Computer Hard Drives & Disk Storage
By Administrator | October 16, 2007
With so many different brands of computer hard drives and computer storage units on the market, it’s difficult to know where to get the best value for your money. You may find the perfect hard drive or extra storage you need at one store or web site, make the purchase and then find the very same hard drive for $50 or $100 less than what you paid. Bummer! And if you are unsure of exactly what it is that you need, choosing a hard drive and storage can be quite a challenge. We’ll make it easy for you!
If you need external hard drive or storage, you have a great variety from which to choose! Western Digital’s WD Passport Portable USB 2.0 Drive is a sweet little digital portable hard drive that is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. This hard drive is the perfect portable storage for all your business files, music and video files, games, and other computer files that you want to take “on the run” with you! The 5400 RPM hard drive is easy to use, and at 2.5” x 3.5”, it fits easily into a pocket or hand bag. The hard drive is protected by a sharp, tough, shock-absorbing case to provide maximum protection for your hard drive and the data on it!
Nspire hard drive enclosures accommodate a wide variety of storage devices, including the smaller 2.5 inch mobile drives in the 253 series, the 3.5 inch ATA 340 series hard drives, and the 5.25 inch optical hard drives in the 511 series. The drive enclosure provides top quality cooling in either an aluminum enclosure or a steel casing equipped with a cooling fan. Equipped with user friendly LED indicators, Nspire external storage device enclosures are part of the complete data backup you need. Its USB 2.0 and IEEE 1394 firewall options make it faster than tape back up and less expensive to maintain.
Hitachi hard drives are well known for their high quality performance standards and durability. Their Serial ATA Hard Drive HD (0A35772) is only 3.5 inches and gives you a fat 1 terabyte of storage capacity! Its 3 Gb/s SATA provides maximum configuration flexibility for thirty recording zones on five data disks. Rotational Vibration Safeguard (RVS) ensures full-bodied performance in multi-drive environments. Hitachi is so sure of the quality of workmanship in their products that the Serial ATA Hard Drive comes with a 5-year warranty!
Technology is always moving forward, but it doesn’t have much consideration for its predecessors, so nowadays you often have to request the addition of an onboard floppy disk drive. Although you may think floppy disk data storage is a thing of the past, let’s hope you don’t learn the hard way that floppy disk data storage can be a real life saver when you accidentally delete small, but vital files from your computer! Sony’s MPF82E-U3-132 1.44 3.5 external floppy drive storage device overcomes that risk factor for you by enabling you to read or store up to 40 gigs of data, or to transfer valuable data from floppy to internal hard drive storage. The convenient USB connector provides simple interface with most computers and optimal 480Mb/s data transfer rate.
The Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 is the largest and most reliable disc drive found. Providing new perpendicular recording technology that supports vertically stored data bits, enables increased areal density and dependability for workstations and performance PCs. The internal 3.5 inch storage device features PATA HDD 7200 RPM. It is 1” tall and carries a five year warranty.
Toshiba is well known for the dependability and hardiness of its laptop computers. Toshiba’s laptop hard drive, HD (MK 2035 GSS) SATA mobile storage device features a 200GB duel platter drive with enough capacity for portable video recording and editing, gaming, music and other multimedia applications. It also features lower power consumption compared to the traditional 3.5 inch HDD’s. The serial ATA (SATA) II interface is ATA-7 compliant and supports higher transfer rates of up to 150 megabytes per second. This laptop hard drive is ideal for manufacturers who build laptop computers as a replacement for desktop PCs, by combining capacity and power, although it weighs only 98g.
There are many other varieties of hard drive and storage devices for both laptop and PC desktops. Whether you’re looking for SATA, IDE or SCSI hard drives, notebook hard drives, external hard drives, hard drive enclosures, floppy storage devices, or any other type of computer storage device or hard drive that you can think of, you have a world of products and brands from which to choose. With such a wide selection you are assured of finding exactly what you need at Amamax.com.
Topics: Product Reviews | No Comments »
Gaming Gear
By Administrator | October 4, 2007
HALO 3 is here for Xbox 360 and my 15 year-old son, Jake, has waited “forever” for the release of his favorite game!
