So, is it as grand as all the media hype has made it out to be? Judge for yourself with this detailed review of the updated  from CNET.

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The good: Apple’s new iPad includes a stunning new screen, matched by a quad-core graphic processor and the world’s largest app and media store to feed it content. There’s a proper 5-megapixel rear camera now, with 1080p recording quality. Optional 4G data from AT&T and Verizon afford an uncompromising mobile experience.

The bad: The new iPad is slightly heavier than last year’s model; apps and movies optimized for the screen might take up more space; and ports for HDMI, USB, and SD require adapters.

The bottom line: With a host of improvements–faster graphics, 4G wireless options, a better camera, and a gorgeous high-res screen–the latest iPad cements its position at the head of the tablet pack.
Editors’ note: This review was updated March 18, 2012, with CNET Labs battery test results. Also, we made correction to the new iPad’s screen brightness. We will be conducting additional testing over the next few days. As such, our final editors’ rating may change.

Apple’s new iPad is a mix of the familiar and the futuristic. Its design remains practically unchanged from last year’s iPad 2. Its internal components and wireless capabilities have only received a predictable bump. You’d think Apple fell asleep at the wheel with this one–until that moment when you turn on the screen.

When I tell you that Apple has doubled the iPad’s screen resolution to an unprecedented 2,048×1,536 pixels, your eyes should water a little. No other screen in your home can compete with this resolution–not your laptop, not your desktop computer, not even your 1080p TV. For a device that fits in your lap and costs as little as $499, a screen like this is an impressive feat.

Speaking of pricing, the going rate for an iPad hasn’t changed since the tablet’s introduction in 2010. The $499 entry-level price buys you 16GB of built-in storage; spending $599 buys you twice the room (32GB); and $699 will bring you up to 64GB. All three models can access the Internet over Wi-Fi and are available in either black or white. If you want the added ability to access the Internet over a 4G or 3G cellular network (Verizon or AT&T), tack on an extra $130.

For the iPad uninitiated looking to save a little money, Apple is keeping around the 2011 iPad 2 (16GB), priced at $399 or $529 for a model with 3G (AT&T or Verizon). It’s a good price, especially considering that the iPad 2 is still leagues better than many of the tablets we’ve seen this year. But if you want the bragging rights and a renewed lease on the cutting edge of tablet technology, the new iPad is the way to go.

Design
Looking at the new iPad, you’d think someone was playing a trick on you. It looks almost exactly like last year’s model. The tablet’s glass and aluminum construction is still 9.5 inches tall and 7.31 inches wide. Thickness is now up slightly at 0.37 inch, weighing in at a beefier 1.44 pounds. You get the same home button on the bottom of the screen, and a volume rocker on the right side along with the mute switch/rotation lock. Up top you have the sleep/wake button and headphone output, and the bottom edge retains the 30-pin port. [Continue reading here.]

Microsoft Security Bulletin March 2012
Systems Affected:
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Visual Studio
Microsoft Expression Design

Follow these directions to update your Windows computer:

1.) Click the Start button
2.) Click All Programs
3.) Find and click Windows Update. Your computer will scan for available updates. A box will pop up with a message notifying you of the updates you need to install to your computer.
4.) Click Install updates

Alternatively, you can copy and paste the following link into your Internet Explorer browser: http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

If you have any questions or need assistance updating your computer, give us a call at (877) MAKEITWork (877-625-3489). We’re in the neighborhood, we’ll be right over.

Do note that keyboard shortcuts involving multiple keys are executed by holding down the first key, then pressing and releasing the second key, and finally releasing that first key which you have held down.

Some of the commonly used shortcut keys are:
Alt + Tab – Switch between open programs/windows.
Ctrl + C – Copy.
Ctrl + V – Paste. When used with Copy it allows you to effortlessly
duplicate whatever you have selected.
Ctrl + X – Cut. Similar to Copy in that it allows a selection to be pasted
somewhere else but it will also delete what you have selected.
Ctrl + S – Save. Saves the document/picture/spreadsheet/etc. that you are
currently working with.
Ctrl + P – Print.
Alt + F4 – Close whatever program/window you are currently using.
Ctrl + N – New. Creates a new document/worksheet/window/etc. depending on
the program you are using.
Ctrl + O – Open. Open up saved files.
The Windows Key – This key will open up the Windows Start menu (that
little icon on the bottom left of the taskbar).
F1 – In many programs this key will open the Help menu.
Ctrl + A – Selects all files/words/objects in the program or window that
you are currently using.
Shift + Arrow keys – This will select words or files in the same way as
holding down your mouse button and dragging the mouse.

