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The Radeon 4870 X2 has 2 GB, 750 MHz, GDDR5:  From $369.99

Graphics cards, also called video cards, can be an awesome PC accessory, especially for serious gamers, but aren’t a necessary component to operate a system for simple daily use.  If you want to see more than just 2-D, graphics cards enhance the visual experience and can handle 3-D displays better than the standard system options.

With tons to choose from, the basic requirements are simple.  Though the graphics cards are sold by different manufacturers, like ASUS and EVGA, they will generally have chipsets from either NVIDIA or AMD/ATI.  These graphics giants are constantly one-upping each other in terms of mods and pricing, keeping the market competitive and consumers on the lookout for the latest equipment developments.

Cost:

They can cost from around $50 for a simple upgrade to $500 for the latest and greatest, but unless you’re an animator, designer or even a hardcore gamer, something in the cheaper category will probably suffice.

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 285 has 1GB, 648 MHz, and GDDR3. From: $339.99.

System Requirements:

When buying a graphics card, take a look at your system requirements and choose one that fits with them.  You might find that you need to boost your power supply as graphics cards can consume a lot, possibly taking the majority of your system’s supply.  If you’re truly a dedicated gaming fan, after boosting the power you’ll most likely want to link two cards together with an SLI bridge for even better performance.

Ports: PCIEG/AGP/PCI

Most systems will have an AGP (accelerated graphics port) which allows for better performance. However, if for some reason your computer is dated from the 1990s, the graphics card will use the PCI slot on your motherboard instead of a dedicated port.  The AGP is currently being replaced with the PCI Express x16 or PCIEG, which transfers twice as fast.  You’ll find the PCI Express format to be standard on the latest graphics cards coming to market as of 2009.

Memory:

Always a factor, the more memory a graphics card has, the better it should work.  The NVIDIA or AMD/ATI chipset is partnered with DDR — high-speed memory known as double-data rate memory — and rated in MB, with GB likely becoming more common very soon.  Advances in memory have given us DDR2, GDDR4 and soon GDDR5 on newer cards.  You’ll want at least 128MB for standard use.  Higher end cards will have 512MB for those complex 3-D images.

Speed:

Another vital spec, the faster the graphics card’s memory, the better the performance will be.  Sounds familiar, right?  It makes no sense to get a card with tons of memory and no speed to apply it properly.  Clock rates are effectively between 400 MHz and 3.8 GHz.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more graphics cards.

Sources: Anandtech, HowStuffWorks , EzineArticles

Go just about anywhere and you can bet some sort of networking device is set up to integrate multiple users and merge their data into one centralized locale.

Retail stores will have POS systems that require connection to a main unit for updated price codes, and most business offices will employ some level of networking systems for both internal and external access.  At home, network devices provide Internet connections and can support multiple users on a personal scale through their wireless feeds.

Depending on your network needs, different networking devices are available to suit them.  For small office or home office use, your basic needs are a switch, router and possibly wireless connection.

The most common of these networking devices is called a hub, which is simple to use and very affordable.

Belkin 7-Port Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Hub: $28.99

A hub connects to individual computers through cable and forwards received data to all other devices connected to its ports.  A smaller group can be suitably serviced by a hub with 4-5 ports, but the bigger the organization, the bigger its network needs.  Therefore, logically, a large corporation with more users would require a high-capacity hub with more ports that can handle higher traffic.  It’s also possible to link hubs to each other via an uplink port, which most have, to form a larger network.

Though similar in appearance and set up, switches have key performance advantages over hubs with their ability to double your bandwidth with a full-duplex connection, and to selectively forward data only to the connected port as opposed to flooding all the ports with received data.

D-Link 8 Port 10/100 Ethernet Switch: $24.95

To maximize the full-duplex connection, the switch is paired with an NIC (network interface controller). S witches thereby decrease network traffic and increase efficiency.  But as with anything, higher efficiency usually equals a higher price tag, though prices have come down recently making them nearly comparable.  Like the hub, switches can also be linked to one another to create larger networks.

Routers are commonly used to connect a local area network to an ISP over cable or DSL and make working on the Internet possible.

Cisco 851W Router: $258.06

True to their name, they route data to specific users in the network as determined by a unique user address and the best route to get it there, smartly avoiding busier sections until they lighten up.  Depending on your organization’s size, you can determine how powerful your router should be.

