Ask Arkanis

[Considerate_]

I involved you because I'm locked in a bitter rivalry with one of my friends about which is the better and I'm seeking ammunition from both perspectives (it's always good being prepared for what your 'enemy' might have of munition )

There's different ways to interpret the question as I see it. Objectively and subjectively.


Objectively we can look at the hardware and to a lesser extend software/features.
Subjectively, we can argue about whether Android beats iOS or the other way around.

Objectively speaking here's the stats for the two competitors tablets:

Dimensions

9.57 x 6.75 x 0.31 inches

Weight:

19.75 ounces

CPU:

Samsung Exynos 5420

Operating System:

Google Android 4.3

Screen Size:

10.1 inches

Screen Type:

IPS LCD

Screen Resolution:

2560 x 1600 pixels

Screen Pixels Per Inch:

298 ppi

Storage Capacity (as Tested):

16 GB - 32GB (depending on model)

Additional Storage:

MicroSD (expandability up to 64GB extra)

Ports:

MHL, micro USB

Camera Resolution:

8-megapixel Rear-Facing; 2-megapixel Front

Cellular Technology:

Comes in both Wi-Fi and 3G

Wi-Fi (802.11x) Compatibility:

2.4GHz/5GHz

Bluetooth Version:

4.0

Battery Life with full brightness:

7h 31min

Dimensions:

9.4 x 6.6 x 0.29 inches

Weight:

16 ounces

CPU:

Apple A7

Operating System:

Apple iOS

Screen Size:

9.7 inches

Screen Type:

Retina

Screen Resolution:

2048 x 1536 pixels

Screen Pixels Per Inch:

264 ppi

Storage Capacity:

16 GB - 128GB (depending on model)

Additional Storage:

None

Ports:

Apple Lightning

Camera Resolution:

1.2MP Front; 5MP Rear

Cellular Technology:

Comes in both Wi-Fi and 3G

Wi-Fi (802.11x) Compatibility:

2.4GHz/5GHz

Bluetooth Version:

4.0

Battery Life with full brightness:

5h 36min

For the more subjective part of the two tablets...

Samsung comes with some new features, like split screen and window modes, effectively allowing you to for instance watch a YouTube tutorial on an app, while testing it out simultaneously.
On top of this, they've added an inbuilt (but optional) stylus

Apple, has without a doubt, the most extensive specialized app marked for iPads - whereas Google Play often have Smartphone apps simplified into oversized tablet apps.


Samsung/Android, allows for more freedom and thus a greater quantity of apps, on top of that the free market gives a more competitive price range. Apps that costs 10$ on iPad might be significant cheaper on Android, or free altogether.

Apple/iOS has a stricter quality control on their apps and are selective about what products they'll allow the users to make use of. This gives a better quality.



That's my thoughts on the matter ^.^

[Passiflora]

Both are crap. A computer with a desk and a chair and a mouse and a keyboard, basically what I call a "work space" is the way to go!

[McGondy]

How's about the Surface Pro 2?

[Considerate_]

"Technology? Progress? Pish pash! I give it half a year. Typewriters, that's basically what I call a "work space" is the way to go!"

Of course grandpa ^.^






Even cats prefer them over computers, much easier to use when you don't have fingers or opposable thumbs.

[Larzs]

Honestly...seems the Samsung is better. Only difference is Memory space for the iPad which then has less battery life.

[thids]

Oh Considerate *sighs* you are asking all the wrong questions. Who cares about the specifications and all of that mumbo jumbo, what you should be asking is this:
Arkanis, which one would go better with this Gucci purse?

Hidden: show

[killhappyfool]

better part is that they want you to update every year, at 400 to 600 dollars a year, I could justify a top of the line desktop for that much.

[Empoweredfan]

Is it possible, with a lot of RP to back it up, to learn new languages from other players as a reward from DM's that have observed them actually doing this on several occasions, or would you need additional intelligence to get more 'language slots' either way?

[DM Arkanis]

Oh Considerate *sighs* you are asking all the wrong questions. Who cares about the specifications and all of that mumbo jumbo, what you should be asking is this:
Arkanis, which one would go better with this Gucci purse?

