My PAD project is continuing.   I am in the final stretch of the project (9 months so far) and will probably stop at the end of a year.   I am thinking of doing a picture a week and focusing more on the quality of the ideas and technique which gets lost in the shuffle taking a picture a day.

I have a few new gadgets that I purchased lately.  

First off, I upgraded my Treo to the new Treo 650.   It's a big step forward and a big step backward.   It's got bluetooth, a high resolution screen and a removable battery.   These features are great...unfortunately, they come with a few problems.   Specifically, Palm decided to try out a new file system that is nothing but trouble.   The thing is very picky about software  Lots of software can simply crash it so it resets at least once every few days.   Hopefully firmware upgrades will fix that up.    If anyone is interested in my old Treo 600 (almost perfect condition) let me know.

I also grabbed a new iPod Shuffle.   It's awesome.  It weighs nothing.  I use it so much, I may just give up on my main iPod.    Since my SLK plays MP3 natively, there really isn't a need for it anymore.

Finally, I am replacing my laptop.  For the first time, I am going to try a Sony VAIO.   I really want an Apple, but being a programmer, that's not going to work.   I figure the Sony is the closest thing you can get on the PC side.   It is a custom Sony FS-500.    I will try to post on how I like it when it comes in.

Well, that's about all that's going on.    I think it's time for a drive.  I will try to update more often if I can.

There were a number of surprises for me.  First the red leather is stunning.   Much better than in pictures.   I was expecting to look good, but It looks great.  The second surprise is that the car is so configurable.  This is my first German car in 9 years and wasn't expecting so much luxury and flexibility.  Everything about the car can be customized to your needs.   How long the lights stay on, how the easy entry feature works, and much more.

I had a chance to take a few pictures while driving around on Saturday, but not as many as I would have liked.   I promise I will take more soon.

There are few problems though.   First, my driveway is too steep for the front of the car.   I can very carefully get it into the garage but just barely.    So today, I had it torn out and rebuilt, once it is complete, I will have no problems with the drive.   2)  The check engine light came on at 80 miles.   Probably nothing, but I have to take it in late this week to get it checked out...oh well, I guess this is just part of owning a new high tech piece of machinery.   It's not much different from the rest of my gadgets.

• Iridium Silver with Red Leather - My first car with Red Leather, I hope I like it.
• Comfort Package which includes the power seats and steering wheel.
• Lighting Package which includes high and low beam Xenon headlights.
• Entertainment w DVD Navigation which includes the Command head unit, dvd based navigation system and the ability to play MP3 cd's
• Heating Package which includes heated seat and Airscarf so you drive with the top down on cold days.
• Premium Package which includes all of the fun gadgets like the Garage Door opener and Rain sensing wipers.
• 7 Speed Automatic

and of course...

• The AMG Sport package to give it that masculine car look.

I am trying to decide on what features to order on my SLK.   I have to make up my mind by September so I have some time.    So far, this is what I think I am going to get.

• Silver Exterior/Black Interior.
• Heating Package (AirScarf and Heated Seats)
• Premium Package (Rain Sensing Wipers, Remote Roof Control )
• Comfort Package (Power Seats and Steering Wheel with memory)
• Entertainment without Navigation (This gets me the Command System but with out the mapping which I don't use often in my G35)
• Bi-Xenons (Can't drive a car with out Xenons once you have them once.)

The only thing I am struggling with is the AMG package.    It is pretty expensive (3000+) but it really changes the looks of the car for the better.   Here is a pic with the AMG to compare it with the other pics

• Autoweeks Pre Review
• Lots of pictures at AutoSpies
• MB World Forums

OK, I still haven't decided what car to get next but I am getting a little closer.    I have narrowed it down a bit.   I have decided to throw out the 350z in favor of the 2005 Mercedes SLK350.   Once I opened up the list, a few others slipped in.   If I get the SLK, I need to order soon to have it by January.   Here are my favorites so far.

