For healthy wealthy computing at your monitor,
you need to take care of your eyes and not put
up with an out of date computer monitor.
Why struggle on with an electricity guzzling ,
overweight, antique CRT with fuzzy outdated
display defacing your desktop? You should
consider a quality replacement LCD computer monitor
screen as a Christmas gift for yourself or
someone you care about.
This is why -
For healthy computing you need whatever gives
you least eyestrain, best display and positioning
flexibility, along with durability and reliability
at the lowest price.
Cool neat styling helps too- and upgrading
that old screen will a lot cheaper than
replacing your whole computer system!
From a health and safety viewpoint,
a replacement flat panel screen can be
regarded as an investment and insurance
combined...not a luxury gift. Can't it be
written off against business expenses?
While you can pay out software around that
can sharpen up graphics and text a little
in the short term, your monitor hardware
should be doing most of the hard work.
Two types of monitor screen are CRT (cathode
ray tube) and LCD (liquid crystal display).
monitors.
LCD monitors are also called flat panel
monitors.
Why favor LCD?
Well,to start - generally, the bigger the screen
the better you see, and the more you pay.
Entry level for most screens is now 17-in.
(Screen size is measured diagonally, not
straight across the screen.)
With a LCD you get more screen for size,
as viewing runs close to the edge, so a 17-in
screen gives you about the same display
as a 19-in CRT. You get less flicker too!
LCD monitors cost more than the equivalent
sized CRT ones, but are less heavy and bulky
(only about a third of the desktop space and
weight of a monitor).
They have a tad less resolution and color
matching, but unless you are buying for a
rabid gamer or graphics editing freak,however,
this is unlikely to matter.
The LCD screen image is more dependant on
your viewing position than a CRT, so set
yourself right. Near straight in front is best as
with all computing.
Flat panel screens are the way to go, they
are much more popular already than the CRT
option. Three in every 4 of us are buying LCD,
and manufacturers are pushing LCD computer
monitors hard.
Rough price comparison - at present, you can
expect to pay $200 for a reasonable 19-in LCD
flat screen monitor, $250 for a 21-in CRT.
A 19-in LCD is the best size for all day users.
Price differences shoot up with size though, a
24-in LCD can cost over $700! However the
natural resolution on an LCD screen goes up
with size, and prices can be expected to fall
as output increases.
A further point is that LCD panel screen
monitors use a lot less power, so you can
recoup spending over time and avoid wasting
energy.
If you're worried about the environment,
LCD screens cannot be dumped owing to their
liquid crystal content. They can be recycled,
and a fee is usually charged.
Check your local laws and agencies for
information on this.
If you think you should look over the flat
panel screens available, start looking at
ads now.
Compare a number of firms offering monitors,
and note their web addresses. Some may be
offering sales discounts and there may be
bargains out there.
We aren't talking just price either. Some bargain
models can amaze you.
Compare some of your top choice flat panel
monitors against reviews on online computer
magazines and consumer organizations websites.
Check the monitor has controls like
brightness and contrast settings to allow
individual choice, that its fittings are
compatible with the PC system it is
connecting to.
LCD computer monitors are the way to go.
Three in every 4 of us are buying LCD,
manufacturers are pushing LCD monitors
hard, and refinements and improvements are
coming thick and fast.
So for top eye protection, consider a new LCD
computer monitor as a surprise Christmas
present for healthy computing 2006 and beyond!
For healthy wealthy computing at your monitor,
you need to take care of your eyes and not put
up with an out of date computer monitor.
Why struggle on with an electricity guzzling ,
overweight, antique CRT with fuzzy outdated
display defacing your desktop? You should
consider a quality replacement LCD computer monitor
screen as a Christmas gift for yourself or
someone you care about.
This is why -
For healthy computing you need whatever gives
you least eyestrain, best display and positioning
flexibility, along with durability and reliability
at the lowest price.
Cool neat styling helps too- and upgrading
that old screen will a lot cheaper than
replacing your whole computer system!
From a health and safety viewpoint,
a replacement flat panel screen can be
regarded as an investment and insurance
combined...not a luxury gift. Can't it be
written off against business expenses?
While you can pay out software around that
can sharpen up graphics and text a little
in the short term, your monitor hardware
should be doing most of the hard work.
Two types of monitor screen are CRT (cathode
ray tube) and LCD (liquid crystal display).
monitors.
LCD monitors are also called flat panel
monitors.
Why favor LCD?
Well,to start - generally, the bigger the screen
the better you see, and the more you pay.
Entry level for most screens is now 17-in.
(Screen size is measured diagonally, not
straight across the screen.)
