well, I'm now completely offline, as the computer's performance has now degraded to the point that it takes up to a full minute for sites like scifi meshes, and foundation3d to load, and anywhere from 10-30 seconds for simple sites like fanfiction.net to load.

performing simple tasks like backing my files to the external is acceptable, however, playing games like unreal tournament(original), which should, by the way, run rediculously fast on this hardware, is unplayable at present, and dont get me started on halo 1 not running.

the service techs say this is the machine's actual performance(as in how it's supposed to run).

the actual hardware service techs cant find the problem.


bullshit!

I've owned this hardware for a year, and use it every day, so, one would think, that I would be able to spot a problem.

still, everyone says the machine's fine.

after the latest trip to the service center, the performance levels have dropped to the point that the machine is basically unusable for anything besides word processing and music playback.

I've even gotten lag when trying to watch my dvds(yes, I have run disc lens cleaners! give me some effing credit here!).

so, on the 29th of october, I called in, got a case management ticket number.

I have elected to request a replacement of equal or greater value(as described by the technician).

the normal turnaround from call in to case manager calling the customer is supposed to be 24-72 hours(business days, mon-fri, weekends dont count).

it has now been 11 days.

normally, I'd rate hp customer support as above and beyond, and give them the benefit of the doubt due to past prompt service.

now, I am inclined to be, how should I say this.....difficult.

I do have some good news.

I picked up the lego separatist shuttle kit, as I need the parts for a new pre-visualization for a project I'm going to outsource to a friend of mine.

also, I managed to snag two nerf n-strike nite finder ex-3 dart blaster pistols, there's something about nerf dart guns, particularly pistols, that's heresy, as far as not going dual wield.

that said, at $8 a pop at the stop&shop(generl merchandise isle), I'd like to think they were a bargain.

spend the next day and a half zeroing in the red light sights on both, then gluing them in position with some superglue gel(ridiculously easy for the sights to go out of alignment otherwise....).

I have no plans to mod my nerf guns, despite the popularity of doing so.

I might, key word, might, mod the longshot I plan to buy after christmas.

by the way, for all you cat owners, hide your fuckin darts someplace safe, unless you wanna shell out cash for dart refill packs, and my advice to those who wanna get refill packs, shop around, while normally I'd advise shopping on the net due to generally lower prices, an 8 pack of glow darts for the firefly can and will run you up to $15, so, again, shop around.

well, this ends my all over the charts rant.

see ya all later.....