Technology Info

Your official review of the Andriod tablet

If you have seen or heard of the iPad, you have probably also heard of another unique device known as the Andriod tablet. The Archos android tablet is unique as it has a great screen quality at 800 x 480 and its impressive design is turning a lot of heads.

]]> There are a couple different versions of the Andriod Tablet as it is designed to compete with the iPad so they have a 8GB version and also a 160GB version of the Tablet that is available for purchase. Depending upon the version of the android tablet you want to purchase, you can expect to pay anywhere from $250 on up to $500 or more.

What is unique and impressive about the Andriod tablet is that it very durable and it doesn't feel like a cheap device. It has a unique stand that allows you to set it up like a picture frame so you can leave it still standing.

The Andriod tablet works with your touch. You will need to turn on the power button to get it to work but after that its all up to your fingers to do the moving and touching on the tablet to get to where you want to be.

Similar to the Kindle, the Andriod Tablet works in just about every type of light setting. It will adjust for darker areas and lighter areas so you are provided with decent lighting no matter where you are. The Tablet has a number of great things that provide you better lighting including a high number of pixels at 800X480.

One of the best features of the tablet is how fast it is. It is powered by an ARM Cortex A8 at 800Mhz. This amount of speed and technology is impressive as it is also found in similar devices like the iPhone but the Tablet still has a faster version. It also has a USB 2.0 port, an FM Receiver and Transmitter, microphone, and a speaker.

Another pro to the Andriod tablet is the MicroSD port that you can use to transfer your files. You easily transfer files to and from your cell phone and many other devices using the MicroSD port. It also supports all video formats like Mpeg 5 and 5, making it ideal for just about any project you are working on.

The android tablet has a 4.8 inch display, making it nice and big to read for anyone and yet small enough to stuff into your pocket if you need to. Unlike other small portable devices, it has really bright and vivid colors, making it very easy to read and view. This makes this portable device much better for watching movies and videos and viewing pictures compared to other similar devices like the new iPad.

So what is the downside to the Andriod tablet? The worst part of the Andriod tablet is the fact that the touch feature is not quite there compared to the iPad. You have to press pretty hard at times to get it to pay attention to you and to do what you want. Pressing harder can be a little frustrating as you may end up breaking the device by pressing too hard. The virtual keyboard is pretty impressive though as its very large to make it easier to use for users that aren't big fans of needing to use their fingers to spell out words and other things.

A great feature of the Andriod tablet is that it does easily connect to any HDTV. This way you can create a slideshow of your videos or pictures and show them right on the big screen to your loved ones.

What Google TV means for your HDTV

In May 2010 Google launched a new software that is revamping the way you will be watching television for many years. Google TV is getting a lot of hype right now as it providing customers with a completely new way to enjoy your favortive movies, shows, and other things. So what is Google TV and what will it do your HDTV? Here is an inside look to the new generation of television.

]]> Right now if you have DirecTV, Comcast, or Dish network, you have a menu button and scroll buttons that allow you to see what shows are on, when your favorite shows are on, and the option to record them to your DVR. What happens if you don't have a DVR and you cant watch the show at its original broadcast time? You're stuck missing the show and watching it on your computer using YouTube, Hulu, or Netflix. Since a number of people are enjoying watching their favorite shows and movies online, Google found a way to combine their search engine service with your regular television service.

Google TV is completely original and unlike any other type of television platform out there. Google recognizes that many of their customers use the search engines to search for YouTube videos and other things, but they are stuck watching them on small 15 inch computer screens. Google TV combines you favorite Google services of YouTube and other sites with your big 37 inch HDTV so you can watch your favorite shows and movies the way you were intended to see them.

So what's the difference between hooking up your laptop or computer to your HDTV? Google TV is not just hardware that you are connecting, it's actually software. You will be given a small Google TV box to use just like your Cable box or satellite TV box. Depending upon your existing provider, you will need to see if Google TV can integrate with them. Right now Google is working with the television companies in order to make the transition to Google TV smooth and beneficial for both parties.

The purpose of Google TV is essentially to mix a number of different platforms together. Instead of needing to get on your computer or laptop to watch a show you missed, you just type it into the search feature directly on your television and it will pull up whatever you want. Blending all of these various forms of technology together is going to change the way our society watches television. Now you have a one-stop solution for the internet and TV.

What else makes Google TV so unique and how will it make your television experience better? Besides having the world essentially at your fingertips without the need of a computer, Google TV comes with a number of unique applications. Just like your iPhone or Blackberry device, you will be able to download applications for your TV and do whatever it is your app is designed for. This means you can watch TV while chatting with your Twitter or Facebook buddies. Google is still in the process of designing a number of apps for Google TV so right now the options are limited but they are going to grow soon.

