Author: Damien Oh
It is very easy to install a graphics card, all it needs is only 15 mins of your time and you can get your gaming computer booting up with the new graphics card.
AGP slot was the standard for graphics card interface with the motherboard. As technology advances, the newer PCI-Express has taken over and many graphics card nowadays use PCI-E slot as its interface with the motherboard.
Before you can install the graphics card, you need to identify which type of slot does your graphics card uses.
If you are not sure which slot does your graphics card use, check out the user manual that comes with the graphics card.
Once you are ready to install your graphics card, follow these four steps...
Step 1: Uninstall the current graphics card drivers
Before you install your new card, you have to uninstall your current card driver. This is because the current driver might not be compatible with the new graphics card and it might result in hardware conflict.
On your Windows desktop, click 'Start' -> 'Control Panel'. In the new window that pops up, search for the 'System' icon and double click on it. Look for the 'hardware' tab. Click on the 'Device Manager'. This will pop up a new window showing your entire hardware configuration. Your graphics card should be listed under the 'Display Adapter' heading. Double-click the name of your graphics card. In the next window, go to 'Driver' tab and right below, there is an 'Uninstall' button. Click the Uninstall button. Once it is done, close all the windows and shut down your computer.
Step 2: Remove old graphics card
Now, unplug the power socket from the wall and remove the casing of your computer. Locate the AGP slot (short brown color slot above the rows of long white PCI slot) with your old graphics card. To prevent static charge from damaging your computer parts, touch a metal part of the case to ground yourself. Remove the screw on the back plate of the graphics card and unplug the graphics card from the slot.
Step 3: Install new card.
Align the new card correctly with the AGP slot (align with the PCI-e slot if your graphics card is of the PCI express type). Applying even forces on both end of the card, slowly push the new graphics card into the slot. Secure it to the back plate with a screw.
Step 4: Install new drivers.
Plug in all cables and boot up your Windows. Your operating system should now automatically recognize the new hardware and walk you through the installation wizard. Most of the time, you will need to insert the driver CD that come with the graphics card into the CD-ROM. Locate the 'setup.exe' file in the driver CD and double click on it. It will then walk you through the installation process. If your graphics card is not the latest model, then most probably there is a newer version of the driver on the Internet. Check out the manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers. Install it. Once done, reboot your PC. Now, you're ready to start gaming.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
How To Repair Dell E151Fpb LCD Monitor - No Display Problem
By Jestine Yong
Dell E151fpb LCD monitor came in with the complaint of no power but upon carefully look at the LCD you could see a very light (blur) white flashes across the screen and the power LED is not lit. Removing the cover was a bit easy compared to other models. As usual whenever the mainboard and power board were exposed, I would look for any bulged capacitor, darkened area, a loosen connector and etc. However this monitor boards looks perfectly okay. The next step was to separate the power/inverter board with the main board. Power was applied to the power board and I could hear a soft ‘chip-chip’ sound. When I measure the 12 volts line with a digital multimeter, the readout was about 7- 8 volts which was very unusual. In fact this is good news to us because we know what the next step that we should make.
Now we could use a 12 volt automobile brake light bulb to test at which section that is causing the low voltage output problem. If the LCD monitor designed to run on 18 or 24 volts then you could use a light bulb from the big trailer. A defective component in either primary or secondary side could cause low output voltage. Removing the fuse as shown in the photo and connect the bulb between the supply line and the cold ground could tell which section is giving problem. You could use this method but first you must confirm that the secondary filter capacitors, TL431 adjustable precision shunt regulator ic, optoisolators and components surrounding the optoisolator is working before you proceed to use the light bulb.
When the power is on the light bulb still do not lit and the sound still could be heard. This indicates that the primary side is having problem and we can leave the inverter/high voltage area and fully concentrate to locate the faults in the primary section.
