Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in lusi's Blurty:

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Friday, December 4th, 2009
10:18 am	Tips About Choosing A Digital Media Player Now that you have decided to add a digital media player to your home entertainment system it’s time to start the process of researching what’s available in the marketplace and deciding on which one is right for your needs. There are a number of considerations to keep in mind as you go through this process, so let’s take a closer look at the steps you should take along the way. Digital media players come with a huge range of features and capabilities, making them an excellent addition to your home entertainment system. Before you can decide on the right player for your needs it helps to consider which features and capabilities are most important to you. Physical attributes – Digital media players are generally quite compact compared to other home entertainment system components, but there is still some variation in sizes available, and even more so in the designs. Think about the amount of space you want to devote to this device and how it will best fit into your home entertainment set up. Also think about the colour and shape of player that will work best. Storage capacity – It doesn’t do you much good to buy a high quality digital media player with limited storage capacity, so it’s a good idea to always get the largest capacity possible for your price and size range. Keep in mind the device needs to have enough room to not only hold all of your current digital files, but also have enough room to store future digital files you plan to add down the road. Of course, if you do run out of space, you can usually add more storage via the addition of a USB storage device, such as an external hard drive. Features and playback – Think about which features are most important to you – wireless networking, internet access capabilities, high definition playback, etc. – and try to find some video reviews so you can see how the digital media player works. Look for ease of playback and navigation, keeping in mind that different players use different software for these interfaces. Digital media players are available in a wide range of prices so you should have little trouble finding one to fit within your budget. The biggest challenge is generally finding the right balance between the features and capabilities you want and the amount of money you want to spend. As with most things, the more advance and numerous the features, the more a digital media player is likely to cost. For most people, it’s a good idea to choose a digital media player at the high end of their budget range. Because this will allow you to get a player with a wide range of features and capabilities, making it easier to use and better able to continue being appropriate for your needs as they change and grow into the future. Think of it as building in a bit of “room to grow”, much like you do when buying clothing or shoes for children. You’re going to be happier with your digital TV for a longer period of time if you invest in one that’s expandable with your needs as they change over time. Internet reference: http://www.articlesbase.com/video-conferencing-articles/how-to-choose-a-digital-media-player-1228611.html Editor: Letitia (Comment on this)
10:17 am	How Does Bluetooth Work Now we are all familiar with Bluetooth technology. It has made a great contribution to our life. Bluetooth is named for the 10th century Danish King Harald Bluetooth, an orator of the day who managed to get warring parities to find common ground. The good king was a master of diplomacy and was known to get negotiations started. Thus the Bluetooth wireless protocol is an apt name as it gets devices those "never easily connected" devices to come together quite easily as well. Bluetooth is also known as the IEEE 802.15.1, an industrial standard for wireless Pans. What it does is provide a way to exchange information between devices, such as laptops, PCs, printers, PDAs and mobile phones across a secure, unlicensed short-range radio frequency.   For business users, "The primary advantage of Bluetooth is the convenience of eliminating wires," says Brian O'Rourke, senior analyst for In-Stat, a Scottsdale, Ariz. market research firm. Essentially Bluetooth is a radio and communications protocol that works best with low power consumption devices such as PDAs, mobile phones, headsets and digital cameras. When these devices come within range of each other they can communicate, but they do not necessarily have to have true line of sight so the devices can even be in adjacent rooms – provided the power is strong enough. There are actually three classes of Bluetooth transmission power, and the range can vary from one meter up to 100 meters.   Bluetooth is not meant to replace Wi-Fi, which does use the same radio frequencies but with much higher power consumption. It is rather for those situations when you have two or more devices that will be used in close proximity. The downside to Bluetooth is that it doesn’t offer high bandwidth, so even sending large photo files from a laptop to a printer can take longer than it would with a Wi-Fi or wired printer. And because it uses short-range radio frequencies, Bluetooth is not meant for setting up networks that can be accessed from remote locations.   But the technology is ideal for use with cell phones for transferring data from the handset to a computer, and for using a wireless headset or earpiece. Bluetooth is also perfect for workers who need to travel around in an automobile. They can use a mobile hands-free kit, with which the phone can be used with the existing speaker system. "Bluetooth wireless technology is available in a wide range of hands-free devices on the market today," says Michael Foley, executive director of the Bluetooth SIG.   With the rapid development of economic, more and more digital products are Bluetooth-enabled, such as our cell phones, computers, and digital cameras and so on. Internetreference: http://technology.inc.com/networking/articles/200609/bluetooth.html Editor: Rowlin  (Comment on this)
