From:         Bob Rankin 
Subject:      TOURBUS - 16 May 2007 - Inkjet or Laser / Dual Monitors /  Cool

TODAY'S TOURBUS TOPICS: INKJET OR LASER / DUAL MONITORS /

Cool Search Tips

In today's TOURBUS, you'll learn how to decide whether an inkjet or laser printer is best for you, and how to save on printing costs. We'll cover the basics of setting up a dual (or multi) monitor system to create a L-A-R-G-E virtual desktop, and then and I'll share some tips on how to use Google in ways that nature never intended. :-) Read on!

Inkjet Versus Laser - Which Printer Should You Buy?

At first glance, an inkjet printer may seem appealing because of its relatively low price tag compared to laser printers. Even though the ink cartridges often cost nearly as much as the printer, it still might make sense to buy an inkjet. Choosing between an inkjet and a laser printer entirely depends on your printing needs.

How much do you print, and do you need color? Is speed important? Read on for six printer reviews, more information on how to choose the printer that's best for you, and some tricks for saving money on printing costs.

http://askbobrankin.com/which_printer_should_i_buy.html

Dual Monitors - Twice the Desktop Fun!

Did you ever wish you had a REALLY big computer screen? Those Apple 30-inch Cinema displays are pretty sweet, but very expensive. Here's a tip... use a dual monitor (or multi monitor) setup to extend your desktop across two or more screens. Both Windows and Mac computers have the ability to simulate one BIG screen using a dual or multi monitor configuration.

I recently purchased a new Gateway system with dual 22-inch flat panel monitors, and it's the coolest. I set both monitors side by side on my desk, and they make one huge desktop. I can open a website on one screen, and a word processor on the other, then drag windows from one screen to another. I can even open a spreadsheet and stretch it across the full width of both screens if I want.

Here's the scoop on the hardware and software required, and how to setup your dual monitor system...

http://askbobrankin.com/dual_monitors.html

Even Bigger: Use Your TV as a Monitor

A few months ago I wrote about using your TV as a computer monitor. It turns out that older CRT televisions have some limitations in that regard, but if you have a big monster HDTV and you want to try it out as a MASSIVE display for your computer, it works!

http://askbobrankin.com/tv_as_computer_monitor.html

And if you're looking for some help deciding which TV to buy...

http://askbobrankin.com/which_tv_should_i_buy.html

Specialized Google Searches

Everyone knows that you can throw a word or phrase at Google and it will return web pages that match. But Google is more than a search engine... it's a verb. And a verb is an action word. In addition to being a general purpose search engine, Google has some additional search features that are both intuitive and useful.

Did you know that you can use Google to search the yellow pages or residential phonebook for phone numbers? Get a stock quote or check the status of a Fedex package? Use it as a calculator, dictionary or spell checker? Find movie listings, driving directions, or get flight status? It all starts at the Google search box.

Let's take a deeper look at some very cool specialized Google searches that will save you time and make you wonder what Google *doesn't* know...

http://askbobrankin.com/specialized_searches.html

That's all for now, see you next time! -- Bob Rankin