Events

Two Minute Review of the TwistDock for PS3 from Vogel’s

Andrew Edney

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Mar 13, 2011

Two Minute Review of the TwistDock for PS3 from Vogel’s

Do you have a Sony PS3 or PS3 Slim? Do you want something that can dock your PS3 in, charge your controllers and easily use? Then look no further than the TwistDock for PS3 for Vogel’s.

What is the TwistDock?

According to Vogel’s website:

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]The TwistDock is the latest innovation and is a must-have for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. The TwistDock is more than merely a docking station for this popular game computer. The system can be expanded and charged and integrates in a unique way with the Sony Playstation 3, whereby the cables are concealed neatly. This docking system is suitable for the Original as well as for the Slim variant of the PS3 game console. [/box]

Here is a little promotional video you can watch:

Who are Vogel’s?

According to Vogel’s website:

Used by businesses and people around the world, Vogel’s product range of mounts and supports provides mounting solutions for:

– LCD and plasma TVs,
– projectors,
– audio/video equipment
– loudspeakers.

You find Vogel’s products in homes (living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens), as well as in major airports, shopping centres, restaurants, football stadiums and hospitals.

What’s in the Box?

Apart from the TwistDock you also get a instruction guide, power cable, fitments for both PS3 and PS3 Slim and two charging connectors for the controllers.

A Closer Look

Basic Network Principles – A Supplement to BYOB #35

Tech

Timothy Daleo

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Mar 13, 2011

0

Basic Network Principles – A Supplement to BYOB #35

In BYOB podcast #35 we talk about basic networking principles and some core concepts you should know about when building or working on your home network. Check out this short sermon while you are listening to BYOB #35.

You can download and listen to the show here

A NIC, a MAC, a Frame and a Packet walk into a bar…

A computer on your network is connected via a NIC, or Network Interface Controller. The NIC is the part of the computer where the network cable plugs in to. When your PC wants to send data, the NIC converts that data to a FRAME and sends the data through the cable. A frame consists of a Destination Address, a Source Address and then the data. In data networking, the concept of Media Access Control protocol, or MAC, provides a unique ID (or address) for each device. The address is 48-bit and symbolized by three, four hexadecimal groups. This address does not tell the actual location of your device, it just tells the unique MAC ID.

With these MAC addresses our NIC can create a frame. Once the frame is sent another NIC will see its own MAC address on the frame and then accept the frame also seeing the address of the sender. This is a very basic description but it suits us for the show.

If you are sending data to another network your NIC makes a packet. A packet is different than a frame in that it also includes the Destination and Source Network Address in addition to the MAC addresses. The one thing to note is that the MAC address will change as it goes across networks. The network address will stay the same.

Fast Ethernet

The Fast Ethernet was introduced in 1995. This standard is at 100 Mbit/s. Remember that when we talk Mbit/s that the number needs to be divided by 8 to get megabytes. For example, I get 30 Mbit/s download from my ISP which equates to 3.75 megabytes per second download. This conversion means that the highest theoretical speed in a 100 Mbit/s network is 12.5 megabytes per second. In reality you would be lucky to get 75% of that.

Gigabit Ethernet

Finalized in 1998, Gigabit Ethernet is the now becoming mainstream for desktop PC manufacturers and for home enthusiasts around the world. 1000BASE-T, as the copper wiring spec is known, actually uses all four cable pairs to transmit data in both directions. The speed of Gigabit is 1,000 Mbit/s which converts to 125 megabytes per second. Again, you will never get that max number and will settle for up to 80% or so.

Network Cabling

Cat 5e cable is used for Fast Ethernet although you can get away with using it for Gigabit. Cabling for Cat 5e can go 328 feet.

Cat 6 Cable is used for Fast, Gigabit and even 10-Gigabit Ethernet. Cabling for Cat 6 can go 300 feet while 10-Gigabit lengths are limited to 180 feet. This is more than enough for any enthusiast listening to this show.

Switches and cables all look the same so make sure you verify your equipment. In my network all blue cables are 100 while all yellow are Gigabit.

