Connecting a Macbook (or Laptop) to your TV. Better than Roku/Boxee?

I’ve definely been able to use Hulu right on the laptop and it is fine. When it comes to Netflix, it gets a bit challenging for the top quality 1080p HD content. To fix this I use the computer on a cooling pad like this. All Mac laptops run very hot especially the newer ones which are faster and this is a required investment to not scorch your floor, desk or laps.

When talking about projecting to a TV I think you need to buy a mini DVI to DVI adapter and then a DVI to HDMI (or DVI or VGA depending on your TV) cable. You also need to get a computer audio (3.5mm) to RCA audio (red/white) cable. After all that, there is no guarantee that the resolution will be great. It worked great on my flatmate’s TV a few years ago but text was blurry on a TV at another person’s place.

But here’s my honest recommendation: if you had a budget of around $385
• you buy a used mac mini if you really want a mac on your TV (~$350, +about $100 for wireless keyboard and mouse)
• if you’re willing to be fine with only a browser, then you will have a lot more access to channels and tv shows designed for TV consumption with a boxee ($200) or a roku ($100) and if you really needed a mouse in addition to the remote keyboard, something like this ($50)
• $150 blu-ray player that comes built in with apps like Hulu and Netflix

I connected my super human desktop (insane core i7 config) to my <1 yr old 1080p HD tv and it looked OK for text but was awesome for video. It’s all about the light levels. A computer screen is able to manage the text on white background without burning your retina but for a TV which is set to be naturally of high dynamic range you’ll end up having to manually set the colour levels for the TV when using the computer and then go back for when watching just TV. And after about 2 weeks it became annoying trying to type for things with a wireless keyboard. It just seemed to be too much interaction for TV. I was so used to a very simple TV remote. My TV has online apps and with <3 button presses I can get to the Hulu app or the Netflix app and that is what I always use and have moved my desktop back to my desk, where it belongs. And for boxee and Roku you haves apps for each channel. You don’t need to go to comedycentral.com or whatever. Just pick the app (channel) and the show and it takes you right to the video. It is truly customised for the couch and cheaper. Source(s): www.wannabetechie.com

CES 2011: LG's Smart Web-Connected Home Dream via THiNQ

LG seems to believe in a world of smart appliances. Pretty sure this was a running joke at some point but when we look at most of our appliances today running on Android or Windows CE, it really isn't a joke anymore.

LG's dream definitely has positive benefit for us. Preheat the oven on the way home or run the washer while you're commuting -- all right from your handheld device. Check what's in your fridge while you're at the grocery store and keep an eye on your home via the HOM-BOT. On top of all this, the devices communicate with a smart-meter to ensure you're energy usage is optimised. Wannabe Techie, i'm pretty sure you're salivating at the possibilities if this is just scratching the surface of smart home devices.

Source(s): LG Press Release

www.wannabetechie.com

4gb vs. 250gb... or Upgrading your Xbox 360 Hard Drive

I bought an Xbox 360 a few months ago. Like any other buyer out there, I faced the "4GB or 250GB" dilemma.

Which one do you get?

What's better?

Specifications?

Cost?

Here are some things to consider.

Differences

1. Specifications

• Storage: the 250GB version of course has 250 gigs of memory (hard drive) while the 4GB version has 4 gigs of memory (flash). A hard drive upgrade of 250gigs is available.
• Finish: the 250GB version has the piano black finish similar to the Kinect accessory while the 4GB version has a matt finish.

2. Price

The 250GB version is $100 more. A 240gig hard drive upgrade right now sells for $109.99. So the price difference is $10 if you want the matt finish.

3. Usability

Something you don't realise is that game demos and downloads take a significant portion of space. With a 4GB Xbox 360, you actually have 3.2gigs of usable space. When a demo is on average ~500 MB, that gets you 6 demos. Less if you buy game discs and much less if you have an on demand game (digital download).

Another important realisation i discovered was that some games just require an existing hard drive for 'complete performance'. One of the Kinect games that came in my bundle refused to save content on the flash memory. It required a flash drive. I've also read online that many other games require a hard drive for multiplayer or plain gaming.

So what's the decision?

For most wannabe techies it is possibly just picking the 250gb xbox 360. Less to worry about in the future. If you really wanted the matt finish, pickup the hard drive add-on. But for some of us, paying $110 for a 250gig drive seems like daylight robbery to conform to the custom spec of the Xbox 360 drive bay. There must be a way, right?

any instructions you follow below will void the warranty of the hard drive and hard drive bay and not the entire console. remember, if you needed up fix/upgrade your hard drive you'll have to do it somehow! that said, don't follow the instructions if you're not confident it is easy for you. you could damage your hard drive bay / computer permanently.

What you need:

1. An old Xbox 360 hard drive, or a laptop hard drive that are of the same model number as those used in the Xbox 360 units. For example, a WB Scorpio Blue Series BEVT size 250gig (it has to be this size) works.

2. A desktop computer or computing environment where you can connect a hard drive for flashing

3. A printout of excellently written instructions courtesy of InsaneNutter

4. {optional} A case for the laptop hard drive. You can get one here or here.

The Xbox 360 checks the firmware of the drive to see if the particular model is OK by Microsoft. Essentially what you're doing is taking a compatible hard drive and then flashing it to ensure it matches Microsoft's specifications so that it works with the Xbox 360 console and data can be stored on it safely. Hit me up if you had any questions regarding the instructions. The tail end of the instructions talk about transferring data from an old hard drive. If you're a new Xbox 360 buyer this doesn't pertain to you and so you can skip.

Need a little bit more help? Here's a video from Youtuber SiddGoneWild which can help you orient yourself with what you need to do.

All the best, Wannabe Techie!