Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
I Want To Upgrade My Video Chat Capabilities
Integrated webcams have become standard on almost every laptop, which is great not only for people who make lip-syncing videos on YouTube, but also for families who want to stay connected across long distances. However, not all webcams are created equal. That’s why Chief Warrant Officer David is looking to for a device that will provide the best experience when chatting with his loved ones from overseas.
I am getting ready for a military deployment and I wanted to upgrade my video chat abilities with my wife. I am looking to buy two new devices. What should I look for in a laptop, as far as getting the best quality video chat? Is the iPad 2 the best option? Should I use an aftermarket webcam? No preference on the screen size, but I like a good battery life. I would like to stay under $1000. Thanks.
The webcams that come integrated into laptops aren’t usually of the highest quality, but recently we’ve seen more high-megapixel lenses, and even HD-capable cameras. However, this isn’t the only important part of the equation. The notebook in question also needs to have a good microphone so that the person on the other end can hear as well as see you. Finally, you should look for machines with strong Wi-Fi radios that can handle the bandwidth it takes to make great video calls. There are three notebooks and a tablet we recommend for David.
The new 13-inch MacBook Pro has an excellent webcam and good integrated microphone, plus the bonus of working with Apple’s FaceTime video chat service. This means you’ll be able to chat Mac-to-Mac as well as Mac-to-iPhone 4 or iPad 2. You can also chat in 720p HD (from the MacBook). We noted a strong Wi-Fi signal wherever we used it. And the 8+ hour battery life is even better than previous generations.
The drawback to the MBPro is that, at $1,199, it’s above your price point. An alternative is the 11-inch MacBook Air, which starts at $999. The battery life isn’t as long (but still good at 5:18) and the Wi-Fi isn’t as strong, but it will give you a good video chat experience.
In our hands-on time with the iPad 2 at the announcement event we noted that the front-facing camera captured good images and smooth video. The experience is good, but keep in mind that FaceTime only works with other Apple products. Third-party apps exist that allow for mobile to mobile calls, but for iPad to PC there are few, if any, options. However, if you’re an Apple household, this is a good choice.
On the Windows side there’s the ASUS U36Jc, a 13-inch ultraportable that costs $999. Though the webcam is only 0.3 megapixels, it still captures good images and works under a variety of lighting conditions. The integrated mic picks up clear audio. When close to the router, the notebook had good throughput, but at 50 feet away the score dropped below average. It’s still strong enough for video chats, though. And with a battery that lasts almost 6 and a half hours, you won’t need to worry about longevity.
No matter which of these systems you pick, be sure to use a good video chat service. FaceTime works for Apple products, but for Mac-to-PC or PC-to-PC chat, you’ll need something else. Skype is probably the most well known, but it doesn’t work as well in low-bandwidth situations. We’ve been testing ooVoo recently and found it has better video and audio quality when chatting over less-than-stellar networks. Plus, it allows for group video chat with up to six participants, so you can bring more family and friends in on the conversation if you want. Like Skype and FaceTime, ooVoo is free.
As we pointed out, the integrated mics on all of these systems are good, but if you’re in an area with a lot of background noise or want to have a more private chat, consider picking up the PC and Mac compatible Freetalk Everyman Headset. It’s designed to work with Skype, but it works just fine with ooVoo. The mic picks up what’s close to it extremely well but filters out background noise. And it folds up to make it easier to stow when traveling. It’s less than $30 in the Skype store and well worth the investment.
Good luck on your deployment. We hope our suggestions help you keep in touch with your family back home.
source : http://blog.laptopmag.com
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Tea break inspired desk accessories
I have often seen people using mugs as pen pots, so perhaps charging £23 for this item is unjustified. Yet I must admit, there is something oddly intriguing about it. In fact, I can even tell you what I would put where... some coloured paperclips in the smallest cup, rubber bands and a ball of blue tack in the medium pot, and all my pens and pencils in the tall cup.
Don't submit to boring, plastic, office accessories when there are far more aesthetic alternatives. Even if this is not your 'cup of tea' (chuckle) don't rule out porcelain, perspex and other more stylish and design savvy materials. So perhaps you are wondering what I keep my pens in? At home I have a wooden cutlery pot from IKEA which serves the purpose perfectly, at the office I used an upturned candle box which was white with a floral graphic design. The box also still smelled like grapefruit, as the candle was scented and made me smile every time I reached for a pen.
Think outside the box and use objects that look how you want them to look, and fit the purpose required. That does not mean you have to choose something that is labelled, for example, a 'pen pot'. Mugs have been doing a perfectly good job of imitating a pen pot for years.
Best Car Reviews Tips
Sports cars the prices range from $ 15,000 to $ 100,000 or more and are more cars do not buy people every day. Since these vehicles can be purchased locally or imported and are costly, you should be careful that you enjoy this unit for a longer period.
• Before the sports car from a car it is always best to check brakes, oil and tires. If this is not a sufficient, you need to fix the problem; to avoid accidents may occur before reaching the target.
• There are two things to make a sports car race. One is the gas and the other is the current of the battery. If you check the battery, either at home or in a gas station, while above, you can be sure that the car will not die suddenly while driving on the road.
• To limit the damage caused by free car painting weather caused, it is advisable to keep the vehicle in a garage when not in use. If you have no choice but to park the vehicle outside, it is best in a covered area away from trees, which can leave scratches should cause branches to fall on the car.
• Some small things are wrong with the vehicle must be addressed immediately to prevent further deterioration. When the pilot heard a noise that did not exist before, it is advisable to take the car to a garage be examined closely and ensure that there is nothing wrong.
• Another thing you do when the vehicle should be checked regularly to the indicators on the map. If any of these sensors turned suddenly, you have to stop the vehicle and try to determine the problem. If you are unsure, call a mechanic or go fix the problem.
• Simple things in the car must be replaced every few thousand miles, such as oil, filters and tires, etc. This will keep your car in good condition when you go on the road or to decide emergencies.
It does not take much time and effort to ensure that the car is in good condition. All you need is a good conversation and hear the engine when the car is running and on the road. Most dealers have a routine maintenance check all 3.000 to 5.000 Meilen you must use to ensure that, when safe on the road.
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