Thursday, November 8, 2012

Dell Multimedia Speakers


I needed speakers for my computer workstation however, I don't like the kind that are separate from the workstation that take up space... like these....








My monitor is a Dell 1907FP Flat panel monitor.  On another monitor I have a speaker sound bar that mounts underneath this monitor. I don't like the sound very much but I do like how it saves desk space. It looks something like this....





I researched a bit and there seems to be a new model of sound bar speakers. There seem to be (2) models for Dell AS501 Multimedia Speaker systems for the Dell 1907FP.  One that has a power AC Adapter and one that has a 12VDC output that plugs directly into the monitor to draw it's power.  I preferred the later... just so I don't have to accommodate more "wire" and a power brick that would fill up two outlets on the surge protector.  I found this one on eBay for $12.




New In Box Genuine Dell OEM  0UH837  Part #AS501 Multimedia Sound Bar Speaker

The speaker is powered from a 12VDC output found on the monitor, please check your monitor before ordering to be sure it has a 12VDC Output
CK SURPLUS



When it finally arrived, I plugged in the speaker end (green) into the computer and the DC input into the DC output on the monitor... turned it on and VERY IMPRESSED.  The sound isn't like the other one I have. It's more robust and has excellent bass.  Very pleased with this one.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

uTube Conversion Tools

Ever watch a uTube video and wish you had it on your iPod?

I used uTube Catcher at one point. It's an application that you download to your computer. The only problem is, this application runs other things in the background, using up processing and resource power. You can tell when you're computer becomes slower and slower.

Someone recommended dirpy Studio.
http://dirpy.com/
It runs it's conversions from a web app, then downloads the converted file to your computer. Converts Audio to mp3. Converts Video to 360p.mp4, 360p.flv. Supports VIMEO too.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Client network and iPad setup

I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. When we have to "fight" or "stress" out over something... it sometimes means it wasn't meant to be... and to just forge on and move into another direction. 

This incident... a few "kinks" in timing... but it all worked out in the long run... and quite nicely, I might add. So this is what I've observed....

#1... I bought a white one but returned for a black one... which works out because I forgot I was going to get a clamcase... which is black. If I got a white one, it would have looked funny in the black clamcase... so im glad I exchanged it.

#2... you stated that you couldn't get back to me because your PC was crashing... odd timing... definitely would need your PC to setup the iPad and if it's broken... can't do it.

#3... I did the setup of the new iPad at home and noticed a few things that you may have a problem with.

You have several issues that should be addressed.

1. NETWORK CONNECTION ISSUES.... You noticed you have network connection problems in the front part of the house. The wireless router in the basement is setup in the back of the house. You may need to get someone to move the router from the back to the CENTER part of the house in the basement, then test coverage. If centering the router does not solve the coverage problem, you may need two wireless access points.... one for the back of the house and another for the front.  Linda lives in the avenues and has a house simliar to yours... not very big, however, many walls. We ended up installing two routers. My house, two routers.  David has wiring skills and can do this for you, however, he charges $45 an hour.

2. PASSWORD FOR THE WIRELESS ROUTER.... You don't know the password for your netgear wireless router. The one I had set up for you was a Dell Wireless Router. This tells me that you replaced your wireless router and had someone setup security and passwords. BEFORE the iPad's network connection can be set up you will need to find this password or reset the router to default values and setup security and passwords. If you don't know how to do this, you may want to ask David (if you chose him to do your wiring).

3. PC FAILING.... You say your PC is failing. You will definitely need the PC to setup an iPad with the iTunes software (which is free). If your PC is not healthy, you will have a problem setting up an iPad. Either get someone to back it up and re-gen for you OR get an inexpensive PC laptop or desktop that will run iTunes. I've been referring people to WalMart lately for Dell and Apple products... they're cheaper by a few pennies (lol)  and they deliver.

PCs
iPads

So... as soon as you have the above three resolved, the iPad may not be the answer for you. 

