If you're frustrated by frequently losing battery power in your laptop computer, digital camera or portable music player, then take heart: A better source of "juice" is in the works. Chemists at Arizona State University in Tempe have created a tiny hydrogen-gas generator that they say can be developed into a compact fuel cell package that can power these and other electronic devices -- from three to five times longer than conventional batteries of the same size and weight.
The generator uses a special solution containing borohydride, an alkaline compound that has an unusually high capacity for storing hydrogen, a key element that is used by fuel cells to generate electricity. In laboratory studies, a prototype fuel cell made from this generator was used to provide sustained power to light bulbs, radios and DVD players, the researchers say.
The fuel cell system can be packaged in containers of the same size and weight as conventional batteries and is recharged by refilling a fuel cartridge, they say. Research on these battery replacement fuel cells, which they claim are safer for the environment than regular batteries, was described today at the 232nd national meeting of the American Chemical Society.
"We're trying to maximize the usable hydrogen storage capacity of borohydride in order to make this fuel cell power source last longer," says study leader Don Gervasio, Ph.D., a chemist at the University's Biodesign Institute, Center for Applied NanoBioScience. "That could lead to the longest lasting power source ever produced for portable electronics."
One of the challenges in fuel cell development is finding hydrogen-rich compounds for the fuel source. Many different hydrogen sources have been explored for use in fuel cells, including metal hydride "sponges" and liquids such as gasoline, methanol, ethanol and even vegetable oil.
Recently, borohydride has shown promise as a safe, energy-dense hydrogen storage solution. Unlike the other fuel sources, borohydride works at room temperature and does not require high temperatures in order to liberate hydrogen, Gervasio says.
Gervasio and his associates are developing novel chemical additives to increase the useful hydrogen storage capacity of the borohydride solution by as much as two to three times that of simple aqueous sodium borohydride solutions that are currently being explored for fuel cell development. These additives prevent the solution from solidifying, which could potentially clog or damage the hydrogen generator and cause it to fail.
In developing the prototype fuel cell system, the researchers housed the solution in a tiny generator containing a metal catalyst composed of ruthenium metal. In the presence of the catalyst, the borohydride in the water-based solution reacts with water to form hydrogen gas.
The gas leaves the hydrogen generator by moving across a special membrane separating the generator from the fuel cell component. The hydrogen gas then combines with oxygen inside the fuel cell to generate water and electricity, which can then be used to power the portable electronic device. Commercialization of a practical version of this fuel cell could take as many as three to five years, Gervasio says.
Contact: Michael Bernstein m_bernstein@acs.org 415-978-3532 (San Francisco, CA, Sept. 10-14, 2006) 202-872-4400 (Washington, DC) American Chemical Society
http://www.newstarget.com/020961.html
Monday, April 30, 2007
Plastic circuitry breakthrough may revolutionize electronics industry
(NewsTarget) Researchers from the University of Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory have a chance to revolutionize the electronics industry if they can develop plastic semiconductors.
The idea is to replace the silicon wafers in standard microchips with layers or circuitry on plastic substrates. While the concept of plastic semiconductors may seem like a pipe dream, Cambridge-based startup Plastic Logic has been talking about commercializing the technology since 2000. The company is putting money where it's mouth is, too, as it has more than $100 million worth of investment funds for a factory that it plans to open in Dresden, Germany.
The technology has "tremendous potential," said Morry Marshall, vice-president for strategic technologies at Phoenix semiconductor research group Semico, adding that it was a "breakthrough that is waiting to happen."
The final product should be a plastic sheet roughly the same size as a piece of A4 sized paper, being produced at a rate of about 2.2 million a year. They will be composed of polyethylene terephthalate -- the same type of plastic used to make soft drink bottles -- and initially supplied to other companies as the basis for pieces of "electronic paper," which can display the pages of thousands of books.
We hope to make it as easy to carry around large amounts of written information using devices based on our technology as it is now to have easy access to large amounts of music using an iPod or MP3 player," said Hermann Hauser, one of Plastic Logic's founders and a Cavendish Laboratory alumnus.
The proposed plastic semiconductors will have one disadvantage compared to traditional silicon-based substrates: There is between 5 and 10 micrometers (1 micrometer is 1 millionth of a meter) between adjacent circuitry lines in the plastic semiconductors, whereas the same space in traditional semiconductors is measured in nanometers (1 nanometer is a billionth of a meter). However, Plastic Logic Chief Executive Officer John Mills said that they are developing plastic circuits with only 60 nanometers between adjacent circuitry lines.
If they could be made smaller, plastic microchips could be used for tasks for which it would not be cost-effective to employ silicon microchips. For example, a toy could have a surface where it could display its own instruction manual.
"Plastic electronics could lead to a fundamental revolution in the way the electronics industry evolves", said Mr Hauser, who also said he would not be surprised if Plastic Logic's chief scientist Henning Sirringhaus was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work in the field.
The Cavendish Laboratory has been lauded for it's discoveries during the past 136 years, including the genetic building blocks known as DNA and the electron.
http://www.newstarget.com/021424.html
The idea is to replace the silicon wafers in standard microchips with layers or circuitry on plastic substrates. While the concept of plastic semiconductors may seem like a pipe dream, Cambridge-based startup Plastic Logic has been talking about commercializing the technology since 2000. The company is putting money where it's mouth is, too, as it has more than $100 million worth of investment funds for a factory that it plans to open in Dresden, Germany.
The technology has "tremendous potential," said Morry Marshall, vice-president for strategic technologies at Phoenix semiconductor research group Semico, adding that it was a "breakthrough that is waiting to happen."
The final product should be a plastic sheet roughly the same size as a piece of A4 sized paper, being produced at a rate of about 2.2 million a year. They will be composed of polyethylene terephthalate -- the same type of plastic used to make soft drink bottles -- and initially supplied to other companies as the basis for pieces of "electronic paper," which can display the pages of thousands of books.
We hope to make it as easy to carry around large amounts of written information using devices based on our technology as it is now to have easy access to large amounts of music using an iPod or MP3 player," said Hermann Hauser, one of Plastic Logic's founders and a Cavendish Laboratory alumnus.
The proposed plastic semiconductors will have one disadvantage compared to traditional silicon-based substrates: There is between 5 and 10 micrometers (1 micrometer is 1 millionth of a meter) between adjacent circuitry lines in the plastic semiconductors, whereas the same space in traditional semiconductors is measured in nanometers (1 nanometer is a billionth of a meter). However, Plastic Logic Chief Executive Officer John Mills said that they are developing plastic circuits with only 60 nanometers between adjacent circuitry lines.
If they could be made smaller, plastic microchips could be used for tasks for which it would not be cost-effective to employ silicon microchips. For example, a toy could have a surface where it could display its own instruction manual.
"Plastic electronics could lead to a fundamental revolution in the way the electronics industry evolves", said Mr Hauser, who also said he would not be surprised if Plastic Logic's chief scientist Henning Sirringhaus was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work in the field.
The Cavendish Laboratory has been lauded for it's discoveries during the past 136 years, including the genetic building blocks known as DNA and the electron.
http://www.newstarget.com/021424.html
When old electronics meet their end, much ends up becoming toxic waste in China
(NewsTarget) Old computers and other used-up appliances are creating polluted environments in Asia, the final resting place for much of the world's electronic goods, reports the China Daily newspaper.
Known as "e-waste," more than 75 percent of televisions, computers and other home electronics discarded by the developed world end up bound for Asia. Up to 90 percent of the old electronics goes to China, according to the Beijing-based Science and Technology Daily, the official newspaper of China's Ministry of Science and Technology.
However, only 10 percent of the electronics that go to China are recycled for reuse. The rest gets burned, destroyed or otherwise reduced to poisonous end-products.
Inside computers and other electronics are gold, copper and other reusable precious metals. This makes the 90 percent of discarded electronics not recycled a viable enterprise for people looking to extract those precious metals. However, many of these "electronics harvesters" use simple and environmentally unfriendly processes to get the metals out, such as putting the machines through acid baths.
The result is that lead, mercury and other chemicals are released into the atmosphere – through toxic gasses – and put into lakes and rivers through wastewater systems. The harvesters are burning the plastic cases, melting lead-based monitor glass and simply tossing out the undesirable by-products of precious metal extraction.
In some cities that are hotspots for the metal extraction business, pollution levels are much higher than American or European standards.
In the Guiyu area, an agricultural sector in south China that many e-processers have set up shop, the groundwater became so contaminated that drinking water had to be brought in from an area 18 miles away, according to a 2001 report from the Seattle-based toxic trade watchdog Basel Action Network.
Sediment samples from the area showed that the groundwater had so much lead in it that it would have been considered 212 times more toxified than acceptable standards if it came from Europe's Rhine River.
"Tin was found at levels 152 times the EPA threshold. Chromium in one sample was at levels 1,338 times the EPA threshold level," the report added.
A major source of this e-waste are unsuspecting good Samaritans in America thinking they are helping the environment: Much of the old electronics donated by people and businesses for recycling in the U.S. instead gets exported into the world market.
"Informed recycling industry sources estimate that between 50 to 80 percent of the e-waste collected for recycling in the western U.S. are not recycled domestically," according to the BAN report.
From there, the supply market takes over, and often metal extraction companies win.
The supply market of old electronics sways in favor of these shops because they often offer higher prices for the goods than recycling outfits can.
The supply is good, too: the volume of e-waste from the United States is "estimated at 5 to 7 million tons," the report said.
In China alone – excluding the e-waste that is brought into the country – "about 150 million television sets, washing machines, refrigerators, air-conditioners and computers are discarded every year in China," the China Daily reported, using statistics from the China Home Electronics Association.
For the American market, the BAN report from 2001 posited that e-waste numbers would rise by 2006 thanks to the proliferation of High-Definition Television – flat-screen TVs – obsolescing old television technology, and the fact that most computers bought today are replacements for an old one that must be thrown out.
The world market for e-waste is one that is mostly unregulated, but a limited number of other countries are involved. Outside of China, other countries in the metal extraction business include India and Pakistan. The Middle Eastern country of Dubai is another major collector of discarded electronics, but it acts as a middleman: most of what it receives is re-exported out to China and other countries.
http://www.newstarget.com/021578.html
Known as "e-waste," more than 75 percent of televisions, computers and other home electronics discarded by the developed world end up bound for Asia. Up to 90 percent of the old electronics goes to China, according to the Beijing-based Science and Technology Daily, the official newspaper of China's Ministry of Science and Technology.
However, only 10 percent of the electronics that go to China are recycled for reuse. The rest gets burned, destroyed or otherwise reduced to poisonous end-products.
Inside computers and other electronics are gold, copper and other reusable precious metals. This makes the 90 percent of discarded electronics not recycled a viable enterprise for people looking to extract those precious metals. However, many of these "electronics harvesters" use simple and environmentally unfriendly processes to get the metals out, such as putting the machines through acid baths.
The result is that lead, mercury and other chemicals are released into the atmosphere – through toxic gasses – and put into lakes and rivers through wastewater systems. The harvesters are burning the plastic cases, melting lead-based monitor glass and simply tossing out the undesirable by-products of precious metal extraction.
In some cities that are hotspots for the metal extraction business, pollution levels are much higher than American or European standards.
In the Guiyu area, an agricultural sector in south China that many e-processers have set up shop, the groundwater became so contaminated that drinking water had to be brought in from an area 18 miles away, according to a 2001 report from the Seattle-based toxic trade watchdog Basel Action Network.
Sediment samples from the area showed that the groundwater had so much lead in it that it would have been considered 212 times more toxified than acceptable standards if it came from Europe's Rhine River.
"Tin was found at levels 152 times the EPA threshold. Chromium in one sample was at levels 1,338 times the EPA threshold level," the report added.
A major source of this e-waste are unsuspecting good Samaritans in America thinking they are helping the environment: Much of the old electronics donated by people and businesses for recycling in the U.S. instead gets exported into the world market.
"Informed recycling industry sources estimate that between 50 to 80 percent of the e-waste collected for recycling in the western U.S. are not recycled domestically," according to the BAN report.
From there, the supply market takes over, and often metal extraction companies win.
The supply market of old electronics sways in favor of these shops because they often offer higher prices for the goods than recycling outfits can.
The supply is good, too: the volume of e-waste from the United States is "estimated at 5 to 7 million tons," the report said.
In China alone – excluding the e-waste that is brought into the country – "about 150 million television sets, washing machines, refrigerators, air-conditioners and computers are discarded every year in China," the China Daily reported, using statistics from the China Home Electronics Association.
For the American market, the BAN report from 2001 posited that e-waste numbers would rise by 2006 thanks to the proliferation of High-Definition Television – flat-screen TVs – obsolescing old television technology, and the fact that most computers bought today are replacements for an old one that must be thrown out.
The world market for e-waste is one that is mostly unregulated, but a limited number of other countries are involved. Outside of China, other countries in the metal extraction business include India and Pakistan. The Middle Eastern country of Dubai is another major collector of discarded electronics, but it acts as a middleman: most of what it receives is re-exported out to China and other countries.
http://www.newstarget.com/021578.html
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Chinese Wholesale Electronics – Why Chinese?
OK, I’m not Chinese, I don’t live in China (although it’s our country’s neighbor and there’s a big Chinese community here) and I don’t speak Chinese. So why am I so passionate about importing wholesale electronics from China?
It’s amazing how China has its doors now opened to international enterprises and how it has now sought to expand its businesses outside. One of its companies even took over a western giant a while back. China used to be a closed off nation and a “sleeping giant” but is now wide awake and ready to take on the international business center stage to do a Beyonce Knowles number. Here are a few reasons why it’s difficult to ignore China these days:
• Newspapers started carrying dedicated sections for China business because the business world is buzzing loudly about China.
• Bureaucratic red tape is becoming less and less restrictive to traders, which means more freedom, more than ever, between Chinese and foreign traders
• Even eBay is partnering with a Chinese company to gain more influence and connection in the Chinese market Almost everything has some parts or is entirely “made in China” and Jacky Chan goes Hollywood!
“But I don’t speak Chinese”, you say. Well, don’t you think Chinese wholesale suppliers didn’t have that language barrier predicament in mind? Of course they did! That is why they have English speaking staff and they themselves are already able to speak the international language, which is, well – English! The problem these days, as is the case everywhere else, is not what language to use when doing business with your suppliers; it’s how you communicate with them.
So why import from China? How do I communicate with Chinese suppliers?
China could be the next Japan. After the Second World War, Japan imitated western electronic products like televisions, portable radios, cars, etc. They were perceived as cheap until the Japanese innovated these lines of products, started giving them brand names and bested the rest of the western first world in inventing things. We now forever admire Japanese brands like Sony, Honda, Toyota, and Nintendo to name a few. And whose jaw wouldn’t drop on the smart android ASIMO? China is following the same pattern of imitating, innovating and inventing electronic products that, who knows, might become the next big household name.
China has now been tagged as the world’s factory as they manufacture almost all types of products at incredibly lower cost than anywhere else in the world. That’s because everything in China is low cost; low human resources cost, low cost of living, low cost of energy and a lower corporate tax burden. Every production outfit can employ cheap labor, but still produce superb quality products.
Importing consumer electronics from China is the way to go! Of course you can look elsewhere, but the point that I would like you to take away from here is that Chinese electronic products are manufactured and exported cheap without compromising quality.
Now, when contacting suppliers from China – go directly to suppliers, better yet, to the manufacturers and avoid middlemen as much as possible as the low production cost leaves a lot of room for them to jack the prices up. Remember, your goal in buying from China is to “buy low and sell high”. Where do you find these suppliers and manufacturers? Thanks to the Internet, the problem of locating reliable suppliers from China is now passed on to, uhm, your fingertips. Doing business can’t get any easier than doing it online. Search them out, contact them through email and I strongly suggest you phone them to “feel” the signs that you’re about to do business with the right people. I can’t emphasize more the importance of really building good relationship with these suppliers. These wholesalers are not picky as long as you build nice rapport with them and they are really into exporting their goods to western markets. I can attest to the excellent customer support that my favorite supplier provides. They are prompt, polite and very accommodating.
Take advantage of importing consumer electronic products from China now. Who knows? Your competition might already be capitalizing on it.
http://www.bestwholesaleelectronics.blogspot.com
About the Author
Charlemagne Solanor is from the Philippines and has began blogging in November, 2006. His blog Wholesale Electronics (http:bestwholesaleelectronics.blogspot.com)talks about consumer electronics products. His goal is to help electronics retailers find the best online wholesale electronics deal to explode their retailing business.
It’s amazing how China has its doors now opened to international enterprises and how it has now sought to expand its businesses outside. One of its companies even took over a western giant a while back. China used to be a closed off nation and a “sleeping giant” but is now wide awake and ready to take on the international business center stage to do a Beyonce Knowles number. Here are a few reasons why it’s difficult to ignore China these days:
• Newspapers started carrying dedicated sections for China business because the business world is buzzing loudly about China.
• Bureaucratic red tape is becoming less and less restrictive to traders, which means more freedom, more than ever, between Chinese and foreign traders
• Even eBay is partnering with a Chinese company to gain more influence and connection in the Chinese market Almost everything has some parts or is entirely “made in China” and Jacky Chan goes Hollywood!