Gaming Gear can be expensive, and like many families, it’s just not feasible to own every gaming system on the market, especially when you take into consideration the costs of the games, accessories and upgrades. My husband, Jake and I all enjoy console gaming and have been faithful Xbox fans since the release of the original console. We’ve tried other gaming consoles, but Xbox quickly became our favorite gaming gear. We bought all the upgrades for it, and every version of and expansion packs for our favorite games. We also had to put a limit on Jake’s gaming time allotment and a cap on how much we would spend on games and such. If Jake wanted more than our budget allowed, he would have to earn the money for it!
We live near a retirement community, so Jake keeps busy doing odd jobs for the residents. He trims hedges and helps residents plant and maintain their flower beds, runs errands, and even cooks dinner and cleans up afterward twice a week for a sweet old couple who love having him around! The money he earns pays for the extra gaming gear and Xbox 360 games he wants.
Jake really loves the Xbox 360! The 360 graphics are stunning, and he can choose from a good variety of game genres to play. He likes the fast-paced action of “shooter” games like Saints Row, Gears of War and Perfect Dark Zero, and his favorite racing games, Need for Speed Most Wanted, Full Auto and PGR 3. I’m totally hooked on role playing games! Oblivion ROCKS! The adventures are fantastic and the story lines exciting and engrossing for hours of adventuring! The backward compatibility feature of all versions of Xbox 360 makes it a terrific piece of gaming gear that allows you to play many of your favorite original Xbox games, so you need have only one console for all your gaming fun!
Xbox 360 isn’t just about gaming! There are so many other things that your Xbox 360 can do. You can rip your favorite music to the hard drive, and download your favorite TV shows, movies, game demos and levels from Xbox Live Marketplace. The Xbox 360 Elite with its 120 gig hard drive is the perfect gaming gear for this! Each member of the family can have his or her own personalized profile, with customized backgrounds, game preferences, scores and game files, and access to their own Xbox Live Gamer Card. The hard drives on all Xbox 360 models are detachable, making it easy to play shared games in the homes of with friends who also own an Xbox 360 console. This is a great gaming gear feature for Jake and his best friend! They spend a lot of time trekking back and forth between their respective homes, and can play their shared games in both homes!
Perhaps you don’t know about Xbox Live, so let me tell you why it’s such an important part of the Xbox 360 gaming gear. Xbox Live Marketplace is where you can get automatic console updates, game patches and fixes and purchase Microsoft Points with which you can get game upgrades, such as maps, and expansion pack downloads, such as Shivering Isles, and Knights of the Nine for Elder Scrolls: Oblivion, which can not be purchased from anywhere but Xbox Live Marketplace. The Marketplace also gives you access to legal gaming mods, developed or approved by Microsoft Corporation, so you can be sure that there are no hidden scripts or bugs that will harm your Xbox 360 gaming gear!
With the High Definition Media Interface (HDMI) cable that is included with the Xbox 360 Elite package you can get HD video and multi-channel Surround Sound all on one cable! Another cool piece of gaming gear that comes with all Xbox consoles is the Xbox headset. With this gaming gear, and Xbox Live, you can join online games, chat or strategize with friends, send and receive text and voice messages and visit Xbox Live Marketplace, making Xbox 360 one of the most versatile pieces of gaming gear on the market!
Gaming gear also included in the purchase of your Xbox 360 Elite and Xbox 360 Premium is the wireless controller. The wireless controller allows you more freedom of movement, while you can relax in your favorite chair without having to worry that someone will trip over controller wires, messing up your game play. It’s convenient, rechargeable, and gives the same quality of controller response as traditional wired controllers. Your wireless controller game gear is also available for the original Xbox 360, purchased separately.
Another piece of gaming gear that Jake bought with his handyman earnings is the Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter. It’s a dual band 5GHz and 2.4GHz wireless A/B/G that is home network compatible, in a compact, high-performance design. Powered by Xbox 360 to eliminate adapter clutter, it streams photos and music from Microsoft Windows XP and recorded TV, movies, and videos from your Microsoft Windows XP Media Center – based PC.
