Inside CNET Labs Podcast

Read all 'Inside CNET Labs' posts in Inside CNET Labs Podcast
December 17, 2009 1:59 PM PST

Inside CNET Labs Podcast 73: Will that erase my drive if I push it?!

by Eric Franklin
  • Post a comment

Never push the red button!

(Credit: Nickelodeon)

Dong's back and he's on the attack! Unfortunately, he returns from Vietnam with swine flu or something, so if I sound like I'm mumbling during the show, it's because I'm trying to keep my mouth covered from his germy germs.

Dong lived on a boat for one whole day in Vietnam, swam in the bay, and tries to convince me to do the same. That conversation somehow leads to a discussion about the Seven Wonders of the World, which apparently now include the Internet. Pretty lame if you ask me.

Also, Dong attempts to uncover the real story concerning Facebook in Vietnam and its "technical problems."

Having trouble deciding on what presents to get loved ones for the holidays? Dong has a simple solution. It's all Dong, all the time!

To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the podcast link on the right. Don't forget to leave us voice mail at 1-800-947-6399 or e-mail us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio)

December 7, 2009 5:00 PM PST

Inside CNET Labs Podcast 72: Depressed, and/or tired.

by Eric Franklin
  • 1 comment

For the record, I think most cats are just lazy, not depressed.

We talk games. Yay! My favorite subject! Dong and I (well mostly me) talk about the games we've been playing and our impressions. We also discuss that whole Modern Warfare 2 controversy from a couple weeks back. I know, I know, we're late to the party, but at least we brought a huge case of beer!

Also, Dong continues his tales from Azeroth. He joins a new guild that sounds more like a cult, does horrible DPS, and realizes he has no tanking or healing skills. This was my interpretation at least.

Finally, what we're watching, what we can't watch, and we'd like to be watching. Yeah, we had very little to talk about this week, but that actually worked in our favor...I think, you be the judge.

To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the podcast link on the right. Don't forget to leave us voice mail at 1-800-947-6399 or e-mail us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio)

November 30, 2009 2:45 PM PST

Inside CNET Labs Podcast 71: 'Very' good at counting!

by Eric Franklin
  • Post a comment

Of course I'm good at counting. I learned from the best.

(Credit: Sesame Workshop)

We return to the current Facebook debacle in Vietnam. Allegedly, accounts are being closed or locked thanks to a lone Vietnamese princess and her inability to secure her password--or so says Dong, of course.

Then Dong talks at length about the very expensive Imation wireless USB hard drive as I remain unconvinced of its worth.

Finally, we delve into a discussion about the audio-Nazi, aka iTunes. iTunes obviously doesn't want Dong to workout in a timely manner and it's communicating this quite effectively.

To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the podcast link on the right. Don't forget to leave us voice mail at 1-800-947-6399 or e-mail us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio)

November 20, 2009 11:30 AM PST

Inside CNET Labs Podcast 70: Or I'll kick you in the face

by Eric Franklin
  • Post a comment

A typical ICL recording session (my foot).

Dong finally watches "The Wire" and not surprisingly sings its praises. I've been telling him it's the best show I've seen for years now and he finally takes the hint. Although, he has a bit of trouble understanding what a re-up is. Noob.

We then move to the communist empire that is Vietnam. Dong thinks that it is attempting to block Facebook from users in Vietnam, but has no real proof of this. I mean how can a government block Facebook for fear of their citizens getting "Americanized," yet continually revere KFC?

Then, via the backdrop of Linux, we ask why people like to spend their money and actually don't want things for free.

Lastly, we take the second half the episode to answer just two e-mails.

To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the podcast link on the right. Don't forget to leave us voice mail at 1-800-947-6399 or e-mail us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio)

November 13, 2009 11:30 AM PST

Inside CNET Labs Podcast 69: 69, dudes!

by Eric Franklin
  • Post a comment

Whoah...

(Credit: MGM)

Dong tells another one of his foreigner (not the band) stories in a tale that attempts to explain his excitement and maybe even obsession with the number 69. As with most of his stories, it involves much pointing and laughing. Mostly by me.

Then, prompted by a listener voice mail, we discuss our experiences playing Warcraft--as in the World of Warcraft, not sure if you've heard of this game--with women. Not just any women, though, but our women. We'll probably be in the doghouse for a few weeks after this...which is fine, as long as there's access to a computer with an online connection. :)

Finally, we answer the burning question: "What happens when you buy a new, top-of-the-line monitor and you still have a POS computer?" Not really a burning question, but we answer it regardless.

To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the podcast link on the right. Don't forget to leave us voice mail at 1-800-947-6399 or e-mail us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio)

November 9, 2009 12:20 AM PST

Inside CNET Labs Podcast 68: He's a PC

by Eric Franklin
  • Post a comment

Dong Ngo is a PC and will mess you up if you look at him wrong. This isn't actually a pic of Dong as he's much more friendly-looking than the gentleman pictured here.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Welcome back peoples. We get started right off the bat today and discuss the current state of telephone customer service. Calling a local number these days can actually have you whisked away to some far-off land. How exciting!

Dragon Age: Origins. It's here! I've gotten nothing done in the last week thanks to it, but I'm 100 percent OK with this. We talk about marrying up, incest, if-then scenarios, and moral choices. And then, we discuss Dragon Age! LOL, I kid.

Then there's some tech stuff discussing two new Apple hardware refreshes, the Dell U2410, and a couple of listener e-mails, including one that mistakes Dong for another Asian dude.

