Laptop or desktop computers and any components within.
Hardware
How do I reattach a heat sync on a computer processor?
Episode 955
Barbara was upgrading the RAM on her computer and she discovered her heat sync has loosened on the processor. She knows she needs to reattach it with that heat sync glue that has to be in between it. Leo says to be sure she only uses a drop of that stuff. As for the clip, if it's lose or comes apart, it may need to be soldered back into place. She should be careful to not get solder anywhere else but where she wants it soldered. Solder isn't really strong enough to hold down a clip, though. Since her PC is 8 years old, it may be time to just upgrade.
Should I get a slower video card with more memory, or a faster card with less memory?
Episode 955
First of all, Leo says he prefers gaming with a desktop that he can put an actual card in. There's sacrifices that are made with a laptop. Since Scott is on the road a lot, a laptop is necessary though.
Google Glass Coming by End of the Year
Episode 955
Google Glass, the smart wearable glasses that enable you to see an interface without looking down at a phone, is coming out soon. They also will be able to take photos and video from your eye's perspective. They cost a lot right now though, at $1500.
Google Announces ChromeBook Pixel
Episode 955
Google announced the ChromeBook Pixel, which is essentially an internet browser that relies on Google Docs. At $1300, everyone is scratching their heads. Sure, it has a retina display with touch enabled capability. USB, 5 hour battery life, an i5 Intel processor with 4GB RAM and a 32GB hard drive, with WiFi. The problem is, there's no OS and no apps. Very little storage. The original ChromeBook for $300 is a cheap alternative for education. A high end $1300 ChromeBook, in Leo's opinion, is baffling.
How can I extend my WiFi connection?
Episode 954
Alan from
Alan needs to get a WiFi repeater to extend his WiFi range in his house. Some say they work, some don't. Leo says that a repeater will work best if he gets it from the same company that makes his router. Matching chip sets and firmware is best. Leo prefers the Airport Extreme and Express from Apple. Another option is Powerline networking.
Apple Drops Price on the MacBook Pro with Retina display
Episode 954
Apple announced a $200 price drop this week, which is a very rare thing to come out of the Cupertino company. It may also be a sign that a new MacBook Pro is on the horizon. So does this mean you should buy a computer now or wait until a new Macbook comes out?
Dick DeBartolo, The Giz Wiz
Episode 953
This week's gadget is the iCONNECT Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. What makes this toy stand out is that it plays iTunes, has signal lights, and really sounds like the car is playing the stereo. It's controlled by your iPhone. $129.99. Age: 8+ Available on the company website now, coming to stores in Spring 2013.
What should I do with my hard drive that's reporting bad sectors?
Episode 953
Dell from
Leo says that he can run CheckDisk.exe to have it run through the hard drive. When he tries this, it tells him to run a system restore. Leo says that it sounds like some of the files can't be accessed because of the errors. He should backup his data, reformat the hard drive, and reinstall.
The chatroom says to exit out of the command prompt in safe mode (reboot, shift or F8) and choose safemode with command prompt. Then, when he sees the C prompt, type "chkdsk /f /x /u" to check and repair. He could also put his Windows setup disc in and run repair.
What XBMC Android Media Streaming device would be best?
Episode 953
Edgar from
So far, Edgar has been looking at the Western Digital Media Player or the GBox Midnight, which he can then use to make his HDTV into a smart TV or use with his Android Phone. Leo says that he hasn't used them, but it could work, and today's smartphones are more than up to the task with their quad core processor. Looking at reviews on Amazon, there's a high learning curve unless he's a serious techie.
How can I get FireWire to work in Windows 8?
Episode 953
David from
David upgraded to Windows 8, but he's lost his firewire connection as a result. Leo says that upgrading an old PC to Windows 8 usually isn't recommended, but it sounds like David needs to get a firewire driver from the motherboard manufacturer. There's no indication that Windows 8 doesn't support it. He just would need the driver. Leo also says that doing a clean install wiped out all the older drivers, this is one case where an upgrade may have been the better move.
