Portable Media Players by Baylis Revolution

Here is something for people who love to buy and collect MP3 players and media gadgets. Baylis Revolution PMP is a great device to store all your music without worrying about the battery life as well as when to recharge it. You just have to crank it up and you can enjoy listening to your great tunes as long as you want.

Equipped with a crank on the back, this piano black device with rubberised edges which measures in at 25 x 62 x 115mm, weighs in at 170g and which, the manufacturer claims, offers ‘best-in-class 24-bit digital audio performance’ with a single minute of hand cranking providing enough charge for up to 45 minutes of (music) playback.

Via TFTS

Tweak Vista with Ultimate Windows Tweaker

You may want to customise your system information screen with your own photo?

Optimize your network by removing QOS share you don't use it normally anyway
Media sharing is a new function which no one uses in Vista

You might want to disable the irritating Windows Error Reporting
You can also disable Windows Media Centre (it is not Windows Media Player)
Disable autoplay will help prevent virus infected thumbdrives from invading your PC

Time to shutdown is displayer in seconds each interval represent 1 second
Turn off ready boost if you do not have a ready boost flashdrive or if you are not using it at all
You might want to leave force unload DLL on as application may share DLL
Disable Tablet PC input if you are using a Laptop or PC
Disable the Windows ZIP function if you are using Winzip etc
If you keep your files tidy and seldom search for them disable it
Enable PAE
Again you might want to disable the irritating error reporter

Speed up the menu display speed

WinVistaClub has a excellent freeware tool for downloads here
Tweaks that are worth considering are boxed in red and black

How to optimize Vista Boot

Using Windows Vista Disk Defragmenter
Starting with Windows XP and continuing in Windows Vista, the Prefetcher service will automatically optimize the location of the boot files in your hard drive using Windows Disk Defragmenter. However, this occurs only after a certain number of boots and when it gets around to it (because it runs only when your computer is idle).
Microsoft has a talented team working on the Prefetcher service that even took into consideration your system boot changes. For example, you might install an updated device driver or add new hardware. To solve this problem, the systems will re-defragment the boot files every three days.
Tip: Windows keeps track of the last time that it has optimized the boot file so that it can calculate how often it should run the boot defrag. If you are interesting in finding when the last time was that the boot defrag was run, open regedit and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Prefetcher, and then look for the key named LastDiskLayoutTimeString.
An operating system that takes care of itself? Yes, Windows is getting smarter and smarter. However, there is still one problem: There is no possible way to directly initiate a boot defrag. The only way is to leave your computer on for a little while without using it at all. If you are impatient and do not want to wait, I have a solution for you.
As I mentioned earlier, the system will initiate the boot defrag only when the system is idle. Typing in a command that will start the boot is not possible. However, you can tell your computer, even when it is not idle, to process the idle tasks. This will indirectly start the boot defrag. Because the boot defrag is most likely not the only idle task waiting to be run, other processes will be run, too, which can cause your computer to appear to be doing a lot of hard work—from a few minutes up to half an hour—as it completes all tasks. During this time, your computer should not be used for any intensive activities such as playing games. If you try to use your computer while the idle tasks are being processed, you will notice slow performance until the tasks are completed.
Perform the following steps to process all idle tasks:

1. Click the Start button, type cmd in the Search box, and press Enter.
2. When the command prompt opens, type
3. Rundll32.exe advapi32.dll,ProcessIdleTasks and press Enter.
   
4. Your computer will now work on the tasks.

Performing these steps will allow your system to defrag the boot files; however, the boot defrag is done every three days. Processing the idle tasks more frequently will do nothing to help you boot because the boot defrag will not be on your idle tasks lists all the time.

SweetPea3 MP3 Music Players for Tots

Now I have seen everything. It was just a matter of time before the gadgetries would develop something for the toddlers of today. And you would think they would appreciate them but perhaps in a way they would.

With the right shape and the right entertainment that captures the attention of most infants today, the SweetPea3 MP3 Digital Music Player is a multifunctional gadget that toy and a music player rolled into one. Kids are soothed by the sound of music, especially baby tunes and apparently this is something that kids should have to get in with the groove of the gadget frenzy we are all in.

