London Drugs Nerd Blog

Utilize the power of your power...lines

2012-05-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

Recently Nala Henkel spoke with Shawn Krug about her wireless router dilemma, and sought advice about a replacement. His advice was spot on, but left out one great option the London Drugs Computer Department can offer: powerline networking.

The best connection really is wired, but Shawn's right that that's not always viable. Running an ethernet cable across your home can be anywhere from tedious and difficult to completely impractical. Fortunately, our homes are already thoroughly wired for power, and this can be turned into an internet connection with a pair of powerline networking adapters.

Kits are available from a number of different manufacturers, with London Drugs carrying D-Link, Linksys, and SlingMedia powerline networking adapters. Each kit includes two pieces, so you simply plug both boxes in, connect one to your modem or router and the other to your far-flung computer, go through some straightforward set-up instructions, and you have a wired internet connection.

These connections are especially useful when you have devices that either cannot connect to wireless, or require an extra adapter to do so. To make powerline networking more powerful, plug in an ethernet switch to share the wired connection between multiple devices. An example of this would be an entertainment center with an internet-connected TV, a similarly capable Blu-ray player, and an Xbox 360.

To stretch your wireless you could even connect your powerline networking to a wireless access point, allowing you to have reliable wireless even in troublesome homes with materials like concrete or lots of metal piping that normally block wireless signals.

Talking to someone at London Drugs and getting an appropriate router for your home is the best start, but for a little extra help, turn to the wiring that's already there.

Related products:
D-Link powerline networking kit
Slinglink Turbo

Written by Chris
Follow us on Twitter at @LDComputers

We are Certified Data

2012-05-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

Exclusive to London Drugs

You may have heard of us before. We are Certified Data and we are London Drugs.

Since 1984 London Drugs have been assembling computers right here in Canada. If there’s a problem we’ll fix it at any London Drugs store; not at some anonymous and distant repair depot.

If you look at our specifications and features, you’ll find that we make stuff with some pretty amazing hardware inside, but did you know:

Every single unit we make is tested with a full Windows operating system loaded. Our technicians burn in each and every unit to make sure that each component is working to spec and talking to the rest of the machine as expected.

Our builds are all approved in the Windows Hardware Quality Lab (WHQL) program. WHQL is a process that tests all of the components inside a computer to make sure they are talking to each other and to Windows. This certification ensures our chosen configuration is fully compatible with Windows and not just a patchwork of components.

Before we sell any system we get it tested and approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). In doing this, our customers can be reassured that the computer they are buying meets or exceeds the strict Canadian electrical safety standards, which are some of the toughest in the world.

We take great care of even the smallest details. For instance: we are careful to wrap and tie all of the cables inside to ensure airflow is not obstructed which allows for more efficient cooling and greater longevity for all the components of the system.

We do not install anything that is not necessary on our computers. We install all the drivers for the machine to function. We install the Microsoft Office 2010 kit on our systems as a convenience so you can quickly install it with your product key or try it out for free and see which edition is right for you.

Recovery media is included: no need to make recovery discs or take up space with a recovery partition. In case you need it, you have it.

We offer built-to-order systems so you can pick which configuration is perfect for you and we still do all of the testing and certifications. Don’t just dream about the perfect computer for yourself. Let us know what it is and see if we can build it for you: just for you.

More information available online

www .cdata .ca

You can talk with us on Twitter

www .twitter .com /LDComputers

But I suggest you come into one of our stores and check them out in person, let us show you what we have to offer. http://ow.ly/aZac0

What is the difference in all the wireless N speeds?

2012-05-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

Cedric wrote a great explanation of dual-band routers, but I keep getting questions from my customers about the difference between the N150, N300, N450, N600, N750 and N900 labels on our various wireless routers and what value the higher-priced routers provide.

The simplest is N150. These are single-band 2.4 GHz-only routers. N150 routers simply use a single stream instead of utilizing two. Speeds are therefore limited to a maximum of 150 Mb/s when used with wireless N equipped devices.

N300 devices may be either single-band or dual-band. On either band, they can utilize two streams and hit a maximum of 300 Mb/s. However, if you're looking at an N300 simultaneous dual-band router, it's important to note that neither band will be able to exceed 150 Mb/s when both bands are in use. For simple home use, it's hard to go wrong with one of these when the price premium over an N150 router is usually only $10 or $20.

As with N300 routers, N450 routers may be either single-band or dual-band, but since this technology tends to crop up in more premium products anyway, they are usually dual-band. These utilize three streams to deliver 450 Mb/s speeds, making them faster than N300 routers, but still subject to the same limitations during simultaneous dual-band use.

N600, N750 and N900 all make the guarantee that simultaneous dual-band usage won't impede the performance of any single network. With N600, users get 300 Mb/s on both the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. N750 ups the 5 GHz band to 450 Mb/s, and N900 gives you two simultaneous 450 Mb/s connections.

Now, you may have no use for triple-stream 450 Mb/s networks right now, but an N750 or N900 router is a great way to future-proof your home or business. If you want to go dual-band, but don't want to splurge for a triple stream setup, N600 routers are becoming quite affordable and for current wireless equipment pack the best bang for the buck.

Chris at Store 2
Granville & Georgia

DId you know? iPad case compatibility

2012-05-14T16:23:00.003-07:00

Apple recently introduced the "new iPad" with several new enhancements. The display is better, the processor more powerful yet visually the new iPad itself looked and felt very similar to the previous generation iPad 2. So the next obvious question was "will the case for my iPad 2 fit the new iPad"? Great question.. with a few different answers. To do so we have to look at a few things:

1. Screen size: The screen of the new Ipad is the same physical dimension as the iPad 2, therefore a good majority of cases will fit if they are designed simply to carry it - for example a sleeve. A good majority of the iPad 2 cases will fit the new iPad very nicely but many do not. If the case only lists “iPad 2” on the packaging there’s a good chance it won’t fit the new Ipad.

