Desktop Computing

By February 12, 2016 Read More →

AOC presents 4K monitor with Adaptive-Sync

aocAOC, one of the top global brands in the display market, introduces a new 4K UHD display that combines high picture quality, a slim, elegant design and a fast HDMI 2.0 connector. The AOC U2879VF is able to display more than 1 billion colours, allowing for more depth and richer colour quality. An ultra-fast response time of 1 ms, Adaptive-Sync support (FreeSync compatible) and low input lag make the monitor ideal for gamers that are looking for great visuals and smooth action. The monitor comes with up-to-date connectivity, amongst others encompassing both HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2a+ inputs. Alongside these features, its competitive price-performance ratio makes it attractive for a variety of users.

Slim design and crisp images
The AOC U2879VF comes in an ultra-slim design that combines a slick glossy bezel with an elegant silver stand, making it a stylish addition to the workspace. The integrated 28″ (71.1 cm) TN panel is able to display more than 1 billion colours (Real 8-bit+FRC), resulting in vivid and detailed images. Together with its 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), the monitor’s good image quality is thus likely to find great appeal with those users interested in video and photo editing, but also is an attractive companion in day-to-day office work. Combined with Adaptive-Sync support (FreeSync compatible), 1 ms response time and low input lag, the display is equally appealing for gamers, who will benefit from crisp, highly detailed 4K visuals and the ultimate gaming experience.

Enhanced connectivity
Users will benefit from the monitor’s various inputs, making it possible to connect it to a variety of devices. Alongside DisplayPort 1.2a+, DVI and VGA inputs, the AOC U2879VF features an ultra-fast HDMI 2.0 connector that increases the bandwidth significantly to up to 18 Gb/s, making it possible to play 60fps 4K UHD video without any problems. This port also boasts MHL functionality which allows users to display content from a smartphone or tablet device while charging its battery at the same time.

Comfortable and efficient working experience
Aside from its impressive image quality and good connectivity, the AOC U2879VF also performs well for all home power-users who want to work efficiently and stay healthy at the same time. The integrated Picture by Picture (PBP) function makes it possible to view content from two input sources at the same time. Thanks to the monitor’s 4K UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, both of the two virtual screens are displayed with a high pixel density (138 PPI). To improve user’s comfort while using the monitor, the AOC U2879VF includes Flicker-Free technology that reduces the flickering phenomenon commonly emitted by monitors. As a consequence, the display is less straining on the eye, making it more comfortable to work on the display for long periods of time.

The AOC U2879VF will be available in March 2016 for an MSRP of £279.99.

Posted in: Desktop Computing
By January 29, 2016 Read More →

MMD presents display highlights from Philips Monitors

aMMD, the leading technology company and brand license partner for Philips Monitors, will present some of its latest products at ISE 2016 – from 5K resolution to eye-protecting SoftBlue monitors. The Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) trade show is a show for professional AV and electronic systems and takes place 9-12 February at the Amsterdam RAI. MMD will be showcasing at the Philips stand 10-K136 and exhibits include the following products:

275P4VYKEB_f image

One standout highlight is the new Philips 27-inch LCD Monitor 275P4VYKEB with UltraClear 5K resolution. With 14.7 million pixels (5,120 x 2,880), the latest 5K resolution technology packs four times more content per screen inch than Quad HD resolution, for more dazzling visuals than ever. The new display is also equipped with PerfectKolor technology, which ensures factory-calibrated 99% Adobe RGB colour space and one billion colours. As well as brilliant colour and resolution, the display is thoughtfully engineered to fit the way people work, with webcam, MultiView for dividing the display space into multiple partitions, built-in speakers for great sound, as well as a non-glare screen and Flicker-Free technology for reduced eye fatigue. 

241P6VPJKEB_ftr_rflx

Another high-resolution display on show is the Philips 241P6VPJKEB. Despite its modest dimensions of 23.8 inches, the monitor brings a real sense of space to users’ desktops owing to the sharpness and clarity of the 4K resolution. It also features 1.074 billion colours, 99% sRGB colour standard and integrated webcam and microphone.

