The device of 508 x 195 x 372 mm size consumes less space in your desk top and offers convenient work space. If required you can mount the monitor as it supports 100mm X 100mm (VESA). The display can be tilted to 20 degree.

The 21.5 ” large screen of 16:9 aspect ratio and 0.248 x 0.248 mm Pixel Pitch provides excellent viewing experience. With 300 cd/m2 brightness and 50000:1 contrast, it displays images with improved brightness. It supports maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. With support for 5 ms, you can watch faster actions effectively. To ensure flexibility in viewing, it supports 176° vertical and horizontal viewing angle.

Feature-wise, the device is fully equipped with options like Four Lamps for Back Light, Acer EcoDisplay, Acer Adaptive Contrast Management (ACM), 72% NTSC colour gamut.

The Horizontal scan range featured in this device is 30 – 80 kHz. With the capability to display 16.7 M colours, you can enjoy vivid and bright images. VGA connector allows easy connectivity option. Acer V223HQBOb TFT LCD VGA Black Monitor is very energy efficient and consumes 0.79 W on stand by mode and 30 W during operation. This product weighs 4.50 kg. For added security, the product supports offers support for Kensington Lock. Extended customer support is offered in the form of 3 Year Warranty.

There are various models available in various sizes ranging from 15 inches up to 70 inches completely designed with features such as speakers and TV-tuners. LCD TVs are sold at various competitive prices depending upon the screen sizes.

Factors to be considered while buying a LCD TV:

Screen Size

Screen size normally refers to the diagonal measurement of the screen. Screen size range between 15 inches to 40 inches.

Picture and sound quality

Wide screen TV gives better viewing experience with different aspect ratio depending upon the type of programme. Different aspect ratios can be set such as 16:9 for films, 4:3 for traditional, standard mode for common TV programmes and the zoom option. Picture can be viewed clearly from a wider angle without any picture alteration.

Viewing Angle

Viewing angle is the angle from where viewing is possible. Zero degree is the angel that is directly at the middle of the screen. 170 degrees means you can watch programmes from the most sideway. This is one of the most important factors to be considered while buying a LCD TV.

Contrast Ratio

This is the ratio of the brightest colour to the darkest colour. The average ratio is 500:1.

Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio is the ratio of the longer dimension and the shorter dimension of a two-dimensional shape. LCD TVs come with different aspect ratios depending upon the type of programme. Depending on the features and the manufacturer the prices varies. Price also depends on the aspect ratio of the LCD TV.

Resolution

Resolution of the picture refers to the number of pixels that are displayed in both the dimensions. It is represented in pixels. The more the number of pixels, greater will be the clarity.

Frequency Rate

Frequency rate or Refresh rate refers to the number of times that a TV picture is updated per second. Some TVs come with a rate of 50Hz a second at which some people can notice flickering. Recent model TVs are often 100Hz, giving a steadier picture.

Connections

Right connection can be taken depending upon the type of input you need. Connections to a DVD player, game console, camcorder may be taken. LCD TVs come with scart sockets to connect to various devices. Scart is a connection or cabling to carry audio and video signals that are located at the back of the TVs and videos.

High Definition TV (HDTV)

HDTV is made up of 1080 vertical lines which make the picture clearer. TVs with HDTV-Ready or HDTV-compatible displays HD signals with the help of a receiver or a tuner.

Free View

This is a feature whereby you will be able to watch free satellite channels that are available without having a separate digital decoder.

Dolby Surround Sound

Greatly improved sound quality can be achieved when the Pro Logic decodes the new Dolby Digital signal from the DVD and digital TV broadcast.

Home Cinema

Home Cinema features five speakers that give a cinema effect. Extra speakers have to be bought apart from the TV. Usually all LCD TVs support this feature.

Rear Projection TVs

A projector transmits the picture by bouncing if off a series of tiny mirrors to create the image. They are not suitable for hanging on the wall as they are quite slim-line and light.

Component video

This provides a better quality connection to give the best picture quality.

HDMI and DVI

If you choose to take a HD-Ready TV, it comes with either the HDMI or the DVI connection to receive digital signals from HD receiving equipment. You can watch High Definition broadcasts by connecting it to a HDMI or DVI cable. Sound and picture quality can be improved by using better cables.

