Things To know About Refrigerators

Nowadays,  refrigerators  have acquired many new options and functionalities which make it more or less  profound to choose the best for your needs. The new features added to enhance its basic functionalities make it more than a fridge or an entertainment gizmo! This overview is concerned with the matters that are important while  figuring out the most suitable one which will give you the best return for your bucks or satisfaction.

Working:

The refrigerators work on the principles of cooling hot air by mainly the process of compressor, condenser and cooling agents. More on this and repair: applianceassistant.com.

Types of Refrigerators:

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There are four options, for domestic consumers,  pertaining to the styles of refrigerators. Top Freezer  “fridge” or  refrigerator has the freezer on the top   and offers more variety in terms of colors and price, but probably less of the features. Bottom Freezer has freezer located at bottom and similar to Top Freezer unit, for reaching out to ice or icecream  easily!  Side-by-side is compartment style one, frozen foods on the left and fresh foods on the right. French Door combines the drawer style of  bottom-freezer unit with the doors of Side-by –side unit, provides more space than any of above style of fridges. Compact or portable style for accommodating in narrow spaces. Others are RVs, uses different energy sources to power them.

Specifications and Performance:

Most of the refrigerator are available in various capacities,  e.g. 200 liters and  above;  Defrosting methods such as Frost free, automatic, cyclic and semi automatic, which are just different way of cooling. Other things are  deodorizing (as fresh air is available, only inside and outside cleaning is required!), inverter (when light goes off, it works), door lock , door cooling, bottle rack ( holds bottle firmly?),  water dispenser and different company specific features(e.g. door cooling tech, etc.). As many brands of refrigerators are available to choose from, it comes to your own choice and availability.

The performance parameters would be  good energy efficiency, less noise producing, energy cost/year, total usable capacity, interior width and depth as well as exterior height and width. Ratings, usually specified on it, are based on above criteria.

 As more different models come in the market from time to time, the on-fridge display with automatic controls (“smart features”) and internet connectivity might be available.

About Kindle E-Book Readers

E-book reading devices are very much here and preferred because of their ease of use and large storage space (can hold more than 1000 books). Although there are other e-book readers in the market, the most popular e-book reader is Amazon’s Kindle. It is now available around the world. It is mostly preferred because of its lightweight,  long battery life, large storage space among other features. Here, let’s check on the latest from this class, Kindle Fire HD and Kindle  Paperwhite.

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Kindle Paperwhite

Paperwhite hasWI-FI, 3G functionalities; books can be downloaded from Amazon store without a computer over  the Internet. Paperwhite is screen technology with built-in light and multi-touch with good resolution and screen size is 6 inches, which means you can see sharpest text and images. More battery life (28 hours) and dedicated content availability (e.g.   magazines, books, newspapers and blogs). Most of the document formats are supported ( TXT, DOC, PDF, HTML) in these models which are similar to iPAD. Text-to Speech is not supported in Paperwhite but supported in Kindle Fire, you can listen instead of reading if tired, perhaps. Kindle Fire HD has compliant of most of the audio formats and  image formats.  Also, there are other additional features, varies from manufacturers to manufacturers, such as built-in dictionary, highlighting of  favorite passages and others.

You can read the reviews of Paperwhite at :  

reviews.cnet.com/e-book-readers/amazon-kindle-paperwhite-special/4505-3508_7-35827154.html or  see comparison of  various ebook reader here: e-readers.findthebest.com/  Buy Amazon Kindle From: TeleOTimes.blogspot.in, see right column. Altogether, if you like to read books on digital screen rater than old way (days of paper books gone?) then this is for you with convenience of downloading online (more ebooks are freely available) without going to book store and better experiential features.

About Microwave Ovens

Microwave ovens are not just for heating the food but nowadays a way of preparing a delicious meal. Most of the recipes are based on microwave. Let’s see what these are and noteworthy things to keep at hand.

Working:

Microwave ovens use electromagnetic waves of frequency range from 1000 megahertz(MHz) to 300,000 MHz, corresponding to a wavelength range from 300 mm to 1 mm. The microwave  just makes water molecules in food (on rotating platform) to vibrate, producing heat, which spreads throughout the food by induction. More on at wikipedia.com (though it's not recommended by academicians).

Oven Types:

Besides microwave oven, There are various types of ovens such as Electric ovens (works on electricity), Gas ovens( if using gas ), Built-In (built directly into wall) and Double ovens ("two ovens stacked on top of or alongside one another, which allows them to cook at separate temperatures, for cooks who prepare large meals and need the versatility that two ovens offer"). More on  it at: www.which.co.uk/home-and-garden/kitchen/guides/how-to-buy-the-best-oven/oven-types/

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Microwave Oven

Microwave Types:

There are various types of microwave ovens as well: over the range, convection, built-in, commercial and  countertop. “Countertop models are found in most households; all you need is access to a wall plug and the surface space” and “Microwave ovens with convection features are energy savers that employ a heating element and a fan that moves the hot air around inside the oven. The result is even cooking temperatures and tasty food” according to  www.microwavedirectory.com.