And speaking of Internet usage, employing wireless access points, also called wireless routers, can unchain the desktop hostage and allow a person to access the network and continue working (or playing) from the couch, the backyard patio, the lunchroom, the boardroom, the poolside lounge chair, etc.  Wireless is convenient for both home and office networking.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for these and other networking devices.

Source: InformIT, Computer Technical Tutorials

When it comes to GPS accessories, there are plenty.  Most systems for automobile use will come with a dash or windshield mount and power cable, and handheld systems usually include the necessary cables and wrist strap or belt clip.  But you might find, just like the GPS systems themselves, that your GPS accessory needs differ from person to person and activity to activity.

For use inside vehicles, getting a system with weatherproof covering or a waterproof design probably isn’t as important as if you wanted to use the system while hiking.   Likewise, having a spare battery is probably more applicable with a handheld rather than an auto unit that can run off the car’s battery through an AC adapter.

Since most systems will include an instruction manual, video or software in-box, data cards are most likely what you’re going to want first.  These cards hold maps and information for a specific region that you choose, or they can be purchased blank for info uploading from map software.  Which one you’ll need depends on which GPS unit you have.

Helpful items to have on hand for backup power are the spare battery mentioned previously and a battery charger or maybe a car power adapter.   A cradle or docking station with charging capability would also fit the bill.  And to combat lost connections, antenna kits will help your GPS system better receive signal inside your vehicle.

While transporting your system, belt clips, holsters, neck lanyards, wrist straps and carrying cases can aid in keeping your handhelds easily accessible.  Dashboard and windshield mounting systems and mounting locks will keep your system secure inside your vehicle.

You also might find that you want a screen protector or front cover to keep the display from becoming scratched from wear and tear.  Other helpful items are remote controls (for vehicle use), stylus, external speakers and microphones.

Keep an eye out for GPS accessory combo packages.  A complete essentials kit could knock out a few of these extras all in one box.  Here’s one for Garmin Nuvi and TomTom One units for an affordable price:

GPS Combo - Car & Wall Charger + Travel Case: $34.99

Like anything else, look at what’s included with your GPS system; there should be an itemized list on the package.  Then based on what your intended uses are, decide on your GPS accessories.

Also, as an important side note, practice with your new system in a familiar place like around your hometown or another well-known area before taking it out on the cross-country road trip or adventuring through the trails and hills.   Be prepared.   Get used to it and know its functions before the critical moment arrives.

Shop for these GPS accessories and more at Smarter.com.

Being online can give the illusion of making a real connection with other people, but looking at still pictures or the occasional video just isn’t the same as seeing a live, interactive person.  In-person associations can give you a better reading of the individual’s actual personality.  You can distinguish facial expressions, voice tone and other body language cues that just don’t exist in a static profile pic.

Webcams can bring you a step closer and have a variety of applications.  Business meetings are given another dimension when you can see the CEO as opposed to blankly listening to an anonymous voice from a speaker in the middle of the conference table.  You can also set one up in your home to keep watch on your pets and belongings while you’re away.  You check in remotely to make sure Fido isn’t tearing up the plants again.  Keeping in touch with family and friends living far away is made that much easier.  Most instant messaging services have a video chat option already, making it convenient and easy to get started.  Some laptops come with a webcam built in.

Decide what your needs are:  Being a small digital cameras, webcams can capture video and still shots and transmit the images either streaming or non-streaming.  Streaming being a real-time live feed and non-streaming being a series of stills updated at a set time, like every 60 seconds.  Streaming would be best for live chatting, but updated stills from non-streaming would be sufficient for security purposes.

Same with color or black-and-white (monochrome) – if your main purpose is security, a monochrome display will suffice, but if it’s friendly chatting, a color cam would be more fun.  Webcams mount differently as well.  Some clip on to edges or rest on flat surfaces like tables and such.  Consider the space you’ll be using and where the camera will be positioned.

The technology is relatively cheap now, anywhere from $10 and up, so finding something that fits in your budget should be fairly simple. Check the product requirements for compatibility and make sure your computer meets the hardware and memory specs.  For the lower to midrange webcams, this won’t be very complicated but if you have an older computer you might want to double-check.  Here’s a reasonably priced one found on Smarter.com:

Microsoft Lifecam Webcam: $19.99

Here’s one with personality for kids:

Computer Expressions Dinosaur Webcam: $19.99

For most purposes, you won’t need a hi-def model with night vision capabilities but they’re out there if you do.  Something with automatic focus, a decent lens (glass gives better quality images but plastic is fine) and a resolution of around 1.3 megapixels is a good bet.  Faster frame rates will have less image flicker but might take longer to transmit online.  Mics haven’t been a concern for me since talking on an actual phone has better quality and typing messages is almost as easy, but if it is a consideration for you some have mics built-in and others require a headset for audio.

