The Desktop Computer Isn't Dead Yet

According to news articles in the past year or two, the desktop computer is beginning to cry "I don't want to go on the cart." According to this article, the arrival of real tablet PCs is going to take a slice of the computer market, and it won't be coming from netbook or laptop sales.

I won't deny that laptops are everywhere these days, and getting more powerful all the time. Currently, I use a laptop as my main computer, and have a 10-year-old desktop kicking around used to play YouTube videos and such on my TV. I, for one, plan to buy a desktop computer as my next major computer purchase, for several reasons.

Firstly, my laptop hardware went obsolete REALLY fast. I bought it in July 2007, and by the fall there were far more powerful models out for the same price. I bought a model with a decent-enough video card in hopes of playing a few games, but even games of several years earlier than 2007 had to be run with minimal video settings. As far as 2010 games go, the situation is hopeless.

Secondly, I dislike very much that for my laptop's processor to run at full advertised speeds, the bottom of the computer gets hot enough to cook pizza pops on. If I hadn't bought the 12-cell battery that lifts the bottom of the computer off the desk, providing extra ventilation, the computer would be hot enough to cook two pizza pops on. It's possible that newer laptops are better now and don't run as hot, but I've always found myself running in power saver mode at 600 MHz just so I didn't scald my lap.

Thirdly, one of the main arguments against desktop computers is that they are chained to your desk. While it's nice that laptops have batteries and can go anywhere, they still need to spend some amount of time chained to a wall outlet every so often. Until wireless power is brought to the consumer market, laptops will still partially have the same chained problem as desktops. After a few years, your laptop battery goes and you have to stay chained to the wall all the time anyway.

Desktop computers have much more longevity than laptops for several reasons, meaning that they're more worth the money you spend on them in the long term. First and foremost, desktops are super upgradeable if you buy a system with future upgrades in mind. You can always pop in more RAM, another hard drive, another video card, etc. Laptops are almost always not so. Also, the hard drive in a desktop will last much, much longer than that of a laptop, because it remains stationary all the time. Laptops bounce around all over the place, and usually the hard drive will give out in a few years' time at most. My current 10-year-old desktop still has its original hard drive running fine. When your laptop eventually does need repair, one needs to either send it away to a manufacturer for weeks, or attempt to dismantle the entire computer, just to tinker with whatever is broken. When a desktop computer is opened up, everything is easily accessible and within reach.

It used to be that you could make a valid argument against desktops and their space requirements. You need room for that giant CRT monitor, and someplace to put your tower. These days, you can buy compact desktops that are about the size of a laptop standing on its side, or even smaller if you look at the Home Theater PC market. LCD monitors are the standard these days, so they don't require much space either.

I can't speak for the rest of the computer user world, but when I need to sit down and focus on work on the computer, I work more productively if I'm sitting at a desk. If I'm sitting at a desk, I enjoy having a big screen to spread out all my windows on, and a mouse and keyboard. I could use all these accessories with a laptop, but it seems more practical to me to have a dedicated desktop hooked up, rather than plugging and unplugging from my comparatively underpowered laptop all the time. I can especially see this situation if I ever found a job doing computer work from home, as I imagine is the case for a significant portion of the working population in the computer industry.

In the past year or two I've seen home servers come out on the market for the average computer user. Regular users are beginning to realize the importance of file backup and the convenience of central media servers. Combine this market with the home theater market, and you have one desktop-dominated market area. Laptops just don't make sense to be run as always-on servers.

Desktops can clearly offer more performance power than laptops if you are willing to pay for it, and it's not just hardcore gamers that need the power anymore. Users of CAD software, graphical design software, video editing and encoding software, and virtualization software all need a large amount of RAM, processing power, and storage space. Even software developers would enjoy faster compile times for development projects, even if it means less time to use as a valid slacking-off excuse.

In short, if desktops are losing share of the PC market, it will stop losing and eventually stabilize. The desktop computer is not going away any time soon.

