Hardware | Outside the Box

Will Laptops Get Replaced by Tablets?

Image representing iPad as depicted in CrunchBase

The iPad is pretty popular. It can do pretty much everything a laptop can do. Plus, it’s lighter and easier to use. If you’ve every played with touch technology (which, in this day an age, you most definitely have), you probably agree that there is something very intuitive about it.

Touching a screen is easier than typing on an iPad. And, that’s something that Apple believes, too. As early as June 2010, Steve Jobs suggested that people won’t need PCs so much, and that tablets will takeover. Typewriters are no longer being produced, will PCs soon fall into the same category? Steve Jobs may think so, but not everyone does.

It’s a debate in the tech community. Mac users seem to believe the iPad will take over in the near future. After all, the main thing an iPad lacks is a keyboard. A keyboard can be easily connected to a tablet, though, using bluetooth or a USB cable.

Of course, tablets don’t have a disc drive, either. But, as you know, discs are quickly becoming extinct. Information is mostly virtual. So what would prevent tablets from replacing a laptop? Obviously, there’s the technical issues: power, memory, and so on, but none of that is too far away. Tablets are pretty well-equipped these days.

So, what do you think? Do you think tablets will take over? There’s obviously a bit of a tablet trend, right now, though it remains to be seen whether or not it will replace the laptop.

Filed Under: Computers, Hardware Tagged With: Apple, IPad, Steve Jobs

Archiving Disk Images

One common fear that most computer users have is the idea that something would happen to their computer causing a loss of files and other important information. One way to prevent this from happening is with the help of disk imaging software. Here is a look at why this is such an important investment.

What is Disk Imaging Software?

Imaging software is a special type of software that basically takes a picture of a computer drive and is then able to restore the image it took to a new drive or even the same drive if the situation calls for it. The software works by going through and scanning the drive and then making a map that is compressed and stored. When it comes time for a drive to be restored then the compressed file is decompressed and copied into the new or restored drive.

What are the Benefits of Imaging Software?

There are many benefits of imaging software. The biggest benefit is of course being able to have a backup in case anything was to ever happen to the computer. This is important to anyone who works from their computer or stores important documents or files and needs to ensure they are secure. Another benefit of imaging software is it saves people a lot of time and trouble of having to go through and back up data manually. Lastly, it will ensure that all the files that need to be saved will not be left behind.

Filed Under: Computers, Hardware Tagged With: Computer file, Disk Copy, Disk image

Digital Keyboards – The Next Big Thing In The World Of Computers?

QWERTY keyboard, on 2007 Sony Vaio laptop comp...

Image via Wikipedia

The mouse and the keyboard remain two components that are still considered indispensable when operating a computer. The keyboard came first and the mouse became more popular after graphical user interfaces were introduced. Laptops make use of-touch pads instead of the traditional mouse.

However, there is no viable alternative for the keyboard yet. There seems to be sufficient scope for improvement in the design and features of the traditional keyboard. Rather than using an analog setup, it makes sense to switch over to a digital keyboard.

Although many persons criticize the idea of a touch screen keyboard, there is no denying that this is the only way to proceed in the future. Why exactly is it essential to punch certain keys just as we used to do when using typewriters? Would it not be easier on the hands to make use of a touch screen keyboard that gives a sensory feedback to the individual when the key has been pressed?

A digital keyboard on a LCD screen can be manipulated and altered as and when required. This is a significant advantage of using such a device. The keyboard can be digitally broken into two and the two pieces can be kept at a distance to facilitate easier typing for those who suffer from excessive typing stress. The format of the keys can also be changed for those who are not comfortable with their traditional QWERTY setup.

Advanced keyboards with computing power can incorporate voice recognition technologies which will facilitate easier input of letters and data. Right now, keyboards are still stuck in the analog and traditional age and it is time for a change.

Filed Under: Computers, Hardware Tagged With: Electronic keyboard, Keyboard, Touchscreen

The Digital Ease: Cameras and Their Functions

Reflections and refractions, the capture of light within a lens: the intention of all cameras is to offer pristine photographs. Those photographs aren’t always achieved with uniformity, however.

The top digital cameras are not created equal — they’re instead meant for differing situations and individuals, with their technology tailored to specific moments. Understanding this allows users to choose the right equipment and spare themselves the horrors of blurry film.

Consider:

Canon EOS 5D Mark II: Boasting 21.1 mega-pixels, 3.9 frame continuous shooting and 98 percent viewfinder coverage, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II offers speed and accuracy. This machine — which features live preview options and high definition recording capabilities — is meant for the individual who needs instant perfection. It’s especially popular with wedding photographers and budding documentary makers, due to its easy applications and extended battery life.

Nikon D7000: Offering accelerated film speed sensitivity, color matrix metering and underwater housing capabilities, the Nikon D7000 stands as one of the top digital cameras for those in need of adventure. Its ability to take perfect shots under extreme conditions (with the aid of face detection technology and a magnesium alloy frame) makes it ideal for nature enthusiasts and journalists.

Canon PowerShot S95: Providing a 50 cm wide angle lens, low light continuous shooting and JPEG support, the Canon PowerShot S95 is for the cyber-savvy user. This sleek piece is a

Filed Under: Hardware Tagged With: Digital camera