To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the podcast link on the right. Don't forget to leave us voice mail at 1-800-947-6399 or e-mail us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio)

November 3, 2009 12:45 PM PST

Inside CNET Labs Podcast 67: Kimbo Slice stinks

by Eric Franklin
  • Post a comment

Don't tell him I said that please.

(Credit: Touchgloves)

Happy belated Halloween! I know, I know. Halloween is so last week! Still, Dong and I discuss our experiences of the most popular holiday that you don't actually get to stay home from work for.

Then, we move to the toilet. Or more specifically, toilet technology. Even more specifically, we talk about motion detection technology used in the toilet. And by toilet, I don't mean in the toilet, just, you know, in the washroom. Also, clam-shell packaging? Who needs it?

Then we get down to serious business with Dong detailing the WD TV Live and the first 6GBps SATA controller card. I think you can actually hear me snoring during this segment. For my part, I point you directly in the direction of the Monitor Buying Guide.

To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the podcast link on the right. Don't forget to leave us voice mail at 1-800-947-6399 or e-mail us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio)

October 27, 2009 11:30 AM PDT

Inside CNET Labs Podcast 66: No one wants to raid with that guy!

by Eric Franklin
  • Post a comment

No one wants to be Zaboo'd...or do they?

(Credit: The Guild)

What effects do Facebook, other social networking sites, and today's media on have on young people? We have no idea. Neither of us have been young for a very long time. I think we think we know and like always, we're not afraid to discuss it.

Dong goes in for a job interview. Did I say job interview? I meant guild interview. Dong is evaluated and dehumanized in his attempt to join a new World of Warcraft guild.

Dong and I talk more about Windows 7. Dong spouts his first impressions--kinda weird, seeing as he's been using it for months. I don't know. We attempt to make it interesting.

Also, before I forget, contest! Listen to the episode to find out about the rules. Listen quick though!

To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the podcast link on the right. Don't forget to leave us voice mail at 1-800-947-6399 or e-mail us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio)


October 19, 2009 11:30 AM PDT

Inside CNET Labs Podcast 65: It hertz so good

by Eric Franklin
  • Post a comment

Heinrich Hertz. If not for him, we'd have no title for this week's episode.

This week marks Dong's 10th anniversary in the U.S. Really! To celebrate, Dong recounts what inspired him to get into radio in Vietnam. Not surprisingly, laziness was a key factor.

Then, we talk hertz. Specifically, 60Hz vs. 120Hz. More specifically, 60Hz vs. 120Hz on TVs. We discuss it in our usual way, but if you want some real info, check out this article.

Dong delves into the relative performance of Window 7 and Snow Leopard. From boot up to shutdown. From Cinebench to CoD4.

To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the podcast link on the right. Don't forget to leave us voice mail at 1-800-947-6399 or e-mail us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio)

October 12, 2009 11:30 AM PDT

Inside CNET Labs Podcast 64: Sexnology

by Eric Franklin
  • Post a comment

Three sexy robots. Sexnology? See?...Shut up! It works!

(Credit: Sy Fy Channel)

Welcome back to the The Show ladies and germs.

This week, we tackle our new Nobel Peace Prize-winning president. Not literally, of course. Not that that would even be possible without getting a secret service guy's foot stuck in your face.

Also, why Asian guys can kick anyone's butt (according to Dong) and how Dong feels he was duped into moving his WoW character to another server.

For technology, Dong tells us how to prepare for Windows 7 if you're planning to upgrade from XP or Vista and how to possibly avoid Swine Flu by wearing this suit.

Lastly, in e-mails, we one dive head first into what we do best. Girl advice.

To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the podcast link on the right. Don't forget to leave us voice mail at 1-800-947-6399 or e-mail us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio)

Subscribe to the Inside CNET Labs podcast

Subscribe to this podcast using an RSS reader other than iTunes

Subscribe to this podcast using iTunes

View all Inside CNET Labs episodes
advertisement

About Inside CNET Labs Podcast

"Inside CNET Labs" has two meanings. First, this podcast takes you behind the scenes of CNET's editorial process from a performance testing perspective. It will demystify CNET's performance testing process, allowing the listener an inside look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of performance testing. The second meaning gets equal attention--and sometimes more so--as we go inside the heads of CNET's San Francisco Labs staff, Eric Franklin and Dong Ngo, who will have opinionated discussions on subjects ranging from the insecurities of people to whether the existence of time can be proven. This is the stuff they've talked about every day for several years. Unfortunately for them (and fortunately for you, we hope), it's now being recorded.

Email us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.


Add this feed to your online news reader

Inside CNET Labs Podcast topics

More on Inside CNET Labs
CNET Labs posts in Crave blog
Dong Ngo's posts in Crave blog
How we test
The hosts of Inside CNET Labs
Eric Franklin Eric Franklin's colleagues once had the following to say to him: "Eric, you've been doing this performance testing thing for over 10 years now. How about you try something different?" To which Eric responded, "How about you shut the #%$@! up?" This candid attitude allows him to go toe-to-toe with the most extreme of personalities, including that of Dong Ngo. This bio was written by Eric Franklin.
Dong Ngo Dong Ngo is a knowledgeable, opinionated individual who wants to convince the world that he's just a normal person; but he hasn't had much success. According to him, this is because the world itself is abnormal. Dong loves traveling and is well-versed in several languages. He, unfortunately, is not so well-versed in English. Still, it's best to ask him questions. From networking and how to optimize your system, to turning a strange place into home or what the meaning of life is…most of the time, he has the answers. The question is: Will he make himself understood? Subscribe and find out!

Most Discussed