Monday, October 15, 2007
Review of the Sony PlayStation 3
At the heart of this pricey PlayStation 3 lies a powerful multicore CPU, jointly developed by Sony, Toshiba, and IBM, running at an incredible speed of 3.2 GHz. A Reality Synthesizer graphics engine, based on NVidia's G70 architecture, delivers the graphics. Working alongside these powerful chips are 256MB of high-performance XDR main memory and 256MB of GDDR3 video memory. All these specifications are surely going to impress the most hard-core PC gamer.
The best price for the Sony Playstation 3 is here on Amazon.com.
Strengths:
- Glamorous design with quiet operation
- All games in high-definition;
- Plays high-def Blu-ray movies in addition to standard DVDs
- Built-in Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
- Bluetooth support for wireless controllers and accessories
- Works with PS2 and PS1 titles;
- Built-in memory card readers;
- Online play is free
- HDMI output with 1080p support
- No external power supply
Drawbacks:
- Priciest game console
- Doesn't upscale DVDs to HD resolution;
- No infrared port for non-Bluetooth universal remotes
- HDMI cable not included
Specifications:
- Processor: Multicore Cell Processor 3.2 GHz
- Memory: 256MB XDR RDRAM
- HDD Capacity: 60GB
- Video RAM: 256MB GDDR3
- Weight: 11 lbs or 176 ozs
- Input Type: Gamepad
- Media Support: BD-ROM, CD-ROM and DVD-ROM
- Input/Output Connections: 4 USB Ports, HDMI Video output
- Max Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Summary:
Sony's PlayStation 3 may be the most expensive next-gen game console, and its launch titles are not all that impressive, but by combining a great gaming platform, its posh design and horde of features, including a Blu-ray drive, powerful cell processor, make it hard to resist.
Read more and see price on Amazon.com.
Labels: Miscellaneous
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
What is Blu-ray and How is it Different than DVD
A Blu-ray Disc (BD) is the name of a next generation optical disc format for the storage of digital information including high definition (HD) video. This disc format has been jointly developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), which is a group of the world's leading consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers, that include Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony and TDK to name a few.
The format also has broad support from seven of the major eight movie studios such as Disney, Fox, Warner, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate and MGM, as a successor to today's DVD format. Five of these major studios have agreed on releasing their movies exclusively in the Blu-ray format.
The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of HD video, as well as for storing large amounts of data. The format offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc.
Difference between Blu Ray and DVD
Blu-ray Disc represents an increase over DVD capacity by five to 10 times. This is due, among other reasons, to the usage of a blue laser rays instead of red laser rays used by DVDs. BD also has improved lens specifications compared to DVDs, allowing for a much smaller focus laser beam which enables the recording of much smaller and higher density pits on the disc.
In Blu-ray Discs there is less distortion because of the data layer being closer to the laser lens which is not a case in DVDs. This feature gives Blu-ray Disc significantly improved tolerances, more precision and ultra-high storage densities than DVDs.
Currently Blu-ray disc’s holds 25 gigabytes to 50 gigabytes of data with a maximum possible capacity of 200 gigabytes, while DVD’s or HD DVD’s hold 15 gigabytes to 30 gigabytes with a maximum of 60 gigabytes. A Blu-ray Disc can hold HD Video capacity of 5 hours while HD DVDs can hold only 3 hours of HD Video.
Blu-ray has found favor Blu-ray from many consumer electronics, computer companies and major movie studios while DVD has a few backing it namely Universal Pictures, Intel and Toshiba. There are a few companies such as Hewlett-Packard, Paramount and Warner Bros., who have pledged their support to both formats.
Click Here to Explore all of Amazon.com's Blu-Ray Movies and Products
Labels: Miscellaneous
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Review of the Nintendo Wii
The Nintendo Wii is powered by the IBM PowerPC processor and includes 512MB of internal memory for storing saved games, downloaded Virtual Console titles, and other data. The system has an onboard standard digital card slot for additional storage.
The Nintendo Wii accepts only the Wii discs (full-size 12cm) and older GameCube discs (mini 8cm), without the need for an extra adapter. To play games the Wii uses a controller which looks more like a remote of a TV than a gamepad. The Wii has a sensor bar which is a wired receiver unit that allows the console to communicate wirelessly (via Bluetooth) with up to four Wii Remotes at a time within a radius of 30 feet.
