Reece Computers

All about the iPad

admin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:31:36 +0000

Talk about consolidation–the iPad does it all. It’s not quite a MacBook, it’s not quite an iPod, and it’s definitely not an iPhone. So what is it? Basically, it’s Apple’s combination of all three. The iPad is a flatter, thinner, smaller version of an apple MacBook with all the application capabilities of an iPhone. In fact, many people are replacing their laptops with iPads.

But what can it do? The iPad can basically do it all. It is equipped for the internet so you can experience the web, email, photos, and video online. It uses a Wi-Fi + 3G network, so the network goes with you wherever you go. You can download thousands of apps made just for the iPad, and run almost 200,000 iPhone apps. The iPad is great for entertainment purposes ranging from games to movie viewing. Additionally, it functions as an eBook reader through Apples new ‘iBook’ application. You can browse and shop for books, then read them instantly on your iPad. It also has all the features on an iPod, but better. You can play music from your library while enjoying all the additional benefits the iPad has to offer.

How much does it cost? The iPad starts at $499, and then goes up as you add data plans. You have the option of paying per month, paying for a set amount of data per month, or paying $29.99 for unlimited data.

Why should you get an iPad? To be honest, the iPad’s main appeal seems to be the ‘fun’ factor. It is, to say the least, really ‘cool’. The first product of its type, the revolutionary design and features are fun to play with and explore, but not the most practical. If you’re into trying new things and like to have the latest technology, the iPad is a great investment.

The Newest and Coolest Gaming Technology

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:36:21 +0000

You’ve experienced the wonders of 3D technology in the theaters. Now, Sony is making it possible to take home video gaming systems that are a.) motion controlled and b.) displayed in eye-popping 3D. Sony has announced that their motion control system, “Move,” will be available in US stores starting September 19, 2010. They also plan on launching a series of games that will be playable with the new 3D motion controlled systems. As of now, PlayStation 3 games such as “Killzone 3,” “The Sly Collection,” and “NBA 2k11” will be available for your senses to indulge in by the September release of the new system.

What exactly does this mean for the gaming future? There are two major breakthrough technologies that accompany Sony’s Move release to consider. The first is the motion control system. Previously, only serious gamers with serious money could partake in videogames where the characters on screen are controlled by your own motions. Small scale versions of the motion control systems, such as Nintendo Wii, provide a similar experience, but so far no mainstream gaming system compares to what Sony intends to release. Secondly, the 3D aspect of Sony’s new gaming system will revolutionize gaming forever. Players who already lose themselves in the onscreen virtual realities will be even closer to actually being in the game themselves. The use of stereoscopic 3-D technology means visuals will pop out at you in 3D and the overall gaming experience will appear more lifelike than ever before.

Keep All Your Digital Information Secure With Biological Security

admin — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 19:22:26 +0000

In an era where everything from family photos to financial information is stored on computer files and internet sites, it is more important than ever that personal and work computers use strict security systems. Many security systems that used to be associated only with science fiction movies are now available on mainstream technology devices. There are many benefits to this type of security, which make it both more secure and easier to use. By using some sort of biological recognition system, you don’t have to worry about remembering complicated passwords in order to keep important information safe. These are also safer forms of security because they cannot be faked or replicated. Two of the more common biometric identification systems are fingerprint and hand scans.

Fingerprint patterns stay the same throughout a person’s life and are completely unique from anyone else in the world. The Acer TravelMate 5530 and the HP Pavilion HDX16T are just a few of the many laptops on the market with fingerprint identification. A biometric hand reader is another security device that is growing in popularity. These scanners usually have a dual-functioning system where an identification code is entered on a keypad and then you can scan your hand. Many still think of this as a futuristic technology but they are actually getting widespread use. The University of Georgia uses hand reader systems to grant students access into residence halls and athletic centers. This system eliminates the security risks associated with students sharing key cards and identification numbers. Unlike the fingerprint, there is a lack of permanence in the features of the hand and a system could eventually have to be updated.

Some other more advanced biometric security tools include retina scans, face recognition and voice analysis. Though these devices do not yet have as strong a presence in the marketplace, as the biometric trend progresses, be looking for more of these unique security systems.

Top 5 Best Lap Tops

admin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:46:09 +0000

We know choosing a laptop can be a daunting task with a market so overwhelmed by new products. A lot of this decision depends on how much you plan to spend and what functions you want your computer to serve. In an attempt to provide you at least a little guidance, we’ve decided to rank what we think are the best laptops on the market.

Apple MacBook Pro: This unbeatable product has screens with wither a 13, 15 or 17 inch screen. On top of the already amazing features of mac laptops, this new device can provide up to 10 hours of battery life. The smallest 13 inch screen comes with either 2.4 or 2.66 GHz.
Lenovo ThinkPad X201 Tablet: This unique device includes features such as a swivel screen that can lay flat as well as touch screen capabilities. Lighter weight than the MacBook makes this device easier to carry but it has a shorter battery life.
Sony Vaio VPCF1190X: This computer offers a quality system but at a lower price. The 16.4 inch screen has impressive graphics and is great for gaming and multimedia but has a lower battery life lower than the ThinkPad.
Gateway NV7915u: This product is another device that provides above standard features at a budget price. Advanced touch pad technology makes navigating websites and documents a breeze. A larger screen and bulkier weight make it more difficult to tote around.
Dell Inspiron 15: Another budget computer that is quality technology for less. The 6 cell batter offers up to 8 hours of battery life and the 15.6” HD screen makes this a great product for entertainment features.