Thoughts?

The Many Uses Of Diamonds

As the old adage goes, diamonds are a girl's best friend. Any woman you might ask would simply say that they like to have a diamond in their possession. Perhaps the high value given to such stone can be credited to its timeless beauty and appeal. It is also considered as the best decoration that can be mounted in any jewelry.

For many years diamonds have been consistently used to create the most precious jewelries. However, it has been identified that there is a significant increase in the use of these gems within the past decades. Other than being a representation of fame and power, the use of diamond is not limited to jewelry making. They also function as cutting tools, a means to transmit sounds, various optical applications, and as a special coating for airplane cockpit windows, which officially makes it a multi-million dollar industry.

While it is true that these precious gems have differing uses, it cannot be denied that they are primarily utilized as decorative pieces to make any jewelry more elegant and expensive. Many people are now fond of buying jewelries that have diamonds in them because they are good investments. The investment usefulness of these jewelries are associated with their increasing worth in the market. Similarly, they are also important heirloom pieces that can be passed on from one family member to the other.

Investment worth aside, these gemstones are also timeless keepsakes during important occasions. For instance, diamond encrusted rings are popular engagement gifts as they are not only exquisite but also represents the sincerity of the person who gave such gift. Considering that an engagement is one of the most important traditions, many men prefer giving bands that would represent their true emotions. Nevertheless, because diamond encrusted bands are physically durable, they are the most favored choice to be given during engagement ceremonies.

Before buying a diamond encrusted ring, it is imperative to know that what you are getting is the real ones and not a fake. For unknowing buyers, a diamond can be mistaken with other stones such as cubic zirconiums and other similar looking stones. With these in mind, it is always advisable to purchase such precious stones in reputable diamond stores to avoid the fake ones. It is also worth knowing that the value of a diamond can be identified based from the so called 4Cs or color, clarity, cut and carat.

So, before cashing in with that diamond ring, doing a little research can significantly affect what you should be purchasing. There are wide selections of diamond bands in the market; as such it pays to know everything about the product you are interested in. It is best to have the authentic one because it will represent your vow of love and permanence. Therefore, it is important to have something authentic so that every time you look and your spouse look at it, both of you will be reminded of that undying love you have sworn to.

Many people now prefer buying diamonds because they are good investments, as their value increases over time. It is also common to see such stones in jewelries, usually in rings, because they basically make any object valuable. A diamond ring, for instance, has become a popular engagement piece as it represents a relationship's longevity and everlasting love. Likewise, diamond jewelries have also been used as heirlooms to maintain the value of close family ties from generation to generation. 

The Ideal Corporate Gift For Company Executives

Corporate promotional gifts-giving is rather easy if the recipients are the customers and other consumers. However if we have to choose the perfect corporate gift for executives, the matter becomes a bit trickier.

When giving corporate gifts for executives, we have to think about the item, its choice, and its price. Certainly, we also consider there elements when our firm gives out generic corporate gifts. Most certainly, too, no company would desire others to have a negative impression about their business. However, are there such things as "perfect gifts" for the executive? Sadly, there is none at all.

Why is that? To start with, none of us who are not closely related to the executive would be able to discern what he or she wants the most. Another thing, there is nothing man-made that could be the "perfect" gift for an executive, for an employee, or for any other person for that matter. The moment we free ourselves from the idea of perfection for corporate gifts, we can think more clearly and can begin to search for a perfect gift to give the executive instead. The gift should be something that will be suitable for the person's position but not something that will break the bank with the price tag. The following are three suggested gifts appropriate for presenting to executives.

1. Organizer. This corporate gift for executives is undeniably very functional; they can use it to keep track of their schedules. Organizers made from choice materials, such as leather, are highly ideal as corporate gifts for executives. The company logo can be embossed on the organizer's cover.

2. Watch. Watches made by reputable watchmakers are also ideal corporate gifts for executives. In the business world, time is money, so the recipient would appreciate the symbolism represented by the gift of a watch.

