For Geeks that Like to Twiddle
Posts tagged laptop
The Advantages and Disadvantages of a DVD Drive External USB
273 days
by TwiddleGeek
in cd Rrw Drives
There are many advantages to having an external DVD drive, and many disadvantages to having an external drive, and we will go over both so that you can decide which best fits your needs.
The advantages of a DVD Drive External USB.
Well the first obvious advantage is that they are mobile and portable. You can very easily move them around to wherever you go or to travel to.
Another reason why these external drives have remained useful is because of the advent of the super-portable laptop. Because with these ultra portable, ultra light, super fast laptops, also came the removal of many of it’s key components. This for example may include the removal of a decent DVD-RW drive. Replaced instead with a CD-RW and DVD playback or the possibility of having nothing at all. This would thus make you purchase an external drive as a substitute. This adds a lot of flexibility because you can then take it if you need it, or just leave it behind if you don’t need it.
Another advantage of these external drives is that they can be taken from one computer to the next computer, which is beneficial in a small office business environment, as well as shared within a household.
And if you’re not tech savvy then you can very easily upgrade the external driver by simply plugging it in to the USB port, installing the software, and just like that your up and running.
The disadvantages of a DVD drive external USB.
Well for one thing external drives are more expensive than their internal equivalent. also external drives are much slower at writing and reading discs than it’s equally rated internal counter part.
Another disadvantage is that they take up extra space and need additional cables like power cable, Fire wire cable or a USB cable (no wireless solutions as yet).
And because external drives are moved around a lot you risk the possibility of it falling on the ground or getting broken thus increasing the chances of it crashing.
So, of the two which one is best? well, very simply it comes down to each user’s individuals needs and wants.
Selecting The Best Motherboard for Your Computer System
276 days
by TwiddleGeek
in motherboards
Motherboard is considered because the mind of an operating system. In case you might be shopping for a new pc, it’s important to give consideration to sure essential elements and elements which can be essential, for its functioning. amongst these we’ve got the option of upgrading the motherboard of your respective personal pc system. While assembling these, you will likely be able to know as to what you might be searching for and act as one of the highly effective elements of your system.hereby, you will be able to discuss all the essential thing attributes that it’s essential to test for before shopping for a motherboard. Also when you’re in a mood to improve your exiting laptop and add a model new product then buying anew motherboard will possible be a smart option. At the beginning factor to contemplate while shopping for a motherboard is the size. At all times remember that not all motherboards will fit into all towers. Therefore, you want to go for some typical sizes like Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX and EATX. Additionally, you mist know as to what your computer is going to be used for that can make it easier to guarantee better upgrading.
To have a favorable choice among the many lists you’ll have the ability to choose between Asus Motherboards, MSI Motherboards, Intel Motherboards and Gigabyte Motherboards. Also in case you are a gamer then make it possible for there are sufficient slots to allow for any video card, ram and controllers. there could also be few motherboards that will be having built-in video graphics chipsets constructed on to it. For a tech freak, it turns into important to purchase a motherboard that features satisfactory ram slots and verify to see what the maximum quantity of RAM will most likely be appropriate to allow. To speed up the operations of your system, you should make a easy addition of a GIG of RAM will velocity up your system to a larger extent.
One other vital issue that have to be thought of whereas making such a purchase is the chipset design to your particular motherboard. The chipset has all the time a set construction and specific designs for Intel and AMD. Additionally, several programs produce other elements that will influence your alternative reminiscent of quantity of PCI slots, USB slots, and issues corresponding to a sound chip built in. Earlier than heading for such a purchase, you should also examine for built-in LAN. as a tip, it is usually required that a consumer must merely replace the computer’s energy earlier than adjusting the motherboard.
The History of HP TouchSmart Desktop Computer
277 days
The TouchSmart is a touch screen computer from HP. This range of computers comes as an all in one desktop PC or a laptop. The operating system used by the HP TouchSmart is Windows Vista and more recently the new Windows 7. Depending on the model you choose it will have either an Intel or AMD processor.
