Author Archive: Gareth

Seasoned tech blogger. Host of the Tech Addicts podcast.

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By December 23, 2016 Read More →

Building a computer for £300 – Part 4 – Memory

image21reichelt have sponsored a challenge to build a computer for £300. With a budget of only £300 I have to source the best bits of computer equipment for a main central processor unit (CPU) to build the most competent computer I can.

In part four, we look at the Memory. The Kingston HyperX FURY schwarz Kit 8GB, DDR3-1333 costing £54.41 incl. VAT. Great memory, that takes the pain out of picking the correct clock speed for your motherboard. This stuff overclocks itself to match up with the frequency of the board.

Score with the HyperX FURY. Fury recognises its host platform automatically and overclocked and automatically overclocks to the highest specified frequency of up to 1866 MHz1. This gives you power for your next punch and lets even beginners get up to speed.
The FURY’s asymmetric heat sink makes it stand out from standard designs. It is available in the colours black, blue, red and, for the first time in HyperX history, white with a black PCB. Now, you can show off your stylish equipment at a really reasonable price. Fury is 100% tested, LAN-capable and comes with a lifetime warranty and free technical support.

Details:
• Modules: 2x 4GB
• DDR3 DIMM 240-pin
• 1333 MHz
• JEDEC: PC3-10667U
• Non-ECC
• CL9
• Voltage: 1.50V
• Unbuffered

Hit the subscribe button as tomorrow we will be looking at the main board into which this processor slots.

Check out reichelt.co.uk, an online electronics retailer…many products up to 20% cheaper than elsewhere in the UK!

By December 22, 2016 Read More →

Building a computer for £300 – Part 3 – Motherboard

Building a computer for £300 – Part 3 – Motherboard

reichelt have sponsored a challenge to build a computer for £300. With a budget of only £300 I have to source the best bits of computer equipment for a main central processor unit (CPU) to build the most competent computer I can. There’s also some sort of rf material for PCB that may be able to help improve the networking capability of the motherboard, so that might be a good addition.

Part three, we look at the Motherboard. A Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3HP costing £54.15 incl. VAT. A fine motherboard with some of the newest tech, specifically a USB 3.1 type-C connector! The AMD features the following:

The GIGABYTE GA-F2A88XM-D3HP is based on the AMD-A88X chipset and supports AMD APUs with integrated graphics. It has four DIMM slots and supports up to 64 GB of DDR3 RAM in dual-channel operation. Depending on the APU, the µATX mainboard GA-F2A88XM-D3HP provides high-performance graphics with DVI, HDMI and VGA connections. Other features of the GA-F2A88XM-D3HP include a Gigabit LAN connection with Realtek chipset, an 8-channel sound chip (Realtek ALC887), eight SATA3 connectors, two USB 3.0 type-A ports plus a USB 3.1 type-C port and a USB-3.1 type-A port.

Details:

    • Chipset: AMD A88X
    • Memory: 4x DDR3 DIMM, dual PC3-19200U/DDR3-2400 (OC), max. 64 GB (UDIMM)
    • Expansion slots: 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x4), 1x PCIe 2.0 x1, 1x PCI
    • External ports: 1x VGA, 1x DVI-D, 1x HDMI, 2x USB 3.1 (type A + type C, ASM1142), 2x USB 3.0, 4x USB 2.0, 1x Gb LAN (Realtek), 3x jacks, 1x PS/2 combo
    • Internal ports: 2x USB 3.0, 4x USB 2.0, 8x SATA 6 Gb/s (A88X), 1x CPU 4-pin fan, 2x 4-pin fan, 1x serial, 1x parallel, TPM header
    • Audio: 7.1 (Realtek ALC887)
    • RAID level: 0/1/5/10 (A88X)
    • Multi-GPU: AMD 2-Way CrossFireX (x16/x4)
    • Power connections: 1x 24-pin ATX, 1x 8-pin EPS12V
    • CPU phases: 6
    • Graphics: IGP (via CPU/APU)
    • Special features: µATX, all solid capacitors

Hit the subscribe button as tomorrow we will be looking at the main board into which this processor slots.

Check out reichelt.co.uk, an online electronics retailer…many products up to 20% cheaper than elsewhere in the UK!

By December 21, 2016 Read More →

Building a computer for £300 – Part 2 – Processor

image19reichelt have sponsored a challenge to build a computer for £300. With a budget of only £300 I have to source the best bits of computer equipment for a main central processor unit (CPU) to build the most competent computer I can.