3. Pen. Fountain pens or carbon steel roller pens are writing implements that are perfect corporate gifts for executives. The highest excellent pen that you can get would be a perfect corporate gift for executives.

It just goes to show that executes, like the rest of us, would be pleased to be the receivers of gifts. There is absolutely no reason to give your workers some type of gift especially when you can get custom promotional gifts anywhere.

Find out more about non woven bags and discover some of the most effective corporate gifts you can use for your business.

Buying Promotional Coffee Mugs

Why Buy Custom Coffee Mugs?

When it comes to marketing, promotional coffee mugs are one of the most cost-effective ways to attract attention to your organization. Did you know that over 50% of the US adult population drinks coffee every single day? Maybe it's the intoxicating aroma, the rich color, or simply the ritual of pouring a cup that draws you in. Coffee kick-starts your day, caps off a great meal, and enhances conversations with friends. Whether you have a cup-a-day habit or choose to partake more frequently, there's no disputing that coffee is an important part of American culture. So what better way to promote your brand than with custom coffee mugs?

They not only have a higher perceived value than many other promotional items, but they also have a lasting usefulness that other business gifts lack. You probably have at least one imprinted coffee mug in your home or office that you've used again and again. With so many choices in styles and materials, it can be a daunting task to choose the right promotional mug for your business. Let's take a look at some of the most popular types of custom mugs.

Coffee Mug Types

Classic Coffee Mugs

The classic coffee mug is uniformly cylindrical in shape, with a handle, but it comes in a variety of sizes. A basic 11-12 ounce mug is an economical choice for those on a budget. We offer several with full color imprint capabilities.

Bistro Coffee Mugs

The stylish rounded bistro mug, modeled on the mugs from which one might sip cafe au lait at a sidewalk table in Milan or the Cote d'Azur, is a popular alternative style and nice for displaying logos with rounded edges or flowing script.

Cafe Coffee Mugs

If your logo has a crisp, modern design, choose a mug with sleek lines for a contemporary flair, like our tapering cafe' coffee mug. This category also includes 16 oz. latte mugs for everyone who needs their espresso-and-foam fix in the morning.

Camper Coffee Mugs

For those who want a nice, big mug with a rugged feel, the camper coffee mug is ideal. Shorter in stature but wider in diameter, these mugs hold 14 or 15 ounces and have a flecked finish that brings to mind evenings around the campfire.

Diner & Restaurant Mugs

Restaurants or coffee shops should opt for a vitrified ceramic for commercial use, and we offer a nice selection of promotional diner and restaurant mugs ready to take your imprint and look smart use after use.

Glass Coffee Mugs

Perfect for iced or (one of our favorites) Irish coffee, glass coffee mugs look great on a desk or conference table and make an elegant corporate gift.

Travel Coffee Mugs

Anyone with a lengthy morning commute will tell you they couldn't live without a travel coffee mug! Promotional travel coffee mugs are made of a variety of materials, such as plastic, stainless steel, and even ceramic. If your promotion is aimed at commuters, make sure the style will fit into a standard auto cup holder. Perhaps the most important feature of a travel coffee mug is the lid. Lids that offer the ability to close off the drinking spout can help prevent spills and burns, not to mention helping to keep coffee hot.

Travel Coffee Tumblers

Travel coffee tumblers differ from travel mugs in that tumblers do not have a handle but rather a non-slip surface and, in most cases, a contoured shape to make them easy to hold. Like the handle-equipped variety, a travel tumbler's lid is all-important.

Stainless Steel Coffee Tumblers and Mugs

Custom stainless steel coffee tumblers and mugs are extremely popular as promotional items because of their high perceived value. A common material for travel tumblers, stainless steel is durable enough to withstand even the harshest of morning commutes. Some styles are sleek and modern, while others are rugged and feature textural or rubber accents. Stainless steel is often paired with other materials to create a unique two-tone look; the cool silver tone complements a variety of materials, including ceramic, plastic, and even leather. Stainless steel travel coffee tumblers should be double-walled or lined with a plastic liner to help keep coffee hot, and this is ideal for thermo-insulated mugs and thermoses. Stainless steel tends to be the most expensive option for promotional coffee tumbler materials, but the initial investment can pay off in repeat impressions through frequent use.

