Categories
Domain Parking Make Money Reviews Web Design

Rapid Domain Development Guide!

I came across an interesting article via Domaining.com’s daily digest email – its a site that sells an eProduct – a step by step guide on developing domain names. Nothing new right? Well, that was my thought at first… but after reading into it a bit more I found that the author claims his guide will teach domainers how to develop a site within a day. From getting it build to monetized – and have it generating more revenue (within 60 days) than it would from domain parking companies. On top of this, the author also mentions that all this can be done without any programming skills… ok, sounds interesting.

Step by Step Domain Mini-Site Development Guide

There are plenty of testimonials on the site as well as some sites which were created by clients using the rapid development guide.

As I suspected, all the showcased sites are based on WordPress. Which is not a bad thing.

By the way, the site is called Beyond Domaining – owned by Scott Carde “a domainer who built the system out of frustration from traditional domain parking and falling revenues”.

One of the testimonials claims to have turned a domain which was making less than reg fee per year – to making it earn $10 per month. Not impressed? Well, considering the site was built within a day and left alone, thats not bad at all. If its true, then say you build 10-15 sites a month and leave them all… they make $10 each, thats $100-$150 per month. To me it sounds like it has the potential to be one of those “rinse n repeat” strategies which we all look for but hardly ever find (or can maintain).

Now, the e product is selling at $50 (special offer) at the time of writing – and I’m going to give it a go. I’m guessing it will go over most of the things I already know and use in my development arsenal, but I’m hoping it provides a nice ordered step by step process rather than going over the most obvious stuff in no particular order!

To be honest, this isn’t something I really need – but willing to give it a go so I can write a review for others. Maybe it will help me streamline the way I do things? Who knows…! But it has a 60 money back garuantee, so it gives me that assurance to give it a try.

If anyone has already tried this, please feel free to leave a comment and let us know what you think. And if you’re considering it, why not use the link/banner below and help me earn some affiliate commission.

Step by Step Domain Mini-Site Development Guide

Note: Just because I’ve got an affiliate link to the product does not mean I will be biased in my forthcoming review. I will provide an honest unbiased review, I promise.

Categories
Products

Fantastic eBay Deals on Desktop PCs

Searched around on Ebay for some good deals on PC’s for under $300. Target user: General Home Office, basic multimedia (watching movies, listening to music), basic photo editing, internet browsing, games etc.

Its by no means a high-end PC, but it is fast and has a good memory capacity. It is a custom build PC, so not branded – which in most cases means the parts are better than when buying from say DELL! You don’t get the cheapest parts. By it being unbranded means you also save a lot more. If the same PC were to have a SONY or DELL logo on it, it would bump the price up by about $200 at least.


[phpbay]desktop pc, 5, “58058”, “”, “”, “”, “100”, “300”[/phpbay]

Categories
Blog Software

Windows 7 – Could this be the best OS ever?!

Hey all.

I just want to share my experience with the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system – Windows 7. How good (or bad; for the skeptics) is it? Well, I’d read a few blogs during the beta release and it seemed most people were actually quite positive about it. I mean there were a few niggles here and there, but in general and to my surprise… a lot praise was being given to the upcoming OS.

I say I was surprised and that’s because most of the times these blogs hammer any Microsoft product – especially operating systems. However, that isn’t the case this time around – and I can see why.

I’ve been using the Microsoft operating systems at home since “Windows 95” – and I’ve used prior releases at school. I’m not one to care much about the OS or be anxious about release dates – if something works for me, then I’m content and if eventually I get around to upgrading my PC, then at that point I usually decide whether I want the latest version of the OS or not.

Well I have to say, I’ve never truly been impressed with new releases. Vista “looked” like it might be promising – but I couldn’t describe in words just how much I hate it. It is probably the worst OS I have ever used. And I was thinking, perhaps this was one reason why a lot of bloggers found Windows 7 “so good” – because its a big step up from its predecessor.

Download Windows 7 & Install

Anyway, fast forward a few weeks – I got really annoyed with Vista on my laptop and decided to give Windows 7 a try. I downloaded the latest Release Candidate (RC), which is free by the way… you can get it here.

It took almost an hour to download the 3GB iso file. You need to download the file and burn it to a CD – but its a .iso file – so you need to burn it properly – I used Nero. Just double clicked the file and it did the rest.

I inserted the installation CD whilst still in Vista (just to see what’s on the CD). It started an Auto-run screen which gave me the option to test whether my system is compatible and if there would be any issues with software/hardware etc. So I ran the scan . The only thing it said I “might” have an issue with was McAfee AntiVirus. But that’s ok, I wanted to get rid of that anyway. So I rebooted my laptop with the CD inside…

From that point it took about 25 minutes for me to fully install the new Operating System and get online, print a document and start watching a movie! WOW! Now that is amazing. The fastest, smoothest trouble free OS installation EVER!… From formatting my drive a clean install – and 20 mins later I’m online! No need to install hardware drivers, sound cards, wireless cards or graphics cards etc. Everything was done. Seriously, I was pretty shocked.