With a LCD you get more screen for size,
as viewing runs close to the edge, so a 17-in
screen gives you about the same display
as a 19-in CRT. You get less flicker too!
LCD monitors cost more than the equivalent
sized CRT ones, but are less heavy and bulky
(only about a third of the desktop space and
weight of a monitor).
They have a tad less resolution and color
matching, but unless you are buying for a
rabid gamer or graphics editing freak,however,
this is unlikely to matter.
The LCD screen image is more dependant on
your viewing position than a CRT, so set
yourself right. Near straight in front is best as
with all computing.
Flat panel screens are the way to go, they
are much more popular already than the CRT
option. Three in every 4 of us are buying LCD,
and manufacturers are pushing LCD computer
monitors hard.
Rough price comparison - at present, you can
expect to pay $200 for a reasonable 19-in LCD
flat screen monitor, $250 for a 21-in CRT.
A 19-in LCD is the best size for all day users.
Price differences shoot up with size though, a
24-in LCD can cost over $700! However the
natural resolution on an LCD screen goes up
with size, and prices can be expected to fall
as output increases.
A further point is that LCD panel screen
monitors use a lot less power, so you can
recoup spending over time and avoid wasting
energy.
If you're worried about the environment,
LCD screens cannot be dumped owing to their
liquid crystal content. They can be recycled,
and a fee is usually charged.
Check your local laws and agencies for
information on this.
If you think you should look over the flat
panel screens available, start looking at
ads now.
Compare a number of firms offering monitors,
and note their web addresses. Some may be
offering sales discounts and there may be
bargains out there.
We aren't talking just price either. Some bargain
models can amaze you.
Compare some of your top choice flat panel
monitors against reviews on online computer
magazines and consumer organizations websites.
Check the monitor has controls like
brightness and contrast settings to allow
individual choice, that its fittings are
compatible with the PC system it is
connecting to.
LCD computer monitors are the way to go.
Three in every 4 of us are buying LCD,
manufacturers are pushing LCD monitors
hard, and refinements and improvements are
coming thick and fast.
So for top eye protection, consider a new LCD
computer monitor as a surprise Christmas
present for healthy computing 2006 and beyond!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Why use an ergonomic keyboard, or think of it as a Christmas gift?
Manufacturers and sellers of these specialized computer keyboards state that ergonomic keyboards are highly adjustable and comfortable, let you adopt a more natural typing position, reduce the risks of damage to your wrists and forearms with Repetitive Strain Injuries, and are better for those who have difficulties with the standard non ergonomic keyboards..
Certainly if an ergonomic keyboard can perform as claimed, wouldn't it be an ideal Christmas present?
Lets look at a few factors:
Certainly, injuries and 'days off sick' from keyboard use have increased rapidly in the last decade, and most experts believe traditionally designed keyboards can distort your hands into awkward and possibly harmful positions, particularly if if held for long periods.
These awkward positions include having your hands in the flat, palm-down position, and bending the wrist sideways toward the little finger.
So you can now buy split keyboards
Split keyboards split and curve the main key sector, usually with a raised section in the middle
This in theory allows the shoulders and wrist of the user to be in a comfortably relaxed position, and allows all the fingers, including the little finger to easily extend and flex, while hand motion is reduced.
The fixed split keyboard is one in which the keyboard is split as described above, lacks adjustment but is cheaper,
However a quality adjustable-split keyboard will lets you adjust the precise angle of the keyboard halves from near flat to to nearly vertical in two planes.
However no controversy, next-keyboard size is DEFINITELY important.
Keyboard usage Injuries in children as young as 5 are now appearing worldwide. A major part of the problem is children are often expected to use non-ergonomic keyboards designed for larger, adult hands.
Many companies are beginning to make compact ergonomic keyboards designed for their special needs. Why not consider a childrens computer keyboard?
Especially as there are even left handed keyboards, for people like me!
Another point are your computer keyboard keys big enough? The smallest size for an adult is about 3/4 in (18-20 mm). Many compact computers have keys smaller than this. Uncomfortable.
A solution for this is a chordic keyboard where you type combinations on just 8 spaced keys to create standard numbers and letters (said to be ideal for novices,those with disabilities are those who want an easy Braille keyboard). Repetitive arm and wrist movements are virtually eliminated. They claim less mistakes too!
There are also non QUERTY keyboards (like your cell phone!) such as Dvorak keyboards, where commonly used letters are grouped and theres less hand movement.
(Your PC may in fact let you rearrange your existing 'QWERTY' keyboard layout, but you will have to rename each key,which seems a lot of effort...)
