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How to choose a right PDA
How to choose a right PDA
There are a few questions before buying a new PDA. You should consider them carefully and choose a right product as there are too many products in the market.
Question 1
Budget?
How much you are willing to spend will also be an important question. The more you spend, the more that your PDA will act like a laptop. That is not to say that if you spend little, that you cannot get much. The PalmOne Zire 22 is capable as a replacement to the paper planner, as well as has the ability to play MP3s and carry large reference materials via the SD (secure digital) memory card slot.
As a general rule, spending 0 will get you a basic PDA; up to 0 can get you a PDA with a camera, MP3 player, or included document editing abilities; up to 0 will net you a midrange PDA that can have wireless connectivity (wifi or Bluetooth) along with cameras, MP3 players, and full document editing; over 0 will get you enhanced screens (higher resolutions than lower models), dual wireless capabilities on some models, more included software, and much more memory (up to 128MB internally on some models) than lower priced models.
Question 2
What to do with the PDA?
When looking to purchase a PDA, you will want to figure out what you want to do with the PDA. Most people look at PDAs first because they help you to organize your calendar, tasks, and phone numbers. All PDAs do this well, and so other tasks should be looked at such as: carrying large references, mobile email and Internet, gaming, music play, or one that does all those things well. Once you have figured out what you will do with it, you should analyze your budget.
Question 3
Need it as a mobile phone?
Some people do not like the idea of carrying around a PDA and a mobile phone. They may like the functionality of a PDA, just in the form of a phone; or, the functionality of a phone in the form of a PDA. If you need to access the internet and would find getting email on the go as making things easier, then a smartphone or wireless PDA would work best for you. Many mobile phone companies offer smartphones with a discount if you get a contract with it.
Question 4
need a keyboard built in?
When purchasing a PDA, deciding how one wants to input data is very important. Though all PDAs have some form of handwriting recognition and a virtual keyboard, if you plan on sending a lot of email or editing documents, then you may want to look at the PalmOne Tungsten C, Treo 600, etc..(included accessory).
All PDAs can also accept input from keyboard attachments.
Question 5
battery life?
Acceptable battery life is anything in over four hours of continuous usage. That will translate to 3-5 days of intermittent usage. Many PDA models will do this and better.
There are different factors that go into getting the most out of your battery, such as: the screen resolution (the higher the resolution, the more power that is needed to keep the screen on); how bright you keep the screen; are you using the multimedia functions (they drain the battery faster); are you using wireless technologies (bluetooth uses battery power at a lower rate than wifi, though both drain the battery more than not using them). How you will be using the PDA you choose will determine how much of the battery that you will be using. Some Windows Mobile PDAs use removable batteries. You could use one battery while charging the other.
Question 6
Does your business support using a PDA with a camera?
These days, data security is very important within many organizations. If you are looking to purchase a PDA to use within a work setting, make sure that your organization authorizes its use, especially if the PDA you want has a camera. Many government agencies, and some health clubs, do not allow you to carry devices with cameras on them. Make sure that you do clear it with the IT and senior personnel of your organization.
Hoping these few questions can help you choosing a right PDA
Choosing The Right Graphics Card – A Buyers Guide
Choosing The Right Graphics Card – A Buyers Guide
Graphics Cards – Finding the One That Fits Your Needs
If you are a serious gamer or graphics designer, you know how important having a good video or graphics card is. For those that don’t know, your video card or graphics card is what renders the images to your computer. If you are upgrading or building your own computer, considering what your graphics needs are going to be will definitely determine the type of card you get. Graphic cards come in a variety of ranges from the normal every day graphic cards used for rendering basic windows applications, movies and the internet to cards that can make the most out of the biggest and most graphic intensive games out there.
Often times, the software program you are considering will tell you the type of graphics cards which work best with it. You also want to consider having a graphics card that is going to be able to adjust and handle newer games and better graphics as they come along. Graphics cards can be rather expensive depending on what you are looking at. Especially for gaming computers, you don’t want to have to continually purchase new cards every time a new game you want to play comes out.
Some of the more intensive graphics cards also come with their own cooling systems. Usually, the cooling system consists of an onboard fan attached to the card used to keep the card processing at the appropriate temperature. Just like with any other computer part, a graphics card can overheat if it is attempting to process data quickly. Having a cooling system on board will make sure that your card stays in top performance. Many of the better graphics cards also come with their own on board memory so they don’t take away from the computers ram. There are some memory cards that can come with as much ram as some computers.
