How Do I Connect My Bluetooth Phone To My Computer
January 26, 2012 | 
Author Your first question might actually be, why would I want to connect my bluetooth phone to my computer? It is a great way to transfer photos, mp3′s and other files from your mobile phone to your computer without the purchase of cables that only work with one phone or expensive software for a specific phone.
How do I connect my bluetooth phone with my computer? First you need to turn your phones visibility on. Most phones you do this by going into the menu, settings and they should be an option for “connections.” Bluetooth will or should be under your connects, like I said this is for most phones. You need to first make sure your bluetooth is turned on. Next you need to turn on your bluetooth’s visability.
As far as your computer goes. You either need a laptop/tower with bluetooth build in or a bluetooth USB adapter. You can generally get a bluetooth USB adapter for less than $30, and these are very useful and can be used with multiple phones, which is great about bluetooth.
After you have your bluetooth USB installed on your computer, then you need to sync them together. The easiest way that I have found to do this is to do it from the phone. Under your bluetooth settings under your phone, they should be an option to search for new devices or to pair it. Once your perform the search it should find your computer. Select to pair it with your computer. It will ask you for the passcode on the phone it should be “0000″ that is four zeros. You should get a pop up from the system tray on a windows machine asking if you want to pair your bluetooth with this device. You need to tell it yes and it will ass for the passcode, which again is four zeros “0000.” You should then be ready to use your bluetooth enabled phone with your computer.
5 Best Android Tablets for Under $200
Stop rushing and fretting because you are about to hear the best news you ever want to know in your whole life. The good news is that you can now afford to buy Android tablets in the market for less than $200!
Care to read below the best Android tablets sold in the marketplace – all for under $200:
1. Sumixe 7-inch Android 2.1 Tablet ($134)
It is not uncommon for people to say that cheap gadgets, more often than not, carry cheap features. But this gadget is one big exception. For only $134, you can get in here everything you want to expect from a modern tablet. The Sumixe comes with a 7-inch resistive and multi-touch screen, a 256 MB DDR RAM, a 4 GB internal memory, and a 0.3 MP camera. It also supports USB flash drives of up to 16 GB in size. And the winning feature is that this gadget is supported with Android OS 2.1 version. Can you believe that? For $134, you get to have access to the Android marketplace! If you belong to the I-want-nothing-but-cheap group, then this tablet will surely be your perfect match.
2. Corby Kyros Mid 7024 7-inch Android 2.2 Tablet ($170)
Small but terrible? Well, you can say that to this new 7-inch Android tablet hitting in today’s techie market. The Corby Kyros Mid7024 comes with a 1 GHz CPU, an ARM Cortex A8 especially made by Samsung, a 4 GB internal storage which is expandable up to 32 GB, and a screen resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. Also, it has an HDMI port which allows connection to HD devices. This tablet comes with an Android OS 2.2 version and is compatible connecting to Windows, Mac and Linux OS. Physically, the gadget’s package is pretty slim at 4.75″ x 0.53″ x 7.68″ and its weight at 0.87 pounds is quite very competitive. The Corby has two pre-included apps, the Aldiko E-book and the AppsLib. You can get all these features for only $170.
3. Velocity Micro – Cruz T301 7-inch Android 2.2 Tablet ($192)
The Velocity Micro – Cruz Tablet T301 is a classic 7-inch tablet with 800 x 600 screen resolution. It comes with a 4 GB hard disk, a 256 MB RAM, and a 4 GB SD card. It also has a built-in Wi-Fi which supports 802.11n networks and a battery life which runs to a maximum of 6 hours. The gadget has media and eBook formats and more importantly, it is supported by Android OS 2.2 version. Its pre-loaded apps include the Kindle bookstore and Amazon AppStore. Be sure to control yourself from future eBooking then. You can enjoy all of these for only $192.
4. Zenithink 2 ZT-180 10-inch Android 2.2 Tablet ($190)
If you’re not on with the 7-inch tablets but with a budget to consider, then this gadget might just work well for you. The new Zenithink 2 ZT-180 is a 10-inch touch screen tablet with a 1 GHz ARM 11 processor and a 4 GB hard disk. It also comes with a built-in 1.3 MP camera, an HDMI port, a USB port which can support 3G internet modem, and an upgradable memory of up to 32 GB. Add to that its supporting Android OS 2.2 version and you sure have a solid cheap tablet right in your hands. In terms of design, the Zenithink is almost an exact replica of the iPad-and this you can get for only $190.
5. Archos Arnova 10-inch Android 2.1 Tablet ($188)
If you’re looking for a much cheaper 10-inch tablet, then try having a look on this one. You might just be blown away. Archos, the famous French manufacturer of multimedia devices, released the most recent 10-inch Archos Arnova. This gadget has a 1024 x 600 screen resolution, a 4 GB internal memory which is upgradable to 32 GB, and a USB host connection which accepts mouse, keyboard, and any other external mass storage. Moreover, it has a video playback feature of up to 6 hours, an audio playback of up to 40 hours with the screen off, and a photoviewer. The bonus point is that this gadget comes with an Android OS 2.1 version, which allows you browsing and gaming, in addition to movie-watching. This is really one of the best multimedia tablets which won’t cost you much. By letting go of your $188, you will surely get a tablet which is more than what it’s worth.
So, have you already decided which one you want to buy? Will you go for the 7-inch or 10-inch tablet PC? Will you go for the gadget that runs on an Android 2.1 or Android 2.2 system? Depending on your needs, you would not be disappointed with this cheap line of Android tablets. If you need a piece of advice, just choose wisely.
