Main Memory: 32MB
Embedded DRAM: 4MB
Display: 4.3 inch, 16:9 widescreen TFT LCD, 480 x 272 pixel (16.77 million colours), Max. 200 cd/m2 (with brightness control)
Speakers: Built-in stereo speakers
Main Input/Output: IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi), USB 2.0, Memory Stick™ (PRO) Duo, IrDA, IR Remote (SIRCS)
Disc Drive: UMD Drive (Playback only)
Main Connectors: DC OUT 5V, Terminals for charging built-in battery, Headphone/Microphone/Control connector
Keys/Switches: Directional buttons (Up/Down/Right/Left)Analog pad, Enter keys (Triangle, Circle, Cross, Square), Left, Right keys START, SELECT, HOME, POWER On/Hold/Off switch, Brightness control, Sound Mode, Volume +/-, Wireless LAN On/Off switch, UMD Eject
Power: Built-in lithium-ion battery, AC adaptor
Access Control: Region Code, Parental Control
Accessories: Stand, Headphone with remote commander, External battery pack, Case and Strap.
- How does it meet my needs?
I have a need to be entertained whether I am travelling or bored at home. My PSP does meet my needs as I am entertained for 6 hours approx with all sorts of games such as ‘Fifa 09’ and ‘Midnight Club LA Remix’, which makes me concentrate on gaming strategies and sets a goal to complete the matches/levels. I am able to listen to any kind of music downloaded from the internet or ripped from CDs. I can watch movies ripped from my DVD collection, look at my favourite images taken from my Cyber-shot and visit my favourite sites on the internet. Enough entertainment within 6 hours! Playing on my PSP also has health benefits as playing on my PSP improves my hand-eye co-ordination and increases my thinking capability.
- Evaluation of my use of my Playstation Portable System
Although my PSP provides me with limitless entertainment and aids my personal health, playing on the PSP for a long time can affect my eye sight. Another disadvantage may be that the UMD discs for my PSP can be quite expensive and fragile so I need to be careful with the discs. Although the PSP is entertaining, It can distract me from doing homework and coursework.
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Description of my Sky TV subscription
Sky TV allows me to watch many of my favourite TV shows. The TV guide function lets me check what is available to watch later on during the day. Sky TV has 100s of channels to offer. The equipment included is a Sky satellite dish, a Sky TV box and a Sky remote. The satellite dish receives the signal from the broadcasting company (BSKYB). The signals are then converted to image and audio signals and are displayed on my TV via a SCART cable. I can control which show I want to watch and set reminders for later shows using my remote control. Some channels can also be purchased. Movies can also be bought for viewing.
- How does it meet my needs?
When I have nothing to do at home, I can watch loads of entertaining and informative TV programmes to pass time. I can also set planner alerts so I don’t miss any programmes. The Sky Learning channels also aid GCSE students by providing informative programmes which can help in my research/case studies.
Social
- Mobile Phone - Sony Ericsson W610i
- Description of my Sony Ericsson W610i
My Walkman phone is a media player with the functions of a phone all in one. Headphones are included to listen to music in comfort. The functions of the phone that I use are sending SMS/MMS making calls and making video calls.
Camera
This mobile phone has a 2.0 megapixel camera, similar to that in the Sony Ericsson K550i but without the lens cover. As with previous Sony Ericsson models, it offers an auto-focus feature and uses a photo light instead of a flash. For this model, the focal length of the camera's lens has been reduced from 4.8mm to 3.8mm.
Specifications
Display: 262K TFD (176x220 pixels)
Memory: Up to 64 MB user memory
Size: 102 x 46 x 14 mm
Weight: 93 grams
Colour: Plush Orange, Satin Black
SAR: 1.31 W/kg (10g)[1]
Features
Music - Walkman player 2.0
Supports MP3, AAC, AAC+, E-AAC+, WAV and m4a
512 MB Memory Stick included
TrackID music recognition software
Polyphonic ringtone, 72 channels
Disc2Phone music management software
Stereo headphones in the box
FM radio with RDS
Bluetooth stereo streaming support (A2DP)
Java MIDP 2.0
Messaging
TFD 1.96’’ Display
SMS, MMS, e-mail and IM
Connectivity
NetFront Internet browser
RSS Reader
Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP
Infrared port
USB 2.0
Supported Networks
GSM 850
GSM 900
GSM 1800
GSM 1900
HSCSD
- How does it meet my needs?
Having the need to be able to socialise with my friends on the go, I am able to socialise with friends and family through sending SMS/MMS messages. This service is very quick hence making my socialising experience more sufficient. By calling friends from my mobile phone, I am able to do other things rather than sitting next to a landline phone. With the phone’s Bluetooth feature, I am able to socialise with my friends wirelessly. By using Bluetooth, I can send memorable photos, favourite songs and even captured video clips to anyone else with the Bluetooth feature capability.
- Internet - Windows Live Messenger (WLM)
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Description of Windows Live Messenger
WLM is an instant-messaging internet technology that allows me to talk to people, mainly friends, for free. There is also a voice chat option and I am able to share files of any kind with people. In order to use Windows Live Messenger you need a Windows Live ID. With this ID you can access many of Windows’ features, such as e-mail and Sky drive.