2005 Mercedes SLK - This car is all new and MUCH improved over the previous versions.   They have added a larger engine with a 50hp power bump taking it to 268hp.  It also is much more attractive both inside and out.   It has the same folding hard top as before and as much trunk space as my G35.   Right now this is my favorite candidate.

2005 Audi S4 - Also a new design featuring a very potent 340hp V8.   Other advantages include 4 wheel drive making it a great all weather car and the ability to carry 4 people and a real trunk.    Plus, the Audi Navigation systems are really slick with a center mounted screen and a little information screen in front of the driver.   I may also consider the A4 version if I decide to save some money.

2005 Mercedes 320 CLK Convertible - Another new design with a much more high end feel compared to the other two.   I wouldn't do a car this expensive except the CLK has the highest residual of any car right now making lease rates pretty considering it is a 60k car.

That's the list.   Right now, I am torn between the first two mostly.  I need to decide in the next few weeks.   Later.

Looks like Dish still has some work to do on the 921.   They did send out an update last week but so far, I still can't record CBS or ABC.   Also, they have stop sales of the 921 so if you are looking for one...it's probably EBAY or nothing. 

It was a beautiful day in Oklahoma today so I decided to go check out some car lots (no sales people since it is sunday.)   I checked out the FX again as well as the new TL.    I am really struggling with what to upgrade to next.   I also brought the camera along and took a few pics.    You can see them here. 

Oh, yeah, one other update.   It looks like Handspring has FINALLY released a T-Mobile version of the Treo 600.    If you want to get in on the upgrade price of only 399 then hurry up, I don't expect that they will do a upgrade deal again now that they are owned by PalmOne.

OK, enough of these delays, onto something fun.  My G35 is coming up on a year old so with one year left on the lease it is time to start deciding on a new car.  Of course finding a new car is one of my favorite hobbies.  So far, I am looking at three images/carspics.  Top of the list right now is the Nissan 350Z Roadster.  I am thinking Orange with the orange interior. Or maybe silver again.  I really miss my S2000 but just couldn't live that small of a car everyday.  My hope is that the Z will make a good everyday convertible.  My second choice right now is the Infiniti  FX45.  This thing has ALL the toys.  Rearview camera, Keyless Entry and Start, Laser Cruise control, V8 power and more.  The only problem is that it is kind of big.  Is it a sport-ute?  Since I really hate sport-utes, I am just going to call it a wagon.  My final choice right now is....another G35 Coupe.  I really like this car.  Any thoughts?

Oh, and I still don't have either a Treo or Dish 921.  Treo is "supposedly" shipping on the 17th.  The Dish 921 looks like it is another few weeks.

The results are to the left.  These have been reduced in resolution by 75 percent and they still look great.  You should see the originals.

If you want to see some originals, check out www.pbase.com/jakepratt.  I have some original pictures uploaded there.

Later.

Here are some pics I took to get me by until then

Nov 27, 2002 - I have a few pictures of the G35 Coupe I have collected over the last few months.   Mine will look like the silver shown here.

Oct 27, 2001 - Got my wheels in.   While I was installing them, I decided to paint the Brake Calipers and the Outside edge of the Rotors so they would not be all rusty looking.  Here are some pictures. 

Oct 19, 2001 - Got the sways installed last week and WOW.  While I was at it I added a Neuspeed Strut bar to stiffen up the front a bit more.   The difference in the handing is like night and day.  While it is still no S2000, the handling is now quite good.   I will take some shots tomorrow.

Unfortunately, I also joined the Scratched Rims club today as well.  These darn wheels are attracted to curbs.

So, I had been planning on upgrading the wheels anyway so I am not too upset.  Now I just need to decide for sure what Wheels and Tires to order.  Here are some  I am considering.  Let me know what you think.

