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.

Top 5 Web Distractions

When it comes to productivity, the internet is both the greatest tool as well as your worst enemy. We’re all guilty of indulging in a bit of web-based distraction. When a co-worker sends you a link to a funny video in an email, you can’t help but click!

Just for fun and because it’s Friday (TGIF!), here’s a Top 5 list of irresistible web distractions...


5. Bash.org


Bash.org is an online quote database of some of the most ludicrous quotes collected from online chat rooms. It’s filled with witty comebacks, pop culture references, embarrassing typos, and personal anecdotes. We warn you, however, that much of the language found in these quotes are off-color and might not be safe for work, in case your boss comes looking over your shoulder.


4. LOLCATS, et all


The term "lolcats" comes from a popular internet meme (or fad) of taking cute/silly photos of cats and adding funny—often misspelled—captions to them. The first site to showcase these images was icanhascheezburger.com and its popularity quickly spread across the web like wildfire. This inspired a boom of similar blogs where viewers of the site are encouraged to send in their own images of a similar theme.

Failblog.org collects images of hilarious sign typos and design flaws. ThisIsWhyYoureFat.com displays all sorts of confectionary abominations that will stop your heart in one bite. And LameBook.com collects snips of unfortunate messages found on social networks like FaceBook.


3. Newgrounds


Newgrounds hosts a wide variety of Flash-based animations and games. At first glance, this looks like a site designed for the younger crowd, and for the most part, it might be. However, even adults can find themselves trapped in their games section.

Many video game designers who have moved on to design games professionally found their origins in Newgrounds. Perhaps the most famous of which being The Behemoth Company, who went on to develop Alien Homonid for PS2 and Nintendo Gamecube as well as Castle Crashers, which is available for download on Xbox 360 and PS3.


2. YouTube, et all


YouTube is one of the hottest sources for video on demand. In their archives, you’ll find postings of people’s favorite TV show clips, original homemade videos, and all sorts of crazy stunts caught on cell phone cameras. The most common traps are videos with cute/funny animals. Once you see one, your eyes immediately scroll through the list of Related Videos. You’ll also find classic commercials, long-forgotten cartoons, and news clips from around the country.

Since YouTube created fast-growing interest in streaming video, similar sites have emerged. Hulu is one of the top sources for watching official streams of current and classic TV shows and movies. And for the kids, Crunchy Roll hosts a vast assortment of streaming cartoons. These sites aren’t something you want to check out while on the clock, though they are great for those at home that have a PC-to-TV setup.


1. Fark


The world truly is a strange place. Every day, Fark posts hundreds of links to the most astounding news stories from around the world. Each link is submitted by their readers and is given one of Fark’s trademark witty headlines.

Fark depends on more than just user-submitted links to maintain its reader base. To keep the community active, there are several interactive links posted in the feed. Photoshop challenges and photo caption contests take place in the comments of certain links.

While most of the stories found on Fark are humorous, there are plenty that cover serious topics, as well as amazing feats in science and nature. Each news story is fitted with a topic-related tag, which makes the site easier to browse. The site has grown so much in the past few years that it’s had to divide itself into different sections, depending on the type of news you’re looking for. (There are some hidden sections as well, but those are mostly NSFW.)

Turn Your Laptop into a Blu-Ray Player!

Would you like to watch high-definition Blu-Ray movies on your laptop? Of course you would!

Chances are your laptop's current optical drive is beginning to wear out. CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives are one of the most commonly replaced components on notebook computers because of their use. So instead of simply replacing your drive, why not upgrade to the power of Blu-Ray?

With the Universal Laptop Blu-Ray BD-ROM drive, you can transform your laptop into a Blu-Ray player no matter what model of laptop you own! This BD-ROM drive is produced by Hewlett-Packard and is designed to fit into any laptop’s IDE drive. All you’ll need to do is equip the universal Blu-Ray drive with the housing of your laptop’s current optical drive for that perfect fit.

Not only will your laptop act as a portable Blu-Ray movie player, but you can also hook it up to your HDTV to watch Hi-Def movies on the big screen. Check out our previous article about PC-to-TV connection to learn more about getting yourself set up.

Still not convinced? Well, you’ll notice a dramatic difference in picture quality when you compare it to DVD. Click on the images below to see full-sized comparisons between DVD and Blu-Ray.

As you can see, much more detail is visible in the Blu-Ray version. Most noticeably in Spider-Man’s costume webs and the grit on Bruce Willis’s face.

The Universal Laptop Blu-Ray BD-ROM is capable of all the other functions you’ll need from an optical drive. It can read and write single and dual-layer DVD-R/Ws, as well as CD-ROM & CD-R/W.

Most laptops made within the past few years are powerful enough to handle the resolution and processing ability to handle high-resolution movies, but check your laptop's specs to be sure.

The TV Digital Transition Starts Today!

A new digital era is upon us! Are you ready?

Today is the last day before analog television signal shuts down for good to make way for the digital. The digital transition has been in talks for just a little over a decade, with public service announcements preparing viewers since last year.