History of the Camera
Early cameras of the 16th and 17th century were able to project images onto paper or glass but the study of capturing, processing and printing the images took many more years. Up until the 17th century, scientists believed that light was composed basically of the ‘white’ that is perceived by the human eye. It took the research done by famous physicist Isaac Newton to discover that light is actually composed of a spectrum of colors. While he made a big contribution to the study of optics (that is at the core of camera advances) with this discovery, Newton did not actually have anything to do with camera development per se.
The early camera that first became a phenomenon was a little more than a pinhole camera and can be traced back to 1558. It was called the Camera Obscura. The Camera Obscura was seen as a drawing tool for a clearer and realistic portrayal of objects. It was in the early 19th century that an invention named the Camera Lucida was introduced by Cambridge scientist William Hyde Wollaston that consisted of an optical device that could help an artist view a distant scene or person or object on a paper surface that he or she was using to draw. In other words the artist gets to view a superimposed image of a subject on paper and this image could be effectively used to attempt to draw, trace or paint it. Both the Camera Obscura and the Camera Lucida provided an image that was temporary, which could not be lastingly captured on to paper for later reference.
Studies however continued well into the 1800′s on how to actually capture the image onto material. It was during this time, around 1822 that French researcher Joseph Nicephore Niepce, created the first photograph by using paper that was coated with a chemical. The image would not stay permanently on the paper and would disappear after a short while. Even so, despite the short-lived nature of the image, the concept of photography was born with this experiment and paved the way for further study and development in this field.
Capturing images to retain them longer and permanently became the next big quest for researchers. Another Frenchman Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre partnered with Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1829, to develop the process of creating permanent photographs. Joseph Niépce died in 1833 but Daguerre continued with the work and succeeded in 1837 after many long years of experimentation. The process of capturing photographic images that would not fade away, introduced by Daguerre came to be known as the ‘daguerreotype’.
The word ‘photography’ was coined by scientist Sir John F.W. Herschel in 1839 and it is actually is derived from two Greek words ‘photos’ meaning light and ‘graphein’ meaning draw.
A slightly more advanced version of the daguerreotype called the Calotype process that makes multiple copies possible using the negative and positive method became available very soon after. In fact, it was during the 1840′s that the use of photographic images in advertisements first started and cameras made their mark on the power of visual communication. It was not much later, in the 1850′s that photographers first started experimenting with underwater photography of seascapes.
Up until 1850, the process of capturing images was cumbersome requiring upto half an hour of light exposure. The discovery made in 1851 by Frederick Scott Archer was a blessing since the new method termed the Collodion process called for just 2-3 seconds of light exposure to capture an image.
Prior to 1871, photographers went through a development process where they had to coat the plate with wet chemical each and every time and process the image immediately. With the invention the gelatin dry plate silver bromide process by Richard Leach Maddox, negatives did not have to be developed immediately. This was an important discovery since up until then the captured image had to be processed instantly.
Kodak created in 1888 by George Eastman has been a modern day pioneer of sorts in cameras and photography for the masses. George Eastman and the scientists who worked with him at Kodak developed the photographic film in 1889 and made it available in rolls for the mass use of consumers. An important milestone in our entertainment and communication history was the development of transparent roll film by Eastman. This development led to another key invention – the motion picture camera by Thomas Edison’s in 1891.
–>Modern Times
During the 20th century the pace of technology development in cameras and photography continued at an accelerated pace much like many other key technology developments. While several key inventions like car, telephone and the gramophone record happened in the later half of the 19th century, it is the last 100 years that saw major developmental work in many areas of communications technology and as well as in other fields – TV, aircrafts, PCs, digital technology, digital cameras, mobile phones, fax machines and the internet, to name a few.
In the case of the camera, the developments simplified the whole process of photography, making it accessible to one and all at affordable prices and the camera industry denizens of our times made it into a mass phenomenon. The first mass use camera became available at the turn of the 20th century and can be traced back to the year 1900. There are hundreds of models of cameras available today both for the amateur as well as the professional and the camera is an important part of any family’s repertoire of must have gadgets.
–>20th century chronology in the history of the camera:
1913: 35 mm still-camera created
1927: The flash bulb introduced by General Electric Co. (The concept of camera flash existed much before but was based on the use of a flash light powder that was invented by German researchers)
1935- 1941: Kodak starts marketing Kodachrome film and subsequently launches Kodacolor negative film. Canon released the Hansa Canon in 1936, the first 35mm focal-plane shutter camera.
1948: The concept of the Polaroid camera is introduced in the market. American scientist Edwin Land developed the process for instant photography. Later Polaroid Corporation developed the ‘instant color’ film around 1963.
1957: Frenchman Jaques Yves Cousteau invented the first waterproof 35mm camera for underwater photography named the Calypso Phot. The actual camera was developed by the Belgian airplane technical designer Jean de Wouters based on the blueprint and suggestions given to him by Cousteau.
1972: The electronic camera that does not require film was created and patented by Texas Instruments. This is however not the same as a digital camera though you don’t require film in digital cameras as well. The launch of the digital camera is still many years away.
1975: Kodak’s experiments with digital imaging kicked off around the mid seventies but it will take another 20 years before a digital camera for the home consumer market is launched.
1978 – 1980: Asian players like Konica and Sony begin to make their mark. The ‘point and shoot’ automatic focus camera is launched by Konica while Sony starts talking about the camcorder and demonstrates a prototype.
1981: Sony launches a commercially available electronic still camera. Similar to the 1972 invention by Texas Instruments, the Sony electronic camera came with a mini disc on which images were recorded and stored. The recorded images could be later printed or viewed on a monitor using a reader device.
1985: Digital processing technology makes its entry. Digital imaging and processing is introduced by Pixar.
1986: The camera industry becomes even more consumer focused and taps the fun and travel connotations behind camera usage, with the launch of the concept of the disposable single use cameras. Fuji is credited with the development of this concept.