10:14 am	ECigarettes Can be More Healthy If you want to find a better and more healthy way to quit smoking, then ecigarettes can be the solution to your problem, were going discuss the benefits of using ecigarettes and the main mistakes you make when trying to stop smoking. You can simulate smoking without smoking and that is the aim of using ecigarettes, because you are already programmed with the habits that you use to smoke and because you’re so used to smoking and the actions associated with smoking that it’s not only the smoking that you’re trying to quit but also the actions of: (a) getting the cigarette out of the box to lighting it up and (b) even the smoke we exhale in and out and that’s why the ecigarette has the design to look and feel like a real cigarette so that enables us to break out of the habit in a normal way and is a better alternative to say patches or gum. And by the way ecigarettes have options so you can have a full strength ecigarette and then your able to slowly reduce it to half strength, minimal and finally you will be able to quit smoking. Ecigarettes also has the benefits of the legal issues that all smokers come up against when smoking in public places as you can smoke them in bars and restaurants without any penalty which keeps you away from all the other smokers who have to go outside and there’s nothing worse than trying to quit when you’re around people who smoke. There is also so much confusion with all the quit smoking aids out there, And the reason it can be so confusing is because all you really want to do is reduce the amount your smoking until you finally quit and with some of the other replacements and therapies it can be expensive and you will also find it hard to quit because with gum and patches you get an instant hit of nicotine and with the E-Cigarette - Anti Cigarette Nicotine, they emit vapors but also give you a nicotine hit in a measured dose. I will end this article by saying if you want an alternative to quit smoking then this may well be the answer, because of the way the ecigarette works and the benefit that you can control how quickly you can kick the habit, with ecigarettes they feel like a real cigarette and your be able to puff the smoke out with the benefit of getting your nicotine hit with out damaging your body. Nothing is actually being burnt, which puts the electronic cigarette outside the legislation applied to tobacco. They present no fire hazard. You can smoke them anywhere, including where smoking is usually banned (bars, restaurants, etc.). However, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence suggesting that they can help. Many smokers who are trying to give up cigarettes find using electronic cigarettes one feels similar to smoking and gives them immediate nicotine 'hit'. Nicotine patches and gum just don't give the same satisfaction. Internet reference: http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/smokers-who-buy-ecigarettes-can-be-more-healthy-and-save-money-too-1308842.html Editor: Letitia (Comment on this)
10:12 am	Bluetooth Headset Buying Guide Many states are now making it illegal to drive while using a cell phone unless operated hands free. So if you still plan on using your cell phone while driving, you basically have two options (unless your car is Bluetooth enabled). You can either get a wired headset, or a wireless bluetooth headset. Each type has its own distinct advantages, but in this buying guide only Bluetooth headsets will be discussed. Bluetooth headsets have become very popular because they allow you to connect to your phone via a continuums wireless connection, therefore preventing you from getting tangled up in wires. Some Bluetooth headsets let you stay connected to your phone from up to 30 ft away or more. The benefits of Bluetooth headsets are somewhat obvious, but you may find yourself disappointed if you buy a model that isn't exactly what you had imagined. It might be of significant importance to you for the microphone to work well in noisy environments. Check to see if the headset's microphone has noise-canceling capabilities so that the person on the other end only hears you, not your surroundings. You should consider the distance that the headset can stay connected away from your phone. If you want a bluetooth headset that will allow you to walk across a room or an office without having to take the phone with you, you should get a headset with a range of or more than 30 ft. A headset with great features that isn't comfortable won't do you much, because you'll never want to wear it. The comfort level of a particular headset is more a matter of personal preference; but having an idea of the type of design you want can definitely help. Some of these models even come with ear gels in an attempt to increase the level comfort you experience. The most important thing is to make sure that the headset is lightweight and is capable of being attached to your head (or ear) securely, so it doesn't fall off every time you move. Make sure your cell phone is Bluetooth enabled. Bluetooth must be turned on in order to "pair" the headset to your phone for a continuous connection. See the headsets and your phone's manual for instructions on how to "pair" the devices. When considering the battery life of the headset, focus a little more upon the talk time life rather than the idle time. Having a headset that lasts long while idling is great, but if it runs out after 20 minutes of use there's really no point. Some headsets can transmit in stereo, allowing you to play music in addition to talking to others on the headset. This could be great if you are looking for headphones as well as a headset. Other features include buttons to pick up a phone call, to reject a call, to put a person on hold, or even to switch to the other line. Some models even come with a small LCD with caller ID allowing you to see who is calling without having to look at your phone. Determine what you need, and what you want as far as features go, and you will be a lot closer to the right headset that best suits you. Internet reference: http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/bluetooth-headset-buying-guide-507789.html Editor: Letitia   (Comment on this)
