Hardware Upgrade Tip of the Day #33


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Hardware Upgrade Tip of the Day

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*1. PC REMOTE CONTROL          
  
A mouse makes a difficult tool for controlling a PC-based 
presentation. You still have to use even wireless mice in close 
proximity to a PC, so presenters often find themselves standing 
between the audience and the PC screen.  

Enter Interlink Electronics' RemotePoint RF, a radio-frequency PC 
remote control that lets you stand up to 100 feet away from the PC you 
are controlling. The RemotePoint features mouse controls, forward and 
backward slide buttons, and an integrated laser pointer.  

http://www.interlink.com


*2. MICROPHONE-SPEAKER HEADSET TIPS-PART 1 OF 3          
  
Microphone-and-speaker-combination headsets are becoming more and more 
popular. With microphones you can call people over the Internet, talk 
to your word processor software, or talk to a game. With a speaker 
headset, you can hear game sound effects or listen to audio files 
you've downloaded from the Internet, all without disturbing others. 
Over the next few days, I'll mention some tips to keep in mind while 
you shop for a microphone-speaker headset. 

First, comfort is key. Both the earphone and the strap going over your 
head should be lightly padded so you'll feel comfortable even after 
wearing your headset for hours at a time. Try on any headset before 
you buy it. At the risk of looking stupid, walk around the store 
wearing the headset for a while. Prolonged use may show you the 
difference between comfortable and ALMOST comfortable.


*3. MICROPHONE-SPEAKER HEADSET TIPS--PART 2 OF 3          
  
The microphone arm of your microphone-speaker headset is vitally 
important. The arm should be flexible enough to position the 
microphone pickup mechanism about a thumb's width from the corner of 
your mouth. It should also be rigid enough to stay in position once 
you've aligned it properly. If the arm is too rigid, it won't fit 
everyone's head or face. If the arm is too flexible, the microphone 
will end up lying against your cheek or hanging down by your ear, both 
of which make for poor voice recording.


*4. MICROPHONE-SPEAKER HEADSET TIPS--PART 3 OF 3          
  
Do you plan to listen to music over your microphone-speaker headset? 
If so, definitely choose a model that features two stereo speakers 
rather than the more common single-mono speakers. You shouldn't have 
to switch from your microphone headset to headphones when you switch 
on the tunes. Again, your best bet is to listen before you buy.


*5. PC WITH TINY FOOTPRINT          
  
You've heard about small-footprint PCs, but how about zero-footprint 
ones? Check out Cybernet Manufacturing's Zero FootPrint PC for the 
smallest of the small in desktop PCs. The Zero FootPrint is basically 
a full system unit and keyboard--including CPU, RAM, hard drive, and a 
24X CD-ROM drive--crunched down into the space of a thick keyboard. 
For further details check the Web site at 

http://www.cybernetman.com


*6. FIREWIRE TIPS--PART 1 OF 5          
  
The IEEE 1394 specification, also known as FireWire, describes a data 
bus that far surpasses the USB bus in speed. FireWire can transfer 
data at up to 400 Mbps. You'll now find digital video cameras, 
scanners, and external hard drives that use the FireWire bus. 
Unfortunately, despite original plans and promises, very few PC 
manufacturers include FireWire ports on their new PCs. If you're 
interested in this fast new bus, you'll most likely have to install it 
yourself. 

Over the next few days I'll pass along some items to keep in mind if 
you plan to make your PC FireWire-capable. 

First take an inventory of open card slots inside your system. You'll 
need an open PCI slot for the IEEE 1394 add-in board.


*7. FIREWIRE TIPS--PART 2 OF 5          
  
You can purchase your FireWire add-in board separately or as part of a 
hardware-software package. If you plan to use your FireWire port for 
capturing digital video from a camcorder, I would recommend that you 
shop for a FireWire card with video editing software. You'll likely 
save money, and most combo packs of this sort come with detailed 
installation and setup instructions (more than you'll find if you buy 
the FireWire card by itself). 

Otherwise, if you plan to use your FireWire mainly for a scanner 
connection or for other peripherals, you can buy a FireWire card by 
itself for as little as $150.


*8. FIREWIRE TIPS--PART 3 OF 5          
  
Because FireWire (IEEE 1394) is still relatively new, you might 
encounter some compatibility problems, as others have. To avoid 
compatibility problems, do as much preliminary investigation as you 
can. If your PC already features FireWire ports, check your PC maker's 
Web site to see if it offers a list of FireWire hardware tested with 
the company's systems. 

Whenever you actually go to purchase a FireWire peripheral, ask about 
any known compatibility problems before you buy. This will save you 
the hassle of returning products that don't work.


*9. FIREWIRE TIPS--PART 4 OF 5          
  
Are you running Windows 98, Second Edition? If not, you might 
seriously considering upgrading to this operating system. Most 
FireWire hardware will specify that it runs on Windows 98, and 
technically both versions of Windows 98 support the bus. But users 
have generally found fewer FireWire-related problems when using the 
second edition of Windows 98. If you're still considering FireWire, 
add the price of the Windows 98 SE upgrade into your cost analysis.


*10. FIREWIRE TIPS--PART 5 OF 5          
  
Believe it or not, you can use your desktop's FireWire peripherals on 
your notebook computer as well. You just need a Firewire-Cardbus 
adapter such as the $100 version sold by FireWireDirect.com 
(www.firewiredirect.com). These PC Card FireWire adapters won't 
transfer data at the same speed as the desktop PCI FireWire add-in 
board, but it IS nice to have the option of sharing FireWire devices 
between a desktop and a notebook.