Switches

The switch is a multiport complex device that acts as a bridge at the MAC address level. Switches allow you to segment the network and allow for greater network capacity.

When the packet enters the switch the destination mac address the switch looks within the broadcast domain.

As I start talking about this keep in mind that there are two addresses. There is a Source MAC address and a Destination MAC address. Think of an eight port switch you can buy at Fry’s or BestBuy. You connect each device into a port. The switch keeps a table of the MAC address of each device. When you send a frame, the switch can do one of three things: Flood, filter and/or forward.

If the destination MAC is a broadcast address then the frame is sent to all ports except the sending port and this is called Flooding. Flooding also happens if the destination MAC address is NOT in the table.

If the MAC address is the same as the sender then there is no reason to forward it and this is called Filtering.

If the Destination MAC address is in the table the frame is sent to the proper port and this is called Forwarding.

Switching Methods

Store and Forward – Receives entire frame before switching and verifies addresses and error checks. Latency is an issue at times but this is going to be the most common for Linksys, Netgear and D-Link switches.

Cut Through – Starts as soon as it sees the MAC address. No error check so end device has to check.

Fragment Free – Receives first 64 bytes before forwarding, this prevents collisions.

The switch allows many workstations to transmit at the same time.

Routers

Expensive and setup intensive a router connects two or more devices on separate networks. Your router is what is needed to communicate with your ISP and determines the path when transferring data from one network to another. Your router will control access, port forwarding and other network specific settings. You can also have your router do policy-based routing which sets some rules for things like QOS for applications like VOIP and gaming apps. The main purpose of a router though is to connect your network to another network (internet) and forward packets to their destination. Routers do not care about the actual data in the packet and only look at the address. We heard last week though that you can build your own router and use software to create your own forwarding decision structure.

Listen to BYOB in the coming weeks for more information on networking!

Additional References

Cisco offers a good set of training documents for anyone looking for more information. The link will be in the show post.

http://www.ieee802.org/3/

http://www.cisco.com/E-Learning/bulk/subscribed/tac/cim/iprouting/basic_ip_routing_concepts/mod_frameset.htm

http://www.10gea.org/1000base-t/

Timothy Daleo

Review of the LINSAR 24LED805T 1080p LED Television with USB Recording Capabilities

Andrew Edney

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Mar 13, 2011

0

Review of the LINSAR 24LED805T 1080p LED Television with USB Recording Capabilities

We haven’t ever reviewed a television or a monitor here at UWHS, but when we had the opportunity to play with the LINSAR 24LED805T TV we jumped at the chance. Why? Well it has the capability to record live TV to a USB device.

The TV is a 24” Full HD 1080p LED device which also include a built-in DVD player, so it would be great for a kitchen or bedroom.

British TV Company LINSAR’s new Titanium range of LED TVs feature a revolutionary and convenient way of watching live or recorded TV programmes via their new PPR (Plug, Play & Record) USB record function.

This user friendly PPR facility allows the consumer to plug in a USB flash memory stick or powered Hard Disc (up to 500 Gb) and pause or record live TV programmes or schedule timer recordings using the simple Electronic Programme Guide. The recorded show can then be viewed with no loss of quality on the PPR TV or on a PC, laptop or other portable device – offering the consumer the added convenience of not only watching their favourite or missed TV programmes when they want but where they want too!

Who Are LINSAR?

Here is how they describe themselves:

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]Linsar is a British company, manufacturing affordable technology with no compromises. We build our products to excellent specifications in European factories, with simplicity to use at the core of the design.[/box]

Specifications

What’s in the Box?

The box is quite large, but you would expect that for a 24” TV!

It is well packaged and protected in the box.

Along with the TV, you also get operating instructions, the giant remote control and a set of batteries.

BYOB Episode 35 Out Now

Andrew Edney

-

Mar 13, 2011

2

The guys over at the BYOB podcast, including our very own Tim Daleo have just released episode 35.

