With changes in technology coming faster than most consumers can keep up with, an unfortunate byproduct of today's technology-dependant society is a great deal of electronic waste, the discarded parts of obsolete or otherwise thrown away electronics. Laced with lead, cadmium, and beryllium, amongst other pollutants, electronic waste poses an environmental hazard at home and a health risk to workers who strip their parts for scrap abroad. While these dangers are becoming more widely publicized, many consumers now want to know how they can limit the amount of electronic waste that they contribute to the environment.
The first thing for consumers to remember is that there is no reason for old electronics to be thrown away, or to sit in a drawer somewhere they will go unused. When consumers upgrade electronics, they should remember that there are a number of people in financial situations that dictate that their technology upgrades come in the form of used electronics. Cellular phone recycling programs, laptops for cash exchanges, and other electronic recycling programs are excellent ways for consumers to pass their old electronics on to other people who can use them, at the same time recovering some of the money they originally spent on these products.
In addition to selling laptops for cash and recycling other electronics, consumers should consider buying used laptops and electronics when upgrading. The fact of the matter is that the vast majority of consumers do not need the latest computer, smart phone, or liquid crystal television, making the purchase of used electronics a cost-effective solution, as well as one that encourages the recycling of them, cutting down on harmful electronic waste. On occasions where consumers do wish to upgrade to the latest and greatest technology available, selling their electronics or laptops for cash will not only lessen the cost of the upgrade, it will increase the possibility that another consumer can invest in used technology, thereby supporting electronic recycling and again reducing waste.
When consumers find themselves with electronics for which there is no resale market, they should seek out various electronic take back programs, which are often times sponsored by the manufacturers of electronic devices. However, given the wide disparity in technology available in the world, and the fact that many used electronic and computer brokers do business in multiple countries, there is almost a market for the electronics in use in North America. This means that for more expensive devices in circulation here, such as those sought in laptops for cash programs, there is virtually always money to be made when reselling used electronics.
Consumers should always ask about recycling programs when purchasing new electronics, and can call local electronics stores for information about recycling, exchange, and take back programs in their areas. Additionally, laptops for cash programs are offered by used computer brokers all over the country, and generally offer a good deal of money for recently manufactured used laptops. In addition to saving themselves some money, these programs allow consumers to help the environment by recycling technology, and allow many people to access the benefits of recent technology who could not afford it were it not for used electronic and technology recycling programs.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Understanding the Electronics Behind Speaker Systems
Understanding Surround Sound Speaker Systems Speaker systems can add to the multimedia experience of any home theater system. It is commonly regarded as inefficient if a consumer has a quality high definition television, and does not have an upgraded surround sound system to match it. Therefore it is important to consider the benefits of owning an upgraded surround sound speaker system. This article aims to help consumers with the process of understanding the pros and cons of owning a surround sound system.
Speaker systems come in a variety of configurations. The smallest systems are simple sound bars. These sound bars are simply an array of many small speakers arranged in a line. These sound bars usually run the length of a large HDTV, and use simulated surround sound to achieve the "all around" feel of a true surround system. Some of these systems also come with a subwoofer in order to achieve lower frequencies of sound waves. These systems can fit almost anywhere, and are wall mountable. Sound bars are fairly low in cost when compared to true sound systems, due to the fact that they are comprised of only one or two units. However, they do a fair job of providing the user with the surround sound experience.
Another form is true surround. This type of sound configuration uses multiple speakers arranged around the user in order to achieve a surround effect. These systems come in 5.1, 7.1, and 9.1 configurations. These names designate how many speakers get an individual signal tailored to their location in the system. 5.1 is five and one subwoofer. 7.1 is seven speakers and one subwoofer. 9.1 is nine and one subwoofer. 9.1 is generally regarded as the finest configuration of any system, whereas 5.1 is generally the cheapest configuration. Even though 5.1 is the cheapest configuration, it is regarded as a perfectly acceptable configuration of surround sound. 5.1 is the most popular configuration due to these aspects.
Most multimedia is designed for use in systems. Movies, TV shows, and video games are all compatible with at least 5.1 surround. Even some music can be converted into surround sound. Some receivers can even perform this task in real time. Many receivers can even simulate different listening conditions, such as a concert hall, a stadium, or a recording studio. This can add to the illusion of being inside of the media being listened to, and increase the enjoyment felt by the consumerAdding a speaker system can increase the efficiency of any multimedia system.
Speaker systems come in a variety of configurations. The smallest systems are simple sound bars. These sound bars are simply an array of many small speakers arranged in a line. These sound bars usually run the length of a large HDTV, and use simulated surround sound to achieve the "all around" feel of a true surround system. Some of these systems also come with a subwoofer in order to achieve lower frequencies of sound waves. These systems can fit almost anywhere, and are wall mountable. Sound bars are fairly low in cost when compared to true sound systems, due to the fact that they are comprised of only one or two units. However, they do a fair job of providing the user with the surround sound experience.
