Laptop or desktop computers and any components within.
Hardware
Can I Repair My Apple Watch Screen?
Episode 1787
Matt fromMatt is going to have to pay $264 to repair his Apple Watch screen. Is there a third-party option? Leo says that Apple makes it very difficult for third-party repair, and it sounds like Apple is planning to replace the watch for that price. Often, it's cheaper or easier to replace an Apple product than replace it. But iFixit has a page for fixing it. Check out the iFixit Screen Page.
Are LG Ultrafine Monitors Worth the Money?
Episode 1787
Brian fromBrian ordered a pair of LG UltraFine 4K monitors. Leo says those are an excellent choice. Apple sells them.
Sam Abuelsamid: On and Off
Episode 1787
Sam joins Leo to talk about Ford's on and off manufacturing of the Ford F150, which is caused by a chip shortage. During the pandemic, Ford closed manufacturing for several months and canceled chip orders. This caused factories to shift to other chip designs that were in demand. Now that things are opening up, Ford is stuck without parts, and they have to wait for manufactures to get back to it.
Router Manufacturers Delayed A Year Due to Chip Shortage
Episode 1787
An ongoing chip shortage is causing many industries to fall behind in manufacturing. From cars to computers. The latest is router manufacturers, which are over a year delayed. What is the problem? It's multi-faceted. Covid is part of it. High Demand is another. There's a shortage of silicon right now. But it's also that container ship that was stuck in the Suez. But it's also an exclusive deal that Apple has made with some chip manufacturers which bought up all their stock. And even then, Mac and iPad production has been delayed. Additionally, there have been fires at several factories.
Should I Get a Big Monitor or Multiple Smaller Ones?
Episode 1786
Aaron fromAaron wants to know if he should get multiple monitors for video editing, or use a larger monitor. Leo recently got a 55" OLED monitor for his, and he has plenty of screen real estate. His wife has a 49" curved monitor. HP makes a monitor with four inputs and he can switch between them. Leo also recommends using Magnet screen snapping software to go to the active window when opening. Leo would also recommend the Dell Precision monitors or the Ultrasharp.
The Giz Wiz ... Shake, Rattle and Hold
Episode 1786
This week's gadget is Quake Hold! Museum Putty. It secures antiques, collectibles, figurines, and more from falling and breaking. It can be used on most surfaces, including ceramics, porcelains, and laminates, as well as on walls to help stabilize pictures. It comes ready to use in a two-and-a-half-ounce flat sleeve, just pull off what you need. Roll the putty into small balls (about the size of a pea), or strips, and apply to the base of an item. Press down lightly and twist into position. It sets within 30-minutes and comes off cleanly with no mess.
How Can I Connect My Mac to a MIDI Keyboard?
Episode 1786
Alex fromAlex wants to upgrade his Mac and attach it to a MIDI keyboard to make music. He wants to be able to tether it, not rely on a network or wifi connection. Leo says that macOS doesn't support touch, so he'd have to use a simulated mouse. But it's doable. Leo would recommend going with a Thunderbolt connection in order to do it. The chatroom says that there's a Mac Compatible touchscreen Monitor on sale at Amazon.
When Should I Upgrade My Mac?
Episode 1786
Brian fromBrian does a lot of video production for his church and he's looking to update his Mac. Should he go with the 15" M1 Mac? Leo says that the M1 is very fast and doesn't have to deal with overheating. Battery life is spectacular. But since everyone is expecting new MacBooks in June, Leo says to wait. The rumor is that there will be a 16" M1X Macbook very soon. Maybe even this month at the Apple iPad event. But it's a long shot. June is probably more likely.
How Can I Guard My Home Theater Against Power Outages?
Episode 1786
John fromJohn is having issues with power outages and is worried that it will brick his devices. Leo advises getting an uninterruptable power supply. That will guard against not only outages, but the power surges that arrive after the power comes back on. Leo likes TripLite. But there's also APS. John will want to avoid relying solely on power strips. They don't really do anything. But a UPS will preserve power until he can turn on the gas generator, or unplug devices.
How Do I Pair My Earbuds With My iPad?
Episode 1786
Sam fromSam is looking for the ideal pair of noise-canceling earbuds. The ones she has now won't pair to her iPad. Leo says that she will need to put them into pairing mode before they will pair. That usually works by pressing the power button and holding it for a few seconds until the light starts blinking. Then select them on the iPad. And she won't need a special app to pair either. Alternatives? Leo likes the Jabra earbuds. But The Wirecutter likes Bose. Then Samsung.