astralwerks Records and Virgin Records, Ninja Tune, Playlouderecordings , Quango Music Group, Sub Pop Records, and V2/Artemis Records." Presumably some of that preloaded music comes from artists on these labels.

Much has been written about the recent deal signed by Microsoft and Universal Music Group. That agreement has Microsoft paying Universal $1 per Zune sold - and it is a landmark deal because it gives the music company a share in the sale of the hardware. Apparently Microsoft felt compelled to develop an inside arrangement with a major music company because of its late start in the business. For its part, Universal's CEO says, "We felt that any business that's built on the bedrock of music we should share in..."

Apple has no such arrangement in its contracts with recording companies; those are straight revenue sharing deals. There is a good deal of concern that this deal will presage a new degree of control by the music companies over hardware manufacturers, not to mention a fee structure.

According to Universal CEO Doug Morris: "We were very early in working with Steve (Jobs) on the launch of the iPod and he's been a very good partner and done a lot for the industry...We have a current contract with him and at the end of that I'm sure we'll negotiate." Morris' company accounts for nearly one in three CDs sold in the United States.

The notion behind this agreement is that music companies lose a lot of sales to digital piracy - through peer-to-peer sharing on the Internet and through simple transfer of music from one iPod to another. Indeed, one of the features on the Zune player is that any song transferred to it from another Zune will "expire" after three plays. That should pump up business for the Zune music store; however it also gives the Zune wireless feature a mercenary look.

About The Author: Madison Lockwood is a customer relations associate for http://www.apollohosting.com. She helps clients understand how a website may benefit them both personally and professionally. Apollo Hosting provides website hosting, ecommerce hosting, & VPS hosting to a wide range of customers.

Nintendo's Wii - From Purchase to Playing

If you haven’t seen the commercials for this new console from Nintendo or heard any of the hype, I would suggest taking a good look around to try and find one of these amazing, innovative gaming systems. I picked up my Wii on Black Friday and consider myself very lucky. The store I waited in front of, from 11pm until they opened at 7am only had 5 Wii units available and since I was 5th in line, I was a lot more fortunate then the 15 people behind me. After my long night I promptly went home and caught some Z’s only to be awoken by my eager kids and even more eager wife a few hours later.

We all gathered around for the opening of the box and we all got our first true look at the console. My first impressions were obviously based around the color and design of the hardware and the uniqueness of the controller (wii-remote). The unit was very small compared to that of Sony’s Playstation 3 and Mircosoft’s Xbox 360 and is about the size of 3 dvd cases stacked on top of one another. The unit can function both horizontally and vertically and fits above my TV with all my other gadgets perfectly, yeah score 1 for Nintendo. The hook up of the Wii went flawlessly, it has 3 cables, one for the power to the unit, one for the analog hook up for your television (HD cables hopefully will come soon) and one for the sensor bar which can either sit on top of your TV or below, depending on your individual needs. The sensor bar detects your movements from the Wii-remote, which is part of the reason this machine is totally different from its competitors. After the hook up of the system it was time to power it on and run through the set up program. You start by giving your Wii a name, ours is called Wee Wii. I know, I know, not the most pleasant name, but you can always change your Wii’s name at a later time. After that stage, if you have a Wi-Fi internet connection the Wii will access it and it will remain connected to the internet even while the power to the Wii is off.

Having an internet connection will let the Nintendo update and send downloads to your console. Internet browsing capabilities should be available for the Wii in the 1st quarter 2007. Now your Wii is set up and its time to create your character(s) also known as Mii’s.

The Mii creator is a very fun aspect of the system and it allows you to customize the look of your characters. You can change your height, weight, hair style, hair color, eyebrows, facial structure, facial hair and many other aspects to create your unique Mii. Although the Mii’s are kind of cartoony looking, in the end you will be able to represent yourself pretty accurately. Eventually your Mii characters will wander around and be downloaded to other owner’s consoles across the world, chat features are soon to come as well. Enough about Mii creation lets move on to the fun stuff.

