What’s the Difference: Memory Cards & Prices

 

I’m sure by now you’ve got a digital camera, tablet, phone, camcorder etc etc etc that probably uses SD/SDHC cards but you probably don’t understand why there are so many different types of memory cards and what the point is of buying anything besides the very cheapest one for your needs… well let me make it simpler for you so that you not get the cheapest card, but the best value for your usage.

 

Capacity

This refers to the size of the memory card and how many pictures/videos/data it can hold. Typical sizes on the market will range from 4Gigabytes to 128Gigabytes doubling in size with each increase (4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128). This will determine how much it will take to fill up the card before you need to empty it off to a secondary device.

 

 

Just so you better understand what your needs may be the symbols got from Kilobytes(KB) to Megabytes(MB) to Gigabytes(GB) (1024KB = 1MB, 1024MB = 1GB). This way you can make a basic determination of what the minimum size you want to have is based off what you are using it in.

 

Speed

This an area that most people have NO IDEA about and is probably the most important in a practical sense for people dealing with cameras/camcorders and they don’t even realize it. The speed of the memory card refers to the Read/Write capabilities, in laymen's terms, how fast the information can be created and/or accessed. lower speeds will actually slow the performance of you device which has to slow down because it gets backed up during use.

 

ex. You ever took a photo with your camera or cellphone and had to wait 2 - 3 seconds in between each picture? in most cases its not the camera itself but the memory card that’s the problem. When you take a photo/video or even save something to the memory card, if the card itself is too slow, the device has to slow down to account for it. amazingly simple right? I know.

 

The simplified manner in which to determine the speed of the memory card is called the Class which is notated on the card itself with a small number within a circle (Typically ranging from Class 2 and Class 10).

 

Now while getting the highest speed is the fastest, keep in mind the device you have, Technically faster and actually faster are not one in the same. A typical smartphone needs nothing more than a Class 2/4 speed while a digital camera should be no less than 4 if its more than 8Megapixels. For any device taking Hi-definition video or SLR camera should be Class 6 or 10 to ensure optimal use and speed.

 

So hopefully this has made it a tad bit simpler to understand the dozens of differences between the options available at the store. Make sure you aren't just getting the cheapest option, but the most valuable to suit your needs.

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Whats The Difference: Apple/Android/Blackberry

 

 

Yup, the infamous Phone Wars. Through the various defamation and praise from many who have no idea what they are talking about, I've decided to research and write the empirical differences between the three for those looking to see which is a best fit for them.

 

	Apple	Android	Blackberry
Carrier	AT&T Verizon	AT&T Verizon Sprint/Virgin Mobile T-Mobile MetroPCS	AT&T Verizon Sprint/Virgin Mobile T-Mobile MetroPCS
Variety	8, 16, or 32GB Storage Single Design, Storage cannot be upgraded.	8, 16GB Storage Every major & many foreign manufactures, nearly all with Micro SD slot allowing up to 32GB Micro SD card.	Up to 1 GB Storage 3 Main designs All with Micro SD card slot for additional Storage up to 32GB
Internet Sharing	USB/Hotspot Tethering	USB/Hotspot Tethering	USB Tethering
Web Browsing	Mobile/Computer Web Some Javascript Does Not Support Flash	Computer Web Full Javascript Full Flash Support	Mobile/Computer Web Full Javascript Does Not Flash Support
Bluetooth	Data Transfer Only Compatible with other Apple Products	Universal	Universal
Battery Life	8+ hrs of Normal Use	LOL	8+ hrs of Normal Use
Security	Virus Free OS OS has been Hacked Managed App Store	Virus Prone OS OS has been Hacked Open Source App Store	Virus Free OS OS Hack Free Managed App Store Security Firewalls Cellular Data Encryption SD card Data Encryption
Software Compatibility	Windows/Microsoft/Mac Contacts/Notes/Storage	Windows/Microsoft/Mac Storage Only	Windows/Microsoft/Mac Contacts/Notes/Storage

 

 

 

  Apple iOS

The Trendy. Apple is a super functional device that aims to be able to do all the new and cutting edge things people are into.

