Laptop or desktop computers and any components within.
Hardware
Why Can't I Use a Computer?
Episode 1581
Ann fromAnn is frustrated because she can't send email, while her family can. Her computers will also bluescreen when she touches the keyboard. And it doesn't matter what device she touches. What is happening? Leo says that static electricity can cause issues like this. So make sure you're grounded by touching metal. Computer technicians use a grounding bracelet.
But that is a very uncommon thing to happen.
Which Gaming Computer Should I Buy for Digital Dentistry?
Episode 1581
Steve fromSteve is getting a gaming computer for work because it's powerful enough to do 3D design for dental implants. What should he get? Leo says it largely depends on what the software supports in the way of minimum hardware. A quad-core i7 with 16GB of RAM and a dedicated GPU (GTX 650 or above) should be enough for Blue Sky Bio. A basic or mid-level gaming system would probably work. He doesn't need to break the bank and pack it with specs.
How Good are Bone Conduction Headsets?
Episode 1581
Steven fromSteven recently heard aboutHeadsets. How are they? Leo says that they use the same technology as the Bone Phone from the 70s, but better. It transmits the sound through the bone just below the temple. It promises hi-fidelity that's as good as earbuds or better. It works great for sports, driving, or anything where we can't have our ears blocked. They're bluetooth with good battery life. Leo can even use them to make phone calls.
How Can I Stop a Print Job Without Jamming the Printer?
Episode 1581
Morty fromMorty wants to know how to quickly turn a printer off without jamming the paper since he had a print job run wild on him. Leo says he can go into the print software and cancel the print. But it may keep printing for a few pages. Or if it's a print image, it may not stop, and all he can do is unplug it. If he has a jam, don't yank the paper out, since he could strip the gears. There may be a gear release button too.
Sam Abuelsamid ... A New Kid in Town
Episode 1581
The newest TESLA coming is the TESLA Model Y. The plan will be that it available in about 18 months, in 2020, You can put down $2500 fully refundable deposit to reserve it when it launches. Sam says it's not really worth putting a deposit down becauase it really doesn't give you an advantage over anyone else to get the car when it comes out. The Model Y is a hatchback version of the Tesla Model 3, sharing about 70% of the same components.
The Giz Wiz...Below Five
Episode 1580
Dick says there's a new Five Below store in New York and they have a great gadget section, where everything is $5 and below. There he found this cool thing called the Mirrored Wall LED Fountain. Here's what Five Below says about this fun gadget! “Promote relaxation with a tabletop water fountain. The mirrored wall LED fountain lights up & reflects the running water for double the ambience! The perfect chill decor for your desk or tabletop, this small fountain runs on batteries or it can be plugged in! (It's small, roughly 4” X 5” X 7”). Includes natural river rocks.
Which Personal Locator Beacon Should I Buy?
Episode 1580
Don fromDon is interested in Personal Locator Beacons and Wireless Trail Cameras. Leo says that while he has no experience with PLBs, he does know that there are competing networks with various benefits. Here's a great article on the difference between PLBs and Satellite Messengers.
Can I Upgrade to 64-bit Windows?
Episode 1578
Storm fromStorm bought a computer in 2007 and has been updating it until Windows 10, where it won't upgrade because of her GPU. Now she's replaced her graphics card and Windows 10 finally installed! But she wants to know if she really has a 64-bit system. She looked at the specs and sees the phrase X64, which Leo says indicates 64-bit architecture. Upgrading also depends on how much RAM she has. So if she feels limited, then go to 64-bit in Windows 10.
How Can I Perform a Proper Network Recovery on a Used MacBook Pro?
Episode 1578
John fromJohn bought a used 2012 MacBook Pro for $280. He upgraded to an SSD drive, but the internet recovery tool for OSX put his laptop back to Mountain Lion. Leo says that's how network recovery works, and John later upgraded back up to Mojave. Leo says John did it right: Get rid of the old drive and replacing it with a new one.
The Giz Wiz ... Road Trippin'
Episode 1578
Here's how Bracketron describes their latest gadget: "In the air or on the road, the Bracketron Roadtripper Travel Mount will safely and securely hold your smartphone, tablet and other portable devices." Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, this is the ideal travelling accessory. To use this mount effectively, you will peel the film off the 3M adhesive and attach to your tablet or other mobile devices. You simply hook the mount around the tray table latch, attach your device to the powerful magnet and you’re ready to start streaming your favourite shows.
