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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.

1. It doesn't support sending native resolution to my Samsung. This way I could let the Sammy take care of the up/down conversion.

2. I think the picture quality isn't quite as sharp as my previous HD receivers. Actually, it may be, but I need to tweak the TV some.

3. The DirecTV style guide is SLOW. Not just slightly slow. We are talking watch the screen paint slow. Luckily the Tivo (List) guide performs decently so I am living with it.

I can't wait to see how this things evolves over time. I really hope that it gets the HMO soon. It could become the ultimate media center for a home theater. So far, I am in love. I definately recommend it to anyone with an HD capable TV as the ultimate tool to get the most out of your gear.

BTW - i also got a SD Directivo at the same time for only 80 bucks so as soon as the Tulsa locals are up Dish Network will be evicted from my house. I can't wait.

DevBuddy is an application that allows you to store small scripts and text blocks in an easily available form.    In order to access them (to paste into code or a word document etc) you simply select the corresponding item from the DevBuddy command menu.     The comment is then moved into your clipboard to be pasted in the application of your choice.    

The main reason I build it and update it every so often is to learn new languages.   This time the move is to C#.NET.  

I have posted a release candidate of DevBuddy for those that are interested in trying it out.  It is available here.   To set it up, just unzip and install the application.   You can then select the options and then select any libraries you with to have included

If you have any ideas on how to make it better, fix a bug or just have an idea for a feature just let me know and I will try to accommodate you.

Goodbye 921, Hello HDTivo - After a lot of trouble with the software that powers the 921, I finally decided to sell it.     It is now gone.   Now I am in search of an HD Tivo.   I will be switching to DirectTV as soon as I find one.    As usual I will let you know how I like it.

Goodbye Bravo, Hello Momitsu - Another trouble spot in my home theater was the Bravo D1.   I have replaced it with a Momitsu 880.   It is so much better.  It has been rock solid, delivers the same or better picture quality that the Bravo did and hasn't eaten one disk.   I did get a replacement Bravo from vinc.com.  They claim the new version fixes the problems but it was too late.   If anyone wants the Bravo, make me an offer.

One last thing, I am finishing up work on a new version of my DevBuddy Software.    It is software to store little prebuild sets of code to help you develop faster.    It allows the scripts to include variables and macros which will get replaced each time you select it.     I am re-writing it to learn .Net development.    I am going to beta test it with a few friends and then I will post it here for people to try out.