Laptop or desktop computers and any components within.
Hardware
What Can We Do About Relying on China for All Our Manufacturing?
Episode 1773
Dwayne fromDwayne wants to know what we can do to avoid being overly reliant on China to build everything. Leo says that for years, the world, and the US specifically, has looked at China as the manufacturer of the world. But that kind of overreliance can be problematic when relationships become strained like it did when the US started requiring tariffs. Companies like Apple are now looking to move their manufacturing to other countries, even back to the US. Diversity is a good hedge against overreliance.
Sam Abuelsamid and the Best Car Ever
Episode 1773
Sam joins Leo to talk about Leo's new Mustang Mach E, which he finally got this week. Leo says it's the best car he's ever owned. Leo got the First Edition model with a great sound system, driver-assist/adaptive cruise control, and pony logos everywhere. Leo says that driver-assist makes driving a breeze.
Crypto Currency Continues to Rise in Value
Episode 1773
CryptoCurrency continues to rise in value as more people seek to acquire it and use it to pay for goods and services. Currently, BitCoin's value is over $55,000 as of 2/21. Leo says that bitcoin miners will only be able to generate 21 million bitcoin before it comes to an end as far as BitCoin is concerned. And the closer users get to that amount, the harder it will be to mine bitcoin, which is achieved by solving complicated mathematical problems. But that isn't stopping bitcoin miners from trying.
What Do I Need to Digitize VHS Tapes?
Episode 1772
Paul fromPaul has 35 VHS tapes and he doesn't want to pay $650 to digitize them. How can he do it himself? Should he just buy a VCR and use it to digitize? Leo says he can do that. But while at it, look for a VHS model that also has a DVD burner built-in. It's called a Combo player. But Paul wants to get it done sooner rather than later. But with a VHS player, he'll need a video capture card to hook it up with that can take the red, white, and yellow composite video cables. S-Video would be even better. But the capture card is what's important.
Do I Need Extra RAM for My M1 Mac?
Episode 1772
Jeff fromJeff recently bought an M1 Mac and wants to know if he needs to get extra RAM for it. Leo says that Hagabis RAM is more like storage for the M1 Mac, and doesn't offer any performance benefit. It's not even RAM really. If one wants performance with storage, Leo recommends a Thunderbolt 3 hard drive, but that's pretty expensive.
Leo gets his Mach E
Episode 1772
Leo got his Ford Mustang Mach E and one of the interesting things is that it doesn't come with a key or a key fob because his phone is now his key. He inputs a code to unlock the car and has to use a password to start the car.
Sam Abuelsamid: Serviced
Episode 1771
Sam joins Leo to talk about updates to Android Auto, which are coming to fix a bug that would put Android phones into a "boot loop." The problem stems from the Sync 4 standard that Ford uses for over the air updates. The fix is coming in the next few weeks. Leo says that Tesla was the first to do over the air updates since they treat their cars more as a computer than an automobile. But OTA updates have been happening with telematics in cars for years. Tesla was the first to actually update a car's firmware.
How Can I Get My Scanner to Work With Windows 10?
Episode 1771
Mitzy fromMitzy has a problem with her Epson Perfection 1260 scanner and their recently bought Windows 10 computer. They just won't work together. Epson says that the model isn't supported by Windows 10. Leo says that the Windows 8 64 bit drivers may actually work. It's at least worth a try. Epson also has a scanner driver and scan utility for that model. Mitzy can also run the scanning program in Compatability Mode, which could make it work.
Facebook to Launch Smart Watch, Waging War With Apple
Episode 1771
.Facebook has announced that it is developing a smartwatch for launch in 2022, and they are also in a cold war with Apple over advertising. The watch will enable users to post messages to the social media website and will target users with ads that Apple prevents over privacy concerns. According to recent news stories, an upcoming iOS and iPadOS feature will require apps and data companies such as Facebook to ask for users' permission before tracking them across other sites and websites. In response, Mark Zuckerberg reportedly told staff that Facebook needs to 'inflict pain' on Apple.
The GizWiz and the precise oven
Episode 1770
This week's gadget from the Giz Wiz .... The Anova Precision Oven, a countertop combi-oven for the home, with all of the features of a pro-level combi-oven at a fraction of the cost. Sous vide quality in half the time. But unlike traditional sous vide, the Oven lets you raise the cooking temperature while continuously monitoring doneness with the Food Probe. You can cook sous vide up to 50% faster. An easy-fill external water tank will keep you cooking with 24 hours of continuous steam, no plumbing (or spritzers) required.
