iSlate
Convert to *.mp4 from any format
28 07 2009
I found this cool software that converts any video files [*.avi, *.vob. *.mpg, *.wmv etc] to *. mp4 so that you can play on your iPod Video, iPod Touch or iPhone. Its called ‘Convert AVI to MP4′ from http://www.convertavitomp4.com/ . When it comes to file size after converting to MP4 usually its the same size or a bit more than the source file size. This should not be a issue. Its a simple application and you can download it from their site for free and the installation file is less than 3 MB.
Don’t go by the application name as it can convert files other than AVI also to MP4. When you start using the applicaiton, you need to click on Open to open an AVI source file. If there is no AVI file present in the direcotry you can use *.* to display and select files other than AVI format to convert.
NETBOOKS…
Recently I am doing some research on Netbook as I am planning to buy one. So thought of writing some notes about this cute little one which might help others when they plan to own one…
Here we see: What are Netbooks, its benefits and 7 top reasons why consider a Netbook over a conventional laptop.
What is a Netbook?
The generally accepted definition (Wikipedia) is that a Netbook is a small to medium sized, lightweight, low-cost, energy-efficient laptop, generally optimized for internet based services such as web browsing and e-mailing. And Intel, the company credited with coining the name defines netbooks as “as clamshell notebooks with 7in to 10.2in screens, “purpose built for internet use“”.
What are the major benefits of a Netbook over a conventional laptop?
The short answer is: portability, mobility and price. One of the benefits of a Netbook is that you can throw it in your jacket’s pocket or your handbag and you’re good to go. No need to carry an extra laptop bag or anything like that. Another Netbook benefit is that due to its lightweight size, you don’t have to worry about your shoulder becoming all numb. If you have to lug around a heavy desktop replacement, you probably know what I mean.
One of the most important benefits of a Netbook is the fact that you can use it, anywhere, anytime to do the most basic computing tasks. Of course there are other benefits of a Netbook but the above are the most essential in my humble opinion. The number of netbooks that are on the market today can be mind boggling given the fact that a few months ago, there was only one model available and now you can choose among hundreds of brands from different manufacturers.
There are a few reasons for considering Netbooks over laptops. Here are the most common 7 reasons [In image below: Dell Inspiron Mini 9 Netbook]:
1) Lightweight: If you’re on the move a lot like a college or university student and you have to haul around a normal laptop, you know how that feels. For instance a Dell Inspiron 13” laptop computer that’s a so-called slim and light notebook weighs around 2.2Kg [4.9lbs] and that’s before you’ve even started adding some customized features. A Dell Inspiron Mini 9 Netbook measures 1.03Kg [2.28lbs] however.
2) Size: With Netbook computer no more do you need to look as if you were going hiking with your huge backpack and now you can fit more stuff in your bag or even better, get a decent looking backpack or messenger bag that can be small and thus chic and stylish because the size of your computer has now become a non-issue.
3) Price: For 15,000 INR [300 USD], you can land yourself a decent Netbook. And the prices keep dropping as more manufacturers jump in as they realize that the Netbooks are no fad and that they’re actually doing to laptops what laptops did to desktops: replace them.Why are netbooks cheaper? According to a Business Week article, “The devices tend to feature cheaper processors, graphics chips, and displays, and they use less memory and older software” (the operating system is also cheaper when not free). As a result, the savings are passed on to consumers.
4) Battery Life: Netbooks last longer than 5hrs of normal Laptop backup because they are small (the display requires less energy), the processing power is low and they have limited accessories and components that usually suck all the juice (no drives). Some even have flash hard drives, which chow less power than traditional hard drives. If you really know why your iPod lasts longer the flash drive feature is one main reason.
5) Popularity: “Users are expected to purchase 11 million netbooks this year (2008), from 182,000 in 2007, according to market researcher IDC” writes Business Week. In late 2007 when the first Netbook came to life, as a consumer you would have been gambling on a category that may have not lasted for long and you would have been stuck with a computer that you’d struggle to get repaired if anything went south. But now, netbooks are catching on like wildfire. Walk around any campus or any public area that has WiFi and the number of Asus, Acer, HP Mini, Dell Mini, MSI Wind netbooks that you will see will mesmerize you. You see people from all walks of life typing away without a single concern for the small keyboards or small batteries.
6) Design: I don’t know about you but I care greatly for design. For those who are stuck in the PC world, we usually have to contend with dull looking beige, grey, or black laptops. I don’t what happened with manufacturers but they really decided to go all out with netbooks and unleash their creativity and some are really doing a great job of unleashing mini-notebook cuties. The Macbook Air of course is the king but with the price tag, it’s out of the reach unless the recession is the least of your financial concerns… 🙂
7) Great Gifts: Netbooks make the most inexpensive but perfect gifts. No one will ever say that you bought him or her Netbook because you were too cheap to buy them a full size laptop. Even if the ungrateful person pulled that one out, you could counter with saying that the real reason you bought them the Netbook is that it’s lighter, lasts longer, smaller, cuter and above all in as opposed to laptops that are on their way out.
~Babu
IT's Just My Point Of View 