Web Browser Shortcuts:
Ctrl + D – Add the current page to your bookmarks.
F5 – Refresh. Often used in web browsers or email clients to update the
page you are looking at.
Ctrl + L – Selects the address bar allowing you to type in the name of the
website.
Ctrl + Enter – Usable only from the address bar, it puts a “www.” in front
of what you have typed, and a “.com” after it. Very useful and very quick
when used in conjunction with the Ctrl + L shortcut.
Ctrl + F – Find. Useful for finding certain words or phrases within a
webpage, no matter how large the page is.

Microsoft Word (and similar word processing programs):
Ctrl + B – Bold.
Ctrl + I – Italic.
Ctrl + U – Underline.
Ctrl + N – New.
Ctrl + O – Open.
Ctrl + S – Save.
Ctrl + P – Print.
Ctrl + C – Copy.
Ctrl + V – Paste.
Ctrl + X – Cut.
F7 – Spellcheck.

Microsoft Security Bulletin February 2012
Systems Affected:
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Office
Internet Explorer
Microsoft .NET Framework
Microsoft Silverlight

Follow these directions to update your Windows computer:

1.) Click the Start button
2.) Click All Programs
3.) Find and click Windows Update. Your computer will scan for available updates. A box will pop up with a message notifying you of the updates you need to install to your computer.
4.) Click Install updates

Alternatively, you can copy and paste the following link into your Internet Explorer browser: http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

If you have any questions or need assistance updating your computer, give us a call at (877) MAKEITWork (877-625-3489). We’re in the neighborhood, we’ll be right over.

Heart-Shaped USB 2GB Memory:

Everyone from students to working professionals alike will enjoy this perfect geeky gift for your loved one to carry data in style. These memory sticks will carry photos, data, and even video anywhere.

Price: Under $45

Buy it here.

Samsung Multi-View Camera With Adjustable LCD Screen:

This sleek digital camera allows you take take pictures from every possible angle. With an innovative adjustable screen, this 16.1 Megapixel camera also has 5x optical zoom and other great features.

Price: $279.99

Buy it here.

Colorful, Clip-and-Go Apple iPod Shuffle:

Apple’s Mp3 player is perfect for the person on-the-go. Listen at the gym or anywhere with this tiny device, available in a range of colors. VoiceOver also speaks the song and artist name during playback.

Price: $49.99

Buy it here.

USB Heated Blanket/Space Heater:

If you’re looking for something in a more reasonable price range, this heated blanket is great for your loved ones. Using USB connections for power, this blanket has two heat settings to keep you warm and comfy.

Price: $24.99

Buy it here.

Vizio Home Theater Sound Bar With Wireless Subwoofer:

This advanced system provides a powerful noise while taking up minimal space. It can connect to your TV, game console, Blu-Ray player, and even your iPod to play awesome sound. The Sound Bar also comes with a wireless subwoofer to enhance your bass.

Price: $199.97

Buy it here.

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What are you getting your loved ones for Valentine’s Day?

Get ready to watch the New England Patriots compete against the New York Giants with the following NBC Sports article.

 NBC, NFL To Stream Super Bowl Live Online

The Super Bowl, Pro Bowl and NBC’s wild-card playoff games will be streamed online and on mobile phones for the first time, the NFL announced Tuesday.

The games will be streamed online at NBCSports.com and NFL.com through SNF Extra, which features an HD broadcast, DVR-style controls, additional camera angles, in-game highlights, live statistics and interactive elements.

NBCSports.com and the NFL have streamed games online since 2008 with SNF Extra, NBC Sports’ exclusive video, but this is the first time playoff games have been streamed.

“We are especially excited to now bring our unique and innovative SNF Extra video experience to the NFL playoffs, Pro Bowl, and Super Bowl,” said Rick Cordella, vice president of NBC Sports Digital Media.

NBC’s streams on Sunday nights typically average 200,000-300,000 viewers, compared with 21 million for the telecasts. The network has seen no evidence it hurts the traditional broadcasts’ healthy TV ratings. If anything, the extra options online may help keep fans glued to the games on their sets.

“We don’t want to limit ourselves to people not in front of the TV,” Cordella said. “The playoffs are appointment viewing,” he added. “People schedule their day around it.”

“By adding multiple camera angles, HD-quality video, DVR controls along with social interactivity, our online streaming represents a compelling, second-screen experience that nicely complements NBC’s on-air presentation.”

NFL Mobile from Verizon will stream the broadcasts for the first time on a mobile platform, the NFL announced.

“We are pleased to work with our partners NBC and Verizon to bring our fans more ways to watch their favorite sport during their favorite time of the year,” said Hans Schroeder, NFL senior vice president of media strategy and development.

The Super Bowl is Feb. 5 in Indianapolis. The game is annually by far the biggest attraction on television, with last season’s Packers-Steelers matchup drawing a record U.S. audience for any show with 111 million viewers.

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Download the NFL Mobile App for Android / Download for Verizon