Get your game on!

Video games are all about precision as well as reaction times or speed, so why not make sure that your mouse is up to snuff to deal with the competitive nature of new games? There is definitely a difference in using a plain USB mouse that costs $5 and using a quality gaming mouse with enhanced dpi that has extra buttons among other features. What’s dpi, and what extra features do some mice offer? This article will educate you on a few different mice that are considered great quality for gaming and the features that they provide.

1) Logitech G5- The Logitech G5 is an excellent choice for those looking to be competitive of those who’re simply looking for a higher quality in there mouse. The G5 offers a button in the middle that allows you to change your dpi (dots per inch) settings on the fly, which can make your mouse feel much more sensitive and responsive. It’s important to note, though, that the DPI can be turned down if you feel its set too high. The G5 also has 2 mouse buttons on its side as well as a middle scroll bar and middle mouse button. These extra keys that can be bound in games increase its functionality. This mouse even offers weighting that can change the overall weight of your mouse accordingly! The G5 can be yours for $50.

2) Razer Series- I’m posting this set of mice as a series, simply because it’s hard to narrow down to one specific mouse as many people like the different weights and feels of each specific mouse. Razer mice always offer a high dpi, and are almost always more visually appealing from a ‘cool’ point of view. If you’re a simplistic person though, the G5 will be more up your alley in regards to aesthetics. Razer mice are commended for being comfortable for use, and they come in large and small models offering you a wide array to choose from. The common complaint against Razer is their expensive price, they’re almost exclusively $50+.

3) Microsoft Sidewinder- A new series by Microsoft, the sidewinder has made a decent entrance into the world of gaming mice by offering a high 2000dpi coupled with 9 buttons, of which 5 are programmable. The mouse includes adjustable weights and even different feet for the mouse that gives a different gliding feeling. The sidewinder is listed at all different price ranges depending on the model ranging from $30 to $50.

Most gaming mice boil down to what feel you like on your mouse, and for this reason it’s very important that you try to find them in a retail store and feel them before ordering. These mice are sure to boost your performance in any online game and will be leaving you most satisfied.

Photo Credits: William Hook

Originally posted 2009-11-12 03:30:50.

MacBooks

Technical Specs

While this may not be the first thing that jumps out at you when looking for a new computer it’s the most important. Making sure that your computer is technically up to date and can run all the software you want takes precedence over aesthetics and extras. Make sure that your laptop has at least 2 gigabytes of RAM preferably and a duo core processor. Processor speed is measured in GHz and the higher the number the better; ideal range is 2.3-3.0. Another specification that you need to worry about when purchasing a MacBook is the battery life. MacBooks tend to have a great battery life but it’s important to upgrade your battery if you feel the default is not high enough. Other technically specifications that are notable are hard drive space and wireless access. Make sure that the wireless is compatible with your home, work and school addresses.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics should be something you look for after verifying the technical specs of the machine. Make sure that the color and size of the MacBook are what you’re expecting, as well as things such as the quality of screen when it’s turned on. It’s important to note that when you increase screen size on a laptop that the price will start to increase dramatically. Again, don’t buy your computer because it’s visually appealing; make sure that you judge the visuals after you have judged the computer technically.

Warranty

Having a warranty on your MacBook isn’t a necessity, but many people often feel much safer when they get a warranty. The limited warranty most likely will not cover spills or other accident related causes of fault, and MacBooks aren’t the cheapest computers out there. While there price denotes their quality, it’s still important to buy a warranty.

When buying a MacBook, consider all of the following and you will make a purchase that you will not regret in the future. Always remember to judge the computer technically before you judge it visually and you are sure to make the correct buy.

Photo Credits: strollers

Originally posted 2009-11-24 03:01:47.

Mac vs PC

1. Expense-You can argue against this point all you want, but the truth is, Apple’s computers are expensive. When you have the option to easily build your own computer for buy a laptop from a provider such as Dell or HP for half the price of a similarly specified Mac, is it really worth it? A Mac with a 13’ screen on Apple’s website is running at $1200, compared to the $500 it’s running on Dell’s website. This should give you an indicator as to what you’re paying for, overpriced hardware.

2. Video Gaming-If you’re a computer gamer that’s constantly buying new releases the day they’re released then a Mac is definitely not for you. Not only are many PC games not supported by Mac OSX but having to dual boot up Windows every time you play a game can be a chore. The hardware upgrades you have to make to a make to it comparable to PC gaming is ludicrous in price as well.

3. You still need Windows-While it is possible to dual-boot Windows with a Mac machine why would you really go through the extra hassle to purchase another OS. Windows isn’t cheap, it can cost over $200 depending on the version you’re getting and if your business is still using a Windows only application this may be a cost that you’re not willing to afford.

4. Aesthetics Are Not Important-No matter how hard Apple markets their computers are the cool or the pretty thing to have, that isn’t going to make them any better than a Windows machine. Your first goal when looking for a new computer should be that it run all the applications you want it to efficiently, and how it looks externally is not going to be the judge of that.

Apple’s MacBooks may be the cool thing to have, but that doesn’t means that they’re any better than just buying a PC. The only real advantages you get by buying a Mac are those presented with the OSX operating system, and that has nothing to do with the external computer.

Photo Credits: Ed Yourdon

Originally posted 2009-11-09 03:38:40.