Laptop or desktop computers and any components within.
Hardware
Should I Get an M1 Mac or Wait for the Mac Pro?
Episode 1765
Mike fromMike wants to know when the M1 MacPro will come out. Leo says that the latest rumor is that a new M1 Mac Pro won't arrive until 2022, giving pros plenty of time to consider whether to move from Intel to the M1 platform. Leo hears that the M1 Mac Pro will be smaller, maybe even half the size since it runs faster and cooler. Should Mike go with an M1 iMac? Leo says not until Spring.
Sam Abuelsamid and the Modular Origins
Episode 1765
Sam joins Leo to talk about the GM Cruise Origin, a self-driving modular vehicle announced last year. It's a "robo taxi" developed by GM and Honda. It's designed specifically to be an autonomous taxi with no safety driver. Leo says it looks like a "Johnny Cab" from the film, Total Recall. Sam says it can also be adapted to be a delivery vehicle. An Amazon locker on wheels. Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced funding to become the Cruise cloud provider. All told, Microsoft, GM, Honda and others are investing more than $2 billion in development.
Is There Still a 17" Laptop I Can Buy?
Episode 1765
Sue fromSue would like a recommendation for a new laptop. She recently bought a 15" Dell XPS and she didn't like it, so she sent it back. She couldn't hear the speakers. Leo says that laptop speakers are notoriously unimpressive. Sue would also like it to have a 17" screen. Leo adds that the HP Envy gets high marks as one of the best laptops for audio enthusiasts. And HP makes a 17" laptop. The 17" HP Envy starts at around $800. Leo usually recommends 16GB of RAM, which is plenty for everyday use. Also, get a 1 TB drive with it; makes it really nice.
Apple Stock Surges Ahead of First Quarter Results
Episode 1765
Apple stock has surged to an all-time high before publishing first-quarter results this week. Leo says that Apple's profit is hitting over $120 billion this quarter, fresh off high sales of the iPhone 12, iPads, and Apple subscription services launched in the last half of 2020.
The Giz Wiz and the Extraordinary Bathtub
Episode 1764
Today's gadget is the Kohler Stillness Bath. This is something to behold assuming you have a really big bathroom! The new Stillness Bath draws its inspiration from Japanese forest bathing. It starts with water filling from the bottom of the bath, overflowing into the wood moat to create a soothing sound. Full-spectrum lighting surrounds the bath as mist envelopes the surface of the Stillness Bath. Finally, essential oils can be added to emits invigorating aromas.
Why Isn't My Screensaver Working?
Episode 1764
Duke fromDuke can't get his Windows screensaver to activate. He can preview it, but it doesn't engage on its own. Leo says that there has to be a setting in the power options that are preventing it. It may be "wake on LAN" in the BIOS that's preventing it from going to sleep. So get into the BIOS and make sure the wake on LAN is turned off. Leo also suggests checking to see if a third party screensaver is causing a conflict. R/C desktop - personalization. Windows Key + L will also turn on screen lock. That could turn on the screensaver.
Why's My Keyboard Sticking?
Episode 1764
Barbara fromBarbara is having issues with her keyboard. Keys won't display or will stick and display multiple times. She replaced the keyboard on the laptop. But it didn't fix the problem. Dell says the next step is to replace the motherboard. But what happens to her software and data? Leo says that she can make an image backup of the hard drive, and then wipe the drive so that Dell can replace the motherboard. Leo says the good news is, that since it's under warranty, Barbara doesn't have to pay for it. It's the reason why Gold Service with in-house replacement is a good investment.
How Do I Restore Windows to Stable Condition?
Episode 1764
John fromJohn's dad has a new computer, but he keeps messing things up, causing John to do a factory reset on more than one occasion. Leo says that Microsoft used to have a powerwash feature called Steady State that would do that, but they discontinued it. He recommends installing the Faronics Deep Freeze program. Another option is CleanSlate by FortresGrand.
What Computer Should I Buy Just to Do My Taxes?
Episode 1764
Frank fromFrank does his taxes using Turbo Tax. He uses an old Windows 7 machine to do it. But it's on its last legs, so he needs a new computer. What's a good cheap computer that will do the job for this one function? Leo says he can use Turbo Tax online, and that would mean he could get a Chromebook. But Frank says that Turbo Tax online doesn't support Chromebooks.
In that case, HP makes a very inexpensive Windows laptop for around $400.
Can I Get a Computer Made in the USA?
Episode 1763
Jay fromJay wants to know if there are any computers completely made in the USA? Leo says that even if you could get one, the components would probably be made around the world. Accessories are another story. But an entire computer being made 100% in the USA? None come to mind. Check out this link at USAProducts.biz.
Falcon Northwest is a computer company that builds PCs locally. Apple assembles the MacPro Towers in Texas. But even then, both source parts from around the world.
