HP 8600 Printer

HP OFFICE JET  PRO

8600

Hp have got to that time of the year again when they update their range of printers.  This is the OfficeJet Pro 8600.  For the type of person who wants to print high volume or work in a business environment these range of printers are hard to beat.  

The inks are high capacity and are around 50% cheaper than using the laser Toner alternative.  This is great if you want to stick with the inkjet ranges of paper, but want the savings of a laser.

Inks are around £26 for the black @ 2500 pages while the colours are around £15 for 1500 pages.  This is great value and cheaper than most home photo printers!

It also has all of the new fancy HP features such as eprint, for emailing your documents to the printer and AirPrint so you can print from any Apple device. This unit retails around £200

Please find the tech specs and Unboxing video below.......

Features

Print professional-quality colour for up to 50% lower cost per page than lasers.[1]

• Create professional colour documents for up to 50% lower cost per page than competitive lasers.[1]

• Print documents that resist fading, water and highlighter pen smears with HP Officejet inks.[4],[5]

• Print at ISO (laser comparable) speeds of up to 18 ppm black, 13 ppm colour, using affordable, individual inks.

• Handle high volume print jobs with confidence – up to 25,000-page monthly duty cycle.

Stay productive from virtually anywhere with wireless networking and mobile printing.[2],[3]

• Discover the freedom of HP ePrint – now you can print from virtually anywhere.[3]

• Boost your productivity – access business apps, print forms and control key tasks via the intuitive touchscreen.[6]

• Connect to your network wirelessly or with built-in Ethernet, or connect directly via Hi-speed USB.[2]

• Print e-mails, documents, web pages and more direct from your iPad®, iPhone® or iPod touch® with AirPrint™.[7]

Get more done with a range of efficiency-enhancing business tools.

• Boost productivity – and save time and paper – with automatic two-sided printing and 250-sheet paper tray.

• Send digital faxes direct from your desktop and scan documents directly to a PC, email or network folder.

• Create double-sided flyers, borderless photos, impressive leaflets and other professional-looking materials.

• Select areas to copy using CopyCrop via the touchscreen; easily create and print a one-sided copy of a two-sided ID card.

Archos 10.1 G9 Tablet

Archos 10.1 G9

Tablet

With the smaller model review and unboxed I thought I would do the same with the more powerful 10.1 G9 model.  So here are the Tech Specs and unboxing video.......

Tech Specs
Display characteristics	• 10.1”: 1280 x 800
Application Framework	• Android
Processor	• Standard version: OMAP™ 4 smart multi-core ARM CORTEX A9 at 1GHz. • Turbo version: OMAP™ 4 smart multi-core ARM CORTEX A9 from 1.2GHz to 1.5GHz (at start of 2012). • 3D OpenGL (ES 2.0)
Capacity	• Flash Memory: 8 or 16GB* + microSD Slot (SDHC compatible) • HDD memory: 250GB*
Video Playback1	• MPEG-4 HD (up to 1080p) • MPEG-42 (ASP@L5 AVI, up to DVD resolution) • H.264 HD (HP@L4.2, up to 1080p@30 fps and 1080i/720p@60 fps) With optional plug-in: • Cinema: MPEG2 (up to DVD resolution MP/D1) With the above codecs, the device can play video files with the following extensions: AVI, MP4, MOV, 3GP, MPG, PS, TS, VOB, MKV, FLV, RM, RMVB, ASF
Audio Playback1	• MP3 • WAV (PCM/ADPCM) • AAC3, AAC+ 5.13 • OGG Vorbis • FLAC With optional software plug-in: • AC3 5.1
Photo viewer4	• JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF
Subtitles	• .srt, .ssa, .smi, .sub formats supported
Webcam	• 720p front camera with 720p encoding
Interfaces	• USB slave: Mobile Transfer Protocol (MTP) • USB host: Mass Storage Class (MSC) (Micro USB/USB Host cable sold separately) • microSD (SDHC compatible) • HDMI output6 (Mini HDMI / HDMI cable sold separately)
Communication protocols	• WiFi (802.11 b/g/n) • Bluetooth 2.1+ EDR
Miscellaneous	• Built-in GPS • Built-in speakers • G-sensor • Compass • Built-in kick stand • Built-in Microphone
Power source	• Internal: Lithium Polymer battery • External: Power adapter/charger
Dimensions & weight	• Flash series: 276 mm x 167 mm x 12.6 mm (10.86 x 6.59 x 0.50 inch) - 649g (23.8 oz) • Hard Drive series: 276 mm x 167 mm x 15.6 mm (10.86 x 6.59 x 0.61 inch) - 755g (27.7 oz)
Battery life	• Music playback time7: up to 36 hrs • Video playback time7: up to 7 hrs • Internet navigation time 7: up to 10 hrs
Scalability7	• Device automatically downloads latest firmware updates when the WiFi connection is activated • Updates can also be downloaded at www.archos.com
Minimum system requirements	• Microsoft® Windows® 7, Vista, XP or higher • Mac OS. X with Android Transfer Files application (not included) • Linux with android MTP tool (not included) • USB 2.0 interface
* 1GB = 1 billion bytes; actual formatted capacity is less. 1/ Certain bitrates, resolutions, and/or file variations may not be compatible. 2/ MPEG-4 ASP@L6 (MPEG-4: ISO standard by Moving Picture Experts Group) without GMC. 3/ Does not read AAC protected files. 4/ Certain resolutions and file sizes may not be compatible. 5/ Not all Google applications are available in all countries 6/ External video output disabled for Macrovision®-protected contents. 7/ Rechargeable batteries have a limited number of charge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings. Test run with low backlight.