LCD TV Vs Plasma TV

LCD TV has lower contrast ratio as they are not quiet efficient in reproducing the dark greys and the black colour. Also the response time is slower compared to the plasma TV. This causes blurring of fast moving action films. But the latest models are available that can refresh the display 120 times per second. This is achieved by interpolating the frames by creating new frames with pixels illuminated between the preceding and succeeding real frames.

LCD TVs are designed to have one to several inches thicker than plasma TV and have narrower viewing angle. LCD TVs can run cooler than plasma TVs and hence do not necessarily need fan cooling.

General

If you are planning to mount a TV on a wall or place it in a brightly lit room, then a LCD TV is an ideal option. You can also use the LCD TV as a computer monitor. LCD TVs are designed to be flatter, streamlined and lighter than conventional TVs. Careful scrutiny is necessary while buying a LCD TV to see that the TV you need contains all necessary features, thereby avoiding all the unnecessary features.

Types of Toasters

The two basic types of toasters are pop-up and conveyor type of toasters. Some of its basic features are discussed below to give you a better idea before you buy the same.

Pop-up toasters

Pop-up toasters are compact in size and are similar to the ones that are used in homes. Commercial toasters are designed to hold more capacity of bread and to last long. They are less expensive than the conveyer toaster. Pop-up toasters are mainly used when 200 to 300 slices of bread needs to be toasted per hour. Less expensive and lighter duty toasters do not support this volume of slices. Pop-up toasters are the best when you do not need more than 300 slices of bread at a time. These types of toasters cannot toast buns, bagels, sub rolls and croissants that are bigger in size than the slice of bread.

Conveyer Toasters

These toasters are used for large scale production. Here, the bread is placed in the front of the unit on the conveyor. The toasted bread slice, slides down to the collection tray that is fitted at the front. Conveyor toasters comes in different capacity range such as 350, 450, 600, 800 and 950 slices an hour. You can toast any type of food products ranging from bagels to buns.

Factors to be looked in to:

Number of slices

Choose the toaster that fits your requirement. Toasters that can toast 2 slices of bread at a time are also available. 4 slice model toasters can support a large family. You must also see to if a wider slot is necessary to feed in thick slices of bread.

Frozen bread setting

This feature is very useful when you need to toast bread that is frozen completely. It defrosts the bread and then toasts it.

Removable tray

Removable crumb tray is convenient to dispose off the crumbs without having to clean it separately.

Slots

Toasters come with narrow as well as wider slots that allow thick breads, buns and bagels to be toasted. Some toasters come with wire cage that can toast the whole sandwich.

Cancel function

This feature helps you to cancel the operation while the toasting process is on.

Cleaning feature

Some toasters are available that are self cleaners. While some come with bread lift so that there is no need for you to reach inside the toaster. Trays must be removable so that it can be cleaned after the process is complete.

Settings

The toaster you are about to buy must come with electronic touch pads while some come with either programmed buttons or controls. Electronic touch pads are easier to use. This will help you to make settings according to the type of toasting you will need. Some toasters have lights outside that indicate if the toaster is on or in very hot condition.

Additional settings

Some toasters come with additional settings like reheat, defrost, keep-warm settings. If you require these settings, then these features have to be considered. Some toasters toast, broil, roast, bake or convectional cook. Toaster ovens can help you to cook as well. Convention heating toasts the bread on both the sides without having to flip the food over manually.

Stay cool toasters

Toasters those are available in chrome and stainless steel stay cool than the plastic ones. Some toasters keep tops and sides cool. This avoids burning of hands.

Toaster accessories

Accessories such as a rack, knife or a dish serves well if it is available.

Warranty

This is one of the most important factors to be considered while buying a toaster. Due to continuous usage of the toaster, some of the component may breakdown and needs to be replaced.

Other points to be considered while buying a toaster are:

1. Will it fit well in the space available?

2. How may number of slices will I toast at the maximum?

3. How about the electrical requirement of the product?

4. How many hours will I be using the toaster?

Buying the best toaster according to our requirement is more important than being satisfied with the available toaster in the market. Making correct decision is utmost important in every aspect of life.

