March 27, 2013

Top 8 Laser Printer Care and Maintenance Tips


Laser printing is a digital printing process that rapidly produces high quality text and graphics on plain paper. As with digital photocopiers and multifunction printers (MFPs), laser printers employ a xerographic printing process, but differ from analog photocopiers in that the image is produced by the direct scanning of a laser beam across the printer's photo-receptor.

Photoreceptor

Most consumer and small business laser printers use a toner cartridge that combines the photo-receptor (sometimes called "photo conductor unit" or "imaging drum") with the toner supply bin, the waste toner hopper, and various wiper blades. When the toner supply is consumed, replacing the toner cartridge automatically replaces the imaging drum, waste toner hopper, and wiper blades. 

Wiper blades can fail even in new, unused toners that have been stored for a few years; a failed wiper blade will manifest itself as ghosting and/or full page shading. 

Print Page Tracking

Some laser printers maintain a page count of the number of pages printed since last maintenance. On these models, a reminder message will appear informing the user it is nearing time to replace standard maintenance parts. On other models, no page count is kept or no reminder is displayed, so the user must keep track of pages printed manually or watch for warning signs like paper feed problems and print defects. 

Laser printer parts and components.

Calibration Cycles

Some color laser printers, notably some Lexmark models run "calibration" cycles even when no printing has occurred for weeks. This can waste a significant amount of toner from each reservoir, in addition to consuming electricity. This has a significant impact on printing economy, especially in low-volume applications. On some models these calibration cycles can be disabled via a menu choice, for others the printer must be unplugged to avoid this waste. Printers that have this issue have a replaceable "waste toner bin", which is another periodic operating expense. 

Life Expectancy Charts

Manufacturers usually provide life expectancy charts for common printer parts and consumables. Manufacturers rate life expectancy for their printer parts in terms of "expected page-production life" rather than in units of time. 

Business Class Versus Personal Laser Printers

Consumables and maintenance parts for business-class printers will generally be rated for a higher page-production expectancy than parts for personal printers. In particular, toner cartridges and fusers usually have a higher page production expectancy in business-class printers than personal-class printers. Color laser printers can require more maintenance and parts replacement than monochrome laser printers since they contain more imaging components. 

Roller assembly.

Rollers and Assemblies

For rollers and assemblies involved in the paper pickup path and paper feed path, typical maintenance is to vacuum toner and dust from the mechanisms, and replace, clean, or restore the rubber paper-handling rollers. Most pickup, feed, and separation rollers have a rubber coating which eventually suffers wear and becomes covered with slippery paper dust. In cases where replacement rollers are discontinued or unavailable, rubber rollers can be cleaned safely with a damp lint-free rag. Commercial chemical solutions are also available which may help temporarily restore the traction of the rubber. 

Fusing Assembly, aka Fuser

The fusing assembly (also called a "fuser") is generally considered a replaceable consumable part on laser printers. The fusing assembly is responsible for melting and bonding the toner to the paper. There are many possible defects for fusing assemblies: defects include worn plastic drive gears, electronic failure of heating components, torn fixing film sleeves, worn pressure rollers, toner buildup on heating rollers and pressure rollers, worn or scratched pressure rollers, and damaged paper sensors. 

Laser Printer Preventive Maintenance Kits

Some manufacturers and third-party parts suppliers offer preventative maintenance kits specific to each printer model; such kits generally include a fuser and may also include pickup rollers, feed rollers, transfer rollers, charge rollers, and separation pads. These same sources may offer a trade-in credit for the return of failed fuser assemblies, which they later rebuild for resale.

Sources Wikipedia
 

March 25, 2013

Future Smartphone Screens May Be Made of Sapphire

Manufactured Sapphire Disk.

Manufactured sapphire—a material that’s used as transparent armor on military vehicles—could become cheap enough to replace the glass display covers on mobile phones. That could mean smartphone screens that don’t crack when you drop them and can’t be scratched with keys, or even by a concrete sidewalk. 

