Six Gadgets that Can Make Life a Little Bit Easier
Six Gadgets that Can Make Life a Little Bit Easier
Technology is supposed to make our lives easier, to free up time for friends and family. But when we look at the latest gadgets, many of them have no practical application. They are simply there to entertain or distract us. In this article we will review six influential gadgets that actually can give us more leisure time.
Smartphones
The standard Smartphone is essentially a handheld computer that offers users access to the internet, the ability to download applications, and impressive memory all in the sleek and portable package of a mobile phone. They are easily the fastest growing segment of the mobile phone market. Growth has been so rapid, in fact, that it has been a challenge for most industry insiders to get an accurate count of Smartphone users. But legendary advertising research firm, the Nielsen Company, made headlines recently when they predicted that Smartphones would outnumber all other mobile devices by Christmas 2011.
What to look for?
Because a Smartphone is a mini computer, it requires an operating system to run it. These systems allow users to download and run applications that were specifically designed for them. Therefore, when choosing a Smartphone it is always important to consider how important applications or apps are to you. If you are planning on downloading hundreds of them, then it may be a good idea to choose an operating system that will allow you to run many different apps. At present, the Apple iPhone offer users access to the largest catalogue of apps on the planet, more than 100,000.
GPS Units
Ever since the US Military eased restrictions on Global Positioning Systems designed for civilian users in 2000, sales have skyrocketed. As with any new technology, increased competition has encouraged lower prices and exciting new features. Drivers can now purchase basic navigational units for less than two hundred dollars.
What to look for?
Regardless of price, most GPS units are accurate and reliable because they are supported by an established technology. This means that what consumers are actually paying for are the special features. Screen size, spoken street names, real-time traffic reports, detour, and mounting are the most popular features for GPS users. The single most practical feature that shoppers should consider is the screen size. Sizes typically range from 2.5 to 7 inches. Though they are just as reliable as the larger units, customers often complain that the smaller screens can be difficult to see, especially when driving in busy urban areas where intersections are often closer together. That is why we recommend a screen size of at least 4-inches. Not only will it be easier to read, but the larger touch-screen buttons will make it a cinch to enter the correct address.
Laptops
When the first laptops were sold in the early 1980s, they were marketed as a niche product for traveling businessmen who could use them to get some work done on the plane. Like most new technologies, the earliest versions were extremely slow, bulky, and expensive. The battery alone weighed pounds and the memory was microscopic compared to desktop models. A couple of decades later in 2008, the laptop replaced the desktop as the most popular type of computer.
What to look for?
There are two good reasons why the laptop overtook the desktop. Firstly, the battery got smaller, lighter, and more powerful. To this day, battery life and the weight of the computer remain key selling points. Secondly, the memory of the average laptop increased to the point where it is now rivals the average desktop. Memory is an important feature for all laptop shoppers, especially for those that download files from the internet.
Digital Cameras
Most of us remember dropping our little black film canisters with the gray caps off at the Fotomat and coming back a day later to a hefty fee. While photo developing stores still exist, they are much harder to find because of a single inventionthe digital camera. These cameras give users the ability to capture images and store them on a portable memory device. The pictures can then be printed, transferred to a computer, or stored on the camera.
What to look for?
Like a computer, the price of a camera often depends on the size of its memory. The number of pictures it holds is determined by two factors: the memory, obviously, and the camera resolution. The higher the resolution, the more detailed the photo and the more memory it takes to save the photo. We recommend a camera with at least 6 megapixels and 1 GB, which will allow you to store more than 300 high-quality images.
Convection Microwave Ovens
Microwave ovens have been around for decades, but hybrid models only recently became affordable. These popular new appliances offer homeowners the speed and convenience of a traditional microwave with the direct heating of a classic convection oven for browning. It is no wonder why convection microwave ovens can be found in the kitchens of most restaurants.
What to look for?
Because most homeowners choose convection microwaves to help prepare family meals, the most important consideration is the space. We recommend an oven with at least 1.5 cubic feet of space for a family of four. Smaller ovens will not reduce prep time significantly.
MP3 Players
Also known as MPEG Audio Layer 3, MP3 is a patented data compression format for audio and video. Smaller than a mobile phone, these devices can store thousands of songs and hundreds of hours of video.
What to look for?
MP3 is another digital device whose price is based largely on its memory or storage capacity. However, most consumers purchase players that have far more storage space than they need. For instance, even a small MP3 player with 1 GB of memory can hold up to 240 songs, which is more than enough for most users. Still, many people purchase devices that can hold tens of thousands of songs and they only end up using a fraction of the space. We recommend an MP3 player with 2GB of memory, which is enough space to store 500 songs. What Do Real Parents Think About Life Insurance Policies? Life Insurance for Seniors - Is It Worthwhile? Why Don't People Buy Life Insurance? Quick Guide To Over 50 Life Insurance Solutions With Guaranteed Acceptance How To Switch To Whole Life Insurance Life Insurance goes the corporate way How to obtain life insurance when you have heart disease Missing sleep can increase life insurance rates Starting Your Career as a Property Insurance Lawyer Term Life Insurance Quotes Determine Your Life Insurance Life Insurance Is The Best Policy For Oneself Individuals Can Seek Cheap Term Life Insurance Cost To Avail Amazing Monetary Assistance Important Long Term Care Insurance Information To Know