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Samsung Tablet 10.1 Review: Perfect for Your Entertainment Needs

October 29, 2020 By Daniel Giordano Leave a Comment

Unless you spend a lot of time checking out new tech products, you probably do not know too much about the Samsung Tablet 10.1. Luckily, in this Samsung Tablet 10.1 review, we tell you everything you need to know about the entertainment prioritizing product. 

While there are plenty of tablets you can choose from in today’s market, there are still only three brands that offer a competitive edge over the others in terms of compatibility, performance, and features. One of these brands is the Samsung Tablet 10.1. 

But does the product deserve the reputation as a significant contender in the tablet market? And how does it compare with the other brands? Is the Samsung Tablet 10.1 worth the investment? 

In this Samsung Tablet 10.1 review, we take an in-depth look at the product and help you decide whether it is a good fit for your needs. 

We also stack it up against the two other popular brands so you can have some alternatives if you realize it is not for you. So, without further adieu, let us take a look at the Samsung Tablet 10.1 review.

What is the Samsung Tablet 10.1?

While some tablets, like the iPad, features a wide range of performance features — from app usage to work tools — others feature a more specialized field of benefits. The Samsung Tablet 10.1 is one of these tablets, and its specialization falls under the entertainment category. 

As the name suggests, the device features a ten point one inch, high-resolution screen for watching movies and television. The display also makes it great for playing mobile games. 

Since the device features an octa-core processor, you can run any games available on the Android market at incredibly fast speeds. The device also features an excellent camera and photo editing technology. 

If you own other Samsung products, then you also get a wide range of additional benefits in terms of compatibility. One of these benefits is the Quick Connect feature, which allows you to instantly share videos, photos, and other media to your desktop computer or television. 

If you want an app that also put children’s education at the forefront of its design, then the Samsung Tablet 10.1 will appeal to you. The tablet features a wide range of educational content from well-known makers like DreamWorks and Sesame Street. 

It also features strict parental controls, so you control what they access and how much time they spend on the device. However, you will need to pay for the Samsung Kids subscription to access this content, which comes in the form of a monthly subscription.

Samsung Tablet 10.1 Specs

Now that we know a little bit about some of the general features included with the Samsung Tablet 10.1 let us look at some more specific details. The Samsung Tablet 10.1 currently only comes available in one color: black. The product supports both wifi and Bluetooth capabilities. 

It features an Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system and an Exynos 7870, Octa-Core processor type with a processing speed of 1.6 GHz. In terms of size dimensions, the product weighs one point sixteen pounds and measures ten inches by six point eleven inches by .32 inches. 

There are two cameras on the Samsung Tablet 10.1 — a front facing one and a rear-facing one. The front camera comes with a two MP resolution, and the rear one features 8.0MP AF with flash. 

The rear camera also features a four times zoom and 1080p recording capabilities with thirty frames per second. In terms of battery, the product features a Li-ion model with a speed of 7,300mAh. 

This battery allows for one hundred and eighty-seven hours of music playing capabilities, thirteen hours of video play time, and thirteen hours of internet usage. The Samsung Tablet 10.1 is Energy Star certified. The tablet comes with an internal memory capacity of two GB RAM and sixteen GB ROM. 

It can support up to two hundred and fifty-six-gigabyte microcard, but you will need to purchase it separately. Finally, in terms of display, the Samsung Tablet 10.1 features an overall resolution of 1920 x 1200.

Spec Table

Operating System — Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Processor Type

Exynos 7870, Octa-Core

Processor Speed

1.6 GHz

Weight

One point sixteen pounds

Product Dimensions

Ten inches by six point eleven inches by .32 inches

Battery Type

Li-Ion 7,300mAh

Internal Memory

2 GB RAM, 16 GB ROM

Rear Camera Resolution

8.0MP AF with flash

Display Resolution

1920 x 1200

Samsung Tablet 10.1 Pricing

At retail value, the Samsung Tablet 10.1 currently lists at two hundred and eighty dollars if you purchase it on the Samsung website or at any in-person retail stores like Best Buy. 

You can also purchase the item with a bundle if you want to save some money instead of buying the add-ons separately. If you're going to buy the Samsung Tablet 10.1 with an S pen for writing and drawing, you may get a discount. 

If you want to buy the product with a sixty-four gigabit micro SD card, then it will cost two hundred and nine dollars. You can also subscribe to Samsung Kids if you want access to kid-specific content. This feature requires around eight dollars per month. 

How the Samsung Tablet 10.1 Compares with Other Brands

In this section, we compare the Samsung Tablet 10.1 with two other popular tablet models on the market right now. Specifically, we compare it with the Apple iPad (Wi-Fi, 32GB) and the Fire HD 8 Tablet (8" HD Display, 16 GB). 

We chose these two products because they represent the main competition and thus help paint a good picture of Samsung’s strengths and weaknesses. They also provide some alternative buying options if you decide that the Samsung Tablet 10.1 is not for you. 

1) Apple iPad (Wi-Fi, 32GB)

The Apple iPad prides itself as being the first official tablet device, and there is still a lot to like about the product. The newest version of the product comes with a 9.7-inch retina display. Unfortunately, a lot of the price tag associated with the device goes toward the name and logo. 

Despite costing two hundred and fifty dollars, the product comes with the same camera as the Samsung Tablet 10.1 and less battery life when using apps. However, the fingerprint sensor does offer an excellent level of added security, and many people believe that Apple offers a more usable product than Android. 

We also like the broader selection of apps available in the Apple store. So, if you think these features warrant a slightly more expensive product, then you should go with the iPad.

2) Fire HD 8 Tablet (8" HD Display, 16 GB)

If you are on a budget while shopping for your tablet device, then we highly recommend Fire HD 8 Tablet. The method is a bit more limited in its features than the iPad or the Samsung Tablet 10.1, but what it lacks in size and function, it makes up for in value and customization. 

The Fire HD 8 Tablet costs eighty dollars and comes with a choice of four different colors. The screen is small — roughly eight inches — but the 1.3 GHz quad-core processor is dependable, and the battery life lasts as long as the iPad. 

The best thing about the Fire HD 8 Tablet is its compatibility with the Amazon store. Since the product comes from Amazon, it features access to unique games, books, and movies that you would not be able to access with the other two devices. 

The device can also hook up with your at home Alexa system so you can give it voice commands. Altogether, the Fire HD 8 Tablet packs a hefty punch for a pretty small price. 

Samsung Tablet 10.1 Pros and Cons

In this section we cover some of the things we like about the Samsung Tablet 10.1 and some things we think could use improvement. We include both of our own opinions based on personal experience, but also user review so we can get a more objective view of the product. 

Pros

The thing we love the most about the Samsung Tablet 10.1 is the screen — both its size and quality. Movies are crystal clear, and most game graphics look even more enhanced than they would on android phone or older tablet. 

The size of the screen is also more substantial than both the iPad and the Amazon Fire Tablet. 

It is large enough to make a noticeable difference when watching your favorite shows while still small enough to remain transportable. The high quality 8.0MP AF is another good selling point for the Samsung Tablet 10.1. 

If you pride yourself in photography, then this tablet is the next best thing you can get to a digital camera. The photo sharing feature also adds a layer of convenience after you finish taking the pictures. The speakers that come with the Samsung Tablet 10.1 also work quite nicely. 

We find when at full volume the speakers can penetrate the noisiness of a crowded area. If you invest in the pen feature, then the tablet also becomes a fantastic art tool. If you have the right amount of skill and equipment, then you can even use it for a professional or educational graphic design setting. 

  • A great screen in terms of size and graphics
  • Excellent camera and photo/video features
  • Powerful speakers
  • Incredible art features if you own pen

Cons

There are some cons associated with the Samsung Tablet 10.1, but we do not think any of them are deal breakers. The biggest thing we dislike is that the base model comes with minimal memory. You can quickly fix this issue by purchasing a memory card, but it is still an inconvenience. 

Also, while the speakers are compelling, the company limits them to one side. This feature lacks surround sound quality, and some people might not be able to hear if you watch a movie together. Also, unlike the Apple iPad, this device does not feature a fingerprint scanner or the sheer amount of apps available. 

The apps that do work on the device are great, but there is a severe lack of quantity when compared with the Apple store. Also, the lack of a fingerprint scanner means you need a regular password for security. This feature is not too big of an issue, but it does make it inconvenient when you log in to the device. 

  • The base model features limited memory
  • No fingerprint scanner
  • Speakers only fall on one side
  • Not as many tablet apps as competitors

Samsung Tablet 10.1 Review Conclusion

If you plan on using your tablet exclusively for gaming, movie watching, picture taking, and artwork, then we think you will love the Samsung Tablet 10.1. The tablet makes consuming entertainment on the go much more comfortable and enjoyable. 

If you travel in airports a lot, then the device can turn a miserable flight delay into an enjoyable experience. Considering the processor, camera, and operating systems that come with the tablet, we think the price more than justifies what you get. 

The main flaw with the Samsung Tablet 10.1 is the fact that it does not come with much built-in memory. However, you can quickly solve this flaw by purchasing an inexpensive SD memory card. 

Also, if you do not mind investing in the pen that comes with the tablet, then you can quickly turn the tablet into a digital canvas with unlimited possibilities. As such, it works great as a fit for graphic design students or any digital artists. As such, we give the Samsung Tablet 10.1 a final rating of four stars out of five stars. 

We hope this Samsung Tablet 10.1 review helped you decide whether or not the product is a good fit for your needs. As we said, we think anyone who wants a tablet specifically for entertainment or art purposes will not be disappointed. Good luck during the rest of your shopping process! 

Filed Under: Tablets Tagged With: Samsung Tablet 10.1

How Much RAM Do I Need for Gaming? Here’s the Sweet Spot for Optimal Performance

October 21, 2019 By Daniel Giordano Leave a Comment

two Random access memory
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ram icon

So how much RAM do I need for gaming? We'll discuss the sweet spot for RAM in different applications and how to determine your needs.

 

Gaming on personal computers (PCs) has been a favorite hobby for some time, but newer gamers may be asking how much RAM do I need for gaming? I was curious about what the latest recommendations were for 2019 and decided to do some research to see what I could find.

Quick Navigation
What is RAM and What Does It Do?
Features to Consider in Your PC
Troubleshooting Your Ram
Other Kinds of Ram
RAM for Gaming Purposes
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ram icon

So, how much RAM do I need for gaming? How much RAM you need will depend on the games that you want to play and how much processing power they require, but the general guideline is somewhere between 4GB and 32GB.

It's worth noting that you can get by on 4GB of RAM for many different games, but that is the bare minimum, and you can expect some lagging and other challenges when you attempt to play a game using the minimum amount of RAM. For smoother gameplay, you'll want to have at least 8GB of RAM for moderate gaming, and 16GB of RAM is generally preferred.