Here is what is included in this weeks show:

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]Network Basics, Gaming Build, and News. This week we have Sandy Bridge & iPad2 News. A new BYOB build and a primer on our upcoming networking series. Props to Newegg’s Customer Service on making our RMA experience completely painless for our defective Intel chipsets. The guys discuss part 1 of Michael’s Sandy Bridge gaming rig. A short impromptu discussion on what 2nd gen Core i# we think has the best bang for the buck. Tim gives us a sermon on some home networking basics.[/box]

You can download and listen to the show here

Two Minute Review of the Griffin Elan Passport Graphite Case for the Apple iPad

Andrew Edney

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Mar 12, 2011

0

Two Minute Review of the Griffin Elan Passport Graphite Case for the Apple iPad

With the launch of the Apple iPad 2, the original iPads are coming down in price. So if you are planning on getting one, or you already have one, then you really should have a case to protect it. Here we have another one of our two minute reviews.

Who are Griffin?

Griffin Technology began designing and manufacturing technical solutions with an innovative flair in 1992. We’ve since grown to become one of the largest providers of accessories for personal computing and digital media.

We ask ourselves: What would you like to do with your computer, your TV, your stereo system, your MP3 players, your musical instruments… the technology that enhances your life?

Our approach has given birth to some of the best known accessories in the digital entertainment and personal computer markets, including the iTrip family of FM transmitters and the groundbreaking Evolve Wireless Sound System.

Today, Griffin designs, manufactures and delivers useful and fun solutions for digital entertainment and personal computing to people in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, through major retailers and online.

The Elan Passport

Here is how Griffin describe the Elan Passport:

No matter where you and your iPad are headed, travel in style with Elan Passport. This one-piece folio flips open like a book to reveal your Multi-Touch display, and closes for privacy and protection, held shut by a tab closure.

Elan Passport is finished in a durable, attractive pattern that evokes the look of a high-tech composite graphite material, and its microsuede lining protects your iPad from scratches and smudges. Its inner cover includes pockets for ID and important papers, to make Elan Passport a self-contained traveling companion.

Wherever you and your iPad travel, don’t forget your Passport.

Features

Slim, one-piece folio
Opens like a book, flips closed to protect
Tab closure secures cover
Inner cover includes pockets for cards and papers
Soft microsuede interior

What’s in the Box?

The case is the only thing in the box, or rather the box is around the case.

Protecting Your iPad

Opening up the case reveals the area to place your iPad, which is currently occupied by a piece of foam. Time for that to go!

That’s better – so just place your iPad in and you are done.

To do this, place the right hand side of the iPad in first, then use the elastic straps on the left to wrap around the left corners. Simple!

The left hand side of the case also contains a few pockets for a small amount of paperwork and business cards if you want to use them.

The case, with the iPad in it, isn’t that much bigger than the iPad itself, and protects it very well so you don’t have to worry about it taking up a lot of room.

Final Thoughts

The case looks very professional and does the job of protecting your iPad very well.

The material is quite hard wearing, and if you get it dirty, as I did, it is just a case of wiping it with a damp cloth.

The case costs $49.99 and is a small price to pay to protect your beloved iPad.

You can learn more and order your Elan Passport Graphite Case from here

Hands On Review of the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 Mini-PC

Andrew Edney

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Mar 12, 2011

6

Hands On Review of the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 Mini-PC

If you are after a mini-pc (also referred to as a nettop) for any purpose, including as a HTPC, then you should definitely take a look at the ZBOX HD-ID11 from ZOTAC with it’s NVIDIA ION graphics chip and HDMI out.

Who are ZOTAC?

Established in 2006, ZOTAC is the world’s largest and most innovative manufacturer of graphics cards, mini-ITX motherboards and mini-PCs. ZOTAC system components, and mini-PCs can be found in all continents around the globe.

Derived from the terms “zone,” for being distinct in the PC components and systems business, and “tact,” for our superior skill, experience, quality and manufacturing capabilities. Combined, “ZOTAC,” represents technological strength and experience blended with a fresh approach on the industry’s ever-changing needs.

