Friday, November 21, 2008

Important Facts About Mp3 And Mp4 Players

Mpeg-1 Audio Layer 3, more commonly referred to as mp3, is a popular digital audio encoding format. A device that is designed to greatly reduce the amount of data required to represent the audio recording, by retaining the sound from the original uncompressed state. Mp3 is an audio-specific compression format. By compressing, certain sounds that cannot be heard by the listener outside the normal human hearing range, are removed. This makes the sound clearly audible to the listener.

The mp3 players have changed the evolution of music. The good old records, eight-track tapes, cassette tapes and CDs no doubt gave the music lovers a good time but none of these earlier music formats provided the convenience and control that mp3 players provide. It is as convenient as keeping it in your hand or pocketing it. You can create personalized music lists and carry thousands of songs wherever you go. Mp3 players are offered in different shapes and sizes.

For those who want to be with the time by possessing the latest gadgets or be the first ones to have them, here is a list of some popular mp3 player brands: Apple, Archos, Creative, Olympus, RCA, Rio, Samsung, SanDisk, Sony and iRiver. Most of these have good amount of storage capacity, screen size, compatable to Apple MacOS X 10.3.4 or later, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 or later.

Mpeg-4 Part 14, a multimedia container format commonly known as Mpeg-4. It is a device that stores digital audio and digital video streams, especially those defined by mpeg. Subtitles and still images are also stored. Mpeg-4 Part 14 allows streaming over the Internet. The filename extension for Mpeg-4 Part 14 files is .mp4, thus the name mp4. Devices that play .mp4 files are referred to as mp4 players.

The evolution of mp4 player devices has lead to providing more features such as fm tuner, voice recorder, email, and Internet browser capability. As it is capable of delivering audio and video at the same time, mp4 devices can offer a wide range of interesting features, such as web browsing, email, instant messaging, video and music download, Bluetooth wireless technology, digital camera and others. Not to forget the game capability, voice recording and multiple language options. The storage capacity is amazing which can start from 256 mega bites up to 40, 60 and up giga bites.

Mp4 is the next step in the evolution of music after mp3. The difference between mp4 and mp3 formats is that, mp4 devices hold both audio and video files. As for the mp3 it only holds the audio type file.

iPod is a brand of portable media players designed and marketed by Apple. The iPod name has become synonymous with mp3 or mp4 players as it is the most popular brand and holds the biggest share of the market. Devices in the iPod range are primarily digital audio players. These devices can be used to store an entire music library. This is not all, it can also be used to view and transfer photos, videos, games, and calendars to the models that support them.

With PDA-like functionality, text files can be displayed, while contacts and schedules can be viewed and synchronized with the host computer. It comes with built-in games like Brick, Parachute, Solitaire, and Music Quiz. It is condensed, brawny and frivolous, and is easy enough to carry along in your palm, in your pocket, or purse.

The storage capacity varies from 512 mb to 80+ gb. It has a powerful 60 mw amplifier so it can deliver audio as loud as you want. It also has a 20 MZ to 20 khz frequency responses. This means, you can hear distortion free music at the least pitches. iPod is a very handy mp3 mp4 player indeed!

This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author´s name and all the URL´s (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/mp3-mp4-audio-portatil.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.PoloMercantil.com.br

Sunday, November 16, 2008

What Are the Top Toys For Christmas 2008

Are you wondering what your little ones are hoping to find under the tree this year? The top toys for Christmas, of course! There are more of these than you can imagine, but some stand out among the rest.

High on the list of hi-tech kids out there are robotics. This year you will see the introduction of a dinosaur named Pleo. Pleo is the most interactive robotic child friendly to date. Big enough for your child to actually ride, you will be amazed by all its features. The different way your child interacts with Pleo sets the pace of Pleo growing up. These features make this one of the top toys for Christmas.

There is a new Elmo Live being added to the line of Elmo's we all know and love. Every child can learn from Elmo. Whether it's a new song or dance, a story or a joke, your child will be entertained by this new friend. If it's creativity you want to encourage, the traditional art easel has a new design making it very user friendly for your child. Also something to consider is the new, what is being toted as "indestructible," digital cameras just for kids. This updated version is waterproof. As one of the top toys for Christmas, bringing photography to your child has never been easier.