When you plan to buy a scanner of your own, there needs a careful scrutiny about the type of scanner that are available in the market. This is essential to see if it suits your requirement.

How to decide upon a scanner?

Buying a product of our own is not important. But buying a right product that is suitable for our use is more important than any factor. It gives immense pleasure to the user when he discovers that the product is completely satisfactory. It is also worth buying such a product.

Selecting a scanner must always depend upon the type of user. Users are of different types. They are beginners, intermediates and advanced.

Beginners

If you intend to use your scanner for simple use such as filing of documents, then a flat scanner that has an optical resolution of 600dpi or less than this will be the apt choice. You can also opt for sheet fed scanner depending upon the document type.

Intermediate

If you intend to digitize documents and photographs in great aspect, then you can very well go for any model in flat scanners, which have a 24-bit depth sampling.

Advanced

If you have to digitize negatives or quite large documents, then you can go for an advanced model with the feature of scanning transparencies or models that come with image editing software for professionals.

Types of scanners:

Flat scanner

Flat scanner is a commonly used device. All forms of documents can be scanned, especially A4 size documents. A3 scanners are also available. Documents can be scanned by placing it against the scanner’s screen. Flat scanners are also capable of scanning documents on negatives or transparencies.

Film scanner

This type of scanners can be used by professionals. It is specialized in digitization of 24 x 36 negatives. Scanned documents have excellent quality and high resolution.

Rotary or drum scanners

In this type of scanner, image is passed several times across the photomultiplier drum to get clear image. This type of scanners is used by the professionals.

Sheetfed scanner

This type of scanner has the feature of digitizing sheet per sheet. You can feed in the paper through the feeder or through an opening and the document appears on the computer screen. This scanner is very compact and has limited usability.

Factors affecting the performance of the scanners are:

Scanner type

Before deciding upon any scanner you must decide on the type of document you will be scanning.

Colour sampling depth

A scanner with 10 bits can make a distinction of 1024 colours. A scanner with 24 bits make a distinction of 16.7 million colours and a scanner with 48 bits can make a distinction of 480 billion colours. The more the number of bits the better the colour gradation will be.

Optical resolution

Dot per inch (dpi) or points per inch (ppi) are the number of dots or points that are made in one inch. It is better to go for a scanner with 600 x 600 ppi.

Interfaces

Interfaces are also a major factor to be considered while buying a scanner. Proper port must be used in the scanner.

USB port

USB ports are widely used than the parallel ports. USB ports offer better performance and a reduced usage of processor’s resources. It is compatible to both Mac and PC. Some scanners can be directly connected with the USB port.

SCSI (Small Computer System Device)

SCSI (Small Computer System Device) has the lowest processor resources consumption and is widely used for professional work.

The software

The software in the scanner is classified into image editing and character recognition.

Image edition

Image editing is always suitable for small editions than the advanced types. Commercial software cost more than the lighter versions.

Character recognition

This software can read a text image and convert it to a text document. The major advantage of the scanner is OCR (Optical Character Recognition).

General

Scanners that are available today are quite slim and built with buttons for automatic function. The overall appearance of the scanner may depend upon the features available in it. Scanners are more affordable in recent days and are also a useful medium to store and edit documents. The software you install must function well during the post-scanning operation too.

Radar detector is a device that detects active speed cameras. It is used by the motorists to detect if their vehicle’s speed is detected by the police. It alerts you when you are nearing a speed trap. A radar detector can detect the radar gun before it detects the vehicle’s speed.

To find the speed of the moving vehicle, police bounce radio waves on the moving vehicle. And from the wave’s frequency, police will able to determine the speed of the vehicle. In such circumstances you can use radar detectors to escape from the police. First and foremost factors to look in to will be if the radar detector is made for the European market or if it has the UK profile. A detector must be able to detect both K and Ka band. But before buying any radar detector it is very important to look into certain important factors.

Few important factors to be considered are:

1. Are they allowed to be used legally in UK?

2. What are they capable of detecting?

3. Can they be used in built-up areas?

4. Is it necessary to use both radar detector and GPS system?

Functions of radar detector

Radar detectors are used to provide mobile speed camera and fixed camera location. Devices also come with GPS (Global Positioning System). GPS warn the drivers about the posted speed limits and published camera sites. Detectors that are active ignore the speed cameras that are inactive. GPS navigation system brings awareness of the speed camera locations only without actually checking if they are active or not.