I should also note that any screen protector designed to fit the iPad 2 will also fit the new iPad - however due to the new higher resolution Retina display the ones marked "anti-glare or AG" are not recommended as they reduce the quality of the display resolution.

2. Depth: Now this is where things get a bit trickier. The depth of the new iPad has increased ever so slightly by approximately 5mm, not much but, enough that many shells and cases that were form fitting on the iPad 2 may not on the new iPad.

3. On/Off functionality: This is where we start seeing some issues with some cases. The iPad is designed with a magnetic switch that when triggered will put itself to sleep. Many cases are designed and manufactured with a single magnet in place corresponding to the location of this switch. Unfortunately when Apple moved the switch location slightly on the new iPad relative to where it was on the iPad 2 many manufacturers didn't move the magnet. The result? Cases that market this feature on the packaging but don't actually switch off the power to the new iPad when closed.

So the ultimate question is: How can I tell what fits and what doesn't? What works with the magnetic switch and what doesn’t? This is where we can help.

We asked one of our accessory suppliers to create a guide for both customers and our Computer Department folks alike to use. It provides a quick reference relating to fit and functionality for many of the iPad accessories we carry. Here's the link:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/85195/Atlantia/London%20Drugs/New%20iPad%20Guide-LD.pdf

Secondly we are updating our shelf tags with the following descriptions:

· Ipad = The first generation iPad, also known as the original iPad

· Ipad2 = Ipad 2

· N-ipad = The new iPad also referred to by some (incorrectly) as iPad 3

· Ipad/ipad2 = compatible with both iPad & iPad2

· Ipad2/n-iPad= compatible with both ipad2 & the new iPad

· Universal = compatible with all models of iPad

Lastly if you have any questions about what works best with your iPad, or just want some recommendations, please ask any of our friendly and knowledgeable sales people. They might even surprise you with something!

Theo @thereal_theo

30 Day Challenge: iPad and iPhone only

2012-05-14T12:21:00.002-07:00

If there's one question I get a lot when talking with customers about tablets it's "but can it replace my computer?"

It's a question that I've always sort of talked around because while I thought that a tablet could replace a computer I never really believed it. So I decided to put this to the test and for a month in late 2011 I turned off my computer and lived with only my iPad 2 and iPhone 4 for thirty days.

I've had an iPhone since the 3G model debuted in 2008 and an iPad 2 since it debuted in 2011. I'm telling you this to establish one thing: that I've been using these products a long time. Why is this important? Because its relevant to the Question at hand.

Turns out that I'm now convinced that for most people the answer is yes, a tablet can replace a laptop. And in most cases could even serve as your main computer.

I came to this conclusion after just a few days of working without my computer and it turns out it was a pretty easy conclusion to come to because it wasn't a hard thing for me to not use the computer at all because I already wasn't using it very much!!

It's true that I'm what you'd probably call a nerd. I do a lot of stuff that you might not do with your computers. Media streaming. Command line tinkering. Podcasting. Serious photo editing. Family tree management. Blogging. Movies. Lots of stuff. And over the last year or so when I want to do one of these things, more often than not I've been reaching for the iPad or iPhone rather than sitting down at the computer.

There are things that I need a computer for. My iTunes library for example is over 200GB, and wouldn't fit on the combined storage of my iPad and iPhone (96GB if you're wondering) but for the main things I do the iPad does them easier and (mostly) better than my computer.

The iPad has probably the best email experience I've ever had, and the iPhone is close behind it. iPad is my favourite device to browse the web, to look at photos, and watch videos. the iPhone is my favourite music player since I replaced my iPod with it. And if we think about it, what else do most people use their computers for?

Do you use office extensively? iWork, Apples suite of productivity apps works great and with decent (although admittedly not 100%) compatibility with Office, but if they don't float your boat both Google apps and Office 365 work pretty great via the web browser. And thats no even counting the amazing assortment of other writing apps available (I'm using IA Writer for this article).

Edit music? GarageBand is available. Edit your home movies? iMovie is available. Edit photos? Too many apps to list are available, including a full blown version of Adobe Photoshop!

And unlike on my computer, basically, all of these apps are a pleasure to use!

I can go on but I think you're starting to get the picture.

Now, I can say that for myself I wouldn't be able to go tablet only forever. I record a weekly podcast and multiple mics on a full blown computer is a far superior set up to even any of the mics you can get for iPad. I edit photos and although Photoshop Touch is out now, I've been using Photoshop since version 3 and am not only intimately familiar with it, but I simply have too many photos to fit on the iPad at one time!

Does the iPad replace my computer? No. Does it replace my portable computers? Yes. Very much so. And I don't want to throw it across any rooms and I don't worry about bringing a power adapter with me all the time.

I believe that most people fall into this category: a tablet is the best portable computer they could buy but it won't replace your home computer. However there are users who could just have an iPad and that would be ok. I'm looking squarely at your mom here, for example. As you like me? Fielding questions from family members about how to do things? Yeah, I don't do that anymore because they all have tablets now and not only pick up the skills faster but are less afraid to try to solve things on their own. That's win-win people!

Now there is no way I can cover every usage case in this article, so I haven't even tried. What I can do though is respond to your feedback. Have questions about tablets or how to use them? Or about problems I ran into in the 30 days? Or where I may have cheated? Respond in the comments here and I'll answer all the questions I can, either in line or in subsequent articles.

I look forward to hearing from you all!

Matthew Simpson

It’s time to build your Diablo III Battlestation

2012-05-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

After nearly 12 years of hiatus, Diablo III is launching on May 15^th 2012. After many delays Blizzard is finally ready to ship its latest baby - only after it was absolutely perfect in their eyes I should say. Many people may hate them for their delays, while others applaud them for ensuring the quality of the game in an age where rehashes of last year’s game have become rampant (I’m looking at you Call of Duty!).

Now that it’s finally coming, you need to make sure that your battlestation is up to the challenge of playing for hours on end. For some with old dinosaurs it might just be time for a hardware upgrade, right?

