A laptop computer, usually called a notebook
computer by manufacturers, is a battery- or AC-powered personal computer generally smaller than
a briefcase that can easily be transported and conveniently used in temporary spaces such as on
airplanes, in libraries, temporary offices, and at meetings. A laptop typically weighs less than 5
pounds and is 3 inches or less in thickness. Among the best-known makers of laptop computers are
IBM, Apple, Compaq, Dell, and Toshiba. Laptop
computers generally cost more than desktop computers with the same capabilities because they
are more difficult to design and manufacture. A laptop can effectively be turned into a desktop
computer with a docking
station, a hardware frame that supplies connections for peripheral input/output devices such as
a printer or larger monitor. The less capable port replicator allows
you to connect a laptop to a number of peripherals through a single plug. Laptops usually come with displays that use thin-screen technology. The thin film transistor or
active matrix screen is brighter and views better at different angles than the STN or dual-scan
screen. Laptops use several different approaches for integrating a mouse into
the keyboard, including the touch
pad, the trackball, and the
pointing stick. A serial port also allows a regular mouse to be attached. The PC
Card is insertable hardware for adding a modem
or network
interface card to a laptop. CD-ROM
and digital versatile disc drives may be built-in or attachable.
You probably hear the term "smartphone" tossed around a
lot. But if you've ever wondered exactly what a smartphone is, well,
you're not alone. How is a smartphone different than a cell phone,
and what makes it so smart? In a nutshell, a smartphone is a device that lets you make
telephone calls, but also adds in features that, in the past, you
would have found only on a personal digital assistant or a
computer--such as the ability to send and receive e-mail and edit
Office documents, for example. But, to really understand what a smartphone is (and is not), we
should start with a history lesson. In the beginning, there were cell
phones and personal digital assistants (or PDAs). Cell phones were
used for making calls--and not much else--while PDAs, like the Palm
Pilot, were used as personal, portable organizers. A PDA could store
your contact info and a to-do list, and could sync with your
computer. Eventually, PDAs gained wireless connectivity and were able to
send and receive e-mail. Cell phones, meanwhile, gained messaging
capabilities, too. PDAs then added cellular phone features, while
cell phones added more PDA-like (and even computer-like) features.
The result was the smartphone.
Key Smartphone Features
While there is no standard definition of the term "smartphone"
across the industry, we thought it would be helpful to point out what
we here at About.com define as a smartphone, and what we consider a
cell phone. Here are the features we look at: Operating System: In general, a smartphone will be
based on an operating system that allows it to run applications.
Apple's iPhone runs the iOS, and BlackBerry smartphones run
theBlackBerry OS. Other devices run Google's Android OS, HP's
webOS, and Microsoft's Windows Phone. Apps: While almost all cell phones include some sort
of software (even the most basic models these days include an address
book or some sort of contact manager, for example), a smartphone will
have the ability to do more. It may allow you to create and edit
Microsoft Office documents--or at least view the files. It may
allow you to download apps, such as personal and business finance
managers, handy personal assistants, or, well, almost anything. Or it
may allow you to edit photos, get ]driving directions via GPS,
and create a playlist of digital tunes. Web Access: More smartphones can access the Web at
higher speeds, thanks to the growth of 4Gand 3G data
networks, as well as the addition of Wi-Fi support to many handsets.
Still, while not all smartphones offer high-speed Web access, they
all offer some sort of access. You can use your smartphone to browse
your favorite sites. QWERTY Keyboard: By our definition, a smartphone
includes a QWERTY keyboard. This means that the keys are laid out in
the same manner they would be on your computer keyboard--not in
alphabetical order on top of a numeric keypad, where you have to tap
the number 1 to enter an A, B, or C. The keyboard can be hardware
(physical keys that you type on) or software (on a touch screen, like
you'll find on the iPhone). Messaging: All cell phones can send and receive text
messages, but what sets a smartphone apart is its handling of e-mail.
A smartphone can sync with your personal and, most likely, your
professional e-mail account. Some smartphones can support multiple
e-mail accounts. Others include access to the popular instant
messaging services, like AOL's AIM and Yahoo! Messenger. These are just some of the features that make a smartphone smart.
The technology surrounding smartphones and cell phones is constantly
changing, though. What constitutes a smartphone today may change by
next week, next month, or next year. Stay tuned!
-The wild boar is the
ancestor of the domestic pig. Adult wild boars measure from 90cm to
200 cm in length, not counting a tail of 15cm to 40 cm, and have a
shoulder height of 55cm to110 cm.
