30+ Days of Christmas: #15 - Media Player Buying Guide

Welcome back to Buying Guide Week in the gift countdown.  Today, we're taking a look at "media players".  This is a bit of a broad category, so it will be broken in half.  Part one will feature portable media players, while part 2 will look at ones that don't move very often.

Part I: Portable Media Players:

In the "old days", this would have been a transistor radio, tape player, or maybe a little TV.   Nowadays, your options are much greater, though you can still get

 a portable TV or radio.  I wouldn't hold out much hope on the tape deck, though. [First person to respond back with the source of that line wins a prize.]

There are some digital portable televisions on the market, today, Their usefulness, though, will be variable, depending on your digital sources.   Much more popular, though are portable DVD players (and blu-ray players).  A portable DVD player can be found for under $50, when the sales are right.  larger screen sizes, and speciality units designed for cars  will have different prices.   Blu-ray portables exist but tend to be at a higher price.   One reason is likely the higher definition screen needed to enjoy the full resolution.   For those wondering about portable gaming systems, fear not, those will be covered in the gaming guide, soon.

The "big item" though, are the portable media players.   There are plenty of devices to choose from, and in some cases, personal preference is the only real factor in choosing "the best".   

One of the most popular lines on the market is the iPod.   There are numerous sizes and models of iPod available.   These can be found for about $49, or so for the Shuffle, with ones with more features, or larger storage space commanding a higher price tag.  Much like other Apple products, previously discussed, the iPod comes in a slim, attractive package.   They install easily enough to your Windows or Mac computer, with the iTunes software.   Sorry Linux  and other OS users, but they take a little (or a lot) more fidgeting about to set up.  You're able to acquire music, audio books, and in some devices movie files through the iTunes store - or from your own collection - and transfer them to your device.   You can use the sync feature, or drag & drop through iTunes or the file manager. 

Sony has extended their popular Walkman brand to the digital media player world.   I've never received any endorsement from Sony, but I have had several of their Walkman line mp3 players over the past six  or seven years.   My current one has been serving me well for over three years.  They do have "over the ear" models with 2 or 4GB storage.  However for the most part the players come in 4, 8 & 16 GB sizes, with a display for both menu display and video playback.   They will use either Sony's software, or drag & drop.  For Linux users, this makes them less complex than the iPod.   Walkman players come at a lower price point than the iPod, however the storage capacity is generally lower, as well.  For me, one of the strong points for the Sony player is the tactile interface.   I'm able to navigate my player, from my pocket, with my hands, without looking.   For me, very often, this is a very important thing to be able to do.    Other players have similar features,.

Samsung has ha a couple media players.   They were based on the Galaxy platform.  These resembled the Galaxy phone , and were compatible with Samsung (and comparable) accessories.   

Sandisk has been a presence in the portable digital media player market for years.   I've used a couple of their devices over the years.  In fact, my "backup" (when I find I've been too lazy to charge my player) is a Sandisk from 2005.  Since then, though, taking advantage of long-lasting internal batteries, and increasing amounts of flash memory.   Like the Sony models, there are tactile interfaces in most of the Sandisk players.    These players are often more economical than other brands, but this will come with a trade-off of features, storage capacity or battery life.

There are other brands available, often in the "economy" line.   Some of these may suit your needs very well, or some may have the type of quality that says "You get what you pay for".   I've seen both sides of this, with some good deals, and some ...junk.   Ultimately, the choice is up to you.   I advise reading product reviews for anything you're considering picking up.  Personally, while I'm partial to Sony's units, the iPod is well worth looking at (and buying if you so choose).  

If you need some guidance, ask, and I'll be glad to help you on specific models that I may be unable to for the scope of this piece.

Part II: "Fixed" Media Players:

We've looked at portable players.   Now let's take a look at some of the more "permanent'  players.   When looking at these, we'll look at optical disc players, and streaming devices.   By "fixed", in this case I'm referring to players that connect to your wall outlet, and are unlikely to move very often.

The DVD player sis the first thing we'll have a look at.   DVD players have sure dropped in price from their release.  Now, depending on brand and sale, I've seen them for $10-20 on the low-end.   The DVD uses a laser to read digital information off of a disc, and play it on a television.   DVD offered higher quality playback than analog media (VHS, reel, Super 8, etc).   It also allowed a greater amount of information to be stored.   As such, some movies included quite a lot of bonus material, along with the disc.   DVD players will often connect via RCA (2 audio, 1 video) cable, though some may use HDMI cables.  Quality and features may vary depending on brand and price.

Blu-ray players came out a few years ago, and after winning the format war with HDDVD, became the progression from DVD.   Blu-ray discs allowed for even greater storage capacity.  This allowed for even higher definition files to be stored on a disc - or far more "bonus material".   Blu-ray connected through HDMI, and was geared toward working with new(er) HDTVs, though on some RCA or Colorstream was still available as an output.   Blu-ray players can work as standalone units, but many are able to connect to the internet - or a local network, with wired or wireless connections.  This allows these players to take advantage of digital content on some discs.  Many players also though, have built in apps to take advantage of digital content services like Pandora, Hulu Plus, YouTube and Netflix (as examples).   Prices on players varies by features, brand and sales, though I have seen them for as low as $40 in the past.   An evolution to the Blu-ray player is the 3D Blu-ray player.  These allow for 3D playback with movies and televisions with the encoding and capability, respectively.

The last thing we'll look at, today, is the streaming media players.   While the Blu-ray players may have access to some content providers, some devices are set independently.    Some examples are Apple TV, Google TV, and Roku's spread of players.   Some companies like Netgear and RCA have also introduced products into the market, as well.  Others, like Boxee have come and gone.   Your choice on streaming content players will vary based on your needs, budget, and equipment.   We've had a Roku HD here.   It spent a considerable time connected through RCA cables to a25" tube television.   It connectedthrough wi-fi to our network, and streamed content.   While the device was capable of 720p resolution the TV and cable limited the output.   The Netgear NeoTV, on the other hand, does not have RCA connections, and would require a converter to "step down" to an older television.   There really isn't much of a "wrong" streaming content player.  A lot of the decision making is on your needs, budget and preferences.   If you have a Netflix account, then you need to get one that has this feature.   If you subscribe to a particular paid network, then you need to make sure it's available on the device you choose.    

Conclusion:

It's hard to pick a "best" device in some of these.   It's also hard to give an "economical value" assessment.   For the most part, it's personal preference on both fixed and portable media players.   I can't stress enough the need to research and ask questions when you're unsure though.   Like with the other buying guides, I'm willing to give more specific answers to questions, but it's tough to be too specific in the space I have available here.  Come back tomorrow for our next Buying Guide!

BONUS Tip:  "Old" cell phones can be converted into media players/internet phones.   It may be a good idea to start by "factory restoring" the device.  However once done, if you set it to Airplane Mode, it will disable the cellular antenna.   You can then use it on wi-fi or without any access.   I've converted a couple of old phones into media players/Skype phones.  

Viruses, Malware, Scams & "Hacking" vs Your Privacy, Your Computer, & You

Today, I'd like to take a look at an important issue - your online safety and protection.   Whether you're new to computers, have been around for a while, or "really know your stuff", you're bound to come across people with less-than-honorable intentions.  

Today, I will, briefly,  point out what is out there, what "bad guys" are doing, the threats to you, and what you can do to prevent yourself from being a victim.  If you would like further information, please get in touch with me, and I will expand on any of these topics.


