It's easy to be instantly drawn to a plasma TV screen, especially one that is displaying full HDTV programming. The visual beauty is amazing. And plasma TVs tend to be among the lower cost thin screen technologies that are available today. But there are a few problems inherent to the design and you should at least be aware of them before making a buying decision.
The first is that plasma TVs use inert gases that are illuminated to display colors on the screen. The way that this is accomplished makes for very high contrast, vivid images on the screen, but it also can be affected by high altitudes. If you live above 6,000 - 7,000 feet above sea level, you should know that plasma TVs have to work much harder to produce the same image than they would at lower altitudes. This may not cause an immediate problem, but over time the monitor wears out much faster due to the extra work load. So if you happen to live in high altitudes, just bear this in mind when buying a plasma TV.
The second problem that plasma TVs can exhibit is a susceptibility to screen burn-in. This happens whenever any static image stays on the screen for a very long time and is still faintly visible even when the image changes. It is said to have been "burned-in" to the screen, and can be very irritating to see a ghost pattern still visible as you watch TV. The easy way to avoid this problem with older plasma screens is to make sure that you don't leave the TV on when you are not watching it, and especially when pausing a video game for a very long time. Thankfully though, newer plasma screen TVs have technology built in to address this problem that subtly shifts the image to surrounding pixels as you watch and essentially keeps the image moving although your eye does not detect it.
The third plasma TV problem that we will discuss is the heat it generates as it runs. Plasma screens often cause so much heat inside the unit that manufacturers usually install a fan to cool it down while operating. This actually works very well, but on some models the noise that the fan makes can become an annoyance. So listen for this problem carefully before you buy.
None of these problems are major enough to say that you shouldn't buy a plasma screen TV, but they should be understood beforehand so you can use the equipment properly, and choose the right plasma TV when you buy.
http://www.articlefair.com/Article/The-Top-3-Problems-With-Plasma-TVs/4750
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Plasma TV or LCD - Which Should You Choose?
When it comes to high quality flat screen TVs, there are a number of choices available these days and the technology is constantly improving. However, as each competing TV screen technology matures and improves, the differences between them become more difficult to detect. And so it is with the comparison between LCD and plasma TVs.
The big advantages of both kinds of TV monitors is that they are very thin, only a few inches thick. Because of that you can choose to either place them on a stand, as you have with televisions you have owned in the past, or mount them to the wall instead. They both also produce stunningly beautiful visual displays, especially when coupled with high definition television programming. But there are some subtle differences that you will want to be aware of though.
Plasma TVs have been in use for many years and they use inert gases that are illuminated to display colors on individual pixels on the screen. Their best feature is the high contrast image that they reproduce. The colors are extremely vivid and sharp and this is mostly due to the fact that plasma TVs are able to exhibit true saturated blacks, whereas other monitors, LCDs included, usually have some compromise in how much true black they display.
Plasma screens are also easily viewed from almost any angle and so if you have a wide room with seating that extends out at an angle from the front of the television set, you may want to consider this advantage, although recently many LCD TVs have been steadily improving in their accepted viewing angle.
One area that plasma TVs have historically had a disadvantage is in the amount of electricity needed to power them and how hot they run. It can cost more to run a plasma TV if you use it very regularly, and it can generate quite a bit of heat inside, enough to warrant most manufacturers making use of a fan to cool them down as they run. This is not a noticeable problem unless the fan makes noise that can be distracting. So be sure to actually view a plasma TV before buying that particular model and see if the fan noise is a problem.
Another quirk of plasma TVs is that they can be susceptible to screen burn-in, which happens when one image is left on the screen for a very long time and it then becomes "burned into" the screen so that you can still faintly see it even when another image is displayed. This can happen on some TV channels that display an image that stays in a certain part of the screen for a long time, and if you play video games, there may also be a possibility that some games can cause this problem. So ask yourself before buying how you intend to use the TV, and if you happen to view programming that may have static screen images a lot of the time, it may be wise to choose an LCD screen as it does not suffer from this problem.
LCD TVs may not produce deep contrasty images like plasma monitors do, but the colors are still very pleasing and they can also be a better choice for brightly lit rooms since their display is not as susceptible to ambient light influences. However, they can tend to get more pricey than plasma TVs once you go above the 40 inch screen size.
