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 Fall 2009 is and exciting time. CEDIA, in Atlanta, is about to drop a home entertainment mother lode on our consciousness in a couple of days. The possiblities for enjoying TV, moves, and music will expand by a factor of 10. This means more complexity as well as opportunity for convenience. Plummeting TV and PC prices are little comfort as these components alone don't make up a system. Fortunately, Bay Area Gadgets is here to help. All Things Digital is written for local consumers who want unbiased information on the TVs, Audio Solutions, Digital Cameras, PCs, and Mobile Phones that we and our families use.
Bay Area Gadgets' primary passion is Home Entertainment, but we are experts on home office solutions, mobile technology, and more. Also, think of Bay Area Gadgets as a Digital Interior Designer and Digital Mercenary. My teams and I create affordably elegant Home Entertainment systems using flat panel TVs as our medium. Rather than sell TVs and other commodity products, we install the displays sold in stores, integrate the finest supporting products, enhance the look of your living spaces, and upgrade your entertainment experience. I hope you select Bay Area Gadgets, but at least use our information to make the best decisions possible.
From concept to implementation, we provide design, project management, and installation services not found elsewhere. We also handle smaller jobs such as troubleshoointing your system after a Comcast visit and putting your electronics back together when you move. Big or small, we do it all. Remember, the best entertainment systems and home offices begin and end with Bay Area Gadgets. I hope you enjoy our newsletter and will share it with others. | |
Bay Area Gadgets' All Things Digital - Essential Information For The Valley & Peninsula's Discriminating Consumers
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Issue Fourteen
July 14, 2009
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| Greetings!
The fall season is exciting for technology columnists. It starts with CEDIA where the important home technologies are announced and launched. CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas gets the coverage but it exists mostly to build interest for the latter part of the year, September to be exact. At the same time, we're already getting a big dose of holiday discounting giving us more for our money. Whoopee!!! Well, until you realize that much of the research you did may become dated by the 13th of this month.
That said, there's some unexceptional products being hyped even as hidden gems are overlooked. Know the difference.
For this nesletter, we'll start with the current crop of notebook PCs. There's plenty of testosterone in the chips, but ergonomics and aesthetics are taking a back seat. Sony is the cat's meow at this time. Wake up you other Bozos.
Your iPod is nothing without the accessories. Who makes the best alarm clocks, portable playing systems? Discover why iHome and Logitech are kicking everyone else's derrieres.
Finally, you need to know about SoundCast and their wireless audio solutions. I've never been a fan of wireless speakers, but these guys have it nailed in spades. Among their many solutions they make awesome, wireless speakers which rock 300 feet from their music source and play 5-6 hours without elctricity. It's portability on steroids, and SoundCast is just getting started.
Finally, I'm going to share a secret weapon when it comes to maximizing my time. Free Copernic Desktop Search saves me 30-60 minutes each day. I give you the insided scoop.
I hope you enjoy this issue of All Things Digital. If you have any questions or comments about these or other topics, please call (408-393-4779) or click here to email me. james@bayareagadgets.com.
Until we meet again, make it a great week!!!
James Stout - Your Digital Lifestyle Advisor
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| What Happen To This Year's Notebook PCs. Adult Supervision Needed. |
 We consumers deserve better, especially in these economically challenging times. You'd think HP, Dell, and others would be working over time to capture our imagination and pocketbook. Not so. HP's standard theme screams for a dermatologist, and the model pictured above is the coservative HP look. I'm particuarly disappointed as I've owned nothing but HP for the last 5 years. Dell, ASUS, and Gateway have created designs which are as exciting as a bread sandwich. Toshiba looks like it's a fingerprint magnet even before you touch it. But wait, there's more. New Sizes have been introduced which add a 10 key pad. If you don't count beans professionally, you may not like being off center when typing, and you'll be carry a bigger load than with the previous 15.4" display of previous years. If you don't go with Sony, you may find yourself downsizing to a 14.1" display.
Enter Sony - Finally, They Get It Right
Sony's been living off its ancient glory for far too long. Until now, their unreasonably priced notebooks lacked features their competitors had had for years. And, their styling was no great shakes unless you spent $1,500 or more.
Styling, Value, Functionality, and Service
Check the links to a pair of Sony models below which are currently available at Micro Center & Best Buy. They have a nice brushed aluminum or white enamel finish which are stylishly professional. Also, they opted out of the 10 key pad, added slightly greater spacing between the keys, and centered the keyboard. Finally, let's talk technical support. They are the only PC company with an A rating from PC World, and my experience bears out that rating. At $799 to $849, they aren't cheap but they are worth every penny considering they should be in use for 4-5 years. I'll be adding one of the walnut brown models in a couple of months.