What is out there?
The internet is a big place.   It seems that almost everyone has a presence,   Much the same as there are criminals in the real world, there are bad guys on the internet, as well.   Their goals are not all the same.  Some like causing mischief.  Others want your money or identity.  Others still want to steal your property (account, machine or service) to further carry out their acts.   

One of the most common means used is the computer virus.   These are often transmitted through an infected file.  Once activated, they install themselves on the infected computer, and may spread themselves through the means for which they were designed.   This could mean being spread through email, or being shared as part of a file-sharing network.   In some cases, a virus may be transmitted through an exploit through an add-on like Javascript or Flash. For the sake of this article, I am not distinguishing between viruses, trojan horses, rootkits and other malicious code.  The end result of this malicious code is that your drive may be corrupted, your computer may be locked out, your personal information may be stolen, your computer may be used to send or host spam, or any number o other unfavorable outcomes.

"Adware" is another threat that lies out there.  Adware may or may not be caught by some security programs as malware.   By its written purpose, it is "intended to help you".  This may be in showing you similar goods to those you're viewing on a webpage, replacing banner ads with those from a client, or hijacking your browser.  Very often these programs sneak in with anotherprogram.   While they may not be "malicious" by definition, they often have unwanted or undesirable consequences.  

Scams are perhaps one of the biggest threats out there.   These may be carried out by email, instant messenger, or by phone.    I have seen one delivered by postal mail, as well, but that's a different story.  Common scams include the NIgerian Prince (or other dead rich person) who either left you as an heir to a fortune, or you've been sought out to help a banker launder the "money".  There is also the fake international lottery scam, and even the "Someone wants you dead, but if you pay me, I'll let you live" scam.    Other common seen scams include folks (especially from Africa) who want to buy an item from you on an auction site at an inflated price, long-distance "landlords" that want to offer you a ridiculously low price on housing, or even ones who want to play on the naivity of someone using a dating site.   Another common scam takes place over the telephone.   Usually with a pre-recorded message that your credit card interest rate can be lowered just by talking to some call center representative crook.   Another phone scam to watch out for is the foreign (generally Indian) "Microsoft" calls.  They attempt to trick you into believing that your computer is telling Microsoft it has error/viruses, and they were there to help rip you off.

Spam is another way to fall victim to theft.  Email messages purporting "great" deals on counterfeit goods or discount prescriptions (Viagra seems to be a very popular one) without a prescription, lead the pack on offers to separate you from your hard-earned money.   It's fairly easy to bulk-register a bunch of domains cheap, park them on a referrer, aiming them at a foreign site that is unlikely to help you when you've been taken to the cleaners.  That is a "when", not an "if".   Spam is very often perpetuated through the use of fake or stolen email accounts, and hijacked computers.  

The last thing we'll look at today in the "what is out there" category is "hacking".   In general, this is a very mis-used word.   Many times, after one has been tricked into sharing their login information, and their email/social media account begins to spam people, they say "I was hacked".   No, there was no hacking involved, they just were tricked into turning over their account.   On the other hand, I have had an account hacked.   I saw the email notifications that there were a series of unsuccessful attempts  on my account, followed by it being used for bad purposes.   [I got their domains and IP addresses removed for this act].  Whether real hacking, or trickery, your account information, contact lists, and private data may become compromised.  

What can I do about it?
Information, protection and prevention are the best ways of ensuring you keep a healthy computer, and do not fall victim to the crooks. 

Information: Know what's out there.  You don't need to be an expert on every threat that is out there, but keep some basics in mind

• If it seems "too good to be true" it's a scam
• If they claim you won a prize you didn't sign up for, it's a scam
• If someone asks you to sell an item outside of normal channels - and ship it internationally - they're out to steal from you
• Pictures do not have an .exe estention
• "Your bank" will not email you from a free email account to tell you there's a problem with your account.
• "Your credit card company" will not call you from a spoofed phone number offering to "reduce your interest rate" without identifying themselves properly.
• Microsoft does not call users.  Period.

Protection: This may be as simple as setting up your firewall or antivirus program.  This is especially important for Windows users, though otherusers should take note, as well.  

"But, I use a Mac, and they don't get viruses" one might say.  This is verifiably wrong.   While Microsoft has held the lion's share of the operating system use in the world, they have been a greater target for malicious code.   Assuming one wanted to distribute their software to the largest number of machines, it is only logical that they would write it for the most prevalent system.   The Windows and Mac operating systems are different, which means that most windows-designed viruses will be ineffective against Macs - but Mac-specific viruses have been in existence since 1982.   So, it's a good idea to have protection on your Mac to keep it virus free.   At the very least it's good to have to prevent forwarding harmful email attachments to your Windows-using friends.

"But I use Linux, that is virus-proof".   Again, this statement is wrong.   First, we have the aforementioned courtesy when forwarding potentially infected files.  While, Linux also uses a different system, some malicious code is possible.  This will often be distributed in packages outside of the distro-specific repository.   While not prevalent, and often preventable through basic knowledge, it's tood to use protection.

"But I'm on an android/iPad".  These devices are growing in popularity and market share.  As such, there are more exploits, and more people willing to spend time to write harmful code.   

Prevention: You can't easily stop any of these things from their source, but you can prevent yourself from falling victim to many of the threats that surround us.   Here are a few tips:

• Never respond to spam!   buying anything from them does a few things.  It enriches them at your expense.  It adds you to a "sucker list".  It takes money from you directly (often for nothing) or gives ac it gives them your credit/debit card info, allowing htem to steal far more from you.
• Responding to "unsubscribe" links in spam mail only validates your account.  Spammers do not care that you do not want their garbage, and will gladly sell the list collected from the "unsubscribe" link for more money.  Then you get more spam.
• Do not do business outside the official channels on sites like eBay.   If you get ripped off outside of eBay, you lose the protections available within the service.   It's advisable to report any attempts to conduct a transaction outside of the auction/sale, or to simply ignore the contact.
• Large sums of money from foreign (often African) countries are scams.   You're probably just as well deleting them.   For those with the time and inclination, there is a "sport" of scam-baiting, but in general, it's best to just ignore these email messages.
• Watch what you open, and who sent it to you.    I'm not saying not to trust what your friends and family sent to you, but sometimes it's good to  pay attention.   If you have a friend who generally has good spelling and grammar, and suddenly sends you a message for a website with "u" or "4" as words, then chances are good you're dealing with a compromised account.
• With email, learn that legitimate businesses you deal with will not send you a "Dear user" message telling you about an impropriety in your account.  This is especially true for banks, Paypal, and credit cards.   Do not follow links from these email messages, but rather go to the site directly, - or phone the establishment - and verify whether or not there is actually a problem
• Regarding the phone scams, unless you feel comfortable - and have the time - it's better just to hang up on the "card services", "auto warranty", and Microsoft Tech Support scam calls.   

I hope that this gave you a bit of info that could help protect you, your computer, and your private information.   If you'd like me to expand on any of these points, let me know, and I can provide more information.   

30+ Days of Christmas: #16 Tablet Buying Guide

Welcome back to the gift countdown.  For real, this time, it's tie to look at those popular portables - the tablets.


Like the previous couple days, there are a lot of choices, and no universal winners.   Today, though, we're going to look at  features to look for, screen size, processor/memory, and run over the options from Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, & Google, take a look at convertible laptops, as well as take a bit of a look at "economy tablets". 


