Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The Xbox Kinect And Sony Move Motion Controllers

If you really want to get your teen the latest and greatest in video game technology then Xbox Kinect and Playstation Move are where it’s at.


These are new add-ons for the original consoles, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 respectively, that will mean new motion controlled gaming and extra fun for the
entire family!

What Do The Kinect and Move Do?

Because the technology is so new, it helps to find out a little more about what these controllers actually do before you consider buying them as gifts.

Xbox 360 Kinect: The Kinect was first known as “Project Natal” and is designed without a controller. It actually senses movements (through a senor bar) from your whole body to control what’s happening on the screen.

Sony Playstation Move: This does make use of a controller, but is extremely sophisticated and can sense a wide range of movements. It also makes use of a navigation controller with directional pad.

Both options work to create a new in-game experience that means even the slightest movements are picked up. This is similar to the Nintendo Wii, but goes much further.

Different Purchase Options

If you’re looking to buy either of these motion sensors for your teen or tween this Christmas then you have a few different purchase options. Both can be bought without the consoles (if you already own them), in which case the Move costs around $100 for all of the separate items, and Kinect costs $150.

You can also buy the motion sensors alongside the consoles, if you want an even bigger and better gift. There are two versions of the Xbox 360 & Kinect bundle: $300 for the 4GB console and $400 for the 250GB version. The 320GB Playstation 3 & Move bundle also comes in at $400.

Who Should You Buy The Kinect and Move For?

The Kinect and Move are aimed at both seasoned and casual gamers. Much like the Nintendo Wii, these motion controllers have the ability to get anyone involved, whether they usually like playing video games or not. That said, the Kinect is said to be more family-oriented than the Move – but it all depends on which console your recipient already owns. They’ll already need to have the console for these accessories to work.

Should You Buy The Kinect or Move?

Although these are both technically classed as “controllers” or “accessories” for existing consoles, they don’t come cheap. They are a huge upgrade to previous technology, with the ability to completely change gaming, which comes with a price tag to match.

That said, Kinect and Move are almost guaranteed to provide hours of fun for your teens and tweens this Christmas. Even better, they will allow the whole family to join in! Just make sure that your teen already has the relevant console, or buy the console bundle alongside the controller.


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Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Twilight Gifts For Christmas 2010


Twilight gifts are still some of the most popular for tween and teen girls, so if you’re stuck for a gift idea this Christmas then why not try something related to this theme? Even if they already own all of the movies and books, the chances are that there are still gifts available for you to buy for them!


Scene It Twilight Game

This is the gift for ultimate Twilight fans. The game is designed to test your knowledge of the series in the form of more than 500 multiple choice questions. The game can be played in a number of different formats, including on the Nintendo Wii, the Nintendo DS and the PC. This is more than just a standard trivia game, as it’s packed with clips from the movies, music and audio files, and a number of different gameplay modes to keep things interesting. Great for Christmas as it’ll be fun to play with all the family!

Twilight Skins

A number of Twilight skins have been released to be used on a variety of devices. They’re designed as a way to decorate your portable gadgets– definitely a great choice for teens and tweens who have MP3 players, cell phones and portable video game devices!

Twilight Accessories

There are a huge number of accessories available for the Twilight saga, and it would be impossible to list them all here. Some of the most popular include Twilight bracelets, featuring a variety of charms relating to the movies, and rubber bands. You can also get hold of Twilight bookmarks, bags, and more!

Twilight Posters

Posters always go down well, and are a good choice if you need a stocking filler gift for someone who loves Twilight. But if you want to go the extra mile and get them something unforgettable, then teen and tween girls will love the life-size stand up posters! You can get many different characters in these standup posters, but the most popular are undoubtedly Edward and Jacob.

Twilight Dolls

Twilight’s popularity means that there are also a number of dolls available, which the young girls especially are going to love. Choose between their favorite characters, including Edward, Bella, Alice, Jacob, Victoria and more! This is especially great if you already know they own a few but they want to expand their collection.

Twilight Soundtracks

If your teen or tween already owns all of the Twilight movies and books then the soundtrack will be next on their list. The soundtracks are available to buy for each movie on either CD or MP3, and have been some of the top sellers amount young girls with every movie release!

