Before You Buy a Computer: Should You Get a Consumer or Business Class PC?
By Melanie Pinola, About.com Guide
from About.com
An important consideration when buying a computer for work purposes is whether you should purchase a consumer model or a computer specifically designed for business. Many computer manufacturers offer what appear to be the same computer make and model in both their home and business divisions, but they are actually not the same computer. Here's what you need to know about the differences between consumer and business grade PCs, and which kind you should get for your home or mobile office.
Percent of Business vs. Personal Use
First determine how often you will be using the computer for business use. If you telecommute infrequently (e.g., only during rare severe weather), then a consumer class PC should be just fine -- provided the computer has the appropriate applications and resources for your job, of course. Likewise, if you'll be using it 90% for personal entertainment and only 10% for work, a consumer computer may be more fitting.
Computers sold to consumers usually cost less than business PCs, and since they're sold everywhere, including Best Buy and Walmart, you can pick up a consumer computer very quickly and easily.
Durability and Reliability
For more dedicated or serious work use, invest in a business class computer, which offers more value in the long run than the consumer counterpart. Business computers are built to last, with higher quality components that are tested more rigorously. Parts used for consumer computers may be more generic or even cheap, while computers designed for professional use more often include higher grade materials and name-brand parts. This emphasis on durability means that a business class laptop or desktop you buy now should last you several years.
Business-Appropriate Features
Business grade computers offer more features for professional work, such as fingerprint readers, remote desktop control software, and encryption tools. The professional operating system version that comes on business PCs is also more suited for workers than the home version; Windows 7 Professional, for example, has features -- which Windows 7 Starter and Home editions do not have -- for easily joining a corporate network and using Windows XP software. If you're not convinced yet, consider this: business PCs typically don't include the crapware that bogs down so many consumer PCs.
Service and Warranty
Finally, business computer systems come with better support options and may be more easily supported by your employer's IT department as well. The default warranty on business computers is usually longer than those on consumer models. Business users also tend to get priority support, via a dedicated support line, and you can opt for on-site tech support available within hours rather than having to send in your computer for repair, which could take weeks.
Closing Thoughts
Business class computers are designed to reflect and support companies' critical reliability and performance needs. If you're buying a laptop or desktop PC to make money (i.e., for work), invest in one designed for business users and the investment should pay off in terms of better reliability, easier troubleshooting, and more professional features. If you find a consumer model that you're interested in, check if the manufacturer offers a similar model in its business division.
MY THOUGHTS
I think equally important is where you buy the computer and the after sales service they provide. In any case, the speed by which models change, we hardly hold on to our computers for more than two years.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
IS THERE A LINK BETWEEN CELLPHONES AND BRAIN TUMOR?
Study Finds No Link Between Cell Phones and Brain Tumors
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide July 14, 2011
It's one of the most debated issues involving cell phones: whether or not they cause brain tumors. According to a new study, the answer is no.
The study, which looked at 2.8 million Danish adults, found that those who had used a cell phone for more than 10 years were no more likely to develop a non-cancerous type of brain tumor than adults who had never used a cell phone or those who had used one for a shorter period of time.
The type of tumor studied was an acoustic neuroma, which is a slow-growing, non-cancerous tumor that forms inside the brain, near the ear. While these tumors are non-cancerous, they are considered an important indicator of the safety of cell phones.
"Of interest is that acoustic neuromas grow in the area of the brain where greater energy emitted from the cellphones is absorbed, compared to other areas of the brain," the study's leader, Dr. Joachim Schuz of World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer, told Reuters.
MY THOUGHTS
Isn't that a relief! For those whose cannot live without their cellphone pasted to their ear. The study may have proven that there is no link between cellphone use and brain tumor. I wonder if there's any study linking cellphone to stress. Just look around you. People who seem to be always on the phone-do they look relaxed or stressed to the max?
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide July 14, 2011
It's one of the most debated issues involving cell phones: whether or not they cause brain tumors. According to a new study, the answer is no.
The study, which looked at 2.8 million Danish adults, found that those who had used a cell phone for more than 10 years were no more likely to develop a non-cancerous type of brain tumor than adults who had never used a cell phone or those who had used one for a shorter period of time.
The type of tumor studied was an acoustic neuroma, which is a slow-growing, non-cancerous tumor that forms inside the brain, near the ear. While these tumors are non-cancerous, they are considered an important indicator of the safety of cell phones.
"Of interest is that acoustic neuromas grow in the area of the brain where greater energy emitted from the cellphones is absorbed, compared to other areas of the brain," the study's leader, Dr. Joachim Schuz of World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer, told Reuters.
MY THOUGHTS
Isn't that a relief! For those whose cannot live without their cellphone pasted to their ear. The study may have proven that there is no link between cellphone use and brain tumor. I wonder if there's any study linking cellphone to stress. Just look around you. People who seem to be always on the phone-do they look relaxed or stressed to the max?
Anti-Shake Camera Mechanisms
Anti-Shake Camera Mechanisms
How DSLR Manufacturers Help You Cut Down on Camera Shake
By Jo Plumridge, Contributing Writer
Camera shake can be caused by many things, but a common problem is the weight of cameras and lenses. Even the most steady of hands can struggle to keep a big telephoto lens stable!
Fortunately, most DSLR manufacturers have developed anti-shake camera mechanisms to help prevent camera shake. The most sensible form of stabilization is obviously when manufacturers use an anti-shake camera system on actual DSLR camera bodies. This means that stabilization is in place, whatever lens you are using.
Manufacturers who currently use anti-shake camera technology on their DSLR bodies are:
Pentax (Shake Reduction)
Sony (Super Steady-Shot)
Konica Minolta (Anti-Shake)
Olympus (Sensor-Shift Stabilization)
The only downside of in-camera stabilization is that you can't see the effect that it's having on your images as you shoot your photos. But this is a small price to pay!
So, why do the two biggest camera manufacturers -- Canon and Nikon -- only offer stabilization on some of their lenses, and not in camera? Simply put, both manufacturers produced (and still do produce) film cameras. The lenses that were built for film cameras still work on DSLRs today with all the AF functions.
Canon and Nikon have simply produced too many lenses with stabilization in the past to switch to in-camera technology at this point.
Unfortunately, you will pay more for a lens with built-in stabilization. Both manufacturers are starting to produce lenses with stabilization for their APS-C range of cameras, and prices are gradually coming down on these.
Canon uses the abbreviation "IS" (Image Stabilization), and Nikon uses "VR" (Vibration Reduction) to denote lenses with stabilization in them, so make sure to look for this before you buy!
MY THOUGHTS
A must-read forcamera enthusiast.
How DSLR Manufacturers Help You Cut Down on Camera Shake
By Jo Plumridge, Contributing Writer
Camera shake can be caused by many things, but a common problem is the weight of cameras and lenses. Even the most steady of hands can struggle to keep a big telephoto lens stable!
Fortunately, most DSLR manufacturers have developed anti-shake camera mechanisms to help prevent camera shake. The most sensible form of stabilization is obviously when manufacturers use an anti-shake camera system on actual DSLR camera bodies. This means that stabilization is in place, whatever lens you are using.
Manufacturers who currently use anti-shake camera technology on their DSLR bodies are:
Pentax (Shake Reduction)
Sony (Super Steady-Shot)
Konica Minolta (Anti-Shake)
Olympus (Sensor-Shift Stabilization)
The only downside of in-camera stabilization is that you can't see the effect that it's having on your images as you shoot your photos. But this is a small price to pay!
So, why do the two biggest camera manufacturers -- Canon and Nikon -- only offer stabilization on some of their lenses, and not in camera? Simply put, both manufacturers produced (and still do produce) film cameras. The lenses that were built for film cameras still work on DSLRs today with all the AF functions.
Canon and Nikon have simply produced too many lenses with stabilization in the past to switch to in-camera technology at this point.
Unfortunately, you will pay more for a lens with built-in stabilization. Both manufacturers are starting to produce lenses with stabilization for their APS-C range of cameras, and prices are gradually coming down on these.
Canon uses the abbreviation "IS" (Image Stabilization), and Nikon uses "VR" (Vibration Reduction) to denote lenses with stabilization in them, so make sure to look for this before you buy!
MY THOUGHTS
A must-read forcamera enthusiast.
Monday, May 30, 2011
GREAT PORTRAIT PHOTOS
Great Portrait Photos
Basic Tips for Avoiding "Boring" Portrait Photos
By Kyle Schurman , About.com Guide
If you think portrait photos have to be boring shots that all end up looking the same, you aren't really thinking about all of the possibilities. Using some imagination, you can try a lot of different angles and settings to make your portrait photos stand out from the crowd. Try these tips to make your portrait photos unique.
Try zooming in very close on the subject's face. By removing any distractions in the background, the image really becomes about the subject and his emotions in the photo.
Don't always shoot the person's head at the same vertical angle. Try having the subject tilt his head at a 30-degree angle or even a 45-degree angle to give the portrait photo a much more relaxed and less formal look. However, always try to keep the subject's eyes in the upper third of the frame in a close-up portrait photo. You don't want the subject to tilt her head so much that one of her eyes is in the lower half of the frame.
If you decided to "zoom out" a bit and shoot the portrait photo so that you can see the subject's entire body along with the background, consider keeping the background simple. Perhaps try a subtle nature scene that will not distract from the subject.
If you think the background is going to be a distraction in the portrait photo, consider using it to your advantage by having it "frame" the subject. For example, if you have a large window in the area, have the subject sit in front of the window, which makes the window appear as through it is "framing" the subject, drawing attention to the subject. You can make the photo appear less formal in this instance by not having the subject centered in the window that you're using as the "frame."
Make sure the subject's clothing color stands out from the background.
Consider using a small depth of field to blur a distracting background while keeping the subject in focus. A blurry object in the background with a sharp person's face in the foreground will make the subject appear to "pop" out of your photo. This technique tends to work best when zooming in close on the subject's face or upper body.
If you can't seem to eliminate the distracting objects in the background, try adjusting your angle of photography to hide those objects, moving left or right, or even up or down. With a new angle, you'll also give your portrait an interesting look.
Finally, look for an emotion from your subject. Rather than the standard "smile and say cheese," look to capture the subject laughing, crying, or showing another emotion.
MY THOUGHTS
I think coming out with great portrait photos is the most challenging of all.
Basic Tips for Avoiding "Boring" Portrait Photos
By Kyle Schurman , About.com Guide
If you think portrait photos have to be boring shots that all end up looking the same, you aren't really thinking about all of the possibilities. Using some imagination, you can try a lot of different angles and settings to make your portrait photos stand out from the crowd. Try these tips to make your portrait photos unique.
Try zooming in very close on the subject's face. By removing any distractions in the background, the image really becomes about the subject and his emotions in the photo.
Don't always shoot the person's head at the same vertical angle. Try having the subject tilt his head at a 30-degree angle or even a 45-degree angle to give the portrait photo a much more relaxed and less formal look. However, always try to keep the subject's eyes in the upper third of the frame in a close-up portrait photo. You don't want the subject to tilt her head so much that one of her eyes is in the lower half of the frame.
If you decided to "zoom out" a bit and shoot the portrait photo so that you can see the subject's entire body along with the background, consider keeping the background simple. Perhaps try a subtle nature scene that will not distract from the subject.
If you think the background is going to be a distraction in the portrait photo, consider using it to your advantage by having it "frame" the subject. For example, if you have a large window in the area, have the subject sit in front of the window, which makes the window appear as through it is "framing" the subject, drawing attention to the subject. You can make the photo appear less formal in this instance by not having the subject centered in the window that you're using as the "frame."
Make sure the subject's clothing color stands out from the background.
Consider using a small depth of field to blur a distracting background while keeping the subject in focus. A blurry object in the background with a sharp person's face in the foreground will make the subject appear to "pop" out of your photo. This technique tends to work best when zooming in close on the subject's face or upper body.
If you can't seem to eliminate the distracting objects in the background, try adjusting your angle of photography to hide those objects, moving left or right, or even up or down. With a new angle, you'll also give your portrait an interesting look.
Finally, look for an emotion from your subject. Rather than the standard "smile and say cheese," look to capture the subject laughing, crying, or showing another emotion.
MY THOUGHTS
I think coming out with great portrait photos is the most challenging of all.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
iPhone 5
iPhone 5: All the Rumors About Apple's Next-Generation iPhone
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide
Apple is expected to unveil the details of its next-generation iPhone -- the fifth version of the wildly-popular smartphone -- in the coming months. And new rumors about what the new iPhone might look like and the features it may have seem to pop up every day. Here's a roundup of the most popular theories about the highly-anticipated iPhone.
Name
The next-generation iPhone often has been referred to as the "iPhone 5," following in the steps of the iPhone 4. But the latest reports suggest that the device may actually be called the iPhone 4S. That name would make sense; Apple's third-generation iPhone was called the iPhone 3GS, after the second-generation iPhone had been named the iPhone 3G.
Launch Date
Apple typically launches a new iPhone each summer, but as of this writing (May 2011), the company does not seem prepared for a summer launch of the iPhone 5/4S. Most analysts expect the next iPhone to launch in the fall of 2011 instead of the summer, with some reports even suggesting it may not come until the end of the year.
Carriers
Now that Apple has ended its exclusive deal with AT&T and is offering the iPhone 4 on Verizon Wireless, the question is whether the iPhone will make its way to additional carriers. A research note from financial industry analyst Jefferies & Co. says that the new iPhone will be offered on Sprint and T-Mobile, too. That information is based on "industry checks," according to Jefferies & Co.
4G Support?
Maybe. While most industry insiders agree that support for Verizon's super-fast 4G LTE network is unlikely, the iPhone 5/4S may support HSPA+ networks. Currently offered by AT&T and T-Mobile, HSPA+ is an evolved form of current 3G networks, capable of delivering 4G speeds.
Camera
The camera on the iPhone 5/4S may get a significant boost in quality, some reports suggest. Rumors say that Apple's next iPhone may feature an 8-megapixel camera, powered by a Sony sensor. The current iPhone, the iPhone 4, features a 5-megapixel camera.
Screen
The Retina Display was one of the most-hyped features on the iPhone 4 when it launched in 2010. But new rumors suggest that Apple is looking at redesigning the display on the next-generation iPhone, as a purported mockup of the new phone shows a device with an edge-to-edge screen. That screen would feature the same 3:4 screen ratio currently used on the iPad, not the 2:3 screen ratio that the iPhone 4 features.
MY THOUGHTS
Let's see what happens when iPhone5 hits the market.
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide
Apple is expected to unveil the details of its next-generation iPhone -- the fifth version of the wildly-popular smartphone -- in the coming months. And new rumors about what the new iPhone might look like and the features it may have seem to pop up every day. Here's a roundup of the most popular theories about the highly-anticipated iPhone.
Name
The next-generation iPhone often has been referred to as the "iPhone 5," following in the steps of the iPhone 4. But the latest reports suggest that the device may actually be called the iPhone 4S. That name would make sense; Apple's third-generation iPhone was called the iPhone 3GS, after the second-generation iPhone had been named the iPhone 3G.
Launch Date
Apple typically launches a new iPhone each summer, but as of this writing (May 2011), the company does not seem prepared for a summer launch of the iPhone 5/4S. Most analysts expect the next iPhone to launch in the fall of 2011 instead of the summer, with some reports even suggesting it may not come until the end of the year.
Carriers
Now that Apple has ended its exclusive deal with AT&T and is offering the iPhone 4 on Verizon Wireless, the question is whether the iPhone will make its way to additional carriers. A research note from financial industry analyst Jefferies & Co. says that the new iPhone will be offered on Sprint and T-Mobile, too. That information is based on "industry checks," according to Jefferies & Co.
4G Support?
Maybe. While most industry insiders agree that support for Verizon's super-fast 4G LTE network is unlikely, the iPhone 5/4S may support HSPA+ networks. Currently offered by AT&T and T-Mobile, HSPA+ is an evolved form of current 3G networks, capable of delivering 4G speeds.
Camera
The camera on the iPhone 5/4S may get a significant boost in quality, some reports suggest. Rumors say that Apple's next iPhone may feature an 8-megapixel camera, powered by a Sony sensor. The current iPhone, the iPhone 4, features a 5-megapixel camera.
Screen
The Retina Display was one of the most-hyped features on the iPhone 4 when it launched in 2010. But new rumors suggest that Apple is looking at redesigning the display on the next-generation iPhone, as a purported mockup of the new phone shows a device with an edge-to-edge screen. That screen would feature the same 3:4 screen ratio currently used on the iPad, not the 2:3 screen ratio that the iPhone 4 features.
MY THOUGHTS
Let's see what happens when iPhone5 hits the market.
Monday, May 9, 2011
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
Flash Photography Tips
How to Get the Best Out of Your Flash
By Jo Plumridge, About.com Contributing Writer
Whether you're using a compact camera with a built in flash, a DSLR's integrated pop-up flash, or a dedicated speedlight on your DSLR camera, there are tips that you can use to make sure your flash photography is as good as it can be.
Remember, flash isn't always necessary! Learning about aperture, shutter speed, and ISO will enable you to take shots using natural light far more effectively.
Now read on for my top flash photography tips.
Recharging and batteries. Using a flash of any kind can really drain the batteries, so it's always a good idea to carry spares and to keep them fully charged. Different flashes take a different amount of time to recharge. This is called the recycle time. It's dependent on several factors -- such as, how good the batteries are and how much of the flash was discharged in the previous shot (for instance, if you are only shooting at a quarter power, the flash will recycle far more quickly). It's useful to know how quickly your flash recharges so that you'll know how quickly you can take another photograph.
