Different Types of Natural Energy

With the environmental balance tipping the wrong way in the present times, humanity is trapped between the cosmic version of Hobson's choice - make amends for the ravages it has inflicted upon Nature while there's still time or continue with its selfish, exploitative ways and make way for yet another period of mass extinction similar to, or perhaps larger than, the one that took place in the Permian-Triassic period. While we have greedily taken from Nature to further the progress of technology and civilization, the thought of giving something back or, at least, restoring some part of what we've plundered has never occurred to us, till recently when we find ourselves so close to an impending natural disaster.

The result of all that air pollution brought on from burning millions of tons of biological and fossil fuel since centuries is now painfully obvious in the form of radical shifts in seasons and the increased frequency of natural calamities such as tsunamis, earthquakes and hurricanes. Looking down at extinction and destruction of the planet in the eye seems to have knocked some sense into mankind and this is evidenced by the fact that we are actively looking towards alternative sources of energy that are natural and pose minimal threat to the already deteriorating environmental conditions. Come, let's take a brief tour of the different types of natural energy sources available to us that are renewable and can be optimally utilized without tipping the environmental balance further.

What are the Different Types of Natural Energy?

Surprising as it may seem, but almost all of us have read about the utility potential of at least two out of the four primary natural energy types. What? You mean to say they never taught you those chapters on solar power or windmills in elementary school? Anyways, coming back to the subject of our discussion, there are four chief sources of natural energy that can be harnessed to extract all the energy we need to keep this hi-tech world of ours running smoothly! These are solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy and water/tidal energy. Let's take a brief look at each of these.

Solar Power
The sun is perhaps the most powerful and abundant source of energy that our planet has. The best part is, the heat and energy is available to us just like that! We need not drill or dig for it, nor do we have to process it to make it usable. All that we need to do is develop instruments and mechanical paraphernalia in order to harness it's potential. Solar energy has been in use since quite some time in industrial as well as domestic areas. Solar power has been effectively harnessed by humanity to generate electricity, power vehicles, charge batteries and generators, cook food, heat water and run HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems. Nowadays, you can see huge solar power plants generating millions of units of electricity for domestic as well as industrial purposes. The best part about it is, you can generate and use solar energy without risking air, water or land pollution!

Wind Power
Be it for generating electricity for domestic and industrial use or for powering commercial aquatic vessels, wind energy is here to stay! A lot of wind farms, both on shore and off shore, are run in many different parts of the world for the purpose of generating electricity and many more proposed wind farms are on their way towards establishment. Wind farms are set up at such locations where wind speed and thrust are strong and the surrounding areas have little or no man made constructions. Off shore wind farms, therefore, are preferred above on shore ones as the former get access to strong sea breeze at all times and the turbines located so far away from civilization and wilderness neither pose a threat to any life form nor do they mar the scenic beauty of a landscape. Wind generators are emerging as a preferred power provider among commercial shipping and fishing vessels that often need to stay out in the sea for days on an end and need a continuous energy source for powering on-board appliances and applications.

Hydro Power
Similar to wind power, a lot of countries all over the world that have inland water sources or have easy access to coastal waters make extensive use of tidal energy to generate electricity. Such power generated from water is often used to run entire towns and cities! Almost all dams that are built all over the world have an adjoining power station that generates electricity by manipulating the water in the dam reservoir using turbines and propellers. Hydroelectric power is the chief, most powerful and often the sole power alternative for places that are situated in mountainous terrains having fast falling and free flowing rivers and streams along the ranges, as the downward flow of these rivers and streams pack great momentum that's ideal for power generation.

Geothermal Power
Discovery and manipulation of geothermal energy to produce fuel and power is a relatively recent phenomenon and is still in its developmental stage. Geothermal energy is nothing but heat and radioactive energy that's locked within the earth's crust as a result of underground volcanic activities that break down minerals such that they produce radiation and heat. Also, solar heat absorbed by the surface of the Earth also gets locked in the crust in the form of geothermal energy. Geothermal energy from hot springs had, previously, been used in ancient times for heating space and water for bathing and therapy since the times of the ancient Roman civilization. Generation of electricity from geothermal energy, however, is a recent development.

Another emerging natural and renewable energy source is biomass energy. This form of energy is derived from remains of living matter that ceased to live not too long ago (unlike fossil fuels that come from the fossils of creatures and plants that lived millions of years ago). The by products produced during the process of decay or incineration (especially wood and plant matter) or recently dead organisms such as gases (such as those that are produced in landfills as a result of bacterial action on organic tissues), alcohol and other chemicals can be used to power automobiles, produce fuel for cooking and heating (biogas, for instance), etc.

Cinder Cone Volcanoes

Cinder cone volcanoes are volcanoes which are typically characterized by highly steep slopes, and a bowl-shaped crater at the top. These are the most common volcanic structures on the planet, such that if you are to picture a volcano, the chances that you will end up picturing a cinder cone volcano exist in plenty. Simply put, what we refer to as cinder cone volcanoes are cinder cones or scoria cones i.e. steep conical hills formed by accumulation of volcanic fragments around the single vent. As these vents continue to erupt even after these conical structures are formed around them, they are referred to as cinder cone volcanoes.

Cinder Cone Volcanoes Formation

Cinder cones are most often associated with Strombolian eruptions, which are relatively low-level volcanic eruptions that range from small to medium in terms of volume ( see types of volcanic eruptions). These eruptions consist of incandescent cinders, lapilli and lava bombs. In fact, the cinders - from which these volcanic structures get their name, are pebble-like glassy structures with air bubbles within that are formed when magma explodes in air, and cools in mid-air before it comes to the ground. These cinders get accumulated around the single vents wherein the first eruption takes place, and their piling in course of time results in formation of cinder cones.

As eruption continues, more and more lava is added to the volcanic structure and the cone can eventually attain a height of somewhere between 250 - 300 meters. However, there do exist cases wherein such cinder cones exceed the seemingly impossible height of 400 meters. Paricutin cinder cone volcano in the state of Michoacan in Mexico is one of the best examples of this. It erupted in a corn field for the first time in 1943, and continued to erupt for the period of next nine years as a result of which the structure attained a height of 424 meters.

As the vent walls - which are formed as a result of cinder accumulation, are not strong enough to contribute to the pressure created by molten rock, you seldom get to see eruption of such volcanoes from the top. In such circumstances, lava flow results in a breach on one side of the crater thus making it appear as if it were an amphitheater. Similarly, small eruptions from the flanks are also observed in some cases. Furthermore, when the gas pressure drops further, lava flow can also break through the base of the volcanic structure. Such eruptions can also alter the shape of a volcano, and eventually result in formation of aligned twin cones.