Here is how ZOTAC describe the ZBOX HD-ID11:

The ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 mini-PC supercharges the eco friendly computing experience with premium graphics processing, complete high definition playback capabilities and a premium Windows® 7 experience with Aero® user interface.

Premium graphics processing power forms the heart of the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 mini-PC with a new Next-Generation NVIDIA® ION™ graphics processor with 16 unified shaders and 512MB of DDR3 graphics memory complete with NVIDIA® CUDA™ and NVIDIA® PureVideo™ HD technologies for a superior eco friendly computing experience that goes well beyond simple web browsing.

NVIDIA® CUDA™ technology harnesses the power of the NVIDIA® ION™ graphics processor in the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 to energize popular video processing and image editing applications for performance that dominates traditional CPUs. CUDA™ technology also enables support for DirectCompute and OpenCL powered applications on the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 for complete compatibility with general purpose GPU computing applications.

The ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 mini-PC offers robust high definition playback capabilities with GPU accelerated decoding of popular formats such as AVC, VC-1 and Blu-ray movie titles, dual-stream hardware acceleration for Blu-ray picture-in-picture extra features, dynamic contrast and color stretch for spectacular picture clarity, and other visual enhancing post-processing and features thanks to NVIDIA® PureVideo™ HD technology. GPU acceleration is just the beginning of the high definition playback capabilities of the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 mini-PC.

Streaming high definition Internet video on popular sites such as YouTube™, Vimeo™ and Hulu™ render smoothly and flawlessly in full screen with the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 and Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1. Video stuttering is a faint thought of the past with the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 with NVIDIA® ION™ graphics technology.

HDMI 1.3a connectivity ensures the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 can connect to the latest monitors and televisions with the best visual quality available and support the latest technologies such as xvYCC Color, Deep color and high-resolution 7.1-channel digital surround sound. New xvYCC Color and Deep color technologies enable a wider range of colors and higher bit depths up to 48-bit color when connecting the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 to compatible displays for richer colors and greater details.

The ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 mini-PCs deliver a premium Windows® 7 experience with Aero® user interface with the NVIDIA® ION™ graphics processor. Windows® 7 features such as Aero® peek, Aero® shake and GPU accelerated media transcoding is fully supported by the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 for a fully featured premium eco friendly computing experience.

Behind the powerful NVIDIA® ION™ graphics in the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 and is an energy-efficient Intel® Atom™ processor with Intel® HyperThreading technology. A dual-core Intel® Atom D510 powers the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 for a powerful combination that delivers unrivaled performance and energy-efficiency.

Customizing the internals of the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 mini-PC is quick and easy for end users with a new tool-less case design. Users can simply remove two thumb screws to access the internals of the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 mini-PC and master the mini-PC with ease.

Internal expansion inside the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 include space for a single 2.5-inch hard drive and one 200-pin DDR2 SODIMM slot. Greater expansion is achievable externally via six USB 2.0 ports, one eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port and a 6-in-1 memory card reader capable of reading SD, SDHC, MMC, MS, MS Pro and xD memory cards for limitless expansion capabilities.

So let’s see just how well it lives up to those claims.

Specifications

CPU : Intel® Atom™ D510 (1.66 GHz, dual-core)

GPU : Next-Generation NVIDIA® ION^™

Video Memory : Dedicated 512MB DDR3

Display Options : HDMI (w/audio) and Dual-link DVI

Memory : 1 x 200-pin DDR2 SODIMM slots

Hard Disk : 1 x 2.5-inch

Memory Card Reader : 6-in-1 (SD/SDHC/MMC/MS/MS Pro/xD)

SATA : eSATA 3.0Gbp/s

Ethernet : 10/100/1000Mbps

WiFi : 802.11n integrated

USB 2.0 : 6 (4 on back panel, 1 on front panel, 1 on top panel)

Audio :

Onboard analog stereo high-definition audio

7.1-Channel LPCM digital audio (HDMI)

Optical Digital S/PDIF audio output

DirectX® Support : DirectX® 10.1 with Shader Model 4.1

Other Features :