As you can see, there really is no shortage of choice when it comes to Twilight gifts for teens and tweens this year! Even the biggest fans, who already own a lot of the merchandise, will still want something new this year – so do a little searching and see which unique Twilight gift you can come up with.

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Saturday, October 23, 2010

Skullcandy Skullcrusher S6SKCZ-058 Headphones: The Ultimate High Quality Fashion Headphones


The chances are that the teen or tween you’re buying for this Christmas has a need for headphones, whether for use on their computer or MP3 player.


If this is true, then you can’t go wrong buying them a funky set of Skullcandy headphones this Christmas.

Skullcandy Skullcrusher headphones are most noticeable thanks to their unique designs. They feature a number of different graphics, usually inspired by hip-hop, animal prints, and other quirky patterns that young people just love!

Skullcandy Skullcrusher Headphone Features

* Over the ear “ear cup” design,
* Come with travel pouch,
* Include 6.3mm home stereo adaptor,
* Include airplane adaptor,
* Leather earpads,
* Inline bass level adjustment,
* AA battery bass amplification system.

Original Skullcandy headphones were designed as sports headphones, to be used while running, skateboarding and so on. The Skullcrushers are still made with sports in mind, but are designed to be high quality enough to be used as DJ headphones.

Pros of Skullcandy Skullcrusher Headphones

When it comes to finding the most trendy headphones for teens and tweens, you can’t go wrong when you choose a Skullcandy model. Not only this, but the Skullcrushers are designed to include fantastic quality bass, a bass adjuster (which makes them suitable for a wide range of songs), and a stylish design that can be chosen according to different personal styles. Because they were originally designed for sports, Skullcandy products are also very lightweight.

Cons of Skullcandy Skullcrusher Headphones

Some users have mentioned that the Skullcrushers can get quite hot when worn for a long time, due to the leather pads. Some have also mentioned that the battery life is a little short, and when the battery is running low you’ll hear a buzzing noise.

Different Skullcandy Headphone Designs

There are a huge number of designs of Skullcandy headphones. The over the ear models feature a variety of graphics and color schemes to suit all tastes, including:

* Black pinstripe,
* Snoop Dogg signature,
* Rasta,
* Peace Love Noise,
* And many more.

Skullcrusher headphones are designed to be worn over the ear. However, depending on the tastes of your gift recipient, you could choose another Skullcrusher headphone style, such as on-ear or in-ear.

Should You Buy The Skullcandy Skullcrushers?

In short, if your teen or tween is into music, or uses headphones on the computer, then they’re going to like these trendy designs. They’re more expensive than your entry level headphones, but with a fantastic quality that makes them good value for money.

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Friday, October 15, 2010

The iPod Is Still Top Of Christmas Wish Lists For Teens


Electronics always seem to be on the Christmas wish lists of teens and tweens, and there’s no denying that the iPod has dominated that list for many years now.


Recently upgraded, the iPod is set to sell in huge qualities for Christmas 2010. Here’s a quick guide to what’s available, and whether the iPod really is the perfect gift for your teen.

iPod

The Apple iPod Classic is now in its sixth generation, and is the biggest and best iPod available yet. It is still considered the hottest MP3 player around, and comes with a whopping 160 GB of space! This is perfect for the music-loving teen who wants a lot of space for their music. Prices start at around $250.
iPod Nano

The newest iPod Nano for Christmas 2010 is in its 6th generation, and is looking sleeker than ever before. It comes in two different hard drive sizes: 8GB and 16GB. You can choose from the following colors to suit the recipient:

* Blue
* Green
* Orange
* Pink
* Silver
* Graphite

The Nano can be played for 24 hours from each charge, and is designed to be as small and as light as possible. It can literally be carried everywhere, and is small enough to fit into a pocket. The newest Nano functions much like a Shuffle (see below), except for the addition of the small touch screen. Prices start at around $150.

iPod Touch
The iPod Touch is the most sophisticated iPod you can get, with most of the same features as the iPhone (without the ability to make calls). It comes in a number of capacities: 8GB, 32GB and 64GB, and prices start at just over $200. This means it’s useful for most music libraries, but some users may find that they need a larger capacity classic iPod to fit on all of their songs.

