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April 20, 2021

Category: Blog

5 Tips on Choosing the Best Headphones for Hearing aids

Wednesday, 12 September 2018 by Regina G. Luke
headphones for hearing aids

Know how to choose the best headphones for hearing aids users in 5 effective ways

We all know that most of the people who are suffering from hearing loss, be it of minor or major one, you need to use headphones for hearing aid wearers from we bought from this review to understand usually and live a healthy life.

Your hearing aid is a device that you wear in your ear in various ways to aid or resolve understanding issues. These hearing aids receive vibration artificially and help you to listen generally like any other hearing enabled person.

This is to wear in your ear, around the ear or on the ear.

Now, we also know that often due to situation or for your field of work or to pass your leisure time, you do want to use a headphone which allows you to listen to your piece of thing only by yourself and to listen carefully, if it’s any assignment or item, you need to hear clearly. Often, it is also noticed that if there is a headphone in use, many of us can listen to different things being in the same place. Such an example is the Silent Disco.

 

How to go about choosing the best headphones?

This tutorial will give you an overview of how to choose your headphones when you are a hearing aid user. Sometimes what happens is that, when you need an item to purchase to use, you speed up your action and you miss out on the information of the product types and guidelines.

We will try to accumulate the information in this one tutorial, which will help you to get a holistic overview to make your choice the best suit for yourself. So the tutorial shows you the following, to teach you how to choose your headphones when you are a hearing aid user.

  • How to analyse your hearing aid position.
  • How to understand your hearing function
  • How to know which headphone your Hearing Aid supports
  • How to know the right way to wear your headphones along with your hearing aid
  • How to find your suitable headphone for your budget.

 

in-canal hearing aid

The Top steps to Finding the Best Headphones for Hearing Aids

If you really understand your hearing aid position, hearing aid function and how your hearing aid pairs with a specific type of headphone, to know the headphone wearing process, and to choose in your budget you will not be misguided. And as a result, you will not end up buying a mismatched headphone. We will define and state how to bring in use these 5 practical ways to choose your headphone when using the hearing aid.

There are different types of hearing aid such as Invisible In The Ear(IIC), Completely In Canal(CIC), In The Canal(ITC), In The Ear(ITE), Receiver In Canal(RIC) & Behind The Ear(BTE).

 

How to analyse your Hearing Aid position?

  1. Invisible In The Canal (IITC) – This custom fitted style, which means an ear mould is separately made customised according to the user’s ear shape, size, and anatomy. This is inserted farther inside the ear canal which is not the same in other styles. This type is used against mild to moderate hearing loss.
  2. Entirely In Canal (CIC) – This style is also made with a user or buyer customization. This is to wear in the entrance of the canal and elongates till, inside the channel, only a tiny handle pops outside and is visible; this is for inserting and removing the hearing aid. This type of hearing aid is also used for mild to moderate hearing loss.
  3. In The Canal (ITC) – This type is worn to fit in the entrance of the ear canal, and with a little part of it being visible outside. This is used for mild to mildly severe hearing loss.
  4. In The Ear (ITE) – This is also custom made and worn in the outer part of the ear. Very well visible from the outside. This type is used for mild to severe hearing loss.
  5. Receiver In Canal (RIC) – This kind of hearing aid is hardly seen from outside; in this, a receiver is inserted in the ear canal connected to a thin wire. This is used for mild to moderate hearing loss.
    6. Behind The Ear (BTE) – This type is found in a casing which rests behind your ear and is always visible. This type is used for moderate to severe hearing loss.

 

How to analyse your Hearing Aid function?

  1. Invisible In The Canal (IITC) – This type is used against mild to moderate hearing loss.
  2. Entirely In Canal (CIC) – This type of hearing aid is also used for mild to moderate hearing loss.
  3. In The Canal (ITC) – This is used for mild to mildly severe hearing loss.
  4. In The Ear (ITE) – This type is used for mild to severe hearing loss.
  5. Receiver In Canal (RIC) – This is used for mild to moderate hearing loss.
  6. Behind The Ear (BTE) – This type is used for moderate to severe hearing loss.

headphones work best with hearing aids

How to know which Headphone supports your Hearing Aid

There are again different kind of manufacturer made of headphone which is different from each other by their shape, size and functions. An overview of such differences alongside the types is as follows.

Bone Conducting Headphones – Bone-conducting headphones enable you to hear sound through the cheekbones and jawbones. Suitable for those who are wearing the hearing aid in the outer ear or inside the ear canal. Hearing Aids that best suits this headphone are:-

a. In the ear (ITE)
b. In the canal (ITC)
c. Entirely in the canal (CIC)
d. Invisible in the canal (IITC)

On-Ear Headphones – On-Ear headphones are designed with an opening in the center of the headphone for the sound to come and sits on the ITE hearing aid. Best fit hearing aids for this headphone will be:-
a. Entirely in a canal (CIC)
b. Invisible in the canal (IITC)
c. A receiver in a canal (RIC)

Over-Ear Headphones – These headphones are used best for noise cancellation which helps your ear to get the needful sound only and prevents your hearing from damage. This type matches with the following hearing aids:-
a. In the ear (ITE)
b. In the canal (ITE)
c. Behind the ear (BTE)
d. A receiver in a canal (RIC)

 

Headphones to Hearing Aids

How to know the right way to wear your Headphones along with your Hearing Aid?

When you wear your headphone with your hearing aid, you must adjust the volume for the correct amount of sound to enter your ear through the hearing aid. Which will assure your devices to be fit for a long time and no damage to the hearing will be caused.

