Saturday, May 31, 2008

Wii Fit : Fitness Happiness By Smart Techno Review


Wii Fit : Fitness Happiness

Get a great workout right in your home without going to the gym. Nintendo Wii Fit with Wii Balance Board turns your living room into a fitness center for the whole family. Family members will have fun getting a "core" workout, and talking about and comparing their results and progress on a new channel on the Wii Menu. Aerobic Exercise - 10-minute exercises that are designed to get your heart pumping Muscle Conditioning - Controlled motions using arms, legs and other body parts Yoga Poses - Classic poses that focus on balance and stretching Balance Games - Fun activities, such as ski jumping and heading soccer balls, that challenge the player's overall body balance

Wii Fit Detail

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #4 in Computer & Video Games
  • Brand: Nintendo
  • Model: RVLRRFNE
  • Released on: 2008-05-21
  • ESRB Rating: Everyone
  • Platform: Nintendo Wii
  • Dimensions: 14.00" h x 4.00" w x 21.00" l, 10.00 pounds

Features

  • Lean to block soccer balls, swivel hips to power hoop twirls or balance to hold the perfect yoga pose. As you stand on the Wii Balance Board, included with Wii Fit, your body's overall balance is tied to the game in a way you've never experienced before
  • Wii Fit also uses the Wii Balance Board for daily tests. These evaluate two key measures that a household can track via progress charts -
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) - A weight evaluation based on a ratio of weight to height
  • Wii Fit Age - The Wii Fit Age is measured by factoring the user's BMI reading, testing the user's center of gravity and conducting quick balance tests
  • Wii Fit includes more than 40 types of training activities designed to appeal to all members of a household. Training falls into four fitness categories

Smart Review

The active-play phenomenon started by Wii Sports now spreads to your whole body thanks to Wii Fit and the pressure-sensitive Wii Balance Board, which comes bundled with it. Used together players will experience an extensive array of fun, dynamic and surprisingly challenging activities, including aerobics, yoga, muscle stretches and balance oriented games. The focus of these activities is towards providing a "core" workout, a popular exercise method that emphasizes slower, controlled motions, but it's the fun approach to fitness of Wii Fit that will keep players hooked on fitness for years to come.

User Review

Normally I'm not a fan of running in place, but this game actually makes it fun for several reasons! First of all you get to run along interesting paths with fun visuals following your trainer/guide who periodically turns away to wave you on with encouragement. In addition, as you run, you pass or are passed by other runners--many are the Miis you created for the Wii games. It's fun to see your friend's Mii or son's Mii running by. If you don't want them to pass you just have to speed up! There are even dogs running around. My son found if you pass the guide after the dog passes him/her you get to follow the dog for the rest of the run!

This is a great game. I've used it everyday for the past week and hopefully the novelty won't wear off before the pounds do!

Thanks http://astore.amazon.com/cheap.nintendo.wii.console-20


Friday, May 30, 2008

Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera By Smart Techno Review


Cheap Nikon D40

Product Description

6.1-megapixel effective recording * APS-C-size CCD image sensor (23.7 x 15.6 mm) * AF-S DX 18-55mm Zoom-Nikkor f/3.5-5.6G ED II lens (35mm equivalent focal length: 27-82.5mm) * 2-1/2" color LCD screen * 3D Color Matrix Metering II for accurate exposure control * continuous shooting mode: 2.5 frames per second (unlimited JPEG frames or up to 9 RAW frames) * program shooting modes: Auto, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Child, Sports, and Night Portrait * in-camera image editing functions: D-Lighting, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, cropping, image overlay, monochrome settings, and filter effects *


Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #136 in Camera & Photo
  • Color: Black
  • Brand: Nikon
  • Model: 25420
  • Dimensions: 3.70" h x 2.50" w x 5.00" l, 1.62 pounds
  • Display size: 2.5
  • Included Software: Yes

Features

  • 6.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
  • Kit includes 3x 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens
  • 2.5-inch LCD with three display options; built-in flash and hot shoe
  • Fast startup with instant shutter response; shoot at up to 2.5 frames per second
  • Powered by one rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL9 (included); stores images on SD memory cards (memory card not included)
Review

Great, solid, quality camera
I'm extremely happy with the purchase of the Nikon D40 / 18-135 Nikkor lens combo. I wasn't sure if I'd like the lens, since it doesn't have VR and sometimes does not receive the best review. I was, however, pleasantly surprised with the quality of images produced with this lens. It's very sharp, has a nice bokeh and provides a great focal range for normal, everyday shooting.

The camera itself is GREAT. I'm impressed with the firmware/interface of this device and find it very intuitively designed. It's easy to make relatively customized adjustments on the fly. I HIGHLY recommend the D40 over Canon equivalents. I've used the Digital Rebel, the XT and XTi, and this camera shoots better photos, is easier to use and is more powerful.

I recommend this lens(18-135) over the traditional 18-55 kit lens; although it's a nice lens, you'll get tired of it's limits quickly. I also recommend the purchase of an ML-3 remote for taking night shots and family portraits that you actually want to be in! (no running back into the frame after setting the timer)

I plan to add a 70-300 VR, SB-600 speedlite, and a filter set to complete this useful photo arsenal. Possible other additions include a 10.5mm fisheye, 60mm Macro and a sturdy tripod.

Cheap Nikon aStore


Thursday, May 29, 2008

Nintendo Wii Review By Smart


Cheap Wii Shop

Product Features
  • Plays two disc formats in a single, self-loading media bay
  • Features a processing chip from IBM and a graphics chip from ATI
  • Backwards compatible with all Nintendo GameCube games and most peripherals
  • Built-in Wi-Fi access for easy connection to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection gaming service
  • Wii Sports game included
Product Description
Amazon.com
Nintendo's Wii video game system (pronounced "we") brings people of all ages and video game experience together to play. This simple yet ground breaking idea is expressed not only though the system's evocative name, which is easily pronounced in a variety of languages, and suggests two players side by side, but also through its innovative list of features and extensive list of playable titles.



A Little Box With Plenty of Power
As with every console, much of the buzz surrounds the specs. The Wii boasts 512 MB of internal flash memory, two USB 2.0 ports, and a slot for SD memory expansion. The system’s technological heart -- a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named "Broadway" and a graphics chipset from ATI code-named "Hollywood" -- deliver stunning performance. And instead of a tray, Wii uses a single, self-loading media bay that plays both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system, as well as Nintendo GameCube discs.