The chip is also an important consideration there are two main companies that produce the chips necessary for graphics cards that is NVIDIA and ATI.
Choosing the graphics card that is right for you can be a daunting task for someone that doesn’t know much about computers or graphics cards. The best places to look are review sites or check with your local computer stores and see what they recommend for the type of work you are going to be doing with your computers. If you are a serious gamer, remember to pay attention to your chip, the onboard memory and whether or not your graphics card has an onboard cooling system. Also remember to make sure that the graphics card you pick is compatible with your computer and operating system.
Now that you have the basics on choosing your next or first graphics card , you might want to check out some of these top manufacturers MSI, SPARKLE and POWERCOLOR.
How to Choose The Right Computer
How to Choose The Right Computer
How To Choose:
There are only a few main parts of the computer that truly make the difference between the others. As long as when you are looking for the right computer to buy, you pay attention to these parts and see what they are, and how fast they are, you will end up with the computer system you really want and need, instead of another computer that you will be looking at upgrading in the near future.
The Processor:
All computers only understand 1’s and 0’s which is the binary language. The processor does the calculations with these 1’s and 0’s to give you your windows, icons, folders, text, pictures, etc.. The faster your processor’s speed is, the faster it can do these calculations, the less wait time or “lag” you will have. Now that doesn’t mean that you have to get the latest and greatest of processors out. It just means that you have to make a decision based on understanding what that number next to the GHz means.
If you are a student or you are going to be using this computer for such purposes as: research, surfing the web, playing card games, word processing, book keeping, or anything of the like, it is recommended that you get a processor that is accommodating for these activities. You definitely do not need anything super fast, but you do not want to get too low end either, otherwise you will be left in the technological dust when the new processors come out and everyone you know upgrades. Typically a 2.6Ghz processor is as low end as you want to go, but with the new (M)obile technology that laptops have out this number changes. If you see “Mobile” or a “M” anywhere in the processor area when you are looking at a laptop, the low end in this case is around 1.7GHz.
If you are a gamer or a power user on the computer, or plan on being one, you will want to go with something a bit more powerful. Recommendation is definitely something over 3.0Ghz or 2.0Ghz(Mobile Technology) as a low end. If you are a gamer or power user you will want to be in a high end computer to best utilize the speed capabilities of your programs and games. This too does not necessarily mean you need the latest and greatest processor out there, but you do want something that will give you the power you need without killing your wallet, but also not leaving you having to upgrade as soon as the newest games or high-end programs come out. A good rule of thumb is to look around and compare a few different computer systems, and look for the best speed you can find, just before the price jumps up some crazy amount just for another 0.2 or 0.4Ghz.
Memory:
What is memory anyways? RAM or Random Access Memory is a type of computer storage where the content can be accessed in any order. It is primarily used in computer systems to hold information that you or your computer are actively using or actively changing. When you run a program or a game, all the information about that program or game are loaded into memory, but only certain parts of it are needed at a time. The computer sorts through the memory and pulls out this information as needed. The more memory you have to work with, the better off you are. Most companies now a days recommend a minimum of 256mb. This is only if you are on an extremely tight budget. The minimum of today is 512mb of memory, but it is recommended to get 1GB. Not being able to run a program or a game due to not enough memory, is one of the greatest heart breakers. Memory is fairly cheap in today’s computer market, so it is not worth going the cheap route in this area just to come up short later.
Hard Drive:
No matter what you have heard, you can never have enough hard drive space. A few years ago people would laugh when someone bought a 1GB hard drive, saying that they would never be able to fill that in a lifetime. Then people started getting 10, 20, even 40GB hard drives, thinking the same thing, they will never be able to fill up that much space. Well let’s face it, when it comes to our loved ones pictures, and our favorite songs, or videos, we as humans are packrats when it comes to storing things on the computer. We have the ability to burn things off on CD or even DVD now, but we want our “favorites” to be easily accessible. The computer itself uses some of this hard drive space to be able to function, with what is known as a swap file. Your computer will claim a section of your hard drive to use as “virtual memory” so it can access all your commonly used information faster than just your memory(RAM) alone. When choosing the size of your hard drive, remember this, because you will need enough storage space for all your programs, all your music, movies, games, pictures, plus the amount that your computer uses automatically. Make sure that you pay attention to the “rpm” of the drive or rotations per minute. This is how fast the information is read from the hard drive or written to the hard drive. This speed is generally either 5400, 7200, or 10000. The faster the rpm speed the better, but choose this speed based on how you are going to use your computer. If you are using the computer for games, video editing, or 3D modeling, you definitely want your hard drive to be as fast as possible.