Also in 1986 – 1987, Kodak started taking giant strides in digital development. Digital means, the photographic image is divided into tiny units of dots or squares known as pixels. Pixels are the programmable units of an image that can be processed by computers. Each image could be made up of millions of pixels. The use of pixels in digital technology allows storing large volumes of pixels to deliver high definition print quality.
1990: Kodak introduces Photo CD’s. It is a system of storing photographic images on CD and then viewing them on a computer. With this development the user-friendly approach of the camera industry began to take concrete shape.
1991: Kodak introduces a digital camera targeted at professionals and journalists. Kodak is credited with the invention of a pixel based camera technology known to us as the digital camera. Digital cameras don’t use film similar to their predecessor electronic cameras but the storage method is entirely different and the final photograph is of much higher resolution. In a digital camera photos are recorded and stored in digital form. This digital data can be transferred to a computer and processed for printing. Kodak and Canon are well known digital camera manufacturers and there are also several other key brands as well.
1994: The Apple QuickTake camera, a home use digital camera is launched. This is followed by the launch of a clutch of home use digital cameras by Casio, Kodak and others in quick succession during 1995 -’96.
–>The digital era:
The development of digital camera technology is considered to be linked to the development of TV and Video technology. The principles of transmission and recording of audio-visual images using digital electrical impulses finds use in camera imaging as well.
Through the 1990′s the developments continued in camera technology, the focus now shifting to the field of digital imaging which is where the future lies. Use-friendly features like software that can download digital images directly from camera onto home computers for storing and sharing on the internet is the new norm in the market place.
The camera, the computer, the software industry and the worldwide web are today irrevocably interlinked to empower the user in experiencing the benefits of camera usage to full potential. The innovation that sparked many an invention in the camera industry found its way into the digital world as well and continued among digital camera manufacturers. During 2001, the Kodak and Microsoft partnership ensured that digital camera manufacturers could use the power of Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) standard through Windows. The digital photo experience is a key visual driver in the Internet era. Many of Kodak digital camera models with EasyShare capabilities are compatible with Windows XP. The Kodak EasyShare software enables users to transfer digital camera pictures directly from camera to their computers and then print the pictures or even email them.
Manufacturers in a related industry like the printing industry have adapted their products to be in sync with the images created by digital cameras. Cell phone manufacturers have tied up with digital camera manufacturers to develop new age camera phones in recent years. These camera phones can capture images and share the images through the cell phone.
Among the 21st century digital developments are the advanced product offerings from digital cameras manufacturers and these are sure to occupy an important place in the ensuing history of camera development. For instance, the Kodak Professional DCS Pro SLR/c is a high-end digital camera and the Kodak website calls the DCS Pro SLR models the most feature-rich digital cameras on the market. It has an image sensor that can handle 13.89 million pixels and this makes it the highest resolution digital camera available. High resolution determines the sharpness or level of detail in photographic images. This is just a glimpse of the capabilities that digital technology places in a user’s hands. Digital camera sales figures for 2003 show that the two key players Kodak and Canon have recorded impressive growth.
–>What does the future holds for camera users?
The features offered by digital cameras can be quite mind-boggling for the average user and pretty exciting for most pros. Four key ongoing camera developments that are likely to further improve the process of photography:
1. Greater resolution from even the simplest, low cost camera models
2. Usage in any type of lighting conditions,
3. Compatibility across a range of software, hardware and image types
4. Rich colors and tone
While the higher-end digital evolution continues, the prices of the simple camera have crashed to such an extent that even children and teens are proud owners of uncomplicated cameras. The camera and photography interest starts young and this creates a truly large audience base for the camera industry.
And throughout history, it is evident that the endeavor of researchers and developers has been to make the camera available to a wide section of society. Without camera technology and photography, the other key developments of cinema and TV would have been delayed and what a boring place the world would have been without TV and films!!
How IP-based Video Surveillance Works — Way Beyond Analog
When you’re shopping around for an IP-based video surveillance system, you will need to be particularly cautious about what exactly you’re looking at and what the individual terms mean. How IP-based video surveillance works is open to interpretation as far as some video surveillance and security salespeople are concerned — not because they are trying to confuse the issues, but because there is no genuine consensus on what the term “IP-based” or related ones such as “networked” or “web-based” means.
Originally video surveillance was done based on analog technology — closed
circuit television (CCTV) and recording on video tapes. This was fine for
recording what was going on, but it didn’t broadcast actual live information, so
it wasn’t practical for monitoring stores, for instance, from a remote location.
It simply provided what happened after the fact. The picture quality wasn’t
great and it relied on human reliability as well — someone had to remember to
change the tapes regularly, etc.
Digital revolutionizes video surveillance
With the Internet revolution and the ever-increasing presence of Local Area
Networks, technology took great strides in video surveillance in the 1990′s.
Analog camera tubes were replaced with CCD (Charged Coupled Devices) and digital
cameras became affordable for most people.
This combination meant that video surveillance could do two things: go live
over the Internet or a closed network for surveillance and provide clearer,
crisper images that could be tracked and manipulated easily. For law
enforcement, digital surveillance meant it was much easier to zoom in on images,
track particular scenes and enhance features.
The basics of IP-based surveillance
A digital camera “views” the scene in front of it, broadcasts the video
images as a digitized signal over a LAN line (Local Area Network) where it’s
then transmitted to a computer or server. The server in turn manages all of this
information. Depending upon the software used to manage the digital images, it
can record, display or retransmit the images to anywhere in the world.
The software package can easily be upgraded to allow for analyzing data,
selecting specific “flagged” items to watch for and a host of other functions,
making it a truly customizable security tool.
