New Technology Reviews!.: Consider

Consider Yourself "Converged" - New Netbooks Offer a Pocketful of Power

They're called netbooks, mini-PCs, subnotebooks and a few other names that are too cute by half, like the Asus "EeePc." Although the "name brands" have jumped into the fray, at present the category is dominated by the second tier of computer and component makers. And despite Hewlett-Packard pricing one of its models just under $1000, the sweet spot in pricing is still the $300-500 area. Netbooks are made for portability and are generally around two pounds or so, with screens less than 10 inches in diameter. Despite its cutesy name, the Asus EeePc line is most representative of the new category of PCs. The keyboards are, naturally, reduced in size, there are no optical drives (external units are available), WiFI is built in and most have SD (SecureDigital) card slots, webcams, three or four USB ports and VGA out (for a second monitor). Installed RAM is usually 512MB at minimum, with 1GB the apparent standard at present. Brains, not brawn The current netbooks feature less-than-state-of-the-art CPUs (Central Processing Units), usually the Intel Atom line. This is Intel's smallest chip, and is used in a range of power-efficient devices where it can increase energy efficiency, extend battery life and still maintain what the manufacturer calls "full Intel Core microarchitecture instruction set compatibility." The Atom processors also offer multiple threads to improve performance and increase overall system responsiveness. The line currently tops out at a 1.86GHz clock speed, with 1.6GHz units the most prevalent in today's models. The screens are primarily TFT (Thin Film Transistor) technology, although some manufacturers may be experimenting with the amazing new OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) variety. As costs come down in various areas - screen, RAM, flash memory, etc. - the performance benchmarks will doubtless rise. However, these "small laptops" are never going to be a power user's first choice, as they have a different niche. These are the first of the pocket PCs that our world is going to be full of in no time, according to some observers. Solid memory choices One of the more interesting developments in computing technology finds a home in many new netbooks. Instead of an 80 to 160GB hard drive, some netbooks feature SSDs (Solid State Drives), flash memory arrays of up to 32GB, for storage. These SSDs are shock-resistant, draw little power, have superfast access times and make for a much "greener" computing device. Perhaps it makes sense to see the next generation of laptop components debut in a reduced form factor (at a reduced cost, too). The lowest entries on the price chart usually have some flavor of Linux as the Operating System (OS), but a price premium of only $25-50 gets you into Windows XP territory. Some few models may offer Vista, but with Microsoft's apparent decision to dump Vista as soon as possible this is probably not the best choice. There are currently no Apple netbooks, and not even any good rumors of one, although the current Mac OS can be hacked various ways to run on PCs with a variety of processors. Still, it's a "PC-and-Windows" phenomenon for now. First "communicator"? Just about every netbook has a webcam built in, usually a 1.3MP at best, but that is more than sufficient for basic "cam" functionality. With videochat applications, Skype and other "connectivity" programs, the days of mobile A/V chatting have apparently arrived, although it will doubtless be an "early adopter" kind of activity. However, as the first waves of netbooks give way to a second and third, and a year or two of use (and abuse) wring out some of the problems, we may see this technology really take hold. And there is one word you should know that will help focus this kind of technological fortunetelling. That word is "convergence." With the phenomenal smart phones being released, and the parallel progress being made in A/V, telephony, WiFi, computing and communications, some hybrid of netbook, PDA, phone and media player will no doubt appear on the horizon. With the power of a desktop computer in your hands, you will carry your work on the same device that gives you instant, worldwide, two-way video chat and connects you to the Internet, too. But there are some practical applications that go far beyond mobile Facebook and watching TV. Specialized uses Once the "vertical integrators" get hold of these units, every kind of industry and every kind of special application will have a platform in people's pockets. With simple technology that exists today, security professionals could log in to surveillance cameras worldwide to check on property, processes and people. You could have full control of pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras in Chicago as you go about your business in L.A. Take the netbook from your pocket or briefcase, sign in to your network and "do your thing." Other specialized uses will be forthcoming. You may even develop one yourself, since the pieces of this puzzle can be combined in lots of ways to support any number of personal or business endeavors. That "digital convergence" that we've been hearing about these past few years has already arrived, as witness these amazing new netbooks. It's all in the process of being tweaked for this, that and the other thing, as well. With these new tools, it's not that we will do amazing new things we've never done. We will do the amazing things we know about, but from farther and farther away, with greater and greater control, at low cost and even less hassle. Get a netbook and consider yourself "digitally converged." - - - - - - - - - - After founding his first security firm in 1990, Scott McQuarrie built several security-related companies into regional and national powerhouses over the ensuing years. Since 2000 he has focused his sales and marketing efforts on the Internet, which opened up a virtually unlimited, international market for his flagship product line, <a href="">EZWatch Pro</A>. The EZWatch Pro brand has come to stand for world-class expertise in electronic security, video surveillance and the myriad technologies involved in both fields. From small houses to gigantic international airports, there is an EZWatch Pro solution to meet any and every residential, business, commercial and government security challenge.

