Gadgets Blog » Desktops

UEFI: Is This New Technology the End of BIOS?

Dan Evans — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 21:27:43 +0000

As prevalent as computers have become in our daily lives, one of the most important features in an electronicdevice remains one of the oldest. BIOS, which stands for basic input/output system, has remained a part of electronics since it was created over 25 years ago. The simple computing processes provide the vital start-up systems for computers of all shapes and sizes. The technology which debuted in 1979 was never intended to last as long as it has. Yet the fact that it remains a part of modern computers explains why devices have such lengthy starting times.

That’s where new technology designed by a cooperative of computer scientists comes into play. UEFI, or United Extensible Firmware Interface, has been designed to perform the same function as BIOS with the modern computer in mind. Old computer functions under BIOS have had difficulty adapting to the numerous elements of modern computer, especially USB peripheral devices and external harddrives. UEFI takes these relatively new advancements into consideration, which is good news for developers: developments that remain just on the horizon such as touchscreens and “natural-gesture” interfaces will be able to work smoothly.

But the real attraction here is boot-up time. A typical computer now takes thirty seconds or more for the log-in screen of the OS to appear. This is due largely in part to the limitations of BIOS. UEFI can cut that time to literally seconds. In an article with The Telegraph (UK), head developer Mark Doran gave us a look at what it could be capable of. “At the moment, it can be 25- to 30 seconds of boot time before you see the first bit of OS sign-on. With UEFI, we’re getting it down to a handful of seconds. It’s not quite instant-on, but it is already a lot better than conventional BIOS can manage.”

UEFI is expected to begin moving into the market share next fall. It’s a development that could provide a subtle, but highly beneficial boost to the development of personal computers. As the demands on the basic systems of the computer begin to grow, sublte changes such as this will allow computers to become smaller and smaller, all the while being more responsive to our personal needs.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/oskay/367844180/

Time for a Change: Inside Intel’s Upgrade Service

Dan Evans — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 20:22:14 +0000

As far as computer hardware companies go, few have the same level of brand recognition as Intel. The classic four-toned advertisements from the 1990s established the manufacturer in the public eye, and with good reason. Intel’s world of computer processors has fared well in the 21st century, with the chips being incorporated into laptop computers, smartphones, and tablets. However, if you happen to have an Intel chip in a desktop computer, upgrading to a new CPU has been one of the more difficult and technically challenging upgrades to make.

Intel, in an innovative idea, has decided to simplify this process. The Intel Upgrade Service is a new program intended to allow users to upgrade their computer without needing to make physical changes to the computer. Intel’s latest run of computer chips offered consumers a puzzling choice: pay a premium to unlock additional computing power, or do nothing and enjoy a reduction in the processing power.

The move has seen both supporters and detractors, with compelling arguments on each side. In order to make the upgrade, users purchase an online product from Intel, which then downloads an executable file to their computer. This file launches an upgrade process on the computer, unlocking the additional computing power. The entire process is simple to follow, a lot like installing any other file from the Internet.

Supporters of the measure point out its a great way to make upgrades to a computer more viable. Some users won’t require the extra memory, thus enabling them to save on the less expensive chip in the short-run. However, others are upset that Intel would put a product to market and also deliberately block out part of its physical capability. To them, the chip should be usable as it is. It will be interesting to see if this idea catches on to other aspects of computing.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/huangjiahui/4907798630/

Three Cool Ideas for Computer Cases

Ritika Puri — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:01:51 +0000

Ten years ago, when I built my first desktop computer, we didn’t have many options when it came to aesthetics and style. Computers came in the shape of big rectangular boxes – and that was that. If we wanted to get creative, our options were…paint, see-through, and lights (if you really wanted to shell out the money). As much as I wanted a pretty computer, I didn’t think it was worth it to make the extra investment. Even though I was a web designer, I wasn’t an artist, and I was more concerned with my home-built computer’s functionality and speed.

Flash forward to the other day – I was browsing through an electronics store and found myself lost in the computer case aisle on the way to the restroom. I was wowed by all kinds of unique designs where style meets function meets retro throwbacks meets advanced technology. If you are building a computer, you have so many options no matter what inspires you – spaceships, toaster ovens, home stereos, bright lights, and so much more. Here are some affordable favorites that I’ve come across:

1. The Apevia Blue X-Cruisier with a clear side ($64.98)

This case is big enough to support all of your power-needs. With a front temperature gauge, you can easily monitor your energy usage while checking out all of the cool stuff that’s going on inside. You can even control your fan speed and volume for ultimate streamlined efficiency. Plus, everything inside is a bright blue.

2. Logisys Pre-Assembled Blue UV Reactive Acrylic Case ($72.18)

During the day, this beauty is completely clear, and at night, it’s bright blue. It’s a great option for both gamers and amateurs with some for all kinds of expansion (four 5.25-inch bays, two 3.5-inch bays, and six HDD bays).