As with many Blizzard games the minimum system requirements are not that difficult, but let’s get real here, who wants to run it on basic graphics? Available for PC and Mac, you will need at least an Intel Core 2 duo or equivalent, Nvidia 8600m video card, 2 GB of ram and 12GB of Hard Drive space. Don’t forget you will also need an internet connection to be able to play at all.

Now to be able to really see your enemies fall beneath your hammer, you will want a true gaming machine. Big video cards are the name of the game here, with lots of choice coming from the ATI and Nvidia camps. Look to spend about $200 and up for a video card from either company. Possessing more RAM and processor power is never a bad thing either.

But what about those people who don’t want to build their own computer, and just want their gaming to be a turn key experience? Below is a list of some of the items that I recommend for anyone that is looking to upgrade their Diablo III battlestation.

1. Certified Data Core i7-2700K - http://goo.gl/3rIOg

With a huge Intel Core i7-2700K, with 16GB of ram, and ATI 6770 video card, this desktop computer will be able to play Diablo without any hesitation. It’s also backed by your local London Drugs to ensure it’s always ready to go.

2. Viewsonic 27” LCD Monitor – http://goo.gl/oQCLA

Be able to see your enemies before they see you. Connect this 27” monitor to computer and see all the detail that Diablo has to offer. 3 Year warranty out of the box too, that is unless you get a little angry and break it while gaming.

3. Gaming Mouse and Keyboard - http://goo.gl/uCiPi http://goo.gl/iFGcf

Make sure that you have control of your character with the new set of gaming mice and keyboards. Bind those spells and attacks to the side of the mouse or keyboard for quick access while in battle. Offerings from Razer are a fine addition to your battlestation.

4. Speakers/ Headphones - http://goo.gl/UMePr http://goo.gl/A11zR

How good is a game if you can’t hear your foes tremble in fear? Audioengine A2 desktops speakers will make sure that you and everyone around you will hear you. For those in need of a quieter experience, Logitech offers a perfect wireless headphone solution with the G930 Headphones/ Mic.

5. Snacks!

Pick your food and beverage of choice; Just make sure to keep it away from your computer components! Redbull is always a good choice for when those games get on late into the night. Always make sure to follow the health warnings on any energy drinks.

6. Compressed Air

If your video cards are going to be running for hours on end, making sure to have a computer clean of dust bunnies is always a good idea. The last thing you want to do is overheat the computer before a save point!

7. Diablo III!!

What good is all this equipment if you have no game to play? Make sure to head down to your local London Drugs and pick up a copy. They won’t be hanging around the store for long.

So how is your battlestation looking? Leave us a reply and show off what your battlestation looks like.

-Clifford Fong

5 “gadgets” I won’t give up

2012-05-10T13:59:00.003-07:00

My UPS aka. Uninterruptable Power Supply. Remember the last time the power went out and you were working on that oh so important document/taxes/spreadsheet/game level etc.. etc..? Remember the profanity uttered that would make your mother blush? Fortunately I can’t relate to that at all J I use a UPS which is a device about 3-4 times the size of a power bar that acts both as a surge suppressor and backup power for your electronic devices in the event of a power failure or interruption. It also protects against something called brown-outs, which in some areas is the power voltage fluctuations that can be as damaging as a surge or spike.
The costs vary but if you’re plugging a laptop and a router into it you won’t have to spend any more than $100 or less. It’s a must have and #1 on my list! Here’s one that’s only $69.99
USB power charger It seems that from tablets to phones to music players and even cameras are all being charged via a 5 volt USB power cord. Gone are the days where I had to carry 4 or 5 chargers on a trip now I just need to bring a USB charger and a couple of cables. In fact I’m using a charger with a universal cable that charges every one of my USB devices and is only 3 pieces. I’m talking about the Innergie pocket cell battery + 3:1 cable plus USB charger
Bluetooth car speaker My car is “old” meaning it’s pre-bluetooth enabled. Our driving laws, rightly so, prohibit use of a cell phone except if hands free. I’ve tried the earpieces and headsets etc.. but I find the speakers are the best. They simply clip on to your sun visor in the car, pair with your phone often automatically, and some even can utilize hands free dialing with specific phones. There are many averaging around $80-$100 but here’s one that we carry for $99.99 http://bit.ly/K6f8St
Ipad I can honestly say I use my iPad daily. For me it keeps me in contact personally and professionally, is a source of amusement for my kids, and even on trips is my home theatre. Love it or hate it the iPad has changed the landscape of portable computing
Iphone Again love it or hate it the Iphone has become an invaluable tool for most, me primarily in my professional capacity. I can tweet, facebook, message, email and make phone calls all from a single device. It’s amazing that though the first iPhone was only launched several years ago it has become a phone that set the bar against what is now “normal” for all smartphones. In fact in Canada it was just released that over 50% of all cell phones are now Smartphones. 5 years ago that number was essentially zero.

This list is only a fraction of the technology I use. However take any of these away and my daily routine would be compromised, and though I’m sure I could function just fine I wouldn’t be very happy about it. ttfn.

Theo @thereal_theo
Follow the London Drugs’ Computer Department here @ldcomputers

Mac Users Should Know This

2012-05-09T10:39:00.001-07:00

When Macs battled (or pummeled) Windows Vista on TV with their “I am a Mac” ads, the advertising types created an image of the Mac as a machine without viruses and are safe forever and forever.

Not only was that untrue, it created a climate of complacency amongst Mac users that is truly dangerous. It certainly is not the users’ fault. After all, those ads ran constantly for a very long time (some even say it was brainwashing frequency).

It is never a good time to be complacent on the internet. Some truth behind the Mac should be shared. This recent article on Dailytech talks about the vulnerability of Macs and the fact that even Apple has finally recognized that there is a problem. After all, how can they ignore this problem when up to 1 in 20 Macs were infected by the MacDefender Trojan; or when Flashback or Flashfake have infected more than half a million Macs. The good news is that Apple has reacted to each of these issues and their patches have worked.

