Office1000 Blog January Archive

Mobility and Utility

By Blog Stories at 01/14/2008 11:38

Thanks to our prehistoric ancestors, the wheel was born. As we all know, aside from no-contact movement (like that of the magnetic levitation train in Japan), the wheel is the most efficient way to get something from point A to point B. This is obviously because with a wheel, there is less friction, hence less mechanical energy turned into heat.

So why I am talking here about wheels? If a past post was devoted to flash drives, computer desks, and fax machine accessories, this one will be devoted entirely for carts. Yep, carts.

These are great for moving things around with less force because of the wheels. Here at Office 1000, we offer a variety of carts that will fit your needs.

Do you need AV and TV carts for your office or classroom presentation? We've got them here. Safco's Executive Presentation Stand will do that job for you. Aside from being an AV and TV cart, it can also be used as a beverage cart because of its lockable double doors. So if a social gathering will take place in your house on a very short notice, this presentation-stand-turned-beverage-cart will save your day. Imagine the hassle a rushed party will create, though, so avoid having one.

If you are looking for multi-purpose carts, then you might want to check out Safco's Folding Office Cart. Yes, it folds, so you can save space when you do not need to use it. It's perfect for dining purposes or simple transportation of tools and equipments from point A to point B.

Is what you are looking for in a cart not presented above? Then just type in on the search engine and search away. Chances are, we've got 'em.

The Fax Machine Post

I will devote this particular blog posts to fax machines. Sort of.

Are fax machines still important? Relevant?

Back in the days when not every office in the world had Internet connection, fax machines are undeniably precious tools that every office should have. Why, how will you send documents immediately without fax machines? They come in handy during these headache-inducing times when you are reprimanded by your boss to submit this and that and everything else. It's kind of a relief to have this machine with you, eh?

But times have changed. The Internet was introduced, and with this comes the email. With the email you can send not only text documents, but much much more. And let us not forget that email messages are sent faster.

So why do people still use the fax machine?

Is it probably because, in some nations, fax copies are regarded as legal copies while computer print-outs aren't? Or it's probably because people are sometimes too lazy to scan documents, attach them to emails, open it, and print it. Yah, that's probably it. Fax machines are still used to send hard copies of documents since they're faster for that purpose.

Wow, I just answered my own question! Haha. So if ever you need fax machine stuff like the paper used and stands, just feel free to visit Office1000 and we'll be happy to assist you. :)

Choosing A Computer Desk

Exactly how difficult is it to buy a desk for your computer? How do you know that a computer desk is fit for your laptop or desktop's needs? Here are some pointers that you should remember when buying a computer desk:

• Buy a desk that will fit your needs. If you have a laptop rather than a desktop. You should buy something that is not bulky to save space for future use. If you're printing so much documents, you're computer should also have space for your printers. Same goes for scanners and other miscellaneous computer accessories
• Settle with yourself your budget. Of course this is an issue that you will always have to settle. Aside from your personal needs, this is something that will largely affect whatever you will buy.
• Decide where will you place your computer and your desk. This will largely affect your choice of a desk. Corner, smaller desks are fit for computers that will be placed inside shops or small external offices. This saves space and, hence, more space to use for other purposes. On the other hand, if it will be put up inside your personal office, you could probably buy something larger.
• Choose your style. Match it with the general theme of your place. Do you have a classy home office? A classy shop? Then settle for one of those wooden desks. If it's a strictly office setting with a modern touch, desks made out of metal will do best. Make sure, however, to go for ergonomic designs that will give you comfort. Also, be always aware of the latest trends in furniture designs.

  Choosing a computer desk is not as easy as we think. There are many considerations, the most important of which are stated above. I hope that I have given you some life in your quest. Happy hunting!

On Learning

Sometimes, it is not the student's fault if he or she fails to understand what was taught in class. Sometimes, he or she has learning disorders which require special methods of teaching. Sometimes, the ways of a teacher is plainly ineffective for today's generation. In an age when there are more distractions to take a student's mind away from the subject matter a teacher is teaching, teachers will have to device ways to steal their students' attention back.

Teachers are not alone in this quest. As time and technology progresses, tools have been invented to aide teachers in educating their students. Many students, especially the younger ones, are more hooked into toys rather than books. While this is something expected, something has to be done to neutralize and gain balance. Why not incorporate toys and books into one? Why not incorporate toys and educational materials into one so that students will get to understand a subject better and, at the same, enjoy themselves?

It is possible. Actually, it has been done. Years and year ago. But today's generation of educational toys are more hi-tech in nature. Take, for instance, this SmartGlobe Basic Learning Tool from Oregon Scientific. It isn't just a globe. It is more than a simple globe. It is an interactive computer that gives out interesting facts per nation. At the same time, it features around 30 world games playable by up to 4 players simultaneously.

