Tech Gear Information

How to pick a new monitor for working from homeThe shift to remote work has sent millions scrambling to improve their home office. There are many ways to do this, but the most important upgrade is the most obvious: the monitor.A monitor is key. Youll use it hour after hour, day after day, year after year. Monitors even have the audacity to resist obsolescence, so the monitor you buy today might be the one youre still using in a decade. (My editor and I both have decade-old Dell U2412 monitors ... read more

How to improve your phones battery lifePhones have improved in all sorts of ways over the past decade. The best smartphones now offer cameras that can easily beat classic compacts, games with graphics that wouldnt look out of place on a PS4, and the same amount of storage as you get in a high-end laptop.But battery life? That is still an issue. Most phones only last a day of decent use off a charge, and you cant rely on some if you have an early start, a late finish, and will do plenty on your ... read more

68 Smart Home Automation Ideas For 2024 & BeyondA home automation is when you program a smart home device perform an action automatically each time something happens (a trigger). Basic automation example: your smart lock sees your phone's location as you arrive home, then automatically unlocks the door.More advanced automations require multiple smart home devices that are compatible with the same smart home platform (Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit). Advanced automation example: ... read more

How-To Geek A smart mirror can show your calendar, weather, and news like something out of a sci-fi movie. Powered by a Raspberry Pi, you can build your own with some simple tools and hardware. Beautiful, Configurable, and Custom-Built Josh Hendrickson / How-To Geek Smart mirrors have been around awhile, and the most prominent version comes fromMichael Teeuw. The idea is pretty simple; you'll build a frame and box. Inside the box, ... read more

The Best Ergonomic Keyboards and Mouses to Prevent Wrist PainPhoto-Illustration: KinesisIf you spend most of the workday staring at a screen, chances are youve developed tech neck or, even worse, a bad back. And the constant clacking on a keyboard or clicking on a mouse doesnt help matters much, either. In fact, Dr. Scott Weiss, a physical therapist and board-certified athletic trainer, says, The wrong mouse-and-keyboard setup can wreak physical havoc on your hand, wrist, and forearm. There are ... read more

How-To GeekKey Takeaways Verify that your audio isn't muted in Windows, that any physical mute switches aren't enabled, and check app settings for audio issues. Make sure the correct audio device is selected as the output device, either through the taskbar or Control Panel. Try running the Windows Audio Troubleshooter, rebooting audio services, disabling audio enhancements, and changing the audio ... read more

Design Pros Picks: Most Sought-After Mice for CreativesAs a graphic designer, you probably spent days comparing the best computers. You know the Adobe Suite inside out. Youve likely even picked out an ergonomic desk chair!Did you put much thought into the mouse youve been using all this time? Its easy to overlook the importance of having the right mouse.But your mouse is an essential piece of your toolkit as a graphic designer. While a regular mouse is fine for everyday tasks, you need ... read more

Streaming PCsStreaming PCsDiscover quality PCs for StreamingWe know that as a content creator you need a versatile PC that can han... Discover quality PCs for StreamingWe know that as a content creator you need a versatile PC that can handle gaming, live streaming, editing, and anything in between. We've got you covered with our multi-core high performance PCs. Built to the highest specifications, our smooth performing streaming PCs are incredibly powerful and are able to handle ... read more

Color Grading vs. Color Correction Process: What Is The Difference? [With Examples & Tutorials]Color grading is the process of altering and enhancing the color in footage to give it more emotion. Itis a process of manipulating the colors on a video or film to create stylized and aesthetically pleasing images.Originally, colorists would use a physical light board to change colors on film stocks.COLOR GRADINGWhat Is Color Grading?Color grading is the process of altering and enhancing the colors ... read more

Augmented reality and virtual reality displays: emerging technologies and future perspectivesUnlike VR displays with a relatively fixed optical configuration, there exist a vast number of architectures in AR displays. Therefore, instead of following the narrative of tackling different challenges, a more appropriate way to review AR displays is to separately introduce each architecture and discuss its associated engineering challenges. An AR display usually consists of a light engine and an ... read more