But the key point to read into all this is: Just because you use a Mac, your computer is not immune, regardless of what advertising folks suggest. Eset, Symantec, aka Norton and bitDefender all make excellent, inexpensive products to protect the Mac user from the nasties lurking in the internet.

http://www.dailytech.com/Apple+Admits+Its+Macs+Have+a+Malware+Problem/article24451.htm

Why Processors Matter

2012-05-07T12:47:00.001-07:00

The processor has become one of the least understood components in a computer. It is however one of, if not the most important part of any computer. Processors are not talked about that much anymore as it can be very confusing if someone tries to explain the differences. The technical details do not really matter to most users however what they do matters to almost any user. Think of the processor as the “brain” of a computer. It’s the part that does all the thinking, nothing else works without it. If it’s slow you wind up waiting longer for a response.

A few years ago you could just look the Megahertz (MHz) and tell if the processor was a fast. This is no longer true. First of all they are now measured in Gigahertz (GHz) and now the processors are more efficient. With multiple cores the computer’s processor can process more than one thing at a time.

Let’s use an analogy to help explain. I need fill my swimming pool and it is taking forever. We can do a couple of things to make this go faster.

Turn up the flow speed by turning up the tap open more so the water flows faster, this is like the GHz.
Get a bigger hose. let’s replace this garden hose with a fire hose. This is a more efficient way to get the job done. The water is not flowing any faster but we are getting much more water into the pool faster. So this is like multiple cores.

Why speed matters
The programs you use will determine your processing needs. For instance, video, photo and sound editing requires more that just checking your email.

Gaming on a computer requires a faster processor. I’m not talking about playing solitaire here, when I say gaming I mean higher end graphics and quick action games. To a PC Gamer it’s all about how many frames per second can be displayed. A fast processor as well as a fast graphics card is required. We will leave graphics card to another post.

Rendering video is one of the areas that they have major improvements in processors. So when you want to post a video to YouTube, or your tablet / phone is much quicker. If you compare the newest processors, what used to take hours could now take a few minutes.

Everything works faster making your experience with using the computer a more enjoyable one.

Power consumption
The newest processors are not only faster but they also use less power. In a notebook this means the battery is going to last longer. Less power also means less heat is generated so the cooler can be smaller and quieter. Let’s not forget about the green factor, much like the old fridge that consumes less power than a new one some processors are also using much less power giving you a greener option that is better for the environment.

Dave Orser

Should I run Anti-Virus software on my Mac?

2012-05-04T07:57:00.000-07:00

You may have seen reports lately of Mac OSX being targeted with malware. Some of the most recent infections hitting the web have been found on completely legitimate web sites like CNN hiding inside advertisements. You don’t have to pirate software or wander down the dark alleys of the internet anymore to get an infection. More people than ever before have been using a Mac. Because Mac users in general think that they don’t need additional like Windows users they are prime targets for attack. I’m not going to tell you to run around screaming that the sky is falling but you want to consider getting something more to protect yourself.

The truth of the matter is that there have always been infections your Mac can get. Although the amount of malware targeting Mac has been far less in number compared to Windows it’s still there. Apple has built in some protection against the higher profile easier to get infections right inside of OSX. That’s like putting on a long sleeve shirt when going out in a blizzard, it’s not usually enough unless you like throwing caution to the wind. Apple engineers have taken great efforts to secure your Mac but it takes a fair bit of time for them to update your computer. Apple themselves even recommends you run anti-virus software http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2128

Software is available to keep your Mac infection free and the security companies update their software much faster than official updates from Apple. If you’re running any of the leading Anti-Virus solutions for Mac you're protected within hours of a new infection releasing in the wild – not days or weeks waiting for updates from Apple. As the saying goes - An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

We offer many solutions for your Mac that won’t slow you down and even clean your files of PC infections that aren’t affecting you but can spread to your Windows friends.

Eset Smart Security for Mac (1 Mac - 1 year)

Eset Smart Security Family Pack (any 5 devices Mac, Windows, Android - 1 year)

Norton Internet Security for Mac (1 Mac - 1 year)

Bitdefender AniVirus for Mac and PC (1 Year - 2 computers)

Kaspersky One (any 5 devices, Mac, Windows, Android – 1 Year)

Intego Virus Barrier (1 Year - 1 Mac)

Stop in and see a Specialist to find out which one is right for you.

Julian Sanders

for @LDComputers

Tech Talk - So you let your kids use your iPhone and Tablet

2012-05-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

Tech Talk with Julian Sanders from @LDComputers. So you let your kids use your phone and tablet? Demonstration of some rugged cases from Griffin, Logiix and Tucano for iPad and Blackberry Playbook. Rubber tipped stylus to give little hands better aim. And an iPhone drops!

London Drugs Product Showcase - May 2012

2012-05-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

This month, Roadmates, Phablets and Multi-Lifts! All on the May 2012 edition of the London Drugs Product Showcase!

How do I scan slides and negatives?

2012-04-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

Julian Sanders from @LDcomputers explains how getting your old photos into the computer is easier than you think. Break down the different kinds of scanners available. Also a bonus explanation of what Twitter is all about.

Dottotech - ASUS 11" notebooks

2012-04-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Steve Dotto talks to Theo from London Drugs about the new ASUS 11" notebooks

Tech Talk - Ooma and Magic Jack Home Phone Alternatives explained

2012-04-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Julian Sanders from @LD_Saskatoon talks about what Ooma and Magic Jack are all about. Replace your home phone and save money.

Don't Lose Sleep

2012-04-04T11:01:00.002-07:00

In the cold dark night, a photographer cries out from his sleep. From somewhere in the deepest reaches of his subconscious, he screams out, “I am just one April Fools’ prank or a power surge away from losing my life’s work.” He hyperventilates. He sweats. In the red glow of his digital clock, he stares wide-eyed into the abyss of data loss.

Then, he remembers, he had backed up his files. He has a definite workflow to safeguard his digital photos.