10:10 am	Alcohol Safety Campaign Promotes Breathalyzers You put money in the jukebox, the mechanical bull, or a pool table at your favorite drinking spot. Now you can put money in the breathalyzer machine to test your blood alcohol level after having a few alcoholic drinks. Many bars, pubs, clubs and entertainment venues that serve liquor are getting involved in alcohol safety by installing breathalyzers. As drunk driving accidents and deaths continue to occur despite the ramifications of drunk driving laws, many drinking establishments are taking a more proactive approach to keeping their patrons safe on the road. Although bartenders are trained to recognize when a patron has had too much to drink, an onsite breathalyzer supports their decision. When customers actually see their blood alcohol concentration (BAC), they are less likely to get into their car and drive. A coin operated breathalyzer machine also helps bridge issues that blocked previously proposed drunk driving prevention efforts from gaining approval from establishments that serve alcohol. Advocates for alcohol prevention found it difficult to enact any measure that would restrict people from drinking, thus impacting a venue owner’s bottom line. They were also faced with opposition from civil right activists who raised issues of stifling personal freedom and individual rights. A coin operated Breathalyzer Alcohol Tester provides an agreeable medium by affording the owner of the establishment to earn additional revenue by promoting responsible drinking. It is a worthy compromise in presenting breathalyzers as an entertaining safety device. Most fixed breathalyzers are equipped with fuel cell technology, which allows for highly accurate BAC test results. They are designed to give the user easy to follow audio and visual cues for proper operation, as well as visual and audio warnings based on the results. As a mouthpiece, breathalyzers mounted to a wall use a cylindrical straw dispensed by the device for the user to breathe into to begin the alcohol test. The breath test sensor calculates alcohol content within 10 seconds. The Andatech AL9000 is ideal for all drinking situations family members might face. Giving a child a portable breathalyzer removes any peer pressure of getting into a car with someone they suspect is drunk. The instant breath test can deter teen drunk driving and stop a child from being a passenger in a car where the driver is drunk. For adults socializing on the town or entertaining at home, the Andatech AL9000 can be used to ensure guests leave sober. A portable breathalyzer can also ease a homeowner’s liability concerns during a home party by providing just cause for no longer serving alcohol to someone who is drunk. Drunk driving is preventable if drivers are aware of their blood alcohol content before they get behind the wheel. Since alcohol clouds a person’s judgment, the Andatech AL9000 makes the decision to drive a clear one. Families can take a proactive stance against drunk driving with a personal breathalyzer. The small investment in the alcohol safety measure affords peace of mind to every family member. Internet reference: http://www.articlesbase.com/gadgets-and-gizmos-articles/alcohol-safety-campaign-promotes-family-breathalyzers-902442.html Editor: Letitia (Comment on this)
Monday, November 30th, 2009
9:32 am	What Is Digital TV? Digital TV is a means of transmitting picture and sound to your TV set. It is done by converting the pictures and sound into computerized bits of information and compressing it, then transmitting it from as transmitter to your aerial. The signal is then converted back into pictures and sound by your TV using a decoder. Digital TV provides the potential for hundreds of channels and services via a TV. This is because the digital signal is compressed, meaning it takes up less space in the airwaves, unlike the analogue system. At the old analogue system could only provide 5 channels, on digital you can potentially have access to hundreds of channels, as well as extras like a 7-day programmed guide and interactivity. The main benefit of Digital TV is the increase in picture quality; digital signals produce a much better picture and higher quality sound. Ghosting images and crackling pictures are a thing of the past, and the best bit is it’s available to almost everyone. In order to receive Digital TV on your television you will have to replace or adapt it (unless you have a recently purchased TV). Some brand new TVs come featuring integrated digital Free view (IDTV), which means they are able to display Digital signals without the use of a separate box.   If your TV doesn’t have this feature then you will need to attach a set top box to any TVs you wish to adapt using a SCART lead. Set Top boxes vary in costs depending on the service you require. Non subscription services such as free view require a one off payment to purchase the equipment in order to receive more than 30 free channels and other features. Subscription services vary in cost depending on the level you wish to subscribe to, Top up TV provides limited additional channels for a small charge which can paid flexibly each month. Others such as SKY and NTL can provide a much wider selection of services but the charges are much greater and often require a 12 month subscription. The Digital Switchover is the process by which all television in the UK switches to a digital signal. Analogue signals are inferior to their Digital counterparts and as a result are going to be phased out.   