Electronics & Robotics Blog

Which computer is best?

As both a gamer and a big tech geek, I am often asked: "which computer should I get?" or "which gaming system should I get?" Well, with that I have decided to give my advice.

Let's start with computers. Oh the choices, the options, and the prices. So which do you get?

Well, first you should look at what you need. If you just like to go on Facebook or check your email then you don't need much to fit your needs. Computers to fit your needs are everywhere these days. You don't need a fast processor or large amounts of RAM.

Are you the movie and music downloading type? Then you will need some bigger storage. Hunt for something with a big hard-drive. Are you a gamer? Well, then you're going to need some more "umph" in a computer. Look for a faster processor, more RAM, and a discrete video card is a MUST.

Do you travel a lot? If so, you should look into a laptop or perhaps a tablet (if you just like to play on the internet). Now the big question: Mac or PC? Well, for the most part, this is a matter of opinion. Both have their advantages and their disadvantages. Macs are generally a little more expensive but are a solid platform and less likely to get a virus or software issue. PCs use Windows. Windows is somewhat easier to use, and if you're a gamer, there are more games available to you.

When you decide what path you intend to head down it's time for the trip to the store. Right? WRONG! Do yourself a favor. Spend some time on Consumer Reports. Read reviews and get some honest, unbiased answers. If you arm yourself with some good knowledge before you go, then you're less likely to make a purchase that you will regret.

Now let's talk gaming systems. This is a big matter of opinion. There are basically 3 major players in the gaming industry: Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft. If you're on the go a lot then Nintendo's DS series or Sony's PSP are your best bet. I'm a big fan of the DS series myself. The PSP of late has been losing speed because Sony is set to release their new portable soon. For home systems, there is Microsoft's XBOX 360, Nintendo's Wii, and Sony's PS3. The Wii is great for family games and for light hearted gaming. While the Wii is a lot of fun, it does not have a lot of power to run the less "cartoonish" games. With the 360 and PS3, you get a more powerful system to work with. The 2 systems are in a constant "battle" amongst gamers.

The simple fact is, BOTH are great systems. With XBOX you will have to pay a fee every year to play online with others and Sony has the added bonus of Blu-Ray technology - but the XBOX is backwards compatible with the original XBOX games and has a larger hard drive. So in the long run, it's all a matter of opinion. All 3 are great systems and have plenty of fun games.

Every summer, all the biggest names in videogames gather for the E3 Expo. During the expo, all the major players in the gaming industry debut all their new games, accessories, and systems.

This year, Sony introduced the newest version of their PSP portable gaming system. The system now named the Sony PSVita, features dual analog control sticks, front and rear cameras, a 5-inch touch screen OLED screen in the front, touchpad on the back, Wi-Fi and 3G capabilities.

Do you know where wireless signals come from?

There is no disputing that wireless signals surround us each moment of every day. But think about this: where do the signals come from? They are generated by transmitters. Do not be misled into believing technology will ever be exclusively wireless. There HAS to be a physically wired backbone from which transmitters generate a wireless signal. Thankfully, these signals are interpreted as digital ones and zeros, and as a Wireless Technician, one must have the neccessary IT skills to understand the complexity of pairing physical network toplogies to the wireless end user.

From "The True Wireless" by Nikola Tesla (the "Father of Wireless") circa 1919, we have this incredible forecast: 

"The popular impression is that my wireless work was begun in 1893, but as a matter of fact I spent the two preceding years in investigations, employing forms of apparatus, some of which were almost like those of today. It was clear to me from the very start that the successful consummation could only be brought about by a number of radical improvements. Suitable high frequency generators and electrical oscillators had first to be produced.

The energy of these had to be transformed in effective transmitters and collected at a distance in proper receivers. Such a system would be manifestly circumscribed in its usefulness if all extraneous interference were not prevented and exclusiveness secured. In time, however, I recognized that devices of this kind, to be most effective and efficient, should be designed with due regard to the physical properties of this planet and the electrical conditions obtaining on the same."

As technology advances, it seems that the creators of new technology are trying to cram as much into a space as possible. Some creators at the University of Michigan (www.umich.edu) are no exception to this idea. They have recently unveiled the third-generation Phoenix chip. The chip combines a microprocessor, pressure sensor, memory, battery, solar cell, and a radio transmitter all in one package. The really amazing part is that this package is about the same size as the letter "N" you would find in the word "One Cent" you find written on a penny!

Ahhhhh technology.... it's all around us.
Some of us (myself included) can't seem to make it through a day without it. To some technology is a crazy and magical thing beyond comprehension. To others it's just something we use from day to day without even thinking twice about it. From TVs to radios to computers, electronics are everywhere these days.

The other day I was leaving for class and caught my laptop bag on a flashlight in my truck. When I looked at the flashlight I realized that the flashlight is a form of this "magical" technology. As I continued on my way to class my mind wondered around and I came to realize this, my flashlight is just as smart as my computer!!!!!