With tools like this, I believe learning will be fun. Teachers will now have more than just PowerPoint presentations and their voices to come up with interesting lessons that will get students' attention. It's now time to say "goodbye" to their iPods and say "hi" to SmartGlobe.

(SmartGlobes are available here in office1000. So are iPod accessories.)

Tech Accessories

With all the innovations in technology that is happening right now, new accessories for your gadgets are a monthly thing. Sometimes, one will wonder, are these companies just holding on their new products? Selling an older model and save a newer model with better features, which they could have installed to the older model, for next month so that they'll rake in more profits? Why, yes. That's a business strategy. People are always craving for something new. So, unless you're going to separate the introduction of a bundle of new technology over a few months, you'll run out of tricks under your sleeves. it's quite understandable, actually.

Anyway, what I have here for you now are extra upgrades for your electronic devices, specifically, memory cards and Bluetooth headsets.

Office 1000 offers a wide range of memory cards for your electronics. One of its best memory cards come from Coby Electronics Corporation. If you don't use much memory but still need a memory card nevertheless, then check out their 1GB cards. Otherwise, if you are into some memory-exhausting hobby (like, say, photography), Coby's also have 4GB cards to offer. (Card readers not included)

Office 1000, as I have said above, also offers Bluetooth headsets. This technology fascinates me, making me wonder why is it still so hot even though they are invented a long time ago. It's quite surprising, if you consider the rate in which current technology evolves. I guess it's because file transfer has been the frenzy of Internet geeks for many many years now, and Bluetooth just aids that.

Check out our Plantronics Voyager 815 Bluetooth Headset. It's compact and lightweight, perfect for those people on the go. It features AudiolQ audio technology, making transmission clear wherever you are calling from. It can stand 7 hours of talk time and 180 hours standby, so you'll never have to charge it frequently.

More tech accessories to come.

The Year of the Rat (Part 2)

This post is the continuation of the post yesterday about the Chinese Year of the Rat.

So far, I have given you some basic what-to-expect info for the first 6 signs in the Chinese astrological calendar, namely: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, and snake. This time around, I'll be giving you information for those born under the second half of the Chinese signs.

• Horse - Of all the signs, the Horse is the unluckiest this year. You will become vulnerable, with your weaknesses being exposed. Fear not, for you only have to keep yourself with the people who matter you the most, eat well, exercise, and plan your time wisely (Quick tip: use a planner).
• Sheep - Your relationship with important people will be strained and distressed this year. Learn to accept that you are a part of this distress. A lot of career opportunities will arise but choosing the best opportunity is of importance.
• Monkey - While this is a good year for you, keep in mind to be tolerant. Try to be not so harsh. Furthermore, remember to not spend unwisely. Doing so will negate the good luck that you will have this year.
• Rooster - You will find that many obstacles will hinder your way this year. Learn to be not so emotional. Being so will just lead to failures and more obstacles. Use your mind above your heart.
• Dog - This a good year for you. Relationships will be the most important aspect of your life this year. Expand your network (Use an address books to keep names!) while nourishing your old relationships. Do not be afraid to show your skills, as this will your key to a prosperous life.
• Pig - Relationships will flourish. Finances will be no problem. However, be careful from those who take advantage. Excessive your work will not benefit you, either. Learn to rest, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Remember, these predictions should not be taken as facts. You are still the master of your own fate.

The Year of the Rat (Part 1)

The year 2008 marks the The Chinese year of the Brown Earth Rat. Actually, it officially starts on February 4th, based on Chinese calendar, but many people already refer to the whole 2008 as the Year of the Rat. Rats get along well with dragons and monkeys, but conflict with horses, rabbits, and roosters.

Chinese astrologers also say that people born under this Chinese sign are intelligent and hardworking. A good combination, I know, which is why few people of this sign are believed to be poor. They are sociable, but holds the family more than his peers. The drawback, however, is that they are sometimes too clever that they tend to be calculative of everything.

So what is in store for us this year? This are the Chinese astrologers' predictions:

• Rat - This is your year. This is your year of glory. value your family and your friends. This is not the time to be a flirt. Learn to prioritize those with whom you have a serious relationship.
• Ox - This is year of perseverance, a year of choices. Be wary of the choices that seem to lead to an easy success, as this success is only short-term.
• Tiger - This may not be your year, but with the support of your family and friends, you will survive. Conflicts will arise, but by giving them importance, you will resolve them.
• Rabbit - Normally, rats do not come in harmony with rats, but this is an exception. This is the year for love for you. Flirtations abound. Marriage during this year is also good. Many problems will arise, but learn to face them and not to run from them.
• Dragon - After long years of misfortune, your luck will now tun 180 degrees. Just learn to be patient and all of your work will now bear fruit.
• Snake - If you will only be more open and more honest with the people living around you, good luck will find their way to you. This is the year for you to make new ventures in career and business.