What is RAM and What Does It Do?

RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and it's a physical component inside of your computer that resembles a small ruler. These tiny pieces of hardware are very advanced and work to temporarily store data for your computer so that it can access that data quickly and perform more complex functions.

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ram icon

RAM is a critical part of how your computer works, and when you are gaming, there is a large amount of data that your computer needs to access in a fast order so that the game can play smoothly. If your ram isn't big enough to store this data, your computer will run slowly as it needs to store and access the data from your hard drive instead.

Accessing the data from the hard drive poses a whole other set of problems, and serves only to slow down the performance of your machine. Having a more significant amount of RAM will allow your computer to store more information in an area where it is accessed more quickly, which makes your whole experience of using your computer feel quicker.

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Other gadgets such as your phone, tablet, and laptop also have and use RAM, but the amount that they have at their disposal will vary depending on the device. The RAM on your computer works with your hard drive to store and manage data appropriately, but they are separate things and perform different functions.

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RAm memory on desktop

Photo by Valentine Tanasovich from Pexels

The motherboard in your computer will only support certain types of RAM that are in specific sizes. For example, your motherboard may not be able to accommodate 32GB of RAM, and the only way to remedy that situation is to replace your motherboard. It's also important to note that 4GB of RAM is not the same as 4GB of space on your hard drive.

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ram icon

Your hard drive will keep and store data that's written to it for as long as you need it to, but the RAM in your computer empties whenever you shut off your machine. When you put your computer into hibernation mode, whatever data is left on your RAM gets copied over onto your hard drive so that it can be retrieved later.

This emptying of the RAM whenever you shut off your PC is the reason why the programs you had open are closed when you restart your machine. Putting your computer to sleep doesn't empty the RAM in the same way and allows some of the data to continue to be stored there.

Features to Consider in Your PC

If you want to know how much RAM you have or you are looking to upgrade your system, you may first want to figure out what features your current PC has so that you can make the most of an upgrade. When looking at the features of your PC, there are a few items you'll want to consider:

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ram icon
  • What tasks you perform with your PC
  • Possible capacity
  • The frequency of your RAM
  • RAM latency

It can be helpful to make a list of all of the functions that you use your PC to complete so that you can best decide how much RAM you need and any other updates that you'll need to make to optimize your machine.

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lots of ram

Image by Joshua Robins from Pixabay

Once you have that list, you can then look at your current RAM and decipher what kind of specifications it has available. For example, look at how much RAM you have right now, and see if there's any remaining space on your current motherboard. If you can upgrade to large RAM in each slot, that may be the best option.

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ram icon

Keep in mind that if you are building a gaming computer, it may be in your best interest to go a little over the amount of RAM that you need so that your machine will have a longer useful life. When asking yourself "how much RAM do I need for gaming?" the answer may be that you need about 16GB now, but in a few years, you'll need 32GB.

If the cost to add more RAM is negligible and your motherboard will support it, it may be best to get more RAM now and enjoy how speedy your PC will be as you play through any game of your choice. Using the recommended 16GB of RAM for the optimal "sweet spot" isn't a bad idea, but you may end up needing to add more RAM sooner than you might think.

Troubleshooting Your Ram

If you are having issues with your RAM or suspecting that you may be having problems, the first thing you can do is reseat your RAM inside of your computers' tower to ensure that there is good contact between the RAM and the motherboard.

 

To do this, you'll want to open up the tower, locate your RAM on your motherboard and double check that each ruler shaped piece is securely inserted.

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ram icon

There isn't really a reason that RAM comes unseated, but it can happen whenever you move your tower, and sometimes it just seems to happen without any instigating event. You'll notice small clips on either side of the RAM, and when you push gently on the RAM, you should hear those clips snap into place.

Now is also an excellent time to take a can of compressed air and go over the surfaces in your computer case to ensure that everything is free from dust and debris. A buildup of dust on the inside of your case can cause the computer to overheat and can also make it malfunction. 


It's also a good idea to run a memory test program if you suspect RAM issues to figure out if it's the RAM that is failing or if another component is at fault

Other Kinds of Ram

There are a few different kinds of RAM that are available, and since RAM is frequently used as a blanket term for many things, it's useful to know the difference. 


When people talk about RAM in reference to their computers, they may also refer to it as "memory," but more precisely they're talking about dynamic random-access memory, or DRAM. If you want to get more accurate, modern systems use synchronous dynamic random-access memory or SDRAM.

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ram icon

These names are just technicalities, and the most common type of RAM sold is called DDR4. If you look in an older machine, you may find older types of RAM that are DDR3 or DDR2 even, but the numbers only indicate the generation that the RAM is part of in terms of production.

If you are looking to play a lot of video games with your PC, you'll also want to be aware of video RAM or VRAM for short. This type of memory is used with your graphics card or chip and allows your computer to handle more graphics-heavy gaming without using only the standard RAM on your motherboard.

RAM for Gaming Purposes

Some gaming websites will claim that you need to have at least 8GB of RAM to enjoy most modern games available today; however, this may not be entirely true. There are several games that play quite nicely with only 4GB of RAM at their disposal, and those titles include some of the biggest hits including:

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  • Total War: Warhammer (DX12, 1080p)
  • Grand Theft Auto V (1080p)
  • Cities: Skylines (1080p)

If you are looking to upgrade an existing PC, absolutely plan on getting at least 8GB of RAM, or you'll be wanting to upgrade very shortly, and you may have issues doing so with the capacity of your motherboard.


If you are going to buy a PC, get at least 8GB of RAM, or 16GB would be even better. This extra RAM ensures that you'll have enough for the next several years without needing to upgrade and deal with the hassles of adding more RAM. 

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With more RAM you will get more speed, but at some point, you won't be able to notice it as a user, and you'll have invested a lot of money that could have gone to another higher performing part like your motherboard or graphics card.

Featured Image by skeeze from Pixabay

Icon source: flaticon

Filed Under: Games, Resources

Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 11s Review: A Teaser

October 16, 2019 By Daniel Giordano Leave a Comment

Can you envision a laptop that feels like a tablet? That’s what the Lenovo Ideapad Yoga devices are about. The latest in the Yoga line – Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 11s – is powered by an Intel Core-i processor and runs on Windows 8 OS. It is one of those Windows-based tablets or hybrids or convertibles, whatever you would call it. This hybrid device has a built-in keyboard that you can fold out of the way to make it a tablet. And, the way the device rests, with the keyboard under the screen, to lie flat or propped up in a tent mode, gives the name “Yoga.” Priced at $799, the Yoga 11s is scheduled for launch in June 2013.

It is one of the first devices to use Intel’s enhanced ultra-low voltage processors. This feature is an advantage for ultra-thin devices which have a smaller battery due to size constraints. Its Core-i processor is standard in Ultrabooks.

lenovo11S


The Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 11s comes with a soft-touch texture on the exterior, giving a splendid look and robust grip. Despite the slim and lightweight build, Yoga 11s is a sturdy device. The 0.67-inch thickness is a bit high, and at 3.08 pounds, the device is heavier than its predecessor. But,it is an evolution in Lenovo’s efforts to bridge the gap between laptop and tablet.

At first glance, you might think that this device’s thickness adds to the weight and makes the laptop challenging to transport. However, its thick frame enhances its performance and usability by offering a sturdy frame for the screen to pop-up on.

Specifications

Screen size: 11.6 inches
Weight: 1.4kg (3.08 pounds)
Thickness: 0.67 inches
Screen resolution: 1366 x 768
Keyboard: AccuType keyboard
Battery: 6 hours of battery life
Processor: Intel Core i5 low-voltage CPU
Operating System: Windows 8
RAM: Up to 8 GB DDR3
SSD: 256 GB

lenovo-yoga-11s-stand-mode-pic-2
Positives

• Cutting-edge hybrid design
• Soft-touch exterior texture
• enhanced ultra-low voltage processor

Not so positives

• Heavier than its predecessor

Display
The 11.6-inch screen has a resolution of 1600 x 900 and gives appreciable viewing angles. The IPS HD graphics multitouch feature gives sharp images, so movies look really great.

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Camera
Yoga 11s comes integrated with a 720p webcam.

Keyboard
Yoga 11 has a built-in keyboard that you can fold out of the way to make it a tablet. The full-size QWERTY keypad and multi-gesture trackpad are excellent in the laptop mode. The keyboard is an ideal size for this laptop and makes typing and clicking comfortable.

This laptop’s touchpad is ideal for a regular typer, though you should remain aware that over time, the touchpad can become slightly greasy if you regularly use it instead of a mouse. Many customers speak highly of the accuracy of the right and left click, which is responsive and reliable every time.

Noise and Fan

This Lenovo IdeaPad features a fan that is quiet in operation and ideal to regularly use in a silent environment. Using a loud device in a busy office can be a nuisance to everyone as well as a distraction to yourself as you feel as though the unit will seize to work.

lenovo-ideapad-yoga-13-laptop-keyboard-540x334
Performance
With a multi-touch display and Windows 8 experience, Yoga is impressive. Its 360 degree hinge is a unique design that makes it stand out from the rest. Just rotate the screen from the notebook mode, tent mode, stand mode or tablet mode. The tent mode is more or less similar to the stand mode, but Lenovo says it can be useful on uneven surfaces. And, the built in accelerometer lets the device rotate appropriately whether you hold it in the landscape or portrait position. In the tablet mode, you have access to volume buttons on the side and start button on the front, so there’s no need to look for the keyboard.
And, the sturdy build eliminates concerns over twisting the screen in either direction. The keyboard is disabled when it is folded underneath.

Battery life
Lenovo rates up to 6 hours battery time for Yoga 11s, much less than the 13 hours battery life of Yoga 11. However, the Intel Core i5 low-voltage CPU favors the battery life.

Software/hardware
Yoga 11s is powered by Intel Core i5 low-voltage CPU processor and runs on Windows 8 OS.It can accommodate up to 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, something that matches the size, specifications and OS.
Yoga 11s offers all the standard connectivity features found in Yoga 11– Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 2.0 ports, three-in-one SD card reader, two-in-one headphone & mic port. And, there is an extra USB 3.0 port.

Wrap up
The 11.6-inch device is unsurprisingly heavy for a tablet, but you cannot make a comparative analysis as the market is dominated by 7-inch and 10-inch tablets. In a nutshell, Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 11s is a well-built hybrid device that works efficiently in both the laptop and tablet mode. It is advancement over the earlier versions of Yoga, but still comes with a starting price almost equivalent to that of Yoga 11.

There may be a few finicky pointers we’d like to change with this unit, but that doesn’t mean to say it’s not a winner in our eyes. If you can look past its heated bottom that makes it unsuitable to place on your lap (as is the same procedure with all laptops and tablets), it’s a great device to use on the go.

