There are many ways of connecting a monitors to computers, the number of usual ports such as VGA, DVI or HDMI manufacturers can fit to their machines is limited. Whatever is your reason to connect one more display to your computer, a USB-to-DVI display adapter may the only solution.
Read on to find out more!
Our friends over at BitDefender have just told us about a new video they have released detailing what is new in the 2011 version of their security software.
The new range is coming next month so if you are looking to renew your computer security why not have a quick look at the video.
Posted by: James
Viewsonic are probably best known for their monitors and projectors, but they are expanding their range to also include PC’s.
The VOT120 PC Mini is part of this expanding range and is based on the 1.6GHz Intel® Atom N270 processor that we are familiar with seeing in netbooks, which means huge power savings over a more traditional tower system as well as a smaller form factor.
The Mini is indeed very small – about half the size of an internal CD drive – you can sit it on the desk or attach it to the back of the monitor and you wouldn’t really know it was there.
So let’s put this tiny box through its paces …
About Mobile Broadband
If you ever want to get online when you’re out and about without hunting around for a WiFi hotspot; want to check your mail or your bank balance on the move on your laptop; if you’ve ever wound up frustrated trying to tether your handset to your laptop to try to get a connection then mobile broadband could be just the thing for you.
Using a USB modem, usually known as dongle, plugged in to your laptop, mobile broadband connects you to the internet via the mobile phone networks, just the same as the 3G connection on your mobile phone: except you’ve got all that lovely laptop functionality to work with, rather than squinting at a tiny handset screen.
Okay, but is it any good?
Well, that’s the critical question. There are big leaps forward coming very soon for mobile broadband, but at present it is not considered a complete alternative to your fixed-line broadband; mainly because of speed and coverage.
In terms of coverage, mobile broadband experiences the same problems you will already be familiar with from using your mobile phone; some areas have better coverage than others, and it will depend on which network you’re on, and where you are (how far from a mast) as to how good your signal is.
And as far as speed goes, the best speed offered in the UK at the moment is up to 7.2Mb, but it’s that ‘up to’ that’s the crunch. Just like with your fixed-line broadband, the advertised speeds and the actual speeds don’t usually match up. Again this depends on which network you’re with and where you are geographically, but it’s safe to say that at present it’s likely that your mobile broadband connection will be noticeably slower than your fixed-line one.
However, the important thing to remember is that mobile broadband isn’t the same as fixed-line broadband, so comparisons of speed and coverage aren’t necessarily helpful. The key thing about mobile broadband is that it is mobile, and if you want to get connected on the move, be that regularly or just occasionally, then mobile broadband is the ideal solution.
Choosing mobile broadband
There is a wealth of choice of mobile broadband packages available at the moment: it’s a competitive market with all the suppliers keen for your custom, so it pays to know what you’re looking for and to shop around. In order to get an overview of what’s on offer, it’s a good idea to use an independent comparison website such as Mobile Broadband Genie, which has up to date information on all the latest deals for easy comparison.
When you’re choosing a mobile broadband deal there are a few key things to look for, namely the contract type and length, the speed offered, the download limit, and of course the price.
Download limit is a key difference between fixed-line and mobile broadband. Most fixed-line deals include unlimited or virtually unlimited downloads, but because it is more expensive to deliver data via a mobile connection, this kind of flat rate unlimited deal is not possible with mobile broadband. Mobile broadband contracts are limited to anything between 1GB and 15GB per month, with higher limits usually costing more. Vodafone recently launched an ‘unlimited’ download offer, although this is still subject to a fair usage policy, so with all contracts it’s a good idea to read the small print and know what you’re entitled to, and what it’ll cost you if you go over.
Contracts are usually available as pay-as-you-go, which offers more flexibility but often at a greater price, or 12, 18 or 24 month fixed contracts. If you’re more a pay-as-you-go sort of person it’s worth noting that you’ll pay for your dongle, and that most providers’ top-ups expire after a certain amount of time, so you can’t just top up and then not use it for months. The exception to this is Vodafone: its top-ups don’t expire. If you opt for the fixed type contract, you’ll usually get the dongle for free, and you may get a better deal all round for signing up for longer, although of course that stops you shopping around again for a while.
Moving on to speed; as mentioned before, mobile broadband is sold as ‘up to’ the headline speed, which tells you almost nothing about what you’ll actually experience. The key here is to get on to the provider and quiz them about speeds in your area: they should provide you with the relevant information.
Finally the key factor for many people: cost. This depends on what you choose in terms of all of the above. Additionally, what you get for your money changes from month to month, and there are usually some special offers to be had. Special offers may include anything from low introductory rates up to subsidised extras such as a laptop.
There are some really good mobile broadband deals around, and armed with the right information it’s easy to choose the right one for you. Then all you have to do is plug in your dongle and go: it’s as easy as that.
Written by: Chris Marling of www.broadbandgenie.co.uk, the independent comparison website for broadband and mobile broadband
Posted by: John
We have just been informed from an source that will remain secret that ASUS have released a full touch screen all in one PC. The Device will be called the EEE Top and will come with Windows XP installed. The price range is extremely good for what this device is at only £399.99 (inc. VAT).
The specs on the laptop are listed as:
The device is already listed for pre-order sale over at Clove Technology.
The all in one touch screen PC!
Evolving the ASUS EEE PC line up, ASUS have released the ASUS EEE Top. A desktop version of the ASUS EEE PC, with a difference; that difference being the EEE Top has a touch screen.
Making for an innovative approach to computing at home or in the office, the EEE Top has a range of features that make it ideal for a range of tasks, from sending an email to listening to your favourite music; the EEE Top offers a fun and functional form for doing just this.
The ASUS EEE Top, comes pre loaded with Windows XP (Service Pack 3). Running the robust XP operating system you feel familiar with the interface and the Windows Operating system gives the flexibility you need in the applications that can be run on this machine.
Powered by an efficient Intel ATOM (1.6GHz) processor and with 1GB of RAM multi tasking is effortless, and even traditional memory hungry programmes can be used easily.
Storage of documents and media files is offered through a 160GB internal hard drive.
With a 15.6"Single Touch Panel, and a 1.3 megapixel webcam as well as in built microphone, speakers and WiFi 802.11b/g/n the EEE Top is an ideal home computing solution.
Added functionality comes from an on board memory card slot (SD/SDHC/MS/MS Pro), 6 x USB Ports and Gigabit LAN.
Features of ASUS EEE Top – Windows XP – Black
- 15.6” Touch Screen
- Windows XP Operating System
- Intel 1.6GHz Processor
- WiFi 802.11b/g/n
- 160GB Hard Drive for all documents and media
- In built SD/SDHC/MS/MS Pro car reader
- 1.3 megapixel webcam
What’s in the box of ASUS EEE Top – Windows XP – Black
- ASUS EEE Top – Windows XP – Black
- Wired Keyboard and Mouse
Unfortunately there are no really good graphics for it yet but if you have ever seen an ASUS PC Monitor then it looks very similar to that.
This looks to be a very interesting and exciting innovation from the ASUS EEE range and I cant wait to see it in action.
Posted by: John
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