Blog

What Notebook to Buy?

Published

5 years ago

December 13, 2019

Owning a notebook is the goal of many people, since it is mobile, takes up little table space and is easy to store. However, for the common people, buying a notebook is an investment that should definitely be carefully evaluated due to the high prices that have to be paid for these devices.

Although there are best budget laptops or notebooks in the market that are not so expensive, the truth is that the price difference between these and the best known laptops is really striking, a fact that most users worry, since they do not know that these differences between devices are technical, that is to say in the process capacity they offer, and it has nothing to do with the quality or origin of the equipment.

So that we can know exactly what is the right notebook for us, and also if a cheap notebook can be useful for our work, in this post we will find all the information we need. Anyway, if you want more information, we recommend reading some netbook reviews.

What notebook to buy?

The first thing we have to take into account before buying a notebook is that we are going to use it, since the hardware of the device must be in accordance with this premise. This generally means that the greater the hardware capacity, that is, the greater the amount of memory, the larger CPU and the greater the storage capacity, the better for our work, but worse for our pocket.

From here, the main points that we should focus on when buying a notebook.

Memory

For the choice of the amount of memory, we must consider the current market standard. For example, it is known that to run Windows 10 or a recent Linux distribution using a KDE or Gnome graphics environment, it is important that you have at least 4 GB of RAM. However, the ideal is to have 8 GB of memory so as not to affect performance in the case that we dedicate ourselves to the design, video or the creation of multimedia content. With this in mind, we must always choose a notebook that has memory capacity to comfortably run the software we use daily at work and that also allows us to successive updates of the system or applications that we use do not overshadow performance.

Processor

As for the processor, the same thing happens with memory, the more capacity the better, but always avoiding acquiring a notebook that has a processor of less than 2 Ghz. In addition, it is necessary that the processor is multicore and has energy saving resources. In some top notebook products, the possibility of saving energy when certain resources are not being used is essential, since in addition to helping us avoid heating the device, this feature makes the battery last longer.

Battery

Although it was not yet possible to develop a type of battery that lasts a considerable time, the truth is that considerable progress is being made in this regard. In this sense, one of the most used battery technologies in cell phones and notebooks is that of Lithium Ions, since they are able to retain more energy for longer, thereby increasing the autonomy of the device that uses it.

They also offer other very important advantages for any mobile device, such as longer life, low weight and do not add a considerable cost to the price of the notebook. An important detail: in case we need to use the notebook with the battery constantly, it is advisable to purchase a model that allows you to add an extra battery. There are models of this type that have space for an extra battery or allow the removal of the CD / DVD drive to fit the new battery.

We hope this guide can help. Good luck!

Blog

Applications of Automation in Research and Clinical Diagnostics

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2024

Rosario Farell

Precision counts in the fields of science and medicine. This is particularly true for the basic task of counting and analyzing cells, which is used in both clinical and research settings. The introduction of automatic cell counters, which provide efficiency and accuracy that manual approaches cannot match, has resulted in a notable advancement in this field.

What is Automated Cell Counting?

Automated cell counters are advanced instruments that are made to precisely and swiftly count and examine cells. In contrast to manual counting methods that rely on human vision and a microscope, automated counters use software algorithms and image technology to count and analyze cells. This ensures more accurate findings by expediting the procedure and lowering the possibility of human error.

Type of Automated Cell Counters

There are several types of automated cell counters used in research and clinical diagnostics, each employing different technologies and methods for cell counting. The main types of automated cell counters include:

● Image Cytometers: These devices use optical microscopy to statically image cells, which are frequently labeled to detect certain molecules or provide contrast. Cell counting is aided by the automation of image cytometers made possible by digital cameras.

● Flow Cytometers: Use a regulated flow of suspended cells to align individual cells for analysis. Staining cells with fluorochromes enables visual characterization of the cells and facilitates high-throughput analysis.

● Cell Sorters: Arrange cells according to their electrical properties. Sorting is accomplished by dividing the fluid stream containing the cells into droplets whose electrical charge varies according to the kind of cell and guiding them into various containers.

● Time-Lapse Cytometers: Allow for continuous monitoring of cells in an incubator by employing non-heat-generating light sources, such as LEDs, in conjunction with image cytometry to investigate cellular dynamics without causing damage to living cells.

● Hemocytometers: A qualified technician, an optical microscope, and a gridded slide with known volume wells are used in this manual cell counting approach. Up until the 1950s, hemocytometers were the norm for counting cells.

These various types of automated cell counters provide effective and precise methods for cell counting and analysis, each with unique benefits and uses in clinical and research environments.

Research

Automated cell counters have become indispensable tools in understanding cell behavior. They are used in various research fields, including cancer research, drug discovery, and stem cell therapy.

One of the key benefits in research is the ability to handle large volumes of data. For instance, in drug discovery, automated counters can quickly analyze the effects of thousands of compounds on cell growth and death. This high-throughput capability accelerates the pace of research, allowing scientists to screen potential drugs more efficiently than ever before.

Moreover, automated cell counters offer the precision required to detect subtle changes in cell populations. This is crucial in fields like cancer research, where understanding the behavior of cancer cells can lead to the development of more effective treatments.

Clinical Diagnostics

The impact of automated cell counters extends beyond the research laboratory and into clinical diagnostics. In medical laboratories, these devices play a critical role in routine blood tests, infectious disease diagnostics, and monitoring patient health during treatment.

For example, in a routine complete blood count (CBC), automated cell counters can quickly provide a detailed analysis of different blood cell types. This information is vital for diagnosing conditions such as anemia, infections, and blood cancers. The speed and accuracy of automated counters mean that patients can receive diagnoses and begin treatment more swiftly.

In the context of infectious diseases, automated counters can detect and quantify specific pathogens or immune cells, helping to diagnose infections quickly and accurately. During the COVID-19 pandemic, automated cell counting technologies were instrumental in monitoring virus spread and patients’ immune responses, showcasing their value in crisis situations.

Challenges and Future Directions

The initial cost of these devices can be high, and their operation requires specific technical expertise. Additionally, different types of cells and conditions may require customized counting protocols, necessitating ongoing adjustments and updates to software algorithms.

Looking ahead, ongoing advancements in technology promise to further enhance the capabilities of automated cell counters. The global cell counting market growth is anticipated at a CAGR of 7.5% by 2032. Innovations in imaging technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are expected to improve accuracy, speed, and the ability to analyze more complex cell characteristics. As these technologies evolve, automated cell counters will become even more integral to research and diagnostics, opening new avenues for scientific discovery and patient care.