Tech Tuesday on Sirius/XM PGA Tour Radio for 7/10/13 - 7 Gadgets Not to Buy

* TOPICS - 7 Gadgets to avoid spending your money on

1.   Bargain Basement Tablets  -  under $100

With a few noteable exceptions, you still need to spend around $150 to get a decent tablet. In our recent roundup of sub-$100 slates, just two earned as high as 3 stars on our 5-star scale: the $99 HiSense Sero 7 and the kid-friendly Fuhu nabi Jr. Overall, though, most dirt-cheap tablets suffer from very low-res screens, short battery life and sluggish performance.

Rather than staring at a dull lifeless disable while you're chained to an AC outlet and likely unable to access Google Play, spend the extra $50 to $100 and get at least a tablet with an HD screen, at least 7 hours of battery life and quad-core performance. If the extra money is too much to spend, delay your purchase.

2.   Republic Wireless Service

It sounds too good to be true. Instead of spending thousands of dollars a year on mobile service, startup Republic Wireless charges just $19 a month after you pay a $10 startup fee and $259 for its Motorola Defy XT smartphone.

Republic charges so little, because it expects you to use your home or office Wi-Fi most of the time, even for calls. However, when you're out of hotspot range, you're riding on Sprint's ancient, slow 3G network. Even worse, in the Defy XT, you're stuck with a phone that's so outdated and slow that it would have been considered a low-end device three years ago. And did we mention that Republic Wireless doesn't support photo or video SMS messaging?

Even if you're on a budget, you deserve a modern phone with decent connectivity. If you need a contract-free service, consider Virgin Mobile, which starts at $35 a month and offers better phones and 4G connectivity.

3.  A 300 MB Data plan for your smartphone

Imagine if you went to McDonald's wanting to eat chicken McNuggets for dinner and noticed that they appear on both the dollar menu and as a value meal. When you order off the dollar menu, the plate comes with just half of one single McNugget, not enough to be a meal and a lot less than the six full pieces you'd get for $3.

AT&T's entry-level data plan is even less fulfilling. For $20 plus a line charge for voice and texts, you get just 300MB of monthly data on your phone, barely enough to whet your online appettite and a lot less than what a typical AT&T user consumes. However, for just $10 more per month, you get 3GB, 10 times more data and enough to satisfy your video, gaming and VoIP cravings on the go.

4.    Budget or year old Smartphones

When you're shopping for a new phone on contract these days, you're presented with a dizzying array of options at prices usually ranging from free to $199. While many high-end phones eventually end up costing under $100, you need to watch out for the handsets that were made to be cheap at launch. The $99 Pantech Perception is a perfect example of a penny-wise, pound-foolish purchase.

For a two-year contract on Verizon, you get a phone with the way outdated Android 4.0 OS, a dull screen and battery life of just 3 hours and 55 minutes. Do you really want to live with a bad phone for two years when high-end devices like the Galaxy S4 cost just $100 more. You're going to be spending the same thousands of dollars on data for the next 24 months, so you might as well get a handset you won't hate


5.   Low Res Monitors

Whether you have a desktop or a laptop that you attach to an external display, it doesn't pay to buy a monitor that's any less than 1080p resolution. For under $100, you can find all kinds of 15-inch , 17 and even 20-inch monitors but all of these have displays that are well under 1920 x 1080 and often have resolutions as low as 1366 x 768.

With so few pixels on such a large display, you won't be able to fit much of your favorite web page, email or word document on the screen at one time, but you will be able to make out every pixel as clearly as you can see the dots in a Seurat painting. Considering that you can get a 23-inch, full HD monitor for as little as $110, there's no good reason to buy that $70, 15-incher with 720p.

6.  Low Capacity Solid State Drives

Every laptop user with a hard drive should upgrade to a solid state drive, because having an SSD will dramatically improve the speed of your computer and even save you battery life. Unfortunately, SSDs still cost quite a bit more than hard drives, so you might be tempted to purchase a low-capacity drive.

Today, you can purchase a 60GB drive for as little as $60, but you'll end up without enough space for even a few programs. Spend the extra money to purchase an SSD that's at least 120GB. You can buy one for around $120, sometimes less.

7.  The Robo Stir   - Save your $10

It's billed as an automatic stirring device for your soups, gravys, etc

This device is supposed to offer continuous stirring of your soup, gravy, or whatever while you're busy elsewhere. Stick with a proper wooden spoon.

Tech Tuesday on Sirius/XM PGA Tour Radio for 7/2/13 - Travel Gadgets

 Brian and I talk about Kanex travel gadgets and I giveaway one to a listener.

Also some Hilton Head talk...

