Tech Readers » Gadgets

Shockproof Portable Hard Drive StoreJet 25D3 – Transcend

Bilal Akram — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:22:47 +0000

Recently Transcend have launched its StoreJet 25D3 2.5 inch shockproof portable hard drive. It is one of the first USB 3.0 compatible external hard drives introduced in the market. One of its prominent features is its transfer speed of up to 90 MB/s which is up to 10 times faster than Hi Speed USB 2.0. The 25D3 is also backward compatible with USB 2.0, allowing users to access their files from nearly any computer.

The StoreJet 25D3 is available in different capacities ranging from 250GB, 320GB, and 500GB to 640GB and sports a seemingly delicate case with gloss piano finish. The StoreJet 25D3 also has an internal suspension technology for protection from shock and damage from accidental slips or falls during travel. The drive is also eco-friendly; it was designed to automatically go into power-saving sleep mode after ten minutes of inactivity.

The drive has a LED indicator which appears orange when operating in USB 2.0 mode and turns to blue when in USB 3.0 mode.

Location Based Services and Mobile 2.0

Bilal Akram — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 09:49:40 +0000

All the location based services like Loopt, Whirrl, BrightKite, Foursquare, Gowalla and Google have created a lot of buzz however; the many conventional users are still not persuaded that they need to a) share their information and b) there is enough value to use these. There has been a change in the way these location based services presents themselves, lately. As a replacement for another mobile application which sits on your phone, Foursquare and Gowalla have taken a social game based approach where they offer badges to their users for activities.

The thinking is that using a combination of check-ins (where users tell the app where they are) and gaming features, it will make location sharing more interesting. Behind the scenes, there are big business objectives for these mobile social apps which are an important part of Mobile 2.0 suite of services.

There are many of the analysts who think that Twitter and Facebook will be playing a big role in location based services and they can easily destroy all of the competition because of their scale.

Twitter has been putting a big emphasis on location, even on their web client. Mobile users are considerably more active and many of them share their exact location with tweets. We have been hearing rumors that Facebook will start adding more of location info in all status updates.

Location Based Service is a major component of Mobile 2.0 but its adoption outside of developed countries is probably not going to be fast. By itself it may not matter much. The trick will be to integrate these services with something which is of direct value to the ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) sensitive consumer. The big question is: Can it be done in next 1-2 years?

Apple’s iPad In Pakistan

Bilal Akram — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 08:45:18 +0000

The new iPad is currently on sale in the United States; however some tech fanatics from Pakistan are already planning and finding ways to get the sleek iPad in the their hands, locally.

Apple’s authorized distributors in Pakistan are not confirming and giving out any estimated date for iPad’s sale. Contrasting to their earlier claims, Media Center PK is not very confident for iPad’s arrival on their stores. iRaffles, Pakmac – no signs of iPad there too.

Online stores, belisctity.com and homeshopping.pk are left the only options for masses to get an iPad.

Homeshopping.PK is already delivering iPads, that’s quite amazing actually. When inquired they said they have iPads now and are delivering to those who had pre-ordered the devices.

Those who have ordered iPads recently will get their deliveries by 20^th of April, 2010.

They have all three variants of iPad, as following

iPad 16 GB – Rs. 64,990
iPad 32 GB – Rs. 72,990
iPad 64 GB – Rs. 84,990

Just go to Homeshopping.PK if you want to order this device online.

Other online stores are saying they won’t get iPad before July 2010.

Apple iPad: A Serious Security Breach Revealed

Bilal Akram — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 10:31:47 +0000

Apple’s iPad, a new brand in its product line up has already been attacked by hackers. Some hackers were able to exploit some rather serious security holes in the iPad by using a variation of the iPhone method and demonstrating just how much the two devices have in common.

Not only this, the attacks were completed in less than 24 hours after the iPad was launched.

The hacker were able to install everything from Wi-Fi scanners to even porn (which is prohibited by Apple) through the security hole that was discovered while for now it just allows a remote connection. However, according to some security experts if the hacker is more knowledgeable he could cause more damage.

Worse of all, the security hole can even allow Palm OS applications to run on iPad.

It seems that few iPad owners are hurrying out to buy newspaper subscriptions. Paid Content reports that the newspaper and magazine subscriptions through which the iPad was supposed to change the world, are strangely missing from the lists of most popular paid applications.

There are more than 140,000 mobile apps developed for the iPhone, and the number is growing swiftly. Google and Microsoft have also now entered the mobile phone market with the Android and Windows Mobile 7 mobile phones.

Apple says it’s already shipped 300,000 iPads, but that includes stocking shops and it would be interesting to know just how many are still sitting on shelves.

