Consumer-Electronics Articles
Vacuum Cleaners A Brief History
(category: Consumer-Electronics, Word count: 422)
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These days, vacuum cleaners are a familiar tool in any household cleaning arsenal, but this has not always been the case. In days gone by, cleaning was a job performed by using more primitive tools, like the trusty sweeping brush or broom. And while these tools were undoubtedly of enormous value to the house cleaner who had little else to work with, we have come a long way since then, and, in some ways, have come full circle.
It was the Industrial Revolution that set the cleaning world alight. Before that time, the sweeping brush was king, and really, it was probably quite adequate. But though the presence of heavy dust and grime increased during the revolution, as the cities in which many people lived became covered in soot and other industrial by-products, the dirt that was created was really not sufficient reason for housewives to become the queens of cleanliness they did. Around this time, though, a huge propaganda campaign was born that alarmed people with its prophecies. Health and lives were in mortal danger if dirt was not tamed, and cleaning products of all sorts witnessed an enormous jump in sales.
It was against this backdrop that the first vacuum cleaner came into being. Invented in Chicago in 1865, this hand pumped device lead the way in vacuum cleaner development. Followed by a range of similar devices, the design became more and more intricate as the years progressed, with the cleaners growing ever more ornate and multifunctional, being used as sideboards, among other things. However, requiring two people to operate it, this type of machine was less than user friendly.
The democratization of electricity availability opened new door in vacuum cleaner development. Emerging just after the turn of the twentieth century, the electric vacuum cleaner, made by brands such as Hoover, made housework easier for millions. Using a fan motor and a pillowcase as a dust collector, a man named Spangler began a trend. Soon after, William H. Hoover came aboard, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Today we are eager to eliminate dirt from our lives as were our Industrial Revolution forefathers, and the choice of vacuum cleaners available today reflects this trend. And while housework can be a tiresome chore, it was this enthusiasm for cleanliness that brought the vacuum cleaner into our world, so that now, after a hundred years or so of technological development, we can rid our homes of dust and dirt in minutes.
Two Way Radio Batteries
(category: Consumer-Electronics, Word count: 345)
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Many fields use two-way radios for communication. It rural or remote areas, two way radios are still essential where there are not cell phone signals. There are some 2 way radios that have a range of up to ten miles. Two way radios depend on batteries to keep running. When shopping for two-way radio batteries, they can vary greatly by brand.
There are many different brands of two way radios. Some popular brands are Motorola, Uniden, Cobra, just to name a few. Many of these manufacturers have dozens of models of two way radios. Two way radios are not just walkie talkies any more. They have many features that allow them to serve as emergency rescue devices. Equipped with things like NOAA weather stations, flash light, hands-free voice activated capabilities, the new two way radios are far more powerful than any cordless home phone.
Two way radios typically use NiMH batteries or NiCad batteries. These types of batteries are best for cordless communication devices like two way radios and cordless phones. They are long lasting and respond well to short boosts in power. Some two way radios continue to use traditional AA Alkaline batteries, though these have much less capacity that NiCad or NiMH. A newer battery on the market is the Lithium Ion battery, which has much more capacity and charges much faster.
Two way radios come with a cradle that charges the batteries when engaged. It can be a double cradle for both two way radios, or a single cradle for each that can be used when the radios are apart. Chargers are also very brand specific, so if a replacement charger is needed, it is important to select the proper make and model.
Two way radios are essential for many in any outdoor fields. Their capabilities make them an extremely powerful communication tool. Buying quality two-way radio batteries is an essential method to stay in touch. Being stuck with dead batteries 8 miles out is never a good thing. Stock up and stay connected.
Electronics Get Personal Affordable Gadgets Top Everyone S Wish List
(category: Consumer-Electronics, Word count: 548)
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It shouldn't come as a surprise that consumer spending on personal electronics is at an all time high. After all, gadgets are getting both cooler and more affordable. The device viewed as extravagant only a few years ago is a must-have today. Here's an overview of some of the consumer electronics that top everyone's wish list.