Revolutionary Control
No bigger than a small traditional remote control, the wireless Wii Remote is a truly multi functional device. The magic of the Wii Remote's design lies within; acellerometers inside the controller measure movement in all directions and at all speeds. In a tennis game, it serves as your racket as you swing away. In driving games it serves as a steering wheel, allowing you to swerve to avoid obstacles or pickup power-ups. In first-person shooters, it acts as a firearm that you can point directly at an on-screen enemy. The controller also has a force feedback "Rumble" feature and an expansion port for use with accessories, such as the Nunchuck, which adds an analog thumbstick and trigger buttons. The system allows for up to four controllers to be linked at a time and utilizes standard Bluetooth wireless technology. For those who prefer the feel of a traditional controller an adapter is available that fits over the Wii's remote.

thanks GigaStore The Best Online Store




Wednesday, May 28, 2008

APC BE550R 550VA Back-UPS ES 8-Outlet Battery Backup System by Smart


APC BE550R 550VA Back-UPS ES 8-Outlet Battery Backup System


Product Description

The Back-UPS ES offers affordable battery backup and surge protection for home computers. With enough power outlets to protect your entire system, built-in phone/fax/modem line (DSL compatible) protection and easy-to-install safe system shutdown software all make this power protection solution the best value for home and home office computers. Control Panel - LED status display with On Line - On Battery - Replace Battery and Building Wiring Fault Audible Alarm Equipment protection policy Lifetime - $75000 APC 2-Year Warranty



Product Details

  • Color: Black
  • Brand: APC
  • Model: BE550R
  • Dimensions: 5.00" h x 9.00" w x 15.10" l, 15.00 pounds

Features

  • 8-Outlets
  • Output Power Capacity: 550Va/330W
  • Features Phone, Fax, Modem & Dsl Protection
  • Up To 44 Min Battery Backup Time For Safe Shutdown When Power Is Lost
  • Includes Powerchute(Tm) File-Saving, Auto Shutdown Software

Customer Reviews

Very nice unit. Plug and play, works well!5
One important point I did not get from the ad. description of the unit was the switching over from line power to battery back up power when the line power goes down. Turns out the switching is automatic and fast enough to sustain internet camera, modem and router operation. No software and external command is required for this task. The run time, of course, depends on what the loading is. It would be nice to provide a time vs. load plot in the instruction manual.


http://astore.amazon.com/apc-ups-20




Tuesday, May 27, 2008

HP iPAQ 111 Classic Handheld by Smart Techno Review



HP iPAQ 111 Classic Handheld

Designed to help keep your action-packed life in balance, iPAQ 110 Classic Handheld makes an excellent - and affordable - companion to your cell phone. This slim, stylish organizer also lets you go online with Wi-Fi to stay in touch and keep your calendar, contacts, and tasks up to date.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #279 in Consumer Electronics
  • Color: Silver
  • Brand: Hewlett-Packard
  • Model: 111
  • Dimensions: .55" h x 2.60" w x 4.50" l, 3.00 pounds
  • Memory: 64MB SDRAM
  • Native resolution: 320 x 240
  • Display size: 3.5

Features

  • Runs Windows Mobile 6.0 and offers fast 624 MHz processor with 64 MB RAM and 256 MB flash ROM
  • View and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files with Microsoft Office Mobile; sync email and calendar from desktop with Outlook Mobile
  • Built-in WiFi to check email at any hotspot
  • Backed by 1-year warranty
  • Device measures 2.71 x 0.54 x 4.59 inches (WxHxD)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
The HP iPAQ 111 Classic Handheld helps you keep your life organized on the go with easy access to your calendar, contacts, and tasks. If you have some down time, use the iPAQ to watch videos, listen to music, or play games. At just half an inch thick, the iPAQ will easily travel with you. The iPAQ 111 runs Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 Classic OS and features a bright, crisp, and easy-to-read 3.5-inch, 320 by 240 touchscreen with LED backlight. The iPAQ 111 employs the powerful new Marvell PXA310 624 MHz processor and has 64 MB SDRAM main memory and 256 MB flash ROM, so there is plenty of space for all your applications to run snappily. With Microsoft Office Mobile, you'll be able to work on all your documents and files no matter where you are. Microsoft Office Mobile includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. You can even view PDF documents.


Customer Reviews

HP iPAC Classic 110
This is just what I needed. As a busy mom with a hectic schedule, I wanted this PDA mainly to get rid of my large daily planner. It is very light and compact.

The only con I have is that it would have been helpful to know that I needed OUTLOOK in order to sync with the PDA. I had to purchase this after I received the PDA (as my computer has only OUTLOOK EXPRESS.)

Oh, and the PDA that I received is the 110 model, not the 111.

http://astore.amazon.com/hp-computer-20

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Monday, May 26, 2008

Apple iPod classic 160 GB Black (6th Generation) review by Smart



http://astore.amazon.com/buy.cheap.apple.ipod.accessory-20

Apple iPod classic 160 GB Black (6th Generation)
From Apple Computer

Product Description

Decisions, decisions. Who needs 'em? Why should you have to choose what to put on your iPod? With a large storage capacity, iPod classic lets you carry everything in your collection everywhere you go. In completely new, even thinner, all-metal design, this iPod is a modern classic.The iPod classic gives your music and video room to move. It also has plenty of energy, good looks (a sleek, all-metal design), and a great personality (a brand-new interface with Cover Flow). In other words, iPod classic makes an ideal companion. Why not get to know it better?

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #80 in Consumer Electronics
  • Size: 160 GB
  • Color: Black
  • Brand: Apple
  • Model: MB150LL/A
  • Released on: 2007-09-05
  • Dimensions: 4.30" h x .31" w x 2.40" l, .26 pounds

Features

  • iPod classic puts your entire music and video collection in your pocket with up to 160 GB of storage
  • An enhanced interface offers a whole new way to browse and view your music and video
  • Cover Flow technology lets you use the patented Click Wheel to flip through your music by album cover
  • Beautifully redesigned, iPod classic features a sleek, new all-metal enclosure
  • 2.5-inch display; measures 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.53 inches (H x W x D), weighs 5.7 ounces

Reviews

I love it

This is my first iPod and I've been very impressed with it. It has worked flawlessly from the day I took it out of the box. It syncs perfectly with iTunes and couldn't be easier to use.