Some are now saying that it could be a while before we can say if Apple really has created a new computing platform.

In view of this security breach, some of the people that were uncertain to get their iPads over the weekend, maybe this will cause them to rethink if they really need it now rather than later.

7 Reasons – Why You Should Not Buy iPad

Bilal Akram — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:48:43 +0000

Apple iPad is official now and there is a lot of murmur around the specifications and whispering about who should buy Apple iPad or who should not. Well there can be ample of reasons to go for Apple iPad. However, before you make a decision in regards to buying it, you should look at some reasons why you should not go for Apple iPad. There is no doubt that Apple iPad is one of the most hyped and much anticipated device.

So here’s a list of reasons why you should not buy Apple iPad:

1. The Name – iPad

What’s wrong with Apple? What kind of a name ‘iPad’ is? Some one who is not familiar with ‘iPad’ may think it as a ‘Maxi Pad’ you know… due to the word Pad. Apple could have come up with a nice and a better name but I don’t know what they were thinking?

2. Flash is not supported

What? The new Apple iPad is designed to give you a better gaming, browsing and a rich graphical experience on the other hand it doesn’t allow video streaming? You’re offering something that will replace Netbooks and laptops and that “something” can NOT run videos and flash based graphics? And what is the use of unlimited data packages then?

3. There is NO Extended Memory and NO Extension Ports/Adapters

Question arises what if someone wanted to plug in a digital camera, external HDD or even a card reader? But there is no way you could do this with iPad. There’s even NO USB port in iPad that even an average Netbook or a cell phone would have. This means you will NOT be able to expand your Apple iPad memory, now this seems like a huge deal breaker to me.

4. HD Video Output Not Supported

Apple iPad could have been a wonderful tool for presentations provided there was HD video out support. This could also enable users to watch videos in HD on bigger screens.

5. NO Support for Handwriting Recognition

It would have been nice to have handwriting recognition in Apple iPad. Emphasis has been on artists and students, both would have loved the handwriting recognition in iPad but …

6. NOT Favorable

I have a Laptop and an iPhone, now you tell me why should I buy an iPad? Is there a single reason for spending more then $500 on that “revolutionary” device?

7. Just an E-Book Reader for $500

So, iBook seems to be the good reason to buy an iPad. But for whopping $500, why shouldn’t you rather go for Amazon Kindle then. At least Kindle’s got E-Ink, which is so easy on eyes and so light on battery. Not to mention that Amazon Kindle has battery time of one week.

Apple iPad seems to be just another iPod, the bigger one that can’t multitask, doesn’t support flash, have no room for expandable memory, doesn’t let you attach your devices to it and list goes on. All this comes with an “unbelievable” price of minimum $500 doesn’t sound like a fair deal to me.

TouchNote T1000 Touch-screen Convertible Netbook – Gigabyte

Bilal Akram — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 09:44:47 +0000

At CeBIT a new TouchNote T1000 Touch screen Convertible Netbook is announced by Gigabyte. The Netbook has a 10.1 inch screen and the display or the screen can be twisted to use the Netbook as a true tablet system and it also supp supports a 1366×768 resolution with multitouch.

The device is equipped with a powerful Pineview Atom N470 Processor which is running at 1.83 GHz; it also has 250 GB of Hard Drive and comes with 1GB of DDR2 RAM. Some other prominent specifications includes Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n connectivity, Ethernet LAN, two USB 2.0 ports, Mic-in, Earphone out, D-Sub, Card Reader 4-in-1, an eSATA / USB Combo, Express Card slot and an integrated webcam with 1.3 megapixel sensor. There is also a SIM Slot which supports 3G and 4G networks.

Full Specifications of the Gigabyte TouchNote T1000

* Processor: Intel Atom Processor N450 (1.66GHz) or N470 (1.83GHz)
* Chipset: Intel Express NM10
* Memory: 1GB DDRII
* Video Card: Intel GMA3150
* Display: 10.1-inch LCD, 1366 × 768
* Hard disk: 250GB 2.5 “SATA HDD
* Doors: 2 x USB 2.0, eSATA / USB Combo, Mic-in, Earphone out, D-Sub, RJ45, 4-in-1 card reader (SD / MMC / MS / MS Pro), Express card, DC-in
* Audio: microphone and dual speakers, 1.5 Watt
* Networking: Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, 10/100 Base-T Ethernet LAN, Wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n
* Battery: Li-ion 4-cell, 4500mAh (T1000X), Li-Ion 6-cell, 7650mAh (T1000P)
* Dimensions: 265 (W) x 195 (D) x 38.5 (H) mm 265 (W) x 214 (D) x 41.4 (H) mm
* Weight: ~ 1.3kg (with 4-cell battery) (T1000X) ~ 1.48kg (with 6-cell battery) (T1000P)
* OS: Windows 7 Starter Edition
* Other: 1.3 Mega Pixel Webcam

GPS System: Advantages & Disadvantages

Bilal Akram — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:48:47 +0000

Global Positioning System also known as GPS. The U.S. Department of Defense created GPS for the U.S. military, in order to allow them to navigate under any conditions, all over the world. The GPS systems which are available to the consumers today use the same satellite signals as the one used by the military.

