intelligent computer

ImageMASSter 3002 SCSI Hard Drive Duplicator and Eraser

The ImageMASSter 3002 2-drive SCSI Hard Drive Duplicator and Eraser both duplicates and erases SCSI drives. It supports IDE hard drives and SATA drives, with optional adapters. Erases drives to DoD specification, which are later reusable.

1976 Intelligent Systems ISC Intecolor 8001 Computer Print Ad (44100)
$12.99
An original vintage magazine ad print from the year published. Print ads make unique gift items that can be framed as artwork. Shipped flat un-framed in plastic sleeve with backing board.

CyberPower CP1000AVRLCD 9-Outlet Intelligent LCD UPS (1000VA/600W)
$159.95
I purchased the CyberPower CP100AVRLCD as a business purchase and an extra security measure for my computer. I have to admit a little buyer's remorse when the package came in. I debated whether it was really that necessary or just a techie extravagance.

My concerns were immediately alleviated when I printed to my laser printer. That printer is a little old and a power sucker. My lights dim whenever I use it, but I thought I had each item on a separate circuit. Apparently not. Immediately the UPS kicked in and modulated the electricity within a safe range for my computer. I have essentially been creating brown-outs whenever I print, putting extra strain on my computer and external hard-drive.

The display is nice. It lets you know when the unit is active and turns off when it is not. The blue-lighted power button stays on as long as the unit is on. The size is very compact, but it is heavy as bricks. The setup is super easy. I have it set to my Mac Pro. There aren't many extended options for the Mac. You basically hook it to the compute via a USB cable and set your Energy Saver system preferences for the UPS. That control panel will allow you to determine how the computer responds when it is relying solely on the UPS and gives the battery level of the UPS.

Other reviewers are correct in that the plugs are closely spaced, which can reduce the amount of equipment you can plug in depending on the plugs. Only some of the plugs are protected by the battery. The others have only surge protection. But you really just need the computer, monitor, and possibly extra hard drives on battery power. The less power drain on the battery will allow it to last longer.

One thing I would be curious to know is whether the UPS computer shutdown will override requests by applications to save files and such. Normally the shut-down command times out if applications hold it up too long. I haven't tested this yet.

Democracy - I Want You To Run This Country!
$19.95
It's an EXCELLENT 1-dimensional game on various domestic policies and their dependencies when running a country.


DOMESTIC POLICIES
For example, it's not possible to eliminate Organised Crimes category, without tackling Violent Crimes category, which grows from Crime category.

However to resolve the Crime category, the player has to improve budgeting for various Policing category and Unemployment category. Thus, the focus on the dependencies of internal policies is fairly educational and well thought-out.


FOREIGN AND MILIARY ADVENTURES
If you are looking forth on adventures on Military and Foreign categories, you would be disappointed. They are stand-alone categories, mostly affecting internal stability. There are no interactions with neighboring countries on subsequently the impacts of the policies.


OTHERS
At this point, I must admit I did not try out various extreme scenarios by taking extreme Religious, Conservative or Liberal positions in terms game-play to test out its full potentials.

That brings me to what I feel as a somehow a potential short-coming of this game. Somehow, it felt like a 1-off game play, that doesn't attracts the player back to test out different cases and observe different outcome/reward. However, the feeling stated could be tied to only my individual experience.


CONCLUSION
Finally, I give this nice game a 3 stars for the educational and well thought-out policies. Personally had it attract me to go back and play, I would have given it a 4 stars.

(I understand this nice game is designed by only a single developer, which is very encouraging).