Techie Time

I just upgraded the firmware on my computer's DVD/CD drive to become region-free so I can watch some of my imported movies from Asia. Although I use an Sony DVP-S7000 on my TV set, I actually prefer to watch my DVDs on my PowerBook for a couple of reasons.

• My S7000 was manufactured in October, so it doesn't have the slide switches to make it easily region-free, and I'm not about to open it up and purchase a EPROM programmer to try and hack it. Bummer.
• I get Anamorphic Widescreen on my Powerbook. Until I am able to purchase a nice 16x9 HDTV, I probably won't be upgrading my tv anytime soon.

The downside is that I have to put up with low-quality sound (I don't like wearing headphones, and the Powerbook's internal speakers are laughable) and the fickle nature of my combodrive (it makes really bad whirring noises from time to time). That said, I'm hoping that this Powerbook can last another 2 to 3 years (it's already 2 1/4 years old) The faux aluminum paint that they used for the non titanium exterior casing has already begun to flake off due to heat, but the titanium parts are still pretty solid.