How does it work?

Radio waves are the key feature in the working of the radar detectors. Radar detectors emit radio waves. When a vehicle crosses the path, radio waves reflect electromagnetic energy automatically. Thus the radio wave bounces back and reaches the radar detector. The time taken to travel and reach back is calculated and determines how far the vehicle is.

A word of caution

Devices that warn a motorist by constantly detecting a camera ahead may be banned if Road Safety Bill 2005 is adopted. Devices that rely on GPS (Global Positioning System) will not be prohibited. Hence careful study is essential before buying the product. If radar detectors are banned, then the police have to adopt a method of tracking those persons who are using these devices and that is not going to be so difficult.

Kinds of radar detectors

X-Band

This kind of radar detectors feature lower frequency and higher power output. They can detect radio signals from a range of 2 miles to 4 miles. The frequency range of this radar detector ranges from 10.5 to 10.55GHz. As the devices operate on lower frequency it can easily detect garage door openers, microwave towers and microwave alarm.

K-Band

It operates with the frequency ranging from 24.05 to 24.25GHz. They are designed as handheld radar guns which were used from stationary vehicles. Later they were redesigned for moving vehicles. This type of radar detectors can detect signals between the range of ¼ mile and 2 miles.

Ka Wide-Band

The frequency range of this kind of radar detectors is 34.2 to 35.2 GHz. The camera captures the picture of the speeding vehicle and gives details like the front view of the vehicle, time, place and license plate number. Photo cops have outstanding range of taking snaps of 200 vehicles per hour. Ka Wide-Band is designed to detect the photo cops.

Ka Super Wide-Band

These types of radar detectors have frequency range of 33.4 to 36.0 GHz. Stalker guns in photo-cops were used to trigger the speed of the vehicle. Hence radar detectors that work with the super wide band technology were introduced.

General

Though radar detectors safeguard the users from the police, it is always wise to think about the safety when the vehicle is driven with the right speed. Hence any product you buy must protect you from danger rather than pushing you into troubles.

]]> http://www.uspree.com/reviews/buying-guides/a-buying-guide-for-radar-detecto/feed/ 0 http://www.uspree.com/reviews/buying-guides/a-buying-guide-for-lcd-monito/ http://www.uspree.com/reviews/buying-guides/a-buying-guide-for-lcd-monito/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000 ]]> Making a final decision is always important and at the same time difficult as it involves careful scrutiny while collecting information and enquiring about the product. Selecting the right product relieves you off from all tensions as you would be very well satisfied with the product. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is other wise called as TFT (Thin Film Transistor). LCD displays are multi functional. It is capable of displaying HDTV, home video and standard TV. Also inputs for composite video, S-video, component video, RGB inputs from a computer and HDMI or DVI inputs for HDTV are included.

The advantages of LCD displays are that LCD displays are flatter and have higher contrasts than CRT monitors. It can operate well in a brightly lit room and comes with anti glare screen. Dot pitch is an issue that is affecting the overall value of the LCD monitors. Dot pitch is the distance between the sub pixels of same colour. Smaller dot pitch generates sharper pictures. Computer signal images and graphs are displayed with more clarity when dot pitch is smaller.

Key Features:

• Sharp text

• Good colour performance

• Design/ appearance

• Contrast ratio

• Price

• Video input

Advantages of a TFT/LCD:

• Crisp image

• More display area

• Space saver

• Perfect screen geometry

• No convergence problems

• Thin and stylish

• Energy efficient

• Relatively lightweight, especially in larger sizes

Disadvantages of a TFT/LCD:

• More expensive than CRT monitors

• Fragile

• Limited viewing angle

Factors to be considered before buying a LCD monitor:

Resolution

Resolution is the key factor to look for while deciding about buying a LCD monitor of our own. Resolution is the number of pixels that are displayed on the screen. More the number of pixels greater will be the clarity. Resolution must be at least 1,024 x 768 for sufficient screen display.

