Month: April 2015

Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) cards may seem likely to be exact same card model, but make use of different connection types that possess different limit for the maximum performance capabilities of these cards. They are simply computer bus or expansion card standard, for connecting hardware devices. PCI-Express slots are mainly located on the motherboards and are strictly used for video cards while their counterpart PCI slots are slots present on virtually all motherboards which power-up different types of cards like soundcards, TV tuner cards, Universal Serial Bus and Fire-wire cards.

The Standing PCI

A standard PCI makes use of a shared bus topology, where every component must utilize the same bus network for all their processes while a PCI Express utilizes a serial link topology and happens to be the latest standard for expansion cards made available on personal computers.

Addition of the PCIe

The PCIe offers about 250 MB/s in each direction with a maximum allowable 32 lanes (x32), 8 GB/s supported in each direction and this has been known to increase with newer specifications while the PCI boasts a mere 64bit, 66MHz combination speed and peaks theoretical at a bandwidth of 512MB/s.

How Do They Differ?

In terms of graphic cards, the PCIe cards communicate better with the motherboard 40 times or greater than the rate of conventional PCI graphics cards due to the fact that PCIs are limited by bandwidth. While the additional bandwidth made available by the PCIe connection cards lets the graphics cards manage significantly more complicated graphical data analysis, which depicts that PCIe graphics cards are capable of producing better visuals than the common PCI graphics cards. It is although very possible for high powered Peripheral Component Interconnect cards to provide graphics that can better a low-powered PCI Express card.

They both possess different connection methods and even though they both possess “Peripheral Component Interconnect” in their individual names, they are still two major different technologies. They both possess backward- compatible and forward-compatible revisions for their individual port types and these can’t be interchanged.

While it is possible for the same card models to be available in both PCI and PCIe revisions, the PCIe versions of the card will significantly outperform or better the PCI versions of the same cards. Although, lesser-powered cards may tend to see the same level of performance on PCI and PCI Express cards due to the card not needing more bandwidth to perform optimally than the common PCI standard provides.

The PCI Express cards are here to stay and they are gradually replacing the earlier bus interfaces and for the nearest future will be a force to reckon with as motherboard makers will produce varieties of PCIe slots along with the slowly diminishing PCI slots. For now though it won’t usually matter what particular upgrade component you can buy as your computer’s motherboard will possibly possess a matching slot for any that you choose.

So, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years you have certainly had a phone and a phone number attached to it as well. You probably used this phone to contact your friends and your family because, well, that is the purpose of phones! Certainly, you used a regular size SIM card on your phone to identify your phone number and to store some information.

SIM Card

But things are now changing and your normal SIM card is now going to become obsolete in the next few years, provided you actually change your phone to a new one sometime in the future. What’s happening is that the SIM cards are getting smaller and smaller.

Micro SIM

First, came the micro SIM card which was basically a cut version of the regular SIM card. Its usage is now starting to spread over a lot of new phones because of the obvious advantage of it being smaller, allowing the phones to use precious space inside of them for other important things.

Nano SIM

But as technology advances, things keep on getting smaller, and the same thing happened with SIM cards. Apple has announced the release of the iPhone 5 along with the era of the nano SIM card.

What is Different Between SIM Cards

The micro SIM card was basically a cut version of the regular SIM card, and as such, it was around half the size of it, measuring around 0.6” in length and around 0.5” in width. For example, the iPhone 4 now uses the micro SIM, and it does not accept the regular SIM card. Even though they are even smaller, they now have a very big downside to them.

These cannot be cut out of the micro SIM card with ease, because they are also less thick than the regular SIM card (and as such, less thick than the micro SIM card). The nano SIM card is 40% smaller and it measures around 0.5” in length and 0.3” in width.

Back when the iPhone 5 was released, the availability of the nano SIM card for people that bought the iPhone was an issue, but nowadays the nano SIM card is as widespread as the micro and the regular SIM card.

What Are The Key Differences

To summarize, the big difference between these two is the size, and when it comes to SIM cards, it really does matter. IT matters mainly because now some phones can’t handle a regular SIM card, and others can’t even handle the micro SIM card. As technology keeps on advancing, it seems that these cards are just getting smaller and smaller and who knows, some day, these might even be so small that we won’t really need to see them at all – some machine will put them into our phone for us.

TiVo and DVR are both used to record live TV shows with the ability to watch them as replays after recording. These recording systems permit users to carry out multiple activities while recording e.g. actions can be paused, fast forwarded or rewind while watching and recording live TV shows. Over the years, the difference between Tivo and DVR has been a subject of debate. Although quite a number of people think that they both share the same similarity since they play the same role, yet TiVo still stands out to be the most preferred.

