Ipod Or Zune - Pros and Cons

The Apple Ipod and the Microsoft Zune are the two best mp3 players in the world today. We are going to compare the Apple Ipod 80gb and the Microsoft Zune 80gb to see which would be the better buy for you. Lets compare these two players in some categories:

80gb Zune , 80gb Ipod

Price -$249 , $249
Storage - 80gb , 80 gb
Wi-Fi - Yes , No
Wireless File Sharing - Yes , No
Wireless Sync - Yes , No
Landscape Mode - Yes , No
Portrait Mode - Yes , Yes
FM Tuner - Yes , No
Preloaded Audio - Yes , No
Preloaded Video - Yes , No
Max Battery Life - 30hrs , 30hrs
Custom Background - Yes , No
Screen Size - 3.2" , 2.5"
LCD Resolution - 320x240 , 320x240
Video Out - 720x576 , 640x480
USB - Yes , Yes
Social Networking - Yes , No
Weight - 4.5ounces , 4.9ounces
Width - 2.4" , 2.4"
Height - 4.25" , 4.1"
Thickness - 0.5" , 0.43"
Compatibility - PC , Mac, PC

The Zune's screen may be bigger but it has the same resolution as the iPod screen so you're better off with the iPod? I am overly satisfied with iTunes. The purchasing interface is easier to use than the Zune marketplace. Just one dollar a song, 2 dollars an episode and so forth and carries music videos. Zune Marketplace is not as easy. iTunes carries more music too. A shared song only last three days with Zune so to me it seems completely worthless and good luck finding someone with a Zune to trade with.

It absolutely perplexes me, when people come up with this bogus "why would I want a radio with a 250 dollar mp3 player". Well, some people like listening to the radio. For instance, I always listen to radio shows on stations such as hip/hop and rap. They are nice to listen to on the way home, and at work, some reasonable human beings might really want to listen to their favorite radio show at work. All these USELESS features that iPod lovers glorify, all they do is clutter the device. Keep it simple, a higher quality, MUSIC player is better than a device which tries to cram useless "stuff" to try to please everyone.

One issue though was that some people didn't like the Zune software. They always had problems with it, they found it to be not as easy to use as iTunes or even windows media player. What Microsoft was actually trying to do, I don't know,but I didn't like it at all. Just the software alone kept people from using my Zune, and it's a shame. Microsoft really has a great product on their hand, I would love for them to update their marketplace so it is more fluent though.

Ipod classic has a cheaper sound chip. And if you look back to previouis generations, where Zune and iPod had the same one, Zune sounded better. Because, iPod has cheaper internal engineering. Cheaper internal engineering, and a cheaper soundchip, and you have a music player who does not focus on music, but darnit if it doesn't have all those amazing features. Zune has a stronger, more durable build, which sounds better.

Flip Video Mino

Pure Digital has introduced its new Flip Video Mino, the. It 's the fourth generation of the popular mini-Pure Digital Web Camera, straight-is designed to make it easier and exchange of video footage too. And 'much thinner than its bigger cousin, the Flip Video Ultra. The Flip Video Mino is lighter, smaller and lighter than its predecessor and prices. Even though it offers similar technology, the Flip Video Mino much more compact andattractive packaging which includes a rechargeable lithium ion battery.

The company has provided a comparison chart to identify the differences to previous models Although only 3.3 ounces, the FLip video Mino has been completely redesigned. The USB port or connector now flips straight up, which differs from the previous model which had it located to the side. This has made for an overall more compact footprint that fits better in a crowded USB environment. Although the screen is slightly smaller than before,(1.46 inches vs 1.5 inches) it is not affected by bright daylight and the operator can still see what is on the screen. Pure Digital has created very snazzy back navigation controls with touch sensitive buttons embedded into the shiny flush surface.

The location of the AV output port has been moved down slightly and is smaller than the standard 2.55mm jack, but a cable is included. The final change was made to the threaded tripod mount, which was moved from the left side of the camera, to the bottom Most of the operational functions of the FLip video Mino remain the same as previous versions, with one exception. Like the Ultra, this unit comes equipped with 2GB of memory, which allows for 60 minutes of VGA resolution video. With the rechargeable battery, you have approximately 4 hours of shooting time. The one change to this model is its ability to pause, fast forward and rewind your videos in the camera. The previous models did not have this feature.