Interesting Facts about Cinder Cone Volcanoes

The volcanologists at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) state that cinder cones typically develop alongside other volcanoes, and that explains why they are often associated with shield volcanoes or calderas at times. There are as many as 100 cinder cones along the periphery of the famous Hawaiian shield volcano Mauna Kea. Similarly, there exist as many as 300 cinder cones along the flanks of Mt. Etna volcano in Italy. With their average height ranging between 300 - 400 meters, cinder cone volcanoes are the smallest among the different types of volcanoes on the Earth. However, the fact that they grow quite rapidly as compared to their counterparts is also worth taking a note of.

The 'Cinder Cone and the Fantastic Lava Beds' at the Lassen Volcanic National Park in California are quite popular among hiking enthusiasts with its nature trail allowing hikers to go right up to its crater. Other popular cinder cone volcanoes in the United States of America include Mount Gordon in Alaska, Puu Oo in Hawaii, Mount Tabor in Oregon, the one located at the center of the Crater Lake in Oregon, etc. The Cerro Negro volcano in Nicaragua boasts of being the most active cinder cone volcano on the planet with as many as 23 eruptions since it came into existence in 1850.

With those cinder cone volcano facts we covered a significant bit of information on these volcanic structures. Even though they are considered relatively harmless, that doesn't mean they cannot harm human life and property. Even these volcanoes emit harmful gases - such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, which can result in fatalities in high concentration. Similarly, there also exist instances of cinder cone lava engulfing vast stretches of land in the vicinity. The Paricutin cinder cone volcano is again an apt example here as the lava flow from it (during the 9 year long eruption) engulfed 9.7 sq miles of land around it.

Climate Change Denial

Although, the threat of global warming is real, backed by scientific evidence, most people are oblivious to this problem and their attitude towards this issue is marked by complete denial of facts. Climate change denial is a commonly held belief that global warming is hoax and the issue is being over-hyped. Anti-green activists also claim that the amount of money that is being pumped into funding research on climate change can be used for other, more important issues. Climate change denial hampers any attempts to raise awareness on this issue besides creating a doubt in minds of people whether global warming is fact or fiction.

Green lobbyists claim that activists who deny that climate change is a reality, are backed by big corporate houses, whose interests would be severely hampered if there is an increased awareness among people on the global warming, but the truth is that most of us, to an extent, are living in denial about the changes we have caused to the environment. The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has pointed out that human activity is a major cause of global warming, but skeptics doubt the credibility of these reports. Some things that climate change skeptics have to say to justify their claim are -

    * There is no accurate evidence that humans have changed the environment as global warming is a natural process and thus it is inevitable.
    * Had global warming been a serious issue, instead of the environmentalists, the respective governments would have taken immediate steps against it.
    * No report till date has been able to say with adequate proof that global warming is a major threat and humans are responsible for it. The researchers who come out with these reports themselves are not sure and their reports are often characterized by words such as "likely", "probably" etc.
    * Even if we agree that global warming is a serious threat, we can't do anything about it as the natural emissions because of volcanic eruptions are much greater than those caused due to human activities. So, instead of asking countries to cut their emissions, researchers should work together to build a mechanism which helps in controlling the emission of harmful gases in the atmosphere during a natural catastrophe.
    * The reason that glaciers are melting due to human activities isn't too adequate a proof of global warming as glaciers have been melting and growing over the past few thousand years.

These were some reasons skeptics have in the defense of climate change denial. Psychologists are of the belief that the reason we show skepticism about these issues is because climate change is something that we as humans don't want to think about as it disturbs our sense of optimism and longevity. They are also of the view that even though most of us know that the patterns of climate on earth have changed drastically over the last few hundred years, we simply comfort ourselves with the fact that we won't be there to see its repercussions. This to a very large extent shapes public opinion on global warming. Psychologists are also of the view that if global warming would have been a more immediate issue, that is, if it had the potential to impact our lives in the next fifteen or twenty years, our response to it would have been totally different.

Researchers who study human pattern behaviors point out that we tend to align ourselves more readily with climate change denial groups as they convincingly say what we want to hear. If there is a threat looming over us, there are two ways in which we can react; accept the challenge and put in an effort to fight against it; or remain in denial that it is not lethal enough to cause any immediate damage, and we as a society have adopted the latter one. Fighting global warming would take a lot of compromises and we have grown so comfortable with the luxuries that science has offered us that giving up on those might seem as a tedious affair.

The only way forward in the fight against global warming is a collective effort from all of us. We can't really retreat into myths and rely solely on environmentalists to fight this issue for us. They can tell us what dangers are lurking in the future, but it is the civil society who has to take corrective measures against this menace. Our actions in the next one or two decades will determine what kind of life our kids and grand-kids will have. As for those who want to live in climate change denial, it is time to wake up from their slumber before it gets too late.

Bluetooth Vs. ZigBee

Most people are well aware about Bluetooth technology and how it works between two devices that are synced with each other. But ZigBee is another such technology that is also used to communicate and transmit data between two or more devices, and it is a technology that is complementary to Bluetooth and the way it works. Both these connections are known as WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Networks) and they both run on the 802.15 standards set by the IEEE. Moreover, Bluetooth and Zigbee both work on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, and are used when the synced devices are in close proximity with each other.

The most common uses of Bluetooth are found in mobile phones (for transferring files between two devices and for syncing the phone with a Bluetooth headset for hands-free talking) and video game consoles (for the wireless controllers and other accessories). But there are plenty of other areas where Bluetooth technology comes into play as well, and the difference between ZigBee and Bluetooth is an area that has created confusion amongst many people.

About ZigBee 802.15.4

ZigBee is widely used today in areas where low power consumption and low cost are absolutely necessary. The primary purpose for which ZigBee is used is the automation and the control of certain devices, in areas where using Bluetooth would have proven costlier and consumed greater power as well. As a result of this, while Bluetooth is commercially used in homes by individual parties, ZigBee has found a niche in industries and manufacturing plants. In homes, something as simple as controlling an air conditioner with a remote incorporates the use of ZigBee, because installing Bluetooth for this purpose would prove to be highly unfeasible.