In order to make sure that everyone in the UK can receive a digital signal it has to be available for frees everywhere. Presently this is possible in only 74% of UK homes, in order for the rest of the country to receive digital signals the existing analogue signal must be switched off. After switchover at least 98.5% of people will be able to receive free digital TV via an aerial. The switchover will begin in 2008 and end in 2012, and will start one region at a time. In order to make sure that you're ready for the switchover you will need to make sure your TV can receive and process digital signals, either via an integrated tuner or set top box. Internet reference: http://www.articlesbase.com/cable-and-satellite-tv-articles/what-is-digital-tv-anyway-137489.html Editor: Letitia   (Comment on this)
9:30 am	Watch Your Teeth With Dental Intra-Oral Cameras   Have you ever tried to count your own teeth? At first it does seem easy. The problem is that some people get to the number of 24; others get to the number of 31. The luckiest ones get to 35 teeth. That is weird, as there must be 32 pieces. In order to get a closer look at what is going on in your mouth; chinavasion proudly presents the dental intra-oral camera with a USB connection. This gadget enables people to examine teeth or other parts of the body by themselves and view the pictures live on a PC. It is perfect for teachers giving lessons, for dentist and even for people who need to be persuaded that a trip to the dentist is inevitable for them. A camera cap for an intra oral camera includes a base plate from which a first side plate and a second side plate extend. The base plate forms a hole. The camera cap establishes an interior surface on which an adhesive layer is disposed. The camera cap can be installed on the head of an intra oral camera to block any light produced by the head of the camera while allowing imaging of, e.g., an x-ray, through the hole in the base plate.   The dental camera has a resolution of 320*240 pixels, has six built-in bright LED illumination lights and one touch picture taking that will be saved to the computer's hard drive. Its minimum focus range is 5cm, the S/N ratio is 52db and the scan PAL frequency IS 50HZ, the NTSC is 0HZ. Once introduced into the mouth the dental intra-oral camera sends 1/4 CMOS images to the PAL/NTSC 320*240 resolution TV systems. Its horizontal definition contains 380 TV lines, and its angular field of view is 45deg, while the illumination is 2LUX. Measuring 215 x 26 x 25 mm this device has a comfortable hand held design. It is so much fun, and who knows, maybe you would have a chance to see even those ugly mysterious monsters that live in your mouth. Interested? Just plug it in your PC and watch.   And you can also use the dental cameras to examine their teeth, ears, hairs and other body parts on their own; you also could use it to look into cotton fiber, insect, leaf, rock, and mini size electron element so on. You can buy it online, and the price is cheap. Internet reference: http://www.thedigitaldentist.com/index/use_lang/EN/page/152/cnt_id/114.html Editor: Letitia       (Comment on this)
9:25 am	Get Yourself A New Memory Card Today Now that you have finally upgraded from a traditional 35mm camera to a new digital camera, you will come to realize that the digital camera no longer needs the traditional film to store images, but instead uses a modern digital storage medium called the memory card to save all the precious pictures. To put it in simplest terms, a memory card is an electronic data storage device. It is also referred to as a flash memory card. Apart from digital cameras, you will find the memory card in use in many types of electronic equipment such as the handheld and laptop computers, cell phones, music players and video game consoles.   Generally, you will find the memory cards in solid state, but sometimes they are also available in a non-solid state, though these types of memory cards do not use flash memory. These are based on cutting age technologies and used mostly by the gamers and the technical professionals and are often referred to as "memo-cards" by these techies. There are different types and qualities of memory cards using various types of flash memory format. Many of the leading electronic companies in the world offer a wide range of models packed with many state of the art features; including high re-record ability, power-free storage, compact size and many more. It was during the early 1990's that memory cards were introduced to the market for the first time, and it soon revolutionized the whole concept of data storage in the PCs, cell phones and other industrial applications.   The late 1990's and early 2000 witnessed the competition amongst electronic giants heat up as they battled to introduce more and more sophisticated and compact memory card formats to the market, such as xD Picture Card and Memory Stick, thus meeting the growing need for smaller and smaller memory cards for compact electronics such as PDAs, cell phones and digital cameras etc. The result is that today the market is flooded with a new generation of memory cards in a variety of formats ranging from Smart Media and Compact Flash to the more sophisticated Memory Stick variants and xDs. In recent years the more popular memory card for digital cameras is the SD/MMC but with stiff competition coming from the Memory Stick formats such as xD and Compact Flash. Memory cards are manufactured by many of the world's leading electronic companies and you can get the device in the electronic and computer section of virtually any computer or electronics store. The cards come with different speed limit and varying memory sizes, and these differences account for the wide fluctuation in their price range.   