The Wii’s online capabilities works through a series of pages called Wii Channels which take advantage of WiiConnect24’s always-on features. The default Wii channels are:
- Weather forecast channel
- News Channel
- Message channel
- Photo Channel
- Avatar generating channel
There is also an Internet Channel is an Opera based Web browser for the Wii. The Internet Channel is currently available for free as a beta version, but when Opera releases the final version of the Internet Channel software, it will be available as a paid channel. URLs are entered via the Wii's onscreen keyboard, and favorite web pages can be stored in the browser's bookmarks.
The Nintendo Wii offers a surprise for sports fans. The system comes with Wii Sports, a simple but infectious sports game that lets users get a feel for the Wii's capabilities without investing in additional games.
Pros:
- Excellent controller design, offering unique motion-sensitive playing options
- Built-in Wi-Fi delivers free online services and gameplay
- Compatible with all GameCube games and controllers
- Built-in SD slot for storage and photo viewing
- Includes Wii Sports game
- Most affordable of all next-generation gaming systems
- Allows to download games from older consoles
Cons:
- Controller consumes a lot of batteries energy
- Lacks advanced HD graphics and SRS effect found on other systems (Xbox 360 and PS3)
- Requires a wired receiver unit to interface with wireless controllers
- Can't play Music CDs or Movie DVDs
Specifications:
- Processor: IBM PowerPC (RISC)
- Memory: 512 MB
- Weight: 3.84 lbs or 61.44 ozs
- Input Type: Joystick
- Media Support: Nintendo Wii disc, Nintendo GAMECUBE disc
- Wireless Network: 802.11 b/g built-in adapter
- Input/Output Connections: 4 pin USB type
- Battery: AA (x 2)
- Memory Card: Flash 512 MB
Summary:
The Nintendo Wii lacks the graphical capability and rich media features found in other game consoles like the Xbox 360 and the PS3, but the Nintendo Wii's affordable price, combination of unique controllers and prominence on fun game play makes this console hard to resist.Nintendo Wii System: Fall Fun Bundle!
Includes Game System with Wii Sports and 4 Hot Games!
Buy.com Price: $418.88
Deals of Interest
Emerson 32" LCD HDTV with Digital Tuner, LC320EM8
$10 off $200 valid in our Computers, Software, Home Networking, Digital Cameras and Electronic Stores! exp 10/31/07
Top Brand HDTVs at Walmart.com from $384
TigerDirect's Liquidation Sale!
Save 30%-50% Off Select Clearance Items! Shop now and Save! (While Supplies Last)
Take advantage of online coupon savings at Office Depot.
Save 30% - 50% on Select Clearance Items at Office Depot! While Supplies Last!
Labels: Miscellaneous
Friday, September 21, 2007
External and Mini Hard Drives
External Hard Drives
An external hard drive is usually found outside the main computer tower or the system unit, having its own enclosure. The enclosure is slightly larger than the hard drive itself, and sometimes contains a cooling fan. External hard drives are portable and allows the user to store information on a hard drive that is not placed inside the computer, but rests on a tabletop or surface near the computer. The external hard drive is connected to the computer via a high-speed interface cable. The interface cable allows the external hard drive to communicate with the computer so that data may be passed back and forth. The most common types of interfaces being used today are USB and Fire Wire.
An external hard drive is a useful storage device. It allows the user to back up or store important information off the main drive, which could be threatened by online or offline activities. External hard drives are large in size ranging from 40 gigabytes to 500 gigabytes and can be used to store sensitive documents, DVD Images, large music files, disk partition images, movies, and even a backup of the main hard drive which is inside. All these can all be kept secure and safe on an external hard drive. Even while the computer is on and running, the external drive can be turned off to keep it safe from online threats.
Another big advantage of using an external hard drive is that it is portable and operates as it detected by the operating system (Plug-and-Play device). Any computer with a USB or FireWire capability will recognize the external hard drive as a storage device, and assign it a drive letter. The drive can then be accessed like a normal internal hard drive. It takes a few seconds to transfer huge files back and forth from work computers to home computers, to a friend's computer, or between your desktop and laptop. Just plug in the interface cable to quickly reconstruct a working environment, making your favorite programs portable. One can easily transfer entire gigabytes of data in a short span.
An external hard drive is removable and allows multiple users to each have a separate hard drive with the respective user's applications and data. In this manner, multiple users each having their own drives can effectively share a single computer system. External hard drive solves the problem of connecting a drive to a computer without opening up the computers.