Google TV will also sync with your cell phone so you can watch TV on your phone. This is a great feature as you don't have to buy the shows to watch on your phone like a lot of cell phone providers want you to do. Google TV is going to change the world of television for the better and it will impress and revolutionize viewers. Google TV officially launches in fall 2010 and will be available for US purchase in 2011. The specific cost is still being debated but rough estimates are placing it at about $300 or less.

Visit the world with Virtual Window

Do you long to see your favorite places in the world every morning? If you live in Wyoming and you love the San Francisco area, you can finally view this beautiful city daily with virtual window. Virtual window makes your interior space more luminous and leaves you feeling like you are outside world all the time. Many offices have started using virtual window as it allows you to have clouds and beautiful skylines right inside the office. This new world will help your employees to work better as they aren't feeling closed in all the time and most of the virtual windows are so advanced that it is hard to tell that you aren't looking out a window.

]]> When it comes to installing virtual window, you should always do it in pairs. Having them in pairs or groups will make them look luminous and helps to make a better arrangement in your home or office. Arranging them in groups will actually create a feeling of depth in your home or office and will lead to a beautiful environment.

Virtual window actually allows you to see real-time video of your favorite places in the world. There is a small microchip in the window that takes real-time images of places that you love like the Golden Gate Bridge or other places. It's a wonderful way to tour the world without needing to leave the comfort of your own home.

So how much does Virtual Window cost? To purchase the latest and greatest technology from Winscape, you can expect to pay about $3,000. You will have 2 large LCD TVs installed directly onto the wall and they have still cameras behind the TV that will try to locate your eyes and face and it will actually calculate the distance and viewing angle so you will have the exact right perspective and zoom level on the screen when you are looking at your favorite places.

If you are ready to buy virtual window for your home, where should you start looking? Here are some great buying tips for virtual window:
1. Trim - if you don't have 3 grand to shell out for the Winscape virtual window look into smaller virtual windows that will still provide you with great inspiration you need to see your favorite places in the world, you just won't be able to get real-time pictures of your favorite places, just pictures of them similar to your LCD picture viewer. Watch the trim on the window as you want one that is attractive and won't be outdated. There are a number of styles to choose from like wood or aluminum.
2. Edge lighting - the other thing you need to look for is edge lighting on the window. The edge lighting will allow the window to have a perception of depth and it helps to make the image appear crystal clear.
3. Wall Mounting - since the window is going to be mounted to your wall, you want to look for one that is easy to mount or one that has a recessed opening to make it appear as it is a window. Look for one that has a recessed opening so the trim is flush with the wall but the rest of the image appears further away, making it seem like a real window.
4. Image - when you are using virtual window, you need it to seem as real as possible. Look for one that has a high-resolution image to make it look real. You also need to check on its durability and color to ensure that it will maintain its look.
5. Price - you get what you pay for. If you really want the best of the best, be prepared to shell out a few thousand dollars. The benefit is the images are real and they are absolutely breathtaking.

The future of driving, HUD display navigation

For several years we have seen HUD display navigation in fighter jets in movies but now this amazing technology is available for your vehicles. This means that you don't need to look away from your usual driving viewpoint in order to receive directions. Since the smaller GPS devices are usually in your dashboard or mounted to the dashboard, it can cause you to lose focus while driving.

]]> What is a HUD display? HUD stands for head-up display that presents transparent data to a small screen before your windshield so you won't need to look away from your typical viewpoint as you are driving. The small screen is easy to install and it doesn't cause distraction while driving. It also has a small remote control that is installed on the steering wheel so you can input new directions into the device in just a few seconds.

So who makes this unique HUD navigation device? The device that is most common right now is manufactured by Springteq with the WeGo HUD navigator. The directions you will get will be about 3 feet away from you so you can easily see the directions and you will know where you are going.

Drivers can finally acquire the valuable information they need in order to get from one location to another safely. Having these directions right in front of you will make it much easier than dealing with the navigational devices that are on your cell phone or ones that are mounted onto the dashboard where you have to keep looking down in order to see where you need to go.

Thanks to the crafty design of the WeGo system, you don't even need to take your hands off the steering wheel as you simply need to change the information on the small remote control that is part of your steering wheel. The RF-based wireless remote easily attaches to the steering wheel so you don't even need to look around for it to change the directions while you are driving.

The unit is small enough that it will easily attach to the top of your dashboard where you will be able to clearly see the directions you need in order to travel to your destination. The image and directions are sent to a small 4.5 inch screen that is easy and large enough to read so you can drive around without problems since it is translucent.

The image on the screen is very clear as it is has a 400 x 240 resolution. It also is pretty bright so you can actually see it on a translucent screen. Although you have a clear screen you are looking at, the brightness can be adjusted so you can see it during the day. The brightness level is rated at 13,000 cd/m2 which is nice and bright for anyone to see. There is a sensor on the device that actually adjusts for the time of day so during the day it will be brighter so you can see it and at night it's a little dimmer so you can still drive and you aren't stuck trying to squint to see where you need to go.