As his breathing returns to normal, he switches on his always handy iPad and reads “Tips on how to keep your digital photos safe”.

He drifts off to sleep again dreaming of sunset over the Tuscan hills, sunrise beyond the Kauai beaches and his son’s first birthday. A hint of a smile begin to form on his lips as terror is forgotten, replaced by the serenity of backed up data.

Media Player Shootout: Round One

2012-04-03T14:12:00.001-07:00

These days everyone is looking to access their media in more places than one, and now the living room is being taken over by laptops. Moving from its resting place on the couch or your lap, more and more people are starting to connect their computers to their HDTVs. Many problems come up with this solution however. You start to play the game of place the laptop, connect the cables to the back of the TV, and keep it off the carpet (it’s really bad to leave it on the carpet!). If your battery life isn’t what it used to be, you can add your power supply to the mix as well. So after you find Zen in your living room, get the popcorn ready, and get your special spot on the couch ready, it’s time to start! Wait, you can’t reach the computer now….

Enter the first of round of media player products available at your closest London Drugs.
First off, is the Uebo M400, a sleek black and brushed aluminum box ready to fit in any home theater setup. Second is the D-link Boxee box, an odd shaped black box with the glowing green logo. Both units are able to access your computers within your home network to stream content to the TV, or even play back from external hard drives and flash drives.

Hardware & Design
When comparing the hardware of the two players on paper, the Uebo M400 seems to come out on top. The unit comes packaged well with the remote & batteries, USB cable, RCA cable, manual, and even explains how to pronounce their name (You-bõ for those keeping score at home).

The back of the M400 is littered with ports, making it compatible with almost any TV out there. HDMI, Component Video, and even legacy RCA ports are present, coupled with optical and digital coaxial for sound output. Wired networking is done through a Gigabit network port, and wireless is handled by an 802.11N wireless card. If you are looking to stream larger backed up movies from your computer, I would use the supplied gigabit port if possible. The power is supplied from a chunky power adaptor, so be ready to play adapter roulette with your power bar. We have two USB 2.0 ports and one SD card slot to plug in your external hard drives, flash drives and SD cards filled with content. Also included is a USB 3.0 port, which gives you access to the optional internal hard drive. In practice, I didn’t find it too useful to have that port, as I didn’t want to keep unplugging the unit from my home theater setup just to transfer items to it.

The conservative look of the M400 blends into most home theaters systems nicely. It looks good, but isn’t so outlandish that it draws your attention. Control of this unit is supplied by an average remote, looking very similar to a DVD or TV remote. Fast forward, rewind, audio, and subtitles buttons pepper the front of the remote making it somewhat difficult to use in the dark.

Design-wise Boxee goes entirely the opposite way. The first thing that draws you in is the slant that this unit is on. It looks as if it’s sinking into quicksand while you are trying to use it. Not only does this design scream “look at me”, but it makes the unit much taller than the M400 and impossible to stack on top of anything in most TV cabinets. Boxee’s logo makes its presence known when you turn the unit on, looking like a green alien smiling back at you. Thankfully this light is able to be turned off, which otherwise is quite bright.

Unlike its competitor, the M400, the Boxee Box is adorned with only a HDMI for video out. This limits the amount of TVs that you can connect this device to; however any modern day TV worth its salt has HDMI. Sound out is handled by the included optical and RCA out, along with the aforementioned HDMI. Connecting to your network is simple with wireless 802.11N and Gigabit wired networking port. Two USB ports and one SD card slot are included on the sunken box to give you easy access to your media drives again.

The remote is the complete opposite of the M400 however, including only 3 buttons and a directional pad. Adding to their simplistic approach, D-Link made the remote RF, making the need for line of site to the box a thing of the past. No longer do you have to open the doors of your cabinet or do couch yoga to point the remote at the box. As if the RF wasn’t enough for this remote, D-Link includes a full keyboard on the back side of the remote! There will be more about this in the software section. The only gripe I have with the remote is I found myself holding it upside quite often, as perfectly symmetrical. D-Link embossed the Boxee logo on the bottom section to help with this however I in my testing I rarely noticed it.

Section Winner: Uebo M400
With more connectivity, the ability to install a hard drive inside the device, and lower overall height, the M400 takes the section. Including a better remote with the system would have made this unit almost perfect.

Software & Performance
Now onto the biggest reason to ditch you laptop for media playback; Software. There are many pieces of software out there that are able to bring your laptop’s media playback skill level beyond apprentice, but these are just a Band-Aid solution. Even with the biggest and baddest software available for Mac OS or Windows there is usually involves a convoluted setup, and who wants to do an update for your system, java, flash, and QuickTime when you just want to catch the newest episode of that show you love? General upkeep for that underlying operating system is never a thing you really want to do, kind of like going for dinner at your mother-in-laws house. Enter Mr. Uebo and Mr. Boxee.

Unlike in the hardware category, the Uebo is in murkier water when compared to the Boxee. After using the Uebo for a week, I can come away with two things; it’s really fast and the video playback quality is extremely good. When you boot up the Uebo, you are greeted with a simple home interface. While that won’t be winning any design awards soon, it make very easy for someone to pick up and use right away. By default the M400 will scan any storage device that gets plugged into it, or off the internal HD if installed, which is a nice touch.

The last tab on the Uebo’s menus brings up their internet menu. This allows you to surf the internet, download files through bit-torrent, and use Web-connected services like YouTube, Picasa, Flickr, and internet radio. If you are a big movie buff and have a Netflix subscription, the M400 made sure to pack that in as well. While YouTube, Picasa and Flickr work as advertised, the Netflix and web browser implementation leave something to be desired. Both are in need of a qwerty keyboard like the Boxee remote, and website navigation feels as if you are controlling the Titanic.

Back from a round one knockdown, the Boxee comes back out swinging. One look at the Boxee’s menu, you begin to wonder if it and the Uebo were made in the same century. Boxee adorns its home menu with large simple buttons on the top, and populates the bottom with community shared videos. After setup, handled by on screen instructions, Boxee goes to the cloud and pulls information of your media from IMDB to give each of your media files cover art and synopsis. Not only does this make your media look amazing, it gives you more information into that TV episode or movie.

