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Digital Grog is Australia’s go‑to tech blog for sharp reviews, digital trends, AI tools, gadgets, cybersecurity updates, and practical how‑tos covering the latest in Aussie technology

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The Smallest PC To Connect to your TV or Monitor

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This original post was written in 2012 (updated 2021 and  2013)  title is “The smallest PC that can connect to your TV” – so its kinda obsolete now, since most tv’s now come  as smart tvs with inbuilt  wifi connectivity and ability to install apps so you got pretty much  anything that can be streamed from the internet on your tv.

However small little mini pcs still have their unique uses and so  this post is still relevant today for people who still have a non-wifi TV.  I have added a  couple more alternatives to our favourite raspberry pi below  to keep this updated with 2020 -2021.

Mini Raspberry Pi Computer

Giving more competition to  the Apple Mac and the Blackberry who are into small gadgets nowdays, a hand-held computer called the Raspberry Pi went on sale for just £22 today and was sold out within hours.

amd computer small chicks mini pc raspberry

It has neither keyboard nor monitor and is pretty much a bare bones mini PC

Mini Raspberry Pi computer

The bare bones Raspberry Pi computer ships totally naked without any clothes( box) and  costs £22. It is aimed at encouraging children to learn how to programme and code

While the Raspberry PI has always been the most popular mini PC amongst geeks and techy people apart from ASUS mini pcs  , there are many more readymade options available in the market for mini pcs, that just offer plug an play making it easy  for anyone to attach a mini pc to their monitor or TV.

Mini PC to Connect to TV or  Computer Monitor

small pc chrome OS

Asus Chromebit 

asus chrome bit nano pc

The ASUS Chromebit CS10 measures 12cm long and is the world’s smallest Chrome OS device. It can connect to your TV or monitor and work just fine over  your wifi connection. It plugs into the HDMI port of your monitor or TV. It can connect to networks via 802.11 wireless a/b/g/n/ac.
You will just need  to connect via a wireless keyboard and mouse to  operate it as a computer.

Here are the features of the Chromebit CS10

  • A candy-bar-sized computer – the world’s smallest Chrome OS device which fits in your pocket
  • Make your TV smarter — enjoy a large full-screen Chrome OS experience in your living room
  • Ideal for surfing the web, keeping up with friends and family on social media, and HD entertainment
  • Easy-to-manage, cost-effective, and highly-scalable solution for signage, kiosks, and other business applications
  • Bundled extension cable or bendable Flex Connect HDMI connector for easy connections to hard-to-reach HDMI ports
  • Runs the latest Chrome OS, and features automatic updates and anti-virus software for a smart and secure digital environment
  • Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, with 100GB of Google Drive space free for 2 years.
  • 2015 Good Design and 2016 CES Innovation Award-winning design available in stylish colors

Is Chromebit cs10 available in Australia ?

https://www.asus.com/au/Mini-PCs/Chromebit-CS10/

Yes it is! its not available in the brick and mortar stores yet and it is a new product, however available via US and online shops.

Price Comparison

@Fishpond.com.au $256

@kogan.com.au $225

@ebay.com.au $76

@amazon.com  USD $170 +$15 shipping

@staples.com US website  USD$94.99

The Asus Vivostick TS10 is also available for AUD $219 to $229

https://www.ple.com.au/Ready-To-Go-PLE-Mini-PCs

Asus Mini PC PN-50

pn50 micropc

Its built-in graphic card can support up to four 4k displays or even an 8K display at 60hz.

Dimensions of this PC are 1.9 x 4.52 x 4.52 inches and it is powered by AMD Ryzen 4000 series processor

  • Support up to 4 displays simultaneously with 4K resolution
  • Dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port for data transfer, battery charging and DisplayPort functionality
  • Support INTEL® WI-FI 6 (GIG+) + BT 5.0
  • Configurable Ports support DP1.4/VGA/LAN/COM options
  • Infrared (IR) receiver for remote control of applicationsMicrosoft Cortana support with dual-array front microphones
  • Dual-storage design with up to a 2.5-inch HDD up to 1 TB and an M.2 SSD up to 512 GB

 

More Alternatives to Raspberry PI (banana PI M3)

There are other fruits like orange and mango in contention too, but today we will focus on the banana.