I'm sure Sony's competitors will come around, particularly HP. Until they do, Sony sets the standard. |
| Picking The Top iPod Alarm Clocks & Portable Speaker Systems. It's All In The Remote. Really. |
 A clock radio which wakes you up to your favorite iPod track is pretty cool. So is a portable 5 star player which runs off its internal rechargeable battery. But which, in this heap of iPod accessories, is worthy of your money?The question is easy to answer one you focus on the single most important feature: the remote control. What? Have I lost it? Not at all. Here's why.
Most iPod remote controls don't let you navigate the entire iPod library, essentially replacing the iPod scroll wheel. Instead, they merely offer start, stop, volume control, and skip to the next track. Two companies, iHome and Logitech build complete navigational control into each of their products. This means you can backup through the menu structure so you never have to touch your iPod until you remove it.
In the portable category, the Pure-Fi Anywhere has gotten several 5 star ratings for sound quality. Full navigational control and an integrated rechargeable battery for use anywhere. There's also an auxilary port on the back to connect to your PC for great internet sound. The whole thing packs up to in to a specially designed pouch with holds, the Pure-Fi, remote, charger and even your iPod. I never travel without my Anywhere 2. It rocks, and gives me music anywhere. PureFi Anywhere 2.
See how easy this was? Whether for you or a gift, these are the must have iPod accessories. Maybe the others will wise up, but it's not likely before next spring. |
| The SoundCast OutCast Self Powered Wireless Speaker System - An Audio Swiss Army Knife. And, It's Only The Beginning!!! |
 Before anything else, let's start with the Awards given to SoundCast Systems' solutions. Awards, And, I'm proud to say you won't find them at any local retailers, but their solutions are available through Bay Area Gadgets. Just call or email.
Wireless Sound - A Football Field Away.
Let's start with OutCast and OutCast Junior. These are wireless, self-powered, weatherproof speakers which represent music brillantly from Hip Hop to Hayden. Just turn on your iPod, Stereo, or TV which is attached to a SoundCast transmitter. The sound is flawlessly reproduced on either of the iCasts. The Junior has more battery life, 8-9 hours, versus the "bassier" OutCast which is good for 5-6 hours.
No setting up the wireless connection as the transmitter will automatically discover two Outcast or Speaker Cast systems automatically. But wait, there's even better news. You can charge up the OutCast or Junionr and head to the beach or park. Connect your iPod, and you can fill up a baseball infield for hours of fun. That's big sound. Spill all the adult beverages you like on these babies. OutCasts are tough. They're $899 and $599 including the wireless transmitters for the home. Click here for more about OutCast
SoundCast Indoors
For indoors use, there's the SpeakerCast indoor speaker. It requires AC but has the wireless receiver and amplifier built in like the OutCast. Excellent sound. $499 including the transmitter of your choice. Click here for more about SpeakerCast.
Universal AudioTransmitter & Receiver
Connect your PC or Mac's headphone jack to the UAT. Attach the receiver to one or two Outcast / Speaker Cast systems. The receiver can also be attached to any existing stereo or home entertainment system up to 300 feet away. From iTunes, to Internet radio, to Live 365, you now own a wireless music server. $249 includes wireless receiver. Installation available as required by client. Click Here For More About The Universal Audio Transmitter. Think of all those fall and holiday gatherings where SoundCast will add new dimensions to your gatherings. There's nothing like it, and I wish I had discovered SoundCast sooner. Who knew a speaker could be a party animal? For pricing, availability, and answers to your specific use application, call or email me..
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| Find Anything On Your PC Fast!!! Free Copernic Desktop Search Engine |
 I'm giving many of you the gift of time. So, feel free to drop me a line when Copernic gives you back those cumulative mnutes and hours. Let's set up the problem. Your're a Windows XP / Vista user, and you use Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird, Eudora, or Outlook Express for email. You've got hundreds of photos, Word documents, spreadsheets, PowerPoint Presentations, and PDFs. You try and organize them properly but often you can't instantly put your hand on the email or file you need . Mostly, you can find stuff, but the those time when you can't are frustrating.
Today's Desktop Searh Options
If you're Windows XP user, you're toast without an external desktop search engine. Vista is a big improvment, but their search engine only searches Emails, photos, documents separately. Also, Vista search is a slug if you have a large number of files as I do. Google Desktop Search is an option, but it's not nearly as complete as it could be in it's searches. The solution I'm about to share is faster than a speeding bullet. and it digs deep into your emails and files like a hungry termite.