Speaker

Built in speakers are available in most of the monitors nowadays. Hence this factor has to be considered. If the graphics card supports digital video interface output, then a screen with DVI input will give better quality image. Integrated USB hub is available with most of the LCD monitors. Most of the speakers and tuners are plug and play devices and it is easy to connect.

Size

The overall size of the LCD monitor is small and handy compared to the CRT monitors. The visible screen size is larger as sharp displays are produced by each pixel that is formed by a tiny cell, which contains thin layer of liquid crystals.

Viewing angle

The viewing angle is also one of the major factors to be considered while buying a LCD monitor. Viewing angle is the maximum angle from where viewing is possible.

Response time

Response time is the time taken by the pixel to get refreshed. It is measured in milliseconds. LCD displays are available that come with response time lesser that 20ms. LCD displays with response time that is greater than 20ms make images jerk.

Accessories

Different companies give various accessories such as monitor arms, monitor stands, screen filters etc. You have to enquire about the accessories supplied to avoid losing any.

Warranty

Warranty offered by different companies differs in number of years. Hence this is also one of the major factors to be considered while buying a LCD display.

TFT/ LCD displays Vs CRT

Deciding upon a CRT or a TFT is also important. Though CRT is becoming less popular it is designed to have colour depth and high resolution. There are also some models that are quite heavy to be shifted from one place. Graphics professional may always prefer to use CRT than the flat screen displays or LCD displays. TFT screens are becoming more popular as they are lighter in weight and occupy less space. Working near a TFT is more comfortable than working near a CRT monitors. CRT screens are designed with better redraw rate. Pictures on the screen blur occasionally. Also the colour depth is true in the case of a CRT screen. LCD displays do not come with scan lines. Smooth images are reproduced with saturated colour.

Although there are numerous products available in the market, selecting the right product is the ultimate goal. Right product gives right satisfaction to you.

Types of lawn mower:

Cylindrical mower

This type of mower has vertically rotating blades that are suitable for well maintained lawns where grass can be cut fine. Detachable grass clipping collection box is available that is helpful to dispose off the grass. Cutting widths vary in different models together with rear rollers. It can be operated with hand, electricity or petrol.

Rotary mowers

This type of mower has horizontally rotating blades that give less finer finish. This is suitable for areas such as uneven areas, lawns with weeds, moss etc. Removable grass clipping box, adjustable cutting height, built-in roller are available with this type of mower.

Hover mowers

This type of mower has rotating blades that cut the grass neatly. They are suitable for lawns with uneven surfaces and for removing the grass between the flower beds. They are easy to handle and inexpensive too.

Tractor mowers

These mowers are easy to use and can mow large gardens easily except that the investment would be big. It can be used to mow grass extended for larger areas between 1 and 5 acres. By attaching a trailer to the tractor mower, logs and leaves can be transported. Cut grass can be collected in two methods. In the first method, the cut grass can be collected directly into the grass collector and in the second method; an inbuilt sweeper with a rotating brush collects even the wet grass. The second option is more helpful but more expensive than the tractor with the rear collection box. They can pass through the garden gate easily. They can easily mows small areas around the flower beds.

Ride-on Lawn mower

These mowers are easily applicable for areas up to 1 acre. The cut grass is collected in the rear box or it can be disposed off through the side option.

Petrol lawn mower

This type of mower can be used to cut long grass and grass that is damp. It contains the rear roller, which strips off the grass to give a cleaner finish. The servicing cost of the petrol roller rotary is less than the cylindrical lawn mower. Longer grass and larger areas can be covered easily. There is no need for a cable and hence it can be handled easily.

Recycler lawn mower

This type of lawn mower helps in regenerating the nutrients back into the soil. During a particular season the grass needs to be mowed on a 5 day cycle. In one go, the grass can be cut only to the third of the length. It comes with the grass collector box at the rear end.

Robot mower

This lawn mower can mow in the absence of a person. It works on two onboard battery packs. It automatically operates on a processor that is fitted in the mower. It is designed with the feature of sensing things around while in operation. And hence, it can turn about when it senses things around. It also comes with a programmable setting where by the time can be set to start mowing for a particular day. Another feature is that it simply scatters the cut grass on the lawn to decompose and hence the key nutrients are retained in the soil.