Sapphire, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide, probably won’t ever be as cheap as Gorilla Glass, the durable material from Corning that’s used to make screens on iPhones and other smartphones. A Gorilla Glass display costs less than $3, while a sapphire display would cost about $30. But that could fall below $20 in a couple of years thanks to increased competition and improving technology, says Eric Virey, an analyst for the market research firm Yole DĂ©veloppement. And since sapphire performs better than glass, that price could make it cheap enough to compete, he says. 

Sapphire is harder than any other natural material except diamond; by some measures, it’s three times stronger than Gorilla Glass, and it is also about three times more scratch resistant. That’s why Apple uses it now to protect the camera on its iPhone 5. Virey says that all major mobile-phone makers are considering using sapphire to replace glass. “I’m convinced that some will start testing the water and release some high-end smartphones using sapphire in 2013,” he says. 

An alternative to using pure sapphire is to laminate an ultra-thin layer of sapphire with another, cheaper transparent material, maintaining much of the performance advantage of sapphire at a cost comparable to that of the glass typical in mobile-phone displays. 

For this purpose, GT Advanced Technologies, based in Nashua, New Hampshire, is developing a method for making sapphire sheets thinner than a human hair—much thinner than the nearly millimeter-thick glass used now on mobile phones.

GT is also cutting the cost of sapphire manufacturing by following the strategy that it used over the last several years to reduce the cost of making crystalline silicon for solar cells. 


To make the sapphire, aluminum oxide is melted down in a specialized furnace and then allowed to slowly cool to form a large crystal. That crystal is then cut with a diamond-coated wire saw. GT designs its furnaces so that they can be cheaply upgraded to make ever larger crystals as the technology improves, allowing customers to increase production without buying new equipment. 

GT is more optimistic about prices than Virey, estimating that sapphire displays might cost only three to four times as much as those made from Gorilla Glass. People at the company say prices will fall further as GT improves its furnaces, and as the manufacturers that buy those furnaces streamline their operations. 

Several other companies with proprietary technologies are also lowering the cost of sapphire, including Rubicon Technologies in the United States, Monocrystal in Russia, and Sapphire Technology in South Korea. If costs can get low enough, these manufacturers may have a large market waiting for them. But they’ll have to continue to contend with the incumbent technologies—Gorilla Glass and similar materials offered by other manufacturers. This year Corning introduced a new version of the material that it says is about twice as resistant to scratches. It could be in products later this year.

By Kevin Bullis

March 18, 2013

Taiwanese Steve Jobs and the Action Pad! +Video


It’s one thing to make fun of a man when he’s alive, and another thing to do so when he’s passed away but for Taiwanese Android tablet makers, it looks like there’s no line of distinction. In the advert for its latest product – the Action Pad, they shot a commercial using a Steve Jobs look-alike, dressed as an angel and promoting the Android tablet. While the advert did not refer to Apple or even use Steve Jobs’ name in the commercial, the implications were clear and it didn’t take a genius to figure that out.

Thank God I finally get to play other tablets,” the character is quoted as saying – poking fun at the most popular tablet on the market right now. Personally, I don’t find it too offensive but it might be a bit too soon to make fun of a man who only passed away a few months ago; and judging by the reactions on YouTube – a lot of people seem to agree. Check out the video for yourself and let us know what you think – did Action Pad cross the line with this advertisement?

By George Wong




March 15, 2013

Samsung Galaxy S4: Specs, Features, Release Date and Photos

Nearly identical in exterior design to the Galaxy S3

Samsung Galaxy S4 release date and price

The Samsung Galaxy S4 will roll out with a staggering 327 operators across 155 countries and the Galaxy S4 release date is April 26.

U.K. - List of retailers that will be selling the Galaxy S4.
Australia - Full list of carriers selling the S4

Pricing for the Samsung Galaxy S4 will be about US $725 (£480 / AUD$695) SIM-free, although the Galaxy SIV price is yet to be confirmed.