Many complain that the power button is too difficult to press, though if you adjust the power settings, the device can automatically switch on and off just by opening and shutting the lid.

Fortunately, this laptop’s vibrant, colorful display makes this device an all-rounder for playing games and watching movies. And when it’s time to focus on work, the comfortable keyboard protects your fingertips while ensuring you don’t damage the keyboard if you have a fast typing speed.

Filed Under: Laptops Tagged With: Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 11s

Basic Computer Skills – 6 Tips You Need to Know!

September 30, 2019 By Daniel Giordano Leave a Comment

two women sitting in front of computer working

Within the past century, a lot has changed as far as what technology is concerned. Within 20 years, computers have gone from slow and bulky machines into streamlined machines that have power and speed to degrees that we never thought possible at the time. 

The internet itself has evolved much since its Inception, going from a slow loading program into a fast pace device that everyone uses every day, especially on their phones and on portable laptops.

With technology, we've seen a lot of advancement within a short amount of time and as a result oh, a lot of people who were present during the time in which these devices got first created, are finding themselves left Behind due to the nature of how quickly our technology evolves. 

Thankfully, you can easily re-teach yourself how to utilize the current systems, and you'll find that while it may seem complicated, technology is geared to be user-friendly to reach the masses. In this article will be going over some of the best necessary computer skills you can learn to stay on top of technology and all of its advances.

Quick Navigation
What Does It Mean To Be Technologically Behind?
Consequences of a Lack of Knowledge
Security Concerns
Why Is it A Good Thing To Be Up To Date With Technology?
The Most Basic Computer Skills To Keep You Up To Date
Search Engines and Browser Basics
Use Your Browser History
Customize Your Searches for Specific Results
Hooking Up Your Computer
Securing Your Computer
Word Processing Programs
Keyboard Commands
Terminology
Conclusion

What Does It Mean To Be Technologically Behind?

artist in front of computer

Image Source: Pixabay

To be technologically behind means different things for different people. As far as work experience is concerned, you could have 20 years in a field but still, find yourself incapable of running specific software because you didn't get trained or you didn't have previous experience with it before.

This problem is a wrong area to find yourself in, especially since the 20 years that you've put into your field will mean little to nothing if you can't do what's needed to be done to work correctly. 

The same is true if you are a business, not being able to predict and play off of the advances in internet searches and online payment systems can destroy businesses and a short amount of time.

Consequences of a Lack of Knowledge

Being technologically behind can ruin careers, and destroy businesses quickly. Even if you are not employed what's a company that yours is a lot of technology, you're still going to find yourself in a position where having excellent technical skills can either open doorways or provide easier access to promotions.

Being technologically behind can be expensive as well. Everyone enjoys getting the newest gadgets that come out on the market. 

However, what a lot of inexperienced consumers don't realize is that a brand name product that we feel are good simply because they're recognizable could cost us more money then brands that you may not be familiar with but provide better specs as far as what they can afford.

For example, when it comes to purchasing a brand new laptop either for school or for your leisure,  you'll have to consider some of the primary uses that you'll have for your new laptop. Will it be a gaming computer? Or are you content merely searching the web and playing small games that don't use a lot of processing power?

These questions also apply to tablets, which are a popular substitute for a laptop, and often are more convenient to carry around. If you don't know how much processing power a device has, you could end up with a machine that slow and hard to operate. The same is true if you intend to on a mechanism for the sake of watching movies and storing books.

Having a good understanding of what you will need as far as the components of your new device are concerned, we'll save you a lot of money and a lot of frustration when it comes to finally picking what you want. 

Security Concerns

Security is another reason that a lot of people need to keep up-to-date with their technical knowledge. If you go to a cafe or a public Hotspot with your laptop or other wireless devices, without the proper safety features and place your information is easy pickings for any predator who happens to be on the same network as you.

That means all of your credit card information as well as Social Security numbers and any other sensitive information that you might have stored on your computer is at risk. You can find yourself facing identity theft, which is one of the most damaging events I could happen to your financial life. 

That doesn't just affect your bank account, but it also affects your credit score, which in turn affects your ability to purchase a car or a new home. 

Why Is it A Good Thing To Be Up To Date With Technology?

typing in front of computer

Image Source: Pixabay

So, if the technology is continuously changing, then why is it so important to keep up with everything new about technology if it's just going to be obsolete later on? The answer to this question is simple: you're going to need to keep up with technology simply because technology gets integrated into every aspect of our lives. 

If you're looking set a promotion or learning new skills, chances are you're going to need to have a good grasp of current technology used to function at your job correctly. 

Likewise, if you like keeping up with what your children or grandchildren are doing, then they are going to be using social media more frequently, and that's an excellent way to keep updated with what they're up to. 

There are a lot of different reasons as to why you should try to keep up with technology even though it is quickly evolving and it never stays the same for very long. Not to mention, cars are becoming smarter, and if you intend on purchasing a new vehicle shortly, you might need to know some necessary information in regards on how to operate it properly. 

While learning necessary computer skills is it necessarily going to prepare you for everything that technology has to throw at you, it's a great beginning to make to become well acquainted with what you're dealing with today. 

Beside,s people who are better acquainted with technology will be able to make informed decisions on their next purchases when it comes to Everyday household items that do require a basic understanding of technology in general. 

The Most Basic Computer Skills To Keep You Up To Date

work typing computer

Image Source: Pixabay

To be considered computer literate oh, there are a few things that you need to know. These are skills that you can take and utilize anywhere, and they make things easier once you have a good understanding of how they work. 

Search Engines and Browser Basics

The most basic and commonly used aspect of a computer is learning how to use a search engine properly. Anyone can plug in an essential phrase in Google's search engine bar, but how often do you try to search for something and the result that you get is not what you were looking for at all? 

Knowing how to do an advanced search is a skill that you will need to learn to become competent and utilizing search engines properly. To do that you need to have a basic idea of how search engines work and what to look out for as far as your results are concerned. There are many search engines you can choose to use, but the most popular ones are:

  • Google
  • Bing
  • Yahoo.com
  • Ask.com

All websites of any kind utilize something called SEO to Show up more prominently when you search for a product or a bit of information. You can use this concept to your advantage if you want a more precise listing of things that you're looking for instead of relying solely on the algorithm present within the search engine itself. 

Here are some easy ways to make the most out of using any search engine you choose.

Take Advantage of AutoComplete

Google especially has this Nifty little feature known as autocomplete, which automatically provides suggestions that specifically correlate with their search engines. This process not only a great way to guarantee your specific search results get met, but it also saves you the effort of typing. 

Use Very Specific Terms

When you go to search for anything specific, you'll want to make sure that you're using only particular terms to describe what it is you're searching. If you use generalistic words, that's when you come across the thousands of results that may contain part of what you're looking for, but don't have what you're looking for exactly. 

Using the Minus Operator

The minus sign is a perfect way to specify your search further, especially when you're utilizing standard terms that might pop up with different results. When you are searching, and the result turns up something else altogether, you re-enter your search item and then add in the minus sign in front of the term that you don't want to see show up. 

Capitalization

When you're performing a search on a search engine, you don't have to worry about using capitalization while you're showing your search. The search engine will not distinguish case sensitive words, and it won't change how your search results end up. 

Drop the Suffixes

You don't have to typically worry about using suffixes in your search bar simply because of your browser search engine works best off of base words unless you're explicitly looking up the act of something happening such as walking or running as opposed to using the base words of walk and run. 

Using Quotation Marks for Exact Searches

If you're looking for a specific phrase or perhaps lyrics from a song, it's easier if you put quotation marks around the particular line or phrase that you're looking up to get an exact result. If a sentence or web page does not contain what's in the quotation marks, it won't get displayed in your search results. 

Avoid Using Common Words

While there are exceptions to this rule, you typically want to avoid using common words such as and, the, a, and other forms of filler words that compile complete sentences. Punctuation is also not necessary when you're searching on a browser. 

The exceptions that you might come across to get your search results are more for situations where you might be looking up the title of a movie or a book. 

Use Your Browser History

Unless you never use the internet before or a search engine for that matter, using your browsing history is an excellent way of saving time, and it will get you back to the results that you got last time. To access your browsing history, you can look through the browser history settings in your web browser. 

Customize Your Searches for Specific Results

Just like with the minus sign taking out words that you don't want to end up in your search results, you can use the + operator to add things that you want the search engine to look up.

Also, you can use a tilde operator in front of a word or phrase which your browser will then include synonyms for your words.

Putting in an asterisk is giving your search engine permission to fill in the blank using it's on operations to determine what you will most likely search for But ultimately the results could be very random. 

Using numeric ranges is also a great tactic in specifying your searches, and it's especially useful when you're trying to search for a specific price range for a product or even a product version.

Hooking Up Your Computer

Knowing how to put together your computer at least enough that you can get it out of its box and plug it in is an essential skill do you have if you're going to operate a computer. A lot of the cords that you have to deal with are pretty self-explanatory as far as the shape of the core vs. the way of the hole it goes into is concerned.

However, if you need help putting one together enough that you can operate it, it might be best to ask someone to show you how to do it so that you'll know for later correctly. Familiarizing yourself with your computer both in operation and in the physical sense is the best way to become more capable of handling technology in the future. 

Securing Your Computer

If you're going to operate a computer or even a laptop in a public Wi-Fi setting, you need to have a security system in place. The internet gets filled with viruses and tracking code that will target your network and create a lot of problems for you in the future. To prevent this, you'll need a decent antivirus program as well as a spyware monitor as the basics for getting started. 

This software often includes add-ons that protect your computer when browsing to avoid sites that contain malware or other malicious code. It’s essential to keep the program up-to-date. Unfortunately, hackers are always finding new ways to breach data.

Word Processing Programs

To claim any form of computer literacy, you need to know How to use a basic word processing program. There are free versions that you can get online from the Adobe suite or WordPerfect. However, a lot of people are more familiar with Microsoft Word. 

Either way, being able to familiarize yourself with a Word document program and find yourself capable of utilizing the different features that come with it are essential to being computer literate. 

Keyboard Commands

Keyboard commands are reasonably necessary, and there a great way to save yourself a little bit of time while you're in the middle of using your computer. While there are quite literally thousands of different keyboard commands that you can use, the more basic ones are essential for considering yourself to be computer literate.

 Some of the more common keyboard commands are:

  • Ctrl+ Z for undoing your last action
  • Ctrl+Alt+Del to bring up your task manager
  • Ctrl+C is to copy
  • Ctrl+X is to cut your selection
  • Ctrl+V is to paste

There are more than that, but those are the most basics to start yourself off within familiarizing yourself with keyboard commands. Thankfully was a quick internet search, you can discover and utilize many more as you go on.