ConclusionThese are my answers if you will ever ask me the question above. Its only a limited selection of mics that Ive worked with, but they work great for me and I have many years of experience using them. I welcome questions and constructive feedback, although if youre going to say things like the best mic is the one you have with you please dont.Disclaimer(At the time of writing) I was not sponsored by any of the manufacturers mentioned in this article. I have since worked with a number of ... read more

IntroductionCleaning your computer keyboard is an essential maintenance task that should be a part of your regular computer care routine. Over time, keyboards can accumulate dust, dirt, crumbs, and even germs, which not only affect the aesthetics but also the functionality of your keyboard. A clean keyboard not only looks better but also ensures your typing experience remains smooth and hygienic.In this guide, we will take you through a step-by-step process on how to effectively clean your ... read more

Audio Production5 Killer Tips for Recording Drums on a BudgetThese days the internet is awash with musicians showcasing their music online. YouTube hosts thousands of hours of new footage each day of budding musicians displaying their talents.For some, all you need is a laptop, but the story doesnt end there. While it may be easy for a guitarist, singer or even in some cases a pianist to create recordings that sounds just like professional recording studios from home, it can become harder for ... read more

Maximizing Productivity: The Comprehensive Guide to Effective Time BlockingIn today's fast-paced business environment, maximizing productivity is paramount. One compelling approach to achieving this is time blocking, a method that's transforming the way we perceive and manage time.Time blocking involves segmenting your day into dedicated time slots, each reserved for a particular task or group of tasks. By concentrating on one task within its allocated time block, you enhance focus, reduce the ... read more

A Complete Guide to Underwater PhotographyUnderwater images range from scenics and wildlife shots to artistic compositions with underwater models. Here is a complete guide to getting started with underwater photography.Do you want to take your photography to a whole new level? Maybe youve thought about a new lower level, some where deep under the sea? Underwater images range from scenics and wildlife shots to artistic compositions with underwater models. There are many underwater photography ... read more

How to Use Raspberry Pi for Home Automation (Step-by-Step Guide)Are you ready to make your home smarter? Home automation is becoming increasingly popular, offering convenience, improved security, and energy efficiency.With the right tools, you can easily set up home automation in your own home.Raspberry Pi is a great choice for anyone looking to get started with home automation.With this step-by-step guide, youll learn how to use Raspberry Pi for home automation, from setting up the hardware to ... read more

How-To Geek Wi-Fi is the backbone of the home internet experience and if you're not getting a strong signal between your router and your phone, smart TV, or other devices, then you're not having a good time. Here's how to improve your Wi-Fi experience. Consider Upgrading Your Router By all means, work through all the tips in this list to squeeze the most you can out of the gear you have. But we're leading by throwing out the idea ... read more

8 Fixes for Slow WiFi on Your Home NetworkYouve paid for a fast-speed internet connection and youre entitled to a decent connection speed. However, the problem could be with your home network, so its not something your ISP can fix. If youre on a low-speed plan, though, there are still a few ways to increase your internet speed.In this guide, were going to show you how to increase Wi-Fi speed. Before we get down to business, check if the issue is device-specific. If the Wi-Fi speed is slow only ... read more

150+ Engaging STEM Projects for Kids and StudentsAre you looking for exciting and educational activities for your kids, students, or even the whole family? Look no further! STEM projects, which encompass science, technology, engineering, and math, are the perfect way to ignite curiosity, develop problem-solving skills, and have a blast while learning. In this blog post, youll discover over 150 engaging STEM projects for young learners, elementary school students, middle school students, high ... read more

13 Brilliant Ways to Manage All Your Cords1Best for Computer CordsKootek Cable Management Sleeve1Best for Computer CordsKootek Cable Management SleeveWe have a feeling the wires behind your work computer could use something like this. Just bind the cords together and wrap the adjustable neoprene sleeve around them. Reviewers love that it offers flexibility and is cut-to-size.2Best for TV CablesDMoose Wooden Box Cable Organizer2Best for TV CablesDMoose Wooden Box Cable OrganizerNow 14% OffThis ... read more