Here are todays topics and how to enter the contest.

* TOPICS - RIck is putting in rough duty on Hilton Head and we'll take a look at some summer travel gadgets  and another giveaway

1.   Golf and summer travel to Hilton Head

www.hiltonheadgolfisland.com

Hilton Head Island is one of the premier golf destinations in the world. How about surprising Dad with a golf trip to the South Carolina Coast?

The island is also home to an assortment of leisure and recreational activities to enjoy after 18 holes- including deep sea fishing, boutique shopping, windsurfing and biking. Don't forget about all the restaurants.

Ranked top 10 in seven categories by Golf Digest including “Best Courses” and “Best Value,” Hilton Head Golf Island offers an array of exceptional golf course and accommodation options. There is a package to fit every budget.

For additional information, check out www.HiltonHeadGolfIsland.com.


2.  Kanex travel gadgets - and we'll give one away
Kanex is all about small gadgets for travelers

a.  Kanex DualRole

A must have for the power user. DualRole instantly adds gigabit ethernet and 3 USB 3.0 ports to expand your MacBook capabilities on the road. You will stay connected in every single way with the DualRole. All for $69.

 

b.  Kanex AirBlue  - **** I have one to give away  Follow @Kanexlive @RickRoswell @BKatret and Tweet a message to Rick telling your favorite travel destination

Want to listen to your favorite tunes on a long roadtrip? Kanex AirBlue enables you to wirelessly play, listen and control all your favorite music from your iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad or Android device when connected via Bluetooth to your car or a rental car sound system. A great price at $49.

 
c.  Kanex MySpot

If you are sick and tired of weak Wi-Fi or no Wi-Fi in your hotel room, you need a mySpot. The mySpot sounds like something a dog might do on a corner of the carpet, but it's an innovative gadget. The mySpot converts a live Ethernet connection into a wireless-g signal - giving you use of a reliable and safe connection for your laptop, smart phone or tablet.
 

d.   Kanex Travel Bud

It doesn't matter when you are when you have the Kanex Travel Bud. A great 3-in-1 intuitive design makes it a breeze to select the correct plug for power when traveling internationally. Includes plugs from the US, UK, EU and AU. You are all set when you have a Travel Bud. It charges everything for $29.
 

e.  Kanex Double Up

Charge two devices at once. Plug in DoubleUp and get a fast charge in one place at the same time. Sometimes it's hard to find power plugs in a hotel room – so get 2 chargers for the price of one. A bargain at $49.


3.    App of the Month   ATC Air Radio   $2.99

Ever wonder what goes on in conversation between air traffic controller and pilot while taking off and landing,  this app allows you to evesdrop.

Stuck in the airport terminal and want to know why you're delayed? Live near an airport or like plane-spotting and want to tune in to the pilots and the control tower? Have you always wondered what pilots talk to air traffic controllers about? Now you can stop wondering and tune in!

LiveATC Air Radio provides a quick and easy way to listen in on live conversations between pilots and air traffic controllers near many airports around the world. LiveATC Air Radio lets you easily browse by U.S. state, Canadian province, or by country to find an airport of interest. Once you find an interesting channel you just add it to your Favorites list for quick and easy access! You can also use the Nearby function to find airports right near you.


 

Tech Tuesday on Sirius/XM PGA Tour Radio for 6/25/13 - "Gadget Grab Bag"

 Rick joins Brian, who is at the Dogwood Invitational this week to do a "Gadget Grab Bag" and they are also joined by one of the top amateur golfers in the country in Peter Williamson.

Show notes:

* TOPICS - No particular theme this week, but Rick takes a look at some of the latest gadgets and tech that have crossed his desk for a "Gadget Grab Bag"


1.  iOpener  -  Open your garage door with an app on your iPhone
From :  http://www.hiqautomation.com.   $99

The iOpener, launched June 1, uses Bluetooth and not radio frequencies to open a garage door with a smartphone.
Uses an attachment to your existing garage door lifter and a free app to control the movements of the door.
The convenience is one thing, but safety was also part of the plan. The iOpener comes with a security feature that allows individuals to give a code to whomever they want, so they have access to their garage. Up to eight devices can be paired to a single iOpener.

