Monday, August 31, 2009

Dell Mini 10 review

Ever since Asus launched the Asus EEEPC to the unsuspecting world there has been an explosion in the netbook market as other manufacturers jump onto the bandwagon. Prices on the whole remain tight for similar spec devices and most use the same hardware. This is Dell's second generation of netbook following on from the Mini 9.

The Machine's Spec

Before I go any further I will give the spec of the model I tested as there are a few variations.

Processor: intel N270 (1.6Ghz)
Memory: 1 GB DDR2 533
Hard Drive 160 GB
Display 10.1 inch Widescreen
Bluetooth (2.1 + EDR)
Wireless 1379
Webcam: 1.3MP
10/100 Ethernet adapter
Weight 1.035 KG
3 Cell Battery

Having previously tested the Acer One 8.9 inch with 8GB SSHD it was interesting to see how things have progressed.
The Mini 10 I tested had a shiny black exterior that looked fantastic but quickly picked up a few fingerprints. The keys on the keyboard are 95% standard size so were easy to adapt to, although a move from a 108 key keyboard will be a little tricky for the competent typist.

More Storage
The OS (windows XP in this case but available in Ubuntu as well) was surprisingly fast. Certainly the retrograde step to reintroduce optical Hard Drives into these machine has paid off because my otherwise same spec Acer crawled along at a snails pace with the 8 gig SSHD (solid state hard drive). The storage capacity of course is far superior to the SSHD's available and have a similar expected lifespan.

Nice Screen
The screen on this model has that polished look and gave outstanding brightness and colour, the only downside is when using it when sitting opposite a source of light where it reflects a little more light that you might want. The resolution for the 10.1 is 2024 x 576 pixels and makes using XP a breeze. I used it to watch Divx movies on which it did flawlessly.

Rich Sound
When you consider the size of the machine the sound and volume it generates is surprisingly good and out performed a few laptops I have owned

Power
The standard 3 cell battery gave me just over 2.5 hours use but the time you get depends a little on what you are doing.

Connectivity
The standard ports come with this model, Earphone, Mic, USB's, SD card reader, VGA and Network. I still can't think why more netbooks don't have card readers that support more cards. The Acer one supports XD too which was welcome to me because my camera takes that media.

Bluetooth as standard too was welcome addition with this model. With more and more device coming out for bluetooth and the prices of those devices getting lower all the time, bluetooth should be standard on every machine.
The Webcam is of sufficient quality for all online video communications but you really need a good source of light because when it starts to get just a little dark the picture soon degrades and loses most of its colour.

Conclusion
All in all I was pleasantly surprised with the progress of the netbook and Dell's certainly proved to be fast and readable, had good connectivity and sharp looks. Whilst not being a leap forward from the 8.9 inch versions, the introduction of the 160 Hard Drive changes everything.
If your looking for a netbook but not sure of which model to go for, my main recommendations would be get one that has the following,

160 GB Optical hard drive (more than worth the slight weight gain and extra power usage)
At least a 10.1 inch screen - because the resolution is that much better
Blutooth built in  because you never know when you'll need to connect to your mobile.

Another thing to mention is the heat these machines generate is substantial but don't worry because they are designed to work at those temperatures and all the machines seem to give off similar heat.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Do You Have a Slow Computer? Consider a Microsoft Registry Repair Program By Ty Wright

A Microsoft registry repair program is a very useful tool that any computer should have on their computer. Computers are great if they're running smooth and fast but as soon as they run slow and with errors popping up they can be down right annoying. Millions of users have this problem and there is a actually a easy fix with a registry cleaner. Though many people don't know that this type of program is available to them.

What is the registry? And how can a Microsoft registry repair program help?

The most common effect for users when they have a slow computer involves the registry in Windows. The registry is the main database, which basically stores all the settings for your PC. This can include settings for all the programs you have on it, your latest emails and even to your desktop settings. Overall it logs a entry anytime you use your computer. You can imagine how cluttered this can get overtime even for the most advanced computer

Imagine the registry as the heart of your computer. It pumps the information to and from every program and settings on your computer and when that starts to clog with old and outdated information it has to work harder and that is why your computer becomes slow and starts to have errors. As I said before a simple fix can be done with a certified Microsoft registry repair program you can fix this problem yourself without the need for more Ram or a new computer even. Your computer will be like new and you'll have no more headaches due to an unresponsive computer.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Spy gadget go mainstream

We have all been dazzled by Hollywood spy agents in the movies because they are the embodiment of worldly sophistication and class. And not to mention the fact that they have cool toys too. Perhaps that is what holds our attention to them because in some ways, we want to be them and play with their toys too.

The air of sophistication most of us will have to work on by ourselves but the toys are out on the market for spy enthusiasts to enjoy. With the miniaturization of technology, and its cheaper production costs, cameras and camcorders can fit into the palm of your hand. Video and audio recording devices are super popular because it fits the spy motif of James Bond which is to have cool gadgets that turn into something else. You can find spy pen camcorders, spy sunglasses, or even a spy stick of chewing gum all doubling as espionage devices to the unsuspecting masses.