  Now, what are MY advices? Well, I believe that we should not rely our future on these kind of horoscopes. Of course, problems will come, but with hard work and perseverance, we'll succeed. But of course, I suggest that you buy this this lucky weather station and lucky alarm clock from Office 1000. Why are they lucky? well, with an alarm clock, you won't get late for work anymore. Thus a fruitful career ahead. With the lucky weather station, on the other hand, you'll get to plan your trips even before a storm reaches your country. Lol.

  (Chinese horoscope post will continue tomorrow.)

On Gaming

Do you have problems with your child (or children for that matter) being in front of the computer all day because of gaming? Has your child already turned semi-deaf because it seems that the headphones are already stuck in his ears? Has your child already invaded your computer desk that you cannot access it anymore? Are you having problems with your child getting low grades in school because he (most probably he is a 'he') is always busy shooting down terrorists in front of the computer?

Parents, whether you like it or not, computer games are here to stay. I'm sure you enjoyed computer games at least once in your life but, of course, you have been a responsible gamer, haven't you?

What should you do when your child turns out to be an irresponsible player? Wired.com gives us some tips on how control your children's playing habits:

First of all, it's best if the games that your children will play requires the help of some other gamer. This way, computer gaming becomes a bonding activity for you (if you are a father) and your child, or for your husband (if you are a mother) and your child. But, of course, mother and child video games are welcome as well!

Furthermore, you always have to be strict. Lay down the rules (time limits, doing homework before playing, etc.) and make sure you follow them. If you don't, your child might sense your being lax and ignore you the next time you ordered him/her to stop.

Playing computer games is not bad. If it is, we should've all been bad people. However, everything that is done in excess IS bad. Many teenagers I know have already forgotten to live a life because of these games. What is important is regulation, regulation, regulation. I'm sure you know that.

The Flash Drive

What would life be without the USB stick? What would be life be if we stuck to cassettes (Find cassette recorders here at Office1000!) and diskettes and compact disks? What would life be if we didn't have these high-memory stick-em-on devices? What would life be if Trek did not come up with the flash drive?

I would say it is a doomed life. A very doomed life. As a human being cannot possibly bring his personal computer everywhere, people like me, who do not have laptop computers, are at a disadvantage. Floppy disks are unreliable. They easily get virus and easily break because of the moving parts--and, let's face it, they're so out of touch. CDs and DVDs are no different. Si, they have high memory and data retrieval is fast. But saving to them is another matter, since burning is the only way. Not all computers in the world have CD/DVD writers, you know.

Thank goodness there is the flash drive, that handy dandy tool that lets you save and restore data at a fast rate without the need for expensive hardware. All you need is a USB port. Keep in mind that USB ports are not for flash drives alone, so it's worth it. They're also more reliable and more durable. And let us not forget that they make good necklace pendants (since they also come in novelty designs). Could you possibly ask for more? Unless you're insane, you cannot.

Of course flash drives are quite expensive, as compared to DVDs, VCDs, and cassettes (we'll talk about blu-ray discs at some later time), but if your computer is like mine (256MB RAM, 18GB secondary memory), you'll surely be needing the amount of extra memory flash drives offer.

In the end, I shall say, "I think I shall never see, a gadget as lovely as a USB (flash drive). Haha.

The First University Speech

For me, one of the most special and most significant events in a person's life is his first speech in college. Whether it be formal or informal, whether it be in front of hundreds or only a dozen of people, our very first speech in college makes a good print in our minds. Well, at least in my mind, it did.

I can still remember. My very first college speech was for my Speech Communication Fundamentals class. and it was an impromptu one. I was so excited since that was my first semester in university and I'll already be doing what was, for me, an exciting activity. As exciting as it was, our impromptu speech was also nerve-racking. We were supposed to draw a topic on the spot, think for only two minutes, and finish the speech in two minutes. Fortunately, the topics that will be drawn out are opinionated in nature and only requires that you have gone out of your room at least once in your life.

And so the date of the big day was scheduled. I had it marked on my calendar so that I won't forget and just be surprised when I enter class and voila! I'm going to make a speech. But, now, come to think of it, I can't possibly forget an event that I am so much looking forward to, can I?

The day came and it was my turn to take control of the lectern. I was quite apprehensive as I started to pick the piece of paper containing the topic I am going to talk about. I read it in my mind: "Sleeping or eating?". I blinked. I knew what I was going to say.

After the speech, I was pleased to find out that I got a grade of 1.25. The highest possible grade is 1.00. Not bad. Not bad at all.

What did I choose? Simple. I chose eating. Why? Doctors tell us that we'll die easier if we abstain from sleeping than to abstain from eating. Hence, it is obvious that I will suffer longer if I do not eat than if I do not sleep. I do not like suffering, you see, like most human beings. Plus the fact that I'd rather spend the last days of my life (since I'm gonna die, anyway, if I do not do either activity) in food heaven.

Morbid reasons? Yes. My professor thought so, too.