This is the time to really test your basic electronics skill because you now know at which area the fault is and you just have to use your skills to locate the exact bad component. There were not much components in the primary side, and you could easily check all of them in less than 20 minutes. After checking all the components I was surprised that all of them tested okay. Primary winding of switch mode power transformer rings 8 bars which indicates good and even the uc3842b PWM power IC replaced the power still won’t work! It was quite challenging to troubleshoot this kind of problem where you are hundred percent sure that the primary side is giving problem yet you could not find out the culprit.
Since I had checked all the components and could not locate the fault, the only way that I could do is to direct replace the semiconductor devices such as the diodes, scr, fet, and transistors. From experienced I do encountered semiconductor components breakdown when under full operating voltage. One by one of the semiconductor components I replaced and power on each time I had changed it to see if the bulb light up or not. Guess what, you would not believe what have I just discovered-a defective 2N7000 fet! The moments I have replaced this fet and power on, the bulb immediately light up. I could not believe it was this faulty fet that causes all the output voltages to drop! I was so happy that I eventually solved the problem and who knows this could be a common fault for all DELL E151Fpb LCD monitor- so please take note to all LCD monitor repairer.
I began to check again the defective 2N7000 fet with my analog meter and peak electronic atlas component analyzer and the result is still the same-tested good! Just like flyback transformer, the best testing equipment to test Fet and other components is actually the equipment itself because it runs on full operating voltage, frequency, signal and etc. What you have just learned from here was that if all the suspected components tested good, the only way to reveal the truth is to direct replace the parts. Hope you enjoy this article and more good articles to come everyday! Wishing you all the best and happy repairing!
Jestine Yong is a electronic repairer and a writer, for more lcd monitor repair tips and secrets, please visit his website at http://www.electronicrepairguide.com/lcd-monitor-repair.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jestine_Yong
Dell E151fpb LCD monitor came in with the complaint of no power but upon carefully look at the LCD you could see a very light (blur) white flashes across the screen and the power LED is not lit. Removing the cover was a bit easy compared to other models. As usual whenever the mainboard and power board were exposed, I would look for any bulged capacitor, darkened area, a loosen connector and etc. However this monitor boards looks perfectly okay. The next step was to separate the power/inverter board with the main board. Power was applied to the power board and I could hear a soft ‘chip-chip’ sound. When I measure the 12 volts line with a digital multimeter, the readout was about 7- 8 volts which was very unusual. In fact this is good news to us because we know what the next step that we should make.
Now we could use a 12 volt automobile brake light bulb to test at which section that is causing the low voltage output problem. If the LCD monitor designed to run on 18 or 24 volts then you could use a light bulb from the big trailer. A defective component in either primary or secondary side could cause low output voltage. Removing the fuse as shown in the photo and connect the bulb between the supply line and the cold ground could tell which section is giving problem. You could use this method but first you must confirm that the secondary filter capacitors, TL431 adjustable precision shunt regulator ic, optoisolators and components surrounding the optoisolator is working before you proceed to use the light bulb.
When the power is on the light bulb still do not lit and the sound still could be heard. This indicates that the primary side is having problem and we can leave the inverter/high voltage area and fully concentrate to locate the faults in the primary section.
This is the time to really test your basic electronics skill because you now know at which area the fault is and you just have to use your skills to locate the exact bad component. There were not much components in the primary side, and you could easily check all of them in less than 20 minutes. After checking all the components I was surprised that all of them tested okay. Primary winding of switch mode power transformer rings 8 bars which indicates good and even the uc3842b PWM power IC replaced the power still won’t work! It was quite challenging to troubleshoot this kind of problem where you are hundred percent sure that the primary side is giving problem yet you could not find out the culprit.
Since I had checked all the components and could not locate the fault, the only way that I could do is to direct replace the semiconductor devices such as the diodes, scr, fet, and transistors. From experienced I do encountered semiconductor components breakdown when under full operating voltage. One by one of the semiconductor components I replaced and power on each time I had changed it to see if the bulb light up or not. Guess what, you would not believe what have I just discovered-a defective 2N7000 fet! The moments I have replaced this fet and power on, the bulb immediately light up. I could not believe it was this faulty fet that causes all the output voltages to drop! I was so happy that I eventually solved the problem and who knows this could be a common fault for all DELL E151Fpb LCD monitor- so please take note to all LCD monitor repairer.