Don't be fooled! That "aluminum strip" is actually plastic on the new Samsung Galaxy S4.


Samsung Galaxy S4 dimensions, weight and design

The S4 is smaller than the Galaxy S3 at 136.1 x 69.8mm. It's a 5-inch handset, which is exactly the same height as its predecessor (5.38 x 2.34 x 0.5 inches).

It's also unbelievably thin - considering the amount of tech stuffed inside - with the Samsung Galaxy S4 measuring a svelte 7.9mm.

It's a whole gram lighter than its predecessor too, at 130g.

The poly-carbonate chassis is still in use, although the metallic banding around the side, is much sturdier and feels more premium - though it's still plastic. Color-wise, there's the choice of 'White Frost' and 'Black Mist', although Samsung says "a variety of additional color options will be available later this year".

Samsung Galaxy S4 versus iPhone5. Side by side comparison.

As expected, the Samsung Galxy S4 is much larger than the iPhone5.

Exclusive, New Galaxy S4 Features

  • "Dual Camera": so you can take simultaneous photos and videos using both the rear and front cameras, then blend the pictures together
  • "Story Album": curates content, such as SNS posts, memos, location and weather information, as well as photos and videos, to create a photo album which is personalised around your timeline of special occasions and events
  • "Group Play": means you can enjoy music, photos and games with those around you, without requiring a Wi-Fi AP or cellular signal
  • "Samsung Smart Pause": so you can control the screen using your eyes
  • "Air View": allows you to hover with your fingers to preview the content of an email, S Planner, image gallery or video without having to open it
  • "Air Gesture": so you can change a music track, scroll up and down a web page, or accept a call with a wave of your hand
  • "S Health" software: empowers your life by keeping you up-to-date with health and wellbeing information through a range of accessories
Samsung Galaxy S4 rear camera and SIM card slot.
Samsung Galaxy S4 2600mAh battery

Tech Specs

  • Processor - Samsung Exynos 1.6GHz processor has a whopping eight cores. Some countries will get the Octo-core Exynos 5 while others the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro.
  • Memory - 2GB of RAM
  • Storage Capacity - Available 16, 32 and 64GB
  • Screen Display - 5 inch. Super OLED screen has a stunning 441ppi, Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 display.
  • Network 2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE): 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz, 3G (HSPA+ 42Mbps): 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz, 4G (LTE Cat 3 100/50Mbps): up to six different band sets (Dependent on market)
  • Connectivity - WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (HT80), GPS / GLONASS, NFC, Bluetooth® 4.0 (LE), IR LED (Remote Control), MHL 2.0, Sensor Accelerometer, RGB light, Geomagnetic, Proximity, Gyro, Barometer, Temperature & Humidity, Gesture.
  • Operating System (OS) - Android Jelly Bean 4.2.1
  • Battery - 2600mAh
  • Camera Main (Rear): 13 Mega pixel Auto Focus camera with Flash & Zero Shutter Lag, BIS, Sub (Front): 2 Mega pixel camera, Full HD recording @30fps with Zero Shutter Lag, BIS
  • Video Codec - MPEG4, H.264, H.263, DivX, DivX3.11, VC-1, VP8, WMV7/8, Sorenson Spark, HEVC
  • Recording & Playback - Full HD (1080p)
  • Audio Codec - MP3, AMR-NB/WB, AAC/AAC+/eAAC+, WMA, OGG, FLAC, AC-3, apt-X
  • Dual Camera - Dual Shot / Dual Recording/ Dual Video Call, Drama Shot, Sound & Shot, 360 Photo, Cinema Photo, Eraser, Night, Best Photo, Best Face, Beauty Face, HDR (High Dynamic Range), Panorama, Sports.
Specs and story courtesy of TechRadar.com
Photos courtesy of TheHuffingtonPost.com

March 14, 2013

Three Ways To Design A Poster For A Kids Movie

 
 
Come to think of it, this is very true! Next time an animated film hits theaters, take a look at the promotional posters for the next back of colorful films.