-Their average weight
goes from 50 kg to90 kg .
-Boars are generally
nocturnal creatures.
-They don’t have
sweat glands so look for muddy puddles to wallow in to cool down and
for this reason the wild boar is rarely seen in the drier, arid
areas.
-With the exception of
the wolf the wild boar has no natural predators in Spain.
-They have poor
eyesight but an excellent sense of smell and can usually sniff humans
out long before they are themselves found.
-At about two years of
age the male wild boar grow tusks from both the upper and lower
canines which curve upwards. The top tusks are hollow and act as
sharpeners for the lower tusks. Females grow smaller lower tusks but
are still very sharp.
-They communicate with
each other through a series of grunts and squeals.
-They breed twice a
year, producing litters of up to eight piglets and usually live in
family units.
-They are omnivorous.
-Mature males are much
more aggressive to each other during the autumn when potentially
fatal injuries can be inflicted on each other from their sharp tusks.
-Boars also have an
important ecological role in helping to clear forest. Walk around any
forest or health and you'll see larges patches of bare earth tore up
by boars. They are basically beneficial to woodland ecology, as they
root up and overturn earth creating seedbeds in search of food.
-Boars are increasingly
attracted to urban edges, lured by easy pickings among rubbish
containers and gardens as they lose their fear of man.
Attacks: -Wild boar attacks are not common, this animal
will not attack you if you don´ t make it to be scared or you
disturb him or the smaller wild boars. -In a strange case of attack following the initial
attack the animal generally turns and attacks repeatedly.
From the Mark 1 to the future Mark 3, a concise history of the Ford Ka.
The Ford Ka was first introduced to the market in September 1996 as a compact family car. Based on the Mark 4 Ford Fiesta platform, the Mark 1 Ford Ka boasted an original iconic design which sparked a mixed reaction upon its release. The memorable New Edge design was executed by Claude Lobo and featured plastic body bumpers to reduce damage during city driving.
The Mark 1 Ford Ka was celebrated by the motoring critics for its nimble handling and tight grip – both of which were attributed to Ford’s Chief Technical Officer Richard Parry-Jones. Upon its launch, the Mark 1 Ford Ka was available with a host of production options including air conditioning, power steering and central locking. In 1999 to cater to popular demand, the American manufacturer introduced body-coloured bumper mouldings to the Ford Ka to create a sleeker image.
In 2003 the SportKa was introduced by Ford. Featuring redesigned 16 inch alloy wheels, a sporty body kit and tightened suspension, the SportKa was aimed at those who wanted a compact, affordable sporty-looking vehicle. 2005 saw all the Ka models receive a much-needed refresh. All standard Ka’s receieved a fresh interior while the StreetKa and the SportKa received a new 93 hp (69 kW) 1.6 litre 8-valve Duratec petrol engine.
The second generation of the Ford Ka was officially launched in 2008. Built in Fiat’s Poland factory, the Mark 2 Ka was much larger than previous models and featured a completely new design. Styled in connection with Ford’s Kinectic Design philosophy, the Mark 2 was available with a choice of two engines and featured a host of modern appliances including a USB port and Bluetooth phone connection.
Awarded four stars out of a possible five in the Euro NCAP safety tests, the Ford Ka was also packed with a plethora of safety features including the driver and passenger airbags and ABS. With the second generation Ka Ford introduced a range of interior styling and ‘expressive colour’ options.
Although not yet confirmed by Ford, many believe the new generation of the Ford Ka will be introduced in 2015. Thought to be based on the Ford Start Concept, many expect the Mark 3 Ford Ka to feature a 1.6 litre 3 cylinder engine and be manufactured out of recycled materials.
I have one of those and the experience really different.
What this car can do is unbeliable. The Savage X 4.6 is the most extreme and wildest Savage ever
offered, and is now fitted as standard with a 2.4GHz radio system!
The 4.6cc engine lets you wheelie on command and get you up to crazy
speeds in no time! Great performance combines with fast, nimble
handling and legendary Savage durability to give you the drive of
your life! Savage X 4.6 Durability
'Proven Tough' Over-sized Suspension
Eight long coil-over shocks absorb anything type of rough
terrain you throw the truck at, and beefy suspension arms and
uprights can take the punishment of big-air drops and top speed runs
over bumpy terrain. Keeping everything protected is the cool-looking
anodized TVP chassis, which features a custom 'X' graphic. The
enclosed radio box has been redesigned on the Savage X models as
well, allowing you to add the #308 Battery Level Indicator
and charging jack for the receiver battery.