ZigBee also uses a type of sensor protocol that enables it to allow automation and remote access with considerable ease. It is widely speculated that in the near future ZigBee will also be able to eliminate the necessity of cables and wires for the light switches that are commonly found in residential homes and industrial plants as well. There are many more differences between the two technologies that eventually imply that the applications that these two technologies are applied towards, are vastly different from each other.

About Bluetooth 802.15.1

Understanding the answer to how does Bluetooth work is something that can be reserved for the highly technically inclined people. For the layman, Bluetooth simply implies a technology that enables two devices to interact with each other wirelessly. Consumer electronics that are found in our homes make use of this technology to the maximum, and this enables us to control printers, scanners, mobile phones, headsets and other peripherals without even touching them.

The newer standards of Bluetooth enable faster speeds and instant recognition of synced products, and this has undoubtedly made our lives simpler. The differing applications of Bluetooth and ZigBee means that both these technologies provoke very different reactions in our minds, and are subsequently made use of in contrasting situations.

Technical Differences Between Bluetooth Vs. ZigBee

Attribute	Bluetooth	ZigBee
Range of Synced Devices or Personal Operating Space (POS)	10 meters	10-100 meters
Speed of Data Transfer and Network Latency	1 MB per second (as fast as it gets)	20-250 KB per second (relatively slower and time consuming)
Frequency of Battery Recharge (Power Consumption)	A few days at the most	A few months at least
Operating Frequency Band	2.4 GHz	2.4 GHz
Maximum Number of Devices	8	2 - 65,000
Complexity and Cost of Setting Up	Complex and expensive	Simple and economical
Primary Focus	Enables user mobility and eliminates the need for cables and wires	More applicable for large-scale remote controls and for large-scale automation purposes
Suitability for Ad-Hoc Connections	Extremely suitable for transfer of heavy files and data	Completely unsuitable for ad-hoc due to slow speed and network topology

Fundamental differences between the two technologies makes it impossible to use both for the same purposes. While Bluetooth has its own uses and advantages, so does ZigBee and the industries where this technology is used, has benefited greatly due to it. ZigBee is still only around 5 years old so there is tremendous scope for improvements in speed in the future, but its underlying characteristic is one that will never change.

Best USB HDTV Tuner

Viewing TV channels and satellite broadcasts on laptops and desktops is a practice that has been around for many years now. The rapid spread of High Definition (HD) content and HDTV sets though has raised the bar higher, and given people the ability to see ultra clear and crisp pictures. Plasma TV sets, LCD TV sets, LED TV sets and OLED TV sets are all capable of playing full-HD content now, but these TV sets are admittedly priced pretty high. There are many people who wish to enjoy their favorite shows and movies in HD quality but are unable to do so for many reasons.

To offer a solution to this problem, we now have USB HDTV tuners which can simply plug into the USB drive of a computer, and receive live feeds of HD content in a manner similar to that of a regular TV tuner card. An HDTV tuner receives signals from an HDTV antenna and then transmits these signals to the USB device which then displays the signal on a laptop screen or a desktop screen for the viewing purpose of the owner.

These tuner cards also come equipped with some software tools in order to manage the channels that it receives, and this can be used for navigational purposes, for recording shows and for something as simple as switching channels as well. Several companies develop and sell these USB TV tuners, and here we will be telling you about some candidates for the title of best USB HDTV tuner 2011.

Top USB HDTV Tuners Available

ATI TV Wonder HD 750 USB
This HDTV tuner will cost you approximately $99, and it includes an HDTV antenna, an FM player and a remote as well. The software (Arcsoft) is compatible with all the major versions of Microsoft Windows operating system, and several other third party applications as well. Recording shows in a schedule up to 2 weeks is also made possible, and the antenna receives Over-The-Air (OTA) signals as well as regular cable signals.

AVerTVHD Volar MAX
This is an economical option at $65, but there is no remote and no FM radio provided along with the antenna. Windows Media Center and AverMedia software are enough for the navigational controls here, and this tuner has the added advantage of working seamlessly with Macs as well. It is compatible with digital cable signals and OTA analog signals too, so this is a pretty versatile HDTV tuner for a pretty economical price.

Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950
This tuner will cost you around $99 and the lack of FM Radio and a remote control may seem strange at first. But this is a company that has established itself as one of the best in the line, and this particular tuner could be the best USB HDTV tuner around in the market right now. There is no software required for the device either and it syncs perfectly with Windows Media Center. Digital cable signals and OTA analog signals are pulled excellently on this tuner to provide a very impressive HD viewing experience.

Pinnacle PCTV HD Pro Stick
Coming in at around $100, this is a little costlier than the other HDTV tuner cards, but this price is definitely worth it. The company was recently bought over by Hauppauge so there are bound to be some good aspects to this HDTV tuner. Digital and analog signals are received exceptionally well, OTA signals and cable signals are managed superbly and the software that is provided is also of the highest quality possible. FM radio is also included and the only downside is that there is no remote control provided along with the antenna.

Sabrent TV-USBHD Tuner
This specific HDTV tuner card will cost you around $50, and the package only includes a remote and an antenna. FM radio is conspicuously missing, but this is a feature one can do without at that price. It is compatible with Windows OS and receives signals pretty smoothly and without any interference and disturbance. The drivers have trouble loading though, and receiving digital cable signals is slightly beyond this tuner card.

Each of these USB HDTV tuners are pretty powerful in their own right, and as you can see, they are not very expensive either. Owning them can give you easy access to some high quality HD channels and these can then even be viewed on your HDTV, as long as it comes with a USB port, which is a highly useful feature to have.

Best iPad 2 Competitors

I held the drop dead -gasp- gorgeous iPad 2 in my hands, and succumbed. It was so, so beautifully designed that, for a moment, performance became a secondary aspect to mull over. So, first things first, it just doesn't occur to me why are you even hunting all over hell for a switch? Wait, wait. Let me guess. May be you abhor the iOS? May be you're simply over iTunes? Or may be, you have an unexplained animosity towards the Apple guys? This makes me sad, for I personally love the iPad and its ability to make your world turn topsy-turvy with just a few tabs and swipes. Sorry, can't understand your apathy for it. Seems to me, you're scared. To spend over something that has just hit the tech-block. To see if the successor will be able to create similar magic. To figure out if there can really be a 'next best thing'. Smart decision, must say.