“But I don’t speak Chinese”, you say. Well, don’t you think Chinese wholesale suppliers didn’t have that language barrier predicament in mind? Of course they did! That is why they have English speaking staff and they themselves are already able to speak the international language, which is, well – English! The problem these days, as is the case everywhere else, is not what language to use when doing business with your suppliers; it’s how you communicate with them.
So why import from China? How do I communicate with Chinese suppliers?
China could be the next Japan. After the Second World War, Japan imitated western electronic products like televisions, portable radios, cars, etc. They were perceived as cheap until the Japanese innovated these lines of products, started giving them brand names and bested the rest of the western first world in inventing things. We now forever admire Japanese brands like Sony, Honda, Toyota, and Nintendo to name a few. And whose jaw wouldn’t drop on the smart android ASIMO? China is following the same pattern of imitating, innovating and inventing electronic products that, who knows, might become the next big household name.
China has now been tagged as the world’s factory as they manufacture almost all types of products at incredibly lower cost than anywhere else in the world. That’s because everything in China is low cost; low human resources cost, low cost of living, low cost of energy and a lower corporate tax burden. Every production outfit can employ cheap labor, but still produce superb quality products.
Importing consumer electronics from China is the way to go! Of course you can look elsewhere, but the point that I would like you to take away from here is that Chinese electronic products are manufactured and exported cheap without compromising quality.
Now, when contacting suppliers from China – go directly to suppliers, better yet, to the manufacturers and avoid middlemen as much as possible as the low production cost leaves a lot of room for them to jack the prices up. Remember, your goal in buying from China is to “buy low and sell high”. Where do you find these suppliers and manufacturers? Thanks to the Internet, the problem of locating reliable suppliers from China is now passed on to, uhm, your fingertips. Doing business can’t get any easier than doing it online. Search them out, contact them through email and I strongly suggest you phone them to “feel” the signs that you’re about to do business with the right people. I can’t emphasize more the importance of really building good relationship with these suppliers. These wholesalers are not picky as long as you build nice rapport with them and they are really into exporting their goods to western markets. I can attest to the excellent customer support that my favorite supplier provides. They are prompt, polite and very accommodating.
Take advantage of importing consumer electronic products from China now. Who knows? Your competition might already be capitalizing on it.
http://www.bestwholesaleelectronics.blogspot.com
About the Author
Charlemagne Solanor is from the Philippines and has began blogging in November, 2006. His blog Wholesale Electronics (http:bestwholesaleelectronics.blogspot.com)talks about consumer electronics products. His goal is to help electronics retailers find the best online wholesale electronics deal to explode their retailing business.
Standing Wheelchair Power
Does you wheelchair enable you to reach for things? Or is it hard to control? Let go of that traditional wheelchair. It’s obsolete and it can even cause you injuries. How would you like to have a wheelchair that will allow you to get your things without difficulty?
LifeStand Compact or LSC is a new generation full electric stand-up wheelchair. Its fully motorized chair offers power assistance that allows you to move from a seated position to a standing position. This is electronically controlled by the power assisted unit that is designed into its frame. Whether you are standing or seated, it will enable you drive and move freely. It uses two independent sets of electronics to perform these functions.
LifeStand Compact with its E-fix Power Driver provides mobility. To regenerate energy back into the battery every time the brake is used, a high efficient quick-release wheel hub drive was installed. However, it only provides for a very small battery pack.
It has a control unit that controls all of the Compact’s electronics. This control unit has an LCD display which enables you to program easily. Also, you can pre-select speed rate and battery level. It does not require any external programmer. You can explore your own comfort level even if you are driving.
It comes with a remote swing away joystick so you can easily access to tables, desks and countertops. The joystick can be mounted on either side of the chair, so you do not have to worry if you are left handed or right handed. It can even be mounted on the back of the chair. You don’t really need to put it there unless someone maneuvers the wheelchair for you.
LifeStand Compact has centralized functions for moving and standing with reclinable backrest and speed control. The angle of the armrest is constant so you will always be comfortable even if you change the backrest slant. This is essential for tray table use. The contoured tibia support has a pad that’s anti decubitus.
For excellent stability, the chassis was designed in a U form. You can use a 2- or 4- battery set. You can maneuver the hand control that is fixed on a swing away. It has variable range anti-tip wheels to clear obstacles when you’re seated and will prevent you from tipping over in upright mode. You can also recline the backrest electronically. The central safety lock can be easily seen because of its red button.
Stand-up wheelchairs are very useful because it allows you to move freely, unlike other wheelchairs that limits your quality of life just because you cannot stand with it.
About the Author
LifeStand Compact or LSC is a new generation full electric stand-up wheelchair. Its fully motorized chair offers power assistance that allows you to move from a seated position to a standing position. This is electronically controlled by the power assisted unit that is designed into its frame. Whether you are standing or seated, it will enable you drive and move freely. It uses two independent sets of electronics to perform these functions.
LifeStand Compact with its E-fix Power Driver provides mobility. To regenerate energy back into the battery every time the brake is used, a high efficient quick-release wheel hub drive was installed. However, it only provides for a very small battery pack.
It has a control unit that controls all of the Compact’s electronics. This control unit has an LCD display which enables you to program easily. Also, you can pre-select speed rate and battery level. It does not require any external programmer. You can explore your own comfort level even if you are driving.
It comes with a remote swing away joystick so you can easily access to tables, desks and countertops. The joystick can be mounted on either side of the chair, so you do not have to worry if you are left handed or right handed. It can even be mounted on the back of the chair. You don’t really need to put it there unless someone maneuvers the wheelchair for you.
LifeStand Compact has centralized functions for moving and standing with reclinable backrest and speed control. The angle of the armrest is constant so you will always be comfortable even if you change the backrest slant. This is essential for tray table use. The contoured tibia support has a pad that’s anti decubitus.
For excellent stability, the chassis was designed in a U form. You can use a 2- or 4- battery set. You can maneuver the hand control that is fixed on a swing away. It has variable range anti-tip wheels to clear obstacles when you’re seated and will prevent you from tipping over in upright mode. You can also recline the backrest electronically. The central safety lock can be easily seen because of its red button.
Stand-up wheelchairs are very useful because it allows you to move freely, unlike other wheelchairs that limits your quality of life just because you cannot stand with it.
About the Author
For additional Information about the articles you may visit http://www.wheelchairspower.com
Use of Electronics in Automobiles Increased Demands for ASIC, ASSP, and FPGAs
Frost & Sullivan has recently made public their new report on the current status of ASIC, ASSP, and FPGA markets. The report not only states how the industry is faring but also forecasts what will be the trends in the markets and what will be the challenges that it will have to confront.
In the study, the experts analyzed also other factors that affect the industry directly like their end-users. They include also in their studies body and chassis, central command, telematics, power train, engine control, safety and security, and driver relevant information. The main thing that the study shows is that more and more electronics are being used on automobiles which increased the demand for ASIC, ASSP, and FPGAs.
Today’s vehicles are becoming more and more reliant on electronic components. Different systems of a vehicle that are being developed and produced today are equipped with electronic systems which aid the mechanical parts in performing effectively. Fuel injection systems for cars rely on electronic components to provide the engine with the right amount of fuel. Likewise, safety systems also rely heavily on electronic circuits to provide optimum safety to the occupants of a car in the event of a crash. Braking systems also depend on electronic components like the anti-lock braking system (ABS). Without the aid of electronic components, even high quality parts like brake components from EBC Active Brakes Direct will not perform to the best of their capabilities.
The automobile specific integrated circuit (ASIC), application specific standard products (ASSPs), and the field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) markets have been achieving much success, thanks to the needs for the said products in the automotive industry. The increase in the number of consumers means that the demand for the said electronic parts will also rise. Other factors that made the need for electronic parts are government pollution mandates, safety and security regulations, and the oil crisis. The use of electronic components also reduces manufacturing costs since human errors are very much avoided.
In the automotive industry, the introduction of luxury features also increased the need for specialized electronic components. The popularity of hybrid vehicles like the popular Toyota Prius also made the demand increase. Electronic components are needed on hybrid vehicles to facilitate the smooth change of power from engine to electric motor muscle. Other mandatory safety systems also need electronic components. Electronic stability systems rely on electronics to keep the car stable especially while cornering. Suspension systems also depends on electronics as shown by electronically controlled independent suspension systems employed by the latest mass produced vehicles.
Due to the increase in the demand of such, the industry is expected to generate considerable revenues especially in the European region’s market where the industry is doing a very good business. While Europe may be the leading region in terms of production of ASICs, ASSPs, and FPGAs, Asian countries are joining the bandwagon. The region has become the fastest growing segments due to the increasing automobile sales in the said area.
While the industry may be enjoying much success, they still have to come up with more world class electronic design automation software tools to provide better service to their end users. Fierce competition is also expected since there are companies that are already established which will make it hard for smaller enterprises to break into the market and stake their claims in a share in the growing market. The analysts said that there is a possibility that the large and established companies will acquire smaller companies to increase their productivity. Analysts further said that the market for electronic components will grow dramatically as the technology used in cars will likely advance in the future.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
In the study, the experts analyzed also other factors that affect the industry directly like their end-users. They include also in their studies body and chassis, central command, telematics, power train, engine control, safety and security, and driver relevant information. The main thing that the study shows is that more and more electronics are being used on automobiles which increased the demand for ASIC, ASSP, and FPGAs.
Today’s vehicles are becoming more and more reliant on electronic components. Different systems of a vehicle that are being developed and produced today are equipped with electronic systems which aid the mechanical parts in performing effectively. Fuel injection systems for cars rely on electronic components to provide the engine with the right amount of fuel. Likewise, safety systems also rely heavily on electronic circuits to provide optimum safety to the occupants of a car in the event of a crash. Braking systems also depend on electronic components like the anti-lock braking system (ABS). Without the aid of electronic components, even high quality parts like brake components from EBC Active Brakes Direct will not perform to the best of their capabilities.
The automobile specific integrated circuit (ASIC), application specific standard products (ASSPs), and the field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) markets have been achieving much success, thanks to the needs for the said products in the automotive industry. The increase in the number of consumers means that the demand for the said electronic parts will also rise. Other factors that made the need for electronic parts are government pollution mandates, safety and security regulations, and the oil crisis. The use of electronic components also reduces manufacturing costs since human errors are very much avoided.
In the automotive industry, the introduction of luxury features also increased the need for specialized electronic components. The popularity of hybrid vehicles like the popular Toyota Prius also made the demand increase. Electronic components are needed on hybrid vehicles to facilitate the smooth change of power from engine to electric motor muscle. Other mandatory safety systems also need electronic components. Electronic stability systems rely on electronics to keep the car stable especially while cornering. Suspension systems also depends on electronics as shown by electronically controlled independent suspension systems employed by the latest mass produced vehicles.
Due to the increase in the demand of such, the industry is expected to generate considerable revenues especially in the European region’s market where the industry is doing a very good business. While Europe may be the leading region in terms of production of ASICs, ASSPs, and FPGAs, Asian countries are joining the bandwagon. The region has become the fastest growing segments due to the increasing automobile sales in the said area.
While the industry may be enjoying much success, they still have to come up with more world class electronic design automation software tools to provide better service to their end users. Fierce competition is also expected since there are companies that are already established which will make it hard for smaller enterprises to break into the market and stake their claims in a share in the growing market. The analysts said that there is a possibility that the large and established companies will acquire smaller companies to increase their productivity. Analysts further said that the market for electronic components will grow dramatically as the technology used in cars will likely advance in the future.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Friday, April 27, 2007
The Elusive eBay Product Niche
There's nothing more disappointing than doing the research, getting the product, and then finding that no one wants to buy it. It can also be quite a shock.
It's not unusual to research the item, see it listed in eBay's hot list, hear everyone talking about it...and still no one buys.
This is one of the most disheartening experiences known to eBay sellers!
So what's going wrong here? And more importantly, what can you do about it?
First of all, it's quite likely the niche will already be filled. Electronics are popular - but there are so many suppliers already selling iPods that you will have to come up with a unique point of difference before you can expect to get into the market successfully.
On that note - don't forget that an eBay business is similar to any other in terms of preparation. You've still got to have a point of difference, carry out market research, and define your target audience. If you want to get really serious, write a business plan too. I guarantee that the mere act of putting your business down on paper will give you a much clearer idea of where you are going and what you need to do to get there.
Secondly, experimentation is essential! Always test a product idea with a sample lot first. Never, ever buy in bulk with the assumption that you'll be able to sell it all - you might have a nasty surprise.
Instead, buy in small quantities and test 2 or 3 different products at a time. Try different pricing points and adding value. For example, rather than selling Frisbees individually, you could try making up a 'Family Sports Pack' with a Frisbee, tennis balls, hula hoop, and a jump rope. This is a great way of increasing value and attracting people looking for a good deal.
The most difficult thing of all is not giving up when your first couple of ideas fail. What top eBay sellers don't often admit to is that they failed a few times before they succeeded. If you ask, almost everyone will tell you about their disastrous first few attempts before they got it right. This is where making a plan can help: if you map out four product ideas at the outset, then you are less likely to give up when the first one doesn't work out.
Finally, timing can be everything. A product that isn't selling well now might suddenly become more popular in a couple of months time. For example, a couple of years ago the only people who counted knitting as a hobby had gray hair and wrinkles. But, after a few models were photographed knitting backstage, suddenly everyone's hunting for specialty wool and knitting patterns.
If I hadn't noticed a couple of articles in fashion magazines on the increasing popularity of this hobby, then I'd still think of it as a craft appealing only to pensioners. It's amazing what niche opportunities you can stumble across if you go looking. And once you find them, do something about it! It's quite possible that knitting will be passé in 12 months time.
Finding a great product on eBay is all about three words: Niche, Persistence, and Experimentation.
Have a look at this inspiring article from Entrepreneur magazine to learn what products some people have made work! http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,327229,00.html
Good luck!
Simon@SaleHoo
About the Author
SaleHoo is one of the fastest growing wholesale websites on the internet. It contactins a database of wholesale suppliers and manufacturers offering thousands of products to consumers at prices considerably less than retail. Located at http://www.salehoo.com, visitors are allowed to sign up for unlimited and lifetime access to the completely searchable database of wholesale products.
It's not unusual to research the item, see it listed in eBay's hot list, hear everyone talking about it...and still no one buys.
This is one of the most disheartening experiences known to eBay sellers!
So what's going wrong here? And more importantly, what can you do about it?
First of all, it's quite likely the niche will already be filled. Electronics are popular - but there are so many suppliers already selling iPods that you will have to come up with a unique point of difference before you can expect to get into the market successfully.
On that note - don't forget that an eBay business is similar to any other in terms of preparation. You've still got to have a point of difference, carry out market research, and define your target audience. If you want to get really serious, write a business plan too. I guarantee that the mere act of putting your business down on paper will give you a much clearer idea of where you are going and what you need to do to get there.
Secondly, experimentation is essential! Always test a product idea with a sample lot first. Never, ever buy in bulk with the assumption that you'll be able to sell it all - you might have a nasty surprise.
Instead, buy in small quantities and test 2 or 3 different products at a time. Try different pricing points and adding value. For example, rather than selling Frisbees individually, you could try making up a 'Family Sports Pack' with a Frisbee, tennis balls, hula hoop, and a jump rope. This is a great way of increasing value and attracting people looking for a good deal.
The most difficult thing of all is not giving up when your first couple of ideas fail. What top eBay sellers don't often admit to is that they failed a few times before they succeeded. If you ask, almost everyone will tell you about their disastrous first few attempts before they got it right. This is where making a plan can help: if you map out four product ideas at the outset, then you are less likely to give up when the first one doesn't work out.
Finally, timing can be everything. A product that isn't selling well now might suddenly become more popular in a couple of months time. For example, a couple of years ago the only people who counted knitting as a hobby had gray hair and wrinkles. But, after a few models were photographed knitting backstage, suddenly everyone's hunting for specialty wool and knitting patterns.
If I hadn't noticed a couple of articles in fashion magazines on the increasing popularity of this hobby, then I'd still think of it as a craft appealing only to pensioners. It's amazing what niche opportunities you can stumble across if you go looking. And once you find them, do something about it! It's quite possible that knitting will be passé in 12 months time.
Finding a great product on eBay is all about three words: Niche, Persistence, and Experimentation.
Have a look at this inspiring article from Entrepreneur magazine to learn what products some people have made work! http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,327229,00.html
Good luck!
Simon@SaleHoo
About the Author
SaleHoo is one of the fastest growing wholesale websites on the internet. It contactins a database of wholesale suppliers and manufacturers offering thousands of products to consumers at prices considerably less than retail. Located at http://www.salehoo.com, visitors are allowed to sign up for unlimited and lifetime access to the completely searchable database of wholesale products.
E-books: benefits and advantages
An e-book is an electronic (or digital) version of a book. It is downloaded to a computer, PC, Mac, laptop, PDA or any other kind of computer, and is read on the screen. It can have numbered pages, table of contents, pictures and graphics, exactly like a printed book.
E-books have many benefits and advantages as below
1. Ebooks promote reading. People are spending more time in front of screens and less time in front of printed books.
2. Ebooks are easily updateable, for correcting errors and adding information.
3. Ebooks are searchable. Quickly you can find anything inside the book.
Ebooks are globally searchable: you can find information in many ebooks.
