5 Cool Gaming Accessories for Your Game Room

If you’re looking to complete your gaming setup for the best possible gaming experience. You’ll need to invest in the right accessories. Let’s take a look at some of the most important gaming accessories for any great PC setup!

1. Gaming Mouse

A high-DPI gaming mouse is an absolute essential in any gaming setup. It gives you the extra speed and precision you need to pull off that extremely tight trickshot or react to an ambush in the nick of time. Though you can save money by just using a regular computer mouse. If you’re into fast-paced gaming experiences, the extra money for a dedicated gaming mouse is well worth it.

2. Mechanical Keyboard

Gaming accessories: Mechanical Keyboard

As with a computer mouse, a dedicated gaming keyboard is a key element in your gaming setup. Mechanical gaming keyboards are often far more responsive than their more conventional alternatives. It gives you the advantage you need in those split-second moments.

3. PC Controller

Of course, you may not be the mouse-and-keyboard type of PC gamer. To some, a high-quality PC gaming controller gives a greater degree of precision in the heat of the moment, giving them the edge they need to take home that win. In addition, PC controllers are designed with comfort in mind, helping to ease the strain on your hands that often results from extensive gaming sessions.

4. Gaming Headset

Gaming accessories: Headphone

Gaming headsets are  better adapted to online games than a regular pair of headphones, typically including a microphone alongside a high-quality pair of headphones. This allows you to communicate with your party in real-time, strategize, and form coherent battle plans on the fly, so if you play a lot of online games, having one is an absolute must.

5. Gaming Chair

Many gamers, especially those who indulge in longer gaming sessions, have issues with stiffness and back pain. Fortunately, this can largely be avoided by investing in a gaming chair. Gaming chairs are designed to give your back the support it needs for even the most intense game sessions, and they look great doing it, too!

Looking for more great tech tips, recommendations, and products? Visit us at DirectNine today!

Guide on How to Build Your Own PC

So, you’ve decided that you want to build your next PC, and are trying to figure out where to start. If you have the patience and know-how, building your own PC is an excellent way to save money, and provides you with a far greater degree of freedom to customize your new rig. So, what exactly goes into building the perfect PC setup? Let’s take a look.

Important Components

Components of computer

For first-time custom PC builders, we recommend starting out with a PC build kit, but if you’re planning to purchase the components yourself, there are a few you’ll want to keep in mind. The absolute must-have computer components for your PC build are

  • The central processing unit, or CPU, which allows a computer to carry out all its usual functions such as running programs or making calculations.
  • The graphics processing unit, or GPU, which allows a computer to display graphics for the user. If you’re building a rig for gaming or other graphics-heavy functions, a good rule of thumb is to allocate about half of your build budget here.
  • The random access memory, or RAM, which determines how many parallel processes a computer can run without becoming bogged down.
  • The cooling system, which prevents your computer from overheating during heavy usage. There are several alternative options like water cooling systems, but for most builds. We recommend just sticking with fans and vents.
  • The power supply, which provides the power these components need to function. Be sure you know how much power each of your parts are going to consume so you can buy a suitable power supply.
  • The motherboard, which connects each of these components and distributes power from the power supply to each of those components as needed.

Of course, the amount of money you’ll spend on each of these components largely depends on how powerful you want your PC to be. So depending on what you’re looking for, you can essentially spend however much you want to. Do keep in mind, though, that not all components are compatible with each other, so if you’re buying your own parts rather than building from a kit, be sure to double and triple-check that all your parts will work with each other.

Data Storage

Data storage

Of course, no PC is complete without a way to store all your important files, so you need to keep your data storage method of choice in mind when buying materials. Ultimately, your perfect data storage device comes down to two main choices: an HDD or an SSD.

As far as the former goes, you may see certain storage devices labeled as hard disk drives, (HDD) while others are labeled as solid-state drives. (SSD) Both are valid options, and come with their own advantages and disadvantages. HDDs are known for being practical and highly affordable, having been the standard for decades. They’re a reliable option that won’t break the bank, but if you’re looking to get the most performance possible out of your new rig, you’ll want to invest in an SSD.

