Saturday, April 30, 2011

4 Reasons Why People Still Prefer Audio Books In Audiotape Formats Than CD Formats

4 Reasons Why People Still Prefer Audio Books In Audiotape Formats Than CD Formats
Word Count:
438
Summary:
Despite how great CDs are, many people still prefer audiocassettes to them, especially when it comes to listening to audio books.
Below are some of the reasons why:
One, Audio books in a CD format cannot contain more than 75 minutes of content but audiocassettes can hold as much as 90 whole minutes (and, in many cases much more) of narration.
I agree you can have the entire audio book spread out in several CDs, but not many people like to carry around too many CDs.
...

Keywords:
audiobook,audio book,audiobooks,audio books

Article Body:
Despite how great CDs are, many people still prefer audiocassettes to them, especially when it comes to listening to audio books.
Below are some of the reasons why:
One, Audio books in a CD format cannot contain more than 75 minutes of content but audiocassettes can hold as much as 90 whole minutes (and, in many cases much more) of narration.
I agree you can have the entire audio book spread out in several CDs, but not many people like to carry around too many CDs.
So, while you might need just a few audiocassettes for a particular audio book, you will probably need many more CDs for that same audio book.
Two, most people don't like to spend extra cash buying CD audio books when they can get the same audio book cheaper in audiocassettes.
For example, while an unabridged version of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" on 12 audiotapes can be bought for just $31.96 on the Barnes & Noble website, the CD format from Barnes & Noble costs almost double that amount - exactly $55.96 for 17 sets of CDs!
Of course, its not that they want to rip you off - it's simply because it costs much more to produce CDs than it does to produce audiocassettes.
Three, when you turn off your CD player while listening to an audio book, you won't be able to resume from the particular spot you left off. With a cassette, you can begin from the exact same spot you left off.
With CDs it can be frustrating when driving because each time you turn off your car, it would mean restarting the audio book or trying to locate exactly where you stopped.
Of course there are modern and more advanced CD players that can now save your location when you turn off your car, thereby allowing you to resume at the exact same spot you left off.
This won't work when you turn off the car AND take out the CD. But it will work with an audiocassette!
Four, because audio books are mainly just narration, many users don't see why they should spend the extra money to buy CDs because of issues of recording quality when they can get near enough the same quality with audiocassettes.
Their argument is that if it was sound "quality" they wanted, they would go for audio books in CD formats, but sound quality is the same with audiocassettes and CDs when it comes to audio books.
In more succinct terms - "the voice of humans (without drums and other musical paraphernalia) has very little to gain from the depth and clarity that comes with digital recordings in CD format!

3 Ways To Prepare Yourself For Windows Vista

3 Ways To Prepare Yourself For Windows Vista
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568
Summary:
As you may be aware, Microsoft is finally releasing the followup to Windows XP, called Windows Vista, in a few weeks time. As with previous upgrades for Windows, this will create some problems for people who want to upgrade their computers.
When a new version of Windows is released, there are usually some bugs and other issues that need to be ironed out. Microsoft has put Vista through extensive testing, but it is hard for them to test it for every possible situation becau...