The Touch can be played for up to 40 hours and includes a huge number of features. Your teen can watch their movies, connect to Wi-Fi networks, download apps to help with school work, instant message with their friends, take photographs with the new camera, and much more!
iPod Shuffle

The iPod Shuffle is currently in its fourth generation and comes in blue, green, orange, pink and silver color schemes. It comes with 2GB, and is a player designed to take to the gym. It doesn’t feature a screen, so it’s easy to control without looking at it. It’s extremely small, and can be played for 15 hours continuously on a single charge. This is also the least expensive version of the iPod available, costing around $50.
Which iPod Should You Buy?

Teens and tweens love just about all models of iPod, so it depends whether they need a large hard drive, want something small, or want the ability to download apps and more. The iPod Touch does the most, but if price is a limit then you may want to look into the other models available.

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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Halo: Reach: The Most Popular Video Game Christmas Gift For 2010?


When it comes to hot video games for Christmas 2010, all the experts are tipping one game to come out on top: Halo: Reach.
The game is designed exclusively for the Xbox 360, and is the latest release in the line of extremely popular Halo games.
About Halo: Reach

Halo: Reach is the story of Noble Team: Spartan soldiers who are making their last stand on planet Reach. There are a huge number of detailed backdrops, characters and events that take place in this famous battle between the Covenant and Earth. On top of this, Reach also features an impressive multiplayer experience.

Some notable features of this game include:
* Fighting alongside Spartan soldiers, each with their own unique characteristics,
* The most impressive multiplayer experience yet,
* All-new engine technology upgraded from previous versions of the game that mean the most impressive graphics, audio and special effects to date.

Available Editions of Halo: Reach

Due to the huge popularity of this game, there are a number of different editions available for Halo: Reach.

Limited Edition: This includes a black DVD case to make Halo: Reach look even more impressive. It comes with an artifact bag that includes notes in a hardbound book from Dr. Halsey (creator of the Spartan program and blueprint for Cortana). This also comes with a mock UNSC security badge, a patch, a map and more. And you’ll get a code to buy an armor set for the Elite multiplayer mode.

Legendary Edition: The Legendary Edition comes in an even bigger box and includes an exclusive Noble Team statue (individually molded, hand-painted and numbered), in-game Spartan armor effect (flaming helmet), custom packaging, the artifact bag from the Limited Edition, custom in-game Elite armor set for the multiplayer mode, custom case and game disc, and the badge and patch from the Limited Edition.

Halo Reach and Xbox 360 Console Bundle: This includes the Halo: Reach game, two wireless controllers for the Xbox 360, the newest Xbox 360 console model featuring a 250GB hard drive, and a black Xbox 360 headset for multiplayer games. The console and controllers feature a limited design, completely unique, to fit in with the Halo: Reach theme.

Halo Reach Wireless Controller: You can also buy the wireless controllers (featured in the console bundle above) separately. These feature the unique Halo design and are perfect as a gift for those who may already own an Xbox 360 console.

Should You Buy Halo: Reach?

Halo: Reach is undoubtedly one of the most popular games out at the moment. So, if your teen is into gaming, this will be a good choice. Just make sure that they either already own an Xbox 360, or that you get them the console bundle so they’ll definitely be able to play it!

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Sunday, October 10, 2010

Flip UltraHD Video Camera: The Perfect Christmas Gift?


When it comes to finding cool gadgets for teens and tweens, the Flip UltraHD Video Camera has been on Christmas wish lists for years now.


This sleek and slim camera can record in fantastic quality, and can be easily taken anywhere. The Flip is now on its third generation, which is set to be a huge selling item for Christmas 2010.

Features of the Flip UltraHD Video Cameras

* Shoot in HD video quality,
* Includes image stabilization for steady video,
* Very simple to use,
* Includes either 4GB or 8GB built in memory,
* Slim design makes the camera very portable,
* Connects to PCs or Macs using built-in USB arm,
* Powered by rechargeable battery pack, or 3 AAA batteries as backup,
* Connects to HDTVs to allow you to watch videos,
* Includes wrist strap and protective case,
* Records videos in 16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720), 60 frames per second, MP4 files.