SSDs are a much newer technology, and as such, have far greater performance speeds, longevity, and power than HDDs. Their main drawback, however, is the price. As the technology becomes more and more commonplace, prices will continue to drop, but as it stands, a solid SSD is going to cost you. While this is absolutely worth it for people who need a high-performance rig like gamers or graphic designers, that’s not the case for everyone. In any event, however, the choice ultimately depends on your personal preference.

The Perfect Monitor

Man is working on pc

Finally, you need to pick up the perfect monitor to use your new PC with. As is the case with almost any other PC part, you can spend as much or as little as you want on a monitor, and the performance you get out of it will change accordingly. For a basic office computer setup, a more affordable monitor will work just fine, as you probably won’t be using your PC for anything graphically heavy. 

Of course, as with storage devices, people like gamers or graphic designers who need a more powerful PC also need a more powerful monitor that’s capable of clearly displaying unique and complex graphics. In addition, pay attention to the size of the monitors you’re looking at so that the monitor you end up purchasing will fit perfectly in your setup.

If you’re planning on a top-of-the-line setup, a large monitor will be just the thing. But if you’d like something a bit more convenient, portable monitors are also an excellent option. Once again, the ultimate deciding factor here is your personal preference, so just make the purchase that feels right for you.

Looking for more great tech tips, recommendations, and products? Visit us at DirectNine today!

Choose the Right Lens for Your Camera- Here’s How

Photos are more important than ever in today’s world, serving as a perfect way to store memories of family, friends, and experiences for generations to come. Naturally, if you’re going to take a commemorative photo, you want to be sure it turns out well, and for that, you’ll need a high-quality camera lens. So, how do you pick the right lens for your camera? Let’s take a look.

Consider Your Needs

First of all, consider what you’re planning to use your new camera lens for. If you’re a professional photographer, you’ll need a camera lens to match, so a more expensive, professional-grade lens like this telephoto lens will serve you best. It’s designed to capture even the most minute of elements in crystal-clear detail, giving you everything you need to fully utilize your creative talent.

On the other hand, if you’re just a casual photographer who’s looking to take photos of family members and scenic vacation moments, you can stand to save a bit of money. While having the useful features of a more expensive lens is certainly nice, most of them only become relevant at a much more technical level, so high-quality but affordable lenses such as this wide-angle lens are an excellent choice that will do everything you need them to.

Look at Several Types

Several type of Lens for Your Camera

Camera lenses come in many shapes and sizes, so take a look at several types before making a decision. Wide-angle lenses, for example, are great for capturing stunning nature photos, while telephoto lenses work best for precise, cinematic shots. Of course, if you just want a normal, all-purpose lens, a standard lens will work perfectly, but it’s worth thinking about the creative possibilities of a more specialized lens as well.

Try Similar Lenses First

Camera lens

Of course, the best way to know if a certain lens is best for you is to try it out beforehand. If you’re not sure whether or not you’d like using a certain lens, try getting in touch with other photography enthusiasts and giving their setups a shot. This will allow you to not only get a feel for handling a certain type of lens, but to gain new ideas for photoshoots as well! By the time you’re ready to make a purchase, you’ll have not only a solid investment, but plenty of inspiration for how to use your new lens to boot!

Looking for more great tech tips, recommendations, and products? Visit us at DirectNine today!

How to Choose the Best External Hard Drive for You

If you’re running low on storage but don’t want to open up your computer to upgrade the drive, you need an external hard drive. External hard drives connect to your computer via a USB port, functioning exactly as an internal drive without any of the hassle of installation. So, if you’re in the market, which external hard drive is best for you? Let’s take a look at a few of the most important things to consider.

Consider Storage Size

Everyone’s storage needs are different, so when you’re shopping for a storage expansion, you should buy accordingly. If you just need a little bit of extra storage, something like this 500 GB Toshiba drive should do the trick, but for people like gamers who burn through storage at a rapid rate, a larger 2 TB drive like this one from Transcend will be a much better investment.

Buy From Reputable Brands

Buying External Hard Drive

Whenever you’re browsing for a new portable hard drive, be sure to stick to buying from reputable brands. Unfortunately, the market has a large number of low-quality drives and even scams, (more on that later) so to ensure you’re getting the product you paid for, look at drives from established and trusted tech companies such as Seagate or Lenovo. Not only will you be sure to get your money’s worth, but these more reputable companies typically make products that will last longer, keeping your files safe and secure for years to come.

