Queensland’s Overindulgence
I’m lucky enough to have been sent to Queensland this week for work. I am here to attend a training/conference/expo of sorts called Microsoft Tech.ed.
Upon arrival to the conference I was given a HP netbook – a HP Mini 2140 to be precise. I’m a massive geek and I love this thing (I’m typing this blog entry on it right now).
I just can’t believe how image driven Queensland is. I know everyone, everywhere is somewhat driven by image, but never before have I seen people so driven by image that their lives evolve around it. Talking to Queenslanders, watching them walk around on the streets, seeing the numerous mini trucks, heavily modified v8′s and turbo cars everywhere, not to mention people riding choppers, etc, etc – it’s just a state driven by looking good – at any cost! They are all trying to keep up with eachother, even though only few of them can afford to.
Obviously this sort of thing happens everywhere – certainly in Adelaide where I live, but just not on this scale.
While I’ve been here I’ve also had some time to catch up with my sister who lives in Queensland too. It’s been great to catch up with her, and finally meet my niece – who is just awesome.
Spending time with my sister and her family has once again reinforced my opinion that “things” and ”stuff” is just so unnecessary. I completely understand that people need their hobbies, they need their few luxuries, but at what cost?
This isn’t a dig at the state at all – it’s beautiful up here… In areas anyway. I’ve considered the idea of moving up here a fair few times now (although never seriously enough to talk with my fiancee about it). I just don’t know if I could keep up with everyone else. I really think that to survive in Queensland you need to be very career drive, have very well of parents, or be happy to live a life of eternal debt.
September 10th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Microsoft “Tech ed” = propaganda but you knew that already
Did they *give* give you the laptop?! Or is it just for the duration of the brainwashing, er I mean conference.
From your description of the plastic people I’d guess that you’re on the Gold Coast. Head out Roma, Longreach, Winton way and you might discover a more “real” type of Aussie
September 10th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Yeah I’m in the Gold Coast at the moment. It’s certainly worse here than in Brisbane but it still seems rife in Brisbane too.
In contrast though, I visited Rockhampton about six months ago and it was much better. I don’t think people are too concerned about their image there at all! haha
There are a hell of a lot of fanboys here at Tech ed. The laptop was a giveaway with entry! You’re right though – it is a brainwash fest. Microsoft make some cool stuff, but none of the smaller players can afford to put on an event like this. There’s no “Citrix Tech Ed” or anything like that.
For the time being though, I’m just trying to take it all in. I have a Windows 7 exam this arvo – should be interesting… Can’t say I’m overly confident, but in my typical style I’m not really phased if I pass or not.
September 11th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Have Microsoft dropped all mention of Vista yet? I reckon it will become a pariah (and deservedly so, what a dog!!) in the same way that Windows Millennium did. Microsoft will be like “Vista? What Vista? What are you talking about? Look at this, it’s called Windows 7!”
September 12th, 2009 at 9:58 am
I have to actually give them credit there – I attended a session “CLI201 – Top 10 Reasons for Deploying Windows 7″, and the host said that he had to present the Top 10 Reasons for Deploying Windows Vista” a few years back.
There was a big long pause and the crowd was silent and he just goes “yeah so that was challenging”. haha
I spoke with a fair few other Microsoft reps, and while they obviously pushed their products, they were more than happy to talk about their competition.
I was speaking to a Windows Mobile developer for a fair while about Google Android, and he was happy to do so, and during the Windows Mobilty Smackdown session, the student developer actually told everyone how he uses his app to sync his Windows Mobile phone and Google Calendar together in his own little way.
September 15th, 2009 at 8:45 am
I was given an O2 Atom XDA a while back, old but way, way cool pocket pc/smartphone. Sadly it’s stuck on WM, I tried to build Android but the instructions were too sparse so I’m stuck with windows mobile. I’m coming to love it though, I’m forgetful and the calendar is really starting to come into its own plus I installed TCMP (the core media player) and now I can watch divx movies on it (it came with a 2Gb mini SD card).
It’s such an amazing device (even has WiFi and touch screen) especially considering its age that I’m prepared to put up with WM. Not really much choice either since that’s what O2 built it for.
September 19th, 2009 at 8:17 am
I wanted an O2 XDA back in the day! You’re right, they were such an amazing device – certainly a pioneer in the phone market.
I think Google Android for the masses is a fair way off still. Originally when I was looking at a HTC Touch Pro to buy I wanted it to run Android, but the guys on xda-developers only have about 1/3 of the drivers working still. It’s all custom, and while I love custom stuff, at the end of the day after spending that much on a phone I want the thing to work!