#HighTechDad™

[hightechdad]

I truly haven’t had hands-on time with a Windows laptop in quite a few years. My wife is the one Windows user in my family, and while I have tried to keep my skills tuned to understand Windows, I’m a bit behind the times. But as I write this review, I’m doing it on the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 laptop, and I honestly have to say, I’m impressed. But this review is not about Windows (although the Yoga 9i is running Windows 11 Home); it is more about the hardware that has been engineered to take advantage of the latest version of Windows. And I’m having fun fine-tuning my Windows skills! (*Disclosure below.) Being a tech writer evaluating all types of hardware specifically focused on Family Tech as well as helping others solve technology problems, I need to be sure that I’m technically ambidextrous – being able to talk both Windows and Mac. I have even played around with Chromebooks a bit, and many years ago, I went through a period of installing various flavors of Linux on a variety of devices. But this review is about the Lenovo Yoga 9i hardware that wraps the Windows experience in physical technology. I’m actually writing this review using the Yoga 9i after spending several days ditching my usual laptop and exploring the Yoga. And I have come up with ten things that I like about the design, the hardware decisions, and how it all works together. 1 – Compact Formfactor and Design Let’s start right with the design of the Lenovo Yoga 9i. This is a lightweight, easy-to-carry laptop. There are different versions of the Yoga 9i, including an optional leather-clad version (Shadow Black). The version I received for review was the more traditional, silver version. The base has a slightly tapered body, thinner in the section closer to the trackpad. But what impressed me was how thing the entire Lenovo Yoga 9i was. It is a mere 0.6″ high and is 12.57″ wide by 8.51″ deep. This makes it highly portable yet can house a full-sized keyboard. To add to the portability of the Yoga 9i design is the fact that it only weighs about 3.02 pounds. At that weight, it is easy to throw into a backpack or bag and barely notice that it is there. 2 – Quick Dive into the Spec I always go to the specific specs listings of any device to really understand what you get (and what you don’t). So while there is a lot to dive into, I have pulled out the items that I think to be the most important and relevant about the Yoga 9i. Specs below are from my review model. Processor: Intel Evo i7 – 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1195G7 @ 2.90GHz  2.92 GHzRAM: 16.0 GB (15.6 GB usable) – note, this is not upgradable and the RAM is soldered inHarddrive: 512 GB hard drivePorts:One USB-A port 3.2 Gen2 portTwo USB-C / Thunderbolt 4Headphone/Mic jackWiFi: 802.11AX (2 x 2) Bluetooth 5.1Speakers: Stereo speakers, 2W x4 (2x woofers, 2x tweeters), optimized with Dolby AtmosBattery: Integrated Li-Polymer 60Wh battery, supports Rapid Charge ExpressPower Adapter: 65W USB-C (3-pin) AC adapter A quick note on some of the items above. If upgrade options are available, I would recommend getting the maximum RAM possible (in this case, 16GB). RAM options are 8GB, 12GB, and 16GB. Also, the available hard drive configurations are 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. I would not go lower than 512GB for storage. 3 – Multiple Working Possiblities This Lenovo laptop is aptly named the Yoga. This name implies that it is flexible and can support multiple positions. While it is listed as a 2-in-1, there are actually three core positions that the Lenovo Yoga 9i supports: laptop, tent, stand, and tablet. As I am a writer, I prefer using the laptop mode most of the time. I like having a tactile experience for typing, and on-screen keyboards simply don’t provide that. You can fully open the Yoga to have the bottom case touching the top/screen, meaning it folds open to put it into tablet mode. When fully open in tablet mode, the physical keyboard is disabled, and all of your interaction takes place on the screen. The screen automatically adjusts as you rotate the display (landscape or portrait). (And you can use the built-in pen for interaction on the screen if you want). Honestly, while this is an interesting mode to use, it is not something that I want to use much. I feel a bit odd grabbing a keyboard, and the entire tablet feels a bit too large in full tablet mode. While my preferred mode is laptop, I do like the tent mode a lot. You basically bend the Yoga in half and prop it. This mode is ideal for watching movies or videos (or even using the built-in Alexa mode). When in tent mode, all of the interaction is done via touch or pen. There is also a stand mode where the keyboard acts as a stand. This is similar to tent mode. All of these “yoga positions” are made possible by the unique 360° hinge. 4 – Display and Touchscreen One thing that I am not accustomed to but actually do quite enjoy is the fact that the Lenovo Yoga 9i is a touch-screen device. I always yell at my kids when they touch the screen of their Macs (there is no reason to touch a Mac screen other than to smudge it up). But, with the Lenovo Yoga, you should touch the screen. I’m just not used to it. Being able to interact with content or websites or just not use the trackpad all of the time is refreshing for me. The Yoga has a 14″ display. There are two options available for the display: FHD (1920×1080) or UHD (3840×2160). The model I tested was the FHD IPS display. The FHD is slightly dimmer 400 nits of brightness compared to the UHD at 500 nits. FHD support Dolby Vision and the UHD does HDR 400. Depending on the size of your fingers, you may want to decrease the screen resolution to be able to interact with objects on the screen. Otherwise, you can also use the built-in pen for precision or those very small buttons. 5 – Pen Included Built into the body of the Yoga 9i is a battery-powered pen that can be used to interact with the screen, sign documents (avoiding having to attempt to scrawl something on the trackpad), or use any of the drawing or illustration applications available. The Lenovo Integrated Pen has a built-in rechargeable battery, 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and is stored (and charged) in the back portion of the Lenovo Yoga 9i. While it is a bit tricky to pull out because it is housed in the back, it is great to have it integrated into the body. I’m not an artist by any means. But just spending a few minutes exploring Microsoft Paint almost made me inspired to put the Yoga in tent or stand mode to try to make what I call very “abstract art.” The pen is pressure-sensitive, and the pen nub’s movements are tracked even when the pen is not touching the screen. 6 – Good Battery Life One thing that plagued higher-end or even mid-range laptops was poor battery life. There is nothing worse than working on an article or project, only to have to go and search for a plug to recharge the laptop. Luckily, battery technology is improving, and processors consume a lot less power for the same amount (or more) of processing power. The Lenovo Yoga 9i has an integrated Li-Polymer 60Wh battery that supports Rapid Charge Express. That means, according to Lenovo, that you can get 3 hours of runtime with just a 15-minute charge. Battery life does vary by the Yoga 9i model that you get and how you are using the device. For example, if you are doing some processor-heavy work, the battery duration will be a lot less than with lighter work like word processing or web browsing. According to Lenovo, the maximum battery life is pretty darn long: FHD model:MobileMark® 2014: 17 hrLocal video (1080p) playback@150nits: 18 hrUHD model:MobileMark 2014: 10 hrLocal video (1080p) playback@150nits: 11 hr These numbers are pretty respectable. I, for example, have been writing this review over several hours of active work and idle time. The battery has only drained to about 50%. Looking at the Windows Power & Battery panel shows that I have about 3.5 hours remaining, but I know that I haven’t truly trained the battery yet. 7 – Dolby Atmos Soundbar Pivot Another innovative design that the Lenovo engineers did with the Yoga 9i (and a few other models) is to integrate the speakers into the hinge between the screen and keyboard. This hinge is called the rotating soundbar. By placing speakers within the hinge, you are ensured that sound is facing outward, regardless of what mode you have the Yoga in. In traditional laptop mode, the speakers are forward-facing, ensuring you get immersive sound. I found the speaker playback to be crisp and not muddy. Bass performance was fairly good but not thunderous. Built into the soundbar are two subwoofer speakers and two tweeters which ensures a good balance between highs and lows. 8 – Windows 11 Home I know I said that this review is primarily about hardware and not software. But, using the Lenovo Yoga 9i was my first experience with Windows 11. I have worked with previous generations of Windows in the past, and once I started interacting with Windows 11, I found myself reverting settings back to things that were more familiar to me. For example, I put the Windows menu back to the left bottom corner instead of in the bottom middle of the screen that I believe it defaulted to. Much of the underlying core of Windows is still quite familiar, but the “window dressing” has changed and improved dramatically. I did also install Office 365 as I have a few family licenses. All of the Office products seem to be quite cleanly integrated into Windows (as they should). The Windows 11 experience on the Lenovo Yoga 9i is tight and clean. I only wish that there was less bloatware to uninstall at the beginning. 9 – Solid Keyboard This article is about 2000 words, all of which I have written using the Yoga 9i keyboard. I did have to retrain my muscle memory a bit to use the CTRL key versus the ALT key, but that was fine after just a little bit of practice. In fact, the keyboard is soft touch and quiet. There isn’t too much play as you press the keys, which allows you to be quite fast when typing. Other nice things about the keyboard: Backlit – there is nothing nicer than having a backlit keyboard when typing at night. Using the FN key and the spacebar, you can manually adjust the backlight strengthFull-sized – while the Yoga is compact, the keyboard is full-sized which is great for larger hands like mineTop Function Row – I quite enjoy the built-in and dedicated function keys for things like volume, screen brightness, mic control, airplane mode, screen locking, Alt-tab, calculator, Lenovo smart key, snipping, and more On the model that I tested, there is also a fingerprint reader that works with Windows Hello. I love being able to quickly log in without having to remember passwords. 10 – Webcam is Fine I did have to put the webcam into my list of things that I like. Although, what I like is less about the camera (which is the bare minimum, in my opinion) and more about the built-in privacy control slider, which I almost didn’t see until I was taking close-up photos. The webcam itself is just a 720p 1.0-megapixel RGB with a fixed focus. Unfortunately, it does NOT support facial recognition login using Windows Hello. But, the feature that I discovered quite accidentally was the privacy switch. There is a tiny little notch that allows you to slide a physical cover over the webcam. No more need of taping a post-it note over the camera! Bonus – Add a Lenovo Monitor for the Perfect Home Office Laptops are great for their portability and flexibility. But, if you are like me, having more than just your laptop screen is a huge bonus. I also hooked up a Lenovo Q24iL monitor as part of my testing. This is a basic, non-4K FHD monitor. It is 23.8″ diagonal, which provides more than enough additional screen real estate. The refresh rate is 75 Hz. The full resolution of this FHD monitor is 1920 x 1080, which makes it fine for a secondary screen. I personally wish and prefer having a 4K monitor for that extra resolution. Since the Yoga does not have an HDMI port, I used one of many USB-C hubs in my possession to connect to the Q24iL monitor (as well as charge the Lenovo Yoga). If you use the Yoga and the Q24iL monitor together and don’t use a side-by-side setup, I do recommend getting a laptop riser. I liked how the Q24iL is designed with the holding stand arm off to the side. This allows you to place items directly under the monitor and has a unique look. It is practically without a bezel and, more importantly, reduced eye strain due to lower blue light emissions. The built-in speakers are a bit too tinny and without much bass, so it is better to use the Dolby Atmos speakers of the Yoga 9i instead. Make sure that when you connect the Q24iL, you switch the audio playback back to the Yoga! Perfect for the Home Office – Lenovo Yoga 9i plus the Lenovo Q24iL The Yoga 9i is one of those all-around functional laptops that is great for work, school, or entertainment. Its multi-position capabilities (hence the Yoga name) allow you to work on an article or research paper, pivot it to watch movies or create a drawing, or carry around in tablet mode to have that “room cleaning” checklist you can use against your kids. The Yoga 9i has many different configuration options. I recommend getting the 16GB of RAM, and at least 500GB for the SSD hard drive. On the Lenovo site, the Yoga 9i starts at about $1,104.99. The model I have been testing retails for about $1,474.99 (see the specs earlier). You can configure the Yoga 9i to your liking. On Amazon, a similarly configured Yoga 9i (but with the black leather) is currently listed for $1,697. And if you want to add the same monitor shown in this review, you can get the Lenovo Q24iL 24″ FHD monitor on the Lenovo site for $229.99. You can get the same monitor on Amazon currently for $229.95. Buy on HighTechDad The product shown below (and related products that have been reviewed on HighTechDad) is available within the HighTechDad Shop. This review has all of the details about this particular product and you can order it directly by clicking on the Buy button or clicking on the image/title to view more. Be sure to review other products available in the HighTechDad Shop. Lenovo Q24iL FHD 24″ Monitor $229.95 Buy on Amazon Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Laptop $1,697.00 Buy on Amazon For someone who regularly does NOT use a Windows laptop, I really enjoyed using the Lenovo Yoga 9i. It is more than capable for a wide variety of tasks from writing to streaming media to crafting illustrations to basic work or school tasks. Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and write this content. I was/am not expected to return this item after my review period. All opinions within this article are my own and are typically not subject to editorial review from any 3rd party. Also, some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate” or “advertising” links. These may be automatically created or placed by me manually. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item (sometimes but not necessarily the product or service being reviewed), I will receive a small affiliate or advertising commission. More information can be found on my About page. HTD says: If you are looking for a lightweight, good performing, multi-function laptop with a good battery life that can contort to 4 different display modes, you should take a look at the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 laptop. And, the Lenovo Q24iL monitor complements it perfectly! To read the full article on HighTechDad.com, please visit: 10 Things to Love about the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Laptop – Review To read other articles like this one, please visit: HighTechDad™

https://www.hightechdad.com/2022/01/01/10-things-to-love-about-the-lenovo-yoga-9i-2-in-1-laptop-review/

[hightechdad]

Fighting for space on a surge protector is never fun. And with so many devices (smartphones, tablets, and laptops) requiring charge time, it’s a wonder that we don’t have surge protectors with 20-30 plugs built-in. But that would be silly, right? What is more efficient is to have a charging hub that can take the space of 4 plugs, and that is precisely what the 65W and 120W Kovol GaN Charging Mate Chargers do. With two wattage outputs to choose from, Kovol allows you to power up to four devices at once, using just a single plug. (*Disclosure below.) GaN chargers and Power Delivery hubs are upping the game of getting your devices juiced up. GaN (gallium nitride) technology is not that new anymore. In fact, with Apple’s latest 16″ MacBook Pro sporting M1 Apple Silicon, the “brick” (power supply) that they provide uses GaN technology. Because of the magic of engineering and new materials, power supplies using GaN technology can be not only smaller, they produce less heat. This heat dispersion allows these PD delivery systems to be more compact and, in the case of the Kovol chargers, will enable you to have four ports for various charging solutions. Kovol recently introduced two GaN chargers, one that provides 65W of power and one producing 120W. Each of these PD chargers has two sets of ports, two for USB-C and two for USB-A. That means that based on the types of devices and their power requirements, you can potentially have up to four devices powered and charging simultaneously. But, bear in mind that you do need to review the power requirements of all devices, and the order you plug them in does matter. Kovol 120W Charging Mate GaN Desktop Charger I’m starting this article with the more powerful Kovol GaN Charging Mate desktop chargers, the 120W version. While a bit more expensive, I believe this offers the most flexibility to people on the go who may have a variety of devices they need to charge. Here are some high-level specs: 100W maximum USB-C PD output – great for charging up a laptop like a MacBook Pro (although the 16″ MBP would love a bit more power output – but it is fine with 100W)Dual & simultaneous 60W PD output – if you are in a shared workspace, you can share the two USB-C PD ports with lower-powered devices like a MacBook Air or Chromebook, charging and powering both at the same time with 60W output at the same time.Intelligent allocation of optimal power – based on the devices that are plugged in, the Kovol GaN Charging Mate will provide the proper power to the specific device2 USB-C ports – use Power Delivery and PPS Fast Charging2 USB-A ports – use Quick Charge (QC) 3.0 Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. Kovol shows one possible charging scenario below: In my case, I would use the 120W to power/charge a MacBook Pro, an iPhone, and an Apple Watch and still have an extra port available, especially since iPhones can use either USB-C or USB-A. With the intelligent power distribution, the connected devices get the appropriate power to charge them up. There is an important thing to remember when using the Kovol (or other GaN) chargers. You will want to connect the device requiring the most power first to “set the stage” for power distribution. So, if you are charging a MBP, plug that one in first to ensure proper power delivery. The nice thing is, both Kovol GaN Charging Mate desktop chargers have built-in safety features. Because GaN technology allows for lower temperature output, it is a lot cooler to the touch. But also built into the design are other features to prevent overcharging and short-circuiting. Kovol 65W Charging Mate GaN Desktop Charger But what if you don’t have a device requiring as much power delivery as the 120W version? Kovol also has a 65W GaN desktop charger for those lower-consumption devices. I view this version as the perfect charging companion for families who need to charge a couple of smartphones or tablets. And again, with this charging solution, you only take up one plug in the wall or surge protector. Here are the high-level specs for the 65W PD charger: 65W maximum USB-C PD output – great for charging up a laptop or a Chromebook that doesn’t require as much power as a MacBook Pro (however, you can charge a MBP but just a bit more slowly). You can fast-charge an iPhone 13 from 0-50% capacity in about 30 minutes.Dual & simultaneous 65W PD output – while the 120W version can output 60W simultaneously, the 65W also puts out 65W but distributed as 45W (for laptops) and 20W (for smartphones)Intelligent allocation of optimal power – based on the devices that are plugged in, the Kovol GaN Charging Mate will provide the proper power to the specific device2 USB-C ports – use Power Delivery and PPS Fast Charging (25W)2 USB-A ports – use Quick Charge (QC) 3.0 Here is another scenario that Kovol provides to help you better picture their charging solution: With the case of the Kovol 65W GaN Charging Mate, you have a variety of possible power distributions. As Kovol outlines: Use 1 USB-C port: PD 65WUse 1 USB-A port: QC 3.0 18WUse 2 USB-C ports: USB-C – PD 45W/ USB-C – PD 20WUse 2 USB-A ports: USB-A+USB-A=15WUse 1 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports: USB-C – PD 45W/ USB-A+USB-A=15WUse 2 USB-C + 1 USB-A ports: USB-C – PD 30W/ USB-C – PD 20W/ USB-A – QC 3.0 15WWhen connected to all ports: USB-C – PD 30W/ USB-C – PD 20W/ USB-A+USB-A=15W To explain this a bit more simply, just plug in your devices in order of power consumption (like the 120W), and the Kovol GaN Charging Mate will intelligently decide what power to supply to which device and will automatically allocate the power as devices become fully charged. Pricing, Dimensions, and an Added Bonus So, remember how I referenced the surge protector at the beginning of this review? There is a nice added bonus to the design of both of these Kovol GaN Charging Mate desktop chargers. With other GaN chargers I have reviewed, those have plugs built into the charger’s body. The Kovol is a bit different in that it also includes a 4.9′ AC input cable. What does that mean? Well, you don’t need an extension cord, for starters. And, if you are using a surge protector, the plug isn’t obscured by the GaN charger itself, which can happen when you plug directly into a surge protector directly. Just don’t lose the AC input cable! These two GaN PD chargers are quite compact, especially when you compare them with similar wattage non-GaN chargers. They are small enough to just throw in your bag and be ready to charge four devices quickly. Here are the dimensions: Kovol 120W – 1.8″ x 1.8″ x 3.35″Kovol 65W – 1.61″ x 1.61″ x 2.99″ And, the 120W weighs about 1 pound and the 65W slightly less at about 10.5 ounces. So, in a bag, the additional weight is negligible. Finally, what are the costs of these two GaN PD chargers? Kovol 120W GaN Charging Mate – $99.99 on Kovol site & $99.99 on AmazonKovol 65W GaN Charging Mate – $49.99 on Kovol site & $49.99 on Amazon As this is a relatively new product, I do expect the Amazon price to come down slightly in the coming months, so be sure to check back on it. Buy on HighTechDad.com The product shown below (and related products that have been reviewed on HighTechDad) is available within the HighTechDad Shop. This review has all of the details about this particular product and you can order it directly by clicking on the Buy button or clicking on the image/title to view more. Be sure to review other products available in the HighTechDad Shop. Kovol 65W Charging Mate GaN Desktop Charger $49.99 Buy on Amazon Kovol 120W Charging Mate GaN Desktop Charger $99.99 Buy on Amazon Having a compact charging hub is a necessity, in my opinion. And, if it supports a variety of devices (up to four), you are instantly saving space on a wall plug or surge protector. The Kovol 65W and 120W GaN Sprint 4-port charging stations provide you with various Power Delivery and charging solutions, all within one compact device. Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and write this content. I was/am not expected to return this item after my review period. All opinions within this article are my own and are typically not subject to editorial review from any 3rd party. Also, some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate” or “advertising” links. These may be automatically created or placed by me manually. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item (sometimes but not necessarily the product or service being reviewed), I will receive a small affiliate or advertising commission. More information can be found on my About page. HTD says: Whether you are looking to charge up several smaller devices like smartphones, tablets, or Chromebooks, or want to power laptops like a MacBook Pro, the Kovol GaN Charging Mate desktop chargers, available in 65W and 120W, are important accessories to add to your tech supplies!