All in all though, either type of TV screen technology will do a great job for you. The best recommendation is before you buy, visit a local electronics retailer and view representatives from plasma screens and LCDs. Bring along your own movie that you are familiar with and look for the differences. Then choose the one that makes the most sense to you. There is no need to buy from the store as you can often save lots of money by making your purchase online instead, but by doing your homework you can make a more informed buying decision.
http://www.articlefair.com/Article/Plasma-TV-or-LCD---Which-Should-You-Choose-/4743
The big advantages of both kinds of TV monitors is that they are very thin, only a few inches thick. Because of that you can choose to either place them on a stand, as you have with televisions you have owned in the past, or mount them to the wall instead. They both also produce stunningly beautiful visual displays, especially when coupled with high definition television programming. But there are some subtle differences that you will want to be aware of though.
Plasma TVs have been in use for many years and they use inert gases that are illuminated to display colors on individual pixels on the screen. Their best feature is the high contrast image that they reproduce. The colors are extremely vivid and sharp and this is mostly due to the fact that plasma TVs are able to exhibit true saturated blacks, whereas other monitors, LCDs included, usually have some compromise in how much true black they display.
Plasma screens are also easily viewed from almost any angle and so if you have a wide room with seating that extends out at an angle from the front of the television set, you may want to consider this advantage, although recently many LCD TVs have been steadily improving in their accepted viewing angle.
One area that plasma TVs have historically had a disadvantage is in the amount of electricity needed to power them and how hot they run. It can cost more to run a plasma TV if you use it very regularly, and it can generate quite a bit of heat inside, enough to warrant most manufacturers making use of a fan to cool them down as they run. This is not a noticeable problem unless the fan makes noise that can be distracting. So be sure to actually view a plasma TV before buying that particular model and see if the fan noise is a problem.
Another quirk of plasma TVs is that they can be susceptible to screen burn-in, which happens when one image is left on the screen for a very long time and it then becomes "burned into" the screen so that you can still faintly see it even when another image is displayed. This can happen on some TV channels that display an image that stays in a certain part of the screen for a long time, and if you play video games, there may also be a possibility that some games can cause this problem. So ask yourself before buying how you intend to use the TV, and if you happen to view programming that may have static screen images a lot of the time, it may be wise to choose an LCD screen as it does not suffer from this problem.
LCD TVs may not produce deep contrasty images like plasma monitors do, but the colors are still very pleasing and they can also be a better choice for brightly lit rooms since their display is not as susceptible to ambient light influences. However, they can tend to get more pricey than plasma TVs once you go above the 40 inch screen size.
All in all though, either type of TV screen technology will do a great job for you. The best recommendation is before you buy, visit a local electronics retailer and view representatives from plasma screens and LCDs. Bring along your own movie that you are familiar with and look for the differences. Then choose the one that makes the most sense to you. There is no need to buy from the store as you can often save lots of money by making your purchase online instead, but by doing your homework you can make a more informed buying decision.
http://www.articlefair.com/Article/Plasma-TV-or-LCD---Which-Should-You-Choose-/4743
Choosing The Best Cell Phone
Choosing the best cell phone takes planning and the knack for really knowing yourself. Your cell phone has to fit your lifestyle, and that includes your budget. Almost all cell phones require you committing to a long term contract with a cellular company, so make sure you read the fine print, in order to avoid any disappointments later on.
Armed with the knowledge of how much you want to pay, you can quickly decide what features you want. Herein lies the secret to choosing the best cell plan: when you know exactly what you want, and how much you're willing to pay, you can always find just the perfect phone.
Some principles to base your cell-phone purchasing decision on:
1) Not all cellular carriers or networks are created equal
2) Phone quality directly affects customer satisfaction
This means you need to do your research in order to find out what type of phone and what type of cellular plan is right for you. Find out what people who already own the phone are saying. Research customer reviews and notate if anyone has brought up certain issues or problems with plans or providers. It might seem painstaking to do this level or research, but the hours of hassle it saves you later on will be well worth it.