4. Ebooks, faster to produce than paper books, allow readers to read books about current issues and events.
5. Ebooks are good for the environment. Ebooks save trees.
6. Ebooks save transportation costs and the pollution associated with shipping books across the country and the world.
7. Ebooks are cheaper to produce and to purchase.
8. Ebooks can be hyper-linked, for easier access to additional information.
9. Ebooks defy space: ebooks online can be read simultaneously by thousands of people at once.
10. Ebooks defy time: they can be delivered almost instantly.
E-books Resources
There are number of websites that facilitates free e-books services. Halfvalue.com is an online fixed marketplace for books, electronics, DVD, music, Clothing, PDA, Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Televisions, Accessories, Computers, Laptops and more.
It's free e-books resource covers C, C++, C#, ASP, Flash, Java, JavaScript, PHP & MySQL, Oracle, Hacking, Office related, Photoshop and other Imaging E-books, Web Design Related e-books, Python and others. All e-books that is listed there are free to download.
To download free e-books visit Halfvalue.com - E-books Resources
SEO Resources
It also has very good SEO resources that may be great for web masters and search engine lovers. In brief SEO is optimizing a site to search engines criteria. It is the process of choosing targeted keyword phrases related to a site, and ensuring that the site places well when those keyword phrases are part of a Web search.
In other words, it is a process of improving the ranking of a website. Process will generally involve focusing content upon the web site, link building process and ensuring the website coding validates.
For more information visit Halfvalue.com - SEO Resources
About the Author
Ekta Verma
E-books have many benefits and advantages as below
1. Ebooks promote reading. People are spending more time in front of screens and less time in front of printed books.
2. Ebooks are easily updateable, for correcting errors and adding information.
3. Ebooks are searchable. Quickly you can find anything inside the book.
Ebooks are globally searchable: you can find information in many ebooks.
4. Ebooks, faster to produce than paper books, allow readers to read books about current issues and events.
5. Ebooks are good for the environment. Ebooks save trees.
6. Ebooks save transportation costs and the pollution associated with shipping books across the country and the world.
7. Ebooks are cheaper to produce and to purchase.
8. Ebooks can be hyper-linked, for easier access to additional information.
9. Ebooks defy space: ebooks online can be read simultaneously by thousands of people at once.
10. Ebooks defy time: they can be delivered almost instantly.
E-books Resources
There are number of websites that facilitates free e-books services. Halfvalue.com is an online fixed marketplace for books, electronics, DVD, music, Clothing, PDA, Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Televisions, Accessories, Computers, Laptops and more.
It's free e-books resource covers C, C++, C#, ASP, Flash, Java, JavaScript, PHP & MySQL, Oracle, Hacking, Office related, Photoshop and other Imaging E-books, Web Design Related e-books, Python and others. All e-books that is listed there are free to download.
To download free e-books visit Halfvalue.com - E-books Resources
SEO Resources
It also has very good SEO resources that may be great for web masters and search engine lovers. In brief SEO is optimizing a site to search engines criteria. It is the process of choosing targeted keyword phrases related to a site, and ensuring that the site places well when those keyword phrases are part of a Web search.
In other words, it is a process of improving the ranking of a website. Process will generally involve focusing content upon the web site, link building process and ensuring the website coding validates.
For more information visit Halfvalue.com - SEO Resources
About the Author
Ekta Verma
Saifun - Is it the little flash company that could?
Do you think the market for smart phones, digital audio (MP3) players, consumer solid state drives (SSDs), portable media players, digital video cameras, GPS devices, multimedia and music handsets, memory cards and USB flash drives are growing? All these products provided a disruptive position taking away market share from their predecessors.
One market segment that could see even stronger growth than these separate products we mentioned, and include other growth products, is the flash memory market. Flash is a root component used in all the above products and more.
Based on history we are forecasting that flash is the memory medium of choice for a plethora of devices in the consumer electronics in wireless devices and that flash will grow faster than the wireless devise market. It appears that in the past, memory for computing devices has grown faster than the device that utilizes the memory. Memory of the Personal Computer (PC) and the Internet has grown faster than their supporting platform. With the PC creating tremendous growth and history as our guide the demand for both memory and disc drives for the personal computer was often the impetus of many upgrade cycles. The Internet with the many millions of new web pages created a tremendous growth in storage. I've seen in many reports that forecasted storage of the internet has been one of the fastest growing subsets of the internet as a whole.
With a decrease in price per gigabyte (GB) of more than 80 percent over the past three years and with the high growth in wireless data the need for new and addition memory could exceed the growth of the hardware device market that uses flash for its memory. The current market in flash memory is about $25 billion annually and its forecast is about 40 billion by 2010.
With each new product cycle the advantages of flash have become more disruptive allowing it to become about 30-40% cheaper every year. Many experts are forecasting this disruptive curve to replace the disc drive market for PC's. Flash has already replaced hard drives in most MP3 players.
Currently the flash memory is designed to support two types of flash memory. One type of memory supports your machines internal usage or operating system, the other type is for more external storage needs. The internal memory often uses the architecture of NOR, which has been established for years and Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) considered by many as the market leader. The NOR technology is a more complex technology and is starting to see the market mature.
Often you will find both NOR and NAND in the same mobile device.
The much faster growing market is for external memory market needs or NAND and the leaders is SanDisk. SanDisk Corp. (NASDAQ: SNDK), founded and managed by president and CEO Dr. Eli Harari. SanDisk and Toshiba jointly launched the multi-level cell (MLC). This technology made it possible to divide the cell and store two bits of data on the same piece of silicon (x2, as it were), which significantly improved the profitability of manufacturers and fabs, basically doubling the price performance curve.
This process has become the leader and allowed NAND MLC to become disruptive to the predecessor NOR architecture and in 18 months penetration has been so great that MLC is becoming dominate force in flash.
We believe that this new curve of double captivity on a single cell technology will become the single most important factor for next generation flash memory, and it will become essential as flash is staring to see possible limits in the reduction of it's die size as many experts are starting their forecasting. If flash is going to continue on its curve of lowering the price of a gigabyte by 80% over the next three years, it is my opinion they will need an architecture that's designed specifically to establish this goal. There is a proprietary NROM architecture that has many advantages toward increasing capacity of bits per cell. The NROM is close to production of 4 bits of memory in each cell or quad flash.
The company we believe has a unique position and leads the NROM approach in the flash memory market is an Israeli based company called Saifun (NASDAQ:SFUN).
Saifun is an intellectual properties company which its revenues come in three forms: licenses, royalties and support. This type of model has been very successes for our model portfolios in the past. The three previous companies that had core business from intellectual property we investment into our portfolio's were Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) in1997 at 3.31 per share and still holds a position. Arm Holdings (NASDAQ:ARMHY) in 9/29/1999 @ 9.60 and holds half a position and Rambus (NASDAQ:RMBS) in 1998 which appreciated about 350% in 2000 and we sold the position in the model portfolio when Intel stopped supporting the Rambus architecture late and 2000 and in 2001.
Even though it is very early is Saifun publicly traded history we are excited by its new form of flash memory architecture, it appears that Saifun's approach has many advantages over the more established NAND and especially NOR. The single most important part is their technology curve. They have the ability to double the bits per cell allowing for a second compounding curve. The other architecture they are working hard on is to shrink their size and increase density, but we believe that Saifun with its simpler model should achieve a smaller die than the others but the real advantages with Saifun is the ability to allow 4 bits of memory in every piece of silicon (x4). Doubling again the events of MLC while at the same time reducing their size thus possibly leading the new flash architecture. Another advantage is NROM's ability to work both as an operating system and memory component being able to supply both markets that individually NOR and/or NAND has target.
A second company has just announced that in 2007 they will start producing a 4 bit cell in NAND. The company making this announcement is M-Systems (NASDAQ:flsh). They claim they will have a product on the market some time in 2007. Even though they have achieved this tremendous breakthrough we believe that because the use the whole cell instead of a fraction of the cell for this doubling process, the whole cell's ability to double again may become geometrically tougher. On the last review mflash has not yet explained their business model to (make at own fabs or licenses) and delayed the secondary offering.
It is has been our opinion that companies that form successful royalty models resemble gutters and the fab companies have the appearance like shingles when looking at a roof. When it rains the gutter can create a stronger stream receiving income and achieve a much higher level of profitability. The delay of M-Systems secondary offing might reduce the chance of more fab developments.
Either way this looks like a marathon race and since this is such a very large market it will be about a $40 billion market when quad flash is widely available, that means that any of the top three or four should benefit.
Saifun already competes extremely well with NOR but early 2007 when it doubles the number of bits from 2 bits to 4 per cell it should be able to show advantages over MCL NAND currently the real price performance leader. Saifun has a chance of repeating the same step that, in our opinion, allowed SanDisk to lead the last cycle.
There are many new technologies looking to replace flash but at this point there are a few that are close to achieving mainstream volumes. You should know the Saifun technology hibernated for about twenty years. This is very common, the Internet incubated for about 30 years and electricity for 100 years. New technologies often hibernate longer than people anticipate, and then it seems that they often almost explode onto the seen very quickly.
Even though Saifun's approach is about 20 years old, the technology they have just started to achieve is commercial feasibility.
The true advantage is since they only use points in the cell versus in the more convention approach such as NOR or NAND that uses the whole cell. This simpler usage allows for higher data retention and also provides a faster response time, and hopefully more density, and less power.
This is a tremendous advantage having 4 times the bits in competitive cells. Saifun also believe future that future cells could expand to possible to 8 or even 16 bits per silicon.
Possible risk
Saifun only has a handful of clients, if they loose Infineon Technologies (NYSE:IFX) Saifun largest client, they would impact their business tremendously. On a side note, it looks like it will pick up UMC out of Taiwan.
Saifun has basically signed many very large vendors like Sony (NYSE:sne) and Spansion (NASDAQ:SPSN) a spin off Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE:AMD) /Fujitsu (pink sheets) these based solely on the flash market are small in the market, since the production volume is small this could make it harder to be designed into leading volume products.
Even though we believe NROM offers a simpler cell structure with several layers, we believe it will be easy over time to reduce or migrate to a smaller form factor, but this has not been completed in high volume production. If and/or until they can compete in a smaller form factor this company will be, based on unit size, be at a significant disadvantage. Experts believe in 2007 this disadvantage should be at most minimal and Saifun believes in late cycles this will be come a true advantage.
To summarize
1) If Saifun continues to lead the flash market with more bits per cell with NROM flash architecture.
2) If Saifun if achieves the forecasting of smaller die than comparable flash.
If Saifun achieve either of these goals it could become an architecture leader in the flash memory market. If they are able to achieve both they would attain a real architecture leadership position.
According to several of our monopoly theories, available at www.durig.com the stock market value of the companies that lead architecture often grow faster than all the combined companies stock market values that utilize the architecture.
Thus, if Saifun become the dominant architecture with the smallest die size in my opinion it will probably attain the leading stock market value in the flash memory market.
Randy Durig manages the several Portfolios including the Monopoly Technology Portfolio to see the full list go to http://www.durig.com and http://www.money-manager.us
Durig's Monopoly Blue Chip Portfolio National Performance Rankings: 3rd In the United States, Ranked by 3 year annual return, for Large Capitalization Blend, 4th Quarter 2005, By Money Manager Review.
Randy Durig owns Saifun in discretionary client's portfolios and in his own account. Past performance is not a guarantee for future returns. All information we believe to be correct but make no guarantee to accuracy.
Randy recommend for open source investment news to read or publishing articles go to http://www.investment-investment.us.
About the Author
None
One market segment that could see even stronger growth than these separate products we mentioned, and include other growth products, is the flash memory market. Flash is a root component used in all the above products and more.
Based on history we are forecasting that flash is the memory medium of choice for a plethora of devices in the consumer electronics in wireless devices and that flash will grow faster than the wireless devise market. It appears that in the past, memory for computing devices has grown faster than the device that utilizes the memory. Memory of the Personal Computer (PC) and the Internet has grown faster than their supporting platform. With the PC creating tremendous growth and history as our guide the demand for both memory and disc drives for the personal computer was often the impetus of many upgrade cycles. The Internet with the many millions of new web pages created a tremendous growth in storage. I've seen in many reports that forecasted storage of the internet has been one of the fastest growing subsets of the internet as a whole.
With a decrease in price per gigabyte (GB) of more than 80 percent over the past three years and with the high growth in wireless data the need for new and addition memory could exceed the growth of the hardware device market that uses flash for its memory. The current market in flash memory is about $25 billion annually and its forecast is about 40 billion by 2010.
With each new product cycle the advantages of flash have become more disruptive allowing it to become about 30-40% cheaper every year. Many experts are forecasting this disruptive curve to replace the disc drive market for PC's. Flash has already replaced hard drives in most MP3 players.
Currently the flash memory is designed to support two types of flash memory. One type of memory supports your machines internal usage or operating system, the other type is for more external storage needs. The internal memory often uses the architecture of NOR, which has been established for years and Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) considered by many as the market leader. The NOR technology is a more complex technology and is starting to see the market mature.
Often you will find both NOR and NAND in the same mobile device.
The much faster growing market is for external memory market needs or NAND and the leaders is SanDisk. SanDisk Corp. (NASDAQ: SNDK), founded and managed by president and CEO Dr. Eli Harari. SanDisk and Toshiba jointly launched the multi-level cell (MLC). This technology made it possible to divide the cell and store two bits of data on the same piece of silicon (x2, as it were), which significantly improved the profitability of manufacturers and fabs, basically doubling the price performance curve.
This process has become the leader and allowed NAND MLC to become disruptive to the predecessor NOR architecture and in 18 months penetration has been so great that MLC is becoming dominate force in flash.
We believe that this new curve of double captivity on a single cell technology will become the single most important factor for next generation flash memory, and it will become essential as flash is staring to see possible limits in the reduction of it's die size as many experts are starting their forecasting. If flash is going to continue on its curve of lowering the price of a gigabyte by 80% over the next three years, it is my opinion they will need an architecture that's designed specifically to establish this goal. There is a proprietary NROM architecture that has many advantages toward increasing capacity of bits per cell. The NROM is close to production of 4 bits of memory in each cell or quad flash.
The company we believe has a unique position and leads the NROM approach in the flash memory market is an Israeli based company called Saifun (NASDAQ:SFUN).
Saifun is an intellectual properties company which its revenues come in three forms: licenses, royalties and support. This type of model has been very successes for our model portfolios in the past. The three previous companies that had core business from intellectual property we investment into our portfolio's were Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) in1997 at 3.31 per share and still holds a position. Arm Holdings (NASDAQ:ARMHY) in 9/29/1999 @ 9.60 and holds half a position and Rambus (NASDAQ:RMBS) in 1998 which appreciated about 350% in 2000 and we sold the position in the model portfolio when Intel stopped supporting the Rambus architecture late and 2000 and in 2001.
Even though it is very early is Saifun publicly traded history we are excited by its new form of flash memory architecture, it appears that Saifun's approach has many advantages over the more established NAND and especially NOR. The single most important part is their technology curve. They have the ability to double the bits per cell allowing for a second compounding curve. The other architecture they are working hard on is to shrink their size and increase density, but we believe that Saifun with its simpler model should achieve a smaller die than the others but the real advantages with Saifun is the ability to allow 4 bits of memory in every piece of silicon (x4). Doubling again the events of MLC while at the same time reducing their size thus possibly leading the new flash architecture. Another advantage is NROM's ability to work both as an operating system and memory component being able to supply both markets that individually NOR and/or NAND has target.
A second company has just announced that in 2007 they will start producing a 4 bit cell in NAND. The company making this announcement is M-Systems (NASDAQ:flsh). They claim they will have a product on the market some time in 2007. Even though they have achieved this tremendous breakthrough we believe that because the use the whole cell instead of a fraction of the cell for this doubling process, the whole cell's ability to double again may become geometrically tougher. On the last review mflash has not yet explained their business model to (make at own fabs or licenses) and delayed the secondary offering.
It is has been our opinion that companies that form successful royalty models resemble gutters and the fab companies have the appearance like shingles when looking at a roof. When it rains the gutter can create a stronger stream receiving income and achieve a much higher level of profitability. The delay of M-Systems secondary offing might reduce the chance of more fab developments.
Either way this looks like a marathon race and since this is such a very large market it will be about a $40 billion market when quad flash is widely available, that means that any of the top three or four should benefit.
Saifun already competes extremely well with NOR but early 2007 when it doubles the number of bits from 2 bits to 4 per cell it should be able to show advantages over MCL NAND currently the real price performance leader. Saifun has a chance of repeating the same step that, in our opinion, allowed SanDisk to lead the last cycle.
There are many new technologies looking to replace flash but at this point there are a few that are close to achieving mainstream volumes. You should know the Saifun technology hibernated for about twenty years. This is very common, the Internet incubated for about 30 years and electricity for 100 years. New technologies often hibernate longer than people anticipate, and then it seems that they often almost explode onto the seen very quickly.
Even though Saifun's approach is about 20 years old, the technology they have just started to achieve is commercial feasibility.
The true advantage is since they only use points in the cell versus in the more convention approach such as NOR or NAND that uses the whole cell. This simpler usage allows for higher data retention and also provides a faster response time, and hopefully more density, and less power.
This is a tremendous advantage having 4 times the bits in competitive cells. Saifun also believe future that future cells could expand to possible to 8 or even 16 bits per silicon.
Possible risk
Saifun only has a handful of clients, if they loose Infineon Technologies (NYSE:IFX) Saifun largest client, they would impact their business tremendously. On a side note, it looks like it will pick up UMC out of Taiwan.
