SHOULD YOU PRINT YOUR DIGITAL PHOTOS AT HOME OR USE A PHOTO PRINTING SERVICE?Written by Valerie Goettsch
There are lots of options available for getting your digital photos printed, but which method is best and most economical choice for you? Let's look at some of options and pros and cons of each.PRINTING YOUR DIGITAL PHOTOS AT HOME Convenience and instant gratification are two popular reasons for printing your digital photos at home. Depending on your printer, you can print directly from your camera or from your memory card in most cases. Or if you want to touch up your photos first you can copy them to your computer, use your photo editing software (I like Photoshop Elements 3.0) to enhance your images, and then print right from your graphics program. You don't have to make an extra stop to drop off your photo memory card at photofinisher or drugstore and then return to pick up your prints, and you save shipping fees online photo services charge. However, printing your photos on your home printer may be more expensive than you realized. The per-print price can approach $1 per picture when you factor in cost of buying a photo printer, high quality photo paper and lots of color ink cartridges. If you print a lot of photos you'll go through ink cartridges and paper rather quickly, which gets expensive, especially if you make mistakes and have to reprint. If you use inexpensive or off-brand paper, you will likely find that your photos may start to fade or discolor within a few months. According to industry experts, if you print at home, use same brand name paper as your printer manufacturer (i.e. if you have a Canon printer, use Canon photo paper). Your prints will be better quality and last longer. USING AN ONLINE DIGITAL PHOTOFINISHER Online digital photofinishers like Ofoto and new PhotoWorks make process of printing your photos very easy. You can edit your photos either using your own photo editing software or download free software from online line printing service to crop, fix red-eye, and add special effects or borders to your images. Then simply select images you want to print, click to upload to photo site, and you will receive your order, printed on high quality photo paper, in your mailbox in approx. 2-5 days. In addition to prints you can order customized photo calendars, photo cards, photo books, mugs, and other photo items. With some online services, like Shutterfly, you can even try out and order frames for your photos.
| | Connecting On The RoadWritten by Gregg
Are you one of those travelers who simply cannot stand to be apart from your internet connection? And are you wondering how you can still have get email or surf web while on road? Not to worry because technology is here to help! First, let’s talk about your actual computer equipment. The kind of equipment you’re taking with you and determining how you will both store and use it is important. If you have a laptop, you have freedom to pretty much sit wherever you like inside your RV – from couch to your driving recliner to dinette or even outside. Storage consists of putting laptop in its storage case, and stowing it away in a safe place. (Remember, laptops can handle a little toss now and then, but it’s best to secure them as you would any other valuable, breakable item.) If you have a desktop with a PC and monitor, you’ll need to be a little more creative. First, decide if you’ll be leaving your PC and monitor out while you travel. For your PC, consider putting in on your dinette bench wedged between 2 pillows. For your monitor, set it on dinette table and anchor it with bungee cords. Wrap one could around bottom to form a circle, then use several other cord to attach it to various locations such as handles on cabinets or even pole holding up table. If you have other accessories – e.g., a printer – consider securing this just like your PC. How you’re going to connect depends on a few things: How much time do you plan to spend on internet and what exactly will you be doing. Where will you be going and how close to “civilization” will you be? How much traveling will you be doing each year to offset cost of equipment? TIME If you’re someone who just wants to check your email, and do a minimal amount (less than 1 hour per day) of surfing, your best bet is to use PC offered at many RV parks, or those that allow you to hook up your laptop to their phone line. Both of these may be free or just involve a small fee. On flip side, if you want/need to spend several hours per day checking email or surfing web (because you’re running a business, for example), you have a few options to consider: Cell Phone. This can either be via a cord that connects from your PC to your cell phone and which your cell phone provider should offer. The connection is going to cost you by minute – just as your cell phone calls do, and you must purchase cord and software. Upside: Low cost to get started. Pitfall: Slow connection speed, charged by minute, and possibility of having to upgrade your cell phone frequently to keep up with technology. Air Card. This card – which is about size of a credit card - is inserted into slot on your laptop (or PC, if available). The connection speed isAre you one of those travelers who simply cannot stand to be apart from your internet connection? And are you wondering how you can still have get email or surf web while on road? Not to worry because technology is here to help! First, let’s talk about your actual computer equipment. The kind of equipment you’re taking with you and determining how you will both store and use it is important. If you have a laptop, you have freedom to pretty much sit wherever you like inside your RV – from couch to your driving recliner to dinette or even outside. Storage consists of putting laptop in its storage case, and stowing it away in a safe place. (Remember, laptops can handle a little toss now and then, but it’s best to secure them as you would any other valuable, breakable item.) If you have a desktop with a PC and monitor, you’ll need to be a little more creative. First, decide if you’ll be leaving your PC and monitor out while you travel. For your PC, consider putting in on your dinette bench wedged between 2 pillows. For your monitor, set it on dinette table and anchor it with bungee cords. Wrap one could around bottom to form a circle, then use several other cord to attach it to various locations such as handles on cabinets or even pole holding up table. If you have other accessories – e.g., a printer – consider securing this just like your PC. How you’re going to connect depends on a few things: How much time do you plan to spend on internet and what exactly will you be doing.
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