Watch Out for Scams

External Hard Drive

Whenever you buy a product, you typically get what you pay for, and external storage is no different. While there are times when you may happen across a great deal for an external hard drive, if it seems too good to be true, that’s probably because it is. A popular scam involves hacking a cheap, low-capacity drive to seem much more spacious than it actually is. 

For example, your PC may register a hacked 100 GB drive as a 1 TB drive, but after those 100 gigs have been filled up, all the data you put in the drive past that point will become corrupted. Of course, if you’re buying from reputable sites and brands, this isn’t typically a problem, but either way, be sure to stay vigilant!

Looking for more great tech recommendations and products? Visit us at DirectNine today!

Guide For Setting Up Your Photography Studio at Home

Photos have become more and more integral to our daily lives lately. A photo is a go-to way to commemorate a day or event. From social media to professional websites, there’s always room for a good photo. While there are plenty of great photographers out there to take photos for you. Sometimes you want to take the photos for yourself. If that’s the case, you may want to consider setting up a home photography studio. Keep reading to find out what you need!

The Perfect Space

Before anything, you need to figure out the perfect space to set up camp with your photo studio. You’ll need plenty of open space to fit all your equipment, props, backdrops, and the like, and should ideally be near a window for a solid amount of natural light. If possible, try to clear up a spare room, your garage, or any other room, and start setting up the perfect home studio!

Proper Equipment

Equipment of photography studio

Of course, if you’re looking for the quality level of studio photography at home, you’ll need to invest in some solid equipment. You don’t have to get all the bells and whistles, though– as long as you stick to the basics of a solid camera with a quality lens, a durable tripod, lighting equipment, and a backdrop, you’re all set! 

Even Lighting and Backdrops

To ensure you have a balanced composition in each of your photos. You need an even lighting source throughout your studio. If your photography studio is near a window, the natural lighting may be enough to handle it. If you’re in a more dimly lit area, you’ll need a studio lighting setup. This will ensure that there’s just enough light in the area you’re doing your photoshoot, guaranteeing high quality and clarity each and every time.

In addition to your lighting setup, you’ll need a backdrop. For a more basic shoot, you can use a neutral color like black or white. If you’re looking to get creative, you can experiment with more unique colors and patterns, or even a green screen.

Getting Set Up

Photography Studio at Home

Once you’ve found your space and bought your equipment, all that’s left is to start setting things up! It’s not exactly a precise science, so just take the time to see what works best, and most importantly, have fun while you’re at it!

Looking for more great tech tips and accessories? Visit DirectNine today!

Choose the Best Digital Camera For You

In order to get the most use out of a new digital camera, you’ve got to figure out which one is right for you. In this article, we’ve compiled a few criteria to figure out which is the best digital camera for your situation. 

1. Your Budget

Not everyone can afford a Nikon digital camera, and that’s something we understand. The bigger the camera, the more expensive it will be. If you’re looking for a camera to take with you everywhere, you might consider a polaroid digital camera or something equally as compact as these are also more affordable. 

2. What You Want to Photograph 

Photographer is clicking photos with Digital Camera

There are a handful of categories to consider regarding digital cameras, including DSLRs, mirrorless or four-thirds cameras, compact cameras, specialty cameras, and smartphones. If you know what types of things will be in front of your lens, you’ll have a better understanding of what camera is best for you. For example, a film camera is better suited for still life rather than action shots. Focus on motion, you might consider a digital video camera. 

3. How Big Your Hands Are 

Instead of starting your digital camera journey online, head to the store and hold a few options to get the feel of them. People with big hands may find an extremely compact camera hard to use, while those with small hands don’t pair well with a big and bulky camera. 

4. Your Photography Skill Level

Photographs

Knowing whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or expert photographer will give you an idea of what type of camera to invest in. If you’re a professional, you probably already have an idea of what type of camera is best for you. As a beginner, a good digital camera is an entry-level DSLR or a mirrorless camera. These types will let you know what you’re getting into without spending too much money. 