 

Finding your suitable Headphone in your Budget

There are three different types of headphones available and used for different types of hearing aid users. Choose your headphone type and ask online or offline stores for the most suitable headphones in your budget.
So, keep all the factors mentioned above in your mind while choosing headphones being a hearing aid user. As you are already having an issue of hearing loss, it is advised to think technically before buying.

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Sennheiser HD 600 Review – A 2018 Must Read

Saturday, 08 September 2018 by Regina G. Luke
Sennheiser HD 600

Audiophiles understand the importance of quality headphones, as they’re the ones that bring them closer to their music. Great quality headphones not only provide good volume along with a clear bass but also provide the required isolation one needs from the world. Gamers especially need this as they play in enclosed environments and need to concentrate a lot while playing.

Gamers these days aren’t only looking for best laptop deals to get good equipment but also want to spend a money on a good pair of headphones to enhance their gaming experience. Sennheiser HD 600 thus, provide you with a great sound experience and perfect isolation suited for music lovers and gamers alike.

If you’re looking for some headphones suited to be used at home, this review will help you figure out if the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones are the ones for you. With the best laptop deals, you could even get the right gaming laptop for you that goes great with this Sennheiser HD 600.

 

Design and Features

Coming from the range of high end headphones by the brand, the Sennheiser HD 600 are no different. The open-back headphones with large enough to fit over the ears and cover them all the way. The headphones have a grey and blue patterned plastic finish on the outside and suede lining on the inside. The padding is quite soft and provide the user adequate comfort to keep the HD 600headphones on for hours.

In case of any damage, the ear pads can be replaced as well. However, the top of the headphones may cause a little discomfort and seem too small.

These open-backed headphones, like most, have left the ear cups open and for the music travel well and have covered it with a black mesh so that the inside drivers don’t get damaged. Audio technicians, in particular, enjoy open backed headphones as the sound quality offered is quite clear and unfiltered. If you’re looking for best laptop deals in order to make some music in it, you can surely throw in some open back headphones to make your experience a lot better.

The Sennheiser HD 600 headphones come with a 9-foot Y-cable that ends at a gold-plated 3.5 mm audio jack. The gold plated jack serves well for the longest time as it doesn’t corrode. However, the cable can be replaced in the event of accidental damages.

 

Gaming Quality

The headphones do seem to work great with gaming laptops too. With the long cable, you wouldn’t find it hard to use it with either your gaming pc or your gaming laptop. The design looks great and even if you’re looking to power on your gaming laptop outside your home, you could try out the headphone. It just fits in snugly and while it does offer some good sound quality, it doesn’t offer complete noise cancellation. You don’t need it too, given the fact that you would want to be aware of what’s happening around you when you are outside.

 

Sound Quality

The best part about the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones are its suede padded ear cups which allow it to stay on the ears longer than most leather-padded headphones. You can wear them in for hours without breaking a sweat and therefore, these work particularly well for gamers.

If you’re a gamer who’s looking for best laptop deals and want to invest in good equipment, throwing these in would prove beneficial.

The sound quality offered by the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones is incredible to say the least. The open back headphones truly turn the world of listening inside your home upside down with its 600larger than life audio spectrum. The headphone hits the bass just right and makes you feel like you’re in a big room with its live sounds.

It works well for musicians who’re preparing for concerts as it helps them mix the sounds on their laptop even better. Musicians looking out for best laptop deals can sure do well with the addition of these headphones.

The bass and treble hit by the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones is just right and can offer the height of volumes many closed back headphones can’t deliver. However, the headphones suffer at the lower volume range as is the case with many open back headphones.

Apart from that, the headphones are truly meant to be used for personal sessions at home, as they don’t do well in the outside world. The volume offered on a regular mobile phone or a portable sound device is pleasant but quite average as compared to the heights it reaches in a small room connected to a home theater or a laptop.

 

Verdict

Lying on a slightly expensive side of the headphones cart, the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones deliver for every penny spent on them. Despite lacking the abilities of closed back headphones, Sennheiser HD 600 do not make you miss them at all.

The headphones are especially suitable for people who’re into gaming and looking for beat laptop deals as the headphones provide the isolated experience they crave the most.

The Sennheiser HD 600 headphones offer everything that a premium high-end pair of headphones is capable of, in terms of design, sound quality, volume, bass, and treble. However, it doesn’t work for people who want a pair to work with their portable devices as this one is meant to be used at home.

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HiFiMan HE-400 Review – A 2018 Comprehensive Guide

Saturday, 08 September 2018 by Regina G. Luke
HiFiMan HE-400 Review

Music is personal for almost everybody. We all listen to the music we associate with, and usually use our headphones to make the experience all the more personal. It feels like the song has especially been written for us and is being performed exclusively for us.

A good pair of headphones not only keeps you isolated while listening to music, it also great uses while running, and gaming – helping you experience sound just the right way.

If you’re using your headphones for gaming purposes, it is only fitting to get an amazing laptop for that and the best laptop deals will help you in picking the right things.

 

HiFiMan Series- How Good are They?

If you’re looking for some good music, you would know that HiFiMan headphones are a good bet.

In a very short span of time, HiFiMan has made quite a name for itself in the audiophile community where a good sound is what everyone’s looking for. Their latest, the HE-400 is no different in terms of sound quality. Designed especially to be used at home, these headphones take the combination of a great sound and noise cancellation to a whole new level.

HiFiMan HE-400 ReviewIf you’re looking for a good pair of headphones to be used at home, read our full review to find out if the HiFiMan HE-400 headphones should be your choice.

 

Design and Features That You Will Love

If you’re looking for the right headphone, you would want it to look great too apart from having a good sound. So, how does the HiFiMan HE 400 fare in this department?

