Computers, Laptops & Tablets

Not every stylus is the same, and nor does each one serve the same purpose on the iPad. FiftyThree’s Pencil stylus is like a carpenter’s pencil—thicker, with a rectangular form factor that precludes it from rolling away at any given time. With rubberized tips at both ends, Bluetooth connectivity and a fully-featured app, the Pencil is more an artistic tool than a stylus for basic navigation.

With Windows 10 almost here it’s time to set your mind to getting your PC ready for the big upgrade. I know many people are looking forward to upgrading as soon as possible, and with the update just a matter of days away from public availability there are a few simple steps you can take to make sure you’re ready to take the leap into this new generation of Windows as quickly and as smoothly as possible.  

With so much of your life connected to the online world, it’s time to engage in some digital defensive driving to protect yourself and your information from malicious activity. Time to get cyber safe!

At the end of July, Microsoft will launch its brand new operating system called Windows 10. For many users still hanging on tightly to Windows 7 or XP—or who got stuck with the critically and consumer-panned Windows 8—it’s a free upgrade … but is it worth it? We take a look at the new operating system’s biggest improvements.

July 29. That’s the date circled on many PC owners’ calendars; the day that Windows 10 will finally launch—at least for PCs and laptops. The Start Menu is back, but this latest version of Microsoft’s operating system is a lot more than simply getting a much missed feature back. Millions of Windows Insiders have been putting the software through its paces for months and in only a few weeks, it can be powering your PC. If you aren’t already excited about July 29, I’ve put together a list of the coolest things to look forward to in the new Windows 10. That should help get you in the mood.

Like many Canadians, I spend much of my winter looking forward to summer. However, summer isn’t all BBQs, beaches and convertibles. Canadian parents are also facing the yearly ritual of keeping the kids busy now that school’s out. This aspect of summer is especially challenging for working parents, many of whom have the added worry of kids being home alone. I’ve put together some tips for using your PC to keep your kids entertained and out of trouble during summer vacation.

A few years ago, you couldn’t have paid me to switch to a tablet that cost less than $150. However, one of the great things about technology is the trickle down effect and that has changed the tablet game. Just like you can now buy an entry level car with tech that used to be exclusive to premium vehicles–like anti-lock brakes or a Bluetooth capable sound system—many entry level tablets now offer features that used to set the more expensive models apart. I just wrapped up a few days using the Insignia 8-inch Windows 8 tablet and came away impressed. This device is proof that an entry level tablet is more than capable of filling many peoples’ casual tablet needs without spending a fortune.

I spend the majority of most working days researching and writing. But I also have frequent periods where I have the opportunity to put some of the latest high tech gear through its paces. That is one of those “cool” aspects of my job. What people don’t always realize, though, is that this gear usually has to go back, and that can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Not so cool. Case in point, I just had the opportunity to review a new Philips 40-inch widescreen 4K Ultra HD monitor. This is a beautiful piece of equipment and something that would be a real benefit to me. But it had to go back. While I ponder whether my office budget could be tweaked to support an upgrade like this, here are my thoughts on this behemoth of a computer monitor.

Summer is the favourite season for many people, but in parts of Canada summer also means thunder, lightning and severe weather. That can be bad news for delicate electronics like computers, TVs and game consoles. Summer is also a peak demand time for electricity and that can lead to power brownouts and blackouts. Throw construction in the mix—another source of summer power outages—and it makes sense to take measures that ensure your gear isn’t damaged or offline when you really need it. Here’s how to protect your tech during thunderstorm season.

Cleaning your PC both physically and digitally can be as essential to keeping everything running well as dusting your home or checking the oil in your car. A little routine maintenance can go a very long way indeed yet it is something many people neglect. With just a little routine TLC your computer can be kept running like new for many years and it doesn’t even have to be much work if you have the right tools for the job