Tag Archives: electronics

How to Become James Bond: Online Deals on Electronics

Today’s technology market is saturated with electronic devices from smartphones and e-book readers to sleek tablet computers and digital media players. The consumer challenge is knowing what these devices do, where they can be purchased, and which storefronts afford the optimal blend of affordability and marquee products. Oftentimes the best prices can be found online because digital sellers are competing with one another, which leads to competition and lower cost to the consumer. That said, this article will look at some online storefronts as well as online publications that critique the products sold at those online storefronts. The goal is to help the consumer find the best deals on cutting-edge technologies.

uBid.com

This company has been around since 1997 and its auction format, layout, and customer satisfaction measures are very similar to eBay. At any rate, uBid.com states in its credo that it functions as a top auction site that caters to new, overstock, rectified, and closeout products. This means that the customer is receiving a well cared for product at an extremely low cost! uBid showcases twenty five categories and one of which is electronics. uBid carries the latest computers, tablets, phones and cameras. Unlike eBay, uBid’s products are usually sold in bulk and there are many available – perhaps this accounts for the bargain basement deals! Many of the items and auctions on uBid, including electronics, start at only one dollar! (more…)

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Researchers Find Gold Nanoparticles Capable of ‘Unzipping’ DNA

New research from North Carolina State University finds that gold nanoparticles with a slight positive charge work collectively to unravel DNA’s double helix. This finding has ramifications for gene therapy research and the emerging field of DNA-based electronics.

“We began this work with the goal of improving methods of packaging genetic material for use in gene therapy,” says Dr. Anatoli Melechko, an associate professor of materials science and engineering at NC State and co-author of a paper describing the research. Gene therapy is an approach for addressing certain medical conditions by modifying the DNA in relevant cells. (more…)

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UCLA Team Develops Highly Efficient Method for Creating Flexible, Transparent Electrodes

As the market for liquid crystal displays and other electronics continues to drive up the price of indium — the material used to make the indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent electrodes in these devices — scientists have been searching for a less costly and more dynamic alternative, particularly for use in future flexible electronics.

Besides its high price, ITO has several drawbacks. It’s brittle, making it impractical for use in flexible displays and solar cells, and there is a lack of availability of indium, which is found primarily in Asia. Further, the production of ITO films is relatively inefficient. (more…)

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Organic Photovoltaics: Solar Cells of the Future?

*Undergraduate researcher Safatul Islam is a member of a team in the College of Optical Sciences investigating organic photovoltaics, which can lead to improved electronics.*

As the summer dwindles down, many people eagerly welcome the decline of long sunny days. But for others, this period of shorter days signals the end of the sun’s longest duration of generously giving energy to this region of the world.

Safatul Islam, a University of Arizona sophomore studying chemical engineering and mathematics, is working with researchers to develop better ways to harness the sun’s power for human use. (more…)

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Ten Things to Do Today for a Greener Tomorrow

It’s easy to take steps that help reduce energy consumption. And the benefits include saving money – something anyone can appreciate. Here are 10 tips on ways to cut energy use.

1) Recycle electronics properly. United States residents can visit the Environ to learn where they can dispose of unwanted PCs and other electronics, or you can visit our Recycle Hardware page to learn about available options.

2) Install a programmable thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy says you can reduce heating costs by as much as 10 percent by turning the heat down 10-15 degrees at night. Programmable thermostats make it easy to ensure the heat goes off at bedtime, yet comes back on in time for morning coffee. And they cost as little as $20. (more…)

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Amazon.ca Closes the Holiday Shopping Season with Exciting Boxing Week Deals

*Beginning Dec. 25, customers can take advantage of a week’s worth of amazing deals*

SEATTLE, Dec 21, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Amazon.ca today announced that beginning Dec. 25, customers can take advantage of amazing Boxing Week promotions on everything from electronics and books to home and garden products and men’s watches. Beginning on Christmas Day, customers can explore The Deals Store (www.amazon.ca/deals) to find the full list of Boxing Week special promotions. Customers are encouraged to shop early as these offers are only available while supplies last. (more…)

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Amazon Extends Free Super Saver Shipping Cutoff

*Amazon Customers Now Have Until December 17 for Free Shipping on Millions of Items*

SEATTLE, Dec 10, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Amazon.com, Inc. today announced it has extended the ordering deadline for free shipping with guaranteed delivery in time for Christmas. Customers can place orders now through Dec. 17 with guaranteed delivery by Dec. 24, using FREE Super Saver Shipping*, available on millions of items across Electronics, Toys, Sporting Goods, Music, Movies, Apparel, Home and other stores at Amazon.

Amazon Prime** members can place orders up until 7 p.m. PST on Dec. 22 with guaranteed delivery by Dec. 24 using FREE Two-Day Shipping (cut-off time varies by item).  (more…)

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MU Scientists Find Cinnamon Can Replace Harmful Chemicals Used to Create Nanoparticles

*MU scientists make strides in green nanotechnology*

COLUMBIA, Mo. ­­­– Gold nanoparticles, tiny pieces of gold so small that they can’t be seen by the naked eye, are used in electronics, healthcare products and as pharmaceuticals to fight cancer. Despite their positive uses, the process to make the nanoparticles requires dangerous and extremely toxic chemicals. While the nanotechnology industry is expected to produce large quantities of nanoparticles in the near future, researchers have been worried about the environmental impact of the global nanotechnological revolution. (more…)

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