I bought this for the video features. I like to watch podcasts, but don't have the time to just sit at home in front of a computer, so I decided get this so that I can take my podcasts with me and watch them when I have time. The iPod is a great way to do this.

As for music, I prefer to buy that from Amazon which allows me a get a copy for my iPod and have another copy for my Zen jukebox. This is simple too. You just purchase the song here at Amazon and their software loads a copy of the song into iTunes that is waiting for you the next time you sync.

All in all, this is the iPod (160gb) I would recommend if you have a lot of media that you'd like to take with you.

http://astore.amazon.com/buy.cheap.apple.ipod.accessory-20

HP Pavilion TX2110US 12.1" Laptop Review By Smart

http://astore.amazon.com/hp-computer-20

HP Pavilion TX2110US 12.1" Laptop (AMD Turion 64 X 2 Dual Core TL-62 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium)

Product Description

For those whose active lives require constant access to high-performance, easy-to-use computing and communication tools, the HP Pavilion TX2110US Entertainment Notebook PC provides the ideal convergence of these features with exceptional entertainment options. And it's light enough to take everywhere! Its 12.1" screen twists 180° for presentations and DVD playback - and folds flat to enable the convenience of capturing hand-written notes and drawings. Staying in touch has never been easier with the integrated HP Webcam. With AMD Turion 64 dual core mobile technology and the same viewable screen content as a 15.4" system, the TX2110US provides all the power and performance of a mainstream notebook PC without the additional weight. Interact directly with your system using your finger or stylus. Erasing notes on your screen is just like using a pencil: flip the pen over and erase! Use Windows Journal to take notes as you would on notebook paper. The tx2000 can convert handwriting into typed text. 12.1 diagonal WXGA (1280 x 800) BrightView Widescreen Touch-screen display, Panel rotates 180 degrees and folds flat NVidia Geforce Go 6150 (UMA) with up to 527MB Shared Graphics Memory Built-in Webcam and Microphone LightScribe Super Multi 8 x DVD+-R/RW Drive with Double Layer 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Bluetooth Fingerprint reader 5-in-1 Bridge Media Adapter - MMC, SD, MS, MS Pro, xD ExpressCard 34 Slot 3 x USB 2.0, Headphone out; Microphone-in, VGA, TV-Out (S-Video), SPDIF Digital Audio, RJ-11 (Modem), RJ-45 Approximate Unit Dimensions - 8.82 (L) x 12.05 (W) x 1.52 (H) Approximate Unit Weight - 4.53lbs


Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #24 in Personal Computers
  • Color: Black/ Silver
  • Brand: Hewlett-Packard
  • Model: TX2110US
  • Dimensions: 1.52" h x 4.53" w x 12.05" l, 7.90 pounds
  • CPU: AMD Turion 64 2.1 GHz
  • Memory: 3000MB DDR2 SDRAM
  • Hard Disk: 250GB
  • Processors: 2
  • Display size: 12.1

Features

  • Lightweight tablet PC with 180-degree swiveling, touchscreen-enabled 12.1-inch LCD and integrated 1.3-megapixel WebCam
  • 64-bit 2.1 GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-62 dual-core processor, 250 GB hard drive, 3 GB RAM (3 GB max), LightScribe dual-layer DVD drive
  • Quad-band Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n); Bluetooth; Gigabit Ethernet; Nvidia GeForce Go 6150 graphics (up to 527 MB of available memory)
  • Connectivity: 3 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, 1 ExpressCard 34, 1 headphone, 2 microphone, 1 S/PDIF out, 5-in-1 memory card reader
  • Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1); includes remote control
Reviews

Love it

I personally love this computer. It's small and light enough to be carried around well, especially if you're a college student walking around campus. Most other comments have been covered, but the other reviews were right--it does get warm. I usually sit with a book under it on my lap. My boyfriend has an HP DVsomething model, and his gets warm too, so maybe it's an HP thing. I'm going to invest in a cooler to help with that problem.

Also, if you're wanting to get a laptop sleeve to keep the computer in, note that the battery sticks out the back about another 3/4 an inch. I have a Built NY 12" laptop sleeve, and it's pretty tight to get it in, but it can be done.



http://astore.amazon.com/hp-computer-20



Sunday, May 25, 2008

Sony VAIO VGN-CR420E/L Review By Smart Techno Review


http://astore.amazon.com/vaio-sony-20


Sony VAIO VGN-CR420E/L 14.1" Laptop (2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium) Blue

Product Description

Step out and be seen with the portable, powerful and incredibly beautiful VAIO(R) CR notebook. A perfect mix of power and style, the VAIO(R) CR is a slim, lightweight PC measuring less than 1" thin, with a stunning 14.1" widescreen with XBRITE-ECO LCD technology while weighing only 5.49lbs is an astonishing sight to behold. Experience the powerful performance of the newest hafnium-based Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 2.10GHz processor with 3MB of L2 Cache with 3GB RAM memory and store your important documents, family videos and pictures on the roomy 250GB (5400RPM) hard drive. Backed by the Windows Vista Home Premium operating system and Intel Core 2 Duo processor, this lightning-fast, super-powerful mobile notebook is slim, lightweight, and packed with entertainment and design extras. Extend the reach of your CR notebook with Stereo Bluetooth technology that is ideal for advanced Wireless communication and streaming uncompromised CD-quality stereo music to Bluetooth speakers or headphones. From a built-in web cam and AV controls to its unique paint colors and comfortable, easy-to-clean keyboard, the remarkable VAIO(R) CR notebook delivers entertainment, power and pizzazz. 14.1 WXGA (1280 x 800) XBRITE-ECO Display Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 with up to 358MB Shared Video Memory Built-in Webcamera and microphone DVD+-R/RW Drive with Double Layer Intel PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11A/B/G/N 10/100Base-TX Ethernet Intergrated A2DP Bluetooth Technology Memory Stick Duo Card Reader with MagicGate(TM) functionality Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot ExpressCard 34 Slot 3 USB 2.0, Headphone out; Microphone-in, VGA, TV-Out (S-Video), IEEE 1394, RJ-11 (Modem), RJ-45 Approximate Unit Dimensions - 13.2 (W) x 9.8 (D) x 1.51 (H) Approximate Unit Weight - 5.49lbs


Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #35 in Personal Computers
  • Color: Blue
  • Brand: Sony
  • Model: VGN-CR420E/L
  • Released on: 2008-03-26
  • Dimensions: 1.51" h x 13.20" w x 9.80" l, 11.00 pounds
  • CPU: Intel Core Duo 2.1 GHz
  • Memory: 3000MB DDR2 SDRAM
  • Hard Disk: 250GB
  • Processors: 2
  • Display size: 14.1

Features

  • Stylishly designed notebook in indigo blue with 14.1-inch screen and multimedia playback control buttons
  • 2.10 GHz "Penryn" Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 processor, 250 GB hard drive, 3 GB RAM (4 GB max), 8x multi-format/dual-layer DVD drive
  • Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth (with stereo music streaming), 10/100 Ethernet, Intel X3100 video card with up to 358 MB of shared memory
  • Connectivity: 3 USB, 1 FireWire, ExpressCard 34 slot, Memory Stick & SD readers, VGA & S-Video output
  • Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description

Add a zesty style to your mobile computing with the stunning good looks of the indigo blue Sony VAIO VGN-CR420E/L notebook PC, which offers unique eye-catching features, impressive attention-to-detail, and an amazingly thin and light profile. It features a glossy finish with silver luminous trim and pulsing LED ground effects that emanate from beneath. Aside from its jaw-dropping good looks, it's also an entertainment powerhouse. The instant AV Mode enables you to start watching a DVD or listening to music with the push of a single button--without having to boot up the system--and the convenient, built-in multimedia control buttons also let you control all playback functions.

It's powered by the 2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 processor, which offers a super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed and extra-large 3 MB L2 cache. Part of Intel's 45-nanometer (nm) Penryn series, this processor boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The Core 2 Duo processor provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance. It also includes Intel's 4965 AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. A built-in 1.3 megapixel digital web camera lets you quickly snap photos and participate in live video chats. Other features include a 14.1-inch XBRITE-ECO screen, extra-large 250 GB hard drive, 3 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum capacity), dual-layer DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), Bluetooth connectivity (with stereo music streaming), ExpressCard 34 slot, Intel GMA X3100 graphics (with up to 358 MB of total available video memory), and both Memory Stick and SD memory cart slots

http://astore.amazon.com/vaio-sony-20

Squidoo The Special Community

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Squidoo is a network of user-generated lenses --single pages that highlight one person's point of view, recommendations, or expertise. Lenses can be about anything, such as ideas, people or places, hobbies and sports, pets or products, philosophy, and politics. Lenses aren't primarily intended to hold content; more emphasis is placed on recommending and then pointing to content on the web. Annotation and organization and personalization delivers context and meaning.

Users who create lenses are called lensmasters. A lensmaster uses the tools available online to provide links, feeds, abstracts, and lists to users who are trying to make sense of a topic. For example, a single lens could point to Flickr photos, Google maps, blogs, eBay auctions, YouTube videos, and other links. Lensmasters are encouraged to promote personal agendas, expertise, causes, products, and opinions.


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Review Zune 80 GB Digital Media Player

Zune 80 GB Digital Media Player

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #97 in Consumer Electronics
  • Color: Black
  • Brand: Zune
  • Model: HPA-00001
  • Released on: 2007-11-13
  • Dimensions: .28 pounds

Features

  • 80 GB digital media player stores up to 20,000 songs, 25,000 pictures or 250 hours of video
  • Features wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing so you can swap tracks and other media
  • Big, bright, 3.2-inch LCD color screen
  • Compatible with Zune Marketplace for media downloads and subscription services
  • Automatically imports your existing music, pictures, and videos from iTunes and Windows Media Player in a variety of formats

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
Music and entertainment, your way. That's what the Zune 80 GB Digital Media Player is designed to deliver. The Zune easily connects you with your music, videos, and pictures wherever and whenever you want, and unlike the iPod, it even has a built-in FM tuner so you can keep up with local news and sports. Your Zune gives you the power to wirelessly share full-length tracks, playlists, pictures and podcasts with your other Zune-wielding friends. And when you receive songs that you just can't get out of your head, you can easily tag the songs and buy them the next time you sync up. Whether you're listening to music, radio, or rocking out to the latest music videos on the bright, roomy screen, the Zune allows you to tailor your entertainment, right in the palm of your hand. Watch a demo on Zune.


Customer Reviews

Great media player, terrible software
This is my first MP3 player not counting my old MP3 CD walkman and I love it. It's sleek and shiny and sounds great. The interface is easy to navigate, but the center button can be touchy while pushing the center to select a song and it goes back or to a different album, but it's a very minor issue.

The big problem with this device is the software and Microsoft's limiting it's compatibility by deactivating it as a drive. The only way to put files on it is by using the Zune Software which is awful. Wireless sync is a great feature since all of my USB ports are constantly in use. Many complain about the video file format limitations, but there is a ton of software out there where you can rip your own DVD's to the proper resolution and format. Depending on the software used there could be some de-interlacing problems in playback but with such good video quality on the Zune I'd say it's a good value all around.

Zune 80 GB Digital Media Player Black (2nd Generation)
This is everything I wanted and more. It was easy to download songs on the the Zune as well as Video (software not included for video downloading). It is so handy to take everywhere I go. I am almost never without it now. The use of the menu is great too. You can either locate an ablum, song, artist, genre, or playlist. It alphabetizes them for you and makes it easier to know if you have duplicate songs on your Zune. I now have all of my music that I own download and it awesome to scoll through and look for a piece of music that you want to hear and push a button. Life is so much easier now.


special thanks http://astore.amazon.com/zune-cheap-20


Saturday, May 24, 2008

How to Rich With Amazon Astore




Step 1.

Choose products that are related to your website's content. If you want to sell items with your aStore, it must relate to what your dedicated visitors know you for. Using an aStore to sell athletic gear on a website that does book reviews is probably not going to be productive.


Step 2.