Finding one to match your needs will be pretty easy with the variety available now.

Shop more webcams at Smarter.com.

Unfortunately, for my poor compact digital camera I take its pocket-size literally and usually slip it in my pants or jacket pocket when I’m out and about.  I’ve also been known to toss it in my bag, sans case, and let it jostle around with the rest of the junk in there.  There’s no excuse really, it came with a protective case when I bought it and I’ve since misplaced it due to laziness.

In my defense, I usually put it in that little side pocket with a zipper so its bouncing and bumping is somewhat restricted.  But, that’s not a real replacement for the safety a protective case offers.  I have to admit, the little champ has held up quite well but it definitely shows its distress in scratches and nicks on the body and some slight wear on the display screen.

Conversely, my SLR camera gets the gentle treatment — padded carrying bag, lint-free cloth wipe downs, etc.  It might have to do with the fact that it was about 10x more expensive than the pocket version but all equipment should be cared for and treated well if it’s expected to work properly and enjoy a long life.

So, what are you looking for?

Do you need a small case for light travel or something with more padding that can withstand some weather?   I’m a big fan of traveling light but that can be difficult if you’re packing the camera body, different lenses and filters, flash and other necessities.   Thank goodness we don’t have to squeeze 10 rolls of film in there anymore too!  Well, unless you’re shooting old school.

You want a bag that fits your equipment firmly and doesn’t allow much room for movement.  You definitely don’t want things banging around.  For pocket-sized cameras, a small case should be sufficient to protect against daily wear.

The ECB-1 Eva Compact Camera Case from Case Logic ($9.15) is a good example.   It’s molded, lightweight and sized to fit most compact digitals.

For SLR cameras, something with adjustable dividers can help you increase your equipment’s security by allowing you to snugly tuck everything in.

The small Billingham Hadley Shoulder Bag ($194) has room for your camera body plus two lenses. It’s made of waterproof canvas and the inside dividers are movable to suit your equipment.

Many camera users prefer the shoulder bag for its accessibility but I tend to go for the backpack-style camera bag for carrying convenience.

The Lowepro Fastpack 100 Backpack ($56.95) is a great combination bag with room to secure your camera equipment in the lower half and space for your other stuff up top.

Try on the different styles and see what suits you best.  There are a variety of colors too.  Some hardcore bags can even handle extreme temps and expedition-style travel.

Find more camera bags and camera cases at Smarter.

Aptly named “Aptera”, Greek for “wingless” and inspired by the look and aerodynamic principles of an airplane, this eco-friendly automobile sports a sleek, futuristic look promising unbelievable fuel efficiency, zero emission and an emphasis on safety.  It is being developed by a Carlsbad, California company called Aptera Motors and is expected to hit the market by fall of this year.  The fact that it is three wheeled is not the only funky thing, it’s doors open upwards not outwards!  Besides the several mind-blowingly cool , super sophisticated features like rear view cameras and glowing exterior logo, the best aspect of it is its eco-friendliness:

• It’s wildly energy efficient (the electric version), which is expected to hit the market first, would have a range of 120 miles before recharging, while a hybrid model would get as much as 300 mpg.

• LED interior and exterior lighting for maximum energy efficiency

• Solar assisted Climate Control System - The solar roof powers the car’s air conditioner and charges the central battery.

• Flooring made from 100% recycled soda bottles, as well as seat, door and overhead fabrics from post-industrial recycled sources.

• Dashboard and door panels free of heavy metals and plasticizers.

If you want to be among the first 4000 customers who have already placed their pre-orders to be the first proud owners, visit their website at Aptera.com and be prepared to dish out around $25000.  Eco and auto enthusiasts alike can’t seem to contain their excitement for the launch of this incredible specimen.  Can you imagine driving around in something that looks like that?  Talk about living a sci-fi dream…a good one! I bet the first drivers will cause a few traffic jams…

Budget:

Just like everything else, the first step is deciding how much you want to or can spend.  It’s a huge let down to shop around and fall in love with a $1,500 amp if your limit is $500.