I began to check again the defective 2N7000 fet with my analog meter and peak electronic atlas component analyzer and the result is still the same-tested good! Just like flyback transformer, the best testing equipment to test Fet and other components is actually the equipment itself because it runs on full operating voltage, frequency, signal and etc. What you have just learned from here was that if all the suspected components tested good, the only way to reveal the truth is to direct replace the parts. Hope you enjoy this article and more good articles to come everyday! Wishing you all the best and happy repairing!
Jestine Yong is a electronic repairer and a writer, for more lcd monitor repair tips and secrets, please visit his website at http://www.electronicrepairguide.com/lcd-monitor-repair.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jestine_Yong
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Understanding Monitor Flyback Transformers Internal Capacitor
By Jestine Yong
Troubleshooting Monitor flyback transformers is not difficult if you know what is inside the flyback. Normally for a monitor flyback transformer, it consists of the casing, winding, pins, high voltage cable, anode cap, divider, epoxy and a high voltage capacitor. Among all, the internal capacitor gave the most problems. If this capacitor value out or short circuited, the monitor will have no high voltage and high voltage shut down and sometimes even blow the power section. That’s why, whenever before you want to check any power problems or horizontal out transistor (HOT) that had developed a short circuit; you must always confirm first that the flyback transformer internal capacitor is working. Otherwise, after the replacement of components, the monitor would not work or sometimes the same components that you had changed would blow again.
Although every monitor flyback transformers have different designed, the method of measuring it is the same whether it is a Samsung, Philips, Likom and etc. Connect the digital capacitance probe from the anode cap to the bottom pin as shown in the photo. A good capacitor value should be from 1.5 nanofarad to 4.5 nanofarad. Acer 14 and 15” monitor usually measured 1.5-1.6 nanofarad whereas 17” and above flyback usually in the range of 2.7 nanofarad to 4.5 nanofarad. Some 21” monitor flyback have the reading of 6 nanofarad.
A good dynamic focus capacitor usually has the capacitance value from 0.5 to 1 nanofarad. If these capacitors values run, you may have some problems adjusting the focus. In other words, you just can’t tune to a sharp picture no matter how hard you have tried it. You can test these dynamic focus capacitors by connecting a digital capacitance from the horizontal or vertical focus wire to one of the two pins under the flyback divider.
Many monitor repairers tried to fix a flyback transformer without success. Some called it as refurbish flyback. The reason for their failure in repairing the flyback is because of the bleeder resistor inside the flyback. Some technicians called it as feedback resistor. If you just remove the flyback internal capacitor pin and if that flyback have a bleeder resistor in it, the monitor will go into high voltage shutdown mode. Be careful when you want to do refurbishing flyback.
Get Monitor flyback transformers schematic diagram to make you familiar with the components inside the flyback. See how the internal capacitor and bleeder resistor are connected. How a primary and secondary winding are drawn and get to know the design of different flyback manufacturers as well. In this article I would not show you how to remove flyback transformer because I expect you already knew how to take it out.
Conclusion-Just practice more often on how to test a flyback transformer, and use a dick smith lopt tester to check the winding. It wouldn’t take long for you to become very good in checking flyback transformer. By the way, testing the internal capacitor with a digital capacitance is not 100 % accurate because the internal capacitor have the voltage rating of about 30 to 35 kilovolt and the output voltage produced by your meter only in couples of volt. The best flyback transformer tester on earth is actually the Monitor or the TV itself. When you switch on, if the monitor working then the flyback is in good condition and if you heard “tic”-“tic” or arcing sound, most probably you need to check or refurbish the flyback transformer. Have a great day my friend!
