The word wars between Sony and Microsoft just won’t die down. With Microsoft’s Peter Moore’s ragging about the PS3 games console’s price, surely, people don’t expect the Sony CEO, Steve Howard, to turn the other cheek. It’s pathetic to see two guys in power suits and power ties bicker like two kids in a playground. Sounds to me like they’re fighting about who could spit the farthest. But since Moore has been hounding publicity, well, we might as well give shy Howard a chance to defend his PS3 games.

It can be recalled that Peter Moore of Microsoft used Sony console’s price as a spring board in launching a new Xbox 360 marketing campaign. Moore released statements that gamers get more value in buying a Nintendo Wii and Microsoft Xbox 360 for the value of a single PS3 games console. No doubt that the statement made even hard-core Sony fans hesitant about buying a PS3. After all, $600 is big money. Plus, the possibility given by Moore is a no-brainer: it is a choice between two next-gen consoles and more gaming options or one PS3. Sony has to act; and the usually quiet Steve Howard finally broke his silence.

In a recent press conference in Tokyo, Sony Corp’s Steve Howard released a statement justifying the new Sony console’s price. He claimed that the in buying a PS3 games console, the consumers are actually buying potential. Such a vague statement needed further clarification and Howard obliged. According to him, though the PS3 console is admittedly pricier ($599) than Microsoft’s Xbox 360 ($300) or Nintendo’s Wii($250), it provides users Blu-ray technology– touted to be the technology of the future. Further, if the new Sony console’s performance reaches its full potential, users would benefit from higher technology and longer years of use. Howard also implied in his statement that Xbox 360s and the Wii’s are cheaper because they are merely “transitional” consoles with inferior technology when compared to the futuristic PS3.

However, market analysts and yours truly, seriously doubt this claim by Howard. Times are hard, and people are sure to think about whether the PS3 games console deserves its price tag. This can look bad quickly for Sony because reviews show that PS3’s Blu-ray-supported graphics are only equal to that of the cheaper consoles. If there are differences, these are highly indistinct, unless you want to spend game time analyzing the graphic pixels. Even the controller is deemed inferior to that of the PS1 from seven years ago. In fact, the Wii sports a much better controller. Also, Howard’s potential-based argument is stretched too thin and poorly supported. What if the new PS3 didn’t reach its full potential? Then, there is the case of disappointed consumers whining over their loss. What about the long years of use? I doubt that five years would pass before the gaming giants come up with a new console prototype. Surely, Howard can come up with something stronger than an argument based on “potential”. PS3 games enthusiasts need more fuel for their cause. Meantime, do you know what I’m excited to hear about? Peter Moore’s response to Sony’s “potential”.

by Carver Tate

For travelers of Japan who intend to cover any distance, trains are the best way to get around. And nothing is quicker than the famous Bullet Train. If tickets are purchased per journey instead, these Shinkansen trips can cost almost the same as the equivalent airfare - but the range of destinations is not limited to cities that only have airports. Shinkansen simply means ‘New Trunk Line’ in English, however it’s more commonly referred to as the Bullet Train.

The other convenience factor of the Japanese bullet train is probably not immediately apparent. For example, imagine catching a plane. You’d need to get yourself right out of town to the airport, check in early, go through the screening and boarding procedures and then do it all again at the other end! It could add many hours to a journey that may only entail 1 or 2 hours flying time. With the Shinkansen bullet trains, assuming you have an un-reserved seat, all you need to do is turn up at the station, wait about 15-20 mins for the next train and jump aboard.

The Shinkansen schedule is very regular and but I recommend picking up a Shinkansen timetable as the services do stop overnight. That way you won’t get caught out. Stash your luggage out of the way and relax! There are even food & beverage carts that are wheeled through the train just like in the air! You can purchase snacks, hot meals and even alcohol, and the seats have fold down tray tables too! When you arrive at your destination simply grab your bags and alight. Most Shinkansen bullet trains run from stations fairly central in the cities so are easy to get to.

You will find that your Japanese trip is much more pleasurable by train, and you can take in the sights too, albeit at pretty high speed. If you plan on traveling by train a lot in Japan, a Japan Rail Pass is definitely recommended and allows you unlimited travel on JR (Japan Rail) trains for 7, 14 or 21 days depending on the pass purchased. But be carefuly, since many other train companies other than Japan Rail and the Japan Rail Pass is not valid for all train services. You will find the JR Pass saves you an absolute bundle especially since you can have unlimited Shinkansen bullet train travel using it.

The Japan Rail Pass lets you use all Shinkansen services apart from the Nozomi class, which are the current fastest bullet trains. Since usually the Nozomi shinkansen will be a full express service to the destination, you are probably going to want to take the other Shinkansen service anyway to get off along the way for your sightseeing in Japan. A trip on the bullet train is a must-do for the total Japan experience!

Rumor has it that star of the “Mission: Impossible 3″ movie, Tom Cruise, will hit Japan in the next few weeks for a promotional campaign ahead of the movie’s release there on July 8.

In typical Cruise style, and reminiscent of his previous stunts at other major openings, an entire shinkansen (bullet train) will be chartered from Tokyo to Osaka. With up to 150 guests on board, it is sure to be the experience for any Tom Cruise fan’s dreams. On the journey Cruise plans to personally meet every passenger and pose for photographs with them. Upon arrival at Osaka, the guests will then be invited to attend the opening night of the movie in that city too.

The Nozomi class bullet train that the Cruise PR team intends to charter is the current fastest shinkansen schedule in the fleet with a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) and makes the 515km (340 mile) run from Tokyo to the south-western city of Osaka in only 2.5 hours.

Despite many other airlines already putting in their orders for the new large-capacity Airbus A380, Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced that it has no plans to add it to their fleet. Singapore Airlines are the first airline to take delivery, with other notable buyers including Thai Airways, Emirates Airlines, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa and Qantas.

The huge new Airbus A380 promises to be a revolution in air travel. Some airlines have mentioned that instead of extra seats they plan to utilize the space with luxury lounges, bars and gaming rooms. Airline tickets for these flights are expected to be very popular, but as yet no indication of price has been given.

By adding more seats to the planes it is possible that airline ticket prices may come down due to more bookings. However the luxury flights could see steeper prices for those that appreciate the finer service and relaxed atmosphere.

JAL airlines claim its decision is based on a global downsizing trend amongst the airline industry. However, the list of purchasers and orders for the Airbus A380 may go against this thinking. A spokesperson also alluded to minimizing risks to passengers in the event of unforeseen event, stating that aircraft with fewer passengers significantly decreased the risk to travellers.