Monday, July 31, 2006

High Quality Headphones. Who Needs Them? You Do!

O. K. Now you’ve finally purchased your beloved iPod and your ready to listen to some tunes. Unfortunately the headset that came with it are for crap! Who wants to waste their time listening to poor audio on an expensive iPod. You want gear that will match the quality of your iPod and offer the best sound quality possible. Good news is there is a HUGE selection of quality headphones. A wide range of styles, quality, and prices. Don’t waste your time with the crap missing out on what music should sound like. Don’t be afraid to try something new and know that mixing brands is o.k.. When it is time to shop for headphones consider the following.
Fit: Fit can make a huge difference in terms of sound quality believe it or not. Ear bud headphones fit into the ear canal but don’t enclose the ear as a result of this other sounds can interfere with what your listening to. In turn ear bud users turn up the volume which damages the ears. Ear buds can also be rather uncomfortable. This type of headphone is the kind that came with your iPod.
An excellent alternative to ear buds are the enclosed model of earphones with padding. This type of headphone contains what is called a dynamic transducer, and in my opinion offers the best type of audio listening experience. Another type of headphones is headsets that fit tightly on the head or wrap around the head DJ style.
Another alternative are the Canal Phones. These are designed to fit comfortably inside the ear canal and provide better sound with more isolation and good bass. Canal phones are considered to be more effective and safer than other headphones. They are able to eliminate most of the external noise. Which in turn means you won’t have to turn up the volume in order to hear it, reducing the possibility of hearing loss. The lesson here is find headphones that block external noise, then you won’t have to turn up your volume!
A nifty feature on some enclosed headphones is a noise cancellation feature. This is used when there is a hissing, or you can hear external noises which lessens your listening experience. All you have to do is flip a switch to take advantage of this feature. The background noise will be cancelled out and all you hear is sweet music to your ears!
Wireless headphones are also another great feature available for people on the go who don’t want to be “tied down”. The one draw back is wireless headphones usually have a small broadcasting range. Try and find one that offers a good range so you can wander far and wide!

Digital phones lead the Internet phone revolution

Digital phones, working with “Voice Over Internet Protocol” (VoIP), have many advantages over regular phones and traditional phone companies.

With digital phones you are actually routing your conversations over the Internet, the voice data being sent through a packet-switched network, even though it feels like you are talking through an ordinary phone.
Digital phones and VoIP services are receiving a lot of attention at present; it is at once a promising technology and an uncertain one.
Regular VoIP phone services are free or at low monthly costs in comparison to regular phone companies. Monthly charges can be as low as $19.95 and international calls can cost only pennies per minute. Because of these pros, digital phones are considered a threat to regular telephone companies and even cellular companies. IP phones, or digital phones, (assuming you don’t opt for the analog telephone adaptor) have many additional features beyond just VoIP service, such as caller ID, back up numbers, telemarketing blocks and silent recording.
At this point in time, however, the world is not quite ready to replace standard telephones with digital alternatives. There are a handful of disadvantages. Not every location worldwide is available or priced fairly, with every VoIP provider; even some local area codes may not be available. Since a broadband connection is electronically powered, a power outage could take out your telephone, unless a universal power supply or battery is available for backup. Dialing 911 has also been a problem for digital phones.
Because IP phones are not able to easily track network users, the emergency number is sometimes incapable of being dialed with the connection. Even though top VoIP companies have worked around this problem by implementing artificial 911 connections that eventually connect to local emergency personnel, the lack of a reliable 911 connection is still considered a major drawback. Recently the top digital phone company Vonage was fined by a court in Michigan over the 911 matter.
IP phones can be affordable, from $70.00 for a simple cordless handset, to over $1000.00 for a four-port gateway voice over IP communication system for businesses. More advanced models for personal or small business use, might cost $150.00 for added features.
A digital phone might be a serious consideration, particularly if you have an Internet connection, a lot of local phone company taxes, and hefty long distance charges. A digital phone combines all these fees into one low monthly cost; and it is a substantially lower amount than a traditional phone company charges.
If you are seriously considering the idea of a digital phone check locally for a provider; not all areas are equipped to handle this technology yet.