The tablet is not as new an idea as it may be seen.   They had them in Star Trek.... Oh wait, that was on TV.   Seriously, though, the tablet has predated the iPad or Android by over a decade.   There were early convertible laptops that would allow a stylus to be used on the screen.   Let's not forget  PDA's, like the Palm Pilot and Toshiba Pocket PC.  Devices like these would merge with cellular technology giving us things like the Palm Pre.  Also, during the later part of the 2000's, Amazon introduced the Kindle, which was primarily an e-reader, which could buy and store content from Amazon cellularly.

In 2010, Apple released their first generation iPad.  This came with a lot of fanfare, and had six fixed options - black or white, in three memory configurations.   It had a nice appearance (unlike some of the less-stylish earlier tablets), came loaded with software, as well as an app store - the iTunes Store, where a user could purchase movies, music, books, games and more.   The iPad has enjoyed a great deal of success over the past three years of its existence.   In 2012, while a newer version of the tablet was introduced, so was the iPad Mini, a smaller version.  This year, upgraded versions of both have become available.   There are a lot of pros to the iPad, but also some limitations.    Apple's manufactured a slick-packaged device that's fairly light and easily portable.  Battery life can be about 10 hours - depending on use - and there are a wide variety of apps to choose from from the iTunes store.  There are a couple of considerations to keep in mind with an iPad, though.   Apple is the exclusive manufacturer of the iPad.  As such, there is no variety, but for color and memory.  If you buy a 16GB iPad, you cannot upgrade it to 64GB - short of buying a new one, or being very handy with a soldering iron (which will void your warranty).Unlike some of the competitors, the iPad may lack expansion ports, and may not have the "best" camera, but they work very well out of the box, and Apple offers phone support and in-store support at their Apple Stores.

Google introduced the Android Tablet not long after the iPad debuted.   Unlike Apple, Google is merely the creator of the operating system.   This allows for a greater degree of variety.   There are, or have been, such choices as the Dell Streak, Samsung Galaxy, Acer Iconia, Asus Transformer, and Toshiba Thrive.   This allowed for a greater variety of choice in device.   As opposed to the iPad, most Android tablets had an expansion slot to increase storage space.  Another advantage was that the price of an Android tablet was often considerably less than that of an iPad.   Unlike Apple, there was no uniformity in devices.   Similarly priced models may have different features, or may not be officially supported under the next released OS upgrade.    Components vary by manufacturer and product line.   My Acer Iconia has microHDMI port, a full sized USB host port, as well as the microUSB transfer port.  My father's Motorola Xoom has the microUSB and microHDMI, but not the USB.  At the time, his cost b bit more than mine.   With the competition, companies like Samsung have been improving their displays and cameras to attract greater market share for a "better product".  Apple actually entered the "mini-tablet" market late.   There had been several Android based devices in this product class well before the announcement of the iPad Mini last September.   It's very important to make sure in choosing a tablet, that you get one with the memory and features that you will need.   Economy-line models are available, (see below) that may also be a consideration.

As noted earlier, Amazon had their Kindle reader as the sell-out item several years ago upon its initial launch.  Since them, the design has been improved upon, Kindle has added an app that will work on other tablets and smart phones.   The new Kindle Fire HDX is no exception.   Amazon has continued the evolution of their popular reader.   It now offers a better screen, higher resolution camera, and improved access to a constantly growing media library.   Instead of an e-ink mini-tab, these new(er) Kindles are feature-rich tablets, that allow for you to check your social media sites, email, surf the web, take pictures, or - as they were initially designed - read a good book.  

Last year, Microsoft introduced the Windows Surface.  Microsoft was entering the tablet market (as well as making drastic changes in the Windows operating system).   I've been interested in the Surface since its release, though I haven't had the opportunity to really get intimate with one.   The Surface had some problems in its first year, and did not live up to the hype that the company (likely) had on the release.  This year, Microsoft has released an upgraded OS, and a new version of the Surface.   Some may remember that I was intrigued, at the very least by the Surface.  I was not in the market for either a laptop or tablet at the time.  Also, I'm more of a Penguin guy, myself.  I liked what I saw though.   Microsoft had a tablet that could convert into a semi-notebook with an attachable keyboard, had twice the memory of the iPad at each level, and could use a full office suite.   One distinct disadvantage of both the iPad and Android were their lack of ability to use productivity software.  Microsoft Office was not available, and neither were open source suites like Open Office and LibreOffice.  .   In my opinion, this made the Surface a better choice for those who wanted one device, rather than needing multiple.  Microsoft has some similar disadvantages to Apple, though.   Being the sole manufacturer, limits the customizable options to color or accessory.  However, the Surface does allow for a bit more flexibility in expansion.   In addition, it's prone to similar exploits as the Windows operating system itself.   Some may bash Microsoft for this, but (as I'll detail in another post this afternoon) the greater one's presence in the market, the bigger a target they become. 

There are an assortment of "economy line" tablets that are available for purchase.   I've seen sizes ranging from 4.3" through 10".   Names have included, but are not limited to Apex, Proscan, Nextbook, eFun, and Envizen.   Sometimes, depending on sales, these tablets may be at $50 or less.   In general, these economy tablets will run on the Android operating system.   Very often, though, as opposed to their higher priced counterparts, they will be lacking in component quality, features, or storage space.   One local retailers advertises a particular economy tablet most weeks for $50-70.   While this will give you something usable for a low price, it may have some trade-offs.   As opposed to the 10 hour active battery life of higher end tablets, some of these may only get 4 hours of active battery use before needing a charge.   Also, they may ship with single core, or low-speed dual core processors, and 512MB system RAM (while the major brand may have a higher speed quad core, and greater system RAM).   Onboard storage may be small, but is (often) expandable with microSD media cards.   Some other considerations when buying a budget tablet are the access to app stores, and the support for new(er) versions of the operating system.   I received a Nextbook 8, free, as a bonus, along with a purchase this past summer.   Short of being rooted, though, it has limitations.  It will not accept certain Android upgrades, and does not use the Google Play Store.   I've also found it a bit lacking in power & features to my older Acer Iconia, but I've still been able to put it to some good, if infrequent, use.     For those who have the knowledge or the desire to tinker around, economy tablets may be a source of fun for experimentation.   By "rooting" a device, you may be able to reprogram it for some other purposes.   I'm not going to go into any detail on how to do that.  Keep in mind, also that by rooting your device, you will void any warranty that you had.  You may also "brick" your device.   Bricking, in this sense is a fairly simple term.   It means "turning your nice electronic gadget into a high-priced brick".    This should only be done if you know what you're doing, or are not worried about the results.

The last subject I'll cover here today are the "convertible" tablets.   Toshiba was one manufacturer years ago that made a notebook computer with a screen that could twist backward and work as a tablet.   These didn't perform so well on the market in the Windows 98/Me/NT and even XP days.  Lately, though, they've become much better.    There are rotating screens, detachable tablets, and even dual-display devices.   These can give you "the best of both worlds" so to speak.   You can have a fully functional notebook, with the functionality of a tablet, when needed.   Many of these now take advantage of the touchscreen potential on Windows 8, although they can be used under Linux, as well.   This technology  is improving, but the better convertibles still command a premium price tag.  For some, it may be more cost effective to stick with a notebook, and a tablet, unless convenience and "clutter" are bigger concerns than cost. 

All in all, there are a lot of choices available.   Ultimately, if you're in the market for a gift, or for yourself, then there's quite a bit to choose from.   There is not absolute "best" device, as that is very subjective to your needs, budget and preference.   I hope that this gave you a bit of insight on the options available.   This guide is not all-inclusive nor exhaustive, but was meant to give you a place to start.   If you have further questions to help in choosing a device, don't hesitate to contact me.

