Chromebook 11 Announced

Google added to its collection of “Chromebooks” yesterday, with their announcement of the HP Chromebook 11. If you haven’t been following the search engine giant’s every move, they’ve already produced four Chromebooks and announced another three, including today’s 11-inch mini-laptop.

The Chromebook 11 is produced by HP, like the HP Pavillion Chromebook and the upcoming Chromebook 14. Available immediately for $279, the device sports a sleek new design and is promised as “the Chromebook for everybody,” although that moniker has been applied to Chromebooks in the past.

The Chromebook 11 comes in five different accent colors: Google Blue, Yellow, Red and plain black. With the exception of black, which has an all-black shell, the chosen colors serve as an accent ring around the keyboard and the rest of the device is white plastic.


The Chromebook 11 actually has an 11.6 inch screen with a resolution of 1366x768px. This puts its screen density at 150dpi, about twice a standard screen and half a high-density screen like the Chromebook Pixel. The high density means that images appear crisper on-screen. Google also claims a viewing angle of 176 degrees, meaning it can be viewed comfortably from awkward angles. Mounted above the screen is a webcam.

Also included on the Chromebook 11 are two USB ports, a combined headphone/microphone jack, 2 gigabytes of RAM and 16 gigabytes of solid-state hard drive space. The solid state hard drive means that the device can store less information, but is not as sensitive to shock and other hazards, avoiding expensive hard drive repair. To supplement the small hard drive, Google includes access to 100 gigabytes of cloud storage via Google Drive for two years. However to access cloud files, the user must have access to the internet.

The Chromebook charges via micro-USB, which has long been used for mobile devices like phone and tablets but not laptops. Google claims this will allow for consolidation of power cords, using one style to charge every device.

The HP Chromebook 11 sells for $279 and is available immediately on Amazon.com, Google Play Store, and Best Buy.

Image from Google

 

iOS 7 Reviewed

Last week Apple released iOS 7, an update that CEO Tim Cook called the biggest change to the platform since the iPhone was introduced. Available for free for every iPhone after the iPhone 4, the latest iPod Touch, the iPad 2 and later versions, and the iPad mini, millions will be seeing iOS 7 in the coming weeks. Here’s what you can expect.

The most dramatic change is visual: everything looks different. Icons for core functions like Photos, Settings and Newstand have new images, there’s a new palette of colors and everything looks brighter. Icons appear flat while visually layered over the background to give the illusion of floating over the wallpaper image. As you move your device, the icons float slightly to match your movement (Apple calls this the “parallax effect”), making it look like the wallpaper is moving.


Many love the new look, while others complain that it seems cartoonish and overly bright. If you hate it, you can update your background image to one that’s more sedate and reduce the brightness of your screen via Settings – Wallpapers & Brightness. You can turn off the parallax effect by going to Settings – General – Accessibility – Reduce Motion.

You’ll be using finger swipes more than ever before. While the Notifications menu is still launched by swiping down from the very top of the screen, if you place your finger lower on any icon screen (not from within an application) and swipe down you’ll now launch the search function (known as Spotlight). This was previously accessed by swiping left to right on your home screen.

Swipe up from the bottom of your screen at any time to launch another new feature, Control Center. This semi-translucent menu gives you quick access to Airplane Mode, WiFi, Bluetooth, brightness and locking the screen’s orientation. You can also control your audio player (to pause or restart music and change volume, for example) and quickly access the flashlight, alarm, calculator and camera. All that functionality crammed into one menu makes it a bit cluttered, and you can’t customize it to choose the features that you want quick access to, but it’s an improvement over having to launch Settings to modify these commonly accessed functions.

Double click the home button to view open apps, as usual, but instead of seeing just a bar of icons at the bottom of the screen you’ll now see a preview image of each app. Swipe left or right to find the app you want or swipe up on a preview image to close the app.

Apple has added the option to have apps automatically install updates (previous versions of iOS require that you launch the App Store and manually install updates). You can control which apps you allow to auto-update. Apps can also refresh content when they’re not running so that you don’t have to wait for info to update upon launching the application (this can be turned off via Settings – General – Background App Refresh).

The camera now includes integrating filters that offer tints and image customization effects that you previously needed to use a third party app to get. Photo organization has also been overhauled, now grouping photos by date and location.

Siri can control more functions than before. Change settings like Bluetooth or brightness, play voicemail or have your latest text message read to you, though integration with 3^rd party apps is still lacking. You can even change Siri’s voice.

All these new animations, movement and apps that can update themselves independently comes at a cost: many have noted that battery life seems remarkably diminished. Some 3^rd party hardware like non-Apple chargers, Bluetooth keyboards and printers may not work as smoothly until the manufacturers release driver updates for iOS 7.

 

What is Siri, Really?

What is Siri? An Explanation

Apple made headlines in December when it introduced Siri with the latest iteration of their iPhone, the 4S. Siri has been billed as an “intelligent personal assistant that helps you get things done by just asking.” It’s a new feature to the phone and coming to the iPad that allows you to control pretty much every life-related feature on the device. It has been touted to be able to do just about everything that your phone is capable of by entering simple, natural-language voice commands. So, what is Siri, really? How does it work in the real world we interact with daily, and not just in a controlled marketing test environment?

The Nuances of Siri

Siri was developed at Stanford Research Institute and takes its name from the organization’s initialism. Apple purchased the project and adapted it to their device. Siri utilizes a few third-party technologies as well. Nuance, the most well-known voice recognition technology, powers Siri’s ability to recognize what you’re saying, even if it’s “Hey Siri, think you could remind me to meet my brother tomorrow for lunch?” Nuance filters out exactly what you mean and schedules an appointment for tomorrow at lunchtime that notes your brother. Siri also utilizes Yelp and Wolfram Alpha for some of its other features. This allows you to search for local businesses and do computations like “What’s 15% of 34.86?”, useful for calculating tips, or finding out the number of calories in a cubic foot of guacamole.
Holding the home button or moving the phone to your ear whenever you’re not in a call activates Siri. It’s simple and natural to use – which is what Apple tries to do with most of its interfaces.

The reality of Siri

Siri has been marketed as being able to do just about anything. The commercials, which star famous personalities like Samuel L. Jackson and Martin Scorsese, claim that you can locate friends, ask the meaning of life, or schedule appointments – all talking to the device like you would your personal assistant. We all know technology ads tend to exaggerate the actual usability of devices, so how accurate are these ads?

As long as you understand what the “sequences shortened” title card at the end of all the ads means, Siri is actually remarkably good at doing exactly what it claims. While the device won’t respond at conversational speeds like purported, the actual features are mostly there. Siri responds amazingly to contextual awareness, both location-wise and in your conversation. If you ask it the weather, it will tell you what the forecast is for your current location, but if you say “What about in New York?” it will remember that you’re talking about the weather and tell you the forecast for New York. It “just works,” instead of trying to plow through technical jargon with you.
One of the very few limitations, though, is that if you try to do anything outside the features that have been integrated, Siri loses you. You can’t launch other apps or search your notes for that thing you wanted to look up. Apple has noticed this missing integration too and with the release of iOS 6, this fall, Siri is supposed to gain new abilities.