Make sure to sign up to eBay as a member before bidding for additional deals and security It has to be said that the new design and pocket friendly features are very welcome, as well as the touch sensitive buttons which are responsive without being to sensitive. Included in the package, is a chamois style carrying case the also doubles as cloth to wipe your Flip video Mino down after using it. Although the black version had been know to show fingerprints and grime, the white version does show dust and fibres, which makes the case's cleaning duties very handy whichever colour you choose. Pure Digital Video introduced the 2.0 engine for the Ultra, and is very please to announce the next generation 2.5 engine - video chip.

This new engine helps to keep the FLip video Mino ahead of their competition, RCA and Creative. The new model allows for slightly sharper images with more vibrant colours which performs extremely well in low-light environments. This camcorder offers an updated, more sensitive microphone with improved signal processing. When compared to the other straight-to-web camcorders available on the market, Flip video Mino stacks up nicely. One area of note may be that like some of these other relatively inexpensive still digital cameras that have improved video capture modes, this product even comes with similar software that allows the user to easily upload their videos to YouTube and other video sharing services.

Flip video Mino is proud to announce that MySpace is a new partner for the company. The remaining shipped bundled software remains the same and this product now supports direct operation on a Mac, without requiring software installation. The movie making process has been taken to a new level with the added software from Muvee. Previously, there was limited manual editing and clip compiling capabilities. Now all that needs to be done is, select the clips you like, click a button and in just a few minutes out spits a movie mix complete with transitions, special effects and even some background music if you like. You are also able to choose your own background music if you like.

What is an LCD TV Wall Mount?

That wonderful LCD television that you purchased has those initials for a reason. LCD means Liquid Crystal Display, and it delivers far superior color than what we have experienced in the past. You are able to tell by looking at it that it has an attractive flat screen, but did you may not know that LCD technology has made it possible to produce televisions in much larger sizes?

Televisions happen to be one of our favorite parts of the day. When we can finally get home, kick our shoes off and watch a good program or a good movie that we have had scheduled. We really do not give much thought to all of the abbreviations that come on the manuals of our televisions when we buy them or what they mean, we just know that the picture looks great and that is how we want to see it in our living room.

These televisions use half the electricity that the previous models did. They also weigh much less than previous televisions and are extremely thin. You get all of the benefits in a much sleeker package, without the blur and eye strain. You no longer need to have a huge entertainment center to display it either because you can just mount it on the wall.

When deciding on a type of wall mount bracket, you have a couple of choices. There is the fixed wall mount bracket which will keep your LCD in one position on the wall and display it practically flat to the wall except for the frame holding it. You also have the choice of wall mount brackets that will allow you to tilt your television and then another type that will allow you to swivel. If you prefer to display the TV from the ceiling, there is an appropriate bracket for this as well. All wall mount and ceiling brackets will hold televisions from 32 inches up to 60 inches.

LCD TV DVD Combi Confusion - The Strangest Questions Buyers Ask

Here is a selection of some of the more unusual questions from LCD TV DVD combi buyers. Our resident expert has added appropriate answers under each one:

Question -- Why can't I record TV programmes on the DVD player in my TV/DVD? Can an LCD TV DVD combi record programmes or is mine faulty?

Answer -- If your model has what is described as a DVD player, as most of them do, then you cannot record programmes onto it. You can only watch live programmes or those that have already been recorded onto DVD elsewhere.

Question -- My TV has a built-in DVD player and my young child pushed some marshmallows into the DVD slot. How can I clean the inside of the DVD player?

Answer -- It is very difficult to clean the inside of a DVD player without completely breaking it. If you feel that you have nothing to lose because it is not working anyway, you can try a little alcohol. Put some on the end of a cotton bud and very carefully wipe the inside of the player. I cannot stress enough that this is really not recommended unless it's a last resort.

Question -- Can I connect my TV/DVD to the phone so I can listen to daytime TV whilst doing housework?

Answer -- No, but you can get a pair of wireless earphones where the receiver plugs into the headphone socket found on most LCD TV DVD combi models. The range of a good headphone set will easily reach around an average-sized house.

Question -- The DVD player has broken in my TV/DVD. Can I get it repaired under guarantee if it is a month and four days outside the guarantee period?

This is a grey area. Under the Sale of Goods Act in the UK, goods have to be fit for purpose, and if it came to court, the court may rule that a TV/DVD that only lasts for 13 months was not fit for purpose, even if it was only the DVD component that had broken. However, you may not get anywhere without taking the matter to the Small Claims Court.

Question -- If I view obscene films on my seat-back TV/DVD in the rear of the car, is this illegal?

Answer -- It is very likely to contravene the law if the screen can be seen from a public area. If you are in your garage with the garage door firmly closed, it's between you and your conscience.