- How does it meet my needs?
Having the need to be able to socialise with my friends for free, I am able to chat to anyone around the world for as long as I want. If I am stuck at home because of the weather or rules, I am still able to communicate and socialise with my friends from the comfort of my own home.
- Evaluation of Windows Live Messenger
WLM is quicker than email and is completely free, however friends may not always be online or some of my friends may not have a Windows Live ID (which is required to sign in to the Windows Live network). Also if my internet connection disconnects, then my WLM would disconnect. WLM offers many more services such as playing games with friends and watching each others’ webcams. Even though I don’t use these ‘extra’ services, they might be of some interest when I’m really bored.
- Gaming Console - Playstation Network
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Description of Playstation Network
The Playstation Network is a network that brings Playstation owners together to socialise and play against each other. The Playstation Network can be accessed from a PS3 or a PSP. A PSN ID is required to sign on to the Network. I am able to play games with my friends online. I can also chat to friends on my console.
The full list of current and planned services for the Playstation Network are as follows;
Account
- User Registration of Master/Sub accounts
- Login ID/Handlename/Profiles
- Portable ID, a user profile card similar in concept to a Gamercard
Communication/Community
- Lobbies/Matchmaking for instant online gaming
- Scores/Ranking for player comparison
- Trophies rewarded for achieving goals in certain games
- Virtual presence/Avatars
- Friend List allowing for up to 100 players
- Voice/Video Chat (Bluetooth or USB Headset and webcam or PlayStation Eye, or an Eye Toy required)
- Instant messaging integration
- Internet Browser and Google search engine
- PlayStation Home
- Life With PlayStation
- adhoc Party for PlayStation Portable (Japan only)
Commerce/Entertainment
- PlayStation Store
- Qore (North America only)
- OPMHD (Europe only)
- VidZone (Europe & Australia only)
- How does it meet my needs?
I have the need to play games with my friends with the comfort of not having to leave my house. Most of my friends have a PSP/PS3, so we can arrange a time to meet on PSN and play a game. If I have restrictions on not being able to leave the house, I can still socialise with my friends and not have to go against my parents’ will.
Work – Home & School
- Computer Software - Microsoft Office 2007
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Description of Microsoft Office 2007
Microsoft Office 2007 is a program suite consisting of Word, Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint and more. With Microsoft Office, I am able to create documents, slideshow presentations and spreadsheets. Files are produced much quicker than doing them by hand.
- How does it meet my needs?
I have the need of producing many pages of coursework quicker than writing the pages by hand. By using the software in the Microsoft Office bundle, I am able to type the pages quicker.
- Evaluation of Microsoft Office 2007
Advantages of Microsoft Office:
- It is easy to type letters rather than hand-writing
- There is a spell-checker and a thesaurus
- Very quick, time saved compared to hand-written
- Can use pictures and word art so that you can make your document look attracting and make it stand out.
- Font and size can be changed for a neater and more presentable piece of work
Disadvantages of Microsoft Office:
- It can crash if too many processes are taking places
- If your work is not saved it could be lost
- It takes time to get used to the features, layout and usability of the software.
Watching tutorials and/or taking office lessons can take up time, however using Office for many years means I can produce my work quicker than hand-writing my pieces.
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Computer Hardware – HP Deskjet Printer
- Description of HP Deskjet Printer
My HP printer is connected to my computer via USB and it allows me to print my Office files in any colour on A4 paper. I am also able to print multiple copies. This allows me to save time printing each sheet one by one. An ink cartridge of black and multi-coloured have to be installed in order for the printer to actually print.
- How does it meet my needs?
I have the need to give coursework in the form of paper, copying out the document by hand writing it will take a very long time so I can print my files with the click of a button and hand the paper in person. If I need to print photos or images of some sort, then my printer’s colour feature aids this need.
- Internet – Google Search Engine
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Description of Google
Google is the largest search engine on the internet which provides any information I want in just a few seconds. Also it uses advance search which provides you with more accurate results.
Google contains special features such as definitions, file types, images, book search, web page translator so you can translate the text and understand it. I use it to research school work and to find websites for personal interests.
- How does it meet my needs?
When I have the need to research a topic that I am learning at school, going to the library can be quite time consuming so using Google can help me find what I need a lot quicker. If I didn’t have access to Google, then researching the traditional way would mean I wouldn’t have as much time to socialise or complete my other homework pieces hence detentions.
Conclusion
Technology in our world today has vastly increased to that of a merely decade ago. Technology greatly impacted my life. I relentlessly rely on technology to find solutions in meeting my needs through the simplest and most advanced methods developed. Without technology, every task I come across would be so time consuming and confusing. For example, listening to music has become so advanced compared to a decade ago, you would have to go to the stores and buy cassettes and CDs with a few music tracks recorded, however now you can download digital media and transfer the media to a portable media player or an MP3 player and MP3 players can hold thousands of songs, I only wish to see what the future of technology holds for us.