The HiFiMan HE-400 are large headphones that cover the ears completely. The HiFiMan HE-400 open-backed headphones that feature a high-gloss cobalt blue color on the outside and a faux leather padding on the inside.

The cobalt blue ear cups are supported by a real leather-covered headband on the top that sits comfortably on the head. The faux leather cushions on the ear cups make sure that the pressure is low on the ears so that they don’t feel a thing.

However, at 440 grams, the headphone is quite heavy with its flat bar magnets aligned near the flat drivers inside the cups. Thus, they become slightly less comfortable to wear at times.

The use of gold-plated connectors for the ear cups ensure a long time good electrical performance, as well as they, don’t corrode easily. The connectors are also easy to replace if they break. The connectors end at a usual 3.5 mm audio jack. The pair of headphones also comes with an extra 6.3 mm gold adaptor, if needed.

The open-backed nature, as well as their low impedance, make them a use-at-home pair instead of the kind you can take out while driving. The headphones aren’t also suited to use with music players and phones. The open-backed nature also means that in public, the person who is closer to you may be able to hear what you’re listening to.

Since they can be used at home, the earphones have a great use for gaming and will work well with a laptop. So, find the best laptop deals to make your perfect gaming pair.

 

Sound Quality on Offer

Since the headphones are designed especially to be used at home, the sound quality is quite exceptional. The makers seem to have taken into account that you won’t need a lot of ‘being aware’ since you’re listening to music from your home, and thus offers great noise cancellation capability.

The standard is closer to what people have come to expect from the HiFiMan headphones. The sound is quite balanced in nature and handles both bass and treble very well. This, along with the comfort provided by the faux leather cushions cause the user to not feel any discomfort or fatigue even after hours of listening.

As a result, if you make music and looking for best laptop deals and great headphones to start off mixing music, this one will give you hours’ worth of comfort.

The bass comes clear and deep and doesn’t sound shaky as many of the headphones of the similar range. The scalability of the sound works even better as the headphones sound don’t lose their touch even at low volumes and do not shriek at the higher end.

However, the sound isn’t made to work well with portable music players or mobile phones. The sounds are great but aren’t as clear or loud as they’d be in a home, connected to a TV or a laptop.

 

Performance Outside Your Home

AudiophileThe headphones do tick off most of the things you would want from a great headphone for personal use. The problem is – they aren’t always good and are definitely not meant for everywhere.

The headphones are especially not suited to the outside. In case you’re looking for best laptop deals or home theatres in order to listen to some music at home or make some, these headphones won’t compromise on the quality and give you the great sound you truly need.

 

Verdict

Overall, it’s a good choice if you are looking for the right headphone for your home. For your travels? Not so much.

The headphone does make the right noises but seems to be limited at what it can do (and cannot).

The HiFiMan HE-400 headphones lie of the pricier end of the headphones spectrum but offer great sound quality nonetheless. The headphones may seem bulkier but offer a good base, volume variation, and isolation while listening.

It’s a perfect choice for people who want to listen to music at home or are into gaming. If you’re someone who is looking for best laptop deals to get into gaming, you might want to throw in these headphones for a truly isolated experience.

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Why a Motorcycle Rider Still Chooses Headphones over Communicator Sytems

Saturday, 08 September 2018 by Regina G. Luke
Motorcycle Rider Still Chooses Headphones

Riding a motorcycle is perhaps one of the most convenient ways to get around or to even enjoy spending your leisure time. That said, while owning a motorcycle can be an exciting venture, you need to be well equipped with the appropriate resources for the experience.

This includes owning the necessary accessories such as headphones or a communicator system. In particular, the headphones make it easy to connect directly to your phone, while the communicator system is a unique device that handles the connection wirelessly. Communicator systems might seem like a more efficient and effective system for bike riders, but this is quite the contrary to the reality of choices made by bike riders.

 

Headphones are convenient to install

Open face helmetPerhaps one of the most notable benefits of using headphones is that they are convenient to install. While you may have to customize settings on your phones such as handsfree call receiving and music player settings, this is very convenient.

On the contrary, the communicator system often requires a Bluetooth connection and set up procedures. Plus, the communicator system often requires added customization to suit your needs.

 

 

More affordable

Broadly speaking, the communicator system tends to be more costly than using headphones. To be specific, the communicator system often has various features such as an LCD screen, Bluetooth features, jack system, just to name a few.

However, the earphone is just a simple wired ear accessory. For this reason, the earphone makes up for a pocket-friendly convenient resource to add to your biking riding regimen. The consumer market is packed with high-quality headphones from as low as $5.

 

Dynamic entertainment accessory

The headphones are also more dynamic than using the conventional communicator system. In other words, you can use your headphones on various other devices such as laptops, mp3 players and more. On the contrary, a communicator system is in most cases often compatible with a specific type of device, which is a limiting factor.

Additionally, you don’t need any special type of software installation or customization before you can use headphones for entertainment

77 Gilera GP800

Provides a direct connection

Unlike using the communicator system that often requires a secondary Bluetooth connection to provide functionality, the earphones are very direct. In fact, once you plug in the jack system into your smartphone, you don’t need to customize any other additional features.

However, the communicator system requires that you customize features such as Bluetooth and more for wireless connectivity. Also, you don’t need to recharge the battery on your headphones, which is the case when using a communicator system.

 

Final thoughts

All things considered, there is no space for poor decision making or insufficient improvisation, especially when it comes to choosing the appropriate solutions for your biking needs. Making informed choices has its inherent benefits, especially in relation to maintaining your focus on the road.