Keywords:
computer help, computer problems, computer upgrades, windows problems

Article Body:
As you may be aware, Microsoft is finally releasing the followup to Windows XP, called Windows Vista, in a few weeks time. As with previous upgrades for Windows, this will create some problems for people who want to upgrade their computers.
When a new version of Windows is released, there are usually some bugs and other issues that need to be ironed out. Microsoft has put Vista through extensive testing, but it is hard for them to test it for every possible situation because there are so many different computer setups and configurations.
If you're thinking about upgrading your computer to Vista when it's released, here are a few things you need to know.
Compatibility
One of the biggest issues with new versions of Windows is compatibility with existing equipment - both in your computer and peripherals like printers and scanners.
Microsoft has tried to keep Vista compatible with all the existing hardware and software out there, but it's just not possible to be 100% compatible and still add new features and capabilities to Windows.
Before you go out and buy Windows Vista, check to make sure all the equipment you use is compatible or the manufacturer offers an upgrade to make it so. Microsoft has a program that will test your system and give you a report on its compatibility, or you can check with the various manufacturers directly.
Scanner are something that are particularly tricky when upgrading Windows so if you use a scanner, double-check that there is Vista compatible software available for it.
Specifications
If you've bought your computer in the last year or so, it should have plenty of power to run Vista. If it's older than a year, you may need to add some upgrades to bring it up to speed.
The following are the official requirements for Vista Premium Edition (the most complete version):
- 1GHz or higher processor
- 1GB RAM
- 40GB or larger hard drive
- Sound card
- Internet connection
- DVD drive
Most of those requirements are not going to be an issue for a reasonable recent computer, but the RAM is one thing you may need to upgrade. Even today, many computers include 512MB or even 256MB which is not enough to run Vista effectively.
Upgrading vs Preinstalled
Upgrading to a new version of Windows is always more problematic than starting with it preinstalled. There are almost always little glitches that need to be sorted out afterwards.
If you're thinking of buying a new computer now and upgrading to Vista when it's released, I would recommend waiting until you can get one with it preinstalled if at all possible. You'll be happier in the long run, in spite of having to wait a little longer.
If you're upgrading an older computer, and you have all the necessary requirements, the most important (critical!) thing is to back up all your important information before starting the upgrade.
The upgrade is not supposed to affect anything that's on your computer - only Windows - but there is always a chance that something doesn't work the way it should. If you get halfway through the upgrade and something goes wrong, you may not be able to load either Vista or your old version of Windows.
This may mean you have to reload your computer from scratch, which could wipe out all your files and information. Make sure you have an up-to-date copy of it all before you start the upgrade.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

3 Types Of Cheap Ink Cartridges

3 Types Of Cheap Ink Cartridges

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387

Summary:
Your printer ink cartridges play as big a part in the final quality of your print as the paper that you use. If you use cheap paper, your print quality will suffer and in many cases the same is true of using cheap ink cartridges. This isn't always the case, however. Discount ink can be bought in a few different ways and each of them has advantages and disadvantages.

Refill Ink

The first option for cheap ink is to refill your empty cartridges. This is generally the cheap...


Keywords:
printer ink, ink cartridge, inkjet cartridge, toner, refill ink, discount ink


Article Body:
Your printer ink cartridges play as big a part in the final quality of your print as the paper that you use. If you use cheap paper, your print quality will suffer and in many cases the same is true of using cheap ink cartridges. This isn't always the case, however. Discount ink can be bought in a few different ways and each of them has advantages and disadvantages.

Refill Ink

The first option for cheap ink is to refill your empty cartridges. This is generally the cheapest of all the alternatives, but it is also tends to wind up with the lowest quality prints.

It'll depend on what brand and model of printer you have, but many of the newer printers are difficult to refill. It can also be quite messy because you're dealing with bottled ink, trying to inject it back into the empty cartridge.

Recycled Cartridges

There are plenty of companies that recycle cartridges for you. They basically take the empty cartridges, clean them up, refill the ink and test them.

This is more expensive than refilling your own because you're paying for the labor involved, but it tends to give you better results.

These companies have refilling and cleaning equipment that can do a much better job of remanufacturing your empty cartridge. They also generally offer a guarantee on their work, so if the cartridge doesn't work properly you can either get a replacement or get your money back.

Generic Brand Cartridges

Generic cartridges are not as common as the other two options, mainly because many printer companies have patents on their ink cartridges so no other companies can duplicate them.

There are some cartridges that you can find brand new generic replacement ink for. These generic cartridge are not recycled, they are new but they aren't made by the printer companies themselves.

These cartridges tend to be the highest priced of the three options, but they are still cheaper than the original cartridges, and work just as well.

Which option will be best for you is going to depend a lot on how much printing you do, and what you're printing. If you're printing photos that you want to be able to keep for a lifetime, you'll have different needs than if you're just printing copies of web pages for future reference.


 

3 Things You Should Do To Avoid Becoming Technically Challenged

3 Things You Should Do To Avoid Becoming Technically Challenged

Word Count:
305

Summary:
Technology is moving ahead at a break neck pace. Technology is revolutionizing the way we work, live and play. These days you can barely choose a TV without some technical knowledge. So, how can you keep it all straight and stay in the 21st century? Just remember these 3 steps.

