We have tablets!

We have tablets! Brand new, and selling out faster than any product to ever cross our sales counter, these touchscreen tablet PCs are worth noting.  Here's the details:

Available in two sizes - 7" and a (dare I say cute?) 4.3".  Both are value priced, $119.99 and $60 for the 7" and 4.3" respectively.

For only $119.99, you get a Rockchip 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, Google Android OS 4.1 pre-installed, shown on the 1280x800 resolution, 16:9 7" touchscreen. The smaller version of the tablet ships with Android 4.0 and a 480x272 resolution (4.3").   Both feature mini-hdmi output and USB
connectivity. Perfect for showing off photos to the relatives or giving a presentation via the office projector or an HDTV.

These models will not outperform the more popular tablets from Apple or Samsung - they're not designed to.  But, for the price, they lower the threshold for entry into one of the most popular waves of person computing.   Touch-screens and tablets are more than a mere technological fad.  Industry has found uses for them in every corner of the commercial and consumer markets.  With Android, you get access to the incredible capacity of Google Play, the Android application and media marketplace.

Don't think you can type on a touchscreen?  You don't have to.  With the included USB adapter, connect any USB keyboard and type away with full, ten-fingered satisfaction.  And, with the microSD/microSDHC Card slot, you can type a million pages and still have room for illustrations, a movie or few, and your entire Best Of 90's Rock collection!

Be interested.  Be intrigued.  Come talk to a salesman and get your hands on one of these new tablets from General NanoSystems.   They're selling quickly, so call for availability!

More information at our website, or at (612) 331-3690.

Tablet Computing: The Future, Now at General NanoSystems, Inc. 

8-cores, 4.0GHz Speak For Themselves

Good news for fans of AMD: You now have a respectable player to rally behind. The new FX 8350 Vishera Black Edition CPU. 8-cores, each running at 4.0GHz (4.2 Turbo) speak for themselves. In a recent article from Tom's Hardware on "enthusiast" PC building, the author says that the "FX-8350 brings AMD back to the table". And it does.

 Compared with the Intel's long-standing pace-setters in the i7 and i5-series, performance is stout. Passmark gives the 8-core CPU a performance rating of 9,160 (see chart below). The score exceeds than anything in the i5 range, and while still below the popular i7-3770 (3.4GHz), it approaches it's performance in many multithreaded scenarios. Oh, and it does bear mentioning that the FX 8350 is nearly $90 less expensive.

FX 8350 Passmark Profile

Top 10 CPU comparison (courtesy of Passmark)

The presence of this new player from AMD by no means threatens the position of Intel as the premium option for businesses and consumers alike.  Their lead is established, and new rumors and news regarding the 4th-generation i-series (named "Haswell") are surfacing daily.   But, even so, AMD is making it interesting.

For more information on the new FX 8350 processor from AMD, check it out on our website, in our store, or give us a call at 612-331-3690 and talk to a representative!  (Actually, ask for Alex.  This is his new favorite CPU.)

The new FX-8350 Vishera CPU from AMD, available now at General Nanosystems. 

Why your next PC should be built at General Nanosystems.

This is not a sales pitch.  You don't want to hear one.  We don't want to give you one.  This is a discussion.  You talk, we listen.  We listen and design exactly what you need.   What do you need?  You need a PC.  That's why your here.

Why should your next PC be built at General Nanosystems? Well, just that: It will be built, created. Here.   Our system builders carefully assemble our systems from name-brand, high-quality parts.  There is no mechanization; no assembly line or mass production.  Each system is built from beginning to end by a dedicated individual - guided throughout by a meticulous system of quality control.  No pitch.  It's fact.

Another reason why your next PC should be built at General Nano is customization.  We define custom. In any transaction with us - web, phone, or in person - all you need to do is ask.  Do you have parts?  Did you recently upgrade your current system?  Don't scrap those new parts, incorporate them in a full new build!  There are many, many options and avenues that you can take when designing a new PC.  We're equipped to guide you through them.  Whether it's a Dual CPU Server with some obscure storage configuration for the IT department, or a legacy XP machine with a floppy drive for grandma, if you need it, we can build it.  We build our computers with the same, name-brand parts that we sell off-the-shelf.  Each prefabricated package or "Ready-to-Go" PC is designed and optimized for its category.  Motherboards from Intel, Asus or Gigabyte; CPU's from AMD and Intel; WD or Seagate hard drives; or SSD's from Intel, Crucial, or PNY.

