2010 Toyota Prius
May 31st, 2009 by Thomas Munka
The world’s best-selling hybrid is back for 2010-completely revised and revitalized. The first thing potential buyers will notice is a new exterior. Aerodynamics and styling are improved. The coefficient of drag dropped down to 0.25. The roof’s “wedge” is moved back almost four inches to improve headroom. The front pillar is moved forward. The wheelbase is .06 inches longer, and LED’s are used for low beam headlights, taillights, and stop lights. Ecological plastics, which emit less CO2 than ordinary plastics, are used in the seat cushion foam, cowl side trim, scuff plates, and deck trim cover. A solar panel moon-roof combo will help power electrical features.
By changing the stabilizer layout, creating a higher caster angle, and tuning the bushings Toyota improved handling on the Prius.
Fuel efficiency is increased to an estimated 50mpg. A larger 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine powers the new Prius. Contrary to popular opinion, the larger engine actually increases fuel-efficiency by providing more torque so the engine can be run at lower RPM levels. An exhaust gas reticulation system also helps improve efficiency and cold-start performance. Not present under the hood is a belt; there is an electric water pump and remote-powered A/C system. The new Prius will have three driving modes: EV mode, which allows it to be fully electric for short distances, power mode to allow for most power, and eco mode to help get the best mileage. The 0-60 time is 9.8 seconds. Toyota should’ve upgraded to a lithium battery, but financial competition with the new Insight may be keeping the Nickel-metal hydride battery in use.
Starting at $22,000, the Prius is well priced and competitive with the Honda Insight. A stripped down model will be released later this year, which will cost $21,000. As much as I hate to give into corporate tycoons and greedy business people who could care less about whether or not the new Prius is eco-friendly or not, Toyota is “moving forward” with the new Prius.
How to Buy a New Car the Right Way
May 29th, 2009 by Thomas Munka
When’s the last time you went to an automotive dealership? When’s the last time you bought a car? How much did you pay? Most likely, you paid too much.
When most people think car dealer, they think about “low-balling,” and haggling down car prices. But how much should you “low-ball?” The answer is much more than you probably think.
The Dealer’s Asking Price on a car is the dealer’s asking price plus all the options you chose like DVD players etc. and a destination fee, but when dealers order a large amount of cars at one time, they get discounts that can be passed down to you. Most people will low-ball only about a $1000 on a brand new car, or just down to the MSRP value, but you can low-ball much more. A great tool for knowing how much to lowball is a website called www.carpricesecrets.com. Basically, you enter the car year, car make ( Toyota, Honda, Jeep etc.), car model( Civic, Corolla etc.),trim level (lx, ex, laredo etc.), and your personal information like name and address. The personal information is so that dealers can contact you. The only thing you have to add to the “secret target price” they give you is the options that you want like the sunroof, navigation system, premium wheels etc. Stay firm with your price through the whole sales process. Don’t be afraid to spend a few hours going back and forth with the dealer. He/She will try to tell you that the price you’re trying to acquire the car for doesn’t meet their goal. Don’t worry, just stay persistent.
Also, from September, until Christmas is the best time of year to buy a car because all the models for the new year are coming in. For example, you should buy a 2007 Ford Explorer from September until Christmas 2007 because all the 2008 Ford Explorers are coming into stock, and dealers are usually willing to sell brand new cars from an older year at a low price.
Next time you’re ready to buy a car, do it the right, cheap way.
2008 Lotus Elise
May 28th, 2009 by Thomas Munka“Increasing speed by keeping it lightweight”
My first reaction to the 2008 Lotus Elise: it’s a street-legal go-kart. It’s got two seats, it’s small, and it’s fast. The non-supercharged version features a 189 horsepower four cylinder engine, and the Lotus Elise SC (the supercharged version) features a 218 horsepower engine. Lotus continues their tradition of producing faster cars by losing weight, not by increasing power. The Lotus Elise weighs just 1984 lbs., and it has a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds. The Elise SC weighs 2006 lbs., and it has a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds. Both versions of the Elise do not have a “high torque” feel; in fact, peak horsepower is achieved right around the 8000 rpm mark for both models, and peak torque is achieved at 6800rpm for the Elise, and 5000rpm for the Elise SC. Pricing for the 2008 models starts at 46,270 for the Elise, and 54,500 for the Elise SC. I think that’s pretty cheap for a car sold at the Lamborghini dealership.
