Why Buy a Tablet?

Tablets are taking the computing world by storm. They are the latest trend that gives you internet capabilities, access to email, video chat and allows you to capture images and video while on the go. These multimedia devices are designed to be portable, with small dimensions and a lightweight design. They also give you control by navigating around the device using the touchscreen display or stylus pen.

Whether you are a student, business professional or just love technology, tablets have something for everyone. The best devices offer a responsive touchscreen that quickly obeys your every command. You can take notes, send emails and create documents or slideshows anywhere, anytime. Using the built-in cameras, you can capture images at a moment’s notice or even communicate via video chat with anyone around the world.

Tablets: What to Look For

When deciding which tablet is best for you, consider what you'll use it for. Several tablets offer more entertainment features with high screen resolution, video chat capabilities and strong graphics. Others include multitasking capabilities, long battery life and multiple inputs and ways of connecting to the internet. Our side-by-side comparison chart and objective reviews can help you find the tablet with the features you're looking for.

Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to rate these computing devices.

Features
In this section we look at the main functionality of each tablet. A music player, video chat capabilities, a camera, GPS and even a built-in eReader are features you will find in several top products. The operating system is also a critical feature we explore to give you a feel for the interface and navigation.

Hardware
The hardware is an important part of your computing device, and it is essential you know what is available to you. When considering different tablets, you need to look at the processor and make sure it offers the speed you need. Also, the amount of memory is important, especially if you plan on storing your music collection, photos and videos on this device.

Display
The display makes these computing devices unique compared to other computing devices. A responsive touchscreen is a necessity, along with beautiful display resolution, particularly for viewing photos, movies or even playing games. Portability is paramount for a good tablet. And although you definitely want a lightweight device, you have to decide for yourself whether you want a larger screen or a more portable product.

Ease of Use
For a tablet to be worthwhile, it must be easy to use. Some devices include a built-in stand to hold up the product for easy viewing. Others provide a digital pen for easy navigation, especially if you don’t want to use your fingers all the time. But most importantly, the device must be easy enough to navigate that even a tablet beginner won’t have any difficulty.

If you combine all these different elements together, you create the ultimate computing device that gives you access to what you need, whenever you need it.

Feature You Must Know Before Upgrading Your Current TV to an LED TV?

Your current TV works just fine, so why replace it? Let's start with contrast ratio. Standard LCD TVs aren’t known for excellent contrast ratios since they use cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) which can’t be turned off while in use. This means they can’t produce rich dark images because there is always light on the screen.

Anything slimmer than a standard cathode-ray tube (CRT) television used to be considered a slim TV. Today it seems anything over 4 inches thick is unacceptable. LED backlit TVs allow the manufacturers to produce TVs that are slimmer than ever before. With an LED TV, it is finally possible to hang your TV on the wall and actually have it look like a picture.

LED TVs such as the Sony Bravia XBR-55HX950, Samsung UN55ES8000F, or Vizio M3D550KD offer brighter pictures and a better contrast ratio because of local dimming. The result is a slimmer TV that produces vibrant colors. Everything that you watch on an LED TV will look better than your old TV because of the new LED lights that are used to produce the image. From video games to chick flicks, you will see detail that has been there all along but was simply blurred or could not be produced on a standard LCD TV.

Buying an LED TV is no small purchase. It's important to know what to look for when shopping for a new TV. Your TV says a lot about who you are, so having an out-of-date television can give the wrong impression. It is the most visible piece of your home theater system and the only part that you actually see during a movie. While it is turned off it is very much a piece of your room’s décor, so slim design and a nice finish are essential. It is wise to consider these and other factors when selecting a new LED TV.

Features

Look for an LED TV with local dimming because, as with all electronics, not all TVs are created equally. The best LED TVs will actually be able to dim the backlight in dark portions of a movie, resulting in greater detail and contrast. LED backlights allow the TV to be built to a slimmer standard. This is especially important when mounting the TV to a wall, which is probably the most popular way to mount a TV.

Display

Look for a TV with a fast refresh rate. Standard TVs refresh at 60Hz, and the best LED TVs refresh at 240Hz or faster. You will also want to look for a TV with a response time of 3ms or faster. This will make those quick movements less blurry and improve gaming, sports and action movies. Because of the LED backlighting you will find TVs with a contrast ratio of up to 10,000,000:1, which is far beyond that of any LCD TV on the market.

Connections

Most high-end LED TVs will have at least four HDMI inputs as well as an Ethernet port, PC input and other standard component video inputs. Some may even include Wi-Fi or have a memory card slot for quick picture viewing.

Help & Support

Whenever you purchase anything online you will want to make sure the company offers plenty of help and support. Most companies will have a phone number, email, live chat, FAQs and even online manuals in case you lose the one that comes with your TV. Response times should be quick, and the person helping you should know the answers to your questions.

Natural solution to depression

If you suffer from low mood, a loss of pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, or a feeling that you just don’t care, you may be depressed; but certain lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements can serve as effective natural remedies for depression.

Where does depression come from?

There are a number of potential causes of depression, both social and psychological. These may include a stressful event, such as the death of a loved one, a family history, illness or injury, or loneliness.

How to fight depression

There are a number of natural remedies for depression that can help towards improving your mood. Try our tips below.

Deep breathing

Deep breathing can help to reduce depression by allowing you to take control of your thoughts and calm your body. Breathing exercises increase oxygen supply to the brain and nervous system, which can allow the body to relax and ease low mood.

One of the most popular deep breathing techniques is the ‘4-7-8’ method: Breathe in to the count of four, hold your breath for the count of seven, and then exhale slowly for the count of eight.