3. CSX Custom Hand Painted Shag Wagon ($799.99)

No words.

Cool Items on a Budget: Printers, Hardware and More!

Dan Evans — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:18:43 +0000

Today we’re looking at some great gadgets available at some great prices, which should be a great asset to anyone feeling the post-Holiday crunch. This time of year can be excellent for a smart shopper, as there are plenty of deals to go around. Companies are trying to clear off their shelves for new products, but here at Smarter we have some great items and even better deals.

Great Deals on Game Controllers!
For an avid video gamer, the controller can make all the difference. For the major consoles, there can be a bit of a decision to make, as Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft all have their own official controllers available, whereas third party developers oftentimes have units for significantly less. Alternative game controllers oftentimes boast features that can give huge boosts to the gaming experience. If you’re a PC or Playstation 3 racing fanatic, the Logitech G 25 Force Feedback Wheel provides one of the most realistic driving experiences available at a reasonable price for such a high-end steering wheel. Other great deals include the Thrustmaster Wireless Pad for the Playstation 3. It features a more naturally contoured fit to the hand that is very similar to the Xbox 360 controller. Also, the rubber grips function great during marathon gaming sessions and are a great cure for sweaty palms. If you prefer to stick with brand-name controllers, Nintendo offers a “Classic Controller” for the Wii that has the same shape and button scheme as the classic Super Nintendo controllers, which can be great for games where the Wii Numchuck isn’t a good fit for game play.

Great Deals on Dell Computer Hardware!
One great advantage of owning a PC desktop is the ease with which the hardware components can be upgraded. Instead of throwing down close to $1000 for a brand new machine, it’s straightforward to purchase and install new parts, such as video cards, sound cards, and memory. This extends the longevity of the computer, without the need for an entirely new model. Here at Smarter, we have some great deals right now on Dell hardware, which means it could be the perfect time to upgrade your machine. A Dell memory module is a great way to boost the RAM, giving increased computer speed and performance, while a Dell heatsink and fan can ensure the performance of your CPU, especially important if you opt to overclock your machine. If you’re in the market for a new PC, I strongly recommend looking into available upgrades first! You can save a lot of money by choosing to upgrade your current desktop instead of replacing it.

Great Deals on Printers and Scanners!
A great asset for a home office, a powerful printer and scanner can do everything from printing clear and crisp documents to vivid pictures. Throw in a powerful scanning unit and you have the ability to do all sorts of things, such as digitize an old collection of photos. This time of year is great for picking up some powerful printing and scanning units. If you’re a digital photo buff, Kodak makes an excellent EasyShare Photo Printer for quickly printing out digital photos with excellent clarity and contrast. For more conventional printing and scanning needs, an all-in-one unit like the Office Jet Pro 8500 allows for great flexibility and can handle bulk and high-quality printing. If you haven’t invested in a printer or scanner for a while, this is a great opportunity to track down some hot deals, and you’ll likely be impressed by the quality of most models on the market.

Image Source: masternewmedia.org

New PC Helps Seniors To Learn How to Use Internet

gadgets — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:34:57 +0000

If your nana is like mine, then she is adamant about not jumping into the 21st century and is convinced that computers are too complicated for her to bother with. And if you are scratching your head wondering just what would please her this Christmas, you might want to hear about this:

A new computer called SimplicITy helps people over the age of 60 who have never before used PCs or the Internet experience the simple pleasures of chatting, social networking, online gaming, online shopping, online dating perhaps if she is single.

The simplified desktop opens to a bare bone screen called Square One that is designed not to overwhelm. It displays just six clickable buttons that will direct users to basic tasks such as e-mail, chat, browse the web, store photos and write short documents. Each machine is pre-loaded with 17 video tutorials from television presenter Valerie Singleton. Grandma will never have to worry her pretty head about login screening or drop down menus. If she has a problem she can just go ‘back to Square One’ and start all over again. Moreover she can make new friends as all SimplicITy users with an eldy.org address will be able to chat to each other via the “chat” button.

Each machine is built on a Linux operating system. Users can replace the SimplicITy desktop with a standard Linux desktop if they feel confident enough to move on.

The made-to-order computer can be ordered by mail and takes two weeks from request to delivery. You can order the PC from SimplicITy website, using your PayPal account.

Source: BBCNews

External Hard Drives: Don’t Regret Not Backing Up!

colleen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:39:44 +0000

Memory is the most valuable thing, in life and in your electronics. You never want to lose the records for your games, your homework papers, your financial figures, etc. So, what do you do? You need to back up your files on an external device to make sure, even if your computer crashes, your memory can still be retained. Think of all the valuable photos from years of vacations, papers and job applications, your resume, your address book, all of those things would be lost if your computer suddenly crashed (which they do, all the time. Believe me!) Smarter.com features some of the best external hard drives at the lowest prices. Take a look:

Verbatim 160GB External HardDrive: $61.16

Iomega UltraMax Hard Drive with 500GB Memory : $118.99

Shop thought a variety of discount external hard drives at Smarter.com.

