Popmonkeys.com – Asus Eee PC, Canon, Computers, Gadgets

Ever since the release of the Intel Core i7 Quad core CPUs, the prices for everything else has been on the decline.  Some of these CPUs are some noteworthy models are below $250.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300
Yorkfield
2.5 GHz
LGA 775
45nm
6MB L2 Cache
1333 MHz FSB

For a low price of $240, Amazon.com has Newegg beaten ($274.99).  For a few build, I would recommend this CPU because it gives you more bang for your buck right now.

Click Here to go to the Product Page

I don’t think Asus knew that they would pioneer a whole new class of computers.  After the super successful launch of the Eee PC line, so many competitors are moving into the netbook space.  I still like my Asus Eee PC 1000H because it does what I need it to do.  However, some new models might be better suited for you.

9 inch Model

Acer Aspire One

8.9-Inch WSVGA TFT Screen (1024 x 600)
1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor
1 GB RAM
160 GB Hard Drive
XP Home
6 Cell Battery (5.5 Hours)
Price:  $380

More Information is available here.  Product Page

Other noteworthy 9 Inch Netbooks:  Asus Eee PC 904 for $350 & Dell Inspiron 9 for $400

10 Inch Model

Lenovo S10

10.2 inch LED Screen (1024 x 600)
1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor
1 GB RAM
160 GB Hard Drive
XP Home
3 Cell Battery (3 Hours)
Price:  $400

More Information is available here.  Product Page

Other noteworthy 10 Inch models:  Asus Eee PC 1000HA for $380 & MSI Wind U100 for $430

12 Inch Model

Dell Inspiron Mini 12

12.1″ widescreen TrueLife® Display (1280×800)
Intel®Atom®Processor Z530 (1.6GHz/533MHz FSB/512K Cache)
1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz (onboard)
60GB PATA Hard Drive (4200 RPM)
XP Home
Wireless 802.11g Mini Card
3 Cell Battery (3 Hours)
Price:  $600

More Information is available here.  Product Page

A couple of years ago, I bought a Panasonic Mini DV camcorder.  It takes fantastic video, but the problem is that getting that video to your computer is complicated and cumbersome.  First I have install software so that the camcorder cand connect with the computer.  Then I have to transfer the video to the computer.  Each DV tape is like 300MB of raw uncompressed data.  Then you have to edit the video and then encode it to a DVD.  This all takes time.  But in as little as 2 years, technology has changed so much.

Enter the Flip Video.

The 2GB of onboard memory will hold 60 minutes of video.  It has a 1.5 inch LCD on the back with a built in speaker.  The convenient built in USB plug connects to your computer easily.  The video is easily downloaded onto your computer to watch or share on places like Youtube.  At $129 with free shipping at Amazon.com, it’s an affordable and fun gadget.  Click Here to go to the Amazon.com Product Page.

I recommend it.  We have a few of those at work to record those funny moments.

I’ve been covering a couple of popular Canon point and shoot cameras lately.  But what if you’re looking for something better.  Perhaps a Digital SLR (DSLR)?  Canon’s got you covered in that department too.  DSLR can cost over $5,000 for some professional models.  That’s way too much to spend on a gadget.  How about $700?  That’s a little more affordable for much more functionality and much more camera.  Enter the Canon Rebel XSI DSLR.

Here are the spec:

• 12.2 Megapixel
• 3.0 LCD with Live View (Think Point and Shoot)
• EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens with Image Stabilization
• DIGIC III processor
• SD/SDHC Memory Cards

Since DSLR write so much data in such a short time, a fast memory card can help reduce the lag time between shots.  You certainly don’t want to spend all this money on such a good camera and have it take bad photos.

The Canon Rebel XSI wanders away from the traditional compact flash and adopts SD/SDHC memory cards.  This is certainly a welcomed change due to the popularity and variety of SD/SDHC memory cards.  But when you aska professional photographer, most will recommend the Sandisk Extreme III 8GB SDHC.

The bottom line…How much will all this cost me?

I’m picking Amazon.com for this purchase because they are reliable and shipping is free and fast.