Amazon Kindle

AMAZON KINDLE

First I have to be really honest.... I don't read a lot of books!

My main interests are reading articles, "geeky magazines" etc...........

But i am mighty impressed behind the technology of the Amazon Kindle.

I have spoken to a lot of people who love to read a LOT of books, but hated caring them around with them because of there size and weight.  At the same time though the hated the thought of losing the paper of books for the electronic ink of the Kindles.

Once they tried it though, they are blown away with the look, feel, weight and most importantly the text on screen, even under the brightest of skies.  

I have to say the same you can't help but be impressed with the ink technology, having to look twice even on opening it up and taking it out of the box.  Why? Well when you take the transparent plastic seal of the front to protect it, you also think you will be taking the instructions on the screen off with it (about plugging it into a computer), only to find out this is actually on the Amazons Kindle Screen!

So if you are a book lover and want a new way of reading I would highly recommend you checking the Kindle out.  Please find below the tech specs and unboxing video.

Display Amazon's 6" diagonal electronic paper display, optimised with proprietary waveform and font technology, 600 x 800 pixel resolution at 167 ppi, 16-level grey scale. Size 166 mm x 114 mm x 8.7 mm Weight 170 grams System Requirements None, because it's wireless and doesn't require a computer to download content. Storage Up to 1,400 books or 2GB internal (approximately 1.25GB available for user content). Cloud Storage Free cloud storage for all Amazon content. Battery Life A single charge lasts up to one month with wireless off based upon a half-hour of daily reading time. Keep wireless always on and it lasts for up to three weeks. Battery life will vary based on wireless usage, such as shopping the Kindle Store, web browsing, and downloading content. Charge Time Fully charges in approximately 3 hours via the included USB 2.0 cable. UK power adapter sold separately. Wi-Fi Connectivity Supports public and private Wi-Fi networks or hotspots that use the 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n standard with support for WEP, WPA and WPA2 security using password authentication or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS); does not connect to WPA and WPA2 secured networks using 802.1X authentication methods; does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) Wi-Fi networks. USB Port USB 2.0 (micro-B connector) Content Formats Supported Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML, DOC, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion.

IPAD 3

THE IPAD 3

HAS ARRIVED

So a year has passed and now the new IPAD 3 is just a few short days away from landing in our laps.

What's different and is it enough to upgrade???

Main difference for everybody is the new Retina Display.  The new screen will make it feel more like looking at a iPhone.  Apps have been updated to support this, plus new games in High Def to work in partnership with the new quad core gaming graphics.

Other main features won't work for us Brits - as we won't support the speedy 4G.

So again I ask enough for an upgrade???????

If I was buying this new then YES, this  would be the only model I would choose.  The price has come in the same as the last two releases, starting at £399.  The prices of the IPAD 2 models have been reduced, not enough though to make me not go for this model.

