“Articles” collection
Access a diverse collection of expert-led technology reviews, step-by-step tutorials, and insightful commentary on the intersection of modern tech and family life. This hub serves as the primary source for hands-on evaluations and practical advice designed to help you navigate the digital world with confidence.
HTD Tech Briefs
View all →November 4, 2008
HTD Tech Tip #3: Security Programs Don’t Always Play Well Together
It's always important, if not critical to have anti-virus & security programs installed on your PC. I'm actually a big fan of the various Security Suites that you can get that come with all of the different types of protection packaged together (firewall, anti-virus, ant-spyware, anti-malware, anti-spam, etc.). With the all-in-one package, you don't have to worry about compatibility. There…
Read more →
October 30, 2008
Slingbox PRO-HD: Unboxing and What’s Inside
Unboxing is always the most fun when you get a new gadget. Since I just love getting new devices, I frequently find myself in the position of either being torn between ripping open the packaging and quickly setting up what ever the new technology (much like a kid), or that of being a more rational adult, one that realizes that…
Read more →
October 23, 2008
Slingbox PRO HD: Pre-Installation – setting up your network
So, you are thinking about getting the new Slingbox PRO HD. Trust me, it's a great decision. The PRO HD transforms any computer in your network or even remotely an extension of your media center but more about the Slingbox PRO HD feature set later. There is something critical to having a Slingbox though that it cannot exist without, namely…
Read more →
October 13, 2008
Extended Review: Slingbox PRO HD
It is rare that I receive a gadget or technology device that warrants me having to do multiple articles to cover it. However, when Sling Media released their new Slingbox PRO HD, I quickly realized that I would need to do so. What will follow over the next few days or so is an in-depth review of my efforts to…
Read more →
September 26, 2008
Preview: San Francisco’s New Academy of Sciences
A few weekends ago, I was lucky to get a preview of San Francisco’s new Academy of Sciences complex in Golden Gate Park. The area has a lot of memories for me as I used to go there as a child many years ago. It was a magical yet historic place with beautiful older architecture that packed all sorts of…
Read more →
September 16, 2008
Review: LaCie’s USB-powered Speakers
Just in time for back to school, LaCie just launched a new set of USB-powered speakers. Designed by Neil Poulton, these reasonably priced, simple-yet-elegant speakers compliment LaCie's previously released FireWire Speaker set. Since not all computers and laptop have the ability to use FireWire, LaCie felt it important to release a set that could be use universally, by Macs and…
Read more →
September 5, 2008
iPhone: Quickly Launch Apps, Website & Phone Calls with QuickGold
Today I installed an application on my jailbroken iPhone that I personally think Apple should incorporate into their next release of the firmware. It honestly is this GREAT! I have over 6 "pages" of applications on my iPhone and have all but sprained my fingers from flipping through all of the pages as I attempt to find a particular application.…
Read more →
August 27, 2008
Fix It: Outlook Calendar and iPhone Calendar Events Hours Not Synched Correctly
Just a quick fix-it tip here. I have a co-worker who was having some issues with his iPhone and Outlook 2007 calendar times being off or offset by 1 hour. I guess that this fix it would apply to anyone who is getting calendar notifications on their iPhone earlier or later than what is showing up on their Outlook 2003…
Read more →
July 29, 2008
HighTechDad Interview on GoGrid Cloud Servers
When I was at GigaOM's Structure '08 conference last month, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Daniel Brusilovsky. For those of you who have never heard of Daniel, he is a 15-year-old who is making waves within his TeensinTech.com movement. He also runs a site called Apple Universe Podcast where he has been doing video and audio podcasts…
Read more →
July 7, 2008
Social Messaging Communicators: Ping.fm versus HelloTxt.com
While Twitter seems to be ruling the airwaves of Social Messaging Platforms, there are plenty of other services that do just as well (or better) at keeping in touch with or sending messages and status updates to your friends, colleagues and family. These services can be broken out into different segments: services that just provide status updates and ones that…
Read more →
June 12, 2008
Review: Safe Internet for your Kids with Intego Content Barrier x4
Being a good dad means protecting your kids. That can be by physically keeping them from danger, or, by preventing their young innocent eyes and minds from being corrupted by seeing content that they are too young for. With technology, connectivity and communications pervading all aspects of our lives, it has become increasingly difficult to control what our children see,…
Read more →
June 10, 2008
Review: Car Gadget for Dad – DLO TransDock Micro with IntelliTune
Only a few days left before Father's Day descends upon us, so in the spirit of "giving to Dad" (heck, it should be a WEEK of giving and not a day), here is another gadget review. Today I found out that the Netflix Player (reviewed here) is currently out of stock and back-ordered for 4-6 weeks. So, you could give…
Read more →