30+ Days of Christmas : #17 - Portable Computer Buying Guide

Welcome back to the gift idea countdown, and this week's "buying guide" series.   I need to acknowledge a bit of a typo from the previous entry.   #16, tomorrow, is the Tablet day.   I apologize for the misleading title. 

Today, we're going to look at the portable options for computers.   Specifically, we'll look at Notebook/laptops, Chromebooks, Macbooks, Netbooks and Ultrabooks.   "Convertibles" will be covered tomorrow under tablets. 

There are a lot of options available for portable computers.   For the most part, they are going to come pre-configured and assembled.   There are do-it-yourself options, though they are geared toward a certain level of enthusiast, and are not as easily available.     Like desktops, the components and operating system are important considerations in deciding your machine.  CPU, Memory, drive space, graphics card, ports  and screen type/size are important to consider.   Hard drive and RAM are easy to change out, not so much the rest.  

We'll start off with an outgoing product, today.  We'll start with the Netbook.   Netbooks were initially a light version of the notebook.  They had a smaller screen size, lighter processor, no optical drive,  but were wi-fi included (upon their release, not all notebooks had on-board wi-fi).   Some netbooks, in fact, were partnered with cellular providers, allowing them to connect to the internet using your data plan.   With ultrabooks, tablets, convertibles and smartphones, the netbook market has been dwindling.   While they're decreasing in popularity, they are still available, and still are a good option for some people.    With 7-10" screens, they offer a small, portable option.   Netbooks often include Windows operating system, though some shipped with Linux.  They'll fit into many bags, and travel well.   While some may find a tablet or iPad a lighter option, the netbook still possesses a standard keyboard, and can utilize a full office suite.   They're worth at least a basic consideration, when size, portability, and price are important determining factors.  

Last year's entry into the portable category, the Chromebook, has had a couple of new additions.   When I first covered these, last year, there were only two options.   HP has joined Acer and Samsung, and there is a bit more of a variety.    Chromebooks utilize the Google Chrome operating system.   This is a competing operating system to Windows, Mac, or Linux.   Like the netbooks, Chromebooks come sans optical drive.   They come with a larger screen than yur typical netbook, and have a much more streamlined appearance.   Upgrading components is not the easiest thing to do, however.   Chromebooks come with access to online backup storage space on Google's cloud servers, and they have improved their operating system to allow for more features to work when not connected to the internet.   Chromebooks tend to start around $200.  Windows users may find the learning curve to the Chrome OS a bit of a challenge, at least at first.  I would recommend looking at these for a similar market as those looking at netbooks.   At the very least, it's worth it to play around with a demo unit if you see one at your local shop.

Another option for portable computing is the Macbook.  Apple's notebook ships with their operating system and software.    Apple has several models and sizes available, though there is a limited variety in components.   Macbooks have a very sleek appearance, much like many of Apple's products.   They include the Mac OS (version may depend on model).   Windows users will find some differences in keyboard layout and programs.   Macbooks tend to have a higher price than some comparable notebooks. but they enjoy a strong following from their owners.   As I mentioned above, there is a limited selection of compatible components.   Apple has made it rather difficult to work on your own Macbook.   They've created the Pentalobe Screw (and driver) which made accessing your device a bit more challenging.  There is a rumor that Mac's are "virus-proof".  This is far from true.   To be honest, no operating system is virus proof.   With a lower market share, Macs do not make as tempting a target.  It's important, though to be careful whatever operating system you use.    Apple has their own warranty service, and provides instruction either by phone, or through their Apple Stores.  While I may be a bit hesitant to recommend this for most people, it's more for the price than for the operating system.   These systems work well out of the box, and will serve their users well through their lifespan.  They do come with a steep price tag, which may put them out of some people's reach.

The Ultrabook are newer portables.   They aim to optimize battery life, weight, size and power.   These may not include optical drives, and often have smaller screen size, but make up for this with high-speed solid state processors, and low-power consumption CPU's which allow for a longer battery life.    Mostly, these machines are powered by Intel based Core processors.  They often come at a higher price, though not often that of a Macbook.  These are geared toward more "super user" than standard or light user.   Some gamers, or heavy users will find them far more effective.   With their lighter size they are great for travelling.  A fair amount of ultrabooks do not include an optical drive (CD/DVD?BD)While external drives are always available, if this is critical to your needs, it may be worth finding a model that includes this feature - or choosing a different style.    Likewise, heavy gamers may find these not suitable for their needs.     Memory and possibly hard drive are the two main replaceable components in these, though you need to check the maximum RAM capacity.     Like the Macbook, I am hesitant to give an "everyone" recommendation on these.   The price may not be agreeable with everyone, and the features need to be evaluated per user need.   They are very nice though.


The last group we will look at today will be the broad category "notebooks".   This is a catch-all for anything that doesn't fit into the previous category.   It's also a catch-all that includes the previous ones, if you want to be technical about it.   For the discussion here, though, we'll assume that we're dealing with other-than-previously-named.  Notebooks come in a variety of sizes, CPUs, RAM and RAM capacity, hard drive type/size, graphics, manufacturer screen size, and more.   It's important to consider your needs, budget, and expectations when purchasing your notebook (or one for a gift).   AMD E-series processors and Intel Celeron processors may be affordable deals, but they are also the lowe functioning processors from each laboratory.  In general, you'll find models from about 13" to 17", with larger ones often having a full-size keyboard (including number pad), while smaller size will have a more tightly packed keyboard.   DVD/RW drives are fairly common as optical drives on laptops these days, though Blu-ray and recordable are getting a greater toehold.    Very often a machine will include a certain amount of RAM.   Very often this amount is replaceable, or upgradable.  Hard drives vary.  It's still common load a SATA mechanical drive, but SSD boot drives are a popular replacement or substitution.   The greatest degree of variety in manufacture and component exist here.  Toshiba, Dell, Alienware, Acer, Gateway, Sony, HP, Compaq, Lenovo, Asus and more exist on the market.   They range from low-end economy units, to high-end gaming computers.  Your needs will vary, but it's importnt to watch out that you don't pick up an economy model when you want to game - or spend extra money on a gaming rig when you are only going to watch Youtube videos.     You have the greatest chance of finding "the right" machine in this categry statistically.   That's partially due to the variety out there.    I can't give an economic value, because that's a very personal decision.  

My final word on portables, is that there are a lot of options out there.   It's easy to get confused, but there are a few things you can look out for.   I hope that this gave you some food for thought on what to get for yourself/as a gift.   If you have any questions, or could use a hand in picking out your next portable, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

Thanks for stopping by again, and stop back tomorrow for the Tablet Guide.

30+ Days of Christmas: #18 - Computer Buying Guide

Welcome back to the 2013 gift countdown.   This week is going to be a bit different.    This week, we'll be looking at broad categories, rather than a specific item.   Today, we'll look at computers.


I'd prefer to work with a general buying guide than to pick a specific machine for many reasons.  For one, sales and technology change.   For another, giving preference to one machine vs another is rather subjective.   On top of that, there are so many options that I could go with a different one and fill up the month.

So, today, we'll look at the option of desktops.  Tomorrow, we'll revisit the computer and look at portable options.  In this guide, I will have some simplifications.   The more tech savvy will notice this right away,.  The simplification is intended to give a base understanding, and not go too far over some heads.

