January 2, 2012 by compunet
Macs and PC’s each have their pros and their cons. As someone who has used (and worked) with both, I can say that I am now firmly in the Mac camp. For a little bit of my personal history, I grew up with PC’s at home and Apple computers at school. I was never really a fan of Mac’s when I was younger…and then Windows Vista happened.
My current laptop was dying and I needed a new machine – but any machine that I bought would run Windows Vista, and I had heard awful things about the OS. So I decided to buy an Apple machine instead.
After getting used to the new interface and the way that Mac’s work, I really have few complaints, but I am also not a big gamer (though I do have a Steam account) nor am I a programmer.
As noted in a Popular Mechanics article from a few years back that compared the two – the stereotypes of the relative power of these computing systems doesn’t really hold any water anymore – the “guts” of the machines are pretty similar these days; it’s the user interface and the operating system design (as well as the actual designing of the machine) that separates them.
The same article came to the conclusion that Apple products were better for things like load/install time as well as relative battery life and various run times. But note that at this point Windows was still running Vista and Macs were Leopard.
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Desktop PC
December 31, 2011 by compunet
Buying an LED TV has always been a considered purchase and consumers tend to take a while before they decide on a chosen model. However, in recent years the technology has advanced in several areas as the same time and the process has become more complicated. There are so many options now available that getting the right model isn’t always simple for those that aren’t up to speed with the latest technologies. Below are the seven main factors to take into consideration when trying to narrow your search.
Positioning and size
Where you intend to position your new TV will play a large role in the options available to you. The first thing to do before you begin your selection process is to measure how much space there is on the wall or cabinet, which will determine your screen size limits.
Full HD, SD and HD Ready
High Definition (HD) television is a relatively new addition in which the image displayed is more detailed than in the past. All manufacturers are now producing models that incorporate some form of HD and Standard Definition (SD) is a thing of the past, meaning you are very unlikely to encounter it in your shopping process. Where you see a Full HD sign on a TV it means that it is capable of receiving HD signals through the air whereas HD Ready models need to receive the picture through another HD source, such as a Blue-ray player or Sky box. Full HD also displays a more detailed picture than an HD ready TV. Wherever possible you should go for the Full HD option.
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LCD
LED TV
December 30, 2011 by compunet
Do people still use UPS units these days? And no, I am not talking about the world renowned courier service. A UPS unit, short for Uninterruptible Power Supply, is an electrical device which used to be so popular with desktop computer users. This was mainly due to the fact that whenever the main power source would go down, a UPS can save your life. Figuratively, of course. These days, many individuals do not even think about getting a UPS for their homes. While offices may have their own units, it seems that UPS for home use is not the default idea. So why am I writing about the need for a UPS? Here are some compelling reasons for purchasing a UPS.
Save yourself the hassle of losing work due to a black out.
This is the “traditional” reason to get a UPS. If you are using a desktop computer – and there are still many who do at home – then having a UPS can give you those precious minutes to save your document or your game. If you have enough juice in there, you can even continue using your computer for a while without having to rely on your main power connection.
Protect your other devices from power surges.
Okay, so you do not use a desktop computer. Your laptop always has enough battery to last for at least an hour. Now here is something I recently discovered. Even those power strips do not protect your electronic devices totally from power spikes. I am not so sure but it seems that all the surges and occasional power failures have burned one of the HDMI ports on the HDTV at home. Now, a UPS unit also serves as a power surge protector! If a UPS can save your electronic devices from damage – no matter how small – then it is a good idea to get one.
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PC Hardware
UPS
December 23, 2011 by compunet
I know us tech fans say this pretty much every year but, 2012 does look like it’s going to be an awesome year for computer and mobile technology. In fact the line between ‘computer’ and ‘mobile ‘technology is narrowing daily with both tablet PCs and smart phones filling the transitional gap between laptops and mobile phones. Work and life is starting to integrate pretty impressively and for some that means that work life balance will be better than ever, for others, you might never escape work again.
There are just SO many options available to those looking for a new ‘on the go’ device right now that it’s arguably more difficult than ever to find what it is you’re really looking for. Most people don’t really know the difference between a notebook and a netbook. A lot of people assume that if it’s not an iPad 2, it’s probably not worth having. What’s really so smart about a smart phone? We the consumer, WANT to buy new products. We WANT an efficient lifestyle. But it’s difficult in blowing all your cash on a product when you don’t really know what’s going to suit you best. It makes you almost reluctant as you hold out for what you think is going to be the next world changing product.
So I’ve taken it upon myself to produce this quick guide for right NOW. As laptops are replacing desktop PCs as everyone’s preferred choice of everyday computer, tablet PCs are selling as an alternative to the laptop. Ask yourself the following questions to see which is best for YOU.
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Notebook, Tablet PC
December 6, 2011 by compunet
AOC has rolled out its newest 15.6-inch portable USB monitor (model: e1649fwu) with price tag of $139. This portable LED monitor is compatible with PC and Mac. Its a perfect display for business presentations, photo frame applications, and dual monitor setups on-the-go.
The monitor connects to the computer via a USB port, receives both power and signal via a single USB cable for plug-and-play connection and offers a maximum resolution of 1366 x 786 pixels, a dynamic contrast ratio of 50,000,00:1 and a fast 5ms response time. The AOC e1649fwu also has a built-in Smart Stand, allowing you to use the monitor in portrait or landscape orientation.
LCD
AOC e1649fwu, AOC LCD Monitor, Featured, Portable LED Monitor