True IP-based digital surveillance uses CCD cameras that use signal
processing that send packetized video streams over the LAN through a Cat 5 cable
rather than a coax cable network, utilizing greater bandwidth and standard
TCP/IP communication.
It also provides more intelligent data mining and information retrieval. If
security is an issue, full digital surveillance also offers the added advantage
of data encryption opportunities to protect against image tampering — something
not possible with analog recording.
Recently, a few companies such as D-Link and Linksys have also developed fully
digital cameras that actually have completely integrated, built-in web servers
so that no external computers are needed for operating them. The signal is
transmitted directly to the terminal location for storage or play-back.
Halfway there…
The “middle of the road” of video surveillance is upgrading video
surveillance by utilizing a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). A DVR system is not
really fully IP-based, but is step toward the more advanced IP technology. In
actuality, a DVR system uses the same camera and structures for cabling as the
older CCTV analog systems, but the old VCRs have been replaced with DVR for
storage of the data. The data is converted to digital so that it can be stored
on hard disks, but the quality of the images captured remains analog since this
is how it originated.
When shopping for a system, be sure to ask if the system is digital based on
the recording (DVR) or on the camera, since many manufacturers consider a system
digital by virtue of the DVR storage system even if the camera recording the
images is still analog.
Going all the way
Some people will move to the hybrid models of a CCTV/DVR system when they
first move beyond an analog system because it seems like the next practical
evolutionary step in video surveillance. However, shifting to this method
largely ignores how IP-based video surveillance works.
With CCTV/DVR surveillance you have actually simply delayed the inevitable by
adding on a relatively new technology (hard disk, digital storage) to an old
technology (analog video over coaxial transmission lines). Rather than moving
forward into something new, you have prolonged the demise of the old.
Advantages of IP-based video surveillance
The leap into completely IP-based technology is the best bang for your buck
both monetarily and in terms of security by far. Digital surveillance can be
done over a LAN network, of course, but TCP/IP transmittal of surveillance makes
sense for remote monitoring of multiple locations and for remote recording of
data onto back-up servers and hard disks for long-term storage.
With IP-based video surveillance, you can connect your surveillance camera or
cameras to any network or wireless adapter, and you are extremely flexible in
your placement of the camera itself. A typical PC-attached video camera, while
providing digital picture image quality, still has to be within approximately
ten feet of the computer itself.
Set-up of an IP-based video system is easy — once you’ve set up an IP
address, you’re up and running and it’s extremely stable and reliable. Because
this is the technology of the future, it is also upgradeable. You won’t be
outgrowing an IP-based video surveillance system any time soon because new
developments are based on improving this market. Therefore, you will be able to
add on and improve this system for years to come while older, CCTV+DVR hybrids
will dead-end and become obsolete.
Comparing analog and IP-based video surveillance
A better way to understand the differences between analog and IP-based video
surveillance may be to compare the two and how they work:
Analog or CCTV+DVR video surveillance
o Easy to use — operates like a VCR
o Changing cassettes and rewinding regularly means human error frequently interferes with effectiveness
o Image quality is poor
o Storage tapes wear out over time
o Broadcasting images live isn’t practical
o Storage is bulky
o Uses analog recording, recording in low-grade picture quality and inability to search and track easily
o Adding DVR systems must be done in ‘blocks’ of 16 channels
IP-based video surveillance
o IP-based recording means instant transmittal of images anywhere in the world
o Can monitor multiple cameras from one remote location
o No decrease in recording quality over time or with repeated replays
o Digital picture quality far superior to analog
o IP-base recording is highly compressed for easier storage and can be transported over a variety of media
o Digital images can be encrypted for security purposes
o Updates and add-ons are relatively inexpensive through software packages and Internet computer networking
o Adjustable frame rates
o Remote or shared viewing may be done over the Internet or a wireless connection
o Standard IP video compression techniques are used
o IP surveillance cameras may be added individually or in groups according to your needs
If you are contemplating increased or upgrading video surveillance for your
company or home, understanding how IP-based video surveillance works will make
your decision easier. It is the future of video surveillance and, although in
the short term may be a bit more expensive, is obviously an investment in
superior quality and flexibility.
This article on “How IP-based Video Surveillance Works” reprinted with
permission.
Copyright © 2004-2005 Evaluseek Publishing.
How to Download Games To PSP
So you just got your new PSP and you want to download games but you’re not sure what to do or where to go? Well this article will show you how download games to your PSP.
First you will need:
Sony PSP with firmware 1.0 or 1.5
PSP Memory Stick Pro Duo
1. Go to the website and pick the game that you want to download.
2. Download the game to your computer making sure that it will work with the version of firmware that is on your PSP player. Make sure the file ends with PSP
3. Insert the memory Stick into your PSP player
4. Connect the PSP player to your computer via the USB cable
5. Copy the game onto your PSP player making sure to place them under the “PSP”, “GAMES” folders on your memory stick. If these folders don’t exist on your memory stick you will need to create them.
That’s it now you are ready start playing your games.
The best way to get a lot of games but for the least amount of money is to purchase a membership to a website. Purchasing a membership will allow to get unlimited access to all the latest games, movies, music, videos and more for your PSP player. You only pay a one time fee and you get unlimited access for life.
Downloading games to you PSP is as simple as inserting your PSP and clicking a few buttons. For more information on how to download games to your PSP visit [http://www.shons-psp-review.com]
Expat Life in Sri Lanka, Colombo
I recently visited the wonderful island of Sri Lanka, and found a country full of surprises.
Sri Lanka is situated just south of India, in the Indian Ocean. Once known as the Dominium of Ceylon and often referred to as the tea country, tea plantations abundantly thrive across the island, with spice gardens, banana and coconut palms growing randomly to create a jungle of natural resources.