Other spy tools in an agent's arsenal are concealment devices. These concealment devices can be anything ordinary. As the name suggests, its purpose is to hide things. Therefore, anything can be a concealment device as long as it can pass the curious gaze of onlookers as being unspectacular and worthless. Shaving cans, fake paintings and hollow books are all good candidates as a concealment device. A spy agent would be able to hide money, messages or anything he deemed to be secret within.

A concealment device can also serve another purpose as a dead device. A dead drop device is one in which an object is passed amongst agents without them meeting in public. This is different than a live drop as the agents would meet together for the exchange. Although this reduces the risk of the agents being seen together and arousing suspicion, it also causes concern that someone else might get to the dead drop device before the exchange. This is why specific signals are agreed upon to direct to the location of the dead drop. As dead drop locations should change to avoid repetition, multiple signals are used.

As one can see, spies use a combination of technology and cunningness to do their job. It is not all about having cool gadgets but also using a bit of old fashion ingenuity as well. Using the methods as described above, one can play at being an amateur spy for fun.

LG Watch Phone


Does your work require you to take and make calls via your mobile phone almost every hour of the day? Do you find yourself complaining how stressful your day was because you need to take that mobile phone on and off your ears the whole day? And have you ever wished that there’s a handsfree gadget that can make communication easier for you? Here’s the answer to your woes – the LG Watch Phone, where wrist communication is made possible.

The GD910, that’s the model of this LG wrist phone, is capable of the world’s first 3G VT Service & GSM Quadband Network, a combination of miniaturization and large scale integration technologies and best wireless technology. Although at first you might think that it looks like an ordinary wristwatch, its features actually go beyond that. It comes equipped with a bluetooth headset, stereo earphones, built-in MP3 player, stylus pen, video, vibration, touch screen, caller id, and camera. And what’s really great about this is that it makes wrist communication possible. So, why keep your mobile phone in your pocket or in your bag if you can wear it comfortably? Receiving and making calls have just been made easier for you with this very practical device.

And there’s more – this LG Watch phone is water resistant and boasts a stylish design. So, even if you are enjoying the waters, you can wear it to make sure you don’t miss any important calls. And it’s really stylish too. Try wearing it and for sure you’ll fall in love with how good it looks on you. But if this one seems not to suit your taste, click here for more wrist GSM phone.

Mini eye telescope


Human relies on his pair of eyes than any other senses; this is evident in our day to day living. Just being in the dark incapacitates us that even a simple task like finding our way around becomes an overwhelming activity. Like any other anatomical parts of our body, our eyes are prone to diseases and disorders that may limit if not totally impair its function. One such medical condition is macular degeneration, where a blind spot develops in the eye’s central vision.
To help people with advanced and irreversible form of macular degeneration, a special minuscule glass telescope implant, comparable to a size of a pea, was developed by VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies. The miniature telescope is almost like a pair of bionic eyes but not like those we see in cyborg movie flicks. The implants are inserted in place of one of the eye’s natural lens by a corneal specialist during an outpatient procedure. According to the creator of the device, Allen W. Hill, the implanted telescope works by magnifying images to the part of the retina where there are healthy cells outside the damaged macula.

The implant and procedure will be beneficial especially to the elderly, as they are the usual victim of age related macular degeneration. Although the device cannot reverse the disease, it can at least restore vision to an acceptable and functional level enough to recognize familiar faces. And keep in mind, evil red glow and laser beams are not included.

Bluetooth stereo headset

In the past few years, Bluetooth headsets have become must-have accessories for cell phone users. And just as the number of headsets has exploded, the number of Bluetooth cell phones has increased as well. Integrated Bluetooth is now present in a broad range of mobile phones – from high-end smartphones to low-end functional models.

But cell phone Bluetooth usage is not limited to just headsets. You can also use Bluetooth to stream music wireless – and that’s what Jabra HALO offers. But I must say that it’s different from the rest because its a wireless Bluetooth stereo headset with Multi-use capabilities. The Jabra HALO gives you the ability to seamlessly connect to two Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, smartphones, MP3 player, Television, video game console, or laptop, and enjoy wireless audio content and answer phone calls in crystal clear stereo sound. jabra-halo

Weighing only 3 ounces, the Jabra HALO features an over-the-head, foldable design, making it ideal for travel and small enough to bring wherever you go. It uses stereo Bluetooth or A2DP to stream music wirelessly from a stereo Bluetooth-compatible handset. Now, if your gadget has only a 3.5mm headset jack and no Bluetooth, the Jabra HALO also has a wired option. The Jabra HALO also boasts Zirene Power Bass for better audio quality, Noise Blackout technology for background noise reduction, and dual microphones for clear communication.

The Jabra HALO also features a discreet display to reveal battery life and connectivity status, and a touch volume control. And to make sure you won’t miss phone calls while listening to music, the HALO fades out music to allow incoming calls. It is now available with a tag price of $129.99.

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