Question -- My neighbour has a lovely new LCD TV DVD combi in his caravan. It plugs into the cigarette lighter I think. I have an unwanted TV/DVD set in my spare room. How can I adapt this set to work in my van?

Answer -- The caravan sets run on 12 volts, whereas your bedroom one needs mains voltage; 240 volts in the UK. Therefore you cannot move your bedroom one into the caravan. Well, you can move it there for show, but it won't work.

It's always refreshing to see questions that are a little out of the ordinary; it makes a change from the usual ones. Hopefully you found the answers enlightening.

The New iPod Nano With Video Camera, Voice Recorder and Pedometer

The new fifth generation iPod nano is an electronics marvel! It packs so many powerful things is such an incredibly small and slick body that it is unbelievable.

All these years I shied away from acquiring an iPod for the simple reason that it may take up so much of my time that my writing and other interests may suffer for want of time. But when I read that the new iPod nano could record and play video clips besides recording voice and music, I sort of began looking at it more inquisitively. I began to read its specifications and its features. When I found that it had world clock which could show me the time in 4 cities around the Globe at the same time, stopwatch, alarms, calendar, memo notes, contacts and games it perked up my ears. But the final feature which broke my resistance was that it worked as a pedometer as well! That did it! I fell for it and bought it promptly.

But it was my first iPod and first Apple device at that. I had no clue how to work it. I read the skimpy instruction booklet which was made for persons well acquainted with Apple devices and not for a first timer like me. When I switched on the device, I could not run up and down the menu as I tried in vain to press the arrow keys which I was used to on TV remote. I was frustrated beyond words. After an hour or so I discovered the secret of scrolling up and down the menu just by an accident. You have to brush your finger in a circular motion around the wheel! Clockwise to go down and anticlockwise to go up the menu! Eureka! I felt elated. The button at the top of the iPod which I presumed was the ON-OFF button did no such thing. It was a sliding switch to reset the iPod in the unlikely event when it did hang and stopped working. Soon I became an expert. Press menu to go back one screen at a time, and draw ring with the thumb on the wheel to select the menu and press the central button to move to the next screen.

I downloaded and installed iTunes on my computer. The program pulled out the music on my hard disc and converted it for the iPod. I connected the iPod and it soon finished syncing with the iTunes. Although iTunes did pick up 2 .mov movie clips from my desk and put them on the iTunes screen they did not sync with the iPod and a message showed up that it was not a format which could be played on the iPod nano. Similarly I found that movies which I had shot using my Panasonic camera could not be synced onto the iPod. You need to convert movies to MP4 format to load on to the iPod. Later I searched the net and downloaded the software to convert movies for iPod. You can find it at www.e-zsoft.com. However the movies which I shot with the iPod could be downloaded on my computer and they did play well. The iPod camera is pretty good at taking movie clips, though the position of the lens is something one has to get used to.

I was not expecting the iPod to play the music without plugging in the earphones, and was pleasantly surprised when it did. The sound is good quality but the volume is barely audible through my shirt pocket. But you could hold the back of the iPod to your ear and enjoy the music properly without the earphones. The feature is welcome when listening to voice notes. With the earphones, the quality of the sound is excellent.

I was pleased to see that the audio out socket is a full sized one (3.5 mm) and not a mini. I could plug in my music system in and play the iPod music. It sounded great! However I did not get any success playing the video clip through the AV cable which I bought separately. It did not show up on my Panasonic home theater projector. I took it back to the shop who tried it and said that although its black carton says iPod nano, it doesn't seem to work on the newest version. He would give it me as and when he received the new AV cable compatible with the new Nano. But this is undoubtedly a blotch on Apple, Inc. Why do they not make the accessories common to all? It just adds to inventory, makes the older accessories obsolete and adds to the costs.

I switched on the iPod pedometer put it in my right-side trouser pocket and walked in my garden and began counting the steps. I stopped after a couple of rounds when I had counted 485 steps and looked at the iPod. It had recorded 487 steps! The pedometer actually works. I then held it in my hand trying to keep it as steady as possible as I walked watching the screen. The iPod faithfully recorded my every step. I wonder how Apple did this gimmick as I do not know of any pedometer which can do that.

I plugged in the iPod in my inMotion im5 Altech speaker dock and it played some wonderful music. But the radio did not work on the dock. I put in the earphones and the radio worked. It probably uses the earphone wires as some kind of an aerial. I then tried it out plugging the iPod in the speaker through the aux. input with a cord which could serve as an aerial, but the radio still did not work.