People, animals and transport seem to co-exist side by side with no animosity towards each other. Dogs wonder aimlessly across or bask in the sun at the side of roads, cows and goats roam around everywhere, even on the beaches (which I found rather amusing) and people are everywhere, whether walking, cycling, using a tuc-tuc, motorbike with 5 astride, in a taxi, bus, car or truck, each takes up a space of the not too wide road. But co-exist they do, there is no anger at being stuck behind a truck, merely a short hooting of the horn to say I am here and would like to pass, politeness abounds and the expression and sounds are all of friendliness, within a country that sorely needs help at redeveloping itself since the tsunami. People are poor and yet happiness is everywhere…. Not just for the child on the hip or the person at their side, but for expats and tourists as well.
Tourists fluctuate towards the resorts and some chance the areas slightly outside of these areas, to experience a quieter less harassed holiday. Small pockets of expats can be found, dotted all over the country. When you bump into these people and chat about life on the island, there is not much to complain about. Yes, sometimes the water gets turned off or the electricity, yes the internet is not as fast as they would like it to be. Isn’t that how most people feel in developed countries anyway: The faster it gets the faster we want it. In this little piece of paradise, expats are not too concerned that it takes a little longer to do things here, the people are prepared to wait, not too hasty to move forward too quickly. There was a lot of talk and concern about the elections and safety within the country and there are still road blockades and police / army personnel with guns wandering around keeping peace if necessary. However, with 70% of the population being Buddhists, the lifestyle is peaceful and life simplistic.
From an expat perspective, I could not fault the lifestyle. As said above, yes there are definite things missing, things are slower, it takes a good 4 – 6 hours to get from Colombo to Galle and similarly to anywhere about 200km’s apart. I cannot say that the roads are particularly in good condition, but in the 10 days that I visited, I did not see one accident. Hardships could include the lack of being able to get from one part of the island to another quickly, the lack of fast internet connection, perhaps the human waste / refuse, which allows for the influx of flies, the dirt which is left to lie around and lastly the lack of funds to rebuild the country to what it was before the Tsunami.
Having said that, I have to look at all the good things that you find there, the beauty of the natural resources, how the nationals and expats are trying to rebuild the country, the beaches, game parks and mountains. This is truly a beautiful part of the world.
Expat Cost of living summary
The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee LKR
The Exchange rate as at 15 January 2010 was $1 = 114.217 Rupees
I am going to break the Cost of living down according to some of the basket items:
Alcohol and Tobacco: Alcohol at Bar, Beer, Cigarettes, Locally Produced Spirit, Whiskey, Wine
Cigarettes (20s) – $3.14 to $9
Domestic Beer(500ml) – $2.50
Imported Beer (330ml) – $5.80
Wine at a bar – $6 a glass
Wine at a shop – $15 (750ml bottle)
Hotels tend to increase the prices of alcohol as it is the one way that they can make a profit. There are many small hotels and restaurants which create a competitive edge to where you can stay.
Clothing: Business Suits, Casual Clothing, Children’s Clothing and footwear, Coats and hats, Evening Wear, Shoe Repairs, Underwear
Casual Long Sleeved Shirt (Men) – $12
Casual Long Sleeved Trousers (Men) – $20
Shorts (Men) – $11
T-Shirt (Men) – $6
Casual Blouse (Women) – $7
Casual Skirt (Women) – $12
Children’s Jeans (Boys) – $5
Children’s Jeans (Girls) – $3.50
Children’s Shirt(Boys) – $5
Children’s Shirt(Girls) – $4
Clothes are extremely cheap, in Colombo a person can get most of the name branded clothing at fairly reasonable prices in Factory shops.
Communication: Home Telephone Rental and Call Charges, Internet Connection and service provider fees, Mobile / Cellular Phone Contract and Calls
Monthly phone rental – $4.36
Phone call rate – $0.05 for a local call
Internet line connection fee – $104 (buy all equipment with installation)
Internet service provider fee – $17 (1 geg free thereafter)
Monthly mobile contract fee – $2.18 (for the year)
Mobile / cellular call rate – 90% of phones are prepaid,
Mobile Phone 100 Minutes Call – $38
- $0.012 – $0.05 sms peak times
Due to so many of the nationals working overseas to send money home, the communication costs are extremely low and there are often special deals or no cost is involved in the actual call.
Education: Creche / Pre-School Fees, High School / College Fees, Primary School Fees, Tertiary Study Fees
Annual Creche fee – $4.36 per month
Annual Primary school fee – $260 – $436 per month
Annual High School fee – $260 – $436 per month
Annual 1st Year Tertiary / University fee – $260 to $436 per month (dependent on which
private school they go to)
Private schooling is the most expensive on the island for expat children to attend, however the rates in comparison to other countries are reasonable. Expats that I came across spoke highly of the education system in the country and were happy with the private education that their children were receiving.