Riding a motorbike is an experience that requires the utmost caution and informed decision making to ensure the best results each time.

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2014 CAMPING SUPPLIES LIST

Tuesday, 27 February 2018 by Regina G. Luke

While we’re working hard to get the Coolest Cooler ready for you, it’s time to get yourself ready for the great outdoors. With spring knocking at our heels what’s more fun than a weekend of fresh air and camping with friends and family?

So with the change in seasons, it’s time to put your camping gear list together, pack your camping stuff and get out there!

Camping is a great way to spend time outside with your family and last year over 40 million Americans went camping. Whether roughing it in your own tent or glamping it up in destination yurt, you’ll have a lot more fun if you don’t forget the can opener or a way to light your campfire.

This year minimize the hassle of getting gear, food and straggling family members out of the house, and keep this comprehensive camping supplies list adapted from The Camp Gal on hand. Better yet, print out this handy-dandy PDF version and split up the work!

…Or, challenge yourself and pick 10 items plus a roll of duct tape and see if you can make it back home by Monday morning!

Before you leave:

  • charge air pump
  • charge rechargeable batteries
  • charge camera battery
  • charge led lantern
  • freeze blocks of ice
  • get cash
  • grocery shop

Buy near campsite:

  • firewood
  • more ice
  • cold beer or other beverages

Nearby in the car:

  • directions
  • guidebooks
  • reservation info

Lounging:

  • chairs
  • blankets
  • book/Kindle
  • clothes line
  • clothes pins
  • canopy
  • canopy poles
  • canopy stakes

Chilling food & beverages:

  • beverage cooler
  • food cooler
  • ice
  • water jug

Campfire:

  • matches or lighter
  • newspapers
  • shovel
  • tarp

Shelter:

  • tent.
  • tent tarp
  • tent poles
  • tent stakes
  • hammer/mallet
  • sleeping bags
  • pillow cases
  • pillows
  • sleeping pads/cots/air mattress
  • air pump
  • entry rug

Cooking:

  • stove
  • propane
  • propane adapter
  • grill
  • cooking grate
  • Dutch oven
  • Dutch oven lid lifter
  • pot with lid
  • cast iron pan
  • saucepan
  • potholders/oven mitts
  • cooking spray
  • salt & pepper
  • garbage bags
  • aluminum foil
  • tablecloth
  • paper towels
  • bowls
  • plates
  • silverware
  • cutting board
  • chopping knife
  • can opener
  • measuring cup
  • measuring spoons
  • scissors
  • serving spoon/ladle
  • spatula
  • tongs
  • dish pan
  • dish soap
  • dish sponge
  • dish towel
  • storage containers

Beverages:

  • mugs
  • kettle/percolator
  • coffee/instant coffee
  • tea
  • sugar
  • milk/creamer
  • hot chocolate powder
  • pitcher
  • beverages
  • bottle opener
  • corkscrew

Clothing:

  • underwear
  • pants
  • shorts
  • belt
  • shirts
  • fleece
  • rain jacket
  • hiking boots
  • socks
  • flip-flops
  • sweatpants
  • sweatshirt
  • pajamas
  • hat
  • sunglasses
  • swimsuit

Exploring:

  • backpack/waist pack
  • first aid kit
  • water bottles
  • bug spray
  • sunscreen
  • cell phone
  • cell phone charger
  • camera
  • camera charger
  • pocket knife
  • binoculars

Light:

  • flashlight
  • headlamps
  • batteries
  • lantern
  • mantles

Personal:

  • toothbrush
  • toothpaste
  • hair brush
  • deodorant
  • towels
  • soap
  • face wash
  • body wash
  • shampoo/conditioner (+solar shower)
  • razor
  • shaving cream
  • chap stick
  • tissues
  • toilet paper
  • nail clippers
  • tweezers
  • glasses
  • contacts
  • contact case
  • contact solution
  • mirror
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Driving Kickstarter Traffic

Tuesday, 27 February 2018 by Regina G. Luke
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How To Upgrade Your Laptop With A Solid State Drive (SSD)

Tuesday, 27 February 2018 by Regina G. Luke

Almost all laptops users will consider upgrading their laptop with an SSD or solid-state drive at some point. If you are one of them, you should definitely go for it. There are a lot of advantages this storage space has to offer and the speed improvement is phenomenal.

Although, swapping the storage drive is extremely easy, reinstalling the operating system and restoring the personal files to the drive is a bit tricky. Luckily, we will guide you through the process.

Compatibility

So, you have a laptop, but which interface it uses and how much space it has in the case? Most laptops use SATA or IDE interface, which is most standard but cannot be generalized. Then check the space inside a laptop. Almost all of them feature 2.5 inches of space dedicated to the storage drive. But, some models may have a bit smaller room, meaning that your SSD won’t fit.

The situation is a bit different with ultrabooks and notebooks. They have 1.8 inches of space inside and they are different to fit with an SSD. In essence, they don’t have a removable bottom panel which must be removed to physically attach a storage drive to the motherboard.

Always consult the user manual in order to get exact and accurate data regarding the factors we have just revealed. Also, if you have switched to SSD, you will probably know which interface and size you need. In addition, you can also remove the drive storage and take it to the shop, where you will have to compare it with the new SSD drive to check the compatibility.

Three things you will have

Upgrade Solid State DriveIn order to complete this task, you will need three things. There is no reason to be worried about these requirements, due to the fact they are obvious and extremely easy to get.

  1. Phillips screw driver

You will need it in order to remove the screw which supports the bottom panel. There are a lot of versions, but you can obviously see the one you will need. In most cases, you will need to remove only one screw.

