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Saturday July 17, 2010
Show Audio
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Edited Audio | |
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Posted one week after broadcast… | |
Tech News
Is Apple defiant over “Antennagate?”
In a truly Nixonian moment, Steve Jobs defiantly bashed the press over what he called “Antennagate,” and blamed all cellphones for the same issue. Jobs says there’s nothing new here. He also said that iPhone 4 return rates are under 2%.
Steve also said if more people bought cases (at $30 a pop) the problem wouldn’t be happening. So Steve has said anyone who has an iPhone 4 will get a free case and if you already bought one, you can get a refund.
Leo said that if it weren’t for his job of reviewing apps and hardware, he’s return his iPhone. But he went and bought a Droid X instead. Leo recommends to “try before you buy.” You have 30 days to send it back and Apple isn’t charging a restocking fee if you don’t like the coverage.
Leo says it’s also interesting that he didn’t blame AT&T (though he should’ve). Leo also said that the iPhone simply isn’t that great of a phone, there are plenty of better options out there. In fact, Leo thinks there are so many choices out there now, that you can choose the carrier FIRST for your area and then choose the phone you like from their offerings.
Meanwhile, RIM CEO shot back at Jobs claims that this happens to all phones saying this “self made debacle and trying to draw RIM into it” is not only unacceptable, but is an attempt to deflect criticism. RIM went onto say that they have avoided designs like the one Apple made because of the antenna issues, and that Apple should just own up to the design flaw.
Leo’s first impressions of the Droid X
Leo got a Droid X just before they sold out and loves it. First impressions: Beautiful 4.3″ screen. Typical battery life for a smart phone. Great syncing with Google. However, from Uncle Bic and our caller Kathy, there’s a problem in Google Contacts which doubles up from the phone. Better to merge them online and then sync to your phone. Great built in camera features including panoramas - up to six pictures - automatically.
There is some controversy over the “e-fuse.” If hackers attempt to “root” or jailbreak the phone, it is said there’s a switch will kill the phone. Leo thinks this is reprehensible. If people buy a phone, they should be allowed to do whatever they want with it. They may be able to argue that putting a phone on their network gives them a right to protect their network, but Leo says it’s his phone, he has the right to tweak it as he wants.
Guests
Dick DeBartolo, The Giz Wiz, @thegizwiz
Today’s gadget is the Viewpoint Solutions Magic Wand Portable Scanner. Runs on AA batteries, can scan in 300 or 600 dpi. Saves to a micro SD memory card and under a $100 (card not included).
Hour 1
Q Aaron, Toronto, ONT CAN - Smart phone recommendation
Aaron is due for a new phone and is looking for at the Samsung Vibrant or the iPhone 4. Leo says it depends on the connectivity of his provider (Bell). Leo says if you’re in a strong signal area, the iPhone is probably not even problematic. In fact, in Europe there is no antenna issue - which is interesting. Which is the better phone? Hard to say. They are different. Apple is the largest app-wise. But it’s a closed system. Android has great apps like Google Voice, which Apple strangely blocks. Bottom line, if you prefer an open system Android is a better platform. The iPhone, frankly, is looking a tad “tired,” and Leo believes that Android is the future of smart phones. If you’re a techy guy and love the competition, Android should be on your list to look at. Especially the Droid X.
Q Deborah, Faraday, LA - CD burner issues
Deborah is having CD burning issues. Her techs say her motherboard is failing. Leo says it’s not the motherboard. Chances are, it’s software. And almost always, it’s Windows. It’s no fun, but if you backup your data and reinstall Windows, chances are you’ll be back up and running. If it isn’t working, then that will confirm a hardware issue.
Q Gretchen, Ventura, CA - who has the best coverage
Gretchen wants to know who has the best coverage. How can she find out? Leo says that it may be worth going to the store and ask for a loaner to see how it works. You shouldn’t have to pay a $35 restocking fee if the phone doesn’t work in your area. Leo also says that connectivity can depend on phone age. Newer phones use different, and more advanced technology to connect. Blackberry’s are very good for email and texting. IN fact, the keyboards are bigger on the EVO which also makes them better on screen keyboards. But if you’re getting a BlackBerry, avoid the Storm (Leo doesn’t like it at all) and go with the Bold - great phone.
What about the iPad. Is that an option? Leo says it’s great for email. But it’s not cheap with the 3G access.
Hour 2
Q Katrina, Redlands, CA - Quickbooks online
Katrina wants to know if Quickbooks Online is a good option over the regular program. Leo says it has the advantage of being always up to date, being able to access from anywhere, and it’s probably cheaper in the long run. And there are security settings to keep it secure. Leo and his TWiT bookkeeper Lisa use it and love it. Leo also believes that Quickbooks Online is safer in the cloud because they are always backed up. However, if it goes down, you’re stuck. Lisa also recommends changing your password regularly to keep it secure. Leo also says you have to use Internet Explorer for it - which is another negative. But other than that, they love it. And you can try before you buy.
