Technology Slice

Dual Video Cards

admin — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 00:33:55 +0000

Motherboards are evolving as hardware evolves. They can accomodate more and more components as they get advanced. One major advantage is being able to make use of not one but two video cards.

This technology is called SLI. The motherboard can make use of two video cards at the same time. This opens up a whole new world for performance benchmarks. If two high end video cards were used all graphics work and games would be a breeze.

Although it’s a great advancement in motherboard technology it’s not for everyone. It would be most useful for extreme gamers and graphic designers that use programs like photoshop.

Bluetooth Technology

admin — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 17:24:51 +0000

Bluetooth is becoming common in more and more products. The reason for it’s popularity is because it allows the consumer to set up a VPN or Virtual Private Network. Using this VPN they can transfer data and files such as multimedia to all bluetooth enabled devices.

Mobile phones, PC’s, laptops, even car stereo have integrated bluetooth connectivity. I was truely amazed when I saw the bluetooth enabled car stereos. You can transfer music from your phone to your stereo or you can use it as a handsfree car kit.

Although bluetooth has become very popular it also has it’s downfalls. Different products have different transfer protocols. For instance transferring a file from a nokia mobile phone to a motorola mobile phone would take longer than if it was transferred between two nokias. It also has a short distance of 10 metres before the connection is broken. This means when transferring anything between devices you still need to stay within a fairly close proximity.

Web Cams

admin — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 04:51:18 +0000

Web cameras are becoming more and more popular as high speed internet becomes standard. It is a useful tool for communications purposes both socially and in the business world.

Web cams have become very cheap but beware there are several levels of quality. It all really depends on how much you want to pay. Like the old saying goes you get what you pay for.

The most important thing to look out for would be the resolution. Most camera’s today are over 1 mega-pixel but the cheap ones are still below.

When buying a webcam it’s best to pay that little bit extra and get something that will satisfy your needs. There’s nothing worse than bringing home your brand new webcam only to find out the person on the other end is mostly seeing static.

Samsung 70inch Plasma Television

admin — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 06:16:34 +0000

Samsung has unveiled their newest plasma addition to the television market. It’s the 70 inch plasma. Previously the largest plasma television on the market was 65inches big. Why anyone would want such a large television is beyond me. Forget the fact that 99 percent of people will not be able to afford it, most lounge rooms aren’t big enough to house such a monstrosity.

If you ask me the ideal size is 42 inches. any larger than that you either have too much money in your pockets, or a football field for a lounge room.

Wireless Broadband

admin — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 05:06:53 +0000

Most people are under the impression that setting up wireless broadband at your home but it is quite simple. Aside from the standard equipment needed for a broadband connection all you really need is two components. A wireless broadband router and a wireless card for your laptop or PC.

A wireless router sends the broadband signal throughout the house. The receiver does just that, receives this signal therefore eliminating the need for wires.

As well as having a wireless broadband connection there are other advantages to having a wireless network at home. If you have more than one computer you can share files. You can also share resources such as printers and scanners.

All in all it’s worth setting up a wireless network at home.

Plasma Televisions

admin — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 10:49:02 +0000

Plasma televisions are becoming more and more popular to the point where they are almost standard in the common household. They are a great piece of technology and they have come a long way since they were first released. The early models were ridden with technical issues and alot of people we’re returning after less than 100 hours of use. These days the quality is alot higher but there are still things you have to look out for. The resolution, or picture quality, is something to take note. Whereas LCD televisions all have a very high resolution or picture quality plasma televisions have varying resolution. Most people see a 50inch television and are mesmorized by the size of it but when they get it home they are wondering why the picture isn’t as sharp as it should be. As a guide a good resolution is 1024 X 768. Plasma televisions with a good resolution usually cost alot more so the price will also serve as a good indicator as to the picture quality.

Internet Banking

admin — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 06:30:35 +0000

With the fast moving pace of life these days internet banking has become more and more popular. Most banks have an internet banking facility for their customers. This is preferable for banks as it reduces overheads but it is also very convenient for customers. We can view all our account balances, transfer between accounts and even pay our bills. Most people also have a credit card with their bank. Using internet banking they can see their balances at the click of a button instead of having to wait for their monthly statement. Older customers shy away from using technology when it comes to their money but sooner or later they will also have to adapt and start using these cutting edge systems.

Hello world!

admin — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 07:37:55 +0000

Hi there and welcome to the Technology Slice blog. I will be discussing current and emerging technologies as well as reviewing fun gadgets.