Update often. Try to keep your aStore growing and updated to reflect where your website is and where it is going. If you stop after the initial setup of your aStore, your store probably is going to be neglected by your visitors as well. Keep your eye out for new products, and immediately add any products that you mention on your site to your aStore.


Step 3.

Mention your aStore. Make sure your visitors know that your aStore exists. If you blog, mention your aStore in your entries whenever applicable. If you do a podcast, you can easily slip in promotions for your aStore in there. Just don't overdo it and alienate your audience.


Step 4.

Create a visually appealing aStore. Make sure that your aStore is pleasant to look at and reflects the layout and design of your website. Pick colors that are appealing and look good together. If you don't have an eye for that kind of thing, get someone to help you or find some color combination suggestions online.


Step 5.

Make your aStore easily accessible on your website. If your visitors don't know where to find your aStore on your site, they can't buy anything. Place a link to your aStore in your main navigation area and be sure that the link works on every page on which it appears.


6. Rich With Amazon aStore

Thanks aStore Promote From Squidoo

New Samsung HDTV Lcd Review










Description


52" widescreen HDTV (16:9 aspect ratio) * high-gloss black finish * built-in digital (ATSC) and analog (NTSC) tuners for over-the-air TV broadcasts (antenna required) * built-in QAM cable TV tuner receives unscrambled programs without a set-top box (cable service required) * 1920 x 1080 pixels *


Product Details


Amazon Sales Rank: #115 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Black
Brand: Samsung
Model: LN-52A550
Dimensions: 31.10" h x 4.30" w x 49.90" l, 59.30 pounds
Display size: 52
Features
Full HD 1080p Resolution
Wide Color Enhancer
3 HDMI Inputs
USB 2.0
HDMI-CDC


Editorial Reviews


Description--March 24, 2008 Samsung's 550 Series is a perfect way to step up to Full HD 1080p resolution. A fast 5 ms response rate produces smooth-motion scenes for sports and action movies, and a dynamic contrast ratio of 30,000:1 makes for deep blacks and crisp lines (15,000:1 in 32-inch and 37-inch models). Superb connectivity and networking with a USB port and 3 HDMI 1.3 ports with Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) means these HDTVs play well with all of your other electronics. Easily enjoy MPEG and JPEG files stored on external devices by connecting through the side-mounted USB 2.0, turn your LCD into a full-scale home viewing gallery, or connect your MP3 player for a dynamic audio experience.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device


Technorati Profile

http://astore.amazon.com/kindle-sale-20
Product Description
Introducing Kindle™ Three years ago, we set out to design and build an entirely new class of device—a convenient, portable reading device with the ability to wirelessly download books, blogs, magazines, and newspapers. The result is Amazon Kindle. We designed Kindle to provide an exceptional reading experience. Thanks to electronic paper, a revolutionary new display technology, you’ll find reading Kindle’s screen is as sharp and natural as reading ink on paper—and nothing like the strain and glare of a computer screen. Kindle is also easy on the fingertips. It never becomes hot, and is designed for ambidextrous use so both “lefties” and “righties” can read comfortably at any angle for long periods of time. We wanted Kindle to be completely mobile and simple to use for everyone, so we made it wireless. No PC and no syncing needed. Using the same 3G network as advanced cell phones, we deliver your content using our own wireless delivery system, Amazon Whispernet. Unlike WiFi, you’ll never need to locate a hotspot. There are no confusing service plans, yearly contracts, or monthly wireless bills—we take care of the hassles so you can just read. With Whispernet, you can be anywhere, think of a book, and get it in one minute. Similarly, your content automatically comes to you, wherever you are. Newspaper subscriptions are delivered wirelessly each morning. Most magazines arrive before they hit newsstands. Haven’t read the book for tomorrow night’s book club? Get it in a minute. Finished your book in the airport? Download the sequel while you board the plane. Whether you’re in the mood for something serious or hilarious, lighthearted or studious, Kindle delivers your spontaneous reading choices on demand. We’re very proud to introduce Kindle and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do. - The Amazon Kindle Team
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #1 in Amazon Devices
Color: Bisque
Brand: Amazon
Dimensions: .70" h x 5.30" w x 7.50" l, .65 pounds
Features
Revolutionary electronic-paper display provides a sharp, high-resolution screen that looks and reads like real paper.
Simple to use: no computer, no cables, no syncing.
Wireless connectivity enables you to find, buy, and read instantly—whether you’re in the back of a taxi, at the airport, or in bed.
Shop the Kindle Store directly from your Kindle.
Buy a book and it is auto-delivered wirelessly in less than one minute.

http://astore.amazon.com/kindle-sale-20

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Voltaic Solar Backpack ,The Green Energy Power


http://astore.amazon.com/voltaic-solar-20

Voltaic gives you this awesome Green Panel Backpack. The Voltaic solar bags are mobile solar power generators designed to charge virtually all handheld electronics including: cell phones, cameras, two way radios, PDA's and MPS's.
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Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #105269 in Apparel & Accessories
Brand: Voltaic
Features
Officially Licensed Collectible & Home Merchandise
Brand New High Quality Product
Rare Hard-To-Find Branded Item
All Natural and Organic Merchandise

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Apple iPod touch 32 GB By Smart Techno Review





Description


other bitrates supported * plays MP3, WAV, AAC, AIFF (uncompressed), Apple Lossless, and Audible files (formats 2, 3 and 4) * displays photos converted from JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF and PNG formats * plays video in MPEG-4 and QuickTime formats * built-in lithium ion rechargeable battery provides up to 22 hours music playback; up to 5 hours video playback * 32GB hard drive holds approximately: 40 hours of video, 20,000 photos, or 468 hours at 128 Kbps *


Details


Amazon Sales Rank: #46 in Consumer Electronics
Size: 32 GB
Brand: Apple
Model: MB376LL/A
Dimensions: .60 pounds
Features
Includes five software applications: e-mail, maps, weather, stocks, and notes
32 GB flash memory stores up to 7,000 songs, 40 hours of video, or 25,000 photos
Built-in Wi-Fi capability allows direct access to the Internet via Safari, YouTube videos, and the iTunes wireless store
Includes earphones, USB 2.0 cable, universal dock adapter, polishing cloth, iPod touch stand, and quick start guide
1-Year Limited Warranty, 90-Day Single Incident Phone Support