Not unlike a boxer, Boxee follows up with another punch to the M400 with its internet connectivity. Boxee includes access to YouTube, Netflix, and Flickr, but throws in a multitude of internet-based TV/Movies. It pulls shows and movies from all over the internet, as well as some of the big local TV channels, such as Global. This allows you to watch mainstream TV shows, such as Big Bang Theory, over the internet directly to your Boxee. If anyone wanted to cut their cable subscription, this device is as close as you get to doing that.For those who would like to surf the internet on their TV, Boxee’s internet browser is leaps and bounds above the Uebo. The included qwerty keyboard on the included remote and the onscreen cursor helps navigation be a breeze.

For all of those people who have an iOS device in their pocket or backpack, boxee also supports airplay. In testing I was able to get my two iOS devices to stream music, video and pictures. At the time of writing this Airplay mirroring was not supported yet, but this feature is still a great little party trick, allowing you to show that new kitten youtube video to your friends on your big screen TV (don’t lie, I know you like those fuzzy little guys).

Having all of these visual enhancements doesn’t come without a price however, as the Boxee would stutter and lag behind input once and a while. While this isn’t the end of the world, it would be nice if D-link had put some more horsepower under the hood to deal with the extra enhancements.

Section Winner: D-Link Boxee Box
Despite the slowdowns with interface, it’s hard to ignore airplay support and all the royal treatment your media gets when you browse through your collection.

Wrap-up
Uebo made a product, starting with the hardware platform and then made software for it to run on it. Boxee, taking the opposite approach, was started from open sourced software that went looking for a hardware platform. You can really see the difference that this makes when using these devices.

For those that are looking for a no frills way to play media, the Uebo is a good contender with its speed and playback quality. For the rest of us looking for more out of their media experience on their TV, the clear winner is the D-link Boxee Box.

Overall Winner: D-Link Boxee Box
Dlink Boxee Box
Uebo M400 – (link will be updated shortly)

For those looking to add media playback in their living room on a budget, look out for Round two of this article featuring the Uebo M100 Vs. Zinwell Media Player.

Written by Clifford Fong
Visit us on Twitter @ldcomputers

Epson Printers - Exceed your vision

2012-04-03T10:58:00.001-07:00

Designed for Creativity.
Rated #1 in photo quality, Artisan inkjets also deliver incredible performance, with the Artisan 730 achieving the World's Fastest 4" x 6" photo print speeds. Get 4" x 6" photos in as fast as 10 seconds. Speed through everyday projects. The Artisan 730 gives you all the tools you need with a smart touch panel and 2.5" LCD. Print, scan, and access memory card slots from any room in the house with Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ wireless networking and built-in Ethernet networking. Or, use Epson Connect to print directly from your smartphone, iPad®, tablet and more. Click here for more.

Designed for Creativity.
Rated #1 in photo quality, Artisan 837 offers premium performance plus the World's Fastest
4" x 6" photo print speeds, high-speed faxing and a 30-page Automatic Document Feeder. Get 4" x 6" photos in as fast as 10 seconds. Speed through everyday projects. With a 7.8" touch panel and 3.5" LCD, the Artisan 837 gives you all the tools you need. Use the Automatic Document Feeder to quickly copy, fax and scan stacks of originals. Print, scan, and access memory card slots from any room with Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ wireless networking and built-in Ethernet networking. Or, use Epson Connect to print directly from your smartphone, iPad,® tablet and more. Click here for more.

50% Lower Cost Than Colour Laser.
At twice the speed of inkjets and featuring the World's Fastest auto two-sided print speeds, the WorkForce Pro WP-4020 was built to keep your business running at full speed. This ultra efficient printer delivers high quality output at half the cost of colour laser printing.1 Boasting two-sided print speeds of 9.2 ISO ppm (black) and 7.1 ISO ppm (colour)†, the WorkForce Pro WP-4020 moves at your busy pace. Offering remarkable productivity, it features a 330 sheet paper capacity and a 20,000-page duty cycle. Built-in wireless networking4 makes it easy to share your printer with others. And, direct mobile printing5 ensures you'll be able to print from virtually any room in your office. Best of all, the WP-4020 offers low hassle, extra large, easy to install cartridges, with a highyield of 2400 pages Black and 1200 pages colour. Click here for more.

50% Lower Cost Than Colour Laser.
The ultimate wireless all-in-one, the WorkForce Pro WP-4540 is twice the speed of inkjets and gives you the World's Fastest auto two-sided print speeds, automatic two-sided copying/scanning/faxing, and professional quality output at half the cost of colour laser printing. Boasting two-sided print speeds of 9.2 ISO ppm (black) and 7.1 ISO ppm (colour)†, this ultra efficient all-in-one features a 580-sheet paper capacity and convenient 5.8" touch panel. Use the 30-page twosided Auto Document Feeder to quickly copy, scan or fax one- or two-sided documents. Builtin wireless networking makes it easy to share your all-in-one with others. And a 20,000-page duty cycle gives you added peace of mind. Best of all, the WP-4540 offers low hassle, extra large, easy to install cartridges, with a high yield of 2400 pages Black and 1200 pages colour. Click here for more

Engineered for Business.
Go big with professional prints up to 13" x 19" and scans up to 11" x 17". The WorkForce WF-7520 is a total solution — the wide-format all-in-one that features the World's Fastest print speeds in its class. Featuring two paper trays and a total paper capacity up to 500 sheets, it's always ready to print on plain paper or specialty media. And, with automatic two-sided printing, copying and scanning, it offers even more versatility. Quickly print layouts at 100%. Or, scan large-sized originals in a flash — no stitching software required. The WorkForce WF-7520 moves at your busy pace, whatever the project at hand. And, prints are smudge, fade and water resistant, so you can handle them immediately after printing. Engineered to offer the ultimate in speed and flexibility, this high performance allin- one brings you quality without compromise. Click here for more.