  1. SSD

Obviously, you will need an SSD. How much capacity you will need is, however, a bit more complicated question. There are so many versions. Let’s start with 128GB, which is too low for most users. 256GB is a bit better, but still not ideal. Due to recent price changes, 500GB SSD is a much better investment. Of course, this depends on the individual needs, so we won’t try to generalize the matter.

  1. External storage drive

Because all of the data which is located in your current storage space at the moment won’t be used and will literally be put away, you will need an external drive to transfer it to it. Yes, you can also use DVDs and flash drives to get this done, but keep in mind that you will probably need a massive USB thumb drive and your DD burner may not work properly. We must say that the external drive is the safest option.

Once you have all of this, you are ready to move to the next task.

Clone storage drive which is in your laptop at the moment

It is possible to simply remove the old storage drive and add a new one, but all of your data will be lost. You can do it if there are no a lot of data or you kept them on another drive. In addition, you must know that once you are done with the process, you will need to install a new copy of Windows operating system. You must have an official DVD with the installation.

SanDisk Solid State DriveIn order not to work any of this, we will help you with cloning the drive. This process is used so you don’t have to install your operating system or restore the data back on the drive after the swapping process.

Backup Windows

Open Control Panel and go to system and security and then to file history. You will notice the System Image Backup option at the left, lower corner. Click on it.

Move massive folders

If your HDD has a capacity of 500GB and a new SSD 128GB, you will have to move large folders to the external drive. These folders are usually loaded with videos, photos, music and etc. If the capacity is the same, you don’t have to perform this step.

Clean up the drive

Gen MacBook Air With a SSDThis doesn’t mean that you should clean the drive with a cloth. Instead, uninstall all the software you have been using rarely, clean the drive with free software in order to remove temp files and etc. If you have additional files which don’t have a use, delete them as well.

Connect a new SSD with a laptop

To connect them, you will attach SATA-USB adapter to the SSD and laptop.

Go to disk management

Your new SSD should be detected, but it probably won’t. To solve the issue, type disk management in search option and go to the mentioned setting. In the lower end, you will see the SSD icon. It isn’t initialized. Simply right-click and click Initialize. Wait a few seconds and you are one.

Resize C partition

This is a place where Windows and all the software will be installed. If it is larger than your new SSD, you must shrink it. Right-click, shrink and enter a value which means that the partition will be smaller or the same in size with a new SSD.

Install cloning software

The EaseUS Todo Backup Free is probably the best option at the moment. Install it and open the software. It is optimized to be useful while featuring a simple user interface.

Select two drives

One drive is a source, of your old drive, while the second one is your new SSD. Choose them correctly and make sure you check optimize for SSD option in the bottom. This is used to make the files cloned a bit differently and to allow proper booting sequence. Don’t forget to check this option.

Clone the drive

How to Upgrade Your ThinkPadOnce you have confirmed the entire setting, click on start and wait. You will need plenty of time to get this done. Most users will have to wait around 45 minutes, but the actual time depends on the size of the original drive. Larger drives will need more time to be cloned.

All of this is used and needed only to restore your files and your operating system once the SSD is added to a computer. Once again, if you don’t want to do it, but you rather want to install a new copy of Windows, you don’t have to clone a drive.

Replacing the storage space

After you are done with the cloning, it would be a wise decision to shut down a laptop and let it cool for a few minutes. This only makes installation a bit easier.

Remove the bottom panel of a laptop

Use a screwdriver and remove the bottom panel of your laptop. This is a place where a hard drive is located and where your new SSD will be inserted.

Remove the old drive

Lift it to 30 degrees upright and pull it in order to remove or detach it from the ports. All drives have a small foil or an addition which is used to pull the drive from the case.

Insert a new SSD

Connect the SSD with the ports and put the cover back on. After that, you are done.

Now you can start a laptop and check the performances. The first thing you are going to notice is that the boot time is much shorter. Then, as soon as the laptop starts, it is ready to be used. There is no need to wait for a few minutes until it ‘’warms up’’.

Now you may want to defragment the SSD. Type defrag in the search option, open the option and if optimization is needed, confirm it. SSD doesn’t require defragmentation, but Windows may require it in order to sync the data, which has a few advantages on your user experience. Just in case, check this point and confirm it if needed.

After that, you can connect your old drive with the USB-SATA adapter and transfer the data to a new SSD. Of course, after which you can delete the files from the HDD, but this is up to you.

Summary

As you can see, the entire process is simple and requires around 2 hours. The same amount of time is needed if you want to install a new Windows. In both case scenarios, your laptop will be much better in any way possible. Using it is far more appealing and the overall performances will be significantly improved. Your data will be safer as well, due to the fact SSDs are far more reliable than older hard drives.

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How To Add RAM To A Laptop?

Tuesday, 27 February 2018 by Regina G. Luke

RAM is definitely something you will want or need to upgrade over time. It is an important factor to consider due to its purpose in modern systems. First of all, RAM isn’t only used for gaming. All software and all applications performed on a computer use RAM. When it comes to gaming, it is more than just important and can make a true difference in playing the latest games.

Laptops usually come with the lower amount of RAM than desktop computers. As such, chances are high that you will need to increase the RAM capacity at some point. Before moving to anything else, we will have to reveal how to perform such a thing. Physically, this is an extremely simple task to complete.

Most laptops have 2 slots for RAM modules, which are thin green and black sticks loaded with chips. They will go in a slot located on the motherboard itself. A RAM module is 2-3 inches in length, meaning that it is almost half the length of a module used for desktop computers. To insert it, you will have to follow these steps.

