Any device that connects to the computer, such as a printer, scanner, monitor, keyboard or mouse.
Peripherals
How can I print via Bluetooth?
Episode 959
Rudy fromRudy would like to print via Bluetooth using an HP printer with a bluetooth card. Leo says that if the printer supports bluetooth, that's probably the way to go. But when Rudy tries to install the printer via bluetooth, He can't see it. Leo says to try putting the printer into discovery mode so he can pair it.
HP has a technote on how to do it.
How can I bypass corrupted Mac printer drivers to print?
Episode 959
Patricia fromPatricia's boss has put in a code requirement so they can track what is being printed. It's corrupted the drivers, though, and the ones they've provided don't work on the Mac. Leo suggests trying Google Cloud Print. This will allows her to print via the internet to any printer.
The Chatroom has found a fix from Worchester Polytechnic Institute that will allow Patricia to print from her Mac.
What webcam and sound bar should I get for my computer? (Part 2)
Episode 950
Pat fromFor the webcam, Leo suggests the Logitech 920.
Dick DeBartolo, The Giz Wiz
Episode 945
Dick's gadget this week is the Targus Touch Pen for Windows 8. This is designed to make any non-touch screen laptop into a touch screen for use with the touch pen. It will cost $99.99 and will be shipping this Spring.
Why did my USB 3.0 hard drive stop showing up on my Macbook Pro?
Episode 945
Jason fromLeo says the drive may have failed, or the USB enclosure itself failed. It could also be as easy as the connectors wiggling lose and may just need to be reseated. If all the connectors are in place, disks do just die, and it may need to be replaced.
He'd also like to download Leo's theme song. Leo says that he'll put a high quality copy on the TWiT Wiki for anyone to download. The chatroom says you can also find it on YouTube.
How can I connect a portable hard drive to my Lenovo tablet?
Episode 944
Manuel fromManuel has a Lenovo A2109 Tablet and he'd like to hook up a portable hard drive to it. It isn't working because his portable hard drive isn't powered, and the tablet doesn't seem to be giving it enough power to work.
How can I print to my Epson printer from Android?
Episode 944
Chris fromChris got an Epson Workforce printer, but the iPrint app for printing from mobile devices does not work with his Android phone. It wants to send it to Google Docs as a PDF, but it won't print. Leo says that's not very helpful, and thinks that Google's CloudPrint may be a good solution.
What is a good keyboard for my TV?
Episode 937
Melissa fromMelissa recently bought a Panasonic 3D Smart TV, but she was told she could only buy a Panasonic keyboard for it.
Leo says that Panasonic recommends the Logitech DiNovo Mini Keyboard, and Logitech makes good stuff. Leo's tried it and he really likes it, and it's not that costly at $88.
Why won't my TV volume control adjust the volume of my external speakers?
Episode 936
Matthew fromLeo says to try using the headphone out of the TV. The optical connection will work as well, but he needs to tell the TV in settings to control it. Some TV models don't support it, though, so it depends on the TV.
By default, most TV's only send line level when using HDMI or optical out because the manufacturer assumes that the user has an A/V receiver that they are adjusting the volume on.
How can I enable bluetooth on my HP Pavilion laptop?
Episode 934
Don fromLeo says that while most laptops should have Bluetooth, it's possible that the Pavilion doesn't have it. In fact, the Chatroom says that their DV7s don't have it. There is a switch on the laptop that disables the radios, so it may be that the laptop switch is just disabled.
Go into the device manager and see if it has Bluetooth built in. Here's a technote that may help.