Copernic Where Have You Been?
Here's the essential Copernic page for comparison and download to your PC:
Unlike many free downloads, you're not surrounded with with ad junk. Also, the free Home Version is a complete suite of search tools. That said, I'm likely to upgrade to Professional in the near future as I make extensive use of Microsoft Outlook Tasks, Notes, and Calendar Events What To Expect
Because Copernic is thorough, it takes a while to complete its initial indexing, several days in fact. Therefore, I suggest you go to Tools, Options, Indexing and Performance, and uncheck "Supspend Indexing While I Use My Computer". I havent' noticed a performance hit with this continual indexing, and my search results are always up to date. And, of course make sure your file names / photos are described with event names / client names / dates, etc. It makes your searches even faster.
Your First Search
Here's where the fun begins. Launch the Copernic Desktop and type in anything like someone's name with whom you send emails and may have documents / photos with their name / business referenced. You'll get a list broken down by email, documents, and web sites. If you click on an individual item, you'll have a preview of the email or the file. Then just click on the desired item to launch it or go directly to the items location. It's your choice.
Get Compernic Today
Which of us has time to waste or has organized our hard drives perfectly. Few of us, I'm sure. So, get hopping and be in control of your PC's contents.
All the best,
James
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| Bay Area Gadgets |
 Contact Bay Area Gadgets today to arrange an in-home consultation or schedule a house call They're different services for different clients.
Home Entertainment Consultations
If your'e planning a new home entertainment system or home office, my consultations will save you a bundle. You'll get essential information to make your dream home entertainment system a reality. For a modest $150, I take photos, measurements and detailed notes on your specific project. From this information, I offer actionable recommendations on what to buy, where to buy it, how to get the best price, and who should install your system. From there, we can provide detailed budgets and specifications, project management and installation. Big or small, we do it all with passion & creativity you won't find elsewhere.
Home Office Consultations
For the same $150 I also specialize in home office / home network upgrades and personal productivity solutions. No Geek Squad here, just common sense recommendations, installation, and training perfectly tailored to your needs. The difference is that I run my business on the solutions I recommend. We know more about the product trends and future offerings than any retailer. This will help you avoid costly early obsolescence. If time permits, we can cover home entertainment, home office, and holiday shopping in the same conslutation.
Digital House Calls
If something stopped working after Comcast / Direct TV visit, or you bought a new piece of equipment and can't get it working, call Bay Area Gadgets. No consulation required here. I arrive and make the digital fur fly to get you back to normal. It's the same $150 for the first 90 minutes and $80 afterwards. Plus, we can discuss your project plans while I'm working if the task at hand doesn't totally engage my attention. Call me an I'll tell you what your likely solution is. Thank you for supporting Bay Area Gadgets.
Sincerely,
James Stout
The Home Technology Expert
Bay Area Gadgets
Phone: 408-393-4779
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| Bay Area Gadgets |
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Silicon Valley's
Home Entertainment Expert
Bay Area Gadgets creates affordably elegant Home Entertainment systems that become works of art in your living room and other living areas. We don't sell TVs and commodity products like DVD players. Instead we use every electronics retailer, furniture showcase, and remodeling specialist as our palette to create unique solutions for each client. Our specialty is the wall mounting of flat panel TVs on-wall and over fireplaces to create a look and experience which will be the envy of friends and family. Our creations cannot duplicated by Geek Squad or even Magnolia Audio Video. Get full details and pictures at our newly updated website and gallery:
www.bayareagadgets.com
www.displaysofelegance.com
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| Bay Area Gadgets Partners
These Companies Are At The Top Of Their Game
Use Them - Refer Them |
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Rebecca Dunn-Rivera
The Well - Residential Interior Design
Saratoga, CA - 408-315-3183
Contact Rebecca
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The First Ne In Residential Lending
Rob McCarthy - Owner
Phone: 408-377-4123
Email: rmccarthy@thehontegroup.com
Web: www.thehontegroup.com
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Mario Ramirez
Alain Pinel Realtors
"Committed To Your Success"
Phone: 408-605-9999
Email: mramirez@apr.com
Web: www.marioramirez.net
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Busy B's Concierge Services
Corporate & Personal Services
That Save You Time And Money
Contact Owner Laura Bertoldi
Phone: 408-426-4088
Email: laurab@busyberrands.com
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It's All About You
Dawn Zamudio - Owner
Phone: 408-888-0601
Email: zamudiointeriors@mac.com
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