You know, I don't blame you. For the iPad 2, there already exists a slew of tablets that have sworn to kill the iPad, and beat it to death. When there's a matter of shelling out dollars, you better assess, analyze, review, and then buy. As of today, there are a number of competitions for the king-of-tablets, with the best being instanced here. Buckle up for a trip to review the best iPad 2 competitors that make the iPad hit the skids, if not today, then definitely in the future sometime.

Best iPad 2 Competitors, 2011: A Review

Even if it's beautiful, the iPad 2 sure has some teeny-weeny shortcomings that make it lock horns with other tablets (for an interesting read, go through Android tablet vs iPad comparison). For example, the closed eco-system, camera quality, and a RAM that is a big, big secret to the tech-world. Well, the others did take advantage of these mars in the iPad 2, and basked in merriment seeing people readily accept them. Following are the latest fads among tablet lovers:

Blackberry Playbook
MRP: $799
Having recently released in the US, for Apple iPad 2, it could be a nightmare, considering its 1 GB RAM, superb dual cameras, and a 7-inch screen. Plus, it's a beautiful piece of tablet! It's also better in terms of video capture, offering 1080p that is much more than what iPad has to offer. Check out the interesting iPad 2 vs Playbook comparison, and you'll understand why is it considered as the biggest nightmare for the iPad 2. Blackberry has always proved its mettle in terms of rich-class technology, and the Playbook will just make it better.
Motorola Xoom
MRP: $799
Too hard to call it quits with your laptop? Xoom can be a replacement, and trust me, a better one this time. A killer 1 GB RAM, expandable memory of up to 32 GB, the latest Android 3.0 operating system, and a big 10-inch screen. If there is an iPad killer, this is it. While the second generation iPad has disappointing cameras (what was on Mr. Jobs' mind when he gave away a VGA cam?), Xoom boasts upon its twin cameras, a 5 mp one at the back, and a 2 mp one at the front. Moreover, we don't see the Apple guys devising plans to provide 4G connectivity. However, we will soon be able to upgrade Xoom to 4G, adding to its long list of features.
Samsung Galaxy Tab
MRP: $249.99
For those who're sick of carrying a jumbo-size tablet in their hand, here I give you a reason to celebrate. Grab Samsung Galaxy Tab that has a terrific 7-inch screen, Android 2.2 operating system, 512 MB RAM, and a huge 32 GB internal storage. And I still have to surprise you! Unlike the iPad 2 which comes with only two carriers - AT&T and Verizon, the Samsung Galaxy Tab comes with a total of five carriers, namely, AT&T, Verizon, US Cellular, Sprint, and T-Mobile. There's a Wi-Fi version of SamTab available as well. If you need a tablet which is smaller than a laptop, but bigger than your mobile, Samsung Galaxy Tab is your pick certainly (you may want to read Galaxy tab vs iPad comparison too). But hey, rumors rife that soon Samsung will be launching their 10-inch SamTab that will run the Android 3.0 OS. If you'd like to wait for a while, the next installment of the Galaxy Tab is worth the consideration.

… and there are certainly a few more fads that shoot ahead of the iPad 2 in many aspects. It's just the above three that have been included here as competitions for the iPad 2, considering the fact that the iPad 2 is yet to prove its mettle among tech-masses, which we're sure of, it will. Whatever be the results, for now, the following list of tablets just ups the competition ante:

    * ASUS Eee Slate EP121 Tablet PC ($999)
    * HP TouchPad ($699)
    * HTC Flyer ($729)
    * JG G-Slate ($699)
    * Acer Iconia Tab A100 (TBA)
    * Dell Streak 10 ($499)

Even after giving a thorough read to the review above, if you feel you should go for a tablet other than the iPad 2, I'll just say, considering the loyal Apple following, the supreme opening of the second installment of the iPad, you'll end up justifying your friends why you didn't buy an iPad 2 instead. The state of the tablet competition is fierce, but the Apple guys are relaxed, for they know that the iPad 2, has a place of its own. And if by any chance, you have lent an ear to the iPad 3 rumors flying high, your decisions are going to be affected. All the best, is all I can say.

Best DVD Players with USB Port

DVD players have become very common in many households across the country, and one of the best features that the latest DVD players offer is the ability to plug in a thumb drive into a USB port and play content off it. DVDs are slowly being replaced by Blu-Ray discs as well, so many Blu-Ray players are also coming equipped with USB ports now. A thumb drive has become a very common piece of external data storage since it provides easy transfer of data and instant access.

DVD players that have USB ports also give the user the ability to connect their external hard drives to the player, and play compatible content that is present on the hard drive. This includes video files, audio files, full-HD movies and images as well. The amount of space on these hard drives runs up to as much as 3TB nowadays, so you have the ability to access all of this data on your DVD player, as long as there is a USB port present on it.

Top DVD Players with USB Ports

All the major manufacturers of DVD players have realized the importance of providing a USB port on their device, so this is a feature that has become very common across all models that are released into the market. Consumers expect this feature in all their players and devices today, so not providing a USB port on a DVD player is a very bad move by a manufacturer. Here are some of the best DVD players with USB ports that are available in the market today.

Samsung DVD Players
Samsung is one of the leading brands in the consumer electronic market, and their DVD players do have a tendency to stand above the crowd. If you're looking for simple DVD players, then the Samsung DVD H-1080R (for $69) and the Samsung DVD-1080P9 (for $89) are good options for you. These players read a variety of formats through discs or drives, support 1080p HD format, are very light and portable and also provide a USB port each.

If Blu-Ray players interest you, then you should look at the Samsung BD-P1600 (for $199), the Samsung BD-P1500 (for $249) and the Samsung BD-2500 (for $699). These Blu-Ray players provide plenty of great features like full HD support, Netflix streaming, progressive scanning, JPEG photo playback, Dolby Digital sound and they also have USB ports at the rear.

Sony DVD Players
Sony is another brand that offers top notch devices with a plethora of features and services. Admittedly, devices from Sony cost a fair amount of money, but their quality is assured and very few other companies can match them. The interesting thing with Sony is that all their players are Blu-Ray enabled as they seem to have recognized that this is a format that will slowly catch on, and that they want to be the pioneers to offer Blu-Ray players. Some interesting models on offer by them are the various models in the Sony BDP-S series, the Sony BDP-N series, the Sony BDP-CX series and the Sony BDP-BX series. Here are some more Blu Ray player reviews that you can check out.

Along with expected features like wide video format support, 1080p HD playback and 7.1 channel surround, these players also provide web-based services like Netflix, Pandora and YouTube and also other features like Wi-Fi connectors and Ethernet ports. Needless to say, USB ports are also included in this package. Depending on the series and the model you pick, you can expect to pay anything between $150 - $1,000 for these players.