241P6EPJEB_ftl_rflx

Representing MMD’s line-up of Philips monitors with innovative SoftBlue technology, the 24-inch display 241P6EPJEB will be at ISE as well. SoftBlue technology protects eyes and reduces eye fatigue by mitigating the impact of blue-light exposure. It does this by eliminating blue light emissions at potentially harmful wavelengths, but without sacrificing the fidelity and quality of the original colour. Users therefore enjoy well-being for their eyes alongside professional-grade colour fidelity.

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Furthermore, MMD showcases two Full HD USB Docking Monitors at ISE: a 21.5-inch model (221S6QUMB) and a 23-inch one (231P4QUPES). Thanks to integrated Ethernet, they provide one-plug access to desktop equipment, networks, intranet and Internet – via a single USB cable.

 

More information on Philips LCD monitors: www.philips.com/monitors

 

 

 

 

By January 20, 2016 Read More →

AOC curved 35″ monitor immerses gamers more than ever before

C3583FQ-BS_front_to_right_yellow_designAOC, one of the top global brands in the display market, presents a 160 Hz curved gaming monitor that gives users a fully immersive experience for games, streams, movies and more – the AOC C3583FQ. When gamers feel surrounded by their virtual world it is a more complete viewing experience. That is exactly what the AOC C3583FQ does: With a radius of 2000 mm it is more curved than other conventional curved monitors, providing an outstandingly high level of immersion to gamers.

This exciting new experience is supplemented by an extremely fast refresh rate of 160 Hz, Adaptive-Sync technology (compatible with FreeSync™, with a 45 to 160 Hz range out of the box) and Wide Full HD resolution (2560 x 1080 pixels), which results in an ultra-smooth gaming experience without image tearing, stuttering, input lag or blur. In addition, this monitor features two HDMI (MHL) ports and two DisplayPort inputs, thereby meeting cutting-edge connectivity standards.

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More enhancements for eyes and ears
Equipped with an MVA panel that displays a deeper black and higher contrast of 2000:1, the way that all types of content looks is further enhanced when compared to TN panels, while still maintaining a considerably quick response time of 4 ms. Once the gaming mode colour profile is switched on, brightness and contrast will be optimised even more for games. Furthermore, the larger viewing angle of 178° is comfortable not only for the respective user, but also for spectators watching from behind at LAN parties and other offline events. Additional comfort features include the powerful built-in stereo speakers and the audio connectors.

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The AOC C3583FQ will be available in February 2016 for an MSRP of £579.

By November 30, 2015 Read More →

Six Amazing Reasons Why Video Conferencing Belongs in the Classroom

Technological advances in the realm of education have presented both students and educators alike with a slew of new ways to approach learning. You may have already heard of providers like Blue Jeans, who make it possible for today’s video conferencing equipment to be used in increasingly creative ways, resulting in innovations in the classroom and beyond.

According to Statista, 80 percent of teenagers reported that they expected to use mobile apps at work in 2015. With the use of such apps–including mobile video conferencing– in the workplace, it’s no small wonder that their popularity would begin to grow in schools as well. As the Huffington Post recently noted, the prominence of video conferencing apps on smartphones and other devices is making it easier, and almost commonplace, to connect with others all over the globe with merely a finger to your touchscreen, which, as a result, is changing the landscape of work and education. On a related note, The Telegraph recently reported on the rise of “digital nomads”, or employees who choose to work remotely in relaxing destinations via completely digital means.

With the rise of digital power in the workforce, it’s no small wonder that teenagers and students alike would be accustomed to–and expecting–the use of mobile technology at work and school. Learning business administration and management skills early one with this technology too, in today’s connected world, you need all the advantages you can get. The benefits of this technology in the classroom, then, is truly a great exposure to how video conferencing can change the approach to education. Read on for six reasons why this spread of video conferencing can really make a whole new world of difference for both students and teachers alike in the classroom.