So how much is this new navigational device? Right now it is being sold around $250 an up depending upon your vehicle make and model. You can get used versions for cheaper but you need to be sure that it is the right type for your vehicle as it may be too bulky and it won't fit above your dashboard and windshield correctly.

An HUD navigational display device is a great asset to your car. It will make sure you never get lost again and it keeps you from getting into wrecks as you will keep your eyes on the road at all time.

The buzz behind Toshibas Airswing

Those cool sci-fi movies where you can change the computer screen by using your hands is now possible thanks to Toshiba and the AirSwing. The natural user interfaces aren't exactly new, but they are pretty unique to use and to see. With Toshiba's AirSwing you don't need to pay for expensive hardware or purchase all these additional software programs to make it work correctly.

]]> So what do you need in order to use AirSwing? All you need is your computer and you then install AirSwing on your computer. Then you just need a web cam where you have the ability to use your gestures to control the screen. This makes the device conventional and easy to use since you just need to install their software and you can use your simple webcam to make it work. Of course in order to get clear images and better response from the software, you want to make sure you have a high quality webcam that picks up information easily. You also need to make sure you have a decent sized screen to play around with as you will easily find that you can move things around and have multiple things open at the same time on the screen.

Why is Toshibas AirSwing so much better from other natural user interfaces? Many of the natural user interface systems actually suck up a lot of the processing power and memory of your computer. The Toshiba AirSwing only uses about 3% of the processing power of your computer if you are running a 400MHz ARM 11 CPU.

How does the Toshiba AirSwing work exactly? Like other user interface systems, the Toshiba AirSwing allows you to interact in a virtual world. You have the ability to actually interface with a machine, which is pretty amazing technology compared to just using your hands and fingers to type on keyboards and click around with a mouse, you actually have the option to use your fingers to move the screen around.

The machine and the user are able to interact with one another using a camera and a screen. When you are using the software, you can also get feedback from the software to know how you can change things up to make your pictures and many other things much better.

The goal of Toshiba's AirSwing is to provide users with a better experience and an easy experience when they are trying to operate their computer machines along with focusing on creating cool pictures and other things to display. Usually you don't even need to drag images all over the screen and other things in order to get the desired results you want with your human interface system.

When you use the software, you will be shown a semi-transparent image of yourself or whoever is using the computer. Then you will see a menu screen that includes the various content and other things that you can work with. Once you are in the menu screen, you can open up various things and flip through photos and many other things in the photo gallery or in documents. To make changes to the image, just use your fingers to stretch it, flip it, edit it, and just change it around any way you like.

Its pretty fun to see a picture of yourself on screen as you are interfacing with the system. This makes it easy for you to figure out where to press and how to move your hands around to change things with the images and content on screen. Toshiba's AirSwing is not yet ready to be released to the public as there are still a few things that need to be worked out by Toshiba.

The best apps for your iPhone or Blackberry

When you upgrade to a new phone like the iPhone or Blackberry, there are so many apps out there that it can be hard to figure out which ones you really need and which ones are worthwhile. Finding a guide to help can be just as challenging as the `Users Guide' to iPhones and Blackberrys offer just the basic operating instructions to get the phone up and running and they don't offer any information about how to install apps or which ones are the best apps. Here is a guide to your new iPhone or Blackberry and the best apps for them.

]]> iPhone
The iPhone is one of the most popular phones on the market because of the way it has brought together the internet and multiple applications. Not only is the iPhone impressive to look at, the gadgets it offers are amazing and pretty soon you will be hooked on the iPhone. Here are a few of the best apps for your iPhone:
1. Pandora - this app is one of the most popular apps for your iPhone. Pandora allows you to build a media library and it will evaluate your musical tastes and organize them by your most played tracks. The great thing about Pandora is that you can take your favorite tunes with you wherever you go and you will also get recommendations to new music so you can keep up with the latest music out there.
2. Dropbox - if you use your iPhone for a number of word documents, excel spreadsheets, and many other documents, you can upload them right from your iPhone to your computer. The Dropbox application helps you transfer the files back and forth from the computer and your cell phone and they will be safe and protected. The dropbox app is free to download for your cell phone and even for your computer. When you add more storage space to your Dropbox you may need to pay money for the app but it depends on how many files you want to add to your Dropbox.
3. AroundMe - do you travel a lot and fine yourself of navigational help? The AroundME app is a great way get around town and to make sure you won't get lost again. This app has GPS capabilities and it gets updated constantly in order to help you stay up to date with the latest maps and information for your travel needs.