London Drugs Product Showcase - April 2012

2012-04-02T10:29:00.002-07:00

London Drugs April 2012 Product Showcase

Did you know?

2012-03-22T15:09:00.001-07:00

Being surrounded by the products we sell on a daily basis I forget sometimes that folks in our stores may not be aware of many products we offer that meet a need or simply fit into their lives. While I can’t focus on all of the products we offer, I can however pick some from time to time to tell you more about. With that said we’ll be doing a series of informational blog posts I’m calling “Did you know?” I'll start with this one:

Microsoft WAU “Windows Anytime Upgrade”
more info here at the following link

Did you know that when you buy a new PC pre-loaded with Windows 7, most commonly Home Premium for example, that not only is this version installed but every other version of Windows 7 as well! Microsoft decided with Windows 7 that to streamline the installation process they would install all of the “bits”, as they’re called, only unlocking features as customers need them (and also paying for them of course). Enter the “Anytime Upgrade”. Essentially the WAU is nothing more than a key, a string of numbers and letters in other words, that tell the Windows program to unlock the "bits" and upgrade to the version related to that key.
Say for example you needed to connect to company networks - you can with a feature called Domain Join in Windows 7 Professional. Also available in Professional is a virtual PC mode that allows you to run Windows XP within Windows 7 both at the same time! This would be for people and companies that have software which only operates in Windows XP for example.
Next is an upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate; everything you get with Professional but Microsoft also added 35 additional languages to the operating system and a feature called Bit Locker encryption for the paranoid, and responsible of course, people that want additional protection for their data.
The WAU updates your existing Windows 7 version in less than 10 minutes, and is available at all locations with a Computer Department. Visit us for more information and to discover other things that may just surprise you...

Theo @thereal_theo
@ldcomputers

Windows 8 tested on a Mac

2012-03-22T14:00:00.001-07:00

We just heard from someone who decided to test the Windows 8 Consumer Review version on his Apple iMac.

Michael Corradi, a Mac user and photographer, reported that “It worked flawlessly”. In fact he added, “ It was a fast install, fast bootup, very snappy.”

It is, he says, “very similar to setting up Mac OSX. It asks for all your information and you need an email account to set up a Windows Live account.”

That information is used to set up a profile for the Windows App Store. Michael says, “It is similar to the way iTunes and Apple App Store work. Everything is linked together with your email/profile.”

Michael loaded the Windows 8 Consumer Review version and installed it in VMware Fusion on an iMac. “I choose to download the .iso file, so I didn’t need to upgrade any of my existing Windows. Just a clean install.”

The only problem reported was the onboard webcam which did not work, but it also doesn’t work with VMware, so it is not a really a Windows problem. Otherwise, Michael says “it was super easy to install and no issues.”

Pretty Stickers Mean Much More

2012-03-22T11:30:00.002-07:00

When you bring your new computer home, you will likely see a bunch of stickers on it. Not all of them are put there because someone thought they were pretty. Some actually mean something or a lot.

CSA or cUL stickers. These stickers are issued by the Canadian Standards Association or Underwriters Laboratories.

These stickers mean that the computer has been tested and is certified to be in compliance to the very strict Canadian electrical safety standards.

Similar to all electrical products, designs must be developed to ensure user safety. The standards established in Canada are not only relevant to the Canadian environment; they are highly regarded also as some of the highest standards in the world.
Microsoft Windows 7 Stickers. At first glance, many may come to the conclusion that this is a marketing ploy. Well, it is, but it is more.

In order to qualify to use this logo, that particular configuration or model of computer had to pass a stringent stream of tests through a program called Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) testing.

These tests are designed and controlled by Microsoft to prove that every hardware component, every driver loaded and every software configuration are going to be working reliably and compatibly within Windows 7.

That means that the exhaustive list of items that are usually taken for granted, such as HD audio and USB controllers, network adapters, graphics adapters, storage systems, Bluetooth, keyboards, and much more are all tested one by one to prove that they are supported by Windows 7.
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity (COA) for Windows. This sticker is usually found on the bottom of the back of computers. This shows that the manufacturer of the computer has loaded a legitimate copy of Windows 7 on your computer.

Why is it important? Firstly, this means the manufacturer is not a thief who stole the software and loaded on your machine. Since software thieves are not known for their quality control, the risk of virus or malware infection is substantially higher with illegally loaded Windows.

Most importantly, the certified computer will be supported by updates and downloads to keep you happily getting the most out of your computer.

This sticker also contains the activation code for your copy of Windows. This code is required when you first switch on the computer

So, there you have it, the story behind all those pretty stickers on your brand new computer.

Written by Cedric Tetzel
@cedrictetzel

Tech Talk - How to pick a strong password

2012-03-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

Julian Sanders from @LDComputers tells us how to use common sense to prevent online fraud. Tips on how to make a strong password, not using the same password on every service you subscribe to and not falling for the "Microsoft calling, your computer has a virus" scams.

Keeping your PC Green

2012-03-20T10:52:00.005-07:00

Eco-friendly Tips for Your Computer from our friends at Iolo www.iolo.com

Keeping your PC Green

These days, many of us are looking for ways to conserve energy, both to help the environment and to save some cash: buying energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances, adjusting the thermostat, and trying to "reduce, reuse and recycle" where we can.

But we may be overlooking one thing that can be a huge energy drain, increasing our monthly utility bills and needlessly filling up landfills—our computers.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Western Sustainability and Pollution Prevention Network (WSPPN), Americans:

•Generate more than five billion pounds of computer waste. (EPA)
•Dump 82 percent of computers in landfills instead of recycling them; in 2007 alone, more than 40 million computers were dumped. (EPA)
•On average, discard their PC after only 30 months of use. (WSPPN)

Here are some easy steps you can take to keep your PC green and energy-efficient: you can help protect the environment and save yourself some money at the same time.