Vizio DVD Players
Another impressive brand in this particular market is Vizio, and their offerings are generally cheaper so many people prefer this brand. Do not let the low prices fool you though. The quality of these players is as good as that of any of the models mentioned above, with a few minor differences here and there. USB ports have become the norm in the DVD players provided by Vizio, so that is something that you do not need to worry about at all. Some of the best DVD players with USB ports offered by Vizio are the Vizio VBR220W (for $249), the Vizio VBR200W (for $199) and the the Vizio VBR333W (for $149).

The names suggest that these are all Blu-Ray players as well, and this is the general direction that the market is heading towards. As far as the picture quality specs are concerned, you can expect 1080p HD output, 3D content support, support for multiple DVD types and 7.1 channel surround sound for the audio aspect as well. JPEG photos are also supported and Ethernet ports and Wi-Fi connectors are also provided. Web access for Netflix, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, YouTube, Flickr, Picasa and Vudu is also provided.

So these were some of the best DVD players in the market today that also support thumb drives and external hard drives through a USB port. Blu-Ray content has become very popular, so most DVD players are supporting this format as well, but they can simultaneously play all kinds of DVDs as well.

Best Camera Phones

Budget set? Dad says, either buy an SLR or a mobile phone? There you come under pressure. How do you convince your dad now? Mmm… here's a simple solution. Grab a cellphone with superb camera quality, and tell him, you no longer need an SLR. Chances are, he'll get hooked to your new phone much before you do. After all, camera phones are state-of-the-art, and they are here to stay. You know, for the most part, I must be exaggerating. Of course there's no match to those world-class digital single-lens reflex cams, but to tell you the truth, the camera quality of a slew of cellphones that has arrived in the last few years has left everybody stunned. A macro shot may look equally good when taken from a camera phone, and sometimes, much better. And after all, beauty is in the eyes of … blah blah. They say so, don't they?

So, I really can't tell what causes you to buy a cellphone with superb camera quality. What I can do, however, is enlist all those au courant cellphone beauties that have stolen the heart of millions with their pixels and color combinations. Here I unveil the finest, coolest, and certainly, the best camera phones available in the tech market today.

Best Camera Phones on the Market

With due respect to the feelings and needs of a budding mobile photographers, the following camera phones have much more to offer than just a few megapixels and colors. They can make you go down on your knees, and are capable of replacing any other gadget on your tech-shelf. Following are four of the best camera cellphones zooming, and taking over every other gadget of similar sort.

Apple iPhone 4
5 Megapixels with LED Flash
The boss of all, Apple iPhone 4 may have just 5 megapixels to flaunt, but the HDR technology it comes with makes it one of the most delectable camera phones today. Whether it is a macro, a nigh portrait, a landscape, or a user-defined mode… the iPhone 4 clicks with panache. It has up to 5x zoom, and comes with a dual camera, so that you don't miss clicking yourself. And as far as the phone goes, who is left untouched by what a phenomena the iPhone is?

Nokia N8
12 Megapixels with Xenon Flash
Those amateur photographers have a reason to smile. What a decently priced SLR is able to offer is all available in the Nokia N8 too. 12 megapixel camera, Xenon Flash, Carl Zeiss Optics (Nokia is known for doting upon Carl Zeiss), a Dolby surround sound, and HD-quality video recording. Capturing all colors faithfully, producing superb images even in the night, the Nokia N8 is one of the best smartphones to have excelled in all aspects. Consider it, for you don't really get 12 megapixels under a brand name as powerful as Nokia!

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10
8 Megapixels with Photo Light
Of all the Android smartphones available today, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 represents the highest-resolution camera. If you're looking for a phone that is capable of producing perfect impromptu shots, X10 is your pick. Of course, you cannot expect it to take over an SLR, but this one beats every other smartphone that stands pat against it with its on-the-go shooting facility that makes it a must-have! Grab it in the first place, its super-sharp images aren't something you get in every other smartphone.

Samsung M8800 Pixon
8 Megapixels with LED Flash
Too bad for Samsung, this phone doesn't really impress in terms of performance, but its camera takes away all Brownie points. Many users rate this 8 megapixel Samsung kid to be one of the coolest camera phones till date. If you want a decent phone with rich class camera performance, the M8800 Pixon is your pick! The touchscreen facility of this phone makes it easy for you to tap and swipe, and take pictures with ease. And, well, the video capture skills are equally superb with 30 frames per second. It may be a bit high-priced for those looking for a full-fledged camera smartphone, but if only clicking photos is your demand, you could consider this one for once.

Some More to Click Through…

Should you find the above less satisfactory, the following list represents a yet another compilation of some fairly good smartphones that are competent enough to stand a chance against the fantastic four discussed above.

It's awesome to send the first photos of a new experience to your family just by a simple tap and swipe. Click a thousand images of your vacation, and store them in your device for as long as you want. With the best camera phones having taken their toll on the world, you have a full-fledged photographer in your pocket. All you need to do is just click once, leave the rest on your smartphone.

Best Digital Voice Recorders

Digital voice recorders are used to record voice interactions and messages and it's used by people from various walks of life. A digital voice recorded is very much similar to a tape recorder in appearance but has much advanced features for better usage. A digital voice recorder is used by students, business professionals, secretaries, reporters and even dictators. People who are hunting for information on the best digital voice recorder have landed at the right article.

Best Digital Voice Recorders

If you go out in the market today, you will find many digital voice recorders especially made for specific purposes. They are the best solutions for people who want to record voices without any fuss. The amazing looking gadgets available in the market have the ability to record the voice and also transfer it into a PC or laptop. This makes it easy for the user to customize the voice clip. Let's have a look at the top brands of digital voice recorders.

