Page 59 - Tech Takes

What is HP SmartFriend, and how does it work?

Modern computing and technology introduce consumers to a number of new and inventive names for the thousands of new and inventive products released every year. Just a couple of decades ago, words like laptop and iPad were nonsense words, not high-powered machinery capable of connecting billions of people across the world. With the evolution of our everyday tech happening more rapidly than ever before, it can be difficult to keep up with terminology.

Like so many tech devices we use today, the perfect printer choice is often as unique as the person or organization using it. From simple and streamlined devices to high-speed juggernauts, there are many different types of printers on the market today.

There are many differences between toner and ink, from the printing process to the type of cartridge you’ll use in your device. While ink is standard in most conventional inkjet home printers, laser printers depend on toner and lasers for their output.

An underpowered GPU will impact performance and lead to a lackluster visual experience for gaming, photo and video editing, and other visual tasks. If you don’t know where to start, our graphics card buying guide will help you make the right decisions when it comes to choosing your next graphics card and taking control of the graphics performance on your PC.

Along with a computer's central processing unit (CPU), the graphics processing unit (GPU) has the most significant effect on your computer’s performance. This is because the GPU processes data from the CPU and renders it visually on your display. However, it can be confusing to know all the details that come with knowing when to upgrade your GPU, and selecting the right graphics card for your needs.

More than any other component in a PC, the GPU is responsible for the quality of the graphics, or visual elements, that appear on your display. In the early days, CPUs

When was the last time you needed to play a CD or DVD on your computer? While you may not have to do this as often as you once did, it’s also the only way to access certain games, albums, or movies. If the media isn’t available digitally, a disk is your best option. Alternatively, you may have backed up some of your files to a disk at some point and need to access them again.

Today’s computer monitor comes with a variety of port options, all of which have different functions and use cases. And when it comes to buying a new monitor, you’ll want to know exactly which ports are included in your latest device.

When purchasing a new PC, it’s easy to overlook warranty options or decline coverage altogether for one reason or another. Maybe you don’t think you need it because you take great care of your devices, or perhaps you’d rather not tack on additional costs. The thing is, PCs may require repairs for various reasons, often outside your control.

When considering coverage for a new PC, it’s important to first think about your needs. For instance, will you require immediate repairs if something goes awry? Or could you wait a day or two for service? Also think about whether you’re prone to causing damage to or losing your device, and whether you want those covered by your warranty.

With the HP Care Pack system, which is available with any new device from HP, you can choose from flexible options depending on the type of coverage you want. The coverage options also depend on the device that you purchase, because printers and laptops, for instance, have varying levels of protection depending on