Any device that connects to the computer, such as a printer, scanner, monitor, keyboard or mouse.
Peripherals
What printer should I buy?
Episode 1030
Sandra fromSandra wants to get an Epson Workforce Pro, but doesn't know which model to get. Leo says that the Artisan brand is great for home, but it's been replaced by the Expression. Leo uses the Epson Workforce 3540.
Why can't I print ever since upgrading to OS X Mavericks?
Episode 1028
Donald fromDonald upgraded his MacBook Pro to OS X Mavericks, but now he can't print. He has the printer connected to a PC, and is using Printer Sharing in Windows to print from the Mac. Leo says that Donald will have to delete and then re-add his printer.
Can I print from my Android Phone?
Episode 1027
Valerie fromValerie wants to know if she can print something from her Android phone. Leo says she can, using Google Cloud Print. It uses the Internet and would let her print from anywhere in the world, but she would need a printer that supports it. She can also send it to Kinkos. Apple has AirPrint for the iPad and iPhone as well.
Is there one charger I can get for all of my mobile devices? (Part 1)
Episode 1018
Mike fromMike has several mobile devices and would like just one charger that can handle all of them. Leo says that the Charlie Charger does that. It's a commercial charger that handles up to six phones. Unfortunately, with Charlie Charger the more devices he connects, the more the amperage drops.
Mike needs one that can devote a certain number of amps to each port. Scosche makes a 10 amp charger, giving two amps for each of the 5 ports, which should work great for Mike.
What's wrong with my keyboard?
Episode 1010
Nef fromNef's keyboard is suddenly typing strange letter and numbers. Leo says to be sure that the numlock or capslock isn't enabled. Keyboards can also get dirty and that could cause it. Keyboards are dirt cheap, and he can buy one and make sure it's just the keyboard that's wearing out. He can plug it in a different one, and if it works, he'll know his keyboard is going bad.
Why can't I get my webcam and blu-ray player to work on my home-built computer?
Episode 997
Bruce fromBruce built his own Windows 8 rig recently. Leo says SSD drives would be great because Bruce doesn't have to wait for the drive to hunt and search for files. Bruce installed a RAM drive, something that Leo hasn't seen in awhile. RAM drives will always be fastest because it uses RAM to run the directory. Sounds like a machine that's as fast as he can get except that a RAM drive does have to push out the files and save them to the drive before shutting down. Bruce can always up the speed later with a GPU driven video card.
Why does my keyboard type numbers and letters on its own?
Episode 984
Trish fromTrish's keyboard seems to randomly type letters and numbers when she's not touching it. Leo suspects the keyboard could have shorted out or the USB port it's plugged into is shorting out. She should try a different keyboard. If that doesn't fix it, then that would point to a different problem. Leo also suspects that the computer may still be paired to the wireless keyboard and her daughter is playing with it, causing the issue!
Can I use a TV as a computer monitor?
Episode 962
Matt fromMatt wants to know what Leo thinks of Haier TVs. Leo says that they're a third tier TV company, budget stuff he'd see at the grocery store. It's low end, but often they use the same panels as the big guys and the quality is lost in the software and menus that they use.
Would it be good for a computer monitor? Leo doesn't usually recommend using TVs for computer monitors. The resolution isn't that good for computer use since he would sit closer to it.
How do I print from a tablet or smartphone?
Episode 961
Ronnie fromRonnie called to suggest to a caller last week trying to print from an Android Tablet, to get an OTG cable and connect it directly. He learned this trick from Lucid Mike on YouTube. Leo says that's a good idea, but also suggests Google Cloud Print.
How can I print in color with Google Cloud Print?
Episode 960
Stan fromStan has an HP all-in-one printer that he wants to print to from his Samsung Galaxy SIII via Google Cloud Print. When he prints images, it comes out in black and white, not color. Leo says to make sure the printer isn't defaulting to black and white. He can check in printer settings for that.
Web8880 in the chatroom says that it's a known bug. Color may be an advanced option in Chrome's settings.