When it’s time to decide on a laptop for you, look through customer reviews, compare specifications, and consider price options in order to make the most out of your new device.

Stay in Touch: Using Social Networking Sites with Your Smartphone

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 14:09:50 +0000

Every major phone company is constantly competing to create the most innovative and easy to use smart phone. These multi-functional devices are in increasing demand and almost every month a new one comes out. One of the main features of many of these phones is the ability to use social networking sites from a mobile device. Any phone with internet access makes it possible to view sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. However, because the internet technology on some of these devices has not been perfected and can often be slow and burdensome to use, the creation of applications for these social networks is crucial. Apple and Blackberry both offer applications for a number of these sites that allow you to use many of the features crucial to the site with faster speed than when connecting to it through the internet. These applications also allow you to receive notifications on your phone of updates on your account or profile.

These applications are constantly being remade and improved. Apple’s MyPhone +for Facebook is an application that not only lets you view and use your Facebook account, but links it to your contact list and shows a profile picture and Facebook information of the person you are calling. Blackberry recently introduced its latest application for Twitter. This program gives access to all the main functions of your Twitter account, sends notifications to your phone, and these notifications can also be assigned to show up in your email inbox on your phone.

There are constantly new social networks being created that enables you to keep up with friends, family, and co-workers. With improving mobile phone applications for these sites, staying in touch is only getting easier.

Consolidating Your Technological Devices Can Save Time and Simplify Your Life

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 14:04:22 +0000

The technology market is saturated with a wide variety of personal devices. Many Americans now own a mobile phone, lap top, desk top computer, and more. With all these gadgets it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with what goes where. Luckily, the companies creating all these products are beginning to understand that problem. More and more products are offering ways to link devices to each other, consolidate email accounts into one central address and even receive voicemails and cell phone calls on a computer.

Google voice is a new system that allows you to link all of your phones (work, home, cell, etc) to one number. This product also has a feature that can connect your voicemail to your email account and have voicemail messages sent in the form of a written email.

Another area where we see a trend of consolidation is in the mobile phone market. Smart phones with internet capability and access to email accounts allow users to use the device as both a phone and computer. With the increase of applications for these phones, more and more technological activities are being simplified to a single device. Some of the many helpful tools found in the Apple Appstore include applications that allow you to manage home and business security systems even when you’re away. The ADT Pulse Interactive Control lets you arm or disarm your security system using your iPhone. This app also allows you to receive emails or text messages alerting you if your alarm system goes off.

Many navigation systems are now offering features to allow for making phone calls. The Garmin Nuvi 3790T can be connected to your mobile phone and used to make hands free phone calls while driving. The touch screen feature allows for simple touch dialing.

As this trend continues, be on the lookout for the newest ways to consolidate your world of technology.

The Touch Screen Craze

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 14:00:43 +0000

Whether its computers, mobile phones, or navigation systems, touch screens are the hot items in almost every technological market. Released in 2007, the iPhone made touch screen a major present in the mobile phone market. The iPhone has only one simple button and the rest is at your fingertips…literally. Not to be out done, other companies such as Verizon, Motorola and even Google have also come out with their own touch screen mobile phones.

The latest lap top computer products confirm the touch screen trend. Lenovo’s Tablet series offers the touch screen feature along with the ability to use an instrument for onscreen writing. Another key feature of this product that has become increasingly popular is the flat feature. The laptop screen swivels and can be placed flat over the keyboard. Apple’s latest and highly-anticipated iPad offers similar features with touch screen and its flat screen model. The iPad is a sort of hybrid of the iPhone and other Apple computer devices.

Even though they occupy less media attention than touch screen computers and mobile phones, it’s the navigation systems that have been utilizing the touch screen concept most consistently. The Garmin nuvi series as well as the Go Live products from TomTom all function primarily through the use of touch screen.

Televisions appear to be the next frontier when it comes to touch screen. Several companies have introduced products with this feature. Samsung now offers a a line of LCD touch screen TVs. Sony is also now marketing a touch screen monitor that can serve as a PC, DVR and offers HDTV.

Latest Trends in Online Connectivity

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 13:49:43 +0000

As smartphones take increasing control over the mobile phone community and more and more businesses and homes switch to wireless internet, there is a constant demand for unlimited coverage. Now more than ever you can be virtually connected anywhere you want. No one wants to miss the highly-anticipated finale of their favorite TV show or that important email you’ve been waiting all day for.

The newest most innovative internet packages allow you to stay connected anytime anywhere using 4G WiMax technology. 4G provides online connectivity four times faster than 3G. With this increase in speed you can stream music and video faster than ever without having to wait through slow uploading. Even better, with WiMax you no longer have to worry about staying in a wireless “hotspot” or else lose your connection. WiMax allows you to have mobile wireless internet connection while you’re on the go.

CLEAR offers this latest improvement in internet service with packages for home internet, on the go connectivity and voice mail services at low costs. Using 4G WiMax technology you can even stay online while you’re riding in the car or sitting in the waiting room at your doctor’s office. With so many different forms of communication, companies like CLEAR allow you to simplify your life by calls and voicemail to your email account.

As the demand for constant internet access increases, internet providers are finding new ways to provide access to even the most remote locations. Wireless internet is no longer a coveted luxury, it is has become a required necessity. One reason wireless is gaining popularity so rapidly is because it offers 30 times faster connectivity than dialup. Also, unlike dialup, with wireless you can be online anywhere in your home. Some companies such as WildBlue are meeting this demand using satellites to provide wireless to virtually any location within the continental United States. WildBlue also offers affordable internet packages and free installation.