The SweetPea3 MP3 digital music player, a Canadian-designed toy for children from infants to age six, was chosen as the battery-operated toy of the year. The handheld player plays music from a speaker and has no headphone jack to damage little ears. It comes programmed with music and stories for little ones and has a USB jack that older children can use to upload their own picks to the device. The toy, which is coated in a durable and baby-safe rubber and has a volume control that only adults can access, is a hit with parents.

(Source) Canada.com

People Powered Gadgets of 2008

Everyone is being egged on today to be more sensitive as far as turning to gadgets but if there is something to look back on as far as this year is concerned, it would be perhaps about these gadgets that came out using nothing more than people-power to make them work.



Crank N’ Capture Video Camera
As the name connotes, you just crank side of the device by turning the crank on the side for shooting and playback. Unlike a regular video camera, images are not smooth but intentionally choppy, as if animated by flipping pages.



Juice Box / solar battery
Just stick it to a window and let the sun come shining through. Thanks to the suction cups that are attached, you can have recharged batteries in no time.

Source

Does AMD Optimizer Actually Speed up the CPU?

Ok here is what AMD Claims that their Optimizer do:

AMD Dual-Core Optimizer Version 1.1.4 - The AMD Dual-Core Optimizer can help improve some PC gaming video performance by compensating for those applications that bypass the Windows API for timing by directly using the RDTSC (Read Time Stamp Counter) instruction. Applications that rely on RDTSC do not benefit from the logic in the operating system to properly account for the affect of power management mechanisms on the rate at which a processor core's Time Stamp Counter (TSC) is incremented. The AMD Dual-Core Optimizer helps to correct the resulting video performance effects or other incorrect timing effects that these applications may experience on dual-core processor systems, by periodically adjusting the core time-stamp-counters, so that they are synchronized.

AMD Optimizer in Windows Runs as a Service amd_dc_opt.exe

I tested the difference by disabling the service to simulate without Optimization & reenable the service to simulate with Optimization
The results are as shown below using PC Wizard 2008 as a benchmark available here


Benchmark Result With AMD Optimzer using CPU Calculations


Benchmark Result with AMD Optimizer Overall Performance


Benchmark Result without AMD Optimzer using CPU Calculations


Benchmark Result without AMD Optimizer Overall Performance

From the result it can be seen that there is no real optimzation for CPU Calculation and Overall Performance
For Overall Performance the performance change is a 1.5% drop
For CPU Calculations the performance change is a 7.3% drop
It seems that by disabling this feature processing power would be ramped up

However do note that from the Overall Performance Chart
The video performance went up to 2.4% when optimization is enabled
And note the description from AMD Site:
(The AMD Dual-Core Optimizer helps to correct the resulting video performance effects or other incorrect timing effects that these applications may experience on dual-core processor systems, by periodically adjusting the core time-stamp-counters, so that they are synchronized.)

So it seems that the Optimizer did really perform as expected however CPU scores are affected as a result and many complains was the increase in heat generated from the system when optimzer is enabled.
My opinion is that a small increase in performance is not a great exchange for the heat generated that can potentially damage the system and cripple the CPU
Moreover I personally do not play games frequently I will probably keep out this software for a while.

Need Good Info Regarding Laptops ?

Many people buy at the spur of a moment without really known what they bought this is very true especially computers

They simply equate

• Higher GHZ CPU more powerful
• More RAM more powerful
• More Harddisk more powerful
• Graphics bigger number more powerful???

Sometimes they overbuy what is actually sufficient for needs
You don't want to spend your money on a powerful computer you don't really need
because computer devaluates faster than currency
You bought Intel Graphics because that sales person told you it is good then went home to realise you can't play games with it
You have the common misconception Integrated Graphics can't play game for now it is still generally true but changing soon with the new powerful Nvidia Integrated Graphics that rival even discrete graphics

So I know one website that is really good at giving performance figures and facts because they best represent how good the Laptop is unlike some review which gives stars anyhow irregardless of performance (You want to spend your money on getting most performance)

