Laptop or desktop computers and any components within.
Hardware
What Printer Should I Buy?
Episode 1806
Jody fromJody needs to replace his printer. He'd like to get one that prints in color. He doesn't want an EcoTank because it's too expensive for his needs. Leo says the EcoTank is a bit pricey, but it comes with two years of ink for free. But he also doesn't want an inkjet unless he can print every day. A color laser printer can provide "business color" and do it at a lower cost per page. And he can get a color laser printer for a few hundred dollars. Brother makes one for $200. Model 3210. Leo has a Brother and it's quite good. It prints at 19ppm, so it's pretty fast too. Does it have a scanner?
How Can I Get Data Off My Computer With a Password?
Episode 1805
John fromJohn's friend has a Windows computer from her deceased husband that she can't log into. It's used though. Leo says the best thing to do is start over if she doesn't want the data off it. Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, save it to a thumb drive, and then plug it into the computer. Then boot to it, and reinstall Windows. It'll wipe the drive and give her a pristine version of Windows.
Why Doesn't Apple Repair Products When They Break?
Episode 1805
Jerry fromJerry watches youtube videos from Louis Rossman who fixes Apple products. Apple wants to just sell new products and replace them, not repair them. Leo agrees that people have a right to repair their property, but it's more complicated than that. There are security issues and intellectual property issues. But what Apple does to prevent third-party repair is terrible. People should always get a second opinion.
Sam Abuelsamid - Over the Air
Episode 1805
Sam says that computer processors have been in cars since the late 70s, as manufacturers have sought to improve the efficiency of car engines. But with each new feature, Sam says it seems that another processor gets added to the overall car design. Now just about everything in your car is controlled by a processor, and they're getting more and more powerful. The more advanced a car is, the more code to control it. Some cars have over 100 million lines of computer code. So they are quite complicated and powerful. But with the rise in power, comes a rise in price.
Can Congress Reign in the Tech Industry?
Episode 1805
With five bills before the House, Congress is poised to reign in Big Tech, and a breakup may be required for Big Tech to continue to do business in the United States. The Big Nine - Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, Apple, Google, and IBM, plus Ali Baba, Tencent/TikTok, and Babu are so dominant in our society, that Congress is starting to be concerned that Big Tech has too much power, and they may require some of those firms to break up into smaller companies.
Software and Computer Chips Causing Car Prices to Rise
Episode 1805
Software development and the use of computers in today's cars have contributed to the rise in car prices over the last few years. Leo says that up to 40% of a price of a car can be attributed to the development of car computers and software that operates them. Add to that, Leo says that the worldwide chip shortage, and not only are cars more expensive, but car manufacturers are making fewer of them.
Did Apple Decide Not to Announce New MacBooks at the Last Minute?
Episode 1804
According to the metadata for Apple's WWDC Presentation on Tuesday, Apple may have been poised to announce new M1X MacBooks, and an M1X Mac Pro tower, but may have decided not to at the last minute. The tags had listings for both inserted into the metadata of the keynote on YouTube and at Apple.com. But Leo says that according to The Supply Chain, production won't begin until Q2, making both ready for the Holiday shopping season. So look for announcements this Fall.
Is There a Microphone That Can Connect to My Headphones?
Episode 1803
Jim fromJim is hard of hearing and would like to know if there's an app or something that will enable him to boost his hearing aids or use bone-conducting headphones to hear. Leo says that there are in the iPhone. The iPhone will route sound to your hearing aids if they are modern. But if you want to use bone-conducting headphones, then you'll end up with some lag via Bluetooth. There's no lag with hearing aids because they use RF Radio technology and not Bluetooth. But if you need Bluetooth, then there are various wireless microphones that can do what Jim needs.
Sam Abuelsamid and the Teammate System
Episode 1803
Sam joins Leo to talk about the Lexus 500H, a hybrid that will have the Toytota Team system, the brand's first hands-free driving system. It will also use LIDAR, which is different from the RADAR found in most cars with hands-free driving options. It's chiefly interactive, sending out a laser to read the 3D space around the car, but it falls short in measuring distance and speed. But its higher resolution can see through the 3d space to pick up details RADAR may not see.
The Giz Wiz and the Travel Kit
Episode 1802
This week's gadget is a kit for getting back to traveling. It includes the MLVOC Travel Pillow Pure Memory Foam Neck Pillow, with 3D Contoured Eye Masks, Earplugs, and Luxury Bag. The company says their adjustable rope lock lets you adjust the angle and the size of the pillow, meeting different neck size requirements. The luxury memory foam filler uses "5-second return technology". About $21 - $22 as of 6/5/21
Video: https://youtu.be/lTi4ZoPinE8