   

All that said, without a doubt, Support is one of the most compelling benefits of building with General Nano.   We stand behind our work.  For one year, every part, every cable, and every screw in your system is covered.  And, because we use high-quality parts, most of your computer's components will come with a multi-year manufacturer's warranty. Our phone system is staffed by real people - the same people you'll see if you stop by in person.  If we don't have the answer immediately, we'll call you back.  It's what we do.

Of course, such a discussion as this would not be complete without a mention of price.  At General Nanosystems, we're not afraid to compare prices.  We're competitive.  Most of our customers understand the value of having a retail location, with real people and real service.  We extend that value forward in everything that we offer without sacrificing our prices.

Convinced? Maybe not? You can also contact us at (612) 331-3690 or at anytime by email at email@nanosys1.com to talk to a representative!  Talk to us.  Let us know what you need.  Let us find a solution.

 Your next PC should be built at General Nanosystems.  Let us show you why.

Introducing the true "Nano" System...

It's small, fast, flexible, and making waves in the computer world.   Intel is ramping up production of the NUC, or Next Unit of Computing.   This nano-sized system is their latest offering in the consumer PC category.

Only 4.5" square and 1.5" high, these little packages pack quite the punch.  The base model (available at General NanoSystems) features a 3rd-Generation Ivy-Bridge i3 CPU, 4GB RAM (upgradable to 16GB), and a 128GB mSATA SSD.  These features may not pace the pack when compared to their full-sized counterparts, but when offered in a package that is smaller than a few stacked CD's, they're certainly nothing to sneeze at.

Watch the introduction video below or read the full specifications on our website. 

More information on the NUC can be found directly from Intel here. You can also contact us, General Nanosystems, during normal business hours at (612) 331-3690, or at anytime by email at email@nanosys1.com.

The Next Unit of Computing, from Intel, available now at General Nanosystems.

Keeping Your Computer Cool

Yes, even in Minnesota, keeping cool is important.  Heat, and the dissipation of it, is a common conversation when it comes to PC operation and construction.   From a personal laptop, to a $6000 server there are techniques and tools to do the job.

The Problem:

What makes a computer run hot?  (We're going to keep this limited to the personal computer....If you're working with a business class server then chances are that this is nothing new to you.)
- Environment.   Be aware of where you are using your computer.  The external (air) temperature affects the heat of the system.  Direct sunlight can dramatically increase the operating temperature of any electronic.  As can proximity to a heating vent, a fireplace or space heater, or using the computer in any location south of Atlanta!
- Application.   How you are using your computer.  Certain computer components (see below) generate more heat than do others.  So, it would follow that applications which utilize those specific components are going to create more physical heat than otherwise.  Video playback is one of the most common and most accentuated examples.  Take special note of the heat generated by extended graphic or high-performance use.  If this is the primary mode of operation for your system, than it may be wise to add extra cooling or take special steps to minimize heat.
- Components.   What is in your computer?  Video cards, Hard Drives, CPU's, Power Supplies, more Hard Drives....   Bigger is not always better when it comes to keeping cool.  A faster CPU will generate more heat.  Three internal hard drives will generate three-times the heat as just one.  Performance-grade components assume performance-grade use.  The greater the number and performance of your components, the greater the concern for heat.

The Solution:

- Care.   This relates directly to environment.  Be careful with your computer.  Be kind to it.  Don't leave it in the sun.  Don't crowd it or choke it - give it some air.  Clean the case regularly with compressed air.(WARNING: Vacuuming, and hand-cleaning is strongly cautioned!  Static build up will damage internal components!)  Be aware of your computer's environment.  Use common sense.
- Curb your uses.  Some hardware may not be able to perform at the levels demanded of them.  If your laptop overheats when you attempt to stream an HD movie while editing pictures and playing an online game, then consider scaling back.  Your laptop may only work optimally with one or two such tasks at a time.
- Change your hardware.  Probably the most specific and "dramatic" solution, you can combat heat by adding (or changing) the cooling systems within your computer case.  Extra case fans, liquid cooling systems, aftermarket CPU and GPU coolers...just to name a few.  These solutions may be necessary, especially for performance, gaming, or server use, BUT REMEMBER, no number of high-powered, multicolored cooling options are going to substitute for proper care and maintenance.