Flip UltraHD Video Camera Designs and Models

The Flip third generation comes in two main formats: 8GB 2 hour recording, and 4GB 1 hour recording. The latter is priced lower (recommended retail price: $149.99), though can only record one hour of HD quality video as opposed to the two hours on the more expensive model (recommended retail price: $199.99).

The 8GB 2 hour version comes in black and white colors, whereas the 4GB 1 hour version comes in blue and magenta.

It’s important to note that some colors may sell out due to huge demand for the holidays. If you know there’s a particular model that your teen would love, get your hands on it before it goes out of stock.
Pros of the Flip UltraHD Video Cameras

The main benefit of this camera is the fact that it is so small and portable. Ever since it first hit stores, it’s been a fantastic seller for this reason. Teens and tweens who love to record their friends or get creative will love having this trendy model.

It’s also extremely easy to use: you don’t need to be any kind of expert in recording to get started. It really is as simple as pressing the red button and starting to record no matter where you are. The image stabilization works well to improve the quality of your recordings.

Cons of the Flip UltraHD Video Cameras

There are some limitations of the device. For example, if you’re out and about then it’s important to bring your backup battery source with you if you can’t recharge the included battery. Some users have also commented on the fact that the Flip can take a while to charge.

Should You Buy the Flip UltraHD Video Camera?

Although a video camera may not suit all teens and tweens, it is the perfect gadget for most. Young people love to get creative – especially when it involves the hottest gadgets that they’ve seen all of their friends using! You’re almost guaranteed a huge smile on their face when they open up this gift. But whether you get the Flip or not will depend upon whether your teen is worth the $149.99 - $199.99 price tag!

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Saturday, October 9, 2010

FAMPS: Fun, Cute And Collectible Gifts For Tween Girls


For a gift that tween girls are going to love this year, FAMPS is the perfect option.


FAMPS stands for “feelings, attitudes, moods, personalities”, and the kits are designed to be used to add a whole new range of emotions to PC applications. And, with more and more young girls on their own computer these days, FAMPS kits are really expected to take off this Christmas.

Features of FAMPS

FAMPS come with a number of features, including the ability to give a makeover to emails, instant messaging conversations and even the computer desktop. FAMPS is designed to help kids get creative in what they do, which helps to explain why they’ve become so popular in recent years.

FAMPS also come with a website that features a number of fun activities and games. Players can find out which FAMP they are, discover more about the different FAMPS, and build up their scorecard in the various games.

FAMPS Kits

FAMPS are sold from popular retailers in the form of different kits. Some of the different options available include:

The FAMPS Starter Kit: This comes with the FAMPS software, a mood bangle, and one FAMPS character (Drew – the creative FAMP). All of the kits come with different FAMPS characters, which make them great collectibles.

FAMPS Deluxe Kit: This is a great option for those who want a slightly bigger gift for their young girl, including extra FAMPS.

Other FAMPS Kits:
* Sassy and Shy,
* Bored,
* Happy and Sad,
* Happy,
* Silly,
* Sassy,
* Scared,
* Sad,
* And more!

To get FAMPS to work, the characters need to be plugged into the “Emote Ring” (included in the starter kit). This then connects to the computer via USB, and instantly means that all of the features of that FAMP can be used on the computer.

Should You Buy FAMPS?

Many parents worry when it comes to giving children gifts that relate to the computer and internet. The good news is that, since FAMPS is designed for younger children, it’s all made to be safe. FAMPS is simply a place where young girls can go to express themselves and play with other young girls.

If your teen or tween has never used FAMPS before then simply get hold of a starter kit that can be hooked up to the computer. If they’ve already got the starter kit, there are many more FAMPS to collect. The chances are that young girls will love FAMPS and will be asking for more come next Christmas or their birthday!

Remember: FAMPS need to be plugged into a computer to work.

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Friday, October 8, 2010

DJ Hero 2 - 2010 version Review


Games involving rock bands and musical instruments have been popular for a while now, but the makers of Guitar Hero decided to create a new music game for those with slightly different tastes.


DJ Hero 2 is the latest version of the game, released just in time for Christmas 2010 and set to be one of the biggest selling gifts this year.

