Q. New engaged and new homeowners..so, we're broke. But we need a TV and have heard all signals will be "required" to be HD within a couple years. So we'd rather buy a TV now that will last several years. But we don't want to spend an arm and a leg on a quality TV either. Any suggestions?
A. First off, their is NO requirement to go HD. There is a requirement to go digital, there is a difference. The digital sets will be marked "SDTV", while the HD sets will be marked "HDTV". SDTV is less expensive, and will work in the new channel arrangement just fine.
The change is set for 2-2009. It was earlier set for 2012, then 2010, but the EMS and mobile phone providers want the channels from 2~13 yesterday. The FCC moved the date to 2009, and has not changed that (as far as I know).
You can always go HDTV when the money is in better shape for you. In the meantime, a SDTV would work just fine on a budget.
EDIT:
I have even seen the 19" Durabrand SDTV sets from Wal-Mart going for as little as $100.00. Not that I would recommend the brand, it is a fine example of meeting the new requirements on a budget, though.
The change is set for 2-2009. It was earlier set for 2012, then 2010, but the EMS and mobile phone providers want the channels from 2~13 yesterday. The FCC moved the date to 2009, and has not changed that (as far as I know).
You can always go HDTV when the money is in better shape for you. In the meantime, a SDTV would work just fine on a budget.
EDIT:
I have even seen the 19" Durabrand SDTV sets from Wal-Mart going for as little as $100.00. Not that I would recommend the brand, it is a fine example of meeting the new requirements on a budget, though.
How good is this computer?
Q. To answer this, please ignore the new Windows 8 computers but other than the Windows 8 computers, how good is this? 1 to 10. Ten being the best:
Product Features
•2nd Gen Intel® Core™ i3-2330M processor
•Features a 3MB cache and 2.2GHz processor speed.
•Intel® Core™ i3 processor
Features smart 4-way processing performance for HD quality computing. Intel® HD graphics provide extra graphics power for your laptop when you need it.
•4GB DDR3 memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.
•Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media.
•14" high-definition LED display
With TrueLife technology and 720p resolution showcases movies and games in stunning clarity.
•500GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
•Intel® HD Graphics 3000
Feature dynamic video memory for lush images with intricate detail. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
•Built-in 1.0MP high-definition webcam
With 1280 x 720 resolution makes it easy to video chat with family and friends.
•8-in-1 media reader
Supports Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, SDXC, microSD, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card formats.
•2 USB 3.0 ports and 1 USB 2.0 port
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
•Built-in Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 1030 LAN (802.11b/g/n)
Connect to the Internet without wires.
•Bluetooth interface
Easily link with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a mobile phone or MP3 player.
•Built-in 10/100 Ethernet LAN
For quick and easy wired Web connection.
•Weighs 5 lbs. and measures just 1.2" thin
For easy portability.
•Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.
•Software package included
With Dell Stage and more. Microsoft Office Starter 2010 also included (product key card inside)
Product Features
•2nd Gen Intel® Core™ i3-2330M processor
•Features a 3MB cache and 2.2GHz processor speed.
•Intel® Core™ i3 processor
Features smart 4-way processing performance for HD quality computing. Intel® HD graphics provide extra graphics power for your laptop when you need it.
•4GB DDR3 memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.
•Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media.
•14" high-definition LED display
With TrueLife technology and 720p resolution showcases movies and games in stunning clarity.
•500GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
•Intel® HD Graphics 3000
Feature dynamic video memory for lush images with intricate detail. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
•Built-in 1.0MP high-definition webcam
With 1280 x 720 resolution makes it easy to video chat with family and friends.
•8-in-1 media reader
Supports Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, SDXC, microSD, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card formats.
•2 USB 3.0 ports and 1 USB 2.0 port
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
•Built-in Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 1030 LAN (802.11b/g/n)
Connect to the Internet without wires.
•Bluetooth interface
Easily link with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a mobile phone or MP3 player.
•Built-in 10/100 Ethernet LAN
For quick and easy wired Web connection.
•Weighs 5 lbs. and measures just 1.2" thin
For easy portability.
•Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.
•Software package included
With Dell Stage and more. Microsoft Office Starter 2010 also included (product key card inside)
A. About a 2.5/10. Ignore every adjective and descriptive word except the true specifications.
2nd Gen Intel® Core i3-2330M processor> downlevel i3 is above the lowest and so that moved it from 1 to 2
4GB DDR3 memory - In the USA, only the cheapest laptops have less DRAM
DVD±RW/CD-RW drive - almost all of them do when 14" and higher and not ultrabooks.
