BlogsEconomical TrendNet 24 Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch - TEG-S24DgThis Trendnet 24-port Gigabit Switch provides 24-port density occupying a 2U rack space. Brackets are available below to fit a standard 19" rack and are recommended to keep things securely attached.
Larger HDTV Options With BracketConservatively priced, in the 42"-46" range, all are capable of changing to a TV station as well if needed as HDTV's are less expensive than actual monitors of this same size.
Downgrading Windows 8 to Windows 7 or Upgrading From Windows Vista Home to Windows 7 ProWhile primarily for business customers, Microsoft does have the option to downgrade your Windows 8 Pro Installation to Windows 7. Another benefit this provides, is if you happen to find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being on a Home Edition of Windows Vista, you may upgrade to Windows 7 Home and retain all settings, after doing the upgrade to Windows 8, still retaining all settings, you may then downgrade to Windows 7 Pro. Thus doing the impossible, and going from Windows Vista Home to Windows 7 Pro and changing actual product lines (should you need the features of Pro and already own a valid license).
Western Digital MyBook Live 2TB USB 3.0 External Drive vs Seagate 2TB USB 3.0 External DriveThe Seagate 2TB USB 3.0 External Drive is a good cost conscious choice for 2TB of raw storage. Currently Seagate comes as a no-nonsense traditional storage device, while other manufacturers are focused on expanding the services they sell on top of just the drive, expanding the capabilities and functionality for their owners. Though comparable in size, the Western Digital MyBook Live Drive has a lot more going for it and has more of the aforementioned functionality. Western Digital drives have traditionally outperformed Seagate drives of the same spindle speed but I won't get into that debate here. The Western Digital MyBook Live 2TB USB Drive also has a SmartPhone/Table App that will give your device access to your own personal storage on the go. Well worth the extra cost. An Android App is now developed for the Western Digial MyBook Live product, your files stored on this device can now be available from anywhere you might need access to them, much the same way DropBox now functions but completely on your own secure devie.
Acer 27 Inch HDMI VGA DVI LED Flat Screen With Built In SpeakersThis 27" Asus LED backlit LCD has 5-15 degrees of adjustment at the base and will still allow you to connect a bracket on the back to attach a standard 4-hole, either wall mount or zero client. It also has integrated speakers which helps to cut down on the clutter of external speakers. An HDTV of this same size should probably be less and adds that capability of a coax/cable tv port, but will have no included adjustable mount. Speakers on an HDTV would as well be integrated and was another major factor in selecting this particular model.
Less Expensive iPad AlternativesThis isn't the latest Android device, but it's only around $50 and does most of the same things the iPad will do. It runs the Android OS version 2.2. The current version of the Android OS is 4.0. This is also a refurbished model but definitely very capable with a Dual Core Processor and 2GB of built-in storage. $54.99 This model comes with the latest Android OS (4.0) and has 8GB of Storage for around $250, Clicking Buy Now just takes you to the specifics page;
HDMI Cables And VGA Adapters To Attach New Computers To Old MonitorsModern LED LCD screens, HD TVs and touchscreens use HDMI cables to send the video and audio signal. Cables in lengths of 6ft are sufficient for desktop scenarios but where the CPU is further away from the actual screen, as in home audio situations, cables of 20ft are a good size for typical rooms. These are AmazonBasic branded cables, some of the first products I've seen to actually carry the Amazon sticker as a store brand, and seem to be the most cost effective for the features, including new draft standards. About 3-4 of the shorter cables on hand would be adequate and 5 or more of the longer cables;
Compact or Portable Laser Printer OptionsSamsung and Dell both make some decent "smaller" sized printers that are compact and can be very portable if needed. These are black only, please let me know if color is necessary as it will add more expense to a laser printer. For quick, cheap blank only print outs this is the way to go. HP is the highest priced, listed last and not as portable/compact, but HP has always made some of the most reliable printers.
Google Nexus and Samsung Galaxy Tablet RecommendationsSeveral tablets on the market today are comparable in features to the Apple iPad, but are significantly lower in price. The Nexus Tablet and Samsung Galaxy Tablet are great alternatives. Both brands have the full capability of wireless broadband internet and both have a Wifi only version (if you already have wifi at home and plan to use it mostly at home, 4G is not necessary, but not a significant additional cost).
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