OpenCL compliant, OpenGL® 3.2 compatible, NVIDIA® PhysX® ready, NVIDIA® CUDA™ ready, NVIDIA® PureVideo™ HD technology

HDCP: Yes

Software Features : nView® Multi-Display

Windows® 7 Capability : Windows® 7 with Aero® user interface and DirectCompute compatible

Ask the Windows Home Server Team Questions – The Responses

Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

-

Mar 12, 2011

7

Ask the Windows Home Server Team Questions – The Responses

A few weeks ago we asked you to send us your questions to put to the Windows Home Server team while we were with them as part of the MVP Summit in Seattle. We didn’t get that many questions, but here are the responses we are allowed to talk about.

Mike Lowrey asked:

For me the most interesting point is whether WHS 2011 will get anything like the known PowerPacks…

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]Short answer is yes, although they won’t be called Power Packs. Watch this space.[/box]

Varus asked:

Given that the vast majority of their customers will not be migrating to Vail, how long do they intend to support Quattro?

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]Windows Home Server V1 still just a way to go yet in terms of support life. It is also the responsibility of the OEM to support WHS and the hardware they sold you.[/box]

Other questions asked:

When will Windows Home Server 2011 be released?

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]Hopefully very soon, watch this space![/box]

Will there be a Windows Home Server 2012 or 2013?

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]We hope so, but it is too early to comment on today.[/box]

Will there be any more Power Packs for Windows Home Server V1?

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]No, you won’t see any more Power Packs. There was an Update Rollup 1 (UR1) released recently, and anything in the future will be released as URs.[/box]

I just wanted to say thank you to the Home Server team for answering the questions and apologies if the answers were not exactly word for word due to the noise levels in the room.

Two Minute Review of the Amazon Kindle

Andrew Edney

-

Mar 12, 2011

8

We mentioned a few weeks ago that Amazon was pushing out a software update for the Kindle, now that has happened I figured it was time to post our review before I give the Kindle to my Dad.

What is a Kindle?

According to the Amazon website:

Kindle is Amazon.com’s #1 bestselling item for two years running. It’s the most-wished-for, most-gifted, and has the most 5-star reviews of any product on Amazon.com. Now it’s even better.

All-New, High-Contrast E Ink Screen – 50% better contrast with latest E Ink Pearl technology
Read in Bright Sunlight – No glare
New and Improved Fonts – New crisper, darker fonts
New Sleek Design – 21% smaller body while keeping the same 6″ size reading area
15% Lighter – Only 247 grams, weighs less than a paperback
Battery Life of One Month – A single charge lasts up to one month with wireless off
Double the Storage – Up to 3,500 books
Books in 60 seconds – Download books anytime, anywhere
Free 3G Wireless – No monthly payments, no annual contracts
Built-In Wi-Fi – In addition to the 3G wireless, you can connect to Wi-Fi hotspots
20% Faster Page Turns – Seamless reading
Enhanced PDF Reader – With dictionary lookup, notes, and highlights
New WebKit-Based Browser – Free 3G web browsing (experimental)

Specifications

My Dad wanted the Kindle Wi-Fi so this review is based on that.

What’s in the Box?

The box contains the Kindle, a USB connector with plug for charging (the cable can be removed from the plug in order to connect it to a computer) and a short manual.

A Closer Look

I was very surprised just how light the Kindle actually was – and thin too.

Plextor Launch Portable USB 3.0 Hard Drive : PX-PH500U3

Andrew Edney

-

Mar 11, 2011

0

Plextor Launch Portable USB 3.0 Hard Drive : PX-PH500U3

Plextor have just launched another portable hard drive – this time it’s USB 3.0 and it’s called the PX-PH500U3.

The drive will be available later this month for around £90. It’s USB 3.0, it’s made of “aircraft grade aluminum” and it’s 500GB in size. Now for £90, 500GB isn’t much, but it is USB 3.0, so for a while at least you will be paying a premium! There will be a 750GB version a few weeks later though, and that will be around £130.