14" high-definition LED display - ALL displays are high def and 14" costs a little more but is only better if the laptop is thin and light.
500GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm) - base level HDD, above the minimum 320GB 5400
times.
Intel® HD Graphics 3000 - not at gaming level, Intel even now has Intel 4000 on the newer level CPUs. Although not the lowest, it is not great graphics.
Built-in 1.0MP high-definition webcam - a little better than the 0.3mp.
Bluetooth interface - moves it above 2/10 towards 3.
Built-in 10/100 Ethernet LAN - puts it back at 2.5 since it is not gigabit ethernet for faster connection when directly wired to ethernet (non-wireless.
5 lbs. and measures just 1.2" - this is neither thin nor light for a 14" display. It is average.
Just about every laptop sold has these features.
The Dell brand is a minus assuring you have not reached a 3/10 rating on it.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/244419/laptop_reliability_and_satisfaction_macbooks_rule.html
Definitely between a 2 and a 3 out of 10.
Here is a 3/10 at its best price of $450:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834310634
lenovo IdeaPad G580 (59344054) Notebook Intel Core i5 3210M(2.50GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory 500GB HDD DVD±R/RW Intel HD Graphics 4000
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php
CPU improved 53%. Graphics GPU improved 60%
Does not seem to have bluetooth, and is still 10/100 ethernet and is a lower res web cam and is 13.35" x 9.06" x 1.33" at 5.7 pounds, the much stronger performance puts it 1/2 point above the Dell.
This $483 is well above the Dell at a 3.5/10 or better. With upgrades, can move it up the scale.
http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:item.detail?GroupID=37&Code=E430_BASIC_SAP&category_id=77160E70986F3A542955F35F555662EF#.ULeGoKxX2So'
Has the Intel 4000, 44% stronger CPU than the Dell, the better Thinkpad Lenovo brand, lighter in weight, fingerprint reader, pointing stick and touchpad, can be custom upgraded at reasonable prices.
http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:category.details?current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087¤t-category-id=77160E70986F3A542955F35F555662EF#.ULeGWaxX2So
http://shop.lenovo.com/products/us/tech-specs/laptop/thinkpad/edge-series/e430/
So, the system you show is about $425 value in a range of pricing in laptops from $300 to $2500.
If the price is under $425, it is an OK price.
The scale I use is based on the laptop's value in a competitive market of equivalent best value in the price range:
10 is $1300 and higher.
9 is $900 to $1300
8 is the $750 to $900 range
7 is $650 to $750
6 is $600 to $650
5 is $550 to $600
4 is $500 to $550
3 is $450 to $500
2 is $400 to $450
1 is the under $300-$400 laptop set, all of which are usually cheaply made for basic video functions.
On this scale, the Dell you show is 2.5.
2nd Gen Intel® Core i3-2330M processor> downlevel i3 is above the lowest and so that moved it from 1 to 2
4GB DDR3 memory - In the USA, only the cheapest laptops have less DRAM
DVD±RW/CD-RW drive - almost all of them do when 14" and higher and not ultrabooks.
14" high-definition LED display - ALL displays are high def and 14" costs a little more but is only better if the laptop is thin and light.
500GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm) - base level HDD, above the minimum 320GB 5400
times.
Intel® HD Graphics 3000 - not at gaming level, Intel even now has Intel 4000 on the newer level CPUs. Although not the lowest, it is not great graphics.
Built-in 1.0MP high-definition webcam - a little better than the 0.3mp.
Bluetooth interface - moves it above 2/10 towards 3.
Built-in 10/100 Ethernet LAN - puts it back at 2.5 since it is not gigabit ethernet for faster connection when directly wired to ethernet (non-wireless.
5 lbs. and measures just 1.2" - this is neither thin nor light for a 14" display. It is average.
Just about every laptop sold has these features.
The Dell brand is a minus assuring you have not reached a 3/10 rating on it.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/244419/laptop_reliability_and_satisfaction_macbooks_rule.html
Definitely between a 2 and a 3 out of 10.