An indoor or outdoor game, Hyper Dash will certainly burn off the extra energy the kids have stored up being patient for Santa to arrive. Entertaining and never boring, it's a game that never gets old. It is also reasonably priced and holds up well. For those who love disguise, a voice changer helmet will transform them into Darth Vader or Dr. Who. This one is guaranteed to provide hours of adventures for ages 5 and up. Accessories such as gloves are available with some characters. Top toys for Christmas this year include plenty of role playing and entertainment.

Lego's is sweetening up the market with 6 new play sets. What do you wish to add, or even introduce to your child? From the police station to the cherry picker the play time here is endless as your child reaches a new level of creation with the old favorite Lego's. Some favorite board games have a new look and a new spin. Candyland, for example, now has a castle that is a game all in itself! Twister Hopscotch is just that, more interactive and designed for even more fun than before as one of the top toys for Christmas.

Does your child crave speed? Is he old enough to handle one of the many riders out there? There are so many to choose from you may have just as much fun picking it out for your child, as your child has riding it. From a Ford150 to a John Deere tractor, your child's favorite should be easy to pick out. Of course there is the new Ford Mustangs and the Jeep Hurricane that would suit your daughter just fine. The scooters and skaters on the market will have your speed demon ready to roll, making them top toys for Christmas.

If you would like more information on what are the Top 12 Girls Toys For Christmas 2008 visit the authors site http://toptoysforxmas.com/Top-12-Girls-Toys-For-Christmas-2008.html

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Elmo Live Vs Hasbro's Fur Real Biscuit Doll - Which is the Better Gift?

There are two top 'robot dolls' fighting for the spot of Top Christmas Gift in 2008. These two battling it out are Elmo Live on one side, and Fur Real Friend's Biscuit: My Lovin' Pup on the other. But both of them represent a decent investment of money... so which one should you get? The answer of course lies in each doll's features and how they relate to you and your child personally.

First of all, both Elmo Live and Biscuit: My Lovin' Pup react to their owner's actions, but in different ways. Elmo Live will do things like sneeze when you pinch his nose, or laugh and shake and go 'That tickles!' when you tickle him in the stomach. Biscuit, on the other hand, will do things like lie down in you pat him on the back, or some to you when you call him. So Elmo Live's reactions are just a little bit more tender and personal than Biscuit's, whose main strength lie in doing things like interacting with his bone and learning tricks.

So speaking of tricks, Biscuit can recognize and react to a variety of commands, like speak, sit, and lay down. He does this to imitate and act like an actual real live puppy dog, which he succeeds at. Meanwhile, Elmo Live doesn't react to spoken commands, but he does do another kind of trick; mainly he tells stories and jokes, just like the real Elmo character does on his TV show. The stories are pretty funny, and are based an fairy tales and stuff that appeals to young children.

Of course, we would be amiss if we didn't take into account Elmo's attraction and fame from Sesame Street. For many very young children, this is bound to be the make-it-or-break it factor, as meeting Elmo in person is going to be a huge thing for them. Obviously the same child would be much less impressed by meeting Biscuit, although he might still like it. The puppy doll doesn't fall too far behind though, since slightly older kids who wouldn't be as impressed with Elmo Live are often at the age where they would be very impressed indeed with the idea of owning a puppy.

So all in all, we can say that if your child is on the slightly younger side, you're really best advised in going with Elmo Live, while if your kid is a bit older or he's never watched Sesame Street, your better choice is definitely Fur Real Friend's Biscuit. Whichever gift you choose from these two is bound to make a huge impression anyway, so don't sweat it too much.

Have a safe and happy Christmas by becoming informed on every gift you buy this year! Simon Schwartz advises on every worthwhile Christmas toy in 2008, including Elmo Live at Fisher Price Elmo Live and Biscuit the animatronic puppy at Fur Real Biscuit My Lovin Pup.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Pros and Cons of Electronic Baby Dolls

Baby dolls have existed ever since someone thought of drawing a face onto a piece of fabric or wood, and have been loved by children world-wide. Toys have resumed becoming more and more sophisticated, and now children demand the very latest in technology for their presents.

