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Pro Pinball: Big Race USA – Why This PSX Classic Still Hits the Sweet Spot

  When people talk about the golden age of digital pinball, Pro Pinball: Big Race USA inevitably rolls into the conversation. Released in August 2000 for the original PlayStation (PSX) , this title remains one of the most polished and satisfying virtual pinball experiences ever created. Developed by Cunning Developments and published by Empire Interactive , it also appeared on Windows, DOS, and Macintosh , making it widely accessible across platforms of its era. Below, I’ll take you through what made Big Race USA special — and why classic pinball games still deserve your time today. 🎮 Platforms & Release PlayStation (PSX) Windows PC Macintosh DOS The game launched on August 3–10, 2000 , depending on region. While exact sales numbers aren’t publicly documented, the Pro Pinball series was well‑regarded for its technical ambition and became a cult favorite among pinball fans. 🚕 Theme & Presentation Big Race USA revolves around a taxi‑driving, cross‑country American road t...

HDD - data storage that still matters

 Let’s explore why HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) are still relevant and useful, especially when compared to SSDs (Solid State Drives). 



Here are some key points:

  1. Purpose and Use Cases:

    • HDDs are reliable and cost-effective storage solutions for various scenarios:
      • Archival Storage: HDDs are excellent for long-term data storage, backups, and archives. Their large capacity allows you to store vast amounts of data without breaking the bank.
      • Media Libraries: If you have extensive photo, video, or music collections, HDDs provide ample space.
      • Network Attached Storage (NAS): HDDs are commonly used in NAS devices for home or small office networks.
      • Servers and Data Centers: Enterprise-grade HDDs are still prevalent in server farms due to their capacity and durability.
  2. Advantages of HDDs:

    • Cost per GB: HDDs offer more storage capacity per dollar compared to SSDs.
    • Sequential Read/Write Speeds: For large files (e.g., video editing), HDDs can perform well due to their sequential read/write speeds.
    • Durability: HDDs are less susceptible to physical damage from drops or shocks than delicate SSDs.
  3. Considerations When Choosing an HDD:

    • Capacity: Choose an HDD based on your storage needs. Larger capacities (e.g., 4TB, 6TB, 8TB) are suitable for media libraries and backups.
    • RPM (Rotations Per Minute): Higher RPM (e.g., 7200 RPM) drives offer better performance than lower RPM drives (e.g., 5400 RPM).
    • Cache Size: Larger cache sizes improve performance during data transfers.
  4. Proposed HDD Models:

    • Seagate Barracuda: A reliable and affordable choice for general use.
    • Western Digital Blue: Good balance of performance and price.
    • Toshiba X300: High-capacity option for multimedia storage.

Remember that while SSDs dominate the market for speed and responsiveness, HDDs still have their place, especially when cost-effectiveness and large storage capacities are essential. Consider your specific needs and budget when choosing between the two! 🚀📁


I’ve highlighted the advantages of HDDs, their use cases, and provided some HDD model recommendations. If you’d like more details or additional suggestions, feel free to ask! 😊

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