Smart Technologies http://smarttechnologiesblog.com Technology Information and Products Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:48:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 Smart Technologies presents - The Ins and Outs of Satellite Internet http://smarttechnologiesblog.com/smart-technologies-presents-the-ins-and-outs-of-satellite-internet/ http://smarttechnologiesblog.com/smart-technologies-presents-the-ins-and-outs-of-satellite-internet/#comments Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:38:57 +0000 admin http://smarttechnologiesblog.com/?p=18 Here on Smart Technologies we are pleased to present you with articles from our guest writers on a wide variety of technology topics. We hope you enjoy this one:

The Ins and Outs of Satellite Internet
By Moira Jansen

In today’s fast-paced society, having a slow internet connection can hinder the ability to stay connected with friends and family through email, watching TV programs, movies, and sports games in real time, and working efficiently from home. Dial-up internet, the slowest of web connections, has been most commonly used in remote areas and requires an open telephone line to make the connection. Phone company-based, telephone line-transmitted DSL and cable internet, provided by cable TV service systems, are popular in cities and towns, while satellite internet is a viable option for consumers located in remote, rural locations, but require more reliable, quick internet access than that which can be provided by dial-up. Small business owners with home offices can benefit from the ease and speed of satellite broadband, as can RV and boat travelers.

What’s so great about satellite internet? Download times are significantly reduced from those of dial-up networks, and are closer to the speed of both DSL and cable internet connections. Depending on what your purposes are, connection and download times can reach up to 50 times that of a dial-up network, speeding things up significantly for satellite-equipped travelers and consumers in remote places, lacking access to high-speed DSL and cable internet.

Compatible with both PC and Mac operating systems, satellite internet also calls for Ethernet adaptability, which comes either already installed in a newer computer, or can be easily configured by contacting your computer manufacturer and finding out which Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC) or USB Ethernet adapter is most compatible with your particular model. Those items can be picked up at just about any general computer or tech supply store, and make connectivity that much easier for consumers.

So what is satellite internet broadband not suitable for? Well, online gamers might find that the connection does not serve their purposes, as slight delay times, which occur while signals are traveling between land-mounted satellite dishes and those orbiting the earth, can make time-sensitive games difficult. Not the most price-efficient method of connecting to the web, satellite indeed calls for a hefty up-front payment for installation. However, after installation of the satellite dish and modem is completed, the constant web access, quick webpage loading and file downloading times, and the ability to stream TV shows and movies (virtually eliminating the need for cable TV service) will prove that the initial cost of connecting to the internet via satellite is a worthwhile option.

So what’s stopping you? It’s clear that the key to a more secure connection, faster download speeds, and improved reliability can only be found in satellite internet. If you’re a rural dweller far from the hustle and bustle of the city, you should seriously consider checking out the benefits a satellite system could have in store for you.

Dial-up is no longer the only option. You can access the advanced power of high-speed broadband through HughesNet service. There are lots of great HughesNet packages currently available, so check them out today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Moira_Jansen
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Ins-and-Outs-of-Satellite-Internet&id=2244592


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Smart Technologies presents - Blackberry Storm 9500 Touchscreen Phone With Style And Elegance http://smarttechnologiesblog.com/smart-technologies-presents-blackberry-storm-9500-touchscreen-phone-with-style-and-elegance/ http://smarttechnologiesblog.com/smart-technologies-presents-blackberry-storm-9500-touchscreen-phone-with-style-and-elegance/#comments Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:32:48 +0000 admin http://smarttechnologiesblog.com/?p=16 Here on Smart Technologies we are pleased to present you with articles from our guest writers on a wide variety of technology topics. We hope you enjoy this one:

Blackberry Storm 9500 Touchscreen Phone With Style And Elegance by Mark Dunne

Working in the mobile phone industry is fantastic because you get to test so many different types of phones on a daily basis today I’m looking at the Blackberry Storm 9500 which is being around for a few months now but I’m really only starting to write a review.

This is the first touchscreen device from RIM it features a very simple to block form factor, and comes with an accelerometer for screen rotation. On the left-hand side of the phone you will find a micro USB port, which can be used to connect to a laptop or PC and also used as a charger. There is also something called a convenient key, which can be programmed with your favorite application, with the press of the button the application will open up on the phone. On the right-hand side of the phone there is another convenient key, which is set by default to the camera shutter button - this of course can be changed to any application of your choosing. There is also a volume rocker. On the back of the phone you’ll find a 3.2 megapixel camera which comes with what is called an assist flash. On the top of the phone there are two more buttons, which to be honest enough to click buttons but these control the mute and to lock the phone when required.

In terms of build quality this storm feels quite nice it’s solidly built maybe a little on the heavy side but overall it feels comfortable in the hand. As we have said already this is a touch screen phone but it’s a little bit different to what you may have seen before. RIM has somehow managed to make the touchscreen deal as it has clickback. When you touch and application icon this will not open you need to press down until you feel a click disk will then open all your chosen application. This is a really nice feature and is a first in the touchscreen smartphone market.

