The iPad was no doubt, the hottest new gadget of 2010. Thousands of Apple consumers who opened up their brand new iPad on Christmas morning were unimpressed to see that Apple has already released the iPad 2. If you’ve barely pulled the shrink wrap off your original iPad, is the upgrade to the iPad 2 worth it? We’ll take a look at the pros and cons.

Here’s a rundown of the new features:

Dual Video (and still photo) Cameras
Everyone who owns or has seen the iPhone 4 knows exactly how the iPad 2’s dual cameras work. There’s a front-facing camera and a backwards-facing camera that allow you to take pictures of other people or of yourself without having to rotate the device. Thanks to these handy-dandy cameras, you can also run FaceTime and connect with other iPad 2 users for a cozy video chat. If you’re a heavy-duty FaceTime user, this is probably a welcome upgrade. After all, when it comes to screens, bigger is usually better. If you’re not a FaceTime user, you may be left feeling a little “meh,” especially since the camera picture quality isn’t anywhere close to what you get from even the most inexpensive digital point and shoot camera.

Faster Processor
The iPad 2 has—oh yes—a dual processor, which means it’s capable of running more graphics-intensive and more complex apps at higher speeds. If you’re a hard-core gamer, you might really appreciate the upgrade. Meanwhile, very few people have complained that the original iPad is slow. Once apps start expanding and begin outgrowing the original iPad, speed might be more of a gripe. But by then, Apple will probably be on to the iPad 3 or 4 anyway.

HDMI Video Output
If you’ve ever been lounging around watching video on your iPad and wished you could hook it up to your big screen, the iPad2 is for you. Its new HDMI video output will let you do just that. Now you can use your iPad to stream Netflix or other movies right to your television. Granted, if you already have a Wii or an internet-enabled television, this won’t seem like that much of a benefit. But if you don’t, you’ve now got the hook-up.

A Lighter and Thinner Design
The iPad 2 is a few millimeters thinner than the original model and is also a whopping 15% lighter. In other words, the old iPad weighed 1.5 pounds while the new one weighs only 1.2. If that leaves you underwhelmed, you’re not alone. Yes, it’s cool that the new model is thinner and lighter while still managing to pack in more features than the original. However, the savings of a few millimeters and a third of a pound is not enough to make an upgrade mandatory. It’s just not that much of a difference.

So what’s not to like?

Still won’t Play Flash Video
iPad lovers everywhere seem to agree that the machine’s one serious drawback is its lack of support for Flash video. With more people spending more time on Facebook than Google these days, it’s no wonder people are irritated. If you’re browsing Facebook on your iPad and want to play a video one of your friends shared. . . you can’t. Too bad. The same thing goes for Twitter. The even worse news is that thanks to a feud between Apple and Adobe, support for Flash is unlikely to be available anytime soon. Meanwhile, competing companies are gearing up to release Android-powered tablets, and you can bet those machines will be Flash-enabled. So if this is an important feature for you, you might want to consider ditching the iPad for something else when it’s time to upgrade.

The iPad is Still Relatively Expensive
iPad detractors are also not fans of the tablet’s price. The entry level iPad2 goes for $500, and better models go up from there. Critics say that much more powerful laptops are available for less than $500 and are a more practical choice. Sure, the iPad 2 is much cooler looking and has a sleek touch screen, but as an actual computing tool, it comes up short. Industry experts are expecting competing tablets to debut at a more affordable price point.

What do you think? Is it worth it to upgrade to the iPad 2?

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Dell laptops are dependable and resilient. As with all machines, however, they can start to slow down if not properly maintained and cared for. Before sending your unit in for Dell laptop repairs, first trying following the tips below to get your Dell computer back up to speed. Empty the recycle bin.

The easiest thing you can do to speed up your computer is emptying the Recycle Bin. Many files are not completely deleted but remain in the Recycle Bin until it is emptied. Emptying the Recycle Bin frees up space on your hard disk and may speed up your computer if your hard disk is nearly full. To speed up your computer by emptying the recycle bin go to Desktop > Recycle Bin > File > Empty Recycle Bin > Yes.

Disk Cleanup

Your Dell computer’s hard disk can quickly become cluttered with continued use. Temporary files, file caches, install files, and other unwanted files reduce your hard disk’s available space u unnecessarily. You can free up this space by running Disk Cleanup, a tool built-into Windows that helps you find and remove unneeded files.

You can start Disk Cleanup by navigating to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup. Then follow the prompts as provided by the application’s wizard. (Note: This program provides the option of emptying the Recycle Bin, too, thereby saving you the time required to perform the previous step.)

Scan windows for errors

Over time, system files can become corrupted. This is especially the case when programs run afoul or your computer gets shut off improperly. As a hard disk ages, portions of the disk, known as “sectors,” can fail. This corrupts any data that may have been residing there before the failure. You can correct these errors and regain lost performance by keeping your hard disk and its resident files error-free.

To scan your hard disk for errors, use the Windows application called Scandisk. Go to Start > My Computer > Right-click the hard disk drive that you want to check, and then click Properties > Tools > “Error Checking” Check Now > select “Automatically fix file system errors”. > select attempt recovery of bad sectors> Start.