Jestine Yong is a electronic repairer and a writer, for more monitor repair information, please visit his website at http://www.electronicrepairguide.com/computer-monitor.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jestine_Yong
Troubleshooting Monitor flyback transformers is not difficult if you know what is inside the flyback. Normally for a monitor flyback transformer, it consists of the casing, winding, pins, high voltage cable, anode cap, divider, epoxy and a high voltage capacitor. Among all, the internal capacitor gave the most problems. If this capacitor value out or short circuited, the monitor will have no high voltage and high voltage shut down and sometimes even blow the power section. That’s why, whenever before you want to check any power problems or horizontal out transistor (HOT) that had developed a short circuit; you must always confirm first that the flyback transformer internal capacitor is working. Otherwise, after the replacement of components, the monitor would not work or sometimes the same components that you had changed would blow again.
Although every monitor flyback transformers have different designed, the method of measuring it is the same whether it is a Samsung, Philips, Likom and etc. Connect the digital capacitance probe from the anode cap to the bottom pin as shown in the photo. A good capacitor value should be from 1.5 nanofarad to 4.5 nanofarad. Acer 14 and 15” monitor usually measured 1.5-1.6 nanofarad whereas 17” and above flyback usually in the range of 2.7 nanofarad to 4.5 nanofarad. Some 21” monitor flyback have the reading of 6 nanofarad.
A good dynamic focus capacitor usually has the capacitance value from 0.5 to 1 nanofarad. If these capacitors values run, you may have some problems adjusting the focus. In other words, you just can’t tune to a sharp picture no matter how hard you have tried it. You can test these dynamic focus capacitors by connecting a digital capacitance from the horizontal or vertical focus wire to one of the two pins under the flyback divider.
Many monitor repairers tried to fix a flyback transformer without success. Some called it as refurbish flyback. The reason for their failure in repairing the flyback is because of the bleeder resistor inside the flyback. Some technicians called it as feedback resistor. If you just remove the flyback internal capacitor pin and if that flyback have a bleeder resistor in it, the monitor will go into high voltage shutdown mode. Be careful when you want to do refurbishing flyback.
Get Monitor flyback transformers schematic diagram to make you familiar with the components inside the flyback. See how the internal capacitor and bleeder resistor are connected. How a primary and secondary winding are drawn and get to know the design of different flyback manufacturers as well. In this article I would not show you how to remove flyback transformer because I expect you already knew how to take it out.
Conclusion-Just practice more often on how to test a flyback transformer, and use a dick smith lopt tester to check the winding. It wouldn’t take long for you to become very good in checking flyback transformer. By the way, testing the internal capacitor with a digital capacitance is not 100 % accurate because the internal capacitor have the voltage rating of about 30 to 35 kilovolt and the output voltage produced by your meter only in couples of volt. The best flyback transformer tester on earth is actually the Monitor or the TV itself. When you switch on, if the monitor working then the flyback is in good condition and if you heard “tic”-“tic” or arcing sound, most probably you need to check or refurbish the flyback transformer. Have a great day my friend!
Jestine Yong is a electronic repairer and a writer, for more monitor repair information, please visit his website at http://www.electronicrepairguide.com/computer-monitor.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jestine_Yong
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Five Reasons Why Your 3rd Generation iPod Battery is Worth Replacing
By Anthony Magnabosco
As the owner of a popular third-party iPod battery replacement business, I have the privilege of being able to speak with many iPod owners on a daily basis. It always amazes me how many customers with a 3rd Generation iPod proclaim that it is simply the best iPod that Apple ever made.
About the only thing that I don’t like about the third generation iPod is its’ inability to charge over USB – but I digress.
As it turns out, the very first MP3 player that I ever owned was a 3rd Gen iPod, and I have to agree that it was the most successful product in the iPod family. Here are five reasons why I think this to be the case:
First, the third generation iPod was released in a variety of hard drive sizes: 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 30GB, and 40GB capacities. This variation in capacity allowed consumers to select a player that not only fit their storage requirements, but also their budget. Never before could you buy a digital music player that let you to store up to 20,000 songs before on one portable device and slip it in your pocket.