I'm not having to buy this for the first time though.  I have an iPad 2 but can't decide if I should upgrade.  Is a new High Def screen enough?????

Archos 80 G9 Tablet

ARCHOS 80 G9 

8GB TURBO 

TABLET

Archos has released its new range of media tablets.  After using the range from last year, I have to admit I really like these new versions.  

They have really ramped up the specs and made them all available at a great price.  I have seen them start from £180 for the 80 G9 8gb version.  Just check out the specs.....

Tech Specs
Display characteristics	• 8”: 1024 x 768
Application Framework	• Android
Processor	• Standard version: OMAP™ 4 smart multi-core ARM CORTEX A9 at 1GHz. • Turbo version: OMAP™ 4 smart multi-core ARM CORTEX A9 from 1.2GHz to 1.5GHz (at start of 2012). • 3D OpenGL (ES 2.0)
Capacity	• Flash Memory: 8 or 16GB* + microSD Slot (SDHC compatible) • HDD memory: 250GB*
Video Playback1	• MPEG-4 HD (up to 1080p) • MPEG-42 (ASP@L5 AVI, up to DVD resolution) • H.264 HD (HP@L4.2, up to 1080p@30 fps and 1080i/720p@60 fps) With optional plug-in: • Cinema: MPEG2 (up to DVD resolution MP/D1) With the above codecs, the device can play video files with the following extensions: AVI, MP4, MOV, 3GP, MPG, PS, TS, VOB, MKV, FLV, RM, RMVB, ASF
Audio Playback1	• MP3 • WAV (PCM/ADPCM) • AAC3, AAC+ 5.13 • OGG Vorbis • FLAC With optional software plug-in: • AC3 5.1
Photo viewer4	• JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF
Subtitles	• .srt, .ssa, .smi, .sub formats supported
Webcam	• 720p front camera with 720p encoding
Interfaces	• USB slave: Mobile Transfer Protocol (MTP) • USB host: Mass Storage Class (MSC) (Micro USB/USB Host cable sold separately) • microSD (SDHC compatible) • HDMI output6 (Mini HDMI / HDMI cable sold separately)
Communication protocols	• WiFi (802.11 b/g/n) • Bluetooth 2.1+ EDR
Miscellaneous	• Built-in GPS • Built-in speakers • G-sensor • Compass • Built-in kick stand • Built-in Microphone
Power source	• Internal: Lithium Polymer battery • External: Power adapter/charger
Dimensions & weight	• Flash series: 226 mm x 155 mm x 11.7 mm (8.90 x 6.11 x 0.46 inch) - 465g (17 oz) • Hard Drive series: 226 mm x 155 mm x 14.7 mm (8.90 x 6.11 x 0.58 inch) - 599g (21.9 oz)
Battery life	• Music playback time7: up to 36 hrs • Video playback time7: up to 7 hrs • Internet navigation time 7: up to 10 hrs
Scalability7	• Device automatically downloads latest firmware updates when the WiFi connection is activated • Updates can also be downloaded at www.archos.com
Minimum system requirements	• Microsoft® Windows® 7, Vista, XP or higher • Mac OS. X with Android Transfer Files application (not included) • Linux with android MTP tool (not included) • USB 2.0 interface
* 1GB = 1 billion bytes; actual formatted capacity is less.  1/ Certain bitrates, resolutions, and/or file variations may not be compatible.  2/ MPEG-4 ASP@L6 (MPEG-4: ISO standard by Moving Picture Experts Group) without GMC.  3/ Does not read AAC protected files.  4/ Certain resolutions and file sizes may not be compatible.  5/ Not all Google applications are available in all countries  6/ External video output disabled for Macrovision®-protected contents.  7/ Rechargeable batteries have a limited number of charge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings. Test run with low backlight.  This gives you access to full flash internet support, full 1080p HD video, front view camera for video calls and of course full access to the Andriod Market. Another great feature on this little device is that you can make it 3G.  This is done by having to purchase an additional 3G USB stick from Archos.  Cost of this on the website is £49 which does add a bit of "ouch" to thinking of adding this function, but again not a lot of tablets out there in this price range even begin to offer this. I really liked using this tablet and enjoyed it experience.  The screen is not like anything you would see on a Samsung or a Apple device but this is a great entry level product that won't cost you the earth! Check out my video unboxing.....