As for flexibility of where youre working, you can buy a wireless ergonomic keyboard which will do away with wires, and let you move away from your PC. Or go the whole hog and treat yourself to a Bluetooth wireless ergonomic keyboard, that will let you communicate with other Bluetooth devices nearby.
No research available has conclusively proved that ergonomic keyboards are a cure all for everyone. But hey, why not check out prices availabity and return policies online. Or give one a tryout at your local store!
For most people a brand name ergonomic computer keyboard, should work well if the keyboard is used in its proper position in a proper workstation setup
So why not give your digits a treat, and check out ergonomic keyboard for healthy computing 2006 and beyond?
Manufacturers and sellers of these specialized computer keyboards state that ergonomic keyboards are highly adjustable and comfortable, let you adopt a more natural typing position, reduce the risks of damage to your wrists and forearms with Repetitive Strain Injuries, and are better for those who have difficulties with the standard non ergonomic keyboards..
Certainly if an ergonomic keyboard can perform as claimed, wouldn't it be an ideal Christmas present?
Lets look at a few factors:
Certainly, injuries and 'days off sick' from keyboard use have increased rapidly in the last decade, and most experts believe traditionally designed keyboards can distort your hands into awkward and possibly harmful positions, particularly if if held for long periods.
These awkward positions include having your hands in the flat, palm-down position, and bending the wrist sideways toward the little finger.
So you can now buy split keyboards
Split keyboards split and curve the main key sector, usually with a raised section in the middle
This in theory allows the shoulders and wrist of the user to be in a comfortably relaxed position, and allows all the fingers, including the little finger to easily extend and flex, while hand motion is reduced.
The fixed split keyboard is one in which the keyboard is split as described above, lacks adjustment but is cheaper,
However a quality adjustable-split keyboard will lets you adjust the precise angle of the keyboard halves from near flat to to nearly vertical in two planes.
However no controversy, next-keyboard size is DEFINITELY important.
Keyboard usage Injuries in children as young as 5 are now appearing worldwide. A major part of the problem is children are often expected to use non-ergonomic keyboards designed for larger, adult hands.
Many companies are beginning to make compact ergonomic keyboards designed for their special needs. Why not consider a childrens computer keyboard?
Especially as there are even left handed keyboards, for people like me!
Another point are your computer keyboard keys big enough? The smallest size for an adult is about 3/4 in (18-20 mm). Many compact computers have keys smaller than this. Uncomfortable.
A solution for this is a chordic keyboard where you type combinations on just 8 spaced keys to create standard numbers and letters (said to be ideal for novices,those with disabilities are those who want an easy Braille keyboard). Repetitive arm and wrist movements are virtually eliminated. They claim less mistakes too!
There are also non QUERTY keyboards (like your cell phone!) such as Dvorak keyboards, where commonly used letters are grouped and theres less hand movement.
(Your PC may in fact let you rearrange your existing 'QWERTY' keyboard layout, but you will have to rename each key,which seems a lot of effort...)
As for flexibility of where youre working, you can buy a wireless ergonomic keyboard which will do away with wires, and let you move away from your PC. Or go the whole hog and treat yourself to a Bluetooth wireless ergonomic keyboard, that will let you communicate with other Bluetooth devices nearby.
No research available has conclusively proved that ergonomic keyboards are a cure all for everyone. But hey, why not check out prices availabity and return policies online. Or give one a tryout at your local store!
For most people a brand name ergonomic computer keyboard, should work well if the keyboard is used in its proper position in a proper workstation setup
So why not give your digits a treat, and check out ergonomic keyboard for healthy computing 2006 and beyond?
Finally, they’re all here. The Xbox 360 has had the next generation gaming market to itself for a year. Now its two competitors, the Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii, are here. No more speculating about speed. No more guessing about memory. Now we can take a look and see exactly how they stack up compared to each other.
Let the console wars begin again.
Price
The PS3 has two configurations much like the Xbox 360. The PS3 comes in a $499 version that comes with a 20 GB hard drive and a $599 version that comes with a 60 GB hard drive; Wi-Fi; and memory stick, SD, and Compact Flash slots.
The Xbox 360 has two configurations. It comes in a $299 core version and a $399 version that comes with a 20GB hard drive.
The Nintendo Wii is the cheapest of the bunch with just one configuration that costs $250.
Processing Power
The Playstation 3 comes with its Cell processor. It’s a PowerPC based core that runs at 3.2 GHz that also have seven DSPs that run at 3.2 GHz. This configuration can do about 2 Teraflops.
The Xbox 360 has a Custom IBM PowerPC processor. This processor also runs at 3.2 GHz. However, Xbox went with a true 3 core processor compared to the one general processor of the Cell and seven additional DSPs. This configuration can do about 1 Teraflop.