5. Plan on Upgrading 

If you are looking for an entry-level camera that allows you to upgrade later by adding more components. choosing a mirrorless camera or a DSLR is the best route. If you choose a compact camera with a fixed lens, you don’t have much room to grow. 

Choosing the Right Camera

Digital camera

Whether you choose a wifi digital camera, a DSLR, or a compact option, make sure you enjoy taking pictures with it – because that means you’ll use it far into the future. Use these tips to find then camera that works best for you. 

5 Gaming Room Lights for Your Gaming Zone

If you’re looking to improve your gaming experience, your gaming room environment with unique lighting is the best place to start. A unique and dynamic lighting setup enhances your gaming room and takes your experience as a whole to the next level. So, what are the best gaming lights for your room setup? Take a look at five of our favorites.

1. Gaming Desk Lamp

If you’d prefer something that’s one part gaming lights and one part sleek, modern décor, a gaming desk lamp is just the thing you need. These LED room lights provide a more focused light source for your setup, helping to reduce eye strain. In addition, many lamps are highly adjustable, and even feature USB charging ports for your other devices, making them a practical lighting solution. An aesthetically pleasing addition to your room, and an extremely versatile tool all in one.

2. RGB Strip Lights

Gaming Room Lights

Versatile, highly customizable, and easy to set up, it’s no wonder that RGB LED strip lights are some of the most popular options for gamer lights on the market. All you have to do is stick them anywhere you feel like they’d enhance the environment, from under your desk to behind your monitor. Best of all, you can change their color and lighting patterns at a moment’s notice, ensuring that your lighting setup will fit your mood no matter what. 

3. String Lights

Though they’re more of a flourish than a full-on light source, string lights add a unique aesthetic appeal to any room. Just hang them up across the walls, turn them on, and watch your room become a relaxing gaming paradise!

4. Motion-Sensing Lights

by toggling on and off automatically whenever you enter or leave the room. They’re perfect for saving you both money and a few extra steps, giving your modern gaming room an extra bit of convenience.

5. Smart Lighting

Smart lights are just as useful as they sound, giving gamers like you more control over their room’s environment than almost any other option. They can be programmed to turn on and off on a set schedule, change color and brightness, and even sync up with your gameplay. Best of all, they’re compatible with most mainstream voice assistants and can be controlled from your smartphone, so it’s easier than ever to change things up a bit.

Looking for more great tech recommendations and accessories? Visit DirectNine today!

A 360˚ Camera Set – Every Photographer’s Dream Equipment

For photographers looking for an action camera that goes above and beyond, the 360 camera is the perfect solution. Utilizing a 360˚ view camera provides an immersive view and an extremely unique perspective. 

Every day, technology is evolving and adapting to the needs of society, and that means even the best 360 camera is steadily becoming more affordable – all the while improving the quality of photos it’s able to shoot. 

Even if you’re not a professional photographer, a 360˚ action camera is something you could easily have at your disposal. In this article, you’ll find out what they are and how they work, along with some possible uses for the shoot 360. 

What Is a 360˚ Camera?

Sometimes called a 360˚ camera and other times called an omnidirectional camera, this type of camera has a 360-degree field of vision – as the name would suggest. This means it can capture every single thing around you. If you’re looking to capture all the details – big and small – you need a camera with a lens like this. 

Just imagine a GoPro 360˚ on your next hiking or surfing adventure! You’d get shots like never before. 

How Does a 360˚ Camera Work?

One of the most popular types of 360 degree cameras is the Insta 360 camera. Inside it, along with most other 360˚ cameras, is a group of lenses arranged in a circle. All of them have a wide-angle capture capability and that, along with the circular arrangement, allows them to capture the surrounding area from every angle at once. 

When to Use a 360˚ Camera

Whether you prefer photos taken in a 360˚ camera booth or with a 360˚ camera stand, there are many uses for this type of lens. Here are a few of the most popular:

1. Capturing an expanded view of the world around you.

  • Improve the quality of your videos by letting the viewers get a taste of everything going on around you. 

2. Getting amazing underwater shots. 

  • You’ll often find that 360˚ cameras come with a waterproof feature, and there’s nothing more beautiful than a wide angle shot beneath the waves. 

