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It's real. The mid-range DSLR you've been waiting for: Nikon's D700 DSLR packs the D3's supernaturally low-noise 12.1-megapixel full-frame image sensor into a smaller, lighter body, for only $2999.
The only thing you really sacrifice is a smidge of burst speed (down to 5FPS, or 8 with the battery pack) and the 5:4 cropping options. Otherwise, it actually has a bunch of improvements all around: The 51-point autofocus-system has gotten an IQ boost with 3D focus tracking (which apparently made Nikon's test-shooting at Belmont the other week a crispy clear breeze). Active D-Lighting for more contrast-y highlights and shadows is more automagical than before. The virtual horizon can now be displayed with live view. Plus, it has the sensor auto-cleaning from the D300 that was strangely absent from the D3, along with GPS support and HDMI port. The ISO can still be cranked to 25,600 or dropped to 100. It really is the D3 in body barely bigger than the D300.
Drooling yet? It'll be available later this month. I think Nikon has a hit here?Canon better have their 5D Mark II ready to go.
THE AGILE NEW NIKON D700 FX-FORMAT D-SLR CAMERA DELIVERS PERFORMANCE INSPIRED BY THE NIKON D3 IN A SMALLER, LIGHTER DESIGN
Nikon’s Second FX-Format Camera Delivers Peak Pro Performance in a Versatile Form-Factor
MELVILLE, N.Y. (July 1, 2008) ? Nikon, Inc. today introduced the new D700 digital SLR camera featuring a 12.1-effective megapixel Nikon FX-format sensor that measures 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. Benefiting from Nikon’s legacy of imaging technology innovation, the D700 offers both advanced and professional photographers stunning image quality, accurate color reproduction and revolutionary low light performance.
Building on the immense success of the Nikon D3 professional D-SLR camera, the D700 offers pro-level performance and an extensive array of features and innovations in a comfortably nimble platform. In addition to the Nikon-original FX-format CMOS sensor, the D700 incorporates Nikon's EXPEED Image Processing System, Nikon’s renowned 51-point auto focus system with 3D Focus Tracking and two Live View shooting modes that allow photographers to frame a shot using the camera's three-inch high-resolution LCD monitor. The D700 also features Nikon’s sophisticated Scene Recognition System and a new active dust reduction system.
Nikon’s flagship FX and DX-format cameras, the D3 and D300 respectively, established new benchmarks for digital image quality, speed, and unmatched ISO performance. The D700 maintains this new measure with exceptional overall image quality, broad tonal range and depth, and extremely low-noise throughout its native ISO range of 200 to 6400.
“Nikon FX-format cameras have teamed with our strong lineup of DX-format models to offer photographers unprecedented advancements in performance and versatility along with the freedom to choose the format that best serves their needs. Today’s introduction of the D700 offers an important new option to photographers who need the overall performance and imaging perspective Nikon FX-format cameras offer,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. “Nikon has developed a host of innovative technologies such as the Scene Recognition System and Picture Control, incorporating them into both FX and DX-format digital SLRs to ensure that photographers can leverage the advantages of both formats seamlessly, and achieve the end-results that best fulfill their photographic vision.”
The legendary Nikon FX-Format CMOS sensor
The D700’s 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS image sensor provides exceptional image quality throughout its remarkable ISO sensitivity range. A large pixel size of 8.45 μm allows for an extremely low signal-to-noise ratio and a wide dynamic range. The 12-channel readout enables accelerated information transfer, allowing the D700 to shoot at speeds of up to eight frames per second at full resolution (using the optional MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack) and quickly write image data onto the CompactFlash? card.
The D700 offers a versatile base ISO range from 200-6400 but can be expanded to range from ISO 100 (Lo-1) to 25,600 (Hi-2) affording photographers the new-found confidence to shoot in the widest variety of lighting conditions from the brightest midday sun to dim interiors. Images previously thought to be impossible to create without complex lighting set-ups or lengthy post-processing are now captured easily and faithfully with the D700, unleashing new and diverse shooting possibilities.
Also new to the D700 is Nikon’s first self-cleaning system designed for the FX-format sensor. Utilizing four distinct vibration frequencies, the D700 frees image degrading dust particles from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter at start-up, shut-down or on demand. As an added benefit, the mirror box and entire shutter mechanism are constructed of materials that resist creating debris that can affect image purity.