https://www.hightechdad.com/2021/12/12/1-plug-better-than-4-65w-120w-kovol-gan-charging-mate-chargers-review/

[hightechdad]

I always recommend upgrading to the latest and greatest Operating System whenever possible. From new features to enhanced security to bug fixes, an OS upgrade is typically a smart choice…until it isn’t. I recently upgraded two MacBook Pros I use (one for work and one for home) to macOS Monterey (12.0.1). I love many of the new features. But I started noticing something strange after a while – macOS Monterey slow upload speeds. Initially, I didn’t realize that the problem was isolated to Monterey. But, after some research and my own testing and troubleshooting, I realized I wasn’t the only one experiencing this AND that it probably was a “Monterey slow upload speed” bug. As more of us get used to working (or studying) from home, having fast broadband Internet access is crucial. It’s especially important when having to stream video (classes or calls). But an important factor to remember is, it’s not just your download speed but also your upload speed that should be fast. When you are on a conference call, you are uploading your video stream. At the beginning of the pandemic and the shelter-at-home initiative, I did an article and video talking about the importance of upload speeds, particularly when it comes to video conferencing. And this is part of the reason why I continue to pay for the top fiber tier from my provider (1Gbps download and 1Gbps upload). My macOS Monterey slow upload speeds troubleshooting journey Well, recently, I suddenly started noticing that my Webex calls were not as good as they used to be, and I was getting warnings from the software that there were network issues. I thought it was general network congestion until I ran some network speed tests. And then I noticed something very odd. The speed tests showed fast download speeds but not so fast upload speeds (907 down & 187 up). I started to think that perhaps I was having a network issue within my house. My laptop was hard-wired into the Ethernet network. I was not using WiFi to ensure I had the fastest network connection possible. I decided to do another speed test using my non-work MacBook Pro. And, while it too was hard-wired (both using USB-C hubs with Ethernet ports), my upload speeds were quite slow as well. So, I started thinking I should rewire my home network. But then I tested my wife’s Windows desktop. Hers is hard-wired as well. And she had blazing-fast download AND upload speeds. Hmmm… Again, I was back to something being wrong in my home office. I restarted computers, replugged in switches, unplugged non-essential devices, and changed some Ethernet cables in my office. Nothing helped. Then I restarted my Nest WiFi Router and did a test. Same slow upload speed issue. I restarted my fiber modem. No change. I prioritized one of my MacBook Pros using the Nest WiFi interface. Any change was barely perceptible. And, I ran a speed test on my Nest WiFi Router. It showed things being pretty darn quick (748 down & 802 up). I ran a similar test on my ISP Fiber Modem. Same result – fast upload and download speeds (999 down and 915 up). So, the modem was fast, and the main network router was fast. Something else was going on. I started thinking about my wife’s PC working just fine, so I plugged a Windows laptop into the same USB-C hub (with the Ethernet port) that I was having issues with on my MBP. Interestingly, it had fast upload speeds (852 down & 802 up). I then decided I probably didn’t have to rewire my under-the-house Ethernet. So, through the process of elimination, I found a common denominator. Upload speeds were fast on Windows but slow on Macs. But was it all Macs? I had tested on a 2019 MacBook Pro and a 2021 MacBook Pro M1. Then I decided to try my daughter’s MacBook Pro (a 2020). First, I did a WiFi test. Both upload and download speeds were quick (for WiFi) and equal. Then I tried plugging her MBP into my USB-C hub with the networking. She had fast upload and download speeds (840 down & 723 up). I was on to something. Only my macOS Monterey Macs running 12.0.1 were affected by what I’m now calling the Monterey Slow Upload Speed bug. Long story short, I did some more testing. I plugged my Monterey MBP into my fiber modem router directly and still had slow upload speeds. And I did some quick online research and found a few threads on Apple Support Forums and Reddit talking about these slow speeds (but everyone had different theories from it being a hardware issue to a problem with their ISP). With all of this testing and research completed, I decided to reach out to Apple Support on Twitter. I’m convinced that there is a #networking #bug in #macOS #Monterey. Very slow upload speeds. Wifi & even more apparent w/wired connection. Tested w/ Big Sur & not there. Tested same wired connection w/ Windows & no issue. Hope @apple addresses soon! @AppleSupport— Michael Sheehan (@HighTechDad) December 8, 2021 And, I will cut to the chase here. I had a great Twitter exchange with the awesome Apple Support folks who walked me through various things to test and try. I have outlined below a few things you can also try as they may help with other network slowdown issues. They couldn’t resolve the issue, so they escalated it to a more senior Apple support person who I worked with to provide all sorts of diagnostics compiled and sent over for the Apple networking engineers to review. But…the bottom line…my macOS Monterey slow upload speeds bug still exists as of this writing! I’m sure this issue will be resolved shortly (and by the time you read this, it might already be fixed). BUT, if you are encountering these same issues, contact Apple Support! That is what they recommend. The more people who report this, the faster it will become resolved! Have networking issues like the Monterey slow upload speed bug? Try these possible fixes I don’t like describing issues without offering some possible solution. (See my How-To and Fix-It content.) So, if you are encountering networking issues like what I described here with macOS Monterey having very slow upload speeds, or just slow networking in general, here are a few tips or ideas you can try to potentially fix. Some of these are Mac-specific, while others are just general best practices. Restart your computer – this is the first thing I tell anyone having computer issues to do. Just do it! Reboot your WiFi router – routers are like computers, they need to be rebooted occasionally as well. I would do this every couple of months regardless of whether you are having issues or not.Reboot your cable/DSL/fiber modem – for the exact same reason as the previous two points, restart your modem if you can.Use wired (Ethernet) connection instead of WiFi – wired connections will ALWAYS be faster than WiFi. If you can, go wired!Change your Ethernet cable – your cable may have gone bad, or the plug is not seated correctly – it’s always good to get a new (or different) cable to test with.Boot in Safe Mode to test (Mac) – booting your Mac in Safe Mode allows you to eliminate 3rd parter applications and processes from interfering with the core OS. Here’s how to do it on a Mac. (You can do this on a PC as well.)Review Apple’s “Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points” – most of these settings are generic and not Mac-specific.Reinstall the macOS (ugh) – this is a second to last resort, but sometimes it is a good thing to do to “refresh” your macOS install.Roll back to a previous macOS version (double ugh – but I believe that will fix it) – I didn’t try this. I really didn’t want to go backwards. But, I’m almost 100% convinced that if you go back to Big Sur, this slow upload speed bug will go away. Those are just a few quick ideas on how you might be able to resolve some networking and other issues. Unfortunately, it didn’t help with my Monterey slow upload speed bug. I’m probably going to just wait it out (I even decided against installing the Developer Beta or the Public Beta). But I want to know! Are YOU experiencing slow upload speeds on macOS Monterey? What version are you on? 12.0.0 or 12.0.1? Are you having this issue with a different macOS version? PLEASE leave a comment! HTD says: Every new version of macOS becomes increasingly complicated with new or refined features, bug fixes, and security updates. But sometimes, in the billions of lines of code, a critical bug slips through – this Monterey slow upload speeds bug is one of them!

https://www.hightechdad.com/2021/12/10/macos-monterey-slow-upload-speeds-not-your-imagination/

[hightechdad]

Stop me if you have heard this one before. Your child has an essay due. It requires multiple pages to be printed out. Just the other month, you replaced all of the ink cartridges (setting you back about $100+) in preparation for a night like this. It’s getting close to midnight and your child is trying to print out the final version…but, the printer won’t print because it is out of ink (even though you recently changed the ink cartridges)! This scenario wouldn’t happen with the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 printer because this inkjet printer literally has a tank load of ink stored inside it – and not in some tiny little ink cartridges. (*Disclosure below.) I have been in that scenario I just described many, many times despite trying to buy cartridges ahead of time and having them stashed safely somewhere. There have been times where I had to race to the local office supply store right before the close just to buy ink cartridges and other times where I waited for a sale to stock up on supplies. I typically would get high-capacity cartridges (which are more expensive) so that they wouldn’t run out as quickly, but those can set you back almost $100 depending on the printer model. With the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 that panicked, last-minute buying of ink cartridges or hoarding of just-in-case stashes of ink pretty much becomes a thing of the past. And honestly, I LOVE the concept of the EcoTank. Oh, and by the way, this particular Epson printer (the ET-2850) is pretty darn practical and functional as well! Let’s talk EcoTank The EcoTank I feel is something long overdue. In the past, if you wanted to save money, people either bought knock-off ink cartridges or even tried to refill empty cartridges themselves. Both of these methods are actually pretty bad for your inkjet printer. They are fairly complex machines and if you put sub-standard ink into them, it can ruin the print heads, causing them to jam, produce not accurate colors, have lines and missing sections, or simply not print at all. Bottom line – don’t use knock-off or non-authentic ink cartridges. But why did we do that? Because ink cartridges were expensive and the ink didn’t seem to last very long. The EcoTank removes both of those barriers. Let’s look at two examples here – ink cartridges from another Epson printer and the EcoTank bottled ink. All of the data and pricing below is from the Epson site. Epson 202XL Black High-Capacity and Color Standard-Capacity 4 colors as part of this – C/M/Y/XLK Epson site price – $60.49Yield – Black: 550 pages and Color: 470 pages (based on printing with the Expression Home XP-5100)Epson T502 (Black) & T502 (Multi-color) Ink Bottles3 color bottles in the pack (CMY) and one larger black bottle (K)Epson site price – $19.99 for black and $38.95 for color for a total of $58.94Yield- Black: 7,500 pages and Color: 6,000 (based on printing with this printer, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850) Ok, did you actually READ the bullets above? For starters, to replace ALL of the ink in the EcoTank ET-2850 is actually about $1.50 less expensive. But the bigger difference that should really scream out at you is the fact that you get about 13 times the output…for the same price. Call me a cheapskate or incredibly smart (or both) but the EcoTank truly sounds like a winner. And honestly, from my initial days of testing, I think it is. Filling the individual color and black tanks is almost easier (and more fun) than replacing ink cartridges. And, according to Epson, you get up to 2 years of inks with just one ink bottle. Amazing! You open up the printer tank cover, open whichever tank color you want to fill, open the bottle (don’t shake it), put the bottle opening into the appropriate color slot, and let the bottle automatically empty into the ET-2850’s tank. Epson has designed the tank slots and bottles to only allow the proper color to be slid in, eliminating the mistakes of putting the wrong color into the wrong tank. The bottle will fill up the tank and magically stop when the tank is full. You can store extra ink for later if you want. And you just do that with all of the rest of the colors that need filling. On the front of the ET-2850 are physical tank level readers that let you actually see the levels of the ink stored in the printer (you can also get the ink level information from your computer or smartphone app if you want). Or you can use the tiny onboard screen to get the ink levels digitally. More setup and usage fun Getting the ink into the EcoTank is the first step of the setup. This happens even before you power on the Epson printer. Then you also have to let the Epson printer charge up the ink which happens once you turn the power on. This process will take a few minutes to complete. Once that is complete, I highly recommend you do some calibration of the printer heads. This may take a few minutes to complete, but trust me, if you don’t do it, the print quality won’t be as good compared to if you did. The printer will print out pages to test alignment, clean the ends to ensure there aren’t any gaps in ink dispersal and do some other fine-tuning. By doing all of this, you can be sure that when you do print, even edge-to-edge printing, things will look tight and crisp. Lastly, and importantly, you will want to connect the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 to your WiFi network. You can do WiFi Direct Mode that allows you to print directly to the Epson without the need of a WiFi router or access point, but by doing a true WiFi connection, you enable other great features, listed below: Epson Smart Panel App – available for iOS and Android, this is a great app to do anything with the printer directly from your smartphone. Print photos or documents, scan or capture documents, copy, easily print ID cards, and perform maintence all from this smartphone app.Apple AirPrint & Android Printing – I particularly like being able to connect my Mac to the Epson in just a few clicks and start printing. And with AirPrint, I can print directly from my smartphone as long as I’m on the same network.Epson Connect – use Email Print, Epson Remote Print, or Epson Scan to Cloud with your connected Epson printer from anywhere. While I haven’t set up the Epson Connect yet, I have tried both of the other items. I already mentioned AirPrint, but the Smart Panel App is a great suite of functions and features that I’m just starting to explore. As I write this, I’m testing out the printing of a coloring book based on a photo I imported into the app. Has your kid ever run out of graph paper? You can print a couple of sheets in an emergency. Or for those quick crafts projects, you can print out colored patterned paper directly from your smartphone. The Specs of the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Obviously, you are going to want to read through the spec sheet on the Epson site to get all of the details, but I have selected a few things that I believe stand out about this handy printer. In no particular order: EcoTank – well this should be obvious!No more wasteful cartridges – again, obviously because of the EcoTankScanner & Copier – did I mention that it also has a scanner? Up to 2400 dpi via the hardware itself. No Automatic Document Feed for the scanner unfortunately – just one page at a time.Print resolution – 4800×1200Print speed – 10.5 pages per minute (black) and 5 ppm for color2-sided printing – since you are saving on ink cartridges, you should also save on paper and print on both sidesUSB-connection – print directly from your computer via USBWiFi – 802.11 b/g/nVoice-Activated Printing – if you have a Smart Home, you can configure the ET-2850 to work with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant to print out things like graph or ruled paper or other items (I did not test this feature yet) In terms of the footprint on your table or desktop, the ET-2850 is fairly compact but will take up some space. It is 14.8″ wide. The depth and height vary by whether you have it in storage mode or printing mode. Printing mode has the paper feeder sticking out the back with paper in it and the printing tray that grabs the printed items out. I leave mine ready to go so the depth is 22.3″ and the height is 10.2″ By the way, I did find this ingenious slot in the base where you can store about 20-30 more sheets of paper. You just slide them out of the way and then hopefully nobody in the family will steal them. A perfect printer for a home office and/or family As I tested out the Epson EcoTank ET-2850, the more I realized how great this printer would be in either a home office or just as a family printer (or both, for that matter). It is incredibly easy to set up and the fact that you fill it up with gobs of ink that lasts several years means that you can use it for a long time and only worry about stocking it with paper. Also, it is quite budget-minded. The Epson site lists it at $299.99. It is also listed on Amazon for $299.99. On the Epson site, the ink has a range of options. The Black bottle is $19.99, the colors are $12.99, and the tri-color pack is $38.95. On Amazon, Black is $16.89, colors are $12.99 and tri-color is $34.99. There are a variety of EcoTank printers by Epson. The ET-2850 is pretty much the entry-level version, but the Epson ET-15000 is truly drool-worthy as it is a 4-in-1 device with touchscreen display, ethernet, large capacity paper tray, auto document feeder, and a large print format. The ET-15000 retails for $599.99. Also, I have reviewed other Epson printers in the past so be sure to check out those reviews (here, here, and here). Buy on HighTechDad The product shown below (and related products that have been reviewed on HighTechDad) is available within the HighTechDad Shop. This review has all of the details about this particular product and you can order it directly by clicking on the Buy button or clicking on the image/title to view more. Be sure to review other products available in the HighTechDad Shop. Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Printer $299.99 Buy on Amazon Having used the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Printer for a few weeks now, I’m impressed with its functionality. Not only will it save you money when it comes to replacing ink (and the fact that it will definitely take a while before it actually runs out of ink), it also has the core features required for the home office or student. With double-sided printing, scanning, and copying, and the fact that you can easily connect and print from computers as well as tablets and laptops, it’s pretty much an essential tool for the modern household. Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and write this content. I was/am not expected to return this item after my review period. All opinions within this article are my own and are typically not subject to the editorial review from any 3rd party. Also, some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate” or “advertising” links. These may be automatically created or placed by me manually. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item (sometimes but not necessarily the product or service being reviewed), I will receive a small affiliate or advertising commission. More information can be found on my About page. HTD says: Save yourself some money and time and invest in the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Printer. Once you fill up the dedicated ink tanks on this inkjet printer, you won’t have to for years! It’s a perfect workhorse for a family that is working or studying at home.