Call technology by its name. Every person, place or thing has a name. Technology is no different. TVs are referred to as LCD or Plasma. Broadband has two implementations known as DSL or cable modem...


Keywords:
technology challenged, avoid, computers, literate, business


Article Body:
Technology is moving ahead at a break neck pace. Technology is revolutionizing the way we work, live and play. These days you can barely choose a TV without some technical knowledge. So, how can you keep it all straight and stay in the 21st century? Just remember these 3 steps.

Call technology by its name. Every person, place or thing has a name. Technology is no different. TVs are referred to as LCD or Plasma. Broadband has two implementations known as DSL or cable modem. VOIP means voice over IP. Just pick up a sales paper and read the ads to learn the jargon. Some retailers have online tutorials to bring you up to speed.

Learn what devices and gadgets are used for. What does a wireless router do? What are some related devices and accessories? A wireless router manages Internet access, network administration and security, and wireless connectivity for multiple computers. Normally, a user needs a wireless adapter if he has a wireless router. The wireless adapter allows a desktop to communicate with the wireless router. Understanding what devices do and their relation to other devices is important.

Know what device you need when you adopt technology. Suppose you are ready to build a wireless home network. You have signed up for High Speed Internet from the ISP of your choice. And you want to connect both your desktop and laptop to the Internet. What might you need to accomplish this? You guessed it. You are going to need at minimum a wireless router and wireless adapter. Now you just have to select the brand.

Now you are ready to get out there and learn more about technology. You have the tools you need to get you started. Next time you hear about latest device or gadget, remember these 3 steps. Welcome to the 21st century.

 

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

3 Things You Need To Know About Voip

3 Things You Need To Know About Voip
Word Count:
359
Summary:
You have seen the ads about VOIP and you want in on it if it is what it promises to be. But, before you do so, you realize you need to know a little bit more about it. VOIP is fast becoming the talk of the world, literally! People are seeing the benefits of it in their bank accounts as well as in their service experiences. VOIP, or Voice Over Internet Protocol, is a way of communicating via the internet instead of using standard land phone lines.
What You Have To Know
*...

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Article Body:
You have seen the ads about VOIP and you want in on it if it is what it promises to be. But, before you do so, you realize you need to know a little bit more about it. VOIP is fast becoming the talk of the world, literally! People are seeing the benefits of it in their bank accounts as well as in their service experiences. VOIP, or Voice Over Internet Protocol, is a way of communicating via the internet instead of using standard land phone lines.
What You Have To Know
* Not sure how it works? Just as your internet connection can stay on, so can a phone system that is hooked up to it. The phone runs through the web, allowing for you to talk to anyone, anywhere without the need of expensive phone service. A great way to learn more about VOIP is to take a free demo of how it works. You’ll find these throughout the web.
* How does it save money? Another common question people have is how VOIP can save you money. If you are one that spends a lot of money each month on long distance phone calls, call waiting and forwarding services… and all other gadgets available for your standard phone, VOIP can save you money. It can do this because when you call through the internet, distance simply does not matter. Does it cost you anything to email your friend in China? No! And, neither does it cost to use VOIP long distance.
* What do you have to do to get it? First, you’ll need to insure that you have the service available in your area. Next, you’ll need to do some research to find out what the businesses can offer you in terms of service and cost. Then, you’ll need to install software and simple equipment and that’s that. You’ll likely pay a monthly payment as you do now, but it is likely to be much lower.
VOIP is fast growing because it is easy to use, affordable and quite possibly is the way of making phone calls in the years to come.

3 Reasons Why Zune Could Beat The Ipod

3 Reasons Why Zune Could Beat The Ipod
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341
Summary:
There is a lot of hype around the release of the Zune player. Microsoft claims that their portable media device is a real iPod killer. But the reality may not be that easy. There are 3 reasons though that makes us believe that the Zune can succeed. Two of them are already announced but the third one is more on our wish list for now.
Wi-fi connectivity
With the introduction of the zune in November, Microsoft brings the portable media players on new grounds. The Wi-fi featu...