1.  Virtual Guests, Presentations, and Trips

By far, one of the most amazing powers of video conferencing is the ability to connect with anyone at any time, all over the world. With this ability, the creative possibilities you may experience in the classroom are endless. You can have a guest lecturer from another country, a virtual field trip through a foreign landmark or an expedition through a rainforest, or just connect with other students across the globe. By seeking out the myriad of opportunities to connect with other educational institutions, educators like Google’s Kamau Bobb, and social and cultural institutions around the world, lectures and classes can be supplemented in ways you may have never thought possible.

2. Recordable Lessons

Another handy benefit of video conferencing is that you can record lessons for later access. Students can access the lessons again at any time, and thanks to the power of cloud computing, they can also access supplemental handouts and readings that are made available, even on their mobile devices.

3. A Greater Course Selection

The use of video conferencing in the classroom allows the broadcasting of classes so that they are accessible online to remote students. Additionally, classes may be available at other facilities and schools, and video conferencing makes it easy to access additional classes as part of an extended or supplemental curriculum.

4. Virtual Office Hours

Video conferencing allows greater opportunity for teacher-student interaction, even if in-person office hours aren’t on the schedule. Hosting virtual office hours allows you to meet at any time, and also promotes greater communication between student and teacher. As a teacher, it’s important to be available to your students, and having a more personal connection as opposed to email or phone can help facilitate a greater engagement in learning. As a student, it’s comforting and supportive to know that your teacher is invested in you and thus available to you when they may have been previously unreachable.

5. Encourage Collaboration Between Students near and Far

By connecting with other educational institutions, you’ll find it’s possible for students in remote locations to collaborate with one another. In keeping with some of the benefits mentioned in point number one, collaboration across countries and time zones allows students to experience a whole new way of learning, as well as an exposure to new cultures and lines of thought. You can imagine how exciting it must be to connect with another classroom across the globe in order to learn a new language, take a guided tour of a cultural institution, or follow a current event in real time.

6. Hold a Class Online

Gone are the days when classes need to be missed just because you are sick– whether you’re the teacher or the student, there’s still a way for you to effectively connect. Teachers can also offer classes for institutions abroad, so that foreign students can dial in to your class and participate.

These are just a few of the benefits you may encounter in the classroom when video conferencing is involved. Many of these advantages were previously unfathomable, and as technology continues to evolve and educators get more and more creative, it’s likely that you’ll start seeing even more uses for video conferencing and other methods of digital education. Embracing the power of technology has truly opened up a whole new world of experience for students and teachers alike, and it’s likely that the future will only hold more and more of these unique features and benefits. By keeping abreast of advances in the realm of video conferencing, you’re sure to see even more amazing new things on the horizon.

By November 26, 2015 Read More →

Brilliant 4K UHD display now in 23.8 inch size

acMMD, the leading technology company and brand license partner for Philips Monitors, announces a new display with brilliant 4K UHD resolution. At 23.8 inches, the 241P6VPJKEB display completes the UltraClear 4K UHD line-up with a new, smaller model. This latest member of the family still packs the same dazzling performance as its larger siblings, with UltraClear 4K UHD, 1.074 billion colours, 99% SRGB colour standard, plus integrated webcam and microphone.

Sharpest, most brilliant picture ever
Despite its modest dimensions, the new monitor brings a real sense of space to users’ desktops owing to the sharpness and clarity of the 4K resolution. UHD delivers four times the resolution of Full HD, with 3,840 x 2,160 pixels – for detail like never before. This is extra screen space that people can enjoy however they like (such as with videos or gaming after hours), or use to be more productive at work. Finance wizards, for instance, can view more rows and columns of their spreadsheets without losing the sense of clarity or fatiguing their eyes; creatives working on high-res content can see more detail per inch of screen, and can zoom in for detail or scroll out for an overview perspective, even have four designs side-by-side for comparison and still maintain the vital detail; and geophysicists viewing scientific images can investigate finest details with greater precision than ever.