https://www.hightechdad.com/2021/12/08/a-supertanker-of-ink-inside-the-epson-ecotank-et-2850-printer-review/

[hightechdad]

I am a big fan of the Nixplay smart digital frames. Over the past few years, I have reviewed quite a number of them. And, one of their most recent new smart frames is a big leap forward. While much of the functionality remains the same, there is a new feature built into the frame itself that makes me quite happy. It’s the fact that the new Nixplay 10.1-inch Touch Screen Smart Photo Frame doesn’t actually include a remote control. Why is this a good thing? Because the frame is now entirely touch-enabled! (*Disclosure below.) While remote controls are great (trust me, I remember an age when my VCR – remember those? – had a CORDED remote control), it is quite easy to misplace them or get confused about which remote controls which device. And, as I have a variety of Nixplay remote controls scattered around the house, having one more remote control for the Nixplay smart photo frame would actually be a bit confusing. So, yes, you can control these Nixplay digital frames with the NixPlay app on your smartphone, but sometimes it is just nice to simply go up to the frame and control everything much the same way you would a tablet or smartphone. So, I’m pretty happy with this technology upgrade. The Nixplay touchscreen is easy to use and very intuitive, and setting up and controlling the Nixplay smart digital frame is a snap. But let’s also remember why digital frames are great. Sure, a picture on the wall is nice, but it is static and, honestly, a bit boring. With a smart digital frame, you can have different playlists and easily update or change what you are showcasing on the frame. Quick Things to Love about the Nixplay Smart Digital Frames Photos (and videos) are all about building conversation and bringing back memories. Much like opening a photo album, time not only stops, but rewinds to the past. One can spend quite a bit of time reliving an occasion by simply looking at one photo. And when you have hundreds or thousands of photos all stored digitally and available at the touch of a button, in the case of the Nixplay 10.1-inch Touch Screen Smart Photo Frame, you can literally spend hours just scrolling through photos and talking about each one. I have reviewed several Nixplay frames over the past few years. Each one has its own unique tech advances. Some have built-in digital speakers, others have different designs and styles, and others simply look great on a bookcase. My favorite thing about all of these Nixplay smart digital frames is that they connect to WiFi and can be controlled via the Nixplay app. Not only can you remotely control all of the settings via the Nixplay smartphone app (or via the Nixplay website), you can also upload photos directly from your smartphone, create albums, and set up playlists specific to each Nixplay frame. So, for example, if you have a frame in your bedroom, away from guests, you can set up a playlist that shows some of those “non-approved” photos of your kids. (My daughters are a bit picky about what images are seen by everybody and which ones should just be for family.) Another nice thing, which makes the Nixplay smart digital frames so great as gifts for the extended family, is that if you give a frame to the grandparents (which we did), you can regularly refresh the photos with the latest and greatest “approved” ones. And you can do that remotely via the application (or even via email). Setting up this 10.1-inch digital smart frame from Nixplay is incredibly easy, as all of their other frames. And with the touch screen, it is even easier. You plug the power cord in and then work through the screens that appear on the frame. Part of that process is connecting to your WiFi. In the past, with the Nixplay frames that came with remote controls, entering in the password for your WiFi network could take a couple of minutes. Now, with the touch-enabled screen, you literally type the password in using the keyboard that appears on the frame. And once you connect to your WiFi, you connect it to your Nixplay account within the smartphone app. It took me about three minutes to fully set it up. Taking the Nixplay Smart Digital Frame and making it Better So, how do you improve on a smart digital frame? As I said, Nixplay has already curated the experience to make it easy to control and update the frame remotely. Well, the key is in the word at the end of the previous sentence, with a bit of a twist. The new Nixplay 10.1-inch Touch Screen Smart Photo Frame does NOT include a remote control to manage the frame. Like all of the other frames, you can use the app, but this one has a full touch screen. For those interested in the specs of this new touch-enabled digital screen, here they are: Screen type: Touch screen LCD IPSResolution: 1280 x 800 (HD)Aspect ratio: 16:10Brightness: 400 cd/m2Contrast: 500:1Viewing angles(Left/Right/Top/Bottom): 80/80/80Sensors:Auto rotate (portait and landscape)Microphone Activity Sensor (non-recording)Auto on/off To double-click on a few of these items (or double-touch in the case of this frame since it is touch-enabled), the screen itself is HD. Of course, this depends on the quality of the photo (or video) that you upload. The file formats supported by the Nixplay frame are: Photos: JPG (.jpg – .jpeg) and PNG (.png) Videos: 15-second video clips via mobile app (60-seconds available); MP4, MOV, MPEG You can rotate the frame physically from portrait to landscape, and the photos will automatically adjust to support whichever viewing angle you have. And, there are built-in sensors (apart from the viewing angle sensor) that will automatically turn the Nixplay frame on or off based on motion or activity. For example, if you aren’t in the room where the Nixplay frame is, after a predetermined amount it time, it will go into power-saving mode. And, if you re-enter the room and the Nixplay frame picks up the motion, it will resume playback. You can set up the transitions, the amount of time you want a picture to show on the frame, adjust the volume for videos, shuffle the playback of photos, tell the frame how to handle non-standard sized images when to go to sleep, and a whole lot more either on the screen (using the touch interface) or directly on the Nixplay app. It’s super easy to control. The Price for On-Demand Memories Memories are priceless. And, as we create more and more digital content, it is important to ensure these images are available to be relived and enjoyed. A Nixplay smart digital frame puts these memories at your fingertips and allows you to quickly share and relive time passed. Remember, photo albums are fun to flip through, but most often, they simply sit on a bookshelf gathering dust until a moment to look at them pops up. A digital photo frame brings all of these memories out into the open and shares them with your loved ones around you. We have a Nixplay frame in our living room right next to the door. Often, even as we are rushing out the door, if there is a photo memory that pops up, the rushing stops, and conversation about the past starts. Reliving these memories is priceless, in my opinion. The Nixplay 10.1-inch Touch Screen Smart Photo Frame retails for $209.99 but as of this writing, it is on sale for $157.49 (it may go back up in price soon)! You can also get it on Amazon for $208.14. Buy Now on HighTechDad The product shown below (and related products that have been reviewed on HighTechDad) is available within the HighTechDad Shop. This review has all of the details about this particular product and you can order it directly by clicking on the Buy button or clicking on the image/title to view more. Be sure to review other products available in the HighTechDad Shop. Nixplay 10.1-inch Touch Screen Smart Photo Frame $208.14 Buy on Amazon The Nixplay smart digital frame, including this new touch-screen version, is a great gift to give during the holidays, for special occasions, or simply to gift yourself. It’s an increadibly easy way to relive memories and share experiences with those around you. And, it is much better than just sticking a photo away in a photo album. The act of viewing photos together even allows for new memories to be created. Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and write this content. I was/am not expected to return this item after my review period. All opinions within this article are my own and are typically not subject to the editorial review from any 3rd party. Also, some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate” or “advertising” links. These may be automatically created or placed by me manually. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item (sometimes but not necessarily the product or service being reviewed), I will receive a small affiliate or advertising commission. More information can be found on my About page. HTD says: Why keep your digital memories bottled up on your smartphone when you can easily showcase and relive those memories easily with a Nixplay smart digital frame. And the new 10.1-inch smart digital frame with the touch-screen interface makes displaying, managing, and navigating those memories even easier.

https://www.hightechdad.com/2021/11/26/family-memories-touch-nixplay-smart-digital-frame-touch-screen-review/

[hightechdad]

In my previous article, I provided recommendations for what type of iPhone upgrade you may want to follow. It is important to understand that each person has unique needs and may use their iPhone quite differently from others. For example, I do all of my product review photos and videos on my iPhone. Others may purely use it for browsing the web and email. So make sure you don’t over-buy on features. In this article, I also talk about over-buying, but specifically as it relates to Mac upgrades with the Apple iMac and the Apple MacBook Pro. If you are thinking about a new Mac altogether, you need to decide if you want a desktop or a laptop. The advantage of a desktop computer is that you get a much larger screen, while with a laptop, you get mobility and portability. I personally prefer laptops (MacBook Pro or MacBook Air), but I set up my home office environment with many monitors and have my laptop plugged into those. It’s a bit messy with cables and connections everywhere, but it is extremely productive for me. However, if you are a bit of a neat freak or just want computers to be elegantly displayed with practically no cords or cables and want a “big screen” experience, you will want to go the desktop route (iMac). With the launch of the new Apple M1 chip, the entire line of MacBooks and MacBook Pros has gotten quite interesting but also quite confusing to many, especially around the MacBook Air/MacBook Pro line. Again, I haven’t had hands-on with all of these but have researched and tested quite a few. These are my recommendations based on those tests and readings. HighTechDad’s Mac Upgrade Recommendations There is a lot to discuss when it comes to Macs, but I’m only going to focus on the iMac and the MacBook Pro since I have hands-on experience with both lines.  I have had lots of hands-on experience with various iterations of the MacBook Pro. But, every single MBP I have had was either supplied by my work or a “tech-me-down” from my stepmom as she upgraded hers. Only recently did I save up enough to get the new 16″ MBP M1 Max.  Let’s start with the iMac. The last iMac that I owned was the iMac DV SE which came out in 1999. I still have it stored away safely somewhere in my garage. It was one of the first Macs that I actually took apart to upgrade the hard drive or the DVD ROM (to make it recordable).  The new 24″ iMac with Apple’s M1 chip But both of my parents have had previous versions of the iMac as well, 2004’s, 2007’s, and Aluminum iMacs. But recently, both of my parents ran into issues where their iMacs were no longer supported on the current macOS operating system. My father, for example, could not access his banking sites because Safari was outdated. And, since Safari was baked into the macOS, you had to update macOS to get the current version. But, macOS Monterey was not supported on his iMac. Remember I mentioned how “Pro” is really becoming a differentiator with Apple products? There are rumors of an M1-based iMac Pro coming in 2022. So, if you are an artist, photographer, multimedia producer, or something similar, you may want to hold off on your upgrade until that iMac Pro is available. You can read more about the rumored iMac Pro here and here. And, once again, I’m recommending taking a look at Apple’s comparison page. This link shows the new iMac 24″ M1 versus the iMac 27″ Intel versus the iMac 21.5″ Intel.  13″, 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pros with the M1 chip and the MacBook Air Where things get a bit more complicated (unnecessarily) is when it comes to choosing a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. There are many options and configurations that can become quite confusing right from the beginning. But, in this case, you need to think about how you will be using the MacBook, and this will help you understand the best upgrade (or new purchase) path to take.  First, there are some similarities to other upgrades that you need to consider. For example, does the current operating system work on the Mac that you have? If yes, for how long. If not, then it is probably worth upgrading. Second, think about how you will be using it. If portability is important, you may want to consider the MacBook Air or the 13″ or 14″ MacBook Pro. Remember, all of these new MacBooks have Apple’s M1 chip in them, and the recently released MacBook Pros have the M1 Pro or M1 Max chip (the current Air and the 13″ MacBook Pro only have the M1 chip). Some quick thoughts on getting a lightweight/smaller MacBook. If you are a student, you probably want to have as long of a battery as possible. Luckily the M1 chip is optimized for that. If you want a lightweight yet quick MacBook, I would recommend the MacBook Air. If you want something slightly more robust with a couple of extra hours of battery, take a look at the 13″ MacBook Pro. But, if you really want something powerful that can really perform in a smaller form factor, you need to look at the 14″ MacBook Pro with either the M1 Pro or M1 Max chip (more about those chips in a second). Take a look at the comparison between these three MacBooks mentioned above. The two lower-end Macs (Air and 13″) are pretty similar, but the 14″ is extremely different and much more high-end (and DOUBLE the price).  A quick side note here. There are still some really great deals to be had on the Intel-based MacBook Pros. If you search around, you can probably save many 100’s of dollars or more by choosing an Intel-based MacBook Pro. But, if you go this route, remember that Apple is going all-in on their new Silicon (the M1) so those Intel Macs might not get as much attention and will eventually not be (as) supported as the M1’s.  Now let’s talk about the new MacBook Pros with the M1 Pro or M1 Max chips. This is where things can potentially get more confusing with all of the options available. But, as with other parts in this article, it depends on how you will be using your laptop.  First, let me start with which chip to get, the M1 Pro or M1 Max. This is, actually, pretty easy. Get the: M1 Max – if you are a videographer, photographer, illustrator, or someone that uses CPU and/or GPU-intensive tasksM1 Pro – this is the chip for everyone else, AND, it still is quite high-end and an extremely capable performer But actually, it ISN’T that easy as there are other configurations you can do, again, depending on how you will be using the Mac. For example, you can get a configuration that has the M1 Max chip but with either a 24-core GPU or a 32-core GPU. If you are a digital designer, videographer, graphic artist, and even a gamer, you will probably want to get the 32-core GPU. Similarly, the M1 Pro chip has options – a 14-core GPU or a 16-core GPU.  It’s pretty nuanced, and unless you really understand this stuff or have an unlimited budget, you probably don’t need all of the GPUs. Other decisions are a bit more straightforward. Size – 14″ or 16″. The size does affect the weight as well as the battery life. The smaller MacBook Pros weigh less because they have a smaller battery, and therefore the battery life is a bit less than the larger ones. Think about storage as well. These new MacBook Pros now can have vast amounts of internal storage – up to 8TB. The smallest size you can get is 512GB. Personally, I would recommend getting at least 1TB of internal SSD storage if you can. Unfortunately, there is NO easy way to upgrade the internal storage after your purchase, and you will have to carry around an external hard drive potentially. (I got my 16″ M1 Max with 1TB of HD space.) Next is memory. Apple has redesigned how memory is managed with the new MacBook Pros and the M1 Pro and Max chips. While it is more efficient, you do need to think about how much you want or need. Again, if you are a professional artist, you will probably want to max out on the RAM. You can get up to 32GB on the M1 Pro and 32GB or 64GB on the M1 Max). The base amount is 16GB which is probably sufficient for most people doing basic tasks. (Just remember to Quit your applications…not just close the open windows).  Here’s the comparison between the 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pros with the M1 chip against the Intel 16″ MacBook Pro.Ok, so what are my recommendations here for these higher-end MacBook Pros? Well, these are VERY subjective.  Entry Level (starting at $1,999 or $2,499) – limited budget, Students, writers, everyday portability –> 14″ MacBook Pro with M1 Pro chip with 16GB RAM, 512GB or 1TB SSD Storage. If you are an engineer or graphics major, get the one with 10-core CPU/16-Core GPU.Mid-Level (starting at $2,699) – ok budget, some graphics/video creation, wants power occasionally, less concerned about portability –> 16″ MacBook Pro with M1 Pro chip with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage.High-End (starting at $3,499) – budget not really an issue, heavy graphic/video creation or intensive CPU tasks, lots of power on-demand –> 16″ MacBook Pro with M1 Max chip with 32GB RAM (or 64GB) and at least 1TB SSD storage. Confused yet? If you are, don’t worry, I’m still trying to figure it all out. But if you are or have questions, please leave a comment.  Other Quick Apple Upgrade Recommendations When it comes to the Apple Watch, many of the above recommendations apply. If you are behind a few versions (or have never purchased an Apple Watch), I recommend getting the latest version, currently the Apple Watch Series 7. I currently have the Series 6, which is fantastic. There are new health sensors that are regularly added with each new version. Screens are getting larger. Batteries last a bit longer. Water-resistance gets better.  Apple is currently only showcasing their most recent model (the Series 6) and less expensive models (SE and Series 3). You can see a comparison between those three versions here. However, you can often get previous models on other sites or stores. And, unless you have a compelling reason to have the latest version (e.g., you must be able to get your blood oxygen level or ECG), an earlier model might be better.  Sometimes, you can even get some crazy savings on specific models. For example, we were able to get my daughter a RED version of the Series 6 for $250 off the regular price! One last thing to think about when purchasing or upgrading an Apple Watch is whether you get GPS-only or GPS + Cellular. While I really like having the Cellular option, you will have to pay an additional monthly fee to your cellular carrier. And, many people simply have their Apple Watch paired with their iPhone, so you use the iPhone for connectivity. If you are a runner or someone who doesn’t always bring their iPhone with them, you may want to consider the GPS + Cellular option.  I won’t make any iPad recommendations simply because mine is ancient, and I haven’t tested any of the new ones. And, AirPods are very personal – it depends on how you use them, if you want over the ear (AirPod Max) or in the ear (AirPods & AirPods Pro). However, if you can afford it and you like having great sound and sound isolation/cancellation, I highly recommend the AirPod Pros without a doubt. Shopping for the iMac, MacBook Pro, Apple Watch, or AirPods My shopping recommendations for the iMac, MacBook Pro, Apple Watch, or AirPods do mirror that of what I wrote in Part 1. But, particularly with the Apple Watch and the AirPods, since these are practically wearable tech and something that you would potentially use many times a day, your choice will become highly personal in nature. That being said, always look for a sale! However, there are quite a few shopping options to consider with the MacBook Pro and the iMac. Below are my recommended configurations that I mentioned above (of those, my mom & dad’s iMacs, my stepmom’s MacBook Pro, and my MacBook Pro configurations are included). The prices and links go to Amazon (yes, they are affiliate links to help support my writing and website). 24″ iMac with M1 chip (16GB RAM/1TB SSD) – note: Amazon doesn’t have my recommended configuration available, only the 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD option for $1,69916″ MacBook Pro with M1 Pro chip (16GB RAM/1TB SSD) – $2,699.0016″ MacBook Pro with M1 Max chip (32GB RAM/1TB SSD) – $3,499.00MacBook Air with M1 chip (16GB RAM/512GB SSD) – note: Amazon doesn’t have my recommended configuration available, only the 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD option for $1,199.9913″ MacBook Pro with M1 chip (16GB RAM/512GB SSD) – note: Amazon doesn’t have my recommended configuration available, only the 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD option for $1,349.0014″ MacBook Pro with M1 Pro chip (16GB RAM/512GB SSD) – $1,999.99 My recommendations for the Apple Watch are a bit easier. If you have anything older than an Apple Watch Series 5, you might want to get the Series 7 (or save some money and get the Series 6). You do have to decide on the size of the watch face. That is a personal preference. Apple currently is pushing either the Series 7 or the budget version Apple Watch SE. As I mentioned, I like the Cellular versions, but many people elect not to go that route. And you have to think about the Case as well as the band you want. Here are the links directly to the particular series; you will have to go from there: Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS + Cellular) – $479-749Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) – $329Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS + Cellular) – various prices and NOTE – many of these are “renewed” or “refurbished” It’s a bit easier with AirPods. There are only three options to consider (but my preference is the AirPod Pros). Again, on Amazon: AirPods (2nd Gen) – $109AirPods Pro – (not in stock as of this writing)AirPods Max – $439-479AirPods (new version) – (not in stock as of this writing) Whew! That is a lot of Apple products! I do hope that these two articles helped and didn’t confuse you more. There are many variations and models to think about. And sometimes, the one you really want will be outside of your budget, so you have to settle for the model lower or a previous generation (or a tech-me-down). Trust me; I live that reality all of the time! If you have any questions, be sure to leave a comment, and I will be happy to try to help and not confuse you more! HTD says: Shopping for an Apple Mac or Watch or AirPods can be overwhelming with color choices, features, models, and more. So definitely take some time to review your options, do some research, and ask your tech-savvy friends!  Images source: Apple.com PR