The TVP
(Twin Vertical Plate) chassis plates have been modified at both ends
in increase the truck's durability. Structural webbing was added to
the central gearbox to improve its strength. Extra material was added
to the skid plates and bumper struts front and rear to let the Savage
X SS 4.6 take on crashes and jumps. The engine mount and engine plate
are now thicker to give you more durability and endurance, especially
when you're landing massive jumps. Savage X 4.6 Speed
Get that Savage X 4.6 engine going, and once again anyone
watching will be surprised at its speed! With enough power to pull
long wheelies with ease, the new F4.6 powerplant is designed for one
thing and one thing only - huge amounts of horsepower! Nearly 3hp, in
fact! Enough horsepower to get the Savage X 4.6 up to 45mph (73kph)!
You want speed? You've got it!
In one word, this new power
plant makes the Savage X 4.6 - FAST! The F4.6 engine is a new HPI
high-power unit with the proven HPI Nitro Star reliability, featuring
2.9hp from its .28 cubic inch displacement! A great-looking anodized
solid aluminium cooling head looks the business and does a great job
of keep the engine cool! Rough off-road terrain and extreme stunts
are not a problem when this engine is on the case! The F4.6 features
true ABC construction (Aluminium piston, Chrome-plated Brass sleeve),
race-tuned 8 port tuning, an 7.5mm composite carburettor, heavy duty
triple shoe clutch, plus a convenient Roto Start mechanism for easy
starting. A dual-stage air filter protects the F4.6 from dust and
dirt kicked up by the power 4WD action! So fast, in fact, that HPI
designers made significant improvements to the chassis, gear cases
and other parts of the truck to beef it up so it could handle the
extra power! The F4.6 engine pumps out nearly 3 horsepower and sits
on an improved engine mount and thicker engine plate to give you more
durability and endurance, especially when you're landing massive
jumps! Little changes with big effect!
The Renault 25 was a French-style executive model with classic and spacious styling and a number of technological innovations.
The vehicle was unveiled in December 1983. With 5 doors, a unitized
steel body and plunging hood, it was a blend of performance, agility and
lightness, weighing 1,100 kg – about the same as today’s Clio.
Headed by Gaston Juchet, the designers came up with this aerodynamic
model. The interior, designed by Marcello Gandini, was very modern for
the time.
The 25 was a luxury car with a spacious cabin and dashboard open to all
passengers, favoring neither driver nor passenger but all occupants. The
25 came with innovative electronics equipment – fuel gauge, onboard
computer and permanent outside temperature display. It also featured an
electronically controlled engine: the all-new fuel-injected V6 with a
capacity of 2,849 cm3, fitted from 1987.
The Renault 25 was launched in 9 versions, with a combination of 5
engines, 2 transmissions and 3 trim levels and was rapidly expanded to
further combinations.
The V6 Turbo was launched in 1985. Its front end was particularly
distinctive, with its off-center Renault diamond. The Limousine version
was launched in the same year, then replaced in 1989 by the Renault 25
Baccara.
Renault face-lifted the 25 in 1988 to boost sales. The body structure
was modernized, gaining a more sophisticated grille with rounder lines,
new-look headlights and a restyled rear.
The Renault 25 proved a huge success, becoming the 5th best-selling car
in France, selling a total of 780,776 units until production ceased in
May 1992.
The Audi A8 is Audi's luxury car flagship. It competes against such
cars as the Jaguar XJ, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS 430 and BMW 7
Series. The A8 can trace its lineage to the Audi V8 Quattro of 1989-1994,
developed by combining two Volkswagen Golf GTI engines. The A8 debuted
as a model line in its own right for the 1997 model year in the United
States and for the 1994 model year in Europe and was unique at the time
for having an aluminium bodyshell, a distinction that is now shared by
the Jaguar XJ. The first-generation Audi A8 used Audi's D2 platform. The
second-generation A8, which was introduced in the 2004 model year, uses
Audi's D3 platform. The first and second generations, therefore, are
referred to as D2 and D3, respectively. In 1997, the A8 became the first car in the world ever to offer six interior airbags. In 2001, Audi offered a W12 engine for the first time in the Audi A8 L
6.0 W12. The D2 platform Audi A8 L 6.0 W12 is even rarer than the D3
platform W12, and only 750 were produced from 2001 - 2003. This first
generation W12 sedan was only sold in European and Asian markets.