Keywords:
Zune, Microsoft, iPod

Article Body:
There is a lot of hype around the release of the Zune player. Microsoft claims that their portable media device is a real iPod killer. But the reality may not be that easy. There are 3 reasons though that makes us believe that the Zune can succeed. Two of them are already announced but the third one is more on our wish list for now.
Wi-fi connectivity
With the introduction of the zune in November, Microsoft brings the portable media players on new grounds. The Wi-fi feature will enable users to socialize within their music universe. The social web as took all the attention on the internet in the last year or so. With the Zune, a part of that trend becomes “portable”. Exchanging a song or a video may look boring but doing it with the Zune and at the speed of a Wi-fi network will be very attractive for young people. On a negative note, the drm feature (Digital Rights Management) could eventually generate frustration among Zune users.
Integrated Marketplace
The subscription base Zune Marketplace could be a real skyrocket feature. Being able to access an online database of new music without having to download it first to your computer will make the Zune a real and first “portable media device”. The other important aspect of the Zune Marketplace is the ability to download as many songs as you want for a flat fee. If we can access the Zune Marketplace thru a public wi-fi network it will be a real technology and music orgasm!
VoIp Phone
This feature as not been announced by Microsoft (yet!) but it would be like a cherry on a sundae to have it. Imagine if your Wi-fi portable device could connect thru internet to access a VoIp network. This feature should not be very difficult to develop because most of the required hardware is already there (besides the microphone). A VoIp phone would be a lot easier to release compared to a real mobile phone which requires a lot more integration work and approvals.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

3 Rad Ways To Pimp Your Cell Phone

3 Rad Ways To Pimp Your Cell Phone
Word Count:
520
Summary:
Nine times out of ten you're thinking of dunking your cellphone into the fire or mixing it in the blender because everyone else seems to be sporting a snazzy, sexy cell phone, while you are stuck with one that's snarky, ugly, obsolete and so unhip that it's started to look like a pig's behind. Chances are that you are planning to call it an antique and shove it down the throat of some wacko buyer on eBay.
Let's move on to the next step – your new cellphone. Now you need t...

Keywords:

Article Body:
Nine times out of ten you're thinking of dunking your cellphone into the fire or mixing it in the blender because everyone else seems to be sporting a snazzy, sexy cell phone, while you are stuck with one that's snarky, ugly, obsolete and so unhip that it's started to look like a pig's behind. Chances are that you are planning to call it an antique and shove it down the throat of some wacko buyer on eBay.
Let's move on to the next step – your new cellphone. Now you need to pick up something and jazz it up so much, that you can show it off and make your buddies go green with envy. So, here are the latest ways using which, you can pimp up your cellphone:
1. Turn your cellphone into an ecosystem: In other words, convert your cellphone into an environmental-friendly product and check out the "oohs" and the "aahs" you get when you gently explain, to the opposite sex, how your cellphone actually protects the ozone layer. Don't buy cellphones that use non-biodegradable plastics; don't go near cellphones that coat their phones with flame retardant chemicals such as bromine-based flame retardants; conserve electricity by charging your phone as much as is required – better still, there's a new kind of phone that's made using bamboo and is powered by solar cells. Go for that. Our planet is getting hotter by the day; at least make your cellphone look cool!
2. Go for total convergence: First, get your cellphone hooked into a mobile radio service – there are many mobile services available and many, many more are on the way. Next, get a mobile TV service going – it's about 10 bucks a month, but that's nothing if you want to really pimp your buddy up. Now, get mobile VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) going – make calls to anyone in the world using your local connection! Bang, that's gonna get you some cool eyeballs! Now – here's the sucker punch – build all these features into a full screen phone! Mobile companies are coming out with full screen phones where everything is touch operated and the screen lights up when touched! Imagine a full screen phone with radio, TV and Mobile VOIP! Cool!
3. Make it burglar-proof: There are applications available in the market that make your cellphone scream out like Bruce Springsteen did while bellowing out "Born In The USA". Okay, the Bruce Springsteen bit was a joke, but, seriously, mobile applications are available that make your cellphone scream if it is stolen. Not just that, these applications lock in your private data, which can be recovered when you find the phone. Imagine what a technosavvy image you will project! Move over Neo, you two-bit son of an antique!
These are the top three ways you can pimp up your cellphone. Not only will your cellphone increase your social rank, it will also offer you protection from theft and provide you with entertainment when you need it the most – while at work or while studying. Plus, it will massage the ozone layer for you. Now what more can you wish for – Go for it, dude!

