Black Friday Tips for PCs

Black Friday is almost here! It's the day that officially marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Shoppers will line up in front of stores at the crack of dark to be the first to take advantage of crazy deals. Many online retailers like Amazon have begun posting special "Black Friday" offers almost a week before Thanksgiving.

If you have someone on your gift list with an interest in electronics, you may be privy to the year's most incredible deals. Wherever you shop, it's still important to walk in armed with the knowledge to shop wisely. For your benefit, we've assembled some important tips for shopping for this year's hottest tech.


Netbooks

Netbooks are already an amazing new low-cost solution for portable computing. Many retailers will want to draw in consumers who passed up the back-to-school deals just a couple months ago. Some stores are offering netbooks for under $150!

Be sure you also get the right accessories for your netbook! Netbooks don't have built-in optical disc drives like their laptop cousins. Remember to grab one to install your needed software or back-up your data.

A spare netbook AC adapter couldn't hurt either.

A word of caution: Beware of deals that are too good to be true. Some netbooks that are closer to the $100 mark will be offered at places like Kmart. However, these are poor quality netbooks that run Windows CE. For just $50 more, you can get a better netbook that runs either Windows XP or the new Windows 7.


Windows 7

Speaking of Windows 7, this is the ultimate PC gift that keeps on giving! Microsoft's latest version of Windows has been receiving exemplary reviews since its release in October.

Users running Windows Vista will be grateful of the vast improvements that Windows 7 will make on their PC's operating system. Those who are even fond of the older, more reputable Windows XP will have reasons to upgrade to Windows 7.

If you'd like to spread the joy of Windows 7 with someone you love for Christmas, we'd love to help! Installing an operating system can be tricky; especially for older family members or anyone unsure about their computer savvy.

Triangle Laptops performs professional Windows 7 installation for customers who would prefer to trust the task with experienced hands. All versions of Windows 7 are available and we offer additional benefits with our services. Contact us for more information!


HDTVs

High-definition televisions are practically being given away during the holidays. Several retailers like Radio Shack and Target are offering 32in HDTVs for prices well under $400.

With the end of the football season approaching, now is the time to strike for viewing it in beautiful high-definition! A big-screen HDTV is the perfect center piece to a Superbowl party!

An added bonus to these HDTVs is that they also expand upon your PC experience. HDTVs actually double as computer monitors. For most laptop or desktop PCs, all you need is to connect the video output into the HDTVs input. Older laptops may have either an S-video or external VGA port that works perfectly. Newer models of PCs with advanced video cards may have either DVI or HDMI ports.

Once your PC is connected (here's our tips for how), you're able to use your HDTV to carry out tasks or surf the web from the comfort of your living room couch. You can also stream video from sites like Hulu, watch other video files, or play video games loaded on your computer, turning your HDTV into the ultimate media center!


Accessories

Whatever your gift agenda, making sure you've picked up the necessary accessories could be the linch pin of achieving the full holiday experience. After all, what fun is it to receive an awesome new toy if you aren't equipped to play with it?

As always, Triangle Laptops offers the most key components for your computers and other electronics. This includes the most crucial parts, such as AC adapters and batteries, but also important peripherals like external drives and docking stations. We even offer video game accessories to maximize your gaming experience.


Triangle Laptops, in addition to its laptop part catalog, also offers PC repair and upgrades.

Ergonomic Health Tips for Laptop Users

More and more people are relying on laptops to get their work done. Laptops allow us to improve our productivity by working on tasks just about anywhere; not just in the office or class. In fact, in 2005 laptop computers outsold desktop PCs for the first time in history. With prices of laptops continuing to drop and netbooks making portable computing even more accessible, more and more people are relying on laptops for their primary computer.

With this trend on the rise, there are some increasing health risks that affect the growing number of users. No, it's not catching a computer virus—it's more about how we position ourselves while we use our laptops. According to the 2007 Labor Force Survey, nearly half a million workers suffer from upper limb disorders. Staying in the wrong position for long periods of time over the course of months or years can do significant nerve and joint damage.