When looking at a computer, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.   You want to look at who (or how many) user((s) there will be.  You'll want to consider what the user(s) will do with it.  You'll also want to consider the anticipated lifespan.   These things are important, as they determine whether you are getting a great deal, or something bound to disappoint. 

Computers can be purchased from retailers, or online, pre-built by companies like HP, Dell, and Gateway.   They can also be custom built.  Skylance Computer Services has custom built, and upgraded, desktops and servers for individuals and small businesses. 

There are advantages to both pre-assembled and custom-built computers.   Pre-assembled machines will (often) include the operating system.  Most often, this is Windows (currently 8 or possibly 7), though Mac OS is installed on Mac branded machines, and Linux is available as the operating system on some computers.   Your pre-built computer will generally come with some software (though it may be trial versions), and may include some peripherals.  While a keyboard and mouse are often included, monitors and printers are not always included in the cost.   Upgrading and expansion may be limited with these machines.   Dell, for instance, makes a quality out-of-the box- machine, but design the systems in a way that limits the ability to upgrade components - or limits the ones that may be compatible.    Custom built computers have the advantage of getting exactly what you want, with upgrade potential limited to your desires, needs and budget. 

As suggested earlier, it's important to look at the user, and needs  of a computer, before purchasing.     Weekly circulars show specials that may look like a great deal.  However, not everything is what it appears.   Intel's Celeron, and AMD's Sempron and E-Series processors are often included in the budget PC's.   these processors are low-cost, but are limited in capability.   A user that will turn on the computer, perhaps check email and do some light web browsing, with no other real use may find this adequate, though heavier users will find this quickly inadequate.   Gamers will find themselves handcuffed by these machines practically out of the gates. 

"How much memory is in it?"   This question is often asked, and very often is asked in an incorrect manner.   While memory is important to a computer, three features you want to check for are memory (RAM), hard drive, and CPU.   A simplification I give for what each one is, is as follows:

Hard Drive - measured in bytes (mega, giga or terabytes now).  This tells how much data your computer will store.   The higher the number, the more data stored.  Megabytes are 1 million, gigabytes one billion, and terabytes 1 trillion.

Memory (RAM) - measured in bytes, often gigabytes, but megabytes are still found.   DDR3 is most prevalent now, though DDR2 may still be found in some older machines.   This tells how many programs or applications will run together, without affecting your performance.   The higher the number, the greater your performance

Processor (CPU) - This is the Central Processing Unit of the computer.  Essentially this is the brain.  It is measured in hertz.   Presently, modern machines are measured in Gigahertz, and tend to be between 1.5 and 5.  Older machines may be found with sub Gigahertz speeds, but they are far less common anymore.  

This is just a simplification.  There are more factors to consider - How big is the power supply?   What type of networking  does it use?   What type of optical drive is included?  What motherboard does it use?

What will you use this for?  This is an important consideration.  An i7 with 16GB of RAM, 3TB hard drive, 128GB SSD boot drive, and GeForce Titan graphics card may be great for a gaming computer, but likely would be overkill to one that is being used for simple office work, and light browsing.  Likewise, a 2.2GHz i3 with a 250GB hard drive and 2 GB RAM may do fine for light work in the office, but will underperform for gaming. 

Choosing a CPU:Intel and AMD make the two CPUs on the market today.   Each has an "economy line" processor, and several improved product lines.  Intel has the i3, i5 & i7 lines, while AMD has the Phenom II and FX series.  In general, the higher the number, the better the processor.    Number of cores is a consideration, as well.   "Quad core", for instance, loosely translates to "four processors on one chip".   Again, this is a simplification, and some folks will say "It's a lot more than that", and they'll be right.  AMD often has an advantage on price, though Intel's similar processors score better on some benchmarks (especially games).

Choosing Memory:
This is perhaps more important than choosing your processor.   While increasing system memory will not speed up the computer's speed, it will allow for better performance, which will improve some of the apparent speed.   For a pre-configured system, you may want to check out memory capacity for the upgrade potential   Some motherboards have two, others four (or more) slots for adding memory.  Different motherboards allow for 4, 8, 32 or more GB of RAM to be installed.

Deciding on hard drive:
This may not be a huge concern, except for those who have large media collections.   Often, additional drive space may be added through internal or external drives.  One thing that is worth considering in choosing a drive is choosing a Solid State Drive (SSD) for the computer's boot drive.   SSD's do not have moving parts, like SATA (and previously IDE) drives.  These will not increase your computer's CPU speed, but will access operating system files much faster than a mechanical drive.

Should I buy or build?This is an important decision.   As indicated earlier, stock computers have an advantage of being built, and running fairly well out of the box.   Custom built computers offer a far greater degree of flexibility in components and expansion, but may come at a higher cost.   Skylance Computer Services will be glad to discuss options with you, and help you choose the decision which is right for your goals and budget.

Sound and graphics:Should you use the standard on-board graphics or audio?  Should you get additonal cards, or buy one with that already installed?    This is a tough question, that ultimately depends on your personal needs.    For some, onboard sound and video are more than adequate, while for gamers and graphic artists, higher end components are needed.

Should I bundle?This is a tough decision, sometimes.   It may depend on whether or not you have a monitor/printer already, how well it/they  work, and what is included with the bundle vs stand alone towers - or what monitors/printers are available separately.

Economical Value:
This is going to depend on a lot of variables.   This will depend on your needs, your budget, and your preferences.   A value level system that needs to be replaced within a year may not have a good value, while a $1,000 custom built system may have a high initial cost, but give a longer life, with proper care.  Your mileage may vary, and we would be glad to help in the decision making - or custom building - of your next system.


I hope this gives you a little bit of an idea on what's out there.   I know that this was fairly simplified.   If you have questions, please contact me directly, and we can discuss them.   Tomorrow, we'll look at portable options on computers.

30+ Dayd of Christmas: #19 - Desserts By McDermott

Welcome back to the Gift Idea countdown.  While we've spent a few days looking at gifts to be used in the kitchen, today we'll look at something coming from the kitchen.  Today, I'm going to shine a spotlight on Desserts by McDermott, providing specialty baked goods on order.  I wouldn't be alone in adding the adjective "delicious" in front of "baked goods", either.

Shannon, the creator of Desserts By McDermott, has been creating goodies in the kitchen for years.   It's earned her a good reputation from family, co-workers, teammates, and customers alike.  It was through her adventures in the kitchen that I would first learn of an earlier gift idea - the Kitchenaid Stand Mixer.

Shannon has created masterpieces for birthday parties, showers, rehearsal dinners, and more.   Here are two examples that she made this past summer:

Shannon has a great vision for creating custom desserts that will match the theme of your party or event.     You can view some of her specialties at here website, here.  You can also view her Facebook page.    The products shown on her website are not exhaustive.   Let her know what your event is,  and what you'd like to have.   She can make it happen for you.   

In addition to her cullinary creations, Shannon also has available her own cookbook.     Cookbooks are available for $20 each, plus $5 shipping (if applicable).   In there you'll find some of her favorite recipes.    You may place your order through her website, her Facebook page, or via email.

I highly recommend Desserts By McDermott.   I'm a little biased, yes, and in full disclosure, while I haven't been bribed for this endorsement, I've had several people's share of her wares in the past (and will in the future).   I can tell you that she's truly an artist when it comes to the things she creates, and believe that you'll be beyond satisfied with anything you order from her!

Thanks for having a look today, Be sure to place your Christmas and Holiday orders early.  Come back tomorrow, as we will be beginning a week-long series of "buying guides".

