Computers & Networking Archives

November 6, 2024

Discover the All-New Amazon Echo Spot (2024 Release)

As someone who’s been using Amazon Echo devices for years – from the original “beer can” Alexa to my current spot and Dot collection – I’ve come to appreciate the convenience and versatility they bring to my daily life. From setting a song on repeat while cooking dinner to controlling my smart lights, these devices have become an integral part of my routine.

Introducing the All-New Echo Spot

In recent months, Amazon released a new edition of the Echo Spot, priced at $50. This affordable device has garnered attention for its innovative features and seamless integration with the Echo ecosystem. Continue reading “Discover the All-New Amazon Echo Spot (2024 Release)”

November 2, 2024November 2, 2024

Discover the Latest Vintage Computer Trends with AI-Powered Insights!

If you’re a vintage computer enthusiast or collector, you’re in for a treat! I’ve just launched a powerful new tool on Geek Gear Store that brings AI technology to the world of retro computing. With my new website, you can now access current trend analysis reports specifically tailored to a carefully selected lineup of classic machines.

Now Featuring 10 Iconic Vintage Computers!

To kick things off, we’re currently featuring 10 of the most beloved vintage computers that helped shape the history of personal computing:

- - Commodore 64 (1982)
  - Apple IIe (1983)
  - Sinclair ZX Spectrum (1982)
  - Atari 800 (1979)
  - TRS-80 Model 100
  - Amiga 500
  - Atari ST
  - IBM PC 5150
  - Tandy Color Computer 2
  - Texas Instruments TI-99/4A

Continue reading “Discover the Latest Vintage Computer Trends with AI-Powered Insights!”

October 9, 2024October 9, 2024

Keyboards for Gaming and General Everyday Use.

I stumbled upon an original IBM 101 keyboard while cleaning out my basement, which brought back memories of my first computer.(yes I’m that old) Although I couldn’t truly test it since I don’t have a DIN to USB converter, I was intrigued by its tactile feedback and wanted to experience something similar in a modern mechanical keyboard.

I’ve been searching for a keyboard that captures the essence of this old model without breaking the bank. With various options available, I tested several keyboards to determine which one best fits my needs. I’m not a hard core gamer so I’m not going to get into the nitty-gritty of mechanical switch brands, colors and such. My intention here is to point out some keyboards that I have personally tried and like.

my overall pick (and now a good value)

The Mountain Everest Max – I picked one of these up for Christmas in December of 23 and it was $199. According to the latest Amazon listing its now going for $99. Wow 1/2 price in under a year.

Features I like:

Continue reading “Keyboards for Gaming and General Everyday Use.”

March 30, 2021July 2, 2021

Replacing The Save Battery – Game Boy Color

I never realized how much we take flash memory for granted. A little over 20 years ago the go to choice to save your game using a Nintendo Game boy color was a lithium battery. This was an excellent cost effective choice at the time since the batteries had a 7 to 10 year life span. Nintendo never counted on how resilient their games would be, or even how nostalgic their customers are.

Fast forward to present day and the lithium batteries have all gone dead making it impossible to save your game for later use. Luckily with a couple dabs from the soldering iron and a $2.00 battery your cartridge can be back up and saving games in no time!

TOOLS YOU CAN USE

You will need a good soldering station. Soldering stations come in all shapes and sizes and price points

Something like the one to the left sells for about $50 on Amazon. If you’re like me I would spend a little more for variable heat control and some extra tips.

Continue reading “Replacing The Save Battery – Game Boy Color”

December 29, 2020December 29, 2020

Microsoft Surface 3 – Repurpose, Reuse, Recycle

In our consume it and toss it world we tend to discard our old electronics for the faster, better newer items. I know we are pretty good at recycling our old electronics, but wouldn’t it be even better to repurpose our old gear, maybe give it a new life as something else? I had an old Microsoft Surface 3 sitting on my desk collecting dust for a while. The specifications were pretty weak. 4GB of RAM, 64GB disk, and a really slow mobile processor. Compared to today’s standards its barely enough to run Windows 10, at least the disk was SSD.

What I did with my Microsoft Surface 3

Looking at the Surface I saw a great opportunity to make a wall clock weather station! With just a few prep steps and a neat low cost trick to mount the surface to the wall I had this project done in under an hour.

September 21, 2020December 29, 2020

Microchip -Ever Wonder Whats Inside?

We take electronics for granted in todays society. Microchips are in everything! Computers, TVs, Smart Phones, Microwaves even your car! If it plugs in and turns on there’s a good chance a microchip will be inside.