Terminology

Do you know what a graphics card is? Or what the difference between an HDD and an SSD are? Knowing the basic terminology that comes with owning a computer is essential to maintain it long term properly. 

If you end up having an issue with one of your hard drives, will you be able to compile your question? In a way that people who are familiar with computers can help you?

It's also an excellent way to save money if a bit of your hardware does end up dying. If you lose a stick of ram to age in constant use, it would be good if you knew what it got called and if you could potentially get an upgrade for it while you're replacing it. 

Conclusion

typing in computer

Image Source: Pixabay

While you don't have to know how to code a program using a command prompt or how to jump in and go through detailed diagnostic procedures for a sudden spike in processing power, it is vital to know at least these essential skills if you want to get better at using a computer.

These skills are excellent for everyday purposes, and they carry the potential to benefit you when you use these skills to keep in touch with the advances in technology that we're living with today.

Filed Under: Desktops, Technology

How Do I Delete Photos from My iPhone: Complete Guide

August 1, 2019 By Daniel Giordano Leave a Comment

Smartphones help with everything from reminders to business, but one of their main draws is the ability to take and save photos instantly. If you’re like me, you have so many pictures on your phone that you probably forget about most of them. That’s a lot of clutter, and those photos are taking up valuable space on my phone. I found myself asking, “How do I delete photos from my iPhone?” There has to be an easy way, right? I decided to do some research, which led me to create this step-by-step guide to clearing space on your phone.

Quick Navigation
How Do I Delete Photos from My iPhone - Deleting Photos
How Do I Delete Photos from My iPhone - Deleting Albums
How Do I Delete Photos from My iPhone - Recovering Deleted Photos
Removing Pictures Permanently
Deletion Completion

How Do I Delete Photos from My iPhone - Deleting Photos

Person holding black iPhone

image via: Unsplash

I got tired of looking through duplicate pictures of the 100-some sunsets that I don’t even remember taking. Luckily, the iPhone makes it easy to delete those.


Here’s the short version:

  • Launch your Photos app
  • Press “Select” in the top right of the screen
  • Select the photos you want to get rid off
  • Hit “Delete”
  • Hit “Delete” again when the prompt pops up

Simple, right? That’s all there is to deleting photos off your iPhone. At least, it seems simple to me now.


Before I knew what to do, it seemed a lot more complicated than that. If you’re asking yourself, “How do I delete photos from my iPhone,” then this step by-step guide will walk you through it.

Step 1: Starting from Scratch


The first step to deleting photos from iPhone is knowing what you want to delete. I didn’t realize I had this problem until I was trying to find a photo from my sister’s birthday and ended up lost in a sea of useless photos I never even posted online.


I didn’t need to know every single image I wanted to get rid of, but it helped to know that I did want to delete quite a few. So, I made the time to do it. All in all, it took me about five minutes to complete. It might take you longer depending on how many photos you have, though.

Step 2: Digging In


I started by opening my photos app. If you're new to iPhones, this is the color wheel icon that looks kind of like a rainbow flower. It also says “Photos” underneath the icon if you’re unsure. When the next screen opens up, you’ll see the photos you’ve taken separated by the date you snapped the picture. Don’t worry about scrolling through all of them just yet. The first thing you want to do is tap the word “Select” in the top right corner. It sits next to the magnifying glass icon.


Now that you are in select mode, you can begin tapping on all the photos you want to delete. Keep scrolling down through your albums and select any you want to get rid of. There’s no limit to how many you can choose, so feel free to go crazy.

Step 3: The Long, Long Process


If you have dozens of photos, it could take you a while to select all the ones you want to delete. While it took me five minutes, I also kept a lot of my pictures. Take your time and go through everything if you want to clear up the most space.

Step 4: To the Trash


Once you select your photos, it’s time to throw them away. To do this, just tap the delete button. You won’t see any words that say Delete though. Instead, the iPhone has an icon that looks like a trash can in the bottom right corner of the screen.


A prompt will pop up asking you if you really want to delete these pictures. It says, “Delete X Photos,” in red, with X being the number you select. Tap the red words, and you’ve successfully deleted your pictures from your iPhone.

How Do I Delete Photos from My iPhone - Deleting Albums

Woman using an iphone

image via: Unsplash

Instead of searching through each picture, you can choose to delete entire albums to save time. Theprocess is almost identical, save a few changes. To get started, open up your Photos app and tap on albums in the bottom right corner.


Instead of tapping Select, press Edit in the top right corner. It’s in the same place that Select was in the previous steps. Now, you should see a minus sign in a red circle next to each album. Press this icon to delete any album you wish.


Just like before, a prompt will pop up asking if you want to remove the album. Press the red words that say, “Delete Album,” and you’re done. Every picture inside will be removed from your Photos app.

How Do I Delete Photos from My iPhone - Recovering Deleted Photos

While I was busy deleting my pictures, I accidentally got rid of a few that I wanted to keep. It’s an easy mistake to make. Luckily, there’s a simple process to recover those images.


Start by launching the Photos app and tapping on Albums as you did before. In black at the bottom of your albums, the phone will say, “Recently Deleted.” Tap on that to get started. Keep in mind that you might have to scroll up or down to find it.


After pressing Recently Deleted, your iPhone takes you to a screen that contains the photos you chose to remove. Whether you got rid of whole albums or individual images, they all end up here. In the top right of the screen under your battery icon, tap on Select to start choosing which images to recover. You can tap on each picture like you did when deleting them. Each one will receive a blue check mark, highlighting the images you want to recover. When you’re done, tap the word Recover in blue on the bottom right of the screen.


A prompt will come up just like before, this time asking if you want to recover the photos. The words “Recover Photos” will appear in red. Tap on that, an your images will make their way back to your photo library.


This isn’t a fix all, however. Any photo you delete is only stored for 30 days. After that period, they’re lost forever. I found that the 30-day hold was helpful. It gave me enough time to realize that I had removed images I wanted to keep, which I regret to admit took me over a week.

Removing Pictures Permanently

Woman holding a cup while using an iPhone

image via: Unsplash

While doing my research, I found a way to delete photos from your phone permanently. This eliminates the 30-day period where the iPhone saves them. A lot of people found this useful after a breakup if friends took a bunch of silly pictures when they weren’t looking, or just to instantly free up space.


To do this, you need to start by deleting the images and albums you want to get rid of normally. This moves them into the Recently Deleted folder inside the Photos app. Once you’ve done that, you can get started.


In the Photos app, tap on Albums in the bottom right corner of the screen. Head into the Recently Deleted folder, then tap select in the top right corner. Just like you did for recovering these photos, select each one you want to delete permanently. Once you’re finished with your selection, tap Delete in the bottom left of the screen. Another prompt pops up with the words “Delete X Photos” in red. Press the red words, and the photos you selected are erased from your phone’s storage forever.


Remember that this is a permanent action. I searched far and wide to see if there was a way to recover photos after following these steps, and there simply isn’t one. So, be careful when selecting photos to delete permanently. You don’t want to get rid of something on accident.

Deletion Completion

Person holding black iPhone 4 front of MacBook Air

image via: Unsplash

That’s everything there is to know about removing images from your iPhone and freeing up storage space. At least, that’s everything I found after searching the internet for a few hours. While you won’t find this guide in any handbook, you can refer to this article anytime you need to.


The best part of knowing how to delete your photos is the amount of space it opens up for other apps on your phone. One picture can take up almost 4MB of space. While that isn’t a lot, hundreds of them can start to make an impact on your phone’s performance.


That doesn’t include videos, either, which can take up a ridiculous amount of space. If you want to delete videos, follow the steps in this guide just like you would for a photo. It works the same way. Share your knowledge, too! The next time someone asks you, “How do I delete photos from my iPhone,” you’ll have the answer.


featured image source: pixabay.com

Filed Under: iPad/iPhone

Top 9 Best Text To Speech Transcription Software ; Best Software

December 13, 2018 By Daniel Giordano Leave a Comment

Many people love reading a book or any learning material, but they also love to multitask. Plus, reading text through extended periods can be very exhausting.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could just listen to a book or any document while you’re working, driving, or just lounging around?

The best text-to-speech software definitely fills that purpose. During the past few years, the demand for text-to-speech software has skyrocketed. Such tools are a boon for folks with reading disabilities or for those who don’t want to devote all their time to reading texts. Plus, according to a study, reading information aloud makes it more likely for your brain to remember something.

Whether you’re reading a book for entertainment or for eLearning, the best text-to-speech software is an invaluable tool. So today, we have rounded up some of the best software for turning text into speech.

Quick Navigation
How We Chose Our Ratings
Top 10 Best Text-to-Speech Software
Found Your Text-to-Speech Software Yet?

How We Chose Our Ratings

For this post, we have taken a look and tested dozens of text-to-speech applications and handpicked the ones that meet our criteria. Our selections were based on several key factors like interface, ease of use, performance, accuracy, price, and many others.

We pride ourselves in providing recommendations that are honest, accurate, and have integrity. We don’t promise that you will like all our recommended software, but you’re bound to find one that will fit your needs and personal preferences.

We have also considered the many feedback from actual users and tech reviewers.

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Top 10 Best Text-to-Speech Software

If you can’t be bothered to research for the best text-to-speech software, perhaps you can consider some recommendations. Below are some of the top-rated text-to-speech programs that you can find online.

Let’s get to it!

1

Natural Reader

Reader

Price

Platform

Rating

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Windows, Mac, iOS, Android

Notable Features: Text to speech, supports PDF, docx, and text documents, OCR with eBooks and printed documents, pronunciation editor, listen to web pages.


The first pick in our list is Natural Reader, a free text-to-speech tool which can be used in a variety of ways.


For the free version, you have access to the basic text-to-speech function and it supports PDF, docx, TXT and ePub formats. You may also change the speed and speaker, plus the floating bar tool that offers a way to read text directly from the page.


The main option for reading text to speech is to load the document in the app’s library which will then be read aloud from there. The other method is through the floating bar tool which will read any highlighted text. This is a great feature when you’re using web browsers, word processors, and other programs.


There are four pricing packages from Free ($0) to Ultimate ($199.50). The program is also available for both iOS and Android.

2

Balabolka

Balabolka

Price

Platform

Rating

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Windows

Notable Features: Skin support, multi-language, SAPI 4.x/5.x voices and the Microsoft Speech Platform text-to-speech engines, spell checking.


Balabolka means “chatterer” in Russian.


Although Balabolka doesn’t look much in terms of interface and the overall look of the software, it’s one of the best text-to-speech software for Windows – plus it’s also freeware.


Balabolka excels because of its excellent file format support which includes AZW, AZW3, CHM, DjVu, DOC, DOCX, EML, EPUB, FB2, HTML, LIT, MOBI, ODS, ODT, PDB, PRC, PDF, RTF, TCR, WPD, XLS, XLSX. To use the software, you can either copy-paste the text into the program or you can load the supported file. Regardless of which method you use, you may adjust the speech, pitch, and volume of the speech playback.


