Recently Filed in Computers

We haven’t even reached Halloween yet and Black Friday deals are already beginning to leak. BlackFriday.info has posted deals from OfficeMax, receiving word from “a few anonymous sources” that the deals are real. (via Gizmodo) The Web site says that while the final version of the ad might change slightly, most of the items listed should be on sale. After looking over the deals, some immediate highlights include a $30 Memorex portable DVD player and a $150 Acer Aspire One Netbook. Here’s the list of… View this story
AV Components • DVD Players • Computer Systems • Computer Accessories • Computers • Software • Furniture • Gaming • Games • Deals • Product News

It seems, these days, every device in your home can connect to a network in one form or fashion. Media players, televisions, refrigerators, coffee makers, toilet paper dispensers ... the list goes on and on.  Well, if you have a well-connected home, you should also have well-connected centralized storage to filter your media and other files out and about. NewEgg currently has the HP MediaSmart EX470 Windows Home Server (recertified), with 500GB of storage, 3 empty SATA bays, 4 USB ports, and 1 eSATA port… View this story
Digital Media Servers • Computers • Deals • Product News

Last week I showed you that the basics of a fully functional HTPC (home theater PC) don’t have to cost an arm and a leg, especially if you plan on the bulk of your storage being network based.  That little ditty did, however, have one item lacking for anyone looking to backup a large DVD collection ... it didn’t have a drive! My original thinking was there would likely be a PC with said drive, more encoding horsepower, somewhere on your network anyway.  For anyone… View this story
Computer Systems • Computers • Software • Deals • Product News

A new report from McKinsey & Co. says that elevating energy efficiency to a national priority could save American consumers $1.2 trillion by 2020. More energy-efficient electronics can be a big part of the solution, if mandatory energy-saving standards are enacted. According to the report, TVs, DVD players and PCs are the three largest energy-consuming devices among all home electronics and small appliances, including microwave ovens and heating and ceiling fans. TVs, DVD players and PCs made up 32 percent of electrical devices and small… View this story
AV Components • DVD Players • Computer Systems • Computers • Displays • Power Management • Green Technology • Info and Answers

How can you tell if a computer or monitor is “green”? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. If it’s energy efficiency, seek out an Energy Star rating. Computers bearing an Energy Star logo today should adhere to the new and more stringent Energy Star 5.0 specification that went into effect July 1. Want it made from greener materials that are free of toxins? Look for RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) compliancy that eliminates lead soldering and drastically reduces other toxins such as brominated… View this story
Computer Systems • Computer Displays • Computers • Green Technology • Info and Answers • Slideshows

Ever try finding an Energy Star-rated desktop computer for home use? It’s not easy, and it’s not likely to get any easier with the new, more stringent Energy Star 5.0 standards set to take effect in July. Just a couple of months ago, my wife insisted on a new home computer. Fine, as long as it’s Energy Star, I said, and proceeded directly to the Energy Star web site with the intention of printing out the available models. Only there were 52 pages of them!… View this story
Computer Systems • Computers • Green Technology • Info and Answers

Most of us have heard of cyber crime, such as stealing identities, reading private information from your computer’s hard drive and using your credit card numbers. And many of us have heard of the problem of electronic waste that we think is being recycled properly ending up in toxic dumping grounds in third-world countries like Ghana. But cyber crime from e-waste? It happens when computers donated for recycling or reuse make it to places like Ghana, which the State Department lists as one of the… View this story
Computer Systems • Computers • Green Technology • Info and Answers

Want an easy way to save energy and money in your home? Start by shutting off your computer. It can be a huge energy suck, especially if it sits running while not being used during the day or night. It is estimated that you can save $75 a year in energy costs just by making a few easy changes in the way you use—or don’t use—your computer or laptop. Here’s how: 1. Completely turn off your computer when you know you will not be using… View this story
Computer Systems • Computer Displays • Computers • Software • Green Technology • Info and Answers

Looking for a new computer? You may want to look for those that meet the new Energy Star 5.0 version for energy-efficient computers and monitors. The new efficiency standards for desktop and notebook computers go into effect July 1, 2009, while those for computer displays under 30 inches goes into effect Oct. 30 and standards for displays of 30 to 60 inches take effect on January 30, 2010. Yes, there are two different requirements for computers and monitors, and several upgrades to the previous Energy… View this story
Computer Systems • Computer Displays • Computers • Green Technology • Info and Answers

Whether you like Apple or not, you have to admit that the company has nerve. No, we’re not referring to the audacious (but sometimes annoying) “I’m a Mac; I’m a PC” ads. We’re referring to Apple’s plans to open 25 new retail stores and remodel 100 others during a recession. You often hear about how companies ought to invest in their business during an economic downturn. Apple is doing it. The goal, according to USA Today, is to revamp 100 stores this year to create… View this story
Computers • Gadgets • Retailers

Sure, in those Laptop Hunter commercials Microsoft is pushing the fact that Apple computers are pricier than their PC counterparts. But if you’re a college student, or college teacher or staff member, your new Mac can come with a free iPod touch. Apple has launched a Back to School campaign that runs from now until September 8 for making purchases of Mac computers. When you buy your fancy new Macbook or iMac, make the iPod touch purchase at the same time and you’ll qualify for… View this story
Portables • Computer Accessories • Computers • Deals • Product News

Shopping for new computer? If you’re interested in buying an energy efficient or green computer, one of the first places you should go is the EPEAT site. EPEAT (Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool) is a registry of more than 1,200 green products—so far limited to desktops computers, laptops/notebooks, workstations and computer monitors—and managed by the Green Electronics Council. Though it was developed for “institutional purchasers” like the government, more and more it is being used by individuals looking for energy-efficient and green products. It is… View this story
Computer Systems • Computer Displays • Computers • LCD • Green Technology • Info and Answers