Have you ever wondered what is a microchip? I don’t want to cover the history of chips or integrated circuits (IC) in this article, however lets leave it as miniaturized electronic components on a die that is encased in a plastic shell. The components are usually transistors and millions of them can be on a die to compose a single chip.

Here is a great example of some “dead bug” socket style microchips.

These are older microchips and the there are a few where you can actually see the die through a small window. These chips were know as EPROMs and were programmable!

Actual Microchip Die!

This is the inside Die Chips found in sophisticated IC’s. The die was fully processed and the next step was to bond gold wires to the different connection points on the IC die and connect them to pins on a plastic IC package. This step was not done.

These are fascinating to study under a strong magnifying glass or microscope. Great for making “electronic jewelry”, study and training.

July 27, 2020July 28, 2020

Building A Budget Gaming Computer During Quarantine

Who would have thought sitting home daily with my two kids during the Covid-19 crisis would lead to the kids each wanting a gaming computer. After pricing out what a “pre” made gaming computer would cost it was decided to build our own on a budget. The goal : How powerful a computer could be built for under $1000.

Gaming computer parts

The debate was on, which parts to spend money on and what parts could we save some cash.

Processor – AMD Ryzen 5 3600 (3rd Generation) $155.00

It was decided the 3rd generation Ryzen 5 3600 processor would be used. The Ryzen would give great performance at a budget price. At the time of this post the Ryzen was down to $155 on Amazon (I paid $175)

MOTHERBOARD – MSI B450 gaming Plus Max $110

Finding a gaming computer motherboard proved to be a challenge. I would guess due to the shutdowns in China, and higher demand (I’m not the only one building a gaming computer) many motherboards were out of stock.

You are going to want to look for a mother that supports the AMD Ryzen 3000 series. I original purchased an MSI Gaming Plus Max and it was broken out of the box. Then I went with an ASRock motherboard, only because it was in stock and it too was broken. Finally I found an MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max in stock and it was $110. Since I purchased the board the price has increased to $215 on Amazon. Keep searching and you will eventually find a good board in the $125 range. Continue reading “Building A Budget Gaming Computer During Quarantine”

July 7, 2020

1940’s Zenith Radio Restomod

Old radio enthusiast please don’t send me hate mail after reading this blog. I know many of you will frown on what I have done to this 80+ year old radio. I promise you this Zenith will get tons more use in its current condition rather than in original form.

The project consisted of gutting the original electronics from the radio and replacing them with newer more modern tech. Resulting in a working radio that still has the spirit of the original.

Parts List – Hardware

An older Microsoft Surface Pro 3 – I don’t recommend you go out and purchase a surface for this project. Re-purposing and old laptop, or tablet is ideal to keep the cost down. I’m sure you could even use a Raspberry Pi with an external display. I just happened to have an old Surface that needed a new job. Continue reading “1940’s Zenith Radio Restomod”

June 29, 2020June 29, 2020

The Superior Instruments Dynarometer 1260 Vintage Electronics Restoration

I am still trying to figure out the back story on this restoration project. What I do know is this is a Dynarometer Model 1260, under the bezel of the meter movement is says Superior Instruments Co, New York NY made in USA. I am not sure if these were sold as a kit or even the exact model year. If I was to guess I would say 1950’s give or take a few years.

A friend was tossing this out so I adopted it and decided to keep it from the landfill. It was dirty and quite rusty. After a through examination to make it operational again would be virtually impossible, however restoration as a piece of art would be the second best thing.

TOOLS YOU CAN USE

Continue reading “The Superior Instruments Dynarometer 1260 Vintage Electronics Restoration”

April 5, 2020May 2, 2020

Working from home? Put that extra monitor to good use!

If you have been mandated by the government to work from home due to the Covid-19 outbreak and would like to be a bit more productive, it may be time to look in the basement or attic for that old monitor you just couldn’t throw away. I personally find it way more productive to work on two or more displays at a time and hopefully you will too.

The portable usb monitor

The simplest way to add an additional screen to your laptop or desktop computer is to plug in a USB portable display. This type of display is easy to install, easy to move from computer to computer, easy to travel with and reasonably priced.

My personal favorite is the ASUS MB169B+ 15.6″ display.

This display is simple to install, powered by the USB port so there is no power brick to worry about and is super light weight and is about as thick as a pencil. Best part its under $200 at Amazon

The only problem is at the time I wrote this post they were in and out of stock and difficult to find, and if you could find one in stock shipping lead times were over 10 business days.

Recycle the monitor you have

If you don’t want to go out and purchase a second display for you laptop or computer you may be able to simply recycle what you have on hand. The tricky part is making sure you have the correct cables and adapters to connect the monitor to your laptop or workstation. Continue reading “Working from home? Put that extra monitor to good use!”