Digital Camera
In today's digital age, film cameras are an anachronism. Although a few years ago, experts in the technology field viewed the digital camera as a computer peripheral rather than as a consumer product, the digital camera has caught on like wildfire. And, why not? After all, a filmcard gives the amateur photographer virtually unlimited opportunities to take pictures, review them, and know instantly whether or not he or she got the shot. With options ranging from point-and-shoot to specialty lighting for, say, eBay pictures, digital cameras have something for everyone. The newer models even have the capability to record high quality digital video and easily upload it to popular sites like YouTube.
GPS Receivers
GPS stands for Global Positioning System, and consists of a number of satellites in the Earth's orbit. A GPS receiver takes the information from the satellites to determine your latitude and longitude on the Earth's surface. Map overlays and other data provide the user with valuable information, such as driving directions, the locations of nearby stores, banks, and gas stations, and so forth. GPS receivers are also extremely popular for the relatively new sport of geocaching, where they are used to find containers hidden at certain longitudes and latitudes.
Video Gaming Consoles
When it comes to video games, the numbers are astounding. The video game industry brings in more money per year than the motion picture industry. It's no wonder, then, that video gaming consoles are some of the hottest commodities around. The PlayStation2 is still going strong, while the Xbox 360 made history with the stupendous success of the recently released Halo 3 game.
But perhaps the most revolutionary console of all is the Wii console. With the Wii, gaming is no longer passive. The controllers and nunchuk let players physically become part of the action, and the Wii console welcomes players into an online community where they can construct their own avatars, participate in surveys, and so much more. Plus, the Wii is a fully functional Web browser!
Cellular Phones and Accessories
It's an understatement to say that cellular phones are ubiquitous. Whether you're on the subway, in a bookstore, or driving in a car, chances are good that you are either talking on a cell phone or overhearing another person's conversation. Now that we're always in touch, accessories like a Bluetooth headset are almost a necessity. Wireless connectivity is safer and more convenient, and a Bluetooth headset is like a fashion accessory.
The best news about personal electronics is that, whether you're looking for a digital camera or a laser printer, you can buy it online with a few clicks of your mouse. There are wonderful one-stop online electronics stores that carry everything you could wish for - at incredibly affordable prices. The only question that remains is, what new must-have device will hit the stores next?
How To Choose A Digital Camera
(category: Consumer-Electronics, Word count: 399)
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Digital cameras have exploded in popularity in recent years. The convenience that they have brought to the market with the ability to review your pictures instantly and correct any imperfections by retaking the picture and the ability to store, edit, and email them from your own personal computer has fueled this growth.
It is now no longer a matter of if you need a digital camera, but rather which one do I choose?
First decide how you are going to use the camera. If simplicity is your goal, a simple point and shoot digital camera will do. If you wan the flexibility to be able to grow with the camera as you gain experience get a point and shoot that offers manual controls, this way you will have the best of both worlds - infinite options for creativity and the ease of an automatic mode.
The next item on your agenda should be megapixels. To keep it simple, the more megapixels the better the picture will be. So, how many megapixels do you need?
If all you are doing is printing or emailing photos, a 3 or 4 megapixel digital camera will work. If you are going to use it for more professional work and enlarging photos, go with one with 5 or 6 megapixels.
If you want uncompromising clarity go with a 7 megapixel or above. Just remember the higher the megapixels the higher the price!
How much zoom do you need? You have two types of zoom with digital cameras, digital and optical. Optical is the more important because it brings your object closer without losing quality. The digital zoom will bring the object in closer, but you sacrifice the quality of the picture. If all you do is take everyday pics a 1x to 4x optical zoom will do. If you take pics like sporting events, get one with a 5x optical zoom or higher. For really intense professional work choose a 10x or better optical zoom.
Digital cameras have evolved now to the point where you can get a great fully featured camera that will fit comfortably in your shirt pocket so don't think you have to get a large one to get good quality. If you are using it for more professional use with large optical zoom and such expect to have to buy a larger one however.
Women Are Major Electronics Consumers
(category: Consumer-Electronics, Word count: 140)
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Women are taking a greater interest in, and have a more sophisticated understanding of electronics than ever before.