Part two, we look at the processor. An AMD A6-7400K Black Edition, 2x 3.50GHz costing £50.53 incl. VAT. Certainly, there are better processors on the market, however not at this price for a budget build. The AMD features the following:

• Dual core: “Kaveri”
• Clock speed: 3.50 GHz, Turbo: 3.90 GHz
• TDP: 65 W
• Production: 28 nm
• Interface: UMI, 5 GT/s
• L2 cache: 1 MB shared
• L3 cache: N/A
• Stepping: KV-A1
• Graphics: AMD Radeon R5, 756 MHz, 256 shaders, 387GFLOPS
• Memory controller: Dual-channel PC3-14900U (DDR3-1866)
• Features: SSE4a, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AES, AVX, CLMUL, XOP, FMA3, FMA4, CVT16, NX bit, AMD64, AMD-V, Cool’n’Quiet, Turbo Core 3.0, Eyefinity, unlocked multiplier

Hit the subscribe button as tomorrow we will be looking at the main board into which this processor slots.

Check out reichelt.co.uk, an online electronics retailer…many products up to 20% cheaper than elsewhere in the UK!

By December 20, 2016 Read More →

Building a computer for £300 – Part 1 – Case

vlcsnap-023reichelt have sponsored a challenge to build a computer for £300. With a budget of only £300 I have to source the best bits of computer equipment for a main central processor unit (CPU) to build the most competent computer I can.

In part one, I select the case. An Inter-Tech K-11 midi-tower including SL-500 for £33.71 inc VAT. This case includes:

External: 1 x 5.25″, 1x 3.5″
Internal: 4 x 2.5″, 3x 2.5″
Front I/O: 2x USB 2.0, 1x headphones, 1x microphone
PCI slots: 6
Fan (front): N/A
Mainboard: up to ATX
Power supply unit: ATX, 500 W
Power supply location: top
Colour: black, inside black
Dimensions (WxHxD): 190 x 410 x 405 mm
Weight: 4.02 kg

Hit the subscribe button as tomorrow we will be looking at the processor to provide the heart of the system.

Check out reichelt.co.uk, an online electronics retailer…many products up to 20% cheaper than elsewhere in the UK!

By December 16, 2016 Read More →

Lexar Professional USB 3.0 Dual Slot Reader Unboxing

image18The Lexar Professional USB 3.0 Dual Slot Reader Compatible with SD and UDMA Flash Memory Card is a professional-level, portable USB reader that leverages SuperSpeed USB 3.0 technology to deliver blazing-fast transfer speeds from card to computer, with a USB interface speed up to 500MB/s (reads up to 5 times faster than USB 2.0).

It lets you leverage the performance capabilities of the latest UDMA CompactFlash (CF) (including UDMA 7 CF 6.0) and SD, SDHC, SDXC, and SD UHS-I and UHS-II (SD 3.0) memory cards. The reader is also compatible with standard CF and SD cards and USB 2.0.

By December 15, 2016 Read More →

Fast, stylish and safe: the USB-C QuickCharge 3.0 car charger CASA CO³

unspecified g gunspecifiedFor most people, it is rare to leave the house with just one mobile device in today’s times. Changing lifestyles have turned tablets, phones or computers into frequent and indispensable companions during most day-to-day activities, making it all the more inconvenient when these suddenly run out of battery. For car drivers and their passengers, ADAM elements presents a convenient solution to this problem, the all-in-one car charger CASA CO³. Boasting both a USB-C and two USB-A ports, the intelligent and elegant device enables users to charge multiple mobile devices simultaneously while driving.

Four times faster than traditional car chargers.
With the CASA CO³, ADAM elements makes sure that your devices never run low on battery. The intelligently designed car charger features a USB-C and two USB-A ports that enable users to charge mobile devices while driving. For drivers who seldom travel with just one device, this means that neither their iPhone, iPad nor MacBook will be left behind – all can be charged simultaneously. This comes in handy especially with several people in the backseat, who no longer need to argue about who will be first to charge his or her device. Moreover, CASA CO³ is equipped with QuickCharge 3.0 technology, making it faster than traditional car chargers while remaining downward compatible with QuickCharge 2.0. Even shorter trips consequently provide sufficient time to instil users’ mobile devices with new battery life.

Stylish and safe.
Made from a black polycarbonate blend, the sleek design of the CASA CO³ fits perfectly into any car interior. Its light weight further makes it easy to take along during travels, while multiple protective failsafe designs and high quality electronics ensure that nothing can go wrong when multiple mobile devices are being charged. This way, the device is protected from overheating, short-circuits, over-voltage and over-currents.

The CASA CO³ comes with a one-year warranty and is available to purchase online from the Taiwan-based ADAM Store. The MSRP is £24.99.

Posted in: Accessories, News
By December 15, 2016 Read More →

Premium Christmas Gifts from THINKWARE Dash Cams

f770iconTHINKWARE F770, RRP £199 – With its sleek, unobtrusive design the F770 is THINKWARE’s global flagship dash cam supporting an optional second camera for filming behind the vehicle.

