iPad

Octavio wants to make a switch to iOS, but he wants to know how he can do backup while on the road and not use iTunes? He wants to also backup his Windows machine with the same option. Leo says that if you want a "trust no one cloud backup" then there really isn't going to be a solution. But a local backup is your best bet for that, and that means a NAS (network-attached storage). Leo likes Synology. It'll backup every machine, except Octavio's iPad. Your only option there is to iCloud directly or through iTunes.

Sal wants a small tablet for displaying photos. Leo says that iPads are always the best tablets to get; far superior to Android tablets. An iPad Mini would work as well. In fact, Google has given up on tablet development. That's a clear sign.

Phil says that people also need to have a real radio in their disaster kits as well, so you can get emergency information in the case of a natural disaster. 

Richard has an old computer running Windows XP. He'd like to boost the memory and hard drive. Leo says that most PCs are upgradable with off-the-shelf components, even the most proprietary brands. Go to Crucial.com or Kingston.com and use their memory picker. Input the model and they'll indicate exactly what is needed. Just remember though, running XP is dangerous to use online. Microsoft doesn't support XP anymore with security patches, and so it's just a target for hackers and exploits. 

Dave wants to know if the new iPads are worth buying. Leo says that the standard new iPads are faster, using the same chip as the iPhone XS, and have a slightly better retina display. They also support the new Apple Pencil. But for a few hundred dollars more, you can get the iPad Pro, with a larger, bezeless screen. 

Mark uses a flip phone. It's just easy to use. But his friends are trying to get him to adopt a smartphone. He finds them complicated, though. Leo says smartphones are more computers that can make a call, not a phone that can get online. Leo says that since Mark likes the reliability of a flip phone, he should just keep it, and then get a tablet like an iPad to connect online. That's the simple solution.

Patty has new iPad and she hasn't been able to unlock it. There is a process that Apple uses called "IForgot" that will help you to recover and reactivate your iPad. Here's a tech note on how - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204306. This page will walk you through. If that doesn't work, then your next move is to go to a nearby Apple store or call Apple support. You'll also need to know your AppleID.

Clyde's wife has an iPad and it's switching between apps accidentally. Leo says iOS 12 has a new interface that enables users to swipe left or right and change apps. It's a new feature and she may be doing that by accident. It is possible that there may be a stuck button that's causing it. Leo recommends going to the nearest Apple Store and setting up an appointment with a Genius. She should describe the problem, and they'll show her what's going on. They may even have one-on-one training.

Charles' wife is bedridden and needs something to keep her occupied. Leo says the iPad is an ideal choice. It has a nice screen and decent speakers. She could stream video and even watch live tv. Then she can switch to playing a game. Leo says it's the ultimate entertainment device. Leo would recommend the 12.9" model.

Corrine is having issues with her Apple ID. Leo says that her iCloud account and her iTunes account can be different. Or she could have them be the same. She'll then need to have a password that goes with it. All of her app and website passwords can be kept in the Apple Keychain, but she'll have to be on the same account in order for it to work across her devices. She'll have to be sure to go into her iCloud and Keychain settings and make sure they're all turned on.