Tips:

The most important thing in choosing microwave is to have its  size and capacity to muster on, as it should fit in your kitchen and fulfill cooking needs. Next thing would be the power that it can deliver. Most of the consumer microwaves are in the range from 600 to 1200 watts. Professional microwaves can deliver upwards of 1500 watts. Too much of power can results in overcooked food. The size of turntable and lighting, for  cooking all sides  equally. Other part would be the features that it offers, from  manufacturers to manufacturers, such as programmable menu screens, automated timers, cooking options, sensor cooking (adjusts cooking and defrosting time by setting power levels automatically), One-Touch Reheat, Multi-lingual Menu Action Screen,Inverter Technology ( delivers fine flavor to your foods and retains perfect color, just like with conventional oven cooking. No overcooking of the edges and surfaces), and keep warm feature (allows food warm until ready to serve).

Although mobile phones have been reported to be causing various ailments because of its radiation of EMWs,  there are no reports of any harm by microwave ovens!

Advancement in technology  brings in more features and accessories to next level cooking, and may be with its own different aspects.

About Digital Cameras

The Internet has made it possible to post your photos  to FB, Twitter or any other site. The camera apps in mobile phones or smartphones  and tablets can take optimum pictures  without compromising much of a detail. However, for serious photography ( sports or wildlife) , you may have to consider other options available in digital cameras. So, here are some points on digital cameras to consider when purchasing that piece of gadget.

The most important advantage of a camera is that you can print your photos on your own  on photo-quality papers or without going for developing a photographic films as would be in older cameras; and can be uploaded to a Computer and edited  them by using various photo editors available online.  

There are various types of cameras offering  features  such as :

•       Optical zoom and Optical Image Stabilization
•       Sensors for producing better quality photos (color and light adjustments)
•       Built in WI-FI and NFC(Near Field Communication) connectivity
•       Some cameras come with video recording (DSLR)
•       Picture effect mode and sweep panorama , and so on…

• These and other features are explained later, meanwhile, let’s take a look at the types of cameras available:

Types of Digital Cameras:

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Compact Cameras

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DSLR 

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High speed camera

•       The Kodak Instant Cameras which let you print photos instantly as you click an object are no longer manufactured but can be available in secondary market. As per your applications, you can choose cameras from variety of shapes and sizes:
•       Compact cameras (portable and lightweight ) for partying or get-to-gather.  
•       The Cameras with lens support and other advance features (zoom lens and image stabilization).
•       DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera offers professional level features such as interchangeable lenses, automatic as well as manual controls( ISO-sensitivity of image sensor to light, if less then low sensitivity to light-better output, Aperture and shutter speed). The website, Digital-photography-school.com has explained these terms.
•       The cameras that are waterproof, dustproof and shockproof. Scuba.com reviews cameras for underwater expedition and other diving gears.

•       High-speed cameras for wildlife and sports photography. The website,  highspeedphotography.org are the one to look for in this case.   
•  
• key  Features To Look For:

Resolution: The features vary from camera to camera, so elaborating some main features here , although explaining  features are more or less a part of professional photography.

Different camera manufacturers have rounded off to different density of pixels, such as 5MP, 8MP and so on.  5MP OR 5 mega pixels of density determines photographs’ detailing; the more of it, the more precise the photo will be. For more see: wikihow.com/calculate –a-digital-camera’s-resolution-from-its-pixel-count. Resolution also determines how large a print will b, 5MP  camera produces 8x10  inch photos with all details intact. For more see:  design215.com/toolbox/megapixels.php for print size chart. Higher the resolution,  the bigger image file will be. 5MP or 2MP camera is sufficient for posting on social networking  sites.

Sensors:  It provides better color reproduction under different light conditions. Sensor’s  resolution should be at least twice the camera’s resolution, e.g. sony’s 20.1 MP APS-C Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor. CMOS  backside illuminated is most used sensor technology in cameras.

Lens:  A zoom lens magnify an object without moving closer. Zooming via lens is called optical zooming. On the other hand, digital zoom refers to pixel-level mechanism which may degrade picture quality, and for computer ‘s zoom.  Optical zoom is recommended. 3X zoom  for general photography, 10x to 12x zoom for wildlife and 60x zoom for space photography.

Image Stabilization: With this, you can shoot whilst in motion. It can tackle well all the camera movements. Digital Image Stabilization is more effective than optical (performed by shifting lenses)

Storage:  Most of the cameras provide flash memory (in-built) which is better to use rather than directly on hard drive, and with SD card slot.