The Nintendo Wii was launched with Wii sports a collection of five sporting games. Boxing, bowling, tennis, golf and baseball are included and those five games should be enough to keep you busy until you have the opportunity to collect other games. At a first glance of the games, where you use your designed Mii characters to play, the graphics are nice, but still cartoony. The graphics are not intended to be the highlight of this system, but rather the use of the wii-remote is where this console excels over all others. Holding the controller in hand (be sure to use your wrist strap at all times) you can really get a feel for being in the game rather than just play a game. If you are playing tennis you would hold the wii-remote as if you holding a tennis racket and overhand swing or backhand swing your way to glory. Boxing is by far the most intense game released with the sports package. You have to use the wii-remote in your primary hand and connect the secondary remote (nunchuck) and use it in your other hand. You can jab by extending your arm(s) straight forward and right or left cross either to the head or body by swing your arms like a real boxer would. You can also hold your hands up in front of your face or body to block incoming punches as well as sway side to side to dodge punches. The innovativeness, interactivity and absolute exercise while having a total blast is what will take Nintendo to the top of the gaming food chain. This system will please all parents across the globe.

In my humble opinion, the Nintendo Wii will take kids (and parents) off of the couch and into the game. With a moderate price tag of $249.99, the Wii is cheaper than most exercise equipment and will produce the same calorie burning results, for you and your family. I know my kids would never spend any amount of time performing exercises, but what they don’t know will not hurt them. The Wii is very cleaver and disguises exercise with playing your favorite games. “Nintendo Wii, turning couch potatoes into controller wielding athletes”.

About The Author: Nintendo supporter since 1/10/1985. Owner and Developer of our Family based website http://www.wiitod.com

Wii Info and Specs

Wii Console



Stand it up or lay it down -- the Wii console's slot-loading drive will work fine either way. Measuring a little less than three stacked DVD cases, it should also fit easily in any entertainment center. Just make sure you find room for the included sensor bar, which enables the Wii controller to work, and needs to be set horizontally above or below your TV. A concealed slot on the front connects regular SD digital storage cards, and the Wii can also handle Nintendo GameCube controllers, memory cards for saved games, USB devices, or connect to your wireless network.

Wii Controller



Via a combination of high-tech acceleration detectors and an infra-red sensor bar, the Wii's unique controller detects its position, alignment, and speed of movement. It's short on buttons, but you‘ll hardly need them for many Wii games, including the bundled Wii Sports. Just wave the wireless controller in the right direction and you'll swing a racket, throw a ball, aim a gun, or draw a bow. The remote even has built-in storage for your user profile and a small speaker. Hold it sideways, and it's a Nintendo controller. Plug in the (included) nunchuck attachment and you'll have a motion-sensing controller in each hand and enough buttons for even the most complex games. Drop the remote into one of the other planned attachments, and it becomes a steering wheel or a lightgun. This unprecedented versatility may revolutionize the way we think about video games.

Wii Channels

Open up the Wii's TV-like channel system to bring the wide world of Wii right into your living room. Different channels let you keep up with news and weather, surf the Internet, check out message boards, or browse through your photo collection on an inserted SD card. If you're feeling a little more creative, the Mii Channel lets you draw your own avatar to use in games like Wii Sports or save to your controller to take to a friend's house. Best of all, this is where you'll find the Virtual Console channel and the Wii's selection of downloadable games from past consoles like the Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and Nintendo 64.

Wii Difference

Compare the Wii's technology with the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, and it may appear less powerful. Way to miss the point! You're not going to fire up your Wii to show off your expensive new high-definition TV, but if you're throwing a party, want something to play with your family, or enjoy classic games from the last 20 years of video games history, this is the machine to turn to firs

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1. Apple iPod (Nano) Red Special Edition

　

　

2. Creative Zen Vision M (30GB) Digital
Media Player


3. SanDisk Sansa e280R Rhapsody Digital
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4. Samsung K5 (2 GB) Digital Media Player



5. Microsoft Zune (White)



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Reference from Yahoo! Tech