For our family, Xbox 360 can’t be beaten and just keeps getting better! If you want the best gaming gear fun and value your money can buy, Xbox 360 is what you need! So, load you game, grab your gaming gear, and we’ll catch you on Xbox Live!
Topics: Product Announcements | No Comments »
What is a dual-layer DVD?
By Administrator | September 21, 2007
DVDs can be manufactured with several different physical configurations. A dual-layer DVD, also known as a DVD-9, is a DVD with two layers of storage. Even though a dual-layer DVD contains two layers, it is not two discs. A dual-layer DVD contains only one set of files. In other words, a dual-layer DVD is only one disc volume.
How is a dual-layer DVD made?
DVDs are manufactured by bonding together two polycarbonate plastic discs that are half the thickness of a finished DVD. Each of these “substrates” is 0.6 mm thick. When the two substrates are bonded together the finished disc is 1.2 mm thick.
Dual-layer DVDs have a track of digital content (represented by tiny “pits”) molded into each of the two disc substrates. When the DVD is bonded together these 2 layers are known as layer 0 and layer 1. Engineers who design systems that use digital storage and processing methods always start counting from 0 instead of counting from 1. This is because digital storage systems such as DVDs and computer memory store information using binary numbers. A binary digit (or bit) is either a one or a zero. So, it is easier to code the 2 layers of a dual-layer DVD as layer 0 and layer 1.
Layer 0 is the “first” layer. When you place a DVD in a drive or player, layer 0 is the layer that is closest to the optical pickup of the drive (it is on the underside of the disc, where the laser from the optical pickup will read the DVD). Layer 0 is molded into the substrate that is on the underside of the disc.
Layer 1 is the second layer, on the top side of the DVD. Since both of the substrates are bonded with the information track on the inside, the 2 layers are actually quite close together. A clear bonding lacquer is used to bond the discs together. This lacquer is applied as a liquid to the center of one of the disc substrates. The second substrate is placed on the first substrate, and the two discs are spun, causing the bonding lacquer to flow outward. The liquid layer spreads outward until it is covering the entire surface between the two discs and no air remains in between the discs. The two discs are pulled together as the liquid layer gets thinner. The bonding machine is adjusted to spin the discs at a speed that results in a separation between the discs of between 40 and 70 microns (a micron is one millionth of a meter, or one thousandth of a millimeter).
Dual layer DVDs can be created so that both layers have an information track that starts at the inside (where the track has a diameter of 48 mm, just under 2 inches) spiraling outward. This format is called Parallel Track Path (PTP). More commonly, DVDs are created so that the second layer (layer 1) starts at the same diameter that the first layer (layer 0) ends. In this case the second layer plays from the outside in. This format is called Opposite Track Path (OTP). The DVD disc always spins counterclockwise when viewed from the read-out side. So, for OTP discs the spiral track on the second layer has a spiral that goes the opposite direction as the first layer. Opposite Track Path discs allow the DVD player to quickly refocus the laser beam in the optical pickup onto layer 1 when the player reaches the end of layer 0. The disc continues to spin at the same rotation speed, since the beginning of layer 1 is at the same radius as the end of layer 0. The player can adjust the focus to layer 1, and then begin to read the track from the outside inward.
How do DVD players read dual-layer DVDs?
So how can DVD players read two layers of information on the same side of the disc? How can you shine a laser beam through the reflective surface on layer 0 to read the track on layer 1? The answer is that layer 0 is only partially reflective. While a single layer DVD has a reflective layer that will reflect 60 to 85% of the red laser light, a dual-layer DVD has a reflectivity of only 18 to 30% on layer 0. This means that layer 1 must be highly reflective, in order to allow the read laser to read through layer 0 while still allowing enough light to return to the optical pickup. While reading layer 1 the read laser will lose 18 to 30% of its energy while passing through layer 0, and then 18 to 30% of the light that is reflected from layer 1 will be lost as the returning beam passes through layer 0 again.
