Category Archives: computer tips

HDCP stripper – HOWTO remove HDCP from HDMI signal

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I recently encountered an issue where my DirecTV HDMI output was unusable on my new LCD. Thankfully, the following HDMI HDCP stripper allowed me to watch on my monitor 🙂 NOTE: The best price I could find was $19.95 on Amazon with free shipping and if you need the extra HDMI cable, they have them for ~$5.49. The process is very simple: Connect power to the HDCP stripper Connect first HDMI cable from DirecTV receiver to “HDMI INPUT” on the stripper Connect second HDMI

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New Exede Speedboost plans + wifi [review & prices]

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Here are some new updates on Exede’s latest plans: Personally, I would only pick a plan that has their new Speedboost + WiFi modem and the Liberty Pass. Initially I enjoyed the “late night free zone” (or LNFZ) but as of late it just became too much of a hassle to manage data usage during the daytime (and saving all the heavy stuff for late night) so now I much prefer the ease and simplicity of the Liberty Pass. Plus I absolutely

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White USB-C cables ($6.99)

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After upgrading from a Samsung S6 to a Nexus 6P, one of the few changes needed was new USB-C cables! Thankfully, Amazon has a nice assortment. I especially like the white USB-C cables here: They are usually available for around $6.99 and they allow easy connection to USB-A (“regular” USB) devices like most existing PCs, Macs and laptops. After purchasing a two pack, I’m a happy camper 🙂

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AMD Radeon R9 M375 2GB, with DDR5 and specs

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Some exciting news about the Lenovo IdeaPad Y700 14″ laptop, its GPU uses DDR5 memory. Woot! NOTE: For best performance I highly recommend upgrading the standard HDD to a SSD. You can find complete steps here: Lenovo IdeaPad Y700-14 SSD Upgrade Here is the DDR5 GPU memory screenshot: My specific Lenovo Y700-14 model: PS thanks to commenter Fee for asking the great question whether it utilized GDDR3 or GDDR5 🙂 PSS as the specs show, I have the 2GB version

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Exede Liberty Pass speed tests [RESULTS]

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Here you will find real world speed test results for ViaSat’s Exede Liberty Pass internet plan. These results are from AFTER the monthly allotment is downloaded. These are also with their latest modem which features “up to” 25 Mbps downloads. Here is verification that the monthly allotment has been used, and the Liberty Pass is in effect:   A quick note regarding units discussed in this post: Unit symbol The ISQ symbols for the bit and byte are bit and B,

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Lenovo X220 (X230, X240) disassembly & SSD upgrade guide

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Please find below photos showing Lenovo ThinkPad X220 disassembly and mSATA SSD upgrade. WiFi is also easily upgradeable (make sure to get whitelisted card or modified BIOS) Lastly, 2.5″ SSD is upgradeable without even opening up the case 😉 NOTE: I recommend the Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD for the mSATA SSD. This drive costs < $90 at Amazon with free shipping. For the 2.5″ drive I recommend a larger SSD like the Samsung 850 EVO 500GB which is roughly $160 on Amazon.

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