Turn off your monitor
A monitor uses a lot of energy, more than you may realize—it accounts for roughly a third of the electrical usage of your entire computer.

Configure your monitor's sleep feature to automatically power down when you're away from the computer (look for "Power Options" in the Control Panel). This sleep mode still uses some energy, so at the end of the day or if you'll be away from your computer for awhile, turn off the monitor.

NOTE: You also may want to consider lowering the brightness of your monitor; the brighter your display, the more energy it uses. And there may be an added bonus: some people have reported that a dimmer display reduces eye strain.
Turn off your screensaver
Screensavers were originally designed to protect older monochromatic monitors, a type of monitor that's rarely seen anymore. Newer monitors, such as those that use LCD or LED technology, don't need screensavers at all.

Animated screensavers can be fun but they consume as much energy as a monitor in use, not to mention wasting CPU and memory power and unnecessarily heating up your PC, which in turn requires more fan power to keep it cool: it's a domino effect that all adds up to a needless drain of energy.

Turn off the screensaver

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), turning off the screensaver can save you from $25 to $75 a year on energy costs. This may not seem like a lot, but think of it a different way: it's like getting a $50 check for your birthday every year just by turning off something you don't need—your screensaver.

Use energy-saving modes
Many people leave their computers powered on around-the-clock—often, this is to avoid a lengthy boot-up process, but sometimes we want to leave our PCs on so we can access them remotely or so that automated maintenance processes can run.

TIP: If you find yourself frustrated with how long it takes your computer to boot up, it may be time to clean it out: your PC's startup process can easily become clogged with a lot of programs you don't really need. Read more about how you can speed up your PC's start-up time.

One way to combine energy conservation with the convenience of an "always-on" PC is to enable standby or hibernate mode (also one of the "Power Options" in Windows). With these energy-saving modes, you can set your PC to 'sleep' after it's been idle a certain amount of time, and the computer will only 'wake up' when you return or when it's running maintenance tasks.

So what's the difference between standby and hibernate?

•Standby: With standby mode, your PC uses very little power; some is still used, but the power to items such as your monitor and hard drive is cut. When you come back to your PC, you'll be up and running quickly, but your computer will be using more energy than the hibernate mode.

•Hibernate: With hibernate mode, your PC is not using any power at all. Of the two, this mode definitely saves the most energy, but the time it takes for everything to power up will be a bit longer.

TIP: An always-on PC not only uses energy; it can also take a big hit on performance. This is because a PC that's always powered on saves data into memory—and when your PC is low on memory, everything suffers.

To avoid this memory overload, restart your computer every few days and defragment the memory about once a month. Defragmentation reclaims valuable memory and improves PC efficiency, stability, and speed: performance goes up, energy usage goes down. Read more about how memory defragmentation improves performance. Keep your PC tuned
For any of your appliances, proper maintenance reduces waste, and the same holds true for computers. Much like a car, a properly tuned computer can run more efficiently: a lean PC uses less electricity and performs much better.

Over time, PCs get bloated and inefficient: settings become outdated as you add and remove programs, clutter is left behind from web surfing, resource-hogging startup commands are needlessly running. This PC detritus that builds up through daily use acts like "friction" on your computer—and the end result is that everything your computer does requires more effort, takes more time, generates more heat, and wastes more power.

TIP: The common problems that can overtax your computer's resources and waste energy can be easily resolved with a good PC tune-up software program. Read more about how PC tune-ups can reverse performance problems.

And an added benefit: by keeping your current PC in good running condition, you'll also be able to hold on to it longer, saving you the costly expense of a new computer.

Recycle your old PC
Eventually the day will come when you're ready to say goodbye to your old computer. When that happens, rather than throwing your PC away and adding to the world's growing waste problem, why not recycle it? Research by the EPA found that in 2007 only 15% of discarded computers were recycled. And many of the computers that ended up in landfills could have benefited our community by being donated to charities, schools, or other non-profit groups.

If you're not sure where you can recycle or donate your computer, the non-profit organization TechSoup provides links to recycling and refurbishing resources that accept computer donations: www.techsoup.org/recycle/donate.

NOTE: Before you give your computer away, it's critical that you securely delete all your personal information. Just deleting files, or even formatting the drive, isn't enough—someone using easily available software can still recover the files. (Read more about why deleting files doesn't permanently erase them.) To securely delete your information, use data wiping software, which uses overwrite technologies that prevent data from being recovered. Buy green
If you're in the market for a new PC, do some research before you buy: many computer manufacturers, including Dell, HP, Acer, and others, now offer "green" models that use less energy, have more reusable/rechargeable components, or use recycled material.

And your best bet may be to choose a laptop over a desktop. In order to optimize battery usage, most laptops have energy-efficient features built-in: a laptop can use up to 50% less electricity than a desktop machine.

TIP: If you only use your computer at home, you could consider setting up your laptop like a desktop, with a "full size" monitor, mouse, and keyboard attached.

Article courtesy of www.iolo.com

For more green stuff visit our Greendeal blog

Posted by Theo Horsdal @thereal_theo

Introducing - Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4

2012-03-16T10:08:00.002-07:00

Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 4 software lets you perfect your iamges, organize all your photographs, and share your vision - all with one fast, intuitive application.

Get everything you need beyond the camera
Organize, perfect and share - Lightroom combines all your digital photography tool sin one fast, efficient application. Use powerful yet simple automatic adjustments or take detailed control of every feature, from editing to sharing.

Get the best from every image
Get the highest possible quality from every pixel in your images, whether you shot them with a pro DLSR camera or a camera phone. Lightroom includes a comprehensive set of state-of-the-art tools for tone, contrast, colour, noise reduction, and more.

Share effortlessly
Craft elegant photo books and easily share your photographs on social networks or in web galleries, slide shows, prints, and more. Lightroom includes efficient tools to showcase your work for friends, family and clients.

Pre-Order Now!
Receive a Transcend 16GB USB Pen Drive!
See store for details. Offer expires 3/20/2012