Note: Dual-layer DVDs are typically manufactured with a silver alloy instead of aluminum for the reflective metal layer. This is because aluminum is highly reactive to oxygen in air, and when aluminum oxides it turns into aluminum oxide which transmits the red laser light instead of reflecting it. When dual-layer DVDs were first developed manufacturers used pure gold for the reflective layer. Gold is extremely expensive, and so a more cost-effective material was sought. Silver has a reflectivity that is higher than gold or aluminum at the DVD player’s red laser wavelength of 650 nm. But silver is also reactive and it turns into silver oxide (it tarnishes).
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Are we safe? Security & CCTV Cameras
By Administrator | September 20, 2007
Security cameras come in a variety of shapes and styles and are now much more affordable than in the past. You can choose from standard visible cameras or security cameras that are hidden or disguised to look like other objects. Many security cameras operate on batteries or will switch from electric power to batteries during a power outage. You can also buy either a single security camera unit, or multiple units controlled by a convenient power distribution unit, either of which can emit a security alert with the purchase of optional equipment.
In the United States, there are approximately 86,400 home burglaries per day or one every eleven seconds. Of those home burglaries, 1,178 occur when someone is home and between 60% and 70% of total burglaries per day occur during daylight hours. Additionally, in 15% of all home invasions when someone is home result in physical injury or death of those who are at home. Security cameras have been proven to significantly deter crime and aid in the apprehension of burglars.
Security cameras are now more resilient than ever. Dome security cameras can be purchased with an extra layer of protective material that makes them ideal for both indoor and outdoor surveillance. These security cameras are designed to withstand temperature extremes and precipitation, so they are an effective home or business invasion deterrent in all climates and weather. Some of these security cameras are also vandal-proofed, and will survive attempts to destroy them, while maintaining their surveillance efficiency.
Box and infrared security cameras, such as those we are accustomed to seeing in businesses, are also highly efficient in that they provide excellent security surveillance and are so easily recognized that would-be vandals or home invaders know that their every move is being recorded on video. This is a deterrent that could be the deciding factor as to whether or not your family and home or business is safe from harm.
Another great feature of today’s security cameras is that they can be hidden or disguised to look like another object. The so-called “Nanny Camera” is often hidden in a stuffed toy, a knick knack, or in what looks like a smoke alarm or other object attached to the wall or ceiling. These so-called cameras can be used in any room of your home and business, but are not recommended for outdoor use where they will be exposed to the elements or temperature extremes. They provide 24/7 protection, and are not easily detected. Basic packages are reasonably priced you have the option of configuring your security camera package to include additional security equipment, such as the power distribution unit or DVR so your camera will record on DVD instead of standard VHS video tapes.
Most dome security cameras and some of the other models provide 360° views, and with their protective coating make, it nearly impossible to detect the camera “eye.” These security cameras can be used inside or outdoors and are perfect for use as a single camera in a room, or placed around property perimeters. With no red or green light shining to draw the attention of trespassers, you can rest assured that your family and property are protected. And once again, basic security camera packages are very affordable, easily integrate with other equipment if you wish to upgrade for a higher level of security.
We all want to keep our families and property as safe as possible, and by purchasing and installing security cameras in your home or business you can have peace of mind that you are doing everything possible to protect them and keep them safe from intruders, theft and vandalism. Look again at the statistics cited above. Do you want your home or business included in that list? Or worse yet, do you want your loved ones added to the current number of those harmed or murdered during home invasions?
Security cameras can make all the difference in the safety and protection of your home, business, and family. With such affordable prices and the ability to configure a system that perfectly fits your needs, you can feel safe and protected from security threats.
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Car Electronics
By Administrator | August 15, 2007
My wife and I are a couple of former hippies who traded in our Flower Power VW Beetle for a sensible Chevy sedan when we learned we had a family on the way. It made my parents and grandparents deliriously happy when I shaved my beard, cut my hair, bought a couple of suits, joined the Establishment, and stopped saying “cool” or “groovy” in every sentence. For the next 25 years, our cars were nothing more than transportation to and from work, and to shuttle the kids back and forth between football and gymnastics practices and events. The electronics in our cars were always just the standard AM/FM radio and cassette player, but we never forgot toolin’ along in old Flower Power, groovin’ to the latest Stones or Beatles 8-track blasting from the home stereo speakers that took up most of the back seat of the car. We never dreamed car electronics could get any better! Now, we know differently.