So far so Good!

Anyway, I’ve only been using it for about 8 hours – so I can’t really give a in-depth review just yet. But so far, the things that have impressed me are:

  • Lightening fast installation
  • All devices detected and installed automatically(sound, graphics, wifi + networking etc)
  • Booting up takes about 6-7 seconds! Compared to 40+ seconds on Vista!
  • Shutting down takes less than 5 seconds!
  • Everything just seems to be lighter and faster
  • So far, no compatibility issues

Over the next few days, I will be testing it out properly. My main concern is with running graphics and web design software – ie. most of the Adobe packages. I don’t really play any games, so that side of it probably won’t get tested much. I’ll do another write-up when I’ve had enough time to mess around.

Here’s a bit of info about Windows 7.

The final release is due out in October 2009. But you can download and try out the RC (release candidate) for FREE! It’s a fully functional evaluation copy and will work until July 2010 – so you get almost a years use out of it for nothing! Pretty good I think.

I got an email from Amazon earlier this week that offers Windows 7 pre-orders for about £80 (Home Edition) and £170 (Pro Edition). I’d personally go for the Home Edition since I don’t need the extra Pro features – and after the experience today, I’m seriously considering placing an order.

Anyone else using Windows 7?

If you’re using any of the beta releases or Release Candidates – I’d love to hear what you think about it so far. Would you recommend it? Would you agree its probably the best OS release from Microsoft (at least since after NT)? Leave a comment, share your views.

Categories
Products

Logitech Dinovo Edge Keyboard Review

I’ve finally got myself a new keyboard, an upgrade from my Logitech Dinovo which I’ve had for over three years. I’m quite picky when it comes to keyboards and mice, afterall I spend a lot of time at my computer and I care very much about comfort.

The Dinovo keyboard and mice I had for the last few years have served me very well. I paid over £120 for the set, admittedly a high price… but it was well worth it.

When it came to upgrading, I didn’t look further than the Logitech brand that has served me so well over the years. A few months ago I bought the Logitech MX Revolution Wireless Mouse for about £50. I’m very happy with this as well. I love the way it looks, it feels great and has plenty of functions and customizable keys making it perfect for assigning shortcuts for Photoshot / Dreamweaver etc.

Anyway, I won’t go too much into the mouse, because this is all about the Dinovo Edge.

I compared quite a few brands and nothing comes close to this. I’ve only had it for a day and I’m very impressed! It looks absolutely stunning. It cost under £90 from Amazon, yes quite expensive, but I know I won’t regret it. Judging by the extensive use from my previous Logitech Keyboard and how well it has served me, I know this one will even better.

I guess I should have waited a bit longer before writing this review – because to be honest I’m still in that “excited with the new toy” mode – so it’ll be quite biased. So here’s the deal, I’ll finish writing this review in a few days – but now – heres a few snippets from what other people are saying about this keyboard:

S. M. Johnson (Bradford UK) logitech are renowned for their innovations in hardware design, i myself own a number of their products and have never had any problems. although this is an incredible thin keyboard (approx 1cm) it is in no way flimsy, there is literally no bend in it at all, but still it isn’t heavy.

Mr. Rds Harley “Robin” (UK) I have seen reviews of this keyboard that bemoan it’s lack of a numeric keypad and mark it down as a result, but that’s missing the point. It’s like buying a Ferrari and then complaining that it only has two seats! Anyone who buys this would (should) know it doesn’t sport those extra keys, so if having them is a necessity then look elsewhere but don’t knock the Edge for not having them.

R. Knight I’ve used a whole range of keyboards in the past (from cheap and cheerful PCWorld specials, up to top of the range Logitech and Microsoft “professional” ones), and this is by far and away the most stylish piece of kit I’ve owned. The battery life is exceptional, and the build quality is up there with the best.

Categories
Movies

The Happening (2008)

M. Night Shyamalan (director of The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable) directs this thriller about a science teacher (Mark Wahlberg) who tries to escape with his wife and friend’s daughter after an apocalyptic event. THE HAPPENING costars Zooey Deschanel and John Leguizamo.

Demonised Review:

I’ll try to keep this as brief as possible because there really isn’t anything good to say about this movie… and I don’t want to go too deep into portraying just how bad it is (which can be easily done).

I saw the movie advertised on MySpace.com – watched a very short trailer – which to be honest didn’t reveal much but was probably definitely better than the movie itself.

So… the story… well something is happening. No one knows what!

The movie kicks off on a normal New York morning, with people traveling to work, jogging through Central Park and generally going about their daily business. Then something happens. Something terrible. Theres a strange gust of wind and then people suddenly stop in their tracks, lose their bearings, start to talk nonsense and then finally kill themselves.