User Interface: Most of the cameras are compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems and can be connected to  computer via USB port.

Box Light: This is an additional or optional feature to muster on while producing professional quality photographs, as in fashion photography.

Accessories: Batteries: Lots of power is consumed by LCD screen and camera. Rechargeable battery technology will improve or use exchangeable batteries (as in torch). Bags and tripod for long lenses.

Nowadays, camera comes with video recording as also( or Camcorders), where all the above criteria applies  and some additional features need to be considered such as WI-fi (wireless connections of limited range to Internet over smartphones or tablets for uploading clips quickly),  NFC – swipe two NFC-enabled gadgets  together to transfer photos ,  microphone jack for recording voices, headphone for listening what the microphone is hearing and view finder.

About SIM Cards And What It Can Offer

In earlier days when mobile revolution was gaining grounds, the  mobile phones or cell phones had limited functionalities and CDMA (the mobile communication method to transfer messages) based phones did not require SIM cards, but the technology advancements (e.g. GSM) have made it possible for new services and apps. Let’s see what these technologies are and their farthest possibilities.

GSM  (Global System for Mobile Communications) based network  uses SIM card, a SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card, according to wisegeek.com and wiki’a,  is a portable chip which holds personal information of a account holder (your account), including phone number, text massages and other information(unique serial number, international mobile subscriber identity, etc.). It can be removed from one handset and inserted into the other. CDMA (Channel Division Multiple Access) based cell phones do not use SIMs but store user’s data in the handsets itself.

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SIMcard IN MOBILE

Each SIM card has a unique number printed on it, which is needed to be activated by the mobile phone service provider (or carrier). SIM cards only work with a particular service provider and the service plan that it offers. It can be activated by carrier’s website or by calling carrier directly. Pre-paid SIM cards allow flexibility of use without being tied to a particular carrier, you can switch to other local SIM cards in foreign country to save roaming charges.

 A global SIM card works in multiple countries and requires a Global System for Mobile communication phone to work. There are services (SMS, voice mail, etc.) and availability of network that comes with a particular carrier and differ  for one carrier to another. Global SIM cards require call phone that is capable of working in all countries; a quad-band phone works in majority of countries.

Dual SIMs phones use two SIM cards and allow two different numbers to be communicated, usually, for professional and private callings or standby mode.

International SIM card, for travelers, from company to company, provides  varying set of facilities, including free incoming SMS services, but not limited to data services, phone numbers and more.

Usually SIM cards are secured but new threat test has revealed that it is vulnerable to attacks, as mentioned by engadget.com/2013/07/22/sim-card-hack, which means somebody can call up by using your SIM card. In this case of security, you can use mobile security software to protect your phone. Or you can use Calling Cards, which can be purchased online, and less complicated to use.

According to wired.com/business/2010/01/ipad-mini-sim/, your phone’s SIM card does not work with iPad, which needs to be adjusted to fit it into iPad.

As more mobile communication technologies are developed, the new facilities might  come into play.

Tips For Choosing Projectors

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Multimedia projectors are very much at service for office  document presentations, but with the progress in technology, nowadays, projectors are packed with more functionalities and features. So more choice to unscramble which can be made less arduous, here, with the tips described cursorily.

Projectors work by producing images on screen by passing light through LCDs (in LCD projectors), or by reflection in DLP (digital light processing) projectors or producing images by the use of LEDs(light emitting diodes). LED projectors are smaller and require less maintenance among the three .  The lamp life in DLP and LCD require it to be changed more frequently than in LEDs. Movie projectors work by imparting light on reels of film frames by the effect of mirroring and lens and producing the images on the white surface or screen whilst synchronizing sound with the frames.

There are various types of projectors such as 3D, wireless, pocket (size of 2.4”x6.3”x5.3” and weight  of apprx. 1.0 kgs), portable and interactive;  be it for conference room, class room and home theater.

Functionalities: Office document presentations are supported in the most of the projectors, however there are other functions more than just presentation. The USB, HDMI ports allow connection of TV and computer with it if the cables are provided, providing high-quality digital video;  and even  FM transmitter to broadcast audio to any sound system with an FM radio tuner.

Light Output:  The lamp should produce equal to or more than 270 lumens of brightness of light on the screen to be able to have nice viewing  with appropriate size of image. The various modes, as an extra specifications as mentioned on the product itself and adjustable, allow better color output and contrast. Projectorreviews.com and projectorcentral.com have reviews of many projectors.

Resolution: XGA or 1024x768 as against 800x600 or SVGA produces better document or images as it has more pixel density, lines and gradients appear distinctively.

These are  not the ultimate guidelines on projectors but covers almost all attributes.