 

With a built-in GPS antenna, the F770 embeds speed, time and location data to the recorded videos to give you all the information you may need and the Dual Save™ technology allows you to save recorded footage in both the micro SD memory card and the last event in the built-in internal memory. This safeguards against the loss of data in the aftermath of a severe collision if the memory card is damaged and the Dual Save Technology guarantees a backup copy of the video in the internal memory.

The built-in Wi-Fi enables you to easily control, manage and configure the settings of your Dash Cam via your iOS or Android smart phone and provides a truly convenient way for you to view recordings, download, access or delete recorded videos, all on your mobile phone.

The THINKWARE DASH CAM F770 also features ‘Super Night Vision’, a night image correction feature and ‘Time Lapse Photography’ that records one frame per second for up to two days. The ‘Super Night Vision’, which is optimised for dark parking environments, delivers up to 10 times higher brightness than existing products, featuring a new image signal processing (ISP) technology and a real-time video processing function.

The ‘Time Lapse Photography,’ embracing improved video storage methods, can record the details of the parked vehicle by maintaining the continuous recording while parked, instead of recording 20 second events triggered by motion detection or the camera’s g-sensor. Parking mode operates for up to 2 days after the ignition is turned off.

The THINKWARE DASH CAM F770’ has also adopted the ‘Advanced Driving Assistance System’ (ADAS), which assures driver’s safety and convenience with numerous driver alerts. The Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) alerts drivers when drifting out of lane and the Front Collision Warning System (FCWS) advises drivers of when to brake by calculating the speed of your vehicle and the vehicle in front in real time.

Equipped with 1080p Full HD cameras, Ambarella chipsets, advanced video clear technology and Sony Exmor CMOS Image Sensors, the THINKWARE DASH CAM F770 also features Safety Camera Alerts using the built in GPS. In partnership with award winning camera alert specialist, Cyclops, it provides drivers regularly updated information on verified speed/red–light camera locations and known mobile speed traps.

 

THINKWARE DASH CAM F50, RRP £79.99With prices starting at just £79.99, the F50 is the perfect feature-packed dash cam for those wanting piece of mind whilst on the road and whilst parked. It is equally as popular with commercial vehicles owners offering security, accountability and possible reductions in insurance premiums.

The F50 is equipped with an Ambarella chipset and Sony Exmor CMOS image sensor that records detailed full HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second, a 130-degree viewing angle and a built in Active Impact monitoring system. The THINKWARE F50 dash cam certainly fits a lot of features into its small and elegant design.

When hardwired, the F50 features Parking Surveillance Modes with Motion and Impact Detection triggering the recording of 20 second video clips, ensuring car, van or taxi owners are able to record incidents in parking mode for 48 hours. The built-in impact sensor, which detects the level of force when your vehicle sustains an impact, is a 3 axis G-sensor whose settings are different for parking mode and continuous mode. You want it to be as sensitive as possible whilst parked but don’t want it to record incidents every time you go over a pothole. All footage is instantaneously saved to a memory card reducing potential data corruption.

The dash cams are also able to work in extreme conditions thanks to the integrated Thermal Protection. If the temperature rises and exceeds a certain level, the Self Protection Shut Down function will automatically switch off the device to protect the camera optics. In the event of power loss during an accident, the dash cam’s fail-safe recording uses the Super Capacitor to ensure that any recordings in progress are stored securely, so you can be confident your data is safe.

When the THINKWARE F50 dash cam is connected to the optional GPS Antenna it provides drivers regularly updated information on verified speed/red–light camera locations and known mobile speed traps thanks to the partnership THINKWARE has with award winning camera alert specialist, Cyclops.

The THINKWARE F50 allows for discreet installation due to its minimal size and black appearance. It can be placed behind the rear view mirror on the windscreen using the 3M tape so the driver’s vision is not obscured. However, to fully ensure the THINKWARE F50 dash cam is not a target for thieves, there is also a locking box accessory available to make its removal from the vehicle difficult; an attractive option for commercial vehicles.

The THINKWARE F50 Dash Cam is currently available from www.thinkwaredashcam.uk for £79 plug and play or £99 with optional GPS antenna. For more information visit the company’s website at www.thinkware.com

By December 14, 2016 Read More →

Tech Addicts UK Podcast – 14th December 2016 – Claustrophobia

grid-bubsGareth Myles, Jay Garrett, Gavin Fabiani-Laymond and Leila Gregory

RSS Link: http://mobiletechaddicts.libsyn.com/rss

Direct Download.

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Show Notes

Listeners:

Hi Guys, can you tell me when and where the Asus Zenwatch 3 will be on sale in the U.K. Regards Howard

What have you been playing with?