Digital Memory Cards Explained

The nature of digital photography means that digital cameras have to store images differently to traditional cameras due to the physical absence of film. Instead of using rolls of film, which are then processed and developed to produce a photograph, digital cameras store their images on memory cards. The main advantage of using a card is that they are completely reusable. Simply transfer the images to your home computer, or erase them. The card is then popped back into your camera and off you go again! However, there are several types of card around, and your camera may even be compatible with more than one type. So, what exactly are you looking for?

What's Available?

As mentioned earlier, many good Digital Cameras (if not all!) are made to accept more than one type of compatible card. Unfortunately the particular one that may have been bundled in with your digital camera will more than likely be a very low capacity card, around 32Mb, perhaps even as low as 16Mb! So it won't be much use to you except as a backup. Do remember that your camera will have an in-built memory, but please don't think this a substitute for a memory card, apart from holding very few high quality images, if you have a problem with your digital camera it is likely the memory will become corrupt. You won't have the option to transfer your images elsewhere like you would if you were using a card. Here's the types of Card you can choose from:

SD Memory Card

XD Memory Card

Compact Flash Card

SmartMedia Card

Memory Stick The SD Memory card has proven a very popular in recent years, perhaps due to their small size and acceptable capacity. SD Cards hold between 32Mb and 2Gb! However, the price difference is certainly noticeable. There is a 3Gb SD Card in development, but it's unlikely to be in the high-street until next year.

The XD Memory Card is slightly newer than the SD Card, however, for all intents and purposes they are very similar in design and function. Many Digital Cameras from the Fuji and Olympus brand manufacturers favour this type of card, although the price can sometimes be a little higher. You will only find the XD memory cards with a 1Gb capacity, but to be honest unless you're a professional Photographer taking hundreds of shots per session, you won't need anything bigger, you simply wouldn't fill it up!

A Compact Flash card is an alternative method to store your images. At around an inch in size, CF Cards are used more and more. Because they are sold in a solid form, meaning no moving parts, they are robust and reliable. CF cards also come in substantially greater capacities than the previous two types and are available even up to 8Gb!! Some manufacturers produce not only differing capacities but also differing speed cards. This allows for images to be recorded quicker which allows the photographer a faster follow on shot. If your serious about digital photography, or need storage in a professional sense, a CF card is your best option.

SmartMedia cards have been in the Digital Photography market for a long time, they are reliable, reasonably priced and come as standard. However, of late, SmartMedia is quickly becoming sidelined for newer more advanced options of image storage such as the Compact Flash cards discussed above. You may find that your Digital Camera isnt compatible with SmartMedia Cards anyhow. Always check your manual for compatibility before parting with your cash!

Last but not least we have the Memory Stick. Originally used primarily in Sony cameras, you may recognise Memory sticks from other devices such as your mobile phone or personal computers. Again, Memory Sticks are available in several capacities and are also available from different manufacturers. As far as Digital Photographers are concerned, Memory sticks are legitimate options for storing images, however they are slightly more prone to becoming damaged due to Memory sticks being physically more frail than its Compact Flash counterpart for example which has a more solid and hardened plastic body.

What size Memory Card do I need?

That's a difficult question to answer in general terms as it depends on the Photographer, the camera you are using and for what purpose your photography serves. Let me explain.. Each and every digital image is made up of pixels, these together will eventually add up to a Megapixels. These large files are measured in Mb (Megabytes), so the more Megapixels your camera has, the more Megabytes you'll need to use to store it. To make sure your camera uses the Megabytes in its memory effectively it uses a process called 'compression'. You may have heard this term before. It is a shrinking process that ensures the memory card you are using fits as much on as possible. On some cameras this compression rate can be set manually, but beware that although higher compression rates mean you can fit more on, it also degrades the picture quality too. Find a happy balance, or better still, let the camera automatically set the rate.

You will notice that higher Megapixel cameras produce better image quality, but use more space on memory cards per shot. Therefore think carefully about how many images you would like to store at any one time, then check your cameras Megapixel rating. For example a 16Mb memory card would hold around 16 or so high quality images from a 2 Megapixel camera, but only around 6 from a 4 Megapixel camera. I would recommend purchasing a 64 Mb card, which would mean you won't ever find yourself missing a shot while fumbling to delete images to free up space!