Video Graphics:
The graphics capabilities of your computer is a very important factor to take into consideration, especially if you are to be doing gaming, 3D modeling, or video editing. All graphic cards have memory of their own, which enable them to process video graphics and render them to the screen as fast as possible, without slowing your computer system down by using some of its precious memory. Most computers today from major manufacturers have built in graphics cards. These can be upgraded if your needs call for it, but unless you are doing something that requires a major amount of video graphic capabilities, 64-128MB of graphic memory should be an ample amount. For the extreme gamers and 3D artists out there, it is recommended that you get nothing less than 256MB of video memory for optimal performance.
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Which Nexgen Console Is Right For You (PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii)
Which Nexgen Console Is Right For You (PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii)
If you are looking for a NextGen Console, then the three main choices are the PS3, the XBOX 360, and the Nintendo Wii. Each have their own characteristics, advantages, game catalog and selection, so it pays to review the best of each before you make your decision, if it is time for an upgrade or new purchase.
The Playstation 3 or PS3 is from Sony. This game box is set up for online multiplayer gaming with three Ethernet networking ports for broadband internet connections or linking up with your computer. The PS3 has next-gen storage capabilities, at 80, 60, 40 or 20 GB. The system also has WIFI and USB ports. Some of these systems also accept flash cards and have Blue-Ray capabilities, as well as DVD. You should be able to keep your old Playstation games with an upgrade.
For most gamers, the PS3 was a big snooze. Compared to the XBOX 360 or Wii, something seemed to be lacking. The Playstation 3 did not seem so much different than the previous version, nor the games. So, a big question is, can the PS3 really bounce back, through better development of games for this platform or for new services and capabilities in the PS4? What will it take to bring the spice back to the Playstation platform? For the most part it is the distraction of much better competition than existed in the early days of the Playstation line. Another is simply the boredom and burnout that many gamers may have experienced after years of the same Playstation games. For them, a change to a new xbox system or wii is like a whole different experience. For the casual user, or for those who play mostly popular games that are found on all systems as well as PCs, it won’t make much difference.
The PS3 offers as much bang for the buck as any other gaming system. So it is mostly a question that if you have been using the Playstation for many years and playing the same games, the new look and feel of the xbox and wii will be more interesting. But do they really have better games, graphics, sounds, and extra features? Probably. The PS3 is a bit light when it comes to comparing to the others. But if you are willing to spend enough money, it is possible to customize the new PS3 completely. The other set ups seem to give a more interesting variety for similar investment. The PS3 does have the advantage of the sleek consumer design and tradition of Sony. But much like the last generation of Vaio laptops, it seemed to be an off year for the company. Nevertheless, there are some hardcore gamers who will never leave the platform. For them, the PS4 is sure to be as popular, if not more than, the PS3. Otherwise, the rest will be switching to the XBOX as a gaming platform of choice. You can go to Best Buy or Circuit City and test each one out for yourself before you buy and see which games are most interesting. But the big factor is price. At a standard cost of two to three times the XBOX or Wii, does the PS3 really have that much more to offer? Sales figures suggest that cost will determine the popularity of one similar product over another. But if the other has more features and is half the price, which would you choose? For this reason the XBOX is recommended over the PS3 for most.
The XBOX 360 is a mash up from Microsoft, IBM, ATI, and other companies. It is said to be part of Microsoft’s strategy to compete actively in the gaming market. This set up comes with a nice, custom gaming console that is sure to make playing all the games easy and fun. It also has a remote control and head set. There is a lot of hard disc space and a Microsoft operating system, so that and the many, many excellent games for the XBOX systems make it the top choice.