March 11, 2013

HP Pavilion® dv2000-Series Laptop Battery (Standard Capacity) SAVE $11.00!



HP Pavilion® dv2000 Laptop Battery (Standard Capacity)
SKU: NB-140

Limewit's HP Pavilion® dv2000 series laptop replacement battery is guaranteed to be fully compatible* with your HP® Laptop. All batteries use premium lithium-ion cells designed with quality, longevity, and safety in mind. If you are not satisfied, send the battery back within 30 days to get a full refund.

*See Model compatibility Chart for detailed information

Need more Power? CLICK HERE to DOUBLE your battery life!
AC Adapter also available HERE

Was: $69.99
Sale: $58.99
Save: $11.00

Description

  • 100% Compatible
  • Brand NEW 4400mAh 6-cell Standard Capacity Laptop Battery
  • UL certified premium Li-ion cells
  • 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
  • Warranty and Support: One-year full warranty

Specifications

Warranty Terms (Parts and Labor) 1 Year Limited
Capacity (mAh) 4400
Voltage 11.1
Cell Count 6
Color Black
Cell Form Cylindrical
Cell Type Li-ion

Model Compatibility Chart

Can't find your model? Contact us for assistance.

Pavilion dv2000   Pavilion dv2129tx  Pavilion dv2528tx
Pavilion dv2000   CTO Pavilion dv2129us  Pavilion dv2535la (GN504LA#ABM)
Pavilion dv2000t   Pavilion dv2130ea (RN064EA#ABU, RR101EA#UUW)   Pavilion dv2535tx
Pavilion dv2000t   CTO Pavilion dv2130la  Pavilion dv2539tx
Pavilion dv2000z   Pavilion dv2130tx  Pavilion dv2550se (GA508UA#ABA)
Pavilion dv2000z   CTO Pavilion dv2130us (RG498UA#ABA)  Pavilion dv2600 CTO Entertainment
Pavilion dv2001tu   Pavilion dv2131ea (RR095EA#ABV)  Pavilion dv2601xx Entertainment
Pavilion dv2001tx   Pavilion dv2131tx  Pavilion dv2602ca Entertainment (GS850UA#ABC)
Pavilion dv2001xx  Pavilion dv2132ea (RR096EA#ABV)  Pavilion dv2602tu Entertainment
Pavilion dv2002tu   Pavilion dv2132tx  Pavilion dv2602tx Special Edition Entertainment

March 7, 2013

Scientists Develop The First Foldable, Stretchable Lithium-ion Battery



John Rogers, a physical chemist and materials engineer, and Yonggang Huang, a mechanical engineer, teamed up to develop something that sounds like it is straight out of a science fiction novel – a lithium-ion battery that can be stretched and folded. Because of its (pardon the pun) flexibility, this battery could be used in devices where conventional batteries just won’t work.

One example of an application for this battery that was given is rubber. An electronic device made with rubber will find difficulty in the power department due to the lack of flexibility in traditional batteries, which undermines one of the substrate’s key features. With this flexible battery, which can be stretched like the rubber, the problem is removed, enabling creative use of unconventional materials.

The battery is said to be rechargeable, and to last about eight to nine hours on a single charge, with a bonus feature of wireless charging support. The battery will continue to work whether it is in its default shape, or is twisted, stretched, or folded. The battery’s ability to stretch is astounding, with the inventors reporting that it can be pulled to 300-percent its default size and still work without any change in ability.

The battery works via a process called “ordered unraveling,” which involves wavy interconnects that form a “S” shape, with a smaller “S” within the larger one. When the battery is stretched, the wavy pattern is pulled taunt and smooth, and then the secondary S is also pulled taunt and smooth, giving the battery its stretching ability.
 
 
Get a more in depth look at this new foldable battery technology here.
 
 
 
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