Acrylic and Plastic Coffee Tumblers and Mugs

Most people probably don't think plastic when they think coffee mug. But promotional plastic coffee tumblers and acrylic tumblers can be a great choice, especially for travel mugs. There are a wide range of color options available to suit any occasion, including effects that couldn't be achieved in other materials. Plastics are durable and can be easily cleaned, so they can withstand frequent use. Be sure when choosing a plastic or acrylic coffee tumbler or mug to look for a style with a liner, as single-wall styles are intended for cold beverages only. There are even acrylic tumblers with stainless steel liners, so you can have the best features of both materials. And unlike most other types of promotional coffee tumblers, there are recycled and biodegradable options available.

Ceramic Coffee Tumblers

A particular style of travel coffee cup has taken the promotional world by storm in recent months. Dubbed the "not-a-paper-cup," the design of this ceramic tumbler mimics the paper cup offered at most coffee shops, complete with a silicone version of the plastic lid. Double-walled ceramic keeps coffee hot and hands comfortable, and some versions even come with a reusable sleeve. Personalized ceramic travel tumblers are ideal for environmentally-friendly promotions, but are also trendy enough to suit almost any campaign.

Paper Coffee Cups

While we hope you'll opt for reusable promotional coffee mugs whenever possible, we understand that some events and businesses call for disposable (or hopefully recyclable!) cups. We offer a variety of custom paper cups to meet your needs. They're a necessity for the restaurant industry, and they can provide the perfect finishing touch to a party or corporate event when you personalize them with your message! Remember that paper cups don't have the insulating properties of most reusable coffee mugs, so don't forget the imprinted paper coffee cup sleeves. There are even reusable versions available, like our foam coffee cup sleeve!

How to Buy Promotional Coffee Mugs

When determining the best options for your promotion, consider the following:

Type. When choosing a type of promotional coffee mug, consider your message and target audience. Do you intend for your promotional mugs to be used in the home or office, where the message will be visible primarily to the end user and those closest to them? Go for a traditional ceramic coffee mug. Does your promotion target people on the go? Opt for a personalized travel mug, as it will both suit your end user's lifestyle and allow your message to be seen by everyone they encounter.

Material. Ceramic is a mainstay coffee mug material that is highly reusable and easy to clean. Stainless steel offers an upscale look and insulating properties. Plastics and acrylics expand design options. Ceramic and biodegradable or recycled plastic options are ideal for eco-friendly promotions, and imprinted paper coffee cups are ideal for large events where reusable mugs aren't practical.

Budget. If you're on a budget, custom coffee mugs are a great choice for promoting your business. For not much more than the cost of a promotional pen, you can increase the perceived value of your promotional item and ensure that your logo will be seen again and again. Smaller budgets can benefit from the lower price points on ceramic coffee mugs. Stainless steel costs more at the outset and makes a great impression.

Grow your business, connect with clients, improve corporate unity, enhance school spirit, or spread the word with a custom promotional product from InkHead Promotional Products!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Ollinger

What Quality A Business Logo Design Does Possess

Successful business relies on professional logo design - has there been a thriving business without a professionally done logo design? In other words, a business logo draws and builds trust and becomes an identity for brand recognition. Think about this: The business company that wins over trust and becomes image of credibility is close to the heart of the consumers.