Fastest speed and autofocus in its class
The D700 starts up in a mere 0.12 seconds and has a nearly imperceptible shutter-lag response time of 0.40 milliseconds, making this an extraordinarily responsive tool for the demanding photographer. The D700 can record full-resolution JPEG images at an astounding five frames per second (fps), or eight fps with the optional MB-D10 battery pack for up to 100 images, or up to 17 lossless 14-bit Nikon NEF (RAW) files. To write images efficiently, the Nikon D700 is also compliant with the next-generation of high-speed UDMA CompactFlash? cards that will enable recording speeds up to 35 megabytes/second.
The D700 offers one of the fastest and most accurate advanced AF systems on the market today. Nikon’s Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module features 51 AF points and the ability to use 3D tracking to focus and lock-on a moving subject. The 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors can be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single Area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either 9, 21 or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D Focus Tracking with automatic focus point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses scene color content and light information to accurately track the subject.
Intelligent features for sophisticated performance
The D700 relies on a wealth of innovative Nikon technologies to help photographers create superb images. Nikon’s Scene Recognition System analyzes information from the 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor for use in auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus calculations. The Scene Recognition System also assists autofocus by tracking subject position and automatically shifts the AF points used to match the subject’s movement within the frame. This system also contributes to higher accuracy of auto exposure and auto white balance detection, resulting in sharp landscapes, flattering portraits and engaging action shots.
Photographers also have the option to enhance their pictures during or after capture with the Picture Control System and Active D-Lighting. Nikon’s Picture Control System enables users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome that apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. D-Lighting uses localized tone control technology to further optimize highlight and shadow detail while also maintaining natural contrast, giving photographers the ability to capture more perfectly exposed images, even in unusual lighting conditions. Active D-Lighting lets photographers choose from various intensities during capture, while a new Automatic mode also applies varying levels of D-Lighting as, and when needed, to enhance photos while shooting.
Enhanced Live View modes and viewfinder
Ideal for studio, remote applications and more, Nikon’s Live View allows the photographer to compose the subject on the bright three-inch, TFT LCD monitor. In Handheld mode, the user is able to recompose the frame prior to actual shooting; familiar TTL phase-detection AF is activated, using all 51 AF points. Tripod mode is designed for precise focus accuracy with still subjects and tripod stabilization. It enables focal-plane contrast-detect AF on a desired point within a specific area. Remote view, focusing and shooting can also be controlled from a PC (via connection or wireless) using the optional Nikon Camera Control Pro 2 software. Additionally, the Virtual horizon feature on the D700 can now be superimposed over the Live View monitor image to aid composition.
While using Live View to compose or review images and settings, users will appreciate the ultra-high resolution 920,000-dot VGA, three-inch TFT LCD monitor with tempered glass that provides a wide 170-degree viewing angle. The large monitor is remarkably effective when confirming the focus with enlarged playback images. The camera also outputs a video signal to an HD television using the new smaller HDMI-C standard, which is an excellent solution for workshop demonstrations or shooting tethered for clients.
Photographers will also be able to compose images easily using the wide and bright viewfinder that features an eye-level pentaprism with high refraction index and provides a 95 percent frame coverage with 0.72x magnification. Each of the 51-AF points, as well as a framing grid can also be superimposed on the finder screen to suit the photographer’s personal preferences.
Rugged construction and durability
High-strength magnesium alloy is used for the construction of the camera body, rear body and mirror box to create a precision platform, reduce weight and provide rugged durability. The camera is tested to stand up to the rigors of the globetrotting photographer and is weather sealed using precision O-rings where connections are made to effectively combat dust and moisture.
The shutter unit employs an assembly made of a new composite carbon fiber and Kevlar hybrid material. Tested on fully assembled cameras, the D700’s shutter unit has been proven through 150,000 cycles under demanding conditions. The self-diagnostic shutter constantly monitors and maintains shutter precision to ensure peak performance.
Price and availability
The new FX-format Nikon D700 D-SLR camera will be available late July 2008, and will have an estimated selling price of $2,999.95* (body only).
