Hardware Upgrade Tip of the Day #15



*1. USB MODEMS?          
  
It's true--USB modems like Viking Components' new 56K USB modem 
are a little easier to set up than standard external modems. 
However, typically you only set up your modem one time, so this 
convenience may be overrated. And you'll pay more for the USB 
interface (currently Viking's modem costs about $20 more than a 
standard external 56K modem). Still, the hot-swap capability of 
USB modems makes them worth the money for those who switch 
between PCs regularly.


*2. BLAME IT ON MP3          
  
We probably can't blame the drop in CD-RW drive prices on El 
Nino, but it may have something to do with the MP3 "make your own 
music CDs" craze. Whatever the reason, CD-RW drive prices are now 
down to an average of about $140--very affordable for the cool 
CD-R and CD-RW (as well as CD-ROM) media compatibility. If you're 
planning to create music CDs, archive data, or just share big 
files with friends, you might check into one of these drives. 
They are cheaper than ever.


*3. FINALLY--ADSL          
  
We've been hearing about ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber 
Line) for a couple of years now, but very, very few people have 
had access to it. This 1.5 megabit-per-second modem technology is 
currently available in only a few test markets. However, phone 
companies--which have been holding up the works as they slowly 
upgrade their equipment to make it compatible with ADSL--are 
finally getting their act together. Expect wider availability of 
ADSL this month and next. Check with your phone company for more 
information.


*4. HOW MUCH IS FAST?          
  
Strap yourself down--PIII 550-MHz desktop systems have arrived. 
Even with full-scale upgrades, you'd be hard-pressed to get your 
older desktop systems up to this level of performance. Weigh the 
cost of upgrading your old computer against the cost of these 
brand-new 550-MHz systems and see where the numbers fall. It may 
be time to throw in the upgrade towel and buy new.


*5. BEFORE YOU BUY A DVD-ROM DRIVE--PART 1 OF 4          
  
My completely unscientific survey among family and friends tells 
me this: People first get sucked into DVD because their computers 
have a DVD-ROM drive, and then, ultimately, they all end up 
buying a DVD player for their televisions. This is so they can 
enjoy the best thing about DVD--namely watching movies. To avoid 
getting stuck in this expensive cycle, keep the next few days' 
tips in mind before you order a DVD-ROM drive for your computer. 

First, go to a computer store and ask to watch part of a DVD 
movie on a computer monitor. The experience isn't actually all 
that bad, but if you're like everyone else, it will take only a 
few hours of doing this before you begin to wonder how much 
better it would be to watch a DVD movie on your larger TV screen 
while sitting on your comfy couch. That's when you've gone past 
the point of no return. So, sit in the computer store watching 
DVD until this feeling hits, then head to the electronics store 
and buy a DVD player instead of a DVD-ROM drive for your computer. 


*6. BEFORE YOU BUY A DVD-ROM DRIVE--PART 2 OF 4          
  
You may have heard about DVD-ROM products that let you broadcast 
the DVD data over to your TV via wireless technology. Yeah, neat 
idea, but most of these gadgets are still quirky--at least the 
ones that I've examined. They usually limit the distance between 
your PC and TV. Also, starting, stopping, and pausing the movie 
remotely are usually tricky maneuvers. In the end, you'll likely 
wonder why you're enduring so much hassle, and you'll go out and 
buy a DVD player for your TV. Save yourself the trouble and money 
and do this first, before you buy a DVD-ROM drive.


*7. BEFORE YOU BUY A DVD-ROM DRIVE--PART 3 OF 4          
  
What's the key difference between a DVD-ROM drive for your 
computer and a DVD player for your TV? The DVD-ROM drive allows 
you to access all the data (read: applications) that DVD creators 
store on their discs. With a player, you're limited to playing a 
movie and stepping through the small menu of options that the DVD 
movie discs provide. Isn't this difference worth buying a DVD-ROM 
drive for? To put it bluntly, no. In general, the creative use of 
DVD-ROM discs has been underwhelming. These discs often show 
nothing more inventive that what has been done and what is still 
available on CD-ROM. Movies are the best thing about DVD. And 
there is no better way to watch DVD movies than on a big-screen 
television--not on a smallish computer monitor.


*8. BEFORE YOU BUY A DVD-ROM DRIVE--PART 4 OF 4          
  
Planning to order a new computer? If so, you'll see DVD-ROM 
drives are now stock components of many preconfigured home 
systems. You may be tempted to just click that "Add to My 
Shopping Cart" button, but before you do, select the standard 
drop-down box arrow that lets you skip the DVD-ROM drive and 
choose a plain ol' CD-ROM drive instead. Generally, you'll see 
that wonderful message that choosing the CD-ROM entitles you to 
subtract X number of dollars from the total purchase price of the 
system. In other words, opting for a CD-ROM drive instead of a 
DVD-ROM drive on a new computer will save you money. And this 
money would be wisely redirected toward the purchase of a DVD 
player for your television.


*9. FASTEST PC CHIP NOT AN INTEL?          
  
For years, Intel has led the way in chips by continually 
releasing new PC CPUs that ranked as the fastest PC processors 
available. Now, however, AMD may have taken the lead with its new 
650MHz Athlon processor. Head-to-head testing against the fastest 
Intel Pentium III chips still remains to be done, but initial 
performance analysis suggests that the Athlon is the new speed 
king. You'll find AMD's 650MHz Athlon available on new PCs 
this month.


*10.  DIGITAL PHOTO PROCESSING          
  
Anxious to share your new digital camera photographs but not sure 
how? One option is Club Photo, at 

http://www.clubphoto.com  

This Web-based digital photo service will post your work either 
for a small fee (for a premium membership) or for free (provided 
friends and family periodically visit the site and view your 
photos). You can also pay Club Photo to print your images on 
T-shirts, photographic paper, or other media.
