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It is that time of year to think of the computer
products that will make life easier for you. I know CES is just around
the corner but put these items on your wish list and you will find that
life with computers gets easier. What will be
exciting about notebooks this year is the new category called the "Ultrabook".
Think of it as one of those miserable Netbooks on steroids with more
power, better graphics, and great battery life. The
Asus Zenbook
is the best of the bunch. About $1200. |
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| If you have to have a tablet
computer, then you have just lots of choices, and the
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is one of the best Android tablets
around. Surf, read email, play, videos, and more. Get the 32GB version.
About $600. |
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Smartphones are it and what
rules the roost in the USA is the
Apple iPhone 4S. It does everything a tablet does
and also gives you directions with built in GPS and a terrific camera.
Watch those data minutes and read the fine print from the phone
provider. About $200. |
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| There is nothing that kills
your computer experience more than having a dead hard drive or one wiped
out by malware. Back it up and the
Seagate GoFlex Ultra external drive is the way to
go. Just do it. Available in nearly every computer store. About $100. |
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If you have the backup, then
you need the Internet security package and the best rated one is
Kaspersky Pure Total Security. Good for three
computers, great protection against nearly everything, and a bargain for
those of you that shell out money everytime you get hit. Available in
nearly every computer store. About $45. |
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| A computer sitting near your
desk does not have to sound like a wind tunnel and quiet computing is a
reality beginning with the
Antec Mini P180 Tower. A small form factor desktop
computer that is truly silent. Add the green power supply and you have
the makings of a good looking, fast, quiet computer. About $200. |
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Power Protection for your wide
screen television is a must and the best way to do that is with
Monster
Cable's Powercenter 3 outlet surge protector. This plugs
into a double wall outlet and gives you protection for the television,
cablebox, and the cable coming in. About $50. |
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| When it comes time for a new
monitor to go with that computer or to upgrade, you still can't beat the
Samsung brand and this one, the
Samsung B2430H at 24 inches is a great one to go with.
Normal 16:9 widescreen view, razor sharp graphics, and a great contrast
ratio makes it one of the best. About $270. |
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Skype is the latest way to
connect with friends and family all over the world for next to nothing.
To make that connection easier, you need a video camera and microphone
and the
Blue Microphones Eyeball 2.0 Web cam is what you need.
decent video but the sound you get with the microphone makes all the
world difference when talking to someone. About $65. |
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| Something for the road. While
a bit expensive, The
Escort
Passport iQ combines the best of radar detection with an
excellent GPS and what is even better, you can update the maps and
database that includes everything from attractions to state parks to
restaurants. almost weekly, I get an email that tells me what states
have been updated. About $650. |
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I have spent a ton of time
researching superzoom digital cameras and this
Panasonic FZ150 is the best of the bunch. Great pictures,
terrific features, and a range that is hard to beat. Fun to use, great
quality, and a long term keeper. About $499. |
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| I mentioned the Apple iPhone
4S above and if you want to go with a Windows Smartphone, then the
Samsung Focus S is your best bet. Full of the same
kinds of features, maybe not as many apps, but if you want a preview of
Windows 8, then this is the phone to go with. The same caveats about
phone service expenses apply here as well. About $200. |
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Robert Sanborn
robert@pcll.com |
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