Hardware

Laptop or desktop computers and any components within.

Scott Wilkinson and the Virtual Pedometer

Episode 1762

This year's CES was held online and Scott attended virtually. So he couldn't get in the 20+ miles of walking he would do every year. He didn't miss that. But he missed seeing friends, going to dinner and a show, and learning about technology up close and personal. But he did like that he could get video briefings, click on press releases and information, it was all very efficient. 

Why can't I log into my new (used) computer?

Windows 10

Episode 1761

Walter from Palm Springs, CA

Walter bought a used computer, but now it won't take the administrator password. Leo says that the best thing to do is wipe the hard drive, install a fresh copy of Windows, and start over. There's likely some stuff on there Walter won't want. You can use Windows free for ten months, and it's really only $99.

If you don't want to pay for your OS, put Linux on it. Leo recommends Ubuntu or Manjaro.

What's the Best TV Out There: LCD or OLED?

TV

Episode 1761

Tom from Warren, OH

Tom is wondering if there's a new TV technology coming out. Leo says that there are two kinds of TVs right now, LCD/LED and OLED. LCD has different flavors, including LED, MiniLED, QLED. But the next generation is microLED, which will be like OLED, but the LEDs are really super tiny. Samsung has a 108" model for $156,000 that is more of a technology demonstrator. But we'll be seeing them more affordably on the horizon soon. 

Can I Still Use My Chromebook After "End of Life?"

ChromeOS

Episode 1761

Jeff from Santa Rosa, CA

Jeff has a Chromebook that has reached "end of life." What? Leo says you can still use it, but they won't be supporting them with updates anymore. But it's still secure for use. If it's that old, however, it may be time to upgrade it. The latest round of ChromeOS devices support Android apps and are much more powerful. And the price ranges are very affordable. 

How Can I Automatically Print Out a Weekly Test Page for My Inkjet Printer?

Epson Printer

Episode 1761

Dave from Twin Falls, ID

Dave has an Epson Inkjet printer, and he constantly has to clean the ink that has dried out of the printer's head. Leo says that inkjets aren't really good for people that only print occasionally. And the routing to clean out the clogs wastes a LOT of ink in the process. So a laser is a much better option. Leo got an inexpensive Brother Laser printer.

What's a Good Professional Microphone for Zoom?

Heil PR40

Episode 1761

Sabine from Louisville, KY

Sabine is looking for a professional microphone to use on her Zoom calls. Leo says you want to have one that supports USB. Leo uses the Heil PR40 and uses an adapter interface that converts it to USB. You don't really have to spend a lot of money though. Leo recommends looking at RODE. They design a lot .of high quality, professional-grade microphones for those on a budget. Check out the NT-USB Mini. It's $99. But avoid buying them on Amazon. There's also Blue and the Audio Technica ATR2100.

Sam Abuelsamid and the Giant Screen

Sam Abuelsamid

Episode 1761

Sam joins Leo to talk about the Mercedes EQS Electric Vehicle that has a 56" screen for a dashboard. But Sam says it's actually three screens under a single sheet of Gorilla Glass. The dimensions are actually around 18-20" apiece. Interestingly, they are designed so that the driver can't see the passenger screen. So passengers can enjoy a movie or other pastimes during a long drive. 

The center display also has a zero layer design, which has everything you really need to the top layer of the display, so a driver isn't distracted by drilling down on menus.