Blackberry
The Blackberry has been around for a few years now and it continues to grow in popularity as it competes with the iPhone. Blackberry devices have been used by business professionals for many years as it allows you to use Microsoft Word and many other programs. It's a great way to stay in touch with your employees, customers, and professionals. A Blackberry is essentially a mini-laptop that you can take with you everywhere as you have access to the internet and email.
1. Google Maps - If you don't want to use the traditional GPS device, you can use Google Maps instead. This will allow you to narrow down to specific locations so you can see right where you are going so you don't need to stop and buy a map or stop and ask for directions from gas stations and other people.
2. Blackberry Messenger - Are you addicted to chat sessions, Blackberry Messenger is one of the best options as you and your friends can stay in touch with your friends. The nice part about Blackberry Messenger is that you can send out messages and you won't be charged by your cell phone provider to do so.
3. Facebook for Blackberry - Do you love facebook? Facebook mobile is a great way to stay in touch with all of your friends and others on Facebook and you can even upload pictures right from your Blackberry.

Reviewing the iPhone 4

Have you been back and forth on buying an iPhone? When the iPhone first was announced, it was completely different from any other type of cell phone or portable device out there. Now iPhone is onto its latest version the iPhone 4. Here are some things you need to know about the latest version of the iPhone and if now is a good time to buy a new iPhone or not.

]]> The iPhone 4 is by far superior to its predecessors as it has a faster processor, video calling, and a high-resolution display. The iPhone 4 is slated for release on June 24, 2010 and you can only get it if you are an AT&T customer and you will pay about $200 for the new iPhone 16GB version and $300 for the 32GB version.

Like the previous versions of the iPhone, you only get two color options to choose from, which include black or white. It also includes a front-facing camera, which allows for video chat sessions and it also has a thinner profile along with a new operating system, making it faster and more convenient for customers. The entire phone looks better as it has flat surfaces with a stainless steel border around the phone not to mention that both sides are covered with glass, making it appear sleek. The flat surfaces mean you no longer need to worry about it wobbling when you place it on flat surfaces, which is ideal for video chat sessions.

Here are some other upgrades to the device:

Split volume controls

Front-facing camera

Noise-cancellation microphone

LED flash with the main camera

Switch to Micro-SIM format

The iPhone 4 is about 25% thinner from all the previous iPhone versions. The noise-cancellation features are wonderful when you are in the car or in loud environments where it's hard for your friends and others to actually hear you talk.

A lot of people are in love with the new flash because it allows you to take better pictures and you have the option to take front-facing pictures as well as rear-facing pictures. The new FaceTime feature is really unique because you can not only take self-portraits you get a chance to talk face-to-face with your friends and others with the new video chat.

So all in all the new iPhone 4 is going to be a great phone for just about anyone, especially previous customers of the older iPhone versions or iPods. However, just because the iPhone 4 is getting rave reviews doesn't mean that there aren't a few concerns with it. Here are some of the things that may deter you from the iPhone and could push you into buying a different phone.

The glass. While the glass that surrounds the phone makes it really beautiful and sleek, it's not exactly the best thing to have surrounding your entire phone. All of that glass will easily collect dust and lint not to mention fingerprints and smudges. Since it is glass, you need to be pretty careful about dropping it as there is no way to know how many times it will take before you finally crack the glass by dropping it too much.

The antenna. The stainless steel that cases the edge of the iPhone 4 is not just there for decoration, it is actually the antenna. This antenna goes around the entire phone to provide you with better quality when you are on the phone and it will help you with data reception as well, which is nice for text messaging, emails, and several apps like Facebook.

Pros and cons to Google's new browser

Google has been generating a lot of buzz lately with all of the new programs and things they are releasing. The new operating system known as Google chrome is generating a lot of buzz right now as many people see the benefit in using Google for their system. This article will guide you through the pros and cons of Google Chrome and help you understand if it's right for you.

]]> The Pros of Google Chrome
Comparing Google Chrome to Firefox and Internet Explorer, you will see that Google has a number of features that are much more reliable and bound to be a greater asset to customers.

Isolated tabs and add-ons - this is a unique feature because you have each tab in it's own process, which provides you with better security online. It's a great feature because in case you have a browser that decides to give you troubles, you don't have to worry about it interrupting the other processes.

Page Search - Chrome has a really unique feature with the page search feature. This allows you to access the page search by using Ctrl + f and then you can seek out a particular keyword on that page. This feature is going to be extremely popular with SEO marketing specialists that thrive on keywords. The other unique part about the search is that while it will highlight the keywords you need, it also marks occurrences on the vertical scroll bar. This way you can easily scroll around and you can take screen shots of the entire page by using the vertical scroll bar feature.

Faster JavaScript - This is another nice feature as Java can run pretty slow on some websites. How will Java be faster on Google chrome from other websites? With Google Chrome, they have actually built a new Java platform from the other browsers and so it's going to have an incredibly fast download time. The one thing to know is that Firefox is also boasting they will have a new JavaScript that is going to be even faster from the one Google Chrome is launching.

