Laptop or desktop computers and any components within.
Hardware
Sam Abuelsamid and the InfraRed Driver
Episode 1730
Sam joins Leo to talk about new infrared driving sensors from FLIR that offer improved accuracy for self-driving systems in cars. NightVision sensors are very costly, and FLIR has developed a new CMOS design that will make the sensor more affordable. Compared to current systems that rely on Radar for automatic emergency braking, the new FLIR sensor outperformed them. Sam says that infrared sensors could be out in the next few years.
What Computer Should I Buy For Word Processing?
Episode 1729
Lee fromLee wants to know if she can buy a computer to use as a word processor. Leo says that since Lee has a Chromebook, she already has all she needs. Just use Google Docs. Or, she can also use Microsoft Office Online. So there's no need to buy a separate device. And the best thing is, Chromebook will back up everything you do in the cloud, protecting data automatically. Learn to love the cloud.
The Giz Wiz ... It's a Mystery
Episode 1729
DIck recently bought a "Mystery Box of Tech" from iTech Deals. Did he make friends jealous? Or did he just get screwed? Watch the video and make up your own mind!
Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/EubCNRCjH0E
Here are the items on Amazon & eBay & their prices as of 9/17/20
Ijoy Wireless Light Switch https://amzn.to/35JAIzI 12/$38.99 or about $3.25 each.
Where Do I Get Linux Drivers?
Episode 1729
Patrick fromPatrick has put an SSD on his old iMac and he's going to install Linux on it. Will printers and audio cards work? Will they have drivers? Leo says they will work, but he won't get Linux drivers from the manufacturers. He'll get them from the Linux community. Look up CUPS for printer drivers for Linux. It's open-source. But he shouldn't need separate drivers, Linux should support it. But Epson does have a Linux support page.
Should I Build a Gaming Computer?
Episode 1729
Kyle fromKyle is building a gaming computer and wants a decent budget system. Leo says the real key is the video performance. He'll want it to be smooth. So Frame Rate is key. Here's the thing. Building a computer doesn't give that much advantage anymore. He's not going to save money. The real benefit is learning how a computer works. But he'll be his own support because who does one call if there's a problem? Each part supplier will pass the buck.
Apple One Plan Represents a New Growth Opportunity
Episode 1729
Leo says that Apple is a mature company now, and new versions of existing hardware just aren't providing the room for growth that Tim Cook desires. So now services are the next growth opportunity and as such, Apple is shifting part of its focuses to monthly services that will bring in consistent revenue. Beginning with Apple Music, Apple has added a news service, TV service, gaming service, and now an all you can eat service with Apple One. Apple One will offer unlimited use of music, tv streaming, magazines, and now Fitness with Fitness Plus.
Are Amazon Renewed Laptops Good to Buy?
Episode 1729
Bobby fromBobby needs to replace the hard drive for his HP Elite. But he's considering getting a refurbished replacement instead since it'll cost $160 to replace the drive. Leo says that it largely depends on how the law works for refurbished in Bobby's state. In California, it's illegal to sell an open box return as "new." So they are listed as refurbished, and if bought from an original manufacturer, it'll come with a warranty. So that's a good deal since it'll save a few hundred dollars.
How Can I Turn Off Echo Making Phone Calls?
Episode 1729
Steve fromSteve wants to turn off in his Amazon Alexa. He can't stop his 4-year-olds from making calls. Leo says that he may have to call Amazon Support at 1 (888) 280-4331 and ask them to disable it. Presumably, it's a safety feature in case of emergencies. He could turn off the option in the Amazon app, turning it off device by device. Go to preferences - then communications. There's a disable option by device. Steve said that he looked and the option isn't on in the app. But it still works. So only a call to Amazon will prevent that from happening.
Apple Announces New iPads and a New Apple Watch.
Episode 1729
This week, Apple announced a new Apple Watch Series 6 and a new 8th Gen iPad and iPad Air. But no mention of an iPhone, which Leo believes will be announced in October. The iPad Air looks more like an iPad Pro and has many of the same features. That's it. watchOS and iPadOS were also announced and shipping this week.
The iPhone was announced to be delayed due to the CoVid19 pandemic but could come next month, definitely by the holidays.
Why can't my external hard drive be read by my PC?
Episode 1728
Ken fromKen is a photographer and has a 5TB external drive that isn't seen by his computer. Leo suspects that the external drive enclosure is the problem. Before you replace it, get the NewerTek Universal Drive Adapter and see if you can connect it and see it. If you do, then you know it's a bad enclosure. If you can't, then you know it's a failing hard drive.