DIY Helmet Cam and Shock-Proof, Splash-Proof Camera/Phone Case is Free and Beats the Real Thing
May 27th, 2009 by WordPlopI recently made this helmet cam out of parts I had lying around the house. I used packing foam, hot glue, duct tape, velcro, and a piece of plexiglass (acrylic). I used an X-Acto knife to cut the foam, hot glued it together, and then used duct tape to create a better seal. The plexiglass goes against the camera lens. It’s big and ugly but it works, and it’s free. This was a concept that was made without any plans, so a lot of improvements can be made. But it still works well.
I can mount it to my helmet, handlebars, or almost anywhere you can use two straps to hold it. Since this was a prototype, I made it for my phone instead of my real camera, to test the sturdiness. The phone is an Ericsson P1i, and the quality of the video is better than most $50 helmet cams. Below are pictures of the prototype case and a video of it attached to an RC car. This case offers protection similar to the $30 cases found online or in stores, and with those you most likely won’t find one that you can mount anywhere and have it be compatible with your camera.
The next version will look much nicer, be more compact, more waterproof, and better overall.
The Most Badass Video Game Intro Movie: GTA 2
May 26th, 2009 by WordPlopI was just playing some Grand Theft Auto IV and randomly remembered how awesome the GTA 2 intro movie was. Here it is for anyone who has never seen it. No modern GTA game can beat this.
And by the way, you can get Grand Theft Auto 2 for free straight from Rockstar Games.
Tech Product Deal of the Day: 25x 5mm bright white LED’s
May 25th, 2009 by WordPlopThis isn’t technically a deal of the day, since this price is the regular price that these LED’s go for on DealExtreme. Sure it takes a few weeks to receive the lights, but for $2.60 shipped it’s well worth it. There is an endless amount of things you can do with these. I made a bike light using 9 of them, and it can reach 20 feet ahead of me. That’s better than any $30 bike light. These are really bright and you can make a very nice light for around $5 that will outshine most $50 lights. I just ordered two 25 packs and will probably be getting more in the future. Just make sure to run them at the max voltage (I run them a bit over, at 3.5v or 3.6v). The link is below.
14000mcd 25Packs White 5Mm Led
And here is the 10 pack if you don’t need all 25. Also the LED specifications are on this page (scroll down).
Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite System Game Console
May 25th, 2009 by Thomas MunkaUp against Sony and Nintendo, Microsoft has decided to release the Xbox 360 Elite. This new game console comes with a larger storage capacity and new looks, but that’s not all it’s about. It’s at the top of the latest game consoles.
The Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite is black with a matte finish. An HDMI interface is mounted to make full use of the 120GB HDD. This allows for the viewing of shaper pictures in high quality. The IBM PowerPC is at the heart of the 360 Elite. Three cores process 3.2 GHz. The ATI processor, which supports graphics, puts out 500-million triangles per second. The system and the video card of the game console share 500MB of memory. The whole system is powered by an internal power supply.
There is a 16-bit surround sound mode. Video is 256-bit with a graphic acceleration of 2D and 3D. The maximum picture resolution is 1920 x 1080p. The main source of input that is used with the 360 Elite is the external game pad; it has potential for wireless connectivity. The user interface ports are: 1 AV port, 1 USB port, 1 Ethernet jack and one HDMI interface; also present are 2 expansion slots for memory cards. Accessories include: an HD AV cable, Ethernet cable, a wireless controller, and Headset.
This brouhaha of goodness from Microsoft costs $479.99 (retail). Check out this other Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite System Game Console Review.
The Official Car of WordPlop
May 17th, 2009 by WordPlopThanks to Tom (who is also an author here at WordPlop) for the free advertising. Free advertising for whoever first guesses what car this is. (728×90 banner at the top of the site, next to the logo, subject to approval, for one month). You must get both the model and year correct. One guess per person, you must include your email and website in the comment.
Top 10 video games of all time
May 13th, 2009 by WordPlopThis list sure is different from every other top 10 games list out there, isn’t it? Yes, yes it is.