Bill Gates launched the TouchSmart way back in January 2007, it was the first touch screen computer to be mass marketed as a desktop computer. The first TouchSmart machines, known as the TouchSmart IQ770 series, had a 19 inch touch screen. The machine had all you would expect from a modern desktop including a range of USB ports and connectors to allow you to hook up to the internet and other devices. The first models received good reviews from critics.
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Some time went by and in June 2008 the second series of TouchSmart computers were released, the HP TouchSmart IQ500. These computers had a larger 22 inch touch screen monitor, Intel Core Duo processor and a large 500GB disk space. HP also released the TouchSmart IQ800 series which features a 25.5 inch touch screen monitor and made it more of an entertainment hub by including a TV tuner with remote control. Some of the models in the IQ800 series had integrated Blu-Ray.
The most up to date models in the HP touch screen range are the TouchSmart 300 and TouchSmart 600 which were both released in October 2009. The TouchSmart 300 is a great family computer and is very easy to use. This third generation of HP touchscreen computers continues to get rave reviews from digital review sites. The TouchSmart 300 has started to integrate voice recognition into some of its programs making it a truly futuristic machine. The TouchSmart 300 and TouchSmart 600 are similar in specifications it’s the screen size where they differ TouchSmart 300 has a 20 inch monitor whilst the TouchSmart 600 has a 23 inch.
The TouchSmart 300 and TouchSmart 600 are aimed at the consumer market however HP has released the TouchSmart 9100 for business users. The TouchSmart 9100 is very similar to the TouchSmart 600 it runs on Windows 7 Professional. The software packed into this impressive machine better caters for business users than the models aimed at consumers.
What You Need to Know About DC Adapters
278 days
by TwiddleGeek
in adaptors
DC adapters are basically DC to AC converters. DC stands for direct current while AC stands for alternating current. Basically, it converts an alternating-current input to a direct-current output-the current used by your device.
To simplify even further, think of DC as the current that runs through anything that can be powered by batteries-flashlights, toys, alarm clocks, or even your car’s electrical system. Now, associate AC with any device that plugs directly into your home’s or business establishment’s wall socket-the electricity provided by the power corporations.
DC adapters are used by many electronic devices. you probably have a few lying around in your house; you use one for your laptop, your portable music player, or even on your cellphone (charger).
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DC devices are sometimes referred to as low-voltage devices. if current (AC & DC) is the way electricity flows in your device, think of voltage as the type of electricity supplied. For example, 110-volt electricity can be delivered via AC or DC. However, as we noted earlier, DC is normally associated with lower voltages. a car’s electrical system runs on 12 volts, your laptop, your power tool, can run voltages anywhere from 3 volts to 24 volts. Voltage among DC devices varies widely and depends solely on what the manufacturer deems appropriate.
AC voltage is a lot simpler; I’m sure you’re familiar with the voltage supplied by your country. you country’s voltage will either be in 100s variant or the 200s variant. For example, in the United States, voltage is 120 volts, in the United Kingdom 230 volts.
Given the facts above, a DC adapter does two things-it changes the current from AC to DC, and changes the voltage from (for example) 120 volts to 12 volts. the AC current is used to either charge a battery where the device runs on, or power the device itself.
Another thing you might come across with on your electrical device and DC adapter is the ampere rating. Ampere (A) is the unit used to measure the amount of electric charge passing through the electrical system. your DC adapter and AC device have ampere ratings. with low-voltage devices, amperes are usually defined by mA or milliamperes.
Lastly, it is always important to note the positive from the negative (polarity) on DC devices. the end of a DC adapter, the part that plugs into the AC device, is usually a small round socket with a hole in the middle. Manufacturers have made it a habit to interchange these two often, to further confuse standards. Why? because manufacturers want you to use their official DC adaptors only.