Learn more from the Plextor website

Here’s the full press release:

PRECISION & PORTABILITY THE ULTIMATE STORAGE WITH THE PLEXTOR USB3.0 HARD DISK RANGE
Plextor introduces a range of fast, professional standard, lightweight and portable USB 3.0 hard disk drives for quick and reliable data back-up anywhere.
The first in the range is the PX-PH500U3 – a strikingly compact 500GB portable hard disk. Encased in a robust and lightweight ‘aircraft grade’ aluminum casing it incorporates the latest SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface delivering exceedingly fast connection and data transfer rates in a compact 162 grams.
The elegantly crafted chassis is complemented by a stylish leatherette case for additional protection during transportation and also comes with a speedy USB 3.0 connector cable for instant plug-and-play access to any USB device.
To complement this well-balanced yet robust hardware come a range of powerful software applications preinstalled on the hard disk making it ready to interface with different system set-ups. Users can backup and restore valuable data using FNet PC Clone EX and also maximize the read and write speeds with the Turbo HDD utility.
Increased, no-fuss portability power is also provided through the USB connector itself, eliminating the need to carry an additional power cable.
The exceptional quality of the PX-PH500U3 is fully supported by the reassurance of Plextors ‘Fast Warranty Service’ – a comprehensive 1-years collect and return warranty.
The PX-PH500U3 is a high-performance SuperSpeed USB 3.0 with refined design – a compact hard disk for those that require professional quality and highly portable data storage.
Pricing and Availabiltiy:
The 500 GB version will be available in Europe from March 2011 for around 90 pounds sterling.

In addition to the 500GB PX-PH500U3, Plextor will release a 750GB version: the PX-PH750U3 – available from April for around 120 pounds sterling.

*2011. Plextor Logo is a registered trademark of Shinano Kabushiki Kaisha. Content is subject to change without notices.

About Plextor
Plextor is a leading brand of high-performance digital media solutions for professionals, consumers and enterprises. Since entering the European market in 1994, Plextor has introduced a number of award winning products, including CD/DVD recordable drives, Blu-ray drives, Portable HDD storage solutions, Media Players and Networked Attached Storage devices.

Review of the iomega SuperHero Backup & Charger for iPhone

Andrew Edney

-

Mar 11, 2011

0

Review of the iomega SuperHero Backup & Charger for iPhone

We announced the launch of the iomega SuperHero device back in January at CES and we have been using it for a few weeks now, so we thought it was time to post our review.

Here is how iomega describe it:

Your favorite people – family, friends, and business contacts and their photos are all stored on your iPhone®. What happens if it gets lost or stolen? The Iomega® SuperHero™ Backup and Charger for iPhone lets you secure your contacts and photos plus recharge your phone while you relax.

This compact device sits easily on your counter or desktop and plugs into your wall outlet. Just insert your phone at a convenient moment and it will automatically backup your contacts and camera roll photos and recharge your phone battery at the same time. A progress bar lets you know when your backup is complete.

It’s made for Apple iPhone 4, 3GS, 3G, and iPod touch (4th generation) so you know it will work seamlessly. If your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can easily restore your contacts and photos from the SD card (4GB capacity) included in the Iomega SuperHero and put them on your new iPhone. Plus, it charges & backs up contacts and photos from the latest generation of the iPod touch too!

SD card is upgradeable if you need more capacity.

The Iomega SuperHero is protected by a 3-year limited warranty when you register your product.

Features:

Secure—Backup your contacts and photos with 4GB of SD card capacity; Restore them to a new iPhone if yours is lost, stolen, or destroyed
Easy to Use—Just place your phone in the dock to backup and recharge your phone at the same time; When backup is included as part of your routine, your contacts and photos are more protected!
Convenient—A progress bar lets you know when your backup is complete; Set reminders so that you back up & recharge on a regular basis; Upgrade your SD card to a higher capacity if you need more backup storage in the future; Use with the iPod touch (4th gen) too!
Compact and Portable—So compact you can take it with you when you travel for business or pleasure
3 Year Warranty—with product registration