DJ Hero 2 is available for a number of consoles: the Nintendo Wii, Sony Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

Features of DJ Hero 2

If the player already owns the first DJ Hero, then DJ Hero 2 is great for expanding the tracks included, as well as adding a number of new features.

There is now a new “Empire Mode” which allows you to take your character through all the stages, starting out as a warehouse DJ and ending up leading a whole music empire. There are many different rewards to unlock throughout the career.

There are a number of features built in for multiplayer modes, to make it the perfect game for families and groups of friends to play together. Take part in DJ Battles, or use Party Play mode to keep the music playing at a party.
DJ Hero 2 Tracks

DJ Hero 2 comes with a number of new tracks, including genres to suit most musical tastes, from dance to pop and hip hop. Some of the new artists added to this version of the game include:

* Dr Dre,
* Kanye West,
* Lady Gaga,
* Chemical Brothers.

There are new freestyle sections which mean that you can change your mixes each time you play, giving even more scope alongside the huge number of tracks that are already included with DJ hero.

DJ Hero 2 Accessories

Although the game itself is sold on its own, like a regular video game, if the recipient of this gift didn’t already own DJ Hero then you’ll need to get hold of some accessories for them. You’re going to need at least one turntable controller in order to play the game, but it works best with two or more to allow for the battle and multiplayer modes to work. The party pack includes two turntables, the game disc, and a microphone.

Should You Buy DJ Hero 2?

DJ Hero 2 is another game that will appeal to most kinds of people, unless they really dislike club music. Even if the recipient has never used decks before, it’s easy to pick up in this game – and the whole family can have fun playing it together.

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Thursday, October 7, 2010

Every Teen Would Love A Smartphone This Christmas


We all know that teens love to talk and text. And, with new cell phones being released all the time, giving them an upgrade to one of the latest gadgets is always a fantastic gift idea!


Here is a guide to some of the most popular smartphones available for Christmas 2010.

Remember, these are much more than simple cell phones. Smartphones are designed to play music, watch videos, connect to the internet, play games, and much more!

The iPhone

Ever since its original release, the iPhone has been one of the top-selling cell phones available. It isn’t hard to see why, with the sleek design and huge library of apps to download. But the iPhone has now gotten even better thanks to the iPhone 4. This version now boasts a higher quality camera, multitasking, and even better looks. For something really special, get your hands on the white version of the iPhone 4.

HTC EVO 4G

This is an Android-powered phone, and is a huge rival for the Apple iPhone. It also comes with the latest 4G technology which is essential if you want to keep up with the latest trends! This model includes an excellent 8 megapixel camera with HD video capture, as well as a front facing camera for video calls.
Blackberry Torch

Blackberry is another hugely popular rival to the iPhone, and the Blackberry Torch 9800 is the first Blackberry to make use of the highly anticipated operating system: Blackberry 6 OS. This means that it comes with a number of unique features, including excellent business tools, a great looking 3.2 inch touch screen, intuitive browsing and apps.

Choosing The Right Cell Phone For Your Teen

The cell phone you choose could depend on a number of factors. For example, you may be concerned about parental control levels, or your decision may be influenced by the price of the model. Most of these phones, bought without a service plan, are going to cost you anything up to $650 – though you can get them for a fraction of that price if you sign up to a service plan with the cell phone included as part of the monthly fee.

Take a visit to your local cell phone store to try out the phones for yourself, ask any questions you might have and get a feel for how they look. Whatever you do, make sure you get one of the latest models and you’ll be sure to see a smile on your teen’s face!

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Wednesday, October 6, 2010

The Playstation 3 Is The Best Console for Watching Movies


Although the Playstation 3 is primarily thought of as a device for playing games, the truth is that it can do a lot a lot more.


It will play music and display photographs, it’s also wonderful for those who love to enjoy movies – and you’ll be able to do so in higher definition!

Blu-Ray Player

The main selling point of your Playstation 3, over rival systems, for instance the Xbox 360, is that it includes a Blu-ray disc player. Blu-ray is quickly becoming the norm in home entertainment, and it indicates which you can appreciate films in lovely high definition (not to mention that you just can also take advantage of high definition gaming)!