A memory card or an SD memory card is an electronic flash memory data-storage device that one can use for digital cameras, handheld and laptop computers, telephones, music players, video game consoles, and other electronics. The suggestion has been active for a long while: memory cards would replace floppy disks and CDs, but for the time being, the common USB disk is taking that role, because it is easy to use and has the capability to hold large files. SD memory cards can hold up to 8 GB and are, for that reason, very useful. You can get a new and right memory card for yourself. Internet reference: http://www.articlesbase.com/news-and-society-articles/get-yourself-a-new-memory-card-today-204203.html Editor: Letitia (Comment on this)
9:18 am	Bluetooth Headsets Are Fit For Us A Bluetooth is a single digital wireless protocol that utilizes the short-ranged communications technology. It facilitates both voice and data transmissions over a short distance, usually from a mobile device. In turn, it creates a personal area network (Pans). Bluetooth headsets are quickly becoming a fashion accessory and offers interesting features. Thus, it is capable of connecting multiple devices in the wireless age. The intent behind the Bluetooth development is to provide a way in order to connect and exchange information between many devices. Examples would include mobile phones, telephones, computers and laptops, along with printers, digital cameras, videogame consoles and GPS receivers. This also comes with a secure and globally unlicensed Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) of 2.4 GHz of short ranged radio frequency bandwidth. Bluetooth headsets offer a convenient and user-friendly wireless connection. This is with the use of a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. With its 30 feet range (10 meters) capacity, cell phones can talk with other headsets using this technology. Aside from this, PCs can talk to keyboards or printers as well. Thus, talking with each other, without the need for wires can make up about seven connections at a single time. This is even with a speed of 1 Mbps.   With the oddball name of "Bluetooth", IDC now estimates that there will be more than 100 million Bluetooth devices by the end of 2009. Hence, you can now find Bluetooth devices in a different array of products, even in cars. By the end of the year, there is a projected new set of Bluetooth version 2.0's which will be released. These versions will have the enhancements of the narrowband channels. These versions will also enable messages, even without the pairing process, to be broadcasted to a high number of devices that have a high connection speed of up to 12 Mbps. Thus, with the constant evolution of technology, surely, more improved and enhanced versions of the Bluetooth will be produced.   Bluetooth headsets are being tailored to fit your most fashionable needs. They are small, elegant headsets that usually weigh in at only 7.9 grams. These headsets truly are a state-of-the-art technological advancement and this technology is just out there waiting for you! Bluetooth headsets are the hands-free solution to communicating with friends and family while driving. With such a large and growing market it should be easy to find a Bluetooth headset that will accommodate everyone’s needs and wants.   My personal choice for Bluetooth is the Motorola H700, although mine is about a year old, I still love the lightweight and sound quality. It wasn't until I bought the Motorola that my faith in Bluetooth sound quality was revived. My previous Bluetooth headsets were plagued with sound quality and severe echo problems. Motorola bluetooth headset offers some very high quality Bluetooth headsets with some sleek new designs. No matter which Bluetooth you choose, most well known manufacturers make a quality headset. Your choice will boil down to what features and options you want to have. Do your research and find which one offers the features you need and want at a price that meets your budget. Internet reference: http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/the-hype-over-bluetooth-headsets-502397.html Editor: Letitia   (Comment on this)
9:08 am	A Guide To Baby Monitors For Mothers Baby monitors are an innovative and path breaking device that helps parents and guardians keep a tab on their babies in situations when they are not around them. They can listen to sounds and at times even view their baby's movements using this gadget. This will immediately alert you when the baby cries, needs your immediate attention or even help you watch over the baby when he sleeps. Baby monitors these days come with various features that not only increase their efficiency, but also makes them user friendly. The main characteristic of baby monitors is their mobility.   One part i.e. the transmitter is supposed to be kept close to the bay, while the receiver is meant to be carried along by the mother. The transmitter can be easily plugged in near the baby and the receiver can be either plugged or be made mobile. It is better to go in for the mobile variety instead of the stationary one to enhance the mobility factor of the device. Some baby monitors come with multiple monitors, so that both parents can carry a receiver each, and keep one as a back up monitor as well. This enables parents to have a handy baby monitor, if required, or use one while the other gets charged. Video monitors are increasingly becoming popular, as they allow parents not only to see their baby but also hear his voice.   