There are many key advantages offered by the consumer GPS devices, however on the other hand there are few disadvantages that every one should be aware.

Advantages

1. Easy Navigation System

Now you don’t need worry about deviating from your path while you are hiking or if you are lost in a strange town and don’t know the way out just relax because you have the GPS. The navigation system in a GPS device can provide you with turn-by-turn directions even if you are in a car as there are GPS devices available for cars as well and it could be a very useful feature in a strange town or place.

2. Nearby Area Search

There are some GPS systems that can allow you to search the area around you for nearby services like restaurants, hotels and gas stations. This feature is extermily useful in situations like if you are driving cross-country and suddenly realize that your car is braking down, you can always search for the m=nearby auto mechanics and select the one that is along your way. Your GPS system will show you exactly how to get there.

3. Navigation over Water

GPS devices can work perfectly for water navigation. In the past, boaters had to use a compass and a map in order to determine where exactly they are heading and with somewhat vague results as there were no landmarks in the large bodies of water. However, the arrival of GPS systems allowed them to find out their exact location on the map. Underwater hazards are always a problem; here GPS devices can allow boaters to steer around hidden dangers under water.

Disadvantage

1. Potential Failures

You should always carry a backup directions and maps in case your GPS fails due to some reason. For example, if you are driving down a city street, the buildings may block the satellite signal, preventing you from receiving position updates. If you are hiking in the wilderness, your handheld GPS receiver’s battery may die, leaving you with no way to navigate. It’s always a good idea to bring a compass along while going for hiking.

2. Ambiguity

GPS signals are not always completely accurate. Hindrance like buildings and trees can avert the signal, causing your position on the GPS screen to be off by as much as 100 feet. Atmospheric conditions (such as geomagnetic storms caused by solar activity) may also affect GPS accuracy. For highway driving, this can cause you to miss a turn or exit.

Everything You Want to Know About E-Cigarettes

Bilal Akram — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:53:50 +0000

A few years back, China introduced a new form of cigarettes called “Electronic Cigarettes” and it hit the market all over the world in no time. It came out as an alternative to the old traditional tobacco cigarettes and with a purpose to help smokers to quit their smoking habit.

The electronic cigarette has attracted millions of people around the world who have switched from traditional cigarettes to the e-cigarette, also referred to as the “safe cigarette, the e-cigarette, and the smokeless cigarette”.

Having said that;

According to WHO (World Health Organization) any device that delivers nicotine is not good for you, even if it’s electronic. The World Health Organization has also said that so-called “electronic cigarettes” are not effective and may even be fatal, as reported in US News.

Let’s see what is E-Cigarette? What are its advantages or disadvantages?

Definition

An Electronic Cigarette (also known as E-Cigarette or simply E-Cig) looks like a traditional cigarette made from tobacco but actually has just one main thing in common with the real thing: nicotine.

It is believed that the e-cigarettes are healthier than the old tobacco cigarette, the reason is simple it does not produce any harmful materials as there is no combustion which was present in the traditional cigarettes.

Advantages

1. It gives smokers the same feeling as traditional cigarettes do, furthermore, it Satisfies smoker’s addiction.

2. Helpful for quitting smoking without suffering.

3. Long life time, continuous use by charging the battery and replacing the cartridge.

4. No combustion, No tar, CO and other carcinogenic materials generated by tobacco cigarette.

5. No potential danger of causing fire.

6. Can be used in most of non-smoking place, for no damage of passive smoking.

7. Convenient, No need to light, start to smoke once take it out.

8. Clean, No cigarette smell, No stained teeth.

Disadvantages

1. There is no such thing as healthy smoking because you are still inhaling nicotine!

2. It is totally false that it will help in quitting smoking, because one would agree, you have to quit smoking entirely not gradually if you want to become free of cigarettes and nicotine.
Conclusion

E-cigarettes are not healthy because you will still be addicted to nicotine, but on other hand they have some advantage over the traditional ones like: No combustion, No tar, CO and other carcinogenic materials are present and they are less toxic, no smell, no bad mouth smell, no damage of passive smoking.