[Nikon]
"Dare to be different," the saying goes, but the LG Dare is really Verizon Wireless's attempt to fit in, to offer a phone that's more like the AT&T LG Vu and Sprint Samsung Instinct, not to mention Apple's similarly priced iPhone 3G. The truth is, the Dare may not be as glamorous or well-priced as the Instinct, but it has a better browser, a motion sensor and some cool software tricks that make it a fine phone for people who choose to remain in Verizon's walled garden. And it puts Verizon's previous iClone attempts, the LG Voyager and the Samsung Glyde, to lowdown dirty shame.
As I think we've firmly established, we call these iPhone clones because they are made superficially with the look and feel of the iPhone in mind. They are not direct competitors to the iPhone, as they don't run on a smart, open platform like iPhones?or Blackberry and Windows Mobile phones?do. The Dare, like the Instinct, is closed and proprietary, geared to customers who like much of what the carrier has to offer, and would just like a better way to make use of it. And after spending some time with the Dare, I can safely say that, much like the Instinct, it really does let you do that. 
Easier Access
For starters, Verizon has done away with its dependence on unchangeable, annoyingly deep menus. With the Dare, you can drag any app or function directly to the desktop for one-click access. You can add key people to the Favorites launcher, where you simply drag their face to the phone or message icons to call or launch a new SMS.
Even those cryptic notification icons always seen at tops of phones are clickable on the Dare.
E-mail and Web
Let me get this off my chest first: The Dare browser is WAY better than the Instinct's, both in rendering speed and page layout. You can navigate Gizmodo with very little trouble, especially if you're going read-only. My only complaint was that there was no way I could find to speed-scroll through so many blog posts without giving my thumb a callous.
Verizon's E-mail app is basically the same as it's been for about six or eight months. I do not recommend it for business use, as it's not very full featured, but I was able to get the Dare to notify me whenever any mail from three different accounts came through, and the iPhone-like QWERTY keyboard with pop-up letters really helped when typing. The only trouble I had sending e-mail was due to a funky POP3 account with ambiguous recommended settings. (One negative: You can't edit POP settings once you've configured them, so I had to keep deleting and adding the same account over and over again.)
Premium Unlimited-Use Plans
The good news is, unlimited use of e-mail and web are included in Verizon's new premium price plans, along with unlimited text messaging, unlimited use of basic V Cast clips and ACTUALLY USEFUL stuff like the ESPN MVP sports and WeatherBug web apps. Though it seems at first glance that pricing is a tad higher that Sprint's, the difference is negligible:
$80/month - 450 primetime talk minutes
$100/month - 900 primetime talk minutes
$120/month - 1350 primetime talk minutes
$140/month - Unlimited talk minutes
And yes, there are family premium plans that give you these perks for multiple (compatible) phones. The phone itself is $200 after a mail-in rebate.
Lighter Features
In our introductory walkthrough video, we showed you some awesome traits. After a revisit during our review, here's how those features held up:
? Slow-mo video cam - It's a bit grainy, but with decent light, it could make some interesting videos at 120 frames per second. The 3.2 megapixel camera is decent, but nothing to write home about.
? Full photo editing - Speaking of camera, the editing feature is not as "full" as we first thought. There's no red-eye reduction or shadow/highlight or color adjustment. Most of the options are actually novelty, and even for being silly they are not very useable.
? Music player - Good: Plays MP3s and even iTunes Plus DRM-free AACs that you drag to the "My Music" folder of the MicroSD card (up to 8GB); Bad: Still has issues with tags, and appears to count image metadata as additional song files, so browsing by Artist or Album is fine, but browsing "All Songs" is messy. 
In addition to that the video player reads standard MP4 (but not H.264), and pauses songs when you switch to video playback, only to pick up where it left off once you're done.
Hardware
Like the Sprint Instinct, there's a 3.5mm jack for universal headphone fit, but unlike the Instinct, the Dare has a motion sensor inside that tells whether you're holding the phone horizontally or vertically. Videos, photos and the music browser all automatically adjust, as do keyboards and web pages. It's a nice touch, though I'll be honest, you don't really miss it on the Instinct.
The Dare's touchscreen leaves something to be desired. It's not as snappy as the Instinct's, and even after calibrating the screen, I found myself resorting to fingernail tapping to gain some precision.
The body of the Dare is a tad chunkier, but shorter too, with a slightly stubbier screen.