Saifun has basically signed many very large vendors like Sony (NYSE:sne) and Spansion (NASDAQ:SPSN) a spin off Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE:AMD) /Fujitsu (pink sheets) these based solely on the flash market are small in the market, since the production volume is small this could make it harder to be designed into leading volume products.
Even though we believe NROM offers a simpler cell structure with several layers, we believe it will be easy over time to reduce or migrate to a smaller form factor, but this has not been completed in high volume production. If and/or until they can compete in a smaller form factor this company will be, based on unit size, be at a significant disadvantage. Experts believe in 2007 this disadvantage should be at most minimal and Saifun believes in late cycles this will be come a true advantage.
To summarize
1) If Saifun continues to lead the flash market with more bits per cell with NROM flash architecture.
2) If Saifun if achieves the forecasting of smaller die than comparable flash.
If Saifun achieve either of these goals it could become an architecture leader in the flash memory market. If they are able to achieve both they would attain a real architecture leadership position.
According to several of our monopoly theories, available at www.durig.com the stock market value of the companies that lead architecture often grow faster than all the combined companies stock market values that utilize the architecture.
Thus, if Saifun become the dominant architecture with the smallest die size in my opinion it will probably attain the leading stock market value in the flash memory market.
Randy Durig manages the several Portfolios including the Monopoly Technology Portfolio to see the full list go to http://www.durig.com and http://www.money-manager.us
Durig's Monopoly Blue Chip Portfolio National Performance Rankings: 3rd In the United States, Ranked by 3 year annual return, for Large Capitalization Blend, 4th Quarter 2005, By Money Manager Review.
Randy Durig owns Saifun in discretionary client's portfolios and in his own account. Past performance is not a guarantee for future returns. All information we believe to be correct but make no guarantee to accuracy.
Randy recommend for open source investment news to read or publishing articles go to http://www.investment-investment.us.
About the Author
None
Thursday, April 26, 2007
What's the Difference Between Process Improvement Programs?
Part 1 of aThree-Part Series
Part 1: Process Improvement Programs - Six Sigma?
Part 2: Lean Thinking for Process Improvement
Part 3: Theory of Constraints for Process Improvement
There are a lot of different process improvement programs on the market today and everyone has their favorite.
* Six Sigma
* Lean Thinking
* Theory of Constraints (TOC)
* ISO 9000 Quality Standards
* Total Quality Management (TQM)
* Toyota Production System (TPS)
* Just-In-Time (JIT)
* Benchmarking
I am sure you recognize a few of these programs. Have you ever wondered what the difference is between each of these? There are many consultants in the market that are advocating the use of one of these improvement methods to solve all of your organizational problems. But will all of these work in any situation? Or, are there specific situations that are better suited for a particular approach?
This month we are going to compare and contrast the first three improvement programs: Six Sigma, Lean Thinking, and the Theory of Constraints. We will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each one and the best way to use each method to realize improvement.
Six Sigma
In statistics, a 'sigma' refers to the standard deviation from the mean of a population. Standard deviation describes the likelihood of your next data point deviating from the mean of the whole data set. The sixth sigma refers to the likelihood that only 3.4 out of every 1 million data points will appear outside the sixth standard deviation. That translates into less than 4 errors per million transactions.
Six sigma is all about variance reduction. What do we mean by variance? We are talking about the amount of control you have over your processes. Another way to look at it is how good you are at predicting or forecasting the future outcomes of a given process.
For example, if we are talking about an accounts receivable process with a goal (effectiveness criteria) of collecting all receivables within 30 days, then we would measure the time variance of each individual receivable collected against the goal of 30 days as compared to the whole population of receivables collected. If your individual collections range from 25-90 days then we would say your process variance is high, which translates into a low sigma.
As we have seen in business metrics for results, variance is a symptom of waste. So, the higher the sigma, the greater the control you have over your process, which means greater forecasting accuracy and less error. Processes that exhibit a lot of variance mean they have a lot of waste.
The name six sigma tells us a lot about this particular improvement program. You can see that the six sigma approach involves a little advanced math, some statistical tools to understand the various fluctuations of a process, and a lot of data to run the calculations.
DMAIC
Six sigma is very problem focused. It uses a scientific approach called DMAIC to analyze a specific problem. DMAIC stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control, which is also known as the learning loop or PDCA.
Six sigma is ideal for scientific or numbers based organizations including: high technology manufacturing (semiconductors), high transaction businesses (check or postal processing), fast paced research and development (electronics, pharmaceuticals), or environments where errors are extremely expensive (surgical operations, space exploration, aircraft takeoff and landings).
Motorola and General Electric are two high technology companies that have helped to popularize the six sigma concepts. Motorola developed the methods back in the 1980's to improve manufacturing yields. However this method is not ideal for low transaction situations (most small businesses) or mature industries with simple manufacturing processes (like baking).
Six sigma requires a rigorous application of DMAIC and statistics that may not be suited to many organizations. It is also highly problem focused, which works well for big problems but can lead to sub-optimization when applied across an entire organization. That is one department or process being optimized at the expense of another.
A lot of process improvement programs are available on the market today. If you are in a high technology, high transaction, or expensive error environment then six sigma will work real well for your organization. If not, then perhaps Lean Thinking (waste reduction) or the Theory of Constraints (throughput improvement) would work better. Next week we will discuss these next two and see how they can work for your organization.
To learn more about using process improvement programs for your organization attend the next How to Align a System of People and Processes for Results class. If you are eager to learn more about creating more order out of the chaos you are feeling at work then the How to Create Well-Defined Processes class is right for you. ISO 9000 Quality Auditor classes are forming now for Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor.
About the Author
Chris Anderson is the founder and CEO of Bizmanualz, Inc., which specializes in empowering organizations to continuously improve compliance, control and customer satisfaction using effective management policies, procedures and processes.
Part 1: Process Improvement Programs - Six Sigma?
Part 2: Lean Thinking for Process Improvement
Part 3: Theory of Constraints for Process Improvement
There are a lot of different process improvement programs on the market today and everyone has their favorite.
* Six Sigma
* Lean Thinking
* Theory of Constraints (TOC)
* ISO 9000 Quality Standards
* Total Quality Management (TQM)
* Toyota Production System (TPS)
* Just-In-Time (JIT)
* Benchmarking
I am sure you recognize a few of these programs. Have you ever wondered what the difference is between each of these? There are many consultants in the market that are advocating the use of one of these improvement methods to solve all of your organizational problems. But will all of these work in any situation? Or, are there specific situations that are better suited for a particular approach?
This month we are going to compare and contrast the first three improvement programs: Six Sigma, Lean Thinking, and the Theory of Constraints. We will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each one and the best way to use each method to realize improvement.
Six Sigma
In statistics, a 'sigma' refers to the standard deviation from the mean of a population. Standard deviation describes the likelihood of your next data point deviating from the mean of the whole data set. The sixth sigma refers to the likelihood that only 3.4 out of every 1 million data points will appear outside the sixth standard deviation. That translates into less than 4 errors per million transactions.
Six sigma is all about variance reduction. What do we mean by variance? We are talking about the amount of control you have over your processes. Another way to look at it is how good you are at predicting or forecasting the future outcomes of a given process.
For example, if we are talking about an accounts receivable process with a goal (effectiveness criteria) of collecting all receivables within 30 days, then we would measure the time variance of each individual receivable collected against the goal of 30 days as compared to the whole population of receivables collected. If your individual collections range from 25-90 days then we would say your process variance is high, which translates into a low sigma.
As we have seen in business metrics for results, variance is a symptom of waste. So, the higher the sigma, the greater the control you have over your process, which means greater forecasting accuracy and less error. Processes that exhibit a lot of variance mean they have a lot of waste.
The name six sigma tells us a lot about this particular improvement program. You can see that the six sigma approach involves a little advanced math, some statistical tools to understand the various fluctuations of a process, and a lot of data to run the calculations.
DMAIC
Six sigma is very problem focused. It uses a scientific approach called DMAIC to analyze a specific problem. DMAIC stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control, which is also known as the learning loop or PDCA.
Six sigma is ideal for scientific or numbers based organizations including: high technology manufacturing (semiconductors), high transaction businesses (check or postal processing), fast paced research and development (electronics, pharmaceuticals), or environments where errors are extremely expensive (surgical operations, space exploration, aircraft takeoff and landings).
Motorola and General Electric are two high technology companies that have helped to popularize the six sigma concepts. Motorola developed the methods back in the 1980's to improve manufacturing yields. However this method is not ideal for low transaction situations (most small businesses) or mature industries with simple manufacturing processes (like baking).
Six sigma requires a rigorous application of DMAIC and statistics that may not be suited to many organizations. It is also highly problem focused, which works well for big problems but can lead to sub-optimization when applied across an entire organization. That is one department or process being optimized at the expense of another.
A lot of process improvement programs are available on the market today. If you are in a high technology, high transaction, or expensive error environment then six sigma will work real well for your organization. If not, then perhaps Lean Thinking (waste reduction) or the Theory of Constraints (throughput improvement) would work better. Next week we will discuss these next two and see how they can work for your organization.
To learn more about using process improvement programs for your organization attend the next How to Align a System of People and Processes for Results class. If you are eager to learn more about creating more order out of the chaos you are feeling at work then the How to Create Well-Defined Processes class is right for you. ISO 9000 Quality Auditor classes are forming now for Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor.
About the Author
Chris Anderson is the founder and CEO of Bizmanualz, Inc., which specializes in empowering organizations to continuously improve compliance, control and customer satisfaction using effective management policies, procedures and processes.
Electronic discount coupon book
Why to pay full money? Just use free electronic discount coupon book to save lots of money on your electronic purchase. With an online electronic discount coupon book, you can always get a great deal. With online electronic discount coupons one can save tons of money.
One can easily find an electronic discount coupon book in stores or take a help of online sites. Number of online sites provides you a wide range of free discount coupon which one can easily bring in use and can take a printout of it. This helps you to save small amount of money on your big purchase.
Online sites includes printable coupons, cod e of coupons, links to discount offers, tips of saving money on big purchase and many more which will help you to save your lots of money.
Number of online sites gives you large number of discount coupon and a big range of products, these sites allow one to search by stores, products, areas, product categories, brands name, expiry date, and popularity of nay products in the market. All this thing make your shopping easy and entertaining with saving a lots of money in your hand at the end of the day.
Every one of us has many electronic items at our home which helps to live a more comfortable life. but some time its wont possible for middle class family to buy an comfort items as it very expensive, but now one can easily buy all those comfort items to live an luxuries life. it is better to try out a few services and find out how it all works, and whether you get quality with savings.
Some of the categories where discounts are offered are - electronics, computers, toys and games, garments, food and grocery, tickets, etc. The coupon could be related to products or a particular store. And if you are visiting a discount coupon website, make sure to visit any pages that are marked FAQ or commonly asked questions. You can get various finer points cleared and understand the nature of the deal being offered.
Anna Josephs is a freelance journalist having experience of many years writing articles and news releases on various topics such as pet health, automobile and social issues. She also has great interest in poetry and paintings, hence she likes to write on these subjects as well. Currently writing for this website {a href=" http://www.borders-couponbook.info/"} Borders Coupon Book . For more details please contact at annajosephs@gmail.com
About the Author
This article is written by Anna josephs, writer of the website {a href=" http://www.borders-couponbook.info/"} Borders Coupon Book . This article is published only for the educational and information purpose
One can easily find an electronic discount coupon book in stores or take a help of online sites. Number of online sites provides you a wide range of free discount coupon which one can easily bring in use and can take a printout of it. This helps you to save small amount of money on your big purchase.
Online sites includes printable coupons, cod e of coupons, links to discount offers, tips of saving money on big purchase and many more which will help you to save your lots of money.
Number of online sites gives you large number of discount coupon and a big range of products, these sites allow one to search by stores, products, areas, product categories, brands name, expiry date, and popularity of nay products in the market. All this thing make your shopping easy and entertaining with saving a lots of money in your hand at the end of the day.
Every one of us has many electronic items at our home which helps to live a more comfortable life. but some time its wont possible for middle class family to buy an comfort items as it very expensive, but now one can easily buy all those comfort items to live an luxuries life. it is better to try out a few services and find out how it all works, and whether you get quality with savings.
Some of the categories where discounts are offered are - electronics, computers, toys and games, garments, food and grocery, tickets, etc. The coupon could be related to products or a particular store. And if you are visiting a discount coupon website, make sure to visit any pages that are marked FAQ or commonly asked questions. You can get various finer points cleared and understand the nature of the deal being offered.
Anna Josephs is a freelance journalist having experience of many years writing articles and news releases on various topics such as pet health, automobile and social issues. She also has great interest in poetry and paintings, hence she likes to write on these subjects as well. Currently writing for this website {a href=" http://www.borders-couponbook.info/"} Borders Coupon Book . For more details please contact at annajosephs@gmail.com
About the Author
This article is written by Anna josephs, writer of the website {a href=" http://www.borders-couponbook.info/"} Borders Coupon Book . This article is published only for the educational and information purpose
Tips for Getting The Best High Speed Internet Provider
After trying a few different companies and looking into my options when it comes to my cable and computer hook-ups, I have come to one conclusion. Cable High Speed Internet is above and beyond my favorite Internet service provider. The connection is lighting fast and it really spoils me for other options. I hate working on other people's computers because I just do not have the patience. If a person has dial-up, I just wait until I get home to check my email and I never offer to hop on her PC to look up information on the Web. Cable high speed internet connection is much quicker than dial-up and I find the process of waiting for a connection unbearable.
Dial-up is not the only connection that gets me down. My cable provider has me so spoiled that I grimace when I am faced with a computer that works with DSL. I do not know why on earth anyone would opt for these Internet service providers when they can have a cable hookup. Now that I have been using my current service, I am way too impatient for other options. I also will not settle for anything less when it comes to my telephone and television. My cable company provides all of my home's services for a very reasonable price. I have quality and efficient service in each of these three areas. Moving is never fun and I really hated the idea of possibly losing my service when I was recently uprooted. I was thrilled to discover that my current high speed internet provider, cable and telephone services would move with me. I did not have to change my number and the hookup was ready and waiting for me when I arrived at my new home.
Most cable companies will transfer your phone, Internet and television cable services to your new residence. All you have to do is set up an appointment for set up an installation. The time and date is at your convenience and you can have things up and running in no time at all. Very few of us like to wait while others of us absolutely hate it. Most cable high speed internet really lives up to its name and that name is really appealing to anyone who does not have the patience for anything less. Time is important and it is great to know that a company has worked so hard to develop quick service and convenience for its customers.
Ralph Jarvis runs his own mail order business as well as running several shopping based websites. His particular speciality is electronics and computers. Visit his website which is full of Discount Computer Equipment resources or check out these great Broadband Internet Providers reviews and articles.
http://www.discount-computer-equipment.com/Broadband-Internet-Providers.html
About the Author
Ralph Jarvis runs his own mail order business as well as running several shopping based websites. Visit his website which is full of Discount Computer Equipment resources or check out these great Broadband Internet Providers
Dial-up is not the only connection that gets me down. My cable provider has me so spoiled that I grimace when I am faced with a computer that works with DSL. I do not know why on earth anyone would opt for these Internet service providers when they can have a cable hookup. Now that I have been using my current service, I am way too impatient for other options. I also will not settle for anything less when it comes to my telephone and television. My cable company provides all of my home's services for a very reasonable price. I have quality and efficient service in each of these three areas. Moving is never fun and I really hated the idea of possibly losing my service when I was recently uprooted. I was thrilled to discover that my current high speed internet provider, cable and telephone services would move with me. I did not have to change my number and the hookup was ready and waiting for me when I arrived at my new home.
Most cable companies will transfer your phone, Internet and television cable services to your new residence. All you have to do is set up an appointment for set up an installation. The time and date is at your convenience and you can have things up and running in no time at all. Very few of us like to wait while others of us absolutely hate it. Most cable high speed internet really lives up to its name and that name is really appealing to anyone who does not have the patience for anything less. Time is important and it is great to know that a company has worked so hard to develop quick service and convenience for its customers.
Ralph Jarvis runs his own mail order business as well as running several shopping based websites. His particular speciality is electronics and computers. Visit his website which is full of Discount Computer Equipment resources or check out these great Broadband Internet Providers reviews and articles.
http://www.discount-computer-equipment.com/Broadband-Internet-Providers.html
About the Author
Ralph Jarvis runs his own mail order business as well as running several shopping based websites. Visit his website which is full of Discount Computer Equipment resources or check out these great Broadband Internet Providers
Comparing High Speen Internet Promotions
Feel free to reprint this article in newsletters and on websites, with resource box included. If you use this article, please send a brief message to let me know where it appeared: kara@karathecomputertutor.com
Comparing High Speed Internet Promotions by Kara Glover kara@karathecomputertutor.com
Are you shopping around for high speed internet and getting totally confused? $12.95 for 6 months, or $14.95 for 3 months? Upload speeds of 128 kbps or download speeds of 768 kbps? What does kbps stand for anyway? Hopefully this article will help you make some sense of all the promotions out there.
I compared the promotions (as of May 2006) being offered by most of the primary DSL and cable modem providers in Southern California. It's hard to fit a giant Excel spreadsheet into a text article, but see if you can use the information I provide to at least try to compare apples to apples. The two main criteria I focused on are price and speed.