In the meantime, I've sold my old iPad over the weekend and setup the new one for work and intend to keep since my old one has been turned over to a new owner.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Interactive white board solutions

Issue:  The NEC MT1050 projector has failed in the SmartTech 3000i interactive touchboard cabinet.
http://www2.smarttech.com/kbdoc/282
Replacement projector must be a short throw projector... specs for MT1050
http://www.projectorcentral.com/NEC-MT1050.htm


Exploring options.

Still want to keep the cabinet? Take a chance to see if this projector will fit?
Dell S300 Short Throw Projector : $876.50
http://www.dell.com/us/en/enterprise/peripherals/projector-dell-s300/pd.aspx?refid=projector-dell-s300&cs=555&s=biz


Projector with lightpens
Dell M210X Mobile Series Projector : $730.70
2000 ANSI Lumens, 1024 x 768, VGA, HDMI,



LCD Screen
Sony Bravia BX420 46-inch KDL46BX420 1080p LCD HDTV : $808 

S500WI Interactive Ultra Short Throw Projector
mounts above the white board. $1555.80 + 100 for the mount.
Interactive light pen.
Integrated wireless connectivity
http://premierconfigure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?cs=RC961475&oc=E1305








Other options
Low-Cost Multi-touch Whiteboard using the Wiimote
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s5EvhHy7eQ
http://www.johnnylee.net/



http://accessories.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A4852912&~ck=baynoteSearch&baynote_bnrank=1&baynote_irrank=0
Wall mount to wall closest to electrical socket.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Motorola Xoom

Motorolla Xoom as a super powerful dual-core processor and Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) - the Android platform designed specifically for tablets. With its 10. inch HD widescreen display, you'll enjoy HD video in a thin, light, and powerful tablet.
http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN/Consumer-Product-and-Services/Tablets/ci.MOTOROLA-XOOM-US-EN.overview

Question:  what about software?
.... less than 100 native Android 3 tablet apps available...
http://www.padgadget.com/2011/03/30/considering-buying-an-android-tablet-for-all-the-great-native-apps-think-again/

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Laptop Battery

I always enjoy receiving recommendations from the list for exceptional vendors. So I wanted to return the favor and share a positive experience of my own.

A few days ago I ordered a replacement Macbook Pro battery from the Subject company. I'd had some bad luck with a couple of PC batteries from cheaper, Amazon, third-party resellers in the Fall quarter last year, so I decided to stay away from the $49.00 choices from Amazon.

As per usual, the vendor's application incorrectly charged 8.75% tax instead of the 8.25%. I normally don't bother messing with this because I figure it costs the University more than the $0.41 in my time/salary than the savings we get if I bother to call and get it worked out. But on this order they also charged tax on the shipping to the tune of $1.66. So, for $2.07 I figured it was at least worth asking about. Note too that the shipping would have been free if we could wait, but the faculty needed the battery before the coming weekend.

I had only a short wait on hold, the person who answered listened carefully, was sympathetic, and offered right away to put me through to her manager. When I suggested that their accounts receivable person would be sufficient, she offered that he would be one and the same and put me through.

Tyler picked right up and immediately took care of the tax difference. He then proceeded to offer me a blanket 5% off whenever I need to order in the future, 10% off if I ever needed to "bulk" order more than 10 batteries at once. I told him that was mighty unlikely, but when I mentioned the technology support list he very quickly extended the 5% and 10% offers to anyone on campus who wants to order through them. He said I could call him directly with any future orders to make sure I get the 5% and so the tax could/would get applied correctly.

True to my word, here is Tyler's contact information.

Tyler Benowitz
ALX Global LLC
DBA-Laptop Battery Depot and Camera Battery Depot Tyler@alxglobal.com
TEL: (858) 224-7423
FAX: (866) 209-1308 (Toll Free)

http://www.laptopbatterydepot.com/
http://www.camerabatterydepot.com/
http://www.alxglobal.com/