Furniture and Appliances: DVD Player, Fridge Freezer, Iron, Kettle, Toaster, microwave, Light Bulbs, Television, Vacuum Cleaner, Washing Machine
DVD Player – $87
Fridge / Freezer – $489 (LG / Whirlpool – 4 year guarantee)
Iron – $12 cheap to $35 top of the range
Kettle – $20 cheap to $37 top of the range
Microwave – $191
TV 21 inch – $244 (2 year guarantee)
Washing Machine LG – $570
Discounts can be negotiated with stores on all items
Groceries bought in a grocery store: Baby Consumables, Baked Goods, Baking, Canned Foods, Cheese, Cleaning Products, Dairy, Fresh Fruits, Fresh Vegetables, Fruit Juices, Frozen, Meat, Oil & Vinegars, Pet Food, Pre-Prepared Meals, Sauces, Seafood, Snacks, Soft Drinks, Spices & Herbs
Powdered baby formula (400g) – $7
Plain biscuits (100g) – $0.20
Loaf white bread (200g) – $0.70
Cake Flour (1kg) – $2.80
Baked Beans (415g) – $1.92
Tuna (185g) – $2.75
Cheese: Cheddar (250g) – $6.63
Crisps: Pringles (139g) – $2.50
Autowash clothing powder (750g) – $1.57
Dishwash liquid (500g) – $0.87
Clothing Softener (2l) – $5.40
Breakfast Cereal (250g) – $2.45
Butter (227g) – $2.18
Milk (1l) – $1.40
Eggs (12) – $1.80
Orange Juice (1l) – $2.80
Frozen Mixed Vegetables (1kg) – $6.20
Cooking oil (1l) – $3.22
Olive oil (500ml) – $8.28
Can of cola (355ml) – $1.00
Local Fizzy Soft Drink (1l) – $1.30
Local Natural Mineral Water (5l) – $1.08
Tea Bags (200g) – $1.85
Instant Coffee (100g) – $6.75
Local Ground Coffee (200g) – $3.66
Salt (400g) – $0.26
Pepper (400g) – $0.35
Prices were obtained from local grocery stores, there are no big department stores to shop in.
Healthcare: General Practitioner Consultation rates, Hospital Private Ward Daily, Rate, Non-Prescription Medicine, Private Medical Insurance / Medical Aid Contributions
GP Private rate visit with meds – $3.50
Hospital Private ward rates – $28 per day
Dentistry – Tooth extraction – $4.35
Most expats use Bupa or the Sri Lankan Equivalent
Household: House / Flat Mortgage, House / Flat Rental, Household Electricity Consumption, Household Gas / Fuel Consumption, Household Water Consumption, Local Property Rates / Taxes / Levies
Rent 2 bed Apartment City Centre – $700
Rent 2 bed Apartment outside of City Centre – $600
Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage per – $80 to $90 per month for an average
household, this is expensive when taking household
air conditioning into account
Gas / Fuel – 12 ½ kg bottle – $14
Local property Rates – 8 to 10% of value of property
Expats cannot buy a property directly, this has to be done via a Lawyer who owns the property. Mortgage for locals is 4/5%. This is where most expats find the costs creep in, running the air conditioners is extremely expensive as well as the cost of water.
Miscellaneous: Domestic Help, Dry Cleaning, Linen, Office Supplies, Newspapers and Magazines, Postage Stamps
Domestic Rates – full time per person – $80 average
1 Black inkjet printer cartridge – $14
1 Color inkjet printer cartridge – $21
500 sheets printer paper – $5.23
Local Daily Newspaper – $0.17
International Daily Newspaper – $0.45
International Magazine – $20
International Airmail Stamps – $0.22
Domestic Stamps – $0.12
Domestic help is cheap and most employees either live on the property or close by. Office supplies are reasonable, with CD’s and DVD’s freely available on the street where most locals buy them.
Personal Care: Cosmetics, Haircare, Moisturiser / Sun Block, Nappies, Pain Relief Tablets, Toilet Paper, Toothpaste, Soap / Shampoo / Conditioner
Body lotion (400ml) Vaseline Intensive car – $4.53
Toilet paper 1 ply per roll – $0.50
Toothpaste (200g) – $1.92
Shampoo (200ml) – $2.40
Some of the items that can be purchased can be expensive, like creams, sunblocks and cosmetic creams. Name brand products are the most expensive.
Recreation and Culture: Books, Camera Film, Cinema Ticket, DVD and CD’s, Sports goods, Theatre Ticket
Books paper back – $10
Cinema ticket – $0.50
DVD / CD Imported – $2
Cricket ticket – $0.50 to $8
Theatre Ticket – only in Colombo – $30
Hard cover books are expensive in the country, but paper back books are of a similar cost to the US and UK. Cinema tickets are cheap due to the availability of cheap DVD replicas which can be bought on street corners. International cricket tickets are also kept cheap for the local population.
Restaurants / Meals out / Hotels: Business Dinner, Dinner at Restaurant (non fast food), Hotel Rates, Take Away Drinks & Snacks (fast Food)
Business Dinner excl Alcohol – $22 per person
Dinner / lunch at local restaurant – $8 per person
McDonalds Big Mac – $4.10
Hotel Rates 3* – $8 to $50 pppn
Hotel Rates 4* – $80 to $120 pppn
Hotel Rates 5* – $140 pppn upwards
Take away – Can of cola x 1 – $0.70
Medium pizza – $3.50
Hamburger – $2.00
Coffee – pot x 3 cups – $1.40
As in most countries how much you pay for a meal is dependent on where you go, the local restaurants have great local meals, as well as international flavours, we found a fabulous vegetarian restaurant in Galle, well worth a visit and all prices were fairly cheap. Some restaurants do take advantage of the tourist population and serve sub standard meals. However, most restaurants were good with their portions and meal plans.
Transport: Hire Purchase / Lease of Vehicle, Petrol / Diesel, Public Transport, Service Maintenance, Tyres, Vehicle Insurance, Vehicle Purchase
Hire / Lease car – Sedan Toyota Corolla – $37.14 per day for 1 week
Hire / Lease car – Toyota RAV4 – $46.71 per day for 1 week
Petrol unleaded per litre – $1.23
Diesel per litre – $0.64
Bus Ticket (one way) – $1.00
Taxi Ride – per km – $0.50
Tuc Tuc – 10 km ride – $6.00
Train Ticket 2nd class – $1.57
If you are visiting I would suggest you use the local taxis and tuc-tucs, driving can be a head-ache and unpleasant experience if you are not used to the local norms. However, speeds do not go over 80km on the bigger roads and overall a safe place to drive.