Several countries in Europe have already made the transition within the past few years, with the United States just catching up. There's no reason too feel bad, my fellow Americans—most other countries have yet to fully move to digital. Many countries like the United Kingdom have faced delays from technical complications and some have only scheduled to make their switch as late as 2020!

While the official deadline for the transition is tomorrow, June 12, 2009, over 800 television stations got a head-start on the switch. In September of 2008, Wilmington, NC was the first city in the United States to switch completely to digital signal. The FCC used the experience as a testing ground for how the transition may affect other areas around the country.

The common misconception is that a high-definition television will be needed for the transition. This angered many consumers who believed they now had to buy whole new (and then-expensive) TVs. While HDMI cables do carry a digital signal to a television, a high-definition set isn't necessary to continue watching your favorite shows on your faithful old TV.

In fact, as long as you subscribe to a cable or satellite service, you shouldn't need to do a thing! Those most affected are TV owners that rely on an antennae (or “rabbit ears”) to receive signal. TVs with digital antennas may need to be adjusted to adapt to the new signal, but otherwise will work fine.


A digital converter box is necessary to translate the digital signal over the airwaves into analog for older televisions. The US government invested over $2 billion to help people with the transition, funding vouchers to help pay for the converter boxes, public service announcements, and call support lines for those in need of further help.

Unfortunately, it's expected that approximately 3 million homes won't be able to make the switch by this weekend. The supply of government vouchers ran out well before they could get into the hands of everyone who needed one. Most of the people at risk are the elderly and those who live in deeply rural areas, whether because they could not afford a converter or news of the transition simply hadn't reached them. Additionally, viewers that live on the outskirts of broadcast areas may need to acquire a stronger digital antennae (even if they have a converter box), since digital signal has difficulty overcoming interference.

Less than 15% of American television owners rely on over-the-air signal to watch TV, but the challenges posed in the digital transition have inspired many to sign up for pay services like cable or satellite. Time Warner Cable and Direct TV gained nearly 100,000 new subscribers each within the past few months alone!

Others have investigated free online video services like Hulu to watch shows on their home computers. Even consumers who have grown tired of the increasing prices of cable or satellite have hooked their PCs to their TV as a more economical alternative.

If by Saturday morning, you wake up to a blank screen on your TV set, you can contact the FCC for help at their DTV website or call 1-888-225-5322.

Connect Your Laptop To Your TV With Ease!

With streaming video services like NetFlix and Hulu, watching high quality movies and television shows on-demand are just a click away. But how comfortable can it be to watch them sitting in your desk chair on a cramped computer screen? Nothing beats snuggling up with your loved ones on a couch across from a large, high-def screen.

So how do we bring the convenience of internet broadcasting together with the comfort of the living room theater? It’s easier than you think, and in fact there are dozens of ways to do it!

A lot of people will build a dedicated media center PC that stays connected to their entertainment center. This is a great option, but that kind of hardware can be bulky and incredibly expensive.

We recommend taking advantage of a laptop for this setup. They’re compact and mobile, so they won’t take up too much space in your entertainment center. If you already have a laptop, you’ll save money by getting extra use out of something you already own. And if you don’t have a laptop, they’re fairly inexpensive and you get the dual benefit of having an excellent media device and a portable computer!

Now it’s time to hook it up! The first question is how to connect the video. Laptops typically have a video output of some kind built into them. Older laptops may have a Composite or S-video connection. Newer laptops are readily equipped with DVI or even HDMI (which is the best option). Just about all will have a VGA output. If your laptop doesn’t have DVI or HDMI, then VGA is possibly your best option since it’s still able to support higher screen resolutions.

If you have a high-definition television, you’re in luck because most new HDTVs have input connections for just about all forms of video input. In some cases you may need to get an adapter. For example, if your HDTV doesn’t support VGA, you can get a VGA-to-DVI or VGA-to-Component adapter. For older TVs, you may have to get an S-video-to-Composite adapter.

Of course, one of the best options is to use a laptop docking station or port replicator for your laptop. A laptop port replicator expands the capabilities of your laptop, giving it the full array of connections found in a full-sized PC. For example, the Dell Precision E/Port Plus port replicator has two DVI outputs, allowing for a simultaneous dual-screen setup with high-definition displays.

A laptop port replicator will also give you more audio options. Most laptops will only be equipped with the standard 3.5mm headphone jack. Laptop docking stations can have better audio options, including optical connections for the best quality digital sound. In some cases, the headphone jack of a laptop is rigged to double as a digital coaxial output, so you may need a 3.5mm-to-RCA digital coaxial adapter. Or, there are external USB soundcards that will come with the connectors you need.

Once you have the hardware together, it’s time to boot up! If the picture doesn’t show up on your TV right away, you may need to adjust the video software settings on the laptop. For machines running Windows, simply right-click on the desktop and click on the Properties option. In the Display Properties, click on the Settings tab on the right. From there, you can either set the TV as an extension of the laptop’s screen, or set it as the single primary display.

All that’s left is to pull up your favorite video, full-screen it, and hit Play! With this set up, you can also play your favorite games, give presentations, or watch photo slideshows.