Albert Ulfman, Product Manager Philips monitors EMEA at MMD says, “The new Philips 241P6VPJKEB is one of the first 23.8-inch 4K monitors to arrive on the market. It offers amazing viewing clarity for every content, and is an excellent fit for the resolution-scaling capabilities of Windows 10. It’s part of the commitment of MMD to giving users a more enjoyable and productive viewing experience with the equipment on their desks.”

Colours and panel technology with performance to match
With 4K UHD technology under the hood, the other components in the display have some tough performance standards to live up to. But like the other 4K UHD displays in the portfolio, the latest family member is engineered to unleash the power of the 4K UHD viewing experience. Take colour, for example: this 10-bit display delivers rich colour depth with 1.074 billion colours for smooth, natural reproduction without gradations and banding effects. And with over 99% sRGB support, users can be confident that any and all of the one billion colours they see on the display are vivid and true to life, and that colours remain precisely the same across different applications. The technology of the panels themselves also measures up: the expansive, wide-angle view and super-high contrast abilities of advanced AH-IPS perfectly complement the sense of space of 4K UHD. AH-IPS is also ideal for applications demanding colour accuracy and high brightness at all times, like photo retouching and graphic design.

Connectivity features that matter
Apart from the power of 4K UHD, the new display is designed with features that matter to users in today’s ultra-connected and always-on world. The display supports MultiView, so people can connect and view images from two separate sources – a PC and TV feed, for example – at the same time. With MHL technology on board, users can enjoy mobile content from smartphones or other devices on the big screen, or use the USB 3.0 hub to hook up devices and recharge them fast. There’s also an integrated webcam and microphone to connect and collaborate more effectively.

The new Philips 241P6VPJKEB/00 display, with an MSRP of £369, will be available from November 2015.

More information on Philips monitors: www.philips.com/monitors

By November 19, 2015 Read More →

AOC launches 23.6″ display with 4K resolution

aocDisplay specialist AOC presents a new high-end monitor that brings 4K into a more compact format to fit on any desk at home or in offices. The AOC U2477PWQ’s space-saving 23.6″ (59.9 cm) 4K display provides the user with an impressive UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. Its PLS panel delivers the best colour uniformity at any viewing angle and exploits 100 % of the sRGB colour gamut. Ultra-fast HDMI 2.0 ensures a bandwidth up to 18 Gb/s, which allows a fluid playback of 4K videos, e.g. when connected to a 4K Blu-ray player, 4K camcorder or 4K gaming. The monitor comes in a premium timeless design: With its textured and transparent base, the monitor is an eye-catching companion for professional work and ambitious home users.  

 

Impressive 4K resolution in a practical size
Many users have become accustomed to displays with high pixel densities, for example on their smartphones, so they do not want to forego this image quality on their monitor screens, too. However, most 4K displays pack the imposing 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels into large monitor sizes which do not necessarily fit into smaller offices. The new AOC U2477PWQ offers a compact solution for everyone: With its display size of 23.6″ the monitor is an ideal option for users who look for a 4K solution but do not have a big office or desk. What is more, with the new Windows 10 operating system, detecting and setting up 4K resolutions has become far more intuitive, making the use of 4K much easier with monitors of all sizes and formats. The combination of a 4K resolution with a compact screen size entails an extra high pixel density, which leads to ultra-sharp images and a crystal clear reproduction of photos and 4K videos. Users do not have to scroll or down scale their images anymore to see the whole picture and at the same time enjoy the smallest details.