This theme kinda continues throughout the movie.

We don’t really understand what’s happening until two thirds of the way through the movie. I was surprised I actually made it that far considering how awful the dialogue and even worse performances were – right from the begining.

The acting is absolutely atrocious!

Mark Walberg, playing Philadelphia science teacher Elliot Moore plays the lead role. His class is halted and he is given the news of what’s been happening. He races home to make sure his wife Alma (Zooey Deschanel) is ok. Unfortunately this is where the movie takes an even bigger dive.

Walbergs acting is unbelievably crap! Zooey Deschanel’s is probably even worse. The couple’s relationship is on the rocks (yes a side plot) – this was supposed to add a bit of human heart to the movie but sadly both their acting lets this down too.

Walberg’s reactions would seem like he’s about to break out into tears and Zooeys expressions seemed like as shes seen a ghost and pooped her pants – at the same time looking really confused and out of place.

If people like this can make it big in acting, it really makes me wonder what the future in cinematography holds.

The Verdict

I can’t believe this was directed by the same person who was behind The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable! M. Night Shyamalan really couldn’t have made a bigger piece of poop even if he tried.

I can excuse the story line, the plot… even the shoddy production… but the acting was just over the top. The dialogue was horrendous! I couldn’t take it. The screenplay is terrible! What were they thinking!

The movie had potential. The concept was fantastic. But sadly everything else that surrounds it… just stank!

Rating

I’ll be generous and give this a big fat ONE out of TEN!

Rated: 15

Runtime: 1 hr 31 mins

Theatrical Release: 13-06-2008

Categories
Products

GHD Limited Edition IV Hair Straighteners

I bet this is going to throw a few of my regular users off gaurd! A review for Ghd Hair Straighteners (Limited Edition). Yep, that’s right – hair straighteners. Get used to because I’ll be reviewing all sorts of products over the coming weeks and months. Anything I use, my girlfriend uses or even someone else in my family uses – I can review. So lets get on with this shall we…

These aren’t just any ol’ run of the mill hair straighteners, they are made by a very reputable company (Ghd). They are the latest version (at the time of writing) and are dubbed “limited edition”. Available in three colours – black, white and baby pink.

I bought the white Ghd Hair Straighteners for my girlfriend for her Birthday. At the time I was thinking £130 seemed a lot to pay for something just to straighten hair!! I mean you could get a different brand for less than half the price…

Anyway, its what she wanted, so she got.

But I did some research before I went ahead and bought them. I wanted to see what the difference between these Ghd straighteners and other cheaper versions were.

The most important thing that I think puts these straighteners in a league of their own is probably the ceramic coated plates. I didn’t go too deep into the technologies of hair straighteners, but it was quite obvious that when these things emit such high intensity of heat – and this heat is applied onto hair – the last thing you want is for the hair to be damaged – long or short term.

These coated plates really help reduce damages that are caused by high levels of heat – which other straighteners fail at.

My girlfriend has been using an older version of Ghd straighters and these new limited edition ones were recommended by her friend and hair stylist. He said he’d been recommending them to all his clients and everyone who had bought them had been really happy.

She used them for the first time two weeks ago and has been telling all her friends how great they are. Apparently they straighten better than any other products shes used before and they remain straight all day. She said they heat up really fast and give out very high levels of heat, much more than other hair straighteners shes used.

All-in-all she is very happy with these straighteners and recommends them to anyone in the market for such products. So… there ya have it. The first womens hair product review coming from a man with no hair. Fantastic.

Oh… by the way, I paid £130 for these because I bought them for a high-street shop. You can find them for a lot less online. I recommend Amazon. You are buying from a reputable seller – and you get a guarantee.

And I highly recommend that you be wary of buying them for less than £100 – because there are a lot of fakes going around. Especially on ebay and gumtree. Despite claims of “brand new unopened with hologram and authentic labels” you still can’t be sure whether they are fake or not. Having the fake Ghd can be very dangerous for your hair because despite having the power and heat they don’t have the same high quality ceramic coating. So be very careful. Pay a bit extra from some reputable seller. As I said – Amazon is a good choice and they are cheaper than most other stores.

Categories
Software

How good is the new Firefox 3 browser?

I’ve only upgraded from Firefox 2 just over 6 hours ago… but it took me less than 6 minutes to notice just how fast it is. Version 3 was just released 2 days ago, on the 17th June 2008 – unfortunately I’ve been a bit too busy to download it on release.

Anyway, so… yes… this is fast. It feels much lighter than the previous version. So much so, that I’m getting into conspiracy theory mode! I’m thinking the guys behind Firefox sent signals to my version 2 browser a few days before releasing version 3. These signals slowed down my version 2… and now I’m version 3 it seems even faster than it probably is!!!!

