“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 4, 2011
D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Wireless Router – Advanced Configurations & Stability at an Attractive Price
I love WiFi routers. I'm not sure why. But I have about 3 or 4 of them running in my house. Some are providing WiFi networks for all of the people in the family and the other connected devices as well, while others are set up as back-up or private, and only used occasionally. I probably have a lot of…
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September 26, 2011
Waging War on Pollen, Dust, Bacteria, Mold, Germs & More with the Honeywell Air Purifier HHT-145
Sneezing, coughing and runny noses as night. Itchy eyes with tears being squeezed out. My daughters have had allergies all spring and summer and it was particularly worse this year because of the longer rainy season and the larger amounts of pollen in the air. So I brought some big air defense weaponry in to battle these tiny, annoying irritants,…
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September 23, 2011
A Tablet for Babies? The VINCI Tablet Gives Toddlers a Jump Start on Touchscreens
A few weeks ago I received a pre-production version of a new tablet targeted toward children ages 2-4 or so called the "VINCI Tab". I had been dying to review an Android-based tablet, but the VINCI threw me for an unexpected curve. It really is not what you might expect. While it is technically a tablet, it is really a…
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September 12, 2011
Moshi’s USB to Ethernet Adapter Makes the MacBook Air Even More Perfect
As I write this post on my Apple MacBook Air, I really struggle to think of things that would make it better. It's pretty much a near-perfect laptop in my opinion. It's lightweight, fast and has a good battery-life. It's a bit pricey but it seems to be holding its own pretty well within this new "Ultrabook" space. Honestly, I…
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August 25, 2011
10 Things Steve Jobs Has Done for Parents
With Steve Jobs announcing that he will be stepping down as CEO of Apple, I took some time to reflect on how Steve and Apple have impacted my life as a parent, specifically, a "High Tech Dad." In my household, Apple products reign. Each of my children use Apple laptops or desktops, and each one has either an iPhone, iPod…
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August 22, 2011
How To Easily Remove, Replace & Install an Apple iPhone 4 Battery
I have done quite a few installs and hardware replacements in my time, but never have I found an easier project than to replace the battery of an iPhone 4. As with many of my previous iPhones, I tend to blow through the batteries pretty quickly. Some of the signs that you have an aging battery are: battery drains faster…
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August 17, 2011
“ESV” Really Stands for “Entertainment System Vehicle” – 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition
There seems to be some confusion about what the ESV means in the name Cadillac Escalade ESV. Some people on the Cadillac forums have said "Escalade Stretch Vehicle" or "Extended Service Vehicle." I actually think that it means "Entertainment System Vehicle" or at least that is what I would call the 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition. My family and…
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July 27, 2011
Energy Conservation & Caring for the Elderly – 2 Topics of Today with Huge Impacts for Tomorrow
A few weeks ago, I participated in the Intel "Upgrade Your Life" 2011 summit in Intel's Santa Clara, CA campus. This was the second year I attended and after both summits, I always managed to walk away with a headache. But, not a "bad" headache by that definition, but a "good" one. Think about when you go for a very…
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July 22, 2011
VIDEO – How to Re-Download Mac OS X Lion & Create Bootable Install DVD & USB Thumb Drive
Yesterday I wrote a post "How To Re-Download Mac OS X Lion & Create a Bootable Install DVD" and it seems to be helping a lot of people out there. So, sometimes it is even more helpful to create a video that explains the process, so I quickly put one together. Also, a few users were wondering how to create…
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July 20, 2011
I Wish I Had the ContourGPS HD Video Camera about 15 Years, When I Was REALLY Active
Long before I had kids, I did quite a bit of mountain bike riding. Northern California has a ton of really great trails and I was regularly riding 3-4 times a week. There is something to be said about not having technology with you when you are out riding (I would say that a cell phone is probably one exception…
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July 18, 2011
2/5ths of the Cast of Dads Get Their Brains Upgraded at Intel’s “Upgrade Your Life” 2011 Event
Last week, 2 of the Cast of Dads had the opportunity to visit Intel in Santa Clara, CA to participate in an annual event called "Upgrade Your Life." This day-long summit was an opportunity for a variety of influential technology and parenting bloggers to convene to understand some of the initiatives that Intel participates in or drives – something beyond…
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July 6, 2011
Bare Metal & Raw Leather – FosterWeld – Handmade Belt Buckles and More
I was hoping to do this post in time for Father's Day, but unfortunately (or fortunately) hand-made products take time to produce. And this would have been an ideal gift for Dad. But you know what? It really doesn't matter when you need a belt or belt buckle. I burn through belts about every other year, probably because they just…
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