Computer Tips From A Computer Guy

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 03:26 AM PST

The long-anticipated announcement of Verizon's iPhone hit the airways this week, leaving many iPhone lovers to consider switching phone carriers. Verizon's iPhone is not drastically different than AT&T's, but it does offer features worth a look.

Cost

Verizon's iPhone will cost the same as AT&T's: $199 for a 16GB model as a contract upgrade. While nothing is official, many media outlets are reporting Verizon's data plans will cost $15 for 150 MB of data, or $30 for unlimited data. Currently, AT&T does not offer an unlimited plan.

Coverage

Verizon lovers claim the network is superior to AT&T's; however, this assumption depends on the area in which you live. In central Florida, for example, AT&T's network has more wide-spread coverage, but in more urban areas of the state, Verizon coverage is rumored to be clearer and result in less dropped calls.

AT&T adamantly refutes Verizon's claim of offering more 3G coverage. AT&T representatives are quick to pull out maps showing just as much coverage as Verizon's network—but even AT&T is not refuting Verizon's claim to 4G coverage.

No 4G on iPhone 4

Regardless of Verizon's 4G coverage, the iPhone 4 will not use the 4G network. We all expect an iPhone 5 announcement in the near future, but no one knows if the new version of the phone will work on 4G. We would hope the Verizon alliance would inspire 4G capability, but there is no way to know yet.

Instant WiFi HotSpot

Verizon's iPhone 4 offers one major enviable feature: the ability to create an instant WiFi hotspot, through which up to 5 devices can connect at any one time.

AT&T allows USB or Bluetooth tethering (for an extra $25/month), but has made no indication they plan to allow the phone to be used as a hotspot any time soon. This feature may be enough to sway many to try Verizon's iPhone.

More Antenna Gaps

Verizon's iPhone 4 has more antenna gaps on the stainless steal band.

Apple is quick to say these are not to fix the connection problems faced by many AT&T iPhone 4 users, but rather to connect with Verizon's CDMA network.

Which is Best?

Since the phones are nearly identical, for now the choice comes to personal preference and needs. Verizon's network does not allow users to talk on the phone and stream data at the same time—this may prove a problem for many. However, Verizon's hotspot feature is definitely attractive.

Copyright © 2007
Online Tech Tips.
Aseem Kishore (digitalfingerprint: a59a56dce36427d83e23b501579944fcakmk1980 (209.85.224.83) )

Post from:

Compare Verizon’s iPhone 4 with AT&T’s

Create High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photos

Posted: 11 Jan 2011 04:52 AM PST

High Dynamic Range (HDR) photos have a deeper range of colors and the appearance of added depth as compared to traditional photos. The process is done by taking three pictures—one too dark, one too light and one just right—then merging them into one photo. When done correctly, the result can be strikingly beautiful.

A new Web site called YoHDR has created a quick way to merge three normal photos into an HDR photo.

To use this service, you need to take three photos of your subject (the ones mentioned above: one overexposed, one underexposed and one at normal exposure). Many digital cameras have an automatic feature for shooting the three photos in succession. It is often called the AEB (Automatic Exposure Bracketing) setting.

We chose these three photos for our test. The photos were taken with a Canon Rebel XS in Destin, Florida.

On the YoHDR homepage, scroll towards the bottom until you see three places to upload photos. Click Pick Dark Photo to upload your darkest photo. Do the same for the normal and bright photos. Click Upload when finished.

A screen will appear stating the site is processing your pictures.

When finished, the page will reload. At the top, your original photos will appear on the left, with the new, HDR photo on the right. Click either Vivid or Natural to download the HDR version of your photo. Here is our photo in Vivid format:

Once we downloaded the photo in its true resolution, we were even more pleased with the results. YoHDR does a great job of creating a beautiful, colorful photo with the appearance of depth.

Right now, YoHDR is free. However, the site plans to charge for the service when it emerges from Beta.

Post from:

Create High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photos