Secondly, the 3G iPod has one of the best interfaces ever conceived. If you are not familiar with the layout, the 3rd Generation iPod has an all-white front (including an all-white ScrollWheel) and a metallic silver back. The location of the navigation buttons are not on the ScrollWheel, like you find on more recent models, but instead appear above the scroll wheel and below the LCD. This is a big deal: many people that I have spoken with absolutely love the buttons in this location, as they allow for faster navigation and volume control adjustments, perfect for folks on the go or in the midst of a killer workout.
Frankly, I would not be surprised if Apple eventually integrated a 'virtual' ScrollWheel into the display of the iPhone or future iPod models like you often see on rumor-mill mock-ups, but give users the ability to select the 'classic' 3rd gen iPod ScrollWheel layout in addition to the more recent scroll wheel design.
Next, although the third gen iPod suffers from the same iPod battery issues as all of the other models before and after it (the lithium-ion battery will eventually lose its' ability to maintain a charge), this cool model was designed with has a tad more space inside the unit. This extra space is perfect for installing a longer-lasting third generation iPod battery that can far outperform the original stock battery that came inside the unit, often hours and hours more playtime.
Fourth, although the 3rd Generation iPod cannot display photographs or play video like its’ younger siblings, it is in my opinion is one of the most durable iPods ever built. The hard drive inside a 3rd gen iPod is completely ensconced in protective padding to absorb shock and other mild abuse you might throw at it. Furthermore, the screen on this model is much more scratch-resistant than you might find on an early version of the iPod nano, for example.
Finally, the 3rd Gen iPod just feels right in you hand - it's the perfect weight, perfect size, and holds the perfect amount of music for the casual listener to the serious audiophile.
Anthony Magnabosco is the Owner of Milliamp LTD. For more information about a strong iPod battery for your 3rd Generation iPod or any other model, please visit http://www.ipodjuice.com Milliamp LTD and the ipodjuice.com website are in no way associated with Apple Computer, Inc. 'Apple' is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. 'iPod' is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Magnabosco
As the owner of a popular third-party iPod battery replacement business, I have the privilege of being able to speak with many iPod owners on a daily basis. It always amazes me how many customers with a 3rd Generation iPod proclaim that it is simply the best iPod that Apple ever made.
About the only thing that I don’t like about the third generation iPod is its’ inability to charge over USB – but I digress.
As it turns out, the very first MP3 player that I ever owned was a 3rd Gen iPod, and I have to agree that it was the most successful product in the iPod family. Here are five reasons why I think this to be the case:
First, the third generation iPod was released in a variety of hard drive sizes: 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 30GB, and 40GB capacities. This variation in capacity allowed consumers to select a player that not only fit their storage requirements, but also their budget. Never before could you buy a digital music player that let you to store up to 20,000 songs before on one portable device and slip it in your pocket.
Secondly, the 3G iPod has one of the best interfaces ever conceived. If you are not familiar with the layout, the 3rd Generation iPod has an all-white front (including an all-white ScrollWheel) and a metallic silver back. The location of the navigation buttons are not on the ScrollWheel, like you find on more recent models, but instead appear above the scroll wheel and below the LCD. This is a big deal: many people that I have spoken with absolutely love the buttons in this location, as they allow for faster navigation and volume control adjustments, perfect for folks on the go or in the midst of a killer workout.
Frankly, I would not be surprised if Apple eventually integrated a 'virtual' ScrollWheel into the display of the iPhone or future iPod models like you often see on rumor-mill mock-ups, but give users the ability to select the 'classic' 3rd gen iPod ScrollWheel layout in addition to the more recent scroll wheel design.
Next, although the third gen iPod suffers from the same iPod battery issues as all of the other models before and after it (the lithium-ion battery will eventually lose its' ability to maintain a charge), this cool model was designed with has a tad more space inside the unit. This extra space is perfect for installing a longer-lasting third generation iPod battery that can far outperform the original stock battery that came inside the unit, often hours and hours more playtime.