Specked out with 2GB of RAM, Gigabit Ethernet, a SATA port, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, the Banana Pi M3 challenges the Raspberry Pi 3.

Its Cortex A7 packs in a whopping eight cores and the PowerVR GPU is a capable video processor. You can run Android, as well as Linux on this baby. Its got Octa-core processing and a beefy GPU and this Banana stands out as one of the most appealing mini pc boards available.

May more version available now BPI-M5, BPI-F2P, BPI-F2S and more

Cost: $80

http://www.banana-pi.org/m3.html

 

Rock64 Media Board

ROCK64 Single Board Computer

Pros

The Rock64 Media Board comes loaded with a 1.5GHz Rockchip RK3328 64-bit quad-core A53 processor and a Mali-450 MP2 GPU. It ships in three configurations offering 1GB ($25), 2GB ($35), and 4GB ($45) of 1600MHz LPDDR3 RAM.

There’s a bootable eMMC socket alongside the more typical MicroSD, so it’s possible to add 16GB ($14), 32GB ($19), or 64GB ($31) directly to the board

Cons

Unfortunately the Rock64 doesn’t include wireless functionality, so you’ll have to add a USB dongle. There’s also no DSI (display) and CSI (camera) interfaces

$24.95 – Check Current price at Amazon

More mini-pc options – Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit , MSI – Cubi 5 

the smallest pc with wifi and graphic card and windows

Get more of you gadget news at @http://www.gadgetaustralia.com/

EaseUS MobiMover- A One-click Data Transfer Solution for Apple Users

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clip_image003

Have you ever changed phones? You would surely know then that transferring your data on the phone to your new phone is always a concern. Whenever someone buys a new iPhone, the first thought that cross their minds are “how to back-up the data”.

While Samsung galaxy has the smart switch app, how can iphone users transfer their data the easy way. EaseUS MobiMover, as the name suggests is software that can easily transfer and manage your iPhone data. This allows an easy export or import of data from your iPhone without any cost.

It doesn’t matter if your got a brand new iphone7 , iphone8 or x or  plus model, the software should work for data transfers.

Itunes and Icloud could certainly help, but if you want an easy way transfering data , then this software will help you.

It exchanges information between two iOS devices, move content from iPhone/iPad to PC and conversely. Manage files and data within your iOS device.

Features

EaseUS MobiMover provides outstanding transferring and management’s features for iPhone devices.

The main features of this software are:

transfer my data

clip_image001 Transfer Features

  • Import variety of files from PC to iPhone device, without any cost.
  • Contacts, music, videos, books, photos any type of file can be imported.
  • Import and copy data in seconds.
  • Transferred files to iPhone or iPad are directly stored to Apple build in application.
  • Export contents to PC from iPhone for back-up, without any loss.
  • On a single click, transfers a complete content.
  • Save the file exported to PC in any customized location.
  • Automatically scan the files and rapidly export them.
  • Data can be moved by either choosing a file or a folder.

There are 3 iPhone data transfer types:

1. iOS to PC

2. iOS to iOS

3. PC to iOS

clip_image001[1] Management Features

  • iPhone contacts can be added, edited and saved on computer
  • All photos from the photo library can be deleted at once.
  • Notes and Calendars can be easily edited or deleted.
  • Safari bookmarks can be created and edited by management feature of the software.

 

Technical Specifications & System Requirements

new iphone 8 version from 7

The relative system requirements, device supported and technical specification for the working of EaseUS MobiMover software are:

Supported Apple Devices
iPhone Version 4s,

Ø 5, 5s

Ø 6, 6s, 6 plus, 6s plus

Ø 7, 7 plus

Ø 8, 8 plus, X
iPad Ø iPad mini 2, 3, 4

Ø iPad Air

Ø iPad Air 2

Ø iPad Pro
Supported Windows
Windows Ø 7

Ø 8

Ø 8.1

Ø 10
Supported iOS software
iOS Ø 8

Ø 9

Ø 10.1

Ø 10.2

Ø 10.3

Ø 11
Supported Formats
Music MP3, M4A, M4B, M4P, M4R, RM, WAV, WMA, MDI, AAC
Photos JPG, BMP, ICON, TIFF, PNG, GIF
Videos MP4, MOV, M4V, WMV, RM, MKV, AVI, FLV
Books PDF, EPUB
Safari Bookmarks, Notes and Contacts HTML