Petrol lawn mowers Vs Electric lawn mower

Petrol mowers

• Perform well though expensive

• Capable of mowing damp grass

• Petrol would be required more for more work

• electronic key ignition starter mechanism

• Easy to handle

• Larger areas and longer grass can be mowed quickly and powerfully

• Does not require cables and power source

• Overheating is nil when mowing large areas

• the size of the blades and the collection boxes depend upon the size of the models

• Models are self propelled that are adjustable according to the walking speed

Electric mowers

• Easy to handle

• Power source is essential

• Saves time

• Suitable for small to medium sized lawns

• Cannot mow damp grass

Factors to be considered while buying a lawn mower:

• Models with bigger collection box will help to dispose off the grass clippings a fewer times.

• Wider models will save time by mowing the grass quickly. Width of the model needs to be wider.

• A viewing section will help you to check when it needs emptying.

• Small areas of the garden can be easily mowed. Access to each and every corner of the garden needs to be considered. The mower must enter the gate with ease.

• The size and shape of the cutting area has to be considered. These mowers must pass through the garden gate easily. If the garden is wider, then the model also needs to be wider.

Proper product selection would save money and time as you will not feel difficult to handle the product. Haste decisions will surely put you in wrong product selection.

Some important factors to be looked into are:

• How much space do you have for the freezer?

• Do you desire for a chest freezer, or an upright freezer?

• How much food do you need to store in your freezer?

• What about energy saving?

Types of freezers:

The four main types of freezers are:

Upright freezers

These models are designed to be placed in the kitchen. They stand upright and occupy less space.

Chest freezers

These models come with baskets instead of shelves. You can also avail of a child lock facility to keep certain food items out of sight from children. These are normally placed in utility rooms or garages, as it comes with top opening lid.

Mini freezers

These models can be selected when you are short of space. They are compact in size.

Integrated freezers

This model may be used when you need uniformity in the kitchen. When the door is closed it matches the rest of the kitchen.

Factors to be considered when deciding upon a freezer are:

Energy efficiency

It is always better to go for a machine with the highest energy efficiency to save money on electricity bills during a long run. You can find the energy rating on the label. Energy ratings come in the range of ‘A’ to ‘G’, rate ‘A’ being the best and rate ‘G’ being the worst. Freezers that come in energy rating beyond ‘C’ such as ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘F’ and ‘G’ were banned in the month of September 1999. Machines manufactured after this date must have a minimum rating of ‘C’. Chest freezers are allowed to have a minimum energy rating of ‘E’.

CFC- and HFC-free

Almost all refrigeration appliances are now manufactured without the use of CFC while most of the refrigeration appliances are without the use of HFC. CFC and HFC are extremely dangerous to the atmosphere.

Placement

Freezers may be placed anywhere if the top panels are removable. But it must be placed in such a place, where there is adequate air supply and also an outlet for the warm air from the condenser. Most of the freezers require a minimum of 50mm to 100mm space between the top edges.

Size

The size of the freezer has to be checked before buying any model. The freezer must easily fit the available space. You must know exactly the height, width and depth of the freezer you are about to buy to know the space it would occupy. Upright freezers that come with a capacity of 10 cubic feet should be apt for an average family.

Temperature

Freezers that are available in the market come with four star which means it is capable of storing the food for a period between 3 months and 12 months. They are also designed to fast freeze food items at -26ºC and keep food at 18ºC.

Drawers

Freezers come with drawers, which are more convenient as the air does not escape whenever the door is opened. Also the drawers are transparent to facilitate easy selection of food item.

Controls

You must look for the controls that are available in the freezers especially the external controls like on/off button, temperature warning light and fast freeze option. The doors must automatically close if it is left open to avoid the temperature rising inside the freezer.

Fast freeze

This option can be used to avoid temperature rising when warm foods are placed in and also to preserve the quality of the food. Some models come with auto fast freeze feature whereby the freezer automatically cuts when the temperature in the freezer becomes too warm. The freezer then turns on when the food is frozen to the safest level.

Frost free

This does not require defrosting. As the food is frozen, no ice crystals are formed inside. This retains the nutritional value of the food.

Installation

When installing the freezer you must allow a gap of at least 25mm at the sides, top and back. Lack of adequate ventilation will make the compressor work harder. It is better to keep the freezer left overnight for the correct temperature to be set before the food is loaded in.