Fourth, although the 3rd Generation iPod cannot display photographs or play video like its’ younger siblings, it is in my opinion is one of the most durable iPods ever built. The hard drive inside a 3rd gen iPod is completely ensconced in protective padding to absorb shock and other mild abuse you might throw at it. Furthermore, the screen on this model is much more scratch-resistant than you might find on an early version of the iPod nano, for example.
Finally, the 3rd Gen iPod just feels right in you hand - it's the perfect weight, perfect size, and holds the perfect amount of music for the casual listener to the serious audiophile.
Anthony Magnabosco is the Owner of Milliamp LTD. For more information about a strong iPod battery for your 3rd Generation iPod or any other model, please visit http://www.ipodjuice.com Milliamp LTD and the ipodjuice.com website are in no way associated with Apple Computer, Inc. 'Apple' is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. 'iPod' is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Magnabosco
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Laptop Battery Repair
By Seth Miller
The greatest strength of a laptop is its portability and the fact that it can be used without needing any external power connections for hours at a time. This makes a laptop battery one of the most important parts in a laptop. It is very important, hence to take care of a laptop battery. Like every other part of the laptop, the battery also undergoes wear and tear and might need repairs.
It must be remembered that most laptop batteries cannot be repaired if damaged. This is because of their complex construction. And even if it were to be repaired, one would need specific and expensive instruments to do so. It is for this reason that often it is suggested that if a battery is damaged, one should buy a new laptop battery, rather than repairing a damaged one. This is often a better and a cheaper idea.
At times when we see the need for a laptop battery repair, it turns out that all it requires is a bit of calibration. This is done in most battery or laptop repair shops locally. However, there are cases when the battery is actually damaged. It then needs thorough repair, or should simply be replaced, as mentioned above.
One needs to remember that it is not a good idea to use a laptop battery that has begun to leak. Do not even think of repairing such a battery as it could be dangerous. Such laptop batteries can usually not be repaired and even if they are, the repairs are expensive and the battery may not be safe to reuse.
However, there are different types of batteries that are available on the market, and quite a few of them even lend themselves to repair in case of damage. One first needs to know the type of battery one has before one goes in for a laptop battery repair. One can then check it out in some local stores. Often the internet is a good source for finding out information regarding the same and also to know whether the laptop battery can really be repaired in the first place.
Laptop Repair provides detailed information on Laptop Repair, Laptop LCD Repair, Laptop Hinge Repair, Laptop Repair Manuals and more. Laptop Repair is affiliated with Used Laptops.
The greatest strength of a laptop is its portability and the fact that it can be used without needing any external power connections for hours at a time. This makes a laptop battery one of the most important parts in a laptop. It is very important, hence to take care of a laptop battery. Like every other part of the laptop, the battery also undergoes wear and tear and might need repairs.
It must be remembered that most laptop batteries cannot be repaired if damaged. This is because of their complex construction. And even if it were to be repaired, one would need specific and expensive instruments to do so. It is for this reason that often it is suggested that if a battery is damaged, one should buy a new laptop battery, rather than repairing a damaged one. This is often a better and a cheaper idea.
At times when we see the need for a laptop battery repair, it turns out that all it requires is a bit of calibration. This is done in most battery or laptop repair shops locally. However, there are cases when the battery is actually damaged. It then needs thorough repair, or should simply be replaced, as mentioned above.
One needs to remember that it is not a good idea to use a laptop battery that has begun to leak. Do not even think of repairing such a battery as it could be dangerous. Such laptop batteries can usually not be repaired and even if they are, the repairs are expensive and the battery may not be safe to reuse.
However, there are different types of batteries that are available on the market, and quite a few of them even lend themselves to repair in case of damage. One first needs to know the type of battery one has before one goes in for a laptop battery repair. One can then check it out in some local stores. Often the internet is a good source for finding out information regarding the same and also to know whether the laptop battery can really be repaired in the first place.