Mini Hard Drives
Although its hard to beat flash-based drives when it comes to portability, but Mini hard drives or USB hard drives are often a better value for a long term investment and where durability is a factor. Most of these drives cost less than $200 and weigh less than 3 ounces. These drives are so small that they can fit in the palms of your hand. Today mini hard drives are available with a storage capacity from 4 gigabytes to 12 gigabytes and is sufficient to backup you data, important files, digital movies, photos and sensitive data. Mini drives are gaining popularity because vendors are making every effort to protect the spinning hard disk and also these drives last longer than a lot of the plastic flash drives in the market. These drives are the perfect media to carry you data along with you wherever you go.
Deals of Interest
Emerson 32" LCD HDTV with Digital Tuner, LC320EM8
$10 off $200 valid in our Computers, Software, Home Networking, Digital Cameras and Electronic Stores! exp 10/31/07
Top Brand HDTVs at Walmart.com from $384
TigerDirect's Liquidation Sale!
Save 30%-50% Off Select Clearance Items! Shop now and Save! (While Supplies Last)
Take advantage of online coupon savings at Office Depot.
Save 30% - 50% on Select Clearance Items at Office Depot! While Supplies Last!
Labels: Miscellaneous
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Expert Review, Comparing and Contrasting Different Models of the Seagate Freeagent
The Seagate FreeAgent Desktop drives are available in 3 models with different storage capacity:
i) ST305004FDA1E1-RK
ii) ST303204FDA1E1-RK
iii) ST302504FDA1E1-RK
The ST305004FDA1E1-RK is a 500 GB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive. This Hard Drive from Seagate is a high capacity drive with an interface that allows it to be connected via USB 2.0 and operates at a rotation speed of 7200 rpm. The drive also features a bus transfer rate of 60 MB/sec using USB 2.0, making the drive an excellent solution for video editing, high-resolution imaging, data backup or just for general storage. The drive has plug-n-play features and runs on Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows XP OS. On the MAC OS it runs on Power PC G3, G4 or G5 processor OS X 10.3.9 or higher. The drive comes with a 5 year warranty. The strengths of the drive are it is fast and quite while in-operation. The only weakness of the drive is that its bulky and heavy.
• 500 GB storage capacity
• USB 2.0 interface
• Seagate’s 5 year limited warranty
• Plug-n-play
• Windows 2000, XP, Vista O/S
• Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4.6 or higher
ST303204FDA1E1-RK with 320GB of storage capacity is no bigger than a stapler. This External Hard Drive from Seagate allows it to be connected via USB 2.0 and operates at a rotation speed of 7200 rpm. The drive also features a bus transfer rate of 48 MB/sec using USB 2.0. The drive is an excellent solution for data backup, high-resolution imaging or just for general storage. The drive has plug-n-play features and runs on Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows XP OS. On the MAC OS it runs on Power PC G3, G4 or G5 processor OS X 10.3.9 or higher and on Intel Core Duo processor it runs on OS X 10.4.6 or higher. The drive comes with a 5 year warranty. The strengths of the drive is its silent operation and the only minor drawback is the absence of an on/off switch.
• 320 GB storage capacity
• USB 2.0 interface
• Seagate’s 5 year limited warranty
• Plug-n-play
• Windows 2000, XP, Vista O/S
• Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4.6 or higher
The ST302504FDA1E1-RK model comes with a maximum storage capacity of 250 GB. This External Hard Drive from Seagate allows it to be connected via USB 2.0 and operates at a rotation speed of 7200 rpm. The drive features a maximum transfer rate of 480 MB per sec using a USB 2.0 interface for connectivity.. The drive is an excellent solution for data backup, high-resolution imaging or just for general storage. The drive has plug-n-play features and runs on Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows XP OS. On the MAC OS it runs on Power PC G3, G4 or G5 processor OS X 10.3.9 or higher and on Intel Core Duo processor it runs on OS X 10.4.6 or higher. The drive comes with a 5 year warranty. The strengths of the drive is its silent operation, easy to install and some drawbacks are absence of backup software, no activity light indicator and the drive only stands in vertical position.
• 250 GB storage capacity
• USB 2.0 interface
• Seagate’s 5 year limited warranty
• Plug-n-play
• Windows 2000, XP, Vista O/S
• Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4.6 or higher
Overall the three Seagate Freeagent Desktop models at reasonable price tags make them appealing, especially considering they are Seagate products with a five year limited warranty.
Labels: Miscellaneous
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]