Reflective surfaces. It sounds simple, but avoiding reflective surfaces when using flash can sometimes be a challenge! It needs to be done because, if you shoot the flash into anything reflective, you'll end up with a big blob of light on the image where the flash has reflected back to the camera. So avoid the obvious culprits such as mirrors! People wearing glasses can be a real challenge with a flash but, if you ask them to push the glasses down their nose a little bit, and to tilt them downwards, there will no longer be a direct surface for the flash to reflect into. (This is presuming that they won't take them off in the first place!)
Falloff. Compact camera flashes and pop-up flashes on DSLRs suffer from "falloff," which is where the flash is strongest in the middle of the image, but falls off as it gets to the corners. In addition, many flashes get weaker the farther away they are from the camera. (This occurs because of the flash's guide number, which relates to the number of feet or meters that it can cover). The solution is to always try to keep people in the center of the image and to photograph groups in a straight line, so as to keep the light as even as possible over all subjects.
Use ambient light. Sometimes you need flash, and there's no choice about it! But, if there's any ambient light available, try to use that in conjunction with the flash to add depth and warmth to an image and to cut down on harsh shadows. Position your subject in whatever ambient light there is, and then use the flash to add extra light.
Bounce. Unfortunately, this only applies if you are using an independent speedlight on your DSLR. One of the most compelling reasons to invest in a flashgun is the ability to bounce your flash. This means that you can move away from harsh direct flash, and angle your flashgun so that the light is "bounced" onto the subject. This is usually done by angling the flashgun head so that it hits the ceiling and the light is then directed down onto the subject.
MY THOUGHTS
There was a time i wanted those sophisticated cameras. I've changed my minds. I just want to take a picture of whatever. If it turns out right, I'd be happy. If it doesn't, then I'll take another picture if I can. I guess I can be classified as a non-enthusiast.
How to Get the Best Out of Your Flash
By Jo Plumridge, About.com Contributing Writer
Whether you're using a compact camera with a built in flash, a DSLR's integrated pop-up flash, or a dedicated speedlight on your DSLR camera, there are tips that you can use to make sure your flash photography is as good as it can be.
Remember, flash isn't always necessary! Learning about aperture, shutter speed, and ISO will enable you to take shots using natural light far more effectively.
Now read on for my top flash photography tips.
Recharging and batteries. Using a flash of any kind can really drain the batteries, so it's always a good idea to carry spares and to keep them fully charged. Different flashes take a different amount of time to recharge. This is called the recycle time. It's dependent on several factors -- such as, how good the batteries are and how much of the flash was discharged in the previous shot (for instance, if you are only shooting at a quarter power, the flash will recycle far more quickly). It's useful to know how quickly your flash recharges so that you'll know how quickly you can take another photograph.
Reflective surfaces. It sounds simple, but avoiding reflective surfaces when using flash can sometimes be a challenge! It needs to be done because, if you shoot the flash into anything reflective, you'll end up with a big blob of light on the image where the flash has reflected back to the camera. So avoid the obvious culprits such as mirrors! People wearing glasses can be a real challenge with a flash but, if you ask them to push the glasses down their nose a little bit, and to tilt them downwards, there will no longer be a direct surface for the flash to reflect into. (This is presuming that they won't take them off in the first place!)
Falloff. Compact camera flashes and pop-up flashes on DSLRs suffer from "falloff," which is where the flash is strongest in the middle of the image, but falls off as it gets to the corners. In addition, many flashes get weaker the farther away they are from the camera. (This occurs because of the flash's guide number, which relates to the number of feet or meters that it can cover). The solution is to always try to keep people in the center of the image and to photograph groups in a straight line, so as to keep the light as even as possible over all subjects.
Use ambient light. Sometimes you need flash, and there's no choice about it! But, if there's any ambient light available, try to use that in conjunction with the flash to add depth and warmth to an image and to cut down on harsh shadows. Position your subject in whatever ambient light there is, and then use the flash to add extra light.
Bounce. Unfortunately, this only applies if you are using an independent speedlight on your DSLR. One of the most compelling reasons to invest in a flashgun is the ability to bounce your flash. This means that you can move away from harsh direct flash, and angle your flashgun so that the light is "bounced" onto the subject. This is usually done by angling the flashgun head so that it hits the ceiling and the light is then directed down onto the subject.
MY THOUGHTS
There was a time i wanted those sophisticated cameras. I've changed my minds. I just want to take a picture of whatever. If it turns out right, I'd be happy. If it doesn't, then I'll take another picture if I can. I guess I can be classified as a non-enthusiast.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
WHITE iPHONE THICKER THAN BLACK MODEL?
White iPhone Thicker Than Black Model...Or Is It?
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide May 1, 2011
http://cellphones.about.com/b/2011/05/01/white-iphone-thicker-than-black-model-or-is-it.htm?nl=1
The long-awaited white version of the iPhone 4 made its debut last week. And, right out of the gate, eagle-eyed observers noted that the phone was slightly thicker than its ultra-slim sibling.
The added thickness -- .2mm, according to TiPb, an iPhone, iPad, and iPod blog -- is barely noticeable. But when the two phones are held side by side, as in this picture posted on CNET.com, the ever-so-slight difference is clear.
But not apparently to Phil Shiller, Apple's Senior Vice President of Product Marketing. He responded to a tweet sent his way by a reader of 9to5Mac.com, asking for confirmation of the size discrepancy between the two phones. Shiller's response, sent via a private direct message that has since been made public, reads, "It is not thicker, don't believe all the junk that you read."
Despite Shiller's response, the difference in size between the two phones seems clear. At least to this untrained eye.
MY THOUGHTS
It does look a little thicker.
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide May 1, 2011
http://cellphones.about.com/b/2011/05/01/white-iphone-thicker-than-black-model-or-is-it.htm?nl=1
The long-awaited white version of the iPhone 4 made its debut last week. And, right out of the gate, eagle-eyed observers noted that the phone was slightly thicker than its ultra-slim sibling.
The added thickness -- .2mm, according to TiPb, an iPhone, iPad, and iPod blog -- is barely noticeable. But when the two phones are held side by side, as in this picture posted on CNET.com, the ever-so-slight difference is clear.
But not apparently to Phil Shiller, Apple's Senior Vice President of Product Marketing. He responded to a tweet sent his way by a reader of 9to5Mac.com, asking for confirmation of the size discrepancy between the two phones. Shiller's response, sent via a private direct message that has since been made public, reads, "It is not thicker, don't believe all the junk that you read."
Despite Shiller's response, the difference in size between the two phones seems clear. At least to this untrained eye.
MY THOUGHTS
It does look a little thicker.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Wide-Angle Conversion Lenses
Troubleshoot Wide-Angle Conversion Lenses
By Kyle Schurman, About.com Guide
With some cameras, usually fixed-lens or DSLR models, you have the option of adding conversion lenses to give your camera's lens additional wide-angle or telephoto capabilities. The conversion lens attaches over the top of the existing lens. Use these tips to troubleshoot any problems you may be having with wide-angle conversion lenses.
Be certain the wide-angle conversion lens is made for your camera. Because the lens housing for each model of camera is different, conversion lenses must be made to fit particular models. If the conversion lens doesn't fit the original lens perfectly, you may have problems achieving the results you want.
With some types of conversion lenses, especially those labeled as "fish eye" lenses, you may need to change the settings on your camera to properly compensate for the extreme wide-angle look of a fish eye lens. If such settings are required for your camera, the user guide included with the conversion lens should mention it. You also may want to check the camera's user guide for tips on which menu settings you should use with a wide-angle conversion lens.
If you're having problems using the viewfinder to accurately frame your photos with the wide-angle conversion lens attached, try using the LCD to frame all of the photos. A wide-angle conversion lens may distort how the viewfinder works.
Don't try zooming in on a subject with the wide-angle conversion lens attached. The camera probably won't be able to correctly frame the photo or focus on the subject if both the zoom lens and conversion lens are in use. Some cameras disable the optical zoom with a wide-angle conversion lens attached; just be sure you don't activate the digital zoom feature, either.
The camera's flash also might not work properly with a wide-angle conversion lens attached. If you're having problems with achieving proper exposure from the flash with the conversion lens attached, try turning off the flash. Some cameras will disable the flash entirely when you're using a wide-angle conversion lens.
Because of the way the conversion lens attaches to the original lens, you may see a ghosting effect if shooting a scene with a bright light nearby. There is no way to avoid this effect, other than removing the wide-angle conversion lens
Finally, be sure to clean the original lens before attaching the wide-angle conversion lens. If the original lens is dirty, it won't matter how clean the conversion lens is.
MY THOUGHTS
Wide angle pictures would look like these:
photos from digital-photography-school.com
By Kyle Schurman, About.com Guide
With some cameras, usually fixed-lens or DSLR models, you have the option of adding conversion lenses to give your camera's lens additional wide-angle or telephoto capabilities. The conversion lens attaches over the top of the existing lens. Use these tips to troubleshoot any problems you may be having with wide-angle conversion lenses.
Be certain the wide-angle conversion lens is made for your camera. Because the lens housing for each model of camera is different, conversion lenses must be made to fit particular models. If the conversion lens doesn't fit the original lens perfectly, you may have problems achieving the results you want.
With some types of conversion lenses, especially those labeled as "fish eye" lenses, you may need to change the settings on your camera to properly compensate for the extreme wide-angle look of a fish eye lens. If such settings are required for your camera, the user guide included with the conversion lens should mention it. You also may want to check the camera's user guide for tips on which menu settings you should use with a wide-angle conversion lens.
If you're having problems using the viewfinder to accurately frame your photos with the wide-angle conversion lens attached, try using the LCD to frame all of the photos. A wide-angle conversion lens may distort how the viewfinder works.
Don't try zooming in on a subject with the wide-angle conversion lens attached. The camera probably won't be able to correctly frame the photo or focus on the subject if both the zoom lens and conversion lens are in use. Some cameras disable the optical zoom with a wide-angle conversion lens attached; just be sure you don't activate the digital zoom feature, either.
The camera's flash also might not work properly with a wide-angle conversion lens attached. If you're having problems with achieving proper exposure from the flash with the conversion lens attached, try turning off the flash. Some cameras will disable the flash entirely when you're using a wide-angle conversion lens.
Because of the way the conversion lens attaches to the original lens, you may see a ghosting effect if shooting a scene with a bright light nearby. There is no way to avoid this effect, other than removing the wide-angle conversion lens
Finally, be sure to clean the original lens before attaching the wide-angle conversion lens. If the original lens is dirty, it won't matter how clean the conversion lens is.
MY THOUGHTS
Wide angle pictures would look like these:
photos from digital-photography-school.com
Saturday, April 23, 2011
HOW DO YOU DISPOSE OF OLD CELL PHONES?
HOW DO YOU DISPOSE OF OLD CELL PHONES?
Your discarded cell phone could be poisoning people and water
By John Moe Marketplace Tech Report, Friday, April 22, 2011
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/04/22/tech-report-your-discarded-cell/?refid=0
There's always some new gadget coming around the bend, tempting you to buy it. But what becomes of the old gadget? If you're not careful, it could be causing some real problems.
This Earth Day, we take a look at the risks that go along with recycling your personal electronics. It's something that comes up every time you buy, for instance, a new phone. You can shove the old one in a drawer, which takes up space. You can also choose to simply throw it in the garbage and let it be taken to a landfill. Hopefully, you'll avoid that option because you know that harmful chemicals could escape a broken phone and find their way to the water table.
There are other options but you have to be careful. It's not uncommon to see drop boxes that are marked as recycling stations for used electronics.
But according to our guest, Sarah Westervelt of Basel Action Network, many of the phones dropped in those boxes are sold off to unethical companies in the developing world. There, the phones are stripped down for the precious metals and other ingredients that are inside. This is done without much safety precaution for the workers (often children). The leftover chemicals from this process are then often just dumped into whatever body of water is nearby.
Westervelt says to look for the "E-Stewards" signage on the facility to see if the recycling organization is operating in an ethical capacity. You can also go to e-stewards.org for assistance.
Also in this program, the New York Public Library needs your help figuring out what some very old menus say. Check them out here and get to work!
MY THOUGHTS
This issue of disposing old cell phones and batteries should really be a concern. I've seen these dropboxes in the malls. It's time to find out what they do with these old gadgets.
Your discarded cell phone could be poisoning people and water
By John Moe Marketplace Tech Report, Friday, April 22, 2011
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/04/22/tech-report-your-discarded-cell/?refid=0
There's always some new gadget coming around the bend, tempting you to buy it. But what becomes of the old gadget? If you're not careful, it could be causing some real problems.
This Earth Day, we take a look at the risks that go along with recycling your personal electronics. It's something that comes up every time you buy, for instance, a new phone. You can shove the old one in a drawer, which takes up space. You can also choose to simply throw it in the garbage and let it be taken to a landfill. Hopefully, you'll avoid that option because you know that harmful chemicals could escape a broken phone and find their way to the water table.
There are other options but you have to be careful. It's not uncommon to see drop boxes that are marked as recycling stations for used electronics.
But according to our guest, Sarah Westervelt of Basel Action Network, many of the phones dropped in those boxes are sold off to unethical companies in the developing world. There, the phones are stripped down for the precious metals and other ingredients that are inside. This is done without much safety precaution for the workers (often children). The leftover chemicals from this process are then often just dumped into whatever body of water is nearby.
Westervelt says to look for the "E-Stewards" signage on the facility to see if the recycling organization is operating in an ethical capacity. You can also go to e-stewards.org for assistance.
Also in this program, the New York Public Library needs your help figuring out what some very old menus say. Check them out here and get to work!
MY THOUGHTS
This issue of disposing old cell phones and batteries should really be a concern. I've seen these dropboxes in the malls. It's time to find out what they do with these old gadgets.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Landline Vs. Cell phone
Land line Vs. Cell phone
http://www.valleynewslive.com/story/14495711/landlines-vs-cellphones-422
Posted: Apr 22, 2011 5:39 PM TST Updated: Apr 22, 2011 7:41 PM TST
Having a land-line is a thing of the past. Many have cut the cord for a cell phone.
A new report from the National Center for Health Statistics shows more than 30% of North Dakotans use their cell phone as their primary phone number now. But, Valley News Live did some digging, and this trend could be dangerous during times when you need it the most.
Dan Willers grew up with a landline, but doesn't miss having one anymore. Like most of us, he has cut the cord... and it's helped cut costs as well.
"It's one of those things, you got your keys, wallet, cellphone you're on your way!" Willers says.
But in the event of an emergency, it could rob you time of when help comes. Byron Seiber with Red River Regional Dispatch tells us, "The cellphone gives us location by triangulating three tower sites, giving us a general idea of where you're at."
Unlike landlines, cellphone don't have"enhanced 911," meaning dispatchers won't be able to locate exactly where you are.
"If you're on the 2nd or 3rd floor, that doesn't help first responders. They're not going to know which apartment to go to," Seiber explains.
Seiber says it has been a growing trend. Out of all the 911 calls received in 2010, nearly 72% were made from cell phones.
Without the enhanced 911, it has prompted dispatchers to change the way they ask questions when there's an emergency. in year's passed, it's used to be "911, what's your emergency, based on your information, what's the address of your emergency."
But despite the facts, some still think having a cell phone at hand, can save you.
Willers points out, "Since you're not home anyway, you wouldn't have a land line during a car accident."
MY THOUGHTS
I belong to the 30%. I have lived with a landline for years and survived. Even landlines at the office don't get that much attention anymore. Except probably the local lines.
http://www.valleynewslive.com/story/14495711/landlines-vs-cellphones-422
Posted: Apr 22, 2011 5:39 PM TST Updated: Apr 22, 2011 7:41 PM TST
Having a land-line is a thing of the past. Many have cut the cord for a cell phone.
A new report from the National Center for Health Statistics shows more than 30% of North Dakotans use their cell phone as their primary phone number now. But, Valley News Live did some digging, and this trend could be dangerous during times when you need it the most.
Dan Willers grew up with a landline, but doesn't miss having one anymore. Like most of us, he has cut the cord... and it's helped cut costs as well.
"It's one of those things, you got your keys, wallet, cellphone you're on your way!" Willers says.
But in the event of an emergency, it could rob you time of when help comes. Byron Seiber with Red River Regional Dispatch tells us, "The cellphone gives us location by triangulating three tower sites, giving us a general idea of where you're at."
Unlike landlines, cellphone don't have"enhanced 911," meaning dispatchers won't be able to locate exactly where you are.
"If you're on the 2nd or 3rd floor, that doesn't help first responders. They're not going to know which apartment to go to," Seiber explains.
Seiber says it has been a growing trend. Out of all the 911 calls received in 2010, nearly 72% were made from cell phones.
Without the enhanced 911, it has prompted dispatchers to change the way they ask questions when there's an emergency. in year's passed, it's used to be "911, what's your emergency, based on your information, what's the address of your emergency."
But despite the facts, some still think having a cell phone at hand, can save you.
Willers points out, "Since you're not home anyway, you wouldn't have a land line during a car accident."
MY THOUGHTS
I belong to the 30%. I have lived with a landline for years and survived. Even landlines at the office don't get that much attention anymore. Except probably the local lines.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
APPLE SUES SAMSUNG
Apple Sues Samsung Over Galaxy Phones, Tablet
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide April 19, 2011
Samsung's Galaxy line of smartphones and tablets have impressed reviewers and consumers alike, but a new lawsuit alleges that these devices infringe upon patents owned by Apple. The lawsuit, filed last week by Apple, claims that Samsung's mobile devices are "blatant" copies of Apple's iPhone and iPad.
