Amazon’s Kindle-Is It Changing the Way We Read?

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Matt Watters

Amazon KindleSometimes when the world changes around you, it happens so smoothly that you don’t even notice. However, with the Kindle from Amazon, everyone is noticing and wondering if it signals the beginning of the end for printed books. Kindle sales are off the charts and its competitors aren’t doing so badly either.

One reason for the Kindle’s popularity is that is so easy to hold and read. Weighing in at only 10 ounces, it is lighter than most books and definitely easier to hold up than a Stephen King hardback. It was designed from the beginning for long reading sessions and allows the user to view the book in portrait or landscape modes. Page turning buttons are positioned for easy use by either hand and also allow for one-handed reading. Regardless of your favored reading position, the Kindles adapts easily and will most likely cause less muscle strain than your average printed book.

You might think the Kindle is like a small computer, but the screen technology is entirely different. The electronic paper display is meant to mimic the look of a printed page. Not only does this technology make reading easier in a variety of lighting conditions, you can also expect truly exceptional battery life. I’m talking about battery life measured in weeks, not hours or days. Some have complained about the lack of backlighting, but a backlit screen actually increases eye strain. If you like reading in the dark, you’ll need to add a small booklight.

The Kindle can certainly be classified as “green” technology. I mean, if it truly begins to replace printed books, they might reduce the need for trees and related manufacturing processes.

There are a few things that a Kindle can’t provide. Flipping through a printed book to quickly find information you are looking for can’t really be done yet, although indexing methods may replace this. Trading books becomes a little problematic if that’s something you like to do.

One thing you can be sure of, the Kindle will really lighten your load. The Kindle is to your book collection like the iPod was to your music collection. You don’t have to choose which books to take along with you, just take them all.

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Spy Cameras Provide Security, Safety and Supervision

Posted on November 29, 2010 by Matt Watters

spy camerasIt seems like security cameras are watching you everywhere you go. You have probably noticed cameras overhead in practically every public venue. But have you ever considered the cameras that you can’t see? Many people are discovering the benefits of installing a spy camera network in their home or place of business. Let’s take a look at some the ways these devices can be utilized.

When it comes to home security, installing a couple of spy cameras is an excellent solution. First of all, a spy camera is perfect for keeping an eye on the kids. I don’t mean in the sense of spying on them, but rather making sure they aren’t getting into something that could lead to harm. Think of it like a baby monitor with a picture. You can easily check in on your child’s condition from anywhere in the house.

Of course, a spy camera can also help you keep an eye on things when you are not at home. Perhaps you work some odd hours and don’t always have coverage for your older children. Or maybe you are leaving a beloved pet at home during the day and want to make sure they are alright. The best solution is to have a couple of spy cameras that can be accessed via the web and you can take a look around the house any time you like.

Spy cameras are perfect for keeping tabs on your employees whether they are at home or in your business. It’s not like you’re trying to become Big Brother keeping a constant watch on others. But wouldn’t it be nice (and more profitable) to regularly check in with your workers to make sure they are doing what you are paying them to do?

Some spy cameras simply relay their real-time images to a monitor, while others can be connected to a recording device like a DVR. You may want to have your cameras record everything, or you can often set them to only record when movement is sensed in the room. That saves recording space and frees you up from viewing an empty room trying to find bits of activity. Some spy cameras require specific wiring; some have standard USB cables, while still others send their signal wirelessly. Obviously, wireless spy cameras are the easiest to install.

The world is not a safe place for your children or your possessions. But with a spy camera setup, you can keep an eye on the people and things that are important in your life.

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Car DVD Players Banish Boredom on the Long, Winding Road

Posted on November 14, 2010 by Matt Watters

car dvd playersCar DVD players are more popular than ever now. For family vehicles, they have almost moved from the status of optional accessory to required standard equipment.  Most new vehicles offer systems that are integrated into the upholstery. But what if you drive an older vehicle and want to add the capability to play DVDs? Don’t worry, there is a full range of car DVD players that can be fitted to practically any vehicle, and they can be purchased for a surprisingly affordable price.

If you take car trips with toddlers or teens, a car DVD player is a must. It seems that old-fashioned road games like spotting license plates just don’t meet the requirements of today’s youth. Providing this entertainment for your children in the car may seem a little like giving in to modern times. But believe me, once you install a system, you will wonder why you waited so long.

Installation is not terribly difficult. When you are adding a car DVD player to your vehicle, you will probably want to go with something that attaches to the seats. Roof mounted players are nice but more difficult to attach.

If you have more than one child and there is a wide age range, you’ll definitely want dual screens with the capability to stream different content to each one. The teens and tweens are going to choose entirely different shows than your toddlers and grade-schoolers. You will also want to opt for wireless headphones so each viewer can listen to the show they are watching-and so you can drive in peace without listening to the “Finding Nemo” soundtrack for the umpteenth time.

One advantage you have by adding a player to your car is that it can also be taken into your hotel room or perched on the picnic table. Basic car DVD players can be purchased for around $300 on auction sites like eBay. Higher end models that offer GPS support, Bluetooth and other entertainment upgrades will range in cost up to $700 or so.

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Take Your Entertainment Anywhere with Portable DVD Players

Posted on October 28, 2010 by Matt Watters

portable dvd playersPortable DVD players used to be considered a luxury item and limited to people like high-flying business travellers. However, as technology has improved, price has decreased. Today, these portable entertainment devices are as common as MP3 players and cell phones. Modern portable DVD players have several great uses and more features than ever before.

In its most basic form, the portable DVD player is a self-contained unit that has a DVD drive, screen and speakers. Rechargeable batteries allow the player to be enjoyed in practically any location. They are still an excellent way to pass the time on long airplane journeys, but also come in handy for long car trips. They can also be used as a personal player anywhere at home or even outdoors on picnics or camping trips.

Portable DVD players can be a good alternative to car DVD players because they don’t need to be installed. They can be used in the car, but then can be easily transported and used in other locations as well.

Another great feature of portable DVD players is that they are now designed to do much more than simply play DVDs. Most also accept SD cards or USB drives and can replay media from those sources as well. In addition to movies, you could use this setup to display your favorite photos (or all of your photos), making it the perfect digital photo album. Most players also have the capability to play CDs and other music sources. Some even include an iPod dock (make sure it’s compatible with your particular iPod model).

One issue you will want to examine closely before buying is the battery life. All portable DVD players can be operated when plugged into AC power (your wall sockets). Most also can be plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter. But for the occasions when you’ll be operating the player unplugged, you’ll definitely want more than two hours of battery life. Otherwise it wouldn’t last past the end of a standard movie. The latest players often have a battery life of four to six hours. In some cases, you can extend that time even more by playing digital movies from your SD card.

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