Laptop Repair provides detailed information on Laptop Repair, Laptop LCD Repair, Laptop Hinge Repair, Laptop Repair Manuals and more. Laptop Repair is affiliated with Used Laptops.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Choosing the Right MP3 Player
By Kathryn Lively
You may be too young to remember, or maybe you do and would rather not, the once familiar scene of somebody walking down the street with a transistor radio pinned to his ear. Back in the seventies, it was quite common to see people bobbing their heads to a beat only they could hear, distracted from the rest of the world. One can imagine how a young person today would find the image ridiculous, as he straps on his MP3 player and goes about his day in the same manner.
From bulky handheld radios, to Walkmans, to iPods, the ability to listen to music on the go has evolved. Meanwhile the devices with which we listen have arguably devolved in size! Amazing to see how a tiny music player barely covers the palm of a baby's hand, yet can hold hundreds of recorded songs! Yet, how do you know which music player is right for you?
The technology of MP3, or streamed MPEG audio, had definitely made life easier for music lovers who want to take their tunes anywhere they wish. Where the traditional portable tape player limited a person to one tape of up to twenty songs, an MP3 player allows the user to listen to as many as a thousand without having to go home for more music! Whether used for jogging, to break the boredom of housework, or to keep the pace going at work, the MP3 player has fast become a necessity. Everywhere you go, you see tiny ear buds connected to thin wires.
Here are some things to consider if you are in the market for an MP3 player:
Price versus Usability
How much are you willing to spend on such a device? Depending upon its capacity and capabilities, players can run from just under a hundred dollars to as much as five hundred. If you consider yourself a nominal user, taking a player out on a daily, hour-long run, you might not need video capability or the need to log in thousands of songs when only a hundred or so would do.
The frequent traveler, on the other hand, may appreciate the MP3 player with built in video options for watching recorded shows, or listening to favorite podcasts, while flying or on a train. Determine your needs and the reality of your use for an MP3 player, and buy accordingly.
Ease and Compatibility
What kind of computer do you own? Is the player compatible with your current platform? You will need a computer to download the music to the player, and you want to be certain the software that accompanies it is user-friendly and doesn't take up too much memory in your hard drive. As you shop for players, as to see demonstrations of as many as possible, and get a feel for how you will be able to operate your player. Find out if there are any warranties involved, and ask about customer support should something go wrong.
Once you have educated yourself with regards to the type of MP3 player you want, you can enjoy your music freely.
Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer and editor. She offers free SEO advice to authors and webmasters. She writes for The Computer Connection, military computer financing at affordable prices.
You may be too young to remember, or maybe you do and would rather not, the once familiar scene of somebody walking down the street with a transistor radio pinned to his ear. Back in the seventies, it was quite common to see people bobbing their heads to a beat only they could hear, distracted from the rest of the world. One can imagine how a young person today would find the image ridiculous, as he straps on his MP3 player and goes about his day in the same manner.
From bulky handheld radios, to Walkmans, to iPods, the ability to listen to music on the go has evolved. Meanwhile the devices with which we listen have arguably devolved in size! Amazing to see how a tiny music player barely covers the palm of a baby's hand, yet can hold hundreds of recorded songs! Yet, how do you know which music player is right for you?
The technology of MP3, or streamed MPEG audio, had definitely made life easier for music lovers who want to take their tunes anywhere they wish. Where the traditional portable tape player limited a person to one tape of up to twenty songs, an MP3 player allows the user to listen to as many as a thousand without having to go home for more music! Whether used for jogging, to break the boredom of housework, or to keep the pace going at work, the MP3 player has fast become a necessity. Everywhere you go, you see tiny ear buds connected to thin wires.
Here are some things to consider if you are in the market for an MP3 player:
Price versus Usability
How much are you willing to spend on such a device? Depending upon its capacity and capabilities, players can run from just under a hundred dollars to as much as five hundred. If you consider yourself a nominal user, taking a player out on a daily, hour-long run, you might not need video capability or the need to log in thousands of songs when only a hundred or so would do.