The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court of Northern California, accuses Samsung of copying the look and product design of the iPhone and iPad when creating the Android-based Galaxy line of smartphones and tablets.
The Wall Street Journal, which was the first to report on the lawsuit, quotes the 38-page filing as saying: "Rather than innovate and develop its own technology and a unique Samsung style for its smart phone products and computer tablets, Samsung chose to copy Apple's technology, user interface and innovative style in these infringing products."
Photo © T-Mobile
MY THOUGHTS
WDYT?
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide April 19, 2011
Samsung's Galaxy line of smartphones and tablets have impressed reviewers and consumers alike, but a new lawsuit alleges that these devices infringe upon patents owned by Apple. The lawsuit, filed last week by Apple, claims that Samsung's mobile devices are "blatant" copies of Apple's iPhone and iPad.
The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court of Northern California, accuses Samsung of copying the look and product design of the iPhone and iPad when creating the Android-based Galaxy line of smartphones and tablets.
The Wall Street Journal, which was the first to report on the lawsuit, quotes the 38-page filing as saying: "Rather than innovate and develop its own technology and a unique Samsung style for its smart phone products and computer tablets, Samsung chose to copy Apple's technology, user interface and innovative style in these infringing products."
Photo © T-Mobile
MY THOUGHTS
WDYT?
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
WHITE iPhone 4
White iPhone 4 Coming Soon?
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide April 17, 2011
www.about.com
When Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone 4 last year, he showed off a white version of the phone. Now, almost a year later, that white iPhone 4 may finally be about to hit the market. Numerous reports this week suggest that the white iPhone 4 will be available later this month.
When the iPhone 4 was released in June 2010, it was available in a black model only. At the time, Apple said the white version was delayed due to a manufacturing issue. At the time, it was expected that the delay would only last a few months -- but now, 10 months later, the white iPhone 4 remains unavailable.
But not for long, if these new reports prove true. Bloomberg reports that Apple will begin selling the white iPhone in "the next few weeks." That information is attributed to three unnamed sources with knowledge of the company's plans.
9to5Mac also is now reporting that the white iPhone has shown up in Apple's inventory and will be released "very soon."
Stay tuned.
MY THOUGHTS
Haven't we seen the white iPhone 4 already? Or was that casing?
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide April 17, 2011
www.about.com
When Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone 4 last year, he showed off a white version of the phone. Now, almost a year later, that white iPhone 4 may finally be about to hit the market. Numerous reports this week suggest that the white iPhone 4 will be available later this month.
When the iPhone 4 was released in June 2010, it was available in a black model only. At the time, Apple said the white version was delayed due to a manufacturing issue. At the time, it was expected that the delay would only last a few months -- but now, 10 months later, the white iPhone 4 remains unavailable.
But not for long, if these new reports prove true. Bloomberg reports that Apple will begin selling the white iPhone in "the next few weeks." That information is attributed to three unnamed sources with knowledge of the company's plans.
9to5Mac also is now reporting that the white iPhone has shown up in Apple's inventory and will be released "very soon."
Stay tuned.
MY THOUGHTS
Haven't we seen the white iPhone 4 already? Or was that casing?
Thursday, April 14, 2011
IPHONE 5
iPhone 5 to Get 8-Megapixel Camera?
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide April 3, 2011
Apple's WWDC is still a few months off, but rumors already are beginning to swirl about what iPhone-related announcements the company is likely to make at the June event. The latest speculation is that Apple may announce an iPhone with an 8-megapixel camera, powered by a Sony sensor.
The rumors of a Sony-supplied camera gained steam last week when the Wall Street Journal's Walt Mossberg sat down with Sony CEO Howard Stringer at an event in New York. As reported by 9to5Mac, Sony's CEO made a comment about supplying cameras to Apple, but did not offer any firm details on what type of camera it would supply.
Another source, TheStreet.com, reported back in April 2010 that Apple had "picked Sony's 8-megapixel camera chip for the 2011 iPhone." The report says that information was obtained from "supply and manufacturing sources."
Nothing has been confirmed, but -- as 9to5Mac points out -- that same report from TheStreet.com correctly predicted that the iPhone 4, which had not been announced at that time, would contain a 5-megapixel camera.
MY THOUGHTS
It's never gonna end. It's your choice if you want to be sucked into these marketing ploys feeding on your constant desire to be "in". Or worse, to be always a step or 2 ahead of others.
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide April 3, 2011
Apple's WWDC is still a few months off, but rumors already are beginning to swirl about what iPhone-related announcements the company is likely to make at the June event. The latest speculation is that Apple may announce an iPhone with an 8-megapixel camera, powered by a Sony sensor.
The rumors of a Sony-supplied camera gained steam last week when the Wall Street Journal's Walt Mossberg sat down with Sony CEO Howard Stringer at an event in New York. As reported by 9to5Mac, Sony's CEO made a comment about supplying cameras to Apple, but did not offer any firm details on what type of camera it would supply.
Another source, TheStreet.com, reported back in April 2010 that Apple had "picked Sony's 8-megapixel camera chip for the 2011 iPhone." The report says that information was obtained from "supply and manufacturing sources."
Nothing has been confirmed, but -- as 9to5Mac points out -- that same report from TheStreet.com correctly predicted that the iPhone 4, which had not been announced at that time, would contain a 5-megapixel camera.
MY THOUGHTS
It's never gonna end. It's your choice if you want to be sucked into these marketing ploys feeding on your constant desire to be "in". Or worse, to be always a step or 2 ahead of others.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
What is 4G wireless
Definition: What is 4G Wireless?
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide
Definition:
4G wireless is the term used to describe the fourth-generation of wireless service. 4G is a step up from 3G, which is currently the most widespread, high-speed wireless service. 4G is only available in limited areas.
While all 4G service is called "4G," the underlying technology is not the same. Sprint, for example, uses WiMax technology for its 4G network, while Verizon Wireless uses a technology called Long Term Evolution, or LTE.
No matter what technology is behind it, 4G wireless is designed to deliver speed. On average, 4G wireless is supposed to be anywhere from four to ten times faster than today's 3G networks. Sprint says its 4G WiMax network can offer download speeds that are ten times faster than a 3G connection, with speeds that top out at 10 megabits per second. Verizon's LTE network, meanwhile, can deliver speeds between 5 mbps and 12 mbps.
Also Known As: Fourth-generation wireless service
MY THOUGHTS
Sometimes I look at the kids in the family and I wonder...how will they communicate with each other when they get to be our age today?
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide
Definition:
4G wireless is the term used to describe the fourth-generation of wireless service. 4G is a step up from 3G, which is currently the most widespread, high-speed wireless service. 4G is only available in limited areas.
While all 4G service is called "4G," the underlying technology is not the same. Sprint, for example, uses WiMax technology for its 4G network, while Verizon Wireless uses a technology called Long Term Evolution, or LTE.
No matter what technology is behind it, 4G wireless is designed to deliver speed. On average, 4G wireless is supposed to be anywhere from four to ten times faster than today's 3G networks. Sprint says its 4G WiMax network can offer download speeds that are ten times faster than a 3G connection, with speeds that top out at 10 megabits per second. Verizon's LTE network, meanwhile, can deliver speeds between 5 mbps and 12 mbps.
Also Known As: Fourth-generation wireless service
MY THOUGHTS
Sometimes I look at the kids in the family and I wonder...how will they communicate with each other when they get to be our age today?
Thursday, April 7, 2011
WHAT IS A CELLPHONE HARD RESET
What Is a Hard Reset on Your BlackBerry?
This article explains what a hard reset is and why you might need one.
By Elise Hines, About.com Contributing Writer
Filed In:
Definition: A hard reset is when you remove the BlackBerry's battery and all connections to any other power sources (e.g., USB cable connected to a PC or a BlackBerry charger), and then replace the battery. This severs all network connections, forces the device to reboot, and can resolve many BlackBerry software issues.
Performing a hard reset is a typical troubleshooting step to resolve BlackBerry issues. If your BlackBerry is frozen or will not allow you to perform a soft reset, you should perform a hard reset. Rebooting your BlackBerry on a regular basis may help you avoid performing hard resets.
MY THOUGHTS
Looks like this is something you have to do no matter what kind of cellphone you have.
This article explains what a hard reset is and why you might need one.
By Elise Hines, About.com Contributing Writer
Filed In:
Definition: A hard reset is when you remove the BlackBerry's battery and all connections to any other power sources (e.g., USB cable connected to a PC or a BlackBerry charger), and then replace the battery. This severs all network connections, forces the device to reboot, and can resolve many BlackBerry software issues.
Performing a hard reset is a typical troubleshooting step to resolve BlackBerry issues. If your BlackBerry is frozen or will not allow you to perform a soft reset, you should perform a hard reset. Rebooting your BlackBerry on a regular basis may help you avoid performing hard resets.
MY THOUGHTS
Looks like this is something you have to do no matter what kind of cellphone you have.
Friday, April 1, 2011
JITTERBUG J: A CELL PHONE FOR YOUR FOLKS
Jitterbug J Review: Cell Phone Made Simple
About.com Rating 4 Star Rating
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide
Cell phones don't get any easier to use than GreatCall's Jitterbug J. And that's the point: this cell phone is designed for folks who wouldn't typically use a mobile phone. It doesn't offer a lot in the way of extras -- you won't find a camera or a Web browser on this phone -- but what it does, the Jitterbug J does well.
The Jitterbug J is made by Samsung, and it's a quality-built phone. It's a flip style phone that feels compact yet sturdy in your hand. Available in red, white, or grey, the Jitterbug J measures 3.9 by 2.1 by 1.0 inches when closed. The exterior of the phone features a small monochrome display that shows you the date and time, or the number of incoming calls.
The phone flips open easily with one hand, thanks in part to the rubberized edging around the handset. Once it's open, you see the interior screen, which measures 2.1-inches diagonally, and the Jitterbug's marquee feature: its easy-to-use controls.
The number keys are big -- very big -- so as to easily viewed even by older folks and those with poor eyesight. The keys are backlit, too, making it easily to dial in dim light. Even though the keys are oversized, the Jitterbug J doesn't look cartoonish: it strikes a nice balance between appearance and usability.
Instead of typical phone controls, like send and end keys, the Jitterbug J has yes and no buttons. These make navigating the phone's features a snap. If you have a new message, for example, you're asked if you'd like to read it, and you can enter your response with one of the keys.
Making Calls
Voice quality varied in my test calls, with some calls sounding a bit hollow. I also noticed occasional static. Many of my calls were of very good quality, however, with voices coming through loud and clear on both ends of the line. I experienced no dropped calls during my tests.
Messaging
The Jitterbug J's messaging features are simple, but straightforward, just like the phone itself. The phone can send and receive text messages, but not picture or video messages; you'll have to view those online. Composing text messages can be a chore on the Jitterbug J's numeric keypad, but the phone does include some automatic replies that you can use, such as "Call me" or "Thank you."
Extra Services
The Jitterbug J doesn't run any of the typical apps or extras you'll find on many of today's cell phones. There are no games, no Web browser, no email. What you will find instead is a unique collection of services that are designed for the folks most likely to use the Jitterbug J.
Available options include The Check-in Call, which allows an operator to call you at pre-set times to check up on your well-being; LiveNurse, which gives you 24/7 access to registered nurses; The Wellness Call, which delivers a 4-5 minute motivational weekly call designed to improve your health and reduce stress; Daily Health Tips, which delivers suggestions for a healthy lifestyle; and Medication Reminder, which deliver automated reminder calls. GreatCall also offers services that let you check weather and news, and a calendar service.
Bottom Line
The Jitterbug J isn't for everyone. It's not the latest or greatest smartphone. It's not the best phone for anyone who uses text messaging more than casually. It lacks a camera and a Web browser. But for older folks and anyone who's looking for a basic cell phone that's drop-dead simple to use, the Jitterbug J will be a hard to top.
MY THOUGHTS
If you think your folks would feel more comfortable (and confident) with this phone, here's what it looks like (if you haven't seen it yet) -
About.com Rating 4 Star Rating
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide
Cell phones don't get any easier to use than GreatCall's Jitterbug J. And that's the point: this cell phone is designed for folks who wouldn't typically use a mobile phone. It doesn't offer a lot in the way of extras -- you won't find a camera or a Web browser on this phone -- but what it does, the Jitterbug J does well.
The Jitterbug J is made by Samsung, and it's a quality-built phone. It's a flip style phone that feels compact yet sturdy in your hand. Available in red, white, or grey, the Jitterbug J measures 3.9 by 2.1 by 1.0 inches when closed. The exterior of the phone features a small monochrome display that shows you the date and time, or the number of incoming calls.
The phone flips open easily with one hand, thanks in part to the rubberized edging around the handset. Once it's open, you see the interior screen, which measures 2.1-inches diagonally, and the Jitterbug's marquee feature: its easy-to-use controls.
The number keys are big -- very big -- so as to easily viewed even by older folks and those with poor eyesight. The keys are backlit, too, making it easily to dial in dim light. Even though the keys are oversized, the Jitterbug J doesn't look cartoonish: it strikes a nice balance between appearance and usability.
Instead of typical phone controls, like send and end keys, the Jitterbug J has yes and no buttons. These make navigating the phone's features a snap. If you have a new message, for example, you're asked if you'd like to read it, and you can enter your response with one of the keys.
Making Calls
Voice quality varied in my test calls, with some calls sounding a bit hollow. I also noticed occasional static. Many of my calls were of very good quality, however, with voices coming through loud and clear on both ends of the line. I experienced no dropped calls during my tests.
Messaging
The Jitterbug J's messaging features are simple, but straightforward, just like the phone itself. The phone can send and receive text messages, but not picture or video messages; you'll have to view those online. Composing text messages can be a chore on the Jitterbug J's numeric keypad, but the phone does include some automatic replies that you can use, such as "Call me" or "Thank you."
Extra Services
The Jitterbug J doesn't run any of the typical apps or extras you'll find on many of today's cell phones. There are no games, no Web browser, no email. What you will find instead is a unique collection of services that are designed for the folks most likely to use the Jitterbug J.
Available options include The Check-in Call, which allows an operator to call you at pre-set times to check up on your well-being; LiveNurse, which gives you 24/7 access to registered nurses; The Wellness Call, which delivers a 4-5 minute motivational weekly call designed to improve your health and reduce stress; Daily Health Tips, which delivers suggestions for a healthy lifestyle; and Medication Reminder, which deliver automated reminder calls. GreatCall also offers services that let you check weather and news, and a calendar service.
Bottom Line
The Jitterbug J isn't for everyone. It's not the latest or greatest smartphone. It's not the best phone for anyone who uses text messaging more than casually. It lacks a camera and a Web browser. But for older folks and anyone who's looking for a basic cell phone that's drop-dead simple to use, the Jitterbug J will be a hard to top.
MY THOUGHTS
If you think your folks would feel more comfortable (and confident) with this phone, here's what it looks like (if you haven't seen it yet) -
 |
| from about.com |
Sunday, March 13, 2011
PHOTOGRAPHY LIGHTING EFFECTS
Photography Lighting Effects
Understanding How Different Types of Light Work With Photos
By Jo Plumridge, About.com Contributing Writer
See More About:
Nothing makes or breaks a photo more than lighting. Dramatic photography lighting can turn a mundane snapshot into something quite breathtaking. To be able to fully use lighting, though, we need to learn about photography lighting effects.
* Ambient lighting. This light is the soft, non-directional light that we often see when photographing outside. The brightness of your subject may well be reduced, but this type of lighting works well for landscape shots, as it provides even lighting across the frame.
* Artificial household and business lighting. These types of lighting throw a very particular cast over images. Tungsten lighting (commonly used in household bulbs) casts an orange glow over photos. Fluorescent or strip lighting casts a green glow. Fortunately, modern DSLR cameras have white balance settings which can correct for these casts.
* Studio Lighting. Professional photographers use a variety of different lighting in studios. The most common type of lights are flash lights, which work like a much larger version of a flashgun. Other types of studio lighting include tungsten lights and daylight balanced lights.
* Hard Light. This kind of light occurs in the middle of the day and is very intense, creating strong shadows and contrast. It isn't the most popular of lighting because of this, but can be used to good effect in sunny scenes with a minimum of areas in which to catch shadows.
* Back Lighting. This is when the light is focused directly at your camera, and it is commonly used to create silhouettes.
* Side Lighting. As you might expect, light comes from one side of the image with side lighting. This kind of light can be used creatively in genres such as portraiture and architecture to add long shadows and depth to images.
* The Golden Hour. The hour around sunrise and sunset produces a particular kind of lighting with red, pink, and golden tones. This type of lighting produces beautifully lit images, and it is the most popular for landscape photography.
On some occasions, you could also come across a combination of several of these lighting effects -- such as when some ambient light filters in to an indoor scenario. The trick is to learn to use all the available types of lighting to their best advantage.
MY THOUGHTS
that was some brief education on lighting. i hope camera enthusiasts get to read this.
Understanding How Different Types of Light Work With Photos
By Jo Plumridge, About.com Contributing Writer
See More About:
Nothing makes or breaks a photo more than lighting. Dramatic photography lighting can turn a mundane snapshot into something quite breathtaking. To be able to fully use lighting, though, we need to learn about photography lighting effects.
* Ambient lighting. This light is the soft, non-directional light that we often see when photographing outside. The brightness of your subject may well be reduced, but this type of lighting works well for landscape shots, as it provides even lighting across the frame.
* Artificial household and business lighting. These types of lighting throw a very particular cast over images. Tungsten lighting (commonly used in household bulbs) casts an orange glow over photos. Fluorescent or strip lighting casts a green glow. Fortunately, modern DSLR cameras have white balance settings which can correct for these casts.
