Technology Simplified™

Top 10 Wi-Fi Boosts, Tweaks and Apps

No doubt you’ve got a home wireless network or you’ve connected to hotspots at the local coffee shop or airport—but are you getting the most out of your Wi-Fi? Whether you want to strengthen, extend, bridge, secure, sniff, detect, or obscure your signal, today we’ve got our top 10 best Wi-Fi utilities and tweaks for the power wireless user.

Lifehacker Top 10: Top 10 Wi-Fi Boosts, Tweaks and Apps - Lifehacker

It’s interesting to track this sort of development. The article later references the fact that NHK also developed HDTV back in 1969! It took almost 40 yrs. to make that technology commercial, so I guess we shouldn’t hold our breath for Super Hi-Vis HDTV. Still it’s good to know HD’s successor is already in the works.

You think your HDTV is impressive? Your HDTV sucks. Sorry, I don’t mean to be a jerk, but it’s no longer cutting edge. 1920×1080? Please. Japanese broadcaster NHK has come up with what they call Super Hi-Vision, and it puts HD to shame with an insane resolution of 7680×4320. Yeah, that’s the equivalent of 16 HDTVs crammed into one. Like I said, your HDTV sucks.

Source: Inadequacy: Super Hi-Vision Makes Your HDTV Obsolete Already - Gizmodo

Today is the first day of the rest of your life (unless you’re my old laptop!) 

So today marks the debut of Intel’s new Santa Rosa platform. Aside from the fact that your notebook is officially outdated, what else does this mean? What does Santa Rosa offer that you’re missing out on, and more importantly, is it enough to warrant buying a new lappie?

Source: Laptop Makeover: What You Need to Know About Intel’s New Santa Rosa Platform - Gizmodo

This is a great kit: Includes 5-Pin Mini-B Adapter, 4-Pin Mini-B Adapter, and USB A-B Female Adapter ($23 from Belkin) but I also found this 6-in-1 USB kit at NewEgg for $13. I would recommend having either one of these in your laptop bag or “cable drawer” (don’t forget you still need the 6 or 10 ft. standard A-A USB cable to plug this into). Personally, the 6-in-1 is a better all around value, but it depends on what you want/need I guess.

Source: You Ess Bee: Belkin 3-in-1 Adapter Replaces Those Cables - Gizmodo

I’m a true believer in the idea of separating data from the primary Boot Drive. I have recently moved all of my data to a NAS (Network Attached Storage) drive. It has worked out very well for me since I have 2 computers (Desktop and Laptop) and now they each can see all my data (including Outlook pst file) without having to sync between them. Plus I have the added benefit of having everything out of the PC/Laptop so chances of heat damage, short circuit, etc. is greatly reduced. Also, the NAS has a built-in web server so I could assign it an IP address and have access to my files from the web too! Some will ask (as Z did recently at lunch) how do you work on stuff outside of the office then, if all your files are on the network. In that case, I use SyncBack to monitor the folders on my Laptop and then sync everything when I dock it back at the office.

There are some computer gurus out there (especially the Linux variety) who recommend you put your data on a separate partition from your OS, for easier backup, transfer and upgrades. Would this be a good idea with Vista, and how would I go about it?

Source: Ask Lifehacker: How do I store my data on a separate partition in Windows Vista? - Lifehacker

Here’s a cool idea: Charge your rechargeable batteries using a USB cable or a wall outlet. Very convenient when you’re trying to recharge your Digital Camera batteries while surfing the web at Starbucks. $14.
Source: Batteries: More on the Energizer Duo USB Charger - Gizmodo

I’m a thumb drive fan in general. Handy, and usually enough memory to carry around the odd proposal, spreadsheet, or even sample website. But they can do so much more. Here are the top 5 from the list:
          1. Boot a separate operating system
          2. Encrypt your drive 
          3. Make a portable MP3 player 
          4. Speed up or lock down Vista 
          5. Never forget it
Link to LH Top 10: USB thumb drive tricks - Lifehacker

I posted a link to another list of HDTV facts earlier, but this one is simpler and the facts are pretty good to know. Here are the top 3 (without the explanation)

1. Your new HDTV needs an HD feed 
2. Your HDTV/set-top box/cables must be configured properly
3. Most TV programming is still in standard definition

Link to Six Must-Know HDTV Facts : Ben Patterson : Yahoo! Tech

Cool site for custom (choices to pick from, not your own designs) protection for more than just iPods. They do Macbooks too. Here is their product description :

GelaSkins are removable vinyl skins for protecting and customizing portable devices. They feature stunning photo-quality graphics ranging from fine art prints to contemporary urban images designed by our growing family of artists from around the globe.

Eventhough the site is mostly Mac based, they have the equivalent dimensions for all the skins so you can see if they fit your XP lappy too. Looks really good and not over $33 (includes 2 Gelascreens for screen protection too).
Link to GelaSkins | Protect your iPod with Style. Not Bulk. - Home

 Mother’s Day is nearly here and this is a great idea for Mom. It’s a picture frame that plays all types of media (not to be confused with those digital frames that just show JPEG’s). It’s not wireless (which would make this a no-brainer purchase)  but it does have the ability to play MP3’s and AVI’s so that’s a huge plus (think short 2min. videos of baby’s first steps or singing happy birthday, etc.). Anyway, I’m not sure I would grab this up now (may wait to see if it does get wireless in another version). On sale now at Amazon for $189.
Link to Aluratek, Inc.