With the Unibody design and allure of status people who see their phone as a status symbol tend to get Apple devices. Apple does also have the most accessories and largest secure App Store out of all companies that are FULLY compatible with all other Apple devices and Products. You will be able to have an entertainment smartphone jam packed with games (single and multiplayer), movies, music, eReaders, and even functional devices like remote controls (for toys, tvs, DVRs, & computers), Wireless Presenters, astronomy tools etc. etc. etc.

Android

The Customizer. Android OS and hardware is literally designed to be "hacked" so people can change it to their own personal focuses.

Because of the processing power and memory card slots you could essentially not need to upgrade to a different phone for a longer period of time and instead evolve software and update to new OS versions yourself via Install packs.  

RIM

The Business Professional. One who is concerned with Security and Productivity instead of Games.

The Lower end Processors as compared to the other Smart Phone titans is optimized for the user who wants full day usage and doesn’t need all the superfluous gaming aspects. All communications via Blackberry are far more secure; Email, Blackberry Messenger (an exclusive data based secure multi media messenger service) than the other companies as they are administered by the Canada based company directly as opposed to the Carrier. Believe it or not Blackberry cell phones are more secure than many peoples personal computers.

 

Simply put, each has their own lane and who their Product is made for varies. Find which one suits your needs best because when it all boils down to it, you have to use it everyday. Don’t worry about the people who boast the most about Phones they have as it equates to self worth because those people are not the best to consult with... about Anything.

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Whats The Difference: Anti-Virus Protection

 

The main woes of Windows Users, Viruses & Malware (which are different). They can do anything from create pop ups for advertisements to changing all of your files into virus files secretly so that everything you click replicates and runs it to steal personal info from you to send to a third party until it eventually corrupts and crashes your entire computer... Sucks huh? Well Anti-Virus is something you HAVE to have, not something you Might need unless you are skilled enough to repair your own PC. Otherwise average Virus removal (if its even possible) cost topples the $200 mark and will typically leave you without your PC for at least 48hrs. Since Anti-Virus only runs $40 - 80 a year, its safe to say that Prevention is cheaper than the cure. Let's go over the main differences of what you will see available in retail Locations.

 

Anti-Virus: $40 per year (1 User)

One way Protection of malware being downloaded to the computer via Internet, internal Network, CD/DVD and/or USB.

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Internet Security: $70 per year (3 user)

Includes all Anti-Virus protection but adds two-way identity theft protection for those doing secure websites such as online banking, shopping and even secure, Password protected logins like Business servers, Social Networking sites etc. etc. etc.

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Total Protection: $99 (3 User)

Anti-virus + Internet Security + Online remote backup (size varies between companies) and typically tune up tools built in to keep your computer running at peak efficiency which is usually included in Annual Tune Ups costing $70-99 a year.

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Now the name brand of the Anti Viruses/Malware Protection program you decide to get will provide you slight differences in install time and interface/usability but when purchasing within a retail location the likewise categories will have similar protection levels. Once you set it up properly there is nothing you will need to do besides read any pop up messages when it requires your input.

If you are relying on a free antivirus programs (Avast and AVG being the most popular) keep in mind two crucial things you will be sacrificing.

 

Technical Support

You are not entitled to any customer service because in all reality, you are not a customer. You are a Cyber Guinea pig testing new products/features for a company in exchange for free software. Your computer is simply a test subject to compile data to help improve the paid versions of the companies software.

Real Time Updates

Free programs will not allow you to clog up their severs getting the newest updates so they will be restricted on how often they do so automatically (usually once a day vs. the Up-to-the-Minute Paid service).

 

Those will be the two main differences but there will a ton more in programming expertise, amount of digital signatures known to protect from, compatibility with windows and also with various manufacturers. Incorrect programming could literally stop functionality to the hardware of your machine.

Bottom Line, you get what you pay for. Don't skimp to save what amounts to $0.11 a day on what will cost you at least $200 to fix. It really isn't worth it. If you absolutely CANNOT afford it, use AVG and make sure you only use your credit/debit cards on sites you know are legit (that's means no exclusive Jordan's and Fake designer handbags from over seas).

 

Hope this helps you out, For additional Tech Support including Anti-Virus Install and Virus Removal feel free to hit me up for moderate remote and ship-to fees on Hardware & Software.

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Whats The Difference: Mac vs PC

 

The battle between Good & Evil... (Cue dramatic Music and fog machine). Okay maybe its not that dramatic but Windows and Mac are the most publicized Computer Operating systems that people know about and I want to help the average person understand the main difference between the two products and why there is such a Price difference between them without getting too "Techie" with the Jargon. Hopefully this helps...

