Computers, Laptops & Tablets

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

Should you bring a laptop with you on your holidays? Many people would argue against it, saying that technology has no place on a vacation, especially one where you’re spending time outdoors or where there are kids involved. I’m sorry, but the genie is out of the bottle in terms of technology intruding on trips and kids are smack in the middle of it all, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet or handheld game console they’re clutching. My suggestion is to embrace technology and bring your laptop. With a few tweaks, it can become your mobile vacation entertainment hub, perfect for keeping your sanity during those inevitable downtimes.

Your kid has finally graduated, is going off into the big wide world, and you’re looking for a grad gift that says “I know you, I love you… but I’m not buying you a car.” Seriously, here are a few suggestions for graduation gifts that your kid will actually use, and have with them everywhere they go.

  Apple doesn’t just make computers and mobile devices, they create entire ecosystems for getting work done, creating projects as well as enjoying audio and video entertainment. Here are some Apple products that can help make the most of the summer.

Being ubiquitous has its advantages, and like music, photos and video, it’s just as easy to take a library of your own books wherever you go, too. Kobo has its line of eReaders, but it also has a dedicated app that brings the experience of reading, browsing and downloading new books to a number of devices and platforms. It’s a free app that aims to appeal to those who like to read on their smartphones and tablets.

A new upgraded version of WIndows means big changes in how you use your home PC. You have to learn how all the new bells and whistles work, so call in the experts to help you: your kids!

For the past few weeks, I’ve been exploring the ever shrinking PC. From the Ultrabook to the mini PC, computers have gotten smaller with every generation. However, in this final series post, I’ll look at PCs that have resisted the trend and seem unlikely to get the mini treatment any time soon.