https://www.hightechdad.com/2021/11/23/what-mac-to-get-hightechdad-apple-2021-upgrade-recommendations-part-2/

[hightechdad]

In recent months, Apple has released a series of compelling products. And, whenever these new iPhones or Macs or iPads are available, I often get asked which ones I would recommend—the short answer – all of them (for the most part). However, most of us don’t have huge budgets or truckloads of cash to spend, so any upgrade or new purchase decisions must be made carefully and with a lot of thought. I figured, however, I would write some recommendations and questions to think about as you consider getting that new bright and shiny Apple product. It’s important to note that these are my personal opinions. I don’t know your situation, how much money you have saved for this purchase, how you will be using the device, or countless other variations. I can, however, offer some high-level advice to make your decision-making process a bit easier hopefully (or potentially more confusing if I offer too many other things to think about). Regardless, read through this article, and if you have any questions or your own opinion, do leave a comment.  Also, I won’t be covering every Apple product. There are far too many. And, I really haven’t had hands-on experience with everything. For example, I only have the original iPad Mini. I have never played with an iPad Air or iPad Pro. I don’t have the latest Apple Watch Series 7. And there are plenty of accessories that I haven’t touched (my wife won’t let me!). But, as Apple releases products, I do try to read reviews and watch videos. And I have had lots of experience testing each iPhone iteration and have had lots of time with various Macs (even repairing them—thanks, Apple, for allowing the Right to Repair!).  HighTechDad’s iPhone Upgrade Recommendations The latest iPhone is the iPhone 13. It comes in two main versions, the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 13 Pro. And, within each version, there are other sub-models. Briefly: iPhone 13iPhone 13 miniiPhone 13iPhone 13 ProiPhone 13 ProiPhone 13 Pro Max Storage capacity ranges are: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB (the new 1TB option is only available on the Pro line.) I recommend getting as much storage as you can afford (unless you don’t take videos or photos). The “Pro” moniker is something that is recently become more refined by Apple. It applies to their iPhones, AirPods, and their MacBooks. And, within that Pro lineage, there is now the “Max” tag which is starting to signify the “top of the line” with everything “maxed out.” Max can signify a faster processor, highest-end components and features, or largest size. It does depend on the device. I do think a new iMac Pro will be coming soon. The Pro line is truly becoming aligned with Professional. And people often don’t realize this until they see the price. But, there are pretty significant differences and advantages to choosing the Pro line. For example, you get more camera lenses (Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto versus just Ultra Wide and Wide in the non-Pro version). When it comes to which upgrade to follow for the iPhone, here are my quick recommendations based on the iPhone you currently have: iPhone 12 – unless you are an avid videographer or photographer that uses their iPhone as their primary image or movie capturing device, I would say hold off until the iPhone 14 comes out.iPhone 11 – following the same guidance for the iPhone 12, if you have the iPhone 11, you may want to hold off. But it is less of a strong case to do so. Things to think about:How is your battery health? You can get a battery replaced for a fee, but you could also apply that to the purchase of a new iPhoneHave you run out of storage? If so, with your next iPhone purchase, consider getting more storage (or, gasp, deleting some of those photos, videos, movies, or games)Do you want to take advantage of 5G? Starting with the iPhone 12, you can use 5G and not just 4G LTE.iPhone X/XR/XS/XS Max – at this point, I would seriously consider getting the iPhone 13 (or, if you get a good deal on a 12, go that route). The cameras continue to get better and better with each release. There are countless enhancements in speed and performance with newer iPhone. Night shot photos get much better with the newer versions. If you have the XS, you may want to think about the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 (perhaps even in the mini version, but you probably don’t need the Pro)iPhone 8/8 Plus (or earlier iPhone model) – bottom line with any of these older iPhones, it’s time to upgrade! Turn your old iPhone into a sound machine or something! Another essential point to consider, Apple eventually stops supporting older models as they release new versions of iOS (the Operating System for iPhones). The current release of iOS as of this writing is iOS 15.1. However, unlike Macs, there still seems to be pretty good support for older devices. According to this Apple document, you can install iOS 15.1 all the way back to an iPhone 6s or iPhone SE (1st gen). But, I will guarantee that old iPhones running the latest and greatest iOS will run very slowly, and you will have a sub-par experience. But if you don’t mind your device being slow, it may be ok. When you do a single number upgrade (e.g., iPhone 11 to iPhone 12), it is often a bit difficult to see tremendous differences. Speeds are faster, cameras are better, and designs are refined, among other things. However, when you do a larger number upgrade (e.g., iPhone 10 to iPhone 13), you WILL notice a big difference, and often it is worth the price.  Apple has a great comparison tool that lets you put 2 or 3 iPhone models side-by-side so you can geek out on the specs and differences. I highly recommend that as you research your upgrade, that you use their comparison tool! There are a lot of technical terms on there, so be warned. A few last thoughts – while you can often use your old device as a trade-in to reduce your purchase price, there are plenty of reasons to simply keep that old iPhone. For example: Donate it to a charity – there are many organizations that will gladly take your old tech and put it to work with people who need themUse it as a “tech-me-down” (hand-me-down) for your kids to play with. This works with younger kids but good luck once they hit their teens!Save it as a backup – accidents happen and it is nice to be able to pop out the SIM card and put into your backup phone in an emergency.Take it apart – well, I wouldn’t recommend this too much unless you are like me and want to figure out how things work and how to repair them. (Be careful with batteries!)Make it a collectable – who knows, that original iPhone, even in pretty bad condition, might be worth a lot in the future! For full disclosure, I have not (yet) spent any time with the iPhone 13. I’m currently using the iPhone 12 Pro Max. However, I do hope to have some hands-on time with the iPhone 13 in the future. Shopping for the iPhone I do have a few recommendations when it comes to shopping for a new iPhone, specifically: Always look for sales (duh)Consider getting the previous version (“last year’s model” is typically pretty darn good for most and you will save some $$$)Consider the Apple Upgrade Program – you get the latest model, pay monthly instead of all up front, get Apple Care+, and after a year, can upgrade to the next model (which does require a new loan). You also own the phone after you pay it all off (and it is interest-free). I chose this path with my kids for a few years.Be flexible on the colors – there may be some good deals on less-popular models.Don’t do a trade-in – Unless you have a previous generation and can get some good $$$, I would recommend selling your old iPhone yourself instead of doing a trade-in. Trade-ins are easy, but you won’t get the full value (it’s just like trading in a car). Here are links to the latest iPhone 13 models on Amazon (yes, they are affiliate links – writing these articles takes time, so I appreciate your clicks!). I have chosen the 512 GB option because I think that is the best for people taking videos and photos. You will save money if you get a smaller capacity (but you might regret it later). Also, the color choice may affect the price (per my recommendation above) – if you don’t like a particular color, just get a case to cover it! iPhone 13iPhone 13 mini (512GB) – $1,029iPhone 13 (512GB) – $1,129iPhone 13 ProiPhone 13 Pro (512GB) – $1,299iPhone 13 Pro Max (512GB) – $1,399 Good luck with your iPhone upgrades! In part two of this article, I cover Mac upgrade recommendations, Apple Watch thoughts, and AirPods. Continue to Part 2. HTD says: Sometimes, the upgrade path for Mac products can be confusing. My iPhone upgrade recommendations keep things relatively simple, but remember, these are personal choices, and you need to match your use cases with the appropriate technology. Images source: Apple.com PR

https://www.hightechdad.com/2021/11/23/which-iphone-to-get-hightechdad-apple-2021-upgrade-recommendations-part-1/

[hightechdad]

Laptops are rapidly becoming pure replacements for desktop computers (unless you are a full-on gamer or developer or someone who requires a big box under your desk with lots of power and ports). Take the new MacBook Pro sporting the M1 Pro or Max chipset. You can literally do what previously required a MacPro desktop or other high-end computer, but without the requirements of always being tethered to power or a big monitor or a hard drive array. And while these new MacBook Pros now have ports other than USB-C, if you truly want to be mobile, you have to be able to get up and go, throw your hard drives into a bag, and head off. I highly recommend having a USB-C hub or dock handy in your bag when you do hit the road, and the OWC USB-C Travel Dock has those core connectivity ports at your disposal. (*Disclosure below.) The OWC USB-C Travel Dock is basic but has been designed to be compact while providing essential connectivity. If you have a previous-generation MacBook Pro, the one that only has the USB-C ports, or even a newer M1, you are going to want to take a hard look at how you connect your peripherals when mobile. In previous reviews of USB-C dock, adapters, and dongles, I mentioned that you want to stay away from having too many things just hanging off of your laptop. It’s a pain trying to find them and your laptop looks like a digital octopus. In my opinion, it’s much better to have all connectivity contained within one device, and that’s where the OWC USB-C Travel Dock excels. The OWC Travel Dock has five ports that will satisfy most of your needs (with a few exceptions). So, when evaluating USB-C docks, be sure you fully understand your use cases and what you will need when you are on the road. There are some things that are essential and others that you can probably survive without. 5 Core Ports on the OWC Travel Dock OWC has kept things fairly straightforward when it comes to the design of its hub. They wanted to provide the essentials while maintaining a compact design that could be easily thrown into a bag. These are the core ports: USB 3.1 Type-A – there are two of these ports. These are Gen 1 which are perfect for connecting external, portable hard drives, charging your tablet or smartphone, or connecting other peripherals.SD Card Reader (UHS-II) – there is one SD card reader. This is ideal for photographers who want to quickly download photos taken on their DSLR camera by just popping in the SD card. This SD Card reader is compatible with SD, SDHC, SDXC, and SDUC cards. And, the SD card reader is compatible with UHS-I, UHS-II, UHS-III (Ultra High Speed) and SD Express cards. Remember, the full transfer speed does depend on the type of the card you are using.HDMI – there is one HDMI v2.0 port which makes this travel dock ideal for those laptops or devices that do not have a built-in HDMI port. The HDMI port supports 4K resolution, up to 4096 x 2160 @ 30Hz.USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C pass-through power port – lastly, there is one USB-C port. This is where you will probably want to plug in your USB-C power supply. This port supports up to 100W of passthrough charge (a little less as 1.5W of power is used by the OWC Travel Dock itself). Also, the dock draws between 5W and 15W of power, depending on the devices connected. Physically attached to the OWC USB-C Travel Dock is a USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 cable that can connect directly to a compatible device (laptop, Chromebook, tablet, or smartphone). Using the 100W passthrough power, you can connect your power supply to the OWC Travel Dock and plug the Travel Dock USB-C cable into your laptop to power it AND connect your peripherals. And only use one port on your laptop in the process. This USB-C cable (which is only 5.9″ in length) coils up and can be stored in the bottom of the travel dock, making it truly a compact, little hub. Why this Travel Dock is actually Great for Travel When you go on the road, you probably will be concerned with both weight and space. Depending on the size of your laptop, the laptop itself and its power supply may add a few pounds of weight and take up a significant amount of space. OWC designed their USB-C Travel Dock to reduce that worry of weight and size. The Dock is shaped like a flat cube, measuring 4.4″ in width and length, and is only 2″ high. It’s quite compact. Added to the small dimensions is the fact that it only weighs 6.1 ounces. In comparison, an Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max weighs 8.5 ounces. An iPhone Pro Mini weighs 4.97 ounces, so the OWC USB-C Travel Dock falls right in between those two smartphones. Also, the OWC Travel Dock is ambidextrous when it comes to the types of devices it can support: Mac CompatibilityOS X 10.10 or latermacOS 10.12 or lateriOS 12 or later (for any iOS device that has a USB-C connector)PC: Windows 10 or laterAndroid, Chrome, and Linux versions with USB Type-C support – Hardware There is no driver required to run this OWC Travel Dock. However, OWC does provide software to make managing connected hard drives a lot easier. Using the OWC Dock Ejector software, you can safely eject all connected hard drives with one click. In addition, it ensures that all data has been written to the drive, eliminating those pesky errors of “your hard drive was not ejected properly.” The Price of Portable Connectivity How much will this 5-port OWC USB-C Travel Dock set you back? It’s pretty reasonably priced given what you get especially if you added up each of the connectors independently. OWC has the Travel Dock currently listed at $54.99 which is right on the mark in my opinion, given the compact design and portability. One port that I do wish that it had was Ethernet. I know that WiFi speeds have gotten a lot faster so you probably can be just fine without hard-wiring in your Internet connection, but that would have been a great additional port. You can currently pick up the OWC USB-C Travel Dock on Amazon for $54.99 as well but you may see it drop in price as we get closer to the holidays. Buy on HighTechDad.com The product shown below (and related products that have been reviewed on HighTechDad) is available within the HighTechDad Shop. This review has all of the details about this particular product and you can order it directly by clicking on the Buy button or clicking on the image/title to view more. Be sure to review other products available in the HighTechDad Shop. OWC USB-C Travel Dock $54.99 Buy on Amazon The bottom line here is if you are mobile with a laptop, you will want to get some sort of a USB-C hub in the near future. OWC does have larger versions of their USB-C hub with more port options (including Ethernet). For example, you can get the Travel Dock E which does add a gigabit Ethernet port for just $10 more at $64.99. And there are other options available as well. Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and write this content. I was/am not expected to return this item after my review period. All opinions within this article are my own and are typically not subject to the editorial review from any 3rd party. Also, some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate” or “advertising” links. These may be automatically created or placed by me manually. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item (sometimes but not necessarily the product or service being reviewed), I will receive a small affiliate or advertising commission. More information can be found on my About page. HTD says: Whether you are always on the road for business travel or just moving around your work or home office to different seating environments, having a small, lightweight, and portable USB-C hub like the OWC USB-C Travel Dock is one gadget you don’t want to be without.