TiVo

TiVo came into existence in the year 1999 as a recording device that grants users the ability to record and watch live TV shows at the same time, when connected to the television. TiVo was created to enable users download their favorite TV shows and not to worry over the use of a VCR.

DVR

On the other hand, DVR functions in the same way as TiVo, the only distinctive feature about it is that it is an inbuilt device that comes along with customers’ receiver. When you take critical analysis at the modus operandi of DVR you will discover that it is a remake of TiVo.

Capabilities

The number of shows on TV that can be recorded with TiVo and DVR is limited to their storage capacity as they both come with different sizes of hard drives. However, external storage devices can be employed to transfer recorded programs with TiVo. These programs can be watched on other devices like PCs and Mac. In addition to this feature, online recordings can be established with TiVo although, this feature is not accessible with all satellite and cable companies.

TiVo gives grants its users the ability to control live shows without having to disrupt their recording activity. It permits its users to carry out functions like rewinding, fast forwarding, pausing and showing instant replays of shows. Sport lovers appreciate this feature, it gives them the ability to re-watch scenes that were missed even at their own will without having to wait for a replay.

Recording Systems

Although both recording systems present users with the option to make selections from a catalog of movies, TiVo has a more enhanced feature that enables users to download any movie of their choice when they are connected to their Netflix and Hulu Plus accounts.

Both TiVo and the traditional DVR grant users the ability to listen and record their favorite music from any music channel they find themselves in. However, TiVo provides its users with a wider selection range to any music available on the user’s PC. With this unique feature, music can be streamed from any music program to TiVo.

Technological Advancements

Technologically speaking, TiVo has also made giant strides via the internet world. Users can now watch videos on YouTube and gain access to other media programs online from their mobile devices like Smartphones and iPads, thanks to the TiVo mobile app.

We are in a world that needs internet to survive. Without the use of the internet, a lot of business would just crumble down and a lot of people would be desperate just for a little bit of their daily dosage of social media or any other thing they use the internet for. But when it comes to 4G technology, it’s time for people to make a decision between two of the main providers: WiMAX and LTE.

Are They Similar?

Before going into the actual differences, we can see that there are similarities between both of these service providers. To start it off, they are both IP technologies, and they both support advanced multiple input and multiple output antenna technology (MIMO). So as we can see, they aren’t all that different.

Bandwidth Channels

Or are they? If we decided to look into the differences between them we can see that LTE uses different bandwidth channels that range from 1.4 MHz to 100 MHz. As opposed, WiMAX uses bandwidth channels of only up to 40 MHz, which as you can see will make an notable difference. On top of that, LTE uses different modulations for uplink and downlink, as opposed to WiMAX which has the same modulation for them both.

Speeds

Plus, if you’re going to do things fast (and possibly break them), you are also going to be using LTE rather than WiMAX because at the top speeds that these can handle are very different from one another. While LTE can handle speeds of up to 450 km per hour (280 miles per hour), WiMAX can only handle speeds of 120 km per hour (75 miles per hour).

Network Roaming

While the LTE network enables the coexistence with systems like 2G and 3G, as well as roaming between these systems, the WiMAX network doesn’t support these other systems and doesn’t allow roaming nor the coexistence between them. But then again, the costs for building a WiMAX network are lower than the costs of building a LTE network.

As we can see, LTE is compatible with a lot more technologies from the old days (this is important because, unfortunately, we can’t just get something whenever it comes out – we’re not rich) and on top of that, it enables a lot greater speed for mobile users. These are all significant advantages and if you can afford LTE you should always choose it over WiMAX since the advantages speak for themselves.

Of course, if you are going for 4G on a lower price, than the obvious choice you are going to take is WiMAX, but you will need to remember that you are doing it just to save a little bit of money. While doing so, you are however going to lose quality on the service provided.

Any real photographer needs to have a really good camera to keep up with him. After all, those amazing pictures we see pretty much everywhere weren’t captured with a smartphone, were they? Cameras, allied to amazing photographers, have the power to capture sensations, emotions and spirits all at once – and that is one of the most amazing arts out there.

What Makes The T3i and T4i Different?

There are two mainstream cameras around the corner that need to be looked into: the T3i and the T4i. When photographers looked at the differences between the T2i and the T3i they realized they weren’t significant, but that is not the case then it comes to the differences between T3i and T4i.

To start it all off, the T4i brings in a new technological advancement we could see on other platforms already: the touch screen. One of the most frustrating parts of having a decent camera was the navigation though dozens of pages of options and settings and through dozens of buttons and arrows that you needed to identify first. Now, the touch screen technology is here to make it all worthwhile: just ask anyone who has a smartphone.