Bluetooth technology eliminates the problem some homeowners have with radio interference randomly opening their doors



2.  PowerRocks Tarot  - Credit Card  sized charger
www.powerrocks.com   -    $35

The Tarot is the thinnest Powerbank in the world.  Just a tad thicker than a credit card and fits in your wallet
It has an unique business card design making it convenient to carry in your pocket or purse
Compatible with Apple products and other universal Micro USB charging ports
*Carries 1 full phone charge

 

3.    ScanStik  -  A scanner the size of a pen  $159.00
www.planon.com

ScanStik, the world’s smallest full page color scanner.  Pen-sized, fast and easy to use, ScanStik is the most compact, sleek designed full page color scanner available on the market.  It’s perfect for scanning on the go, at work, home, or school – an “Office in a Pocket.”  Unlike other pen-sized scanners that only scan a line at a time, the light-weight ScanStik scans the whole page at once just like a flat-bed scanner, but without the bulk.  For even more convenience, ScanStik also features a MicroSD memory slot that holds thousands of image scans from 150 to 600 dpi resolution in color or black and white.

 

4.     Golf Pain Away - Topical pain relief

–Pain Away, LLC, a leader in natural formulation topical pain relief products including Golf Pain Away
Suitable for users of all ages, provides topical pain relief for arthritis, neck and back pain, muscular aches and pains and golf and sports related injuries.  Developed in Australia using ancient Aboriginal bush herbal formulations, Pain Away utilizes a proprietary triple maturation manufacturing process that blends four, all natural, ingredients with complementing therapeutic benefits.
Nick Price, World Golf Hall of Famer and 2013 President’s Cup Captain, serves as Golf Pain Away’s worldwide ambassador.  “I haven’t enjoyed playing golf as much as I have enjoyed now playing pain free with Golf Pain Away.  After using Golf Pain Away, I will never play golf without it again,” stated Price. 
 

5. ATC Chameleon  -  Helmet type Cam  from Oregon Scientific $199

Similar to the Go Pro  - shoots in front of you and behind  - two cameras
Ever wish you had eyes in the back of your head? The Oregon Scientific ATC Chameleon action cam gives you just that ability. With two cameras -- one on the front, and one on the back -- you can record your comings and goings simultaneously.


6.   Pokket Mini DJ Mixer  ($99.00)
www.pokketmixer.com

More and more people are recording radio shows and music right on their iPhones and iPads.  This is a mixer you can take with you.
The Pokket Mixer is a small DJ mixer, maybe about the size of a smartphone that you can connect any of your devices that play mp3s or audio files to.

You can connect a laptop, iPhone, iPod, or tablet and more.
Improves audio quality.  each channel has settings like hi, mid and lo EQs, and there also is a master volume control that is pretty sensitive. I like that.

I'm impressed by the number of controls and variable on the mixer. I was glad to see an EQ sensitivity button, a PFL select option and a volume control right in front of you for your headphones.

 

Tech Tuesday on Sirius/XM PGA Tour Radio for 6/19/13 - Recent Tech Announcements

Rick joins Brian on Wednesday this week.  They talk tech announcements and the new movie "The Internship"

 

* TOPICS - Last week was a huge week for tech news and announcements - Rick recaps what happened with Apple, Microsoft and Sony.

Announcments from Apple

1.  OS X Mavericks - Apple's new operating system

The first of a series of future operating systems named for places in the company’s home, California. Mavericks has enhanced many aspects of previous operating systems, including battery life, Safari and the Finder. In addition, new features, such as file tags and enhanced multiple display support are now possible on Apple computers. The new iCloud Keychain feature saves user login information for virtually anything, as well as credit card info –  but encrypts this data to prevent hacking, making logging into various websites and shopping online more efficient. Other Apple apps like Notifications, Maps, Calendars and iBooks have also been giving makeovers and some snazzy new features.


2.  New computers -  A new Mac Pro desktop and new MacBook Airs

The new MacBook Air is faster, more efficient and more responsive than previous models and is also about $100 cheaper than the former’s original price. The release of new Airport Extreme Base Stations makes it possible for Apple users to stay online on the go.

    The Mac Pro was also a major topic of interest. Tim Cook described the new Mac Pro as “the future of a pro desktop” and something “truly revolutionary, truly radical.” Every aspect of the Mac Pro has been upgraded. The Mac Pro features a unified thermal Intel Xeon core, which allows for more than double the performance output of older models and the fastest ECC memory ever. Flash runs 2.5 times faster, than any flash ever built, and 10 times faster than any previous Mac Pro. More processors, memory and bandwidth all equal a Mac Pro experience more than twice as fast as any before. All of this is jammed into the new iO station, which is one eighth the size of the previous model, allowing for easy transportation.