* Studio Lighting. Professional photographers use a variety of different lighting in studios. The most common type of lights are flash lights, which work like a much larger version of a flashgun. Other types of studio lighting include tungsten lights and daylight balanced lights.
* Hard Light. This kind of light occurs in the middle of the day and is very intense, creating strong shadows and contrast. It isn't the most popular of lighting because of this, but can be used to good effect in sunny scenes with a minimum of areas in which to catch shadows.
* Back Lighting. This is when the light is focused directly at your camera, and it is commonly used to create silhouettes.
* Side Lighting. As you might expect, light comes from one side of the image with side lighting. This kind of light can be used creatively in genres such as portraiture and architecture to add long shadows and depth to images.
* The Golden Hour. The hour around sunrise and sunset produces a particular kind of lighting with red, pink, and golden tones. This type of lighting produces beautifully lit images, and it is the most popular for landscape photography.
On some occasions, you could also come across a combination of several of these lighting effects -- such as when some ambient light filters in to an indoor scenario. The trick is to learn to use all the available types of lighting to their best advantage.
MY THOUGHTS
that was some brief education on lighting. i hope camera enthusiasts get to read this.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
LONG LASTING CAMERA BATTERIES
Long Lasting Camera Batteries
Tips for Improving Camera Battery Life
By Kyle Schurman, About.com Guide
If you've noticed your digital camera's battery power not lasting quite as long as it used to, that's not a surprise. Rechargeable batteries tend to lose their ability to hold a full charge as they age and are re-used. Losing digital camera battery power is a frustrating problem to have, especially if your "battery empty" light flashes just as you prepare to take that once-in-a-lifetime photo. These tips and tricks should help you gain a little extra battery life ... even from an older camera battery.
* If your camera has an optical viewfinder (the small window at the back of the camera that you can use to frame images), you can turn off the LCD screen and only use the viewfinder. The LCD screen has large power demands.
* Try to avoid using the flash, if at all possible. Continued use of the flash also drains the battery quickly. Obviously, there are some situations where a flash is required to create the photo, but, if you can shoot the picture with the flash turned off, do it to save some battery power.
* Do not spend a lot of time reviewing your photos. The longer you have the LCD screen on -- while you aren't actually shooting photos -- the faster your battery will drain in comparison to the number of photos you can shoot per charge. Spend more time reviewing your photos later when you return home and you have a fresh battery.
* Use your camera's power saving feature. Yes, I agree that this feature can be extremely annoying at times, as the camera goes into "sleep" mode when you haven't used it for a set period of time. However, it does work to conserve battery power. To achieve the most battery power savings, set the "sleep" mode to kick in as quickly as possible. With some cameras, this can be after as little as 15 or 30 seconds of inactivity.
* Turn down the LCD's brightness level, if your camera allows this. A brighter LCD drains the battery faster. A dimmer LCD is more difficult to see, especially in bright sunlight, but it will help extend your battery life.
* If you have the option of shooting some photos with the camera plugged into a wall outlet, use this option to conserve battery power.
* Don't believe the claims of the manufacturer about how much life your batteries should have. When testing the battery life of their cameras, most manufacturers will conduct their measurements in perfect conditions, something you likely cannot recreate in real-world photography. If you're able to achieve at least 75% of the battery life that the manufacturer claims, that's a good starting point.
* To obtain the longest life from your batteries, don't fall for the myth that says you should fully drain the battery before recharging it. In reality, a battery has "X" number of hours of use in it. If you're using some of those hours to simply drain the battery, it won't last as long over its lifetime. Just use the battery normally, and charge it when the battery needs a charge or when you're done shooting. A partial charge isn't going to significantly affect the life of the modern battery. That may have been the case with rechargeable batteries from several years ago, but it's not true with newer batteries.
* Don't turn the camera on and off repeatedly. Each time you restart most cameras, the introductory screen will appear for several seconds. Although this doesn't seem like much time, if you turn the camera on and off 10 times, you'll probably lose at least a minute of battery power, which may be the difference between snapping that last great photo and seeing the "battery empty" message. Use the "sleep" mode instead, which I discussed earlier.
* Finally, because all rechargeable batteries tend to hold less power as they age, you may simply want to purchase a second battery and have it charged and available. If you find yourself constantly altering your photography habits to try to conserve power with an older battery, you're better off buying a second battery as a backup or an "insurance policy."
MY THOUGHTS
ever notice how batteries seem to run out when you need it the most? maybe it's not bad luck. maybe it's in the way we use and conserve the batteries.
Tips for Improving Camera Battery Life
By Kyle Schurman, About.com Guide
If you've noticed your digital camera's battery power not lasting quite as long as it used to, that's not a surprise. Rechargeable batteries tend to lose their ability to hold a full charge as they age and are re-used. Losing digital camera battery power is a frustrating problem to have, especially if your "battery empty" light flashes just as you prepare to take that once-in-a-lifetime photo. These tips and tricks should help you gain a little extra battery life ... even from an older camera battery.
* If your camera has an optical viewfinder (the small window at the back of the camera that you can use to frame images), you can turn off the LCD screen and only use the viewfinder. The LCD screen has large power demands.
* Try to avoid using the flash, if at all possible. Continued use of the flash also drains the battery quickly. Obviously, there are some situations where a flash is required to create the photo, but, if you can shoot the picture with the flash turned off, do it to save some battery power.
* Do not spend a lot of time reviewing your photos. The longer you have the LCD screen on -- while you aren't actually shooting photos -- the faster your battery will drain in comparison to the number of photos you can shoot per charge. Spend more time reviewing your photos later when you return home and you have a fresh battery.
* Use your camera's power saving feature. Yes, I agree that this feature can be extremely annoying at times, as the camera goes into "sleep" mode when you haven't used it for a set period of time. However, it does work to conserve battery power. To achieve the most battery power savings, set the "sleep" mode to kick in as quickly as possible. With some cameras, this can be after as little as 15 or 30 seconds of inactivity.
* Turn down the LCD's brightness level, if your camera allows this. A brighter LCD drains the battery faster. A dimmer LCD is more difficult to see, especially in bright sunlight, but it will help extend your battery life.
* If you have the option of shooting some photos with the camera plugged into a wall outlet, use this option to conserve battery power.
* Don't believe the claims of the manufacturer about how much life your batteries should have. When testing the battery life of their cameras, most manufacturers will conduct their measurements in perfect conditions, something you likely cannot recreate in real-world photography. If you're able to achieve at least 75% of the battery life that the manufacturer claims, that's a good starting point.
* To obtain the longest life from your batteries, don't fall for the myth that says you should fully drain the battery before recharging it. In reality, a battery has "X" number of hours of use in it. If you're using some of those hours to simply drain the battery, it won't last as long over its lifetime. Just use the battery normally, and charge it when the battery needs a charge or when you're done shooting. A partial charge isn't going to significantly affect the life of the modern battery. That may have been the case with rechargeable batteries from several years ago, but it's not true with newer batteries.
* Don't turn the camera on and off repeatedly. Each time you restart most cameras, the introductory screen will appear for several seconds. Although this doesn't seem like much time, if you turn the camera on and off 10 times, you'll probably lose at least a minute of battery power, which may be the difference between snapping that last great photo and seeing the "battery empty" message. Use the "sleep" mode instead, which I discussed earlier.
* Finally, because all rechargeable batteries tend to hold less power as they age, you may simply want to purchase a second battery and have it charged and available. If you find yourself constantly altering your photography habits to try to conserve power with an older battery, you're better off buying a second battery as a backup or an "insurance policy."
MY THOUGHTS
ever notice how batteries seem to run out when you need it the most? maybe it's not bad luck. maybe it's in the way we use and conserve the batteries.
HEALTH GADGETS THAT DON'T WORK
Take Two of These on an Empty Stomach, Cross Your Fingers, and Pray
By Melissa Gotthardt
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the October 2001 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
Magic magnets, ear candles, brain stimulators, and other candidates for the Quack Hall of Fame.
Health hokum is big business. And there's more at stake than dollars and cents. "By pinning your hopes on worthless gadgets, you could actually be missing out on a treatment that really will work for you," says James Dillard, MD, co-author of Alternative Medicine for Dummies. Here are five products you should definitely stay away from.
1. Pain-relief guns: These devices are supposed to relieve pain by applying mild electrical charges to afflicted areas. "The charge may serve as a brief counterirritant so you don't notice as much pain, but any effect would be minor and temporary," says Dillard. He suggests trying a licensed acupuncturist or massage therapist instead.
2. Magic magnets: Since a small study published in 1997 found that 29 patients with post-polio problems reported less pain when treated with magnets, marketers have claimed that magnets will alleviate just about any ailment. But it's far from proven. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission cracked down on Magnetic Therapeutic Technologies for telling consumers that magnets were effective for treating HIV, cancer, arthritis, and other diseases. And last year the Consumer Justice Center filed suit against Florsheim for saying its MagneForce shoes reduced pain and enhanced circulation.
3. Ear candles: Since nothing inside your head can pass through an intact eardrum, these candles won't clear out sinuses or relieve tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and may deposit their own wax. Worse yet, doctors may have to treat burns, obstructions, and even eardrum perforation on patients who use the candles.
4. Brain stimulators: The Micro-400 cranial electrical stimulator is a small battery-powered box promoted as a "brain tuner." It allegedly improves your mood, health, intelligence, and sleep; you can also apply the electrodes to the body to relieve sore muscles and zap parasites. But don't bank on this doing anything except draining your checking account of $195.
5. Pinhole eyeglasses: "Most vision disorders CAN BE REVERSED!" proclaims an ad for these glasses, whose opaque lenses are studded with pinholes. Not so, according to Russell Worrall, OD, an optometrist and associate professor at the University of California, Berkeley. He says vision problems are caused by abnormalities in the eye's lens and shape; therefore no amount of peering through the pinhole shades will help. Do you know the difference between a cure and a scam? Take the quiz!
MY THOUGHTS
i'm disappointed! i would have loved the phinhole eyeglasses and the brain stimulators. consider yourself lucky that you have not invested on any of these. or have you?
By Melissa Gotthardt
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the October 2001 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
Magic magnets, ear candles, brain stimulators, and other candidates for the Quack Hall of Fame.
Health hokum is big business. And there's more at stake than dollars and cents. "By pinning your hopes on worthless gadgets, you could actually be missing out on a treatment that really will work for you," says James Dillard, MD, co-author of Alternative Medicine for Dummies. Here are five products you should definitely stay away from.
1. Pain-relief guns: These devices are supposed to relieve pain by applying mild electrical charges to afflicted areas. "The charge may serve as a brief counterirritant so you don't notice as much pain, but any effect would be minor and temporary," says Dillard. He suggests trying a licensed acupuncturist or massage therapist instead.
2. Magic magnets: Since a small study published in 1997 found that 29 patients with post-polio problems reported less pain when treated with magnets, marketers have claimed that magnets will alleviate just about any ailment. But it's far from proven. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission cracked down on Magnetic Therapeutic Technologies for telling consumers that magnets were effective for treating HIV, cancer, arthritis, and other diseases. And last year the Consumer Justice Center filed suit against Florsheim for saying its MagneForce shoes reduced pain and enhanced circulation.
3. Ear candles: Since nothing inside your head can pass through an intact eardrum, these candles won't clear out sinuses or relieve tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and may deposit their own wax. Worse yet, doctors may have to treat burns, obstructions, and even eardrum perforation on patients who use the candles.
4. Brain stimulators: The Micro-400 cranial electrical stimulator is a small battery-powered box promoted as a "brain tuner." It allegedly improves your mood, health, intelligence, and sleep; you can also apply the electrodes to the body to relieve sore muscles and zap parasites. But don't bank on this doing anything except draining your checking account of $195.
5. Pinhole eyeglasses: "Most vision disorders CAN BE REVERSED!" proclaims an ad for these glasses, whose opaque lenses are studded with pinholes. Not so, according to Russell Worrall, OD, an optometrist and associate professor at the University of California, Berkeley. He says vision problems are caused by abnormalities in the eye's lens and shape; therefore no amount of peering through the pinhole shades will help. Do you know the difference between a cure and a scam? Take the quiz!
MY THOUGHTS
i'm disappointed! i would have loved the phinhole eyeglasses and the brain stimulators. consider yourself lucky that you have not invested on any of these. or have you?
Sunday, February 27, 2011
THE MOST RELIABLE LAPTOPS
The Most Reliable Laptops
By Stacey Bradford | Feb 22, 2011
If you’re a parent like me who works from home, then you know how crippling it can be when your computer breaks down. I nearly went insane the last two weeks waiting for Sony to fix my laptop. This is the second time I’ve had a big issue with my machine and couldn’t write my stories. I’m hoping my next purchase proves more reliable.
What will I buy next? I don’t know much about computers, so I decided to call Dean Gallea, Senior Program Leader at Consumer Reports, to see which brands the publication recommends. It turns out that every year the magazine runs an Annual Product Reliability Survey that asks 43,000 laptop owners about their experience. Here’s what Gallea and his team discovered:
PC Users
If you like using a PC, Toshiba and Acer are tied as the most reliable brands for laptops, says Gallea. Owners reported needing a repair or having serious problems with their models just 15% of the time.
So which models should you buy? In the 13-inch laptop category, Consumer Reports recommends two Toshiba models as “Best Buys”. For $700 you can get a Toshiba Portege, which has an “Excellent” performance rating. For just $400, you could pick up a Toshiba Satellite, which gets a “Very Good” mark for performance.
If you want a 14-inch laptop, Consumer Reports again recommends the Toshiba Satellite. The larger size costs a bit more at $750. But it also scores an “Excellent” on performance.
In the 15 and 16-inch category, the Acer Aspire isn’t a Consumer Reports top pick but it costs just $620 and also gets an “Excellent” for performance.
Apple Users
Apple users are a loyal bunch and for good reason. Owners reported having problems and needing serious repairs just 17% of the time. While this is slightly higher than Toshiba and Acer, Gallea actually prefers this brand.
“If you have an Apple you probably have a leg up on everyone else,” Gallea says. When your computer does have problems, it should be easier and faster to get it fixed, he says. He also points out that Apples are less likely to get infected by viruses.
Consumer Reports recommends six Apple models in its Ratings Overview, including the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air ($1,300) and the 15-inch Apple MacBook Pro ($1,500). And it gives the 17-inch MacBook Pro its top rating of 80 out of 100. Warning: this last one isn’t cheap and will set you back $2,300.
I’m personally partial to PCs. I’m just more used to them. But I’m willing to consider making the switch to a Mac if it means I won’t miss as many work days.
How important is computer reliability to you?
Stacey Bradford is the author of The Wall Street Journal Financial Guidebook for New Parents.
MacBook Pro Keyboard image courtesy of Flickr, CC 2.0.
MY THOUGHTS
computers are indeed more expensive here. of course, we can go for the cheaper brands - which normally means less reliability. but you see, i prefer the cheaper brands. it's so much easier to let go in a year or 2. at the rate styles and models change, getting the cheaper ones works best for me.
By Stacey Bradford | Feb 22, 2011
If you’re a parent like me who works from home, then you know how crippling it can be when your computer breaks down. I nearly went insane the last two weeks waiting for Sony to fix my laptop. This is the second time I’ve had a big issue with my machine and couldn’t write my stories. I’m hoping my next purchase proves more reliable.
What will I buy next? I don’t know much about computers, so I decided to call Dean Gallea, Senior Program Leader at Consumer Reports, to see which brands the publication recommends. It turns out that every year the magazine runs an Annual Product Reliability Survey that asks 43,000 laptop owners about their experience. Here’s what Gallea and his team discovered:
PC Users
If you like using a PC, Toshiba and Acer are tied as the most reliable brands for laptops, says Gallea. Owners reported needing a repair or having serious problems with their models just 15% of the time.
So which models should you buy? In the 13-inch laptop category, Consumer Reports recommends two Toshiba models as “Best Buys”. For $700 you can get a Toshiba Portege, which has an “Excellent” performance rating. For just $400, you could pick up a Toshiba Satellite, which gets a “Very Good” mark for performance.
If you want a 14-inch laptop, Consumer Reports again recommends the Toshiba Satellite. The larger size costs a bit more at $750. But it also scores an “Excellent” on performance.
In the 15 and 16-inch category, the Acer Aspire isn’t a Consumer Reports top pick but it costs just $620 and also gets an “Excellent” for performance.
Apple Users
Apple users are a loyal bunch and for good reason. Owners reported having problems and needing serious repairs just 17% of the time. While this is slightly higher than Toshiba and Acer, Gallea actually prefers this brand.
“If you have an Apple you probably have a leg up on everyone else,” Gallea says. When your computer does have problems, it should be easier and faster to get it fixed, he says. He also points out that Apples are less likely to get infected by viruses.
Consumer Reports recommends six Apple models in its Ratings Overview, including the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air ($1,300) and the 15-inch Apple MacBook Pro ($1,500). And it gives the 17-inch MacBook Pro its top rating of 80 out of 100. Warning: this last one isn’t cheap and will set you back $2,300.
I’m personally partial to PCs. I’m just more used to them. But I’m willing to consider making the switch to a Mac if it means I won’t miss as many work days.
How important is computer reliability to you?
Stacey Bradford is the author of The Wall Street Journal Financial Guidebook for New Parents.
MacBook Pro Keyboard image courtesy of Flickr, CC 2.0.