Graphics Comparison
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Comparison-of-Graphic-Cards.130.0.html
CPU Comparison
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Notebook-Processors.129.0.html

Benchmarks
Benchmarks are numbers obtain from using different hardware to run a program to test hardware performance

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Processors-Benchmarklist.2436.0.html

Any queries regarding terminology leave a message i will try to simplify the terms =)

New Laptop Acer Aspire 4530

1. As a result of bad experience with Acer Tech Support Centre and numerous complains about their Quality of Service

They agreed to replace my old laptop Acer Aspire 4520G with Acer Aspire 4530
It has:

1. AMD TurionX2 Processor 2.1GHZ RM-72 1MB L2 Cache (Codename: LION)
2. 3GB RAM DDR2 5300 667MHZ (Samsung chips)
3. NVIDIA GeForce 9100M G Integrated Graphics (CUDA & NVIDIA PhysX-ready)
4. 320GB WESTERN DIGITAL Scorpio 3200 BEVT 320GB(5400rpm/8MB/SATA) 2.5" HDD
5. Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)(BroadCom)
6. Wireless Adapter Atheros AR5B91 with Draft-N
   
7. Nvidia MCP 77 NFORCE CHIPSET
8. REALTEK HIGH DEFINITION AUDIO
9. LG DVD-RAM DUAL LAYER
10. BROADCOM NETXTREME ETHERNET

It is superior over my previous laptop in everyway HAPPY and it is a cool black in colour

I upgrade the RAM to 4GB and here is the Windows Experience Index results



Processor:4.8
RAM:5.8
Graphics:4.0
Gaming Graphics:4.5
Primary Harddisk:5.3

This is a great performance for a sub 1K laptop =)

How to Install Windows XP and Remove Windows Vista

Windows Vista is not yet perfected and chances are you will reach the point where you want to revert to Windows XP. But the task is easier said than done especially if you want a clean copy of Windows XP on your PC. With that in mind, what can you do to uninstall Windows Vista and install Windows XP on your computer?

Well, I had that problem last week and much as I looked for solutions on the web, I discovered a different way to remove Windows Vista and install a fresh Windows XP operating system. How? Follow these steps.

1. Grab a hold of the usual bootable DOS disk. Some peripherals (particularly laptops) no longer come with the traditional floppy drives but not to worry. You can still download the DOS system from sites and burn them on a CD which you can use to boot. You can get a copy of DOS here.
2. Boot up your PC using the CD ROM as your first boot device. Allow it to load and then run the handy FDISK like before.
3. View the partitions on your hard drive and delete them one by one. Make sure you don’t leave any drive intact to make sure you get a RAW drive ready for formatting.

NOTE: As far as backups are concerned, this guide assumes that they have been already backed up or that the user wants to completely erase the Windows Vista OS.

4. After all partitions have been deleted or removed, place your Windows XP setup disk and restart the computer. Now you can install the Windows XP OS as you would in any first time setup.

Some people have tried to use the dual boot which is really ridiculous. For one, it eats up space and second why would you leave an operating system when you have no plans of using it. Some have even said that it causes problems so why leave it there in the first place?

Also, if at times you are attempting to overwrite Windows Vista, chances are your Windows XP setup will not even reach the first screen setup (blue screen). Such is the problem I had experienced that led me to find an alternative to which is itemized above.

These steps are guaranteed. Don’t let Windows Vista be a pain. You can outthink Windows Vista using the traditional way of formatting a computer, similar to the first time you install Windows XP.

Microsoft Surface Parody

For sure, most of us are looking forward to further enhancements of technology. This includes easier interface and better use of computers. One such thing would be the use of touch screen technology to which most of us are awaiting what Bill Gates and company are cooking up.

While we can only imagine, there are people who put them into perspective. A great way to prep up people on the future of technology with endless possibilities.

Hopefully, Bill Gates can pick up a thing or two. It is indeed something astounding and worthy to look forward to!

TuneXP Guide

Depreciated Post, you shouldn't be using Windows Xp anymore...