30+ Days of Christmas: #20 - Crusader: Onward Into Battle

Welcome back to the gift countdown.   Yesterday we looked at a game that can help you learn the guitar.   Today we're sticking with music.  Today I'd like to give a plug for the new album out from my friends in the band Crusader - Onward Into Battle.

I first saw Crusader opening for Anvil at Reggie's Rock Club in 2011.  I liked what I heard, and I met up with singer Hoagy back by the merchandise tables.   I picked up a copy of their original EP, Rise Of The Templars, and had it loaded on my mp3 player about 10 minutes after I got home from the show.  

Since then, I've gotten to see Crusader quite a few times.   They've opened for  internationally touring bands like Holy Grail, Alestorm, Anvil and Sabaton.  Performance reviews have been strong:

MariaV: First on the billing was CRUSADER, a Heavy Metal / Thrash band from Chicago which seems to walk in the footsteps of early IRON MAIDEN and THE SWORD (nice NWOBHM influences here) with some punk-ish references that fit like a glove in their music style. Since I had the opportunity to watch the young Metal quintet onstage less than a year ago, I already knew what to expect. It was a shame though that the early start didn’t allow them to play in front of a full house and questions like “why the hell CRUSADER weren’t higher in the billing?” came instantly to mind. Despite a minor problem in the sound of the lead guitar that fortunately didn’t last long, CRUSADER served us some of their best epic-driven songs and, to tell you the truth, I can’t wait for the upcoming debut to reach my hands. Love the GHOST tees, guys! Keep the horns high!

About a year ago, the guys launched a Kickstarter campaign to help in the production and release of the full length album - Onward Into Battle.   Over the summer, the album was complete, and was released for online purchase.   [Link to purchase page]

Tomorrow (12/7/2013) Crusader will be playing their Album Release Show at the Cobra Lounge with Immortal Bird (also celebrating an album release), Wizard Castle and Gnarhval.  Ticket price is $5.   Merchandise will be available, including special bundle deals on the newly arrived album.

"ONWARD INTO BATTLE will be available from tomorrow. Come hit us up at the show and pick up a copy. Support local metal! we'll have some bundle deals as well (hey, now there is a great Yule gift idea!)"

~Hoagy

Stop in, have a Cobra Burger (they're pretty tasty), and a beverage, and get ready for a night of good music.  

Economical Value:
I've thrown this in on other gift ideas.   The show, itself, is pretty affordable.   $5 gets you into the show, food and drinks are dependent upon you.   Merchandise costs are between "low" and "reasonable".   Plus, all purchases directly benefit the artists.   It's not just financial, either.   Sharing a song with a friend, or asking someone "What's that on your shirt?"  become ways that a band may be introduced to a wider audience.    While I've never had someone stop me on the streets and ask "What's Crusader?", I have been asked by people with whom I've been having conversations. 


On a personal note, I've been following this band for about two and a half years.  I've seen quite a few shows.  I've been really impressed, and I think you will be too (assuming the style is agreeable to you).  I know that everyone has their own musical tastes.   Crusader's style is in the realms of "metal", with different songs touching on different "sub-genres".  If you enjoy groups like Iron Maiden, Manowar, and Bolt Thrower (just a couple of examples), then I believe you'll like Crusader!

30+ Days of Christmas: #21 - Rocksmith

Welcome back.   I hope you're having a good week so far.   For those noticing that Day #22 is missing, don't worry, it will show up.   Due to circumstances beyond my control, and the actions some would-be criminals, I got distracted.  

Enough about that, though, and let's move on with something exciting.   I've mentioned last month, a new "game" I had discovered.  To be fair, I was actually told about it, and it was the latest edition of which I was told.   The game is Rocksmith 2014.


Those who know me well, know that I didn't hold a high opinion of the assorted music games that have been out over recent years.   In a nutshell, I view them as "playing air guitar with a specialized game controller".  Playing these games doesn't have a correlation to picking up an actual instrument, and playing - or creating - music.    Rocksmith is an exception.

With Rocksmith - and Rocksmith 2014 - a player actually learns to play a real guitar.   Options available include Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, and Bass Guitar.    The original Rocksmith, from 2012, is available for the Playstation 3, XBox 360, and PC.  Rocksmith 2014 is available for all three, plus the Mac.   You don't need a special controller for the game, as it comes with the Real Tone Cable.   This cable plugs into your guitar, and the USB port on your PC, Mac or console. 

From the beginning, a player can create an account, choose their instrument, and their level of expertise.   From this, the game progresses with the player.   It has a number of lessons, which can be repeated as needed.  Lessons start as simply as "putting the strap on your guitar" or "how to hold your pick" up to more complex lessons.  

The game includes a number of mini-games, that are designed to help the player improve upon their technique, speed, and accuracy.  

In addition there are a number of included and downloadable  well-known songs that the player can learn.  

Economical Value:
This is hard to judge.   The game, itself, can be had for $10 and up for the original.  The original may not include sections for the bass guitar, as well.   Some versions will include the Real Tone Cable, others may not.   The cable can be purchased separately, as well.   Rocksmith 2014 comes with a $79.99 price tag, including the Real Tone Cable.   The price is the same for  the computer, PS3 or XBox 360.   The original was only available for the PC, while the 2014 edition will also work on a Mac.     So, in order to play this, you will need to have one of those platforms available, as well.   In addition, you'll need an electric guitar (six string or 4-string bass).  The price of those will vary.  

I recommend for:
I recommend this for a lot of folks.  It's good for kids (parents can judge appropriate ages) that have an interest, adults who may have a schedule that's not conducive for professional lessons, someone interested in a new hobby,  a musician looking for something fun and recreational (there's a "Session Mode" where you can create your own music), college "kids" who like gaming, and would like to play a guitar too.... the list goes on.  

Personal Experience:
I got my first guitar in high school.   I tried to teach myself from a book, but with no one to guide or critique me I wasn't getting anywhere.   I had a friend who began to teach me in college, but I left shortly after, and I was on my own again.   He's gone on to build custom tube amplifiers.  My first guitar got stolen.   In 1997 I got another.   Over the next 15 years I'd pick it up, work on it a bit, but it was hard without some kind of outside reinforcement.   I was also having a bit of trouble with the reading-to-playing conversion.   Throughout the years, I had also had an interest in the bass guitar.

Finally, this past September, the stars began to align. I needed a costume for my first real Halloween Party. I decided to go as Lemmy (Singer/bass player of the rock band Motörhead. 

I picked up a bass guitar in September, and got some good tips from another friend - the one who would soon recommend Rocksmith.
  My first couple weeks were not very productive.   Near the end of October, Rocksmith 2014 was released.   I got to starting to mess with it in early November.  I started the game and claiming "no experience"  25 years of "starting over" on a six-string, and three weeks of getting a sloppy intro of "Iron Man" on the bass told me this was the right move.    After a couple of the lessons, I hopped into one of the songs.   Subdivisions, by Rush.   The game started of very easy, with a few notes at a time, and I did ... OK... for some parts.  However, I was kept very humble because Geddy Lee, being one of the greatest bass players out there, can play some real complex stuff that is years out of my league.  

I have been putting in time every day - some more than others - Sometimes I can see, sometimes the game measures my improvement.   I believe I made more progress in two weeks using this software than I had in two decades on my own.   I can humbly say that I'm by no means ready to create my own music - or even play in a cover band - yet.   I likely won't ever actually play in a band, but I'm having fun.  I'm enjoying playing along.   I'm able to play one song (Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar On Me") through completely, with some errors, on "Master" mode (the notes are not shown, as it assumes you are at expert level with this song).   Like everything else, I'll get better with practice, and I believe that you can too, if you are interested.