Baby monitors with the video facility allows parents the delight of watching the playful antics of their little one despite being away from them. Some monitors also have the provision of viewing the baby via a web cast. The warlike talkie feature is another fun feature that bibs available in baby monitors. This allows parents to talk to the baby and even play music for the baby. In other words, it allows parents to communicate with the baby. Parents can use this feature to calm the baby if he is perturbed or crying, and even have conversations with him when he is old enough to talk. Baby monitors come with a number of accessories like remote controls, rechargeable batteries and even musical monitors. One of the most important things to check while buying baby monitors is the quality of sound. These fun features have not only added to the appeal and usability of baby monitors, but have also helped parents take care of their infants in a better way.   Baby monitors have improved over the years they have gotten more technical so that is good news for you on such things as, the range it can provide. Some can go 300 feet in length. You also have a LCD screen that you can watch your child move around or breath which I know is a relief for many parents. There are a lot of choices to make you have to go with what works for you and your home. You can go to a baby store were they can answer any questions you may have. I also say that you can go online and find more information on baby monitors. Hope this information helps in protecting your child and puts you at ease to find the best baby monitor. Internet reference: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-security-articles/yourmustknow-guide-to-baby-monitors-248099.html Editor: Letitia   (Comment on this)
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009
11:49 pm	Almost no Bluetooth headset has a sensible carry solution as part of its design   A key factor to decide is whether you want to wear your headset any time you think that you might be about to receive a call, or if you'll choose to only put your headset on when actually placing or receiving a call. Very few of us will want to wear a headset all day, no matter how comfortable it is.  This means that you'll want a headset that you can keep conveniently close to you and quickly and easily put onto/into your ear when receiving a call. This creates some key usability issues :  Will you keep your headset in a pocket or purse or perhaps on a cord around your neck?  Is the headset suitable for keeping casually in a pocket?  Does it have a loop to affix a neck strap?  Is it easy to place on your ear, and is it quick to turn on? Almost no Bluetooth headset has a sensible carry solution as part of its design.  Fortunately, there is now (April 2009) an excellent and low cost after-market accessory that makes carrying a Bluetooth headset easy and convenient - the Nectar Blueclip range of rectractable and necklace style headset holders.   (Comment on this)
11:47 pm	check that any Bluetooth headset This is much less an issue now than it was a year and more ago.  You should check that any headset you buy has these two compatibility features : (a)  It complies with the Bluetooth 1.1 (or greater - 1.2 is now becoming widespread and 2.0 is on the way) specification (b)  It offers both headset and hands-free profiles As long as the headset observes these two requirements, and assuming your phone also has Bluetooth 1.1 or greater, and either of the two profile sets, then you should have no compatibility problems. The good news is that with Bluetooth you don't have to worry about matching headsets to phones.  With regular wired headsets, you need to be certain that they have the correct type of plug for the phone you use, with many different types of plugs being used by the different phone manufacturers. If you have several different Bluetooth equipped phones, your Bluetooth headset should work with them all equally conveniently, and/or if you replace your phone handset, your headset will work with your new phone just as it formerly did with your old phone.  This is much better than the profusion of different type of headset plugs on mobile phones at present, making it very unlikely that your headset designed for one phone will ever work with a different phone from a different manufacturer - and sometimes even it will be incompatible with different phones from the same manufacturer.   (Comment on this)
11:34 pm	Why Use a Bluetooth headset Bluetooth headsets are considerably more expensive than regular corded headsets (or no headset at all!).  They are also somewhat more complicated to set up, and you then have the added complication of having to keep their battery charged. Firstly, whether Bluetooth or not, you should try and always use some type of headset with your cell phone.  This will vastly reduce the amount of radiation that you're pumping out of the phone and into your brain - some scientists believe this radiation could be harmful, although studies to date have been inconclusive. In some states and countries, you are not allowed to hold a cell phone while driving, and the use of some type of headset is mandatory.  Even if it is still legal to hold a cell phone and drive, it is safer to avoid this whenever possible. A simple wired headset is a satisfactory solution for many people, but it literally ties you to your cell phone.  With a Bluetooth headset you can have your cell phone in your briefcase on your car's back seat, and still place and receive calls. Note that this can be a deceptively dangerous freedom.  If you don't physically keep your phone on your person, then you run the danger of leaving the phone - for example, in your briefcase in the car, while going somewhere else (eg into a store to buy something) and finding yourself with a useless headset that is way out of range of the forgotten phone! A Bluetooth headset can also be used to connect with other devices such as your computer.  For example, if you're using your computer for teleconferencing, you can use your headset for this purpose, too.  This can be very convenient, because it then enables you to use one headset simultaneously for cell phone calls and computer calls too - you don't have to be shuffling between one headset and the other, depending on the call that is coming in. (Comment on this)