Below are some helpful tips for avoiding some painful ergonomic conditions that may arise from avid laptop use.


Use a Separate Keyboard & Mouse

For your eyes and your posture, it's ideal for your keyboard to be close to you and your screen to be at a distance. Unfortunately, those two devices are firmly connected to each other on a laptop.

So unless you're using our laptop on the go, use an external keyboard and mouse whenever possible. An external keyboard can be moved to whatever position is most comfortable and convenient for you. You can even use an ergonomic keyboard as an alternative. Using an external mouse also gives you more freedom to move about than awkward laptop touchpads or trackballs.

USB keyboards and mice are very affordable and Bluetooth keyboards and mice greatly help with mobility.


Use a Docking Station or Stand

As much as possible, resting your laptop on your lap. The heat that a laptop produces can do internal damage to your legs with long-term direct contact. Instead, set the laptop on a stable surface. Better still, use a docking station or laptop stand. They're specially designed to keep your laptop steady and most expand your laptop's functionality.


Get in Position



While typing, we tend to lean or hunch over to get your face closer to the screen. Your back should be straight with your head centered above your shoulders. The best place to position your keyboard is level with your elbows as your arms are positioned where they're most comfortable.

If necessary, place a pillow or cushion underneath your forearms for additional coziness. Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn't rely on resting your wrists on a wrist pad. Instead, keep your wrists straight with your arms and rest the ball of your hand on the pad.


Adjust Your Screen

The best viewing distance between you and your screen is between 18-30 inches. A good way to avoid eyestrain is to position your screen perpendicular to your line of sight. It's also helpful to lower the light level in the room, if possible, to reduce glare.

Clean off your LCD screen often, but be gentle since too much pressure can damage the displays pixels. And always use proper cleaning fluids.


Take Frequent Breaks

Of course...take a break; you've earned it! Every 30-60 minutes, take a quick breather from your work. Stretch your arms and legs to help with blood flow and maybe take a quick walk around the office. This may help refresh your mind as well as your body.

To help prevent carpel tunnel syndrome, try this easy exercise with every break:

1. Make gripping motions with your hands. Squeezing a tennis ball is a great help.


2. Extend your arms with your palms facing forward. This will stretch the tendons in your wrist.


3. With arms still extended, make fists while turning your hands downward.


4. Finish it off with a good few swirls of the wrist.

Carry On

How you carry your laptop also as important as how you use it. Try not to overload your laptop's travel bag with additional cargo. This will take extra weight off of your shoulder. To further improve comfort, use a travel bag that has a cushion on the shoulder strap. Switch shoulders periodically to balance out the burden on your shoulder muscles.

Backpacks that are designed for carrying laptops are great for not only distributing the laptop's weight on your back, but also as camouflage for potential thieves. Wheeled luggage carts are even better since they take the weight off your body entirely.


Make it a Habit

It's always best to get in some preventive medicine. If you wait for when you start feeling the pain, then it's too late—the damage is already done. Instead, start getting into these habits early. Your aching co-workers may notice your exercises and ask, "But you don't have any joint problems!" You can then tell them that's right...that's how you know it works!


For more information about laptop docking stations and other useful laptop accessories, please take a look at our online store. You can also contact us with any questions via email or by calling 1-877-456-7869.

Back-To-School Checklist for Laptops

The new school year is upon us! With the fall semester just about to start, it's important to make sure that you or your student are well equipped for handling all their schoolwork.

To make sure you have everything you need to be prepared, we've put together a list of tips to maximize your gear:


NETBOOKS

Netbooks are the hottest new tool for portable computing. They're ideal for students because of their petite, travel-friendly size, economic prices, and easy mobile web access. While they're not as powerful as most desktop or laptop computers, they pack just enough power to dedicate to schoolwork and basic web-based communication.

Whichever model of netbook you plan to buy, you'll need to make sure that you have all the right netbook accessories. Using a slim, external DVD drive is essential for installing all the necessary software that you or your student may need for school projects. Netbooks lack any kind of optical disc drive, so it's good idea if you need to read or backup any data to a CD or DVD. You may also want to pick up a spare netbook AC adapter, to make sure that your netbook can be fully charged no matter where you go.


