0 Why a Tablet is a Great Buy?

First there were telephones, then televisions and finally computers, and all of these amazing devices changed the way we communicate with each other and get our information and news about the world. Then came the mobile phones and their improved, smarter versions called aptly smartphones, and portability seemed to know no bounds. However, the latest evolutionary device to change the name of the game is the tablet. 

0 Wired and Wireless: Best Speakers for Your Outdoor Theater

If you have an outdoor theater—or if you’re contemplating installing one—one of your biggest challenges will be deciding what type of speakers to use. You have the option of hardwiring in some outdoor speakers, and you also have the option of using portable or wireless speakers. 

There are a variety of different portable, wired  and wireless speakers that will be great for your outdoor theater. Some are large, some are small, and some have more capabilities than others, but they all allow you to hear the movies or music in your outdoor theater.

If you’re interested in a quality speaker for your outdoor theater, the following are four great options.

1. Bose 151 Environmental Speakers

Bose speakers have made a name for themselves over the years as a quality product, and the 151 Environmental Speakers are a great choice for your outdoor theater. Not only are they weather resistant (so there’s no need to cover them up if it rains), but you can also use them both indoors and outdoors. These speakers have tested against snow, rain and extreme temperatures, and you’ll also love the brilliant sound quality you’ll experience.

2. Klipsch Outdoor Granite Rock Speaker

If you’re looking for an outdoor speaker that will provide quality sound and go unnoticed by  your guests, you’ll want to get the Klipsch Outdoor Granite Rock Speaker. This speaker looks exactly like a real rock, so it will easily fit into your outside décor and not be an eyesore. Plus, this speaker contains dual tweeter design, so you’ll hear everything with perfect clarity.

3. Polk Audio Atrium

The Polk Audio Atrium is another great speaker for your outdoor theater. It has a unique look that will not stand out as an eye sore to your guests, and you’ll enjoy the resin enclosure that keeps it free from weather damage. If you’re looking for a subwoofer to add boom and power to your outdoor theater, this is just the device to do it.

4. Philips ShoqBox

The Philips ShoqBox brings a whole new meaning to the word durable. It’s a universal wireless speaker that will work with any Bluetooth smartphone, computer, mp3 player or tablet. There’s also a smart sensor, so you can easily swipe to a new song without needing a remote. The ShoqBox is also very small and lightweight, so you can carry it with you anywhere. Easily move it from indoors to outdoors, or feel free to bring it with you wherever you go. Plus, the ShoqBox was tested to withstand water and damage from being dropped, so you don’t have to worry about being extra careful with these in tow.

Having outdoor speakers for your outdoor theater can add quality and excitement to your outdoor entertaining. All four of these speakers will provide you with quality and clarity when it comes to your outdoor sound, so whether you’re looking for something to hard wire or something to take both inside and out, you’ll find something you want from this list.

Caroline Jones runs her own home automation blog.  She enjoys blogging about home improvement and technology in her spare time.

0 Noteworthy Features of Recent Nikon Cameras

The Nikon name in cameras is as common as Jello is for gelatin. Nikon-made cameras have captured a unique place in the market. There is a long and never ending list of Nikon cameras, but here we will be focusing on some of the latest models such as:

1. D600
2. Nikon 1 J2
3. COOLPIX S800C

 

D600:

A new full frame camera priced at a retail $2100, the camera works on the FX format with a CMOS sensor rated at 24.3MP. The D600 comes equipped with a 39-point autofocus system which works flawlessly. As for connectivity, the camera has two SD slots, a headphone jack for its video mode, and can perform uncompressed recording via an HDMI cable. Speaking of video, this camera is capable of full 1080p recording at a smooth 30 frames per second. In still mode, it's still capable of producing continuous shots of up to 5.5fps. Coming in at a sturdy 1.6 pounds, the Nikon D600 is a worthy full frame competitor.

 

NIKON 1 J2:

The J2 comes as an update to Nikon's consumer line, sporting a higher resolution screen, an interchangeable lens, and a metal body with ergonomic rubber grips. Available with two different lenses, a 10-30mm VR or a 11-27.5mm zoom, and in many different colors, it is clear customization was to be a selling point for the device. Nikon's interface allows for the editing of pictures on the camera with myriad options, but this functionality is limited in the sense that it is still done on the camera's 921,000 dot screen, using its claustrophobic interface. With a 1'' CMOS sensor rated at 12MP, 1080p recording is no problem, along with continuous shooting up to 10fps, with adjustable focus in-between shots. A built-in flash rounds the J2 off as a powerful, small, and easy to use consumer device.

 

COOLPIX S800C:

The Android operating system comes with all the familiar functionality: App downloads, touchscreen, GPS, Wifi connectivity. Wifi in particular allows you to upload pictures and videos straight to the internet without being near a computer. But does android makes sense on a camera? Internal storage is a bit crammed at 1.7GB for pictures, and 700MB for apps. SD storage is of course standard so this can be overlooked. Looking at the other specs, with a 10x optical zoom, ISO 125-3200, and a 16.8MP sensor, this camera makes for a better point and shoot device than a smartphone. Still, at its price of $300, it comes out as an average camera and a sluggish android device. Take the S800c off the charger, and you may find yourself limited by the average 125 pictures per charge, a number that only goes down with use of android. Coupled with this less than desirable battery life, the Coolpix S800C is a device that perhaps finds itself dim by trying to shine in too many places.

Bill Green is an engineering student and freelancer for Photo.net where you can read in-depth Nikon camera reviews.