Professional panel power
The PLS panel delivers a vivid as well as very precise colour reproduction and comes with wide viewing angles of 178°/178° – horizontal and vertical. PLS panels have an extremely good colour uniformity at any viewing angle. The 8-bit colour support and sRGB colour gamut rounds off the high performance of this display. This way, the U2477PWQ offers the user vibrant pictures, making it ideal for professional users like graphic designers, photographers and movie makers who prefer a smaller display size. Also, ambitious home users find a convincing solution for private photo and video editing. And even if those tasks require long-time work, the display offers a helpful technology to prevent the user from eye fatigue: Flicker FREE helps to reduce imperceptible, but eye-affecting flickering.

Timeless design, fully equipped
The stylish design of the monitor makes it a true eye-catcher in every workplace. With its textured finish and transparent stand, the display combines timelessness and modern understatement. Various ergonomic options complete the performance: Users can adjust the height, and use the tilt or pivot function to find the ideal setting for a healthy posture. And the monitor is very well equipped with advanced connectors, too. In addition to the ultra-fast HDMI 2.0 input that increases the bandwidth significantly up to 18 Gb/s and allows for 60 fps 4K video playback MHL 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.2 are also on board. MHL allows users to display content from a smartphone or tablet while charging it at the same time.

The AOC U2477PWQ will be available in November 2015. The MSRP will be £289. As with all of its displays, AOC offers a 3-year warranty with on-site exchange service.

By October 7, 2015 Read More →

Inateck 4-Port USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Hub unboxing

CaptureThe Inateck 4-Port USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Hub has a lot to offer for a small desktop peripheral. Not only is it compatible with Stand Function for iPad, iPhone, Samsung and More, provide 4 connections to your PC, Macbook or Chromebook at rates of up to 5Gbps but you get a little lip at the front to act as a phone cradle. Don’t believe me? Watch the video.

You can pick one up on Amazon for £12.99:

4-port USB3.0 Desktop Hub 
With 4 USB3.0 ports, this Inateck desktop hub can connect 4 USB devices, like keyboard, mouse and USB flash drive at the same time, which needs no extra power. Free yourself from cable-chaos and put your desktop back in order Better work efficiency with nice mood.

With tablet/smartphone Stand
Want to save more space on your desktop while data transferring from your smartphone or tablet to your laptop? This handy USB3.0 hub with device stand could perfectly meet your needs. Four rubberized feet could keep your tablet or smartphone stable and secure. The streamline design slot allows your device lining on the hub while transferring. 

Four Super Speed ports 
VL812 chipset boost the transfer rates up to 5Gbps, set aside less time for syncing and more time for work.

Eco-friendly Material
This little compact handy gadget was built in PE materials, which makes it lightweight and Ultra-slim. What a great companion for your laptop with additional four ports.

LED Indicates Device Status
The Blue LED indicator on the hub shows the working status of USB data transfer. Lights off when connecting with some non-data-transfer devices, like USB fan or cooler.

Note
In order to take full advantage of the stand function, please make sure the thickness of the devices do not exceed 11mm

Specification 
USB Port Type: 4 USB 3.0 ports
Chipset: VL812
Size: 85*65*26 mm
Feature: Stand Function for Tablets and Smartphones

You can pick one up on Amazon for £12.99:

By October 6, 2015 Read More →

A gorgeous AOC IPS displays with asymmetric stand

aocDisplay specialist AOC extends the range of its Style line displays with two new models, which are a feast for the eye even when turned off: the nearly borderless design of the AOC I2481FXH (23.8″ / 60.5 cm) and AOC I2781FH (27″ / 68.6 cm) combined with a unique asymmetric metal stand make them stand out from the crowd. But they really come into their own when switched on: their IPS panels ensure highest-grade colour fidelity, sharp contrasts and stunning details for simply brilliant images.

Unique, premium stylish design
The 23.8″ (60.5 cm) AOC I2481FXH and the 27″ (68.6 cm) AOC I2781FH make a bold design statement with their asymmetric metal stands, a feature unique to these AOC monitors. To add to their good looks, both feature ultra slim, nearly borderless frames: the bezel of the 23.8″ AOC I2481FXH is a mere 7.5 mm wide, whereas the 27″ I2781FH model’s is just 9.9 mm slim. This way, they are an appealing addition to any style-conscious user’s desktop.