The frequent traveler, on the other hand, may appreciate the MP3 player with built in video options for watching recorded shows, or listening to favorite podcasts, while flying or on a train. Determine your needs and the reality of your use for an MP3 player, and buy accordingly.
Ease and Compatibility
What kind of computer do you own? Is the player compatible with your current platform? You will need a computer to download the music to the player, and you want to be certain the software that accompanies it is user-friendly and doesn't take up too much memory in your hard drive. As you shop for players, as to see demonstrations of as many as possible, and get a feel for how you will be able to operate your player. Find out if there are any warranties involved, and ask about customer support should something go wrong.
Once you have educated yourself with regards to the type of MP3 player you want, you can enjoy your music freely.
Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer and editor. She offers free SEO advice to authors and webmasters. She writes for The Computer Connection, military computer financing at affordable prices.
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Connecting a PC Card to a USB Port
By Devin Collier
As technology gets better and better, occasionally we need to take a step back to make sure we don't leave any devices completely in the dust. There are those times when the line has to be drawn, and peripherals left behind, but sometimes it catches us by surprise.
So, if you're one of the lucky winners that recently purchased a new laptop to take advantage of the faster processor or bigger screen and noticed that the manufacture left out the PCMCIA or PC Card slot, you're not alone. Many of the top notebook manufactures left this older standard out making your cellular air/internet card useless. The leading cellular phone companies were slow at addressing the issue and coming out with USB or ExpressCard solutions, so people that rely on having the internet on the go were also left out in the cold.
To address this issue, Quatech came out with the USB to PCMCIA (PC Card) adapter. It allows you to plug in your cellular card and enjoy all the benefits of having the internet at your fingertips wherever you have reception. The compact design and USB connectivity make it ideal to use with laptops that no longer support the older PCMCIA standard.
As much as we want this adapter to be an all-in-one solution for any PC card, it is only designed to work with certain cellular PC Cards that support the technology of using a USB adapter. Be sure to check with the manufacture or product page to ensure that your card is supported.
In the future, cellular companies will surely come out with newer models featuring better ways of connecting to laptop and desktop computers. Nearly every time old technology is retired, it can be a tedious and difficult process to locate the right adapter or plug and give us that extra few months before the consumer can also move on.
Devin Collier is a product manager for http://www.SewellDirect.com Learn about the product on this page by going to the USB to PCMCIA product page. Devin also has a personal printer blog with tips about printers at PrinterHacks.com
As technology gets better and better, occasionally we need to take a step back to make sure we don't leave any devices completely in the dust. There are those times when the line has to be drawn, and peripherals left behind, but sometimes it catches us by surprise.
So, if you're one of the lucky winners that recently purchased a new laptop to take advantage of the faster processor or bigger screen and noticed that the manufacture left out the PCMCIA or PC Card slot, you're not alone. Many of the top notebook manufactures left this older standard out making your cellular air/internet card useless. The leading cellular phone companies were slow at addressing the issue and coming out with USB or ExpressCard solutions, so people that rely on having the internet on the go were also left out in the cold.
To address this issue, Quatech came out with the USB to PCMCIA (PC Card) adapter. It allows you to plug in your cellular card and enjoy all the benefits of having the internet at your fingertips wherever you have reception. The compact design and USB connectivity make it ideal to use with laptops that no longer support the older PCMCIA standard.
As much as we want this adapter to be an all-in-one solution for any PC card, it is only designed to work with certain cellular PC Cards that support the technology of using a USB adapter. Be sure to check with the manufacture or product page to ensure that your card is supported.
In the future, cellular companies will surely come out with newer models featuring better ways of connecting to laptop and desktop computers. Nearly every time old technology is retired, it can be a tedious and difficult process to locate the right adapter or plug and give us that extra few months before the consumer can also move on.
Devin Collier is a product manager for http://www.SewellDirect.com Learn about the product on this page by going to the USB to PCMCIA product page. Devin also has a personal printer blog with tips about printers at PrinterHacks.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)