Saturday, June 11, 2016

Big gadgets in small packages

Technology continues to shrink in size and grow in performance and functionality. Take computers for instance, Google's Chrome OS devices are mostly notable as laptops called Chromebooks
 but did you know manufacturers have put Chrome device internals into small mini-computers called Chromeboxes? Asus makes the Chromebox M004u Desktop which is a very small hockey puck sized mini-computer running Chrome OS. To keep performance snappy while multitasking, bump up the ram to at least 4 gig and the internal SSD to 128gig and you're off and running. Android TV boxes are another example of small devices that can deliver decent performance for their size. Finally, there's the Windows camp; meet the Nexbox T11, a Windows 10 compatible Mini-PC that can double as a streaming box and a general purpose desktop computer small enough to hold in one hand. I didn't mention the Mac (Mini) because these have been around for years and deliver very good performance running Apple's OS X  operating system. You're not going to be performing intensive processing tasks using most of these devices (except with maybe a heavily upgraded Mac Mini),  but you will be able to handle most basic daily tasks like using MS Office, playing light games and watching YouTube videos while surfing the internet.

Friday, June 03, 2016

Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali Passes Away

Muhammad Ali, a boxing legend and civil rights champion has died at the age of 74. The self-proclaimed "Greatest" was not only a great athlete but also an international hero and advocate for political, social freedom and equality. Ali was one of a very few that actually lived up to the billing. His sharp wit and prognostication during his fighting career were unmatched. "Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee" was one of his most famous quotes. He will be missed, R.I.P.