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  • Archive for the 'digitalbuzz' Category

    How to Buy a Digital Camera

    Sunday, June 8th, 2008

    Buying a digital camera is no easy matter.

    Back before digital cameras were all the rage, the technology did not change that much, but buying a camera was still a hassle. You would have to look at quality, ease of use and versatility among many other features to decide what was the best buy that you could make.

    But buying a digital camera is just that much harder because there are so many features that you have to consider.

    First, the technology changes so fast that learning how to buy a digital camera is an art in and of itself. Let’s face it. Who wants to buy a 3.1 megapixel digital camera when, the next day they are going to come out with some camera that costs half as much with twice the resolution, or better memory.

    No one, that’s for sure.

    It just does not make sense no matter how you look at it. That is why, before you go out and buy a camera, you should consult someone who knows how to buy a digital camera to make sure that you have considered all the most important details.

    If you want to buy a digital camera, you should probably start by doing some research on your own.

    Consumer Reports is always a good place to start. They provide all the relevant information that you could ask for to help you make a wise decision. Besides that, of course, there are many other good sources for information on getting a good digital camera.

    For example, you can look at trade journals. Both photography journals and electronics journals will be able to give you many details on buying a digital camera, including product reviews and technical specs on all the leading brands.

    You can probably also go into a store and ask all that you want about the digital cameras they sell there and get honest answers. Beware it is not just one of those stores that will sell you anything for your money. Buying a digital camera at a reputable store is a good idea, and might be more practical than using the Internet.

    Although you will be able to save some money buying on the Internet, there could be problems. If something goes wrong with the camera, for example, you could be in for a hassle.

    David W Johnson is an amateur photographer. For more articles visit http://www.Digital-Camera-Research.com.

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    Personal Digital Assistants

    Saturday, June 7th, 2008

    Are you a post-it note kind of person? I am. Every morning, my first three tasks are to get coffee, check email and write my daily prioritized to-do list. I try my best to spend the day completing my list, checking off each item as it is completed. Without this trusty companion telling me what to do, I would probably spend most days staring stupidly at the wall wondering what I should be doing with my time. And I do enough of that already Of course, do-to lists are just the beginning of my ‘note-to-self’ addiction. I am constantly writing little reminders and notes to myself so I won’t forget something. Phone numbers and email addresses? Ha, after five years of having the same fax, I still have to look up my fax number every time I tell it to someone.

    I could simply put all this information on my computer so I could easily pull it up anytime. Anytime I am in front of the computer, that is. But I never know when I might need some phone number or email address, so I need to carry my notes, tasks and contacts with me at all times. My solution? A PDA.

    PDA’s, or Personal Digital Assistants, are extremely handy devices that store your address book, to do list, calendar, games, and much more in a device small enough to easily fit in a pocket or purse. While there are many types of PDA’s available, the most popular by far are the Windows CE and Palm devices. Prices range from just under $100 to around $700.

    Some PDA devices can even surf the internet and send and receive email wirelessly. Others have a built-in cell phone or digital camera. Actually, the PDA’s on the market these days are so powerful that you can really consider many of them a mini-laptop computer. Playing games, viewing and editing Word documents and Excel spreadsheets, checking email, etc, all while sitting in the car or on the back porch can be a reality, if you want it to be. A very valid argument could be made that these devices make you never really leave work since you can have all your work files with you at all times. On the other hand, they do provide a very handy way to organize your life.

    As always, if you have any questions or suggestions for future articles, please email me at mike@MikeBryant.com.

    Mike Bryant has worked as a professional software developer for over ten years. A born entrepreneur, he currently owns Centrant, LLC, a software consulting firm specializing in custom software for small businesses. He currently resides in Jackson, Kentucky with his wife, two kids, and five computers. For more information, please visit MikeBryant.com

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    Digital Cable VS Satellite TV

    Friday, June 6th, 2008

    Do you want to get more channels while saving money but not sure if you should go with digital cable or satellite TV? Then this article is meant directly for you! The commercials seen on TV and the ad’s displayed all over the internet can be overwhelming at best. Below we will hope to help make your choice simplified for you!

    Cost Difference between Digital Cable VS Satellite TV:

    Most cable companies include local franchise fees along with local broadcasting fees on your monthly bill. Digital cable varies starting at $30-$40 per month and up depending on the package you choose it can go up as high as $90 per month.

    While Satellite packages usually offer betters deals based on how much money is spent per channel. Some satellite companies offer a price point between of $25 for over fifty channels. With most satellite companies pricing may be a little higher per month unless committing to twelve months of programming up front. A twelve month satellite commitment will usually ensure lower cost up front and most even free installation of the satellite dish.

    Programming differences between Digital Cable VS Satellite TV:

    Most Satellite TV systems can support over 250 channels of programming. All channels are of digital quality. One downside is satellite offers less local channels and may not have local channels in some areas. Most satellite companies also offer HD TV services that are compatible to your satellite TV service.

    Digital cable on the other hand can support over 300 channels of programming of digital quality. Digital Cable has more local channels available in most major cities. Most cable companies now offer Video on Demand (a library of movies and TV shows that you can order at your leisure). HDTV services are becoming more popular amongst cable companies now and not just thru satellite TV as in the past.

    Difference of Equipment:

    Satellite equipment typically includes a satellite dish that is installed outside the home that is visible to everyone. A satellite receiver is also essential per TV. Most satellite receivers today also come with a PVR (Personal Video Recorder) which the cable company has not yet been able to offer as of now. Most satellite companies run specials on free installation and equipment when you agree to a 12 month contract.

    Digital cable also requires one receiver per TV but that is all the equipment needed. Should you disconnect your service the receivers will be turned into the cable company where as with Satellite TV you own the dish.

    In closing:

    In the end the prices are comparable but it depends on which system will best suit your television needs and what you are more comfortable with. Both Digital TV and Satellite TV both have their disadvantages and advantages, you make the call!

    Jim Teler is a avid budgeter who strongly believes that satellite TV is a
    savings over cable for most households in America. In addition to raising
    his two children with his wife, Jim also does freelance writing for
    websites, including those who sell Dish Network systems like
    http://www.bestsatellitetvsystem.com.

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