Defragment your hard drive

Running Scandisk is just the start. Your hard disk still may not perform optimally even after recovering all bad sectors. With normal use, files get deleted and written repeatedly. These actions cause files to become scattered everywhere, making it more difficult to retrieve files quickly. This is analogous to having paperwork scattered all over your desk; it takes more time to find what you want if they are strewn all over the place. It’s much easier to retrieve paper and file folder if they are neatly stored in alphabetically in a filing cabinet. A Windows tool called “Disk Defragmenter” does just that, organizing and neatly filing away files and folders on your hard disk for easier retrieval. Defragmenting the hard drive will increase your Dell laptop’s performance, allowing for faster file access.

To start the process, go to Start > My Computer > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter > select Drive >

Defragment.

If you have tried all of the above steps and continue to have problems, your computer may require repairs. The next logical choice would be to visit Bat Tech Computer Repairs, where qualified technicians can diagnose and resolve any computer issues that may be troubling you. A visit to Bat Tech is well worth the trip, as it can easily save you the costs involved with buying a new computer.

Bat Tech specialises in dell repairs, diagnosing the cause of your slow laptop. Find more information on laptop repairs at Bat Tech Laptop Repairs.

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One individual’s Boticelli is another man’s Duke Nukem Forever. From that view of the National Endowement for Arts, they announced that “interactive games” will be one of the new media eligible for funding this week through NEA. In their Arts in Media program there’s a long list of classical music, ballet, and Shakespeare productions that have been made, they’re trying to delve into another new aspect – one that kids are into today. This involves content created for mobile phones, the World Wide Web and also content designed for gaming platforms.

The quote beauty is in the eye of the beholder has been said too many times, it’s already a cliché. If we’re talking about art, also put in the quote about one man’s trash being another person’s treasure. For some people in the video gaming world, they would like to think that video games can also be classified as an art. Although there’s still some debate about that, moves have already been made to recognize interactive games as art worthy enough for government funding.

We can now start thinking about art in light of the video games we’ve seen. There are a number of games out there today where that has graphics that can take your breath away. In some cases, it’s not too difficult to get enticed to play the game just to see how well the creators have made all the facets of it perfectly. It’s likely to get hooked with the intro of the game and end up in a dizzied frenzy from playing a game with so many colors, creativity and imagination rolled into one.

On the other hand, concerns abound about federal tax’s dollars usage on games like Angry Birds or Grand Theft Auto or maybe even first person shooters. But the good news is, these kinds of games aren’t mentioned as being in the running to get the funding. It’s a sigh of relief that only those deserving are included. But this doesn’t mean that this form of games won’t find its way to the government’s funding. Getting free money for something is always a good motivator and who knows what creators will come up with.

But on the meantime, just sit back and relax and wait for these games to come out. What’s more important is that there will be great number of entertaining as well as eye-popping games and apps available to us in the very near future. The best thing about it? Great games for free! That’s right, since it’s funded by the NEA, not a single cent needs to come out of our pockets to get hold of great graphics and fun games. What’s more, the creators also get their share of the fun by getting their fat paychecks and for a change not at the expense of gamers.

Regardless if video games are forms of art or not, its still part of the running in new media that’s eligible for funding. Video game is an art thinkers out there have National Endowment for the Arts to thank and everyone can’t seem to wait for the new game openings.

Bat Tech Express bringing you the latest in technology news. Bat Tech Express provides laptops, laptop repairs, computer accessories, computer leasing, computer repairs Sydney and a wide range of computer services.

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Online computer and laptop stores are in direct competition to bricks and mortar retail business, who are failing to keep up with the latest technological innovations. The growing trend in the online market is driving prices down and putting pressure on laptop prices, leading to smaller margins for retailers. This change is leading to complaints from some of the heavy weights of the retail industry who are complaining about these direct threats to their business operations. Retailers concerns are more about the threat to their bottom line, and less about their customers, despite what their marketing spin doctors shout out.

While many customers are weary of buying from overseas retailers, the Australian online industry is providing many customers with a convenient online shopping experience, with a physical presence and actual street address, to provide substance to their business operations. The days of an online retailer being a mysterious entity hiding behind a PO Box and pre-recorded voice message promising someone to call you back is gone. While many online retailers are still different to a fully-fledged retail shop, many retailers offer pick up services from their physical warehouse direct or head office. Most have complete contact details and sales staff to help with pre and post sales.

Company’s such as Overstocked Orders have built up a reputable online store in which is backed by their direct warehouse and sample showroom. While the showroom doesn’t offer all items on display, it still provides a generous range of items to peruse, as well as the option to buy over the counter.
Other online retailers such as Bat Tech Express display an online showcase, offering its computer services and support division. In addition to their range of computers for sale, they also offer a broker like sales service. Customers fill out an online order form including budget, specifications, and other details, and then the sales team will arrange the best deal from their wholesalers and report back to the customer.

These online retailers have many great advantages from their bricks and mortar cousins. By not keeping large inventory stock, customers are getting the latest models, and generally not items that may have been sitting in a warehouse for 6 months. Margins are lower, leading to competitive pricing for consumers.

While bricks and mortar retailers will still be around for a while, issues such as the cost of commercial rents, staff costs in keeping a store open even if no customers are around, insurance and utility costs, location constraints, and even local Government laws are having a larger impact on retail businesses. An online retailer can maintain a smaller office, lower inventory, require less staff and have fewer outgoings, with the option to re-locate if location or local laws impact on their business without disrupting online operations.

The customer may lose out on being able to physically inspect goods though and this is where physical retailers hold their largest advantage. As always though, being a fully-fledged physical retail outlet store, online only, or a hybrid of the two, will depend on the decisions and foresight of management. As is true on all walks of life, it is the organism that can adapt the best that will survive.

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