User Reviews

Good MP3 player that falls a little short First, let me say that this is a very nice MP3 player. There are many things that Apple did that well, but there are also minor issues that really hold this product from achieving it's full potential. I actually prefer my PSP and my IPOD classic (which I will be going back to). PROS: **Sexy sleek body. Very eye catching design and appealing to look at. Front panel very durable, no scratching. **Nice applications. Checking personal email, having Maps & Notes feature, using Safari, Youtube shortcut and access to stock report are all pretty cool options. **Coverflow is awesome and in my opinion the best new feature of the IPOD. Glad they expanded it to 32 GB. (However when sync'd to itunes, it says that the capacity is actually 29.6 GB) CONS: Music Layout design is not as intuitive as the previous IPOD classic. Without the wheel, you need look at the appropriate screen and then select the choices by hitting icons, buttons or rows. For the old version IPOD classic, I never even had to take it out of my pocket because you can control all the options on the wheel. It was easier to switch between menus and selecting music that way, rather than having to stare at the screen and look for what I wanted to play. I think IPOD touch feels clumsy. **Touch screen not sensitive enough. You literally need to hit the button (or key) dead on in order to respond accurately. Very fustrating.

Love it The ONLY pitfall is that it does not have a note folder like the older ones. I still have to use my older one to carry notes around for school. Other than that, I love it.
apple ipod touch 32 gb I would order from this company again. The product came just as it was described.


http://astore.amazon.com/buy.cheap.apple.ipod.accessory-20

Friday, May 16, 2008

Centrino 2 enables 2GB Turbo memory


The Montevina platform, something that you will start calling Centrino 2 very soon, will have support for bigger and better turbo memory marchitecture.Currently Intel's Centrino platform with Santa Rosa supports 512MB or 1GB of Turbo memory that can improve Vista performance and the next generation platform, codenamed Montevina will be able to support 2GB Turbo memory.Intel claims that it brings two marchitectures with 2GB turbo memory Ready drive and ready boost and we don't really know how efficient they are. We've found out that 1GB of turbo memory boosts performance of notebooks that have 1GB of RAM memory, but if you already have 2GB of real RAM memory 1GB doesn’t really do much good.Intel plans to up this Turbo memory support to 4GB in the future, again with Montevina, but later this year.

IBM test new Supercomputer



Knowledge can give you a real advantage. To make sure you're fully informed about IBM, keep reading.

World’s newest and most powerful


IBM’s Poughkeepsie, New York facility will be the site of the test of what engineers and technicians are hoping will be the most powerful supercomputer in the world. Named ‘Roadrunner supercomputer,’ it is said to be capable of running two times as fast the world’s current fastest supercomputer.

The new Roadrunner is a hybrid machine that its creators and testers hope will smash the petaflop barrier when tested. The petaflop barrier is the equivalent of running a four-minute mile by a human.

Don Grice, Chief Engineer on IBM's Roadrunner project, thinks it's a race that IBM will win and that the Roadrunner will reach its goal ‘any day now.’ He went on to say, "It will enable us to tackle problems we couldn't tackle before.

Essentially, we'll be able to run a different level of problems. We'll be able to do calculations that we wouldn't even consider before." Morrison noted that the lab's contract calls for the new Roadrunner to reach the petaflop performance level. A petaflop is 1,000 trillion floating point operations (or flops) per second.

As a comparison, once the Roadrunner reaches the petaflop performance level it will require only one week to run a calculation that the fastest supercomputer 10 years ago would have taken 20 years to complete.

According to Jack Dongarra, the co-creator of the Top 500 supercomputer list, "It's exciting, because it most likely will be the first computer to break the petaflop barrier. It's the next golden ring of computing. It's the next big marker. Today, all of the top 500 supercomputers are at the teraflop rate."

The current number one supercomputer is IBM’s BlueGene/L system, which runs at 478 teraflops, or a trillion operations per second. It has held the number one supercomputer ranking since 2004.

The Roadrunner will be used at the U.S. Department of Energy's Los Alamos National Laboratory to handle national security issues, routinely test weapons systems and analyze and predict long-term climate changes, as well as to study the universe and human gene characteristics.

The Roadrunner supercomputer is actually the second version of Roadrunner; the original Roadrunner is a cluster machine that can hit 70 teraflops. It is still in use at Los Alamos.

It runs AMD Operton chips and is Linux-based. The updated Roadrunner uses Linux, as well, and gets its power boost by adding the Cell chips (originally designed jointly by IBM, Toshiba and Sony for Sony’s PlayStation 3) to the Opteron base.

The hybrid supercomputer will use the Cell chips for massive calculations. IBM’s Grice commented, "We had done enough studies to see that it's one of the best computational chips in the world. It was built to do high-performance computations for video games. The aspects that make it really good for gaming also made it really good for supercomputing. It's not running anything to do with the [operating system]. It's focused solely on calculations."

The updated version of the original Roadrunner uses 3.9 Megawatts of power (enough to power 39,000 100-Watt light bulbs). It has 6,948 dual-core Opterons on IBM LS21 Blades, as well as 12,960 Cell processors on IBM QS22 blades. The machine has 80TB of memory, 296 IBM BladeCenter H racks, requires 6,000 square feet of space, weighs 500,000 pounds and uses 57 miles of fiber optic cable.

When the IBM technicians have completed their testing of Roadrunner, it will be disassembled, packed onto 21 tractor trailer trucks and moved to Los Alamos in New Mexico, where it will be reassembled and tested again.

Read more here.

As your knowledge about IBM continues to grow, you will begin to see how IBM fits into the overall scheme of things. Knowing how something relates to the rest of the world is important too.

MacBook Air review

So what is MacBook air really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about MacBook air--info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.



It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of MacBook air is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about MacBook air.

As you know, we don't get much Apple stuff in our labs, but things are changing, especially after our editor-in-chief fell in love with one of those overhyped iPhone things. Honestly, I don't know what he sees in it, but the boss is always right. (It's the browsing capabilities and it sucks with battery life and with Edge speed, ed) So when I got a call from IT Computers, our shop around the corner, telling me there was a Macbook Air waiting for us, I pounced on the opportunity to check out some Apples myself.