Enjoying Movies With The PS3
The Playstation 3 enables you to sit back and watch movies in complete comfort, just as if you were working with a Blu-ray DVD player. The New Playstation 3 Slim model also means that there will probably be less noise than ever before, so you won’t be disturbed even during the quietest film moments. On top of this, you won’t need to use a wired controller like with older Playstations. You can control your Blu-ray DVDs making use of a wireless remote.

How to View Motion pictures On the Playstation 3

Apart from using the Blu-ray disc/ DVD player, you will find a number of ways to look at your videos on the Playstation 3 console. You can also watch many other video files, as long as they’re in the appropriate file format.

There are a number of file types that work with the Playstation 3, including MPEG, AVI, Motion JPEG, AVCHD, DivX, MVC and VC-1.

Playstation Shop Movies

If you want access to more movies that you don’t currently own, then take advantage of the Playstation Store. This is the library of movies available to the PS3 and PSP. The cheapest option is to rent a movie, though you can also buy them outright if you want to be able to watch them whenever you want. You have 14 days to start watching a rental movie, and 48 hours to complete it once you’ve started the video.

As you can see, the Playstation 3 really does have huge scope when it comes to watching movies. When compared to systems like the Xbox 360, many Blu-ray fans opt for the PS3 simply because it contains this popular feature. Whether it seals the deal is up to you, just make sure you like the games that the PS3 has on offer too!

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Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Xbox Kinect Fitness: How Kinect Will Change the Way We Physical exercise


Ever since the release in the Nintendo Wii console, fitness video games have turn out to be an extremely popular method to lose weight and stay in shape.


Xbox Kinect Fitness is the equivalent to the Wii Match and EA Sports Active, designed to be utilized with the new movement sensor tool.

Your Form: Fitness Evolved is the title of the game released alongside the revolutionary Kinect motion sensor. The premise is easy: the sport “invites you to get off your couch and get into shape”.

What Does Xbox Kinect Fitness Involve?

Your fitness level will be assessed and a program devised to make you fit. The fundamental premise is always that your personal trainer will help you to target various areas of the body. You can either do the workouts alone, in the form of physical exercise classes, or play mini-games to get the entire family involved. You can get fit at the same time as having fun!

The main reward in the system is that you get feedback not just on your progress, but on the precise actions you are making with your body. The game intelligently follows your progress and fitness levels, creating unique workouts to match.

The enormous variety of routines (you can find literally hundreds) will also assist to keep you motivated and on track together with your fitness goals. You can watch as you progress by tracking the number of calories you burn, as well as the individual scores you earn for completing the workouts correctly.

Xbox Kinect Fitness Compared to the Nintendo Wii

Nintendo Wii offered the first real opportunity to get fit by making use of a video game. There were a number of fitness choices offered, the most advanced of which used the Wii board to measure weight, stability and movements. The Wii Remote was able to measure movements, though not completely accurately.

The distinction between the Nintendo Wii and Xbox Kinect is that the latter is able to detect movements produced by your complete body. The camera literally watches you as you run and perform the workouts, and you won’t need additional equipment, apart from the Kinect itself, to see these added benefits.

The truth is always that video games consoles are appealing to more people today than just hardcore gamers. With the release of Xbox Kinect Fitness matches this is taken to a new level. Even if you are not interested in conventional video games, these fitness video games can give you the capability to learn how you can work out properly, in a motivating setting, with out having to leave the home or pay for individual classes.

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Monday, October 4, 2010

The iPad/ eReader Debate: Which Comes Out On Top For Reading eBooks?


The iPad/ eReader debate has been a huge one since the iPad was released in 2010.


Many critics said that it simply couldn’t compete with dedicated eReaders, and others said that it wasn’t trying to. Here’s a guide to how the iPad compares to other eReaders available on the market today.

1) Screen Display

Since eReaders have been designed with bookworms in mind, they have been made to look and feel as much like “real” books as possible. The most notable feature is the screen. Using a technology known as e-Ink, eReader screens will not get tiring to look at like backlit computer or iPad screens do. They look just like real ink, and can even be read in bright sunlight (perfect for lounging on the beach). In this respect, the iPad can’t quite match the look and feel of the eReader, and some people may find their eyes quickly become tired of staring at the screen.