Prefetching - Do you have a number of online places you like to visit? To make for a faster, more convenient browsing experience Google chrome uses a perfecting feature that allows you to quickly go to the sites you frequent. This will make your online experience better and much faster.

Cons of Google Chrome
While there are a number of great things with Google Chrome and a number of expectations for it, some initial reviews have show that it is lacking in a few departments. Here are some cons of Google Chrome:

Not a lot of add-ons - One of the biggest problems with Google Chrome is the lack of add-ons. It doesn't have all the add-ons a lot of people like to use like AdBlock and StumbleUpon. However Google is promising upgrades to chrome to make it better for users.

Vista problems - if you are running Vista, you may have a few issues with Google Chrome. Users have found that Chrome doesn't work with the speech recognition feature of Vista. You also won't be able to tile multiple windows and you may notice the system runs slowly with older model computers. This is because Chrome does take up more hard disk space to run properly so for older machines with limited hard disk space you may not enjoy using Google chrome.

Tracking - Since Google is the king of SEO, it's only given that they are going to track your online activity. While this may not be a huge issue, it does invade your privacy a little bit. In Germany, they government is actually boycotting Google Chrome because of the tracking activity and how it is an invasion of privacy.

Microsoft Kinect versus the Wii

When the Nintendo Wii came out, it completely changed the way people play video games. Now you aren't just sitting around playing, you are standing up, jumping, bouncing, running, and all in all you are moving. To respond to the Wii, many other companies have been developing their own motion activated video game systems. Right now Microsoft and PlayStation have both unveiled their new creations that are designed to finally give the Nintendo Wii a run for its money. Here is guide to the new Microsoft Kinect and how it compares to the Nintendo Wii.

]]> Video Camera
This is perhaps one of the biggest draws to the Kinect. The Wii doesn't currently have a video camera so you can't get in touch with your friends and have video chats. The Kinect has a video camera that is essential to the system. The video camera actually tracks 48 skeletal points of the human body, making it more responsive to your body movements. One of the other cool features of the video camera is that it actually has face recognition software, which allows for better online chat sessions if you want to rendezvous with your friends online.

Voice recognition
The other unique aspect of the Microsoft Kinect is the voice recognition technology. Again, the Wii doesn't have any features where it will listen to what you are saying. The Kinect has a microphone that allows you to tell it what games you want to play and its designed specifically for the web chat sessions so you and your friends can reach each other clearly.

Controller
Want to be impressed? The Microsoft Kinect doesn't have a controller. The controller is you. Since you can talk to the machine and the video cameras detect your every movement, you only move around and pretend like you have a sword or you are driving a car. It's completely new technology and revolutional to the way in which video gamers will play. This gaming system is going to be a great way to lose weight as you need to do all of the movements in order to make the gaming system work.

The Wii of course has wireless remotes that you need to use in order to control the game. The rotational movement responds to what you are trying to do. This can be frustrating as the batteries can die and leave you stuck on the screen until you replace the batteries. The nice thing is, you have steering wheels and other things that make it easier to actually play the game.

Price
When the Wii was first introduced, it cost about $299 or more. Since new technology always gets a lot of hype and everyone wants to participate, it's a given that you are going to pay a pretty penny for the Microsoft Kinect. Current rumors of the estimates for the Kinect place it at about $450. The one nice thing about Kinect is that it actually works with the Xbox 360, so if you already own the Xbox 360 you will just need to purchase the Kinect which runs for about $150 or more.

So when can you get your hands on the Microsoft Kinect? The impressive device is slated to be released around the holidays in 2010. You may need to pre-order the device as the hype around it is starting to build and many Xbox users want to purchase the device to enhance their gaming experience. Right now there are only about 15 games that are completed and ready to be launched with the Kinect so you may want to wait a little while until there are more games for the system.

Is Kindle worth the hype?

Are you addicted to reading? If you are like a lot of people, reading is a wonderful way to relax and to escape into a different world. When it comes to reading, it's pretty annoying to carry around 6-7 books with you on vacation or wherever you may be heading. Amazon has revolutionized the traditional reader's world with Kindle. This wireless device allows you to carry over 1,500 books, magazines, newspapers, and even blogs with you wherever you need to go.

]]> Unlike other wireless devices, Amazon Kindle is designed to look like a book. There isn't a glare with backlighting, instead it has a paper-like display and you can read in direct sunlight without any problems whatsoever. Most people that initially view the Kindle are skeptical but instantly impressed with it. The device is as thick as a pencil at only 1/3 of an inch. It's lightweight and doesn't even weigh as much as most books so you won't need to worry about your hands getting tired since its only 10.2 ounces.

