Tech

Houseworks: Pole saws make sense for economical tree maintenance

Published

1 year ago

July 17, 2023

Pole saws are not just for cutting at height. They also make it easier to cut tree branches on the ground by eliminating the need to bend down as with a conventional saw. Photo by Photo courtesy DEWALT

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Every so often a new kind of power tool begins to become mainstream, but it can take a while for homeowners to discover the advantages. Something generically called a pole saw is a case in point. I’ve used several kinds a lot at our place over the last few years (we have a lot of trees), and the latest models make especially good sense for anyone with trees to manage.

Pole saws are electric or gas-powered tools that combine a small chainsaw head with a long arm that allows tree branches to be pruned from the ground. Some models allow you to reach up 15 feet and more, all while standing safely on the ground. Even if you only have a few trees in your yard, buying a pole saw can make financial sense. You’ll probably spend less money buying a decent pole saw than paying for just one visit from a pro.

These days it’s easy to find marketing messages that claim cordless electric tool performance is equal to that provided by gasoline-powered equivalents. And while it’s technically true that, say, a cordless whipper snipper can perform as powerfully as a gas version, that’s only true when comparing with the smallest of gas models. As someone who tests and uses tools all the time, I can assure you that the world is miles away from a cordless chainsaw or lawn mower that meets the power and run time of large gas models or even a medium-sized ones. But there’s good news when it comes to pole saws.

Trimming most branches does not require a ton of power, and this is why cordless pole saws are every bit as useful as their gas-powered cousins. In fact, I hardly ever use my gas pole saw now that I’ve tested cordless models. The biggest advantage of cordless versions is two-fold.

First, it’s surprisingly handy not to have to fire up a gas pole saw by pulling a starter cord multiple times each pruning session. Working with a pole saw is different than with a regular chainsaw because trimming branches is usually a start-and-stop activity. You might prune a few branches, then lay the saw aside while you pull the trimmed branches away or load them on a trailer. Simply pick up a cordless pole saw, hit the trigger and start cutting. No time spent fuelling up, and no danger of flooding the engine and having to wait to start it later.

The second reason I like cordless electric pole saws is lack of loud noise. While you should always wear eye and head protection when using any kind of pole saw, cordless models won’t damage your hearing and require no hearing protection. Just bend down, pick up the saw, hit the trigger, then put the tool down again until it’s time for the next cut. I find these tools useful even for cutting branches on the ground because they eliminate the need to bend over.

When it comes to using a pole saw, there are two things to keep in mind. First, you want to trim branches slightly away from tree trunks so as not to damage the bark. But for all but the smallest branches, preventing damaged bark on the trunk requires a two-stage cutting process.

Begin by trimming large and medium-sized branches a foot or so away from the trunk. This means that any bark peeling or tearing occurs on the stub of the branch as the branch hinges down and falls off as the cut nears completion. The trunk bark is left undamaged. Follow up with a second cut to remove the short stub of branch an inch or so from the trunk. Since the weight of stub is tiny, this second cut will never result in torn trunk bark.

Steve Maxwell divides his time between creating how-to stories and videos and working outdoors trimming branches and a bunch of other things on his Manitoulin Island acreage. Visit Steve online at BaileyLineRoad.com and join 31,000 people who get his Saturday morning newsletter each week.

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Tech

United Airlines will offer free internet on flights using service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX

Published

5 days ago

September 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.

The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.

United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.

“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.

The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

1 week ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

1 week ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.