Q Paul, Los Angeles, CA - Site host recommendation
Paul would like to add a website counter for the site he’s building. He also needs a host recommendation. Leo says he hasn’t seen a counter in years and thinks they’ve fallen out of favor in web design. He also recommends SquareSpace (starts $8 a month). Never run out of bandwidth. They have content management software which works great. Another option is TypePad. WordPress.com. All are hosted CMS systems. Leo also says you can put some javascript to turn on Google search, which is your best search option.
Q Corrina, La Habra, CA - Computer and AVS recommendation
Corrina is ready to get a new laptop after her HP finally gave up the ghost. She’s on a budget though. Dell has one for around $400. Good option? Leo says Dell is a great option - TWiT uses them. Leo isnt’ too crazy about HP because they load up their computers with software demos. He also likes Lenovo.
What about anti viruses software? Leo says your behavior is the first line of defense and you should follow Leo’s Tips for Safe Computing. As for what AVS to get, Leo likes Microsoft Security Essentials. You should also run their Malicious Software Removal Tool update every month just in case.
Q Greg, Woodland Hills, CA - Camera recommendations
Greg has a company called Movies by Kids - a summer camp to teach kids filmmaking. He’s been using Sony video cameras since they had frame record options. Unfortunately, that feature has been dropped. What are his new options to work with HP Minis? Leo says the pros are now using digital SLRs like the Canon 5D Mk. II. But that may not be the best option since you can’t review in camera. The ChatRoom says the Nikon D5000 offers in camera review. But that’s a tad high end. The CoolPix S50c and it’s newer brother the Nikon S51c. Both are more affordable options.
Q Tom, Laguna Woods, CA - Volume spikes on TV
Tom HATES it when his shows go to commercials and the volume spikes really loud. He’s tried some third party solutions, but Tom isn’t happy with how they work. Leo says it’s not really an easy thing to do. It’s like you need an on the fly equalizer. And the cheap ones just can’t handle it. Dolby makes a solution called Dolby Volume, which is now coming with TVs. Another option is Oddysey, which appears in many Denon receivers.
Q Robert, Oceanside, CA - SPAM
Robert’s brother has been getting spam from him. Leo says that everyone gets bounced back mail and that can be spam. Spammers always “spoof” and rotate on emails they have bought from a master list. But since it was directly to Rob’s brother, spammers may have his address book. That means they may have gotten Rob’s your Yahoo account and the only way to stop that is to change your email password immediately and make it really difficult - a random string of letters, numbers and punctuation. And then use difficult to guess or even retrievable answers to password security questions. Leo likes to use answers that are wrong since that’s far harder to guess.
Hour 3
David is a pilot who has a blog and wants to keep it private so he doesn’t get sued. Leo thinks what David is doing is great, but can’t offer legal advice. HOWEVER, technically, doing a blog and telling your story is a great idea and the first amendment should protect him. And with free blog hosts out there, you can create an anonymous blog. Sites like BlogSpot are nice because you don’t have to give a credit card number, real name, or anything. What about paid hosting. Leo says that they can be sued via a John Doe lawsuit to demand your identity, so that will only really save you to a point. However, if the host gets sued for your information, the jig is up. But Leo thinks that unlikely, especially since David is going out of his way to “change the names to protect the innocent.” But as always, if you’re really concerned, it may be worth a few hundred bucks to consult an attorney. But the first amendment allows us to express an opinion.
Q Kathy, Portland, OR - Google sync issues
Kathy got the new Droid X but is having trouble syncing her contacts through Google. Leo says that some customizations can wreak havoc. Go into the accounts setting in the Droid X (Home, Menu, Settings, Accounts) and input your Google accounts. You have to do it both on your phone in email, but also in Google. The issue also may be the vast number of contacts Kathy has (they doubled them up). Leo suggests going into the Verizon store and asking them to help you out. Do it on a slow day and you shouldn’t have much trouble.
Q Anthony, Los Angeles, CA - Game creation
Anthony wants to learn how to program a computer game. Leo says the days of a solo programmer making a game are long gone, but it certainly can be done. Leo also says you need to become a gamer in order to understand the genre. Play a lot of different games to get a feel for what the medium is capable of and what the standards are. Then, Leo says the easiest way is to become a level designer, where you can create your own levels for your favorite games. Most have level editors. And this is a great place to start. You’ll learn a lot there. Half Life and Crysis are get games with level editors.
Q Jonathan, New Jersey - using an unsecured network
Jonathan uses an unsecured WiFi network and it’s just convenient for him. Leo says of course it is, for you and everyone else within 150 feet of you. Thing is, that when you log into an email account you send your login and password out into the air since WiFi is essentially a radio signal. A clever hacker who’s already stealing your wifi can sniff out that information. So make sure you surf to a website using “https.” That’s secure.
See you tomorrow!
