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More dual-SIM wares on the way from Samsung
As cool as the concept of the Samsung DuoS D880 might be, there's a big problem: it runs in the $700 range at retail. Russian site Smape recently sat down with Samsung's mobile chief for the region, and he plainly admitted that the high cost of the D880's admission is leaving out a large segment of the dual-SIM market -- folks who are looking to minimize costs by using different providers depending on who they're calling -- and the company's looking to address that in the second quarter by adding another DuoS model, the P240 candybar. The new piece is expected to cost 20 to 30 percent less than the D880 while still offering its most important feature -- the two SIM slots, that is -- along with Bluetooth, a microSD slot, and a 220 x 176 display. The rep also mentioned that a WinMo-powered DuoS is in the works for this year, and Symbian's on their radar as well -- though probably not before 2008's out. Samsung had previously shown a DuoS-based version of the Armani, too, but it looks like that's now off the table because they found that managing two SIMs proved difficult with a touchscreen; we personally think we could've managed, but whatevs.[Via Unwired View]
Gamer Interrupted: Playing together with different playstyles
Each week, Robin Torres contributes Gamer Interrupted, a column about balancing real life with MMOs.Last week, we talked about how Duos can help you balance your gametime with your relationship building time. The comments pointed out an obstacle to pure couple-gaming bliss which I like to call the "Crunchy vs. Creamy" issue. Avid gamers who love the same game can still have trouble playing together if they have different playstyles. Back in the 80's, I heard of a relationship book that said a couple can't live together if one likes creamy peanut butter and one likes crunchy peanut butter. (No, I don't remember the book. Yes, I'm showing my age again. Get off my lawn!) Whether it's peanut butter or gaming styles, I do think gamers of different tastes can play together, but it does take some effort.There a few general non-gaming things to remember here:All relationships take effort: They do. Whether roommates or siblings or spouses or whatever, you need to be considerate of the other person and do things to nurture the relationship. If you don't, you will eventually find that your favorite hard-to-find food has been eaten or your mom has found out about that time you did that thing or you're facing legal fees and an empty bed.
Gamer Interrupted: Duos are good for relationships
Each week, Robin Torres contributes Gamer Interrupted, a column about balancing real life with MMOs.Sharing your leisure time with a friend and/or loved one is a great way to strengthen your relationship. This is not a controversial statement. But if that leisure time includes video games, we are getting into much debated territory -- though things are improving. Newer studies are finding that social games do in fact make people more social, rather than the basement dwelling stereotypes that exist. In my opinion, MMOs are a great way to spend quality time together with friends, family and significant others -- particularly when some are in different physical locations. Couples can have in-game dates where they spend only the money that they are already spending on their account fees and with the kids sleeping nearby. Separated friends can spend time together even if they are in different countries. And, in my favorite story (though I am biased), brothers who have never met can get to know each other though they are hundreds of miles apart.
Samsung's dual-SIM DuoS D880
Dual-SIM handsets are a completely foreign concept in these parts, but in parts of Asia, they're a fairly common sight (three SIMs, though -- that's another story). Samsung's contributing its "DuoS" D880 slider to the fray, offering the capability to rock two SIMs from the same carrier or different carriers and switch seamlessly between the two for voice, data, and text functions. Sadly, the handset tops out at EDGE, though the other specs aren't half bad -- 3.2 megapixel cam, FM radio, stereo Bluetooth, et cetera -- and it looks alright, too. Look for it around a hefty $700 next month.[Via Unwired View]
Leveling with two is twice as nice
Relmstein had some great tips about how to tackle the Burning Crusade this week, but his second to last one might be the best: To get a new character up and running, find a leveling buddy. Many of us are heading back to lowbieland (or heading up to 70) after we install the expansion (Horde needs Pallies and Alliance needs Shaman!), and as many of us know, especially after grinding our way up to 60, maybe even more than once: nothing makes those levels go away faster than someone to level with.So my advice is to find a buddy, start early, and work together often. A great team of two can tackle almost anything in Azeroth, but make sure to organize yourself-- both of you will need to level up certain skills (first aid!), but there's a few professions that complement each other very well-- blacksmithing and engineering or jewelcrafting, for instance. Group quests can sometimes be tough with two, but if your classes complement each other and you're both experienced, it makes things easier for everyone.Now, if you already have someone and need ideas for classes, we've got you covered. For actually finding someone in the first place, the LFG system has grown on me a little bit-- if you're in a zone and looking for help, it's easy to throw up your LFG flag, and it usually grabs a few whispers. Guildies are always good-- I know a few guilds (including mine) are going to be leveling up together, at least to 70. It's too bad, though, that there isn't a service somewhere for just hooking up people for leveling. Oh, what the heck, let's start one here-- if you're starting a new toon (or continuing an old one) for the Burning Crusade and you need a leveling buddy, put your name, server, and faction in the comments here, or just drop a whisper to the people who have already posted. To Outland!
