This battery exchange program is eligible for people who bought 15-inch MacBook Pro from February 2006 through May 2006. Some of the 15-inch MacBook Pro batteries supplied to Apple do not meet Apple’s standard.
The affected batteries have model number A1175 and a 12-digit serial number that ends with U7SA, U7SB or U7SC. To view the serial and model number, remove the battery from the computer. For more information visit Apple 15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Exchange Program.
I have ordered a replacement for my MacBook Pro, it should arrive in the mail in a few days. When the new battery arrive, the re-calibration process should be repeated.
The Nintendo DS is a handheld game console by Nintendo. The system has two displays (the lower acts as a touch screen), built-in microphone, and support WiFi. The Nintendo DS is backward compatible with Game Boy Advance Games.
Despite a great system, the original Nintendo DS looks very bulky and unattractive. The “fat” design of the Nintendo DS makes it hard for people to carry it around and unattractive compare to other popular gadgets such as Apple’s iPod and Sony’s PSP.
This year, Nintendo released a redesigned model called the Nintendo DS Lite. The DS Lite provides the same functions as the original Nintendo DS except it is now smaller and featured brighter screens. The new design is a lot like Apple’s product (Not that there’s anything wrong with that).
Nintendo DS is 42% less volume (size: 133mm x 73.9mm x 21.5mm) and 21% lighter compare to the original Nintendo DS. The stylus is of the DS Lite is a lot longer, wider and heavier (43% bigger) which is easier to hold and use.
The Nintendo DS Lite retain the 3” size displays used by the original DS. The DS Lite featured a brighter displays compared to the original DS. Because the DS Lite screen so bright, it might be a little uncomfortable to play at the highest brightness level so Nintendo offer a four selectable brightness level to the DS Lite display. All brightness levels are still brighter than the original DS. Check out the video below to see the demo of brightness level settings:
The start and select buttons are now rounded and place on the lower rights for easier access. The power button is now a slider and relocated to the right edge.
The Game Boy Advance Game Paks slot at the bottom allows you to play Nintendo Game Boy Advance Paks. The slot is by default covered to protect the slot from dust or foreign material. Due to the smaller design of DS Lite, Game Boy Advance carts will stick out from the GBA slot. It will not affect the way you play, however it may looked unpleasant to some people.
The Nintendo DS Lite battery provides 19 hours of play on 4 hours charge on the lowest brightness setting, 5 - 8 hours on the highest brightness setting. The power indicator and recharge indicator is clearly visible even when the device is closed.
Recommended Software
I’m not going to write a lot about games since this entry is about the DS Lite hardware not the software. However, I’d like to recommend some games to people who are new to Nintendo DS:
New Super Mario.
Mario Kart DS.
Brain Age.
If you’re in Japan, Opera will release a browser for Nintendo DS on 24 July 2006. Opera for Nintendo DS will allow you to use your Nintendo DS Lite to browse the web using a Wi-Fi connection.
Accessories
Playing touch screen games with your stylus might cause the DS Lite touch screen display to scratch. To protect your DS Lite screen display, it would be wise for you to buy a screen protector. Screen protectors that a lot of people recommend is the InvisibleSHIELD produced by ShieldZone Corporation.
According to the company’s website, the InvisibleSHIELD is a thin transparent film that can be used to protect electronic devices. It is originally developed for the military to protect helicopter blades from damage while spinning. The InvisibleSHIELD is available on many gadgets such as iPod, watches, cell phones, laptops (MacBook, MacBook Pro).
There are two invisible shields available for Nintendo DS Lite: The screen shield, which only protect your screen and the full body shield, which will cover not only your screen but also the bottom and the top of the DS Lite. The advantage of using the full body shield is you do not need to get a case/use an old sock for your DS Lite. Why cover up your DS Lite when you can show it off?
The full body shield for Nintendo DS Lite comes with four sheets of film, one for the top, one for the bottom and battery, one for the touch screen display and one for the top screen. The package also contained instructions, bottle of spray, and a squeegee.
Before applying the InvisibleSHIELD, you should remember to wash your hands and the device. I recommend cleaning the device with a cloth. Don’t forget to turn off the device before applying the films.
To apply the device, peel the films of its paper and spray both sides of the film with SHIELDspray and apply the InvisibleSHIELD to the device. Use the squeegee to push any excess moisture and bubbles. Installing the device require a lot of patience.
The InvisibleSHIELD is accurately cut to fit with the Nintendo DS Lite and if you apply it correctly, you wouldn’t be able to notice that the device is wrapped around with a thin film. Unless of course you put the device close to your eyes and inspect it carefully.
Conclusion
The Nintendo DS Lite is definitely worth buying for people who are looking for a portable gaming console with bright screens and long battery life. The main reason I chose to buy a Nintendo DS Lite is because of classic Nintendo game titles such as Mario, Donkey Kong, and Zelda.
Current original DS owners might be wondering whether it is worth to upgrade their DS to the DS Lite. I personally would rather use the money to buy a new games rather than upgrading my system. If you decide to upgrade to the DS Lite, you can transfer your WiFi Connection data ID from one DS to another, you can follow the guide from NintendoWiFi.com.
