Electronics include devices that are used by consumers to assist in productivity or entertainment. These devices usually include some form of digital technology. Computers and notebooks are well known as electronic equipment. Other devices can record images, such as digital cameras, film cameras, or camcorders. Handheld electronics include PDAs, personal media players (such as iPods and multimedia players), and GPS navigation systems.
Laptops and complete desktop systems as well as individual components to put together a PC, Mac or Linux box. Computer software for all platforms, including games, graphics editing and office suites. Tube and flat-screen monitors. Network hardware such as routers and wireless access points.
Digital cameras capture and store photos electronically, instead of using film. Images are captured on a light-sensitive grid, and the information is stored on small memory cards like Compact Flash or SDHC cards instead of film.
Most professional photographers now use digital cameras, and they have a number of advantages over film cameras.
First, digital cameras have LCD screens on back that let you see each picture right after you take it. If Aunt Martha had her eyes closed, you'll know in time to take another shot. And if you're trying to learn the finer points of photography, there's nothing like immediate feedback to tell you whether you've got it right.
Second, memory cards are much easier to use than film. They aren't damaged by exposure to light, they don't require developing, and if you forget about the pictures on the card for a couple months, you won't end up with washed-out images.
Third, storing your pictures on your computer means that they take up very little space, and it's easy to flip through them without bending the corners. Just be sure to make a backup!
Fourth, many digital cameras can record movies, some with sound. Whether you're rafting down the Mekong or watching your child's first steps, there are some times when it's great to have video.
Printing pictures from your digital camera is easy — just bring your memory card to any photo lab. If you want to print pictures at home, you can buy a photo printer that will print very nice images. (Many photo printers can read memory cards, so you just plug in the card and hit print.)
If you keep your pictures on your computer, and you want professional-quality prints, you can order prints from online photo labs like Snapfish or Shutterfly. Upload the pictures, tell them what you want, and your prints will magically arrive in the mail.
There are several types of digital cameras. Professionals use single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras with big detachable lenses. Most consumers use simple point and shoot cameras. And for quick snapshots anytime, small cameras like keychain cameras fit the bill.
GPS or Global Positioning System uses a small mobile receiver and software to receive signals from satellites originally used by the U.S. military, but now available to everyone. The GPS software processes the satellite signals to calculate the exact location of the receiver, in latitude and longitude.
PDAs (personal digital assistants) are small handheld mobile computer devices which can provide many fuctions, such as personal calendars and address books, MP3 players, word processing, and GPS. They may also be called pocket or handheld computers, or palmtops.
High-end PDAS have wireless connectivity and internet access to e-mail and web browsing. Some PDAs may be used as portable smart cellphones, voice recorders, electronic language translators, and digital cameras.
PDAs usually have a touch screen which is used with a stylus to select features, or type text. Data stored on the PDA can then be used to update the information on a computer. Other functions and games can be added by installing additional software.
Watch movies, listen to music, view photos,
or play games anywhere with a portable
media player (PMP). Choose an audio or video
dedicated digital device or one that does it all.
Depending on price and included features,
personal media players can also play downloaded videos, record tv shows, read flash cards, play MP3 and MP4 files, be used for voice recording or as a digital camera/camcorder, browse the web via wifi and output onto a tv or pc.
Phones are telephone devices such as Smartphones, cellular phones and accessories, traditional corded and cordless phones for the home, as well as emerging technologies such as VOIP phones. Phone accessories, including answering machines, headsets and batteries may also be found here, as well as pagers and specialty phones.
No matter which features you need in a television set (consider size, price, display quality, weight, and hdtv capability), the traditional CRT, ultra-thin stylish flat-panel LCD and Plasma, and economical Rear-Projection TVs offer a greater variety of choices than ever before.
HDTVs (high definition TVs) use either a built-in or external terrestrial digital receiver and have about twice the resolution with better detail and higher quality audio than analog TVs.
Flat-panel TVs (Plasma and LCD) come in larger sizes than CRTS, but are much thinner and have less weight, which allows them to be wall-mounted.
Electronic video game systems, either in dedicated console or portable handheld form, offer interactive
entertainment for all ages. Whether you choose to fight dragons or play football with your
favorite team, video games offer endless worlds of virtual realities.
1. Console games: Stationary dedicated console game devices that require additional hardware such as
controllers and an external video screen as well as a game cartridge.
Systems with online games also require internet access.
Console video game devices:
Sony Playstation
Sony Playstation II
Sony Playstation III
Microsoft Xbox
Microsoft Xbox 360
Nintendo Gamecube
Sega Genesis
Nintendo Wii
2. Handheld games: Video game consoles small enough to hold in your hand. The screen,
controller, and console are included in one unit which accepts interchangeable game
cartridges.
Portable video game devices:
Sony Playstation Portable
Nintendo DS and DS Lite
Nintendo Gameboy
3. Computer games: PC and MAC games are software played on a personal computer.
Online games require internet access