Looking at the display there is a lot of information, which could overwhelm some people. You can check your connection type, signal strengths, location services, there’s also a button for changing profiles, battery strength indicator, how many messages that are unread, time and date. All this information is at the top top of the screen reading it here may sound like a lot but it’s the normal standard indicators and icons that you will see on most cell phones nowadays.

On the menu at the bottom of the screen you can quickly access your messages, contacts, calendar and browser. This of course can be customized and very easily in which your favorite applications, which is one of the great things about smartphones the fact that you can customize it for your personal needs.

On the main menu there are 16 icons for applications and programs, these of course can be customized for your personalized needs you can move everything around and you can also hide applications in other folders making it easier to access and change. It is very simple to move an icon and this can be achieved within seconds. We mentioned earlier that there is an accelerometer which rotates the menu when you switch to a landscape viewing. I found this to be sometimes a little slow and no lag between switching from vertical to the horizontal landscape mode could even take at times up to 10 seconds. Of course there may be a number of firmware updates that will change this in the near future.

Mark Dunne is a writer providing advice on Mobile Phone if you have time drop by his site for some tips and information. http://www.mobileireland.net

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Smart Technologies presents - BlueTooth Cell Phones - The Hassle-Free Way to Go http://smarttechnologiesblog.com/smart-technologies-presents-bluetooth-cell-phones-the-hassle-free-way-to-go/ http://smarttechnologiesblog.com/smart-technologies-presents-bluetooth-cell-phones-the-hassle-free-way-to-go/#comments Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:30:10 +0000 admin http://smarttechnologiesblog.com/?p=14 Here on Smart Technologies we are pleased to present you with articles from our guest writers on a wide variety of technology topics. We hope you enjoy this one:

BlueTooth Cell Phones - The Hassle-Free Way to Go by Allen Jesson

Bluetooth cell phones signal that the times are changing. It’s true, not only do they enable users to talk on the phone hands free, but you can also connect to the Internet with the help of a modem.

Listen, I’m not joking. Bluetooth cell phones do not require a direct line of sight connection in order to access the Internet.

All you need is a Bluetooth enabled cell phone and Bluetooth connection software to make it happen.

In fact, everywhere you go, as you walk down the street, it in evitable that you will run into dozens of people using Bluetooth cell phones.

Let’s face it. Up until recently, cell phones were considered a luxury. Nowadays they are considered a necessity.

And when Bluetooth technology hit the headlines, wireless streaming use of cell phones went through the roof. If you think about it, Bluetooth cell phones are both convenient and practical.

But wait, there’s more. Bluetooth cell phones are set up to use radio waves to transmit from your cell phone to a headset or earpiece that is completely wireless.

What I am talking about it is the fact that you won’t find any wires to clip to your belt or shuffle around your handbag.

As luck would have it, there is no set up involved in using your Bluetooth headset.

Really, Bluetooth cell phones have the capability of working hand in hand with most headsets. What it does is search and find radio waves.

Better yet, by using the options on your phone, you can search out any compatible Bluetooth headset in range and sync them up.

And that’s only just the beginning. At this point all you need to do is accept your headset option, any time your Bluetooth cell phone is on, it will search for your headset.

Let me tell you more about Bluetooth cell phones accessories.

Get this: Bluetooth technology cranks out several options in terms of car kits that you can use directly in your car. Just plug in and your wireless connection is set and ready to go.

Here’s something else. Bluetooth cell phones have push button or voice options that allow you to make music selections, browse the web.

Listen, you’ll be enjoying MP3 and WMA formats with the touch of a button.

In a nutshell, Bluetooth cell phones light a fire under your mobile phone needs. From online browsing to wireless calling, you can stay connected no matter where you are. And that’s really what you want, isn’t it?

Digitally Does It currently has the Bluetooth Cell Phones for sale in stock, along with a wide range of cell phones. New coupon codes and special offers are presented daily so please visit today for some very exciting and exclusive offers.
http://www.digitallydoesit.com

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Smart Technologies presents - What’s All the Sk(h)ype? http://smarttechnologiesblog.com/smart-technologies-presents-whats-all-the-skhype/ http://smarttechnologiesblog.com/smart-technologies-presents-whats-all-the-skhype/#comments Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:24:31 +0000 admin http://smarttechnologiesblog.com/?p=12 Here on Smart Technologies we are pleased to present you with articles from our guest writers on a wide variety of technology topics. We hope you enjoy this one:

What’s All the Sk(h)ype?
By Matt Levinson

I think I can finally appreciate what Alexander Graham Bell went through to invent the telephone over a hundred years ago. If you have ever tried to have a Skype call with your parents across the country, you can understand what I am talking about. Bell had to figure out a way to traverse the vast expanse of the continental United States to connect two people on a telephone. Every Sunday afternoon, I have to find a way to have a Skype call with my parents, so that they can speak to and see their grandchildren. I can tell you flatly: we are no further along than the first prototype of the telephone.

First, we have to call my parents on our house phone to let them know that we are going to Skype them. Then, my mother has to go and turn on her painfully slow Dell desktop computer to get it ready for the call. Even though they just made the switch from dial-up to dsl, this can take anywhere from 10-15 minutes. It doesn’t help that my mother has to climb under the desk in the study to dig through the spaghetti wires to plug in the computer. She’s been unplugging all of her appliances in her home for the last thirty years, long before it was fashionable and environmentally hip to do so today. If you have ever seen the commercials with the Slowskys (Fast. It’s not for everyone), you have a picture of my parents.