https://www.hightechdad.com/2021/11/17/mobile-warrior-pack-owc-usb-c-travel-dock-review/

[hightechdad]

Honestly, I find it increasingly difficult to work with just a single monitor. Whether it is just the built-in screen on a laptop or a desktop computer with just one monitor attached, I immediately feel a bit claustrophobic. When in that type of situation, I often will scale the resolution of the single display to be able to show the most real-estate possible and have two windows side-by-side. But that is less than ideal. Whenever possible, I will attach an additional monitor (or multiple monitors) to allow me to have some breathing room. So when Mobile Pixels asked me if I wanted to review their DUEX Lite secondary screen, I was quite excited to agree. And, for many use cases, the Mobile Pixels DUEX Lite fulfills that need for additional screen space. (*Disclosure below.) Whenever I show people my desk setup, the one comment I always get is, “wow, that is a lot of screens!” And my response is always, “I still need more!” However, there is something to be said about dedicating a monitor to a single task, especially when focusing on a specific thing. For example, as I do research when writing a review, I like to have the product page on a dedicated screen to review tech specs or feature lists. Or, when I’m working, having a secondary screen specific to email or instant messaging helps me maintain focus on the primary task yet still be able to glance at other items when needed. But when you are “on the go” or working with just a laptop or Chromebook or even a tablet, it can be a bit difficult to have that secondary screen. And that is where the Mobile Pixels DUEX Lite monitor is a perfect companion for the road warrior, student, or business traveler. It is a small, portable, and compact 1080p monitor that can give you that extra screen real-estate in a plug-and-play manner. What makes the Mobile Pixels DUEX Lite unique I have reviewed other portable monitors in the past, but what makes the Mobile Pixels DUEX Lite unique is the fact that it is both portable but also on-demand. Let me explain a bit about the on-demand nature of it. Other secondary monitors are typically more of a large, permanent setup. You have them sitting on your desk, and when you bring your laptop over, you plug them in. You can’t typically move them around the house with you. Or, if you do have a more portable solution, it is a secondary device that you do have to find a way to store and carry. This is not the case with the Mobile Pixels DUEX Lite secondary screen. If you have a laptop, and it could be a Mac or a PC or a Chromebook, the DUEX Lite could be the perfect solution for you because of how it is designed. It is made to physically attach to the back of your laptop’s screen lid. And, it is hidden away when you don’t need it but can be slid out and connected when you do. Note: I do want to preface this part of the review with a bit of a disclosure. I recently got a new laptop. While I do appreciate the ingenuity of the design in terms of attaching the DUEX Lite to the screen lid, I decided I didn’t want to do that physical attachment because my laptop is so new. I do explain how the attachment is performed as well as some alternate ways of using the DUEX Lite in this review. But you won’t see any photos of mine with the DUEX Lite attached to the lid. The Mobile Pixels DUEX Lite can be physically attached to the lid of your laptop. The installation process, from my reading through of the instructions, seems relatively easy to do. Four magnets hold the screen to the lid. These four magnets have a sticky backing that holds them to the lid. Then, the magnets attach to the DUEX Lite into four magnet slots on the screen itself. So, if you want to remove the DUEX lite, you detach the screen held in place by the magnets. And, all that is left on your laptop are four circular magnets. There is a lightweight frame that holds the screen itself. You can slide the screen out to have it facing you, so you have that extra space for another application, or you can have it facing out from the back of your laptop’s screen. This second scenario is great for business presentations or even co-watching content. You could, for example, mirror your screen so what is displayed on your laptop’s primary screen is also shown simultaneously on the DUEX lite. And you achieve all of this by just sliding the DUEX Lite in and out of the protective frame that it is attached to. And, there is a third option which is the one that I am using as I write this review. Portrait Mode is ideal for writers If you are like me, and you don’t want to physically attach the DUEX Lite to your laptop’s lid (or if you want to easily allow others to share this portable monitor), you will want to use Portrait Mode. With this configuration, you use the protective frame as the base and then prop the monitor up. Portrait Mode is ideal for writers, as I mentioned. For example, you can get pretty much a full-page displayed on the DUEX Lite if you are working in Word. Or, it is ideal for viewing a long web page. To enable this, once you have your DUEX Lite physically propped up, you will need to adjust the screen rotation. By default, the screen will show in landscape mode. If you are on a Mac, you will want to go into your Displays preferences and change the rotation. (While you are in there, you may want to change the resolution.) But what if you don’t want to either attach the DUEX Lite to your laptop screen, and you don’t want to have the stand-alone display in portrait mode? Mobile Pixels does have an accessory called the Origami Kickstand. This nifty little contraption unfolds to allow you to hold the DUEX Lite in landscape mode and place it next to your computer without the need for having it attached to the back of your laptop screen. What about the specs? Let’s geek out on the specs for a little bit. It is always important to fully understand what you are getting and what you aren’t. For example, there is a cable included with the DUEX Lite. There is a USB-C connector at a right angle on one end – this connects directly to the DUEX Lite screen. On the other end, there is a USB-C plug as well as a USB-A adapter. The beauty of USB is that it can pass power. Unfortunately, when I tried connecting via USB-A to an older MacBook Pro (that doesn’t have USB-C), it didn’t work. At least, not initially. I found that once I went through installing drivers on the Mac, rebooting, and then applying the necessary security settings, it was able to work on an older MacBook Pro. My daughter is now happily able to edit her Spanish homework on a second screen. Here are the top-level specifications for the DUEX Lite monitor: 12.5″ diagonal600 grams/1.3 lbs. weight0.3″ thicknessFHD 1920x1080P IPS screen16:9 aspect ratio60 hertz refresh rate12.4 x 8.45 x 0.39 inches full dimensions Yes, you do get a 1080p resolution with this monitor, which is great when you are perhaps watching a show while doing some work (wait, you probably shouldn’t be doing that – haha). The monitor is relatively lightweight. But despite that, I am still a bit reluctant to have it physically attached to my laptop lid as I don’t want to have extra weight potentially causing issues with the working of the lid (and this is the reason why I am recommending using the DUEX Lite as a stand-alone monitor either in portrait mode or using the Origami Kickstand for landscape mode). The Mobile Pixels DUET Lite retails currently for $359.99, but it is on sale as of this writing for $269.99. And, it is currently available on Amazon for $251.99. Shop on HighTechDad.com The product shown below (and related products that have been reviewed on HighTechDad) is available within the HighTechDad Shop. This review has all of the details about this particular product and you can order it directly by clicking on the Buy button or clicking on the image/title to view more. Be sure to review other products available in the HighTechDad Shop. Mobile Pixels DUEX Lite portable monitor $251.99 Buy on Amazon! I believe that having an additional screen is essential. Of course, not everyone will share my opinion, but I hazard to guess that it will be hard to go back once you try out multiple screens. The Mobile Pixels DUEX Lite easily adds that capability. Not only that, it is portable and lightweight, making it quite hard to be against it. Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and write this content. I was/am not expected to return this item after my review period. All opinions within this article are my own and are typically not subject to the editorial review from any 3rd party. Also, some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate” or “advertising” links. These may be automatically created or placed by me manually. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item (sometimes but not necessarily the product or service being reviewed), I will receive a small affiliate or advertising commission. More information can be found on my About page. HTD says: The Mobile Pixels DUEX Lite portable monitor makes working on a laptop twice as good as it extends (or mirrors) your desktop, can be easily attached to a laptop screen lid, and when not in use, slides away. Or, simply use it as a secondary monitor without any need for mounting.

https://www.hightechdad.com/2021/11/13/second-monitor-is-essential-mobile-pixels-duex-lite-review/

[hightechdad]

We all love dongles, right? Probably not, I’m guessing. When Apple introduced the USB-C MacBook Pro, the market for adapters and dongles pretty much exploded. As a result, many people’s Macs looked like digital octopi with all sorts of connections hanging off the sides. Then came the hubs, consolidating many of these adapters and dongles into a singular device. And, if you have a MacBook or MacBook Pro with one or more USB-C ports, you will want to pick up an EZQuest 8-port USB-C Multimedia Hub. And I have good reasons as to why! (*Disclosure below.) I do love USB-C though (or, as Apple calls it, Thunderbolt – remember, there are multiple types of both USB-C and Thunderbolt with different capabilities). The ports and plugs are smaller; you can plug them in upside down or right-side up, they can be daisy-chained, they can pass power and data, all through one cable and port. This is one of the main reasons why I’m recommending dumping those dongles and adapters and simply getting the EZQuest 8-Port hub instead. But there are other reasons as well. When Apple did come out with the USB-C MacBooks and MacBook Pros a few years ago, while they had 2-4 USB-C ports, they removed many other ports that did appear in previous Macs. So despite users actually liking, wanting, and needing them, things like Ethernet, card readers, DV, HDMI, and USB-A were dropped by the wayside. The EZQuest USB-C hub brings all of these helpful connectivity ports back in a single device. And, you only use up one USB-C port on your Mac. So, if you do need to connect other items (yeah, via dongle or adapter), you do have at least one more port available to do so (depending on the Mac model). So, let’s take a look at what the EZQuest hub port functionality is. Connecting the EZQuest 8-Port Hub One quick thing I should also mention, the EZQuest works with both USB-C Macs and PCs alike. You can also connect it to a Chromebook or a USB-C-capable smartphone. And, there are no drivers or software you need to install. The hub is true plug-and-play. As my environment is pretty much all Apple products, this review focus on that side of the equation. The hub itself has the main body, which has all of the various ports, and then has a dedicated and attached USB-C cable. So to use it, just plug the EZQuest Hub into your computer. Another nice thing is you don’t have to supply power to the hub to make it run, even if you have every port on the EZQuest hub connected to another device. It draws its power from your USB-C device. You can, however, connect your Mac’s power supply directly to the EZQuest hub since it has PD (Power Delivery) 3.0 built-in. 100 Watts of power can be transferred via the USB-C cable. Eight Ports of Goodness As the name of the hub suggests, it has eight different ports, all of which are quite useful for different use cases. Specifically: USB-C / USB Type-C cable – Use this to connect to your Mac, PC, Chromebook, tablet, or smartphoneHDMI – 4K 30Hz HDMI output for connecting to monitors or TVsUSB-C PD 3.0 – you can plug in your power supply for you Mac into this port; 1 X 100 Watts USB-C with Power Delivery 3.0 + 5Gbs data. Note: it is Thunderbolt 3 compatibleEthernet: I always believe that hard-wired connections are better if you can do them; 1 X RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet with LED indicatorSDHC card reader – large format card reader to easily get photos from your DSLR camera Micro SDHC reader – micro format card reader for action cameras, drones, and the likeUSB-A – three 5Gbs USB 3.0 ports with one BC 1.2 capable; BC stands for Battery Charging – this port should be the preferred port for charging battery-powered devices Personally, I love the fact that there is an Ethernet port built into the EZQuest USB-C hub. While many Windows laptops may still have built-in Ethernet ports, MacBooks, MacBook Airs, and MacBook Pros haven’t had them either ever or in many, many years. Additionally, there are LED indicators to show the presence of network activity. While I didn’t test the two card readers, you can use them simultaneously according to the specifications. You can do that with the USB-A connections as well. The HDMI port allows you, on the Mac, to either do Screen Mirroring or extend your desktop (the option that I always choose). Small and Compact Design The EZQuest 8-port USB-C Hub is a great device to have as a business traveler as well as for personal travels. For example, when we were recently in Hawaii, one of our family members rented a camera for underwater diving, and they were given the SD card afterward. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the EZQuest hub, so we couldn’t look at any of the photos until returning to the mainland. The hub is very lightweight – it only weighs 3 ounces. It’s barely noticeable in a bag. It measures 7.63 inches long by 2.25 inches wide by 0.25 inches thick. I’m honestly pretty amazed they can pack all of that tech into such a tiny space. It is has a precision-engineered anodized aluminum design. One thing to note, this little hub does heat up quite a lot as it runs. While it won’t burn you, the heat is quite significant. I haven’t seen any degradation in performance due to extended use due to the heat, but I would recommend not covering up the hub and letting it stay in the open to cool. What’s not to like? I will continue to do more extensive testing over the coming weeks and months of the EZQuest 8-port USB-C Multimedia Hub as I’m curious about how it performs over time. The only thing I would like would be an additional USB-C port. EZQuest does have a version with 13 ports. This 13-port version adds another USB-C port, a VGA port, a 3.5 mm audio port, additional USB-A ports, and another HDMI port. The 8-port version (the one that I’m testing) retails for $69.99 and is available on Amazon for $69.99 as well. The 13-port version retails for $129.99 and is also available on Amazon for $99.99. Note, the 13-port version is a bit larger and slightly heavier. But it does have just about every port you might want or need. I haven’t tested the 13-port version. Buy on HighTechDad.com The product shown below (and related products that have been reviewed on HighTechDad) is available within the HighTechDad Shop. This review has all of the details about this particular product and you can order it directly by clicking on the Buy button or clicking on the image/title to view more. Be sure to review other products available in the HighTechDad Shop. EZQuest 8-Port USB-C Multimedia Hub $69.99 Buy on Amazon Bottom line, I do recommend getting rid of all of those dongles and adapters, especially when you have a product as useful as the EZQuest 8-port USB-C Multimedia hub. It is extremely small and portable, yet it lets you connect numerous devices. I use it both as a portable solution as well as a desktop docking stations. Since its footprint is quite small, it doesn’t take up a lot of real estate on your desk. And it almost becomes an “emergency device” that you should always have in your bag. Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and write this content. I was/am not expected to return this item after my review period. All opinions within this article are my own and are typically not subject to the editorial review from any 3rd party. Also, some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate” or “advertising” links. These may be automatically created or placed by me manually. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item (sometimes but not necessarily the product or service being reviewed), I will receive a small affiliate or advertising commission. More information can be found on my About page. HTD says: I recommend picking up a USB-C multi-port hub if you have a USB-C Mac or PC. The EZQuest 8-port USB-C Multimedia Hub is an essential addition to any home or business environment and particularly useful for people who are always on the go.

https://www.hightechdad.com/2021/11/06/have-a-usb-c-mac-you-need-the-ezquest-8-port-usb-c-multimedia-hub-review/

[hightechdad]