  1. Open the cover on the laptop located on the bottom part
  2. There is usually one screw which has to be removed
  3. Pull the slot
  4. Insert a new module
  5. Done

INSTALL RAM

As you can see, the entire process will take just a few minutes. Almost all laptops feature this design, but there are some differences. For example, your laptop may have both slots occupied. In that case, you will have to remove one or both RAM modules and replace them with more powerful ones.

Some laptops have the RAM cover in a different place, so you will have to remove the battery (for example) or something similar. Luckily, all of them are easy to access and you won’t need more than 1 minute.

Once done, there is no need to install any additional software, drivers or anything else. All you have to do is to literally insert the module, turn on your computer and all is done.

Here we must add the fact that different laptops support different RAM modules, of different capacities. While the first matter will be explained below, now is the time to explain the second one, regarding the supported RAM capacity. Low-end laptops may support up to 16GB of RAM. Those which are more expensive may support 32GB of RAM. High-end units will provide support for 64GB. In essence, this depends on the motherboard itself. It is displayed as the main components on system panel and on the box of the laptop. Always check the type and the capabilities of that motherboard. The last thing you want to do is to purchase 64GB module for a laptop that supports up to 32GB. RAM modules are powerful, but expensive as well.

How to check your RAM speed

While on Mac, checking the RAM speed is extremely simple (click on About this Mack), on Windows computers this is a bit more complicated. There are a lot of ways to see the size of RAM, like right click on My Computer and then Properties, but here you won’t find the speed of the RAM. Yes, you can look for system files and etc. but this is a time-consuming process which is annoying at the same time. Here are two ways which are more than just easy.

Using CPU-Z

The CPU-Z is a free software used to display all the information regarding a specific computer. It is easy to use and even beginners won’t have a hard time finding the needed details. You will have to:

  1. Download and install CPU-Z
  2. Open it
  3. Click on Memory tab
  4. Done

INSTALL RAM

Once you click on this tab, you will notice all the information regarding the RAM memory. There is the type, capacity, speed and etc. We are interested in the speed at the moment, so pay attention to this field. It is always shown in MHz.

Manual check

If you don’t want to use software or you don’t trust it, you will have to manually check the RAM speed. To do so, you will have to:

  1. Remove all cables from your computer
  2. Open the case
  3. Locate RAM slots
  4. Press pins on both sides
  5. Remove a module
  6. Check for labeling which is usually something like ‘’DDR31600.’’

The first part of the labeling indicates the type of RAM memory. There are DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, and GDDR. Of course, there are some other variations as well. This means that you must purchase a RAM module of the same type. They cannot be mixed with each other and they must be properly paired.

The second part of the labeling is used to display the operating speed of the RAM memory. The higher the speed, faster will file be positioned and accessed when stored in the RAM. In other words, you get better performances. For comparison only, think of RAM memory as a storage drive. HDD is slower, so your computer will be slower as well while using it. SSD is faster, so your computer operates much better. The situation is the same with RAM. DDR is much slower than DDR4, so you can make a difference.

Different RAM modules come with different speeds, despite the fact they are members of the same type. As such, we have a variety of differences.

  • DDR- 200-400MHz
  • DDR2- 400-1066MHz
  • DDR3- 800-1600MHz
  • DDR4- 800-2133MHz

What this list suggests is that DDR2 can be faster than DDR3 and DDR4 can be slower than DDR3. This also means that you must pay attention to the operating frequency or simply, the speed of the RAM memory module when getting one or when buying a new computer! In general, those, more affordable computers come with RAM which is slower. The highest speeds of the RAM we saw earlier are reserved for premium products. They are usually worshipped by the gamers and used by the same.

Now, when it comes to upgrading RAM on your computer, you will have to match the operating speeds and the type, as we have mentioned already. But, you can also boost the speed of the RAM, by replacing all modules on the motherboard. So, if you have two DDR3 of 1066MHz, you can replace both of them with DDR3 1600MHz. The performances are noticed instantly and they are very appealing.

 

memory slot

How important is RAM?

laptop speed with more ramThe biggest question of them all is how important is the RAM memory on your computer? The simplest answer you can get is very. RAM memory is actually one of the essential components located in modern computers and one of those that can truly make a difference. Most gamers and computer experts will tell you that motherboard, processor and the RAM are the main factors to consider when looking for a new laptop or a computer.

An interesting question may be, what RAM actually does? Basically, it is a memory or a storage space which is used when the computer runs. A processor will store certain files of the apps and data on RAM and access them when you need them instead of dragging them from the hard drive again and again. All software uses RAM, so not a single program or task would run on computers without RAM.

You already know when the RAM is used. When you start the computer for the first time and open any of the software, it will start slowly and need some time. But, the next time you run the same software, it will be opened much faster. It simply means that the first time the software is run from the storage space, and the second time from the RAM memory.

Nowadays, the software requires plenty of RAM. Even Chrome browser may need 1GB of RAM! Other, more complicated and more demanding software requires, even more, RAM so you can understand why computers with 2GB of RAM don’t work properly.

Of course, we must say that the operating system uses RAM as well. For instance, Windows 10 uses almost 4GB of RAM every time you start a computer. Different operating systems use a different amount of RAMs.

RAM is essential for those who want to use their laptops for ordinary tasks, but it is mandatory for gamers and users who use high-end software, especially the one for 3D rendering and video editing. If you are one of them, keep in mind that even 8GB is not exactly sufficient.

Summary

By now you should know that RAM is more than just important and as such, it must be upgraded as soon as possible. Newer software and games will require even more RAM, so your computer will become obsolete and almost useless if you use the same RAM capacity or more than 5 years. If you are a gamer, this is even more important matter. Luckily, upgrading the RAM on a laptop is simple and easy. There is no need to look for professional help or anything similar.