11:31 pm	Common Problems with Bluetooth Headsets   Ideally, a Bluetooth headset should be something you could wear all the time while expecting to receive or make calls, or something you can quickly and conveniently affix on/around your ear when phone calls come in. Due to being battery powered by their own separate battery (typically offering 2-10 hours talk time or 25-250 hours standby), ideally a Bluetooth headset would be something you'd only turn on when you need to use it.  You wouldn't leave it on between calls.  For this reason, the headset should be easy to turn on and off, and should power up and connect to the cell phone as quickly as possible. Many of the headset accessories available today allow the user to adjust the volume, answer calls, swap calls, dial by name and when paired with a phone that has the capability, make voice recognized commands and dial by voice. Many of the newer models of wireless headsets include noise canceling technology to avoid the hollow, echoing sounds and background noise that plagued many of the early wireless headset and Bluetooth headset products. Some of the most sophisticated headsets can actually adapt the users' voice tone to the outside surroundings to make the volume more comfortable for the listener on the other end. Volume controls and other features and functions should be easy to use and understand. Few Bluetooth headsets adequately meet these design criteria.  Perhaps the biggest common problem is how to securely - but comfortably and conveniently - attach the headset to your ear.   (Comment on this)
11:28 pm	Design Challenges in Creating Bluetooth Headsets Creating a good Bluetooth headset is surprisingly difficult.  Regular wired headsets are very easy to design - with styles ranging from an absolutely minimal earbud speaker and shirtclip/microphone, up to a major dual earcup, over the head, set of headphones and angle-boom microphone.  Light weight versions are so light that having them securely mounted to/on your ear is no problem, and heavy duty headsets include secure mounting as part of their structure. A Bluetooth headset can never be as small or light as small wired headsets, because it needs to include a battery and extra electronics.  This extra size and weight impacts on how the headset can be mounted on/around your ear. All Bluetooth headsets to date have concentrated on offering as small as possible single piece designs.  The idea of having a headband has never been implemented, and neither has the idea of having a separate microphone joined by wire to the headset (but note the recent introduction of new 'necklace' style designs). It seems that Bluetooth headsets all want to highlight their wirelessness by being small single piece units.  Perhaps Bluetooth headset manufacturers are concerned that if you see something that looks like a regular headset, or with a wire connecting two parts together, you might instead choose to spend $5-25 on a regular headset, rather than $30-300 on a Bluetooth product. (Comment on this)
Thursday, November 19th, 2009
10:06 pm	Fix Memory Card Not Working on Vista Have you ever experience while insert SD Memory Card into the slot of memory card reader at the side of Gateway laptop, there is nothing pops up although you can hear the sounds like it work. And also there is you can’t see an extra drives at windows explorer. The user got this problem while inserting SD memory card of his camera.   The Memory Card can’t detect by Gateway laptop is possibly occurs because of several things. First of all you need to make sure that the memory card has been format. If you did it already and the memory card still unable to detect, seems you have a problem in your card reader.   In many Gateway laptops model and other laptop brands, the flash card reader is a Texas Instruments PCIxx21 Integrated FlashMedia Controller. The xx will be numbers, but the same driver seems to work for a variety of models. If you want to see the kind of card reader you can get it through the Device Manager.   As perhaps the Gateway.com web site did not list the updated driver for your Gateway laptop model then you need to find out the right driver. To make it works you need visit the Gateway.com first. After select Support, then choose the Drivers & Downloads. At the search box, and type “TI Media Card Reader Driver”. Now select the right driver download, and simply follow the directions to install. Now the card reader should works fine. Internet reference:http://www.laptops-drivers.com/miscellaneous/fix-memory-card-not-working-on-vista.html (Comment on this)
9:12 pm	Magnetic Elecom Memory Card Reader Have you ever lost a memory card in your room? Memory card is a small thing that can be lost easily. Well, Elecom saw this problem. Thus, they created a solution to avoid you from losing the memory card. They have just announced a new card reader that allows you to keep your computer desk clean. The new gadget is called Magnetic Elecom Memory Card Reader. It is a small USB gadget will not cause any clutter within your working area since it comes with a magnet on the back that can be attached to any metal object around your computer desk. For instance, you can attach it on the side of a computer case or even a mini fridge near your desk. It will avoid you from losing the memory card since it is attached to the nearby object. Moreover, the Magnetic Elecom Memory Card Reader comes with bright colors that make it looks more attractive. Well, you might be interested in the function of this memory card reader. However, you might need to consider it since the price is quite expensive. It costs $27 which is a bit high for a memory card reader. Nevertheless, we should appreciate the idea of this magnetic memory card reader. Internet reference:http://www.cutiegadget.com/magnetic-elecom-memory-card-reader/ (Comment on this)