On top of reading words aloud, Balabolka also gives you the option to save the narrations as audio files (WAV, MP3, MP4, OGG or WMA file formats), so you can listen to them later.


The program supports multiple languages and you can download more content like language packs, voices, skins, and more.

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3

Zabaware Text-to-Speech Reader

Zabaware

Price

Platform

Rating

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Windows

Notable Features: Add up to 11 high-quality AT&T Natural Voices, text can be saved as an audio file, speed reading.


The Zabaware Text-to-Speech Reader is yet another free program that’s worth checking out.


One of the key features of this application is its ability to read standard window dialogs like pop-up boxes and alerts. So in some way, it works like a virtual personal assistant but not really. The program can also read multiple types of data including documents, emails, websites, clipboard content, and more.


In the free version, you get the basic text-to-speech features, but it only comes with generic, robotic voices. You can purchase additional high-quality, natural-sounding voices but it will cost you around $25. Personally, I don’t mind the default free voice, but I can imagine that it can be rather annoying for some users.

4

Capti

Capti

Price

Platform

Rating

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Windows, Mac, Web, iOS

Notable Features: Offline and online reading support, high-quality text to speech in over 20 languages, OCR for digitizing PDFs and images, dynamically created vocabulary games.


The Capti app is mainly geared towards learning institutions, so you can expect that it’s a powerful text-to-speech tool.


The core function of Capti is as a content aggregator. You can add content to the app in the form of document files such as DOC, PDF, EPUB, and more. It can come from various sources like your iPhone or even cloud storage accounts like Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud, Google Drive, and more. You may also use the web plugin version for reading and uploading content.


Once you have added a file, you may now play it like an audio file. You can control the speed of the playback and the program also provides track controls like Play/Pause, Next/Previous, etc. Adding content can be quite slow but I assume it’s because the program is parsing the document to produce a speakable file.

5

 WordTalk

WordTalk

Price

Platform

Rating

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Windows, MS Word

Notable Features: Speaks entire document, paragraph or word, highlights the text as it goes, change the voice and the speed, convert text to speech (WAV or MP3).


If you frequently use Word and want a good text-to-speech tool, WordTalk might just be right down your alley.


Unlike the other programs featured in this article, WordTalk is not a standalone application but simply a toolbar add-on for Micr​​​​osoft Word. It works with all versions of MS Word and can be accessed via a toolbar or ribbon, depending on the version you are using.


We have to say that the toolbar doesn’t look much, thanks to its juvenile design. Also, it’s not clear what the functions of the buttons are. Fortunately, it does come with a handy help file.


The tool supports both SAPI 4 and SAPI 5 voices which can be customized based on your preferences. You can also save narrations as an audio file which is a really nice touch.

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6

Panopretor Basic

Panopreter Basic

Price

Platform

Rating

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Windows

Notable Features: Reads TXT files, RTF files, web pages, and Microsoft Word documents, creates audio files in WAV and MP3 formats, and supports batch file conversion, allows users to adjust voice speed and volume, reads the characters, words, phrases, or articles that you input in the window.


Panopreter Basic is a program that delivers text-to-speech functions with no fuss. The program supports plain and rich text files, MS Word documents, and web pages. You can then export the output as an audio file (WAV and MP3).


The default should work well for quick and basic tasks. However, we recommend that you spend some time exploring the settings of the program to find options such as being able to change the language, set custom interface colors, destination of saved audio files, and more.


If you need more features, you can go for the premium version of Panopreter ($29.95) which includes a toolbar for MS Word or Internet Explorer.

7

TextSpeech Pro Deluxe

TextSpeech Pro

Price

Platform

Rating

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Windows

Notable Features: U.S. English AT&T Natural Voices, convert text from any document into natural-sounding speech, read web pages and emails using integrated text-to-speech tools, export synthesized speech from documents to a variety of audio file formats.


TextSpeech Pro Deluxe is a text-to-speech program that packs a lot of power and great features.


As you can see, TextSpeech Pro is a paid program but don’t let that scare you. The features alone and the fact that it works is worth the price tag. TextSpeech Pro can convert most document files (text, Microsoft Word, PDF, Microsoft Excel, RTF, etc) into speech. The speech sounds rather natural unlike most programs that sound generic or robotic or both.


Emails and web pages are also supported with the integrated text-to-speech tools. You may also convert the speech into audio files (MP3, WAV), so you can listen to it while in the car or doing pretty much anything. Overall, TextSpeech Pro Deluxe is one of the best paid software out there.

8

TextAloud

TextAloud

Price

Platform

Rating

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Windows

Notable Features: Save text to MP3, automatic iTunes syncing, optional AT&T Natural Voices Mike & Crystal, multi-language, batch file converter, skin support.


TextAloud is a product of NextUp Technologies.


Although it’s technically paid software, you can download TextAloud for free and give it a try for a couple of days. The program utilizes voice synthesis to read aloud documents, web pages, email and more. The text can be converted to audio and save it as an MP3 or WAV file, so you can easily play it with devices like MP3 players and iPhones.


The TextAloud features a pretty intuitive interface which is a breeze to use. Plus, the app supports skins, so you can tweak the look based to your liking. You also have the option to adjust the volume, voice, and pitch of the speech.


TextAloud is available for $34.95 which uses the default Windows voices. If you want natural sounding voices, you can purchase the AT&T Natural Voices Mike & Crystal or Acapela Sharon and Ryan voice add-ons.

9

Voice Dream Reader

Voice Dream Reader

Price

Platform

Rating

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iOS, Android

Notable Features: 186 voices, 30 languages, auto-scrolling and full-screen, works with Dropbox, iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Box, multi-document format support.


Voice Dream Reader is mainly geared towards mobile users, specifically iOS and Android users.


Voice Dream Reader (iTunes link, Google Play link) supports a wide range of file formats like PDF, plain text, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, RTF, and Google Docs. It can also read web pages by simply highlighting the text that you want to convert to speech. The text can also be converted to MP3, MP4 or zipped MP3 format which you can listen to later straight from your phone.


Purchasing the app will get you one premium Acapela voice of your choice. There are also additional 200+ premium voices in 30 languages available through in-app purchases.


Other features include bookmarking, annotations, full-text search, built-in dictionary, Safari extension for web pages, and many others. The only downside is that it can’t read DRM-protected ebooks, which is basically every ebook that’s available in iBooks and Kindle.


Overall, this is a top-notch text-to-speech app for mobile users.


Found Your Text-to-Speech Software Yet?

That wraps up our roundup of the best text-to-speech software for various platforms.

Many of these applications are available for free, so you don’t have to spend a single cent for your text-to-speech needs. However, if you’re someone who relies on or benefits from text-to-speech features, you should consider purchasing a premium or paid software.

So what do you think of our list of text-to-speech software? Did we leave out a favorite app of yours? Comment your favorite software down below.

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Filed Under: Apps/Softwares Tagged With: software, Text to Speech Transcription

Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro Review – The Power Inside The Tab 3

November 30, 2018 By Daniel Giordano Leave a Comment

Quick Navigation
The Stand Up Factor
Are The Projections on the Tab 3 Up to Scratch?
Sharper Screens on the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3
The Power Inside the Tab 3
The Yoga Tab 3 Sensation
Snap Away with the Tab 3
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro Specs
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro Review
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro - QHD 10.1" Android Tablet Computer (Intel Atom...

Many tablet makers have resigned to the fact that isn’t going to be difficult to do better than the iPad. Instead, Lenovo has decided to cook up something much different with the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro.

With a flip stand that makes it like nothing else on the market, but it also manages to fit in a projector too. We know what you’re thinking – it is a little unorthodox.

But if you are up for something a bit unusual, the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro really makes a lot of sense. The projector is even more useful than you might expect, and at below $400, it's a surprisingly good deal too. Take a further look below, and hopefully, our Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro review will help you to make your mind up!

The Stand Up Factor

First we have to take a look at the layout. This tablet comes with an in-built stand, allowing you to prop it in many different positions – it’s a bit like the Microsoft Surface Pro.

The rack is metal and opens up smoothly instead of only sitting in two or three pre-set spots like the bigger 8in Yoga Tab 3. This allows the Tab 3 to hold itself up (perhaps on your desk at work) but a handy hole in the flip-out section also allows you to hang the pill on the wall. This means you can put it pretty much wherever you like!

As great as this is, when putting the Tab down it's easy to knock it over due to its weighted build when pressing on the screen. The only logical solution for this would be to make the tab heavier – not an ideal solution.

It already weighs 665g, and combined with all the chunkiness of the standing area, it immediately feels a good deal less portable than something like the iPad. However (and this is the big surprise of this Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro) I think the tab would be way better suited to going on vacation.

Are The Projections on the Tab 3 Up to Scratch?

Why? Two reasons. To begin with, the battery is enormous. The Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro includes a 10400mAh unit, larger than just about any other tablet's battery.

Battery life is not quite as fantastic as Lenovo's claim. It says you will Get up to 18 hours; I got 11 when enjoying a locally saved video.

Or you'll get about four hours when using the projector. While that may not sound very long, bear in mind that little standalone pico projectors (such as the Aiptek PocketCinema) only lasts ninety minutes to two hours.

And now we come to just that - the projector. Initially, this may seem like a completely ridiculous feature to have.

Its weak 50-lumen power is miniscule, as even entry-level projectors are capable of 3000-lumen, plus the resolution employs a fraction of the number of pixels onscreen.

Realistically, it ought to be outright dreadful. In rooms with any light, if definitely is. But, there is a certain joy to beaming my favorite film approximately 80in, across one whole wall of my couch. Even though the brightness is pathetic, in a dark room, the image is still relatively good.

The way it works is ingenious too. You turn the projector on by simply long-pressing a button at the end of the hinge.

It then mirrors whatever's onscreen, and utilizes the tablet's accelerometer to judge the angle and also adjusts the image orientation to make it seem correct.

This is a process known as keystone correction and involves distorting the image, cutting into it and therefore further reducing the number of pixels you're seeing. Get it straight in the event that you can.

Lenovo's claim for its Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro projector is that it can stretch around 70in. It may do so, but you also need to consider the way projectors work. The bigger the image receives, the more stretched out it gets.

You want a seriously dark area in order to generate a 70-80in film that is fun to watch.

It's also not much ideal for gaming. Turning on the projector appears to cause a severe performance hit, which makes the display less responsive and produces plenty of lag in 2D games. It’s best to just stream your favorite shows.

In spite of this, I was taken aback at how much the LionYoga Tab 3 Pro projector wasn’t an issue. There is a definite appeal to seeing TV projected on your ceiling as you take it all in, even though it’s not the best quality.