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How Much SSD Storage Do You Need?

Tuesday, 27 February 2018 by Regina G. Luke

We all know that previous generation of storage drives, well-known HDD or hard drives were more than just affordable and available in different sizes, including modules with an extreme amount of capacity. Back then, users were able to get as big hard drive as they could. Of course, the advantages are obvious. Even today, finding a computer with a hard drive with a capacity of 500GB is rare, because most users need and use 1TB of storage space. But, nowadays SSD is the storage space type that matters and the situation is different. Once again, the more the merrier, but the price of SSD drives is something that is known as a game changer.

SSD is expensive and those modules with a capacity of 500GB or more can cost almost as much as the entire average computer! This means that most users will need to find a balance between capacity and the cost. So, the real question is how much of SSD storage you need? The answer is more than just complicated.

SSD

Basic requirements

This title refers to the requirements a computer has. For example, Windows 10 requires 16GB of space, meaning that having an SSD of 32GB capacity isn’t even an option. Furthermore, a computer will use that space to install updates, to store related data and etc. therefore far more than 16GB will be occupied by the computer itself.

If we add that a computer will install software on the same location, or on the same drive, the free space will be reduced significantly. Keep in mind that Windows has files which are 1GB or bigger and used as system files. Yes, you can remove them, but they will be generated again, after some period of time. In addition, a computer needs 1/3 of the storage free, in order to operate properly. Once this size is reduced, the computer will run slower, which isn’t something you will want.

All of this means that an SSD with a capacity under 128GB is almost useless. You won’t have a lot of space which is actually free. Add a few software and personal files, and your storage will be full or will start affecting the laptop.

On the other hand, not all users need too much space. In order to explain the matter, we will reveal how much SSD space different types of users actually need. There are several different types, and each one will need a different size of SSD.

 

Internet users: 128GB

These are users who will use a computer for internet only. Basically, they will browse the web, send emails and that’s it. You can notice them due to the fact all of them use notebooks or low-end laptops. In general, they don’t need fast and expensive computers, simply because they won’t use all that power.

If you are one of them, 128GB SSD is perfectly fine. Chances are high that you already use a notebook with an SSD of 128GB, so you don’t need to replace it. Notebooks usually don’t have space for an additional SSD inside, so the only alternative is to replace the one you have or to use an external SSD.

A Chromium OS is highly desirable in this case. It is lightweight, fast and reliable operating system which is developed specifically for internet-related usages. Because it requires less storage space than Windows, it is more than just ideal for this purpose.

There are two, sub-types of internet users. Those who use it at home and those who use it while on the go, but both of them will be perfectly satisfied with 128GB of storage space.

building a PC

Image Source

Home users: 256GB

Home users are a bit more demanding. They will also use a computer for internet and emails, but with the addition of movies, music listening, some, minor games and etc. Obviously, they need more storage space, so 256GB is sufficient, while 128GB is usually low. Keep in mind that a single movie will occupy 2-3GB!

These users prefer mid-range laptops or computers in general. Chromium isn’t so great, but it may be desirable in this case scenario. Windows is more than just common and it is developed for home users, actually. Don’t forget that this operating system will require 30GB of space in order to work properly, so a larger SSD is highly desirable.

Because home users will use a computer at home, most of the time, a desktop computer is a more desirable option. It is more affordable than a laptop, so it will leave room for investing in bigger SSD. Storage space, especially SSD is one of the most important components of a computer.

There are several sub-types of users in this category, but all of them will require 256GB. Anyway, we will still mention them.

  • Flasher- A user who plays flash games, usually on the internet or downloaded on the computer.
  • eWriter- A user who writes web content or blogs. They require computers will less storage space.
  • Leecher- The one who downloads and sells software and other virtual properties. And yes, they may need more than 256GB of storage space.
  • Broadcaster- These users will create tutorials, videos, music and share them with the rest of the world.

 

Business users: 512GB

SSD for gamingHere we can divide the users into two main categories. The first one consists of users who will use a computer for their business, such as accounting or etc. They will need 512GB of SSD simply due to the fact they will constantly need more and more space.  Less than this is possible, but keep in mind that you will need an upgrade any time soon.

Other groups of business users are those who work through their computers, like programmers and coders (no, they are not the same). A coder will write codes which will have some function. A programmer will create GUI programs and improve the overall experience a program has to offer. Both of them do need 512GB of space.

Basically, in this case, scenario, you will use your computer for monetary gain and for business. Because files and applications are getting bigger and bigger as we speak, more space is always a smart decision to make. Then, you don’t want to have a slow computer which is almost useless, due to low amount of free space. All of this means that an SSD with a bigger capacity is desirable or better said mandatory.

Computer Graphics Users: 512GB

All graphics users need more storage space than other types of users, but not too much. The size of most files they work with is less than 1GB, so they won’t have a requirement to store a massive amount of data on their SSD. In addition, most of these users can use a hybrid configuration which consists of using SSD as a boot drive and an HDD storage only. Sadly, this will provide a bit slower performances, but it is the most affordable option to get all the storage space you need.

The same applies for those who will use a computer for video editing. They also need around 512GB but in this situation, more is desirable. The reason is simple if we know that some video files may be as big as a few GBs!

sensitive data

Image Source

So, if you are a member of graphics users, you will need 512GB, period. Less than that is possible, but don’t expect some impressive performances or possibilities a computer may offer.

Gamers: 1TB

All gamers need as much space as possible. Keep in mind that an average game will need 20-30GB of space, so 128GB SSD isn’t something you are going to use. But, there are some variations as well. Those who play less demanding games need less space. The same applies to those who play online-based games. Yes, they still need space, but less than classical games.