The Nintendo Wii includes its Broadway processor, a PowerPC based processor running at 729 MHz.
Disc Media
Part of the reason the PS3 is so much more expensive than the Xbox 360 is because the Sony decided to include a Blu-ray drive on the system. The drive can play both Blu-ray movies and regular DVDs. The Xbox 360 comes with a DVD player and an HD-DVD add-on is planned. The Nintendo Wii uses a DVD drive; however, the system will not work for playback of movies, just Nintendo games.
Backwards Compatibility
The Playstation 3 is just like the PS2 was. You’ll be able to play both PS2 and PSone games on the PS3. Nintendo is taking things a bit further. Their system will be compatible with the Gamecube games and also the Gamecube controllers since the two systems use very different controllers. Not only that, but the Wii will also have the ability to download games from the original Nintendo (NES), Super Nintendo (SNES), and the Nintendo 64.
Sweet Features
If you want high definition gaming, then the PS3 is the way to go. It comes with a Blu-ray drive built in and can output in 1080p. Although the PS3 controller may look familiar, it’s had some updates. The controller is now motion sensing so in some games you’ll be able to move your character or fly a plane just by moving the controller.
The Xbox 360 was built to work with Windows XP media center. If you have a computer that already has media center on it, you’ll be able to view pictures, videos, and even recorded TV by using your Xbox. You won’t need to put your PC in your living room to take advantage of having a Media Center PC.
The Nintendo Wii decided to completely change the way gaming controllers are built. In the past, one controller was always held with both hands. The Wii’s controller looks more like a TV remote control than a game controller. It has a built in motion sensor so, for example, to swing a sword, you simply move you hand just like you were really swinging a sword.
Hopefully this review has helped you compare the three next generation gaming systems. Each has its pluses and minuses, and feature that are unique to it. Ultimately, your decision will likely come down to which system has the games that most appeal to you. And that is a decision that only you can make when deciding on a system to buy.
Let the console wars begin again.
Price
The PS3 has two configurations much like the Xbox 360. The PS3 comes in a $499 version that comes with a 20 GB hard drive and a $599 version that comes with a 60 GB hard drive; Wi-Fi; and memory stick, SD, and Compact Flash slots.
The Xbox 360 has two configurations. It comes in a $299 core version and a $399 version that comes with a 20GB hard drive.
The Nintendo Wii is the cheapest of the bunch with just one configuration that costs $250.
Processing Power
The Playstation 3 comes with its Cell processor. It’s a PowerPC based core that runs at 3.2 GHz that also have seven DSPs that run at 3.2 GHz. This configuration can do about 2 Teraflops.
The Xbox 360 has a Custom IBM PowerPC processor. This processor also runs at 3.2 GHz. However, Xbox went with a true 3 core processor compared to the one general processor of the Cell and seven additional DSPs. This configuration can do about 1 Teraflop.
The Nintendo Wii includes its Broadway processor, a PowerPC based processor running at 729 MHz.
Disc Media
Part of the reason the PS3 is so much more expensive than the Xbox 360 is because the Sony decided to include a Blu-ray drive on the system. The drive can play both Blu-ray movies and regular DVDs. The Xbox 360 comes with a DVD player and an HD-DVD add-on is planned. The Nintendo Wii uses a DVD drive; however, the system will not work for playback of movies, just Nintendo games.
Backwards Compatibility
The Playstation 3 is just like the PS2 was. You’ll be able to play both PS2 and PSone games on the PS3. Nintendo is taking things a bit further. Their system will be compatible with the Gamecube games and also the Gamecube controllers since the two systems use very different controllers. Not only that, but the Wii will also have the ability to download games from the original Nintendo (NES), Super Nintendo (SNES), and the Nintendo 64.
Sweet Features
If you want high definition gaming, then the PS3 is the way to go. It comes with a Blu-ray drive built in and can output in 1080p. Although the PS3 controller may look familiar, it’s had some updates. The controller is now motion sensing so in some games you’ll be able to move your character or fly a plane just by moving the controller.
The Xbox 360 was built to work with Windows XP media center. If you have a computer that already has media center on it, you’ll be able to view pictures, videos, and even recorded TV by using your Xbox. You won’t need to put your PC in your living room to take advantage of having a Media Center PC.
The Nintendo Wii decided to completely change the way gaming controllers are built. In the past, one controller was always held with both hands. The Wii’s controller looks more like a TV remote control than a game controller. It has a built in motion sensor so, for example, to swing a sword, you simply move you hand just like you were really swinging a sword.