The battery is also impressive as you can read for up to a week at a time, depending upon how often you use the device. Most people see that the battery will last for about 2 weeks if you actually turn off the device in between usage. It does have wireless coverage to connect you with blogs, magazines, and newspapers and that is where most of the battery life will go. Downloading content off the Kindle store will suck up a lot of the battery, especially if you are downloading for hours at a time. The nice thing is you also have a USB battery charger so you don't always need to plug it into a wall outlet to recharge your Kindle.

When using Amazon Kindle, you also don't have to worry about paying for the wireless connection. You only pay for the books you purchase as Amazon pays for the actual connection. One nice feature you have with Kindle is being able to read the first chapter of a book before you purchase it, this way you can decide if you really like it or not.

Don't always like to read? Amazon Kindle also offers read-to-me features and an entire newspaper, blog, or book will be read aloud to you right from your device. You can even choose to go from reading to listening and Kindle will save your spot for you. What about your MP3 files and Podcasts? Amazon Kindle can also play them for you, while you are reading a book.

Have you ever been reading a book and wondered what the meaning of a word was? Amazon Kindle offers a built-in dictionary with look-up services to provide you with the information you need. This is a great feature to have with a book.

So how much does the Amazon Kindle cost? This great device will only cost you $259 for the traditional Kindle or $489 for the Kindle DX. The Kindle DX has a larger screen and lets you store 3,500 books compared to the 1,500 of the original Kindle.

As long as you have access to the WiFi network, it will take 60 seconds or less for you to download the book. Kindle will also backup your books in order to ensure that you don't lose them and to clear out some of the older titles to make room for new book orders.

So is Amazon Kindle worth all the hype? The answer is "yes it is." Amazon Kindle has completely revolutionized the reading world and has gotten many people interested in reading again.

Insider's Guide to the iPad

The announcement of the iPad on January 27, 2010 has changed the technology world forever. This computer device that is driven by the touch of your finger is amazing and has generated a lot of hype, disappointment, and respect from customers all over the world. If you have heard of the iPad and you want to learn more about it, keep reading on as we have developed an insider's guide to the iPad.

]]> What is the iPad?
The iPad was developed by Apple along the same family lines as the iPod, iPhone, and so many other amazing devices. This device is a 9.7 inch multi-touch LED screen. It has a pixel resolution of 1024x768, making it clear and crisp. It comes with an A4 processor, making it one of the fastest wireless devices out there. It also includes 16-64 GB of flash storage and 802.11n Wi-Fi support. If you are a fan of Bluetooth, the iPad also offers Bluetooth 2.1, to help you stay connected.

Weight
When you pick up the iPad, you will notice how lightweight it really is as it only weighs 1.6 pounds, which is lighter than a lot of cell phones. You have 2 different buying options with the iPad, you can purchase the WIFI only version or you can upgrade to the WIFI and 3G version.

Battery Life
How long does the battery last? With its crystal clear display, it's easy to think the iPad battery will have a short battery life but it actually lasts for about 10 hours. This makes it ideal for watching movies and other things on the go.

iPad Cost
So how much can you expect to pay for this fancy device? This isn't a cheap device as the starting price is about $620. The latest versions with extra memory actually run upwards of $1,000.

Criticisms of the iPad
When any new device has as much hype as the iPad, there are going to be a number of critics looking for something wrong with it. The iPad is amazing and it is important to keep in mind that this device is not a Netbook and it never was intended to be a Netbook. The iPad is simply an entertainment device that is used to help you stay in touch with the world and to enjoy your favorite books, movies, blogs, etc. A lot of people have found that the nice aspects of the iPad is the ability to subscribe to MLB.com and watch any MLB game you want right in the palms of your hands.

One frustration a lot of users complain about is that Apple has their AppStore on the device and you are going to need to pay Apple to download any of the apps and you cannot access them from other platforms.

While Apple does boast that the device has a 10 hour battery life, many of the users find that flash dramatically interferes with the device and can take away the battery life. The other downside is multitasking problems. Since you are restricted to the Apple Apps, you don't have the option to do a lot of multitasking although Apple is promising a "task manager" interface that will help you with this problem.

Another downside to the iPad is the cost. At $700 it's not exactly affordable to most customers, especially when you add in the cost of the memory and other things to see its true value is only about $280.00. You also need to purchase flash memory chips for the device and they cost you about $30 for a 16 gigabyte chip or $60 for a 64 gigabyte memory chip.

How Cisco is going to change the internet forever

Cisco has been claiming they will "change the internet forever" and their impact on individuals, governments, and businesses will be revolutionary. While Cisco is making these claims, what exactly are they doing that is so monumental that it will change the internet and the way in which we browse online?

]]> In March 2010 Cisco announced a new networking router that is going to be top-of-the-line and transform the internet. This revolutionary product is known as the Cisco CRS-3 Routing System. This new router is setting the standard for all future growth of the internet, especially for video growth to occur. It has about 12 times more traffic capacity from other systems. It transfers about 322 terabits per second, which is absolutely amazing compared to other systems.