Remember, a DC device cannot run on AC and vice versa. a high-voltage DC device can run on a lower voltage DC supply but it will run weak, and will eventually destroy the device-for example, an electric fan will move less air. a low-voltage DC device will be burnt on a high-voltage DC supply. a device or an adapter usually has a maximum current rating (ampere). Always be sure to stay within the limit. and last, never reverse the polarities on a DC device, more importantly, never have any form of connection between the positive and the negative terminals.
Using a Portable Hand Held Scanner
282 days
by TwiddleGeek
in handheld Scanners
Being out of the workplace or faculty is simple nowadays with laptops and mobile communications, however what if you would like to scan a document for reference or to finish a bit of work?
Here comes a movable hand held scanner, which you’ll use to glide across the page of a book, magazine, letters etc, to scan the contents. this hand held scanner doesn’t want to be connected to a laptop whereas you scan. it simply stores the scanned contents onto a microSD card that has been slotted into it.
If regular scanners have been supplying you with some issues of scanning thick-cowl books, particularly near the hinge. this hand held scanner might be a higher gadget to try and do that, it ought to be in a position to produce you a additional thorough or flexible scan on a page.
This might be a problem, but not if you’re carrying a portable hand held scanner, this one is one in. square and around 10 inches long this makes it very handy to hold around and store within the laptop bag. There are all types of possibilities for a tool such as this one.
The transportable scanner is able to capture images up to 8.5 inches by 50 inches in length and is capable of capturing at either 600dpi or 300dpi. Whereas you’re done along with your scanning, simply remove the microSD card and connect it to a card reader. Or you’ll connect the movable scanner on to a computer via the USB port, where you can drag and drog the files. The transportable scanner runs on 2 AA batteries, which a group of them can offer up to a hundred and eighty scans. some a lot of nice options, as you progress the scanner over an space as giant as eight 1/two? H x fifty? L, its sensitive colour image sensor scans at high (600 dpi) or commonplace (three hundred dpi) resolution, saving pictures as JPEG files stored on an inserted microSD card. A scan of a passport takes only 5 seconds. You’ll download your images to your laptop using the included USB cable. its designed-in display shows the chosen resolution, remaining battery life, and memory status.
If you enjoyed reading this text, please have a look at another fascinating articles at 11×17 Scanner
Brier Dudley’s Blog
283 days
by TwiddleGeek
in cd Rrw Drives
The phone call made me think twice about Windows 8.
“It’s driving us all crazy,” my displeased wife said the morning after I’d swapped the family computer with a Windows 8 test machine.
As an experiment, I had loaded a preview version of Window 8 onto a sleek new Sony touch-screen desktop computer. Then I switched it with the Windows 7 system in our living room and left for work. the call came within an hour.
The Sony looks terrific, with a big, bright screen that’s perfect for displaying and touching the blocky “Metro” style apps that are the Windows 8 signature. (Shown here in a picture by Seattle Times photographer Greg Gilbert.)
Looks only go so far, though. the software switch can be jarring to people who haven’t been closely watching the changes coming to Windows. I belatedly realized the need for a quick tutorial to ease the transition.
My family kept a Windows 7 laptop nearby as a backup.
But they grew attached to the Windows 8 system and were upset a week later, when I brought it into the office for a photo shoot.
Now I’m wondering if that’s how consumers will react after Windows 8 goes on sale Oct. 26: Initial shock and frustration, a shakedown cruise and then gradual acceptance — with Windows 7 systems kept on hand, just in case.
Much of the attention given to Windows 8 has been on tablet computers, where the software is expected to finally give the PC industry a fighting chance against the iPad and other tablets that are cutting into sales of traditional computers.
Yet Windows 8 is also bringing major changes to desktop computers, which are still a mainstay in homes and businesses around the world.
Starting this fall, computer buyers will face not only a radically new operating system but new hardware, including unusual new desktops and laptops controlled with touch-screens, as well as keyboards and mice.
I’ve said before that Windows 8 may change perceptions of tablet computers. Notions of a “desktop” computer will also be updated this fall.
The nicest Windows 8 desktop options will be “all in one” systems that do away with the boxy computer tower. They’re basically a large monitor with the computer hardware stuffed in back and a DVD drive on the side.