A few points to clear up first so you can be more educated in your choices: kbps: kilobits per second
mbps: stands for megabits per second. A megabit is 1,000 times faster than a kilobit. So 1.5 megabits is equal to 1,500 kilobits.
download speed: The download speed is for downloading web pages, software, etc. and is what you probably use most of the time.
upload speed: The upload speed is used, for example, when you might upload photos to the internet (for instance to Snapfish or sending an attachment to an email), or if you have your own website and upload your own pages. Since you are only downloading most of the time, high speed internet companies focus primarily on download speeds, which are invariably faster than upload speeds. You might want to focus primarily on download speeds as well, depending on your type of usage of course.
Also, the general consensus is that the typical download speed for home DSL (before all these promotions started coming out recently) is about 1.5 kbps. So it is worth a word of caution that the cheapest promotions may or may not be the best for you.
Several companies are offering very good prices for 768 kbps of download speed. I have been told that this speed is adequate for people who mainly use email and do light web surfing. So you have to think about how much you use the internet. Do you download music? Are you a web surfing addict?
One thing I'll tell you is that if I, as a computer consultant, had an internet speed of 768 kbps, I'd probably be rather unhappy. But if you're a light user, you'd probably be fine. OK, now you can read about the different offers and see for yourself:
AT& T (formerly SBC):
Their lowest promotion prices are $12.99 per month and $17.99 per month. You also have to pay a $12.95 shipping and handling fee. (And you have to pay $49.99 up front for a modem, but you get a mail-in rebate of $49.99 as well.) The $12.99 price is for download speeds of 384 kbps - 1.5 mbps. The $17.99 price is for download speeds of 1.5 - 3.0 mbps.
Those prices are good for a 1-year contract, but beware. If you don't call AT&T before the year is up (I believe they send you a letter to remind you), the price goes up to $50/month. Once you call, though, AT&T will offer you whatever promotion they have at the time. There is a $99 termination fee if you break your 1-year contract.
Summary of AT&T prices: Lower speeds: $12.99 Faster speeds: $17.99 Other fees: $12.95 shipping and handling, $99 termination fee.
Verizon: This company is offering a base price of $14.95 for download speeds of up to 768 kbps and upload speeds of 128kbps. The first month is free, however there is a $19.95 shipping and activation fee. This $14.95 offer is good only if you order via the internet though (a little Catch 22 there). If you call and speak to a live person instead, it'll cost you $17.99 a month. Ha!
For heavier internet users, Verizon has another, slightly more complicated promotion. For download speeds of up to 1.5 mbps, you get the first month free. Butttttt, for the second and third months it will cost you $21.95, and $29.95 for months 4-12. (Where'd they come up with that plan?) Upload speeds are about 384 kbps. These Verizon promotions come with one-year contracts and a $79 termination fee if you break it. You also need to call before your term is up to get decent rates for the next 12 months. (for the second offer you can stay at $29.95.)
Summary of Verizon prices: Lower speed: $14.95 Faster speed: $21.95-$29.95 Other fees: $19.95 shipping and activation fee. $79 early termination fee.
AOL: AOL doesn't have its own high speed infrastructure per say. It provides AOL service but uses AT&T or Verizon to deliver it in the Southland. The price is $25.90 per month for a one-year term. After that year, Verizon customers are still charged $25.90 per month, while the service with AT&T goes up to $29.99 per month. The speeds are generally 768 kbps for download and 128 kbps for upload. With Verizon there is a shipping and handling fee of $19.95 and a $79 early termination fee, just as if you'd went with them without AOL. AT&T (as shown above) asks for a $99 early termination fee.
Summary of AOL fees: $25.90 for 768 kbps download speed ( for other fees see AT&T or Verizon fees.)
Earthlink: Earthlink: This company is offering a promotion of $12.95 for the first six months in certain regions of the country, with a price of $29.95 after that. This promotion is for decent speeds: 1.5mbps for download speeds and 128 kbps for upload speeds. They also charge a $19.95 shipping fee, and $149.95 if you break your 1-year contract. (So I'd guess you'd better be sure you want to stay with them!)
Summary of Earthlink prices: Faster speed: $12.95-$29.95 Other fees: $19.95 shipping fee, $149.95 early termination fee.
DSL Extreme: DSL Extreme offers a promotion of $12.95 per month for customers with SBC phone service. That promotion offers speeds ranging from 384 kbps - 1.5 mbps for download, and 128 - 384 kbps for upload. Those with Verizon can expect to pay a little more, $14.95 per month. Speeds with Verizon are 768 kbps for download and 128 kbps for upload. These prices don't include $15.43 for the shipping and handling of the modem. As with the others, you're in for a 1-year contract. But if you renew before it expires, you can lock in the price DSL Extreme is offering returning customers at the time. That price is not yet determined: Watch out, though. The early termination fee if you decide to end the 1-year contract is a whopping $250!
Summary of DSL Extreme prices: Lower Speeds: $12.95-$1495 Other fees: $15.43 for shipping and handling of modem, $250.00 early termination fee. I also talked to a couple of companies that offer cable modem: Comcast: The prices for cable modem tend to be a bit higher, but the two cable companies I called offered faster speeds than the DSL promotions I looked at.
Comcast is offering a promotion of $26.95 for the first three months with download speeds of 4mbps and upload speeds of about 386 mbps. But after your honeymoon the price goes up to $45.95 if you have cable TV with them or $56.95 if you don't. One good thing - there is no contract, so that means there's no early termination fee.
You also have to either buy a cable modem at an electronics store (Comcast doesn't sell them) or rent one for $3 a month. So be sure to include that fee in your calculations! Adelphia: To begin with, Adelphia offers a basic package which happens to be very basic. Both its upload and download speeds are 256 kbps (kinda slow if you ask me). This package's price is $24.95 per month. The company also offers a more reasonable package that costs $24.95 for the first three months, then goes up to $43.95. The speeds with this package are pretty fast - 4 mbps for download speeds and an upload speed of 384 mbps. As with Comcast, Adelphia's packages are month-to-month, with no contract and no termination fee. But, also like Comcast, you have to either purchase your own modem or rent one for $3. Also, you don't need to have Adelphia TV cable service to get those prices. The prices are the same for both cable TV and non-cable TV customers alike. ©2006 by Kara Glover
Kara Glover is a Computer Tutor and Troubleshooter. You can find her free tips, articles, and tutorials at her website: http://www.karathecomputertutor.com
About the Author
Kara Glover is a Computer Tutor and Troubleshooter. You can find her free tips, articles, and tutorials at her website: http://www.karathecomputertutor.com
Comparing High Speed Internet Promotions by Kara Glover kara@karathecomputertutor.com
Are you shopping around for high speed internet and getting totally confused? $12.95 for 6 months, or $14.95 for 3 months? Upload speeds of 128 kbps or download speeds of 768 kbps? What does kbps stand for anyway? Hopefully this article will help you make some sense of all the promotions out there.
I compared the promotions (as of May 2006) being offered by most of the primary DSL and cable modem providers in Southern California. It's hard to fit a giant Excel spreadsheet into a text article, but see if you can use the information I provide to at least try to compare apples to apples. The two main criteria I focused on are price and speed.
A few points to clear up first so you can be more educated in your choices: kbps: kilobits per second
mbps: stands for megabits per second. A megabit is 1,000 times faster than a kilobit. So 1.5 megabits is equal to 1,500 kilobits.
download speed: The download speed is for downloading web pages, software, etc. and is what you probably use most of the time.
upload speed: The upload speed is used, for example, when you might upload photos to the internet (for instance to Snapfish or sending an attachment to an email), or if you have your own website and upload your own pages. Since you are only downloading most of the time, high speed internet companies focus primarily on download speeds, which are invariably faster than upload speeds. You might want to focus primarily on download speeds as well, depending on your type of usage of course.
Also, the general consensus is that the typical download speed for home DSL (before all these promotions started coming out recently) is about 1.5 kbps. So it is worth a word of caution that the cheapest promotions may or may not be the best for you.
Several companies are offering very good prices for 768 kbps of download speed. I have been told that this speed is adequate for people who mainly use email and do light web surfing. So you have to think about how much you use the internet. Do you download music? Are you a web surfing addict?
One thing I'll tell you is that if I, as a computer consultant, had an internet speed of 768 kbps, I'd probably be rather unhappy. But if you're a light user, you'd probably be fine. OK, now you can read about the different offers and see for yourself:
AT& T (formerly SBC):
Their lowest promotion prices are $12.99 per month and $17.99 per month. You also have to pay a $12.95 shipping and handling fee. (And you have to pay $49.99 up front for a modem, but you get a mail-in rebate of $49.99 as well.) The $12.99 price is for download speeds of 384 kbps - 1.5 mbps. The $17.99 price is for download speeds of 1.5 - 3.0 mbps.
Those prices are good for a 1-year contract, but beware. If you don't call AT&T before the year is up (I believe they send you a letter to remind you), the price goes up to $50/month. Once you call, though, AT&T will offer you whatever promotion they have at the time. There is a $99 termination fee if you break your 1-year contract.
Summary of AT&T prices: Lower speeds: $12.99 Faster speeds: $17.99 Other fees: $12.95 shipping and handling, $99 termination fee.
Verizon: This company is offering a base price of $14.95 for download speeds of up to 768 kbps and upload speeds of 128kbps. The first month is free, however there is a $19.95 shipping and activation fee. This $14.95 offer is good only if you order via the internet though (a little Catch 22 there). If you call and speak to a live person instead, it'll cost you $17.99 a month. Ha!
For heavier internet users, Verizon has another, slightly more complicated promotion. For download speeds of up to 1.5 mbps, you get the first month free. Butttttt, for the second and third months it will cost you $21.95, and $29.95 for months 4-12. (Where'd they come up with that plan?) Upload speeds are about 384 kbps. These Verizon promotions come with one-year contracts and a $79 termination fee if you break it. You also need to call before your term is up to get decent rates for the next 12 months. (for the second offer you can stay at $29.95.)
Summary of Verizon prices: Lower speed: $14.95 Faster speed: $21.95-$29.95 Other fees: $19.95 shipping and activation fee. $79 early termination fee.
AOL: AOL doesn't have its own high speed infrastructure per say. It provides AOL service but uses AT&T or Verizon to deliver it in the Southland. The price is $25.90 per month for a one-year term. After that year, Verizon customers are still charged $25.90 per month, while the service with AT&T goes up to $29.99 per month. The speeds are generally 768 kbps for download and 128 kbps for upload. With Verizon there is a shipping and handling fee of $19.95 and a $79 early termination fee, just as if you'd went with them without AOL. AT&T (as shown above) asks for a $99 early termination fee.
Summary of AOL fees: $25.90 for 768 kbps download speed ( for other fees see AT&T or Verizon fees.)
Earthlink: Earthlink: This company is offering a promotion of $12.95 for the first six months in certain regions of the country, with a price of $29.95 after that. This promotion is for decent speeds: 1.5mbps for download speeds and 128 kbps for upload speeds. They also charge a $19.95 shipping fee, and $149.95 if you break your 1-year contract. (So I'd guess you'd better be sure you want to stay with them!)
Summary of Earthlink prices: Faster speed: $12.95-$29.95 Other fees: $19.95 shipping fee, $149.95 early termination fee.
DSL Extreme: DSL Extreme offers a promotion of $12.95 per month for customers with SBC phone service. That promotion offers speeds ranging from 384 kbps - 1.5 mbps for download, and 128 - 384 kbps for upload. Those with Verizon can expect to pay a little more, $14.95 per month. Speeds with Verizon are 768 kbps for download and 128 kbps for upload. These prices don't include $15.43 for the shipping and handling of the modem. As with the others, you're in for a 1-year contract. But if you renew before it expires, you can lock in the price DSL Extreme is offering returning customers at the time. That price is not yet determined: Watch out, though. The early termination fee if you decide to end the 1-year contract is a whopping $250!
Summary of DSL Extreme prices: Lower Speeds: $12.95-$1495 Other fees: $15.43 for shipping and handling of modem, $250.00 early termination fee. I also talked to a couple of companies that offer cable modem: Comcast: The prices for cable modem tend to be a bit higher, but the two cable companies I called offered faster speeds than the DSL promotions I looked at.
Comcast is offering a promotion of $26.95 for the first three months with download speeds of 4mbps and upload speeds of about 386 mbps. But after your honeymoon the price goes up to $45.95 if you have cable TV with them or $56.95 if you don't. One good thing - there is no contract, so that means there's no early termination fee.
You also have to either buy a cable modem at an electronics store (Comcast doesn't sell them) or rent one for $3 a month. So be sure to include that fee in your calculations! Adelphia: To begin with, Adelphia offers a basic package which happens to be very basic. Both its upload and download speeds are 256 kbps (kinda slow if you ask me). This package's price is $24.95 per month. The company also offers a more reasonable package that costs $24.95 for the first three months, then goes up to $43.95. The speeds with this package are pretty fast - 4 mbps for download speeds and an upload speed of 384 mbps. As with Comcast, Adelphia's packages are month-to-month, with no contract and no termination fee. But, also like Comcast, you have to either purchase your own modem or rent one for $3. Also, you don't need to have Adelphia TV cable service to get those prices. The prices are the same for both cable TV and non-cable TV customers alike. ©2006 by Kara Glover
Kara Glover is a Computer Tutor and Troubleshooter. You can find her free tips, articles, and tutorials at her website: http://www.karathecomputertutor.com
About the Author
Kara Glover is a Computer Tutor and Troubleshooter. You can find her free tips, articles, and tutorials at her website: http://www.karathecomputertutor.com
Honing in on Vertical Marketing
Rockaway, NJ, June 05, 2006 - Today's B2B users are presented with many simultaneous options during their research and buying phase online. Users might start a query with a general search engine such as Google or Yahoo or directly access a vertical search engine such as ReedLink.com. Alternately, as demonstrated at a panel moderated by ReedLink at the 2006 National Manufacturing Week Conference held in Chicago, vertical, industry-specific search engines can complement general engines in the Internet ecosystem, and vice versa.
Since its launch in 2005, ReedLink (www.reedlink.com) has continued to uncover and address the special needs of today's B2B users, giving them every possible opportunity to find precisely what they are looking for. Recently, for example, ReedLink added filtering capabilities to its product search results pages, so users can now more quickly and easily find relevant information on products by type or other attributes such as size or width, and by location in the United States and internationally. Next in the pipeline is a section to create user generated content (UGC).
Owned by Reed Business Information (RBI), ReedLink is an integrated online platform with industry articles, product specs, directory information, newsletters, and contextual advertising in the manufacturing, science, construction, electronics, cable, and other industries. ReedLink's strength lies in its extensive database of millions of custom product specifications, up- to-date supplier information, and product features and articles from various media brands, including Food Manufacturing and Product Design and Development.
ReedLink is marketed to 3 million subscribers tied to various publications and newsletters, and 800,000 unique emails in mailing lists.
Featuring a simple keyword search interface, ReedLink provides its users access to the highly detailed and relevant information needed to make informed purchase decisions. It incorporates the latest in online product search such as filters, product comparison charts, white papers, request for information/quote, and product announcements.
"ReedLink provides a great service to B2B professionals and product suppliers," says Todd Baker, VP of ReedLink. "As a result, ReedLink.com has been rewarded with exceptional growth in user activity, site traffic and advertiser interest."
PRESS CONTACT: Kesang Sherpa, Marketing Analyst www.reedlink.com 100 Enterprise Drive Suite 600, Box 912 Rockaway, NJ 07866 973-920-7000 (7064) reedlinkpr@reedbusiness.com
About the Author
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=211834
Since its launch in 2005, ReedLink (www.reedlink.com) has continued to uncover and address the special needs of today's B2B users, giving them every possible opportunity to find precisely what they are looking for. Recently, for example, ReedLink added filtering capabilities to its product search results pages, so users can now more quickly and easily find relevant information on products by type or other attributes such as size or width, and by location in the United States and internationally. Next in the pipeline is a section to create user generated content (UGC).
Owned by Reed Business Information (RBI), ReedLink is an integrated online platform with industry articles, product specs, directory information, newsletters, and contextual advertising in the manufacturing, science, construction, electronics, cable, and other industries. ReedLink's strength lies in its extensive database of millions of custom product specifications, up- to-date supplier information, and product features and articles from various media brands, including Food Manufacturing and Product Design and Development.
ReedLink is marketed to 3 million subscribers tied to various publications and newsletters, and 800,000 unique emails in mailing lists.
Featuring a simple keyword search interface, ReedLink provides its users access to the highly detailed and relevant information needed to make informed purchase decisions. It incorporates the latest in online product search such as filters, product comparison charts, white papers, request for information/quote, and product announcements.
"ReedLink provides a great service to B2B professionals and product suppliers," says Todd Baker, VP of ReedLink. "As a result, ReedLink.com has been rewarded with exceptional growth in user activity, site traffic and advertiser interest."