This post is to make a step by step guide and explaination of each function of TuneXP
TuneXP dosen't come with documentation but i should be able to explain some of them hopefully .
1)FILE menu quite self explanatory
      EXIT
2)MEMORY & FILESYSTEM
-     ACCELERATE DLL UNLOADING  (NO OBSERVABLE BENEFITS)
Well most programs comes with DLL (Dynamic Library Link) they are loaded into memory     when the program starts this will enable faster unloading of DLL libraries. I don't see much performance benefits so normally i leave this unchecked
-     DISABLE PAGING EXECUTIVE (DEPENDS ON SYSTEM)
Paging Executive uses a portion of your harddisk as RAM (Memory) Because harddisk is the slowest component in a computer this process (SWAPPING) causes your system to slow down.HOWEVER do not enable this if you have low RAM capacity <2gb>3GB
-    FASTER SHUTDOWN (FOR EVERYONE)
This will force Windows to decrease shutdown timer so you can enable this safely
-    FILE ALLOCATION SIZE TWEAK (FOR EVERYONE)
This will enable changes to the file allocation size although the benefits can hardly be felt
-   OPTIMIZE PREFETCH ( IGNORE)
Does not really help Windows XP prefetcher is optimized by default
-   INCREASE NTFS PERFORMANCE (FOR EVERYONE WITH NTFS on XP)
This tweak removes the "Last Access Stamp" from all files. This improves general disk performance by removing massive bandwidth overhead.
-  IO PAGE LOCK LIMIT (NOT MUCH BENEFITS)
Set to your RAM size if 512MB above set to 512MB
- INTERNET
  DNS CACHE INCREASE (FOR EVERYONE)
More frequently accessed sites will have the DNS cache in your computer which reduces the number of DNS lookup request
IGNORE THE REST



       

HWMonitor

This is what HWMonitor looks like
It shows the temperature taken by the thermal sensors inside your computer
Usually you will have no use for however it can act as a diagnostic tool such as computer slow downs especally graphic cards during intense gaming.Above all else isn't it interesting to know how hot is your internal component running?
The software is from CPUID team at http://www.cpuid.com/
Things to note about this applet
1)Small in size
2)No install required to uninstall just delete it
The software is obtained from their website in 2 versions 32bit and 64 bit
32bit is for all standard Windows XP 32bit and Vista 32bit
64bit is for those 64bit Vista Edition there is also Windows XP 64 bit edition but you rarely come across it.
To know what operating system you are running simply right click "My Computer" and select "Properties"
http://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php
Glossary
ACPI a power management technology implementation built into recent systems
AMD Turion X2 refer to the dual core AMD Processor core#0 and core#1
GPU refer to the graphic card temperature
While HDD refer to the Harddisk temperature obtained from SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology)

Free Windows Themes and TuneXP

Besides LINUX and UNIX system i also happen to know some good Windows Tools that everyone should have in their PCs
Note the following tools only works in Windows XP
1)TuneXP From Driver Heaven Final Version no other updates 3 Mirrors list below
http://www.driverheaven.net/dforce/
http://www.download.com/TuneXP/3000-2086_4-10290929.html
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/System-Tweak/TuneXP.shtml
This nifty little tool provides a simple and non intimidating GUI to activate some functions in Xp to speed it up. Although it is possible to activate the tweak from Windows Registry often i find it too tedious to do it manually not mentioning the possibilty of messing up your Registry.
It is small in size, freeware and most tweaks works especially the faster shutdown function. However the usefulness of the ultrafast booting really leave much to be desired. Anyway it is really a useful tool even for non tech savy users.
2)Themes for Windows XP
I know some really good free themes on the net. They are 1)FREE 2)NO SPYWARE/ADWARE/MALWARE I SCANNED them myself 3)LOW ON SYSTEM RESOURCES USAGE 4)UNINSTALLS WITHOUT SCREWING UP YOUR SYSTEM
1) BricoPacks from CrystalXP contains Light Vista looks KDE looks Longhorn Looks
http://www.crystalxp.net/bricopack/
2) FlyKiteOSX from http://osx.portraitofakite.com contains Mac OS X for PC users
http://www.flyakiteosx.com/download/
3) Alienware theme from Alienware (a high performance PC vendor) It is not exactly freeware because it contains WindowsBlind Software which is not free BUT this edition is free intended for Alienware customers. I am not their customers but oh well it is free anyway...
Click on the picture "Click here to download AlienGUIse"
http://www.alienware.com/community/alienguise/theme-manager.aspx
4)Nvidia theme from NVIDIA (a video card maker) Same as above it is a it also contains WindowsBlind Software which is not free BUT this edition is free intended for NVIDIA customers but this time I am their customer both my laptop and PC uses NVIDIA Cards
http://www.nvidia.com/content/areyouready/downloads.html
1)ComCast XP website
Last but not least for this post I know a particular website containing lots of information and freeware pertaining to Windows XP.
It debunks a lot of XP myths and has a Large collection of useful software that are free license
Must check it out
http://home.comcast.net/~SupportCD/OptimizeXP.html
Know any other good website that have great Windows software that are free?
Feel free to put them up here
Next Posting will be PowerTools for Power Users