Apple’s iMac is the best known all-in-one. Windows PC makers have experimented with this concept for years, initially pursuing a market for “kitchen computers” that serve as a family console.
Understanding Your Computer and Its Hardware
Understanding Your Computer HardwareComputer hardware might be something that many of us are a little confused about. We know that our computers have components that make them run, but many do not understand what the components are, what they do or why they are important to our systems. If your...
Now the category is really taking off. All-in-one sales should grow 20 percent this year, while the overall market for traditional desktops grows just 0.2 percent, according to research firm IHS iSuppli.
Sony stopped making tower systems a few years ago, and now the only desktops it sells in the U.S. are in the TV-like L Series.
I saw a prototype at the Consumer Electronics Show in January and guessed it was designed for Windows 8. A product manager confirmed last week that that was the plan with the hardware.
The L Series went on sale last month, with Windows 7, but Microsoft will give buyers an upgrade copy of Windows 8 for $15.
(To fast forward to October, I loaded the release preview of Windows 8 on a virtual hard drive on the Sony, using the great instructions that developer Scott Hanselman posted at hanselman.com. This gives you the option to start a PC in either Windows 7 or 8.)
Sony also is getting a jump on the long-awaited Apple TV set. the L Series is a full-blown Bravia TV set, with 1080p resolution, a remote control, a tuner inside and a coaxial cable jack on the back. to use it as a TV, you press a button and it bypasses the PC functions entirely. A different button starts the system as a PC.
It’s also a boom box, with a subwoofer and two speakers. Ports include USB 3.0 and HDMI in and out.
The base L Series lists for $1,300 and comes with a 24-inch widescreen display, an Intel Core i5 processor, 6 gigabytes of RAM, a 1 terabyte hard drive.
Sony loads the system with video, photo and music editing software.
In Windows 7, Sony provides a Mac-like horizontal menu bar with big icons for its proprietary applications. A Sony product manager wouldn’t discuss how these apps will be presented in Windows 8, but they would benefit from using Microsoft’s modern design template.
For the touch-screen, Sony uses an advanced system that tracks 10 fingers, not just one or two. still, it was sometimes balky in my test in both Windows 7 and Windows 8 modes.
It’s still early to be nitpicking things in Windows 8 — especially since I glued preview software into a loaner PC, then ran beta apps. but there were a few frustrations and the domestic-learning curve was steeper than I expected.
The first hurdle was the user account system, which prompts you to sign in before using the computer, and binds apps to users. That’s fine on a tablet or a phone, but doesn’t translate as well to a shared home computer.
Microsoft hasn’t provided many details on how Windows 8 apps can be shared among users.
My sense is they won’t be able to be shared the way they are on a Windows 7 system with multiple user accounts.
That means people sharing a computer may need to buy copies of apps for each user or have everyone share an account.
New users will need a quick tutorial on navigating the new operating system because it’s so different.
Mostly they need to learn the new controls, especially the sideways flick that calls up the essential controls — dubbed charms — which surface along the right side of the screen.
That’s where you’ll find the all important “home” button that you use all the time, just like the button on an iPad, to exit apps and get back to the desktop.
Photo handling wasn’t as good as I expected. I wanted to “pinch and zoom” photos everywhere with touch controls but couldn’t, and found myself going back and forth between different photo apps too often.
New mouse and touch gestures used with Windows 8 aren’t the same, so at times it feels like you’re learning two languages at once. For instance, I frequently moused the cursor to the lower left corner to call up the “start” button, but I couldn’t do this when touching the screen.
There are a few Windows 8 features that work fine on tablets but don’t translate as well to the bigger screen. When you’re holding a tablet, it feels natural to flick with a thumb and call up the charms, but it gets tiresome to extend your arm out and then flick the side of a big display. Perhaps the addition of “charms” keys to keyboards will help.
The new browser has its address bar at the bottom of the page. This works well on a 10-inch tablet but I disliked it on a 24-inch desktop, where it’s out of the line of sight.