1TB of Secure Backup with Western Digital

gadgets — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:13:28 +0000

From: $99.99

Because sometimes you just want to keep your information secure.

Western Digital’s Elements 1TB USB 2.0 external hard drive will do just that and make it easy for you, too, by arriving pre-formatted and ready to plug-and-play via USB. Compatible with PC or Mac, desktop or notebook, that’s a terabyte of backup capability. That’s equal to over 800 hours of DVDs or 370,000 photo images. Songs? Um… a lot.

Disk Speed: 7200
Transfer Speed: 480 Mbps

Get it at Newegg and receive free shipping and a free gift with select purchases. No code required.

Find more external hard drives at Smarter.com.

Desktop Deal: Dell XPS One

gadgets — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:21:26 +0000

Dell XPS One: From $1,317

From Dell and (PRODUCT) RED, the XPS One desktop comes with a 20-inch widescreen display, an Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 processor, and super sassy red color.

This affordable desktop computer comes with wireless keyboard and mouse, MS Office Home and Student 2007, 2GB dual channel DDR2 SDRAM (667MHz – 2 DIMMs), 250GB serial ATA 3gb/s hard drive, 8x DVD/CD burner, and integrated speakers. Take a break from work and enjoy the hybrid analog/digital TV tuner with remote control.

The system also includes Adobe Elements Studio, one year of Dell’s DataSafe Online Backup that makes restoration easy by backing up your system to a remote data storage site, and six months of free dail-up Internet access included in the price. It can be further customized by you when you order with add-ons like wireless, webcams, warranties and environmental options like planting a tree to support reforestation.

The Windows Vista system is an Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED OS version, with the power, security and mobility of Vista enhanced with (PRODUCT) RED features like wallpapers, gadgets and unique screen savers you won’t find anywhere else.

And the karmic bonus, $80 from this sale goes to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa. You can feel a little better about your workday while you click away on your XPS One knowing that the $80 pays for more than six months of antiretroviral treatment for one person.

With free shipping from Dell and a $40 rebate, this desktop makes everyone smile. No code required but the rebate expires September 26, 2009.

Find more affordable desktop computers at Smarter.com.

NEC CRV43: How is This for Curve Appeal?

gadgets — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:30:42 +0000

NEC’s CRV43 desktop monitor with 32:10 aspect ratio at a 2880 x 800 pixel resolution offers incomparable viewing experience and unprecedented screen immersion. The curved screen increases productivity, while decreasing frustration that creeps up due to frantic eye movements when trying to follow rapidly fluid screen displays. Its sizzling looks (gotta love the curves!) come with a price tag of $7999 but in this case you pay for both beauty and brains. CRV43 has been designed as a perfect display for those applications requiring lightning-fast 0.02 millisecond response time, much wider field of view(42.8” monitor), greater dynamic range and wide color gamut. Other enhanced features include:

Eliminates bezel and screen gap issues
No data or window interference
Taskbar extended natively
Easy setup with one input
Single link DVI-D input
HDMI 1.3 input
USB 2.0 connectivity
Front panel controls
On screen display (OSD) and software-based GUI enabling advanced display control options

The NEC CRV43 curved display is backed by a 3-year parts and labor warranty including the backlight and will be available for July 2009 shipment.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more desktop monitors.

Server Deal: Visionman TSI-1NG700 Tower

gadgets — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:40:47 +0000

For the small business on a budget seeking an affordable computer, the Visionman TSI-1NG700 Tower Server is a great match. Easy to install and configure, this tower has plenty of expansion room. Additional hard drives, processors and memory can be added to customize your system, which also means as your business grows, it can grow with you.

The Western Digital hard drives are known in the industry for their speed and dependability. The Intel Pentium Dual Core processor has a very low thermal overhead while maintaining the efficiency it’s known for. The operating system is sold separately, allowing you to further customize your system.

Specs:
· Pentium Dual Core E2180 Processor
· 2GB Dual Channel DDR2-800
· Dual Western Digital 250GB SATA-II Hard Drives
· Asus P5N73-AM Motherboard
· 16X DVD-ROM
· nVidia GeForce 7050 Onboard Video
· AC ’97 8-Channel Audio
· 3.5” Floppy Drive
· RAID 1 Preconfigured
· Integrated 10/100 LAN
· (2) USB 2.0 Ports
· WOL, WOR, PXE Supported

Get it at Unbeatable Sale before August 15, 2009 and save 15% off $75 or more with code: dadbeglad

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for affordable computers and tower servers.