2) Reading Features

eReaders differ in the reading features they offer, but all generally come with the ability to make notes, look up words on the dictionary, save the page you’re on, and navigate pages easily. The iPad includes all these features, though also allows media, such as video, to be displayed within books, which eReaders do not.

3) Added Functions

The iPad wins the iPad/ eReader debate when it comes to looking at the extra features. The truth is that the iPad is a tablet computer, eBook readers are designed solely for the purpose of reading eBooks. Functions of the iPad include the web browser, games, a whole variety of apps, email, the ability to watch movies, GPS maps and much more. An eReader simply can’t compete here.

4) Book Formats and Compatibility

eReaders do vary when it comes to the various eBook formats they support. However, most major eReaders support a number of eBook formats, including PDF and ePub, which is used in a number of online bookstores. The iPad also supports these popular formats.

Although various eReaders often come with their own specific eBook format, they are generally compatible with other devices. For example, the Kindle has released an app which means its books are compatible with the iPhone and iPad, as well as being readable on your PC, as have Barnes and Noble. As it stands, Apple iPad books are not compatible with other devices. This may not be an issue if an iPad is all you want to use. However, it’s also important to consider the possibility that, if you change device in future, your eBook purchases may not be compatible.

5) Bookstores

The great thing about both eReaders and the iPad is that they don’t just work with purchased eBooks: you can download public domain eBooks for free from a number of sources. This is a definite bonus for those who want to save money. iPads and most eReaders also allow users to buy books from a number of different sources, as long as the books are downloadable in a compatible file type.

6) Price

Price is a huge factor in the iPad/ eReader debate, though it does depend on how many extra features you may want besides the ability to read eBooks. There’s no doubt who wins on the price front: eReaders are many times cheaper than the iPad. Starting at around $100, even the most expensive eReaders are just about even with the cheapest version of the iPad, which comes in at $499. If you want the cheapest gadget you can get, then opt for a dedicated eReader. But if you want an all-round portable computer, go with the iPad.

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Saturday, October 2, 2010

Sony Move: What Is It and How Do You Use It?


Sony Move, otherwise known as Playstation Move, is the newest controller to be used with the Playstation 3. This doesn’t work like a usual controller, however, as it senses the motion of the person playing to then replicate that motion within the game.


So How Does Move Work?

The new Sony Move wireless controller helps to create a new gaming experience, by incorporating a handheld controller alongside the Playstation Eye USB camera. This is more advanced than previous controllers, such as the Nintendo Wii, due to the fact that it detects player position and uses more advanced motion sensors to detect all kinds of movement.

As well as your own physical actions being replicated on the screen, you’ll also be able to feel certain movements through vibrations in the controller. At the end of the controller is a sphere, which will change color depending on the activity that’s happening in the game.

If you want even more control in certain games, then you can get two of the Move motion controllers so that each hand can make its own movement. This will be useful in fighting games, for example, or for archery tournaments.

The Navigation Controller

The Navigation controller is a optional secondary controller for the system. It adds directional buttons, two shoulder buttons and a directional stick that will be essential for certain types of games. For example, those games that include a character that you need to control will require this kind of controller. It’s also useful for navigating menus and making games even more realistic.
How to Use the Sony Move

As you can see, when you buy the Sony Move, there are a number of components you’ll need to get hold of. Although the Navigation controller is optional, you are going to have to get the motion controller itself alongside the Playstation Eye USB camera. For the best value, you can buy the Playstation Move bundle which includes all three items for $100 (as well as a bonus Sports game: Sports Champions).

You might also choose to get more than one controller so that you can play with your friends. Motion controlled games are always fun to play with others, and the Move system allows you to connect up to four motion controllers, or up to two motion controllers and two navigation controllers, at once.

Once you get hold of your Sony Move system, simply connect it up with the camera above the television and you’ll quickly be able to take advantage of all that it has to offer!

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Friday, October 1, 2010

PS3 Slim/ YLOD: Does the Yellow Light of Death Still Affect the Console?


The PS3 Slim/ YLOD issue was one that was widely reported when the console was first released.