 

 

Easy to Use

The transfer and management of files between the iOS devices using EaseUS MobiMover software involves 3 easy steps. These steps are connection, selection and transfer of files as elaborated below.

clip_image005

With regards to execution, functionality and usefulness, only few can coordinate the proficiency of apple devices. It was only the absence of Bluetooth that caused little difficult in transferring any data. EaseUS MobiMover, a data transfer and management tool for Apple devices overcame this problem.

This iPhone transfer software, exchange contents on nothing out of pocket. It does not involve any complex operations and is easy to use. Provides you with the easiest and safest way to transfer data from an old iPhone to new one.

Get your daily dose of news with this app

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The internet has emerged as an incredible tool for learning everything from Miley Cyrus’ tattoo designs, to the state of politics in the Middle East.

inkl news app

[Screenshots of app available on apple store and Android play store]

The one problem with this, is that sometimes the information coming at us is way too much. We’ll go to find out what has happened in the news today and there will be hundreds of thousands of news sites vying for our attention. Which leads to the even bigger problem of clickbait – news outlets so desperate to get you to come to their site that they resort to morally scrupulous headlines such as ‘you’ll never guess what happened next!” or “5 things that will shock you.”

This in and of itself is enough to make you want to duck your head away from all the noise, but when you think of how important journalism is to keep us abreast of the serious issues going on in the world, suddenly the situation becomes even more dire.

Enter a new app that promises to solve this problem – inkl. The app inkl provides a wonderful respite from the clickbait and noise of the internet. A ‘clean’ and clear view of the news that really matters, free of trashy non news and misleading headlines.

You have the option to create an account completely free, and it gets access to global publishers such as the Guardian, Al Jazeera, Sydney Morning Herald and more. You can also opt in to their paid tiers – either 10c per article or $15 a month. That gets you ad free access to publishers that traditionally sit behind a paywall like the Washington Post, offline mode, and a whole other host of cool features.

Opening the app, one of my favourite things was the Editor’s Pick section. It contained a bunch of interesting and important news that would traditionally get left aside in favour of the breaking stuff on normal news sites. Playing around on the interface some of the premium features such as bookmarks and news filters, enabling me to block out content or publishers that I don’t want to read.

rating and review for app

[ Rating and review of app ]

Overall it’s a pleasantly user friendly app, and something that is aiming to address a serious problem in the world of journalism. I think that especially given the current circumstances in the world, it has never been so important to focus on supporting quality news.

Staying Secure in the Mobile Gaming World

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If you’re a sports betting fan then you’ve probably already tested out Unibet’s iPhone betting app and know that it’s a fantastic place to ply your trade. However, aside from giving you competitive odds and instant access to a slew of live betting markets, the platform is also one of safest in the business. The new smart devices enable you to have a punt on the go, by just firing up your app on your tablet or smartphone and having a punt in minutes via your online account.

horsie selfie NSFW

Popular sporting events like Melbourne cup , Ashes cricket series and the local  state soccer championships are gaining in popularity and so are iPhone and smartphone devices to check scores , odds and having a punt.

As the mobile betting industry has evolved, so has the security features sites have in place to protect players. Of course, when you wager your hard earned cash on the latest sporting fixture, there’s a certain amount of trepidation when it comes to safety. However, as you’d expect from any reputable operator such as Unibet, there’s nothing to worry about.

All licensed iPhone betting apps will have a host of security features in place and that means your bankroll is completely safe. In fact, the first thing you should be aware of is that any product that’s put out by a licensed operator is that it meets certain standards. In order to meet the conditions of fair play and safety that any regulatory body insists on, a mobile betting app must have full 128-bit SLL digital encryption. This layer of protection is there to ensure your data can’t be intercepted and your details stolen.