America was introduced to the W12 in the second generation, or D3, A8 L. In Europe the following engines are available in the D3-platform A8:
3.0 L V6 petrol, 162 kW (217 hp), 0 - 100 km/h in 7.9 s,
3.0 L V6 diesel, 171 kW (229 hp), 0 - 100 km/h in 7.8 s,
3.7 L V8 petrol, 206 kW (276 hp), 0 - 100 km/h in 7.3 s,
4.0 L V8 diesel, 202 kW (271 hp), 0 - 100 km/h in 6.7 s,
4.2 L V8 petrol, 246 kW (330 hp), 0 - 100 km/h i n 6.4 s,
6.0 L W12 petrol, 331 kW (443 hp), 0 - 100 km/h in 5.2 s.
In North America and Australia only the 4.2 L V8 and the 6.0 L W12
are available. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and the
3.7 L and higher models have Quattro four wheel drive as standard.
Models in the Americas are sold as the A8, A8 L and A8 L W12. In 2004, Audi won a Challenge Bibendum award for its A8 3.0 TDI (the
A8 variant with the 3.0 L diesel). This particular model uses
piezoelectricity in its fuel injection. The new A8 features Audi's new styling theme with a tall grille
inspired by past Audis and the Audi Nuvolari concept car. Many have
noticed that a similar look was simultaneously used in the Rover 75 V8
and Volkswagen Golf.
Audi A8 4.2 TDI quattro
For the 2005 model year, Audi offered an A8 4.2 TDI quattro with a
new 4.2 L Diesel V8 engine that generates 240 kW (322 hp) of power. Audi
claims this model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9
seconds. The speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). The car has a
six-speed transmission. The engine in this model represents an advance for Audi — it is the
most powerful Diesel engine Audi has ever offered in a passenger
automobile. The engine's crankshaft is made of chrome molybdenum steel,
and the cylinder head is aluminium. There are four valves per cylinder.
The engine has two turbochargers and two intercoolers. Each turbocharger
functions exclusively for one set of four cylinders. There is also an
oxidizing catalytic converter and a silicon carbide particulate filter
that ostensibly never requires replacement. The cylinder spacing in the
engine block is ninety millimeters.
Specifications
Length : 5.05 m (16.6 ft)
Width : 1.89 m (6.2 ft)
Height : 1.44 m (4.7 ft)
Weight : 2100 kg (5864 lb)
Engine : 4.2 L Diesel V8 twin turbo 322 hp (240 kW), 650 N·m (480 ft·lbf)
Top speed : 250 km/h (155 mph)
Tires : 235/25 YR 17
Audi S8
The Audi S8 is a high-performance version of the first generation A8,
similar to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's S55 AMG. It ceased production in
2003, before Audi introduced its second generation A8. The Audi S8 is
powered by a 4.2 L 360 hp (268.5 kW) V8 engine. With a Quattro IV
permanent all-wheel drive system, this performance sedan is equipped
with a five-speed automatic transmission. Its base price in 2003 was
US$72,500. Forbes magazine has reported that Audi will produce a new S8
and a new-to-the-line RS8 in the future. The 2005 Audi S8 model is
powered by a V10 engine (derived from the Lamborghini Gallardo V10
engine). The S8 came to popular prominence after the movie Ronin, starring
Robert De Niro, where its dramatic speed combined with its size became a
useful plot element, and gained the car much international attention.
The A8 Coupe
In 1997, IVM Automotive of Munich, Germany built a 2-door Audi A8
Coupe. The car was unveiled at the 1997 Geneva Motor Show. Audi hired
IVM to build the prototype, and was considering production of the
vehicle. The coupe had a re-engineered alloy body shorter than the
production A8 sedan. Like the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, there was no
central pillar, giving the car a seamless design with a gradually
sloping roofline. The car included custom leather seats and could seat
four. Ultimately, Audi decided not to put the coupe into production,
citing lower-than-expected sales figures for the similar BMW 8 Series
and Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. Only one A8 Coupe was ever built. The
single prototype, painted a color called "Ming Blue Pearl," remains the
property of IVM Automotive and resides in Munich. Its last public
appearance was in 2002 on a series of test drives.
