Tag: PC

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Technology

HP Goes Slick

The box

I have been in the market for a new laptop. Currently, I use a MacBook Pro. Loyalty is a not factor because I have had different brands over the years. My needs change or evolve when it comes to work devices. 

Given a chance to test the HP Spectre gave me an opportunity, why not? I know the HP brand but I am not familiar with the companies product line.  Certainly, I did not think they had a stylishly designed product that would fit my needs.  I had a pleasant tech surprise. 

My Impressions 

The Box

My initial reaction: A nice finish, pleasing to the eye, and easy to put under the arm in a rush with the leather case.

Battery life is good. The flat keyboard is comfortable with a responsive touchpad. The overall performance, fast, while easy to use.

While I was using this Spectre I broke my arm, then in a cast for 7 weeks.

I had a mixed impression of the facial ID system. Without glasses, fine, there were problems wearing glasses for identification. I used the ID code.

The portability factor, weighing around 3 pounds, worked for me while traveling around Italy and France on a working holiday. I used the tablet feature for spontaneous on set conversations. When writing I put in the table top setting. The tent mode was good for breakfast meetings.

I had a touch screen PC in the past. Using one again reminds me what I missed about them. They are intuitive and easy to use. The 13 inch backlight screen is sharp.

Staying in the premium league for Spectre, the Bang Olusen speakers are good for those like me who listen to music while working.

The  Modes 

Working in the South of France 

I had no problems with heating while simultaneously keeping many windows open.

HP is positioning the Spectre for those searching for a style with reliability in their PC’s. You will not be ashamed sitting at a cafe using this slick device.

To my surprise, even the accessories were well designed. 

Lastly 

About this review, sadly, I broke my and ended in the hospital and with a cast for almost 2 months. I did not have the opportunity to really put the Spectre through a more rigorous test. However, overall, I liked the PC. 

Quick Specs 

Intel Core CPU, Intel UHD Graphics, Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity, micro sd port, 13 inch touch screen


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Technology

Power in a Small Box

From IFA 2016.  Christmas means a lot of new gadgets as gifts. All those new devices will need an added energy source.  We recommend Xtorm power banks. They are stylish, reliable, lightweight, versatile, and powerful capable of recharging a MacBook.

 

 

This item is a part of the Black and Paper Christmas 2016 Gift List.

Xtorm
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Technology

IFA 2016

IFA 2016 Highlights

YEVO

An intriguing product was the Yevo 1 smart wireless headphones.  These small, futuristic earbuds reminded me of Lt. Uhura’s ear piece from Star Trek, with touch control, 20 hour battery life and a microphone. There is a noise cancellation feature.  We did not test them but I will keep you posted.

MONSTER (Showstoppers)

New generation of headphones and a modern take on the 70’s Boom Box, with the Monster Blaster was on display this season from Monster.  The on ear head devices are equipped with hi resolution audio, Bluetooth, swipe control, and direct digital capabilities.  Monster Blaster has 24 hour battery life built, in microphones. It is good for indoor and outdoor settings.

TCL

Another interesting take on a tablet entering the market has been introduced by TCL.  The Aess is an Android tablet/pc hybrid with either 15.6 or 17 inch screen capable of being positioned in four angles.  Easy for Multi-tasking with voice, gesture control and stylus.

UVIFY and Vuzix (Showstoppers)

Connected to the Vuzix VR helmet the Uvify racing drone is made for the ultimate leave your body experience.  It looks veracious. Camera, detachable arms, and fast battery charge are included.

Vuzix Iwear has a high level of video and audio performance.   The headgear is lightweight with options for complete immersion.   A high pixel number means images are sharp with good resolution.  Sound is clear.  I watched Kung Fu Panda.

The UVIFY cockpit and Vuzix headsets were connected when I tested them.  I wanted to FLY!!!!

LIFEPACK (Showstoppers)

A Solar Powered, anti-theft backpack, Lifepack, from Swedish brand Solgaard integrates a Solor bank, lock in a rugged, sleek carry bag.  The solar powered battery can be recharged in the sun, for a full charge, 4 hours is needed. Intelligent features include; Bluetooth speakers retractable locks on the zippers, drop proof laptop storage, work and personal zone and rain cover.

Stay tuned for more updates

 

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Technology

IFA 2016

IFA Highlights

Geneeo
Alex Feriotto is the designer behind the stylish Geneeo Genius Backpack, Italian style designed to be a portable power bank for all recharging needs.  Equipped with a 7000 mAh battery the bag can simultaneously charge 3 devices at once using hub ports.  The outside battery indicator signals power level.  The bag’s external charging cable can be plugged into an electric outlet, making it convenient for multi recharging in one space.

Alex is a graduate of the prestigious IED University of Milan.  He wanted to create a bag that is both stylish and practical.   Splash proof, made of nylon and rubber details, inside there are three compartments, large enough for a 17 inch laptop.

Illy

Retro. Stylish. Flair.  For the twentieth anniversary of the illycaffe, Illy presented new bespoke capsule café machine, the X1 has an eye catching retro design along with colors.  Red, Black, and Almond colors are available.  If you wish to order a tailored machine, you can go their website. Coffee never looked so good.

Parrot Pot

You never have to worry about watering the plants again when you are away from home.  Parrot gives flower loves the best gift, a smart flower pot, plant sitter, that monitors the soil.   The pot holds 2.2 liters of water with self-watering capability.       An app monitors the plant’s health and gives advice on care.  Additionally, there is a database of 8000 plant suggestions.

Lenovo (from Showstoppers)

Lenovo went to the future with a Halo keyboard for the brands sleek, new Yoga Book.    Foldable, with Android and Windows versions the new devices is equipped with a stylus pen.  The strong Graphic interface means letting the creative juices flow.

Panasonic

Available in 2018.  The tech giant will soon release a machine we have all been waiting for, no more folding clothes.  The Laundroid will wash, dry, and fold clothes.

Stay tuned for more coverage and check out our Instagram Account.

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Technology

CES

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Themes from CES 2016

There were drones of all kind in every shape and size.   A  drone able to carry people in the air like the futuristic cars from the animated cartoon The Jetsons.

There will be OLED screens for laptops meaning imaging quality will get improved. OLED allows each pixel to emit its own light making a superior display contrast for better imaging.

Wearables are the rage in the tech world in the forms of health bands and watches from a number of brands introducing devices with abilities ranging from measuring heart rates to message notifications.

Smart appliances that will help you cook; washing machines with dual chambers, Wi-Fi kettles for coffee on demand, and motion activated home greeters are coming to the home in 2016.

Virtual Reality is the future. Presently, the VR equipment is expensive but I expect prices to drop in the medium to longer future as well there are apps and content being developed for the platform.