Siri is very human like and you will quickly find yourself saying “please” or “sorry” to your phone before you realize what you’re doing. It, essentially, replicates all the functionality of a personal secretary– albeit one constantly connected to the Internet. Therein lays a major drawback. If you don’t have a network connection, Siri can do almost nothing. So if you’re on a limited data plan, you might want to be more conservative with your queries.

Overall, Siri is moving in an excellent direction. I’m sure we’ll see more voice-powered interfaces in the future, and for now Siri does pretty much what it claims it can. I look forward to seeing what it turns into and for now – I think I’ll hold off on hiring a secretary.

Mobile Security: Protecting your Phone

Mobile Security for your Android Phone

Two Easy Steps to Protect Yourself
Whether you’re one of the millions of Americans that already owns a mobile handheld device (like a Smartphone, tablet or iPod Touch), or you’re hoping Santa slips one under your tree this year, there’s something you likely haven’t put much thought towards: mobile security.

 

According to a report released by Forrester Research, it’s estimated that 46% of all bank account holders will utilize mobile banking services by 2017.  Even if you aren’t accessing your bank or credit account from your handheld device, you likely have email; social networking and a multitude of apps that give a would-be thief plenty of valuable information should they get a hold of your phone or tablet.  Take a few easy steps to protect that information from loss or theft.


Step One:  First, enable a pass code lock that requires a code or pattern be entered when your phone or tablet is reactivated from sleep mode.  I know, you’re thinking, “what a hassle to have to enter a number or trace a pattern every time I want to use the phone,” but keep in mind that most thieves are looking for an easy target.  If the gadget they snatch turns out to be locked, someone looking to steal data is likely to abandon the endeavor rather than go to the effort of trying to hack past the lock screen.

 

Apple devices (as well as many other handheld gadgets) offer the option to erase all data in the event that the wrong code is entered more than ten times.  This safety measure immediately brings to my mind the image of my son relentlessly pressing buttons trying to get to his games until my phone is made useless.  However, if you’ve taken the precaution of backing up your data and apps to a cloud application (such as iCloud, SugarSync, etc), even an errant data wipe isn’t tragic.

 

Step Two:  Next, utilize a mobile security application that allows you to control your phone or tablet remotely in the event it is lost or stolen.  Look for one that shows your gadget’s approximate location (provided your device is powered and you have GPS activated) on an online map.  If it’s somewhere in or around your home, use the software to activate a repeating alarm beep to help you find it.  Should you discover it’s at your local Starbucks, or worse, in someone else’s possession, the application should allow you to remotely lock the phone, post a message on the home screen with your contact info, or if necessary remotely wipe your data.

 

iPhone, iPod and iPad users should activate Apple’s Find my iPhone (or Find my iPod/iPad). It does all of the things listed above; best of all it’s free and comes pre-installed on all current iOS mobile devices.  If you didn’t enable it when you activated your device, navigate through the Settings menu to the section for iCloud, then the Find My iPhone (iPod/iPad) option. Toggle the switch to ON. When prompted to allow the application to access your location, select Allow.

 

Avast! Free Mobile Security (www.avast.com/en-us/free-mobile-security#tab3) is a great free option for Android users. It runs silently in the background so it's difficult to detect or remove and can survive hard-resets. In addition to the features listed above, it includes a siren that gets louder if thieves try to turn it off and call forwarding so you don't miss a call or text while your phone is MIA.  If an unauthorized SIM card is detected, the phone will lock, activate the siren and send you a notification containing the phone's new number and geographic location.  All the anti-theft settings are able to be modified remotely, so they're easily customizable to your particular situation.

 

Andrea Eldridge is CEO and co-founder of Nerds On Call, an on-site computer and laptop repair service for consumers and businesses. Andrea is the writer of two weekly columns, Nerd Chick Adventures in The Record Searchlight, and Computer Nerds On Call, a nationally syndicated column for the Scripps-Howard News Service.  She regularly appears on ABC, NBC, FOX, and CBS on shows such as Good Day Sacramento, Good Morning Arizona and MORE Good Day Portland, offering viewers easy tips on technology, Internet lifestyle, and gadgets.  Andrea recently has begun working with Demand Media to produce content for eHow.com and has written a book for them Smartphone101: Integrating your iPhone into a Windows World. Andrea is available for Q & A’s, expert tech quotes and will appear on your show, call today! See Andrea in action at www.callnerds.com/andrea.

 

 

Social Media Election Apps

Election apps that work like Social Media?

Politics used to be an old man’s game. I mean, just look at the writers of the constitution. For years, it stayed that way. Then in the twenties, women got the right to vote and the game changed a little. But one of the last holdouts of the voting populace has not been by law, but by choice – or the lack thereof. For many years, the youth of America have not been nearly as actively involved in politics as the older generation. The 18-29 demographic turns out to polls about 14% less than those older than they. But that trend is changing. After a brief decline in the 90s, the youth vote is rising closer to the national average than ever before. And one of the reasons for this is the new focus on social media to promote the issues to those using the internet: the youth. One site attempts to offer an unbiased or at least user-driven) source for election information to the young demographic.

TheBallot.org, aimed at young voters, is one of the many new election apps that allows them to explore the election in the manner that they’re familiar with. Upon entering the site, potential voters can enter their address. The site then presents them with a list of applicable votes that they are eligible to cast, from local assembly people to statewide measures. From there, voters can explore the issues and read others’ opinions and see who has voted for what. They can use this information to register their vote and to leave comments for others to see. These responses can then be shared on Facebook or other social networking sites.

TheBallot.org was founded by the League of Young Voters (http://www.theleague.com). It was originally created for the 2008 election, but has not received much national attention. Their goal is to increase the youth vote by fostering a discussion of politics within that sphere. According to a study by UCSD, social networking like Facebook can have a massive effect on voter turnout. (http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/sep/12/facebook-message-boosts-voter-turnout-ucsd-study/) In the study, a message was sent to 60 million facebook users, which resulted in 340,000 new voters coming to the polls. While the results may not seem particularly impressive, this study and others were able to conclude that peers’ comments on social networking sides had a noticeable effect on voter turnout. TheBallot.org is attempting to harness this power for the good of the community and voter awareness.


Photo used by permission:League of Women Voters of California

Comparison Shop Your Life

Great Ways to Comparison Shop Online

While all the money-saving forums suggest you take a look at your latte habit to trim a few dollars from your budget, it's good to take stock of the things you pay for regularly to make sure you're getting a fair shake. This includes everything from your prescription medication coverage to your car insurance. We all know that prices continue going up. As much as we can't stop them, at least we can make sure what we're paying is fair.