Here is a 3/10 at its best price of $450:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834310634
lenovo IdeaPad G580 (59344054) Notebook Intel Core i5 3210M(2.50GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory 500GB HDD DVD±R/RW Intel HD Graphics 4000
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php
CPU improved 53%. Graphics GPU improved 60%
Does not seem to have bluetooth, and is still 10/100 ethernet and is a lower res web cam and is 13.35" x 9.06" x 1.33" at 5.7 pounds, the much stronger performance puts it 1/2 point above the Dell.
This $483 is well above the Dell at a 3.5/10 or better. With upgrades, can move it up the scale.
http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:item.detail?GroupID=37&Code=E430_BASIC_SAP&category_id=77160E70986F3A542955F35F555662EF#.ULeGoKxX2So'
Has the Intel 4000, 44% stronger CPU than the Dell, the better Thinkpad Lenovo brand, lighter in weight, fingerprint reader, pointing stick and touchpad, can be custom upgraded at reasonable prices.
http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:category.details?current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087¤t-category-id=77160E70986F3A542955F35F555662EF#.ULeGWaxX2So
http://shop.lenovo.com/products/us/tech-specs/laptop/thinkpad/edge-series/e430/
So, the system you show is about $425 value in a range of pricing in laptops from $300 to $2500.
If the price is under $425, it is an OK price.
The scale I use is based on the laptop's value in a competitive market of equivalent best value in the price range:
10 is $1300 and higher.
9 is $900 to $1300
8 is the $750 to $900 range
7 is $650 to $750
6 is $600 to $650
5 is $550 to $600
4 is $500 to $550
3 is $450 to $500
2 is $400 to $450
1 is the under $300-$400 laptop set, all of which are usually cheaply made for basic video functions.
On this scale, the Dell you show is 2.5.
I am looking to purchase a new TV. Is there a difference in quality/something between a 120MHZ or 240MHZ TV?
Q. I am looking at either LCD or Plasma flat screen -
A. The hertz of a TV doesn't affect the picture quality that much unless you watch film based movies!
Film based movies are recorded at 24fps rather then standard movies which are recorded at 30fps. If you have a 60hz TV, you will have a motion artifact known as 'juddering' during fast motion. This 'juddering' is caused by the unequal division of 24fps into the TVs 60hz rate. The TV has to compensate by repeating certain frames. Resulting in the 'juddering' affect during fast motion in the 24fps movies!
A TV's response time and contrast ratio are the two most important properties of a TVs picture qualty! And Plasma TVs have the best in both!
Plasma TVs have the highest "native" contrast ratios(*40,000:1), giving them the blackest blacks and most vivid and rich looking colors! They also have the fastest response times(.001ms) and fastest refresh rates(600hz). Making them the best at producing the sharpest and smoothest motion. Perfect for fast motion content like sports, movies & gaming!
Plasma TV's are also more affordable.
*Panasonic's new 2010 S2 series of Plasma's are now advertising a 2,000,000:1 Native contrast ratio! http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Televisions/VIERA-2010-HDTV-Series/VIERA-S2-Series-Plasma-1080p-HDTVs.list.147543_11002_7000000000000005702
I also recommend Panasonic's U1, S1, G10 and V10 Series' of Plasma's as well!
Film based movies are recorded at 24fps rather then standard movies which are recorded at 30fps. If you have a 60hz TV, you will have a motion artifact known as 'juddering' during fast motion. This 'juddering' is caused by the unequal division of 24fps into the TVs 60hz rate. The TV has to compensate by repeating certain frames. Resulting in the 'juddering' affect during fast motion in the 24fps movies!
A TV's response time and contrast ratio are the two most important properties of a TVs picture qualty! And Plasma TVs have the best in both!
Plasma TVs have the highest "native" contrast ratios(*40,000:1), giving them the blackest blacks and most vivid and rich looking colors! They also have the fastest response times(.001ms) and fastest refresh rates(600hz). Making them the best at producing the sharpest and smoothest motion. Perfect for fast motion content like sports, movies & gaming!
Plasma TV's are also more affordable.
*Panasonic's new 2010 S2 series of Plasma's are now advertising a 2,000,000:1 Native contrast ratio! http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Televisions/VIERA-2010-HDTV-Series/VIERA-S2-Series-Plasma-1080p-HDTVs.list.147543_11002_7000000000000005702
I also recommend Panasonic's U1, S1, G10 and V10 Series' of Plasma's as well!
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