Kundirana » Consumer Electronics

RCA 32” LCD HDTV (L32HD41) is a Good but Delicate TV

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:38:50 +0000

As far as TV sets go, most people are looking for a solid deal that’s going to last and give them great picture and sound. When I was looking for a TV, I definitely wanted these features, but I also needed something that would fit my budget (ie, 2007’s tax refund). With a suggested retail price of $600 available at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club, RCA’s 32” LCD HDTV seemed like the right choice.

It’s huge and most shows and DVDs really do look amazing on it, plus it does fairly well for most video games on the Xbox. Crystal clear images and decent sound make this a good choice for family TV, particularly at its price point. However, there is definitely one thing that you should be warned about. As great as the picture is, if you bump the screen with something (like say your toddler has a broom) then you are going to get an unsightly mark that’s not going to go away. That makes the set a little more delicate than most older model TV’s you might be used to.

All in all, this has to be one of the best priced and nicest TV’s I’ve ever owned. It’s certainly held up well despite the mark on the screen. That’s generally visible only against a pale background so chances are you won’t notice it 80% of the time. This is definitely a good value for what you get.

Mobile Phone Customers Can Look Forward to Cheaper Minutes

admin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:35:28 +0000

As the FCC is set to address consumer concerns over the availability of network access to different services, mobile phone service providers are preparing to make adjustments to the way they do business. In the past, regulations have favored sweet heart deals between mobile phone manufacturers and service providers. Apple and AT&T are a prime example of this sort of exclusive arrangement, coupling AT&T’s network with the Apple iPhone and not allowing consumers the choice of networks they prefer to use. This has angered many iPhone users who feel they are being forced to use a network that may not perform to their personal expectations. The potential that the FCC’s network neutrality rulings could change the game for service providers is very high and so many providers are taking steps on their own to be prepared for this shift.

Already, consumers who have wanted affordable mobile phone deals are looking to buy the phone they can afford and then choose the carrier that works best for their budget. Since many users want to be able to access services such as Skype and Google Voice over their mobile phones in order to reduce their costs, the FCC is considering allowing this. Analysts suspect that the effects on the mobile phone industry will be similar to what happened earlier this decade when VOIP technology was allowed over land based phone lines. In the same way the traditional phone companies lowered their rates to compete with VOIP users, mobile phone companies are expected to reduce the costs of airtime on their networks in order to compete with internet based service offerings from their new competitors.

Archos Releases Info On New UMPCs

admin — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:27:16 +0000

Archos, formerly known for their portable media devices, has just released information on their new line of ultra-mobile personal computers, a huge step in the new image of the company. It is, without a doubt, their most anticipated product, after the Archos mobile Internet units were released a few years ago.

According to Twice.com, the new Archos PC will run a Windows 7 Home Edition platform, which already makes it a desirable option in a Microsoft-dominated industry. It will also run an Intel 1.2GHz processor, and a high resolution touch screen, which will be just under 9″.

While the details on most of the configurations (which will be adapted for a global release) have not yet been released, we do know that it will have a number of features. For instance, the Archos UMPC will have a built in webcam, Bluetooth, and Skype software, and a 60 GB harddrive, a decent size.

The release date has not been officially announced, though Archos has said that the unnamed product will begin selling sometime this fall. No one knows just what it will cost, but based on their other products we can assume the price will be significantly lower than many other brands.