Zoom H2 Handy Digital Voice Recorder

The Zoom H2 is a very user friendly digital voice recorder which gives excellent quality stereo for interviews, podcasts, live music, conferences and all kinds of sound recordings. The best part about this recorder is its unique 4 microphone system- 2 at the front and 2 at the rear end. This portable device is very handy and even an average user can record high quality audio by just pressing a button. Here are its specifications:

    * Display: 128x64 pixel, back-lit LCD
    * USB Interface: Mini-B type (USB2.0 Full-Speed compatible)
    * Battery Life: 4 hours recording, 4.5 hours playback (with alkaline batteries)
    * Recording format: MP3 and WAV Format
    * Memory: SD memory card (16MB-2GB), SDHC memory card (4GB-32GB)

Sony ICD-SX712 Digital Voice Recorder

The Sony ICD-SX712 digital voice recorder is one of the most popular voice recorders in the market due to its amazing features. It makes the job of a user very easy by providing them the option to record voice in six different modes and then play it back in the MP3 format. The Sony ICD-Sx712 also boasts a noise cut option for clear speech playback. Here are some more of its impressive specifications:

    * Display: 21mm (H) x 25.3mm (W) backlit LCD
    * Battery Life: 14.5 hours recording, 53.5h headphone playback, 21h speaker playback
    * Recording format: MP3
    * Memory: 2GB internal memory
    * File system: 10 storage folders, unlimited files per folder

Olympus DM-420 Digital Voice Recorder

A preferred choice for professionals, it offers you CD quality recording and playback experience at a very reasonable rate. All the products of the Olympus DM series have been specifically designed for the visually impaired. The player also has voice guidance to walk you through the entire folder navigation system so that the understanding the set-up won't be a problem. Here are its specifications:

    * Display: 27.3 x 28.5 mm / 1.56 backlit LCD
    * USB Interface: hi-speed USB 2.0
    * Battery Life: 51 hours recording, 39 hours playback
    * Recording format: MP3 and WAV Format
    * Memory: 2GB internal memory + MicroSD or MicroSDHC card

Philips LFH0600 Digital Voice Recorder

The Philips LFH0600 is a voice recorder for people who can't afford to waste time in writing or searching for a pad and a pen. Just pick up this digital voice recorder and start talking. The device also has a voice activated recording system which when enabled will start recording as the person speaks. Here are some of its technical specifications:

    * Display: 1.5 inch, LCD
    * USB Interface: Hi-speed USB 2.2
    * Battery Life: 30 hours recording
    * Recording format: MPEG, MP3
    * Memory: 512MB

Olympus VN-5500PC Digital Voice Recorder

The sturdy design and easy use of the Olympus VN-5500PC has helped this product become one of the best voice recorders in the market. The central button gives the user access to all the functions of the recorder. Here are its specifications:

    * Display: 1.33 inches, LCD
    * USB Interface: High speed
    * Battery Life: 8 hours recording
    * Recording format: WMA
    * Memory: 512MB

So these were some of the best option while considering digital voice recorders. Other than the above mentioned brands, some more useful names are; Philips LFH0602, Panasonic RR-US591 and RCA VR5220. The following digital voice recorders would come in very handy in recording meeting talks, dictating memos, recording music and also in therapy.

AWD Manual Transmission Cars

Manual transmission cars have been all time favorites for speed lovers and race enthusiasts. This is because changing gears as you like is a fun way to take the car to its limits and keep the wheels in control. Another good thing about these types of cars is that they are available at a low price. On the other hand, with an automatic transmission gearbox, you cannot play around with sudden acceleration or braking by changing gears manually. Just like manual transmission, All Wheel Drive (AWD) has also proven to be a great feature in vehicles. This traction-control function is mandatorily required and implemented in cars used for rallying or driving in adverse road and weather conditions. In the following section, we are going to talk about the best manual transmission cars with AWD.

Best All Wheel Drive Manual Transmission Cars

Suzuki SX4 Crossover
This Hatch from Suzuki is tagged as the bargain of the century. There are four variants offered, out of which all have the selectable AWD, branded as the 'intelligent All-Wheel-Drive'. The most popular choice is the base variant which has a 6-speed manual transmission and comes at an affordable price of $17,000. A 150-hp 2-liter engine is a standard for all trim variants.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Be it road racing competitions or professional rally racing events, the Lancer Evo is an impressive player. Its owners can boast about the Evo's muscular 291-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and the very useful Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC). Along with the engine power, the GSR variant has a true 5-speed manual shift transmission gearbox which thrills racers. At a starting price of about $34,000, this is a sports package worth investing in.

Porsche 911 Carrera 4
This Porsche is yet another sports machine which has a valued performance. The 911 Carrera 4 trim variant has a rear-mounted 3.6-liter 24-valve engine and an all wheel drive system which powers the car by 345 hp. The Porsche Stability Management (PSM) is a trusted traction control system in this AWD sports car. A base price of about $86,000 might be a reason why potential sports car buyers may choose not to go in for this option.

Audi S5
Audi is world famous for offering business class vehicles. However, the S5 is a coupe which is most suitable for sports use. Its technical setup comprises a 4.2-liter V8 engine which generates an excellent 354 hp. Main features in the configuration include a six-speed manual transmission and the trademarked 'quattro' AWD technology. The S5 suspension is tuned according to race standards, and performs without compromising on comfort. The price of this Audi car is claimed to be around $54,000.

This was all about the top AWD manual transmission cars. Now let us move on to the best AWD manual transmission SUVs.

Best All Wheel Drive Manual Transmission SUVs

Subaru Forester
In the automotive world, Subaru is probably considered to be the best brand for AWD systems. The Forester is one of the top class SUVs ever manufactured. This SUV is offered in six variants, with the base one being the '2.5X'. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER of this sleek but tough SUV gives out a decent 170 hp power. Potential SUV buyers are generally attracted to the price which is just about $20,500.

Jeep Compass Sport
One interesting fact to know is that Jeep is one of the oldest SUV manufacturers with AWD. The Jeep Compass Sport is a contemporary SUV which is a good example of brand and style. This stylish vehicle is supplied with a 2.4-liter DOHC engine which contributes to 172 hp. Along with the AWD, the ESC system efficiently takes care of traction. This sports SUV is available at a cost of approximately $21,000.

Toyota FJ Cruiser
Owing to the sturdy looks, it seems that the FJ Cruiser is exclusively meant for serious off-roading purposes. It is powered with a large 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine that generates 260 hp. In addition to the torque, you also get a 6-speed manual transmission gearbox to take on the terrain. With full time four wheel drive and 5000 pounds of towing capacity, you can easily carry sufficient weight on the trailer without affecting the traction. A base cost of around $26,500 is not such a bad deal for this terrain cruiser.

Nissan Xterra
The Xterra is a product from Nissan which has got the same amount of engine capacity and power that is offered by the FJ Cruiser. The PRO-4X variant of this SUV has all that is needed to get through the toughest terrains. Few of the standard configuration equipment comprises Bilstein off-road performance shock absorbers and rack-mounted off-road lights on roof. Moreover, the 6-speed manual transmission facility makes off-roading all the more exciting. For this vehicle, you have to shell out any where from $30,000 approximately.