An image or a simple logo that is popularly associated to one' s business company is an impetus for success. - this design shows that the business is serious and is set apart from basement operators and fly - by workers. Consumers want a business with its professional logo design. What actually instills in the minds of the regular clients of one' s business is the logo design. Imagine how a toddler reacts whenever he sees the logo images of the toy store, of the food chain he loves, of the ice cream that attracts his palate, and of many other business establishments known to him in his young age. The educational institutions, restaurants, small Net caf�s, and other business establishments out there have their logos that partially reveal about their business philosophy and identity, in general. Inferentially, the logo designs are linked to the business company and to its service or products.

The impact of business logo design is inculcated in the minds of the consumers. - is there something worse than without a logo design? Imagine a lousy design of logo that flaunts your business name. Poorly designed business logo is a turn off and is a better for nothing stuff. Consumers are wise buyers and are having the decisive eyes for art. What does a Person Need to Understand about Logo Designs?

Once the business entrepreneur starts showing the business logo design on the Web or in anywhere, the branding process begins as well. - assessing the type of business one has and the impact that one wants to create to his consumers matters a lot. Somewhere down the line, the poorly made logo has to be changed. Before things turn out what you least expected, get things right from the start. Consequently, if this would be the last better alternative, the efforts of building up a name in the industry would likely just go down the drain. Trust professional hands that make a living out of designing business logo. What Quality a Business Logo Design does Possess?

Professional business logo designs do not only grab the consumers by their eyeballs but also those bewitch them to try and trust the credibility of the company. - watch for the business logos of mcdonalds, and apple, nike! Moreover, a logo design should be unique, and audience preferences, bold - centered. Simplicity tops most of the existing logo designs. Know what groups of consumers you target and what impact you would like to create and rely on the professionally known hands who will direct your business towards roads of success. Success is just within one' s grasp.

Commercialize the products and the company name through a professional logo design. - simply pick the best artist for the logo design and things would just turn out what you always dreamt of.

The Benefits of Yoga for the Physiological Level

Increasing flexibility. Cure and prevent Arthritis - The yoga poses (asanas), act upon the various joints of the body, including those joints that we never really use. By practicing yoga poses we can experience a remarkable increase in the flexibility of the joints, ligaments and tendons. Yoga is exercise and relaxation combined and this is the perfect anti-arthritis formula. Yoga's slow-motion movements and gentle pressures, reach deep into strained joints. Also, the easy stretches in conjunction with deep breathing exercises relieve the tension that binds up the muscles and further tightens the joints. 

Cure and prevent back pain - Back pain is the most common reason to seek medical attention in the West. Yoga has consistently been used to cure and prevent back pain by enhancing strength and flexibility.

 Massaging to all the internal vital organs of the body - Research has shown that yoga poses are the only form of activity that massages all of the internal glands and organs of the body and this promotes good health and well-being.

Complete detoxification - Yoga poses (asanas) helps to gently stretch the muscles and joints allowing the optimum blood supply to various parts of the body. This helps to flush the toxins out of the body. This leading to benefits such as delayed in ageing, providing energy and a remarkable zest for life.

Excellent toning of the muscles - Yoga practice can stimulate the muscles that have become flaccid and weak.

Provide balance in the nervous system - yoga is a great form of mediation in motion and that can balance the nervous system.

Reduction of stress - Because yoga practice is a slow and gentle form of exercise combined with breathing exercises, it can relieve body stress.

Cure and prevent respiration problems and asthma

Various studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of yoga for patients with respiratory problems. Physicians have found that the practice of asanas in combination with breathing exercises and meditation makes the treatment of asthma more effective. It has also been proved that asthma attacks can usually be prevented by yoga practice, without resorting to drugs. Patients who practice yoga have a better chance of gaining the ability to control their breathing problems. With the help of yogic breathing exercises, it is possible to control an attack of severe shortness of breath without having to seek medical help.

High Blood Pressure (hypertension)

The yoga postures, yogic breathing (pranayama) and the deep relaxation techniques (yoga nidra), which are basic components of yoga, have a major role to play in the treatment or prevention of high blood pressure and reduce the need for high blood pressure medication for people suffering from it.

