a decent graphics processor.

The price of a personal computer doesn’t always equal performance.  A cheap personal computer price may mean that you are getting a bare bones model that may not do everything you need your new computer to do.  Your needs should determine what type of computer you purchase.  Things to consider are whether you use programs that require a high end processor, do you connect to the Internet via a dial up or a wireless connection and does the computer come loaded with software or not.  These three things can increase the cost of your computer by several hundred dollars.  Unless you know how to install these components after you buy your computer, it would be wise to purchase a computer with these components already installed.  Buying the components pre-installed usually saves you money as well.

The software that you use for your computer can eat up the amount of memory available.  Many low cost computers come with a bare minimum of memory, usually 250 megabytes of RAM or 250mb.  While this may be enough for a high school student that doesn’t use any fast graphics programs, it usually won’t suffice for those people who want to create a media center that operates from their computer, as is possible with Windows XP.  If you know you will use your computer to surf the Internet and download videos, photos and music you will need on average 500mb or more memory.  While you can purchase additional memory sticks to install into your computer, many people don’t know how to do this.  Purchase a computer with more memory at the beginning and you’ll avoid some potential problems later.

Students and those that travel have some other needs that a desktop PC doesn’t offer.  For people that are on the go, purchasing a laptop or notebook is the way to go.  The good news for people who want this type of computer is that the prices are beginning to be competitive with the desktop PC.  The prices can be even lower if you purchase a used or refurbished laptop computer.  A fully loaded laptop can run anywhere from $800 to over $3,000.00.  A used fully loaded laptop usually can be found through reputable suppliers for under $1,000.00. 

As with desktop PCs, laptop PCs need to have a lot of memory, a great graphics card and current software in order to be a bargain.  In addition, if you travel you will want a wireless card that is either pre-installed or the computer should have a port that you can insert a wireless card into. 

Great bargains can be found for personal computers if you do your homework.  Always check out a reseller of computers with the Better Business Bureau before you purchase a computer and understand the warranties or guaranties that are stated.  The same is true for a new computer; a buyer should read all of the fine print before they buy.  A bargain PC is only as good as the warranty and support that is offered on the product. 

 

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Price is the number one consideration people use when selecting a digital camera.  You can find many good digital cameras at around $100 while there are many digital cameras that cost well over $1,000.  Knowing what you can afford can help you narrow down your choices.  If you only plan to use your camera occasionally you will probably want to purchase a less expensive digital camera model.  On the other hand, if you will be using the camera professionally or you are an amateur photographer who will be using the camera frequently, you may want to spend more money on the camera you will buy. 

Are you an avid photographer?  If you are you will want to consider buying additional lenses for your camera.  Many digital camera models are small and are intended for casual use.  However, there are many digital cameras that look like a 35 mm camera and you can buy additional specialty lenses for these cameras.  If cost is a consideration look for package deals that include several lenses with the camera.  Starter packages can usually be found during the holidays at prices for any budget.

Will you be using your digital camera to make short films?  Many digital cameras can also double as a video camera.  Usually the video capacity is limited based on the amount of memory you have for your camera.  If you like making videos that are two minutes or less, then a digital camera with this function may work perfectly well for you.  If you want to shoot longer videos then you should consider buying an actual video recorder separately.

Do you like to send photos to all of your friends?  If so, a digital camera is a great buy for you, especially if you have relatives spread far and wide.  Copy your favorite photos to a CD and send them out to everyone on your list.  It takes the hassle out of sending paper photos and makes it easy for people who have to upload the photos to their camera.  Many digital cameras come with software that you can add to your computer to make uploading and editing them a breeze.  These digital cameras also come with special USB cables that allow you to copy the photos onto your computer.  This hardware and software is easy to use and will help you get the most out of your digital camera. 

A final consideration when buying a digital camera is who will be using the camera?  If you are purchasing the camera for yourself, you have a general idea of what your needs are.  However, sometimes digital cameras are purchased as gifts for friends and family.  If the intended user is a child, a camera that is very durable will be required.  Teens typically are very hard on equipment so they will need a smaller camera, preferably one that doesn’t have a lens that sticks out from the front of the camera.  Older people will prefer cameras that have larger function buttons and icons that are easy to see.  Carefully consider the intended users needs before you buy them a new camera.  Remember, the end user needs to enjoy using the camera or it will soon be gathering dust on a shelf.

 

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With the holiday season behind us, consumers begin looking at all the great post-holiday sales out there. This year, shoppers are projected to spend $21 billion on consumer electronics, up from $17 billion last year, and savvy consumers are demanding technological convergence like never before. And when these popular items go on sale, why not buy early for Valentine’s Day, birthdays or other gift-giving occasions?

Digital cameras, camcorders, plasma TVs, iPods and other gizmos are topping the gift lists for many and according to the Consumer Electronics Association, these popular items will account for more than 25 percent of all holiday gift spending this year.

In the spirit of convergence, picture taking has rapidly evolved from prints to digital images, and now to high definition picture shows on plasma televisions. However, consumers need to know the basics in order to ensure technological harmony between digital cameras and flat screen televisions. Some tips include:

Brand Compatibility – It’s best to purchase your high definition television and your digital camera from the same manufacturer to ensure easy compatibility and added feature sets. For example, if you shoot a series of horizontal and vertical images with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 digital camera and then you go to view those images on a Panasonic plasma, the television will intuitively know to rotate your photos in the correct direction for optimal viewing. In fact, Panasonic has also started including SD Memory Card slots directly on the front of their flat panel televisions to allow for better convergence.

Get the Blur Out – When displaying your photos on up to a 65-inch high definition plasma television, image clarity is even more important. This is a major reason why Panasonic made MEGA Optimal Image Stabilization a standard feature on all of their digital cameras.

Slideshows Have Never Been Cooler – Once you are finished snapping away with a point-and-shoot camera, there is no better way to showcase your photos than through a slideshow. All you need to do is remove your SD Card and slide it into the slot on your notebook computer, projector, photo printer, DVD player or television for a memorable high definition slideshow. Certain slideshow applications will even allow you to add music or captions to your photos.

Sixteen by Nine is Number One – Most digital cameras on the market today shoot in the traditional four-by-three or three-by-two formats, which are more like a square on the screen. Unfortunately most high definition televisions and wide screen laptops display your photos (and new high-definition broadcasts) in the 16-by-9 widescreen format. This doesn’t stop you from viewing images on these high definition televisions, but most televisions will either stretch your 4-by-3 or 3-by-2 format images to fit the 16-by-9 inch format screen or use letterboxes, which essentially black out portions of your screen. To avoid this, consumers should make sure the cameras they purchase shoot in 16-by-9 inch format, such as the Lumix DMC-LX2.

The Instant Art Gallery – If posting your own photographs on your plasma television isn’t enough, there are plasma artwork solutions like GalleryPlayer. This service allows you to enjoy some of the world’s finest high definition art and photography on your high definition plasma TV by using free software to purchase and download the images you like and then play them on your HDTV right from your PC. If that’s not enough, certain companies like Panasonic even offer high quality 42-inch plasma picture frames that will have your plasma looking like a Picasso for as little as $399.95.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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