Dare vs. Instinct
The Instinct is, inside and out, a more elegant device. I preferred Instinct's e-mail app, and its included news, sports and weather web apps were great. Verizon is promising some unlimited-use apps like ESPN MVP and WeatherBug to compete with that, and while they're pretty nice programs, they were not ready to be used on the Dare at the time of this review.
The thing I can't stand about the Dare is VZ Navigator. I have tried to appreciate this, and since unlimited use of it comes with the premium plan, it can be considered a feature of the phone. Still, it's the worst GPS UI I've ever played around with, and Verizon would do much better to kill off their own licensed app and go with Telenav, which Sprint and AT&T both use.
Still, after playing with both, I have to say that the Instinct's aesthetic assets don't fully make up for the Dare's key advantages, one of which happens to be Verizon's network. In the northeast at least, there's no substitute.
Conclusion
Like the web apps, there are a few more wait-and-sees: Visual voicemail isn't in effect yet, and may or may not come via over-the-air update. Rhapsody is just launching today, and for $15/month extra you will be able to sideload the Dare with Rhapsody-to-Go tracks, though a Windows PC is required for that.
I am very content to say that this is Verizon's best attempt at a customizable, user-friendly touchscreen phone, and that, if you are into buttonless touch interfaces, you could do a lot worse across all the carriers. I think the $200 iPhone trumps the $200 Dare if you don't care which carrier you're on, but for those of you who are sticking with Verizon, you might, um, venture to pick up a Dare. [LG Dare at Verizon Wireless]
Thanks to the uppityness of internet users, Netflix is keeping their profile scheme. Brian will be able to keep his Blaxploitation movies separate from his girlfriend's "morbid documentaries," which should keep both of them happy enough to not kill each other. Who says signing internet petitions is the nerd equivalent of throwing a hot dog down a hallway?
It's been only a month since the 10.5.3 update hit, but 10.5.4 is here now to fix a handful of issues you might have. It's a "stability, compatibility and security" update, which also improves camera RAW image support, VPN connectivity, AirPort reliability issues with 5Hz networks (oooh, we might have experienced this), and fixes some iCal bugs, some Safari bugs, and some Spaces/Expose bugs. Hit up the full list here, then download the update with your Software Update. [Security stuff]
What are 35,310 Lego Star Wars Clone Troopers mini-figs doing together, apart from planning a planet invasion after breaking out of the giant Lego storage cathedrals? Raising awareness and funds for autism, that's what. So if you wondered where all those helmets at the Lego stormtrooper cloning machine go to, check the gallery for some amazing high resolution shots.
A Lego employee group of Lego UK employees built the Clone Trooper army in just six and a half hours to raise money for The National Autistic Society. The National Autistic Society is a British organization dedicated to helping "people with autism and Asperger syndrome live their lives with as much independence as possible."
Any fans of Rock Band in the audience? I said, ARE THERE ANY FANS OF ROCK BAND IN THE AUDIENCE??? YEAAHHH!!!!!!! Rock Band 2 is on the way. Here are the full details, along with a picture of the new guitar.
1, Better Hardware
According to Harmonix: "Quieter, more realistic, and more reliable instruments"
2. Third Party Hardware
"We're also actively welcoming new peripheral makers to make instruments for our game. Just like real instruments, we want players to be able to choose what instruments they use..."
3. Backwards Compatibility
Songs you purchased for RB1 will work for RB2. Future RB songs will work for both games.
4. More Meaning
"We have several new modes that not only provide new ways for you to experience your music library, but also new ways for you to transition from Expert to real instruments.
Jason Chen and I will bring you more when the game is more officially unveiled at E3 in July. Until then, who out there is kicking themselves for buying the "Louder, less realistic and less reliable instruments?" [IGN via Kotaku]
While everyone this week spent time recognizing Bill's achievements, I'd like to recognize Mrs. Bill, Melinda Gates. In a quarter-century's time, after her husband has shuffled offstage at the Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm clutching his gong, after the applause has died down, those people who like to discuss such things will say, "It was the wife wot won it."
From the Fortune profile on her earlier this year (the first ever):
Moreover, they say, she has helped Bill become more open, patient, and compassionate. "Bullshit!" he bellows. Nicer, perhaps? "No way!" he shouts, grinning because he knows it's true. One thing he admits readily: Thanks to Melinda, he is easing comfortably into his new role. About the philanthropic work he says, "I don't think it would be fun to do on my own, and I don't think I'd do as much of it."