But we’re not here to talk about how well the camera does when your pushing its buttons, we’re here to talk about how well the camera does when you are using it for its purpose. The technological advances on the new T4i model now made it even better when it comes to the auto-focus system.

Usually, cameras only had sensors that were able to focus either horizontally or vertically, so a lot of objects being photographed were getting “damaged” in the quality of the images that were coming out – simply because the sensors couldn’t handle it. With the new technological advancements, now sensors can focus both horizontally and vertically, which means that the new T4i is going to perform better than the T3i, without a doubt.

When it comes to the processor, and how well the camera can process image data, we can also see an advantage in having the T4i by your side instead of the T3i. The T4i has now a new Digic-5 processor, which is actually six times faster than the old processor found on the T3i, the Digic-4 processor. This is an improvement so big, that now the T4i can reach a top burst speed of five frames per second, while the T3i couldn’t even reach the four frames per second, even on its best days.

Due to all of these differences, we consider the T3i model to be a weaker, outdated one regarding the T4i model. As you can see, technological advancements have made the difference in these two cameras and as such, if possible, you should always go for the T3i.

The Apple iPad has become a common electronic accessory and it comes in a variety of different sizes. While it can be tough for a person to decide between the 16 GB iPad and the 32 GB iPad, this decision should be made based on the usage needs of the consumer. The two devices may seem similar on paper, but there are a key differences that a consumer should be aware of before making a purchase.

What Are the Differences?

The 16 GB iPad is perfect for the person who does not need a great deal of storage space. If you are someone who simply uses their tablet to browse the Internet or check your e-mails each day, then the 16 GB iPad will suit you quite nicely. But a person who has greater storage demands may want to look into purchasing the 32 GB iPad.

Which One is Right For You?

A user who uses their tablet to play games, download all of the newest apps and watch feature films should choose the 32 GB iPad, as it provides the additional storage space needed for these activities. Another key difference between the 16 GB iPad and the 32 GB iPad is the pricing structure.

Cost Differential

For every additional gigabyte, Apple charges the consumer extra. The difference between the 16 GB and 32 GB iPad is roughly $100, which could be the deciding factor for many consumers. There are ways for the user to add extra storage without purchasing an iPad with more storage capacity, but even iCloud storage comes with a modest fee.

Media Use

The more streaming that you do, the more storage you need. Even those who do not stream full length movies on their iPad should think twice about purchasing the 16 GB if they plan on streaming YouTube videos and music files on their tablet. An iPad is capable of compressing these files, but only up to roughly 15 percent.

As you can imagine, this will eat up any extra space you have very quickly. That’s why the main difference between the two iPad is the storage size. You will need to evaluate your usage needs and decide whether the additional space is truly important to you. The more games, apps, television shows and movies that you download and stream, the less space you are going to have for other forms of storage, so tread wisely.

There are options available to the consumer to increase storage space, but these typically involve the purchase of an eternal storage unit or the use of iCloud storage. While there are very few major differences between the 16 GB iPad and the 32 GB iPad, a consumer must be well aware of what they are trying to accomplish before making a decision. The casual browser typically favors the 16 GB, while those who require more from their tablet will opt for the 32 GB.

Screen printing or serigraphy is a printing process that was invented in China over two thousand years ago. As its name implies screen printing uses screens to create different layers of color on a material to make the required design. The process uses a perforated screen to transfer ink onto the material to be printed on (called the substrate), while also preventing the ink from getting on parts of the substrate with a non-permeable material (a stencil) attached to the screen. The ink is pushed through tiny holes in the mesh onto the material as the printing machine momentarily presses the screen against the material. This process is repeated using different inks and stencils until the desired pattern is achieved.

Digital printing on the other hand, is a computer based printing method where a digital image is printed directly onto the substrate. It is sometimes called ‘direct imaging.’ The image to be designed on the material is first created in a computer as an artwork, and then it is transferred directly onto the material in much the same way as we print paper documents on a desktop computer/printer system. Digital printing is a fairly new development in the art of printing.

So which is better? There is no definite answer to that question because each method of printing has its pros and cons. To determine which method is preferable one would have to take into consideration the specifics of the particular design. Factors to consider include the quality of the final product, material to be printed on, size of the order, the project budget and amount of time available.

Screen Printing

Pros of Screen Printing
1. Ideal for large orders because costs reduce with quantity.
2. Produces vibrant colors due to the thickness of ink applied.
3. Longer lasting and more durable.
4. Good for large size prints.
5. Versatile: Prints on wide variety of materials and shapes.

