Archive for January, 2009
Who created bluetooth
Posted on Jan 7, 2009 01:54:11 PM
Bluetooth history
Bluetooth takes its name from a character in history called Harald Bluetooth. He was the king of Denmark born in 910AD and was responsible in 940AD of uniting Denmark and Norway which is where Bluetooth technology gets its conception from. It was because of the uniting of two countries by Harald Bluetooth that the founders of Bluetooth technology took his name for the principle of uniting two components to work together remotely. Mobile phones, computers, printers, headsets etc can be connected wirelessly using Bluetooth technology.
The brainchild of providing a low power, low cost wireless interface was first inspired by Ericsson Mobile Communications. They started looking into ways of linking cell phones and computers without wires in 1994. In 1998, Lund Switzerland saw the formation of like minded companies who united into an association called the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). Coming from different backgrounds the group included market leaders in laptop manufacturing, the cell phone industry and digital signal processing. These companies where Ericsson, IBM, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Intel, Toshiba, and Agere. These companies now promote development and research into the technology of Bluetooth.
Bluetooth specifications where developed by Jaap Haartsen and Sven Mattisson two employees of Ericsson Mobile Platforms. Enabling various components from different industries to Connect Bluetooth technology was developed in Scandanavia. Based on a frequency hopping spread spectrum it is a wireless technology that combines and simplifies multiple forms of communication into a common secure available radio signal.
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group made a firm commitment to have Bluetooth technology installed in various devices and by 2002 Bluetooth technology was installed in PC’s, notebooks, desktop computers and over 100 million mobile phones had the technology as well as millions of other communications devices.
What exactly is Bluetooth?
Operating on a short-range radio frequency it is a wireless communications network. Bluetooth technology has the ability to has the ability to be used on any equipment that has its built in features and can exchange information between various device like mobile phones and computers. It is medically safe to use due to its low power use, and the information is carried over a short-range radio bandwidth, known as ISM which is secure, and scientifically sound.
To be able to connect to one another devices need to have Bluetooth profiles and need to be compatible with each other. You can use things like mobile phones, hands free headsets, printers with wireless network communications, keyboards and a mouse, provided the profiles have been enabled.
Versions of Bluetooth
There have been many different versions of Bluetooth and a lot has changed since version1.Introduced in 1998 and like most other new technologies had many teething problems. The main problem being a lack of devices being able to communicate.
Version 1.1 was able to communicate properly and the great improvements made it truly operable.
Version 1.2 had many new features, great extra benefits and vast improvement with voice quality, backward compatibility and was in general a better all round product.
Version2.0 saw more improvements and features and now version 3.0 is able to communicate with several devices using a Bluetooth master device in which the slave can become the master at any given time. Master devices use there ability and can swiftly switch from one device to another.
Other similar technology Such as Wi-Fi is on the market but use different technology although Wi-Fi has a greater operating range. Wi-Fi hardware is a lot more expensive Giving Bluetooth an advantage in costs. The Bluetooth setup of its services between many devices is simpler, can be automated and security is easier. Local are networks is more for Wi-Fi which is complicated to set up and needs to have all devices configured. Wi-Fi is better suited for operating larger networks while Bluetooth has more power and better connections.
Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or higher is required to operate Bluetooth on a computer. If you run an Apple computer it has been supported by Bluetooth technology since 2002. Nearly all computers now have Bluetooth installed but if not then if your computer has Windows XP with Service pack 2 then a device called a dongle can be purchased. The dongle device allows various devices to communicate with your computer.
The future of Bluetooth is bright and it has become the world wide wireless standard system. In the future High quality audio and video data will have a much higher quality as Bluetooth improves and the alternative for transporting Bluetooth profile data is MAC PHY. Automatic configuration will be carried out by using Topology Management, and broadcast channelling, which will enable Bluetooth in other devises. The chain reaction is already in progress and as more components use Bluetooth technology, manufacturers of electronics will jump on the band wagon and become increasingly eager to make their products compatible. While other technology may go Bluetooth is here for the long term.
Are Used Macintosh Computers a Good Buy, or Should You Just Say Goodbye?