Protecting Yourself

As well as an internal layer of protection, Unibet’s mobile betting app also requires a password on start-up. Set by the user and not accessible by anyone else (including staff at Unibet), this password is the first line of defence against hackers. Not only is it required the first time you login, but it will also be needed if you time out. Because Unibet’s mobile software will detect periods of inactivity, it will automatically shut down the app to ensure you stay secure.

download apps apple store melbourne cup

The final layer of security you should be aware of when you download a mobile betting app is the verification process. Before you can withdraw any cash you’ll be asked to provide evidence of who you are. This information is then used to confirm any subsequent transactions and stop anyone else from accessing your account and stealing your cash.

Mobile sports betting is one of the fastest growing areas of the gambling world and operators across the industry are putting a lot of effort into ensuring this stays the case. If players don’t feel safe then they won’t use an app and this is the reason why the software has been made as secure as possible.

The Future of the Cell Phone

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The cell phone is something that has evolved beyond recognition in recent years thanks to the developments in technology and the features now available.

Cell phone- From Brick to slick

 

clip_image002

(Image courtesy of Flickr)

Originally, and we’ve all seen the pictures, there was “the brick”, that huge lump of plastic with a 6-foot aerial that allowed you to make and receive calls and that’s it. Today, they are tiny little things that even allow you to programme your satellite TV system to record a show.

Smarter Cell phones

 

As time goes by, all gadgets are only going to improve as developers find new and exciting things to add to the packages. In recent years we’ve seen the likes of Twitter and Facebook built in to the standard features, as well as the likes of HD cameras, the ability to seamlessly stream music and movies from the Internet on your phone and even “mobile wallets.”

These are one of the latest features to hit the cell phone industry and are being pioneered by the likes of Barclays. Cells are already a three-in-one camera, phone and computer, and now it looks like they’re going to become wallets too.

Barclays are trying out contactless payments by creating chips that can be placed within or on the back of a phone, allowing the user to scan their phone against the payment machine instead of having to carry around cash or credit cards.

At present, users will only be able to make payments priced at $25 or under, but, if successful, that could rise to nearer the $40 mark and beyond. Big chains such as McDonalds are already offering customers the chance to pay wirelessly and they have said that the scheme “definitely looks like a winner.”

The more innovations that a cell phone can have, the better the chances are of the company selling their phones around the world. At present, the iPhone is leading the way from the likes of the Samsung Galaxy and the BlackBerry.

Tablets popular for christmas Gifts

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Despite the gloomy economy, shoppers all over the world  are expected to shell out for tablet computers this December making them one of the hot gadgets gifts  this Christmas and holiday season

amazon-kindle-fire review prices

Amazon Kindle Fire pictures above

This new Techo gadget are the most-desired electronic devices this holiday season. Of all the gifts people are craving, tablets with clothing taking the no 1 spot according to a consumer Association.

Bob 56, plans to purchase an iPad for his son and his sister  who lives in  Washington. His parents live in Florida. So he’s excited to be able to video chat with his parents – them on the new iPad, him on his iPhone.

Tablets were on many peoples wish lists last year, but they were too pricey and they technology was still new so was still getting adapted too, now with smartphones  everybody is getting more exposed to the new touchscreen technology.

Barnes & Noble Nook Color-w600 reviews

Barnes and noble tablet pictures above

Two of the most promising competitors come from online retailer Amazon.com Inc. and book seller Barnes & Noble Inc.

Some price released recently for the

  1. iPad’s $499 base price
  2.  Amazon’s Kindle Fire, which costs $199
  3. Barnes & Noble’s Nook Tablet, which costs $249.

Tablets are popping up in unexpected places, too. with  the ipad being used to control customised helicopters that can fly indoors , buggys made to be controlled by the iphone and ipad and many more gizmos.For some people, the device has become indispensable for playing and working.

But while many think of the iPad as synonymous with the word “tablet,” plenty of shoppers will be looking for a more affordable tablet to give this year with heaps of new customised software versions coming out with new android software.

“When tablets start to get  below $200, sales go up dramatically,” says technology analyst Rob Enderle and is going to be evident in the good cheaper prices for these gadgets these years. Check out some reviews and pics on the latest tablets here. “PC TABLETS REVIEWS”