PRESS CONTACT: Kesang Sherpa, Marketing Analyst www.reedlink.com 100 Enterprise Drive Suite 600, Box 912 Rockaway, NJ 07866 973-920-7000 (7064) reedlinkpr@reedbusiness.com
About the Author
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=211834
Signal-Noise and Dynamic Range
Introduction
Hi-fi equipment specifications tend to include the terms ‘signal to noise ratio’ and ‘dynamic range’, both of which are confusing and best avoided. Noise has to be measured with reference to something, but the only sensible reference point is ‘alignment level’ (see article on this). Signal to noise ratio has no real meaning as audio signals are constantly changing so there is no such thing as ‘signal level’. Dynamic range is an ambiguous term that is commonly used in three different ways. To audio professionals it refers to the ratio of maximum to minimum levels in a recording or programme. It can also mean the difference between maximum permitted level (clipping level or full-scale digital) and noise level, but maximum level is often hard to define, for example on analog tape recordings, and the term has become corrupted by a tendency to refer to the dynamic range of CD players as meaning the noise level on a blank recording with no dither, in other words just the analog noise content at the output. This is not particularly useful; especially since many CD players incorporate automatic muting in the absence of signal to make them appear even quieter!
Subjectively Valid Noise Measurement
Professionals measure noise in dB below alignment level, which is a reference point above which ‘headroom’ exists up to maximum permitted level. Professionals often allow 18dB of headroom, as recommended by the EBU (European Broadcasting Union), so a noise level of –60dB ITU-R 468 would represent a dynamic range of 78dB, which if measured A-weighted might come out 11dB better at 89dB. A noise level of -60dB AL would be considered reasonably good by professionals, with –68dB representing the best attainable from 16-bit digital audio (noise shaped), and more than good enough for most purposes (see article 'Analysing Programme Levels').
The 96dB Myth
Audiophiles may talk in terms of 96 to 120dB dynamic range, but they often fail to refer to any measurement standard, making the figures meaningless. Attempts to calculate the dynamic range of digital audio on the basis that 16 bits represents a ratio of 65000:1 or 96dB are invalidated by the fact that the full digital count represents the peak possible level, rather than the rms equivalent of the maximum possible sinewave, while the minimum count of one has little to do with the noise level, which depends on the type of dither (or noise-shaping) used. They also fail to take any account of weighting for subjective validity. Marketing men are loath to quote the proper meaningful figures though because they look so much worse than the big numbers they are used to.
http://www.lindos.co.uk/cgi-bin/FlexiData.cgi?SOURCE=Articles&VIEW=full&id=18
Hi-fi equipment specifications tend to include the terms ‘signal to noise ratio’ and ‘dynamic range’, both of which are confusing and best avoided. Noise has to be measured with reference to something, but the only sensible reference point is ‘alignment level’ (see article on this). Signal to noise ratio has no real meaning as audio signals are constantly changing so there is no such thing as ‘signal level’. Dynamic range is an ambiguous term that is commonly used in three different ways. To audio professionals it refers to the ratio of maximum to minimum levels in a recording or programme. It can also mean the difference between maximum permitted level (clipping level or full-scale digital) and noise level, but maximum level is often hard to define, for example on analog tape recordings, and the term has become corrupted by a tendency to refer to the dynamic range of CD players as meaning the noise level on a blank recording with no dither, in other words just the analog noise content at the output. This is not particularly useful; especially since many CD players incorporate automatic muting in the absence of signal to make them appear even quieter!
Subjectively Valid Noise Measurement
Professionals measure noise in dB below alignment level, which is a reference point above which ‘headroom’ exists up to maximum permitted level. Professionals often allow 18dB of headroom, as recommended by the EBU (European Broadcasting Union), so a noise level of –60dB ITU-R 468 would represent a dynamic range of 78dB, which if measured A-weighted might come out 11dB better at 89dB. A noise level of -60dB AL would be considered reasonably good by professionals, with –68dB representing the best attainable from 16-bit digital audio (noise shaped), and more than good enough for most purposes (see article 'Analysing Programme Levels').
The 96dB Myth
Audiophiles may talk in terms of 96 to 120dB dynamic range, but they often fail to refer to any measurement standard, making the figures meaningless. Attempts to calculate the dynamic range of digital audio on the basis that 16 bits represents a ratio of 65000:1 or 96dB are invalidated by the fact that the full digital count represents the peak possible level, rather than the rms equivalent of the maximum possible sinewave, while the minimum count of one has little to do with the noise level, which depends on the type of dither (or noise-shaping) used. They also fail to take any account of weighting for subjective validity. Marketing men are loath to quote the proper meaningful figures though because they look so much worse than the big numbers they are used to.
http://www.lindos.co.uk/cgi-bin/FlexiData.cgi?SOURCE=Articles&VIEW=full&id=18
Audio Facts and Fallacies
1 Introduction
The term '''audio power''' is used in the specification or measurement of audio amplifiers or loudspeakers. A meaningful and reliable measure of the power output of an audio amplifier, or the power handling of a loudspeaker is ''continuous sine wave power'', or more strictly 'continuous average sine wave power'. Such a figure will often be found in advertising literature referred to as "true RMS power", but this is quite incorrect. Although there is such a thing as RMS (root mean square) power, it is neither useful as a measurement nor what is intended by those who use the term. The sine wave power is found by averaging the instantaneous power output over a long period of time (or one complete cycle), so it is actually the ''average power'' or ''mean power''. The term RMS is used mistakenly due to the fact that the mean power is calculated from the RMS voltage and current (or one of them and the impedance); power being proportional to the square of voltage or current.
2 ‘Music Power' - the Real Issues
The term ''"Music Power"'' has been used in relation to both amplifiers and loudspeakers with some validity. When live music is recorded without amplitude compression or limiting, the resulting signal contains brief peaks of very much higher amplitude (20 dB or more) than the mean, and since power is proportional to the square of signal voltage their reproduction would require an amplifier capable of providing brief peaks of power around a hundred times greater than the average level. Thus the ideal 100-watt audio system would be capable of handling brief peaks of 10,000 watts in order to avoid clipping (see Programme levels). Most loudspeakers are in fact capable of handling peaks of several times their continuous rating (though not a hundred times!), since thermal inertia prevents the voice coils from burning out on short bursts. It is therefore acceptable, and desirable, to drive a loudspeaker from a power amplifier with a higher continuous rating several times that of the speaker, but only if care is taken not to overheat it, which is difficult, especially on modern recordings which tend to be heavily compressed and so can be played at high levels without the obvious distortion that would result from a 'real' recording when the amplifier started clipping.
Music power is a less valid term when applied to most amplifiers. Most power amplifiers can give more output on brief bursts than their continuous rated output, but not usually to an extent that is relevant in the context of the above. There are three reasons for the enhanced short-burst power.
Most amplifiers do not have regulated power supplies but rely on a full-wave rectifier and large smoothing capacitor to provide a reasonably steady supply voltage. This charges to its peak voltage on quiet passages where little current is being drawn, but 'sags' to around 10% less under heavy current demand. Since 10% voltage drop corresponds to 20% power drop, the steady-state power output of the amplifier, which has to be quoted is always some 20% lower than the brief power capability. A 100-watt amplifier is therefore likely to handle brief peaks of up to 120 W without clipping. This might sound good in a specification, but it should be noted that it is only 1 dB, which is a change in level not usually even detectable by the human hearing system! It is also usually only available for some 10 milliseconds, which is too short to be of much benefit in real programme material. The term peak music power, in this context, is of no real significance.
It is possible to take a cost-effective approach to power amp design by reducing the size of the heat sinks on the output devices below that needed to avoid overheating on continuous sine wave drive at maximum output. Such an approach was once valid, as it recognised that fact that on 'real' recordings there is no need to provide for continuous full output as the gross distortion caused by clipping on brief peaks will result in the user turning down the volume before damage is done. On modern amplifiers it is possible to take such an approach without risk of damage, using integrated amplifier chips, which tend to incorporate 'thermal protection'. However, the trend towards heavy compression and limiting on commercial recordings in recent years means that people expect to play these at high volume without clipping, and so the validity of the 'peak music power' approach to amplifier design has mostly been removed.
While the above is true for most 'domestic' amplifiers, it need not be so, especially in relation to monitoring, and uncompressed reproduction. Some professional amplifiers, and 'active' speakers, incorporate sophisticated electronic thermal protection circuits which integrate the power delivered to the speaker and take account of its thermal capacity properly. This enables them to handle peak power levels safely while limiting the continuous power that can be applied in a way that makes sense.
3 Power Handling in 'Active' Speakers
Active speakers often use two or three power amplifiers, each handling only part of the audio frequency spectrum. The main benefit of this approach is that it enables complicated crossover filters to be used on the low level signal, and eliminates the bulky and awkward inductors and capacitors normally used in crossover networks. There is, however, another big advantage that is not usually recognised. When two tones are reproduced simultaneously, a single amplifier normally has to handle the peak power that results when both are at their crest. Because of the square-law relationship, this means that two tones each generating 10 watts result in a power handling requirement of 40 watts. With multiple amplifiers, the two tones can be handles separately, by 10 watt amps. Thus a 'bi-amped' system can handle peaks of up to twice the combined rating of its amplifiers, and a 'tri-amped' system, on three tones, gains even more! This is of course because the signal has a high 'crest factor'. In practice, music peaks often consist of percussion riding on top of bass notes, and so the benefit is very real, as these are each always handled separately. This is a benefit that would cost a lot to realise if the single amplifier approach were taken, making 'bi-amping' a very cost-effective approach.
4 US Market Regulations
In the US on May 3, 1974, the Amplifier Rule CFR 16 Part 432 (39 FR 15387) was instated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requiring audio power and distortion ratings for home entertainment equipment to be measured in a defined manner with power stated in RMS terms. This rule was amended in 1998 to cover self-powered speakers such as are commonly used with personal computers (see examples below). This regulation did not cover automobile entertainment systems, which consequently still suffer from power ratings confusion. However, a new regulation called CEA 2006 includes car electronics, and is being phased into the market as slowly as possible by many manufacturers.
Unfortunately there are no similar laws in much of the rest of the world.
http://www.lindos.co.uk/cgi-bin/FlexiData.cgi?SOURCE=Articles&VIEW=full&id=15
The term '''audio power''' is used in the specification or measurement of audio amplifiers or loudspeakers. A meaningful and reliable measure of the power output of an audio amplifier, or the power handling of a loudspeaker is ''continuous sine wave power'', or more strictly 'continuous average sine wave power'. Such a figure will often be found in advertising literature referred to as "true RMS power", but this is quite incorrect. Although there is such a thing as RMS (root mean square) power, it is neither useful as a measurement nor what is intended by those who use the term. The sine wave power is found by averaging the instantaneous power output over a long period of time (or one complete cycle), so it is actually the ''average power'' or ''mean power''. The term RMS is used mistakenly due to the fact that the mean power is calculated from the RMS voltage and current (or one of them and the impedance); power being proportional to the square of voltage or current.
2 ‘Music Power' - the Real Issues
The term ''"Music Power"'' has been used in relation to both amplifiers and loudspeakers with some validity. When live music is recorded without amplitude compression or limiting, the resulting signal contains brief peaks of very much higher amplitude (20 dB or more) than the mean, and since power is proportional to the square of signal voltage their reproduction would require an amplifier capable of providing brief peaks of power around a hundred times greater than the average level. Thus the ideal 100-watt audio system would be capable of handling brief peaks of 10,000 watts in order to avoid clipping (see Programme levels). Most loudspeakers are in fact capable of handling peaks of several times their continuous rating (though not a hundred times!), since thermal inertia prevents the voice coils from burning out on short bursts. It is therefore acceptable, and desirable, to drive a loudspeaker from a power amplifier with a higher continuous rating several times that of the speaker, but only if care is taken not to overheat it, which is difficult, especially on modern recordings which tend to be heavily compressed and so can be played at high levels without the obvious distortion that would result from a 'real' recording when the amplifier started clipping.
Music power is a less valid term when applied to most amplifiers. Most power amplifiers can give more output on brief bursts than their continuous rated output, but not usually to an extent that is relevant in the context of the above. There are three reasons for the enhanced short-burst power.
Most amplifiers do not have regulated power supplies but rely on a full-wave rectifier and large smoothing capacitor to provide a reasonably steady supply voltage. This charges to its peak voltage on quiet passages where little current is being drawn, but 'sags' to around 10% less under heavy current demand. Since 10% voltage drop corresponds to 20% power drop, the steady-state power output of the amplifier, which has to be quoted is always some 20% lower than the brief power capability. A 100-watt amplifier is therefore likely to handle brief peaks of up to 120 W without clipping. This might sound good in a specification, but it should be noted that it is only 1 dB, which is a change in level not usually even detectable by the human hearing system! It is also usually only available for some 10 milliseconds, which is too short to be of much benefit in real programme material. The term peak music power, in this context, is of no real significance.
It is possible to take a cost-effective approach to power amp design by reducing the size of the heat sinks on the output devices below that needed to avoid overheating on continuous sine wave drive at maximum output. Such an approach was once valid, as it recognised that fact that on 'real' recordings there is no need to provide for continuous full output as the gross distortion caused by clipping on brief peaks will result in the user turning down the volume before damage is done. On modern amplifiers it is possible to take such an approach without risk of damage, using integrated amplifier chips, which tend to incorporate 'thermal protection'. However, the trend towards heavy compression and limiting on commercial recordings in recent years means that people expect to play these at high volume without clipping, and so the validity of the 'peak music power' approach to amplifier design has mostly been removed.
While the above is true for most 'domestic' amplifiers, it need not be so, especially in relation to monitoring, and uncompressed reproduction. Some professional amplifiers, and 'active' speakers, incorporate sophisticated electronic thermal protection circuits which integrate the power delivered to the speaker and take account of its thermal capacity properly. This enables them to handle peak power levels safely while limiting the continuous power that can be applied in a way that makes sense.
3 Power Handling in 'Active' Speakers
Active speakers often use two or three power amplifiers, each handling only part of the audio frequency spectrum. The main benefit of this approach is that it enables complicated crossover filters to be used on the low level signal, and eliminates the bulky and awkward inductors and capacitors normally used in crossover networks. There is, however, another big advantage that is not usually recognised. When two tones are reproduced simultaneously, a single amplifier normally has to handle the peak power that results when both are at their crest. Because of the square-law relationship, this means that two tones each generating 10 watts result in a power handling requirement of 40 watts. With multiple amplifiers, the two tones can be handles separately, by 10 watt amps. Thus a 'bi-amped' system can handle peaks of up to twice the combined rating of its amplifiers, and a 'tri-amped' system, on three tones, gains even more! This is of course because the signal has a high 'crest factor'. In practice, music peaks often consist of percussion riding on top of bass notes, and so the benefit is very real, as these are each always handled separately. This is a benefit that would cost a lot to realise if the single amplifier approach were taken, making 'bi-amping' a very cost-effective approach.
4 US Market Regulations
In the US on May 3, 1974, the Amplifier Rule CFR 16 Part 432 (39 FR 15387) was instated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requiring audio power and distortion ratings for home entertainment equipment to be measured in a defined manner with power stated in RMS terms. This rule was amended in 1998 to cover self-powered speakers such as are commonly used with personal computers (see examples below). This regulation did not cover automobile entertainment systems, which consequently still suffer from power ratings confusion. However, a new regulation called CEA 2006 includes car electronics, and is being phased into the market as slowly as possible by many manufacturers.
Unfortunately there are no similar laws in much of the rest of the world.
http://www.lindos.co.uk/cgi-bin/FlexiData.cgi?SOURCE=Articles&VIEW=full&id=15
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Chinese Wholesale Electronics – Why Chinese?
OK, I’m not Chinese, I don’t live in China (although it’s our country’s neighbor and there’s a big Chinese community here) and I don’t speak Chinese. So why am I so passionate about importing wholesale electronics from China?
It’s amazing how China has its doors now opened to international enterprises and how it has now sought to expand its businesses outside. One of its companies even took over a western giant a while back. China used to be a closed off nation and a “sleeping giant” but is now wide awake and ready to take on the international business center stage to do a Beyonce Knowles number. Here are a few reasons why it’s difficult to ignore China these days:
• Newspapers started carrying dedicated sections for China business because the business world is buzzing loudly about China.
• Bureaucratic red tape is becoming less and less restrictive to traders, which means more freedom, more than ever, between Chinese and foreign traders
• Even eBay is partnering with a Chinese company to gain more influence and connection in the Chinese market Almost everything has some parts or is entirely “made in China” and Jacky Chan goes Hollywood!
“But I don’t speak Chinese”, you say. Well, don’t you think Chinese wholesale suppliers didn’t have that language barrier predicament in mind? Of course they did! That is why they have English speaking staff and they themselves are already able to speak the international language, which is, well – English! The problem these days, as is the case everywhere else, is not what language to use when doing business with your suppliers; it’s how you communicate with them.
So why import from China? How do I communicate with Chinese suppliers?
China could be the next Japan. After the Second World War, Japan imitated western electronic products like televisions, portable radios, cars, etc. They were perceived as cheap until the Japanese innovated these lines of products, started giving them brand names and bested the rest of the western first world in inventing things. We now forever admire Japanese brands like Sony, Honda, Toyota, and Nintendo to name a few. And whose jaw wouldn’t drop on the smart android ASIMO? China is following the same pattern of imitating, innovating and inventing electronic products that, who knows, might become the next big household name.
China has now been tagged as the world’s factory as they manufacture almost all types of products at incredibly lower cost than anywhere else in the world. That’s because everything in China is low cost; low human resources cost, low cost of living, low cost of energy and a lower corporate tax burden. Every production outfit can employ cheap labor, but still produce superb quality products.
