Any device that connects to the computer, such as a printer, scanner, monitor, keyboard or mouse.
Peripherals
Can I use a TV as a computer monitor?
Episode 962
Matt 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 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 from
Stan 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.
How can I print via Bluetooth?
Episode 959
Rudy from
Rudy 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 from
Patricia'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 from
For 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 from
Leo 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 from
Manuel 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 from
Chris 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.
