Quick gadgets roundup

ASUS TV Stick

In today’s technologically modern times, many people are moving away from the traditional television. And why not? Most television viewing can be done online anyway.

But ASUS, a leading name in computing, has decided that television viewing is far from over. They are preparing to introduce a whole new level of what some regard as an essential pastime to many people. The ASUS Express TV Stick is a device that gets plugged into your spare USB port. This then provides you with access to its auto installation software for high quality digital and analog TV reception.

And if you are spoilt for choice on which programme to watch, don’t worry – a nifty pop up feature allows you to save a show and watch at a later stage. Then, when you do want to watch it, all you need is a USB port and a computer and voila! Quick and convenient television viewing.

HP ProBook s-series Laptop

HP has launched a new range of low-priced notebooks, ideal for businesspeople looking for affordability, functionality and fresh features. The new ProBook s-series boasts sophisticated business functionality and features HD graphics and Blu-ray drives. You can even enjoy the option of selecting either an Intel processor or an AMD processor. You can also choose either a 14-inch, 15.6-inch or 17.3-inch diagonal HD widescreen with an aspect ratio of 16:9.

Other exceptional features include an optional Linux-based operating system pre-installed. The Novell Inc’s SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11 is perfect for users who are looking for a change from the overriding Windows platform from Microsoft. Additionally, you get a nifty 3D DriveGuard which protects your hard drive, as well as a convenient spill resistant keyboard. What more could you ask for?

GoateeSaver

If you are a modern man who likes his facial hair trimmed to perfection, this may be the ideal gift for you. The GoateeSaver is a wacky but nifty device and great for keeping you looking neat and trimmed at all times, while knocking crucial minutes off your daily shaving regime.

So what does the GoateeSaver do? This quirky device is an adjustable mouthpiece capable of keeping your facial hair straight and even. It also shaves hard to reach places, allowing you to get the pattern you want. And even though your wife, friends and even kids might tease you, perfect facial hair is well worth the jibes.

The Dual Action Electronic Lightsaber

Face it guys. Most of you have at one stage fantasised about partaking in a lightsaber battle in outerspace – a la Star Wars. And now you may be able to do just that, while keeping your feet firmly on the ground. The Dual Action Electronic Lightsaber is a new toy which puts a twist on the traditional, now somewhat boring lightsabers of yore.

This new, updated lightsaber offers something that the older models do not – a second, smaller lightsaber hidden within the hilt. This makes defeating your opponent easier, especially if they are still trying to play catch up with their older models. Hold the extra lightsaber as a dagger, or attach it to the hilt for an uber-lightsaber. Your opponent will definitely have no chance now. But don’t go running to the toy stores just yet, as this lightsaber is only available as from August. Until then, may the force be with you.

Why do I need a UPS?

With the country’s very convenient load shedding in progress, many of us are looking for alternative ways of preventing a power failure from wreaking havoc on our lives – especially your average computer user. But is this possible? How can you save yourself the trouble and drama of another unscheduled power outage? The answer is simple…Get a UPS!

An Uninterruptible Power Supply, or UPS, is a device dedicated to supplying electric power to connected equipment in the event of a power outage or when utility power is not available. The UPS does this by supplying power from a separate source.

What for?A UPS is usually used to protect computers, telecommunication equipment and other electrical equipment in the event of a power failure. Banks, restaurants, hospitals, hotels, and businesses can all suffer irreparable damages in the event of an extended power failure. The UPS offers continuous power to electrical equipment, even if the power source stops providing power.

So how does it work?

A UPS system falls into three general categories, namely on-line, line-interactive, and standby. All three of these designs work differently but essentially perform the same task.

An on-line UPS uses a ‘double conversion’ method. This method accepts AC input, rectifying to DC for passing through the battery, then changing back to AC for powering the protected equipment.

A line-interactive UPS keeps the invertor in line then redirects the battery’s DC current path from the normal changing mode, hence supplying current when power is lost.

A standby system is powered directly by the input power and the backup power circuitry, and is only used when the power fails. Other UPS designs include Rotary Uninterruptible Power Supply, Dual Conversion Online, Ferro-resonant, DC Systems and Outdoor UPS.

Choosing a UPS that is right for you:

So now that you got the facts, how do you go about choosing the right UPS for you?

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Is the unit going to be in a controlled environment? If yes, then you need an indoor UPS, if not, an outdoor one.
2. What are the 2 key ratings? This is the load rating expressed as both volt amps (VA) and watts (W). These rating represent the amount of load that the UPS can support.
3. What amount of runtime will the UPS be required to provide? This amount will vary according to how much power is needed and how much devices is being run from the UPS.
4. What is your anticipated usage?
5. What load/connected equipment will the UPS support?
6. Also, speak to a professional UPS dealer

Can I afford it?

So you probably think a UPS is what you need, right? But how much does it cost and can you afford one? Do not fret because the price of UPS’s has dropped considerably in recent times. You can get a UPS’s from Digital Planet for as little as R500.

More and more companies and even individuals are opting to buy this convenient little device. And why not? With the country in an electricity crisis, a UPS is looking like the best option to solve your load shedding woes. It’s either that or enjoying continuous blackouts for the next few days, weeks, months, maybe years. I prefer the former.