That said, the Metro desktop style works well on the big screen. It makes the PC seem modern, fresh and accessible.
It’s easier to find and launch applications when each one has a matchbox-sized button on the desktop.
I’ll bet people end up using a bigger variety of applications because they are more visible and enticing.
We’ll have to see how much tuning and tweaking Microsoft and PC makers do between now and the arrival of Windows 8.
I hope they get it right because I can see one of these Sony desktops becoming my family’s next computer. And I don’t want to get another one of those calls.
Here are some stats for the base Vaio L Series:
Processor: Intel Core i5-3210M, dual-core, 2.5 gigahertz with “Turbo Boost” to 3.1 GHz, 3 megabyte cache.
Display: 24-inch diagonal LED touchscreen, 1920 by 1080 resolution.
Memory: 6 gigabytes DDR3 1600 MHz installed, 16 GB max.
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000.
TV tuner: Bravia NTSC/ATSC tuner, maximum resolution 1920 by 1080p.
Storage: 1 terabyte, 7,200 rpm SATA drive.
Optical drive: Slot-loading DVD player/burner.
Camera: 1.3 megapixel HD web camera.
Ports: Three USB 3.0; 3 USB 2.0; Memory Stick/SD card slot; HDMI in; HDMI out.
Wireless: Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi 802.11b/g/n.
Dimensions: 23.15-inches wide, 16.19-inches high by 6.78-inches deep.
Software: Windows 7 Home Premium, Office Starter, Kaspersky Internet Security trial, Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum, ACID Music Studio, Sound Forge Audio Studio.
Sony Vaio E Series SVE11113FXW Review – Watch CNET’s Video & Read Our Review
287 days
by TwiddleGeek
in batteries For Hp
Once a popular choice for on-the-go laptop shoppers, the 11-inch laptop has fallen on hard times of late (aside from the $999 11-inch MacBook Air). It’s not quite as steep a drop-off as we saw with the 10-inch Netbook, but you could count the number of 11-inch laptops we’ve reviewed this year on one hand, and still have a few fingers left over.
Sony has a new 11-inch Vaio E that makes a decent case for reviving this category, with usable performance and a sharp design, and coming in at $449 thanks to a new AMD E2-1800 processor (an Intel Core i3 version would doubtlessly cost more).
The recent trend toward thin ultrabooks has largely made 11-inch laptops unnecessary. They still have smaller desktop footprints, but usually weigh more and have thicker bodies than super-slim 13-inch laptops, which end up being more useful all-around travel machines for most people. but, those 13-inch and larger ultrabooks (or ultrabook-like systems, such as HP’s new Sleekbook line) still cost more, at least $599 and usually closer to $1,000.
With performance that’s acceptable, but not exactly zippy, and a body that feels a bit plasticky and clacky, I’d be more comfortable with the 11-inch Sony Vaio E at $399, rather than $449. but for portable Web surfing and basic productivity, it does the job. And, thanks to AMD’s insistence on including decent graphics hardware from the former ATI (now just AMD’s GPU division), this system actually does a decent job of playing games.
Price as reviewed $449 Processor 1.2GHz AMD E2-1800 Memory 4GB, 1333MHz DDR3 Hard drive 500GB 5,400rpm Chipset AMD 1510h Graphics AMD Radeon HD 7340 Operating system Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) Dimensions (WD) 11.4 x 8.0 inches Height 1.3 inches Screen size (diagonal) 11.6 inches system weight / Weight with AC adapter 3.3/3.8 pounds Category Ultraportable
This 11-inch model is not the only Vaio E series laptop Sony makes. We previously reviewed the 15-inch Vaio E15, which has a similar look and feel (although it has an Intel Core i5 CPU). this E-series design has a two-tone palette, in this case a white keyboard tray and wrist rest wrapping around to the bottom panel and lid, contrasted against a black at the top of the keyboard tray, the screen bezel, and the side panels.