Car:

Car audio systems can get crazy.  External amps provide more power, and paired with a subwoofer, will get that bass thumping fo’ sho.   Very simply, look for ohms, RCA preouts and RMS; power is good.  Something that can control the front and back volume separately, and has controls for high- and low-pass filters to set your acoustic levels and protect your speakers will do just fine.

Home:

An amp can really boost your home theater experience.  Again, working with a subwoofer will give you that thick bass.  Check for ohms, watts, and speaker compatibility.  You don’t want to overload the speakers.   The bonus to home use is the variety of actual home uses there are once you get going — music, movies, gaming, oh yes.

Shop and Listen:

Just about every thing with speakers has some sort of amp integrated inside the system.  It’s kind of a requirement in order to hear anything.    Transistors have an advantage for playing loud but they can’t quite replace all the quality tube sounds.  If you go tube, pair it with loudspeakers to boost the power.  Also, arranging your speakers will definitely influence your sound experience whether in car or at home.

Listen for strong timing, the range between the soft and loud notes, and stereo imaging capability (Does it sound like you’re right there? Does the sound fill the space?).  How does it manage the bass and treb quality?  Some amps can pick up on the sound details at the expense of the song or sound as a whole so that high transparency might not be the best.   It’s up to you; this is your sonic space so listen up.

Most electronics or specialty stores will have rooms dedicated to their sound systems and that offers you the best opportunity to test them out and ask questions.  I’d bet most guys at the counter are audiophiles of some level and have a sweet setup at home.

Here’s a professional power stereo amp from Yamaha:

Yamaha P35005 Amplifier: $696

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more stereo amplifiers.

Unfortunately, the Internet is not a safe place.   Whether you’re using a desktop or laptop, you’ve got to be protected (insert obvious condom comedic reference here).   People spend big bucks on security and firewalls to thwart attackers.  Think back to Harrison Ford in the movie of the same name, that was an extreme case but just the same, your firewall is your first level of protection.

A correctly configured firewall will keep out most baddies and people intending harm to your system.  At the office, it can keep you from visiting “undesirable” web pages like pornography or wasting time on Facebook – called content filtering – or keep out jerks who want to hijack the company website for there own amusement.  At home, issues can be just as potentially harmful with intruders spying on your personal information.

When you employ firewall software or hardware, think of it as a dual-duty operation.  On one hand it blocks traffic to your system, and the other allows traffic, both based on the rule set you’ve provided.

For the general user, the terms can be daunting, especially when trying to avoid security risks.  Do I want it embedded? Who is this SOHO person?  I thought that was a city in New York?  At a basic level, there’s the simple broadband router that screens content – like packet filtering.

Netgear WGR614 802.11g Wireless Router with 4-Port Switch: $31.46

A level up would be a system that inspects the new content and checks it against content that’s previously been approved or accepted.  To be most secure, though, the proxy server is preferred.

This guy changes outbound and inbound IP addresses and then compares them against the given rule set for admittance so there’s no “direct” traffic.

Basically, you want to find something that complements your network, is manageable and affordable.  Most use the stateful inspection and proxy method and will walk you through installation.  You want to look at how many users you have, less users = less RAM.  You want NAT capabilities, which most will have.  If you’ll be streaming, you want a VPN.  And you want it the ability to log as many different events (by IP address, date, time, domain name, etc.) as possible with different content filters.  Most importantly, ask questions.

Even with these access limitations, clicking on the wrong webpage or opening an undesirable file can cause havoc with your system.  That’s why it’s advisable to implement programs like Norton Anti-Virus and Spybot as support to your firewall defense.

Norton Antivirus 2009: $14.95

That way, you can probably avoid most compromises to your system from intruders, spyware and viruses.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for firewall hardware and security software.

Getting a PA system can be tricky; getting an affordable system that still provides good sound can be even harder.   The PA system is vital to your performance but if you’re playing to smaller groups indoors, you might not want to spend the cash for extras on the system keyed for a large outdoor audience.

Whether you’re a wedding singer crooning to premade CDs or a sometimes-garage-sometimes-dive-bar band, you’ll want the right equipment.  There are a lot of components involved with these systems and the systems themselves will vary.  You don’t want to get screwed with mismatched parts or trying to link a bad mic to a nice system. F unction, ease and performance quality go right out the window.

We have a few basic tips to guide you in the right direction but you’ll want to talk to the guys at the music counter.  A lot of these guys are performers themselves and have probably used a few systems and thereby discovered what works well and not so well.