MY THOUGHTS
computers are indeed more expensive here. of course, we can go for the cheaper brands - which normally means less reliability. but you see, i prefer the cheaper brands. it's so much easier to let go in a year or 2. at the rate styles and models change, getting the cheaper ones works best for me.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Fireworks Photo Tips
Fireworks Photo Tips
How to Shoot Fireworks Photos on July Fourth
By Kyle Schurman, About.com Guide
Firefighters and explosive experts will tell you that shooting fireworks can be a dangerous activity that only should be done under the supervision of professionals.
Emergency room workers will tell you that those experts are correct.
There is another way to shoot fireworks and be safe at the same time: Use your digital camera to shoot fireworks photos. Fireworks photography can be an enjoyable hobby for beginning and intermediate photographers that lends itself to amazing images of Fourth of July celebrations or other occasions with fireworks.
Here are a dozen fireworks photography tips that can help you shoot some amazing photos during Independence Day celebrations.
* Equipment. Make sure you have everything you need, including extra memory cards, extra batteries, and tripods. Chances are good you'll have to park a vehicle far from where you shoot your fireworks photos, so plan ahead to make sure you have the needed equipment. Also, bring a small flashlight or penlight to help you make changes to the settings on your camera in the dark.
* Location. Determining the best location to shoot fireworks photos is an often overlooked aspect of fireworks photography. Obviously, you need to find a location that is free of trees, tall buildings, and overhanging wires that could ruin your photo. However, you also should make sure the wind is at your back as you face the fireworks show. Then, the wind will carry any smoke away from you, giving your camera a clear shot of the fireworks. Try to pick a spot well away from other people, thereby avoiding having a stray head or somebody walking in your shot.
* Location, again. Many large fireworks shows take place near historical buildings or other well-known landmarks. If you can frame your fireworks photos with these landmarks in the background of the shot, you may end up with a more interesting photo.
* Fill flash. If you want to include some family members in the foreground of your fireworks photos, try firing a fill flash that will illuminate the people near the camera while capturing the fireworks in the background. It can be tricky to time the shutter speed with this technique, so you may want to try several shots at different shutter speeds to find a good shot. Otherwise, make sure the flash is turned off.
* Go manual. Most fully automatic, point and shoot cameras rarely capture good shots of fireworks. Such cameras simply cannot set the exposure and shutter speed correctly because of the random nature of when the fireworks appear in the sky and because the light from the fireworks is very bright and doesn't last long. Some point and shoot cameras have a fireworks option in the scene modes, which may create a few good photos. However, the most reliable option is to manually control the shutter speed and exposure. With a manual focus camera, be sure to set the focus to infinity.
* High quality. Make sure you set your camera to the highest-quality settings possible. Use plenty of resolution with fireworks photos.
* Use low ISO settings. Because of the intensity of the light in a fireworks burst, it's best to use a low ISO setting that will limit the light striking the image sensor. Something between ISO 50 and ISO 200 usually is best, but you'll have to adjust the ISO setting manually.
* Be steady. Always use a tripod to shoot fireworks photos. Because of the slow shutter speeds required to capture fireworks, such shots are especially susceptible to camera shake, which leads to blurry photos. Even the image stabilization features built into many new cameras cannot overcome the problem from camera shake with a slow shutter speed. Only a tripod can hold the camera steady enough.
* Timing. When trying to time a fireworks burst for the best exposure, you might need some trial and error. However, it usually works best to open the shutter when you hear the shell launch into the air. Try to keep the shutter open for the entire burst. However, this can be tricky if several bursts are occurring simultaneously, which can interfere with the original burst that you're trying to capture. Try a few different techniques to determine what works best during a particular fireworks show.
* Fully open shutter. One trick you can use is to open the shutter fully (by setting the shutter speed to "bulb") and place a piece of black cardboard over the lens to block all external light. Then remove the cardboard when you want to expose the photo and return the cardboard when you want to stop the exposure. If you do this several times, you can capture multiple fireworks bursts in one frame. Once you have the number of bursts you want, close the shutter. Just be careful not to bump the camera when moving the piece of cardboard.
* Use a remote. If you have a remote or a cable release you can use to fire the shutter, it will greatly minimize the chances that you will bump the camera and ruin a shot by bumping the camera on the tripod.
* Hope for some luck. With fireworks photography, luck plays a role. With a large fireworks show, you never quite know what a particular burst will look like ahead of time, and it could appear anywhere in the sky. Try a variety of shutter speeds and exposure settings, to give yourself the best chance of capturing some high quality photos.
MY THOUGHTS
fireworks fascinate me. so do fireworks photos. and i should be fascinated considering the amount of thought and preparation that should go into taking those photos.
How to Shoot Fireworks Photos on July Fourth
By Kyle Schurman, About.com Guide
Firefighters and explosive experts will tell you that shooting fireworks can be a dangerous activity that only should be done under the supervision of professionals.
Emergency room workers will tell you that those experts are correct.
There is another way to shoot fireworks and be safe at the same time: Use your digital camera to shoot fireworks photos. Fireworks photography can be an enjoyable hobby for beginning and intermediate photographers that lends itself to amazing images of Fourth of July celebrations or other occasions with fireworks.
Here are a dozen fireworks photography tips that can help you shoot some amazing photos during Independence Day celebrations.
* Equipment. Make sure you have everything you need, including extra memory cards, extra batteries, and tripods. Chances are good you'll have to park a vehicle far from where you shoot your fireworks photos, so plan ahead to make sure you have the needed equipment. Also, bring a small flashlight or penlight to help you make changes to the settings on your camera in the dark.
* Location. Determining the best location to shoot fireworks photos is an often overlooked aspect of fireworks photography. Obviously, you need to find a location that is free of trees, tall buildings, and overhanging wires that could ruin your photo. However, you also should make sure the wind is at your back as you face the fireworks show. Then, the wind will carry any smoke away from you, giving your camera a clear shot of the fireworks. Try to pick a spot well away from other people, thereby avoiding having a stray head or somebody walking in your shot.
* Location, again. Many large fireworks shows take place near historical buildings or other well-known landmarks. If you can frame your fireworks photos with these landmarks in the background of the shot, you may end up with a more interesting photo.
* Fill flash. If you want to include some family members in the foreground of your fireworks photos, try firing a fill flash that will illuminate the people near the camera while capturing the fireworks in the background. It can be tricky to time the shutter speed with this technique, so you may want to try several shots at different shutter speeds to find a good shot. Otherwise, make sure the flash is turned off.
* Go manual. Most fully automatic, point and shoot cameras rarely capture good shots of fireworks. Such cameras simply cannot set the exposure and shutter speed correctly because of the random nature of when the fireworks appear in the sky and because the light from the fireworks is very bright and doesn't last long. Some point and shoot cameras have a fireworks option in the scene modes, which may create a few good photos. However, the most reliable option is to manually control the shutter speed and exposure. With a manual focus camera, be sure to set the focus to infinity.
* High quality. Make sure you set your camera to the highest-quality settings possible. Use plenty of resolution with fireworks photos.
* Use low ISO settings. Because of the intensity of the light in a fireworks burst, it's best to use a low ISO setting that will limit the light striking the image sensor. Something between ISO 50 and ISO 200 usually is best, but you'll have to adjust the ISO setting manually.
* Be steady. Always use a tripod to shoot fireworks photos. Because of the slow shutter speeds required to capture fireworks, such shots are especially susceptible to camera shake, which leads to blurry photos. Even the image stabilization features built into many new cameras cannot overcome the problem from camera shake with a slow shutter speed. Only a tripod can hold the camera steady enough.
* Timing. When trying to time a fireworks burst for the best exposure, you might need some trial and error. However, it usually works best to open the shutter when you hear the shell launch into the air. Try to keep the shutter open for the entire burst. However, this can be tricky if several bursts are occurring simultaneously, which can interfere with the original burst that you're trying to capture. Try a few different techniques to determine what works best during a particular fireworks show.
* Fully open shutter. One trick you can use is to open the shutter fully (by setting the shutter speed to "bulb") and place a piece of black cardboard over the lens to block all external light. Then remove the cardboard when you want to expose the photo and return the cardboard when you want to stop the exposure. If you do this several times, you can capture multiple fireworks bursts in one frame. Once you have the number of bursts you want, close the shutter. Just be careful not to bump the camera when moving the piece of cardboard.
* Use a remote. If you have a remote or a cable release you can use to fire the shutter, it will greatly minimize the chances that you will bump the camera and ruin a shot by bumping the camera on the tripod.
* Hope for some luck. With fireworks photography, luck plays a role. With a large fireworks show, you never quite know what a particular burst will look like ahead of time, and it could appear anywhere in the sky. Try a variety of shutter speeds and exposure settings, to give yourself the best chance of capturing some high quality photos.
MY THOUGHTS
fireworks fascinate me. so do fireworks photos. and i should be fascinated considering the amount of thought and preparation that should go into taking those photos.
Monday, February 21, 2011
HOW TO GET YOUR PHOTOS RIGHT
HOW TO GET YOUR PHOTO SHOTS RIGHT
from the article "Common DSLR Photography Mistakes"
Use These Tips to Avoid Typical Errors DSLR Photographers Make
By Jo Plumridge, About.com Contributing Writer
One of the joys of digital photography is that you can take as many shots as you want, without worrying about the cost! Even so, it's frustrating to have to delete loads of shots. This article contains tips to help you to get the shot right the first time and avoid common DSLR photography mistakes.
* Keep your camera level. Use the tops and sides of your AF points in the viewfinder as references to line up buildings, so that the horizon is straight. Alternatively, you could invest in a small spirit level, which slides into the camera's hot shoe. A few cameras with Live View even come with a grid which can be displayed on the LCD screen to ensure things are straight.
* Get rid of distracting clutter. Before you press the shutter, remember to check that the image is free of distracting clutter. It's easy to become sidetracked by the beauty of a landscape and miss the fact that a car is parked in shot, or that a lamp post is seemingly growing out of a subject's head. Take a few minutes to scan your shot's background and move people around if necessary.
* Don't try to capture everything in one shot. A common mistake when starting out in photography is to try to cram everything you see into one shot. However, this can lead to cluttered photographs, where there's no real focus for the viewer. Instead, try to look for an interesting area or single person in your shot, and zoom in to focus on them. You'll end up with a far more powerful image this way.
* Be patient with landscapes. The difference between a good and bad landscape shot nearly always depends on the light. Cloudy days often make for better shots, as they add texture to the landscape. But you need to be patient and wait for the sun to peep out through the clouds, lighting the main points of your scene. Alternately, if you're faced with very dramatic lighting, you could consider investing in a graduated neutral density filter to allow for evenly-lit skies and foregrounds.
* Use a tripod for long exposures. It doesn't matter how steady your hands are -- you will end up with increasingly bad camera shakes as you use shutter speed at anything slower than 1/60th of a second. If you plan on shooting a lot of landscapes or running water, you'll need to consider investing in a tripod, or, at the very least, a pod.
* Remember the eyes in portraits. A good portrait always has pin-sharp eyes. Obviously the aperture you select will have a big influence on how much of your image is sharp, depending on the depth of field. But, as good as your DSLR is, it's best to give it a little help. You can either switch to manual focus or, if your eyesight isn't great, you can manually select an AF point which can be placed over the eyes to ensure sharpness.
* Keep an eye on the sun. Unless you want to create a silhouette, it's easiest to always shoot with the sun directly behind you. Using this technique, your DSLR will find it easy to produce well-exposed images. Once you've mastered this technique, you can start to work with side light and direct light using exposure compensation.
MY THOUGHTS
that's quite easy to understand. and to follow. i don't think i'll ever get back to using those big, heavy cameras. my hand just can't handle it. and i don't want to lug around a tripod all the time.
from the article "Common DSLR Photography Mistakes"
Use These Tips to Avoid Typical Errors DSLR Photographers Make
By Jo Plumridge, About.com Contributing Writer
One of the joys of digital photography is that you can take as many shots as you want, without worrying about the cost! Even so, it's frustrating to have to delete loads of shots. This article contains tips to help you to get the shot right the first time and avoid common DSLR photography mistakes.
* Keep your camera level. Use the tops and sides of your AF points in the viewfinder as references to line up buildings, so that the horizon is straight. Alternatively, you could invest in a small spirit level, which slides into the camera's hot shoe. A few cameras with Live View even come with a grid which can be displayed on the LCD screen to ensure things are straight.
* Get rid of distracting clutter. Before you press the shutter, remember to check that the image is free of distracting clutter. It's easy to become sidetracked by the beauty of a landscape and miss the fact that a car is parked in shot, or that a lamp post is seemingly growing out of a subject's head. Take a few minutes to scan your shot's background and move people around if necessary.
* Don't try to capture everything in one shot. A common mistake when starting out in photography is to try to cram everything you see into one shot. However, this can lead to cluttered photographs, where there's no real focus for the viewer. Instead, try to look for an interesting area or single person in your shot, and zoom in to focus on them. You'll end up with a far more powerful image this way.
* Be patient with landscapes. The difference between a good and bad landscape shot nearly always depends on the light. Cloudy days often make for better shots, as they add texture to the landscape. But you need to be patient and wait for the sun to peep out through the clouds, lighting the main points of your scene. Alternately, if you're faced with very dramatic lighting, you could consider investing in a graduated neutral density filter to allow for evenly-lit skies and foregrounds.
* Use a tripod for long exposures. It doesn't matter how steady your hands are -- you will end up with increasingly bad camera shakes as you use shutter speed at anything slower than 1/60th of a second. If you plan on shooting a lot of landscapes or running water, you'll need to consider investing in a tripod, or, at the very least, a pod.
* Remember the eyes in portraits. A good portrait always has pin-sharp eyes. Obviously the aperture you select will have a big influence on how much of your image is sharp, depending on the depth of field. But, as good as your DSLR is, it's best to give it a little help. You can either switch to manual focus or, if your eyesight isn't great, you can manually select an AF point which can be placed over the eyes to ensure sharpness.
* Keep an eye on the sun. Unless you want to create a silhouette, it's easiest to always shoot with the sun directly behind you. Using this technique, your DSLR will find it easy to produce well-exposed images. Once you've mastered this technique, you can start to work with side light and direct light using exposure compensation.
MY THOUGHTS
that's quite easy to understand. and to follow. i don't think i'll ever get back to using those big, heavy cameras. my hand just can't handle it. and i don't want to lug around a tripod all the time.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
MAKE BETTER PHOTOS
Make Better Photos
Try These Simple Tips for Quick Improvements in Your Photos
By Kyle Schurman, About.com Guide
One of the great things about digital photography is the ease with which you can make changes to your photos after you shoot them. With good photo-editing software on your computer, you can fix quite a few problems. Better yet, though, you can save a lot of time and require less editing by making a few adjustments to your photography techniques, which should result in better photo quality immediately. Here are several simple tips you can use to make better photos with even the least expensive point and shoot camera.
* If at all possible, shoot in good lighting. Many low-priced point and shoot digital cameras struggle to create good images in low light. If you can add light to the shot with a good flash unit or with external lights, do it. Better yet, move the photo subjects outdoors, if at all possible. Having plenty of light will help you make better photos immediately.
* Try to avoid using the digital zoom of the camera. The optical zoom measurement represents a magnification of the image by the lens. Digital zoom measurement is the process of software inside the camera magnifying the image, which leads to lower image quality and less image sharpness. Only use digital zoom if you have no other option.
* In fact, try to avoid relying on the zoom feature of your camera whenever possible. Obviously, with some types of photos (wildlife, sporting events, etc.), you cannot move closer, but if you get in the habit of moving closer to the subject, you'll probably be surprised by how much your photos improve. By moving closer, you can try some different angles and vantage points, too, such as crouching or kneeling when shooting images of children, which changes the angle of the photo, matching the height of the subjects.
* Keep in mind that if you're using a point and shoot digital camera over a long distance or with a flash, you'll probably experience some shutter lag, which is the delay from the time you press the shutter button until the camera actually records the photo. Your shutter lag might only be half a second or a full second, but that is a lot of time when shooting a photo with moving subjects. Familiarize yourself with the length of time of your camera's shutter lag so you won't miss a spontaneous photo. If you're unsure about the shutter lag on a particular camera, just plan on pressing the shutter button a little sooner than you normally do ... and shoot a lot of backup images.
* Finally, with a photo where you simply cannot make a mistake, take several shots from several angles. Shooting many images should improve your odds of ending up with a high-quality photo. Remember: You can't waste film with a digital camera, so don't feel guilty about shooting plenty of images.
MY THOUGHTS
a case more money for better quality. of course, there are those miracle workers who can produce high quality photos with the cheapest camera you can find.
Try These Simple Tips for Quick Improvements in Your Photos
By Kyle Schurman, About.com Guide
One of the great things about digital photography is the ease with which you can make changes to your photos after you shoot them. With good photo-editing software on your computer, you can fix quite a few problems. Better yet, though, you can save a lot of time and require less editing by making a few adjustments to your photography techniques, which should result in better photo quality immediately. Here are several simple tips you can use to make better photos with even the least expensive point and shoot camera.
* If at all possible, shoot in good lighting. Many low-priced point and shoot digital cameras struggle to create good images in low light. If you can add light to the shot with a good flash unit or with external lights, do it. Better yet, move the photo subjects outdoors, if at all possible. Having plenty of light will help you make better photos immediately.
* Try to avoid using the digital zoom of the camera. The optical zoom measurement represents a magnification of the image by the lens. Digital zoom measurement is the process of software inside the camera magnifying the image, which leads to lower image quality and less image sharpness. Only use digital zoom if you have no other option.
