What is a Media Centre PC?
Media Centre PCs are quite the hot topic at the moment – at least amongst tech enthusiasts. But what on earth are they, why will they transform your lounge room forever and should you put one under your tree this year? This article brings you up to speed.
Design your own greeting cards
Get personal by making your very own Christmas cards. With this nifty little program Hallmark Card Studio, you can customise templates, add digital photos and write your own messages. After all, it’s the thought that counts isn’t it? There’s even a free version.
To download the program, click on the link to the right.
Sure-fire gift ideas for the techno-lovers
So you’d love to get in the good books with the techies in your life by giving them a slick new gadget, but you’re not 100% sure if the new shuffle is a music player or a dance. To get you started, here’s four of the cooler presents the tech world currently has to offer.
Under $50
World of Warcraft PC – $29.95rrp
Very popular with teenagers and young adults, this best-selling game has sold almost a million copies worldwide. Humans, Orks and Elves live and wage war in an incredibly detailed and ever-evolving online universe called Middle Earth. Your character, or avatar, can be involved in the game for hours, months or even years. One thing to note, it is a subscription-based game that will cost an ongoing $20 a month or so to participate.
Under $100
The Sims 2 PC – $89.95rrp
The Sims puts you in charge of a virtual household where you look after the lives of your ‘Sims’ (short for simulations). Very much like real life, your Sims have jobs, kids, likes and dislikes and it is up to you to provide for them in almost every way. This is a fascinating and non-violent game which the entire family can enjoy!
Under $200
i-pod Shuffle 1GB - $119rrp
Great for Mum, Dad or anyone who wants a music player that is beautiful looking and easy to use. The iPod Shuffle is the simplest, smallest and cheapest member of the iPod family. At 1GB capacity, the iPod shuffle holds up to 240 songs. Its neat clip system means you can wear it on your sleeve, on your pocket or on your belt. It’s a guaranteed winner for music lovers.
Under $500
The Nintendo Wii - $399rrp
The Nintendo Wii (interestingly pronounced ‘wee’!) is due for release December 7. While the Wii uses slightly older technology than the Microsoft xBox 360 and the Sony PlayStation 3, it is still an awesome machine with web access and heaps of games. It is also significantly cheaper – its competitors are expected to cost around $1,000 when released. One thing that makes the Wii so great (for us anyway) is that you control it using a device which resembles a lightsaber that senses your movements and translates them on screen.
If we’re going to be poking around your computers, we thought you’d like to get to know us first. This time we’re on the couch with GizmoTech Hengky Tan.
What do you do at Gizmo?
I’m a mobile GizmoTech, so I’m mostly out helping customers and looking up the street directory.
If not a GizmoTech, what would you like to be?
I’ve always liked the idea of teaching. It’s a great way to learn more about things and I think it'd be a fun way to share knowledge with people keen to learn. Sharing is caring :)
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to read, watch TV/DVD and browse the net :p
What's the most useful website in the world?
www.wikipedia.org
What’s the most common technology mistake you see in your travels?
People often forget to encrypt their home network
What is your dream holiday destination?
Hmm...Starting from Thailand I'd like to visit Canada, USA, the Bahamas, Mexico and the UK.