3 Mobile Launch Skypephone

3 Mobile Launch Skypephone
Word Count:
516
Summary:
3 Mobile have teamed up with Skype to offer free calls across the Internet using their new Skypephone. The Skype network has, within a very short space of time, become hugely popular for making free Internet calls through handsets that are attached to your PC and has built up a large customer base that recently prompted a buyout by eBay. If popular, this brave step by 3 could prompt an end of pay as you talk tariffs and push other mobile phone networks into action to try and ...

Keywords:
mobile, phone, mobiles, phones, cell, skype, skypephone, 3, three, 3 mobile

Article Body:
3 Mobile have teamed up with Skype to offer free calls across the Internet using their new Skypephone. The Skype network has, within a very short space of time, become hugely popular for making free Internet calls through handsets that are attached to your PC and has built up a large customer base that recently prompted a buyout by eBay. If popular, this brave step by 3 could prompt an end of pay as you talk tariffs and push other mobile phone networks into action to try and offer similar competitive deals.
The new Skypephone from 3 has all the functionality you would expect from a modern day mobile phone including 3G, a 2-megapixel camera, mp3 player, mobile TV and internet plus the handset looks stylish and comes in either black or white with pink or blue trims. The Skypephone includes 16MB internal memory and comes with a 256MB micro SD memory card which is also expandable up to 1GB. The large Skype button in the center of the handset allows for quick and easy access to the Skype menu where you can simply make a free call or write a text message to people within your friends list.
The biggest challenge for the 3 Skypephone is encouraging people who are not already signed up with Skype, or whose friends are not members of Skype, to buy the phone. If this hurdle can be cleared then it could create a domino effect which would push all other mobile phone networks to provide a similar service and may make Skype a major player in the world of telecommunications. Once you are signed up to Skype you will not only be able to call people using the 3 Skypephone but also talk to friends connected to Skype through their PC.
3 Mobile offer the Skypephone on either pay as you go or monthly contract deals. The payg deal currently costs £49.99 for the Skypephone handset and requires you to top up your phone with at least £10 credit for standard voice calls and texts. The contract deals start from £12 per month with a minimum tie-in of 18 months.
The Skype deal from 3 is also available with other compatible mobile phones such as the Nokia N95 or the Sony Ericsson W910i which makes the offer a lot more flexible and doesn’t tie customers to a single handset. For none 3 Mobile customers Skype is also compatible with mobile phones that run the Windows Mobile operating system, plus it is possible to connect to Skype using Fring (a third party mobile VoIP application that enables free mobile internet calls and live chat to other fringsters and PC-based services including Skype, Google Talk, ICQ, MSN Messenger and Twitter) through a mobile phone with the Symbian operating system.
This fantastic offer could help encourage a reduction in prices of mobile phone calls and it is likely that other mobile phone networks will be keeping a close eye on how the collaboration develops. Flexibility is the key and by allowing customers to choose whether they make calls through Skype or through normal network services, the Skypephone should be a huge success.

Monday, April 25, 2011

3 Cool Cell Phone Tricks For You

3 Cool Cell Phone Tricks For You
Word Count:
355
Summary:
Cell phones have become ubiquitous.  It is now unusual to find anyone who does not have one of the little beasties.  The obvious next step was to seek a means to ensure your cell phone is unique and different from all of the others out there.  A variety of features exist in varying combinations and there are the usual tricks like customizing the picture on the screen or the ringtone.  These are almost all more style than substance. 
We’ve all experienced the ringtone that...

