Author Archives: J.D. H.

Small always on green RAID system for NAS

Leave a comment

Our family is looking to upgrade our “always on” network storage. Criteria include: energy efficiency, data protection, unobtrusive design, cost. Here is our past and future setup… Currently we use a Linksys NSLU2 with a 16GB USB flash drive. Pros: +super-low power usage (nice since we live off the grid) +compact size +simplicity +SSD (flash drive) for reliability +silent +cheap Cons: +SLOW Planned upgrade: Thecus N4100 Pro (2) 750GB 2.5″ 7200RPM SATA laptop hard drives Upgrade to 1GB RAM (supposed to

Read more computer tips, Daily Updates, Household, tech tips

Dell M6500 USB 3.0 drivers download: Windows 7 x64 & 32-bit x86

Leave a comment

Recently I purchased a Dell M6500 from the Dell Outlet for an astoundingly reasonable price. One of the nicest perks, which I did not expect, was that I received one of the upgraded M6500 systems with two USB 3.0 ports on the left hand side. They are the USB ports with blue on the inside connector portion. However,  Windows 7 x64 Ultimate Edition did not have the drivers for the NEC USB 3.0 controller. Download USB 3.0 Drivers for Dell

Read more computer tips, Computers, Work

Official OLYMPUS Battery Charger for XZ-1 the LI-50C

Leave a comment

SUMMARY: Normally the XZ-1 charges via USB but Olympus also makes an official plug-in battery charger for the XZ-1 AND it is available via Amazon with Amazon Prime free 2-day shipping 🙂   Amazon.com: Olympus CHARGER LI-ION LI-50C: Camera & Photohttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017GSPN0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=pixensity-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B0017GSPN0Item Weight: 13.6 ounces Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Shipping:  ASIN: B0017GSPN0 Item model… Item price, approximately $23.57 USD     BACKGROUND INFO: The Olympus XZ-1 is a wonderful little camera. My wife makes extensive use

Read more Ask J.D., camera tips, Cameras, Gadgets and Tech, Misc Links, photography

Can Android video player play 1080p MKV files? [YES!]

23 comments

UPDATE: 2011.06.19 thanks to commenter juami I added Galaxy Tab to list of Android devices capable of 1080p MKV, woot! Scroll down to the green box to see the COMPLETE list… Background info on MKV/Android Tek3D has a nice post on playing MKV Files on Android devices: Play MKV Files on Android Deviceshttp://tek3d.org/play-mkv-video-androidI often rip my DVD and Blu-ray disks to MKV files so that they have the highest video quality. Of course, the video format is not supported by the default

Read more Android tips, Ask J.D., computer tips, Gadgets and Tech

Two ways to save at Lowe’s and Home Depot

3 comments

If you are starting a big remodeling project on your home or office here are a couple great ways to save money at Lowe’s and Home Depot! #1 Lowe’s 10% off “project starter” coupons I rarely go to Lowe’s without one of these coupons. It just does not make sense to buy without them! Save 10% on your entire purchase, up to $500 in savings per coupon (so you can use the coupon for up to $5,000 of stuff per

Read more Ask J.D., Daily Updates, Household, money tips, Remodeling

Why Chase 5% cashback can save you way more than Discover

Leave a comment

I try to stay abreast of the best credit cards for getting the most cashback and the least fees/problems. For many years Discover card was my primary card, but recently the Chase Freedom cards have begun to offer WAY more perks and benefits than Discover. Here are a couple prime examples of why Chase Freedom can save you more than Discover: Get 5% back on MORE purchases with Chase Freedom… The Chase Freedom card gives you 5% back on up

Read more Daily Updates, Misc Links, money tips

“The Plan of the Master Weaver” poem

One comment

My wife brought this poem to my attention. It holds special meaning for her since she is a weaver. I feel similarly having watched her utilize her skills in working with a loom. The Plan of the Master Weaver My life is but a weaving Between the Lord and me, I may not choose the colors, He knows what they should be; For He can view the pattern Upon the upper side While I can see it only On this,

Read more Daily Updates

AMD Fusion Llano Laptops, Notebooks, Motherboards, and CPUs! [Lynx/Prices]

One comment

UPDATES: 2011.09.11 DELL releases nice new Vostro 3555 laptop Llano laptop starting at $459… Dell launched the AMD Llano Fusion based Vostro 3555 business laptop | Laptop Computer Planet Bloghttp://laptop-computer-planet.com/blog/2011/09/10/dell-launched-the-amd-llano-fusion-based-vostro-3555-business-laptop/Dell launched the AMD Llano Fusion based Vostro 3555 business laptopPosted on 10. Sep, 2011 by LaptopMan in Laptops, LaptopsThe Dell Vostro 3555 looks like much like the other… 2011.09.06 (33) sweet new BLACK unlocked edition Fusion APUs near release!!! AMD Fusion Black Edition APUs will come in 2 flavours | KitGuruhttp://www.kitguru.net/site-news/highlights2/jules/amd-fusion-black-edition-apus-will-come-in-2-flavours/Arguably the

Read more Building, computer tips, Computers, Gadgets and Tech, Misc Links