Medical and Dental

I don't know about you, but I haven't got a clue what medical or dental procedures should cost these days, except that they're usually enough to empty my bank account. Health Care Blue Book (www.healthcarebluebook.com) can help. It's a free consumer guide to help you find fair prices for everything from surgeries to laboratory tests, tailored to your area based on your zip code. There's also a mobile app for iPhone and Android so you can price compare on the fly when you're sitting in your doctor's or dentist's office.

Prescriptions

Every month when I pick up my prescriptions, even when they’re covered by insurance, I wonder if I should be taking my business across the street for a better price. Short of calling around town, prescriptions can be as much as 90% cheaper when purchased online. PharmacyChecker (www.pharmacychecker.com) can help you decide which pharmacy is right for you. It's an independent evaluator of online pharmacies, designed to help you save money on your most-used medications. Compare prices of individual medicines, including shipping, and link directly to pharmacies through the website. They even offer pet medications!

Gas

Before you head out to gas up the car, check GasBuddy (http://gasbuddy.com/). Enter your zip code for a list of the cheapest gas prices in your area, reported by users like you who update the site on a daily (sometimes hourly) basis. Update the site yourself to help out your neighbors and earn points used to enter contests for free gas cards.

Phones

If you’re still using a landline, compare phone service rates using ABTolls (www.abtolls.com). Use your monthly bill to tailor the recommended plan to your specific needs. Enter the number of calls you make monthly and the minutes you use for long distance and local calling. Obtain information and advice regarding how to read your current long distance bill and avoid telecom scams.

Cellular services

LetsTalk (www.letstalk.com) helps you sort out all the cell phones and service plan options before you renew your contract. Purchase through their site or simply use them to shop around. Another site for all-things-cellular is Wirefly (www.wirefly.com). With a huge selection of the latest cell phones from all major carriers, you can renew your wireless contract without ever leaving your easy chair. Their satisfaction guarantee assures you can test out your new phone and service for up to 14 days before you commit.

Insurance

Insurance for your home, car or boat seems to go up every year, even if you haven't made a claim. It doesn't hurt to check out other companies to make sure you're getting the best deal. InsureMe (www.insureme.com) connects you with insurance agents in your area, helping you obtain free insurance quotes and eliminating the timely process of calling around yourself. Enter your information once and receive quotes from all the big names: State Farm, American Family, Farmers, etc. Don't forget to bundle your auto and home owners insurance for extra savings.

All else

Comparison Shopping.com (www.comparisonshopping.com) has links to comparison sites for just about anything you’re in the market for, from automotive to travel. Whether you’re looking to compare daycare providers or cable TV services, if a comparison site exists for the product or service you’ll find a link to it here. Enter what you’re looking for in the handy search function for a quick list of links to sites offering a roundup of options.

Photo used by permission Polycart

Nexus 7 vs. Kindle Fire vs. Nook

Nexus 7 Google Takes on the Tablets

This week Google went and set the tech world abuzz by announcing their new Nexus7 tablet, the result of a partnership with ASUS. Recent success of Amazon’s Kindle Fire has given Google hope that the small screen, inexpensive tablet market is one worth pursuing. Anyone who has considered adding a tablet to their arsenal of tech gadgets but has balked at the price tag (or paltry performance of most low-end tablets) should take a second look at the Nexus 7.

While your first inclination is probably to compare it to the iPad, the dominant tablet on the market, in truth the Nexus 7 wasn’t made to compete with the iPad. Its $199 starting price tag and 7” screen puts it squarely in the ring with the major eReader hybrids on the market: Amazon’s Kindle Fire and Barnes and Noble’s Nook Tablet. It’s not going to stand up as well against the iPad or pricier Android tablets, but when its $200 less it would be like comparing a Honda Civic to a Mercedes. Some of the basic functionality is the same, but without all the bells and whistles.

When it comes to hardware, the Nexus 7 outpaces every other similarly priced tablet on the market. It’s faster to respond to your input, lighter weight, and has a better resolution display. It also offers a front-facing 1.2 megapixel camera for video chat (through Skype or Google+) that the Fire and Nook lack.


It’s the first mobile handheld gadget to ship with the new Android 4.1 “Jellybean” OS. They’ve added the tweak of “Project Butter” (seriously, who thinks up the names for these things?) which promises to throttle up the CPU to make the OS more responsive. It uses predictive algorithms to anticipate your next move and respond more quickly.

Since the core function of a tablet is to view media (be it streamed from the web or stored on the device) and play games, display quality is a huge factor. While comparative tablets share the same screen size (7”), the Nexus 7’s display resolution is superior. On the Fire or Nook, you’ll do a lot of “pinch-to-zoom” to get the smaller text on a webpage or online magazine large enough to read comfortably. The Nexus 7’s higher resolution allows for smaller text to be clear and easier to read, making the experience of paging through media or surfing the web more enjoyable.

My issue with all low-priced tablets is how content is funneled through their proprietary channels. They’re really just a tool to purchase content through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and now Google. If you purchase and stream content from these sources anyway, you’re going to be married to the device that supports your library. In my opinion, Amazon offers the largest selection of inexpensive content, so if you’re planning to start a library I would be hard-pressed to steer you away from the Kindle Fire. For example, while Google Play offers most of the same magazine’s as Amazon, many of them are more expensive. No one can yet compete with Amazon’s library of eBooks, music and movies.

If you want to watch your own content (movies or photos) or listen to your own music on the device, the Nook is the only low-priced tablet that supports an expansion SD card. For those that wonder why storage on a tablet matters, the first long flight without internet access to stream new material will leave you wondering why you bothered packing your 8GB Fire or Nexus 7.

Verdict? Wait a couple months for the rumored next generation of Kindle Fire to be released. If it’s closer to the Nexus 7’s hardware specs you may be glad you waited. If you don’t plan to purchase content and are just looking for a low priced tablet to surf the net, play games and check your email, the Nexus 7 is absolutely the best small-screen, low priced tablet currently on the market.

Pinterest for Parents:Top Pinterest Pages for Parents

Pinterest for Parents

From adorable onesies to DIY crafts, Pinterest is full of great links for parents looking for ideas or guidance. Therein lies the rub: how can busy moms or dads narrow down the overwhelming sea of boards to find the ones that bring a little joy, peace, or motivation to their busy family? While everyone has their own parenting style, here are some pages that offer a great launching ground to find inspiration in the images and tools that fellow parents love.