It’s a smart look that belies the system’s budget price, and part of a trend I’m seeing with lower-cost laptops getting attractive makeovers, including the HP Envy Sleekbook 6 and the Dell Inspiron 14z.
While this is a reasonably portable 11-inch laptop, there’s a lot of competition out there in both thickness and weight. Apple’s 11-inch MacBook Air weighs about one pound less, and Acer’s 13-inch Aspire S5 is close to that. both are also much thinner. in fact, this Vaio E is as thick as Dell’s high-end midsize XPS 15.
While Sony almost always has good-to-excellent keyboards on Vaio laptops, the keyboard in the new E series is especially pleasing, considering the price.
The flat-topped, island-style keys (a style Sony used long before it was popular) feel solid, with very little flex, even under heavy typing. The key faces are smaller than what you might be used to on a 13-inch or larger laptop, but Sony does a good job of making sure important keys, such as Tab, Shift, and Enter, are large enough to hit easily. The four directional arrow keys get a little squeezed, however.
My two biggest complaints are that the keyboard is not backlit — a feature found on even budget-priced laptops now, and the multimedia control keys, such as audio volume and mute, are relegated to Fn+F-key assignments, making them hard to use on the fly.
The long, rectangular touch pad reminds me of what you used to see on 10-inch Netbook laptops. To keep the system’s overall size down, a longer, almost letterbox-style touch pad is used. this one is not as shallow as some I’ve seen, but its dimensions do make scrolling down long vertical Web pages more difficult. that said, the matte surface has the right amount of grip, and two-finger scrolling was pleasingly responsive.
Sony loves to develop and include proprietary media and sharing software with its laptops. Here, you get an app called PlayMemories, for managing photos and videos, as well as a different app called Media Gallery, which, well, manages photos and videos (and music). There’s also the Vaio Gate quick-launch bar, found on every recent Sony laptop, which can point your to specific apps and settings menus. I always end up turning it off, because by default it sits behind a floating tab at the top edge of the screen and invariably activates itself whenever I put the cursor near the top of a Web browser page (to type in a URL, for example).
The 11.6-inch display has a native resolution of 1,366×768 pixels. That’s an arguably overused resolution, found on laptops from 11 inches all the way up to 15 inches (I’ve even seen it on a couple of budget 17-inch laptops), but it’s best suited for this screen size. Sony is known for excellent displays, and this one has good off-axis viewing from the side, although it still has a narrow vertical optimal field of view.
Video VGA, HDMI HDMI or DisplayPort Audio Stereo speakers, headphone/microphone jacks Stereo speakers, headphone/microphone jacks Data 2 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0, SD card reader 2 USB 3.0, SD card reader Networking Ethernet, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Ethernet (via dongle), 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optional mobile broadband Optical drive None None
With a body thicker than many 12-inch laptops, the 11-inch Vaio E can fit in some of the ports left out of slimmer systems. There’s a full-size Ethernet jack, for example, which is often relegated to an external dongle in ultrabooks, as well as a VGA video output, another space-hogging connection frequently dropped .
This is the first laptop we’ve tested with AMD’s dual-core E2-1800 processor. That’s a separate line from AMD’s flagship A-series CPUs (although AMD calls them APUs, or Accelerated Processing Units, combining CPU and GPU in one unit), which we just saw in the HP Envy Sleekbook 6.
The more advanced A6 chip in the HP Envy was slower than, but still a reasonable match for, comparable Intel parts. The E2-1800 was not even in the same ballpark performancewise, and fell well behind in our benchmark tests. Looking back over the laptops we’ve tested this year, only the Lenovo ThinkPAd X130e, with an AMD E-300 CPU and a Toshiba C655, with an Intel Celeron processor, had somewhat similar scores.
Why does Google subsidize Nexus 7?
287 days
To understand why Google subsidized the Nexus 7, you have to first understand what makes the tablet market unique from all other forms of personal computing. all personal computing devices fall into three major categories: PC, cellphone, and tablet (with possibilities for more in the future such as “smartglasses”, which Google and others are developing).