Exercise

Regular physical activity can help to reduce depression, as it boosts the release of feel-good endorphins such as serotonin in the body, therefore raising mood. Find a form of exercise that you enjoy, and try to complete 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.

Nutrition

Eating a well balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and incorporating all the food groups is important for fighting depression. Eat regularly and healthily to ensure you provide your body with the essential nutrients it needs to function properly.

Include complex carbohydrates and protein in your diet, as these provide sustained energy levels. Try to avoid sugary drinks and junk food, as they cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate, causing tiredness and irritability.

Talking therapy

Don’t be afraid to talk about your problems; opening up to a friend or family member can be therapeutic and offer relief from depression.

Also consider talking to a doctor, who may recommend Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), which aims to change the way people think of themselves and their lives., and improve their state of mind.

The power of the sun

The winter months in particular can see a rise in depression. This may be attributed to the fact that natural sunlight levels drop, meaning less serotonin is produced in the body. Try to get outside as often as possible to absorb some sunlight. Alternatively light therapy can help to boost serotonin levels; this involves sitting near a box emitting light that mimics natural outdoor light.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness can be an effective way to fight depression, because it incorporates mind-body techniques such as yoga that are designed to improve control over the body and thoughts.

Tai chi is a mild form of exercise that also incorporates meditation and deep breathing, and may also help to combat depression.

Vitamins for depression

Certain nutrients are thought to be important for cognitive function, and may help reduce depression. Some of the key supplements for depression are:

• Vitamin B complex – Essential for the maintenance of the nervous system. People with depression have often been found to be deficient in B vitamins.

• Vitamin C – Vital for all round health, vitamin C may help to reduce depression by warding off stress and stress hormones. It is also thought to help with reducing fatigue caused by depression.

• Vitamin E – An antioxidant that helps with neurological function. Studies have suggested that sufferers of depression are often deficient in vitamin E.

• Zinc – Zinc plays a role in the production of neurotransmitters and hormones. A deficiency in zinc has been shown to cause low mood.

Pre & post workout supplements

Exercise is important in maintaining and improving our overall health, but it can take a toll on the body. Fuelling yourself with good nutrition, preparing properly, and allowing sufficient recovery are all important in maximising your workout. Certain nutritional supplements can also help, both prior to and after your exercise.

Pre-workout

Before starting your workout, remember to warm up properly; a simple 10 minute walk or jog is sufficient. Also ensure that you stretch effectively to minimise the risk of injuries such as muscle strains and pulls.

Try not to exercise too soon after a large meal, as this can cause discomfort. Similarly, exercising on an empty stomach may not be too beneficial, as it can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. A small healthy snack just before working out can offer some energy without causing discomfort.

• Energy: Some supplements can provide an additional burst of energy that is useful for maximising your workout in terms of performance. B vitamins are particularly important when exercising, as they play an essential role in releasing energy from food.

• Protecting against injury: Joint injuries are common when exercising, particularly during high intensity activities. Hyaluronic acid is known as the ‘goo’ molecule, and is found in the body’s connective tissues and joint fluids. Many people choose to supplement with hyaluronic acid to help lubricate the joints and to act as a ‘shock absorber’, cushioning the bones during exercise.

Post-workout

During your exercise, hydration is important as water is lost through sweat. Remember to drink plenty of water both during and after your workout, to replenish your stores.

In order to prevent stiffness and pain, it is vital to cool down at the end of your work out, again with a light walk or jog, and stretching of the muscles.

• Treating strained muscles: MSM is a natural form of sulphur that occurs in the body, and is important in the formation of muscles and healthy cells. In addition, it holds anti-inflammatory properties and MSM sup plementsare therefore popular with athletes. It is thought that MSM can help to ease muscle cramps and pain, and reduce muscle recovery time.

• Replacing lost nutrients: Intense exercise can interrupt the immune system and reduce the production of white blood cells. Taking a vitamin C supplement can help to boost the immune system, and help with the building of joint tissue. Vitamin C is also important for body’s absorption of minerals such as iron, a nutrient which many athletes find that they are low in, especially women.

Hangouts 1.3 Will Add SMS, Giving Android Its Own iMessage Equivalent

Google is said to be prepping an update to its Hangouts instant messaging/video chat Android app that would allow it to integrate with SMS, making it possible to get all text and MMS messages right in the same inbox. That would fulfill a promise made a long time ago, near when Hangouts was first announced, by Hangouts and Chat community manager Dori Storbeck.

The new info comes from Android Police, which says it had heard that Google would be building SMS integration into Hangouts in a version releasing soon, a report which was then corroborated by screenshots from an anonymous tipster. In the screenshots, Hangouts is depicted as showing messages clearly sent “via SMS,” as well as being able to “Send an SMS message” in the existing compose screen. There’s also a screenshot of the settings where SMS can be toggled on and off.

The update would also offer up video sharing via Hangouts, the report claims, but the biggest news for both Google and for other third-party messaging platforms would be the SMS integration. It would consolidate one more service/app offering into Hangouts for Google, which has already subsumed Google Talk and Google+ Messenger. It would be easy to see it taking the next logical step from there and offering VoIP services, too, providing a complete over-the-top service.

It would also be potentially bad news for competitors like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. FB’s messaging app already offers SMS integration, but Google’s Hangouts version would ship on devices pre-installed, and could conceivably replace the Messaging app altogether, making it the default option for Android users. It could also eat away at more carrier business, as combining the two and favoring Google+ based messaging first would  have a similar effect to iMessage, where carriers eventually derive less revenue from shuttling SMS content back and forth.

SMS has long been in the cards for Hangouts, and hopefully it’s arriving soon. There’s no timeline attached to the report, apart from some speculation it could arrive with Android KitKat, but in all likelihood this functionality will be generally available to Hangouts users regardless of their OS version.