30+ Days of Christmas: #23 - Funnel Cakes!

Welcome back.   Yesterday, I said to check back today, as I would have another kitchen gift idea for you.   Today I'd like to showcase the Carnival Funnel Cake Maker.  

I found this at Bed Bath and Beyond a couple of years ago. (it's currently no longer available there) I wasn't entirely sure what I was getting myself in for, but I thought it looked like something fun for the house.     It turned out to be a really low-tech gadget.   In fact, unless you have an electric stove, there's nothing electric or electronic about it.   It is fun though.

The kit, itself, comes with one package of regular, and one batch of apple cinnamon mix.   The mixes are also sold separately, or you could make your own - I've done this in the past, too.   The kit includes the pouring pitcher, two mixes, ring, and tongs.   You provide oil to cook, a frying pan, and water to mix with the batter, and powdered sugar (or other toppings).   

This video is a pretty good demonstration of the Funnel Cake maker in action:

Economical Value:
I picked this up for about $15, and I believe extra cans of funnel cake mix ran about $4.   You can also mix your own funnel cake mix from scratch, to your taste.   At that price, it's a pretty good value, assuming it's something you'll get some use out of.


I recommend this to for most people.   This is fun to make with older or younger kids (though parental supervision or cooking is a good idea for younger kids.   It can be a little time consuming, as each funnel cake must be made separately, so plan accordingly.   It makes a good gift for your own - or other families or friends.


While Bed, Bath & Beyond, no longer carries this particular item, I did find the same one available here.  Amazon also carries it.


Check back in tomorrow for another fun gift idea!

30+ Days of Christmas: #24 - Clameshell Cooking

Thanks for stopping by again.

Yesterday, we talked about what, in my view, was the best infomercial-pitched item ever - The George Foreman Grill.  The Foreman has been going strong for almost 20 years now.   It has inspired quite a few variants and copycats.    Today, I'm going to look more at the variants. 

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of "items that remind me of the Foreman Grill", is the Sandwich Maker.   Salton and other companies make these machines.   They utilize the same clamshell design, with contact plates that simultaneously cook both sides.   With the basic sandwich maker, it's designed to make two sandwiches, and will cook & cut them in barely any time at all.   This is a nice quick one for making grilled cheese sandwiches (which can be expanded on to your liking).  I've seen these small appliances ranging from $5 to $20, depending on store and sale. 

A more upscale version of this is the Panini Press.   These gizmos utilize a lever to hep compress sandwiches.  As opposed to the above sandwich maker, the panini presses allow for a larger variety of sized breads to be used.  These presses offer a greater deal of flexibility on the possibilities in the kitchen.   They tend to come at a steeper price, as well.

Another of the more popular clamshell cooking appliances is the Waffle Maker.    Like the Sandwich Maker, these tend to come in a variety of manufacturers and styles.   I have seen them beginning at about $5 on sale, and higher.    The base units I've seen have been rectangular, and have offered the capacity to make two waffles simultaneously  One simply needs to pour the batter into the lower portion, and close the lid.   Waffles are done shortly.   There are higher priced units, some capable of cooking 4 or more waffles at a time, others that rotate, and more.    Like some of the Foreman grills, and Sandwich Makers, many of these do not have removable cooking plates.

There are some products on the market that have removable and interchangeable plates for the grill.   Several years ago, we got one that has the Sandwich Maker, and Waffle Maker plates, allowing for one device to be used for multiple purposes.    With the removable plates, cleanup is a bit easier.  You still need to be careful, though,  Abrasive cleaners and pads can damage the non-stick surfaces. 

One of the clamshell grills we've gotten a lot of use over the years from is the Quesadilla Maker.   We're currently on our second one.   I've come up with some fairly clever creations with it, too.    It's fairly simple to operate.  Plug it in, lay one tortilla down, add cheese (and other ingredients as desired), top with tortilla, press down, wait, remove.   The grill scores the tortillas in six sections so they may be easily cut.

I've also seen several other  - Makers on store shelves.   I've seen Donut Makers, Fortune Cookie Makers, Mini Cupcake Makers, Muffin Makers, and a few others.  There are a lot of them that I've never tried (or considered trying).   This is not to knock any of them, as everyone's kitchen mileage may vary.    The price points seemed to be on par with other clamshells, and likely they would behave about the same way, but for different edibles as the finished product.

Economical Value:
It's hard to give a clear "value judgment" on these small appliances.    Ultimately it depends on your needs in the kitchen.   Grabbing a $5 Waffle Maker on sale is still a waste of money if you don't ever make waffles.   Most of the pros and cons for these gadgets is a matter of personal taste.   It's a matter of deciding what's right for you.   For us, the Quesadilla Maker has been a big win, while the Waffle/Sandwich Maker has not gotten as much use.  I have a hard time justifying the potential use of some of the appliances I've seen on the shelves (this explains why they haven't been tested out).  However, your results may be far different, and that Fortune Cookie Maker may be enough to make your future bright in the kitchen.

In general, I find these to have some good gift value.   Thyey're great for young folks, college kids (dorm dwellers, please check rules), apartment dwellers, single or folks with small families.   

Check back tomorrow, as we're going to stay in the kitchen, with something fun for the whole family!

30+ Days of Christmas: #25 - The George Foreman Grill

Welcome back, I hope you've been enjoying your weekend.

Yesterday, we took a look at the Leap Motion Controller.   Today, we're going to head back into the kitchen.   Today, we're going to check out the George Foreman Grill.

In 1994, a product was released, promoted by former Olumpic gold medalist and heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman.   The Mean, Lean, Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine - or George Foreman Grill was introduced as an electric two-sided contact grill set on a slight angle.   This design allowed for both sides of a food item - burger, chicken breast, steak, etc - to be cooked simultaneously, and the grease to run down into a specially designed tray.   The effects of this were that food would cook faster, and there would be less grease, making it "better for you".  

I remember seeing infomercials for this during the '90's.   After knowing a few people - including my parents - that had one, I got one in 2003.   I like to think I got some pretty good use out of it.   I can't say I used it every day, but I used it enough over the course of a couple years that eventually, I wore it out and had to replace it.   I wasn't the only one who enjoyed this product.   Sales figures showed that over 100 million Foreman Grills were sold in the first 15 years of its existence.  

Individual size Foreman grills, with non-removable plates run about $20, and are available at many retail stores.  The original Foreman, which still has variations on the market, is designed to cook two portions, and tend to run $20-30 depending on store & sales.    There are larger options, that can feed a family - 6 portion and 9 portion grills are available.   

One criticism of the Foreman grill was that the contact plates were part of the grill.   This presented certain challenges to cleaning the grill.   Special cleaning sponges were made, but it still was not always the easiest thing to do.  Further, abrasive cleaners and pads could not be used because they would ruin the non-stick surface.     This was remedied with removable plate options for the Foreman Grills.   These grills maintained the electric heating elements in both sides of the clamshell, but had detachable metal plates that could be washed in a sink or dishwasher.

Other options have been created, such as this indoor/outdoor grill.  In fact, I once saw a product called "iGrill With George", which was a free-standing indoor/outdoor Foreman grill, with a speaker & dock for your mp3 player.  