Several key components of picking the best cell phone are:
1) Cell phone styling and features - loads of features and sleek design is what most people want
2) Reliable and cost-efficient cellular plans - cell phones are monthly bills, people who pay monthly want a good service that works
Cell phone styling varies widely in range, and it's recommended that you look at and hold several different styles of cell phones to get a good feel for what to expect. A phone that doesn't feel right in your hand, will be one you're unhappy with. The easiest way to see a variety of cell phones is by visiting a local retailer. If the screen is hard to read, or the keypad is difficult for you to work with, you need to factor that into your decision to buy. Keep a small checklist of the pros and cons of the purchase. If the cons outweigh the pros, then decided against it.
Next make sure to rigorously investigate the cellular plan you're expected to purchase, and read it before entering into the agreement. Make sure all fees are disclosed, and that you understand what you're agreeing to in terms of total payments. It's better to be careful up front, than regret the decision for years.
Expectations of cell phone consumers is high, and it's no wonder why: with over 800,000,000 phones sold in 2005, this is one of the most popular products in the world. Companies ranging from Nokia to Sony Ericsson make millions of units monthly and ship them to locations around the world. Education is the best tool that a cell phone consumer can have these days.
http://www.articlefair.com/Article/Choosing-The-Best-Cell-Phone/1675
Armed with the knowledge of how much you want to pay, you can quickly decide what features you want. Herein lies the secret to choosing the best cell plan: when you know exactly what you want, and how much you're willing to pay, you can always find just the perfect phone.
Some principles to base your cell-phone purchasing decision on:
1) Not all cellular carriers or networks are created equal
2) Phone quality directly affects customer satisfaction
This means you need to do your research in order to find out what type of phone and what type of cellular plan is right for you. Find out what people who already own the phone are saying. Research customer reviews and notate if anyone has brought up certain issues or problems with plans or providers. It might seem painstaking to do this level or research, but the hours of hassle it saves you later on will be well worth it.
Several key components of picking the best cell phone are:
1) Cell phone styling and features - loads of features and sleek design is what most people want
2) Reliable and cost-efficient cellular plans - cell phones are monthly bills, people who pay monthly want a good service that works
Cell phone styling varies widely in range, and it's recommended that you look at and hold several different styles of cell phones to get a good feel for what to expect. A phone that doesn't feel right in your hand, will be one you're unhappy with. The easiest way to see a variety of cell phones is by visiting a local retailer. If the screen is hard to read, or the keypad is difficult for you to work with, you need to factor that into your decision to buy. Keep a small checklist of the pros and cons of the purchase. If the cons outweigh the pros, then decided against it.
Next make sure to rigorously investigate the cellular plan you're expected to purchase, and read it before entering into the agreement. Make sure all fees are disclosed, and that you understand what you're agreeing to in terms of total payments. It's better to be careful up front, than regret the decision for years.
Expectations of cell phone consumers is high, and it's no wonder why: with over 800,000,000 phones sold in 2005, this is one of the most popular products in the world. Companies ranging from Nokia to Sony Ericsson make millions of units monthly and ship them to locations around the world. Education is the best tool that a cell phone consumer can have these days.
http://www.articlefair.com/Article/Choosing-The-Best-Cell-Phone/1675
Should I Buy A Laptop Or A Desktop?
With the advances in computer performance technology moving forward in quantum leaps it has created some difficult questions for us, one is deciding between a laptop or a desktop.
Now, not only do we have the problem of our computers being outdated very rapidly but we also need to decide which route to take.
Let’s look at the pros and cons and identify what we will use our computer for so that we will be able to make an intelligent decision about it.
First let’s look at the laptop. Obviously the greatest benefit to a laptop that is glaringly apparent is the mobility. This allows you to always be able to take your computer with you to work, school, on vacation, etc. At the same time this portability also allows anyone else the ability to walk off with your laptop as well. If this happens, not only are you out a computer but you have also lost all the data you had on it as well so security is a concern.
Another issue is the price difference. While prices have come down, there will still be a good disparity in the price of a laptop to a comparable desktop so you have to weigh that out as well. The difference is usually $400 or $500. Do you need the mobility enough to pay the difference in price?
Another concern with purchasing a laptop is the availability of parts and how upgradeable the unit is. Don’t buy some off brand laptop that you won’t be able to buy parts for and don’t buy one that you can’t upgrade later.