Note: People who are allergic or has sensitivity to nicotine, pregnant or breastfeeding, or with unstable heart conditions should discuss the use of an electronic cigarette device with a doctor before using one.

Hosted Dialer

Bilal Akram — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 09:56:31 +0000

What is a Hosted Dialer?

If your company doesn’t have the technology to maintain its own computer dialing system, however your company needs the functionality of a call center in order to get connected with customers. The answer is simple; your business should look for a hosted dialer solution.

What is does?

It gives you the option of an outsourced predictive dialer system that automatically calls large “batches” of numbers and transferring them on to a waiting team of agents.

Imagine running your phone campaigns without ever needing to worry about the managing of the technology needed.

It is outsourced just like the hosting of your Website so there are no hassles of maintenance that come with an in-house system.

Some benefits of using a hosted dialer:

Nothing to buy.

You don’t have to buy computer hardware or additional telephone equipment as third party provider is handling the service.

No software or new licenses needed.

Third party provider handles the technical aspects and the details of software your system that allow it to do its job.

No extra administration or support.

All the details delivering the service to you with all technical and support problems are handled by the third party.

Your system is mobile.

Access from anywhere to get the calls you need that can win more business.

Upgrades are included.

An outsourced provider can handle the keeping of technical systems up to date.

How to: Count the Pixels of Your Digital Camera

Bilal Akram — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:23:16 +0000

Here are some facts about pixels count in a digital camera

2 Mega Pixels Count:

It is appropriate for online photo sharing, thumbnails or for use in websites. A camera with low resolution produces mediocre picture quality.

3 or 4 Mega Pixels Count:

It is suitable for amateur use. The picture quality is improved a little bit. Prints of size up to 6 x 7 are fine.

5 to 8 Mega Pixels Count:

It is recommended for larger size print outs, enlargements. The overall image quality is superb. On the other hand it is expensive.

16 or 20 Mega Pixels Count:

It is suitable for professional photographers. The image quality is outstanding you can compare it with the motion picture. But it is way too expensive.

However, higher the pixel count it produces better image quality, on the other hand the quality may degrade when the lens could not support or handle the number of pixels a digital camera supports. This produces a noisy picture with poor shadow quality. The overall picture quality is not good due to the pixel size becomes smaller and smaller this leads to holding few charged particles.

What is resolution?

The resolution refers to how detailed an image is and also refers to the sharpness of visible objects that the image displays. Sharper or detailed images have high resolutions.

How resolution affects the quality of image?

The factors that attribute to the image quality are the resolution must always come first than other things like color quality, contrast etc. Low resolution pictures often lack clarity and sharpness making them unappealing to eyes. On the contrary, pictures with high resolution look clear, sharp and catching our eyes instantly.

Resolution of digital cameras

The image sensor is the component that determines the resolution in a digital camera. The CCD (Charged Coupled Device) records the picture, processes it and converts it into digital format. This semiconductor is made up of small units called pixels with a color filter on each pixel. The pixel is made up of 3 number denoting colors (RGB) red, green and blue.

Digital cameras with one mega pixel resolution produces picture of low quality. Here let me tell you that 1 mega = 1 million. On the other hand, the latest digital cameras come with pixel counts ranging between 2 – 20 mega pixels.

Different pixel counts of digital cameras

Digital cameras for amateur use are available with pixel counts – 1.3 mega pixels, 2.1 pixels, 3.3 mega pixels and 4 mega pixels. Digital camera of 4 mega pixels is considered ideal for everyone – cost-wise as well as quality-wise.

However, there are cameras with higher pixel counts – 11.1 mega pixels, 16 mega pixels and 20 mega pixels. These cameras are largely used by professional photographers. A 20 mega pixel digital camera can deliver the typical picture quality of a 35 mm movie.

Tech Readers » Gadgets

Shockproof Portable Hard Drive StoreJet 25D3 – Transcend

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Location Based Services and Mobile 2.0

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Apple’s iPad In Pakistan

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Apple iPad: A Serious Security Breach Revealed

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7 Reasons – Why You Should Not Buy iPad

1. The Name – iPad

2. Flash is not supported

3. There is NO Extended Memory and NO Extension Ports/Adapters

4. HD Video Output Not Supported

5. NO Support for Handwriting Recognition

6. NOT Favorable

7. Just an E-Book Reader for $500

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TouchNote T1000 Touch-screen Convertible Netbook – Gigabyte

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GPS System: Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

1. Easy Navigation System

2. Nearby Area Search

3. Navigation over Water

Disadvantage

1. Potential Failures

2. Ambiguity

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Everything You Want to Know About E-Cigarettes

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Hosted Dialer

What is a Hosted Dialer?

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How to: Count the Pixels of Your Digital Camera

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