OT: Rubik's cube

[Kitaman]

Play today on google for those who like it: linky. 5 minutes and I gave up (not enough patience and brain power).

Anybody ever beat this thing?

 

[Husky Dynasty]

I've beaten the a physical version a bunch of times; the first two layers are pretty easy, but the last layer can be a real bitch, although there are a couple of different algorithms you can apply to help you solve the last layer.

That being said, the Google digital version is a completely different animal; it's difficult to control and to get oriented on, and I certainly don't want to admit how much of my workday has been funneled straight down that black hole. Right when I saw the Google doodle this morning I was really hoping that it wouldn't be interactive, as I had a feeling it might be a bit distracting. Luckily, I've been able to break away from its Siren call, and am now using my time much more productively (to read the Boneyard)...

 

[FfldCntyFan]

If it takes more than a minute to complete the three level one something is wrong. I've seen people complete it in under 20 seconds and I've heard of a couple of times that it was completed in under five. My guess it at that point it was done through memorization, not actual understanding of the mechanisms.

I have a four level cube that takes 10-15 minutes. The trickiest part of that one is that the centers are no longer fixed. The five level cube can take 40 minutes to an hour plus. The biggest issues with the four and five level is that the engineering weakens with the additioal layers and it is more difficult to correctly align the rows/columns before turning it. The soft plactic wears easily and if you use the above two too many times they become worthless. I keep them as showpieces and once a year (give or take) I'll scramble and redo them just to prove I still can.

 

[Chris]

Literally just saw this on the news, someone solved it in 5.5 seconds. LOL!! I haven't finished one....

 

[intlzncster]

If it takes more than a minute to complete the three level one something is wrong. I've seen people complete it in under 20 seconds and I've heard of a couple of times that it was completed in under five. My guess it at that point it was done through memorization, not actual understanding of the mechanisms.

I have a four level cube that takes 10-15 minutes. The trickiest part of that one is that the centers are no longer fixed. The five level cube can take 40 minutes to an hour plus. The biggest issues with the four and five level is that the engineering weakens with the additioal layers and it is more difficult to correctly align the rows/columns before turning it. The soft plactic wears easily and if you use the above two too many times they become worthless. I keep them as showpieces and once a year (give or take) I'll scramble and redo them just to prove I still can.

I had no idea people were so passionate about that thing.

 

[Leebo]

I have one and I know how to solve it, but I guess "something is wrong" because it usually takes me more than 60 seconds.

 

[sledog]

If you know the sequence of rotations needed, it's a piece of cake.

 

[Fishy]

A flat-head screw driver and a little force solves it every time.

 

[61cygni]

A flat-head screw driver and a little force solves it every time.

I prefer peeling off the stickers.

 

[jleves]

I prefer peeling off the stickers.

I find after a few times peeling the stickers, they stop sticking. I prefer THIS to solve quickly and can be done over and over.