Women actually spent more on technology last year than men, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. It says women accounted for $55 billion of the $96 billion spent on electronics gear (statistic from a January 6 CEA press release).
Women are increasingly interested in gadgets, from DVD players to digital cameras, for themselves or birthday gifts for their families.
Almost a third of women consider themselves early adopters willing to buy cutting-edge consumer technology.
CEA reported that women in the United States are becoming more likely to use consumer electronics. CEA's study provides detailed information about the attitudes, purchase considerations, decision influences, purchase channels, current product ownership, and future purchase intent. Here are some of the findings:
Mp3 Batteries
(category: Consumer-Electronics, Word count: 347)
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Walkmans and CD players are a thing of the past, thanks to MP3 players. Now music and sound files can travel anywhere on a tiny hand held device. With the advent of MP3 players, the demand for traditional AA batteries has gone down too. Now there is a new contender on the market to keep MP3 players singing.
In order to keep MP3 players running they need a very powerful battery. For most brands, the Lithium-Ion battery is used. It lasts much longer than traditional batteries, and is perfectly designed for playing music or running programs for long periods of time. Lithium batteries are also very lightweight in comparison to their traditional counterparts. These lithium batteries can run up to 18 hours without recharging.
MP3 manufacturers have created several devices to keep any player up and running for users on the move. Many MP3 players have adaptors that allow the user to charge the device with the vehicles AC adapter. Some devices come with an additional battery pack that can be used when the battery life runs out. Other brands come with a wall charger so they can simply be plugged in, while other brands like Compaq offer a portable battery charger that can go anywhere.
There are so many types of MP3 players on the market since their popularity has increased. Battery types vary greatly depending on brand and model of the MP3 player. When shopping for a new replacement MP3 battery, it is important to know all the correct information so you don't order the wrong battery. Using the wrong battery can completely damage an MP3 player. So whether you have a Dell, Sony, Audiovox, or the most popular iPod, know your product when searching for batteries.
Battery manufacturers are always trying to come up with new ways to make batteries more powerful and last longer. This is important for those who used MP3 players on a daily basis that often get stuck with dead batteries. It is encouraging too, that batteries that are already quite functional are only going to improve.
Digital Electronics And Renewable Energy Go Hand In Hand
(category: Consumer-Electronics, Word count: 556)
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Someone once said "It takes money to make money," and that is mostly true. Today, we might add, "It takes energy to make money," with reference to all the wondrous digital electronics we use every day to conduct business and create things. Problem is that it can take quite a lot of energy to run all the computers, peripherals, big screen display and multimedia installations in our homes and offices. And a bunch more to keep all those cell phones, digital cameras, GPS systems, iPods and handheld gaming systems charged and ready to go. So while the cost of energy keeps rising, and more and more people realize that climate changes, pollution and diminishing oil reserves demand a move towards renewable energy sources, we consume more and more with all of our beloved electronics.
Does that mean that the very progress that brought us the wonderful world of digital electronics is also digging us into a deeper and deeper hole of energy dependence and spiraling monetary and environmental costs? It doesn't have to be that way. Business and the environment do not have to be at odds. There is, in fact, a green electronics movement that seeks to make our beloved electronics more energy efficient and environmentally friendlier. The movement covers the entire spectrum from huge international conglomerates pledging to recycle, reuse and conserve, all the way to electronics being more energy-efficient and either bio-degradable or easier to recycle, thus reducing what is now called "e-waste" from millions of tons of landfill to reused and recycled resources.
Saving energy and recycling makes perfect sense, and it's no surprise that there are now companies devoting themselves to green electronics and energy sustainability. After all, it's good PR and makes economic sense. But it goes farther than that. There are now even companies that sell both digital electronics AND renewable energy products. It's easy to see how a firm belief in renewable energy, conservation and sound energy policies may drive an environmentally conscious business owner to sell items like solar and wind energy products as well as digital electronics made by companies that have realized that business and society are interdependent and thus embraced green technology.
What is "green technology?" It can be products certified for low emissions, products certified to be more energy-efficient (like the Energy Star pledge and standard), or products using solar chargers or other energy saving technologies. It can also mean support of companies that are actively "going green" by increasing recyclable content, removing environmentally harmful substances, using renewable energy in the production cycle, and supporting environmental conservation causes and projects.