But is this good for them?

As parents, you have the duty to care for our child and make him/her happy, but you also have a duty to raise them correctly. This includes supplying the best opportunities to develop educationally and emotionally.

Electronic baby dolls seem so nice at first glance. The commercials on the television are fabulous, and they make every little girl want a baby of their own - just like Mommy!

A baby doll like this will make a child feel like part of the family when Mommy is off dealing with a new baby, because they have a new baby of their own to look after. There are plenty of down-sides to these dolls, though. Dolls help develop a child's emotional side. A baby doll is something to be loved. A lot of the love we develop for a special toy comes from the emotions we devote into the relationship.

A toy doesn't need to respond. This is all part of the child's development; they are allowed to use their creativity and imagination. The doll can become whatever they want it to be because the reactions aren't limited by the imagination of the doll manufacturers. These dolls need to have their batteries replaced, which can damage the environment. The dolls can be very heavy and quite hard. A doll should be nice, soft and cuddly.

There are also up-sides for these dolls. They allow a child to practice nurturing and enable them to develop the skills they will need when they become parents. They are used in schools to help impending parents learn what it would be like to have a baby in the house. These dolls are very sophisticated and can be programmed by the teacher to demand a response from the career at specific intervals. These are a great idea, and they are sure to help deter some teenagers from becoming parents too soon.

Elmo Live Toy
Cheap Toys

These dolls are good when used as learning tools, but not for the younger child. Young children, both male and female, need to develop their imagination, and giving them a pre-programmed doll is not the way to do it.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about kids toys, stuffed animals, and dolls. You will find the best marketplace for kids toys, stuffed animals, and dolls at these sites for kids toys, stuffed animals.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Top Toys of 2008 For Kids

Every parent knows that there are many different kinds of kids toys, and the top toys of 2008 are no exception. In fact, this year's best toys contain several classic product types, as well as newer and more innovative toys and games. The only true way to get an accurate sense of the top toys of 2008 is to examine a few exemplary examples of entertainment for all kids of all ages, including the young at heart.

Many people consider the overall top toy of 2008 to be the Air Hogs Havoc Heli Laser Battle, which is actually a two player set of remote controlled helicopters that make authentic battle noises. One reason this is considered to be one of the year's best toys is that fact that it has such a wide customer appeal. Though rated for children over three, even parents find it hard to resist and have reported that it is so easy that even a two year old can do it. All of the top toys of 2008 are parent as well as kid approved, but the helicopter stands out for the simple reason that it appeals equally to boys as girls, small children, or even adults.

Another top toy of the year is worth nothing because of its innovative yet classical concept. The Smart Cycle: Physical Learning Arcade uses technological advancements in video and game interaction to teach kids basic educational lessons, while also improving hand eye coordination. As popular among boys as girls, it is easy to see why it is one of the top toys of 2008. Toys for generations have been geared to practicing skill sets such as the ABC's and numbers, and the physical learning lab distinguishes itself as one of the best kids toys by instilling timeless lessons in a new, interesting, and effective way.

There are also a lot of variations of traditional games and products among the top toys of 2008 too. Just about every little girl likes cute pets and dolls, so it should come as no surprise that this year's most popular girls toy is a tie between the Littlest Pet Shop: Display and Play Round and Round Pet Town and the Troop Groovy Girls, modeled after the Girl Scouts of America. Girls' toys, however, are not the only variation of a classical theme. This year's top outdoor toy is the Ripstik, a caster board that allows kids to experience the fun of skateboarding in a safer way that also increases motor control and coordination. Appealing equally to both boys and girls while promoting regular exercise and physical activity, it is no wonder that this product made an appearance among the top toys of 2008.

The fact is toys change from year to year, but a lot remains the same. While technology has a big influence in evolving the world of toys for kids, many electronics and other modern toys still fit into a classical theme that has been entertaining kids for centuries, such as outdoor games, educational products, and even those like dolls and action figures that we associate with one particular gender.

Please visit us to learn more about the top toys of 2008.