Hopefully this review has helped you compare the three next generation gaming systems. Each has its pluses and minuses, and feature that are unique to it. Ultimately, your decision will likely come down to which system has the games that most appeal to you. And that is a decision that only you can make when deciding on a system to buy.
Want easy invention ideas? Dreaming up new products and inventions is fun, and it can be easy too. Try the following two techniques and soon you'll have a list of new ideas.
Easy Invention Ideas - Start With What's There
One of the easiest ways to create new ideas for inventions is to look at what already exists and find a way to make it better. You can start with things in your own home. These may even be the most marketable ideas - consider how many new kitchen gadgets are sold every year.
Look at the toaster, for example. How could it be improved, replaced, or the need for it eliminated? You could eliminate the need for it if you designed a stove with a toaster built into it. You could replace it with something like a waffle iron. You could improve it by making it faster, perhaps with a combination toasting element and microwave heater.
Look around the room and pick out any item you see. Imagine how it would be if it was bigger, smaller, faster, slower, or different in some way. As I write this, I am looking at a calculator. I would like to be able to talk to it. I could just say, "Mortgage payment, $140,000 loan, fifteen-year amortization, six point five percent interest rate," and it would announce, "$1219.56 per month." With all the latest voice-recognition technology out there, this is possible.
Want an easy way to create a lot of new invention ideas fast? Make a list of everything in your house. Then work your way down the list, thinking of some way to improve or re-invent each item. If nothing comes to mind, move on to the next item on the list after a minute or two.
Easy Invention Ideas - Use What Irritates
What irritates you? Do you hate the way the ice builds up on the edge of your roof? Do you get annoyed with the way the dog slops his water and food all over the kitchen floor? Annoyances and irritating things are not just problems, but excellent opportunities for easy invention ideas.
Suppose you are tired of burning your tongue on hot coffee. What could save you from this irritation? Perhaps a cup with a built-in thermometer that shows green once the coffee has cooled enough? Maybe a cooling device to set a coffee cup in, like a small fan that blows across the coffee when the cup is set on the device?
Annoyed with the necessity of brushing your teeth so often? Maybe there is a Teflon-like coating that could be applied, so food wouldn't stick. If it was anti-bacterial as well, you might avoid plaque even after days without brushing.
Looking at what is around you and imagining small or large improvements is easy. It also isn't too difficult to train yourself to look at problems as opportunities. There are dozens of other techniques that will give you easy invention ideas, but start with these two simple ones and you can have a hundred new ideas today.
Easy Invention Ideas - Start With What's There
One of the easiest ways to create new ideas for inventions is to look at what already exists and find a way to make it better. You can start with things in your own home. These may even be the most marketable ideas - consider how many new kitchen gadgets are sold every year.
Look at the toaster, for example. How could it be improved, replaced, or the need for it eliminated? You could eliminate the need for it if you designed a stove with a toaster built into it. You could replace it with something like a waffle iron. You could improve it by making it faster, perhaps with a combination toasting element and microwave heater.
Look around the room and pick out any item you see. Imagine how it would be if it was bigger, smaller, faster, slower, or different in some way. As I write this, I am looking at a calculator. I would like to be able to talk to it. I could just say, "Mortgage payment, $140,000 loan, fifteen-year amortization, six point five percent interest rate," and it would announce, "$1219.56 per month." With all the latest voice-recognition technology out there, this is possible.
Want an easy way to create a lot of new invention ideas fast? Make a list of everything in your house. Then work your way down the list, thinking of some way to improve or re-invent each item. If nothing comes to mind, move on to the next item on the list after a minute or two.
Easy Invention Ideas - Use What Irritates
What irritates you? Do you hate the way the ice builds up on the edge of your roof? Do you get annoyed with the way the dog slops his water and food all over the kitchen floor? Annoyances and irritating things are not just problems, but excellent opportunities for easy invention ideas.
Suppose you are tired of burning your tongue on hot coffee. What could save you from this irritation? Perhaps a cup with a built-in thermometer that shows green once the coffee has cooled enough? Maybe a cooling device to set a coffee cup in, like a small fan that blows across the coffee when the cup is set on the device?
Annoyed with the necessity of brushing your teeth so often? Maybe there is a Teflon-like coating that could be applied, so food wouldn't stick. If it was anti-bacterial as well, you might avoid plaque even after days without brushing.
Looking at what is around you and imagining small or large improvements is easy. It also isn't too difficult to train yourself to look at problems as opportunities. There are dozens of other techniques that will give you easy invention ideas, but start with these two simple ones and you can have a hundred new ideas today.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)