The Opel Omega was a large automobile from Opel, the main European
subsidiary of General Motors. Replacing the Opel Rekord, it was voted
European Car of the Year in 1987. Like the Rekord, the Omega was
produced at Russelsheim in Germany. Production of the Omega ceased in
2003.
A long wheelbase model, the Senator, was based on the same platform,
which also formed the basis of the Holden Commodore in Australia. It was
sold as the Vauxhall Carlton in the UK, until 1994, when Vauxhall
adopted the Omega name for the new model. The Omega was also sold in
Brazil badged as a Chevrolet, but this name is now used for the local
version of the Holden Commodore.
In the UK, the Omega is best known as a police car. Following the
ending of production the direct Vauxhall equivalent which is used by
police forces is the Vauxhall Vectra (the post-2003 "C" model). The car
also been converted into limousines and hearses for use at funerals.
The name had previously been used by GM in North America, where the
Oldsmobile Omega was that division's compact entry from the mid-1970s to
the mid-1980s. These cars were not mechanically related to the European
Omegas, however.
Opel Omega A
The original Omega was launched in late 1986 as replacement for the
Opel Rekord, which had been in production since 1978 and sold in Britain
as the Vauxhall Carlton. It was available in saloon and estate
('Caravan' in Germany) bodystyles as a competitor for the likes of the
Ford Scorpio and Rover 800.
The new Omega, which was also sold in Britain as the Vauxhall
Carlton, was rear wheel drive and transmission was either a five-speed
manual or four-speed automatic. Engines ranged from 1.8 L, 2.0 L and
2.4 L four-cylinder units (2.0 L and 2.3 L Diesel, 2.3 L turbodiesel) to
2.6 L, 3.0 L and 3.0 L-24v six-cylinder units.
In 1989, a high performance Opel Lotus Omega/Vauxhall Lotus Carlton
was introduced with a 3.6 L six-cylinder unit and a top speed of 175 mph
(282 km/h), making it one of the fastest four-door cars ever produced.
The standard Omega proved popular with buyers all over Europe thanks
to its comfort, space, large boot (trunk), and extensive capacity in the
estate version.
Equipment levels were good, with almost all of the range getting
power steering and electric windows as standard from day one. More
luxurious versions had air conditioning and leather upholstery on the
equipment list. Antilock brakes were also standard on most models.
Not so impressive were bodywork and mechanical problems which meant
that the Carlton could not stand up to the BMW 5-Series in terms of
quality. Nor was the Carlton the most practical car in its class; the
Ford Scorpio had the advantage of a hatchback version which the Carlton
did not have, although the Scorpio was not available as a saloon and
estate until later on.
Based around the Omega running gear was the Opel Senator, which was
more luxurious but also used a drastically different body. This model
was aimed at the BMW 5-Series rather than the Ford Scorpio. The Senator
formed the basis of the 1989 Holden Commodore.
Opel Omega B
The 1994 Vauxhall/Opel Omega was an all-new car with a modern
exterior design but a traditional rear-wheel drive chassis. The engine
range was all-new: Four cylinder engines were a 2.0 L petrol and a 2.5 L
turbo-diesel which were reasonably refined and gave acceptable
performance. But the V6 engines (2.5 L and 3.0 L) were a far better bet.
The top of the range Omega, with the 3.0 L V6, was the most expensive
Vauxhall/Opel on the market at £30,000. The Omega saloon was extremely
spacious and comfortable, and the estate was capable of holding seven
occupants. From 1997 to 2001, the top three-litre saloon was sold in the
US as a captive import badged as the Cadillac Catera.
As with its predecessor, the Omega platform was heavily modified and
enlarged as the basis of the Australian Holden Commodore (from 1997).
Late in 1999 the Omega received a facelift and a 2.2 L 16-valve
engine was added to the range as an eventual replacement for the 2.0 L.
The following year, a 3.2 L 'MV6' engine replaced the 3.0 L V6 unit.
During this time, the Omega found itself without any real
competition. The demise of the Ford Scorpio (the Omega's biggest rival)
left Vauxhall unable to decide where to focus the Omega. Other brands
that had competed in this area had largely left the market, leaving the
Omega to take on the like's of the BMW 5 Series.
Despite a strong showing, the Omega was never a serious rival to the 5 Series. Production of the Omega B finally ceased in 2003.
The next generation of Omegas are expected to be larger and more
executive in style. There is speculation that it will be based around
the rear wheel drive Holden Commodore VE series of 2006, previewed in
some respects as the Vauxhall/Opel Insignia show car.