Pain Management

Concentration during yoga postures, breathing exercises, deep relaxation techniques and meditation can also help reduce pain. Yoga is believed to reduce pain by helping the brain's pain centre regulate the gate-controlling mechanism located in the spinal cord and the secretion of natural painkillers in the body.

Weight Reduction

Yogic practices that reduce anxiety tend to reduce anxious eating. Regular yoga practice can help in weight management, for the reason that some asanas stimulate sluggish glands, to increase their hormonal secretions. There are specific asanas, such as the shoulder stand (Sarvangasana) or the fish pose (Matsyasana), which are targeted on the thyroid gland. This gland has a great effect on our weight because it affects the body’s metabolism rate. Fat metabolism is also increased, so fat is converted to muscle and energy and we have better muscle tone and a higher vitality level.

Also, the practice of “yogic breath” (yogic deep breathing) increases the oxygen intake to the body cells, including the fat cells. This causes increased oxidation or burning up of fat cells.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/yoga-articles/the-benefits-of-yoga-548787.html

GPS Trackers Catch Thieves

We have learned to use today's GPS tracking technology to keep track of people, pets, vehicles, bikes and so much more. Garmin, TomTom and other like manufacturers have given us much to choose from. It seems as though the only thing limiting our usage of GPS Trackers, is our own creativity. It seems as though the only thing limiting our usage of GPS Trackers, is our own ingenuity.
A university located in a southern state became plagued by bicycle thefts on their campus. They began testing a specific GPS tracking system that only worked within designated safe zones. If a bike got moved anywhere outside of these specific zones, a text message or email was immediately sent to the bike's owner within thirty seconds. The developers say that once the bike is actually moving, the system can track its location online. At that point, the thief can be quickly arrested. GPS trackers have been developed that are about the size of a hide-a-key box and can fit on a bicycle with ease.
The home construction and remodeling industry also found an exciting application for these GPS trackers. Typically, during a home construction, appliances, fixtures and items such as water heaters are delivered to the site in preparation of the final install. Sadly, criminals pray on such sites to steal and resell these brand new appliances and fixtures for quick cash. Refrigerators, stoves, microwave ovens, dishwashers, hot water heaters, air conditioning units, trash compactors, wine refrigerators, sinks and even toilets are among the items most popular with these criminals. We now have a solution. Simply place a small, magnetic GPS device in an inconspicuous place on the appliance or fixture. If the article is removed, you can track its location on your cell phone or computer, call the police and quickly recover the item while having the thieves arrested as well.
Word is out that a man in Florida was answering ads for appliances being sold privately on Craigslist. He would contact the owner, get the address where the appliances were, steal them, and then sell them for himself. He had been making a living in this way for quite some time. Finally, someone who had advertised a refrigerator for sale, decided to place a small GPS tracker on the unit. Once the GPS tracker alerted the owner that the appliance had removed from his premises, the owner contacted the police and together they caught and locked up the career criminal.
A related GPS story tells of a thief preying on construction sites in California who loaded up his van with expensive air conditioning units. Fortunately he didn't get too far because the site manager had placed some GPS trackers on the units hoping to avoid just such an incident. Within thirty seconds the manager received a text message that the units were on the move. He contacted the police and the thief was caught red-handed with the a/c units in his possession.
 The time has come to broaden our thinking as it relates to GPS trackers and units. We have routinely relied on these devices to protect us and our loved ones. Now, we can also count on them to safeguard the possessions we hold dear.

Bradley Jacobs is a GPS enthusiast and touts the benefits of garmin, tomtom, magellan, lowrance, and other gps system available with unmatched on-line store experience. With over 20 years of direct engineering, marketing, and customer service experience in the GPS industry, he is uniquely qualified to offer top-level support. His favorite distributor, GPS City, sells to thousands of customers in the USA, Canada, and worldwide. They range from small businesses to many Fortune 500 companies. From major universities and technical colleges to the Pentagon, Canada's DND, military and other government institutions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bradley_Jacobs