Three Spy Gadgets Every Homeowner Should Have

For the average homeowner it may not seem necessary to worry about having spy gadgets. However, there are three spy gadgets that can serve to help you better protect your family and your home. These gadgets are indispensable, and they allow you to know what is going on inside your home, as well as what your family is up to. You can monitor the safety of your children and protect your property when you make use three pieces of spy electronics. Surveillance cameras. Protect your home inside and out with surveillance cameras. They may not seem like spy gadgets per se, but they really are. Innocuous objects in your home, such as clocks or pictures, can hide cameras that can watch to make sure sitters are treating the kids well, help you be aware of whether your kids are having parties while you are away, and keep an eye on valuables so that you can protect them from people with access to your home. Outdoor cameras allow you to capture people who come near your home, allowing you to identify vandals and thieves.
GPS tracking system. Spy gadgets in the form of GPS trackers are immensely useful. You can keep them in cars so that if you know where your kids are driving. They are also helpful in the event of your car being stolen. You are much more likely to recover the vehicle if you can track where it is. And today there are GPS tracking systems that are small enough to be carried on a person. They even come in cell phones. Know that your kids are where they should be (and safe) with trackers. Listening devices. These are especially necessary if you are afraid that someone may try to take advantage of a conversation you have had. Recording your own conversations with the help of covert listening devices can help you protect yourself. Additionally, if you have these devices in the form of phone taps and cell phone bugs, you can keep tabs on teenager conversations that might tip you off to unsafe behavior. Devices planted around the house can provide useful audio to go with the visual images from your hidden cameras. These spy gadgets are quite useful for any home owner.

MP3 Players - Many Capable Underdogs vs. the 800-lb. Gorilla

Anyone lover of gadgets and portable electronics knows what an Ipod is - and in fact, many people who have no interest in personal electronics know exactly what they are. With over 21 million units shipped, and over 75 per cent of the personal Digital Audio Player (DAP) market worldwide, it's no surprise - Apple Computer Inc. has become the 800-lb. gorilla of portable music players.What most people don't know is the variety of alternatives to the Ipod - devices which can play music, videos, and more, and which accept Secure Digital (SD) cards, Compact Flash, and Memory Sticks, and replaceable (or rechargeable) AAA batteries, often for a lower price than a comparable Ipod. The iRiver devices offered by South Korean manufacturer Reigncom range from small players intended to hang on a keychain or as wearable jewelry style devices to full-fledged hard-drive based units pointed squarely at the Ipod's market.SanDisk (a maker of Secure Digital flash memory) offers the Sansa series of MP3 players, with the distinction of being able to accept the same SD cards as many digital cameras, offering additional storage options and the flexibility to swap music collections without long transfer times. Some of Samsung's YP series of MP3 players offer a miniscule size, picture viewer and LCD monitor, all at a lower price than many competing units.Although there are a variety of choices, one major reason for the Ipod's dominance is the sheer irresistibility of its marketing. The unit is sleek and simple, stylized yet understated, much like the rest of Apple's product offerings. For many Ipod owners, the device is a fashion accessory as much as a technological device - when walking down the street, the trademark white earbuds are clearly visible even from some distance.So visible in fact that they have become an easy target for some muggers - but many Ipod owners would sooner risk robbery than trade in their favorite fusion of fashion accessory and music player. Many people find that a particular device simply suits their tastes better than all the rest, but in many cases, one device isn't necessarily "better" than all of the others, only different and with more or fewer features. The selection of manufacturers and models presently available offers as wealth of choices for any portable audio lover, whether replacing an existing device or entering the world of digital audio for the first time.

VoIP: Good For The Home?