Zina: Let’s Lasso the Moon

Creator of the hugely popular “The Parent Water Cooler” and “The Weekly Kids Co-op” boards, Zina has 270,000 followers. Her boards highlight interactive, creative and sensory-driven activities to allow your kids to explore their world. Her massive following often leads to a lively discussion among the comments on her links. Followers add suggestions, or confirm if they enjoyed a project or recipe, often offering tips to improve the original idea.

“The Parent Water Cooler” is a collaborative board intended to offer a place for parents to read about and comment on hot topics in parenting. From discussions about the state of the education system, to integrating technology into childhood learning, the pins are meant to engage followers in a parenting discussion while offering creative projects and activities to do with your kiddos.

For a collection of family oriented, educational activities geared toward kids from toddlers to pre-teens, check out “The Weekly Kid’s Co-op.” There are easy recipes to cook together, links to awesome birthday party ideas, and cute craft projects.

Cathy James @ NurtureStore

Cathy James’ pages are full of beautiful and engaging images of activities, learning tools, crafts and more that I can’t wait to do with my kids. There are 80 boards to choose from, including ideas by season, cooking with kids, sensory play crafts and much, much more. Her page includes links to Zina’s most popular boards, the “Kid Blogger Network” by PlayDrMom and “Reading and Writing Readiness” by Allison McDonald.

The “Kid Blogger Network” is a collaborative board from mom bloggers that focuses on activities and crafts to do with your kids. You’ll find lots of great DIY projects and suggestions for free activities to spend quality time with your little ones.

Allison McDonald’s pages focus on crafts and activities to aid in early childhood development. The “Reading and Writing Readiness” collaborative page aims to help parents encourage youngsters to learn letters and practice reading and writing with fun games, books and projects.

BabyCenter

With 31 boards of fun and colorful images, BabyCenter will carry you from maternity through creating the perfect kid’s playroom. This board falls under the category of images that appeal to me, which is frankly what Pinterest is all about.

Zulily

If you’re looking for a shopping-centric page, Zulily maintains 27 boards of adorable clothes, art and accessories for kids and mom. Their popular “daily deals for moms, babies and kids” has lead to a following of over 24,000.


Photo used by permission: dollarstorecrafts.com

Small Business Computers: Buy This Not That!

Small Business Computers: It's Important to Spend Wisely

According to a May 2012 report by the National Economic Council, there are 28 million small businesses in the U.S. employing 60 million Americans – roughly half of the private sector workforce. The balance between budgeting and productivity can be challenging to small firms, particularly those working to get (or maintain) a foothold in today’s economy.

As I travel for appearances on TV and radio, I am often asked what technology small business owners really need and what they can live without. With no further ado, here’s my “Buy This, Not That” series for the small office environment.

Buy Laptops, not Desktops (or Tablets)

The largest technology expense in a small office environment, especially one just starting out, is likely computers. Desktop computers are typically the most versatile, particularly to those who require a specialized configuration like dual monitors, upgraded graphics capability, or multiple peripheral attachments (like cameras, custom keyboards, or audio equipment). However, desktops lack mobility, often making it a hassle to work from home or on the road.

According to a Yankee Group report published in 2008, more than 50 million U.S. workers are considered mobile (i.e. away from their primary workspace more than 20% of the time). To a small business owner or executive, the ability to access a work project when away from the office is often pivotal to success and productivity.


Instead, consider equipping employees with laptops and docking stations. This will give you the best of both worlds at minimal additional cost. A docking station allows you to connect a laptop to a multitude of additional devices with one plug, typically via USB. Look for one that includes software to allow your system to function with the top closed, so that you can utilize external keyboards, mice and monitors. When deadlines loom (and, frankly, when don’t they?), the laptop has the portability to allow you to continue working from anywhere. No need to remotely access software or data from a secondary system – everything is exactly where you left off. Yet when you return to the office, one connection lets you work under optimal conditions to ensure your comfort and efficiency during your workday.

I like the Toshiba Dynadock U3.0 Universal USB Connect Docking Station which works with any Windows-based computer and is available for around $130. Its built-in video card supports two large monitors and the HDMI-out port allows you to view 1080p HD videos or games on an external display. It supports network data transfer over USB 3.0 and surround sound through either HDMI or 3.5mm audio. Compared to the two to four USB ports on many laptops, the six USB slots will increase the number of peripherals you can connect.

This is also a great option for allowing multiple users to share a specialized piece of equipment, like a large monitor or projector. Set up the docking station and whoever is hosting today’s sales conference can get going with a single connection.

A note about tablets: while their versatility is improving with every year, they are not yet functional enough to warrant outfitting your small office with them unless you need to fulfill a specific purpose. They certainly are not powerful enough to take the place of a standard desktop or laptop in an office environment.

Stay tuned next week for the “Buy This, Not That” recommendations for your small office network. If you have questions or would like more of my recomendations for small business computers drop me a note here.

Photo used by permission: cliff1066

How To: Set Up A Wireless Network

Setup Your Wireless Network The Nerds' Way

These days, you need a wireless network to take full advantage of high-speed Internet, streaming TV, handheld electronics, gaming systems and even some appliances. But most users have no real understanding of how a wireless network works, or what to do when it drops a connection. This two-part series will address the basic components in a network, its setup, and troubleshooting tips to keep you surfing the net smoothly.

If you have more than one Internet-ready device, you'll find many advantages to setting up a network. All the computers on your network can share files, access network-capable devices (such as shared printers and backup drives), and get online through a single high-speed Internet connection (such as cable, DSL, etc.).

A router acts as a hub, enabling your connected devices to communicate with each other. A wireless router broadcasts network and Internet access within a certain range, allowing your son to get online from his room upstairs while you cruise the net from your laptop in the living room.

How To Pick The Right Wireless Router

Choosing a wireless router can be confusing because of multitudinous specifications. A basic 802.11N wireless router will serve most home users looking to get all their devices online. It will work with new systems and will be compatible with older 802.11B and G devices.

Provided that you're dealing with reliable brands such as D-Link, Cisco, Netgear or Linksys, the less expensive the router, the easier its setup likely will be. Don't get swayed by the "top of the line" version unless you specifically need heavy file sharing, business-grade security or the like.

My company typically installs D-Link routers, because we find that brand reliable, cost-effective (starting at $50) and easy to set up. The tech media website Cnet recommends the Cisco Valet Plus for a basic, single-band router, calling it "the easiest-to-use wireless router that we've seen" (prices start at $50 on Amazon).

How To Set Up A Wireless Router

Most routers come with a disk and promise to run the installation software. But setting up a network rarely goes smoothly. I'd recommend that anyone looking to set up their own wireless network review a how-to guide such as "How to Set Up a Home Network In 5 Simple Steps," by Samara Lynn on PCMag.com. It will give you a more detailed arsenal of troubleshooting tips.