 
3.    iOS 7 - New Operating system for iPhone and iPad

“iOS 7 is the biggest change to iOS since the introduction of the iPhone. It’s packed with new features, and an amazing new interface” says Cook. Everything about the operating system has gotten a face-lift, including the lock screen, camera, calendars, Gamecenter and even Siri. Several new features were also introduced, such as the iTunes Radio, which is sure to prove itself a major Pandora competitor, AirDrop (a new, simple picture sharing application), and Activation Lock, which allows users to deactivate their device if it is stolen


4.     iTunes Radio - takes on Pandora and Spotify

iTunes Radio app that streams music and lets users create custom stations much like Pandora. The new app has integrated some of its features from Genius, the software that learns music taste and builds recommendations upon the data. iTunes Radio users will have access to all of the iTunes catalog - about 26 million tracks. The new app will also be available in iTunes and Apple TV.

An ad supported version will be free for U.S. customers, but iTunes Match subscribers will not see any ads.



** Microsoft's announcements

5.  a. Microsoft Office coming to iPhones and iPads - 
      b.  Mini Mircosoft stores to open in Best Buy stores
      c.  Microsoft Xbox One ($499) - Xbox One delivers an entertainment experience like nothing before.

Its innovative
technology is rivaled only by its iconic design. Sharp corners and clean lines make
for a sleek, modern console that complements any decor. Xbox One was designed
from the ground up to be the centerpiece of every living room.

 
6.  Sony's new Playstation 4 - ($399)

New controllers
Does not require an "always on" internet connection
Will now play PlayStation 3 games  - but will offer a cloud service where older games will be stored and can be played.


Rick also saw the new movie "The Internship"  with Vince Vaughn and Owen WIlson. It's about two ordinary Joes who get an internship with Google.  What did Rick think of it

Tech Tuesday on Sirius/XM PGA Tour Radio for 6/11/13 - Home Office Tech

 I talk tech for the home office today with Steven Gribbin, who's filling in for Brian this week.

* TOPICS - The Topic today is telecommuting  or working from home and setting up, and the tech for your home office

More and more Americans are working from home. Some studies say workers that work out of the home are more productive.  Let's look at some technology to make working at home more efficient.

1.  Find a good clock/time app 
"Time +" app
 
Understand the time of the day when you work optimally. For some it could be late nights too.
    Set up a daily start time and (more importantly) a daily stop time. Routines will help with discipline and productive use of time.
    Track time with apps


2.  Daily To Do list  -  Workflows

Worried about being distracted working from home? It creeps in unobtrusively because we telecommuters think that we have all the time in the world. If I don’t do it in the morning, I can always snatch an hour for it in the evening…and there you go and blow the time schedules you had set. The answer lies in writing and maintaining daily to-dos. Getting things done in the right time is the yardstick for productivity.
Work flow software:
 
Idea Bucket. This app lets me weigh ideas using real data, so the look and feel may be more clinical, but sometimes that’s just what I need looking at options for a new product or entrepreneurial pursuit.
 


3.    How Design Your Workspace  - The Standing Desk

Becoming more and more popular
Your workspace is your sanctuary for all the 10-12 hours you plan to spend there. A neat and well-organized workspace adds to your productivity. Don’t believe me – try it out. A workplace is not only about ergonomic comforts. It is also a lot about creating the right kind of mood for the work you do.
Consider a standing desk. A good idea not only for health benefits of standing while working, but also for focus.

 


4.     Wireless Speaker for Music and Conference calls

Use the right kind of sounds and music to drown out the noise and stay focused.
Jawbone Jambox - also serves as a speakerphone for conference calls
and
Kakkoii  Wow speaker - great sound - take it anywhere
 


5.   Dual and Triple Monitor set up

Getting more and more common
Duplicate your displays. This displays the same desktop on both monitors. For a laptop, this is the default setting. This is useful if you're giving a presentation with your laptop connected to a projector or large monitor.
 
Extend your displays. This spreads your desktop over both monitors and lets you drag items between the two screens. This is how most people use two monitors, and it's the default setting for desktop computers. After your monitor is set up, you can use your mouse to grab the title bar (the top portion) of a window and drag it to your new display. If a window does not move when you drag it, double-click the title bar first, and then drag it.
 
Most desktops are allowing for multiple monitor set ups now


6.  Webcams

Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 ($100)

If you work from home and use video to stay in touch with colleagues and attend meetings, or if you just use it to stay in touch with friends and family around the world, the Logitech C920 HD webcam offers stunning video quality—including Skype and other video calling (when supported) in 1080p, autofocus, sensitive dual stereo microphones, and full HD video recording if you produce video from your computer. The C920 clips to your monitor easily, but if you need portability, the webcam even has a standard screw attachment on the bottom to fit a tripod so you can position it anywhere you need it. If you need to take still images, the C920 will snag up to 15 megapixel still images. Plus, Logitech's cameras are compatible with almost any operating system, including Windows, OS X, and Linux.