What should be done with the old freezer?

Old freezers may contain CFC gases that are harmful for the atmosphere. Hence it must be destroyed by following appropriate measures. In case you need any assistance in disposing the freezer, you may approach your local council.

General

Selecting the right model according to our requirement is more important than getting some model that looks attractive. It must be worth spending money on any product we buy.

Before buying any type of juicers few important points have to be taken care of.

1. Is the juicer efficient?

2. Can I use the juicer for those ingredients I need?

3. Can I use it with ease?

4. Is it cost efficient?

5. How about its durability?

6. Is it easy to handle?

When you have got satisfying answers for the above, then you can proceed in selecting the type of juicer you need.

Different kinds of juicers available are:

Citrus juicers

These juicers are used only for extracting juice from citrus fruits. Peeling of the fruit is not essential. Instead chopping off the fruit into half will be enough. Juice is extracted when half of the fruit is pressed down on to a spinning cone, which reams the fruit.

Centrifugal Juicers

Centrifugal juicers are the most popular ones available. Chopped fruits and vegetables are fed through the opening onto a spinning basket, which chops and grates the fruits and vegetables. The pulp is collected against the basket walls due to the centrifugal force that is created. Juice that is extracted is sent out through the spout of the juicer. This is cheaper than twin gear and masticating machines. Citrus fruits have to be peeled. Motors that run with rapid speed give out heat and air that mix up in the juice. This makes the juice sub-standard. Centrifugal force that is generated and the ejection of the pulp create more noise during the process. Wheat grass and leafy vegetables cannot be juiced.

Whole fruit Centrifugal Juicers

These juicers do not require the fruit to be cut down. Instead, it can be placed as a whole. Some juicers create more noise due to their extra power. Some large pieces may not go through the blades and hence juice is not fully extracted from the fruit pulp.

Masticating Juicers

These juicers cut and grind the produce to give the best juice. The pulp is ejected at the end of the juicer and so juice is extracted continuously.

Twin Gear Juicers

These types of juicers crush and then press the produce to extract more juice. Some models come with bio ceramic materials that extract more nutrients and extend the life of the juice. These juicers can extract juice from the wheatgrass and leafy vegetables as well, unlike the Centrifugal Juicers. The process is slow due to smaller chamber and slower feeding time.

Single Auger Juicers

The pulp is pushed against a screw that further crushes the fruit against a sieve, which separates the juice from the pulp. The quality of the juice is not lost as the heat released is very less. Noodles, pasta, purees, peanut butter and more can be made with extra attachments. The pulp has to be cut into smaller pieces to fit the chamber.

Single Cutter Juicer

The pulp is cut and chewed with the cutter with tiny teeth running along it. It can grind well the harder pulps like carrot. Leafy vegetables have to be fed in small quantities. Due to the increase in the heat produced, the juice may lose its quality. Some juicers cannot breakdown wheatgrass.

Wheatgrass Juicers

These juicers are specially designed to extract juice from wheat grass and leafy vegetables. They are normally not used to extract juice from fruits and vegetables.

Commercial juicers Vs Domestic juicer

The outcome of both the type of juicers is similar, but is quite dissimilar in some cases. Commercial juicers are designed to extract large quantity of juice at different places like health clubs, juice bars, restaurants etc. Some juicers can handle whole of the unpeeled oranges. The motors of the commercial juicers are powerful as they have to support the workload occurring each day.

Points to be considered when buying a commercial juicer:

1. Kinds of juices the customers prefer to purchase.

2. Noise created by the juicer.

3. Space that is required to place the juicer.

4. How fast can the produce be fed through the juicer?

5. How fast can the pulp be pushed out of the juicer?

6. How efficient is the fruit juicer?

7. How easy is it to clean the juicer?

Blenders Vs Juicers

A blender only cuts large piece of fruits or vegetables into smaller pieces. It cuts down the flesh, seed, skin and all that is fed into it. But, a juicer separates the juice from the fibre. Juice that is extracted by juicer is digestible directly as it is extracted from the fibre. But the juice that is extracted from the blender contains large pulps and fibres from, which the body cannot absorb the nutrients well. High speeds of blender create more noise during operation.