The above detail are some of the items form the basis of the cost of living indexes for each basket group in the Xpatulator calculators, these costs are then used with their indexes and exchange rates to calculate the cost of living in different locations.
For more information on Sri Lanka read more at www.xpatulator.com/outside.cfm.
Mission-Vision Statements
Mission Statements and Vision Statements are created to clearly convey the direction of the company. Companies without a meaningful Mission / Vision statement tend to be rudderless.
Mission and Vision Statements are all over the map. Some companies only have one or the other, while other companies will use a Mission Statement as a Vision Statement and vice versa. Used properly, Mission Statements and Vision Statements are powerful tools. They provide employees with a company direction. They provide the answer to which activities to pursue and which not to pursue. If an activity does not help your company move toward its vision, then don’t do it.
Mission Statements
The prime audience for a mission statement is the employees of the company. A Mission Statement should be concise. It should reflect the company’s business strategy and focus on the customer. It should answer three questions:
- What do we do?
- How do we do it?
- For whom do we do it?
What do we do? This question should not be answered in terms of what you are selling to your customer. It is about how your product or service solves their psychological need. Your customer expressed ‘frustration’ over some problem and by purchasing your product or service, their ‘frustration’ is now gone.
How we do it? This answer should deal with the product or service that you are selling, how you will sell it and how it is delivered to the customer. It should fit with the psychological need expressed above.
For whom do we do it? This answer should identify who we will be marketing to.
Geico example – It is important that when severe weather threatens, you know where to turn for information to ensure that you, your loved ones and your vehicle are safe. Auto damage adjusters from around the country will help handle the claims this storm season. These adjusters will remain in affected areas as long as necessary to take care of you and every GEICO customer.
- What do we do? When weather threatens, we want to make you feel safe
- How we do it? Use adjusters from around the country
- For whom we do it? Our customers
Vision Statements
A vision is a statement about what your company will look like in the future – say 10 years from now. A vision should stretch the organization’s capabilities and image of itself. It gives shape and direction to the organization’s future. It should be fairly short and easy to remember. Let’s look at some examples…
Microsoft example – Bill Gates’ initial vision was to have a computer on every desk. Employees at Microsoft worked to make the computer useful [applications that people wanted] and they worked to make it easy to use. Today, their vision is to help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential. The initial vision had more meaning.
Sony example – Sony is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications, and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Its motion picture, television, computer entertainment, music and online businesses make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world. Their vision could be clearer, something like ‘Sony will be the most comprehensive entertainment company in the world’ or ‘the world will look to Sony for comprehensive entertainment’.
Boeing example – Boeing has a long tradition of aerospace leadership and innovation. We continue to expand our product line and services to meet emerging customer needs. This vision is rather vague – they should be proposing what they believe those emerging customer needs will be.
Aerovironment example – AV develops and produces Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Efficient Electric Energy Technologies that enable our customers to rewrite the rules – of engagement, productivity, efficiency and safety – to their advantage. Aerovironment is a small company that went public recently. Their vision statement is quite clear.
While doing this research, I found it much easier to find a vision statement from a smaller company. The bigger companies didn’t always post their vision. Smaller companies appear to be more in tune to their vision than bigger companies. However, I would suggest that it is a mistake for a bigger company not to have a vision statement. It provides direction. What will the company be selling in the future? What does our customer base want? It keeps focus on developing the product or service of the future. It promotes innovation. It keeps you ahead of your competition.
There is an old saying – If you don’t know where you are going then it doesn’t matter how you get there. But if you know your final destination [your vision] then you and your employees will choose the paths that will help you get there.
Using Your Camera Cell Phone For Home Surveillance?
The usage of ubiquitous Cell Phones is spreading at high speed all over the world. Their main application is obviously for communication and for exchanging messages. In certain cases the capability provided by these instruments, to call urgently for help or to find promptly someone who went lost, can really save lives.
That is why children and elderly people, even if less technically savvy than young and active persons, should be instructed in the practical functions of these gadgets and helped in mastering at least the essential features.
It is true that an operating cell-phone emits interceptable signals that can help in locating the whereabouts of the owner of that instrument. This use is more linked to spying than to the classic meaning of Surveillance and it may be forbidden by law.
It was almost inevitable that the addition of a tiny camera and a mini screen to the basic cell-phone would prompt enterprising inventors to implement surveillance capability.
In fact, there is a relatively recent application that permits to every owner of a modern camera cell-phone to set it up so that it shows whatever is seen by a simple webcam placed at home in a strategic location.
Imagine looking at will at streaming videos of whatever happens, or does not happen, at the selected location surveyed by the camera at home. The webcam is connected to the Internet and therefore the system enjoys continuous functionality almost everywhere on the globe.
Although somehow limited in it’s capability, if compared with more complete Surveillance systems, nonetheless the images can have real importance in certain instances, with the invaluable advantage that the basic setup can be implemented easily at a limited cost.
Would it be interesting to discover what has to be set up and how, to obtain a usable system and enjoy the good feeling of knowing at each instant what is going on at home?
A commercial enterprise prepared an instructional Guide containing all needed information to set up and operate just that system. It offers it for sale to any person interested in this solution. Of course prospective customers should be aware of all advantages and limitations, relative to more complex systems.
Some choices are left to the user, that will select the combination best apt to provide the most complete and friendly answer to the required Surveillance level.
This approach can be an inexpensive surveillance solution for users who can imagine the kind of information that they would like to gather when they are on the move, and agree that this is what they want.
The Guide is meant to help everybody, even if not technical expert and it comes with the usual 60 days guarantee and with the promise of individual help by email in case any difficulties arise.