Dell Launches Small Form Factor PC

For the people who are looking for something new like a branded desktop computer, check out this new offering from Dell. The Small Form Factor PC is scheduled to be launched on July 29 and for sure a lot of the people looking for a new PC that adheres as well to the eco-friendly standards set forth today will have a great time in possibly buying this device.

Source

iPhone: New Phone, New Problems

If you think the iPhone is the hit gadget of the year, look a little bit further. It is true that the advertising and marketing that his gadget has is surely something that can be commended but seriously, look at the long term use.

There are still a lot of bugs surrounding this gadget and if you are wise, you would want to do some research on potential issues so that your expectations will not fall short.



(Source) Yahoo Tech

Budget Servers Introduced by Dell Computers

Dell Computers is a known brand in the computer industry and just recently, they announced the unveiling of an entry-level server suitable for new businesses that are planning to implement technology in their everyday operations.

This will surely be welcome news to companies that are looking for budget-friendly solutions in the area of advanced systems and software solutions.

Dell on Monday launched single-socket servers for small and medium-size businesses, replenishing its overhauled PowerEdge line of servers.

The PowerEdge T300, with a tower chassis, and PowerEdge R300, a rack server, are designed to consume less power and include system management tools to better manage IT tasks, Dell said. The servers have quad-core Xeon processors and provide memory expandability and redundancy features, the company said.

Source

Dual Core Processors and CPU Upgrade

photo taken from Custom PC

They say they are the new kids on the block as far as new Pentium chip technology is concerned but my real question is up to when? I have been using my Pentium IV 2.0 for almost 5 years now and am pretty much satisfied. Aside from speed, can it handle my video editing software this time around?

These are questions in mind. I have been thinking of upgrading my computer and giving this PC to my wife’s cousin since he is taking up computer science today. While that would all depend on me, I guess I will pretty much buy the package I had made.

All I need are central processing unit (CPU) parts such as the processor, memory and motherboard if you think about it. Although being the computer geek I am, I put in a higher video card (1 gig I think!) and a 160 gigabyte hard drive as well as a brand new DVD writer to go. It is going to cost somewhere around the price of $300.00 just for those specs. I don't need a monitor since I still have my ACER AL1706 LCD monitor to use.

I think it is a wise investment considering online and telecommute work is now my main cup of tea. So if you want to get better results, chances are you have to be equipped with good equipment to support your work.

What I hate really is having to re-install everything. From the operating system to the other applications I need, its going to be a long day for me to get everything back together. This also includes transferring my thousands of files to it.

The OS? I think I will stick it out with Windows XP for now. While it can support the new Windows Vista operating system, I will cross the bridge when I get there.

Beware of Identity Thieves Online!

photo taken from Earthlink Protection Control Center Blog

Have you ever received any email telling you that you won $1Million or Pounds? How about a certain email saying that he or she inherited some money from a deceased military relative to which he will need to divert the money through you just to be able to get the funds of which he would give you a certain percentage like 20%?

We get this a lot and they do sound too good to be true. Apparently they ask for your personal information such as your name, address, phone number and bank account number. If you want some clean advice on this, it is quite simple…DON’T!