There are definite merits to the Yoga Tab’s projector too, as standalone pico projector can set you back up to $200 on its own.

Sharper Screens on the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3

Back down to the world of good old-fashioned tablets, we have the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro's QHD screen. It measures 10.1in 2560 x 1600 screen, and so is much more 'widescreen' than an iPad – super fashionable.

But the larger screen isn’t just to fit in with the crown. In fact, the larger screen fits this model well. Plus there is an 8in non-Pro variant in case you're desperate for a smaller version (it has a much worse display and no projector).

The screen quality is similar to any high-end LCD. The sharp colors are vibrant, but not too sharp on the eyes, and the angles you can view it from are great.

Set it up in front of you during a flight and it is a great way to make any flight more bearable. Even more reasons to take it abroad.

The software isn't overly invasive either. There's a custom Lenovo UI, which is easy to use, and feels like Android Lollipop bar the different-looking software menu.

Lenovo has packed-in a couple of added apps too, all of which are too dull to discuss.

It seems more-or-less like Lenovo has allowed Android to stay the same, even If there is a custom UI here.

The Power Inside the Tab 3

The Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro features plenty of power too. Its powered by an Intel Atom chip, much like a good deal of the older Lenovo tablet computers, or the 1.4GHz Intel. Even though it’s just a quad-core CPU compared to the standard eight cores nowadays, it still has ample power.

In Snapdragon terms, this means that the Tab’s operating system sits somewhere between the mid-century Snapdragon 617 and the top-end Snapdragon 810.

The performance isn’t perfect, however. As with Several other rather high-power Intel devices that have come before it, its ability to run games isn’t quite on-par with the numbers you see in benchmarks.

Frame speeds in frantic games are noticeably less than 100 percent smooth when those visual effects have been amped up. Even though it performs only a little less than ideal, hard-core gamers will pick it up.

I also stumbled upon a few crashes throughout play also. Bear in mind the less-than-ideal performance when the using the projector as well and you have a tablet that isn't quite as good as you may have thought for gaming.

Honestly, this is mot likely down to a combination of various things. To begin with, Android developers aren't likely to optimize to higher chipsets as they aren’t used as much, and the Tab 3 also has an awful lot of pixels to push, way over a 1080p tablet computer.

The Yoga Tab 3 Sensation

In most scenarios, a slightly smaller, less eclectic tablet computer would be preferable for gaming on the go. The hinge does provide you with something to hold onto if the Tab 3 is held portrait, but it can feel awkward in landscape.

The bottom piece of the Tab 3 is plastic, as well as the hinge, but the remaining portion of the back is made from cushioned fake leather (possibly in an attempt to look upmarket).

While it doesn’t feel like a particularly high-end tablet, it's not as though anyone's likely to attempt to purchase a Yoga Tab 3 Pro believing they are buying the most state-of-the-art tablet in the world (or assume that simply from this Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro review).

Snap Away with the Tab 3

The camera specifications are promising, particularly for a tablet computer. There's a 13-megapixel sensor on the trunk and also a 5-megapixel one up front.

It’s definitely a shame Lenovo couldn’t put their resources together and create a single rotary camera like the one on Lenovo’s 8-inch Tab 3, but it's probably because this model is built from the bod of the previous Yoga Tab 2.

Whilst the specifications hold up, the performance doesn’t bode quite as well. There's a fair deal of lag if you use the back camera, which makes it feel like you have a small wait between pressing the button and the Tab 3 actually taking a picture.

However, picture quality doesn’t quite match what you would on a standard 13-megapixel phone.

It honestly seems like the Tab 3 Pro has a high-res detector to make it appear to be a step up on the Yoga Tab 2 Pro, rather than an indicator of a real concerted effort to allow it to crank out fantastic shots.

Nonetheless, there are tablets with considerably worse cameras out there. They'll do the job for casual shots, and there are definitely tablets that don’t hold up as well as the Tab 3 does in this Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro review.

This is a device build for enjoying media more than anything else. Aside from the 32GB storage (which can also be topped up using a micro SD card), the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro has pretty loud & punchy speakers upfront.

They'll even do the task of providing sound for your projector if you don't have a Bluetooth speaker. The noise does distort somewhat at maximum volume, though. Keep it to 80 percent or lower and you've got an unusually punchy sound.

Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro Specs

  • Screen: 10.1in 2560 x 1600 pixel IPS LCD
  • Software: Android 5.1 with Lenovo U
  • CPU: Intel Atom x8500 quad-core 1.4GH
  • RAM: 2GB
  • Storage: 32GB with microSD
  • Battery: 10400mAh

Pros

  • Great battery life
  • Interesting in-built projector 
  • High-quality screen

Cons

  • A little hefty
  • Gaming performance only OK
  • Projector is quite dim

Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro Review

Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro - QHD 10.1" Android Tablet Computer (Intel Atom...

Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro - QHD 10.1' Android Tablet Computer (Intel Atom...
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro - QHD 10.1" Android Tablet Computer (Intel Atom...
  • A big-screen android tablet optimized for entertainment; Dazzling display; JBL 4-speaker sound bar
  • This 10 inch tablet is perfect for binge-watching TV and movies on-the-go.WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, with Bluetooth 4.0
  • The 10.1” Full HD IPS crystal-clear display makes watching and playing even more fun
Shop now at Amazon.com

The Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro isn’t much like your regular tablet. It's fairly heavy, rather chunky and includes a projector build into the body of the machine.

As you might have guessed, it wouldn’t be such a good idea throw your TV out and replace it with this tablet. The projector is plenty of fun to play with but is far from the best if you’re not watching movies in a dark room.

It is most definitely a media powerhouse though, with its stand and decent battery life, you can place it as a tablet in the big leagues.

Quality

Price

Rating

$$$

Filed Under: Tablets Tagged With: Sharper Screens on the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3, Snap Away with the Tab 3, The Power Inside the Tab 3, The Projections on the Tab 3 Up to Scratch, The Yoga Tab 3 Sensation

Nabi Big Tab Review – Design, Performance, Apps And Games

November 22, 2018 By Daniel Giordano Leave a Comment

nabi big tab

Thinking about buying a tablet for the kids to learn and play with? Nabi has a great range of handheld models for children of different ages, with plenty of options to satisfy even the most restless youngsters. Below we’ve reviewed a few of Nabi’s children’s tablets so you can make your own mind up on what’s best for your little one.

Quick Navigation
Nabi Big Tab Review
nabi Big Tab HD 20"
Nabi Big Tab Design
Nabi Big Tab Performance
Nabi Big Tab Apps and Games
Nabi Big Tab Parental Controls
Nabi Big Tab Verdict

Nabi Big Tab Review

If you are out there for a large family tablet computer, the Nabi Big Tab definitely is up to the task, with a selection of a 20-in or 24-in touchscreen, backed by a child-friendly choice of entertaining and educational games and programs. 

nabi Big Tab HD 20"

nabi Big Tab HD 20'
nabi Big Tab HD 20"
  • nabi Big Tab HD 20" is the world’s biggest HD tablet made especially for children and their families. There’s more...
  • Everything You Love About A Tablet, But Bigger: The incredibly vivid 19.5", 1600 x 900 HD+ multi-touch capacitive screen...
  • Room-to-Room Portability: Watch your favorite movie, browse the Internet or play popular games from anywhere in the...
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Nabi Big Tab Design

At 24 inches, the Big Tab looks like an all-in-one desktop computer.

There is a 24.5-in removable metal framework secured round the Edge of the pill, which sticks out a little so you can utilize it as a carrying handle.

Additionally, it doubles up as a kickstand that you are able to prop up the tablet for a variety of different viewing angles. The framework is also detachable through two release tabs.

The 1,920 x 1,080 is wonderful. It is a good screen, with colors that are bright and quite crisp, and good-looking pictures despite its reduced pixel density. The Big Tab runs onto a quad-core Tegra 4 chip, and is great for this kind of device.

Nabi Big Tab Performance

The tablet includes 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of onboard storage, which cannot be enlarged due to the Big Tab lacking an SD card slot. Like the nabi Dreamtab, the BigTab gets the Blue Morpho software streamed on top of Android’s 4.4 Kitkat, allowing it to be more intuitive for little ones to use.

The tablet's 1,650 mAh built-in battery just provides a 30-minute backup, which means you will mainly be using this with the power adapter plugged in.

The Nabi’s speakers are great for games, although not perfect for watching films. The Nabi’s  front facing camera isn’t bad at capturing pictures but is hindered by low light.

Nabi Big Tab Apps and Games

nabi big tab apps and games

What is unique about the Big Tab is the collaborative experience it provides. The huge display is really a joy when playing multiplayer matches with others. You may even have the Big Tab as a networking center, since it allows you to download videos and TV shows through Google Play.

You'll find games such as Air Hockey, Great White, and Ladders in the game area, and there are a number of games that are educational too.

The tablet does not discriminate on purely informative material either. The Wings learning program provides thousands of classes out of Pre-K through 6th grade level in mathematics, writing and reading.

Nabi Big Tab Parental Controls

The BigTab has a nabi mode for kids to use along with a Password-protected Mommy mode. It delivers the exact same well-designed parental controls that we have seen on the DreamTab.

You can limit just how much time children spend on particular programs with the time controllers, causing the tablet to lock down after the limit is attained.

There is also the choice of preparing time rewards that allow children earn more time on amusing programs for the time they have spent on desired/educational apps.

Fuhu has also tried to offer some incentive for the little ones to pull Their weight around the home, by means of a job list that parents can set up.

Quality

Price

Rating

$$$

Nabi Big Tab Verdict

The Big Tab is a great tablet that not only provides Educational benefits, but also provides outstanding collaborative capabilities.

Even though it's possible to discover multi-player games onto any tablet computer, gameplay on this monumental screen beats anything you may experience packed around a 10-inch iPad screen.

While it is not ideal, with its brief battery Life, very low pixel density and the absence of an SD slot, the Big Tab is still a fantastic device for big families and includes plenty of exceptional and content parental controls.

Prices will be on the higher side of things. However, considering that you are getting the combination of an Android tablet computer and multimedia hub that may double as a complete HD screen, we think that it's well worth a look, and the Nabi Big Tab does consistently well in Nabi tablet reviews.