An all-rounder, Melinda is the girl you remember from school who was top of her class, good at games, popular, and a volunteer. She rose through the ranks at Microsoft, ending up as general manager of information products, before marriage to Bill, and their three children. And now it's all systems go for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the one-time backroom girl has had to step into the spotlight?not a position she relishes, but where she knows she needs to be in order for the charity fund to realise its full potential.
Would the couple's foundation, expected to dish out around $100 billion of goodness in its lifetime, have been created without her influence? Perhaps Bill would still be flogging software to the world and beyond, with Ballmer, his Sancho Panza, riding alongside him. Misunderstood, he might claim, just plain weird, we might whisper as his wealth took him further and further away from reality. Melinda had the foresight to see what an aggressive, capitalist lifestyle would do to their family life and steered him away from it. He, in his wisdom, did not fight it.
The way I see it, most rich, workaholic men tend to marry someone who fits into their lifestyle. Bill Gates, on the other hand, has married a woman who has made him fit into hers. When I read about how she handled him in the parking lot at Microsoft after he asked her out on a date, her ballsiness made me weep with laughter. ("That's not nearly spontaneous enough for me. I don't know. Call me up closer to the day." He called her that night.)
Plans for a trampoline room and nonsense-strosity high-tech in his new-build Seattle home were coolly dismantled without even a squeak from her other half. Melinda is credited for making him more open, patient and compassionate. Last week I watched a BBC documentary about him as he prepared to step down from the day-to-day stuff of Microsoft. "As he has grown older, the ratio of shouting to non-shouting has decreased," one of his employees said about him. "That'll be the Melinda effect," I thought.
She is credited for having brought in a whole host of powerful partners to the couple's eponymous foundation?not for nothing is she known as a great team-builder. Rockefeller, Hewlett and the Dells are on board, as well as a couple of big pharma companies. Joel Klein, the man who took the government's anti-trust fight to Microsoft a decade ago, is batting for them on the education front in New York. And then there's the current world's richest man, Warren Buffett, who has pledged all his billions to the cause. "I'm not sure," he said, when asked if he would have done it without Melinda.
Personally, I hope that the Nobel committee does make Gates Nobel Laureate, because that will mean that he did manage to make a difference to the world. And all because she made a difference to him.
Well, the time has come. It's 6 p.m., and according to the Bill Gates' retirement video, this is the exact moment Bill is leaving from his last day of work. With this monumental occasion, we thought it was only fitting we send him off with an MSN e-card. Feel free to give your best wishes to Bill in the comments. [Bill Gates' Retirement Party on Giz]
Well, the time has come. It's 6 p.m., and according to the 
Microsoft gets more crap than any other company in tech. That's partly because it's given us garbage like Clippy, Microsoft BOB and Windows Vista. And it's partly because it's arguably the most important company in personal computing. Sure, Apple gets all the fawning press for designing pretty, easy-to-use gadgets. But Microsoft is rarely credited for being why mainstream tech has come this far?a computer on every desk, the explosion of the internet, even the idea of a common UI across applications. Even smarmy Mac and Linux snobs have a lot to thank Microsoft for, even if they don't want to.
1. Windows is on the vast majority of the world's computers, creating a virtually ubiquitous platform that anyone can develop for. That actually breeds innovation and development. Yes, Microsoft fosters innovation. While it's much easier for griefers to be mean if everyone's on the same platform, that ubiquity gives us a common ground to drive forward on.
Stan Seiler, senior docent at the Computer History Museum, credits Microsoft for creating the common UI concept?"a common look and feel across multiple applications,” something that "couldn’t be pioneered until somebody had a whole suite of applications,” which Microsoft was among the first to do. They dragged third-party developers into following it as well, and voila, now most stuff works and looks the same across an OS.
2. Microsoft is basically responsible for the two-button mouse. Will Smith from Maximum PC (but not quite Hancock) gives the Gates machine props for really bringing the mouse to business computing with "the one-two punch of Windows 3.0 and Office." More than that, it created a simple standard for two-button mousing: left-click equals action, right-click equals choices. Love your scroll wheel? (I do.) Microsoft, baby. Apple's mouse philosophy is just silly.