You may be tempted to use HDD, but keep in mind that you must have an extremely powerful configuration in order to get the best performances. On the other hand, SSD will speed up your computer 10 times, so you will be able to run more demanding games with the same processor and RAM than in the first case scenario.

Overall, 1TB of SSD is more than just needed and probably ideal for all gamers. Those who are on a budget, 256GB is sufficient, but only if you play a game or two. Most gamers play up to 5 games, so 512GB is much better.

Summary

As you can see, SSD storage space need varies significantly and it depends on the type of a user. Not all users will need a high amount of space, but most will. Basically, if you are an internet user only, you can get the smallest SSD. Anything else and you will need higher capacity. Except for gamers, who are mandatory to purchase SSDs with large capacity. After all, each part of the game must be available, something SSD offers perfectly. Think of SSD as a way to speed up and improve your computer in a few easy steps.

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What is an over-ear headphone? Who uses them?

Tuesday, 27 February 2018 by Regina G. Luke

Picking the right headphones can be a really tricky task as we are all used to a kind of pair and don’t like to drift away from them much. Therefore, shifting from in-ears took over-ear headphones or even on-ear to over-ear headphones can seem like a major change.

Over-ear headphones are the most comfortable range of headphones that provide the maximum noise isolation of the lot. Over-ear headphones would be great if you’re looking to switch and here is everything you need to know about them.

 

 

What are over-ear headphones?

 

right headphonesOver-ear headphones are the ones that come with large ear cups that cover the whole ear and have a thick headband to support those huge ear cups. They bulky in nature as compared to earbuds, in-ear headphones, and even on-ear headphones.

Because of their huge size, they sit quite comfortably on the ears and can be worn for long hours. Since they encompass the ears, the noise isolation provided by the over-ear headphones is more than any other kind.

 

What are the advantages of the over-ear headphones?

 

 

 

Following are some of the best features of the over-ear headphones.

Comfort: Over-ear headphones come with large ear cups that come with soft foam that rests comfortably on the ear. Unlike the in-ears, they don’t hurt or damage the inside of the ear. Over-ears are regarded as the most comfortable of all headphones and thus, can be worn for a longer period of time. Therefore, many audio technicians and musicians make use of over-ear headphones while mixing.

 

Noise Isolation: Noise isolation is the strongest suit of an over-ear headphone. Since they cover the whole ear, it is difficult for an external to surpass and disturb you. The over-ear headphones provide one the studio-like experience, where you’re unable to hear any other sound except the one in your headphones. Most gamers, therefore, prefer over-ear headphones to avoid any kind of disturbance.

 

Sound Quality: Over-ear headphones usually offer a great sound quality because of their size and the isolation they offer. Many of the headphones made for professional use are over-ear headphones and thus, produce the high-quality sound one needs. Some of the over-ear headphones include DJ headphones, which include one ear cup but offers a high-quality sound.

 

 

You can love it for a good many other reasons too, including sound quality and the make. Bose QC series, for instance, have over-ear headphones that are a favorite of many. While audiophiles may not be particularly fond of it as it helps make music sound better than it originally is, if you are just looking for some great music with Bose’s patented noise isolating technology, it’s as good a bet as any.

Best Over-the-Ear Headphones

 

What are the disadvantages of over-ear headphones?

 

 

 

Despite their qualities, over-ear headphones do have some issues as well:

 

Bulky: The large ear cups on the side of the headphones are supported by a thick headband which may feel bulky on the head of an individual. The headband, thus, must have proper cushioning if one needs to use the headphones for longer durations.

 

Not portable: Unlike the in-ear headphones or earbuds, the over-ear headphones are not portable. Since they are quite large in size, it gets difficult to carry them in a small bag. If portability is your concern, you can opt for slightly smaller on-ear headphones.

 

 

Who uses over ear headphones?

 

Sennheiser Momentum

Over-ear headphones have a ton of uses, but are especially used by a lot of professionals due to the comfort and isolation they provide:

Gamers: Gamers value isolation of the noise more than anything to be able to concentrate on their game. Thus, they rely highly on the over-ear headphones. Gamers usually opt for the over-ear headphones that not only provide the isolation but can also minimize any leakage of the sound and help them communicate with the other players as well.

 

Musicians: Musicians value comfort along with great sound quality for their headphones. They opt for over-ear headphones that can be worn for longer durations and offer deep notes of the sound to allow them to hear their music clearly. Apart from that, they also opt for noise isolation and want a studio like an experience. Thus, they usually go for semi-open over-ear headphones.

 

DJs: DJs, on most occasions, use only one end of their headphones. Thus, many headphones are designed especially for their use that have only one ear cup. They are usually over ears because of the comfort they provide. It is also because they block the noise from the crowd well and allow them to be able to mix their music while paying attention to the crowd’s needs.

 

 

You would also love to use them if you are on travel, and want to shut out the noise from the outer world. Flight travelers, for instance, would love using one of these. They are light, and they can get the job done of keeping the outside noise well out. That being said, you do need to get hold of the right one – you wouldn’t want one that is uncomfortable to your ears since you would be wearing them of a good few hours while you are on the flight.

 

pair of over-ear headphones

Should You Go For It?

 

 

Over-ear headphones may not be portable enough and do lie on the bulkier side of the headphone spectrum but offer the most comfort of them all. Thus, if you’re looking for a headphone that gives you a deep sound experience and is comfortable to wear for long hours, you should opt for an over-ear headphone.

 

Take the right pick, and we are sure you will not be disappointed.

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