Compared to this is the Nintendo Wii, the new release following the Game Cube series from Nintendo. The operating system is also quite good on this system, with lots of memory and storage space. This comes with a remote control and a nunchuck, but it is no comparison to the XBOX set up. The real hope is the Wii may generate some new concepts in gaming and gaming possibilities. There is still the excellent round up of games for the system
One of the interesting, new developments with the Nintendo Wii system is the Mii Channel. The Mii system allows you to create 3-D avatars on your Wii system. Nintendo is launching an online Mii Channel that will allow users to share these avatars and vote on them. Wii users love the ability to create avatar models of themselves, their friends, and families to take part in traditional video game roles. The increase in video games allowing users to manifest as their own Mii is also sure to increase. As users can save their Mii on their Wii system and use the same avatar to play different games, it is also hoped that this system will advance to allow the avatars to enter into other online virtual worlds.
The future for this system has a lot of possibilities for video game players. An advanced Mii system will first have to incorporate better design tools and graphics for the avatars. Users will want to spend their time to create avatars with all of the characteristics they need to enter and play the video games. These avatars should also be able to incorporate their own tools or gadgets from game to game, or platform to platform. Having the avatars able to be customized in this manner, different avatars with various configurations of features, accessories, spells, and so forth can be saved on the game box like the Wii.
If the Mii avatar can be made to apply in a wider variety of game applications, including online MMORG environments, then it will be an interesting success. The worry is that allowing avatars to carry gadgets from other systems in games that were not designed for them could completely change the game itself. But the advantages of having an avatar with all of the attributes, accessories, and additions one wants ready, before entering the game’s environment to participate is clear. The ability to carry acquisitions found in one game by the avatar into another game is also interesting. A lot of new possibilities for video game development exist in the further expansion of the Mii avatar on the Nintendo Wii gaming system, and into other platforms.
In summary, the recommendation is to go with the XBOX 360 for its great all around package of console, operating system, ports, and game catalog. The Nintendo Wii will come on strong if game developers expand some of the new possibilities inherent in the system. Otherwise, we’ll be waiting for Wiii.
Which Laptop Is Right For You?
Which Laptop Is Right For You?
Laptops have often been thought of as simply a small, portable computer that can be taken anywhere you go (within reason!). There are actually four different types of laptops varieties currently available however, and it is important to know the differences between them, as prices, features and performance can vary greatly between these laptop genres:
Ultra light Laptops – Known as sub notbooks or ultra-portables, these laptops usually weigh no more than 4 pounds, and people who travel frequently usually love these types of laptops. Because these laptops weigh very little, they are easy to lug around in a backpack or laptop briefcase…but they are also very small. Typing on Ultra light Laptops, especially if you have large hands, is downright difficult and uncomfortable…make sure you bring along an external keyboard that you can hook up to your ultra light once you arrive at your destination. Ultra light laptops usually lack a CD Rom drive as well, so make sure you have the proper attachments before leaving home. Battery life on Ultra light laptops is usually excellent however!
Notebooks – This type of laptop usually weighs between 4-6 pounds, with screen sizes from 12-15″. As the laptop grows in size, battery life usually goes down as there are usually more devices and a larger screen to power. The Notebook is considered a ‘regular’ laptop, and usually has a large opening on the side where you can plug-in different devices like a CD-Rom drive, floppy drive, or wireless PCMCIA cards.
Standards – These laptops are the most commonly purchased types of laptops…they offer a full range of built-in features, including wireless connectivity, CD/DVD drives, network interfaces, multiple USB 2.0 ports, nice sized screens (usually 15″) and a keyboard that is easy to type on. You won’t need to pack along a lot of extra attachments for the standard laptops which is nice. Also, the best deals, discounts and prices can usually be found on standard laptops from all of the major laptop manufacturers.
Extra Large/Gaming – These bests are best suited as a ‘desktop replacement’. They are usually much faster, louder and have 17″ screens in most cases. The battery life is only about 1-2 hours as these laptops really burn through the power. Their faster processor speeds, larger screens, larger keyboards and heavier size makes them perfect ‘home / gaming machines’. Expect extra large laptops to weigh in excess of 8 pounds. These specialty laptops are also some of the priciest, and will almost always have all options built-in…no need to pack around an external keyboard or CD-ROM drive with these laptops…just make sure you bring a couple extra batteries though!
Make sure you purchase the laptop that will work for your needs, whatever they may be…buying a laptop that is too heavy if you are a frequent traveler will leave you exhausted from hauling it around. Buying an Ultra light laptop if you are a gamer will leave you disappointed. Make sure you evaluate your needs before purchasing your next laptop, and you’ll be smiling instead of grimacing in frustration!