When naming your network, consider using something that you'll recognize (i.e., don't use the default "D-Link," because your neighbors may do the same) but that doesn't identify you (not your name or phone number). A wireless network is inherently dangerous if you don't restrict access. An unsecured wireless network allows anyone within range to access unprotected data on the systems in your home, or use your Internet connection for illegal pursuits (transmit viruses or pirated content, etc.). At the very least, turn on WPA encryption and set a password on your router so that users must log in to connect.

If you have any questions about setting  up a wireless network check out our home network page. We're always here for you.

[transcript]
Hi, I'm Ryan from Nerds on Call and today, we're going to be talking about setting up an wireless network. One of the reasons you probably want to have a wireless network in your home is because of all the devices that can share the internet. For example if you've got a tablet like iPad or an iPod or if you've got a smartphone or even a cable box these days, it needs to get on the internet. Setting up a wireless internet allows you to let all those devices share it at the same time without running cables all over the place.

One of the first things you want to look at is buying a router. The routers range anywhere from 802.11N., 802.11G, 802.11B and all kinds of other weird numbers and letters. The reality is that you don't need to buy the most expensive on the market, but you don't want to buy the cheapest no-name brand, either. The best thing to look for is a mid-range, name brand router that you've heard of before, something like Linksys, Cisco or D-Link. At my company, we tend to use D-Link and we have a lot of success with them.

Since 2008, almost every computer comes with a wireless card already inside it, so you don't have to worry about buying extra hardware unless your computers are much older or you have a desktop machine that may not have a wireless card. If you're going to be buying a wireless card, make sure you buy one that's the same manufacturer as your router D-Link, Cisco, or something like that.

One of the last options you want to pay attention to when setting up your wireless network is making sure you choose a good wireless network name. Usually, people want to use their last name but it's better to use something non identifiable, like "Virus-Riddled Network" or "Stay Away!" and then you want to password protect it. If you live in a community with a lot of homes and neighbors, you don't want everyone jumping on and doing all kinds of weird stuff on your network. Make sure you put a password on it. WPA encryption is usually the best. I'm Ryan from Nerds On Call. Thanks for watching.
[/transcript]

Can An iPad Replace A Laptop

iPad vs. Laptop: Can an iPad replace a laptop?

As the new school year approaches, the question I get asked most often is, "Should I buy a laptop or a tablet?" Apple's Steve Jobs has asserted that we are living in a "post-PC world". can an iPad replace a laptop?

To test the theory, I traveled to Florida with my 2-year old, bearing my iPad 2 but no laptop. When an article needed editing, I realized that while it would be possible for the iPad to do everything I needed, it wasn't going to work for me straight out of the box. It needed modification.

If you are considering ditching your laptop, whether it's for a trip or for good, here's my guide to making it possible.

Touch screen vs keyboard

Microsoft Word vs iWork
With or without a keyboard, creating or editing a document or spreadsheet on your iPad isn't going to be easy unless you make an aftermarket modification. Microsoft Office isn't available on the iPad, but Apple's iWork suite will give you most of its functionality at a fraction of the cost. Pages, Numbers and Keynote handily replace Word, Excel and PowerPoint , and cost $5 each through the Apple app store. All the content you create in these programs is cross compatible, so if you edit a Word document on your iPad using Pages, you can open and edit it later in Word with no difficulty.

As much as we'd all love to be paper-free, there are inevitably times when you need to print something. You can search the iPad for a USB port, but to no avail. Printing something off your iPad will require accessing a printer wirelessly. To make the process as painless as possible, look for a printer that is compatible with Airplay, Apple's proprietary wireless application.

Universal Acsess
Finally, sometimes I need a particular program that isn't compatible with the iPad, or I need to transfer content to another device. The lack of a USB port or disk drive can make this challenging. But with Logmein Ignition ($30 in the app store), you can remotely access your home or office computer via the Internet. Install the companion app on your laptop or desktop and leave it running while you are away. Now you can access everything on your home or office system from your iPad, from World of Warcraft to your accounting software.

What do you think? Can an iPad replace a laptop? If you're still nervous about unplugging from your laptop or desktop, share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.


[transcript]
Hi, I'm Ryan from Nerds On Call and today we're going to talk about whether you can replace your laptop with your iPad. There's nothing cooler than an iPad, but when you start using it, after a while you start to think do I really need both a laptop and an iPad? Well, one of the first things you're going to notice is when you start using an iPad there's no keyboard, you tap on the screen. Well, that can be fantastic for short emails or Tweets or Facebook updates, but let's say you have to do a long email or a very long document. You'll find that tapping on the screen can get kind of tiresome and correcting is really difficult, but if you buy a keyboard like the one from Zagg.com, you could connect it to your iPad with Bluetooth and it turns it into a laptop.

With or without a keyboard, editing a document on an iPad is kind of difficult. While you get the touch screen so you can move around your cursor and decide exactly what you want to edit. It's not as intuitive or easy to use if you're used to a mouse and a keyboard. Another thing to keep in mind about the iPad is if you're used to using Microsoft Office for Word and Excel, you don't get those on an iPad, but what you do get is Apple's version called Pages or Numbers. So you'll have to learn a new kind of software just to get some of the basic stuff done that you're already used to.

As much as I'd like to live in a paper-free world and have everything go digital, I still have to print things every now and then. Well, with a laptop it's relatively easy, I don't even have to think about it anymore. But with an iPad only AirPlay enabled printers will work. One of the saving graces for the iPad though is a little piece of software called LogMeIn. For $50 in the app store you can use your iPad to access your computer or your Mac and do everything that they can do. So can you replace your laptop with your iPad? Yeah, it can be done, but you're going to have a lot of compromise and if you're willing to take that step, it could be kind of cool.
[/transcript]

Cyber Bullying: Protecting Your Kids Online

How to protect against cyber bullying

Nerd Chicks love a happy ending. Cliff hangers at the end of our favorite TV shows drive us nuts. After last weeks discussion of types of cyber bullying and the ways our kids are at risk, you may have been left thinking, 'Ok, now that we're sufficiently concerned, what's a parent to do?' Never fear, this week we're exploring ways to reduce the risk that your child will become a victim of cyber bullying.

Disclaimer time: you know your kids and your family best. Some parents may be comfortable with a more hands off approach involving open communication with a trusted child, while others may need a little more control. We're here to present some options to help you decide the path that's right for your family. The main components to protecting any child are communication and education. Teach your kids to be vigilant about protecting their private information. Check out Stop Cyber Bullying together to read about the ways cyberbullies target victims and how to get help if you think you've been a victim. There's even a quiz to help kids determine if they're unwittingly engaging in activities that may be victimizing others. If you don't find all you need there, Wired Safety and Netsmartz and are great sources of Internet safety information.