Gavin

Leila

Gareth

Main Show URL: www.techaddicts.uk

Join the Discussion: https://goo.gl/spaces/6FF6jraF9KHiPUyA6

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @garethmyles ; @gavinfabiani  ; @GadgetyNewsCom ; @JayGarrett ; @swanny

Web: http://gavinsgadgets.com ; http://GadgetyNews.com ; http://swanny.me/

Google Plus: +garethmyles ; +gavinfabiani-laymond   ; +JayGarrett

Posted in: News, Podcast
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By December 14, 2016 Read More →

6 tips to keep your phone party proof this festive season

2016-12-13With the Christmas party season in full swing and that festive tipple turning into your tenth Jaeger bomb, certain party events become inevitable; someone trying to corner you for a heart-to-heart, that person crying in the toilets, the David Brent style dancing and the all too predictable smashed phone. Whilst we can’t help you improve your dancing, we can offer some tips to help avoid waking up next to a smashed phone after the infamous work Christmas party…..

Provided by gadget and tech accessories provider, Griffin Technology.

  • Keep it out of sight and zipped away

The more barriers there are to your phone, the less chance it has of falling to its demise. Whether it’s a zipped compartment in a handbag or buttoned pockets, something to stop you reaching for it every 10 seconds can work wonders.

  • Watch out for office geeks in YOLO party mode

If you must grab that group shot on the dance floor, stand well out of the way of wayward dancers. People tend to go overboard at parties and their excitement is just too much – they’ll fling their arms in the air like they just don’t care and that’s the moment your phone’s knocked out of your hands.

  • Resist the urge to take a bathroom selfie

Running water (amongst other things) spells disaster for your phone, so do your phone a favour and take your selfies away from the taps. The last thing you want to be doing is attempting to take your phone apart and pop it into a container of dry rice at 2am…….

  • Invest in a super-sturdy phone case

Suffer from butterfingers on the dance floor when taking that obligatory selfie? It’s worth ensuring your phone is up to the action you put it through and invest in some reliable protection. Even if you’re convinced you won’t hit the floor no matter how many beers you have (and we guarantee you will!) or your table dancing skills are something to be marvelled at, it’s best to guarantee your device will stay safe. Griffin’s Survivor range offers some of the best drop protection going. Now go dance your heart out.

  • Download the Find My Phone app

Just in case the worst happens and your precious phone does go walkies, give yourself the best chance to be reunited with it. Download the Find My Phone app if you have an iPhone or the Where’s My Droid app for Android users. Both will allow you to stalk your phone until you discover where it’s been hiding.

  • Don’t drink too much

Not a popular tip, but it works.

For gadget protection and accessories, Griffin Technology provides a range of cases to suit smartphones, tablets and more. For superior protection of the new iPhone 7, the Survivor Summit is recommended, as it has been tested to meet military standards making it super tough with 10-foot drop protection and a sealed, splash-proof design. Newly launched is the Survivor Clear Wallet – the ultimate in showcasing the new iPhone 7 whilst providing the best defense of it simultaneously. In addition to its premium shock-absorbing bumper, the case contains an integrated folio-type wallet with card slots, where IDs, credit cards, bus passes, cash and more can be stored. To check out the rest of the Griffin range, go to www.griffintechnology.com.

Posted in: Accessories, News, Promotion
By December 14, 2016 Read More →

Urbanista launches new wireless edition of its stylish on-ear Seattle headphones

07c8f468ebac7e2691c6dc1d162e7fd79791810a_720x720Swedish brand, Urbanista, today launches the new wireless version of its hugely popular Seattle on-ear headphones. Using Bluetooth technology, the Seattle wireless allow users to look sleek and stylish whilst listening to all their favourite songs, without being tethered to a cord.

Perfect for music lovers who want a crisp sound and impressive bass for an extraordinary listening experience, the Seattle Wireless now feature advanced swipe technology meaning users can answer calls, play or pause music and change tracks using their fingertip making listening to music enjoyable and easy. The headphones also feature an in-built microphone for calls and ‘share sound’ plug to enable users to share music with friends.

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Urbanista has combined Scandinavian minimalistic design with a practical folding feature that makes these headphones ideal for taking on holiday, for travelling and commuting. The Seattle wireless also comes with a complimentary power cord – so unlike many other Bluetooth headphones, if the battery runs out, the music doesn’t have to stop.

The adjustable, seamless headband and modern design with memory foam cushions that moulds to the user’s ear ensures the Seattle headphones are not only stylish but extremely comfortable too.

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Available in four stylish colours, Rose Gold, White, Black and Blue Petroleum, the Seattle headphones are available from: https://uk.urbanista.com/ for £89.00.

Specifications:

  • Speaker size: φ40mm
  • Sensitivity: 102+/-3dB at 1Khz 1mW
  • Impedance: 26+/-15% at 1Khz
  • Frequency: 20-20.000Hz
  • Handsfree with microphone
  • Bluetooth: 4.0
Posted in: Headphones, News
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