We scored the cheaper version, with a 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo and an 80GB HDD. There's no sexy SSD, but at least it keeps the cost down, although it's still a pricey piece of machinery, selling at around €1700 in the EU. We've just received the sample, so there's not much to say about the performance yet, although the first impression is very positive. The Air is a marvelously designed product and the build quality is excellent, as you may expect from Jobs' crew. In turns heads like a supermodel in a prison courtyard and this is the principal reason for getting one.

The sleek, minimalistic design affects its ergonomics. While its backlit keyboard is spacious and its touchpad is huge, the connectors paid a high price for the space age design. It has just one USB 2.0 port, which is hidden on the right hand side, behind a cover along with a micro-DVI, and a headphone connector. On the left side you'll find a power connector and that's about it. Of course, there's no optical drive, as you may expect from a 1.36kg notebook. This is not a big deal, but the lack of a replaceable battery is. Once you run out of juice on the road, you've gotta recharge and there's nothing you can do about it.



It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on MacBook air. Compare what you've learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of MacBook air.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

RV770 to be 1.5 times faster than RV670

Maybe a bit more

We've learned that ATI's new chip might end up 1.5 to 1.6 times faster than the current RV670 solution.In the real world, this should mean that if one game gives 50FPS with RV670 that the new chip should be able to get you around 75FPS at the same settings. On average, the new chip will have to be at least 30 percent faster than the old one to make you even consider it but at least specification wise there is not anything that you might miss.RV670 was a shrinked and better speced version of R600 with 512bit memory controller crippled to 256bit and it looks that R770 will get that memory upped to 512bit again. At least we know it will end up being fast but we still don’t know what's Nvidia’s real answer to this one.

NBC Coming To Zune After Ditching iTunes






While NBC decided that Apple's $1.99/episode mandate was not for them, the company has opted to give Microsoft's Zune store a shot to host their content. Apparently the decision comes because Microsoft is more flexible in their pricing. And while Microsoft still retains the right to set a show's ultimate price, they claim to be "open to understanding which episodes can be priced lower and how we may introduce premium content which may be priced higher than $1.99," according to Zune Social general manager Julio Estrada. But something tells me that NBC is more interested in that "premium content" than the lower priced

Hello Kitty is harnessing solar power






The Sanrio Empire may have seemed unusually subdued of late, but its campaign for world domination is still very much in high gear. In fact, the threat is more sever than ever, as it continues to target our natural resources.

Hello Kitty has already made her mark, so to speak, on the planet's heat sources and water supply. And now, acknowledging the green trend's growing momentum, the diabolical feline is now trying to seize control of solar energy as well.

The "Hello Kitty Solar-Power Charger" can juice up pretty much any handheld device, according to Chip Chick, whether it be a phone, media player, or camera. And if ominously dark clouds accompany the invasion, the charger can still be plugged into a DC outlet for up to six hours of power on the go. You've been warned.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

9x Media Monitor System keeps growing in size and capability



When the story first broke of 9x’s Media Monitor System, the pictures we saw were of an amazing fifteen monitor setup that could be used for gaming, simulators or just about any other application that requires a huge amount of video real estate. Well, as fast as you can say “Photoshop” the 9x Media system has grown to hold thirty monitors for sick amount of space. And it still makes you want it.



Coming with the choice either 19 inch or a stunning 32″ monitor size, the 9x Media rig can be configurable ready to go for any amount of monitor space the client needs from 2-30 lcd screens. And even though they are custom made and ready to go, the 9x system is expandable, meaning that as needs (let’s face it, we’re talking wants here) warrant, the real estate go up or down. The screens can also be rotated from landscape to portrait position. In addition, the 9x system includes customized Multi-screen servers, screensavers, and optional upgrades and software.

Stix Chopsticks Glasses

Have you ever ate at a Chinese Food Restaurant and forgot to bring your pair of personal chopsticks? Sure, you could ask the waiter or waitress for a pair, but what if he or she doesn’t speak English?
Okay, that probably won’t really happen, but I think you see my point: it would be nice to have some chopsticks to carry around with you, but how could you do that? You could put them in your pocket, but that could easily lead to a lot of “are those chopsticks in your pants, or are you happy to see me” jokes.
Fortunately, the Stix glasses are here for you. The Stix glasses allow you to put your stick utensils in a place where you won’t forget them: your glasses. All you need to do is take them out of your glasses frame, and you are good to go. Not only can you use your chopsticks to eat, but you can also put them in your hair!
I would like to make a disclaimer. Normally, I never bad mouth a product, because I believe that every gadget that I review has a use somewhere. I’m sure that there is someone who needs these, but I can’t imagine who.

IT greenhouse emissions to quadruple by 2020

Greenhouse gas emissions from datacentre operations are set to quadruple by 2020, reports management consultancy McKinsey.

A year-long study into IT's energy use, conducted in association with the Uptime Institute, highlighted the profligate use of energy in today's data centres, which are a fast-growing contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions and a drain on organisations' resources. Its newly released McKinsey report detailing the results of that study concluded that an "immediate overhaul" of corporate IT strategy is needed to reduce IT's environmental impact. “While the design of the next generation of ‘green’ data centers gets a lot of attention and is certainly a worthwhile pursuit, we’re putting forward the case in this report that improving efficiency in existing sites will lower energy usage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions faster and more significantly with less cost,” said Kenneth G. Brill, founder and executive director of Uptime Institute.
The report notes that organisations' increasing reliance on IT has seen the number of power-hungry servers deployed in the datacentre skyrocket; air-conditioning units and chillers needed to cool that equipment hog even more power. The report concluded that IT leaders can tackle alleviate some of the most obvious instances of inefficiency through adopting simple measures. These include: adding operating costs into business-case justifications of new products and application to "throttle excess demand"; and appointing an internal 'energy czar' with"an operations and technology mandate to double IT energy efficiency by 2012".
Details of the report were unveiled at the Uptime Institute's Green Enterprise Computing conference.

Friday, May 2, 2008

What is RoHS?

RoHS is the acronym for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. RoHS, also known as Directive 2002/95/EC, originated in the European Union and restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products. All applicable products in the EU market after July 1, 2006 must pass RoHS compliance. For the complete directive, see Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament.