E-Mail and Social Networking Sites: Anyone can create an email address and the person's identification is rarely verified. Make sure your kids know not to open emails from unknown senders, even if the name looks familiar, and to be especially wary of attachments. Make sure they never share their passwords with anyone but you. Set your child's Facebook or Twitter account privacy settings at the highest possible security level to prevent private information from being shared unintentionally and publicly.

Cell Phones: Talk to your kids about "sexting" and the inherent dangers in participating. It can be illegal, images can be used against them by a bully, and it may affect their scholastic future. Encourage them to talk to you if they ever receive a text or picture message that makes them uncomfortable. Research shows that when parents are involved in their kids' activities they're less likely to engage in these behaviors. Whether that means limiting their per-month texting allowances or monitoring the texts and pictures they receive, let your kids know that limits you set are to help protect them.


Instant Messaging (IM): IM accounts can be acquired anonymously. Review your child's buddy list for unknown contacts and talk to him or her about the identities of the people on their list. Learn as many of the chat acronyms as you can, such as POS (parent over shoulder) and A/S/L (age/sex/location) so you'll be aware of anyone saying anything inappropriate to your child.

How do you know if your child is being bullied? They may avoid the computer, cell phone, and other technological devices or appear stressed when receiving an e-mail, IM or text. They may withdraw from friends or family, or be reluctant to attend school or social events. If you suspect your child is being bullied, trust your instincts.

Finally, you have technology on your side. We've detailed parental control and monitoring software in the past, but Spector Pro 6.0 is the best solution for parent that suspect their child may try to circumvent parental controls or monitoring if they are aware of them. It runs silently in the background so that no one but you will know it's installed. It documents every keystroke, website visited, e-mail sent and received, chats and IMs. Everything they do on Facebook, including if they're maintaining multiple accounts, will be captured. It may even provide you with the proof you need to report a bully to their ISP, their school, or higher authorities.

For more tips on how to protect your family from cyber bullying, drop us a note on Facebook (facebook.com/nerdsoncall) or email us at nerdchick@callnerds.com.

How To Help Kids Deal With Social Media Cyber Bullying

Cyber Bullying happens 24/7

From Facebook, to Twitter, to Foursquare, social media sites are everywhere and full of virtual land mines for our teens. They can quickly become a victim of cyber bullying.

Anything they say can and may be used against them by a bully at school, a college admissions counselor or a future boss. There are numerous ways they're exposed to the world, from harsh life lessons to predators and scam artists. It's important for parents to teach them how to navigate social media safely, and avoid cyber bullying.

Our mom used to say, "Never put anything in writing that you don't want published on the front page of The New York Times," and this warning definitely applies to present-day social media. That photo of your teen doing something exceptionally dumb can be used against them: by a schoolmate playing a prank, or worse, school administrators - even the police.

A few tips:

1. Caution them not to post anything that could trace them back to their location offline or allow a criminal to take advantage of them, like their full name, Social Security number, address or phone number.


2. Make sure their screen name does not contain any personal information such as email address or birth date.


3. Remind them that under no circumstances should they post anything sexually oriented about themselves or anyone else.

Just as we teach our kids to be polite members of society, there are social ramifications to not using their manners online. It's really difficult to convey tone in text, so be especially careful when you're joking. "Please" and "thank you" (pls and ty if you're texting) go a long way in electronic communications. They help the recipient feel that you're not demanding when you make a request.

Also, teach them to avoid the "rant." No one appreciates being yelled at in the real world, and using bold fonts, lots of exclamation points or all caps is the Internet equivalent.

The best resource we've found for parents to help their kids stay safe on Facebook is "A Parents' Guide to Facebook". It's written by the co-directors of ConnectSafely, a nonprofit organization designed for kids, parents and educators to join in a public discussion about online safety. It's intended to help parents have more meaningful discussions about Facebook, including how to best use it and its built-in protections.

For example, did you know that Facebook has extra protections in place for users between the ages of 13 and 18? That's one reason it's important for your child to report her birth date correctly. In this pamphlet, you'll learn how to gain greater control over your child's Facebook account without being too intrusive into his privacy.

OnGuardOnline , managed by the Federal Trade Commission in partnership with over a dozen government agencies, is literally a treasure-trove of information. The OnGuard Online Blog has up-to-the-minute articles on everything from preventing victimization by online scammers to teaching your kids how to protect themselves online.

Several videos are laugh-out-loud funny (under the Video and Media tab), designed to engage kids with animation and humor while teaching them about online safety. Check out the hilarious one-minute videos about "phishing" (titled "Phishy Home," "Phishy Store," etc.) about criminals trying to obtain personal information to steal your identity.

If you think your teens may be getting themselves into real trouble, trust your instincts. Our primary recommendation is to talk to them first about their experiences. Encourage them to tell you if they feel anxious, uncomfortable or threatened.

We've mentioned this product before, but if you feel like you're not getting the whole story and have exhausted all other options, Spector Pro 6.0 from SpectorSoft can be a useful tool. Designed to document every keystroke, website visited, email sent and received, chat and IM, and all their social media activities, it runs in "ghost mode" so it's undetectable by your child. One word of caution: since it's only installed on your home computer, it's easily circumvented by accessing the Internet from a mobile device or friend's computer.

If stalking your kids on Facebook still isn't keeping them safe, email us at nerdchick@callnerds.com for more tips to protect your kids from social media dangers.

Want a New Computer? What You Need to Know Now!

Everything you need to know about buying a new computer.

Buying a new computer can be almost as stressful as buying a new car. How do you find the best fit for your needs without blowing your budget? If you sign on for all the bells and whistles, or have your heart set on a top-of-the-line Mac, that new computer could set you back more than a down payment on a Civic. Before you pull out your credit card, let’s review some options so you can pick the right machine.

New Computer: The Best PC:

Desktop: A desktop PC is usually the most appropriate PC option for a family in which more than one person will regularly use it. The good news is that desktop PCs are relatively inexpensive, endlessly customizable and will likely run just about any software program you throw at them. The bad news is that once you get the desktop home and set up, it’s not going anywhere (without you risking a lower back injury).If price and personalization are more important than portability, I’m a fan of Dell’s “build-to-suit” options. Dell Inspiron i570-9114BK Desktop ($399-$450) is a great bargain PC! Just keep in mind you’ll still need to budget for a monitor. If you aren’t sure that a Desktop computer is your best fit, continue reading. Our guide to buying a new computer has a lot of helpful tips.

Netbook: Often confused with a tablet (think iPad), this is more like a miniature, pared-down laptop. Netbooks are cheap, tiny and, well, cheap. They offer inexpensive, portable access to the Web, with the ability to do some word processing. The price point is alluring — typically $200 to $400 — which is certainly less than a tablet with a keyboard add-on. However, netbooks aren’t very powerful so programs tend to run very slowly, their screens are small (typically around 10 inches), and you won’t get the cool touch screen you would with a tablet. If price and portability trump functionality, consider Acer Aspire One ($270) we think it’s the best notebook for the price.