Recently, my Old Lady (she still likes to be called that), Celeste, and I decided to buy an RV and take the grandkids on a month-long journey through Alaska. We knew times had changed, and that Flower Power and her cutting edge stereo setup were ancient history, but we had no idea how far car electronics had come until the grandkids began telling us what the RV needed to keep them occupied.
It started with the five year-old twins, Gracie and Avis, insisting they needed a DVD player so they could watch their Disney, Sponge Bob and Barney DVDs. Celeste and I knew that for the sake of our sanity, the girls also needed headphones! We checked out car electronics at our favorite online store amamax.com, and found a sweet deal on a Flip down 9 Inch DVD Player Car Monitor that came with two sets of wireless headphones.
I was really surprised at the quality of the LCD display! The picture was crisp, and the colors were fantastic! It looked more like something you’d see on your home PC monitor rather than what you might expect from car electronics! The sound quality was pretty cool, too, and the girls would be able to listen to their music CDs too!
Our grandsons, Seth and Elijah are both 14, and are best friends as well as cousins. They love to play video games so they needed a monitor with gaming capability. One of the guys in the car electronics department set us up with just what the boys wanted! Their monitor had AV ports so they could plug in a console and wreck cars, kill monsters and blast each other to Kingdom Come …with headphones, of course!
Now that we had the grandkids taken care of, it was Gram’s and Gramp’s turn to explore the fascinating world of car electronics!!
As a loving tribute to Flower Power, our top priority was a kickass sound system! Man! Have car electronics come a long way! We thought Flower Power’s in-dash 8-track, AM/FM setup was the ultimate in car electronics, but our RV sound system is more than I’d ever hoped for! Not only can we play CDs, but we can listen to satellite radio, MP3s, iTunes, and even plug in our Bluetooth enabled cell phones! How cool is that?! Celeste thinks I went overboard with the car speakers, but when we’re toolin’ along to and through Alaska and back, and she decides to take a nap, she’ll thank me for the sweet sounds coming from the extra speakers installed in our “bedroom!” Instead of hearing just a staticky, speaker-cracking bass line, she’ll be able to drift off to perfectly equalized, virtually distortion-free music that comes across with the clarity of our home computer stereo speakers. Thank goodness for new technologies in car electronics!
While shopping for our car electronics systems at Amamax.com, we ran across a GPS system. Believe me when I say that our onboard GPS saved us hours of time from not having to backtrack because we missed our exit, or took the wrong exit as we did with our old CNS (Celeste Navigation System). Celeste loves that she can watch DVDs, and even catch her favorite TV shows, instead of having to wrestle paper maps and peer at them through a magnifying glass to get a fix on where we are and where we should be going. I like that part of it too: knowing we’re always on track keeps my blood pressure down! In fact, on such a long journey into territory totally alien to us, such car electronics probably saved my life. I’m certain it saved my marriage!
Last, but by far not least, we decided to buy a rear view back up camera. This proved to be another life/marriage saver because I didn’t have to worry about Celeste backing over a car or running over something in her blind spot while she drove. Don’t get me wrong, Celeste is an excellent driver, but the RV isn’t her minivan! Our car electronics guru at Amamax.com set us up with a car camera with wide angle view and night vision, which made driving at night much easier for both Celeste and me!
We all had a great time on our trip through Alaska, and we have the videos and photos to prove it! Once we were back home, Celeste immediately went to visit our guru to get the minivan set up with the auto sound system and other car electronics she most enjoyed.
And as for me? I still have a full head of hair that I’m letting grow down to my butt, I sport a full, but nicely trimmed beard and mustache, and I’ve got my eye on a vintage VW van. My guy at Amamax.com says he can have it fixed up with all the car electronics gadgets I want in no time at all! You can visit them too and check out all the great things yourself.
Topics: Customer Testimonials | No Comments »