It seems so promising a system that it is quite possible that other entrepreneurs will jump on the idea and try to develop similar applications with their own special features.
Future of IP Megapixel Security Cameras – How to Get to the HD CCTV Zone
Operating System of the Future
I was once told by a senior manager at a large corporation, “quit talking about this Windows OS, you know corporate has chosen IBM OS2 for the company’s operating system.” I was a young systems engineer in the service department at this $3 Billion dollar company. It was a no-brainer that OS2 did not have the application development behind it and Gates was going to win the OS battle. Down they went into the IBM OS and after 10,000 or so computers were in place with OS2, all PC’s and training were thrown out as Windows 5 hit the market. Not problem free this Windows OS, but at least it did something.
Slow and Expensive – Is that OK?
Then there was the time in 2000 that I was told that a proprietary system called ION was going to save the world and provide multiple high-speed internet connections to every business and household. $2B later, in 2002 the need fell on this web conduit. It was clear that the technology was not needed as DSL and cable modem service was spreading across the nation.
The common denominator of these real-life technology decisions, or indecisions cost a lot and ate up many resources. All of those stories are about proprietary systems. Open platform or an open architecture are the future as web-base applications and client applications allow the user to have choices in their applications and devices. IP Cameras are IP devices just like any computer on the network.
OS2 and ION were closed systems and were not grasped by the business buyer after the initial 1-2 year trial. The fact is that open platforms grow business and closed, proprietary systems initially get attention because of certain features, and then die on the vine. Proprietary is used to create margin by differentiating yourself from the competition. How can you compare prices when its apples and oranges.
Video Security Technology – Why Not HiDef NOW?
Video Surveillance and CCTV is about to undergo major changes as it migrates from analog to digital systems. In the same way that many technologies get introduced, IP megapixel camera manufacturers are to many extents, close systems allowing only certain cameras to play. The call is for the manufacturers adopt a H.264 common protocol that every NVR can talk to and share a common language.
Are manufacturers taking advantage of the new technology with premium pricing and by closing their proprietary system to outsiders? A DHCP setup and IP addressing with port forwarding and LAN speed tests are much different than installation of analog camera systems. Certification is often required and many analog installation groups will be left out of the IP system installations if they don’t train and plan now. IT professionals, welcome to the CCTV business. The reality of IP megapixel in large complex systems will grow beyond the abilities of many installation groups and above the ability of the design teams from the Analog world.
The IP Megapixel Camera business will outgrow the analog camera when prices drop. Maybe it will gain 50% market share in 2-5 years. I would foresee a 50% price reduction by 2012, as the professional IP Megapixel is commonly 2.5x the price of a hi-res 550 TVL analog camera that has sufficient video for most applications. Although IP megapixel cameras have a tremendous picture video quality, the price is a major factor along with bandwidth issues in today’s products.
Bad Timing for Expensive CCTV
Professional-grade 1.3 MP IP cameras are $600-$900 in today’s market. We would like a $300 3MP+ IP video cameras and the ability to transmit at 30 FPS across all 32 channels by the summer of 2011. Price and Pipeline please. It will happen and I think the adoption of the H264 standard is vital to this business growth and the takeover of poor-quality analog CCTV cameras. Open up the APIs and let’s get this analog-poor video in our rearview mirror. IP Megapixel is a tremendous technology improvement and the video security business will benefit greatly from this technology.
As a system integrator with extensive network experience, our company cannot wait to see the IP cameras take over the market. So the future growth depends on the manufacturers and competition to open the platforms and may the best devices win! High-Speed IP Megapixel cameras are the future.
Steve McNeal
AMA Security
http://www.AMASecurity.com.
800-417-2113
Wireless CCTV Camera Systems in the Home
One of the main advantages of wireless security camera systems is their flexibility. Home owners can immediately see the benefits of wireless camera systems because they can be fitted in minutes. There are two options available and which one you would choose would be dependent on your personal choice.
A standard wireless camera can be fitted above the front door and will have a scope of around 45-60 degrees so it can easily capture the image of anyone approaching the front of your property. The camera will need to be connected to a direct power supply if you want 24/7 coverage. You can power some models by a lithium battery to make them completely wireless though this would depend on what level of coverage you want. This camera will link wirelessly to a receiver which will be located inside the home, this will also need to be connected to a power supply.
The receiver will be connected to the television by wires that are normally provided in the kits. You can tune into the CCTV system by choosing the AV option on the screen. The image captured will be in full colour and will be very clear as long as the camera is no more than 100 meters away from the receiver. You can still get a clear picture even if the waves have to pass through wall obstructions though the power level is reduced to around 8-16 meters.
As darkness falls and the light deteriorates the cameras LED lights are activated so that night vision will come into play. A typical wireless camera can see through total darkness to a distance of around 15 meters. The images shown on the screen will be in black and white because of the night vision. You can add more cameras to the system without having to buy additional receivers. If you have four wireless cameras in total then they can be seen on your TV at the same time in split screen view. You can also scroll from one camera to another.
These types of cameras can be just as effective as a deterrent as they can at recording an intruder. A common thief will often visit an area first identifying possible targets for future burglary. Your camera security system will be quite obvious above the door and will be noted by the criminal. The last thing they would want is to be caught on video which could be used in a court of law as the evidence that seals the conviction. A criminal is much more likely to move onto another, easier target which does not have the same levels of security as yours.
Some home owners prefer to adopt their wireless security cameras in a more covert way so they are hidden from view. The reason for this is to catch a criminal with their guard down so they can easily be identified should they commit a crime. There is no security deterrent here of course because the cameras are hidden but they can still provide vital evidence that can convict.
Wireless security camera systems are a very effective option in the fight against crime. There are a worthwhile investment as a major deterrent against criminals who target your property.