The PC market is mature, there have been very few changes since the nineties; functionality has steadily improved and the only big change was the advent of the laptop, which changed the form, although, it didn’t change the two main players: Apple and Microsoft, with Microsoft’s hardware manufacturers also playing an important role. The players in the PC market have changed little (sure HP bought Compaq and IBM sold out to Lenovo). It would take a truly revolutionary product to change anything even though there have been attempts — the constant presence of Linux, and the recent (relatively) introduction of Chromebooks for example — none have have managed to have any impact.
Similarly the smartphone market, while not mature, and certainly not immune to change, has a stabilizing element in the form of wireless carriers. There is a constant tension between the carriers and handset manufacturers — the carriers and their affinity for bloatware and branding, trying to keep the phone about them, and the manufacturers trying to distinguish themselves from the bunch, and not give too much power to one carrier, while still remaining in their favor. an example of this is Samsung Galaxy S III, which has the same name on all carriers (not very common), but AT&T still managed to exclusively carry a “Garnet Red” Galaxy S3.
This competition among carriers creates a third dimension to selling a device, and has allowed Android to succeed even though it is flawed by nature (Don’t believe me? Just look at the state of OS updates), and is also why the iPhone does so well, because Apple doesn’t have to worry about manufacturers, only the carriers.
Tablets are Different
So while the PC market is dominated by the OS makers that maintain rigid control over their systems, and the smartphone market is — thanks to Android’s open source nature — controlled by manufacturer and carrier, the tablet market is controlled by the content providers.
The tablet market is dominated by Apple, due in some part to great advertising and marketing. Their lead-the-market strategy makes the iPad almost synonymous with tablet, and rightly so with 61 percent of US tablet users last year owning iPads, according to Pew. Kindle fire is next with with 14 percent, followed by Samsung’s Galaxy Tab family (5 percent). Amazon’s table attained such remarkable market share with less than two months of sales for the entire year. Kindle Fire’s success motivated Google to move into the tablet market. Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt started dropping hints about the Nexus 7 back in January.
But the question is, who does the Tablet Benefit?
The 8GB Nexus 7 sells for $199, and comes with a $25 credit to spend in the Google Play store, so at a cost to the consumer of $175, the Nexus 7 is the cheapest mainstream tablet available. Margins are thin. IHS iSuppli’s teardown puts Nexus 7′s bill of materials and manufacturing at $159.25, which excludes marketing costs. Android tablets have largely failed; the continued dominance of the iPad as well as the meteoric rise of the Kindle fire show that Android tablets need something else to succeed, so Google came as near to the quality of the iPad, while still at the price of the Kindle fire.
Google contracted Asus to build the Nexus 7, so the manufacturer is also a winner. Asus is a distant fifth in tablet market share, and they make the somewhat popular Eee Pad Transformer line, which runs “stock” Android (Google’s version).
So then, who does the Nexus 7 Hurt?
Amazon loses the most from the Nexus 7, and Apple to a lesser extent too. There may also be some animosity between the Android manufacturers and Google. The nexus 7 under-prices all other mainstream Android tablets, and Google can only do that because they sell the content. Very few Android tablets besides the Nexus 7 will be sold in the near future, but Google still will make a profit off of the ones that do, and this may rankle the manufacturer’s hides, some may even consider pulling an Amazon and forking Android, however unlikely that may be.
We wouldn’t want to forget about one other player in the tablet market, a newcomer, Microsoft. Randall C. Kennedy wrote an excellent article observing that Microsoft is manufacturing Surface because they won’t have to pay heavy licensing fees. Surface will come in a consumer version that runs Windows RT, and a business “Surface Pro” version that runs Windows 8 Pro they both have pretty much identical bodies, 10.6-inch screens cool covers, and a kickstand!
As I already said, a successful tablet requires content, and Microsoft’s content is almost exclusively software and games. Apple’s iTunes ecosystem led with music, and followed with video, apps, books and periodicals. Amazon’s Kindle/Android ecosystem led with books and periodicals, then followed with music, video, and apps. Google’s Play ecosystem led with apps and games, then followed with video, books, music and then finally periodicals. Microsoft does not yet have a Windows ecosystem to compete with all of that content. There is, however, Xbox Live.