LAPTOP BATTERIES
& AC ADAPTERS

Notebook PCs need love just as much as netbooks. If you're frequently on the move, keep a spare laptop battery handy to double your mobile computer work time. And just in case of an emergency, pack a spare laptop AC adapter to make sure that you're laptop is powered up and your work time goes on, uninterrupted.


SECURITY CABLES

Keeping your laptop or netbook secure is crucial to keep from falling into the hands of thieves. Most laptops and netbooks come equipped with slots to connect a Kensington notebook security cable lock. These laptop cable locks will keep your notebook or netbook firmly tethered so that they don't sprout wings and fly away. Laptops are expensive enough to replace, but imagine losing any irreplaceable schoolwork that might be stored inside!


BACK-UP!

Hardware failure, viruses, theft... No matter how you lose your data, it could cost you hours, days, or even weeks worth of work! Back up your data routinely; preferably every day. You can use a USB thumb drive (2GB or more) or an external DVD burner for backing up smaller files or projects, or you can use a larger external hard drive for larger tasks. Remember, though, it's only a back-up if you have more than one copy!


WIRELESS CARDS

Public WiFi access is increasing, with free wireless web access becoming available in most restaurants and other local businesses. However, not every laptop comes with wireless hardware built in. If your laptop doesn't have a laptop wireless card, you should definitely get one. With wireless accessibility, your laptop can truly be mobile, connecting to local wireless networks and WiFi hotspots.

Staying connected is becoming more and more critical for school to keep in touch with teachers, fellow students, and other online resources.


DOCKING STATIONS

If you want to get the most out of your laptop, you can use a laptop port replicator or docking station to expand the functionality of the laptop while working at home.

A laptop itself is excellent for mobile computing, but when you return home to your desk, it's nice to be able to view your work on a larger monitor and hear music through full-sized speakers. A port replicator can get your laptop working like a desktop, allowing it to connect to just about any computer accessory.


TRAVEL BAGS

While carrying around your laptop, you want to make sure that it has as much protection as possible. Most people use laptop travel bags (which are great), but they stand out like a beacon through the eyes of thieves. Your best bet is to use a backpack to blend in with the crowd, but make sure it has extra padding to protect your laptop. Many new backpacks are designed with special compartments for storing laptops or netbooks, so picking up one of those is definitely recommended.


GAMING

Naturally you'll want to have some fun with your laptop or netbook. Any computer you own for the purpose of school or business should be considered a tool first and a toy well below that. But there's always that rule of all work and no play...

To provide some extra comfort in your game time, we offer the PlayStation-to-PC USB adapter. This little gadget will let you connect any PSone or PS2 controller or accessory to your PC. It's compatible with any desktop, laptop, or notebook computer with an available USB 2.0 port. It's great for any joystick-enabled PC games or ports of classic games found on download services like Steam.


With all this kit on hand, you should be ready to make the grade! Of course, if you're ever in need of repair or upgrade service for your netbook or notebook PC, Triangle Laptops offers it's fantastic laptop repair service in order to keep your computer up and running! For more information, please visit the Triangle Laptops homepage or call 1-919-620-6886.

Google Chrome OS Coming in Fall 2010

In early July, Google announced its development of Google Chrome OS, a new operating system designed for people whose majority of computer time was spent online. Google's decision to jump into the arena of operating systems was inspired by the growing success of the Google Chrome web browser, released earlier this year.

Google Chrome OS is based on the idea of "cloud computing", a style of computing where most software applications are run through a virtual workspace over the web. The key benefit of cloud computing is relieving the user-end computer's burden of processing and storing data. Data is stored on host servers, rather than on local hard drives. Software applications are run remotely on web servers and user's local computer need only handle the interface.

Based on this, Google boasts that Google Chrome OS will be incredibly fast and lightweight—perfect for users who practically live on the web. Google Chrome OS will greatly minimize how much work the PC has to do, thus giving it the system resources to devote toward a faster web experience. Google also intends to keep the Chrome OS design simple—no unnecessary bells & whistles—with the exception of establishing tight security.