* In fact, try to avoid relying on the zoom feature of your camera whenever possible. Obviously, with some types of photos (wildlife, sporting events, etc.), you cannot move closer, but if you get in the habit of moving closer to the subject, you'll probably be surprised by how much your photos improve. By moving closer, you can try some different angles and vantage points, too, such as crouching or kneeling when shooting images of children, which changes the angle of the photo, matching the height of the subjects.
* Keep in mind that if you're using a point and shoot digital camera over a long distance or with a flash, you'll probably experience some shutter lag, which is the delay from the time you press the shutter button until the camera actually records the photo. Your shutter lag might only be half a second or a full second, but that is a lot of time when shooting a photo with moving subjects. Familiarize yourself with the length of time of your camera's shutter lag so you won't miss a spontaneous photo. If you're unsure about the shutter lag on a particular camera, just plan on pressing the shutter button a little sooner than you normally do ... and shoot a lot of backup images.
* Finally, with a photo where you simply cannot make a mistake, take several shots from several angles. Shooting many images should improve your odds of ending up with a high-quality photo. Remember: You can't waste film with a digital camera, so don't feel guilty about shooting plenty of images.
MY THOUGHTS
a case more money for better quality. of course, there are those miracle workers who can produce high quality photos with the cheapest camera you can find.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
HOW TO CREATE PANORAMIC PHOTOS
Create Panoramic Photos
Use These Tips to Ensure Shooting Successful Panoramas
By Kyle Schurman, About.com Guide
Shooting panoramic photos can be very tricky, especially if you don’t have a tripod available. Keeping the camera steady enough to record the images required to create the wide panoramic photo can be difficult. Use these tips to learn how to create panoramic photos with your camera and without a tripod available.
* Check the scene modes. With your point and shoot camera, you may have a "scene mode" specifically for panoramic photos. Many newer point and shoot cameras are making panoramic photos very easy to shoot, as the camera will guide you, helping you line up each shot. Some cameras even shoot the photos for you automatically. Some cameras perform much better than others with panoramic photos. Be sure to learn about the panoramic features your camera offers before you start to create panoramic photos.
* Shoot plenty of photos. When you know you’re going to have to create the panoramic photo using image-editing software and stitching together a series of photos, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of photos available from which to choose.
* Use the lens with the widest angle that you have. If you have multiple interchangeable lenses available with your DSLR camera, consider selecting a wide angle lens for the best results. After all, you’re trying to present a wide look for your panoramic photo, and a wide-angle lens will give you the look you want.
* Use landmarks. As you shoot a photo, select a landmark that is about one-quarter to one-third from the edge of the image. Then use that landmark to give you an aiming point for the next photo, placing that landmark at the opposite edge of the next image.
* Avoid people. If any people are in the area where you’ll be shooting the individual photos for the panoramic photo, wait until the person moves out of the scene. Otherwise, if the person is moving as you shoot the individual photos, you might find that person ends up in more than one individual photo, appearing multiple times in your final panoramic photo.
* Stay consistent. Make sure that you use the same exposure and shooting settings for each photo, ensuring a similar color and sharpness for each photo. In fact, it’s probably best to use fully manual control settings for a panoramic photo, because you’ll ensure each photo contains the same exposure. If you use automatic settings, the camera might select different exposure settings for the individual photos.
* Double or triple up. Consider shooting multiple shots of each frame, just to ensure a sharp, bright photo. You don’t want to begin stitching the individual photos, only to find that one of the individual photos is a little out of focus, compared to the other photos. If you shoot multiple shots of each individual scene, you’ll be more certain that at least one photo of each scene is in sharp focus.
* Choose the best image-editing software. Finally, check your image-editing software carefully. Some image-editing software programs have features that automatically stitch together several photos for a panoramic photo, making the job pretty easy.
MY THOUGHTS
sounds exciting! not just focusing and then clicking the shutter. effort is required. and effort usually results to quality.
Use These Tips to Ensure Shooting Successful Panoramas
By Kyle Schurman, About.com Guide
Shooting panoramic photos can be very tricky, especially if you don’t have a tripod available. Keeping the camera steady enough to record the images required to create the wide panoramic photo can be difficult. Use these tips to learn how to create panoramic photos with your camera and without a tripod available.
* Check the scene modes. With your point and shoot camera, you may have a "scene mode" specifically for panoramic photos. Many newer point and shoot cameras are making panoramic photos very easy to shoot, as the camera will guide you, helping you line up each shot. Some cameras even shoot the photos for you automatically. Some cameras perform much better than others with panoramic photos. Be sure to learn about the panoramic features your camera offers before you start to create panoramic photos.
* Shoot plenty of photos. When you know you’re going to have to create the panoramic photo using image-editing software and stitching together a series of photos, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of photos available from which to choose.
* Use the lens with the widest angle that you have. If you have multiple interchangeable lenses available with your DSLR camera, consider selecting a wide angle lens for the best results. After all, you’re trying to present a wide look for your panoramic photo, and a wide-angle lens will give you the look you want.
* Use landmarks. As you shoot a photo, select a landmark that is about one-quarter to one-third from the edge of the image. Then use that landmark to give you an aiming point for the next photo, placing that landmark at the opposite edge of the next image.
* Avoid people. If any people are in the area where you’ll be shooting the individual photos for the panoramic photo, wait until the person moves out of the scene. Otherwise, if the person is moving as you shoot the individual photos, you might find that person ends up in more than one individual photo, appearing multiple times in your final panoramic photo.
* Stay consistent. Make sure that you use the same exposure and shooting settings for each photo, ensuring a similar color and sharpness for each photo. In fact, it’s probably best to use fully manual control settings for a panoramic photo, because you’ll ensure each photo contains the same exposure. If you use automatic settings, the camera might select different exposure settings for the individual photos.
* Double or triple up. Consider shooting multiple shots of each frame, just to ensure a sharp, bright photo. You don’t want to begin stitching the individual photos, only to find that one of the individual photos is a little out of focus, compared to the other photos. If you shoot multiple shots of each individual scene, you’ll be more certain that at least one photo of each scene is in sharp focus.
* Choose the best image-editing software. Finally, check your image-editing software carefully. Some image-editing software programs have features that automatically stitch together several photos for a panoramic photo, making the job pretty easy.
MY THOUGHTS
sounds exciting! not just focusing and then clicking the shutter. effort is required. and effort usually results to quality.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
BEST PHONE APPS FOR BUSINESS TRAVELERS
The Best Smart Phone Apps for Business Travelers
By Peter Greenberg | February 9, 2011
There are anywhere between 250,000 and 500,000 smart phone apps now on the market (depending on whose estimates you believe), and some of the most useful ones are for business travelers.
Here are some of my favorites:
Flightstats -Track your flight status in real time, plus find out airport delays, weather and traffic conditions around the airport.
Tripit - This is one that I’m seeing more and more travelers take advantage of to keep track of their itineraries and alert others of their plans. Email your confirmations to Tripit and that in turn will generate a one-stop-shop itinerary document for you.
WorldMate - It provides a similar travel planner service as TripIt, plus upgraded features for gold members such as contact information for travel providers, and a list of flight schedules from the reputable OAG Worldwide data base.
FareCompare- This phone app tracks the real-time price of routes from your home airport, and alerts you when the fare drops…up to six times a day
GateGuru - Handy for when you’re stuck at the airport, GateGuru tracks down the restaurants, shops and amenities in airport terminals.
And, from the necessity is the mother of invention department, let’s not forget SitorSquat. You guessed it, it’s the phone app that tells you where to find a public toilet near you, with a review feature and star rating system to help determine the best place for travelers to, well, do their business.
Last but not least, my two favorites.
Shazam - How many times on a business trip have I been in an airport, a newstand, a clothing store and heard a song I liked but had no idea who sings it, or the name of the song? Most of the time the store employees have no idea as well. Shazam to the rescue. Just hold up your phone with the Shazam program and in less than 30 seconds you know the name of the song, the artist, the album title and the label. It’s invaluable information for a music junkie like me
And since your odds of being delayed on a flight, or worse, canceled, are relatively good, the challenge of course is how to productively use your time at the airport. Some folks will tell you that this is where a membership in a club like United’s Red Carpet or American’s Admirals Club makes sense. If you’re totally committed to work, these clubs do provide an efficient work environment far from the madding crowds. But if you really need to kill time, then at least be honest about how you kill that time… yes, I can’t overlook the iPhone phenomenon, Angry Birds. It’s perhaps the single best airport time killer out there.
MY THOUGHTS
these apps are great aren't they? a proactive way of dealing with your many business trips and the inevitable flight delays. i like the shazam thing. of course, it really doesn't seem connected to business. except maybe as a work-life-balance issue.
By Peter Greenberg | February 9, 2011
There are anywhere between 250,000 and 500,000 smart phone apps now on the market (depending on whose estimates you believe), and some of the most useful ones are for business travelers.
Here are some of my favorites:
Flightstats -Track your flight status in real time, plus find out airport delays, weather and traffic conditions around the airport.
Tripit - This is one that I’m seeing more and more travelers take advantage of to keep track of their itineraries and alert others of their plans. Email your confirmations to Tripit and that in turn will generate a one-stop-shop itinerary document for you.
WorldMate - It provides a similar travel planner service as TripIt, plus upgraded features for gold members such as contact information for travel providers, and a list of flight schedules from the reputable OAG Worldwide data base.
FareCompare- This phone app tracks the real-time price of routes from your home airport, and alerts you when the fare drops…up to six times a day
GateGuru - Handy for when you’re stuck at the airport, GateGuru tracks down the restaurants, shops and amenities in airport terminals.
And, from the necessity is the mother of invention department, let’s not forget SitorSquat. You guessed it, it’s the phone app that tells you where to find a public toilet near you, with a review feature and star rating system to help determine the best place for travelers to, well, do their business.
Last but not least, my two favorites.
Shazam - How many times on a business trip have I been in an airport, a newstand, a clothing store and heard a song I liked but had no idea who sings it, or the name of the song? Most of the time the store employees have no idea as well. Shazam to the rescue. Just hold up your phone with the Shazam program and in less than 30 seconds you know the name of the song, the artist, the album title and the label. It’s invaluable information for a music junkie like me
And since your odds of being delayed on a flight, or worse, canceled, are relatively good, the challenge of course is how to productively use your time at the airport. Some folks will tell you that this is where a membership in a club like United’s Red Carpet or American’s Admirals Club makes sense. If you’re totally committed to work, these clubs do provide an efficient work environment far from the madding crowds. But if you really need to kill time, then at least be honest about how you kill that time… yes, I can’t overlook the iPhone phenomenon, Angry Birds. It’s perhaps the single best airport time killer out there.
MY THOUGHTS
these apps are great aren't they? a proactive way of dealing with your many business trips and the inevitable flight delays. i like the shazam thing. of course, it really doesn't seem connected to business. except maybe as a work-life-balance issue.
Monday, January 24, 2011
PORTABLE STRESS RELIEVER
CES: Stress relief made portable
by Lance Whitney
LAS VEGAS--After a long, hard week at CES, a little stress relief is in order. But can you achieve a peaceful state through a portable PC gadget?
Being demoed at CES this week is the Emwave 2 personal stress reliever from HeartMath. This portable device lets you monitor your stress levels and help you calm down. Specifically, it monitors your heart rhythms as an indicator of how stressed you may be. To use the device, you connect it to your PC and place your finger on its small monitor. A graph charting your heart patterns then appears on the PC.
Building on the original Emwave, the Emwave 2 lets you keep a running tab on your stress levels and see if and how you've been able to destress over time. The Emwave also includes software-based guides and images that try to help you move into a more zen-like state.
People are often naturally dubious of devices that claim they can help you destress. And with the Emwave sporting a price tag of $199, your wallet may end up feeling a bit of stress. But after taking the device for a spin, I did find it had a calming effect. I was able to monitor my own stress levels, which were initially rather high (this is CES after all). And by using deep breathing techniques, I was able to bring down those levels and find some inner calm that lasted for quite awhile.
Of course, I could have performed deep breathing and meditation on my own without the Emwave. But somehow having the gadget next to a computer where I can easily plug it in seems like a nice idea for the next time I need to destress, especially if it's the PC that's stressing me out.
The MathWave rep told me that the Emwave was based on more than 15 years of research on stress, emotions, and the connection between the heart and the brain. The company said the device is also used in health care facilities and hospitals to help patients monitor and control their stress levels.
Lance Whitney
MY THOUGHTS
this one's different from gadget where you (supposedly)smash down things. this one seems to be healthier although more expensive. you and i should be glad we probably don't need to buy this gadget. my stress levels are (still) very manageable? and they are not often, anyway.
Full Profile E-mail Lance Whitney
Lance Whitney wears a few different technology hats--journalist, Web developer, and software trainer. He's a contributing editor for Microsoft TechNet Magazine and writes for other computer publications and Web sites. Lance is a member of the CNET Blog Network, and he is not an employee of CNET.
by Lance Whitney
LAS VEGAS--After a long, hard week at CES, a little stress relief is in order. But can you achieve a peaceful state through a portable PC gadget?
Being demoed at CES this week is the Emwave 2 personal stress reliever from HeartMath. This portable device lets you monitor your stress levels and help you calm down. Specifically, it monitors your heart rhythms as an indicator of how stressed you may be. To use the device, you connect it to your PC and place your finger on its small monitor. A graph charting your heart patterns then appears on the PC.
Building on the original Emwave, the Emwave 2 lets you keep a running tab on your stress levels and see if and how you've been able to destress over time. The Emwave also includes software-based guides and images that try to help you move into a more zen-like state.
People are often naturally dubious of devices that claim they can help you destress. And with the Emwave sporting a price tag of $199, your wallet may end up feeling a bit of stress. But after taking the device for a spin, I did find it had a calming effect. I was able to monitor my own stress levels, which were initially rather high (this is CES after all). And by using deep breathing techniques, I was able to bring down those levels and find some inner calm that lasted for quite awhile.
Of course, I could have performed deep breathing and meditation on my own without the Emwave. But somehow having the gadget next to a computer where I can easily plug it in seems like a nice idea for the next time I need to destress, especially if it's the PC that's stressing me out.
The MathWave rep told me that the Emwave was based on more than 15 years of research on stress, emotions, and the connection between the heart and the brain. The company said the device is also used in health care facilities and hospitals to help patients monitor and control their stress levels.
Lance Whitney
MY THOUGHTS
this one's different from gadget where you (supposedly)smash down things. this one seems to be healthier although more expensive. you and i should be glad we probably don't need to buy this gadget. my stress levels are (still) very manageable? and they are not often, anyway.
Full Profile E-mail Lance Whitney
Lance Whitney wears a few different technology hats--journalist, Web developer, and software trainer. He's a contributing editor for Microsoft TechNet Magazine and writes for other computer publications and Web sites. Lance is a member of the CNET Blog Network, and he is not an employee of CNET.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Phone keeps ringing in crocodile's tummy
Phone keeps ringing in crocodile's tummy
Associated Press
Posted on Jan 22, 2011 at 11:46am IST
Kiev (Ukraine): The crocodile in "Peter Pan" happily went "tick-tock" after swallowing an alarm clock but a crocodile in Ukraine has been a little less fortunate.
Gena, a 14-year-old crocodile at the Dnipropetrovsk Oceanarium, has been refusing food and acting listless after eating a cell phone dropped by a woman trying to photograph him last month.
The phone kept ringing inside the crocodile for some time. Phone owner Rimma Golovko says she wants her SIM card back as it contains her photos and contacts.
The crocodile will be taken to a clinic for an X-ray next week to see if the phone is still there. Medics are considering surgery as a last resort.
MY THOUGHTS
what's the moral of the story? put your phone on silent mode or turn it off when at the zoo!!! (laughter!laughter) why a surgery? maybe let the croco drink those herbal teas?
Associated Press
Posted on Jan 22, 2011 at 11:46am IST
Kiev (Ukraine): The crocodile in "Peter Pan" happily went "tick-tock" after swallowing an alarm clock but a crocodile in Ukraine has been a little less fortunate.
Gena, a 14-year-old crocodile at the Dnipropetrovsk Oceanarium, has been refusing food and acting listless after eating a cell phone dropped by a woman trying to photograph him last month.
The phone kept ringing inside the crocodile for some time. Phone owner Rimma Golovko says she wants her SIM card back as it contains her photos and contacts.
The crocodile will be taken to a clinic for an X-ray next week to see if the phone is still there. Medics are considering surgery as a last resort.
MY THOUGHTS
what's the moral of the story? put your phone on silent mode or turn it off when at the zoo!!! (laughter!laughter) why a surgery? maybe let the croco drink those herbal teas?
DreamMate Sleep Inducer
No More Insomnia with DreamMate Sleep Inducer
Jan 19, 2011 ? By H.A.R.
So what exactly comes to your mind when you hear the word “gadget”? Let me guess. You probably think about blackberry phones, digital cameras and game consoles. Well, most people think the same. But have you ever heard about sleeping gadgets? Yes, you read it right. I really mean sleeping gadgets! Specifically, I’m talking about the DreamMate Sleep Inducer!
Designed to aid people who have sleeping problems, the DreamMate Sleep Inducer looks like a typical watch wrapped around the left wrist.
Unlike sleeping pills, this sleeping gadget can be used without a doctor’s prescription. It is definitely safe and guarantees zero side effects. This is because it works only on the so called “sleeping golden triangle” on the left wrist. By massaging this area, this sleep inducer is able to soothe a section of muscles and consequently indulge you into sleep.
For best results, makers of the sleep inducer recommend that you use the gadget 30 minutes before bedtime. Do this for about 8 weeks and you will see noticeable results. So why struggle with your sleeping problems that cause irritability and stress when there’s one effective gadget for you? Sources say it is available for $79.99.