Your information is valuable and perhaps just a means to be used for mischief and no good. Based on what I have read on these emails, here are some things to consider to which you can just delete that message or trash it. Don’t waste your time!

1. Check for Grammar. Normally they are poor at this. Don’t know though if they are really from where they are but it seems like it.
2. You don’t win anything if you don’t enter any contest
3. There is no such thing as Instant Millionaires
4. Be wary of questionable origins of email
5. Be wary of links. Do not click on it.
6. People asking for your personal information
7. Check out the Subject. Normally it is something too good to be true

(Source) Yahoo Finance

Are you among the Gadget Freaks Today?

One thing you will notice today is that more and more people are getting attached towards the new technology gadgets released in the markets. Mobile computing is the popular by-word for most computer geeks and often you would see most of them held by people even if they have not yet been fully introduced in the market.

Ranging from the usual smaller notebooks towards the mobile phones today, people seem to be infatuated with these breakthroughs. But the thing is, are they using it to their full potential?

One thing you have to consider when you buy one of these mobile gadgets is on whether you can use them? Some buy them for the purpose of immature satisfaction. They are not direct needs. People just want these gadgets because they want their techie urge to be scratched.

When is the time to Upgrade your PC?

I have been using my Pentium 4 2.0 PC for over 5 years now and it makes me wonder, is it time to upgrade it? I have been seeing various new computers in the market today like the dual core Pentium processors and new memory chip modules. But while I am a real sucker for gadgets and computer stuff, the thought crossed my mind.

Performance wise, I am content with my computer as of to date. It helps me do the necessary things such as the usual word processing and spreadsheet things and some minor graphic designing details for offline everyday work. But when it comes to software requirements, sooner or later the hardware will need to be changed.

Price-wise, it seems reasonable to upgrade to a new one today. But one thing I am likewise considering is only getting a new CPU because my 15" Acer AL1706 LCD monitor can still be used.

Perhaps a little bit more of waiting. Technology changes fast and of all things I would hate is seeing new specifications after buying a new one just now. Well that’s technology for you!

How to Conceptualize a Good Website

One thing that most people think of today is on how to be able to build a good website. Well, signing up for a domain name should be your first priority. With practically all people having the same thing in mind, do not be surprised to have a hard time finding your desired domain name. There will be other domain name extensions such as .net or .org but nothing beats the domain that ends with a .com.

Domain Name
Most people fail to realize the impact that this has. For one, we are all accustomed to the usual .com extension every time that we are asked for the URL of our site. This is not to downplay the chances of the other domain name extensions. They will eventually be recognized over time. But the thing is, if you want immediate impact, brainstorm a catchy .com name and try to check its availability.

Purpose of the Website
Is your website for presence, information, or simply for the sake of having a website up? These are the points to consider before you decide on finally putting up a site. To most businessmen, this may sound like a familiar approach towards putting up a business. In essence, it really is. You have to do the proper planning and determine to what extent you want your website to cover. Some use a one page website simply to store contact details and the company images and summary for the sake of letting the world know that they do exist in fact and not in fiction.

Design and Layout
This is really the meat of it all. When you talk about websites, the first thing that comes into the mind of a person is design and representation. Indeed, design is the gauge to which people would normally expect from websites. Using fancy graphics and advanced scripting for interactivity seems to be the talk of the town when website designs are placed into discussion. While this is true, a website without logical content is totally useless. Some people may appreciate your site on their first visit but do remember, it is the matter of bringing them back that is essentially important. You do not establish consistent web presence with just one visit from your target customers.

Content Management
The Internet is the information highway that anyone will always look up to these days. With that in mind, compositions and content is pretty important, probably more than impressive graphics and scripts. A plain website will bring you customers and targeted hits each time a search query string is entered in the search engines. Hence, good content together with proper grammar and use of keywords demanded today should be given weight above all.

Overall, many would say that the approach seems to be like putting up an individual business of their own. Again, website development is a business. The website will bring in the profits and the needed information for people to appreciate the whole efforts invested in websites.

At this point of planning, it would be best to ask yourself, just what do you want to accomplish as far as website management is concerned? Identity? Awareness? Profits? Answer that question and you will find the real reason on why you are building a website in the first place.