We sell these parts.  We sell compressed air.  We clean computers.  We can recommend what you need.

If you have any questions about your computer, your computer's environment or temperature, or just about anything else computer related, give us a call!  (612) 331-3690, or email us as email@nanosys1.com.

We have parts.

In-Win Brand Mini-ITX Computer Cases

We have a full line of Acer Wide-screen and Standard Monitors

Intel CPU/Fan assembly in a new system build

We do.

It can be difficult to compete in the age of internet shopping and warehouse direct shipping, but here at General Nanosystems, we've done better than compete - we lead.

Among retail vendors, both online or on the map, we have some of the best prices you can find.

You can get a 6ft High-Speed HDMI cable for only $6.

Network cables are even better:  50ft? $13.  100ft? That's $20.  We have lengths from 1ft, 2ft, 3ft...7ft, 14ft, 75ft...up to 1000ft spools!

Flash drives? How about a 16GB for $9.99 (limited time).

If you need a replacement hard drive, and you needed it yesterday, call us.  We stock a varied selection of drives by Seagate and WD.  Priced to compete, but with no wait time or shipping.

Accessories are just a start.  We have everything that you might need for home or business computer operation.  Fans, CPU's, Hard drives, Cases, Optical Drive, Cables, Adapters, Motherboards, Video Cards, Expansion Cards, Hardware and brackets, RAM, Flashdrives....and much, much more. You need a floppy cable, or an IDE-133 cable?  We have them.  You need half a dozen case screws? We can sell you those too.

Some of our customers come for the service, others come for the advice and the support.  We offer all of that, but remember, if you need a part, call us.  If we don't have it, we'll find it.

We have parts....over 3300 of them.

Questions? Need something? Call us at 612-331-3690; Email us at email@nanosys1.com or check us out in person at 3014 University Ave, SE, Minneapolis MN, 55414.

"My computer has a virus. What do I do now?"

PC's are susceptible to viruses - also called malware, spyware, trojans, loggers, ad-ware  worms, and many other nasty things.  No matter what you call it and despite every good intention, precaution and expensive protection software, that pesky code can still find its way into your system to wreak havoc and digital destruction. You've heard the horror stories.

...and now, it's happened to you.  Your computer is making weird faces and doing things without your permission.  You cannot access the internet.  There are popups all over your screen. Your Aunt and your neighbor both report that they've received emails from you that you most certainly did not send.  You may not be able to log onto your computer at all.  The virus on your computer may be obvious, or it may be subtle.  Some viruses are designed to hide from the user, others are made to lock your system down immediately.

When you bring your system in to General NanoSystems with a known or suspected infection, we're going to offer you two primary options: 1) Remove the virus, and 2) Format/Windows Re-install.

What does this mean for you and your computer?  Why would you choose one or the other?  

Here's the breakdown...

1.       Virus Removal
- Multi-step process removes the virus, and attempts to repair affected files
- Leaves your data intact
- Leaves your programs installed and intact
- $149
Concerns: This repair is 99% effective, however, in some rare cases some of your files may be permanently infected, thus requiring the second solution - Format/Windows Re-install.

2.       Format/Windows Re-install
- 100% certain to eliminate the virus
- Formats/erases your system's hard drive
- Re-installs Windows using your existing license
- Completely erases ALL data (files, documents, music, pictures, etc)
- ALL programs (including Office, Word, etc) will need to be re-installed
- $99 (Desktops), $99 (Laptops)
Concerns: Your files will be erased.  If you can't afford to lose the data, there may be ways to avoid this.  We recommend making regular backups of all data (pictures, photos, documents) BEFORE it becomes a problem. (We offer this as a service)

So, if you suspect that your computer has contracted a virus (or if you're sure of it), bring it in to our shop and let a technician assess which option would be best for you.  If you have any questions about the diagnostic process or about any repair, call us at (612) 331-3690, or stop by.

Have a great Thursday everyone!
-- General NanoSystems Inc, Service Department