Canon Rebel XSI DSLR -$635 + Free Shipping – Click Here

SanDisk Extreme III 8GB SDHC – $80 + Free Shipping – Click Here

Do you know a geek that has everything he or she wants?  Are you having trouble picking out that one piece of technology that they don’t have?  Well wonder no more.  Introducing the Chumby.

Chumby

Chumby is a little internet device that displays current relative information when you want it.  It displays a constant stream of your favorite information, view photos on Flickr, message your friends and family on Twitter and Facebook, and much more.  With so much information packed away in such a little gadget, your geek will love it too.

The price of one of these range from $180 to $230 for a limited edition.

UPDATED (12.12.08) – For a limited time, use coupon code: CHUMBYCJ to receive an additional $30 off the 2008 Latte and Black Chumby.  Happy Shopping.

www.chumby.com

Gadget Canon SD 790 IS

If you are currently looking for a Canon SD 790IS, Dell has it for $172.

Here’s how you get the deal:

1. Copy this 5% off coupon code:  1?ZRX6HH4G2ZW3
2. Click here – Goes to the Canon SD 790IS Product Page at Dell.com
3. Paste the coupon code at check out.  $180 – $9 (coupon code) = $171 with Free Shipping

Enjoy.

It’s been a while since I’ve posted about my Eee.  I’ve been using it daily, and it’s holding up like a champ.  I did notice some slowing.  It’s really odd because I don’t install much software on it.  The only thing that I’ve notice is that the Windows Update might be causing the slow down.  SInce purchasing the it, there has been 3 updates.

Here’s a few tips to optimize your netbook and computer if you experience a slowdown.

1. Defrag your hard drive.  Open up “My Computer” -> Right click on the “C:\” drive -> Go to properties -> Tools
2. Software – Don’t install a lot of software and uninstall any you don’t use.
3. Clean out your registry – The registry needs the occasional scrubbing to get rid of obsolete entries.  I recommend CCleaner.  
4. Scan for viruses and spyware.  You should have a anti-virus program and a anti-spyware program.  I recommend AVG’s Free Anti-Virus Protection:  AVG’s Website.  Here’s a good Anti-Spyware:  Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware Website.

I hope these tips will help you optimize your Netbook or computer.

I can’t believe netbook prices keep getting cheaper and cheaper.  Dell makes a pretty nice little netbook with the Inspiron Mini 9.  It features the most of the same parts as the other netbooks:  Intel Atom N270 Mobile Processor, 1 GB DDR2 Memory (upgradable to 2GB), Glossy 8.9 inch LED display (1024X600), Up to 16GB configured with a Solid State drive, and a 4-Cell Battery (Good for up to 3.5 hours).

Dell Inspiron Mini 9

More importantly, it’s only $231 with Free shipping for a limited time.  Use this coupon code:  SDN2Z85FXG5XD9 at checkout to get the discounted price.  Click here.

Laptops, MP3 players, GPS, TVs, and etc all make excellent gifts.  But they’re so expensive.  Sure, you want to give an awesome gift, but I’m sure the recipient wouldn’t want you to go broke in the process.   So here are 3 geeky gift ideas that won’t break the bank.

For the road warrior geek.

Belkin mini surge protector with usb charger

Do you have a road warrior in your life?  This little surge protector works wonders.  The USB charger will comes in handy.  Most of the gadgets I take with me on a business trip are changed via USB.  So all I carry is this surge protector and a USB cable.  It’s compact size is ideal for packing.  At less than $20, it makes an ideal gift.

Amazon Product Link Here

For the college student.

Belkin Cushtop Notebook Stand

WIth this Notebook stand, laptop users will have a very comfortable computing experience.  Most laptops generate a lot of heat.  It can make your lap quite uncomfortable to work for long periods of time.  With this notebook stand, users can make sure that the computer is in an elevated position.  This is the perfect item for college student who compute from the bed.  At under $25, it’s very affordable.

Amazon Product Link Here

For the automotive geek.

CarMD Handheld Tester

CarMD is the perfect gift for the automotive buff in your life.  It helps diagnose problems with your car with paying hefty mechanic bills.  This gadget will work with all 1996 or newer cars.  A common problem that calls for this gadget is the check engine light.  There’s no way for you to tell what’s wrong with the car without making a trip to the mechanic. At less than $100, it won’t break the bank.

Amazon Product Link Here