So if Microsoft wants to succeed in the tablet space, they first need to have a great price. At an analyst-estimated price range of $300 to $400, Surface may be able to carve a niche between the iPad and the Kindle fire, but with Google increasing the competition in the 7-inch range, it’s going to be all that much harder for Microsoft. Secondly, Microsoft needs the rest of the content to come from somewhere.
The Nexus 7 is a great tablet at a really great price, and while there are many reasons Google would want to make a tablet with such a thin profit margin and compete with their hardware manufacturers, Google’s goal was to get their foot in the door of the tablet market, and we can be sure they succeeded in that.
Pro Runner 350 AW Camera Backpack From Lowepro
288 days
by TwiddleGeek
in cases & Bags
The Pro Runner 350 AW camera backpack from Lowepro is an exceptional carry bag for your camera equipment. The thick straps and waistband make it comfortable, even when loaded. The large padded space has ample room for camera, lenses, and accessories, and there is also space to carry a laptop, iPod, keys, documents, etc. The backpack really holds a lot.
The large compartment has dividers that are held in place with Velcro, which enable you to customize compartment size for your individual gear. these are not cheap little dividers, but well padded with strong Velcro. they should stay in place and protect your equipment for a long time. The inside of the main compartment also has some smaller pockets for flashcards, etc. All the pockets are zippered or Velcroed. If you have very large lenses, they probably won’t fit, but for a couple of extra lenses, you can design the interior to hold your equipment.
It took me a minute to find the laptop pocket. I might have missed it if I hadn’t read there was a compartment for laptops. The zipper is on the side and the laptop slides in from the side and is held in a well-padded compartment between the camera and the wearer’s back.
The thin outside flap unzips for a small compartment with pockets to hold an iPod, keys, pens, cell phone, and a few documents. You won’t put a lot in here, but it will hold certain items. Then on the very outside, there is a zippered pocket that will hold travel documents or small items for quick retrieval.
One thing I really like, especially on days like today when it rained all day, is the built-in All Weather Cover. There’s a little tag at the bottom that indicates where the cover is located. Undo the Velcro, pull the cover out and waterproof your backpack. very cool Then you can tuck it back in when not in use.
There’s also a hideaway tripod mount with a removable holder. This enables you to secure your tripod to the outside back of your backpack with secure straps. There is a mesh side pocket on one side of the pack. I sort of wish there was one on both sides.
I have not taken the bag on an airplane, but the tag says it is carry-on size and sized for international travel. Although the way some airlines are going, who knows about this.
This is an excellent camera backpack. it will hold your gear securely and keep things organized and safe. Highly recommended.
Fujitsu Stylistic Z702, Lifebook T902 Tablets Target Enterprise Users
291 days
by TwiddleGeek
in webcams
Fujitsu, understanding the enterprise attraction to tablets, has introduced the Stylistic Z702 business hybrid tablet and the refreshed Lifebook T902 convertible tablet PC.
The Stylistic hybrid weighs 1.88 pounds and features an 11.6-inch Advanced High-Performance In-Plane Switching (AH-IPS) high-definition multi-touch display for pen or touch input that’s paired with a keyboard docking station that enables it to instantly transition from tablet to laptop.
The new 4.1-pound Lifebook convertible features a frameless 13.3-inch HD+ anti-glare widescreen display. according to Fujitsu, it’s the largest screen available for touch or pen input. a twist of the display, and the T902 goes from laptop to clipboard-style tablet. Fujitsu expects it will be a fit for workers in health care, education, retail point-of-sale, insurance and other industries.
Who are these right for?
"If you’re buying a convertible, the majority of your work is keyboard-based," Paul Moore, Fujitsu’s vice president of PC marketing, told eWEEK. "It’s for people who want to embrace the touch capabilities, but they have reports to do and that kind of thing. Then there are the tablet people