Economical Value:
The Forman Grill comes in several styles, configurations and price ranges.   The most basic, single portion units can run about $15, with a good sale.   Two portion grills may run $20-30, again sale-dependent.  The size depends on your need.   A heated up grill will cook a burger, steak, pork chop, chicken breast, etc in under 10 minutes, so, you can estimate your need based on your family size.   It's hard to say this one "pyas for itself in _____".   It does add a nice convenience factor, though.   Assuming that you make food items it can handle (Yes, vegetarians, it can cook veggie burgers and other non-meat items), it's a nice accessory to have around the kitchen. 

I would recommend this one for college students (dorm dwellers may want to check on rules), single folks, apartment dwellers, people who may not have time to roast/bake/broil all the time, but still want something good, and people looking for convenience.

The George Foreman grill and the concept spawned many copycats and variants.    Check back tomorrow, and I'll detail some of those other items you may see or want.

30+ Days of Christmas #26 - Leap Motion Controller

Welcome back, and I hope the "holiday weekend" has been good to you.

Today, I wanted to share a gift idea for the computer.   If you've seen movies like Iron Man and Minority Report, you may remember those futuristic computers manipulated through hand gestures through the air.   The principle of that is exemplified through today's product - The Leap Motion Controller.

Leap Motion had a product that was funded by crowd funding.   This past summer, the device hit the streets.

What is it?
The controller, itself, is about the size of a Matchbox car, or maybe a small harmonica.   It includes two micro-USB cables (one long, one short), and the driver software.    The controller plugs into the USB port on your PC or Mac based computer.   Sorry fellow Linux users, but it doesn't easily play nice with the penguins - even with WINE.  

At present, the controller is not a substitute for the mouse, but with certain apps from the Leap Motion Store, it can read your hand and finger movements. Watching the map on the device, I was able to see that it could read the different joints in all my fingers, and read how they were moving in relation to the sensor.

Take a look at some of the possibilities:

The Leap Motion Controller is still pretty new.   It currently runs for $79.99 from Leap Motion (or from most retailers).  The apps for the device range from free and up. 

Economical Factor:At nearly $80, this is not the most cost effective tech toy out there.   Games and apps continue to be added to the store, but like smartphone apps, some have a higher cost than others.  


My overall assessment of the Leap Motion Controller is that it is a rather fun device.   I've played around with one for a bit.   I've found that it can do  a pretty good job of reading hand movements.   It does have a bit of a learning curve.   It takes some practice to get the hand gestures just right with the sensor.   The increasing number of apps, and device updates show increasing promise for this device in the coming future.   

I don't recommend this for everyone, and must come back to the fact that this - at present - does not completely replace the mouse.   That may be a possibility down the line, though.   I did find it a fun device to play around with, and have seen the market continue to expand with games and apps.   This is definitely worth having a look at.

30+ Days of Christmas, #27 Backup!

Thanksgiving 2013 is in the rearview mirror, Black Friday is nearly past, Hanukkah is in full swing, and Christmas is getting closer every day.    Welcome back to our gift idea countdown.


We've looked at some household and travelling ideas so far.  Today, we're going to go back to the computer.   Today, we're going to look at backing up your information, and a couple of suggestions for you.


It's good to have a backup of your important files.   You never know when your primary drive may fail, or someone accidentally erases something important - or even if someone maliciously damages your computer.   Not every repair center is able to save your info.  It's best to keep a backup copy of the things you really don't want to - or can't replace.   

For some this could be as easy as keeping a CD or DVD (or a few) with your important pictures and documents.  For others multiple discs or flash drives are needed.  For others, an external hard drive is needed for the volume of data to be stored.  

As technology has improved, we've seen the size of hard drives increase.  Seagate has a 4TB drive available on the market currently.   They have these in both internal and external styles.   Seagate also makes smaller drives.  There are many possibilities depending on your needs.

The 4TB is currently retailing for about $160, is available off the shelf in several major retailers - as well as online.   It has the capability for storing the greatest amount of data on the market presently.    This is very useful for those with media collections to back up.   This is also useful for people who use these for things like video editing, which may comprise very large files.   

Economical Value:
What is the value?   For the price, it offers a good value.   At $40/TB, approximately, it's a good value.   The 4TB may be excessive, in some opinions, or it could be the starting size for others.  


My final verdict on this, is that it's a good value for the price.   There are smaller drives available, and other maufacturers.   I've personally had the best luck with Seagate products, but I'm not going to knock the others completely.   If you have any questions on picking out the right drive for your needs - or need help with a data backup - don't hesitate to contact us for a hand!

Check back tomorrow, as we'll have another holiday gift idea for you to check out!

30+ Days of Christmas - #28 - CAN you?

Happy Belated Thanksgiving, and Happy (now Second Day of) Hanukkah.


Between the hustle of yesterday, and some type of hiccup in posting yesterday's post, it came up empty.    So, let's try this again.

We recently looked at the Kitchenaid stand mixer, then went out on the road with GPS devices.   We'll now go back into the kitchen for a storage idea.

For me, this began after making some Turkey soup following Thanksgiving, and Christmas.   Leftovers froze nicely enough, but take up a lot of freezer space.   A friend recommended canning.   I looked it up, and found the Presto 16 Qt Pressure Canner.  From the first day I had this, I was successful in canning my first batch of soup on my first attempt.  

"Canning", I had found was a slight misnomer, as I was using glass jars, rather than metal cans.   I also learned some things in the process.   There are two primary forms of home canning - hot water bath or pressure.  Both can be accomplished with the Presto canner.   The type of canning depends on the food wished to be preserved.  It's important to use mason jars designed for the task, as well.  Standard store-bought jelly or sauce jars will shatter under the pressure.    Jars can be purchased from about $1 a piece or $5/12 pack and up depending on size and store.  In addition to the jars, you will need rings and lids.  Metal lids can be purchased for a couple bucks /box and up.   Unless specified, like Tattler Reusable Lids, the lids are one-use only.     Reusing a lid may not get the right seal, allowing canned food to spoil.   It's also handy to have a jar funnel and jar lifter for moving hot jars from the canner to the side to cool off.  Ball makes a set that includes jar funnel, jar lifter, magnetic lid lifter and bubble remover for between $5-10 at several retail stores.

What can I do with this?
There are many uses for this - or other pressure canners.     I had started with soups, but have used it for other things as well.   I've canned taco meat, fajita mix, stews, soups, jams, sauces, and more.    This cuts down on freezer space, and future prep time for some foods.  

Economical Value?
The initial cost of the canner, for me was about $70, at a retailer nearby.   While some store4s like Target and Best Buy sell them online, Walmart appears to carry them in stock on the retail level.   In addition to the canner, you'll need jars and lids.   The jars will come with rings and lids, initially, so lids will only be a necessity on your second batch.   Initial setup may run about $100, or so, depending on how many jars you pick up.   This can "pay for itself" though in waste reduction, and  cutting down of grocery bills.   For instance, using the carcass from a turkey, the broth and meat, plus some vegetables can easily make, perhaps two gallons of turkey soup.   This is 16 pint jars.   If you compare this to the cost of 16 cans of Chunky or Progresso soup, this could be quite a savings down the line.   This also allows you to buy and cook in bulk, and then re-use as needed.   

Personally, I think it's a great investment, if you can use it.   I've made some pretty good use of this over the past few years.   For the craft-minded, the jars open up their own gift-giving possibilities as well (such as putting all fo the dry ingredients for a batch of cookies and tying a wooden spoon and recipe card to the lid).  

Thanks for reading this, and I hope it gave you some food for thought.   I will repost later on today with the next idea!\