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Article Body:
Cell phones have become ubiquitous.  It is now unusual to find anyone who does not have one of the little beasties.  The obvious next step was to seek a means to ensure your cell phone is unique and different from all of the others out there.  A variety of features exist in varying combinations and there are the usual tricks like customizing the picture on the screen or the ringtone.  These are almost all more style than substance. 
We’ve all experienced the ringtone that outstays its welcome and then just won’t go away or a ringtone that is just particularly inopportune for some reason.  There are also stories of just the wrong cell phone wallpaper showing the bosses relative or some other potentially embarrassing sight.  Some people actually use those phones for something other than status symbols.  Here are a couple of tricks for those.
One potentially useful trick is the doggie whistle.  For cell phones that allow multiple ring tones, using the inaudible dog whistle for one provides a handy method to discourage annoying dogs that might chase you as you jog, harass you as you walk or some other hassle. 
Another useful trick is that of habitually locking the phone’s keys when you replace it into a pocket, purse or other container.  The random presses of buttons that otherwise occur are a drain on battery power unless the phone has been told to ignore them with the lock command, and can potentially save money if the phone might accidentally hit the correct combination to make a call.  Another useful feature to save battery power is airplane mode, for those times when you do not desire to answer the phone but do expect to need the phone's other features, such as a planner function or even clock. 
Finally, cell phones are terribly convenient.  Carrying around a phone book isn’t.  Yet conventional directory assistance costs can add up. 

3.03 Psp Downgrade

3.03 Psp Downgrade
Word Count:
455
Summary:
3.03 PSP Downgrade.
So you're looking a 3.03 PSP Downgrade? well this article may help you out.
First and foremost, you need an unpatched copy of Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories.
There is no other way that you can downgrade any PSP over 2.81 without it. Now for some reason people don't seem to appreciate this fact and will spend hours upon hours searching the Internet for other ways to downgrade with out the GTA. Let me save you time, there is no other way to d...

Keywords:
3.03 Psp Downgrade, psp downgrade,downgrade psp

Article Body:
3.03 PSP Downgrade.
So you're looking a 3.03 PSP Downgrade? well this article may help you out.
First and foremost, you need an unpatched copy of Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories.
There is no other way that you can downgrade any PSP over 2.81 without it. Now for some reason people don't seem to appreciate this fact and will spend hours upon hours searching the Internet for other ways to downgrade with out the GTA. Let me save you time, there is no other way to downgrade any PSP above 2.81 with out the unpatched GTA.
In late 2005 a vulnerability was found in the way the PSP version of GTA: Liberty City Stories processes saved games. In December 2005 software was developed to execute unsigned code on PSPs with firmwares 2.00 through 2.60. In April 2006 firmware 2.70 was released and patched the exploit, however, as of January 25, 2007 it was discovered that Sony did not completely patch the exploit, and unsigned code may be run on 3.03 firmware, a 3.03 downgrader was released 3 days after the exploit was found. Also, new copies of GTA: Liberty City Stories patched the exploit as well, preventing it from being executed on other firmware versions. Since then homebrew has advanced to the point that a copy of GTA: Liberty City Stories is no longer needed to run unsigned code except on firmware versions 2.81 to 3.03. Sony has now blocked the GTA exploit for good with the release of the 3.10 firmware update and later subsequent firmware udates.
So how do I know if I have the right GTA for a 3.03 PSP downgrade? Well, it's quite simple really. Get your copy of GTA Liberty City Stories and put it in your UMD drive, now scroll to the game folder and you will see a "UMD update" option. Now, if this says "Update 2.00" then you have an unpatched version, if it says "Update 2.60" then you have the patched version which is no good for a 3.03 PSP downgrade.
Now all you have to do from here is find the 3.03 downgrader, there are a couple of versions around the Internet which you can download and these are relatively easy to follow . Just be sure you download the software from a reputable place as there are some scumbags around who have put fake downgraders up on the Internet so unsuspecting people can download them and brick their PSPs.
Also, make sure you to follow the steps exactly as they are described, this is very important. If you do one thing out of place, or if you put a file and the wrong place you could effectively brick your PSP, so it is vitally important that you follow instructions when you do at 3.03 PSP downgrade.
I hope this article helps you to successfully do a 3.03 PSP downgrade.