Brilliant images, wide viewing angles
The two monitors impress even more when turned on: thanks to their IPS panels with the Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, users enjoy not just wide viewing angles of 178° but also brilliant images with highest-grade colour fidelity, impressive contrast and stunning detail. AOC’s Flicker FREE Technology regulates brightness without flickering to ensure a zero-flickering viewing experience with reduced eye strain even during longer periods in front of the monitor.

Versatile and practical
Thanks to two HDMI connectors and one VGA socket, both monitors can easily be connected to various devices including DVD players, game consoles or whatever fits the user’s lifestyle best. For comfortable listening without disturbing others, users can plug in their earphones right into the display’s headphone jack.

The AOC I2481FXH will be available October 2015; the AOC I2781FH will follow in December. Their MSRPs will be £139 and £199 respectively. As with all of its displays, AOC offers a 3-year warranty with on-site exchange service.

By October 5, 2015 Read More →

Win a trip to BlizzCon with Gigabyte

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Are you a gamer and into Heroes of the Storm? Gigabyte are currently running  a bit of a competition. Buy a particular 100 series motherboard and you could be entered into a draw to win some goodies and the BlizzCon 2015 Grand Prize, a trip to Anaheim, California to attend BlizzCon itself. A pretty tidy prize. Here is the press release below:

 

GIGABYTE,  a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards is proud to announce that the first round of winners has been chosen for its ongoing GIGABYTE Heroes of the Storm Sweepstakes.

On top of the thousands of instant winners of the Kerrigan Hero and Succubus Skin for Heroes of the Storm™, 10 lucky new GIGABYTE users registered their eligible 100 series motherboards at the event page and are now walking away with one of the following; a Z170X-Gaming 3 motherboard, a Aivia Krypton mouse or a Force H3 headset. The entire list of winners is available on our site. Congratulations to all!

“GIGABYTE is very excited to be this year’s official motherboard sponsor of BlizzCon 2015,” commented Henry Kao, Vice President of GIGABYTE Motherboard Business Unit. “We love gaming, and we will continue to provide new technologies and features to support the gaming community to make the gaming experience even more enjoyable.”

GIGABYTE would like to remind everyone that they still have a chance to join the GIGABYTE Heroes of the Storm Sweepstakes, to be eligible to win the grand prize that includes; one roundtrip flight to Anaheim, CA to attend BlizzCon® 2015, hotel accommodations for three nights and one exclusive BlizzCon® badge. Hurry up, you have only until October 4th 2015 to register, as the winner will be picked the next day!

How to participate

To get your chance at some great hardware, in-game skins and the Blizzcon® 2015 Grand Prize, you must buy a select GIGABYTE 100 series motherboard and register on our event page. It is as simple as that! All participants who register their eligible motherboard will be instantly notified if they win Heroes of the Storm™ Kerrigan Hero and Succubus skin and will be automatically entered into the monthly lucky draw, prizes include motherboards, mice, and headsets. Monthly Draws will be held on October 5th, November 5th, December 7th, 2015 and January 5th, 2016. Winners will be announced shortly after.

Good luck to all!

For more information about the GIGABYTE Heroes of the Storm Sweepstakes event, go to:

http://event.gigabyte.com/HEROES/

For more information about GIGABYTE, please visit:

http://uk.gigabyte.com/

By October 5, 2015 Read More →

EasyAcc USB desk fan Unboxing

CaptureEasyAcc have sent over a fan! It’s an old fashioned fan powered by USB and it’s really quire nice. There isn’t a lot to say about this one suffice to say if you are looking for a desk fan, have a free USB on the computer then EasyAcc’s offering is something to consider. I am using it a lot more than I thought I would.

A fan, for £10.99 and it’s great. You can purchase one here

 

https://www.ukmeds.co.uk/surgical-face-masks