Consider Yourself "Converged" - New Netbooks Offer a Pocketful of Power

They're called netbooks, mini-PCs, subnotebooks and a few other names that are too cute by half, like the Asus "EeePc." Althou...

Tips On What To Consider When Buying A Desktop Computer

When buying a desktop computer remember that this computer will most likely be with you for four or five years, so it is probably a good idea to try thinking ahead with all the technological advances that are continually thrust upon us.Depending upon your skill set and your desired use of your computer you must determine if you want to buy a pre-built computer or have one built specifically for you and your individual needs.If money saved is a priority for you, a pre-built computer is possibly a good idea. However, you will generally find that pre-built computers are less desirable as the quality and performance frequently suffers. A pre built computer is also less conformable when you desire to upgrade its abilities.Though a custom-built computer is a bit pricier, it can be integrated with the hardware most appropriately specific to your needs and preferences. As advances in technology happen you can easily and for a relatively small investment, upgrade your hardware as needed. If you are a person who likes to play games, make sure you have a medium to high-end video card. I recommend your video card have at least 256 megabytes of RAM. Your computer itself should have a minimum of 2 gigabytes of Random Access Memory or RAM. You should have at least 200 gigabytes of hard-drive space. Your processor should also have a minimum of 2 gigabytes.As for the software aspect, a pre-built computer will come with a bundle of software which may or may not be applicable to your specific needs and the software that comes with it will frequently be less effective than other programs of the same type. Many times pre-built computers load you up with a bunch of junk software, which really has nothing to do with the day-to-day operation of your computer. This wastes valuable hard drive space as well as memory usage.With a custom-built computer, your can make your decisions as to which software you will use. To decide which software fits your needs seek the advice of experts or other computer users. This will enable you to have everything you want or need and nothing you don't.As a general rule you would need the following software in order to have a highly functional and well-protected computer:The operating system you will be using. Microsoft Windows 7 is a good choice as of this date in 2010.You will need a good word processing program such as any of the Microsoft Office products or Open Office by Corel.Some form of anti-virus program. I recommend Avira Anit-Virus. It is available in a free version and is very efficient! You can be extra secure by purchasing the Avira Viper anti-virus program. I recommend that you stay away from Norton or MacAfee as both of these programs will slow your system down and are memory hogs.A Software Firewall will keep intruders from being able to hack into your computer and will give you added anti-virus protection as well. I recommend ZoneAlarm.If you have children and want to protect them from pornography and other adult content WebWatcher is head and shoulders above the other monitoring, filtering programs out there.You will need an Internet Browser such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Opera, Firefox, or Google Chrome.In order to read your email, you will need to install some form of email client like Microsoft's Outlook Express, or Incredimail. If you are using Microsoft Office products you can also use Outlook.If you are planning on copying CD's or DVD's, you will need good copying software like Nereo, Blindcopy, or Roxio's copying program.In order to play or watch movies online or on your computer, you will need software such as Microsoft Media Player 11, or Power DVD.If you are going to play interactive Internet games you will need a gamers anti-hacking software like GameSpy.If you are an artist or want to design art projects on the computer your operating system ie: Windows 7 would include some form of Paint program, under accessories. These programs are easy to learn and effective for designing many art and logo applications. There are other downloadable programs online for doing drafting and animations projects. Anim8or is one of them.This author's opinion is that you will get better performance and a more personalized experience with more flexibility regarding upgrades and your new computer will suit your specific needs better with a custom-built computer. If you elect to build it yourself, it is like building a puzzle and at the same time you will be learning a lot about computers in general. You can find sites online to assist you in building your own computer.