A few people found that their console quickly failed with the infamous yellow light. Although most users were completely happy and have seen great results from their new console, it’s still important to look into this issue and how much of an effect it could have on your Playstation 3 gaming.

What Is the Yellow Light of Death?

When your Playstation 3 stops working, for whatever reason, a yellow light starts blinking on the device to indicate that there’s a problem. This light has been nicknamed the “Yellow Light of Death” by Playstation users, due to the fact that the Playstation can stop working completely. If you experience this problem, then you can send it to Sony to get it fixed if you are still in warranty.

There are some known causes for the YLOD issue in the Playstation 3. The most common reason is overheating of the CPU, though it can also be caused by other errors such as a faulty hard drive or overheated power supply unit.

The yellow light issue was a known issue with the older Playstation 3, similar to the Red Ring of Death that occurred in older Xbox 360 models. Understandably, consumers were worried that their console could fail on them, which begs the question: is the PS3 Slim/ YLOD still a problem?

The PS3 Slim/ YLOD Facts

The truth is that you can still get the Yellow Light of Death in the PS3 Slim, just as you can still get the Red Ring of Death (albeit in a different form) in the Xbox 360 consoles.

As with any improvement and upgrade in design, the machine is designed to run more efficiently which helps to iron out the problems that may have caused the YLOD in the past. As such, the failure rates of the PSD/ YLOD are known to be a lot lower than with the older models of the Playstation 3.

However, it’s important to note that the YLOD does still occur. When buying any electronic piece of equipment, there is always risk of failure. It’s known that failure is a lot more likely to happen if you play on the console constantly all day without turning it off and giving it a chance to cool down. Thankfully, with the PS3 Slim, YLOD is less likely and you can play for even longer than you did with older consoles.

If you do experience the Yellow Light of Death, then make sure to take advantage of your warranty. If you’re covered, then you’ll get the machine replaced or repaired to ensure you’re back gaming again quickly.

More Details HERE...

iPad Accessories Review: The Top iPad Accessories


If you want to get the very most out of your iPad, then an iPad accessories review is going to be important.


To help you make the right decision, here’s our pick of the top iPad accessories available from the iTunes Store.
Official iPad Keyboard Dock

The Official iPad Keyboard Dock is an excellent investment for those who want to use the iPad in the same way as a regular desktop computer. The dock lets you charge your iPad at the same time as giving you a physical, full sized keyboard to make typing easier. This will make it a lot easier to use your iPad for business purposes, without having to balance it on your lap.

The dock is compatible with other official iPad accessories, and also includes an audio jack for you to connect your iPad to external speakers.
iPad Stand

If you just want to be able to watch movies on your iPad in comfort then an iPad stand is definitely a worthy investment. The Keyboard Dock does double as a stand but, if you don’t need an external keyboard, then there are cheaper third party options out there to help get your iPad in the perfect viewing position.

In-Car Charger

If you’re going to be taking your iPad out and about, then it helps to be able to charge it up while you’re driving in your car. Take advantage of the in-car charger available from the official Apple Store, or you can simply buy a third party alternative to do the same job.

Official iPad Camera Connection Kit

If you’re going to be using your iPad with a digital camera, then it’s important to realize there is no SD card slot included on the device. This is why the camera connection kit is a must have item in our iPad accessories review. This lets you to upload pictures directly from your camera, or from an SD card, to carry them around with you on the go, or take advantage of the iPad’s photo editing features.

Waterproof iPad Case

One of the great things about the iPad is that you can take it with you wherever you go. But, if where you’re going happens to be wet, you’ll want to make sure it stays protected. A waterproof iPad case is perfect for those who want to use it in the bath or at the beach!

Apple iPad Case

Perhaps you don’t have a need for a waterproof case, but the chances are that a standard iPad case will come in handy. Apple do stock their own official case, but there are no shortage of other options available from third party sellers. You can opt for sleeves, skins, hard cases, soft cases, bags and more. Choose a color and a design that suits you. Just make sure you get a good quality case so you know your iPad will be protected against scrapes and bumps.

This iPad accessories review has only touched on a small selection of what’s out there. The truth is that, as the hottest selling gadget, the iPad is lucky enough to have hundreds of accessories available to complement its features!

More Details HERE...