Saturday, November 14th, 2009
9:01 am	The Vacuum Cleaner The Original Clean Sweep You could say that H. Cecil Booth invented the first suction-powered vacuum cleaner . . . or you could say that he was the first suction-powered vacuum cleaner. Having seen early models that simply blew the dust around without capturing much of it, Booth was unimpressed and decided to try an experiment. Sitting in a posh restaurant in London one day in 1898, he turned around, put his mouth on the upholstered seat, inhaled, and promptly choked on the huge amount of dust he sucked in. (We can’t imagine what the wait staff made of this.) Perhaps, he thought, a filter would be in order – so he continued the experiment at home, covering his lips with various fabrics and taking giant gulps of detritus off his floor. Satisfied with the results he got with a handkerchief, he finally moved on to using a form of suction that wasn’t, you know, his lungs. In 1901 he patented a giant machine, about the size of a refrigerator, that used a pump and a long, flexible hose to suck up dust. Despite its obvious drawbacks – it required two people to operate it and had to be wheeled through the streets on a dolly – the vacuum cleaner was a hit. The royals commissioned Booth personally to clean Westminster Abbey for the 1901 coronation of Edward VII; a few years later, the machine helped put an end to a Navy hospital epidemic of spotted fever (the germs were lurking on dust particles). Vacuums Get Some Fans The vacuum, useful though it was, remained a luxury for only the very rich until 1908 – when a decidedly not-very-rich, and until that point failed, inventor named James Spangler improved on it out of necessity. Spangler was a janitor at a department store, and part of his job was to clean the carpets. Unlike Booth, he didn’t much enjoy inhaling dust – he was violently allergic. Already in debt, Spangler couldn’t quit his job. Instead, he built himself a makeshift mini-vacuum with an electric fan motor, a soap box, some tape (to cover the cracks in the soap box), and a pillowcase. Unbelievably, it worked, and his friends were impressed enough to lend him some money. A wealthy Ohio businessman named William Hoover was impressed, too – he bought the rights to the design after his wife started raving about Spangler’s invention, which she’d purchased to clean their mansion. Internet reference: http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/8977 (Comment on this)
8:53 am	Spray and Wipe Keyboard Cleaner We've all heard how most keyboards harbor more bacteria than a toilet, and the fact that we don't clean them as often has a lot do with it. Most Fridays are pretty slow at the office, and probably the best time to schedule in a quick keyboard cleaning. But before you put on your rubber gloves check out my tips on how to clean a keyboard. They're all pretty simple, unless you decide to do some deep cleaning. I came across the OneClean Keyboard spray over at ShinyShiny, and now I'm a little upset that I can't get one at the local store. This would be a great way to clean your keyboard on a weekly basis. The well-designed brushed aluminum case holds a bottle of cleaning fluid on one side, and a sculpted sponge to clean between keys on the other. Once you've blown out all the intrusive particles hidden under the keys, you simply spray the liquid on the keyboard, and wipe off nasty germs with the sponge. The OneClean keyboard cleanser disinfect each key with a mixture of IPA alcohol that kills bacteria, as well as dissolve grease and dirt left behind from your dirty fingers. Now this is something everyone should have at their desk. Internet reference: http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/hughes/9445 (Comment on this)
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
8:37 am	Do you need to defrag flash memory? A report suggests that iPods with hard drives speed up after their disk is defragmented. After defragging a well-used iPod it accessed music faster and switched from menu to menu faster too. Here's what a contributor to the thread referenced above wrote: "They were right, it is soooo much faster it's not even funny!!! Everythign goes faster, the menus, the songs load faster, it's awesome!!!" Well, yes, of course, it would. It's a hard drive. But what about flash memory iPods? Do they need defragging? No. Flash memory isn't accessed by a single read/write head. So it doesn't need its contained files to be made contiguous and moved closer together to speed access. This means that there is an unexpected - by me at any rate - benefit to flash memory compared to hard drives. You don't need to do so much house-keeping. You may have applications that assume or require files in flash memory to be contiguous. In that case defragging would be a good idea. But wait, there is a problem. Flash memory only supports a finite number of writes and defraging involves a lot of writing. So by defragging flash you are shortening its working life. Flash is so much faster than a hard drive that, in general and by hard drive access standards, flash memory defragging is a non-requirement. Even so it may speed up with defragmentation. Reference:http://blogs.techworld.com/the-vault/2005/11/do-you-need-to-defrag-flash-memory/index.htm (Comment on this)