Filed Under: Reviews, Tablets Tagged With: Nabi Big Tab Apps and Games, Nabi Big Tab Design, Nabi Big Tab Parental Controls, Nabi Big Tab Performance, Nabi Big Tab Review, Nabi Big Tab Verdict

The 10 Best SSD Laptops – Modern Laptops Are Different

November 15, 2018 By Daniel Giordano Leave a Comment

Dell XPS 13
Quick Navigation
Modern Laptops Are Different
Dell XPS 13 9360 13.3" Full HD Anti-Glare InfinityEdge Touchscreen...
Lenovo 80Y70062US Yoga 920 (14) 2-in-1 Notebook PC, 13.9" (Renewed)
LG gram Thin and Light Laptop – 13.3" Full HD IPS Display, Intel...
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HP Spectre x360 13-4197ms 2-in-1 13.3in QHD IPS Touch Screen Laptop -...
ASUS ZenBook 3 UX390UA 12.5" Ultraportable Laptop Intel Core i7-7500U...
Asus ZenBook UX310
Microsoft Surface Laptop (1st Gen) D9P-00001 Laptop (Windows 10 S,...
Acer Swift 7, 13.3" Full HD, 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7Y54, 8GB LPDDR3,...
Huawei MateBook X Signature Edition 13" Laptop, Office 365 Personal...
The Best SSD Laptop – What is Right for You?

The standard hard disk drive (HDD) was the primary storage device used in computers for quite a while. The major draw is that hard disk drives have a large storage and low cost.

The solid-state drive (SSD) is just another storage alternative and is gradually replacing the hardest disk drives. You'll quickly find out by taking at look at the differences between them, the SSD is a definite winner.

But, owing to its cost per unit of memory, some users might be put off buying solid-state drives.

For many computer users, it is recommended using an SSD as the key driver for the operating system, in addition to the programs that you access most often. It’s also a good idea to buy a large HDD (external is great) for saving files, images, and audio.

An SSD has access rates of 35 to 100 microseconds, which Is nearly 100 times quicker than HDD. This faster access rate means apps can be accessed a lot more speedily, which is quite significant, particularly for programs that need a constant stream of information.

The SSD has no moving components. It uses flash memory to store info, which provides better performance and reliability than using a HDD. With no moving parts, SSD also creates no sounds.

SSD can be found in 2.5", 1.8", and 1.0" sizes, raising the space readily available at a computer, particularly on a server or desktop.

Because there are no moving parts and also because of the nature of flash memory, the SSD creates less heat, helping to maximize its lifespan and dependability. SSD isn't influenced by magnetism either.

Modern Laptops Are Different

Laptops are getting smaller, lighter, and much quicker than were before. Some aren’t thicker than 2cm and are using the best chips and solid-state drives – and many of these modern laptops are about reliability as they are about functionality.

Together with the very best Ultrabooks, you do not need to be concerned about your PC locking up in the center of a very important task, or even running out of juice when traveling.

The top ultrabooks were mainly created by Intel to give the MacBook Air a run for its money as it dominated the entire world in 2011.

Fast forward to 2018, and Apples’ Macbook Air has some serious competition - it is a marvel that Apple has not sought to implement many features. Maybe that is why the top Ultrabooks are so popular nowadays.

Most of these run Windows 10 and come from a vast array of laptop makers, the top Ultrabooks bear a range of different innovation that seems to be lacking from Apple’s newest models.

And, now that Intel is formally producing Core I9 notebook CPUs, the very best Ultrabooks stand to be even better in the not too distant future.

If you’re looking for the best SSD Ultrabook you can possibly find, we have narrowed down the choices available to just ten picks.

From manufacturers you’ve probably heard of, such as HP and Dell, to people there are a bit more out there, we've reviewed a range of laptops to suit your needs.

Below you can find out more information about their layout, functionality, battery life, and value, so you can decide for yourself what is the Ultrabook for you. In the long run, it’ll be up to you to make the final decision!

Dell XPS 13 9360 13.3" Full HD Anti-Glare InfinityEdge Touchscreen...

Dell XPS 13 9360 13.3' Full HD Anti-Glare InfinityEdge Touchscreen...
Dell XPS 13 9360 13.3" Full HD Anti-Glare InfinityEdge Touchscreen...
  • 13.3" FHD (1920 x 1080) Infinityedge Touch Display
  • Intel 7th Gen Kaby Lake i5 7200U Dual-Core;
  • 8GB of 2133 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM, 128 GB M.2 SATA SSD;
Shop now at Amazon.com

Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 to i7 
  • Pictures: Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • RAM: 4GB -- 16GB
  • Display: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080; non-touch) – QHD + (3200 x 1800 touchscreen)
  • Storage: 128GB to 1TB SSD

Talking Points

  • Launched IR webcam
  • Beautiful new layout
  • Steeper starting cost
  • White alternative is pricier

Weighing only 2.67 lbs, and measuring just 0.3 Inches thick, Dell’s XPS 13 is most definitely an Ultrabook in the greatest sense.

You will find however that it isn’t the least expensive best SSD laptop, particularly as the cheaper Intel Core i3 build is no longer around. On the other hand, the XPS 13 is a stunning testament to what a lightweight laptop is capable of.

It wields the most recent 8th-generation Intel Core i5 and i7 chips, naturally, but in addition, it also packs a trio of USB Type-C interfaces and the option of an Alpine White, which gives it a brilliant look.

PROS

  • Infinity Display
  • Build Quality
  • Fantastic Keyboard
  • Battery Life up-to 17hrs of usage.

CONS

  • Palm Rest
  • Ergonomics slide.
  • others opinion is the click is quite unsatisfying, 

QUALITY

PRICE

RATING

Best Quality

$$$

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Lenovo 80Y70062US Yoga 920 (14) 2-in-1 Notebook PC, 13.9" (Renewed)

Lenovo 80Y70062US Yoga 920 (14) 2-in-1 Notebook PC, 13.9' (Renewed)
Lenovo 80Y70062US Yoga 920 (14) 2-in-1 Notebook PC, 13.9" (Renewed)
  • This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes...
  • New 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8550U processor (1.80 GHz to 4.00 GHz Cache 8 MB SmartCache) Quad-core, four-way processing...
  • 16GB system memory for intense multitasking. Reams of high-bandwidth DDR4 RAM to smoothly run your graphics-heavy PC...
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Specs

  • CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i5 -- i7
  • Pictures: Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Display: 13.9-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) -- UHD (3,840 x 2,160)
  • Storage: 256GB -- 1TB SSD

Talking Points

  • Beautiful design
  • Adequate power
  • Keyboard still annoys in tablet form
  • Fans can be loud

Few Ultrabooks are solidly built as the Lenovo Yoga 920, a 2-in-1 notebook that looks wonderful and is great to use. Compared to its closest competitors, such as Microsoft's Surface Novel two, it is going to save you some cash.

For the small amount that you put down for it, you are getting a stunning, all-metal finish which can also be flipped inside out for extended use. Additionally, it houses the hottest 8th-generation Intel chips.

PROS

  • Appealing thin-and-light design
  • Blazingly fast SSD
  • Outstanding battery life
  • Eighth-generation Intel Core i7 CPU
  • Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
  • Stylus pen included

CONS

  • Not exactly inexpensive
  • Lacks graphical power
  • Watchband hinge isn't quite stiff enough
  • External monitor requires Thunderbolt 3 adapter
  • No SD card slot

QUALITY

PRICE

RATING

Best Quality

$$$

Shop now at Amazon.com

LG gram Thin and Light Laptop – 13.3" Full HD IPS Display, Intel...

LG gram Thin and Light Laptop – 13.3' Full HD IPS Display, Intel...
LG gram Thin and Light Laptop – 13.3" Full HD IPS Display, Intel...
  • 13.3 inches Full HD IPS LCD Screen
  • Windows 10 Home
  • 72Wh Lithium Battery (up to 22.5 hours* - MobileMark 2014 Standard)
Shop now at Amazon.com

Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 -- i7
  • Pictures: Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Display: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080)
  • Storage: 256GB -- 1TB NVMe M.Two SSD

Talking Points

  • Stunning layout
  • Strong hardware
  • Light on vents

As soon as you see the HP Spectre 13 for the very first time, you may be taken aback by the beauty of its design.

HP has transformed the already-beautiful Spectre and improved it even further with a great look and specifications that really put it in the running for best SSD laptop.

Among the very first Ultrabooks packaging a quad-core CPU, the 2017 Spectre 13 actually doubles the CPU functionality of most of its rivals. This does come at the price of its battery but clocking in at just under 6 hours allows you to get a good amount of work done.

PROS

  • Extremely thin
  • Great screen
  • More ports and power than the MacBook
  • Excellent performance
  • Good battery life
  • Excellent value

CONS

  • Limited number of ports
  • Core i7 performs more like a Core i5
  • No traditional USB ports
  • Small trackpad
  • Lacks a touchscreen

QUALITY

PRICE

RATING

Best Quality

$$$

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No products found.

No products found.

Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i7
  • Pictures: Intel HD Graphics 620 -- Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Display: 12.5-inch UHD (3,840 x 2,160) -- 13.3-inch QHD+ (3,200 x 1,800)
  • Storage: 256GB -- 1TB PCIe SSD

Talking Points

  • Larger, brighter screen
  • Subtler aesthetics on gunmetal Edition
  • Shorter and shorter battery life.
  • No 4K screen option in sight

Razer has got a hold of the frequent misconception that it is a manufacturer of gaming notebooks and peripherals, a reputation it has managed to overcome as it introduced the Blade Stealth back in 2016.

And if you’re not quite sure, the most recent variant of this Razer Blade Stealth will probably make you think again as you glance at the 13.3-inch, QHD+ display.

Whilst this notebook isn’t available in 4K, the functionality of this Ultrabook alone is well worth the compromise, and many crown it the best SSD laptop.

PROS

  • "Razer" thin profile
  • Vibrant 4K touch display
  • Razer finally did away with its mushy mouse buttons
  • Sleek, solid construction
  • New Intel Kaby Lake processor for class-leading performance

CONS

  • Battery life is a bit short for an ultraportable
  • Key travel is a bit shallow

QUALITY

PRICE

RATING

Best Quality

$$$

No products found.

HP Spectre x360 13-4197ms 2-in-1 13.3in QHD IPS Touch Screen Laptop -...

HP Spectre x360 13-4197ms 2-in-1 13.3in QHD IPS Touch Screen Laptop -...
HP Spectre x360 13-4197ms 2-in-1 13.3in QHD IPS Touch Screen Laptop -...
Shop now at Amazon.com

Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 -- i7
  • Pictures: Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • RAM: 8GB -- 16GB
  • Display: 13.3-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) -- UHD (3,840 x 2,160) touch panel
  • Storage: 256GB -- 1TB SSD

Talking Points

  • Stylus included
  • Stunning speakers
  • Weak hinges
  • Annoying keyboard design

Rarely does a business think about absolutely everything when designing a Notebook, however, for what it is worth, the HP Spectre x360 comes amazingly close.

It is a two-in-one convertible notebook – it is possible you wanted a dedicated machine. However, for those creative users on the market, it comes complete with a Windows Ink-compatible stylus, not like most hybrids.