Trojans increase

Microsoft says that the number of trojans it has removed from computers around the world in the second half of 2007 rose by 300 percent from the first half. It claims that the software was always there, but software has gotten better at detecting them. Vinny Gullotto, General Manager of the Microsoft Malware Protection Center, said that the numbers have simply exploded. The most common family of trojans last year was "Win32/Zlob". The majority of trojans come from the United States, China, Russia and South America.Microsoft said the number of computers around the world that were made safe after being infected with trojans rose from one million in the second half of 2006 to 19 million in the second half of 2007.

Storm botnet disrupted by poisoning

Vulnerabilities discovered by researchers
Five German researchers have announced their public research attempt at actively disrupting the Storm worm, a peer-to-peer botnet. Botnets (networks of computers that are infected with malware) created by the Storm worm have evolved into using peer-to-peer techniques for communications, eliminating the need for a central control server. This makes them very difficult to locate and to shut down.The researchers announced earlier this month at the Usenix Workshop on Large-Scale Exploits and Emergent Threats (LEET) in San Francisco, California that they were able to infiltrate the Storm worm and also were able to disrupt its communications through a “poisoning” technique. The technique used active techniques, crawling the P2P network every 30 minutes, keeping track of peers and segregating infected peers from non-infected ones based on behavioral patterns. By crawling the Stormnet from early December 2007 through early February 2008, the researchers observed from 5,000 to 40,000 peers online at various times, but noted a distinct increase in bots during the holiday period from Christmas through New Years’ Day. The largest percentage of bots was found to be in the U.S.The "poisoning" technique involves the keys used by Storm bots for communication. The researchers created and published a large quantity of false content for certain keys. By “polluting” the hashes that were identified as Storm hashes, the researchers were able to successfully disrupt the botnet communication.Unfortunately, some botnet hosts are unaware that their computer systems are being misused or that they are part of a bot network. Researchers take the risk of disabling legitimate networks and computers when they attempt to poison botnet communications. Due to this risk, the research group indicated that their future research will focus on analyzing the systems that issue the actual commands, which should lead to closer proximity of the actual operators of the Storm worm and possible apprehension by law enforcement.

Hypermiling to save fuel

Driving style and technology affects gas mileageAfter an article published by cnnmoney.com, Web sites are springing up with tips on saving fuel in a dramatic amount and consumers are jumping on a bandwagon to beat the costs at the pump. The technique is known as 'hypermiling,' and its proponents claim it can double gas mileage, even in gas-guzzling vehicles that would normally get less than 20 mpg. The main factor in increasing fuel savings is paying attention to your right foot and how often you put it down on the accelerator in your vehicle. Web site statistics claim that drivers can save up to 35% by being more conservative with how quickly they accelerate and slow down, and how hard they use the gas and brake pedals.While studies show that using the air conditioning vs. rolling down the car windows has little to no effect on improving gas mileage, some claim that keeping the tires inflated beyond the maximum ratings recommended and using engine oil of a low viscosity can make a measurable fuel mileage difference. Drafting behind other vehicles on the highway, a technique used by semi truck drivers really does have a measurable effect on fuel mileage by reducing aerodynamic drag, provided that the vehicle you follow isn’t going too fast. Removing cargo racks on the outside of vehicles also helps reduce drag and improve fuel economy.In a test by Edmunds.com with a Land Rover LR3 and a Ford Mustang, by using cruise control on the highway the Land Rover got almost 14 percent better mileage with cruise control set at 70 miles per hour, rather than cruising at driver-controlled speeds between 65 and 75 miles per hour. The Mustang’s mileage improved by 4.5 percent. Cruise control use cuts down on speed changes, which use fuel inefficiently.The biggest gain in fuel efficiency results from slowly accelerating away from traffic lights and stops, and by slowing down gradually with your foot off the accelerator when approaching a stop sign or a red or yellow traffic light. Just by slower acceleration and slow-downs with the foot off the accelerator, the Land Rover’s gas mileage increased by 35.4 percent and the Mustang’s 27.1 percent in the Edmunds.com tests.Hypermiling is about driving conservatively and allowing your vehicle to coast when it can to save fuel. Studies claim that some drivers have doubled their fuel mileage by simply modifying their driving habits. With fuel prices hitting $4.00/gallon in the U.S. and no end to the price increases in sight this is worth some consideration.

New electric circuit type discovered

HP Scientists want to develop it commercially
Scientists working at Hewlett-Packard have announced that they have discovered a fourth basic type of electrical circuit – one that might create a computer that "remembers" where it was and doesn’t need to boot up.
Electronics theory recognizes three fundamental elements of a passive circuit: resistors, capacitors and inductors. Leon Chua, a scientist at U.C. Berkeley in the 1970s, posed that there should also be a fourth fundamental element known as a memory resistor, or memristor, and he proved the mathematical equations for it. A team of scientists at HP has now proven the existence of “memristance.” The team, led by Stanley Williams, claims that memristance properties are very different from any other electrical device. Williams and his team have developed a mathematical model and a physical example of a memristor, which they describe in the journal, Nature.Williams compared memristor properties to water flowing through a garden hose. In a regular circuit, water flows from more than one direction. But in a memory resistor, the hose “remembers” which direction the water/current is flowing from, and it expands in that direction to improve the flow. Likewise, if water or current flows from the other direction, the hose/current shrinks from that direction. According to Williams, "It remembers both the direction and the amount of charge that flows through it. ...That is the memory.”It's very different from any other electrical device," Williams said of his memristor. "No combination of resistor, capacitor or inductor will give you that property." Williams and the HP team indicated that the memristor finding could lead to development of a new kind of computer memory that would not need to boot up. DRAM that is used on conventional computers is lost when power to a computer is turned off, and when the computer is turned back on it must be accessed from the hard drive. But with the use of the memristor in a memory circuit the computer would not lose its place, even after the power was off and then turned back on.According to Williams, "It's essential that people understand this to be able to go further into the world of nanoelectronics. It turns out that memristance, this property, gets more important as the device gets smaller. That is another major reason it took so long to find," Williams said.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition


Freeware review


AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is an anti-virus scanner that offers Resident Protection, e-mail Scanner, On-Demand Scanner, and Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files and automatic updates. The free version is limited in features, but includes all basic scanning functionality as well as real-time protection. It uses the same scanning engine as the commercial version, however updates are provided on a low priority basis.