Cons of Screen Printing
1 Requires a lot of set-up time: screen, stencil and ink preparation.
2. Minimum order required.
3. The end product feels thick.
4. Not good for photos or high resolution images.
5. Not always clean.

Digital Printing

Pros of Digital Printing
1. Great for small orders; can print only one copy.
2. Is good for photos; it has excellent resolution.
3. Great for complex designs with minute details.
4. The finish is thin and cannot be felt.
5. The final product is very clean.

Cons of Digital Printing
1. Cost does not reduce with quantity.
2. The range of colors is limited by the printer.
3. Cannot print white ink.
4. Print area limited by printer size.
5. Ink is expensive.
6. Prints mostly on fabric and paper.
7. Print time is longer.

So, screen printing or digital printing, which is better? The answer is determined by your specific project and circumstances. Have fun printing.

If you’re like me, you probably just think that printing is printing, and that there’s no real difference between offset and digital printing right? Well, as it turns out, there is really a difference between them and we are going to look at the differences between these two printing methods in this article, so that you can make the best possible decision regarding these two when you get to your next print project.

Understanding Offset Printing

Simply put, offset printing is the best solution whenever you are in the need for large quantities due to its technology. It uses plates that are usually made out of aluminum that transfer the image onto a rubber “blanket” which will, in turn, roll the image into the paper sheet you use. The name “offset” was given to it because the ink is not directly transferred into the paper, it has a stage where it goes through the “blanket”. It provides proper color reproduction and a clean looking printing, just like the professionals do it. It is, of course, the best choice when it comes to large amounts.

Digital Printing

Digital printing, on the other hand doesn’t use plats just like offset printing does. It uses a variety of options such as toner and uses liquid ink. Digital printing only rises above offset printing whenever you are in the need for a low amount of printing. The use of variable data printing is only possible in digital printing as well, since offset printing cannot accommodate that. Variable data mean that each piece is a little different than the other, without damaging the whole collection as a whole.

What Are the Benefits

The advantages of using digital printing include the costs (the costs are lower on the shorter runs) and you are only going to be printing small amounts so convenience is also a factor. You are going to print what you need whenever you need it, in the amounts you need.

As referred above, you also have the variable data capability so you can make personalized pieces to each one of your employees without having to waste a of money.(assuming you want to give your employees some flowers that is). Finally, digital printing has improved in the last few years due to technological advancements and as such, the quality makes it acceptable for a lot of users worldwide.

On the other hand, offset printing has a lot of cost advantages when it comes to printing in large amounts and the more you print, the cheaper it is going to be for you per piece. There is also the possibility of using special custom inks that you wouldn’t be able to use in digital printing due the type of printing and its own nature. Offset printing is the way to go is you are looking into large amounts.

If you are a fan of lasers and all of that, or if you need to get some treatment with a laser or an IPL, you might get confused as to what they are, since they look like the same thing at first. After all, IPL means Intense Pulsed Light, which, to me, sounds like a laser. That is, at least, what most people end up thinking – but they are wrong.

What Is Their Similarity?

The big similarity between IPL and laser is that they are both used for permanent hair removal, and they both use light while doing so – that is about it. Their applications can be incredible different due to the fact that people have different skin colors and different resistance to the light, as such some situations call for an IPL while others call for laser.

They both involved the production of energy in the form of a spectrum of light that is then absorbed by the pigments of the hair. This is the big purpose of both of them, but to understand them properly, we need to go a little bit into the differences between them.

Laser Machines

Laser machines are the well-known kind of hair removal machines and they are pretty simple to understand. What they do is that they generate a wavelength of light that concentrates on target in order to target the melanin that is present in the hair follicle.

We can distinguish IPL machines from laser machines because these form a broad spectrum of wavelengths while the laser machines form one single wavelength that focuses on target. This means that usually, people think that IPL isn0t as effective as laser due to the concentration the laser wavelength has on a single hair follicle. This isn’t exactly the case, since the need for IPL only applies to people with darker skin or darker hair follicles.

People with lighter skin and lighter hair follicles have no need for an IPL, or no need for a laser precisely. In fact, either one of them works perfectly fine for people with light skin and hair follicles, but people with darker skin or hair follicles will probably have the need to use laser instead of IPL due to the broad spectrum of wavelengths produced. IPL can cause burns on darker skin types while the laser, since it is focused, is also adjustable and a lot easier to control.

IPL

IPL is, however, less efficient in the treatment of hair reduction due to the fact that it is not reinforcing and coherent (as opposed to the focused wavelength of the laser) but it is sometimes a necessity because IPL has a cheaper price as opposed to laser treatments.. Nevertheless, it is quick to spread out, so the affected area is going to be larger.