That wouldn’t mean too much if the HP Spectre x360 did not have good audio and visuals, but if you take a look for yourself, it’s easy to see that it does.

PROS

  • Rigid, classy design in allaluminum chassis
  • Decent mix of ports, including fullsize SD card slot
  • Attractive pricing given the overall value

CONS

  • Battery life better than 2016 4K version
  • Big, heavy as a tablet

QUALITY

PRICE

RATING

Best Quality

$$$

Shop now at Amazon.com

ASUS ZenBook 3 UX390UA 12.5" Ultraportable Laptop Intel Core i7-7500U...

ASUS ZenBook 3 UX390UA 12.5' Ultraportable Laptop Intel Core i7-7500U...
ASUS ZenBook 3 UX390UA 12.5" Ultraportable Laptop Intel Core i7-7500U...
  • Incredibly Powerful with Intel Core i7 2.7GHz 7500U Processor and 16GB of 2133MHz DDR3 Memory
  • ASUS Craftsmanship delivers an Ultra-Thin 0.5-inch profile with a 2-pound lightweight unibody design ; 6 Cells 40 Whrs...
  • Our Toughest ZenBook designed with Premium Aerospace-grade Aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Shop now at Amazon.com

Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 -- i7
  • Pictures: Intel HD Graphics 620
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Display: 12.5-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080)
  • Storage: 512GB SSD

Talking Points

  • Crystal clear screen
  • Lightweight and very portable
  • Unusual fingerprint sensor positioning
  • Just one USB-C port

Anyone familiar with Apple's thinnest and lightest notebook would be smart to compare the Asus ZenBook 3 with its most notable competitor, the 12-inch MacBook. The similarities are evident, but take one look at the specs and you can see the obvious differences too. Adorned with the pick of a U-series Intel Core i5 or i7 chip, the ZenBook 3 is remarkably powerful considering it is less than half of an inch thick and weighs only just two pounds. The interface selection is lean, but it is definitely worth the trade-off.

PROS

  • Powerful Core i7 processor in a slim, portable package
  • Great battery life
  • Comes with a mini-dock for extra ports

CONS

  • The 12.5-inch display is locked at 1,920x1,080 resolution
  • Fingerprint sensor placement makes no sense

QUALITY

PRICE

RATING

Best Quality

$$$

Shop now at Amazon.com

2016 ASUS 13.3 inch ZenBook Full HD 1920 x 1080 Laptop PC, Intel Core...

2016 ASUS 13.3 inch ZenBook Full HD 1920 x 1080 Laptop PC, Intel Core...
2016 ASUS 13.3 inch ZenBook Full HD 1920 x 1080 Laptop PC, Intel Core...
  • Intel Core i7-6500U Dual-Core processor 3.5 GHz up to 3.9GHz; Integrated Intel HD 520 Graphics
  • 8GB DDR4 SDRAM RAM. 256GB SSD
  • 13.3" 1920x1080 Anti-Glare Display, HD Webcam, Multi-Format Media Card Reader
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Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i3 -- Core i7
  • Pictures: Intel HD Graphics 620
  • RAM: 4GB -- 16GB
  • Display: 13.3-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) -- QHD+ (3,200 x 1,800)
  • Storage: 500GB -- 1TB HDD; 500GB -- 1TB SSD

Talking Points

  • Super thin 
  • Vibrant, glare-free display
  • Weak images
  • Tinny speakers

It is no secret that Apple hasn’t kept up to scratch with the MacBook Air lately, but it’s not really a problem when you have Windows Ultrabooks that are doing the job just as well - and sometimes better. Just take the UX310, follow-up to the award-winning ZenBook UX305. Possessing a 7th generation Intel Kaby Lake chip, a 178-degree rotating QHD+ display, a USB-C port a plus also an all-aluminum casing, this really is one candidate gunning for the top spot.

PROS

  • All aluminium body
  • Fast to wake up and use

CONS

  • Mediocre battery life

QUALITY

PRICE

RATING

Best Quality

$$

Microsoft Surface Laptop (1st Gen) D9P-00001 Laptop (Windows 10 S,...

Microsoft Surface Laptop (1st Gen) D9P-00001 Laptop (Windows 10 S,...
Microsoft Surface Laptop (1st Gen) D9P-00001 Laptop (Windows 10 S,...
  • Microsoft Surface Laptop features a 7th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 128 GB of storage, 4 GB RAM, and up to 14.5...
  • Backed by the best of Microsoft, including Windows and Office
  • Sleek, elegant design; ultra-thin and light laptop fits easily in your bag
Shop now at Amazon.com

Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 -- i7
  • Pictures: Intel HD Graphics 620 -- Iris Plus Graphics 640
  • RAM: 4GB -- 16GB
  • Display: 13.5-inch, 2,256 x 1,504 PixelSense screen
  • Storage: 128GB -- 512GB SSD

Talking Points

  • Beautiful design
  • Well constructed
  • Windows 10 S is Limited
  • No USB-C

No, this isn’t just another Surface Novel – it is, in fact, a full-on conventional laptop (albeit using a touchscreen) made by Microsoft.

Everything from the imported Alcantara cloth decorating the computer keyboard, to its stunning 13.5-inch, 3:2 PixelSense screen, there is no denying the Surface Notebook's allure at face value. However, if you decide to dig a little deeper, and you will discover a laptop that is arguably more capable than Apple's more expensive 12-inch MacBook.

PROS

  • Slim, modern design
  • Nearly instant face recognition login
  • Free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro
  • Excellent touchscreen
  • Excellent battery life

CONS

  • The long-term life of the fabric covering remains a question
  • The port selection is limited, skipping USB-C entirely
  • Speakers are loud, but lack bass
  • A standard laptop isn't great for pen and touch
  • SSD on the slow side

QUALITY

PRICE

RATING

Best Quality

$$$

Shop now at Amazon.com
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Acer Swift 7, 13.3" Full HD, 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7Y54, 8GB LPDDR3,...

Acer Swift 7, 13.3' Full HD, 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7Y54, 8GB LPDDR3,...
Acer Swift 7, 13.3" Full HD, 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7Y54, 8GB LPDDR3,...
  • 7th Generation Intel Core i5-7Y54 Processor 1.2GHz (Up to 3.2GHz)
  • 13.3" Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen IPS CineCrystal LED-backlit Display, Corning Gorilla Glass 4
  • 8GB LPDDR3 Memory, 256GB SSD
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Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i5-7Y54
  • Pictures: Intel HD Graphics 615
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Display: 13.3-inch FHD 1,920 x 1,080
  • Storage: 256GB SATA SSD

Talking Points

  • Stunning layout
  • Fantastic texture
  • Middling battery life
  • No keyboard backlight

Of course, it’s not surprising that the planet's thinnest laptop does not come without its share of interface drawbacks.

Nonetheless, it’s unfair to judge that the Acer Swift 7, as it has plenty else to make up for it. Sporting a Core i5 chip from Intel's 7th gen Y string lineup (formerly Core M), the Swift 7 is by no way a powerhouse, but it has no need to be, either, as it seems good enough as is.

The Acer Swift 7 performs regardless of its shorter battery life.

PROS

  • Luxurious look and feel
  • Two USB Type-C ports
  • Extra-wide touchpad
  • Tough aluminum body

CONS

  • Performance lags the competition
  • The 1,920x1,080-pixel screen doesn't support touch
  • Lacks an SD Card Reader

QUALITY

PRICE

RATING

Best Quality

$$

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Huawei MateBook X Signature Edition 13" Laptop, Office 365 Personal...

Huawei MateBook X Signature Edition 13' Laptop, Office 365 Personal...
Huawei MateBook X Signature Edition 13" Laptop, Office 365 Personal...
  • At just 12.5mm thick and 2.31 lbs., the Mate Book X is as thin as a magazine but with the full functionality of a PC...
  • Features a 2K display (2160x1440) protected by Corning Gorilla Glass and a 4.4mm narrow bezel with 88% screen...
  • World's first 13-inch notebook to launch Dolby Atmos Sound System providing an immersive sound experience with Dolby...
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Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 -- i7
  • Pictures: Intel HD Graphics 620
  • RAM: 4GB -- 8GB
  • Display: 13-inch, 2,160 x 1,440
  • Storage: 256GB -- 512GB

Talking Points

  • Great layout
  • Great sound capabilities
  • High cost
  • Limited connectivity Choices

Embellished with all the looks and cost of a 12-inch MacBook, you’ll probably be surprised when you figure out the MateBook X is much more powerful than its obvious counterpart.

Donning full size "U" series Intel Core I chips, this Ultrabook is much more than the Chinese knock-off you may have assumed it to be.

It’s created by Huawei – one of the most significant smartphone manufacturers on earth, and by the looks of things, it’s trying to replicate this success with the Matebook too.

PROS

  • Beautiful 14-inch display in a 13-inch frame
  • Unique webcam placement
  • Respectable battery life
  • Gorgeous design

CONS

  • Camera placement needs some getting used to
  • SD card slot not included
  • Unable to sustain maximum CPU Turbo Boost for extended periods

QUALITY

PRICE

RATING

Best Quality

$$$

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Dell XPS 13 9360 13.3" Full HD Anti-Glare InfinityEdge Touchscreen...
Dell XPS 13 9360 13.3' Full HD Anti-Glare InfinityEdge Touchscreen...

Weighing only 2.67 lbs, and measuring just 0.3 Inches thick, Dell’s XPS 13 is most definitely an Ultrabook in the greatest sense.

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Lenovo 80Y70062US Yoga 920 (14) 2-in-1 Notebook PC, 13.9" (Renewed)
Lenovo 80Y70062US Yoga 920 (14) 2-in-1 Notebook PC, 13.9' (Renewed)

Few Ultrabooks are solidly built as the Lenovo Yoga 920, a 2-in-1 notebook that looks wonderful and is great to use.

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LG gram Thin and Light Laptop – 13.3" Full HD IPS Display, Intel...
LG gram Thin and Light Laptop – 13.3' Full HD IPS Display, Intel...

As soon as you see the HP Spectre 13 for the very first time, you may be taken aback by the beauty of its design.

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Razer Blade Stealth will probably make you think again as you glance at the 13.3-inch, QHD+ display.

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HP Spectre x360 13-4197ms 2-in-1 13.3in QHD IPS Touch Screen Laptop -...
HP Spectre x360 13-4197ms 2-in-1 13.3in QHD IPS Touch Screen Laptop -...

It is a two-in-one convertible notebook – it is possible you wanted a dedicated machine.

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ASUS ZenBook 3 UX390UA 12.5" Ultraportable Laptop Intel Core i7-7500U...
ASUS ZenBook 3 UX390UA 12.5' Ultraportable Laptop Intel Core i7-7500U...

the Asus ZenBook 3 with its most notable competitor, the 12-inch MacBook.