How fast is it really? Well according to Cisco you can download the entire Library of Congress in about a second. Pretty impressive right? The internet is going to keep growing and advancing and users are demanding faster service, better download capabilities, and better online browsing. It looks as though Cisco is listening to these demands and they are trying to meet the expectations of customers.

Cisco is focusing more on the overall design of the internet, versus more about web surfers and the internet. By fixing some of the problems customers are seeing with the actual "pipeline" of the internet the normal internet browser will see improvement.

Video and other communications are the future of the internet. This is why Cisco is so focused on making the internet as advanced as possible because dealing with slow video chat connections and other things can cause a lot of problems for a number of customers.

AT&T is working with the CRS-3 routing system to test it out and see if it is worth all the hype Cisco is talking about. Cisco is focused on the improvement of the internet now, but they are building products that are focused more on future generations as they will thrive on video communication and other communication devices to stay in touch with one another.

Which companies have the best potential for growth and development with Cisco? Right now it looks as though health care industries are going to benefit greatly because they can get in touch with doctors and researchers all over the world to provide the best care to patients battling a number of conditions. Other companies that are going to benefit include government organizations and educational institutions. Having the online video sharing tools they need allow you all to get in touch with each other faster and it offers better and faster service for everyone.

Cisco is being seen as the "core of the internet" by a number of other companies as they are creating a stronger backbone for the internet to offer better service for everyone. If this is what Cisco is doing now future generations are only going to benefit more with the new technologies that are coming out to make video conferencing and download times faster and better.

While Cisco isn't really all that impressive to the standard user, it is pretty amazing to designers and others that see more in the core design of the internet. The consumer-level customers may notice a difference in their internet speeds and download times but the experience everyone will experience online will be noticeable, even if it doesn't initially "wow" you and turn your head towards Cisco. However Cisco is drawing a lot of attention from a variety of users and designers that see where Cisco is taking the internet and the new technologies they are creating that will make your life much easier and better.

Choosing between Zune and iPod

Have you been debating about what type of digital audio player to purchase? iPod and Zune have both been making headlines for years as they have a number of great capabilities that allow you to store all of your music files and take them with you wherever you want to go.

]]> The Software
When you are shopping for a digital audio player, you need to look at the software you need to use. For the iPod you need to download iTunes and you can use it on 5 computers. iTunes can be downloaded right from the Apple.com website. It's easy to download and use. The one frustrating thing with iTunes is that your information isn't stored in an account online or anything where you can get your files. The files are stored on your computer so in order to move them from one computer to another, you will need to use a flash memory device or you will need to use your iPod to move them around. The iTunes software is compatible with both the Mac and the PC.

The software you will use for the Zune is only compatible with a PC, not a Mac. You can download the software for free right from the Zune.com website. The Zune software is easy to use as you can buy songs online and sync it to your device just like the iTunes software. The downside to Zune is that you MUST have Windows XP in order to use the software. If you don't have XP, you cannot download the software. You can get an upgrade to your system, but you will need to pay for it so in this situation you might want to consider the iPod instead.

Cost
The cost of the Zune varies between $249 - $199.99. The cost of the iPod is around $400 to $79. The various prices depend on what type of memory you are seeking for the device. If you don't mind a remanufactured device, you will be able to find both MP3 players for a lower cost. Used versions are also available online as well, but you don't get the warranty coverage with the MP3 player and you are always taking a risk purchasing a device that has been used by others as you don't really know what type of condition it will be in.

User abilities
When it comes to buying the iPod or the Zune, you need to figure out what you really want the device to do. What type of capabilities does it need to have besides just storing your music files. How about exchanging pictures and other videos with your friends? One of the cool things about Zune is that it has a unique Wi-fi connection where you can exchange this type of information with your friends and others. iPods don't allow you to exchange this type of information across multiple platforms like this.

Zune has a bigger storage capacity at 30GB compared to the original iPod but the latest versions of the iPod are getting bigger at 30GB as well, but they do cost more money for it. There is an 80GB iPod version as well that is really nice as a lot of people use it as an external hard drive device.

Buying Online
Both the Zune software and the iTunes software offer you the ability to buy their songs online. Both companies offer discounted pricing at times but many of the artists have certain restrictions as to which websites they will release their music to. This means you may not be able to get some of your favorite artists on iTunes but you will have no problem getting ahold of them on the Zune software site.

Are you ready for Microsoft Silverlight?

When the 2010 Winter Olympics were being broadcast, you may have noticed a number of commercials promoting the latest and greatest release from Microsoft, know as Silverlight. What is Microsoft Silverlight and how is it going to change your computer? Right now there are 4 versions of Microsoft Silverlight. Silverlight 1 is installed on about 20-25 million computers and it has had a few kinks, so we are already up to Silverlight 4 and it has already been released. You can actually download Silverlight 4 right off the Microsoft website.