Importing consumer electronics from China is the way to go! Of course you can look elsewhere, but the point that I would like you to take away from here is that Chinese electronic products are manufactured and exported cheap without compromising quality.
Now, when contacting suppliers from China – go directly to suppliers, better yet, to the manufacturers and avoid middlemen as much as possible as the low production cost leaves a lot of room for them to jack the prices up. Remember, your goal in buying from China is to “buy low and sell high”. Where do you find these suppliers and manufacturers? Thanks to the Internet, the problem of locating reliable suppliers from China is now passed on to, uhm, your fingertips. Doing business can’t get any easier than doing it online. Search them out, contact them through email and I strongly suggest you phone them to “feel” the signs that you’re about to do business with the right people. I can’t emphasize more the importance of really building good relationship with these suppliers. These wholesalers are not picky as long as you build nice rapport with them and they are really into exporting their goods to western markets. I can attest to the excellent customer support that my favorite supplier provides. They are prompt, polite and very accommodating.
Take advantage of importing consumer electronic products from China now. Who knows? Your competition might already be capitalizing on it.
http://www.bestwholesaleelectronics.blogspot.com
About the Author
Charlemagne Solanor is from the Philippines and has began blogging in November, 2006. His blog Wholesale Electronics (http:bestwholesaleelectronics.blogspot.com)talks about consumer electronics products. His goal is to help electronics retailers find the best online wholesale electronics deal to explode their retailing business.
It’s amazing how China has its doors now opened to international enterprises and how it has now sought to expand its businesses outside. One of its companies even took over a western giant a while back. China used to be a closed off nation and a “sleeping giant” but is now wide awake and ready to take on the international business center stage to do a Beyonce Knowles number. Here are a few reasons why it’s difficult to ignore China these days:
• Newspapers started carrying dedicated sections for China business because the business world is buzzing loudly about China.
• Bureaucratic red tape is becoming less and less restrictive to traders, which means more freedom, more than ever, between Chinese and foreign traders
• Even eBay is partnering with a Chinese company to gain more influence and connection in the Chinese market Almost everything has some parts or is entirely “made in China” and Jacky Chan goes Hollywood!
“But I don’t speak Chinese”, you say. Well, don’t you think Chinese wholesale suppliers didn’t have that language barrier predicament in mind? Of course they did! That is why they have English speaking staff and they themselves are already able to speak the international language, which is, well – English! The problem these days, as is the case everywhere else, is not what language to use when doing business with your suppliers; it’s how you communicate with them.
So why import from China? How do I communicate with Chinese suppliers?
China could be the next Japan. After the Second World War, Japan imitated western electronic products like televisions, portable radios, cars, etc. They were perceived as cheap until the Japanese innovated these lines of products, started giving them brand names and bested the rest of the western first world in inventing things. We now forever admire Japanese brands like Sony, Honda, Toyota, and Nintendo to name a few. And whose jaw wouldn’t drop on the smart android ASIMO? China is following the same pattern of imitating, innovating and inventing electronic products that, who knows, might become the next big household name.
China has now been tagged as the world’s factory as they manufacture almost all types of products at incredibly lower cost than anywhere else in the world. That’s because everything in China is low cost; low human resources cost, low cost of living, low cost of energy and a lower corporate tax burden. Every production outfit can employ cheap labor, but still produce superb quality products.
Importing consumer electronics from China is the way to go! Of course you can look elsewhere, but the point that I would like you to take away from here is that Chinese electronic products are manufactured and exported cheap without compromising quality.
Now, when contacting suppliers from China – go directly to suppliers, better yet, to the manufacturers and avoid middlemen as much as possible as the low production cost leaves a lot of room for them to jack the prices up. Remember, your goal in buying from China is to “buy low and sell high”. Where do you find these suppliers and manufacturers? Thanks to the Internet, the problem of locating reliable suppliers from China is now passed on to, uhm, your fingertips. Doing business can’t get any easier than doing it online. Search them out, contact them through email and I strongly suggest you phone them to “feel” the signs that you’re about to do business with the right people. I can’t emphasize more the importance of really building good relationship with these suppliers. These wholesalers are not picky as long as you build nice rapport with them and they are really into exporting their goods to western markets. I can attest to the excellent customer support that my favorite supplier provides. They are prompt, polite and very accommodating.
Take advantage of importing consumer electronic products from China now. Who knows? Your competition might already be capitalizing on it.
http://www.bestwholesaleelectronics.blogspot.com
About the Author
Charlemagne Solanor is from the Philippines and has began blogging in November, 2006. His blog Wholesale Electronics (http:bestwholesaleelectronics.blogspot.com)talks about consumer electronics products. His goal is to help electronics retailers find the best online wholesale electronics deal to explode their retailing business.
Complete Machines Information
A machine is a device that transmits energy to perform any task. Machines normally require an input and transmit the energy to an output, which performs the desired task. Machine is a combination of two or more simple machines.
These simple machines are the inclined plane, wedge, screw, pulley, levers and the wheel and axle. The simple machine is first invented by Ug and Home Lee. There are two types of machines, simple machines and compound machines.
Compound machine is creating, when two or more simple machines work together. The compound machines are further created in sub categories. These categories are mechanical components, clocks, pumps, compressors, heat engines, linkages, turbine, airfoil, electronic machines, biological machines, wind tunnel, robot and vending machines.
The major categories of the machines are mechanical machines, electronics machines and electrical machines. Mechanical machines are those that have only mechanical parts. These machines need not the electricity. Some of mechanical machines are wedge, pulley, lever, etc.
Electrical machines are those machines that require electricity for working. Electrical machines are generator, dc machine, synchronous machine, induction motor and transformers.
Electronic machines require electricity to perform the operation but these machines give better results. Some examples of electronic machines are computer, TV, mobile, voting machines and many others.
Vending machines are the example of all of these categories like electrical machines, electronics machines and mechanical machines. Because some vending machines are electrical, some are mechanical and some are electronic.
A vending machine is a machine that dispenses merchandise when a customer deposits sufficient money into a slot or vent to purchase the desired item. The vending machines are used for sale of various products.
A machine is a combination of more than one simple machine. So machine features two or more than two of these features:
· Wheel and axle machine, a wheel is locked so that when one is turned the other also turn.
· Pulley is a machine, which simply reverses the direction of force.
· Wedge is a machine, which splits the motion of machine.
· Screw converts rotary motion in backward or forward direction.
· Lever is a rod, which shows downward motion at one end results upward motion on other end.
If you want to know about the machines world and its total products then just log on the following web sites:
http://www.sell-machine.com
Here are great examples of all kind of machine. There are various categories depending on the machines parts. Basically it is completely done for you. Each and every machine parts are entirely discuss and their benefits, that’s is completely beneficial for you. Which you want means electronical or textile machines parts and its accessories are available in these web sites.
About the Author
Monica Craft
For listings please visit http://www.sell-machine.com (Website For machine parts) Sell machines and buy Machines.
These simple machines are the inclined plane, wedge, screw, pulley, levers and the wheel and axle. The simple machine is first invented by Ug and Home Lee. There are two types of machines, simple machines and compound machines.
Compound machine is creating, when two or more simple machines work together. The compound machines are further created in sub categories. These categories are mechanical components, clocks, pumps, compressors, heat engines, linkages, turbine, airfoil, electronic machines, biological machines, wind tunnel, robot and vending machines.
The major categories of the machines are mechanical machines, electronics machines and electrical machines. Mechanical machines are those that have only mechanical parts. These machines need not the electricity. Some of mechanical machines are wedge, pulley, lever, etc.
Electrical machines are those machines that require electricity for working. Electrical machines are generator, dc machine, synchronous machine, induction motor and transformers.
Electronic machines require electricity to perform the operation but these machines give better results. Some examples of electronic machines are computer, TV, mobile, voting machines and many others.
Vending machines are the example of all of these categories like electrical machines, electronics machines and mechanical machines. Because some vending machines are electrical, some are mechanical and some are electronic.
A vending machine is a machine that dispenses merchandise when a customer deposits sufficient money into a slot or vent to purchase the desired item. The vending machines are used for sale of various products.
A machine is a combination of more than one simple machine. So machine features two or more than two of these features:
· Wheel and axle machine, a wheel is locked so that when one is turned the other also turn.
· Pulley is a machine, which simply reverses the direction of force.
· Wedge is a machine, which splits the motion of machine.
· Screw converts rotary motion in backward or forward direction.
· Lever is a rod, which shows downward motion at one end results upward motion on other end.
If you want to know about the machines world and its total products then just log on the following web sites:
http://www.sell-machine.com
Here are great examples of all kind of machine. There are various categories depending on the machines parts. Basically it is completely done for you. Each and every machine parts are entirely discuss and their benefits, that’s is completely beneficial for you. Which you want means electronical or textile machines parts and its accessories are available in these web sites.
About the Author
Monica Craft
For listings please visit http://www.sell-machine.com (Website For machine parts) Sell machines and buy Machines.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
How Cybersquatters Make Money from Your Children's and Your Own Innocent Flubs
Getting clicks and traffic by accident appears to be big business. And by 'big' I mean worth MILLIONS of dollars! While typosquatting is unfortunately not a new online marketing practice, its use and, moreover, its ABUSE has grown significantly and exponentially since 2000. Cybersquatting means registering, trafficking in or using a domain name with the intent to profit in bad faith from the goodwill of a trademark that belongs to someone else. It commonly refers to the practice of buying up domain names that use incorporate the names of existing businesses with the intent to sell the names for a profit to those businesses. The term derives from squatting, the practice of building some kind of home or dwelling or in some way using someone else's landed property without their permission. Typosquatting, although very similar to cybersquatting, has a slightly different, but much more serious purpose: it is employed by people who want to divert traffic to their websites. Typosquatters typically purchase a domain name that is a variation of a popular domain name with the expectation that some of the traffic for the original web site will stray to theirs by capitalizing on web surfers´ misspellings of those popular domain names. How can large companies, with all their IT experts, not foresee something like this happening? How come they allow tons of opportunistics to make revenue every time innocent Internet users mistype the original brandnames or trademarks? The answer is, cybersquatting originated at a time when most businesses were not savvy about the commercial opportunities on the Internet. Since opportunities like these rarely knock on one's door more than once, these so-called 'entrepreneurs' reserved and registered domain names corresponding to the names of well-known businesses with the intent of selling the names back to the companies when they finally woke up. Commercial domain names are obtained from companies that are authorized to ensure that a domain name you want is unique (no one else already has it) and issue it to you if it is. However, these registries make no attempt to determine whether the domain name is one that rightfully ought to go to someone else. The principle is 'First come, first served.' Panasonic, Fry's Electronics, Hertz and Avon were among the first targets of cybersquatters. Well-known products, sports and political figures and other celebrities are also among the victims. Today,, although the practice itself is growing, opportunities for cybersquatters are rapidly diminishing, because most businesses now know that nailing down domain names is a top priority. Although trademark laws may offer some protection, it is often cheaper to buy the domain name from the cybersquatter than it is to sue for its use: these processes cost money, and though you may be able to recover your costs and attorney fees if you win, there is no guarantee; it's completely up to the judge. Among some of the most famous examples of domains resold by cybersquatters to companies are; WallStreet.com for over $1 million, AltaVista.com for $3.5 million and the unprecedented $7.5 million paid for Business.com, all in 1999. Cybersquatters may also regularly comb lists of recently expired domain names, hoping to sell back the name to a registrant who inadvertently let their domain name expire. How do you know if the domain name you want is being used by a cybersquatter? As a general rule, first check to see if the domain name takes you to a legitimate website. If it takes you to a website that appears to be functional and reasonably related in its subject matter to the domain name, you probably are not facing a case of cybersquatting. But if you own a trademark and find that someone is holding it hostage as a domain name until you pay a large sum for it, you may be the victim of cybersquatting. You can sue to get your domain name -- and possibly some money damages -- under a 1999 federal law known as the Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act or you can initiate arbitration proceedings under the authority of the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and win the name back without the expense and aggravation of a lawsuit. The ICANN arbitration system is considered by trademark experts to be faster and less expensive than suing under the ACPA, and the procedure does not require an attorney.
Typosquatting, however, is a much more dangerous practice because it is commonly used by pornographers. Typosquatting is based on the probability that a certain number of Internet users will mistype the name of a web site (or its URL) when browsing the web. Typosquatters usually register several possible typos for a brand name or web site known for its high traffic, then monitor to see how many clicks per day each of their typo domain names receives, and finally use the information to sell advertising for the web sites that receive a high volume of accidental traffic. Ironically, advertising revenue might come from selling ads to the original site's competitors or by providing redirect pages to related products or services. There are multiple ways in which typosquatters may turn typos into revenue. When surfers mistype popular URLs, squatter companies throw up ads in hidden browser windows, making money off of ads few people see. As a consequence, companies such as AT&T Corp. and The New York Times are paying for ad impressions even though the ads are buried. Finally, when visitors try to close their browsers or otherwise leave the web site in question, there is one more attempt at monetizing the mistake. Another browser window usually pops up, with a different web site's name. This one contains more advertisements. It's a never ending story that sure gets on the nerves of most of us! The success of companies that practice Cybersquatter points out some serious flaws in the Internet's domain name system and in two of the web's most prominent revenue models: Affiliate Programs and Advertising Reselling. Advertising resellers such as 24/7 Media Inc., Advertising.com Inc. and iBoost Technology Inc. contract with large advertisers and then automatically feed ads onto thousands of web sites. The automated method of placing ads on sites can make tracking where those ads end up a very difficult task. Needless to say, typosquatters do not think there is anything wrong with using people's errors to grow traffic. However, it is a whole different story when typosquatting is employed by pornographers to attract children to their websites. Until now, there have been few methods of stopping pornographers and others abusing the domain name system from misleading children and adults into accessing sites masquerading as popular legitimate sites. Many adult web sites misrepresent their content or the nature of their sites by registering domain names that are intentionally confusing, using page coding designed to mislead search engines, distributing false advertising to promote site traffic, or hijacking visitors of another site. The problem is particularly serious when children are involved. Just as adults do, children get spam and unsolicited instant messages with graphic sexual images, content, or links to pornographic sites. Statistics show that 20% to 30% of traffic to adult sites is comprised of children. Many masquerade as messages from trusted friends or web sites. Children also may be tricked into visiting a pornographic site when they search for age-appropriate words or phrases on a search engine. Even if you find it hard to believe, depending on the type of marketing or advertising model used by a particular web site, there may be no incentive to filter children. In fact, targeting children may be an effective way of increasing ad revenue. The name of the game is web site traffic where adult sites are concerned. So they cannot rely just on keywords to increase traffic. As part of the Amber Alert legislation, typosquatting is now a crime in the United States. Porn network czar John Zuccarini was the first person charged under the new typosquatting law by the U.S. Attorney's office in the Southern District of New York and pleaded guilty in 2004. He was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. Until the enactment of the Protect Act (most commonly known as the 'Amber Alert' legislation), stopping typosquatters was a civil matter, or perhaps (under extraordinary circumstances) a consumer fraud matter. The sites Zuccarini has been found to have cybersquatted include those referring to Nicole Kidman, Backstreet Boys, Encarta and others. His manipulation of Aaron Carter's and Britney Spears' names is among his more recent abuses. Courts have already held that there is no legitimate purpose for Zuccarinin registering and using the typo-domains other than to trade on the popularity of the underlying domain names, celebrities and products involved.
In summary, cybersquatters and typosquatters are unethical companies and individuals that want to profit from your family's and your own confusion and spelling mistakes. If you want to help protect your children and others online, drop by www.Anti-Spam-League.org and report those who are engaged in these and other unscrupulous online marketing practices. Become a member for free and sign up to receive our Newsletters with useful and valuable information on how to handle abuses on the Internet. Also, look for more articles on related topics on our web site. You will learn how we can really make a difference by working together with consumers and companies to preserve Internet users' freedom and privacy while promoting loyal advertising and good art on marketing practices.
About the Author
The purpose of the Anti SPAM League is to help consumers and business owners reduce the amount of SPAM they receive. In addition, our Anti SPAM organization believes that educating site owners in the area of SPAM prevention and ways to successfully and responsibly market their sites, is key in making a difference.