Space:

Where will you be performing?  A small club or larger venue?  You want enough power to be heard well but not so much that it overpowers your audience and the room.  For smaller shows, a system with standard full-range speakers is probably adequate.  Consider portability, maybe a mixer with built-in amp would work well to lessen the amount of equipment and cables.

Microphones:

How many do you need?  Cabled mics are cheaper but if you move around a lot on stage or move through the audience, a wireless would help avoid any embarrassing trips over cords (leads), even if it’s taped to the floor.

Amp:

Headroom.  Remember what we were saying earlier about compatible components?  You want to make sure your speakers are getting enough juice from your amp, otherwise they could be damaged or cause distorted sound.   More power is good in this case.

Mixer:

Also known as the thing with all the knobbies and buttons, this is where things like your volume, bass, treble and reverb are balanced.  You can get digital or analog, the difference being a computer processor or circuit board, respectively.  Power mixers are analog mixers with some extra amp.  As a singer with backtracks, you won’t need as many channels or a massive mixer like a live band might.

Speakers:

Remember you have to carry these things…for small stuff, about 350-500 watts will suffice; bands, DJs and larger venues, would need something like 500-1,000 watts.  There are different configs too: full-range, midrange, tweeter, woofer, subwoofer (if necessary).

You may want to consider getting a ready-to-go, all-in-one system. As long as it suits your power needs, the many components will already be system-compatible. And don’t forget the mic stands, cables, snakes, speaker stands, etc.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for affordable PA systems.

Image Source: themusicmasters.com

So you’ve got your new flat screen TV and are anxiously awaiting the moment when you can sit on the couch, pop in a favorite Blu-ray disc, and immerse yourself in the home theater experience.  Hopefully you’ve remembered to purchase a TV stand and your new flat screen isn’t still in its box on the floor mocking you from across the room.  No? That’s okay.  We’ve got your back. Here’s a few guidelines for your search:

Size — Obvious, right?  You want to look at how big your TV is and get a stand that’s appropriate.  Something within a few inches of the TV size is probably sufficient. If you choose a larger stand, then there’s room for accessories, home décor, speakers, etc.  If you choose a smaller stand, the TV will hold its own as the room’s focal point.  Check the weight of your TV and make sure the stand can support it.  There’s little worse than propping your new flat screen on a makeshift cardboard box TV stand and then watching it tumble forward because that was a dumb idea… no matter how temporary it was supposed to be when you just barely moved in and had no furniture but blew a wad of cash on a flat screen because it was a killer deal.  (Not that we’ve done that…)

Color — Probably the easiest consideration.  This stand will be a focal fixture in the room, and as part of the furniture it should complement the look.  Light wood, dark wood, black finish, metal, glass… there’s a lot to choose from so look around your room, evaluate your options and shop around.

Style — I have to say, I was never a big fan of the huge TV/entertainment centers that took up an entire wall.  I think they may have had their time as far as home furnishings go, but their bulk seemed to dwarf whatever room they were in.  Personally, I’m a fan of cleaner lines, minimal design and open space, but this is your TV stand so decide what options you want.  You gotta look at it, right?  Cabinets have the added bonus of storage space and nooks can provide display places for room accents like books and flower vases and Xbox accessories.  Corner styles can maximize an awkward space and swivel styles can be adjusted (swiveled) for multiple angle viewing enjoyment.  You could also go with a flat screen TV mount, which takes a lot of these considerations on color and style out of the game and really maximizes space.

Features — I really wouldn’t recommend getting a stand with wheels for your flat screen.  Man, that just tenses me up thinking about the multitude of things that could go wrong pushing it from room to room.  Don’t do it.  In fact, stands are specifically made wider for flat screens.  But things like cabinet and drawer space, adjustable shelves, glass doors, hardwood, veneer, metal, glass, etc., are things to look at when making your decision.  You may want to place your Blu-ray or gaming system underneath or nearby so the shelf spacing, arrangement and cable access are definitely things to look at.

Shop — Just about anywhere; online, furniture stores, electronics stores, and places like your local Ikea, Wal-Mart and Target will have a selection.  Like everything else, prices will vary so look at your budget. It will all be worth it once you get to sit down and enjoy your new love.

Here is a great option for up to a 42” plasma TV:

Bello Metallic Silver Stand for Plasmas: $178.75

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more flat screen TV stands.