Chrome OS is not to be confused with Google's similar project, Android. Google Android is another form of web-centric operating system, though it's being tailored to fit the needs of smaller, mobile devices like netbooks, smart phones, and PDAs. While the two will share many features, Google Chrome OS is best suited for more powerful desktop and laptop PCs.

Much like Linux, Google Chrome OS will be free and open source. This will allow just about anyone the ability to build applications, add-ons, and other variations for the operating system. Users who are savvy with computers can customize their operating system to suit their preferences and freely share new and innovative applications.

Google has already built up a collection of technology heavyweights for support on the project. On board to offer their expertise are Toshiba, HP, Lenovo, Acer, among others. Companies and developers interested in can contact Google through the links on their Chrome OS FAQ page.

Some critics are concerned with Google flooding the market for operating systems, which some say is already crowded. Between Windows, Mac, and Linux (in its many forms), consumers may be overwhelmed with options. With the other competitors having decades of experience in the market, newcomers like Google will have to struggle hard to succeed.

Google remains optimistic, planning to release Google Chrome OS in the fall of 2010.

Get The Most of Your Netbook with an External DVD Drive

Netbooks have exploded in popularity this past year, with their sales expected to exceed $32million by year’s end. At nearly half the size and price of the average laptop, netbooks offer a convenient, affordable means of mobile web access.

With the next school year starting up in just a month or so, many are picking up netbooks as part of their essential school supplies. Netbooks are ideal for parents who are nervous about investing in expensive laptops that may be lost or stolen at school. The limited power of the netbook also lifts many parents’ worry about their child’s school computer being used more for gaming or downloading media.

Our very own Ann from Triangle Laptops HQ recently bought a laptop for her family and was happy to share her thoughts on these impressive new devices. Like most parents, Ann bought her netbook for her son, Cole, to use for school. They bought the netbook this past spring, but look forward to putting it to use when school begins again in the fall.

After researching through the reviews of various netbook models, Ann went with the Aspire One D150. She’d shopped around to find the best price and also to get a hands-on sense for the netbook to make sure it felt comfortable to use.

“It’s great!” Ann said about her new netbook, “Cole no longer has to worry about remembering to back up his computer work at school to take home. He just takes the netbook to and from school and his work stays in the same place.” Thanks to the travel-friendly size of the netbook, most people needn’t worry about having to sync up their data between multiple locations.

Ann also confesses that there is some entertainment value to this educational tool. Cole recently spent some time in the hospital, though the days felt less long with the netbook by his side. “He’d connect through the hospital’s wifi network and watch online videos,” Ann explained. “It was nice, but it would have been nicer if he could have watched some DVDs from home.”

One drawback to netbooks (as a trade-off for their petite size) is that they lack any kind of optical disc drive. Not only does this prevent the ability to watch DVD movies, but it also makes the installation of any disc-based software impossible.

Luckily, Ann found a solution through Triangle Laptops. The external CD/DVD drive for netbooks connects to the netbook with ease through its USB port. With this external optical drive, netbook owners can now access their favorite files and software.

Most netbooks have a limited storage capacity compared to laptop and desktop PCs, so backing up data is a common necessity. The external DVD burner allows you to easily back up your data or music from your netbook to CD or DVD. No matter how careful you treat your netbook, we always recommend routinely backing up your data in case of an accident or hardware failure.

The netbook external DVD drive comes in three snazzy colors, depending on your personal tastes: Black, white, and silver. It’s also super-slim, making it just as portable as the netbook itself. There’s no need to worry about compatibility since the external DVD drive can connect with any netbook, PC, or Mac computer with a USB 2.0 port.

For a faster, more reliable data transfer; these external optical drives also have internal SATA connections.

Now is the time to pick up the right netbook accessories to make sure that you or your student is completely prepared to get the full benefits of a netbook before school begins this fall. Triangle Laptops also offers replacement netbook keyboards and netbook AC adapters, as well as other useful computer-related accessories.