Laptop: If you need a fully functioning computer that can run a multitude of software programs and still travel with you from home to school or office, a laptop is likely your best bet. You can customize your options much like a desktop, which means that prices can vary greatly. Expect to pay around $500 for a basic, fully functioning laptop. The basic system I like is HP g7-1310us Laptop ($500).

New Computer: The Best Apple Computer:

The Mac vs. Windows debate rages in many households, even mine. While the Mac user’s “I don’t get viruses” claim is not entirely true (Mac computers can be infected with Malware), only a handful of infections have attacked Mac systems in the last decade. With prices starting as $1,000, Macs are certainly more expensive than Windows PCs, and they’re typically pre-built — so don’t plan on much customization. However, Apple commands a higher price because Mac hardware typically is superior to that of an entry-level PC; a similarly equipped Windows machine would cost around the same. And many argue that the Mac’s software better accommodates graphic design and video editing.

The 27-inch iMac Desktop Is an extremely powerful computer. This Mac is perfect if you are a graphic designer, Video Editor, other digital creative fields. The screen is so large, that it is perfect for people who work with multiple windows opened at once. Because Apple iMac 27-Inch Desktop ($1,900) is geared for graphics, it’s fast processor makes it a good gaming computer as well.

13-inch Apple Macbook is an awesome laptop computer, if your budget allows, this laptop will last for a long time and accommodate almost any project you will encounter. Apple iMac 27-Inch Desktop ($1,100) computers are even capable of running the Microsoft Windows Operating Systems. If you are looking for the best all-in-one laptop, consider a Mac Book.

WANT MORE HELP? If you’ve narrowed down your choices but still have some questions about upgrades, components or where to get the best deal, ask us a question in the comments, and I’ll spill all my insider secrets to help you buy the ABSOLUTE BEST COMPUTER for your needs and budget.

[transcript]Hi. I'm Ryan from Nerds On Call, and today we're going to be talking about how to buy a new computer. Well, these days, computers come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. From desktops to laptops to netbooks, and then there's that crazy Apple. So, what do you do when you're looking for a new computer?

Well, let's talk about desktops first. That's the main computer that's out there. When you buy a new desktop, you don't want to buy the highest, most expensive computer you can find because it'll out date quickly. So, what you want to do is look for a mid range PC, something that's affordable, around the $300-$500  range, because you can upgrade just about anything inside of a desktop tower fairly easily. Where you really want to spend some extra dough though, is probably on a monitor. That's what you're going to be looking at all day, so you want to make sure it's crisp and clear, and easy to see.

Another kind of computer is the netbook. Now, these are usually really small, about 11 inches or so, and they're nice because they're really portable and easy to use. Right now, tablets are starting to take over the market though, so a netbook is kind of becoming outdated. The keyboards are a little small, they're under powered, and their battery life isn't the greatest. These days, I would probably stay away from a netbook and look more at a tablet.

Laptop computers are probably the most dominant kind of computer to buy these days because they're so easy and portable and they're getting cheaper and cheaper. When you look at a laptop, generally what you want to do is buy is the highest end that you could afford. The reason why? You can't really upgrade them very easily. Sure, you can add some ram or hard drive if you know what you're doing, but usually it's going to take a specialist to fix things from the keyboard to the screen to just about anything else in it. So you want to spend a little extra money on a laptop to make sure that you get the best one that's going to last the longest.

So, one of the biggest arguments at my house is weather you go Apple, or weather you go PC. It doesn't really matter these days. It really depends on your support group. If you've got a lot of friends and family that are using Apple products, you should probably go Apple. But if everybody's using Windows that you know, use Windows. You're going to need some support  to make sure you get help when you need it.[/transcript]

Cyber bullying: What It's All About

Cyber Bullying - What the heck is it?

As a computer repair company we feel a responsibility, not just to fix computers, but to also be a positive influence in the world of technology. These days we spend more of our lives online than ever before and our kids are certainly no exception. Parents and caregivers hear more and more about the risks our kids are exposed to on the internet and it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the flood of risks and tips. One question we get over and over from parents is how to protect their family from cyber bullying. In this 2-part series, we'll explain the lingo and give you some tools to arm your kids in cyber-land so you can protect them even when you're not with them.

There are so many terms that refer to online abuses; it can be hard to keep them straight. "Cyber bullying" is harassing or intimidating someone over the internet through mediums such as email, instant messaging, social networking sites (e.g. Facebook and MySpace) and cell phones. There are several types of cyber bullying:

Flaming and Trolling - sending or posting hostile messages intended to '93inflame'94 the emotions of others.

Happy-Slapping - recording someone being harassed or bullied in a way that usually involves physical abuse, then posting the video online for public viewing.

Identity Theft/Impersonation - stealing someone's password and/or hijacking their online accounts to send or post incriminating or humiliating pictures, videos or information.

Photoshopping - doctoring digital images so that the main subject is placed in a compromising or embarrassing situation.

Physical Threats - sending messages that involve threats to a person'92s physical safety.

Rumor Spreading - spreading gossip through e-mail, text, or social networking sites.

Cell Phones Risks: A recent study from the Pew Internet & American Life Project (www.pewinternet.org) shows that teens (ages 12-17) use text messaging to communicate with their friends more than e-mail or instant messaging. "Sexting" is a sexually-explicit text or picture message sent by one minor to another. According to Pew, only about 4% of the teens they surveyed say they have sent sexually suggestive nude or nearly nude image of themselves to someone via text message; however, 15% have received one, and older teens are more likely to be the recipient.

Online Gaming: Online gaming allows your child to communicate with hundreds (sometimes thousands) of other people inside a giant chat room (which is not always bad, in fact we have also talked about the positive effects of gaming here). The anonymity can provide your child with some safeguards - if they don't tell anyone who they are then no one is likely to target them. However, they can leave themselves pretty exposed if they share too much personal information, or get too emotionally invested in the game. These games often have a competitive aspect to them, from fighting with other players for in-game items to "killing" other players, sometimes extremely realistically. Bullies may feel empowered to be mean and can go to extreme lengths to follow another player around, mock them, repeatedly "kill" them or spam them with nasty messages.

Social Networking, Email and Instant Messaging: Children sometimes forget that what they share or post can be forwarded just as instantly as it was received, setting themselves up as a potential target if they share private information. Some kids intentionally post or share intimate details of their lives because they believe it will help them gain popularity. This can leave them a prime target for a cyber bullying.

read part2

With all the ways they're potentially exposed to danger, should you just unplug and live off-grid? Next week we will share our tips and tricks to help keep your kids safe online. In the meantime, drop us a note on Facebook or email us at nerdchick@callnerds.com for help with your family's cyber situation.

photo by: cc511

Computer Repair: What to buy now that can save you later

Computer repair savings, what to buy now, and what you can pass on.