My mother now calls back to let us know that she’s ready. The big moment has arrived. We make the call. It connects. We are talking live to each other. But, there is no picture for my parents to see. We tell them to click on the camera icon in the lower left corner. They cannot locate it. They push every other icon but that one. They find it at last. Another 5 minutes has passed, but they can now finally see us!

My father sticks his shiny bald head into the screen, marveling, “this is incredible!” We can only see his Gorbachev size mole on his head. My mother tries to wrestle him away from the screen so she can see her grandchildren. He moves away, laughing to himself that he can see his grandchildren three thousand miles away. “Technology, un$%^&*%G believable,” he mutters. My mother admonishes him for using that kind of language in front of his grandchildren. Now it is my mother’s turn. All we see is hair. My daughter asks me, “why is Grandma sticking her hair into the computer?” They are both too excited to hear us trying to explain to them that they need to adjust the camera on top of their computer. The initial excitement subsides, the camera adjusts, and we can at last see their faces.

The conversation begins, in a broken record kind of way. They ask more questions than we can answer, and we can barely make out their queries because their voices chop like fresh vegetables. I thought Skype was supposed to be clear. We tell them that we cannot make out their questions. This does not deter them. They continue with their litany of questions. The kids smile, look confused, but continue to try and tell them about their day, playing soccer, drawing pictures, or taking a hike.

The conversation comes to an end, with my parents utterly thrilled that they could see and talk to their grandchildren. My children, on the other hand, walk away puzzled. My son asks, “Can’t we just call Grandma on the phone next time?” So, my question is, what’s all the hype with Skype? Sometimes, a phone call is the easier route. Alexander Graham Bell was onto something, but he must have had these same frustrations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Levinson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Whats-All-the-Sk(h)ype?&id=2213634


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Smart Technologies presents - Making Your Office Portable - What Are the Options? http://smarttechnologiesblog.com/smart-technologies-presents-making-your-office-portable-what-are-the-options/ http://smarttechnologiesblog.com/smart-technologies-presents-making-your-office-portable-what-are-the-options/#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:45:00 +0000 admin http://smarttechnologiesblog.com/?p=20 Here on Smart Technologies we are pleased to present you with articles from our guest writers on a wide variety of technology topics. We hope you enjoy this one:

Making Your Office Portable - What Are the Options?
By Kevin J Lynch

You have owned a small company for awhile now. Business is good, and your office is humming along. You work hard and are rewarded for it. Your hours are long, and you have not minded at all since you love what you do. However, lately you have been thinking that it would be nice to take a vacation. You know that to simply close down for two weeks would result in the loss of much needed revenue, with the side effect of ending the high you are currently riding.

Fortunately, it is now easier than ever to take your office on the road. Laptop computer prices have dropped significantly in recent months, and offer an experience identical in every way to that of a desktop. However, for those who do not wish to invest in a laptop, as well as those with employees who need to stay connected, less costly alternatives exist.

Both Pocket PCs and Pocket PC cell phones offer a variety of software applications. Many of your favorite desktop programs are available in mobile versions. These programs offer virtually the same experience as their desktop equivalents, though sometimes with less functionality. A variety of third party software applications, designed specifically for mobile devices, are also available.

One key difference between the two devices is that the cell phone option offers wireless internet over the cellular network, while the Pocket PC requires a Wi-Fi card and a hotspot. However, Wi-Fi hotspots are often free or low-cost, while data charges on the cellular network tend to be costly.

Other differences are the size of the display and the style of input device. Generally the screen is larger on a Pocket PC, and these devices are more likely to utilize a traditional keyboard rather than a touch screen. However, both devices utilize the same software applications.

Data transfer from your desktop computer to a Pocket PC or Pocket PC phone is simple. A data cable or a cradle may be used. Either way, your documents can be quickly and easily transferred from computer to handheld device and back. The mobile versions of your favorite applications are designed for seamless transition.

Mobile versions of many websites are also available, and new ones are constantly added. Both the layout and the bandwidth usage of these sites are designed specifically for the needs of the mobile user.

Bluetooth is a fairly new wireless technology that allows mobile devices to communicate with each other, as well as with computers, without the need to be physically connected. The technology is not yet fully implemented; however it is expected to become the new standard. Therefore, when shopping for new devices, be sure to check that they are Bluetooth-enabled. Other Bluetooth compatible devices include mobile printers and even GPS tracking systems.

A cell phone, laptop computer, and/or Pocket PC ensure maximum portability for your home office. In the modern world, it is simply not necessary to stay at home in order to run a home-based business. You can travel wherever and whenever you like, secure in the knowledge that you can still fully operate your company while you are away.

For more information on starting your own profitable business visit
http://www.workfromhome.the4thline.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_J_Lynch
http://EzineArticles.com/?Making-Your-Office-Portable—What-Are-the-Options?&id=2241793


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