Ok ok… enough of that.

I really like the new look. I can’t put my finger on it, but I just like the “lightness” of version 3. All my regular visited sites (NamePros, ManUtd.com, MiniNova etc.) load really really fast. When I scroll up and down it just seems light. Before it used to seem like my processor is under stress if I scrolled a graphics intensive page too fast. Not the case anymore.

Even myspace pages seem fine.

SO… its all good. I like it. Yeah yeah.. I know this ain’t exactly a super technical nerdy review… I’m not good at those anyway. There you have it. I like it. Simple.

Categories
Reviews Services

Looking for a cheap & reliable web host?

Well here goes, my first product review. I thought I’d start with HostGator the people who host this website along with many of my other sites. I’ve been with them for over two years now and I have to say they are the best I’ve had! I’ve tried so many I can’t even remember them all! Some have been good, others not so bad… but overall this is my favorite web hosting provider.

The packages they offer are unbeatable compared to the service and reliability they offer. If you’re looking for a good web host then look no further. Go with HostGator. You get tons of webspace and bandwidth plus you can host unlimited sites. Their prices are really low. Customer support is available 24 hours a day via online chat. Whenever I’ve had a problem with anything, they’ve been able to get it sorted within minutes.

If you’re not sure… try them for a month. You can cancel after one month if you’re not happy.

Hostgator.com trusted by over 1,000,000 domain owners
– 600GB storage space, 6000GB monthly bandwidth
– 24/7 support, live chat support, toll free phone
– Host up to 999 unique websites. Free domain name.
– Unlimited email, ftp, subdomain, MySQL, php 4/5.
– Hostgator Coupon 20% OFF: LUCKY
– Hostgator Reseller Coupon: LUCKY

Hostgator Coupon: HGC25
– Hostgator Promotion:
Special $4.95

Categories
Products Reviews

Personalise your Laptops & iPods

Wish I’d found this offer earlier, I just had my laptop personalized… ie the front of it completely transformed. It looks quite neat… much better than the plain silver finish with”sony” written on it.

Basically its a big sticker which covers the front or even the back of the laptop with your own design. I’ll upload a picture to show you what I mean later. But anyway, the thing is I paid $60 to get my laptop “pimped up”! I had it done just over a month ago and then… to my surprise… and disbelief I found this site doing it for just $17! And what makes it even more frustrating is that I’ve actually used this particular site before – I’ve got an account with them – and I never noticed they actually do this for so cheap!

So since I missed out on the offer I thought I’d pass it on to someone else so they can benefit. First in-line my younger brother. He got his laptop and his iPod personalized. He sent his design, paid online… a few days later it arrived and the quality is even better than mine.

Next, my brothers best friend ordered a sticker for his iPod and it was the same process… and the quality again was great. Two of my friends have since ordered stickers for their iPods and they are extremely happy with them.

So I thought I’d share it with everyone who reads my site here. The link and banner is below. If you’re interested in something like this, check out that site and see what you think.

You can also get free photo prints from myPix.com

Categories
Products Reviews

Best external hard drives…

I never thought the day would come where I needed more than 100GB of storage, but here I am… looking to buy another 1TB (1,000GB) drive!

I do a lot of graphics and photo editing for work so storage space on my computers internal drives just aren’t enough. I have had to invest in 2 x 250GB external drives, 1 x 500GB external drive and most recently bought a 1TB (1,000GB) external hard drive.

Western Digital MyBook 250GB External Hard Drive

The two 250GB drives are Western Digitals MyBook drives. I bought them from Amazon almost a year ago and I think paid a little over £70 at the time. Prices have since plummeted and you should be able to pick up the 320GB version for about £50-£60 now. These drives have been used quite extensively and for sometime I used them as scratch discs for Adobe Photoshop.

Installing the drives were simple and straight forward. They are plug-n-play with Windows XP – so no problems there. I don’t use the software that came with them but my colleague does and says they are quite simple and useful for back-up tasks. The drives have performed superbly for me so far (touch wood). The only thing I don’t like is that they power down every 10mins of being inactive – they go into sleep-mode and it takes a few seconds for them to wake up again. Nothing major, but just a bit annoying sometimes.

Seagate FreeAgent 500GB External Hard Drive

The 500GB hard drive is a Seagate FreeAgent drive bought from a high street store for just over £90. I could’ve got it for a lot less online, but I was in a hurry! I’ve had it for almost 4 months now and its used purely for back-ups of photos/graphics. Installation was a breeze and the software that came with it is very useful and straight forward to use. File transfers are quite fast, the drive isn’t loud but can get a bit hot / warm at times. Other than that its been reliable so far. But then again I’ve only had it for 4 months so would expect it to be good for many more months to come!

1,000GB Drives

I’ll wait a month or so before reviewing the larger drives. I’m still on the search for a another one, so I’ll write about it very soon.