Autarchy of the Private Cave

Tiny bits of bioinformatics, [web-]programming etc

    Archive for the 'Hardware' Category

    Digital photo cameras can capture infra-red light

    2nd May 2007

    This is quite a well-known thing among frequent and professional photographers, but still an interesting thing to know.
    I was also told that digital photo cameras can “see” in ultraviolet as well, but didn’t check if that’s true.
    As for infra-red light, this can be easily checked using any common “direct visibility” remote control. Most if not all use infra-red diodes to transmit signal. So I just pointed a remote at the camera, and made a shot. (Actually, camera real-time display also shows captured infra-red light, as it starts blinking in the remote.) Here is the proof of digital cameras ability to capture infra-red light. The bluish dot in the centre of the red-front-plastic-screen of the remote is infra-red light.

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    The vehicle I’d prefer for the city

    7th April 2007

    The VentureOne by Venture Vehicles.
    VentureOne
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    Posted in Hardware, Misc | 1 Comment »

    Choosing simple flash-based MP3 player

    8th February 2007

    I decided to buy a digital companion to use while commuting, travelling for longer distances, creating voice memos, probably even listening to some FM.

    Quite quickly I figured out my list of basic requirements: Read the rest of this entry »

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    Pentium M vs Pentium 4 performance comparison using Super Pi

    2nd January 2007

    Recently I was asked to measure the performance of my LG LM70 Express notebook (configuration 32HR or something like this). As I like small programs, I grabbed Super Pi and ran it:

    Pentium-M 730 1.6GHz Super Pi results

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    LG Express LM70-32HR Notebook: Impressions

    1st December 2006

    This is not a review, but usage impressions. If you’re looking for LM70 reviews, try this one. It has good overall description, and is generally helpful. For general notebook considerations, see also my post.

    Disclaimer: I am in no way associated with LG, and I have no personal benefits from this post. Text is provided AS IS, and no liabilities are assumed based on it. Use it at your own risk – though all efforts were put into making this text accurate and non-biased.

    Before going to vacations this summer (you may want to see the photos), I wanted to by a notebook, in order to be able to work a bit on my important projects while I’m away. Frankly speaking, I used my new and shiny notebook more for gaming, and not for work.

    I was short of time, and had to make a fast decision on what notebook I wanted. My requirements were: lightweight (NOT 3 kg), WiFi, 15-inch display with resolution not lower than 1280×800, long battery life, discrete graphics solution, DVD-RW super-multi drive, and Centrino platform. I wanted all of this to be somewhere around 1000$.
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    Posted in Hardware | 1 Comment »

    Selecting notebook model to suit your needs

    13th August 2006

    Here I will list parameters you will most probably consider when bying a new notebook. I hope this post will help you choose what you really need.

    Weight: ranges from under 2kg (1.6 for yet-fully-functional notebook) and up to 6 kg (DTR). Most of the notebooks you’ll encounter weigh around 2.5-3 kg. If you want less kilos – you’ll have to pay noticeable extra for portability.

    Screen size: ranges from approx. 12″ up to 20″ (is that still a ‘notebook’ with 20″, how do you think?). The most common screen sizes are 14.1-15.4 inches. As for any other LCD display, the most important features are the reaction time (pixel on/off times), brightness and contrast. Usually you will not get those details in notebook specs; so you have to see for yourself. I just should note that cheaper notebooks (those in 600-800$ range) usually come with noticeably worse displays than more expensive laptops.
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    Posted in Hardware | 5 Comments »