3. Making meetings more accessible.

  • When you’re hosting a Zoom meeting at work, make sure everyone gets in the frame by using a 360 camera. 

4. Improve home listings.

  • Whether you’re a real estate agent or trying to sell your home, using a 360˚ camera can be a huge advantage, as it will help buyers feel like they’re right in the thick of things. 

Investing in a 360-Degree Camera

As 360˚cameras become more accessible, they are more widely used than ever before. Don’t miss your chance to take amazing photos and videos with this advanced device. 

Every Business Should Have Video Surveillance Systems- Here’s Why

When you’re the owner of a business, you want to be sure that everything is completely secure. From avoiding break-ins to protecting your company’s private information, a security camera for office settings can make all the difference. So, what are a few of the most important reasons to invest in a video surveillance systems, and which types are worth investing in? Let’s take a look.

Why You Need a Video Surveillance Systems

The purpose of a security camera is relatively straightforward: to monitor the happenings in and around your office building. It’ll dissuade any would-be intruders from breaking into your building, and can be used to trace back events in the event that an incident does occur. That being said, it’s worth looking into the various types of surveillance cams so that you can find the best one for what you need.

Security Camera

Types of Business Security Cameras

There are a variety of security cameras you can use for your business, from a basic wired camera system to a powerful network of outdoor security cameras with night vision. If it’s convenience you’re after, a system of small wireless security cameras or a wifi smart camera is just the thing you need.

If you want that extra layer of security, though, we recommend a network of non-wifi security cameras. A security camera without wifi operates on a closed network, meaning that it can’t be hacked externally by any would-be intruders. For this, a DVR camera system is the perfect choice.

Of course, if you just need to monitor a small area like an office cubicle, a wireless webcam will do a fine job. Though they’re typically used for video conferencing, they could also be left on whenever you’re away to keep people from rifling through your drawers, accessing hidden information, or other such activities.

While the possibility of a break-in or security breach may seem intimidating to you as a business owner, each and every one of these security camera options will keep your company safe. All that’s left is to pick the camera that’s right for you.

Looking for more great electronic accessories? Visit DirectNine for more!

Coolest Car Gadgets to Look For in 2023

If you’ve got a cool car, it only makes sense to add cool car gadgets. Whether you’re someone who enjoys driving and looks forward to long distances, or someone who’d rather enjoy life from the passenger’s seat, these car gadgets will make your car comfortable, convenient, and fun. 

Here are some of the coolest car gadgets to keep an eye out for in 2023: 

1. Bluetooth Tire Pressure Gauge

Price: $100-$200

Bluetooth Tire Pressure Gauge

You might already know that evenly-worn tires last longer, but while that’s useful information, it doesn’t make using a tire pressure gauge any easier. A Bluetooth tire pressure gauge changes your whole routine with its capabilities – relaying the air pressure of your tires right to your smartphone. 

2. Dash Cam

Price: $100-$200

The dash cam is a discreet camera that captures activity around your car – whether you need an eyewitness to an accident or you’ve fallen victim to burglary, this auto gadget is the perfect ally. 

3. Bluetooth Tracker

Price: $50-$100

Bluetooth Tracker

How many times has misplacing your keys made you late for work? With a Bluetooth tracker, that will be a thing of the past. These handy trackers (that send information to your smartphone) attach right to your keychain, so you’ll never lose your keys again. 

4. Back Seat Car Organizer

Price: $15-$50

Traveling with your family can get downright messy, and no one likes a disorganized car. A back seat car organizer cuts down on clutter and organizes the back seat with compartments meant for all types of things, from travel cups to smartphones to books. Simply attach this car travel accessory to the headrest of the seat in front of it, and you’re ready to go. 

5. Night Vision Camera

Price: $400-$600

Night Vision Camera

If you have trouble seeing at night or would like to feel more confident driving during inclement weather, a night vision camera could be of great use. As one of the best car safety accessories, it offers a clear, unobstructed view of the road in front of you. It sits on your dash and provides the peace of mind that you need to drive safely – no matter the conditions. 

Driving in Style

Investing in these car gadgets isn’t just a good idea in order to stay up on trends, these gadgets can also amp up your safety. Don’t miss out – instead, cruise through 2023 in style.