convertible

Video converters take a saved video file and convert it from one file type to another -- typically, from one you can't play to one you can. Video converters let you change your videos to play on any device, or standardize a bunch of different file types in one format. Simple Video Converter is a shareware converter that makes those jobs easy. Its menu-based conversion tool makes picking the right format as easy as clicking on your device type, such as iPad or Android. Simple Video Converter can also clip, edit, and merge videos. Its advanced features include Nvidia … Read more

Being able to rip your DVDs just like you would your CDs would be awesome, right? 123 DVD Converter will do it for you, but it all comes with a price tag. Even though this software produces high-quality video in tons of formats, it is a little overpriced for what it does and has a difficult barrier to entry.

Even though the interface is very easy to navigate, 123 DVD Converter expects you to know how to rip DVDs already. If you don't, you'll be confused trying to find and rip the clip you actually want. For the … Read more

Looking at multiple image files at once can tax your system's resources and be downright confusing. Image to PDF converter will turn a batch of image files into a scrollable PDF so you can see them all in one window. It converts quickly, but its boring layout and limited features will make you wonder if it was really worth downloading.

This software organizes the pictures you add in a spreadsheet for easy sorting, but it's definitely an eyesore. The overly simplistic interface makes the program's lack of features painfully obvious too. When you're adding 10 or … Read more

From music videos and 1980s commercials to tutorials and funny cats -- and everything in between -- YouTube contains innumerable hours of streaming video entertainment. If you'd like to snag a video and save it to your computer for offline viewing, there are plenty of utilities that can help you with that, including Clip Extractor. Although Clip Extractor isn't as packed with features as some other options, it makes quick work of saving YouTube videos as AVI files.

Clip Extractor's interface is straightforward and easy to figure out, consisting of a single screen. To save a video, … Read more

I'd done my research, having investigated major Windows 8 convertible laptops on the market. The one I'd settled on, the Lenovo Yoga 13, had arrived. So last week, I went cold turkey with it on a business trip, abandoning my MacBook Air to see if Windows 8 could deliver a product that was both tablet and laptop in one.

Short answer: no.

As I explained in my last column, I've long wished for a device with the "instant-on" ability of my MacBook Air but also one that could transform into a tablet, for those times … Read more

Ripping files with Windows Media Player usually leaves you with a hard drive full of WMA files that, unfortunately, don't work with many music players and are unnecessarily bulky. WMA to MP3 Converter changes them to the much more widespread and neater MP3 format that works with just about any audio player you can think of.

The program requires you to register at the time that you download it, which raises alarms. However, registration only asks you for some minor information and then a code is sent to your e-mail. Once you're in, the program uses an almost … Read more

Handling many popular file formats, DivX Plus for Mac is the latest DivX player for the Mac platform. With its editing and conversion options as well, we found it to be a great potential addition to any user's Mac toolbox.

As you would expect, DivX Plus for Mac handles DivX format video files, as well as MKV and AVI files. This latest version of the player also allows for conversion from MP4 format, so you can format existing video files for use on the iPhone and iPad. You can also use DivX Plus for Mac as a streaming platform … Read more

One of the most exciting things about Windows 8 is the emergence of convertible laptops. They can be tablets! They can be laptops! I've wanted this type of device for ages, and I've been exploring the possibilities.

Ever since I got a MacBook Air about two years ago, it's left me disappointed in one key area. I wish there were times I could just use it like a tablet. Soon after getting it, I abandoned taking an iPad around on trips. There was no need. The MacBook Air gave me the same instant-on access to the Web … Read more

The RipTunes user interface is simple and straightforward. At the top are four tabs: Search, Library, Queue, and Ringtone. Search is self explanatory, Library is where you can view all downloaded files, Queue brings up a page showing current downloads, and Ringtone is where you can cut MP3 files to make ringtones.

The Search tab is where you want to go first. Inputting any artist name or song title will bring you to a new page. Overall the program works amazingly well downloading and converting to MP3. A typical song will take about 30 to 45 seconds to completely download … Read more