3. Microsoft popularized the concept that software has value and is worth paying for it. Seiler says "it might sound obvious... but it was an important change in the mindset of people.” No one had done it on the scale Microsoft did. Today this leads to some weirdness: There's a different price for each version of Windows. But this theoretically based on how much value Microsoft think is packed into each version of Windows (you can debate this, of course). But unless you're a freetard, you probably don't think the idea itself of paying for software is insane.
4. Microsoft's intimidation leads to innovation. The flipside of Microsoft's scale and success is that everyone hates them. (Duh.) While this sometimes results in unproductive pissing and moaning, it often drives companies to try to outdo the behemoth, after which Microsoft strives to catch up before getting leapfrogged again. This process benefits everyone.
The most famous example is the Browser Wars. Netscape Navigator pushed Internet Exploder forward (not only feature-wise, but leading Microsoft to bundle it with the OS, a big step in and of itself) before IE killed it and achieved a virtual browser monopoly. Years later, Firefox rose from Navigator's ashes to strike back at IE, which resulted in Browser War II and drove us to the point of internet awesomeness (and Web standardization) we're at today. (Not to mention, as Smith points out, mainstreaming TCP/IP in Windows 95 made it much easer and cheaper to get on the internet in the first place.)
So, while Microsoft is now a super-bureaucratic organization that may well be in need of soul, innovation and originality, the truth is, its very unsexiness is why tech and computing are as exciting as they are today. Microsoft's early years provided the foundation and tools, and today it provides technology's version of The Man to outsmart and outdo, which will make tomorrow as good as it's gonna be.
What else should we give credit to Msft under Bill's watch?
What would you wear every day if you could wear anything? We're talking no limits, not from bank accounts or corporate wardrobe requirements, not those snarky writers from US Weekly or the sexy lady judging the size of your 401k by the validity of your Rolex.
One man in particular has had that choice over the years. He's Bill Gates.
In the past several decades, Bill Gates has been seen in jeans, ties and suits, but at the end of the day, there's been one look he's come home to. It's the sweater. With a buttoned shirt under it. For over 20 years, this has been the signature calling card of one of world's most powerful men. (That, and those $7 haircuts.)
And you know what's crazy? Men's Vogue tells us that it's fashionable.
Ned Martel is a Deputy Editor over at Men's Vogue and he was kind enough to stare at many pictures of Bill Gates that I sent him. When I got him on the phone, we discussed the matter, starting with some shots from a 1985 Microsoft publicity shoot.
"Sweaters..." I hear Martel think out loud. "The thing that strikes me is that...you didn’t need to dress in the '80s like you were well funded to get funding…it was the opposite?if you presented yourself as pinstriped, you might not be seen as the upstart worth getting behind."
And such may be true even today. When is the last time you saw Kevin Rose sporting a triangle hankerchief that matched his tie? But where Martel described the look as "I'm too busy to think about wearing a suit," it's probably been generalized in modern terms to "I'm too cool to wear a suit."
We flip to a newer shot, this time taken just last year. (It's our lead photo of the piece, minus that Voguesque spoof cover art.) Sweater. Collar. Same thing, right?
"This is more expensive," Martel points out immediately. "I think it’s like a purple cashmere v-neck. That’s probably a bit of a luxury he would not have even sported in his youth...Like he got married and got a life. It's more dad-like."
But something else changed, too.
"His glasses are more grown up," Martel says. "The change that you see in his face because of that. It is a reflection that he’s thought about."
The word "fatherly" comes to mind again.
"It’s a different way of announcing your place in the establishment of American billionaires. I think you see that subtly in the way he dresses because it began as a little bit rebellious and it’s matured into a way that’s said it had a payoff."
So the wardrobe payoff after several billion dollars is wire-frames and cashmere. But is that fashionable? What is a sweater and collar, after all? It's certainly is not a cutting edge trend, nor is it quite a timeless classic.
"Any guy with confidence and a sense of how he wants to present himself is a fashionable guy," Martel explains. Finally, a justification for that plaid shirt my wife hates.
But before I let Martel off the line, there was one last point to be settled. Gates vs. Jobs. No OSs. No fancy keynotes. Just. Wardrobe vs. wardrobe.