I honestly love jackets. I have quite a collection I have amassed over the years, and there is practically one for every type of occasion. And, obviously, I love tech. When there is a melding of the two, I get quite intrigued, so when I was asked if I wanted to review the Fieldsheer Adventure Heated Jacket, I could hardly contain my excitement. In fact, after using the Fieldsheer heated jacket for a while, I now have a nickname for it. It’s now my “Ironman Jacket.” (*Disclosure below.) So while this heated jacket is not keeping my heart beating, nor is it powered by some seemingly unending power source, it does have a little button that glows based on the level of heating being provided to the front and back of the jacket. And you can control it via an app on your smartphone. While I received the Fieldsheer heated jacket a few months ago, California was in the midst of an extreme heatwave, with temperatures regularly pushing over 100 degrees daily. So, I wasn’t about to 1) put on a jacket nor 2) fire up the heating elements within the heated jacket. But, now that the weather has changed to more autumn temperatures, I’ve had a little bit of time to test out the Fieldsheer. And, the more I use it, the more I’m really liking it. A jacket first (with some Tech woven in) The primary function of a jacket is to keep you warm and potentially protect you from the elements like snow, rain, drizzle, and the like. Yes, jackets need to look good as well, otherwise, they become purely utilitarian, and there is a good possibility that you won’t wear them regularly. The Fieldsheer Adventure Heated Jacket checks those requirement boxes off quite easily. So, let me start with just the jacket part of the equation and then move on to the tech a bit later. For starters, this jacket is truly designed (even without the heating element) to keep you warm and comfy. It comes in only one color currently – Heather Grey. It’s not truly a solid gray but rather a textured type of gray with specks of white throughout the fabric. Those specks of white actually do serve a purpose, I believe, as one of the tags attached to the jacked touted a technology called Phoslite. Phoslite essentially embeds tiny reflective lenses throughout the fabric. This means that in certain lowlight or dark environments, in the proper conditions, light is reflected back. This means that if you are walking at night or dusk or dawn, you probably can forgo using a reflective belt or vest because the Fieldsheer does that for you. Also of big importance to me is having a jacket that is rainproof or at least water-resistant. I have actually had to teach my family the importance of having a true raincoat that does not let water penetrate in. Too many times I have seen my kids head out the door intro with a puffy jacket only to come back with waterlogged looking like a wet dog. The Fieldsheer is built with Rainguard – a polyurethane coating that allows for perspiration to escape while preventing water from entering the jacket. In fact, to add to the water resistance of the jacket, the seams are also sealed with thermoplastic tape, adding to the prevention of water getting in. Yet this water resistance does not make the jacket feel rigid or immobile. On the contrary, the fabric is quite flexible. But more importantly is the fact that I don’t think I would feel too comfortable having a bunch of electricity or batteries in a jacket when I went out in the rain. Electricity and water aren’t exactly the best of friends. It also has something called Wind-Shark as part of the clothing “tech.” If you are braving the elements of rain, snow, wind, and more, you don’t want the wind cutting through into the area where you are trying to stay warm. And losing body heat is definitely something you want to avoid, with or without a battery powering additional heating. It is all about clothing efficiency! Core Fieldsheer Heated Jacket features To complement the exterior shells, there is also a mesh liner. This has two functions, I found. For starters, it provides the ability to wick away moisture from the inside (like when you REALLY get heated up and start to sweat). This is important because if you get wet with perspiration, it is much harder to warm up as the dampness brings your temperature down – part of the reason why when you are sleeping in a sleeping bag, you want to wear as few clothes as possible. The mesh also has heating elements directly behind it in parts of the Fieldsheer Adventure Heated Jacket, as I will go into a bit later. Let me talk a bit more about the jacket. It does have a hood. If you are going out in the rain or snow, you need to have a hood. And the hood should be adjustable so that you can wear it loose or tighten it up. The hood is nicely outfitted with a lip on the top, almost like a visor. And it has a variety of drawstrings to tighten it around your head, including one in the back for additional tightness. In talking about drawstrings and ways to seal out the wind and elements, the wrists have Velcro closures to ensure no gaps around the wrists. And, two drawstrings around the waist prevent the wind and rain from blowing up into the Fieldsheer jacket. One thing that I have personally not encountered in a jacket was that for each wrist area, there is a thumb-holder-glove type of thing (I honestly don’t know the proper name for it). When I first put the jacket on, I was surprised that I had to put my thumb through an opening which then secured the sleeves to my arm, preventing the sleeves from riding up my arm in any way. It was a great additional feature I wasn’t expecting. There are three waterproof, zippered pockets on the front, two for your hands (and one has a compartment for the battery), and then one higher up on the chest line for your phone or glasses. While it would have been amazing to have a larger cargo pocket in the back, unfortunately, the Fieldsheet Adventure Heated Jacket does not. But no matter, there is plenty of storage for your gloves and phone. Lastly, I have to mention the front zipper. Extra attention was made to the design of this front section. The zipper is truly “inside” the jacket, and there is a robust, Velcro-sealed flap that completely covers it, making it pretty impervious to any elements entering through the front. It’s an additional layer of protection. So yes, the Fieldsheer Heated Jacket is a great jacket in itself even before any tech was even added to it. Bringing Ironman into the fold As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I have nicknamed this Fieldsheer Adventure Heated Jacket my “Ironman Jacket.” And this is because there is a little glowing button on the front controls the heating elements within the jacket itself. Fieldsheer calls this their Mobile Warming Technology and I must say, it does work…quite well actually. This heating technology is a line of clothing products that you can get with Fieldsheer. From jackets to vests to gloves to socks (men’s and women’s clothing alike), you can find all types of articles of clothing to keep your body toasty warm. If you or any member of your family suffers from always being cold, you may want to check out some of the options available. For the Mobilesheer Adventure Heated Jacket, this battery and warming pad technology simply supplements an already nice and warm jacket. But it supplements it a lot, moving it from a warm jacket to something quite hot. You can raise the temperature inside the jacket to an incredible 135º (which is almost too hot for where I live – if there were snow around, that might be a different story). The warming of this Fieldsheer jacket occurs in four places within the jacket lining itself. There are two heating pads in the front and two in the back. This ensures that your core body gets heat as needed. The pads themselves are visible through the mesh liner but are also very flexible, so you won’t notice that they are there (until they are hot). The pads are connected via thin physical wires that run to a hidden pocket where the battery is stored. The battery is a 7.4-volt rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery (4000mAh) which uses a micro-USB connection to charge it up. A great advantage of having a removable battery built into your jacket is that it has dual purposes. You can obviously use it to heat the jacket, but in a pinch, you can use it to charge your smartphone as well. Because of the jacket’s fabric, any heat generated through the ultra-fine fiber elements is reflected back to your body. So while the outside of the jacket is warm to the touch, it is much warmer inside the jacket. The temperature of the heating elements can be controlled in two ways. First, you obviously have to charge the battery fully. Then you place it into a hidden compartment within one of the pockets. Within that pocket is a cord that connects the battery to the wires going to the heating elements. Do note: the connector is somewhat non-standard. I would have actually liked it to have been a USB of some type so that other batteries could have been used as an alternative. Once you connect the battery, you simply power it on by pressing the button on the battery itself. You know that the battery is on when the “Ironman” button on the front shows a red light. You can manually control the temperature (there are 4 settings) by pressing this button. And the color displayed by the button indicates what setting: Red – 100% – 135º F (3.2 hours)Orange – 75% – 120º F (4.3 hours)Green – 50% – 105º F (6.5 hours)Blue – 25% – 90º F (13 hours) Indicated above are how much battery power is used for heating, the temperature it will hit, and how long the battery will last at that power. So while you can physically control the heating level with the button on the front, the battery can also be controlled via a smartphone app called MW Connect. First, you have to connect the battery to the app via Bluetooth. You have to press and hold the button, then pair it to the app (after you download it). Once paired, you can control the temperature settings directly from the app as well as see how much battery is left. The only tricky thing that I found was figuring out how long to press the button on the battery to turn it on. Press it too long, and you go into pairing mode. So my recommendation is to just test it out. You will know that the battery is on by the light on the button on the front of the jacket. Then, you can check the app to see if you are connected via Bluetooth. Press and hold the battery button to turn it off. And you can see the battery level (and its power state) by looking at the four lights on the battery. The Fieldsheer Warming Jacket is hot! I hope it has become painfully obvious that I really like this Fieldsheer jacket both as a piece of clothing but also as clothing with some useful technology built inside it. It’s comfortable to wear and is quite well manufactured with a lot of attention to detail. It’s quite clear that a lot of thought has gone into ensuring that the jacket is well insulated and quite resistant to the elements (rain, wind, snow, cold). I also found that in comparison to other jackets I have as well as reviewed, it is fairly reasonably priced. It retails for $229.99 on the Fieldsheer site and is also available on Amazon for $229.99. That is a good price for simply the jacket alone. But when you add in the Mobile Warming Technology, complete with a rechargeable battery, the price is even better. Shop on HighTechDad The product shown below (and related products that have been reviewed on HighTechDad) is available within the HighTechDad Shop. This review has all of the details about this particular product and you can order it directly by clicking on the Buy button or clicking on the image/title to view more. Be sure to review other products available in the HighTechDad Shop. Fieldsheer Adventure Heated Jacket $229.99 Buy on Amazon So if you know someone who always runs cold or is always out in cold environments, I would highly recommend taking a look at this jacket or some of the other heated clothing items on the Fieldsheer site. There is quite a good variety available. Bottom line – this jacket WILL keep you warm (and look good in the process)! Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and write this content. I was/am not expected to return this item after my review period. All opinions within this article are my own and are typically not subject to the editorial review from any 3rd party. Also, some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate” or “advertising” links. These may be automatically created or placed by me manually. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item (sometimes but not necessarily the product or service being reviewed), I will receive a small affiliate or advertising commission. More information can be found on my About page. HTD says: If you are looking for a stylish, well-designed, weather and waterproof jacket, the Fieldsheer Adventure Warming Jacket is a winner. But wait! It’s more than just a jacket; it has battery-powered warming elements to make it a “hot” article of clothing!

https://www.hightechdad.com/2021/10/30/with-button-touch-the-fieldsheer-adventure-heated-jacket-warms-up-review/

[hightechdad]

We now have supercomputers like smartphones and tablets that we carry in our pockets, purses, bags, and backpacks. These ultra-portable devices let us be productive and connected in places we never dreamed we could before. But sometimes, having a laptop (or a Chromebook) can be quite beneficial. A larger screen and a keyboard make writing much easier. For me, though, I enjoy having multiple screens and monitors. My work desk has a minimum of two monitors (more if they would fit). But I can’t just pick up my desk monitor and move around with my laptop. That is where the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Portable Touch Screen Monitor comes to save the day. This ultra-portable touchscreen monitor extends your viewable desktop with just ONE cable! (*Disclosure below.) I got my hands on the ThinkVision M14t Portable Touch Screen Monitor several weeks ago and incorporated it into my “mobile lifestyle” – which actually isn’t that mobile since we are all still quarantining at home. So for me, mobility means moving from my usual desk to the dining room table. But, my regular monitor remained seated on my desk. At the dining room table, I quickly attached the 14″ ThinkVision monitor and instantly I had two monitors (my laptop and the ThinkVision) extending me desktop – and I’m using it as I write this review. There are some really nifty features built into the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Portable Touch Screen Monitor that I will go into later on in this review. And there are some things you should know about in terms of compatibility as well. I will go into these items shortly. An Ultra-Portable Monitor The Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Portable Touch Screen Monitor, in my opinion, truly defines portability. For starters, it is very slim. The display itself is only 0.17″ thick. That is thinner than many tablets and much thinner than most desktop monitors. And, when you talk about something being portable, you must talk about how much something weighs. If it weighs too much, it isn’t portable in my mind. The ThinkVision M14t weighs a mere 1.54 lbs! That is definitely lighter than most laptops and even some ultra-portables. The design of the ThinkVision M14t Portable Touch Screen Monitor is truly aligned with portability as well. In the base is a tilt-adjustable foot that allows you to adjust the angle of the display between -5° and 90°. Importantly, however, is the fact that this portable monitor is designed primarily to be seated in a landscape manner. The adjustable foot will not allow for it to be seated in a stable way in a portrait mode. Let me mention the display itself. This is an FHD (Full High Definition) IPS monitor that supports 1920 x 1080 resolution. What does that mean? Well, in simple terms, you get great high-definition resolution for videos or other on-screen work. I truly found the display to be exceptionally crisp with good color balance. It supports 16.7 million colors, a typical 300 nit, and a 60 Hz refresh rate. It also has a Low Blue Light mode to allow you to reduce eyestrain. Lastly, when you fold up the base/foot into the monitor’s body, it is quite flat. In fact, you can fold it up and easily travel with it with your laptop – perfect for business travel or sharing a display at a family gathering. Ports for Productivity The ThinkVision M14t Monitor has been carefully designed to support multiple use cases. Earlier, I reviewed the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, I nice little 2-in-1 Chromebook/Tablet. The ThinkVision seems to be a match made specifically for the Chromebook Duet. But as I started thinking about other use cases, I did find some scenarios which worked and a couple that surprisingly did not. But first, let’s talk about the available ports and the one port that is missing (on purpose). On the sides of the adjustable base/foot are ports and buttons. On the right side are the Power Button, a lock slot, and a USB-C port. On the left side are another USB-C port, a Brightness rocker switch, and a Low blue light button (which also activates the on-screen touch-enabled menu). So what is missing? A port for a power supply. Yes, that’s correct. The ThinkVision M14t Portable Monitor does NOT have a power supply! How is this possible? Well, obviously, it uses one of the USB-C ports for power. So, conceivably, if you have a USB-C plug, you could plug it into the monitor to power it, but the better way to do this is to use a device that can provide power over USB-C. The beauty also about USB-C is that it has pass-through charging capabilities. So, depending on your devices, you could plug power into the ThinkVision and then connect the ThinkVision to your laptop or Chromebook. I tested this out, and it seems to work quite well. It’s important to note that not all USB-C ports are the same (this PCmag article has many good details). At a high level, the generation of USB that the USB-C port support determines both the functionality and the speed. Speeds can range anywhere from 5Gbps to 20Gbps. But more importantly, particularly regarding the ThinkVision M14t Monitor, is what other functionality is supported – especially when it comes to video signals. Look for Thunderbolt 3 support if you can on the device you want to send a video signal from. If the device supports Thunderbolt 3, you have a winner! If not, your video source device may or may not work. The M14t has USB 3.1 Gen1 ports. So what have I tested? I only tried a few devices I had around the home. Obviously, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet that I reviewed works extremely well (and there are some added benefits – see the Touchscreen section below). On a whim, I tried to connect my iPhone 12 Pro Max (I had a USB-C to lightning cable). No love there. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do any screen mirroring or anything. I also tried my wife’s Lenovo IdeaPad Flex laptop which has a USB-C port. Unfortunately, and to my surprise, the M14t did NOT work with this. It would connect and then immediately go into power-save mode. I tried giving the ThinkVision its own power supply in one of its USB-C ports and powered the IdeaPad separately, and that didn’t work either. So that led me to believe that the USB-C port on the IdeaPad Flex was an earlier generation and didn’t support video passthrough. The last test that I did was connecting my 15″ Apple MacBook Pro. This particular MBP has four USB-C ports, two on each side. I plugged that in, and instantly, my desktop display was extended to the ThinkVision. I tested a few scenarios: 1) with my MBP plugged into power and connected to the ThinkVision, 2) with my MBP unplugged from power and connected to the ThinkVision, and 3) with my MPB unplugged from power, connected to the ThinkVision, and the ThinkVision connected to the MBP’s USB-C power supply. All three of these scenarios worked flawlessly. So with the proper configuration and correct USB-C port (the ThinkVision supports Display Port 1.2 Alt Mode and PD2.0), you can connect the ThinkVision M14t Portable Monitor to a Mac or a Chromebook or even a laptop or desktop (and a smartphone as well). And you don’t need to hunt around for a power supply for the M14t since it gets its power simply through the USB-C cable and connection. The thing that I love is that you can just use your device’s battery to power the ThinkVision M14t, all on its own! And the ThinkVision M14t Portable Monitor is a Touchscreen It’s important to note that there are two versions of this portable monitor, the M14 and the M14t. The “t” adds to the capabilities (and price) of this portable monitor by adding touch-screen capabilities. The ThinkVision M14t becomes a touch-screen monitor when attached to the proper device. For starters, if you press the Blue Light button on the left side of the base, you activate the on-screen display as well. To interact with the display, just use your finger directly on the screen (or you can use the included pen). But the true magic comes when you connect the ThinkVision M14t to a device with touch capabilities. Again, I circle back to the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, which I reviewed. When the Duet is connected to the M14t, the M14t has full touch-screen functionality. You can interact using your finger or the included pen. (The only trick that I had to learn was how to move a window between screens – from the Chromebook Duet to the M14t – using a hot-key command of the search button + Alt + m or using the Launcher + Alt + M .) The M14t comes with a 10-point touch, 4096 pressure level active-touch pen. And, as you rotate the monitor, it will automatically adjust from landscape to portrait mode. If you have the M14t connected to the Chromebook Duet, for example, you can hold it like a large-screen tablet and interact directly on the screen either using your fingers or the included pen. If you were a digital artist, which I am not, you could sketch and draw directly on the M14t’s screen. Essential for Homes and Business Travelers As we adjust to new ways of working and studying, we have to be flexible about where we “set up camp” from a technology perspective. Our “office” may be in the kitchen one day, on the back deck the next, or in a bedroom later. Or, you may be just working on the road from your car. The nice thing about the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t is that it is more than capable and flexible to handle different environments. It is light-weight, folds up quite flat, doesn’t require a power supply (or a plug for that matter), and is quite reasonable depending on which version you get. There are two versions available, touch screen or non-touch screen, so be sure to look based on what you need. M14t (touch screen) – Lenovo – $409; not currently available on AmazonM14 (non-touch screen) – Lenovo – $249 on sale currently for $199; Amazon – $227 As you can see, adding touch capabilities does increase the price significantly, so make sure that you definitely need to have the touch screen; otherwise, you can save about $200. Overall, the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t (or the M14) are, in my opinion, great additions to a family’s tech war chest. If you have USB-C devices and those devices support Thunderbolt 3 and video transmission, you will be able to have dual monitors easily and quickly anywhere you go. Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and write this content. I was/am not expected to return this item after my review period. All opinions within this article are my own and are typically not subject to the editorial review from any 3rd party. Also, some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate” or “advertising” links. These may be automatically created or placed by me manually. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item (sometimes but not necessarily the product or service being reviewed), I will receive a small affiliate or advertising commission. More information can be found on my About page. HTD says: Before you go and purchase an external monitor for your laptop, desktop, or Chromebook, evaluate how you will be working. If you don’t want to be searching for a power plug and the device you are connecting to supports USB-C with Thunderbolt 3, the Lenovo ThinkVision M14/M14t should be on your shortlist!

https://www.hightechdad.com/2020/12/20/review-lenovo-thinkvision-m14t-portable-touch-screen-monitor-amazing-monitor-to-go/

[hightechdad]