This is some general information about few of the most popular AWD manual transmission cars. In order to get a complete overview of the above mentioned models, it is suggested to go to the respective brand dealer or visit the company's website. The combination of all wheel control and manual transmission certainly increases the enjoyment and thrill in driving.

Asynchronous Communication Tools

With the growth of e-learning and online education, it has become possible to interact with professors, educationists and teachers spread all across the world. Even if a student misses few lectures in a day, it is easily possible to log in with a specific ID and password and study the chapter. Do you know what is this type of communication called? Well, it is known as asynchronous communication.

Asynchronous Communication Tools: Definition

In this particular type of communication method, it is not necessary for communicating parties to be simultaneously present for the communication purpose. An online lecture missed by a student, for example can be covered at some other time. Flexibility is the most profitable aspect of asynchronous communication tools. To understand it better, let us take a contrasting example of Instant Messaging (IM), which is a synchronous communication tool. In IM, it is essential for all the parties chatting to be present at the same time. If you're chatting with your friend on some chat service, it is an essential condition that the other friend needs to be present on the other side and he or she must be replying you, else the communication remains incomplete. So synchronous communication tools work on the basic premise that all communicating parties can be at "different places" but at the "same time". Some examples of synchronous communication tools are audio conferencing, web conferencing, white boarding and video conferencing. Asynchronous communication tools are exactly the opposite to synchronous tools of communication. One of simplest example of asynchronous mode of communication is an email system. When you send an email to someone, you're automatically assuming that it can be replied later and not necessarily instantly.

Asynchronous Communication Tools List

Are you wondering which are real life communication methods used that are called as asynchronous communication tool? Read on, to know more...

Discussion boards: We all have been on some or the other discussion boards online at some point of time. It is an online community of members for sharing thoughts, ideas, questions, queries and information regarding some topics. It is a great way to make new friends and to know numerous ideas.

Bulletine Boards: You were not present online in a discussion on some topic and now you want to know about what you missed. Well, with bulletine boards, coordinators post the links pertaining to the discussion and you can use the browser to catch up what you have missed. This is certainly one of the biggest advantages of online education.

Blogs: Blogging is a great way to share and receive knowledge, habits and hobbies. People who like your writing, will follow your blog whenever they want. There is no restriction on time.

Website Links: Instead of providing entire content, it is easier to share website links that direct the user to the contents. It makes the task of information sharing easier and simple.

Shared Calendars: To coordinate numerous activities in your college or in your office, you can use shared calendar software available online that can be also used to share information regarding any public events or with a group of friends.

E-Books: Web books are the latest trends online and it is easier to access them irrespective of time constraints. Even if the local library is not open, it is very much possible to access a book online, late midnight or early morning.

Databases: Information storage is a great way to use it for future references whenever required. Databases are perfect examples of storage houses where data can be stored and managed.

Streaming Audio and Videos: As a part of your online education, you can log in to the video link on a website to learn the lessons again or later to revise it further. It has no limitations of time. You can visit the video anywhere, anytime, if you has access to required communication devices such as a PC and the Internet.

Surveys and Polls: Collecting information from a large number of people at the same time is not a feasible task. So surveys and polls help in preparing critical information regarding any important topic. Again the benefit of doing this task in multiple time zones makes it simpler.

E-Mails: As aforementioned, emails are not expected to be replied immediately and you give time to the other party to reply later. It is just like posting a letter in the post office. You don't get back the reply instantly. You wait for some time.

Being able to get information and communicate at any time forms the greatest advantage of asynchronous communication tools. Besides that, it is said that this communication type is great for communities and like minded people who can collect, store and share information despite being far away from another.

On the flip side, the disadvantage is that it requires discipline and administration. People who're involved in a discussion board, for instance, are expected to log in for accessing the information. Barring that, asynchronous communication tools are great for online community users and they've certainly revolutionized the way online interaction is done.

Android 3.1 Features

On May 10, 2011, Google announced its much awaited Android Ice Cream Sandwich operating system at its annual I/O developers' conference. A hybrid of the previous Android operating systems - Gingerbread and Honeycomb, the Ice Cream Sandwich is expected to bring in a range of features - which were restricted to Android tablets all this while, to Android smartphones. That does explain why it is considered to be a revolutionary operating system in the Android line. Amidst all this excitement on new Android operating system announcement, many people missed out on the fact that Google also released an update to its existing Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system in the form of Android 3.1 update. Wondering what's new in Android 3.1 Honeycomb update? As we mentioned earlier there is a lot more than what you expected.

Android 3.1 Update Features

As with the original platform Android 3.0, even Android 3.1 has been developed specifically for tablet PCs. However, the difference is that it has a whole lot of refined features on the basis of which it boasts of being better than the former version. Some of the quite obvious tweaks in the user interface (UI) hint at the fact that it has become quite efficient now. Navigation is easier and the ability to resize the Home Screen widgets using drag bars also makes things a lot easier than they were before. The Recent Apps list is now expandable which allows you to scroll vertically through the list to check which are the tasks in progress and which apps were used recently. Furthermore, a mere touch to the thumbnail of a particular task and you are back to the task within fractions of a second.

The USB-connected peripherals and accessories support is by far the best thing about Android 3.1 update as it makes it possible for the users to attach input devices like keyboard and mouse, external hard drives, digital cameras, etc. to their Android tablet. In a bid to make this Android platform better for gaming, USB or Bluetooth HID support for PC joysticks and gamepads has been provided in this update. At the same time, the newly introduced Wi-Fi features make sure that you make the most of the Wi-Fi networks available. Thanks to the Wi-Fi lock - yet another of those amazing Android 3.1 features, now high performance Wi-Fi connections can be maintained even when the screen of your device is off.

Updated apps like the gallery app - which allows users to connect their digital cameras to the device through USB and import pictures directly to the gallery, or the browser app - which makes Internet surfing faster and convenient, also add to the overall experience. Other tweaks include a small indicator which helps you turn notifications on with a simple tap, quick controls which help you do a lot beyond mere navigation, contact searching which takes into consideration notes as well as email addresses, etc. Going by these Android 3.1 platform highlights, you can't help, but realize that it is no doubt an improvised variant of the Android Honeycomb OS - something which is all set to make the use of tablet PCs a smooth sail.