(Ed note: Of course, this photo is, like, the one time Gates isn't wearing that damn sweater.)
"Comparing their clothes is like comparing their accomplishments?they both helped together to define an era," Martel explains. "And the fact that we even have an indelible sense of how they've looked of the years means it worked." [Men's Vogue]
Cover art by Richard Blakeley.
Despite our shameless, snot-filled pleading, today is Addy's last day here at Gizmodo. Somehow she got the idea in her head that she wanted me to be the one to write her goodbye post. Coming from the best writer (by far) on Giz, that's quite a compliment. Seriously, the top five list looks something like 1) Addy 2) 3) 4) 5), which is only part of the reason why we'll miss her so.
Not only did she bring a unique presence to Giz in that her boobs could be described without being prefaced by the word "man" (she's a lady, get it?), she was a normal person. That's a pretty hard quality to find when you're talking about people who asphyxiate themselves with tech news for the majority of their day. Features like why she's an ultra late adopter served to balance out the rest of our "gimme gimme now now" outlook on gadgets. In fact, her favorite Christmas gadget ever wasn't even a gadget. Luckily for us, she agreed to keep on writing her Sunday columns, so you'll still be able to soothe your Saturday night hangover with her charmingly seductive words.
The shitty part of having a virtual office connected by chat rooms and instant messaging is that unless you're traveling for an event, you don't actually get to meet and interact daily with your coworkers. Based on Addy's posts, isn't she someone you would like drink five bottles of wine after work with? We're forcing her to do a cross-country US tour later this year so we can all (maybe even you readers) feel her presence in person.
Here's one of her earliest IMs to me. "Breastion. Ever seen anything USB with tits?" That, my friends, is Adelaide Dugdale. So long, queen of Gizmodo.
And now a note from Addy:
Guys. Guys. Momentous indeed today is. Right, that's the Yoda impersonation done for the Star Wars fans, now TFSU. I'm leaving Gizmodo for pastures bare. Yes, that's right, as the world teeters on the brink of recession, someone is stupid enough to wave goodbye to her current job with nothing lined up next. And that stupid someone is me.
I've had 17 months at El Modo de Giz and I've loved it all (apart from a few teething problems with HTML to start. And then there was Flickr uploadr. And Photoshop. Oh, all of it at first, you know me well enough now.) But that's all changed?no virginal blogger me any more. Oh no. Well, a bit, I suppose.
Leaving the site has not been an easy decision at all. In fact, I ummed and aahed about it for a couple of months, before taking a deep breath and writing to Blam. He, bless him, gave me a couple of weeks just in case I wanted to change my mind, and I confess that my resolve wobbled a couple of times.
But I need a break. Pro blogging is pretty relentless, and it takes a toll on people. I think it should come with a mandatory week off every two months, but then I'm a soft European pussy and I should STFU, I guess. So, rather than burn out, and end up with that sad little dead-iPod face, knackered, squinty-eyed and suffering gadget blindness, it's time to go and do something else. I'm going to have a month off, get our house sorted out as much as possible, then think about the alternatives.
But, my lovelies, I won't be gone forever. I'll be back in August with a brand new shiny fabulous column (er, still haven't worked it all out, but trust me, it'll be the embodiment of the bastard lovechild of Addy and Giz. That is, if a website could have sex with me. Or if it would want to. Or I with it. Um, like I said, I need to work on the idea a bit).
All your gorgeous comments, especially those of you who have defended me against my detractors (scarbrtj, Drewdraws2, ANoel, SonofMagicFact andFreddicvsMaximvs especially spring to mind) have been brilliant?there's nothing like a bit of encouragement to make you really want to write your socks off for your readers.
And as for the guys I work with?Blam, Wilson, Chen, Mark, Kit, Benny et all ?I can't thank you enough for helping me go from really shit blogger to not-so-bad one, really. But most of all, it's down to the Jeezy Weezy, who got me into blogging in the first place. He's the one who deserves most of the credit, the Debbie Allen to my Leroy, or something. Kissy.
Oh, and one more thing. LindsayJoy, easy on the nearly-nekkid pictures with just a bit of LEGO to preserve your modesty that you keep sending to Jesus. It's not pissing me off. Yet.
See you all in August, and my first cocktail tomorrow night will be raised to you all. Cheers!