I have always wanted to have a Chromebook simply because I felt there was a perfect little niche between a tablet and a laptop or desktop that should be filled. Chromebooks are designed to be lightweight, portable, and relatively inexpensive. I did have a Bluetooth keyboard case that I used with an iPad mini, but in the end, I reverted to just using the mini as a tablet. As luck would have it, I recently got my hands on the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, a smartly-priced, 2-in-1 Chromebook. And, as a first-timer when it comes to Chromebooks, I was pleasantly surprised. (*Disclosure below.) Chromebooks are not foreign to our family. In fact, each year, our local high school loans out Chromebooks to all of the students. Having something that is light-weight and has Google Docs integrated is quite compelling for education institutions. But, I wasn’t sure if a Chromebook would meet my needs. So, I focused on a particular couple of use cases: writing (like a blog post) and entertainment (movies and news consumption). As I used the Lenovo Chromebook Duet for a few weeks, I experienced what all of the hype was about. I tested it as a lounged around on the sofa, sitting at a desk doing writing, and completely as a tablet, binge-watching various shows. While it is not a multi-core laptop or a desktop computer, it has many core features and capabilities to make it a great, portable secondary writing, browsing, and entertainment device. Here are the features, tech capabilities, and other niceties that made the Lenovo Chromebook Duet a great addition to my tech tool chest! Scroll down for details on each of these items: It’s ultraportableIt’s a 2-in-1Great battery lifeA keyboard to go (with a trackpad)Google is integratedFast startupFull high-definition touchscreen display Now, on to the details! 1 – It’s Ultraportable One of the most important things about having a good entertainment and writing device is to ensure that it is light-weight and extremely portable. There is nothing worse than having to lug around a massive laptop that weighs multiple pounds. I’m not really sure how we survived those years of having huge, 17″ laptops that were deemed “portable,” but that weighed 6+ pounds. Sure, a gaming laptop is probably the one exception to the rule – you must have the ability to pack in a ton of high-end hardware to give you that competitive edge. But for the use cases I described, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet fit my requirements perfectly. Let’s start with the dimensions. It’s 9.44″ wide by 6.29″ high by 0.29″ thick (when viewing it in horizontal mode). Now these dimensions are purely for the tablet-only mode, not when it has the included keyboard/case/cover attached. When the full keyboard “pack” is attached, the dimensions grow slightly to 9.64″ wide by 6.66″ high by 0.71″ thick. By all standards, this is still quite slim and compact. I mentioned weight as an important factor when it comes to portability. In my mind, if it weighs a lot, it’s not “portable.” In tablet-only mode, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet weighs a mere 0.99 pounds (they just squeaked by under a pound!). When you add the keyboard pack, the weight does double to 2.03 pounds, but still, that isn’t significant. Remember, you want to be able to have the best of both worlds…a typing instrument (on-screen keyboards are not ideal for writing in my opinion) but also an entertainment and browsing device (think tablet-only mode here). 2 – It’s a 2-in-1 I alluded to this feature in the previous section. And it is important to call this out. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is NOT just a Chromebook with an attached keyboard. It is also a tablet. This is the best of both worlds (which is what I had done with my iPad mini and a Bluetooth keyboard) – have the ability to just “rip off” the keyboard and go into full tablet mode. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet comes with this capability out of the box as the keyboard pack is included. No need to purchase a separate Bluetooth keyboard and worry about keeping it charged nor having to pair it all of the time. The included keyboard connects to the tablet portion via a five-point pogo pin and magnet system. You can snap it in fairly easily, and once it is properly connected physically, the keyboard is activated. (More about the keyboard later.) Part of the keyboard pack includes a magnetic back to the tablet itself. You can leave the backing attached to the tablet if you want, but it does add a little bit of weight. It is easy to remove as it only magnetically attaches to the tablet’s back (and there is a hole for the camera, obviously). And, when you are ready to go back into full writing mode, just snap the back of the tablet cover on (it has a built-in kickstand) and attached the keyboard. 3 – Great Battery Life! While many laptops are starting to achieve vastly-improved battery life, for the most part, you can probably get a day’s work out of a fully-charged battery. Tablets fair a bit better, offering well beyond an 8-hour workday. So, what happens when you combine a laptop and a tablet and then throw in a connected keyboard? With the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, you actually get the best of both worlds. I recently charged up the Lenovo Chromebook Duet and, as I’m writing this review, took a look at the battery remaining indicator in the notification tray. It’s showing 11+ hours remaining. Now remember, the Duet is also currently powering the keyboard as well. That is quite respectable when it comes to doing a full day’s work just using the Chromebook. According to the Lenovo specs on this Chromebook, a mixed usage profile of browsing, music, video, reading, writing, and typing gets about 10 or more hours. Charging the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is done via an included USB-C charger. The charger is 10W and does include the plug. I wish that the included USB-C cable was a bit longer as it barely reaches the Chromebook Duet when it is sitting on a table and having a plug on the floor. But, because of the long battery life, the best practice that I’m following is to use the Chromebook all day and then at night, simply charge it all back up. 4 – A Keyboard To Go (and a Trackpad!) So, one thing that was lacking with my iPad and Bluetooth keyboard was a trackpad. Believe it or not, this is an important little feature. As I discussed previously, the included Lenovo keyboard automagically connects to the tablet portion via a 5-point pogo pin. Once it is physically connected, it powers on and connects to the tablet for full functionality. The nice thing about this soft-touch keyboard is that it is practically full-sized. I have large hands, and so smaller keyboards sometimes cause issues for me when typing, especially as I try to quickly type ideas to digital paper. The keyboard for the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is actually quite good. One note, though, it is easy to not properly connect the keyboard physically to the tablet. When this happens, you will lose the ability to type and use the keyboard, and the on-screen keyboard will pop up. Just re-seat the keyboard, and it will automatically reconnect. There are some dedicated function keys built-in as well, which is nice. The top row has navigation arrows (for browsing), a refresh button, a full-screen toggle, a window and desk manager (to swap between open apps or desktops easily), screen brightness controls (dim/bright dedicated buttons), volume (loud/soft/mute – there are also physical buttons on the tablet itself for obvious reason), and a lock button (press and hold this to lock your screen automatically). Also of note and important is a dedicated search button. Pressing this will bring up the Launcher, which allows you to quickly search your Lenovo Chromebook Duet or the Internet via Google. Last but not least – the trackpad. I have to say, having a trackpad is really essential for point-and-click actions as well as scrolling. For example, trigger the Launcher via the search button and then use the trackpad and gestures to scroll through the list of installed apps. Very handy! 5 – Google is Integrated I know this is obvious given that the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is…yes…a Chromebook built on Chrome OS…which is built by…Google. But, I still felt it is important to call this out. This means that if you have a Google account (and who doesn’t these days), you just use that account to log into the Chromebook. This also means that if you have the Lenovo Chromebook Duet as a “family device,” you can allow them to use the Chromebook as a guest or as a named user/person. In the Browse as Guest mode, the user pretty much can only do that – use Google Chrome to browse the web. What’s nice about that is, it doesn’t really take up any storage space, and all of the browsing is “private.” If you want to add a user, you can add either an “adult” or a “child.” In child mode, you can set up some rules to prevent unfettered access to the scariness of the Internet. Child mode is great for younger kids. If you have adults or teens+, you probably want to just set them up with a regular account. Just bring your Google Account credentials and log them in. Multi-user is truly a great feature to have. While you can do this on laptops regardless of the OS (Windows, Mac, or Linux), when it comes to a tablet, iPad OS doesn’t (yet) support multi-user. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet, however, does. Also, once you log in as a Google user, many of your services (if you have them) are pre-configured, like Gmail and other items. 6 – Fast Startup So, I probably can’t write too much about this great feature. But basically, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet starts up VERY quickly! I just did a quick test, and from pushing the power button until hitting the Chrome OS login screen took ~8 seconds. That’s fast! Then, after successfully authenticating, it took only about 2-3 seconds to get back to where I left off when I shut down. I’m currently using Google Chrome OS Version 88.0.4324.37 (Official Build) beta – I always like to be slightly ahead of the general public so that I can report on new features (or issues). The beta channel is usually quite stable. Since I’m not super familiar with Chrome OS (yet), I’m avoiding the unstable Developer builds. 7 – Full High-Definition Touchscreen Display Keyboards, speed, portability, 2-in-1 function, and all of the items mentioned previously are great, but they wouldn’t be that great without having a nice display as well. Think of having perfectly fine-tuned glasses that are covered with smudges. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet does have a nice display. This is important, especially if you will be streaming videos, TV, or movies, for example. The Chromebook Duet comes with a 10.1″ FHD (Full High-Definition) IPS display with a top resolution of 1920×1200. One thing I really haven’t mentioned (but should be obvious since part of the 2-in-1 aspect is being a tablet) is that the glossy screen is a touchscreen. I truly like the ability to use the trackpad (when the keyboard is attached) and interact with the touchscreen at the same time. The screen itself is quite bright (400 nits) and using the Chrome OS settings, you can enable Night Light mode to remove some of the blue hues to make the screen a bit easier on your eyes at night time. A Few Last Thoughts on the Lenovo Chromebook Duet There are plenty of other things that are great about this Chromebook. And, honestly, a few things that I wish were a bit better. Also, I wanted to include a few more specs of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet. So, let me start with those: Model tested: Lenovo Chromebook Duet (10.1″) 2 in 1 (CT-X636F)Processor: MediaTek Helio P60T Processor (2.00 GHz, 8 Cores, 8 Threads)Graphics: Integrated ARM G72 MP3 800GHzMemory: 4 GB LPDDR4XStorage: 128 GB eMMCCameras: Rear – 8 MP auto-focus; Front – 2 MP Fixed Focus with LED indicatorPorts: One USB-C (Gen 2) portButtons: Volume control & PowerWiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, MIMO 2×2, 2.4GHz/5GHz dual bandBluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2Audio: 2 x Dolby Audio speakers Here are a few minor complaints that I had: Only one USB-C port – I wish there were two, one for power and one for other things like a display – yes, you can daisy chain things; I may purchase a USB-C hub.No 3.5mm audio port – while you do get a USB-C to 3.5mm dongle (and you can connect Bluetooth headphones), if you use the USB-C audio dongle, you can’t use the USB-C port for anything else.A Bit Flimsy – the kickstand that is built into the magnetic cover does feel a bit flimsy, and also, if you move around a lot with the keyboard attached, it does fairly easily become detached. No Pen included – it would be really nice to have a stylus or pen included and built into the tablet portion – but that would add to the cost. But the items I mention above, if they were there, they would change the other REALLY great “feature” of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet – the price! On Amazon, the Chromebook Duet currently is selling for $290 which is significantly less than a laptop or even some tablets. And remember, you get both functions with this device. I will be writing about a great companion device for this Chromebook, specifically the Lenovo ThinkVision M14, a touchscreen display that truly makes the Chromebook Duet an office-on-the-go device! Stay tuned for that! Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and write this content. I was/am not expected to return this item after my review period. All opinions within this article are my own and are typically not subject to the editorial review from any 3rd party. Also, some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate” or “advertising” links. These may be automatically created or placed by me manually. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item (sometimes but not necessarily the product or service being reviewed), I will receive a small affiliate or advertising commission. More information can be found on my About page. HTD says: If you are looking for an inexpensive, multi-function, lightweight Chromebook that is also a tablet, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a perfect choice! It has all of the core features for both entertainment and work and has the flexibility to be a tablet one minute and a laptop the next.

https://www.hightechdad.com/2020/12/13/7-fantastic-features-of-the-lenovo-chromebook-duet-review/

[hightechdad]

It’s that time of year again…when we all start drooling over the possibility of decking the halls of our smart home with tech. At least I do! Over the past year or so, I have reviewed quite a wide variety of tech and gadgets. Some of these fill a very specific need, and others help you build out your smart home. Regardless, tech is always fun to give and get, so I have compiled my annual HighTechDad’s Tech Gift Guide. I hope you find some gadgets for your loved ones (or yourself) on this list! All of the gadgets you see in my Tech Gift Guide have links to the full review, so I encourage you to click through and read the details. And, if you want to see a list of ALL of my tech reviews, there is a category set up just for that. Also, I have included links (if available) to buy directly from Amazon as well as the current price (which obviously changes a lot). Full disclosure: these are affiliate links, and any tiny commission I get helps fund on-going work on HighTechDad.com. (Trust me, I’m not retiring off of any earnings from my site – grin!) The reviews below are in chronological order, oldest to newest. You will find all types of gadgets that I have reviewed here: HDTVAnti-snoring pillowDash CamDigital Picture FrameSmart Home Digital HubRobot VacuumSmartphone SanitizerLaser PrinterAir PurifierMesh Wifi RouterWater Bottle SanitizerWireless Charging PadSmart Speaker At the very end of this list are a couple of products I haven’t had time to write a written review on yet, but that I am in the midst of testing out. If you do have questions about gadgets or tech, please contact me via Twitter, Facebook, or my contact forms on my site. Or, leave a comment below! Happy to answer any questions you may have! HighTechDad’s Tech Gift Guide & Reviews from 2020 A Perfect Balance of Features, Smarts, Quality & Price – VIZIO M-Series 4K/UHD TV Review  Review of the VIZIO M-Series 4K/UHD HDTV – a stellar blend of features, smart home functions, picture quality, and more, all at a reasonable price. Amazon Price: this model is a couple of year old so take a look at some of the other Vizio offerings on Amazon. HTD says: If you are looking for a 4K/UHD TV with incredible picture quality, vibrant colors, and deep darks, as well as one that can handle all types of streams built-in, connects with all the smart home services like Apple, Google, and Alexa, and has a price point that won’t break your budget, check out the VIZIO M-Series! You won’t be disappointed! The 10Minds Motion Pillow Anti-Snoring Pillow Actually Works! Review on How It Does It (Updated w/ Video) Review of the 10Minds Motion Pillow – a pillow which detects snoring and gently inflates air bags inside to move the snorer’s head slightly. Amazon Price: Unfortunately, this pillow is no longer available on Amazon. You may be able to find the 2nd generation version somewhere. HTD says: Waking your partner up either BECAUSE they are snoring or BY their snoring is not fun. It’s actually something to lose sleep over, literally. The 10Minds Motion Pillow has smart monitoring, which will automatically inflate a portion of its pillow to gently reposition the snoring sleeper’s head. Features to Look For in a Dash Cam – The Thinkware F800PRO Dashcam Has Them All! Key items to look for in a dashcam – basic and high-end features. Review: Thinkware F800PRO dash cam has all of the premium features in a compact design. Amazon Price: Various options available (note – prices below were taken at the time of writing the review – now this product is only available through 3rd party resellers so the price may be higher): Front cam only (32 GB & Cigarette Power Cable) – $249.99Front & Rear cam (32 GB & Cigarette Power Cable ) – $299.99Front & Rear cam (32 GB & Hardwiring Cable) – $299.00Front & Rear cam (64 GB & Cigarette Power Cable) – $379.99Front & Rear cam (64 GB & Hardwiring Cable) – $379.99 HTD says: Choosing and using a quality dashcam like the Thinkware F800Pro is potentially a great way to ensure you can show “what really happened” when it comes to traffic accidents or violations or just safety in general. 4 Ways to Make a “Distanced” Mother’s Day Better with a Nixplay Digital Frame Social Distancing may make Mother’s Day a bit more difficult. With a Nixplay digital frame you can share memories remotely! Amazon Price: Nixplay has so many amazing digital frames available, I’m not listing just one here. I recommend you visit their Amazon store to see for yourself (and I have reviewed many of their frames on HighTechDad). HTD says: Technology allows us to share real-time or digital memories even during times of shelter at home. A Nixplay digital picture frame allows for these memories to be persistent throughout the year. This Device Should Be Font & Center in Every Smart Home – Nest Hub Max Review Review of the Nest Hub Max – a 10? smart home hub for the Google Home ecosystem with glorious sound, steller HD video, and vast tech integrations. Amazon Price: Since Amazon has some products that directly compete with the Nest Hub Max, they aren’t for sale on Amazon. But they are available from Google: the Nest Hub Max ($229) and the Nest Hub ($89.99) HTD says: The Nest Hub Max will make any house more intelligent as you integrate various smart devices into the Google Home ecosystem – but it will also provide digital content to be conversation starters as well as connect friends and family across the globe. The Ecovacs Deebot T5 Robot Vacuum Made my Kids Really Lazy! Learn Why – Review Review of the Ecovacs Deepot T5 robot vacuum which vacuums and mops as it uses lasers to scan your home’s floorplan – an efficient daily cleaning solution. Amazon Price: The T5 is currently on sale at Amazon for $399.99! But also look at the full lineup of Ecovacs Robotic Vacuums too. HTD says: The Ecovacs Deebot T5 is an intelligent, multi-function robotic vacuum that uses laser mapping technology to understand your home’s floor plan and clean every inch of it – efficiently, quietly, and gaining a place in the household in the process. Use UV Rays to Zap 99% of Germs on your Device with the KeySmart CleanTray – Review The KeySmart SmartTray uses UV-C rays to zap 99.9% of bacteria, germs & viruses of smartphones & other handheld items. This review details it. Amazon Price: Currently $79.99 (or $119.99 with a Qi wireless charger). HTD says: Taking extra measures to ensure your gadgets and hand-held objects are zapped clean of viruses and bacteria is critical during this COVID-19 era. The KeySmart SmartTray uses UV-C rays to eradicate those dangerous germs quickly and easily. Great Multi-Purpose Laser Printer for Home Business or Schooling – Brother MFC-L3770CDW – Review Review of the Brother MFC-L3770CDW all-in-one multifunction printer/fax/scanner/copier – a perfect fit for home business or homeschooling environments. Amazon Price: The model I reviewed is only available through resellers on Amazon. This model (MFC-L3750CDW) has almost the exact features and retails for $399.67 currently. HTD says: The Brother MFC-L3770CDW multi-purpose printer/scanner/copier/fax is a perfect device to handle all types of work-from-home and business requirements while being more than capable for new homeschooling needs. Look! No filter required! Review: Puripot airFrame F1+ Air Purifier (Updated w/ Video) Review of the puripot airFrame F1+ air purifier which detects & removes VOCs as well as viruses & bacteria. The best feature? No replacement filter to purchase! Amazon Price: Currently available for $899.00 with limited quantities. HTD says: The puripot airFrame F1+ is a fantastic piece of mechanical engineering. This maintenance-free air purifier auto-magically removes VOCs, viruses, and bacteria from the air automatically with its whisper-quiet operation. And it simply looks great as well! Ok Google, Enable Simple WiFi Setup with Nest Wifi – Review Review of the Google Nest Wifi mesh router and point, an extremely easy to set up, configure & use mesh Wifi router. It supports Google Assistant too! Amazon Price: Nest Wifi (link to Google store) comes in many different purchasing configurations: Router only – $169 / Amazon: $169Router & Point – $269 / Amazon: point not currently availableRouter & 2 Points – $349 / Amazon: point not currently availablePoint only – $1492 Routers – Amazon: $299 HTD says: While it is often nice to get into the nitty-gritty details of configuring a Wifi router, the Nest Wifi mesh router and point take away much of the complexity, making it a snap to set up, configure, and use. And it’s a smart device too! How To Get Rid of that Stinky Water Bottle Smell – Klear Cap Review Review of the Klear Cap which uses UV-C LED blue light to remove smells, viruses, bacteria, and germs from wide-mouthed reusable water bottles. Amazon Price: The Klear Cap is only available directly from the company. The Klear Cap retails for $49.97 for a single cap alone. You can also get combo packs, which include a black reusable water bottle and a Klear Cap for $79.97. Use coupon code: HIGHTECHDAD to get 10% off your purchase (or click here to have it applied to your purchase). HTD says: First, help save the globe by not using disposable, plastic water bottles. Then, help save your body from harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses by using a Klear Cap to clean your water bottle’s water using UV-C light. Mophie 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Mat Review – Charge Up Everything! Review of the Mophie 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Mat which can charge up to 4 devices wirelessly. Charge an Apple Watch too with USB-A port in back & included holder. Amazon Price: Currently available on for $128.63 HTD says: Mophie has always been a leader when it comes to charging up your gadgets. With their new 4-in-1 wireless charging mat, my kids now have a single place to charge their iPhones at night! Sounds Fantastic & it’s Smart! Review: Nest Audio Smart Speaker Review of Nest Audio smart speaker, the next generation of Google Home speaker. Easy to set up & even easier to listen to since the sound quality is fantastic. Amazon Price: Available on Amazon for $99 but also directly on the Google Store. HTD says: Building out a smart home or just want to listen to high-fidelity music, Nest Audio has you covered! The easy setup and the integration with Google Home and Google Assistant make it smart. The sound quality makes it an even better addition to your home. A Few Other Cool Gadgets I Haven’t Reviewed Yet In case that list wasn’t good enough for you, here are a couple of more tech items to round out the 2020 HighTechDad Tech Gift Guide. For starters, I have been testing the iPhone 12 Max Pro (but I only have been working with it for a couple of weeks). The iPhone 12 Max Pro is a phenomenal upgrade if you have an iPhone X or earlier. If you have an iPhone 11 (you can read my review from last year), the upgrade is compelling but not mandatory. Another really nifty little stocking stuffer or just a practical gift is the Brother P-touch Pro label maker. This $30 gadget is great for people who like organization, kids going off to college, or someone like me who likes labeling plugs and cords and cables and connectors…you get the idea. Lastly is an amazing combo from Lenovo. I have never had a Chromebook but have always thought it would be an extremely practical writing device. With a long battery life and being extremely portable, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is both a mini-laptop and a tablet (complete with a detachable keyboard). Currently, at $299 on Amazon, this is quite a capable little Chromebook. But, couple this nice little Chromebook with the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t and you have a portable 14″ touchscreen (and widescreen) monitor. The unique thing about this monitor is that it doesn’t plug into the wall. It’s powered completely via USB-C/Thunderbolt! It is currently $277 on Amazon. I’m still testing out all of the capabilities and possibilities of uses these as a pair or independently. No pictures for any of these yet! You will just have to check back later once I post my reviews! I sincerely hope that this 2020 Tech Gift Guide has given you some last-minute ideas (or ideas for the future) on some gadgets for your home or office. If you know of any family tech or smart home devices that you think I should review, please leave a comment or contact me. Happy Holidays (and let’s hope that 2021 is a LOT better than 2020 was)! HTD says: Gadgets are a lot of fun to give and receive. They can make your life a bit easier or automate some mundane tasks. But the most important thing to give over the holiday season is love and caring. So, consider also donating time or money to charity as there are many people in need!