While Android 3.1 has made its debut with Motorola Xoom just like Android 3.0, you will get to see the same in Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in a few weeks from now. At the same time, rumors suggest that this update will be made available for appliances like Google TV later this year. If you have used the new Motorola Xoom unit with Android 3.1, we don't need to tell you that the same is a lot faster than the units with 3.0 Honeycomb. If you haven't used it yet, now is the time.

Apple iOS 5 Rumors

As we continue to inch towards Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2011 - scheduled to be held from 6th June - 10th June in San Francisco, the tech arena is being flooded by rumors about something being cooked in the Apple Inc. backyard. This comes after Apple - in their press release dated March 28, 2011, announced that they intend to unveil the future of iOS and Mac OS at the WWDC 2011. If these rumors are to be believed, Apple is all set to announce the next version of iOS (the default operating system for Apple products like the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad), - the iOS 5, at this event. At the same time, all these rumors about Apple iOS 5 release date have also been fueled by the fact that Google announced the new Android OS update - Ice Cream Sandwich at its 2-day developers conference earlier this month.

Are we Heading for Apple iOS 5 - Android Ice Cream Sandwich Clash?

There do exist some sources which suggest that Apple Inc. will announce the next iPhone at the WWDC 2011. Though the chances cannot be ruled out, most of the tech experts out there are of the opinion that Apple will focus on the software this year. (Once again, we are not ruling out the release of iPhone 5 this year as that would mean drifting away from the traditional practice of summer release for iPhone.). As Android tablets continue to gain momentum with the launch of Android 3.1 update, and Ice Cream Sandwich promising to bring all the features of tablet PCs to Android smartphones, Apple cannot afford to lose its focus this time around. As far as the release date pattern is concerned, Apple is known to come out with a software update sometime during the spring before it comes up with a new hardware in summer. If things take place as we expect them to, it wouldn't be surprising to see Apple devices with iOS 5 pitted Android devices with Ice Cream Sandwich platform.

iOS 5.0 - iPhone 3GS Compatibility Issues

Yet another Apple iOS 5 rumor which is making the round of the tech arena revolves around the compatibility of the new iOS version. It is believed that this Apple iOS update will be made available on iPhone 4, and not iPhone 3GS. While the history of iOS versions suggests that this operating system is made available for current products (which happens to be the iPhone 4 in this case) and the previous one (i.e. the iPhone 3GS.) However, things are not expected to be the same this time around, and the fact that iPhone 3GS will not be iOS 5 compatible will just shorten the life of this device. The chances are that Apple intends to release iPhone 5 sometime soon which would make the 5th generation iPhone the current device, and 4th generation iPhone the previous one - and that does put things in place.

Apple iOS 5 Features

While most of these Apple iOS 5 rumors are related to its release date, there also exist some which stress on the features that it would have to offer. Being an upgraded version, iOS 5 is bound to be better than its predecessors iOS 4.3. However, this time around Apple is also expected to introduce new features with the intention of countering Android devices which are flooding the market. The new OS is expected to be armed with an all powerful voice control which will reduce your efforts to type on the touch screen. At the same time, new features like Near Field Communications (NFC) and Cloud Computing are also on the cards this time around.

Amidst all these Apple iOS 5 rumors, people are also coming up with a list of features that they would love to see in this software. While different people have different needs, and thus have a different wish list, some features - such as the revamped user interface (UI), new widgets, a better camera app, etc. are common to all the lists that you are likely to come across. While Apple fans continue to be wishful about this software release, whether the new platform will stay up to their expectations is something that only time will tell.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Mexican food has always been known for its multitude of variations, use of many different spices, colorful decorations and above all, for being delectable. Whether it be tortillas, tamales, nachos, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, corunda, chiltomate, carnita, etc. Cilantro lime rice is one of the delicious Mexican rice dish that is now popular in other parts of the world too. It is one of those versatile dishes that is perfect as a side dish or as a filling for burritos. It goes along well with a wide range of dishes. If you love the flavor of this Mexican food, you can prepare it at home. The following is a cilantro lime rice recipe that will prove helpful for you, in preparing this lip smacking Mexican food.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

Preparing cilantro lime rice is not a difficult task, if you know the right method. In order to prepare four servings of this rice, you need the following ingredients.

Ingredients
Long grain white rice (preferably basmati) - 1 cup
Chicken broth - 1½ cup
Chopped cilantro - ½ cup
Fresh lime juice - 2 tablespoons
Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
Garlic cloves - 3
Salt - 1 teaspoon
Lime zest - from one lime
How to Prepare

Start by rinsing the rice with cold water. Rinse well, till the water runs clear, but, make sure to do this fast, so as to prevent the rice from getting soaked. Once done, put the rice in a colander and let it drain. Now, peel and mince the garlic cloves and keep them aside. Take a sauce pan and place it over medium heat. Add the oil to the pan, followed by the minced garlic and fully drained rice. Now, stir the rice and minced garlic in the pan for around two to three minutes. After that, add the chicken broth, along with salt and lime juice to the rice and bring the mixture to boil. The lime juice and chicken broth (along with cilantro) is responsible for the special flavor of the cilantro lime rice.

The next step is to cook the rice covered, for around fifteen minutes. You have to follow the manufacturer's instructions, as far as the cooking time of the rice (the particular type you are using) is concerned. This is very important as the cooking time of rice varies from one type to another. If you are not sure of the cooking time, check for the doneness of rice, in between. Once the rice is done, remove the pan from heat and add the chopped cilantro and lime zest. Serve the rice hot.

If you want a more easier cilantro lime rice recipe, you may try the following method. As per this recipe, you have to cook one cup of rice with two cups water and a teaspoon of salt. Meanwhile, you can prepare the cilantro paste by blending chopped cilantro, olive oil, garlic cloves, lime juice and two tablespoons of water. Make a smooth paste of these ingredients and mix it well with the cooked rice. Your cilantro lime rice is ready. You may enhance the flavor of this rice by adding a tablespoon of fine jalapeño slices (from the jar). You may also replace basmati with other types of rice, like, brown rice. But, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, regarding the cooking time of the rice. If you opt for brown rice, the cooking time will increase considerably. But, avoid those rice types, that have a tendency to stick together, after cooking.

In short, preparing cilantro lime rice is one of the simple tasks, if you have all the required ingredients and you know the right method. The above mentioned was a simple recipe that can be prepared within thirty minutes. It can be served with fish, beef, shrimp, chicken or any other dish of your choice.