Laptop Battery Life

Since laptops now out-sale desktops, I decided to bring this tip out of the archives. We had a call last weekend, and I get the same question from many laptop users: “Why is the battery life on my laptop so poor?”. The biggest reason is that the battery doesn’t get enough exercise. Most rechargeable batteries today don’t have the memory problem like they did eight and ten years ago. However, unless...

Are Macintosh computers poised to make a run?

JUNE 2008 UPDATE: I wrote the article below two years ago, ran across it tonight and wanted to write an update to it. At the time I wrote it, I think the now famous Apple and PC guy commercials had just started ramping up and the ominous steps towards Windows Vista were getting closer. My words probably weren’t unique at the time, and I don’t claim to be a sage, but it is astonishing how much the market has...

Zonbu – Part II

In a post last week, I announced that the first Zonbu computer (that I know of) was coming to Grand Junction. It has indeed arrived, and I am enormously impressed with the machine. Like all Linux computers, the Zonbu requires a high speed wired or wireless connection to operate. Dial-up users need not apply. The reason for requiring a high speed connection is that Zonbu provides automatic backup of files, automatic...

Surge protectors provide false sense of security

The power went out in part of town last night. Before 10am this morning I had already received two calls from people who were having problems as a result. This seems to happen every time we have a power outage or severe lightning storm. In most cases the computers were on a surge protector when the power went out. I have even seem a few on expensive battery backup systems. The only way to protect your computer is to unplug it...

Canon leaps ahead again in DSLR wars

I have made no secret of the fact that when it comes to digital SLRs I prefer Canon over all other brands. I have also backed up my argument with a long list of reasons. Everytime any other company gets close to Canon, Canon announces a new camera that out paces the competition both in features and price. Canon did it again this week. They have announced two new digital SLRs, both will make any serious photographer...

Ubuntu – Day 6

I didn’t use the computer much today, but I need to write a quick blog while I’m working on my Compaq as I sit here and watch my DVR’d “Daily Show” and “Colbert Report” episodes from last week. So, that brings me to tonights word: battery life. I wrote a quick note a few months ago about the battery life of this laptop with Ubuntu. I can’t confirm it, but I think Ubuntu uses...

The missing iPhone disclaimer

I am throwing this into the newsletter this week. But I will post it here because I spent too much time writing it. The Apple iPhone came out this Friday. We have taken the opportunity to write up the disclaimer that should appear on the device, but does not. The Apple iPhone is operated by touch screen only. There are no hard buttons thus it should not be used while driving. Checking messages and dialing requires constant...

iPhone – cool because it’s marketed th...

I saw an iPhone commercial this weekend. The iPhone is Mac’s newest gadget that is being marketed by people who like to all be different in the same way. I can’t decide which new product is worse, the iPhone or the Palm Foleo. Perhaps they are equally bad for the same reasons. Both devices are marketed as the next step in portable data evolution. Both devices make this claim as they are left in the dust by devices...

Getting familiar with your digital camera

Although we recently had a class on getting to know your digital camera, many in the group have brand new cameras this time. Since our meeting this month will focus a lot on the individual cameras that people bring to the meeting most of our notes will be posted after the meeting. Here are a few items I expect to touch on. You have a camera, now what? Once you have the digital camera, you will need a few extras. A 1...

Is the iPhone another Newton?

For those of you who don't remember the Newton, it was Apple's first and last foray into the handheld computing market back in 1993. Although it was ground breaking and unique, it was a little ahead of its time and definitely too expensive. The Newton was a little too big to be called a true handheld computer and only worked with a heavy, built-in rechargeable battery. Just three short years later, a small company...

Proper care and feeding of batteries

I bought a new digital camera the day after Thanksgiving. Following Adam's First Law: Gadgets Yield More Gadgets, I have ordered a new vertical shooting grip and several batteries. When the batteries arrived, I followed Adams 379th Law: Always Read the Instructions. I am thinking seriously about moving the 379th law up to at least 134 because I discovered some interesting information about rechargeable Lithium-Ion...

Digital Camera Basics

There are a few differences between 35mm cameras and digital cameras. The following are a few that we discussed. Shutter delay: There are two types of delay to expect in a digital camera. The first is the delay that the camera needs to auto focus. The second is the delay that the camera needs to analyze the image and store it on a disk. When you take a picture with a digital camera wait a second or so before you move the...

Remove Bios Password

There are two solutions to this: Solution 1: Try some of the backdoor passwords that are often built into the BIOS following the setups on this site. Solution 2: Turn off and unplug the computer Open the computer and look for a flat "watch" battery on the mother board Remove this battery. You may have to gently pry it out using a small tool. Plug your computer in and turn it on without the better. Turn your...

Is a Cordless, Optical Mouse in Your Future?

The two most used computer peripherals we use get the least amount of respect and thought…the mouse and keyboard. In fact, many of us shop for the cheapest possible mouse or keyboard when it comes to replace our existing one. If you still use a standard, corded mouse, you might want to strongly consider spending $30-40 on a new optical or cordless, optical mouse. The primary difference between an optical and standard...