https://www.hightechdad.com/2020/12/05/hightechdads-2020-tech-gift-guide/

[hightechdad]

A few years ago, when smart speakers started hitting the market and arrived into our homes, we were amazed by how they could listen to and react to our commands based on a trigger keyword. I felt it was something straight out of Star Trek! Depending on the device you got however, while the voice responses sounded great, if you wanted to play music, sounds were, I felt, a bit sub-par. Music lacked bass or was tinny. Multi-generations later, smart speakers have the “smart” side as a given and have dramatically improved the “speaker” side of the equation. A perfect example is the new Nest Audio – a smart speaker connected to the Google Home app that sounds fantastic! (*Disclosure below.) I have tested many speakers over the years. While I’m not an audiophile, I do know what I think sounds good and what doesn’t. For example, if a speaker lacks bass, I will search for one that can “thump” a bit more. If the sound is mushy or flat, that is equally as bad and annoying, and I will find one with crisper and clearer highs. Google has realized this with its latest smart speaker release – the Nest Audio – and my ears were pleasantly impressed. Whether you have fully embraced the Google Home ecosystem, have never integrated a Google smart device, or have a “mixed” ecosystem environment (like I do), the Nest Audio smart speaker will easily fit into your home or office and truly uplevel your music-listening experience. Even if you don’t want to use it as a smart speaker (there is actually a physical mic off switch on the back of the Nest Audio), you can still easily stream and play music from the Nest Audio speaker. But if you truly want to take advantage of having a smart home, leave the mic switch on and interact with Google via spoken commands to control over 50,000 types of smart home devices! A Speaker First? With the age-old question of the chicken or the egg, I have to ask, what is the Nest Audio? A smart device that is also a speaker? Or a speaker that is also smart? I’m actually going to go with the latter – a “smart speaker” (drop the “smart” adjective, and you are left with a speaker). The original Google Home (which I have NOT reviewed) was touted more of a smart device with a speaker. Google aimed to change this with the Nest Audio. Nest Audio is actually 75% louder than the original Google Home. And, I’m happy to say it has 50% more bass than the Google Home. Bass is quite important, in my opinion; otherwise, don’t listen to music. Boasting a 75mm mid-woofer, the Nest Audio smart speaker definitely has enough “thump” power. We placed our Nest Audio in our master bathroom, and now the music actually can drown out my shower singing. But the highs excel as well as they are clear and crisp, powered by a 19mm tweeter. All of this beautiful sound engineering is encapsulated into a nondescript, mesh-covered speaker, which measures 6.9″ high by 4.9″ wide by 3.1″ deep. By the way, the colors integrate well into many color schemes as you can choose Chalk (the color in my photos), Charcoal, Sand, Sky, and Sage. But I digress. Let’s talk some more about sound. While I only tested a single Nest Audio, you can set them up as a stereo pair with two Nest Audios, complete with left and right channel separation. And, you can group the Nest Audio with other recent Nest devices like the Nest Mini or Nest Hub Max to spread the joy of synchronized music throughout your home. I highly recommend ensuring you have your Nest devices all synchronized within your Google Home app. And there is a good reason to do this. If, for example, I was listening to music on the Nest Audio in our bathroom, when I was finished in the bathroom, I could simply transfer the music to a different Nest device, like my Nest Hub Max with a simple voice command “Hey Google, move my music to Living Room Display.” (Oops, sorry, I’m moving slightly away from the speaker side and towards the smart side.) You can add premium and other popular music services to your Google Home configuration and then stream them through Nest Audio. I currently have Pandora configured as my premium service. But one big criterion for my wife was the ability to connect easily via Bluetooth from her smartphone. This is quite important as she likes listening to podcasts on her phone. Luckily, the Nest Audio fully supports Bluetooth 5.0 (and also has Chromecast built-in so you can cast from any supported device). To pair with the Nest Audio, simply issue the command “pair Bluetooth.” The Nest Audio speaker will then tell you what to do next – the nice thing is, it will use whatever name you gave it in the setup process as the device to connect to. Once paired, you can use the commands “connect” or “disconnect” Bluetooth to connect easily. Or a Smart Device First? As I alluded to in the previous section, Nest Audio does have the smarts. And it is tightly integrated into the Google ecosystem. In fact, Nest Audio has a dedicated on-device ML (machine learning) chip. What does this mean? It’s very fast at responding to music controls, for example. There is nothing worse than asking for the volume to be lowered or a bad song skipped and having to wait a few seconds before the “smart” devices listens, understands, and reacts. And this is where it might get a bit creepy. With this ML chip, the Nest Audio will begin to anticipate your music requests and smart home commands as it “learns” how you normally act. So, my recommendation is to keep talking to it so that it learns what you want. And once you set up Voice Match, Google Assistant can recognize your voice so you can ask what your specific commute time is or what is on your individual calendar. Then when someone else in your family does it, they get their own personalized experience. If you use Google Duo, you can make calls (even internationally) via Nest Audio. Once you have Duo set up, you can call tablets, smartphones, landlines, and more. And if you are away from home, you can activate Nest Audio as a sort of home phone using the Google Home app by simply tapping on the “Call Home” button within the app. If you have kids, the smart functions of Nest Audio are extremely helpful for getting quick answers to questions or learn how to spell complex words. And, Google Assistant can help with math problems and a whole lot more. So, the quick answer to this is, yes, it is a smart device. But I would say that it is more of a speaker first than a smart device. Easy Setup, Of Course As like my other reviews of the Nest Wifi and Nest Hub Max, the Nest Audio has an extremely easy to use wizard that either integrates the Nest Audio into your existing Google Home environment or, if you are new to Google Home and the ecosystem, will quickly get you set up. Regardless, you need to have the Google Home app to set up and configure the Nest Audio. Here’s my quick setup of the Nest Audio (and yes, I already have the Google ecosystem in full swing at our home). You start by launching the Google Home app on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android). If you have plugged in your Nest Audio (which you should do before initiating the setup), you should see a prompt “Set up Nest Audio.” Click on that to continue to the dancing, colorful blocks. Once Google Home finds your Nest Audio, it will ask you if you want to set it up. The Nest Audio will play a tone from the one currently being set up. Google Home asks you if it is the proper speaker. The next step is connecting the Nest Audio to the WiFi network you want. I actually have my Nest Audio connecting to a different WiFi than my primary WiFi because I have a WiFi Router closer to the speaker. I mentioned before about Voice Match. Because I have set up Voice Match on some other devices within my Google ecosystem, I don’t need to set it up again. It is automatically enabled, and my voice is differentiated from others’. You are in the final stretch of configuring the Nest Audio. Next up is selecting your default Music service (YouTube Music, Spotify, Pandora – what I selected since I have a Premium account, or Deezer). You can also link radio services (like if you have a SiriusXM subscription). But here is a nice tip. You can play local stations by simply asking your Nest Audio (“Hey Google…”) to play a particular radio station. You can even stream from other cities. It uses either TuneIn or Radio.com for these services. You will get ads on these, especially if you are using the free streaming service. The final setup is just a quick walkthrough on how to use the Nest Audio speaker physically. Tap the top to Play/Pause. Tap the corners to raise or lower the volume (you can use your voice for either of these as well). And then talking about the On/Off physical button for the mic on the back of the Nest Audio. Play/Pause on the topVolume Up/Down on cornersMic switch on the back Honestly, the setup takes literally just a few minutes, even less if you already have Google Home set up in your home. A Smart Speaker Ok, yes, I actually think the Nest Audio is a little bit of both, mainly weighted towards the speaker side simply because it sounds so good (I love the bass, as I said). You do have the ability to increase or decrease both the Treble and Bass directly in the Google Home app. But other than that, you don’t have any other controls. And that is fine. You really don’t much more than that. You should be using all of the smart voice controls instead. The Nest Audio retails for $99 (available for $99 on Amazon as well). You may be able to get a discount if you get two (and you have the advantage of being able to set up a speaker pair). Or just get a bunch of them and spread them throughout your home! If you are just setting up a Google ecosystem and building out your smart home, or if you have a smart home already, or if you just need a great speaker for another area of your home, the Nest Audio is an easy to install and a quality addition to any home, smart or not. HTD says: Building out a smart home or just want to listen to high-fidelity music, Nest Audio has you covered! The easy setup and the integration with Google Home and Google Assistant make it smart. The sound quality makes it an even better addition to your home.

https://www.hightechdad.com/2020/11/28/sounds-fantastic-its-smart-review-nest-audio-smart-speaker/

[hightechdad]

Pretty much all modern smartphones now have the ability to charge wirelessly. And thank goodness! I was tired of either trying to find a cord or buying new ones because some monster was eating them in our house. But many of the wireless solutions I saw were for one or maybe two devices at once. But when you have a family of five, you really need to have more options available. That’s where the Mophie 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Mat has become a precious tech destination in our household! (*Disclosure below.) Even though my kids are teens (and one in her 20’s), my wife and I still firmly believe it is important to have a good night’s sleep away from gadgets. Prying those iPhones out of their hands is always tricky. But over the years, we have made it a routine that iPhones need to be charged outside of their bedrooms. Who knows how long they will continue to comply, but we are trying our best to enforce this rule. But the biggest problem is, we didn’t have a single destination where they could just put their iPhones to charge. It was always a matter of who got the single wireless charger and who was able to find the two free lightning cords. That has all now changed with the introduction of the Mophie 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Mat. Suddenly, all three of my daughters can charge their iPhones all at once with a single charging solution. Actually Charge More Than Just 4 Devices While Mophie says that their solution is 4-in-1 for charging, that is actually not quite the truth. The way the 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Mat is set up, you can actually charge a few more devices, just not wirelessly. From an out-of-the-box design perspective, yes, you can charge up to four devices wirelessly. On the pad itself, there are small indentions to indicate the areas specific for wireless charging. There are two for smartphones on the left and right side of the pad and two smaller indentions in the middle section that are for wireless-charge capable earbuds like AirPods. So, in that configuration, you can wirelessly charge four devices. The center section that is specific to earbuds can also wirelessly charge a smartphone, and this is the charging configuration we have adopted. For us, it is perfect – three iPhones wirelessly charging at once. But the design and capabilities of this Mophie Wireless Charging Mat actually has two more charging options you can use. For starters, there is a plastic clip for holding an Apple Watch. You do have to supply your own Apple Watch charging cable though. But you can use the USB-A port in the back of the Mophie to power the Apple Watch puck. In the back is another USB port where you can connect a USB charging cable to power other devices like another smartphone. So, by my crude math, you can charge up to five devices with the one Mophie charging solution. Some Quick Specs on the Mophie 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Mat For those interested in what is “powering” this wireless charging solution from Mophie, let me provide you with some more details. Here is a quick laundry list of some of the specs of this charging mat: Qi-enabled devices – each device can be charged at up to 10W (each)Easy to find charging spots – as I mentioned, there are indentions on the mat to clearly show where to place your deviceCharge through cases – provided your case isn’t thicker than 3mm, you can wirelessly charge through a case.Dimensions – 11.1″ x 7.56″ x 0.63″ weighing less than 1.5 lbsColor – the mat is a dark grey fabric (which looks like it will hide dust well) And what is in the box? You get the mat, a snap-on Apple Watch holder which extends up (you have to bring your own magnetic charger though), a 1.5m wall power supply, and the manual. Setup couldn’t be easier – just plug it into the wall and place your wireless-charge capable device onto the proper area on the mat. The Mophie 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Mat retails for about $130 (currently on Amazon it is selling for $130). This is a new product for Mophie who are well known for their charging solutions. I do expect the price to come down a bit. While $130 may seem to be a bit steep, you have to remember that 3-in-1, 2-in-1, and even single wireless charging solutions can be expensive for some of the better brands. With this Mophie, you have 4 wireless charging options! amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "tec06-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B08LKGQLRC"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "fd6b8e5b56ebd43bee5fe93f2fba58c0"; If you need to wirelessly charge several smartphones and/or earbuds at once in a single location, the Mophie 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Mat might be your best option. HTD says: Mophie has always been a leader when it comes to charging up your gadgets. With their new 4-in-1 wireless charging mat, my kids now have a single place to charge their iPhones at night!

https://www.hightechdad.com/2020/11/23/review-mophie-4-in-1-wireless-charging-mat-charge-up-everything/