I have started to received a some of my accessories.  I got my Comptech sway bars in and also got the new DVD version 2.05.  It has an amazing amount of detail on Tulsa.   The sway bars will be installed Tuesday.  I will give an update after I get them installed.

July 20, 2001 - I finally got the official date that my car will be built.  Aug 5-9.   I expect to take deliver 10 days after that.  I can't wait to see Aegean Blue in person. I have also decided that my first Mod will be Sway Bars and Wheels.  Right now I am looking at Moda R1.s

June 23 2001 - My Order for a 2001 Aegean Blue CL has been changed to a 2002.  Luckily, the dealer is still going to give me the same price as before.  Unfortunately, this means another month of wait for the new model to arrive.

In the meantime, I am giving some thought to some upgrades to do to the car to make it a little more like the sports car I am getting rid of.  So far, I am looking at  Comptech Headers, a KN Filter and Comptech Sway Bars.  I can get all of this for under 2k so I may do it when I get the car.  I am still undecided about springs.  I will need to see them in person before I decide.

June 21, 2001 - The quest to find a new car has finally ended   After switching back and forth between the BMW 330Ci and the Acura CL Type S I have finally decided on the CL.  Why?  Well because it is 10,000 cheaper and offers 95 % of the performance.  It has a much nicer interior and I don't have to deal with the horrible BMW service we have here.  

Unfortunately, I have also decided to get rid of both of my images/carspics in the transition.   I may well get another S2000 in a couple of years but for now it just doesn't make sense to spend as much money as I do on a car that I can only drive half the year.   So in August, the S2000 will be no more and I will have a new car in its place in the garage.  I will miss it.

April 24, 2001 - Promised that I would post a picture of the new goodies.  Here is a shot of the floor mats.  You can also see the new leather console and titanium shift knob.  These accessories make such a huge difference on the interior without making it look added on.

March 12, 2000 - I couldn't wait any longer.  So even though it was cold today, I decided to get the car out of the garage and finish off the last 7 miles before the big 2000. Never again will I be able to say I own a 2000 S2000 with 2000 miles on it.  So I figured I had better take a picture.

January 9, 2000 - Got a chance to try out my new Digital Camera.  The Olympus D-340R.  Seems to be a good camera for the money.  It was pretty cold and dismal looking, but could not think of a better subject to try out the camera with than this.  

January 8, 2000 - I finally got a chance to install my new dead pedal.  It is by RM Racing.   Finally a dead pedal that matches the drilled aluminum pedals.  Here is a link to the RM Racing Web site.  They have a number of cool mods for the S2000.

So, it's finally time to give the new car it's first wash and wax.  I washed and waxed with products from Meguiars.  I thought the car looked good before.  Now it is amazing.  I also tried out a product called Plexus.  It does an amazing job of keeping those plastic back windows clear.  I purchased them at a online shop called Autopia Car Care.  Here is a link.

December 24, 1999 - First MOD.   I finally got around to installing my new speakers.  The difference in sound is amazing.  While it is still not what I would like, it is much better than stock and required no cutting of the car.   With the factory manual and a good door panel pulling tool, the install was around 15 minutes per side.  The only mod necessary was to cut the factory plug and add a standard spade connector.   Also it is a very tight fit (had to use a little pressure to get all of the clips to line up).

Here are some links to the speakers and the pages from the factory manual that were useful

    Here is a link to the Door panel from the factory manual
    Here is a link to the Stereo circuit diagram

December 20, 1999 - I made my first attempt at a winamp skin    It is modeled after the digital dashboard in the S2000.  After a few people let me know what they think, I will probably submit it to Winamp.com.

In case you don't have winamp, you can get it here.

November 18, 1999  - Well, It is finally here.   S2000 Number 3369 is sitting in the garage as I write.  Here are some pictures of the new baby.

   
          
Click on thumbnails to download.

Well, I waited for my car for a year.  While I waited, I created some toys.  Here are some Wallpaper Backgrounds that I made while I waited for the car.