VoIP has become extremely popular with the general public. TV and online adverts, news and paper headlines have aired this new technology heavily recently, furthering its overall success. If somehow you've managed to miss all this hype surrounding this recent computer related communications revolution the abbreviation VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol or Voice over IP. This technology enables the user to talk with a phone/microphone over the world wide web connection.
Normal phone bills can be minimized by using VoIP since it boasts extremely low rates, considerably lower than conventional telephone, whether the calls being made are local or to the other side of the world. Large corporations are taking advantage of this fact massively by installing the necessary software and equipment, loosing the old requirement for traditional conference calls, many faxes etc, whilst incorporating such media tools as streaming video applications. The recent explosion in VoIP use has hidden the fact that this technology has been around for many years waiting to become economically viable.
In terms of families now wanting to give this exciting new improvement on phone communication a go, mostly this concept is a full gone conclusion people are going stir crazy about it. Do they believe all the hype about how it will hugely improve their everyday lives? Is this technology really as impressive, reliable and affordable as is often touted by the sales pitchers? Any unanswered questions alongside possibilities you may not have realized yet are provided here in this article aimed at furthering your understanding of this new VoIP technology. Once you've read everything here you may be more inclined to get out there and purchase, then test run, this communications system.
Initially an internet connection to your residence must be present! This connection must be a high speed one, any of the following varieties i.e. satellite, cable or DSL, not 56K dial up. VoIP can only function properly and transform into your new calling station by following this important advice. Quality loss is just far too significant when attempting to use slower connections such as 56K dial ups. These now fairly antiquated connections simply don't have the speed or capacity required to transfer calls digitally. If DSL happens to be your choice of broadband service, and you're hoping to replace your existing phone service with VoIP, a company known as SpeakEasy has just recently created a VoIP product that doesn't require any already installed phone line.
The second most important requirement is a 'gateway', needing to be connected between your Ethernet modem and computer. Your phone line needs to be plugged into this VoIP gateway to then enable calling to be high quality, unhindered by any potential computer problems that may occur. Many computers have a variety of momentary unpredictable problems, e.g. slow memory or crashes which could significantly reduce quality calling time.
Adapters are available so that VoIP can fit any phone, old/ existing or new. Typically the promoters of VoIP provide sell adapters to reduce the time you may spend shopping around for one. Albeit a great money saving plan, not buying a new phone will probably mean you miss out on the next big VoIP move, video usage in combination with VoIP on phones, a trend that looks set to blow up everywhere. A company known as Packet8 VoIP sells a great video phone in addition to their usual services.
Phone services that have VoIP included typically contain the whole range of great offers and gadgets the current phone services provide. Details cover such aspects as three way calling, voice messaging, your own VoIP telephone number and call waiting.
Key aspects associated with this brazen new feature-full phone technology that you should be aware of are that local 911 emergency coverage exists. This feature may come as an additional extra charge on top of the basic package, hitting your wallet on a monthly basis. Don't commit to a calling contract until you have ironed out all the costs associated with what ever deal you choose.
Lastly, remember that electricity is the fuel your VoIP system uses and the occasional power cut will unfortunately put a stop to its functioning, momentarily. This is the one small aspect that traditional phone calls don't have to contend with, due in part to them containing their own small power supplies.

The future is bright ........... the future is Bluetooth

It is now becoming more and more obvious Bluetooth and similar wireless technologies are around to stay. As the latest version of "Bluetooth" improves, both in security and capabilities, so does its potential. Companies outside of the mobile phone world are beginning to research and design impressive applications for the wireless technology. The computer industry was a little slower to grasp and make use of Bluetooth, but computers are now capable of connecting to the internet via a Bluetooth network, build wireless networks, plus connect almost any computer component wirelessly. It is the recent designs or applications however that must have Bluetooth users and designers smirking away to themselves. Fashion For the fashion conscious and those who want to appear to the world as "there", "confident", technologically competent" and "connected", Bluetooth is a statement that these people are in a "class of their own". The coolest add-ons and Bluetooth gadgets can be found at zaxx.co.uk Commerce Mobile commerce at this stage appears to have the largest potential for Bluetooth. Applications such as vending machines, car parks, service stations, underground and National Rail stations, ATMs, food outlets, entertainment venues as well as advertising posters capable of downloading snippets of tracks to you as you stand nearby. All have the potential to be paid by using Bluetooth in some format. In some cases throughout Europe and Asia this is already the case. Now that wireless security has improved (compared to v1.1) banks are the next link to allow the mobile industry using Bluetooth to take off. Automotive Industry Bluetooth and cars may not be a direct link many Bluetooth anybody would have expected. It is however inevitable we see Bluetooth being used in cars for applications such as internet connection, voice recognition commands, vehicle diagnosis and communication to external networks. Soon not only will we wireless networks for information and entertainment downloads, but in addition - taking notes and creating spreadsheets. They can also be programmed for more mundane tasks like activating gates or garage doors, and even home lighting or central heating systems. Portable Power Transfer The initial reason Bluetooth was perceived to be useful was the elimination of wires. But we still need one main wire, and that is the Mains Wire! There are companies that are developing induction chargers that enable certain devices to be powered and recharged simply by resting them on a charging pad or desk, perhaps even a shelf or recharge-cupboard - without any wires or contacts. This application of Bluetooth has obvious potential for any portable device that requires battery power. Bluetooth Messaging Although Bluetooth is mostly used for technical reasons, companies in Singapore have joined forces to use it in a social application. Bluetooth has been used in Singapore to help raise the low birth rate by using its software and a dating company. Tong (2004: 1) explains ˜Software company BEDD has seized on the city state's concerns over falling birth rates and its obsession with mobile phones and launched a mobile-phone matchmaking service, also called BEDD™ Customers of the dating service download the software to their phones, which must be Bluetooth enabled. Once personal details, such as whom they are and the kind of person they'd like to meet are entered on their phone, the waiting game begins. If a potential partner walks in the range of their Bluetooth device the phone will alert them with that person's details. Pretty cool huh......... the ideal mate could be just yards away! You had better make sure you get your Bluetooth gadgets from zaxx.co.uk as soon as possible! If you want the coolest, different, almost exclusive accessories and peripherals for your Ipod or Mobile Phone, you had better visit http://www.zaxx.co.uk and get prepared for the life you have not yet dreamed about!