Posted on Jan 7, 2009 01:54:11 PM
Second-hand, second user and used computers are what you would expect in that they have had a previous owner. They are only a fraction of their cost that they were only a year or two when they were sold on the market. Used computers are a great way to obtain a very good PC at a low price. Please note: I did not use the term “top spec computer.” Realistically, you’re not going to find a top-quality computer with used prices. However, obtaining an ideal spec machine at a cost-efficient price is possible.
Note to those who are buying their first computer: used Macintosh computers are a great choice for beginners.
Reputable online dealers use experienced and certified technicians to restore used Macintosh computers to perfect operating condition by thoroughly inspecting, repairing and/or cleaning. There is a money back guarantee and unless they work properly you can get back your money. The period of this warranty is 30 days, a good enough time. It is possible to get branded computers on a second sale, and though they are second hand computers but they are branded and also have a 3,6, or even a 12 month warranty sometimes, so it is advisable to check around.
A lot of people mistakingly believe used computers require additional work. I can categorically state that the opposite scenario is the true one. You will usually find that many mechanical parts have been replaced with new or refurbished bits and that normally includes the keyboard and mouse. When examining costs over a long period, it’s often more lucrative to replace used computers instead of buying new PCs. Bear that in mind.
Prices on used computers are extremely tempting and as I said before, are widely available online. The reason why so many are available is that many businesses lease a computer over say a year or two before upgrading to the latest available. Then these almost new computers are made available. It’s a great setting for someone watching his or her money.
Buying used Macintosh computers from a shop isn’t usually recommended, not only because is it difficult to find a reputable dealer, but also because a good warranty isn’t offered and the computer may not have been checked to find out if it works properly. Mostly, personal advertisments are not that effective and are given a miss by people, I would do the same and the reason for this is be because these ads offer no warranty at all. Yes, I have been steering you to online dealers for that reason. They have a system in place to deal with the inspection, repair and cleaning of used computers as well as being able to offer you a warranty.
So if they don’t have a guarantee, go somewhere else online. When purchasing anything online, be sure to review exactly what you are buying. Be sure to read the contract to determine if a monitor and Windows are included. It sometimes isn’t the case, so check!
The Nuvi 760 – Luxury GPS Device
Posted on Jan 7, 2009 01:54:10 PM
The Garmin Nuvi 760 GPS Navigation System is among the top items available for navigations. The routes that come with the Nuvi 760 include North America so you get to travel to the United States, Canada, or Mexico with your GPS system to aid you.
Features
The readout on the Garmin Nuvi 760 give you a large 3.8 by 2.25 screen that has a backlight and an anti-glare screen. The display also has a great resolution of 480 by 272 pixels withs a 3-D image display.
Your Garmin 760 also offers an FM radio transmitter to offer you a way to keep up with the latest real-time traffic reports that can help you miss bad traffic areas in the city. All of the information that you must input on the unit is located on the touch screen so the shape is manageable with sleek lines and a smooth ball socket build.
You affix the Garmin Nuvi 760 to your windshield with a small suction cup that can be taken down with ease when you are ready to get out of your car. The small dimensions are perfect when you don’t like to leave your item in plain sight; the navigator will effortlessly slip into a pocket or purse while you file papers or pick up groceries.
Extra Features
The Garmin Nuvi 760 Travel Assistant offers you the ability to keep track of the most frequently used routes. For example, if you travel to hotels fairly often, you can save the hotel address in the unit and then simply put in your destination address for the fastest and most advantageous route.
You can also keep track of the names of the best restaurants and stores in the navigator to arrive at these places with no trouble in a new city. This is a good feature when you need a specific piece of merchandise that is not offered in some towns.
The Nuvi 760 is also the tool you want to have if you experience trouble finding where you have left your car in a sizable city or parking garage. The unit will automatically remember where you parked by storing the final location that the unit recalls. This is a useful feature that is not included in the previous Garmin Nuvi products.
Adding Features and Maps
If the Garmin Nuvi 760 GPS Navigation System that you own must be modified, the only requirement is to visit the official website to download recent maps and features onto the product. A few updates must be bought, such as travel guides and maps. You Nuvi 760 package will include a USB cable so that you can easily connect your unit to your PC for downloads.
You should also have the option of selecting the look of the touch screen letters on your Nuvi 760. Most consumers are accustomed to a standard keyboard and find it simpler to use this layout when putting in data.