Typosquatting, however, is a much more dangerous practice because it is commonly used by pornographers. Typosquatting is based on the probability that a certain number of Internet users will mistype the name of a web site (or its URL) when browsing the web. Typosquatters usually register several possible typos for a brand name or web site known for its high traffic, then monitor to see how many clicks per day each of their typo domain names receives, and finally use the information to sell advertising for the web sites that receive a high volume of accidental traffic. Ironically, advertising revenue might come from selling ads to the original site's competitors or by providing redirect pages to related products or services. There are multiple ways in which typosquatters may turn typos into revenue. When surfers mistype popular URLs, squatter companies throw up ads in hidden browser windows, making money off of ads few people see. As a consequence, companies such as AT&T Corp. and The New York Times are paying for ad impressions even though the ads are buried. Finally, when visitors try to close their browsers or otherwise leave the web site in question, there is one more attempt at monetizing the mistake. Another browser window usually pops up, with a different web site's name. This one contains more advertisements. It's a never ending story that sure gets on the nerves of most of us! The success of companies that practice Cybersquatter points out some serious flaws in the Internet's domain name system and in two of the web's most prominent revenue models: Affiliate Programs and Advertising Reselling. Advertising resellers such as 24/7 Media Inc., Advertising.com Inc. and iBoost Technology Inc. contract with large advertisers and then automatically feed ads onto thousands of web sites. The automated method of placing ads on sites can make tracking where those ads end up a very difficult task. Needless to say, typosquatters do not think there is anything wrong with using people's errors to grow traffic. However, it is a whole different story when typosquatting is employed by pornographers to attract children to their websites. Until now, there have been few methods of stopping pornographers and others abusing the domain name system from misleading children and adults into accessing sites masquerading as popular legitimate sites. Many adult web sites misrepresent their content or the nature of their sites by registering domain names that are intentionally confusing, using page coding designed to mislead search engines, distributing false advertising to promote site traffic, or hijacking visitors of another site. The problem is particularly serious when children are involved. Just as adults do, children get spam and unsolicited instant messages with graphic sexual images, content, or links to pornographic sites. Statistics show that 20% to 30% of traffic to adult sites is comprised of children. Many masquerade as messages from trusted friends or web sites. Children also may be tricked into visiting a pornographic site when they search for age-appropriate words or phrases on a search engine. Even if you find it hard to believe, depending on the type of marketing or advertising model used by a particular web site, there may be no incentive to filter children. In fact, targeting children may be an effective way of increasing ad revenue. The name of the game is web site traffic where adult sites are concerned. So they cannot rely just on keywords to increase traffic. As part of the Amber Alert legislation, typosquatting is now a crime in the United States. Porn network czar John Zuccarini was the first person charged under the new typosquatting law by the U.S. Attorney's office in the Southern District of New York and pleaded guilty in 2004. He was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. Until the enactment of the Protect Act (most commonly known as the 'Amber Alert' legislation), stopping typosquatters was a civil matter, or perhaps (under extraordinary circumstances) a consumer fraud matter. The sites Zuccarini has been found to have cybersquatted include those referring to Nicole Kidman, Backstreet Boys, Encarta and others. His manipulation of Aaron Carter's and Britney Spears' names is among his more recent abuses. Courts have already held that there is no legitimate purpose for Zuccarinin registering and using the typo-domains other than to trade on the popularity of the underlying domain names, celebrities and products involved.
In summary, cybersquatters and typosquatters are unethical companies and individuals that want to profit from your family's and your own confusion and spelling mistakes. If you want to help protect your children and others online, drop by www.Anti-Spam-League.org and report those who are engaged in these and other unscrupulous online marketing practices. Become a member for free and sign up to receive our Newsletters with useful and valuable information on how to handle abuses on the Internet. Also, look for more articles on related topics on our web site. You will learn how we can really make a difference by working together with consumers and companies to preserve Internet users' freedom and privacy while promoting loyal advertising and good art on marketing practices.
About the Author
The purpose of the Anti SPAM League is to help consumers and business owners reduce the amount of SPAM they receive. In addition, our Anti SPAM organization believes that educating site owners in the area of SPAM prevention and ways to successfully and responsibly market their sites, is key in making a difference.
Home Office Essentials Part One
So you've decided to set up your own business. You're following the same route taken by thousands of new entrepreneurs each day. You've settled on your business idea, designed a marketing strategy and are looking forward to a bright future.
Did you stop at any point and think about how your home office should be designed? What type of office setup do you need? Most entrepreneurs have their offices at home. Do you evenhave space for an office at home?
The purpose of the following two articles is not to give you a blow-by-blow plan of how to set up your home office but more to give you tips and advice that'll save you time, heartbreak and money.
Your Desk Newspaper ads years ago were filled with adverts stating "start a business from your kitchen table". While in theory (and in bad advertising) this is fine operating your business from a kitchen tables is entirely unpractical.
A good home office desk is functional, sturdy and has a clear, flat worktop. You've seen those office desks that are filled with drawers, shelves, keyboard trays and tons of other nooks and crannies. Firstly this type of desk looks fine in a catalogue but is far smaller when you actually build it.
Secondly all those drawers and shelves only give you more places to lose stuff. Keep your desk simple.
The ideal home office desk has a large, flat working area with at least one deep drawer for storing files and another shallow drawer for storing pens, paper and other consumables.
Ideally the desk should also be L shaped. This allows you to place your work around you as opposed to constantly having to stretch and reach for different items. The L shaped desk will provide you with a more practical working environment aswell as saving you backpain problems later in life.
Your Chair This is where you're going to be spending a considerable amount of time. Never, ever skimp on your home office chair. It is absolutely essential that you have a good office chair.
Many new home business owners make the critical mistake of using a kitchen, spare household or even a garden chair for their home office. This boggles the mind considering the same person probably wouldn't think twice about paying $1,000 for a new computer but won't pay $100 for a quality office chair.
Using a cheap chair that doesn't provide proper back and lower limb support can and will lead to lower back and shoulder pain. It can also provoke migraines and other headaches. Poor posture should never be underestimated - it can have far reaching effects.
Features you should look for in an office chair:
* Adjustable backrest
* Swivel base
* Adjustable armrest
* Adequte lumbar support
* Deep cushioned seat
A great home office chair can be purchased for as little as $60 brand new. If you're finding yourself strapped for cash then check local auction houses for office clearance items.
Other source of "cheap" office chairs are IT firms and call centers. They're constantly having to replace their furniture to meet legal ergonomic requirements. That $200 office chair can often be purchased slightly used for about $20.
Your Ergonomic Environment
The 3 key environmental factors in a suitable home working environment are noise, light and heat.
Noise Excessive noise is not only distracting but also debilitating. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can and will affect your hearing.
What counts as excessive noise? Most experts agree that anything over 45 decibels or the equivalent of a really loud office fan is counterproductive to your work. You'll have trouble focusing or thinking clearly for more than a few moments.
Your home office needs to be a relatively peaceful environment. You'll do your best thinking, be at your most creative and work most effectively in a quieter office space.
Avoid using laundry rooms, TV rooms or other areas with excessively noisy equipment of any kind.
Light You need to be in control of the light in or coming into your office. Light sources that are too bright will cause glare on computer screens and documents.
A home office that is too dimly lit will lead to eyestrain and headaches over time. If the area is too dark you'll lean closer to the computer screen and documents to read them thus causing discomfort.
Natural light is ideal because it provides diffuse (soft) light. An added bonus is that natural sunlight has a beneficial effect on our physiologies - our bodies produce more "feel good" chemicals when we absorb natural light.
Obviously don't put your working area in direct sunlight as it will be far too uncomfortable to work in. Simply arrange your office in such a way as to maximize the benefit of the natural light in your immediate surroundings.
If you're a nightowl then simply point your desklamp away from the desk towards a wall behind you. Why? This provides the same type of diffuse light that you'd experience during the day. Adjust the lamp until it provides enough light to read your screen or documents comfortably by.
Heat This is the easy bit. Your home office should be neither too hot nor too cold. Is that stating the obvious? Any extremes of temperature in your home office will lead to decreased work performance. Normal room temperature is 37 degrees celsius (98 degrees Farenheit) so you need to aim for something in that region.
If your home office is too cold you won't be able to focus. You'll spend more time being annoyed at being cold than getting any work done.
Too much heat and you'll find yourself becoming irritable, lethargic and distinctly uncomfortable.
Your body is no different to the engine of a car or a piece of electronics. We all have optimal working temperatures. Otherwise we break down.
continued in Part Two
About the Author
This article was provided courtesy of HomeOfficeBuddy.com which contains tons of information on home office desks
Did you stop at any point and think about how your home office should be designed? What type of office setup do you need? Most entrepreneurs have their offices at home. Do you evenhave space for an office at home?
The purpose of the following two articles is not to give you a blow-by-blow plan of how to set up your home office but more to give you tips and advice that'll save you time, heartbreak and money.
Your Desk Newspaper ads years ago were filled with adverts stating "start a business from your kitchen table". While in theory (and in bad advertising) this is fine operating your business from a kitchen tables is entirely unpractical.
A good home office desk is functional, sturdy and has a clear, flat worktop. You've seen those office desks that are filled with drawers, shelves, keyboard trays and tons of other nooks and crannies. Firstly this type of desk looks fine in a catalogue but is far smaller when you actually build it.
Secondly all those drawers and shelves only give you more places to lose stuff. Keep your desk simple.
The ideal home office desk has a large, flat working area with at least one deep drawer for storing files and another shallow drawer for storing pens, paper and other consumables.
Ideally the desk should also be L shaped. This allows you to place your work around you as opposed to constantly having to stretch and reach for different items. The L shaped desk will provide you with a more practical working environment aswell as saving you backpain problems later in life.
Your Chair This is where you're going to be spending a considerable amount of time. Never, ever skimp on your home office chair. It is absolutely essential that you have a good office chair.
Many new home business owners make the critical mistake of using a kitchen, spare household or even a garden chair for their home office. This boggles the mind considering the same person probably wouldn't think twice about paying $1,000 for a new computer but won't pay $100 for a quality office chair.
Using a cheap chair that doesn't provide proper back and lower limb support can and will lead to lower back and shoulder pain. It can also provoke migraines and other headaches. Poor posture should never be underestimated - it can have far reaching effects.
Features you should look for in an office chair:
* Adjustable backrest
* Swivel base
* Adjustable armrest
* Adequte lumbar support
* Deep cushioned seat
A great home office chair can be purchased for as little as $60 brand new. If you're finding yourself strapped for cash then check local auction houses for office clearance items.
Other source of "cheap" office chairs are IT firms and call centers. They're constantly having to replace their furniture to meet legal ergonomic requirements. That $200 office chair can often be purchased slightly used for about $20.
Your Ergonomic Environment
The 3 key environmental factors in a suitable home working environment are noise, light and heat.
Noise Excessive noise is not only distracting but also debilitating. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can and will affect your hearing.
What counts as excessive noise? Most experts agree that anything over 45 decibels or the equivalent of a really loud office fan is counterproductive to your work. You'll have trouble focusing or thinking clearly for more than a few moments.
Your home office needs to be a relatively peaceful environment. You'll do your best thinking, be at your most creative and work most effectively in a quieter office space.
Avoid using laundry rooms, TV rooms or other areas with excessively noisy equipment of any kind.
Light You need to be in control of the light in or coming into your office. Light sources that are too bright will cause glare on computer screens and documents.
A home office that is too dimly lit will lead to eyestrain and headaches over time. If the area is too dark you'll lean closer to the computer screen and documents to read them thus causing discomfort.
Natural light is ideal because it provides diffuse (soft) light. An added bonus is that natural sunlight has a beneficial effect on our physiologies - our bodies produce more "feel good" chemicals when we absorb natural light.
Obviously don't put your working area in direct sunlight as it will be far too uncomfortable to work in. Simply arrange your office in such a way as to maximize the benefit of the natural light in your immediate surroundings.
If you're a nightowl then simply point your desklamp away from the desk towards a wall behind you. Why? This provides the same type of diffuse light that you'd experience during the day. Adjust the lamp until it provides enough light to read your screen or documents comfortably by.
Heat This is the easy bit. Your home office should be neither too hot nor too cold. Is that stating the obvious? Any extremes of temperature in your home office will lead to decreased work performance. Normal room temperature is 37 degrees celsius (98 degrees Farenheit) so you need to aim for something in that region.
If your home office is too cold you won't be able to focus. You'll spend more time being annoyed at being cold than getting any work done.
Too much heat and you'll find yourself becoming irritable, lethargic and distinctly uncomfortable.
Your body is no different to the engine of a car or a piece of electronics. We all have optimal working temperatures. Otherwise we break down.
continued in Part Two
About the Author
This article was provided courtesy of HomeOfficeBuddy.com which contains tons of information on home office desks
How to Position Yourself as an Expert
Whatever kind of freelance or consulting work you do, one of the best ways to attract top clients is to position yourself clearly as an expert in your field.
And yes, you first have to be an expert. You don't have to be the world's leading expert, but you do need to know what you're talking about, and in real depth.
To become a credible expert it first helps if you choose your niche carefully.
If your niche is too broad - like 'all consumer electronics' - you'll find it hard to position yourself as a true expert.
If your niche is too narrow - like 'Sony PlayStation' - you'll find it hard to make a living.
Niches like 'computer games' or 'home entertainment' are perfect. It won't take you a lifetime to become an expert in either field, and there are plenty of prospective clients to choose from.
Of course, it will help enormously if you choose a niche in an area that genuinely interests you.
>> Got expertise? Here's the next step...
One of the fastest ways to get the word out is to get your name in print. In other words, write articles.
It's the strangest thing...but as soon as someone sees your name in print, your 'expert' status automatically jumps up several notches.
Publish your articles on your own web site. And make it known that other site editors can reprint your articles on their own sites and in their newsletters. Get the word out through a blog and by participating in discussion groups.
And, of course, every article should include a short bio and link back to your own site.
>> What's better than having your articles online?
The next step is to get your articles printed in real print publications, on paper. Again, strangely, an article on paper earns you more expert points than an article on the web.
Best of all, if your niche is, for instance, home renovation products and services, get an article printed in one of the trade magazines that serves that industry.
Now you're getting in front of hundreds or even thousands of prospective clients. It's not an ad. It's better than an ad. You're presenting yourself as a true expert, with the implicit endorsement of the editor of the publication.
>> Accept those invitations to speak
Once your name has appeared as the author of a sufficient number of useful, expert articles, you'll start getting invitations to speak. If they don't come your way, start looking for them.
You can start out small, speaking to local business groups and marketing associations. If all goes well, you'll soon find yourself with opportunities to speak to much larger groups at industry conferences.
And yes, being a speaker earns you major expert points.
>> Time to write a book?
Nothing brings you expert status faster than being the author of a book. Do you know enough on your subject to write a book? It may take a little time before you're ready. But the more articles you write and the more times you speak, the deeper your knowledge will grow.
In addition, articles and speaking engagements generate feedback from your readers and listeners. And the more feedback you get, the better you will know what it is people really want and need to know.
If you can get published and distributed by a major publishing house, so much the better. If not, self-publish. You'll need to do a lot of promoting to get the sales, but you can earn more money from each book sold and still confirm your status as an expert in your field.
>> Concluding thoughts
After a while you'll find yourself writing articles, speaking at public and corporate events and signing copies of your book or books at every opportunity.
At that point you will have truly earned your stripes as an expert and will find yourself with a very impressive list of clients and prospects.
Start writing!
About the Author
Nick Usborne is a copywriter, author and speaker. You can access all his newsletter articles on writing for the web at his www.ExcessVoice.com site. You'll find more articles and resources on how to make money as a freelance writer at www.FreelanceWritingSuccess.com
And yes, you first have to be an expert. You don't have to be the world's leading expert, but you do need to know what you're talking about, and in real depth.
To become a credible expert it first helps if you choose your niche carefully.
If your niche is too broad - like 'all consumer electronics' - you'll find it hard to position yourself as a true expert.
If your niche is too narrow - like 'Sony PlayStation' - you'll find it hard to make a living.
Niches like 'computer games' or 'home entertainment' are perfect. It won't take you a lifetime to become an expert in either field, and there are plenty of prospective clients to choose from.
Of course, it will help enormously if you choose a niche in an area that genuinely interests you.
>> Got expertise? Here's the next step...
One of the fastest ways to get the word out is to get your name in print. In other words, write articles.
It's the strangest thing...but as soon as someone sees your name in print, your 'expert' status automatically jumps up several notches.
Publish your articles on your own web site. And make it known that other site editors can reprint your articles on their own sites and in their newsletters. Get the word out through a blog and by participating in discussion groups.
And, of course, every article should include a short bio and link back to your own site.
>> What's better than having your articles online?
The next step is to get your articles printed in real print publications, on paper. Again, strangely, an article on paper earns you more expert points than an article on the web.
Best of all, if your niche is, for instance, home renovation products and services, get an article printed in one of the trade magazines that serves that industry.
Now you're getting in front of hundreds or even thousands of prospective clients. It's not an ad. It's better than an ad. You're presenting yourself as a true expert, with the implicit endorsement of the editor of the publication.
>> Accept those invitations to speak
Once your name has appeared as the author of a sufficient number of useful, expert articles, you'll start getting invitations to speak. If they don't come your way, start looking for them.
You can start out small, speaking to local business groups and marketing associations. If all goes well, you'll soon find yourself with opportunities to speak to much larger groups at industry conferences.
And yes, being a speaker earns you major expert points.
>> Time to write a book?
Nothing brings you expert status faster than being the author of a book. Do you know enough on your subject to write a book? It may take a little time before you're ready. But the more articles you write and the more times you speak, the deeper your knowledge will grow.
In addition, articles and speaking engagements generate feedback from your readers and listeners. And the more feedback you get, the better you will know what it is people really want and need to know.
If you can get published and distributed by a major publishing house, so much the better. If not, self-publish. You'll need to do a lot of promoting to get the sales, but you can earn more money from each book sold and still confirm your status as an expert in your field.
>> Concluding thoughts
After a while you'll find yourself writing articles, speaking at public and corporate events and signing copies of your book or books at every opportunity.
At that point you will have truly earned your stripes as an expert and will find yourself with a very impressive list of clients and prospects.
Start writing!
About the Author
Nick Usborne is a copywriter, author and speaker. You can access all his newsletter articles on writing for the web at his www.ExcessVoice.com site. You'll find more articles and resources on how to make money as a freelance writer at www.FreelanceWritingSuccess.com
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