A big issue for me is the size of the screen, yeah size matters. If you get a laptop with a small screen you will be aggravated, trust me. I have a 17” screen on my desktop and a 15” on my laptop and it really makes a difference. You can get a laptop with a 17” screen, it will just set you back a bit more in cash outlay.
So ask yourself these questions:
Do I mainly use my computer at home or do I need it at work or school?
Do I travel a lot?
Will I use the laptop?
Am I willing to pay more for the convenience?
http://www.articlefair.com/Article/Should-I-Buy-A-Laptop-Or-A-Desktop-/1635
Now, not only do we have the problem of our computers being outdated very rapidly but we also need to decide which route to take.
Let’s look at the pros and cons and identify what we will use our computer for so that we will be able to make an intelligent decision about it.
First let’s look at the laptop. Obviously the greatest benefit to a laptop that is glaringly apparent is the mobility. This allows you to always be able to take your computer with you to work, school, on vacation, etc. At the same time this portability also allows anyone else the ability to walk off with your laptop as well. If this happens, not only are you out a computer but you have also lost all the data you had on it as well so security is a concern.
Another issue is the price difference. While prices have come down, there will still be a good disparity in the price of a laptop to a comparable desktop so you have to weigh that out as well. The difference is usually $400 or $500. Do you need the mobility enough to pay the difference in price?
Another concern with purchasing a laptop is the availability of parts and how upgradeable the unit is. Don’t buy some off brand laptop that you won’t be able to buy parts for and don’t buy one that you can’t upgrade later.
A big issue for me is the size of the screen, yeah size matters. If you get a laptop with a small screen you will be aggravated, trust me. I have a 17” screen on my desktop and a 15” on my laptop and it really makes a difference. You can get a laptop with a 17” screen, it will just set you back a bit more in cash outlay.
So ask yourself these questions:
Do I mainly use my computer at home or do I need it at work or school?
Do I travel a lot?
Will I use the laptop?
Am I willing to pay more for the convenience?
http://www.articlefair.com/Article/Should-I-Buy-A-Laptop-Or-A-Desktop-/1635
Tablet PC Review - The Best Table PCs On The Market
A tablet pc is a personal computer that has a touch screen. Much lighter and more manageable in small spaces than a laptop, a tablet pc is a truly personal computer. While a built in keyboard is not standard on a tablet pc a keyboard may be plugged in if the user prefers. To enter information on a tablet pc you simply write on the screen. The tablet pc is able to read your writing based on handwriting recognition. The handwriting is stored as a graphic and can be converted to text either in real time or stored and completed after you have finished your notes. If you would prefer to be more natural, comments, notes and doodles can be left in your own handwriting. Tablet pcs use Windows XP Professional as their operating system. There are a wide variety of additional software programs available to customize a tablet pc to meet your individual needs.
Tablet pcs are lightweight and are designed for students and business people alike. With their wireless capabilities tablet pcs are great for checking emails and keeping important files and information at your fingertips.
Tablet pcs on the market
* Hewlett-Packard offers a tablet pc that comes equipped with wireless options, integrated security and an outdoor viewable display. Battery life is up to 5.5 hours and an additional travel battery can be purchased for all day use. This tablet pc comes with a three-year warranty.
* Gateway offers a full bundle tablet pc that comes with USB keyboard, dock for a desktop, and DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive. It is a slate type model and comes with Windows XP Tablet PC software. Standard battery for this tablet pc lasts at least 3 hours. With a weight of three pounds this tablet pc is perfect for students or business people on the move.
* Toshiba is marketing a dockable tablet pc that combines a notebook pc with the versatility of the tablet pc. The fully rotating screen allows viewing in either the landscape or portrait orientation. This model of tablet pc is must for adding personal notes or diagrams to presentations.
http://www.articlefair.com/Article/Tablet-PC-Review---The-Best-Table-PCs-On-The-Market/1603
Tablet pcs are lightweight and are designed for students and business people alike. With their wireless capabilities tablet pcs are great for checking emails and keeping important files and information at your fingertips.