Hidden: show

The Samsung - no question. Of course it would depend on the case you had for your phone...

[DM Arkanis]

Is it possible, with a lot of RP to back it up, to learn new languages from other players as a reward from DM's that have observed them actually doing this on several occasions, or would you need additional intelligence to get more 'language slots' either way?

This question has come up before and I'll give you what my personal thoughts are on it so this isn't a DM ruling, just discussion.

We type in our own language when our toons speak, and when we want to speak another language we use the language button and type our own language into it, and it translates it for other players to read. I would say that if you were RP'ing with another character that they were teaching you their language, that they should actually teach it to you, and you type in the words rather than be granted the language and use the translator button. I do this all the time when I play an elf - I use "elven" that I have read or seen around and type it in normally rather than switching to the elven language, and Drow characters have a whole list of words and phrases that they use as everyday normal speak as well, "Xaz! malla ilharess ithar!"

With respect to having the INT to warrant another language. I know that in some character builds that you can add points to your stats as you level up and at epic levels you can pick them as well instead of a feat. In my opinion, with a combination of RP (i.e. being immersed in scenarios where only the other language is spoken) over time, coupled with a stat increase (non magical... magical stat bonuses can be taken away) you could warrant the addition of the extra language. I would say that this would have to be well documented though, and taken on a case-by-case basis by the DMs.

[LISA100595]

My question is for the benefit of everyone including myself, I'm always looking for new info. What are the differences between "Spirits" and "Undead" in D&D and Forgotten Realms?

[DM Arkanis]

My question is for the benefit of everyone including myself, I'm always looking for new info. What are the differences between "Spirits" and "Undead" in D&D and Forgotten Realms?

Good question. The short answer is that "undead" are corporeal beings (as in they have substance) and "spirits" are incorporeal (they are see-through/appear as vapours.) Both undead and spirits can be created through necromancy, and controlled by their creator. They are bound by negative energy (chanelled through the creator) can be dispelled through the will of another and the use of positive energy; the more powerful the creation the more difficult to dispel or destroy.

The longer answer (and what I think you are looking for really) has more to do with spirits of a non-evil or neutral nature; guardian spirits. These spirits are of a direct, divine/demonic nature (i.e. guardian angels/demons) and have a specific purpose and powers. There are evil ones as well as good ones, and they are not controlled by anything other than their patron diety. They can be called forth/summoned by other creatures, but their will is bound to their patron and generally they have free-will of their own UNLESS coerced by the summoner... but this is a whole other topic. Spirits of this nature can be either corporeal or incorporeal and often can change forms back and forth depending on their purpose; spirit guardians (Dyrads for example) can inhabit their tree or take humanoid shape.

Both spirits and undead usually have a limited scope in terms of purpose, except at high/powerful levels. "Guard me" or "attack any who enter the forest" tend to be commanded given to zombies or forest spirits. Amassing wealth, or creating chaos are the perview of the lich whose only goals are to be immortal, and powerful. Powerful spirits may be tasked with protecting large areas or whole communities of people, or creating chaos and destruction.

I think that the one and only fundamental difference is that undead are created through magic; spirits are divinely made.

Ark

[dontimes]

Has anyone really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like?

[DM Arkanis]

Has anyone really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like?

I believe I commented on this on page three of this thread already.

"The confusing interrogative question 'Has anyone really been fas as decided to use even go want to do look more like?' and its derivatives is actually an internet meme that began in one of 4chan's boards. It is based on the video game made for the Wii titled 'The Conduit'. Taken into context and rephrased, the question actually means if any video game company has tried to make a game similar to the realistic nature of 'The Conduit'. To quote another famous meme, 'All you base are belong to us'. "

For a minute I thought you were another player asking me this...

[DM Arkanis]

As a player I have found a lot of other new players on the server lately and I have been having fun showing them around a bit/looking for quests together, etc. I know that sometimes we get focused on doing our thing, running quests, grinding in groups with friends, etc. but I'd encourage the player base, especially the veterams, if you are looking for something to do, mentoring a new player so they get to know their way around can be a lot of fun too.