Hardware Upgrade Tip of the Day #30



*1. MONITOR SHOPPING TIPS--PART 1 OF 4          
  
Would you like to use your computer monitor for multimedia 
presentations, in addition to using it for your regular desktop work? 
Shop for a monitor that accepts video inputs from VCRs, camcorders, 
and other audiovisual devices. One example of a monitor with this 
capability is Samsung's SyncMaster 570p Plus TFT. The 570p is a 
15-inch LCD flat panel display that features both composite and 
S-Video input. Check it out at   

http://www.samsung.com


*2. MONITOR SHOPPING TIPS--PART 2 OF 4          
  
Is flat a good thing? When you head to the store, you'll find both LCD 
flat-panel displays and flat-screen CRT monitors. You may wonder if 
flat screens make a difference in terms of image quality, compared to 
the traditional curved screen of older CRT monitors.  

In a word, yes. For decades, CRT tubes were curved out of necessity, 
not because of a design choice. The electron gun technology used for 
many years required a curved tube front, in order to position the 
internal gun equidistant from every point on the screen. 
Unfortunately, this curvature slightly distorts the image for the 
viewer. We've all just gotten used to it over time.  

However, a flat screen does present the image without distortion. 
Thus, if you work in graphic, video, or art production, you may want 
to spend the extra money on a new flat CRT monitor or a LCD flat-panel 
display.


*3. MONITOR SHOPPING TIPS--PART 3 OF 4          
  
Some monitors offer an extra USB hub integrated into the monitor case, 
and you may ask why. Good question--this feature costs extra money, 
but really has nothing to do with your monitor. Monitor makers started 
including USB hubs as a space saver for cramped computing environments 
(so that the hub unit doesn't take up space in its own separate box).  

However, if you don't use USB devices or you don't require any 
additional USB ports or hubs, you should forgo a USB-ready monitor and 
save the extra money.


*4. MONITOR SHOPPING TIPS--PART 2 OF 4          
  
Is flat a good thing? When you head to the store, you'll find both LCD 
flat-panel displays and flat-screen CRT monitors. You may wonder if 
flat screens make a difference in terms of image quality, compared to 
the traditional curved screen of older CRT monitors.  

In a word, yes. For decades, CRT tubes were curved out of necessity, 
not because of a design choice. The electron gun technology used for 
many years required a curved tube front, in order to position the 
internal gun equidistant from every point on the screen. 
Unfortunately, this curvature slightly distorts the image for the 
viewer. We've all just gotten used to it over time.  

However, a flat screen does present the image without distortion. 
Thus, if you work in graphic, video, or art production, you may want 
to spend the extra money on a new flat CRT monitor or a LCD flat-panel 
display.


*5. MONITOR SHOPPING TIPS--PART 4 OF 4          
  
Another strange feature of modern monitors is the integrated speaker 
set. Like the USB hubs (mentioned in the last tip), integrated 
speakers are only a space-saving convenience. However, you may find 
that the speakers aren't any good and you're stuck with them; only a 
few monitors allow you to detach and remove the speakers from the 
monitor case. In addition, if you ever decide to upgrade to 
surround-sound speakers or to a set that includes a subwoofer, you may 
find the integrated speakers take up valuable space on your desk. Only 
consider integrated speakers if you're very space conscious. Most 
users should purchase speakers separately.


*6. CHANGES IN WEB TV--PART 1 OF 5          
  
Not had a briefing on WebTV lately? The products and services of 
WebTV, at   

http://www.tivo.com  

first made this concept a reality, but their products don't offer Web 
access capability.


*7. CHANGES IN WEB TV--PART 2 OF 5          
  
WebTV's interactive programming allows you to browse Web sites related 
to the TV shows you watch. WebTV's picture-in-picture capability lets 
you browse them while you watch the show. You can also search updated 
TV listings, set reminders for shows, and even have WebTV program your 
VCR to record shows you don't want to miss. All of these features are 
new to WebTV; the original service was really only a way to browse the 
Web using your TV as a monitor. Now the service is trying to leverage 
its connection to television.


*8. CHANGES IN WEB TV--PART 3 OF 5          
  
One of the original complaints about WebTV was local access 
numbers--the service wasn't available in all areas. Well, it still 
isn't, but Microsoft has attempted to solve the problem by allowing 
you to use other ISPs and their local service numbers to gain access 
to the WebTV service. Because you'll be paying the monthly service 
bill of another ISP, WebTV will discount your WebTV service $10 per 
month if you connect in this manner.


*9. CHANGES IN WEB TV--PART 4 OF 5          
  
In the beginning, you could only get WebTV in the United States. Now 
Microsoft has expanded the service to Canada and Japan. The WebTV 
site, at  

http://www.webtv.com 

offers links to the WebTV home pages for both of these countries. In 
the United States, you can buy a WebTV Internet Receiver from Philips 
Magnavox, Sony, RCA, Mitsubishi, or Samsung, but for Canada only Sony 
currently makes a compatible device.


*10. CHANGES IN WEB TV--PART 5 OF 5          
  
Initially, Sony sold its WebTV Internet Receiver only in stores, but 
now you can purchase the product through Sony's Web site at 

http://www.webtv.com 

and send it in for the free two months' service.