Tablet pcs on the market
* Hewlett-Packard offers a tablet pc that comes equipped with wireless options, integrated security and an outdoor viewable display. Battery life is up to 5.5 hours and an additional travel battery can be purchased for all day use. This tablet pc comes with a three-year warranty.
* Gateway offers a full bundle tablet pc that comes with USB keyboard, dock for a desktop, and DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive. It is a slate type model and comes with Windows XP Tablet PC software. Standard battery for this tablet pc lasts at least 3 hours. With a weight of three pounds this tablet pc is perfect for students or business people on the move.
* Toshiba is marketing a dockable tablet pc that combines a notebook pc with the versatility of the tablet pc. The fully rotating screen allows viewing in either the landscape or portrait orientation. This model of tablet pc is must for adding personal notes or diagrams to presentations.
http://www.articlefair.com/Article/Tablet-PC-Review---The-Best-Table-PCs-On-The-Market/1603
Stop Computer Hackers
Though I do not understand computers very well, I have used a computer since about 1993. Now that my fingers are no longer so flexible I love my computer even more than before. Using E-mail I am able to correspond with friends and family. And I am able to keep my thoughts organized using my word processor.
But there is one thing about computers which I absolutely hate -- hacking! Hackers deserve jail time regardless of their age. They are guilty of causing great monetary losses to their victims -- you and me.
They are guilty of creating frustration and aggravation for those of us who are simply trying to enjoy using our computers. Hackers may be very bright when it comes to understanding computers but they are ignorant, thoughtless and uncaring when faced with the consequences of their actions.
Personally, through the years I expect I have spent at least 100 hours troubleshooting various problems. In addition, I believe I have spent about $5000 in upgrading and/or replacing my computer and in buying software to prevent the problems which hackers create.
Recently I read that successful hackers could also steal your identity. Now this is frightening! Viruses, trojans, adware, and slow loading or non-functioning computers are bad. And now we learn that hackers could actually steal your identity!
Where will it all end?
Computer protection programs are available. But many, if not all, do nothing to stop someone from sending problems to your computer. However, some of those programs are quite efficient in removing those problems, once a problem is recognized. It seems prefferable to stop the problem from being placed on your computer in the first place.
I have found a program which I believe will stop computer hackers. I downloaded a program called Security Suite which can run continuously in the background and stop hackers from gaining access to your computer. Downloading took less than a minute. And after the free scan revealed no problems on my computer I feel secure.
Considering that the program comes with a full eight week money back guarantee, there is nothing to lose.
The free scan is highly recommended even if your computer is running smoothly. I believe you will agree that this product is worthwhile both for your peace of mind and for your personal, or business, security.
http://www.articlefair.com/Article/Stop-Computer-Hackers/36671
But there is one thing about computers which I absolutely hate -- hacking! Hackers deserve jail time regardless of their age. They are guilty of causing great monetary losses to their victims -- you and me.
They are guilty of creating frustration and aggravation for those of us who are simply trying to enjoy using our computers. Hackers may be very bright when it comes to understanding computers but they are ignorant, thoughtless and uncaring when faced with the consequences of their actions.
Personally, through the years I expect I have spent at least 100 hours troubleshooting various problems. In addition, I believe I have spent about $5000 in upgrading and/or replacing my computer and in buying software to prevent the problems which hackers create.
Recently I read that successful hackers could also steal your identity. Now this is frightening! Viruses, trojans, adware, and slow loading or non-functioning computers are bad. And now we learn that hackers could actually steal your identity!
Where will it all end?
Computer protection programs are available. But many, if not all, do nothing to stop someone from sending problems to your computer. However, some of those programs are quite efficient in removing those problems, once a problem is recognized. It seems prefferable to stop the problem from being placed on your computer in the first place.
I have found a program which I believe will stop computer hackers. I downloaded a program called Security Suite which can run continuously in the background and stop hackers from gaining access to your computer. Downloading took less than a minute. And after the free scan revealed no problems on my computer I feel secure.
Considering that the program comes with a full eight week money back guarantee, there is nothing to lose.
The free scan is highly recommended even if your computer is running smoothly. I believe you will agree that this product is worthwhile both for your peace of mind and for your personal, or business, security.
http://www.articlefair.com/Article/Stop-Computer-Hackers/36671
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