Archive for the 'Hardware' Category

The Microsoft Natural Keyboard 4000 is by far the nicest keyboard I have ever used [Tech Freaks Review] [PC Magazine Review]. I highly recommend this keyboard to anyone that spends a lot of time in front of a computer. Like many others, I noticed the dominant “Zoom” slider button on the front of the keyboard and have wondered why Microsoft did not make this slider customizable through the driver software. It turns out that with a slight modification, the zoom slider can turn into a scroll slider.

Dynamic DNS is a service that lets you create a domain name that will map to your dynamic IP address so that you can run a home server without having a static IP address. Static IP addresses are typically not provided to residential broadband customers and sometimes ISPs charge a hefty price for one. Until recently, if you ran a Dynamic DNS service like this, you would need to install a client that would constantly monitor your external “routable” address, then update the Dynamic DNS servers so that the same domain could always find your server.

With Christmas around the corner, many iPod owners are contemplating some accessories for their beloved music player. The first thing on most lists is an iPod dock.

Unfortunately, unlike past iPod models (like the iPod Photo), Apple doesn’t get rid of their older iPod docks when a newer model comes out. This is because different iPods have different “docking needs” and a single iPod dock can’t cover them all (although there is one that almost does). I guess you could say that iPod models advance too fast for the docks to keep up with. So, we still have old docks available.

Headphones are an often overlooked and underrated way of improving your music listening experience. There are several types of headphones that work best for different situations. Most people will just use whatever headphones come with their portable music player, or will “upgrade” to very inexpensive headphones from manufacturers like Philips or Sony. If you want to really get thumpy bass, keep earbuds from falling out of your ears, or get any sort of noise dampening or noise cancellation, the headphones that were included with your portable music player just won’t cut it.

This article contains images, videos, and an interview with my friend Josh detailing the construction of his own home theater projector. The intent of the article is to show you just how easy it is to build your own projector. Please share your experiences by leaving a comment.