Why would companies go green? Because it's not only the right thing to do, but also because it's an increasing competitive advantage to be seen as a green company that cares about the environment. Just like a lot of consumers reject pesticides and insist on organically grown food products, more and more consumers insist on buying green, energy-efficient technology from companies that care. It's good to know that megahits like iPhones and Wii gaming consoles are made by such companies.
What we're seeing here is really an inevitable, accelerating trend towards smarter, greener and more efficient and conscientious consumption. We all must fight waste and embrace clean, sustainable, renewable energy.
Impress Your Friends With Your New Home Theater System
(category: Consumer-Electronics, Word count: 442)
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So you're in the market for a new home theater system? Why not? Everyone you know either has one or wants one. Are you sick of having to go to your buddy's place to watch the game on the big screen? Have you been playing that SNES system, circa 1995, since, well, 1995? Is your prized movie collection in laserdisc format? Maybe it is time to invest in a new home theater.
The first thing you ought to do is establish a budget. You could spend thousands of dollars on your new system, so give some consideration to what you are able to spend. There's no point spending your rent money on a TV, if you will not have an apartment to watch it in.
Once you have decided what you are able to spend, draft a wish list of components you would like. Big screen TV or LCD projector? X-Box or Playstation? What about surround sound? 5:1? 6:1? 7:1? There are so many options, and the possibilities are seemingly endless. Keep it simple. Do you really need a 51 inch HDTV, for your 10×10 living room?
Either way, your system will definitely need certain components to qualify as a home theater. For the sake of being modest, why not consider getting started with a home-theater-in-a-box? These packages generally come with a surround sound receiver, a set of speakers, and a DVD/CD player. These systems are relatively inexpensive, and will leave you with enough cash flow to buy that new Sopranos box set! Capice?
A lot of people like to include gaming systems in their home theater, especially if they are able to play on a big screen. There's nothing like playing Halo in life size! If you do most of your gaming on your computer, most decent video cards will have a video line out that you can use to connect to your TV or projector. Otherwise, you can incorporate any other console system into your home theater.
Your sound system will likely consist of a number of speakers (left, right, and center front, surround left and right, and a subwoofer). This is the standard surround system. The wattage of the amplifier you are using will greatly affect the sound being produced, so be sure to use one with enough power to effectively supply your system.
As I said, the options are seemingly endless for home theater systems. Be sure to buy from a reputable dealer, and do not buy anything that does not have a 30-day money back guarantee......just in case you have to return it to pay your rent!
The Basics Of Plasma Televisions
(category: Consumer-Electronics, Word count: 328)
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Are you thinking about investing in a plasma television for your home? Plasma televisions can provide an excellent television viewing experience, and are becoming increasingly popular among those when want to enjoy a high quality home theater experience.
As with most technology purchases, there are advantages and drawbacks associated with investing in this type of television. Before investing in your next television set, it's important to understand the basics of plasma televisions.
Image Quality
One of the primary reasons that plasma televisions are so popular is their high quality image displays. These types of televisions offer very high resolution images with sharp details and true to life color.
Convenient Display
Plasma television sets can easily blend into the design of just about any room. These television sets are tiny when compared with analog units, and can allow you to better utilize the square footage of your home. Instead of taking up a significant amount of floor space, plasma televisions can be hung directly on the wall or placed on a compact stand.
Longevity
Plasma televisions are not the most durable or long lasting television sets available. These types of television sets are difficult, if not impossible to repair. They generally last about seven years with normal usage. However, they are fragile and subject to irreparable damage when being moved from one location to another.
Pricing
Plasma televisions are priced at the mid range of television technology. They are less expensive than LCD television sets, but cost significantly more than analog sets.
Is a Plasma Television Right for You?
If you want to enjoy an affordable, high quality television viewing experience, a plasma television set can be a good choice for you. However, if you're looking for a set that will last for a decade or more, and can stand up to the rigors of frequently moves, you may want to choose a different types of television set.
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