Factors to be taken care of:

Motor

A powerful motor can withstand the extreme workload even in high consumption of power. Power consumption depends on the type of motor.

Power

Wattage rating of the juicer has to be determined. 410watts or greater should provide sufficient amount of power.

Noise

Noise that is emitted from the juicer again depends on the type of the motor. This is also one of the main factors to be looked into. At the same time, the level of noise emitted will not decide the efficiency of the machine.

Cleaning

Cleaning the juicer after use must be easy. Some juicers that come into the market are difficult to clean. When juicers are not cleaned well, it would hold some pulp matter inside, which would emit foul smell on decay.

Kind of ingredient

You must also take care to see the type of ingredient you will be juicing. It is necessary because there are several types of juicers available for different types of ingredient.

Pulp feature

Some juicers produce pulpy or pulp-free juice. Some juicers are available with pulp-control option.

Pulp Ejection

This is one of the main features that are to be considered while buying a juicer. The pulp must be ejected out after the extraction process is complete.

Warranty

Frequent use of the juicer may bring down the life of the motor, blade or any component of the juicer. Hence warranty of the product is also an important factor that is to be taken care of.

Other important factors to be considered are:

• Juice collector

• Juicer capacity and

• Size of the feeding tube

If you consider all these, then you will not forget reusing it again. It is our sole responsibility to select the right one instead of later cursing the wrong one.

Hot summer days with dust all around are unimaginable to think. Comfortable living conditions with cool atmosphere give relief from tiredness and improve the productivity. Air Conditioners provide relief from hot sultry days. It works with the principle of a fridge by cooling the air over the coil, condensed and then vented through the hose or a tank. The four major operations done by an air conditioner are cooling, heating, dehumidifying and purifying.

Types of units:

Single units

These types contain hose attached for extracting the warm air from the room. The hose needs to be vented out of the room. A tank collects the water and needs to be emptied at every interval. Single units that are available in the market are designed to be air cooled while some make use of water to cool the room.

Split system

This system also works the similar way as that of the single units except that the extracted water is separated in to a condenser tank that will placed outside the building. This type of machine is effective for larger areas.

Features

Cooling power

BTU (British Thermal Units) is the unit to measure the cooling power. Cooling power depends on the size of the room. The area of the room has to be measured before buying an air conditioner. About 4 BTU per cubic foot will be needed to cool a room. Other factors that are to be considered are people, windows and machines that are placed in that room. If the space is large, then it is always good to buy two air conditioners than relying on a single machine. Air conditioners with higher BTU ratings are the most expensive machines.

Power output

Single unit systems have power output of 1KW per hour. Split systems use more power than the single systems and hence it is expensive.

Air filters

Some air conditioners come with air filters that purify the air by killing bacteria present in them. They not only cool the room but also keep the air clean.

CFM

Cubic Feet per Minute is the unit used to measure the amount of air the unit blows. Depending upon the conditions the settings can be made.

Noise levels

Most machines come with the noise level in decibels mentioned on the machine. Higher the decibels, higher will be the noise.

Energy rating

Energy labels can be compared to select a model. Higher energy efficiency ratings are cheaper and help you to save money.

Other facilities

Some air conditioners are available with remote controls that can be operated from your seat. Some are available with timer settings to start and stop the operation.

Other factors

Place of installation

An air conditioner may be installed anywhere on a wall, window or the ceiling. Portable models are more efficient if is used temporarily.

Controls

Nowadays, air conditioners are available in the market that is designed with number of control buttons to set the temperature, air flow direction and fan speed setting. Also time can be set to start the cooling operation.

Budget

You can select a model depending upon the area of the room and the cooling capacity. An expensive air conditioner will be necessary if a room contains more number of people or if the summer is too long.

Air Cooler

Air coolers can also be used instead of an air conditioner but are applicable to small areas. An air cooler works like a fan using ice and water to cool the area. Air is passed onto a net that is coiled in cold water. The water in the tank needs to be removed when it becomes warm.

Depending upon the area to be cooled, decision has to be taken on buying an air conditioner or an air cooler. Air coolers are normally used to cool smaller areas, while air conditioners are used to cool larger areas.