“Hardware” collection
Explore the physical components and high-performance peripherals that power the modern digital environment. This category features rigorous testing of computing hardware, advanced power solutions, and durable equipment built for demanding tech enthusiasts.
HTD Tech Briefs
View all →October 23, 2014
13 Tips to Optimize Your Mac After Yosemite Installation [UPDATED]
As most of us know, Apple's latest operating system Yosemite (10.10), a free upgrade from Apple, is now available. And with it come a lot of nice new features, visuals and enhancements. But, as with any upgrade, there is always the possibility of having issues. While I had been running the Developer Preview on my MacBook Air and had not…
Read more →July 21, 2014
NETGEAR ReadyNAS Review – Enterprise Network Attached Storage for the Home
I was dreading writing this review actually. And it wasn’t because the product is bad, quite the opposite actually. The product is actually quite good. It’s the number of features and configuration options that were making me drag my feet in doing my review. I was a bit overwhelmed as I had a couple of directions I could follow -…
Read more →June 8, 2014
Dyson Digital Slim DC59 Motorhead Vacuum – Review & Dog Does Unboxing Video
I was going to be very cliché and have the title of this review of the Dyson Digital Slim DC59 Motorhead cordless vacuum be…”this vacuum sucks” or “yet another sucky vacuum from Dyson” but I figured that has probably been overplayed and over used. And anyway, we all know that Dyson vacuums are known for the vacuum power, even as…
Read more →June 5, 2014
Evolving & Revolving the iPad’s Usefulness – iGear iPad Flip Turn Case Review
We all know how useful Apple's iPad Air is. It's great at work, in the home and on the go. So is it possible to extend the iPad's utilitarian and multi-use functionality? Of course. One way is to get a case that builds in additional functions. Last year, I talked about iGear's Flip Turn Case and Keyboard for the iPad…
Read more →June 2, 2014
CDW is NOT a Warehouse, It’s a Services Company & Review of HP Elite Display e231
A few weeks ago, I was invited on a "red carpet" tour of CDW The funny thing is, I have always thought of CDW as a catalog and warehouse company. It turns out, my idea was a bit off. Sure, they do have online and print “catalogues” but that was so 90’s. They are transforming more into a services company.…
Read more →April 27, 2014
Review & Giveaway: Honeywell WiFi Smart Thermostat (RTH9580)
A little over a year ago, I installed a Honeywell WiFi Thermostat in my home, replacing one of those traditional, "dumb" thermostats that typically comes with a furnace or air conditioner. It was great being able to not only remotely connect to my home's heating and cooling to turn it on and off, but also using the smart heating and…
Read more →April 21, 2014
How To Install a New Hard Drive & Battery into a 2010 MacBook Pro
There comes a day in the life of every laptop when it simply isn't running as efficiently as it could be. This day came to my 2010 MacBook Pro recently when I looked to see that it only had about 18 GB of hard drive space left and the battery was only able to hold a charge for about an…
Read more →March 31, 2014
Want to Dump your Smartphone Bill? Review of Scratch Wireless for Free Voice and Data Services
Many people have smartphones and even more have cellular phones, but most of us are locked into lengthy contracts in order to get data and voice services. A relatively new company launched in October of 2013, Scratch Wireless aims to provide smartphone services to those who don't want contracts, but who also want to minimize the amount they pay, ad hoc,…
Read more →December 31, 2013
iGear Unlimited Flip Turn Case & Keyboard: Make your iPad Mini a Mini Computer
I always recommend getting a case for your tablet or smartphone. It's important to protect your investment. Sometimes, however, a case can go beyond providing simple protection, it can give utility as well. The iGear Unlimited has a very useful protective case that actually has multiple functions, starting with a Bluetooth keyboard. The iGear Unlimited Flip Turn Case is designed…
Read more →December 23, 2013
Fantastic Fitbit Force is a Healthy Upgrade to the Flex
There is quite a rage going on now around wearable computers and devices, and Fitbit has been leading the charge of producing gadgets you wear that track your activity. A year ago, I was introduced to the Fitbit Flex, which is a rechargeable wristband that measured movements and activity as well as a whole lot more. I wore it almost…
Read more →October 29, 2013
How To Use the eBay Simple Flow Interface to Easily Sell your Old Tablet
One of the big problems about being addicted to gadgets and consumer electronic devices is that you always want the latest and greatest "bright & shiny" device. When that desire hits you, suddenly, you are faced with two issues: 1) how do you find funds to get a new device and 2) how do you easily sell your old device…
Read more →October 28, 2013
When is a Tablet Not a Tablet? When It’s A Windows 8.1 Pro Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2
I have had my fair share of experience with a variety of tablets ranging from iPads to Samsung 10.1 tablets to a Sony and even a Blackberry Playbook. It seems that manufacturers and developers continue to tweak their interfaces and hardware specifications to hopefully be the one that "sticks" and that everyone gravitates towards. I believe, though, that each of…
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