MY THOUGHTS
quite expensive, huh? well, if it really works i wouldn't mind spending on something like this. think of the money you spend on sleeping pills,lavender oils, nighttime tea. anything you can get hold of just to get that much illusive sleep. i won't mind putting my money on gadgets like this.
Jan 19, 2011 ? By H.A.R.
So what exactly comes to your mind when you hear the word “gadget”? Let me guess. You probably think about blackberry phones, digital cameras and game consoles. Well, most people think the same. But have you ever heard about sleeping gadgets? Yes, you read it right. I really mean sleeping gadgets! Specifically, I’m talking about the DreamMate Sleep Inducer!
Designed to aid people who have sleeping problems, the DreamMate Sleep Inducer looks like a typical watch wrapped around the left wrist.
Unlike sleeping pills, this sleeping gadget can be used without a doctor’s prescription. It is definitely safe and guarantees zero side effects. This is because it works only on the so called “sleeping golden triangle” on the left wrist. By massaging this area, this sleep inducer is able to soothe a section of muscles and consequently indulge you into sleep.
For best results, makers of the sleep inducer recommend that you use the gadget 30 minutes before bedtime. Do this for about 8 weeks and you will see noticeable results. So why struggle with your sleeping problems that cause irritability and stress when there’s one effective gadget for you? Sources say it is available for $79.99.
MY THOUGHTS
quite expensive, huh? well, if it really works i wouldn't mind spending on something like this. think of the money you spend on sleeping pills,lavender oils, nighttime tea. anything you can get hold of just to get that much illusive sleep. i won't mind putting my money on gadgets like this.
Friday, January 21, 2011
THE E-CIGARETTE
The buzz on the e-cigarette
by Leo Marvin P. Balante
The electronic cigarette—China’s response on the challenge to put a stop on the increasing hazards of smoking across the globe—has taken a big leap in terms of sales from its invention back in 2004. The battery-operated alternative to regular tobacco products has been in circulation in an attempt to recapture the essence of smoking “the real thing without the health risks.”
Across Europe alone, leading manufacturer EdSylver reports, “We have seen sales grow by 30 percent each year since 2007 when we launched our product.” Here, the ballooned product sales of the e-cigarette is said to be the result of the Anti-Tobacco law that forced the known heavy-smoking populace across Europe to patronize the many variations of the said product. Recently, Spain joined the wave of countries imposing strict Anti-Tobacco laws creating more predictions of an increase in its sales even more despite the also increasing criticisms on the product.
The plastic cigarettes, engineered to produce non-nicotine based vaporized solution and “copy” the physical sensation of actual smoking, has created a lot of buzz as they are dubbed as the “revolutionary” answer to those who want to lessen the danger of smoking or better yet, to help quit the activity. While it has been marketed to ease off the amount of nicotine and tar intake to smokers, the growing popularity of electronic cigarettes also brought about numerous debates on its efficiency and on its effect to one’s health.
Known tobacco expert, Eduardo Bianco, declared in a World Health Organization conference in Uruguay last November, that the production of the plastic cigarettes sabotages and belittles efforts to stop smoking. The e-cigarette is predominantly considered a major health concern on consumers such that the users are inhaling artificial smoke from these “mini aerosols.”
In France, authorities have continued to frown upon the risks that may arise from using e-cigarettes. The National Office for Smoking Prevention is still sceptical about the main reason for the invention of the product, seconded by French National Committee Against Tobacco head Professor Yves Martinet saying, “For the moment, this product has not been evaluated in a scientific way.” In fact, a growing list of countries banning the product should also be taken into consideration–including Canada, Mexico, Australia, Israel, and Mexico. The US, on the other hand, imposed strict e-cigarette regulation on shipments for safety issues.
Even more talk on the product, from the side of the tobacco sellers, state that the manufacturers’ claim of the product’s market success is false. “Some of our members still have stocks from last year,” divulged Gerard Bohelay, an association of tobacco retailers head in France.
Despite the heavy seesaw of praise and negative critiques on the product, the electronic cigarettes continue to create a fan base even in the Philippines as it has swayed a growing number of consumers who wants to utilize what manufacturers advertise as a safer way to smoking. “If you want to try to quit smoking but still want take a few puffs here and there, e-cigarettes is the deal! No need for nicotine patches because it has helped create an illusion of smoking real cigars without the ‘nicotine part of it.’ Smoking indoors is also quite cool so why not take advantage of the product,” said product user architect Jin Li.
MY THOUGHTS
yeah! why not? the artificial smoke is probably better than the real thing. good or bad, i don't think it should be allowed inside offices. i kind of like the professional ambiance of a no-smoking office.
by Leo Marvin P. Balante
The electronic cigarette—China’s response on the challenge to put a stop on the increasing hazards of smoking across the globe—has taken a big leap in terms of sales from its invention back in 2004. The battery-operated alternative to regular tobacco products has been in circulation in an attempt to recapture the essence of smoking “the real thing without the health risks.”
Across Europe alone, leading manufacturer EdSylver reports, “We have seen sales grow by 30 percent each year since 2007 when we launched our product.” Here, the ballooned product sales of the e-cigarette is said to be the result of the Anti-Tobacco law that forced the known heavy-smoking populace across Europe to patronize the many variations of the said product. Recently, Spain joined the wave of countries imposing strict Anti-Tobacco laws creating more predictions of an increase in its sales even more despite the also increasing criticisms on the product.
The plastic cigarettes, engineered to produce non-nicotine based vaporized solution and “copy” the physical sensation of actual smoking, has created a lot of buzz as they are dubbed as the “revolutionary” answer to those who want to lessen the danger of smoking or better yet, to help quit the activity. While it has been marketed to ease off the amount of nicotine and tar intake to smokers, the growing popularity of electronic cigarettes also brought about numerous debates on its efficiency and on its effect to one’s health.
Known tobacco expert, Eduardo Bianco, declared in a World Health Organization conference in Uruguay last November, that the production of the plastic cigarettes sabotages and belittles efforts to stop smoking. The e-cigarette is predominantly considered a major health concern on consumers such that the users are inhaling artificial smoke from these “mini aerosols.”
In France, authorities have continued to frown upon the risks that may arise from using e-cigarettes. The National Office for Smoking Prevention is still sceptical about the main reason for the invention of the product, seconded by French National Committee Against Tobacco head Professor Yves Martinet saying, “For the moment, this product has not been evaluated in a scientific way.” In fact, a growing list of countries banning the product should also be taken into consideration–including Canada, Mexico, Australia, Israel, and Mexico. The US, on the other hand, imposed strict e-cigarette regulation on shipments for safety issues.
Even more talk on the product, from the side of the tobacco sellers, state that the manufacturers’ claim of the product’s market success is false. “Some of our members still have stocks from last year,” divulged Gerard Bohelay, an association of tobacco retailers head in France.
Despite the heavy seesaw of praise and negative critiques on the product, the electronic cigarettes continue to create a fan base even in the Philippines as it has swayed a growing number of consumers who wants to utilize what manufacturers advertise as a safer way to smoking. “If you want to try to quit smoking but still want take a few puffs here and there, e-cigarettes is the deal! No need for nicotine patches because it has helped create an illusion of smoking real cigars without the ‘nicotine part of it.’ Smoking indoors is also quite cool so why not take advantage of the product,” said product user architect Jin Li.
MY THOUGHTS
yeah! why not? the artificial smoke is probably better than the real thing. good or bad, i don't think it should be allowed inside offices. i kind of like the professional ambiance of a no-smoking office.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Portable
DreamGear Creates Ultimate Portable Battery
By Matthew Lentini | Thursday | 13/01/2011
dreamGear launched a portable battery that can fully charge an iPad two times over at CES, all while charging another four USB devices.
The i.Sound Portable Power Max by dreamGear is a 16,000 mAh battery that can charge up to five USB-powered devices at once. dreamGear boast its ability to charge an iPad two times over or an iPhone 11x with its own single charge. It also sports a built-in flashlight for finding cables in the dark.
The Power Max is the top unit in i.Sound's portable battery range and is the ideal solution for road trips where a single cigarette lighter won't suffice for more than just a single GPS navigator.
With its LED indicators for battery life, multiple ports and rectangular composition, the Portable Power Max resembles more of a router or portable HDD than anything else, but could be a life-saver on long trips or for anyone constantly draining their phone battery on the move.
MY THOUGHTS
isn't that great? a portable battery! what will they think of next?
By Matthew Lentini | Thursday | 13/01/2011
dreamGear launched a portable battery that can fully charge an iPad two times over at CES, all while charging another four USB devices.
The i.Sound Portable Power Max by dreamGear is a 16,000 mAh battery that can charge up to five USB-powered devices at once. dreamGear boast its ability to charge an iPad two times over or an iPhone 11x with its own single charge. It also sports a built-in flashlight for finding cables in the dark.
The Power Max is the top unit in i.Sound's portable battery range and is the ideal solution for road trips where a single cigarette lighter won't suffice for more than just a single GPS navigator.
With its LED indicators for battery life, multiple ports and rectangular composition, the Portable Power Max resembles more of a router or portable HDD than anything else, but could be a life-saver on long trips or for anyone constantly draining their phone battery on the move.
MY THOUGHTS
isn't that great? a portable battery! what will they think of next?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Best Business Gadgets of 2010
The Best Business Gadgets of 2010
By Rick Broida
Now that we've closed the door on 2010, let's look back at some of the gadgets that made the year special. These six products stood out by making our business lives faster, easier, more affordable, more convenient, and even more fun. Did we leave out one of your 2010 favorites? Hit the comments below and share the object(s) of your gadget affection.
Apple iPad: Was There Any Doubt?
We had our doubts at first, and even after Apple's much-ballyhooed tablet arrived at our door, we weren't sold on its business acumen. Eight months later, we're using the iPad in all kinds of productivity-enhancing ways, from capturing notes to marking up PDFs to hosting or participating in online meetings. It can't fully take the place of a laptop, but more and more we're grabbing it to sub for one.
Clearwire Rover Puck: A No-Contract 4G Hotspot
Hello, future. Clearwire's cute-as-the-dickens mobile hotspot, the Rover Puck, delivers blazing-fast 4G connectivity goodness for up to eight Wi-Fi devices (and it's 802.11n Wi-Fi, too, not pokey old b or g). Even better, Clearwire doesn't saddle you with contracts or commitments like the Sprints and Verizons of the world. Instead, you can pay as you go: $5 for a day, $20 for a week, or $50 for a month. And the Puck itself sells for a reasonable $150. If you've got coverage in your area (it's not everywhere -- yet), get ready for affordable 4G heaven.
Square Credit-Card Reader: Payment Processing in Your Pocket
Not to put too fine a point on it, but the Square is a game-changer. Plug this amazingly compact gizmo into your Android phone or iOS device and presto: You can accept credit-card payments. Anytime, anywhere. Just swipe and go. Even more amazing, the Square is free; you pay only a very reasonable per-transaction fee. It's an incredible solution for instructors, salespeople, service providers, booth operators, and anyone else needing fast, convenient, mobile payment-processing. This one's in the running for Best Gadget of the Decade.
ShowWX+ Laser Pico Projector: Turn Any Room Into a Conference Room
The first few generations of pico projectors needed pitch-black rooms for decent visibility, and even then they weren't terribly bright. Microvision's ShowWX+ employs laser technology to help crank out a comparatively strong 15 lumens, with a presentation-friendly resolution of 848 x 480. Plug it into your iPhone, laptop, or whatever, then project your slides wherever there's a wall. The convenience factor is off the charts, and the image quality is among the best we've seen from a pico. Even the $400 price tag can't stem our enthusiasm for this pocket wonder.
Virgin Mobile MiFi 2200: All the Mobile-Hotspot Goodness, None of the Contracts
Virgin Mobile's version of the MiFi 2200 mobile hotspot looks and operates exactly like the Sprint and Verizon versions -- with a couple key exceptions. First, it's sold without a contract, so you're not on the hook for two year's worth of monthly payments. Second, you can pay as you go: $10 for 10 days/100MB, or $40 for 1 month/unlimited data. And because it operates on Sprint's network, you get the same awesome 3G connectivity (where available) for up to five devices. Granted, the Clearwire Rover Puck delivers 4G for about the same price, but if coverage isn't available in your area, this is the next best thing
Virgin Mobile Samsung Intercept: The World's Most Affordable Android Phone
The Virgin Mobile Samsung Intercept is not the fastest, thinnest, or most versatile Android phone. In fact, it's one of the slower models, with a screen and camera that could best be described as average. But it runs Android, with all the app goodness afforded therein, and Virgin Mobile offers the service deal of the century: voice plans starting at just $25 per month, each including unlimited texting and data. Want the obligatory two-year contract with that? Sorry, Virgin doesn't offer one. So there's no commitment whatsoever: If you outgrow the Intercept in, say, eight months, just sell it and move on. Note to every other phone carrier: that's how you treat your customers.
MY THOUGHTS
where have i been? how come i missed (hearing) about these wonderful gadgets? i'm particularly amazed with the rover puck, the credit card reader, and most of all, the laser pico projector. at $400, a corporate office should invest in this. very handy. very useful. especially for me.
By Rick Broida
Now that we've closed the door on 2010, let's look back at some of the gadgets that made the year special. These six products stood out by making our business lives faster, easier, more affordable, more convenient, and even more fun. Did we leave out one of your 2010 favorites? Hit the comments below and share the object(s) of your gadget affection.
Apple iPad: Was There Any Doubt?
We had our doubts at first, and even after Apple's much-ballyhooed tablet arrived at our door, we weren't sold on its business acumen. Eight months later, we're using the iPad in all kinds of productivity-enhancing ways, from capturing notes to marking up PDFs to hosting or participating in online meetings. It can't fully take the place of a laptop, but more and more we're grabbing it to sub for one.
Clearwire Rover Puck: A No-Contract 4G Hotspot
Hello, future. Clearwire's cute-as-the-dickens mobile hotspot, the Rover Puck, delivers blazing-fast 4G connectivity goodness for up to eight Wi-Fi devices (and it's 802.11n Wi-Fi, too, not pokey old b or g). Even better, Clearwire doesn't saddle you with contracts or commitments like the Sprints and Verizons of the world. Instead, you can pay as you go: $5 for a day, $20 for a week, or $50 for a month. And the Puck itself sells for a reasonable $150. If you've got coverage in your area (it's not everywhere -- yet), get ready for affordable 4G heaven.
Square Credit-Card Reader: Payment Processing in Your Pocket
Not to put too fine a point on it, but the Square is a game-changer. Plug this amazingly compact gizmo into your Android phone or iOS device and presto: You can accept credit-card payments. Anytime, anywhere. Just swipe and go. Even more amazing, the Square is free; you pay only a very reasonable per-transaction fee. It's an incredible solution for instructors, salespeople, service providers, booth operators, and anyone else needing fast, convenient, mobile payment-processing. This one's in the running for Best Gadget of the Decade.
ShowWX+ Laser Pico Projector: Turn Any Room Into a Conference Room
The first few generations of pico projectors needed pitch-black rooms for decent visibility, and even then they weren't terribly bright. Microvision's ShowWX+ employs laser technology to help crank out a comparatively strong 15 lumens, with a presentation-friendly resolution of 848 x 480. Plug it into your iPhone, laptop, or whatever, then project your slides wherever there's a wall. The convenience factor is off the charts, and the image quality is among the best we've seen from a pico. Even the $400 price tag can't stem our enthusiasm for this pocket wonder.
Virgin Mobile MiFi 2200: All the Mobile-Hotspot Goodness, None of the Contracts
Virgin Mobile's version of the MiFi 2200 mobile hotspot looks and operates exactly like the Sprint and Verizon versions -- with a couple key exceptions. First, it's sold without a contract, so you're not on the hook for two year's worth of monthly payments. Second, you can pay as you go: $10 for 10 days/100MB, or $40 for 1 month/unlimited data. And because it operates on Sprint's network, you get the same awesome 3G connectivity (where available) for up to five devices. Granted, the Clearwire Rover Puck delivers 4G for about the same price, but if coverage isn't available in your area, this is the next best thing
Virgin Mobile Samsung Intercept: The World's Most Affordable Android Phone
The Virgin Mobile Samsung Intercept is not the fastest, thinnest, or most versatile Android phone. In fact, it's one of the slower models, with a screen and camera that could best be described as average. But it runs Android, with all the app goodness afforded therein, and Virgin Mobile offers the service deal of the century: voice plans starting at just $25 per month, each including unlimited texting and data. Want the obligatory two-year contract with that? Sorry, Virgin doesn't offer one. So there's no commitment whatsoever: If you outgrow the Intercept in, say, eight months, just sell it and move on. Note to every other phone carrier: that's how you treat your customers.
MY THOUGHTS
where have i been? how come i missed (hearing) about these wonderful gadgets? i'm particularly amazed with the rover puck, the credit card reader, and most of all, the laser pico projector. at $400, a corporate office should invest in this. very handy. very useful. especially for me.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
iPhone 4 Review
iPhone 4 Review: Slick Design, So-So Call Quality
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide
The iPhone 4 is, without a doubt, one of the best smartphones on the market today. It's speedy, svelte, and certainly slick. But the iPhone 4 didn't impress me quite as much as I expected, and this phone is more of an incremental upgrade from the iPhone 3GS rather than a must-have device.
Price and Availability
The iPhone 4 is available from AT&T, which sells the 16GB iPhone 4 for $199 and the 32GB iPhone 4 for $299 when you sign a two-year service contract with a compatible voice and data plan. (For more information, see .) You can buy the phone from AT&T, Apple, Best Buy, Radio Shack, and Walmart.