]]> So what is Microsoft Silverlight exactly and what makes it so great?
According to Microsoft, Silverlight is a new platform that allows businesses and individuals to create engaging and interactive application to share with others not only on your computer, but on mobile devices like your iPhone, Blackberry, Netbook, and many other things.

Silverlight is basically as rich internet application. Web developers have the ability to create unique interfaces on their webpages instead of using the boring and traditional HTML coding.

What does it cost?
Silverlight is free. It is a plug-in that uses a .NET framework in order to carry across multiple platforms and devices. As long as you have access to the internet, you will have access to Silverlight.

Understanding what a Rich Internet Applications are
What are rich internet applications and how do they work exactly? A rich internet application will help online users to see responsive interfaces and applications that are faster and better from the traditional applications that are currently being used. When a user clicks on the website, they won't experience the long download and exchange times as there aren't these large blocks of information that need to be processed, instead it is sent in smaller bits of data. All in all rich internet applications provide a better experience for the user.

Comparing Silverlight to Flex
Right now Flex is one of the most popular rich internet applications, holding all but 10% of the market so Silverlight does have a large uphill battle to face. Flex is popular because it was built on flash technology, which most designers are comfortable with and like to use. It is also easy because most of the major browsers support flash technology and it's freely available. The difference with Silverlight and flex is that with Flex, you need to run it on a completely separate system from Silverlight.

Since not all websites have the Flash plug-in, your users will need to separately install it in order to use the sites you have created. The other frustration with Flash is that you constantly need to update it. This is the only way in which you can keep the software working correctly and make sure your customers are able to see the information you have designed. If the user doesn't have Flash or if they don't like Flash, it's common for them to drop the website altogether.

Why Silverlight stands out
Since you can see how Silverlight is built upon a completely different platform, how does it stand out? The main reason why Silverlight stands out is because of its superb performance. Unlike Flash technology, Microsoft says their Silverlight technology is more reliable and stable. It is also built to suit all major browsers not just Mac and Windows; it's also able to support Linux along with Windows Phone 7 and Nokia series 60.

Microsoft Silverlight provides faster, more reliable experience to customers. Finally you will be able to get the same innovation on your cell phone and other mobile devices as you will get on your computer or laptop.

Antivirus software options to protect your identity

When you are browsing the internet, it is common for a number of risks to come up that could compromise your identity and could potentially ruin your identity and your financial situation. Using antivirus software is a great way to protect your identity and to keep yourself safe when you are browsing online. The last thing you want is someone hacking into your computer and stealing your passwords and personal files.

]]> Spyware is a serious threat and if your computer is bogged down with spyware, adware, and other things it will run slowly and it won't work the way it should. You will be able to notice if you have a problem if it takes several minutes for your computer to start up and if it takes awhile just top open up a program. While the spyware and viruses will make your computer slow, many of them are designed to track your online activity and they will collect your passwords, credit card information, and personal information.

When you buy a computer, you are often given a free trial of a virus program like Norton or McAffee. How do you know if these are quality software programs that will keep your identity safe? One way is to check on their reputations. Some programs are free while others will cost you a hundred dollars or more a year to protect your identity.

While you can use McAffee and Norton, they don't always fully protect your computer. The other frustration many customers see is that these programs do not have a good Spyware protection package. This is where you will need to turn to additional programs to help protect your computer like Spyware Doctor or Spybot Search & Destroy. Both are free to download and use and they offer great features to keep your computer safe and protected. While the program is running, it will slow down your computer so it's best to set it to scan your system when you aren't using the computer. These programs will scan the computer and detect any threats and they also block harmful adware before it is sent to your computer to make sure your computer is safe.

Now that you have a good spyware protection program, which antivirus software program should you use? Here are some of the best options:
1. AVG - this growing antivirus program is one of the best on the market. It provides you with all the protection you need to keep your system safe and it scans every website in order to ensure it is safe. AVG can be downloaded for free on Download.com and you can continue to use the program for free. If you would like to upgrade the program for additional services for only $34 a year.
2. Threatfire - another popular antivirus program is Threatfire. This program is also free to use and it has a number of tools you can use to make sure your computer will stay safe and protected against harmful threats to your computer.
3. Trend Micro Virus Plus - for 30 days you can use this program for free and upgrade to the professional version for only $39.99. It provides some of the best security and protection for your computer and it harbors threats to your computer before they infiltrate your system.
4. Avast Antivirus - Another free antivirus program you can download is Avast antivirus. This program provides you with a great option to keep your computer safe and protected. Its 40% faster from all of the other antivirus programs out there and will help you get your identity protected and safe.
5. Norton Antivirus - this is perhaps one of the most popular programs on the market. It usually comes pre-installed on the computer but you will need to upgrade it in order to use it past the 30 day trial.