Another form is true surround. This type of sound configuration uses multiple speakers arranged around the user in order to achieve a surround effect. These systems come in 5.1, 7.1, and 9.1 configurations. These names designate how many speakers get an individual signal tailored to their location in the system. 5.1 is five and one subwoofer. 7.1 is seven speakers and one subwoofer. 9.1 is nine and one subwoofer. 9.1 is generally regarded as the finest configuration of any system, whereas 5.1 is generally the cheapest configuration. Even though 5.1 is the cheapest configuration, it is regarded as a perfectly acceptable configuration of surround sound. 5.1 is the most popular configuration due to these aspects.
Most multimedia is designed for use in systems. Movies, TV shows, and video games are all compatible with at least 5.1 surround. Even some music can be converted into surround sound. Some receivers can even perform this task in real time. Many receivers can even simulate different listening conditions, such as a concert hall, a stadium, or a recording studio. This can add to the illusion of being inside of the media being listened to, and increase the enjoyment felt by the consumerAdding a speaker system can increase the efficiency of any multimedia system.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Great Electronics Gift Ideas
So many people on your gift giving list and so little time, so what gifts are surefire winners every season? Electronics are one niche of gifts that are extremely popular every single year. It seems like every holiday season, there is one electronics gift, whether it be the latest gaming console or a video game that has people lined up around the block and in the wee hours of the morning to grab one. Here are some ideas for great electronics gift ideas:
Gaming Console
If a family is on your gift giving list, a gaming console might just be the best option to make them all happy. A gaming console allows everyone to get involved and play games together, whether it be a game where you all play instruments in a rock band or whether you play tennis against each other in your living room. In addition, there are hundreds of video games that will cater to kids and adults of just about any age and interest, so it's a gift that truly is for the whole family. Choose from the XBOX 360, Nintendo Wii or the PlayStation 3.
Portable Gaming Device
There's two main portable gaming devices these days, the Nintendo DS and DSi and the Sony PSP. Each offers many games and a different experience. For kids, the Nintendo DS or DSi is a great choice, since they offer a virtual truckload of games that cater to children and teens. The DS is also a great choice for women and girls of any age, since there are many casual and female oriented games available. The PSP is a great choice for teen males, since it offers more hardcore gaming titles.
MP3 Player
Who doesn't want a new MP3 player just about every year? Whether someone has broken, scratched or dropped their MP3 player or whether they just want to take advantage of the latest technology, like video capability and gaming, a new MP3 player is always a great gift. Choose from the Apple iPod line, Microsoft Zune, Sandisk Sansa and many others, though iPod still seems to be the king of the media players.
Flexible Keyboard
A flexible keyboard is a surprising addition to this list, yet it's more practical than you think. A flexible keyboard is a perfect gift for someone who spends a lot of time on the Internet, especially people who enjoy online games. People tend to eat and drink a lot in front of their computers, and naturally, spills and accidents tend to happen. With a flexible keyboard, the cleanup is super easy and safe.
Netbook
The latest trend in computers and laptops is the netbook. A netbook is basically a laptop computer that doesn't have an optical drive, instead relying on a media card reader and internet connection to send and receive files. In addition, a netbook has a smaller screen and keyboard, so it is significantly less weight and size in comparison to a regular notebook. This makes it easy to use as a second computer and to take along to class or to work without weighing you down. It fits much more easily into a backpack or purse.
Gaming Console
If a family is on your gift giving list, a gaming console might just be the best option to make them all happy. A gaming console allows everyone to get involved and play games together, whether it be a game where you all play instruments in a rock band or whether you play tennis against each other in your living room. In addition, there are hundreds of video games that will cater to kids and adults of just about any age and interest, so it's a gift that truly is for the whole family. Choose from the XBOX 360, Nintendo Wii or the PlayStation 3.
Portable Gaming Device
There's two main portable gaming devices these days, the Nintendo DS and DSi and the Sony PSP. Each offers many games and a different experience. For kids, the Nintendo DS or DSi is a great choice, since they offer a virtual truckload of games that cater to children and teens. The DS is also a great choice for women and girls of any age, since there are many casual and female oriented games available. The PSP is a great choice for teen males, since it offers more hardcore gaming titles.
MP3 Player
Who doesn't want a new MP3 player just about every year? Whether someone has broken, scratched or dropped their MP3 player or whether they just want to take advantage of the latest technology, like video capability and gaming, a new MP3 player is always a great gift. Choose from the Apple iPod line, Microsoft Zune, Sandisk Sansa and many others, though iPod still seems to be the king of the media players.
Flexible Keyboard
A flexible keyboard is a surprising addition to this list, yet it's more practical than you think. A flexible keyboard is a perfect gift for someone who spends a lot of time on the Internet, especially people who enjoy online games. People tend to eat and drink a lot in front of their computers, and naturally, spills and accidents tend to happen. With a flexible keyboard, the cleanup is super easy and safe.
Netbook
The latest trend in computers and laptops is the netbook. A netbook is basically a laptop computer that doesn't have an optical drive, instead relying on a media card reader and internet connection to send and receive files. In addition, a netbook has a smaller screen and keyboard, so it is significantly less weight and size in comparison to a regular notebook. This makes it easy to use as a second computer and to take along to class or to work without weighing you down. It fits much more easily into a backpack or purse.
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