I then plugged in my iTrip FM transmitter onto the iPod and set the frequency at 100 MH. This worked well when my radio was switched on to the same frequency. I switched on the FM radio in my car and played from the iPod Louis Armstrong's 'When the Saints go Marching By' as a salute to Apple Inc. for the iPod marvel.

On the whole I am happy that I bought the iPod Nano. It will be my companion in my pocket wherever I go. I have shed my fear and the little aversion I had for the Apple product. Kudos to Apple Inc. for coming up with a fantastic practical and useful product for beyond the music-lover consumers!

Prevent iPod Theft

Ipods have become very popular over the past few years and with the increase in their use so have iPod robberies. Sadly, many of these iPod thieves are teenagers who want these status symbols for themselves or to sell them on the streets for cash. Ipods are particularly targeted as they are valuable, easily identifiable and have no anti-theft protection. Also iPod owners are likely to be distracted by the music they are listening to and muggers have more of a chance of coming close up undetected.

The whole point of the iPod is that it is a portable device, so keeping your iPod locked in a drawer at home defeats the purpose of having one in the first place. So what can you do to prevent being targeted by iPod thieves? The first obvious precaution would be to keep the iPod hidden when you are out and about. You would not hang your wallet in full view, so don't wear your iPod where everyone can see it. Thieves are also on the look out for those distinctive white earbud headphones. Use standard earphones that are another color and which preferably blend in with the outfit you are wearing.

School is one of the commonest places for iPod theft as your movements and routine are easy to follow. Think carefully before bringing your iPod to school and don't leave it on full view in your car. Keep it hidden and locked away somewhere safe if you have to bring it to school.

When you buy your iPod, register the item through the Apple website and they will note your name against the serial number. If your iPod is stolen and is recovered, the police can at least trace you as the owner. If you purchase the iPod through the Apple online store, they will offer you a free engraving service. Of course you can get engraving done yourself at your local engraver shop. Engraving may act as a deterrent as it is much harder for the thief to resell an iPod with someone else's name engraved on it.

One can buy iPod cable locks that have a three digit combination lock such as Targus's mobile security lock for the iPod. This is useful when you are traveling - just lock the iPod to yourself! Podolock is a transparent casing for the iPod mini, leaving access to the click wheel. The drawback of this device is that it is quite bulky. The Pod Safe, from Secure-It, is a combination case which essentially turns your iPod into a padlock, leaving the click wheel and screen accessible.

Be sensible when you use your iPod outside of your home and you'll have many enjoyable hours with it. If you are looking for unlimited free music to listen to on your iPod, then have a look at the link below.

Free MacBook Air - For Real?

The Apple MacBook Air is the thinnest and lightest laptop available in the market today. Many websites offer this laptop as a freebie owing to its popularity.

Many sites currently offer free MacBook Air laptops. Apple products are the most sought after gadgets the world over. Among the laptops, the MacBook Air is the most popular one at present. The MacBook Air is a notebook designed by Apple, which was introduced to the world in 2008. It is one of the thinnest models in the history of laptops and is well known because of this fact. This is one the reasons why you see offers over the internet all the time offering you free MacBook Air laptops.

Some hardware features of this thin laptop (MacBookAir 1.1) are:
• 13.3 inch glossy LED backlit TFT screen
• Integrated Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144 MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory
• 1.6 GHz (P7500) or 1.8 GHz (P7700) Intel Core 2 Duo with 6 MB on-chip L2 cache
• 2 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
• 80 GB 1.8-inch ATA HDD or 64 GB SSD

Other features include a USB port, a Mini DisplayPort, and a stereo earphone jack, backlit full-size keyboard with ambient light sensor, and a single speaker located under the keyboard. All these features add to its popularity and are the reason why many websites offer free MacBook-Air.

If you have spent time scouting the internet for gadgets of any sort then you would surely have come across advertisement banners that offer free MacBooks. While getting free stuff is always a thrill (especially when it is a free MacBook Air), there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure you enquire and understand what your part in the deal is going to be.

What personal detail are you being asked for and is it safe to give out this information? Should you give out your credit card details? Is there a membership fee involved? Get all your questions answered before taking the leap. Most of the time, these websites will ask you to fill out forms of the companies that they collaborate with. You may have to fill out 3-6 forms and in some cases; you may have to pay up a small amount. Once you have done this, the partner companies will pay the company offering the free MacBook Air, thereby funding the freebie that the website offers.