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What Are The Benefits Of Mobile Dual-Core Processors?

When browsing through different notebook computer models, you are guaranteed to encounter the “Intel Core 2 Duo” or the “AMD Turion 64 x2” labels. These labels indicate dual-core processing technology for mobile computing. Multi-core processing is the buzz-word of the day, but what does it mean for you?

Mobile Dual-Core Processors

Mobile dual-core processors refer to a processor system consisting of two independent processor cores combined in one integrated circuit (IC) or, as industry professionals say, in a single die. Basically, mobile dual-core processors place two central processing unit (CPU) cores in one processor. Dual-core processing was first applied to desktop computing and home console gaming, but it was quickly adapted for mobile computing. As expected, AMD and Intel both have numerous mobile dual-core processing options available.

Dual-core processors have a different architecture than twin- or double-core processors. Dual-core processors refer to a processing system where two processors are integrated in one IC die. On the other hand, twin-core processors refer to a processing system where two independent processors

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What You Need to Know about iPod Movies

iPod devices that are equipped with video players must have the movies from their original format converted to one that can be read and played by the iPod movie player system. This means that the movie can either be downloaded from an iPod-friendly site such as the Apple iPod Store or another website dedicated to iPod music and movies, or the user must purchase the appropriate conversion software. Most of the iPod movie conversion systems can convert most types of movie files such as AVI, MPEG, WMV, MOV, MP4, RM, RMVB, H.264, VOB or DivX formats into the MPEG-4 video format that the iPod uses.

In addition to just converting the format, the system must also match the resolution of the iPod movie player. The typical resolution for the iPod display screen is 640 by 480 for optimum viewing and clarity of picture. Without the appropriate software conversion, the picture would be highly distorted. Other resolutions are possible and the software application will usually optimize the file for viewing, selecting the appropriate resolution.

There is also a great program offered by Apple, called QuickTime 7 Pro, that allows you to use home videos and videos that are not professionally made and convert them to play on your iPod, just like an iPod movie that you can download. This is a great way to personalize your iPod video, or send a home movie to a friend or family member.

The process is simple: start by downloading the QuickTime 7 Pro from the Apple website. If you have a Mac computer, simply upload your movie to your computer and click on the title of the movie in the drop down box found on the QuickTime program menu. If you have a PC, upload the movie from the device as per the manuals and then save it in the QuickTime file. Once the movie is selected you will again need to use the drop down box and select the export feature, then click on Movie to iPod and let the computer do the rest.

A scrolling bar will keep you informed of the transfer process and will allow you to see how much more time is required for the transfer to occur. You will then need to synch the iPod with the computer to play the movie the first time, then it will be stored on both your computer and the iPod for future use.

The vast number of iPod movies and the ease of using the conversion software means that more people, even those that are not experts on the computer, can easily keep their favorite movies as well as their favorite songs close at hand on their iPod.

Terry Roberts is a professional translator and linguist, with a wide range of interests. To read more about ipods and ipod accessories, please visit his website: iPods for You!

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New Technology of Tapes Coming Up in the Future

As Robert Frost makes clear in his famous poem, “The Road Not Taken,” picking one path over another can make all the difference. While Frost had other topics in mind at the time, his point is nonetheless applicable to today’s companies that are using or considering linear tape formats such as DLT, S-DLT and LTO as their data storage solution.

Legacy formats such as Digital Linear Tape (DLT) were a reasonable data storage AITernative in the past, but a combination of new business challenges and new technology choices are driving many companies to rethink their tape storage path. For example, conventional DLT systems are approaching the end of their useful life cycle, with no well-defined way to add capacity without upgrading to a new format. While Super DLT (SOLT) and Linear Tape Open (LTO) systems do have roadmaps to the future, neither format offers a compatible solution that can span the gamut of storage needs, from the entry or workstation level up to the “Super Drive” level. In addition, upgrades require a media change, making long-term use of linear solutions more cumbersome and less flexible.

Perhaps, as Frost suggests, it’s time to consider a different path. Advanced Intelligent Tape[TM] (AIT) data storage solutions from Sony provide a broader range of capacities, increased performance, better reliability, easier maintenance and a more strategic path to the future than the AITernatives. Organizations choosing the AIT path will find themselves with a more flexible and integrated tape storage format that can span backup needs from individual PCs, to workgroups, to the enterprise.

AIT is a proven storage technology with years of successful enterprise deployments behind it. First appearing in 1996, AIT is a compact, helical scan 8MM tape format in a 3.5-in., half-height form factor. With its high capacity (up to 100GB per cassette), speed and reliability, AIT is emerging as a more strategic tape storage path compared with linear formats such as DLT, S-DLT and LTO. Consider the following advantages of AIT:

* Reliability — Consistent operation and assured reliability are two critical components for a tape storage system. AIT-3 drives are designed for a mean time between failure (MTBF) of up to 400,000 hours (compared with DLT’s 250,000 MTBF rating) and a 100% duty cycle. Baba Direct provides detailed information on Tape, Duct Tape, Packing Tape, Masking Tape and more.

Tape is affiliated with Baba Direct.

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