For more specifics on pricing, see How Much Does an iPhone 4 Cost? and AT&T Offers Early Upgrades on the iPhone 4.
Design
One of the most obvious differences between the iPhone 4 and past models is the new look of the phone. For one, it's noticeably thinner: the iPhone 4 measures just 9.3 millimeters thick -- 24 percent thinner than the already-svelte iPhone 3GS. Apple says it is "the thinnest smartphone on the planet," and it certainly does look tiny.
The iPhone 4 measures 4.5 inches tall by 2.31 inches wide by .37 inches thick. The iPhone 3GS, meanwhile, measures 4.5 inches tall by 2.4 inches wide by .48 inches thick. Put the two phones side by side, and the iPhone is noticeably smaller, all around.
But the iPhone 4 feels heftier than the iPhone 3GS. Both weigh 4.8 ounces, but that weight is rounded up; the iPhone 3GS actually weighs 135 grams while the iPhone 4 weighs 137 grams. It's not a huge difference, but the iPhone 4 does feel heavier in your hand than the 3GS.
The iPhone 4 also is more squared-off in shape, with a thicker metallic border running around the phone's edges. The new phone doesn't feature the plastic backing found on the iPhone 3GS and the iPhone 3G. Instead, the front and the back of the iPhone 4 are covered in aluminosilicate glass, which Apple says is found on helicopter and high-speed train windshields. It's designed to be significantly stiffer (20 times) and harder (30 times) than plastic, with a fingerprint-resistant finish. So far, the iPhone 4's case does seem to be resisting some smudges and smears, but I'll have to see how it holds up over time.
Display
One of the iPhone 4's most-hyped features is its display, which features an astounding resolution of 960 by 640. It measures the same size as the screen on the iPhone 3GS (3.5-inches diagonally), but packs in four times as many pixels. Apple calls it a "Retina display," and says it offers more pixels than the human eye can see. Experts have debated that claim, but the iPhone 4's screen does look remarkably crisp and clear.
Text looks sharp enough to jump off the screen. Colors look deeper and richer than they do on the iPhone 3GS, and images have a crispness that I haven't seen on another smartphone. The only complaint I have with the display is its size; after spending so much time testing out the 4.3-inch screen on the HTC EVO 4G, the iPhone 4's 3.5-inch display feels small.
Making Calls
Apple's iPhone is known for many things, but excellent call quality is not one of them. I was hoping that the iPhone 4's new design -- with the antenna built in to the steel frame that rings the phone -- would improve matters. But my test calls sounded just like calls made over my iPhone 3GS: loud enough and mostly clear, but with a bit of a background echo.
Many iPhone 4 users have complained of dropped calls and interference with their cellular service when they hold their phone near the bottom left corner of the device. I tried to test this out, and the first call I made with the iPhone 4 promptly dropped. I was unable to repeat this experience though, and have had no more dropped calls. I also have not seen any reduction in signal strength by holding the iPhone 4 in this area.
Software
The iPhone 4 runs version 4 of Apple's iOS. As always, Apple's mobile operating system is intuitive and easy to use; it works as you expect it to.
iOS 4 adds several new features, including a long-desired multitasking capability, which allows you to run more than one third-party app at a time. Multitasking works as advertised; to switch between apps, you minimize the one you're using to a tray, which you can access to go back to another application. It's not multitasking in the way that your computer can multitask; you can't always start a time-consuming process, like a download, and then go back to it when it's complete. That's because, most of the time, iPhone apps will suspend or go to sleep when you minimize them, and will only resume operation when you go back to them. And not all apps support multitasking, as developers have to add the capability on their own, which more should do over time.
Other new features in iOS 4 include folders for organizing all of your apps, a new Mail client, and a Game Center. For more information, see iPhone OS 4 Gets Multitasking and More.
Browsing the Web
Despite the "4" in its name, the iPhone 4 does not support 4G wireless networks. Still, you do have plenty of options for speedy Web browsing. The iPhone 4 now supports speedy 802.11n wireless networks, and you still get support for AT&T's high-speed 3G network.
The iPhone's Safari browser remains the best mobile browser I've used, without exception. You can see mobile or desktop versions of Web pages, can open multiple pages, and can zoom in and out with ease.
The iPhone's new iOS 4 also adds tethering capabilities, which allows you to use your iPhone as a modem to connect other devices to the Internet. Tethering requires the purchase of an additional $20-per-month tethering plan, though.
Camera
The iPhone 4 features a 5-megapixel shooter, which is a decent step up from the 3.2-megapixel camera found on the iPhone 3GS. It adds an LED flash and a 5x digital zoom. In my tests, images looked sharper and colors definitely popped, especially when viewed on the iPhone 4's gorgeous screen. But the LED flash wasn't terribly powerful.
In addition to snapping photos, the camera can record HD video clips at a resolution of up to 720p. Video clips captured with the iPhone 4 did look markedly better than those recorded with the iPhone 3GS.
The iPhone also features a front-facing camera for video chat through a feature called FaceTime. While FaceTime sounds impressive, it comes with some serious limitations: it works from iPhone 4 to iPhone 4 only, and video calls can only be conducted over Wi-Fi networks. I was unable to test it.
Bottom Line
If you already own an iPhone 3GS, the iPhone 4 is not necessarily a must-have upgrade, especially when you consider that many of its cool features are available for free with the iOS 4 software upgrade. But if you're craving that slick, svelte design, or if you've been using an older iPhone or smartphone, the iPhone 4 will amaze you with its speed and plentiful features. As long as you can live with its middling call quality, that is.
MY THOUGHTS
this is a good review, isn't it? take note that if you already have the 3G, the iPhone 4 is "not a necessary upgrade". unless you want to keep up with the fad. then you're in for some surprises in your life that you don't want to have.
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide
The iPhone 4 is, without a doubt, one of the best smartphones on the market today. It's speedy, svelte, and certainly slick. But the iPhone 4 didn't impress me quite as much as I expected, and this phone is more of an incremental upgrade from the iPhone 3GS rather than a must-have device.
Price and Availability
The iPhone 4 is available from AT&T, which sells the 16GB iPhone 4 for $199 and the 32GB iPhone 4 for $299 when you sign a two-year service contract with a compatible voice and data plan. (For more information, see .) You can buy the phone from AT&T, Apple, Best Buy, Radio Shack, and Walmart.
For more specifics on pricing, see How Much Does an iPhone 4 Cost? and AT&T Offers Early Upgrades on the iPhone 4.
Design
One of the most obvious differences between the iPhone 4 and past models is the new look of the phone. For one, it's noticeably thinner: the iPhone 4 measures just 9.3 millimeters thick -- 24 percent thinner than the already-svelte iPhone 3GS. Apple says it is "the thinnest smartphone on the planet," and it certainly does look tiny.
The iPhone 4 measures 4.5 inches tall by 2.31 inches wide by .37 inches thick. The iPhone 3GS, meanwhile, measures 4.5 inches tall by 2.4 inches wide by .48 inches thick. Put the two phones side by side, and the iPhone is noticeably smaller, all around.
But the iPhone 4 feels heftier than the iPhone 3GS. Both weigh 4.8 ounces, but that weight is rounded up; the iPhone 3GS actually weighs 135 grams while the iPhone 4 weighs 137 grams. It's not a huge difference, but the iPhone 4 does feel heavier in your hand than the 3GS.
The iPhone 4 also is more squared-off in shape, with a thicker metallic border running around the phone's edges. The new phone doesn't feature the plastic backing found on the iPhone 3GS and the iPhone 3G. Instead, the front and the back of the iPhone 4 are covered in aluminosilicate glass, which Apple says is found on helicopter and high-speed train windshields. It's designed to be significantly stiffer (20 times) and harder (30 times) than plastic, with a fingerprint-resistant finish. So far, the iPhone 4's case does seem to be resisting some smudges and smears, but I'll have to see how it holds up over time.
Display
One of the iPhone 4's most-hyped features is its display, which features an astounding resolution of 960 by 640. It measures the same size as the screen on the iPhone 3GS (3.5-inches diagonally), but packs in four times as many pixels. Apple calls it a "Retina display," and says it offers more pixels than the human eye can see. Experts have debated that claim, but the iPhone 4's screen does look remarkably crisp and clear.
Text looks sharp enough to jump off the screen. Colors look deeper and richer than they do on the iPhone 3GS, and images have a crispness that I haven't seen on another smartphone. The only complaint I have with the display is its size; after spending so much time testing out the 4.3-inch screen on the HTC EVO 4G, the iPhone 4's 3.5-inch display feels small.
Making Calls
Apple's iPhone is known for many things, but excellent call quality is not one of them. I was hoping that the iPhone 4's new design -- with the antenna built in to the steel frame that rings the phone -- would improve matters. But my test calls sounded just like calls made over my iPhone 3GS: loud enough and mostly clear, but with a bit of a background echo.
Many iPhone 4 users have complained of dropped calls and interference with their cellular service when they hold their phone near the bottom left corner of the device. I tried to test this out, and the first call I made with the iPhone 4 promptly dropped. I was unable to repeat this experience though, and have had no more dropped calls. I also have not seen any reduction in signal strength by holding the iPhone 4 in this area.
Software
The iPhone 4 runs version 4 of Apple's iOS. As always, Apple's mobile operating system is intuitive and easy to use; it works as you expect it to.
iOS 4 adds several new features, including a long-desired multitasking capability, which allows you to run more than one third-party app at a time. Multitasking works as advertised; to switch between apps, you minimize the one you're using to a tray, which you can access to go back to another application. It's not multitasking in the way that your computer can multitask; you can't always start a time-consuming process, like a download, and then go back to it when it's complete. That's because, most of the time, iPhone apps will suspend or go to sleep when you minimize them, and will only resume operation when you go back to them. And not all apps support multitasking, as developers have to add the capability on their own, which more should do over time.
Other new features in iOS 4 include folders for organizing all of your apps, a new Mail client, and a Game Center. For more information, see iPhone OS 4 Gets Multitasking and More.
Browsing the Web
Despite the "4" in its name, the iPhone 4 does not support 4G wireless networks. Still, you do have plenty of options for speedy Web browsing. The iPhone 4 now supports speedy 802.11n wireless networks, and you still get support for AT&T's high-speed 3G network.
The iPhone's Safari browser remains the best mobile browser I've used, without exception. You can see mobile or desktop versions of Web pages, can open multiple pages, and can zoom in and out with ease.
The iPhone's new iOS 4 also adds tethering capabilities, which allows you to use your iPhone as a modem to connect other devices to the Internet. Tethering requires the purchase of an additional $20-per-month tethering plan, though.
Camera
The iPhone 4 features a 5-megapixel shooter, which is a decent step up from the 3.2-megapixel camera found on the iPhone 3GS. It adds an LED flash and a 5x digital zoom. In my tests, images looked sharper and colors definitely popped, especially when viewed on the iPhone 4's gorgeous screen. But the LED flash wasn't terribly powerful.
In addition to snapping photos, the camera can record HD video clips at a resolution of up to 720p. Video clips captured with the iPhone 4 did look markedly better than those recorded with the iPhone 3GS.
The iPhone also features a front-facing camera for video chat through a feature called FaceTime. While FaceTime sounds impressive, it comes with some serious limitations: it works from iPhone 4 to iPhone 4 only, and video calls can only be conducted over Wi-Fi networks. I was unable to test it.
Bottom Line
If you already own an iPhone 3GS, the iPhone 4 is not necessarily a must-have upgrade, especially when you consider that many of its cool features are available for free with the iOS 4 software upgrade. But if you're craving that slick, svelte design, or if you've been using an older iPhone or smartphone, the iPhone 4 will amaze you with its speed and plentiful features. As long as you can live with its middling call quality, that is.
MY THOUGHTS
this is a good review, isn't it? take note that if you already have the 3G, the iPhone 4 is "not a necessary upgrade". unless you want to keep up with the fad. then you're in for some surprises in your life that you don't want to have.
Friday, January 7, 2011
CES 2011: Android Phones, Tablets, and More
CES 2011: Android Phones, Tablets, and More
A plethora of new products are debuting at the Consumer Electronics Show.
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide
The giant Consumer Electronics Show is now underway in Las Vegas, and plenty of new products are making their debut. Among them are a plethora of new smartphones, cell phones, and tablets.
BlackBerry 4G PlayBook
Sprint, which already announced HTC EVO Shift 4G smartphone ahead of the show, is making plans for another 4G device: the BlackBerry 4G PlayBook tablet (pictured above). The long-awaited BlackBerry tablet will feature a 7-inch touchscreen, a 1-Ghz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and support for Adobe Flash. It also will include support for Wi-Fi and Sprint's 4G cellular data network.
Additional features include front and rear-facing cameras, and the ability to play 1080p HD video. The tablet will run a version of RIM's BlackBerry OS designed specifically for use on tablets. The OS will support multi-tasking and will be able to run apps.
The BlackBerry 4G PlayBook will be available this summer, but pricing has not been disclosed.
Motorola Atrix
AT&T used CES to unveil the Motorola Atrix 4G, a smartphone that's also a computer of sorts. The Atrix 4G features a high-power 1-GHz NVIDIA tegra 2 dual-core CPU. The Android-based phone also features Motorola's webtop application, which allows the phone to run the desktop version of the Firefox browser.
And the Atrix 4G gets even more desktop-like when used with Motorola's Laptop Dock, an accessory that features an 11.6-inch screen and a full keyboard. While the dock looks like a laptop, it's actually powered by the phone's computing power -- putting a whole new twist on the idea of mobile computing.
T-Mobile G-Slate
T-Mobile and LG, meanwhile, announced plans to offer an Android-based tablet, called the T-Mobile G-Slate. The device, which T-Mobile says will "be available in coming months," will run Android 3.0, a version of the OS that is optimized for tablets.
The G-Slate will run on T-Mobile's high-speed, 4G-like HSPA+ network. Pricing and additional product details will announced at a later date, T-Mobile says.
Motorola Cliq 2
T-Mobile also announced a new Android-based phone, the Cliq 2. This handset, a follow-up to both the original Motorola Cliq and the Cliq XT, includes support for T-Mobile's 4G-like HSPA+ network. The phone runs version 2.2 of the Android OS. Additional features include a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a 5-megapixel camera, FM radio, and a 3.7-inch touchscreen.
Pricing and a launch date have not yet been announced.
Sony Ericsson Xperia arc
Sony Ericsson also has announced a new Android-based smartphone, the Xperia arc. This phone, the successor to Sony Ericsson's Xperia X10, features Android version 2.3 and sports a 4.2-inch touchscreen. It will be available in overseas markets in early 2011, but a U.S. launch date has not been announced.
MY THOUGHTS
click on the link to see the pics. i don't know about you. me, i've given up the "catch-up" game with technology. it can be stressful. and expensive. and... never mind!
A plethora of new products are debuting at the Consumer Electronics Show.
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide
The giant Consumer Electronics Show is now underway in Las Vegas, and plenty of new products are making their debut. Among them are a plethora of new smartphones, cell phones, and tablets.
BlackBerry 4G PlayBook
Sprint, which already announced HTC EVO Shift 4G smartphone ahead of the show, is making plans for another 4G device: the BlackBerry 4G PlayBook tablet (pictured above). The long-awaited BlackBerry tablet will feature a 7-inch touchscreen, a 1-Ghz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and support for Adobe Flash. It also will include support for Wi-Fi and Sprint's 4G cellular data network.
Additional features include front and rear-facing cameras, and the ability to play 1080p HD video. The tablet will run a version of RIM's BlackBerry OS designed specifically for use on tablets. The OS will support multi-tasking and will be able to run apps.
The BlackBerry 4G PlayBook will be available this summer, but pricing has not been disclosed.
Motorola Atrix
AT&T used CES to unveil the Motorola Atrix 4G, a smartphone that's also a computer of sorts. The Atrix 4G features a high-power 1-GHz NVIDIA tegra 2 dual-core CPU. The Android-based phone also features Motorola's webtop application, which allows the phone to run the desktop version of the Firefox browser.
And the Atrix 4G gets even more desktop-like when used with Motorola's Laptop Dock, an accessory that features an 11.6-inch screen and a full keyboard. While the dock looks like a laptop, it's actually powered by the phone's computing power -- putting a whole new twist on the idea of mobile computing.
T-Mobile G-Slate
T-Mobile and LG, meanwhile, announced plans to offer an Android-based tablet, called the T-Mobile G-Slate. The device, which T-Mobile says will "be available in coming months," will run Android 3.0, a version of the OS that is optimized for tablets.
The G-Slate will run on T-Mobile's high-speed, 4G-like HSPA+ network. Pricing and additional product details will announced at a later date, T-Mobile says.
Motorola Cliq 2
T-Mobile also announced a new Android-based phone, the Cliq 2. This handset, a follow-up to both the original Motorola Cliq and the Cliq XT, includes support for T-Mobile's 4G-like HSPA+ network. The phone runs version 2.2 of the Android OS. Additional features include a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a 5-megapixel camera, FM radio, and a 3.7-inch touchscreen.
Pricing and a launch date have not yet been announced.
Sony Ericsson Xperia arc
Sony Ericsson also has announced a new Android-based smartphone, the Xperia arc. This phone, the successor to Sony Ericsson's Xperia X10, features Android version 2.3 and sports a 4.2-inch touchscreen. It will be available in overseas markets in early 2011, but a U.S. launch date has not been announced.
MY THOUGHTS
click on the link to see the pics. i don't know about you. me, i've given up the "catch-up" game with technology. it can be stressful. and expensive. and... never mind!
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