Tips On What To Consider When Buying A Desktop Computer

When buying a desktop computer remember that this computer will most likely be with you for four or five years, so it is probably a good ...

Why You Should Consider Used Computers Before Buying the Latest Models

Everyone knows it's almost impossible to find a new computer system within an affordable price range - they rise in cost every year. By looking at used computers first, you might find exactly what you've wanted.Even now, when you hear someone brag that they just saved $300 on a "used" computer system, you might still picture a "dinosaur" slowly looping the ancient game of "asteroids", and nothing else - over and again - and roll your eyes.Although that may - or may not - have been true in the past, things in the present have definitely changed for the better. These days there's good news for the budget conscientious consumer searching for another computer. As far as selection and quality go, today's secondhand systems are among the best of the best - and can usually be found within a person's price range. Not convinced? Well, maybe after reading this short article on how and where to find them - and checking out the details yourself - you'll change your mind:Private advertisements: Believe it or not, there are people who make it a priority to buy a brand new system every year, and most of them aren't the spoiled children of the rich, either. Many people who trade up have careers in a business that requires them to stay up with the latest technology, to remain a top competitor in their field. So, they either trade in their current system as credit towards their new one - or sell the old one privately.Looking through the online classifieds, either local, or other, is a great way to discover many "gently used" laptops and desk models that are "almost" new, being offered for sale by a private party. As a bonus, you might even find that your dream computer has every little extra you've ever wanted, already installed on it - and for $300 or $400 less than what you thought you'd be paying out. But beware, there are many scammers online these days - don't send money until you have proof that the seller is on the up and up.Auction houses: Another way to find a good selection, is by scouring the online auction websites that are everywhere on the internet these days. Sometimes you will find the computer you want, being offered by several different sellers, and no other bidder besides yourself to bid on it. This is the optimal situation for wheeling and dealing - but here, as with everywhere, look out for people trying to rip you off.Computer Manufacturers: Probably the safest way to make sure you'll get a fair deal on a dependable secondhand computer, is to go through an authorized dealer of any name brands - be it locally, or online.You've probably seen the many internet advertisements offering "gently used" and even NEW computers - whose only crime is the fact they're "last year's model". This is great news for you, as your choices in them can range from the basic, no-frills set-up - all the way to a high tech super system, and all offered at prices hundreds below the retail cost of a new one. And in addition, you can usually get a warranty for it by going through a dealer, that won't be available when you buy through a private party.How can the manufacturers and dealers afford to do this? Because technology changes so fast, the "shining stars" of tomorrow - each one sleeker, thinner and more expensive than last year's model - are already being advertised on January 1st of the present year. This means the current years computer systems are already obsolete the same year they come out - but they stockpile because there's a lack of people to buy them at retail cost.So they sit around and take up space - losing the business money - while the next years models start their annual flood of the electronics market. To make room for the new inventory, and to offset all the other factors, businesses have no choice but to try to make quick sales - frequently offered at dramatically slashed prices to the buying public.So as you can see, it really pays off in savings to look at used computers when looking for a great deal. You just have to do your research and comparison shopping, before you buy. A computer system, no matter what kind of price break you get on it, is still an important investment.	 	 		 			 				 					 						At low prices and with such convenient access, <a href="http://www.vernontech.ca/computer-recycling/" target="_new">computer recycling</a> is an economically viable option for those seeking quality technology. Another recommended alternative is <a href="http://www.vernontech.ca/en/used-computers.aspx" target="_new">used computers</a>, which allows users to conserve money and test the platform first-hand.

Why You Should Consider Used Computers Before Buying the Latest Models

Everyone knows it's almost impossible to find a new computer system within an affordable price range - they rise in cost every year. ...