The Newest And Coolest Gadgets...

Everyone loves the newest and coolest gadgets, particularly men in general. This is by no means anything against the male gender; simply put men are ten times more likely to buy certain gadgets than women are. However, throughout the years there have been many extremely popular gadgets, which have become extremely popular for both men and women. Gadgets are typically expensive when they are first released, then years later they are extremely cheap. For example, in 1979 Sony released the Walkman, this was new and exciting for users, it was considered a luxury item. The Walkman originally sold for $200, this hard to imagine in this day in age, when we can purchase them for $10 or $20.Another extremely popular gadget in today’s society is the Apple iPod, this gadget was released in 2001. When the iPod first appeared on the market, it was simply a tiny electronic that only possessed a hard drive with 5GB and a wheel that mechanically scrolled, only available for Macs. This $399 gadget has evolved to 80 GB hard drives and video capabilities.Other popular gadgets include TiVo, which has taken the place of another popular gadget the VCR, and the PalmPilot has made the way for busy execs to keep track of all their business ventures from one day to the next. The CD player and the cellular phone are still extremely popular gadget that keep getting better and better. There are more features than ever with the cellular phone and the CD player is a fixture in nearly every home world wide.No matter what gadget you choose there is something for everyone. There are gadgets for children, men, women, young, old and everywhere in between. Little gadgets and large gadgets, the electronic world is always inventing new and exciting things for consumers to enjoy and help simplify their lives.

Golf Gadgets

Golf gadgets: Who wants them? Who needs them? These little devices come in as many shapes, sizes, and forms as there are stars in the universe. Unlike short-game training devices or swing aids they do not work directly on teaching you the proper techniques of the golf swing. However they are indeed incredibly creative in unexpected and very imaginative ways. They are made to make the crazy game of golf more fun, a lot less strenuous and simply easier to play.It is for this reason that the avid golfer in the family can no longer go through any Christmas without receiving one accessory either in their stocking or under the tree. These golf gadgets have become somewhat of a phenomenon and even a tradition in some house holds be it good or bad.For the golfer who is receiving these gifts it becomes a sheer reminder of how much they need to work on their games. To some it can even become and embarrassment to think that these little golf accessories can help improve their games. For others they give them a great little giggle when they see what some crazy fool has come with to help their golf swing.Do we as golfers really need them? Some would say yes that these little golf gadgets are essential to improving their performance on the course. These golf addicts will go to every extreme and buy every little gadget out there because they feel that it will help. On the other hand, most of us know that there is no cure other than straight hard practice that nobody really wants to do let alone has time for.Unfortunately most of the golf gadgets on the market are not perfect and have some sort of a defect or an annoying flaw. That is why most of them don’t make it into widespread circulation and use. Having said that, there are a small number of good little gadgets out there that actually work!These items include the suction cup on the grip of your putter that makes it easier to pickup your ball form the hole without bending over. Another good one that is almost essential to every player is the divot repair tool that can come in many shapes and styles. You also have the Brush-T that is said to make contact with the ball less inhibiting by making the tee flexible. One other must have for the average golfer is the groove cleaner to help remove the dirt from your clubs so you can hit a crisper shot.The most important thing to remember about these items is that they are mainly for fun. They’re great to have and enjoy every time you play golf. There are so many golf gadgets out there in the market you just have to pick the ones you think are cool and simply try them!