10. Need for Speed Underground 2 (PS2)
So many car choices, so many modifications, so much potential for fun. A drift mode where you actually get to control the car. This is one of the best Need for Speed games there is, and certainly better than any NFS game released after it. This is the best racing game to play with two players (not over the internet), at least for this type of gameplay.
9. Half Life 2 (PC)
One of the best storylines and great gameplay. One of the most immersing single player campaigns of any game I’ve played. The graphics and physics are excellent for its age.
8. Portal (PC)
The only game with nothing really wrong with it. I just can’t find anything I dislike about it. The gameplay is pure fun, and the storyline is short and to the point. A puzzle and action game in one, with a new and unique style. I can replay it over and over and not get bored. Plus, the cake was not a lie.
7. Counter Strike Source (PC)
If you like this type of gameplay, you can play this game forever. Not counting the hundreds of free mods to CS:S, the stock game itself can be played for years if you enjoy competitive, serious FPS. And if not, then you can always play zombie mod, gungame, or any other incredibly fun and free mods. Plus with the awesome game engine, you can play on a Pentium 4 with no problems at all on medium settings. And even though the game is old, if you have a dual core with a decent video card, you can unleash the full potential of Counter Strike’s graphics and be amazed considering the game is 5 years old. The graphics are amazing for the age, and the gameplay and style is the most precise of any other game I’ve played.
6. Halo (PC)
The first Halo game was better than the rest. The story was interesting and the gameplay was fun. The graphics were good for its age. Sure there were about 20 completely identical levels, but it was still very fun to play.
5. Battlefield 1942 (PC)
This is better than any other Battlefield game so far. No, it’s not “just another World War II game.” BF1942 has style and it’s very unique from other WW2 games. The different types of vehicles is what made is special and so fun. There is no World War 2 game that has this type of gameplay with cars, tanks, motorcycles, airplanes, ships, and jetpacks. I consider this the best multiplayer WW2 game ever.
4. Road Rash (PC)
Road Rash is another game that’s very different from other games in its genre. Racing and fighting combined make for great fun. The movie clips were badass. Wacking riders with chains and watching them get hit by a car while running back to get their bike never gets old.
3. Need for Speed 3 Hot Pursuit (PS1)
Most fun racing game ever. Not realistic but it sure was fun. The cars were all exotics (and a Corvette) and there were video clips that told you about each car, its history, performance, specs, etc. I had more fun going 210mph in a Lamborghini Diablo SV in that game than any other racing game.
2. Medal of Honor (PS1)
Best single player FPS with best WW2 FPS storyline. This game was just epic. From the bush mazes to the underground tunnels to getting to actually launch a German V2 rocket with the target being YOURSELF while you were sitting safe in a bunker, it was fun and epic.
1. Worms Armageddon (PC)
There’s nothing wrong with this game. Graphics still look good after 10 years because it’s 2D. It’s still being supported and has been patched to work on Vista 64 bit. The online play works as good as ever, and there are still thousands of people who play online daily. This game is the definition of fun. You have teams of worms killing themselves with bazookas, flamethrowers, old women with bombs strapped to them, skunks, and banana bombs. You can easily make your own maps, there are thousands of customizations you can make to your teams, and the map editor is the easiest of any game ever (that might be in part because it’s 2D). Plus there are custom game modes that extend the fun. This is truly the best game ever.
Feel free to comment on how I didn’t include Mario or Zelda or any other game that everyone else considers the best ever. Check the Latest Video Game Consoles, reviews of Sony Playstation 2, Playstation 3, Nintendo Game consoles and X box 360 at Game Console Exclusive website.
Memory America
May 13th, 2009 by WordPlopI was looking to upgrade my computer memory and I came across a site called Memory America. I was impressed by their wide selection of memory and hardware products. Not only do they sell memory and hard drives, but they also have batteries, video cards, optical drives, and networking equipment. For those of you with prebuilt computers, they sell memory that’s compatible with most major brands of computers, such as Apple, HP, Sony, and Dell computer memory. For my custom built computer, I chose some DDR3 that they had really cheap. I was impressed with the great price and the fast shipping. Soon I will need to buy another hard drive for my computer and I’m sure I’ll buy it from Memory America. And for those of you with enough money, they have 15,000 RPM hard drives too. So if you’re building up a computer or looking to upgrade yours, check out Memory America.