 

"Macs Don't Get Viruses"

This is true...-ish. Its not that Macs don't or can't get viruses, its that it is more secure and so few people have them by comparison that it simply doesn't make sense to create them. Think about it like this:

Windows Programming language is like English while Apple language is like Latin. If you wanted to write a sign to send a message to as many people as possible in the quickest way, which would you write it in?

So its not that Apple cannot get viruses, its just that they are so rare that it just isn't yet worth the time and effort to do so.

 

Open Source vs Closed Source

Microsoft Windows, started by Bill Gates, decided he wanted to make his creation a publicly available and development friendly one. This leaves it open to literally BILLIONS of software developers from International Corporations to Geek Lair Supercomputer Builders in their moms basement to make whatever software they deem fit to enhance their experience on it. This, in part, is why Windows is on over 93% of all the computers in the WORLD. This is why far more third party software and devices work so well with PCs and limited, if at all, with Apple computers. On the contrary, since Apple is a closed source all commercial software development has to go through them and therefore has a higher level of compatibility not only with the computer itself, but every other program available for the operating system as well. What this means is that Windows has far more Software available, with far more third party accessories and add-ons while Apple has less, but with a far less likely hood of any of them crashing or being incompatible (like nearly 0%, Literally).

 

Quality

This is one of the most overlooked differences between Mac & PC which boggles the mind because its the most noticeable, Go Figure.

Casing

Computers are typically made from one of 3 things, Cheap Plastic, High Grade Plastic, and Metal. Think of the three like the three pigs houses: Straw, Wood and Brick. PCs make use of all three types in order to help keep prices low for the larger range of consumer while Apple ONLY uses the higher of the two. Matter of fact in the laptops only 1 computer is High Grade plastic, the rest are aluminum.

Screen Type

Currently in displays there are two main technologies, LCD and LED. Many PC devices, Monitors and TVs are now switching to the longer lasting, Lower Power consumption, higher contrast, more accurate color technology (and higher price) of the LED which Apple has been using for years. This is one of the main reasons why many Graphic artists and movie editors choose Apple over PC. The color difference available between LCD & LED is somewhere between approximately 100,000 & 12Million Colors available (for Computer Monitors Only).

Battery Life

In Laptops battery life is a huge concern for those on the go. The technological differences between PC & Mac are different here also, Apple chooses to use a higher costing, longer lasting one. The minimum life on an Apple (Macbook Air) is 5hrs while PC it can be as low as 90minutes. With the Increase in size and price of a typical computer, the power necessary to run it also rises which, pending the same cell size battery, means you will have lower run times. What Apple has done is make this counter intuitive to increase the cell size with price and power necessary which gives the user 8-10hrs of Use (not standby time) on all full Laptops.

Even the way the battery charges varies between the two Computer Titans. A simple plug in for the PC with electricity charging via a prong inside the Laptop while Macs all use a Magnetic Smart charger which eliminates Over charging and degradation of the battery cells. It actually cuts flow of electricity magnetically when battery is full. What this means is not only will the battery last longer per day, it will also not need to be replace every 12-18months like PCs either which saves an additional $100-200 every 2years.

 

 

Still with me? Hopefully I didn't get too Geekish on you and you were able to follow on the main differences between the two and understand the pricing and differences between them. There are more differences of course but that would require far more expertise to understand. But know a few things if you are contemplating going from PC to Mac:

Initial Price:	$199 (Netbook) - $299 (Laptop/Desktop)	$699 (Desktop) - $999 (Laptop)
Annual Upkeep:	$150 (Optimization/Cleaning/Anti-Virus)	$0
Compatibility:	93% of Worlds Computers	5% of Worlds Computers
Average Life:	2-3 years	5-7 years

A PC will cost you less up front, but a Mac will cost you less over time because of lower maintenance, and about $500 worth of included software not including free downloads via the App Store. Its all about what you want to do and how much you can actually afford.

Any Questions? Feel free to write me on Twitter/Facebook/Email if you need free consultation on which operating system you should get (PC/Mac) and the specs you'd need. I also have access to Great pricing on Quality PC repair and Tech Support with 40+ years of experience.

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