By: Andrea Eldridge CEO and co-founder of Nerds On Call, an on-site computer and laptop repair service company.

You don't have to buy the latest, top-of-the-line option every time you shop for technology. I know I risk being shunned by the nerd community for saying it, but there are times to splurge and times to save.

This doesn't apply to some people -- gamers, graphic designers, photographers and others -- with special requirements for their computers and gadgets. However, many computer users have a basic set of technology needs that can be met without shelling out a lot of money for the best of the best.

Surprisingly, you can shop for a deal on desktop or tower PCs. The parts are readily changeable from one tower to the next, so if something dies you can call a computer repair company to replace it without much difficulty. If you decide you need more RAM, it's an easy and relatively inexpensive process to upgrade. Limit your bargain shopping to a reputable computer manufacturer, such as Dell or HP, so you get a year's warranty. Because most hardware failure caused by poor craftsmanship occurs in the first year, this will ensure you aren't stuck with a dud.

Spend your desktop tower savings on getting the best monitor you can afford. Because it's the part of your system you'll stare at day in and day out, monitor size and quality will have a far greater impact on your computing enjoyment than a somewhat faster processor. Splurge on the biggest high-definition screen you can afford and fit in your space.

Before you buy, check out pros and cons on professional tech review sites such as CNet or PCWorld. User reviews from sites like Amazon and Newegg reveal problems that may arise after extended use.

Unfortunately, you can't cut corners when shopping for a laptop. Aim to get the best hardware you can afford.

Because a laptop's compact, internal parts -- such as fans and input ports -- are often specific to the machine, a laptop may require custom orders, in many cases direct from the manufacturer. This makes laptop computer repair more costly and the upgrades can be expensive too.

A laptop's portability makes it more likely to get banged around, so it's important to get high quality, durable materials. Pay attention to screen quality and buy as much RAM, processor speed and battery life you can. Upgrade now so you get as much life as possible from your machine.

Shopping for a laptop? Using the words "iPad" and "bargain" in the same sentence may seem like an oxymoron. But because a tablet is an entertainment device; you don't need the latest and greatest. Now that the third-generation iPad has been released, you can get an iPad2 for $100 less, and it's substantially the same. You may not notice the improved screen quality as much as that extra money in the bank.

Big-box retailers make their money on cables. That's why they're prominently displayed near the cash register: They're like fruity cocktails at a restaurant -- they're marked up several hundred times. But the truth is, there's negligible difference between a $5 cable purchased online from a site like monoprice.com, and a $50 cable you get off the shelf at Best Buy. Save your money.

[transcript]Buying the latest technology can be tough and expensive, especially when a new more advanced version seems to pop every day. Ken is with one of our resident nerds right now, and they'll tell us when to save and when to splurge on technology.

Ken: Thank you, Marianne. I'm standing by with Andrea of Nerds On Call. Good to see you again. How are you?

Andrea: Good. How about you?

Ken: I'm fantastic. I'm going to embarrass you for a second so get ready.

Andrea: Of course.

Ken: Can you step aside just for a second?

Andrea: Step aside?

Ken: Okay. Look how amazing this lady looks. She had a baby three months ago. Her daughter Isabelle is three months old today. She looks fantastic. You look awesome, Sugar.

Andrea: Thank you. Thank you.

Ken: All right. Okay. Now enough of that nonsense. All right. This is all about when to save and when to splurge. And people kind of don't know when to do that, especially when we're talking about these high tech gadgets.

Andrea: Absolutely. Yes. And everybody thinks you have to buy the top of the line. And you would expect me to tell you you have to buy top of the line. And I should probably give the little caveat, which is I know there are people with special circumstances.

Ken: Right.

Andrea: If you're an engineer, if you are a graphic designer, you're going to need some specific equipment.

Ken: Right.

Andrea: But this for the rest of us.

Ken: Okay.

Andrea: The rest of us that can get away with saving some money. When it comes to a desktop tower PC, you actually do not have to buy top of the line.

Ken: Really?

Andrea: You can save. The parts inside this are pretty interchangeable, so you can upgrade later if you need to. And if a piece dies, you can pull it out and replace it pretty easily because it's got so much space to work with. So save on your desktop. Just find the best bargain that you can for the money that you can spend. What you're going to want to spend your money on in this type of a setup is actually going to be on your monitor. Your monitor is going to be where you're going to notice everyday what you're looking at, size and clarity of image, so spend the money on your monitor. Save on your tower.

Ken: Okay.

Andrea: So that will be your save and your splurge. Now, when it comes to a laptop, that's actually not the case. With a laptop, it's an all-in-one unit. It's a little bit more expensive to fix, to upgrade later. You're going to want spend the money now. This is going to be your splurge item. Not to mention it's an all-inclusive unit, so your screen is all part of the same device. So you kind of need to make sure that you get something good from the beginning. And you are also going to be banging it around a little bit more. It's a laptop so it's in your bag. It's out traveling with you. So you want something that's durable and that's going to last you.

Ken: A lot of folks would think that the iPad would be a splurge item.

Andrea: You know, the reality is when it comes to tablets, nobody "needs" a tablet. I know. I know. I know it's hard to say.

Ken: Cody is not here, right? Cody is not here, is he? Okay. Cody, block your ears.

Andrea: For the most part, it's an entertainment device, so really, you don't want to spend for top of the line item. My recommendation with the iPad is actually, since they just came out with the third generation iPad, it's the perfect time to get an iPad 2.

Ken: Exactly.

Andrea: There is not a huge difference between the two versions right now for the basic user, if you're using it for entertainment. And you can actually, it's the only time you can save with an Apple device, is when they come out with a new one.

Ken: Exactly.

Andrea: So now is the time and save if you can. Just try and remember that it's an entertainment device and it's for fun.

Ken: Now, I would think that with your connecting cables, you would need to go high end to make sure that you don't interrupt your connection. You always have a nice strong connection. No?

Andrea: You would think that, but you know what I liken cables to are the fruity drinks of the technology industry. It's really where a lot of big-box retailers make their money. These cables cost, like, $2, but you buy them off the shelf at a big-box retailer and you're spending $20 to $50. They are the same, really. You don't need the gold plating. I promise you'll be OK.

Ken: All right. That's going to do it. We're going to send, put most of this information on GoodDaySacramento.com, link it to Show Info. Andrea, thank you so much. Good to see you, and you look fantastic.

Andrea: Thanks. Thank you.

Ken: Tell Baby Isabelle we said hello.

Andrea: Absolutely.

Ken: That's Nerds On Call. Marianne, back to you.

Marianne: Thanks. And if you need help from Nerds On Call, here is the phone number for them: (800) 919-NERD. They're just on the Carmichael/Sacramento line, 4315 Marconi Avenue.[/transcript]