Laptops – Official TechtalkRadio Blog https://blog.techtalkradio.com The Blog for the TechtalkRadio Show Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:01:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 63714750 Episode 487 – Fake Ads, Instant Photos and Dust Bunnies https://blog.techtalkradio.com/episode-487-fake-ads-instant-photos-and-dust-bunnies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-487-fake-ads-instant-photos-and-dust-bunnies Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:01:08 +0000 https://blog.techtalkradio.com/?p=20278 Read More]]>

This week on TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor, Shawn DeWeerd and Justin Lemme get together for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with Shawn’s continuing cleanup after a basement flood—and quickly turns into a discussion after Andy notes that some Home Repair Companies are using A.I. to create recreations of home disasters focusing on how artificial intelligence is changing the media we see and hear every day.

Andy brings up the growing number of AI-generated television commercials, including ads where the visuals—and possibly even the music—have that unmistakable AI feel. Shawn talks about his experience creating parody music with Suno and how, after spending hours working with the platform, he has begun recognizing certain rhythms, vocal inflections and other characteristics of AI-generated music. The discussion raises a bigger question: as AI-generated images, music and video become more convincing, will we constantly wonder whether what we’re seeing and hearing was actually created by a person?

Andy also shares a positive use for generative AI: using Suno to turn lyrics written for a man’s 70th birthday into a personalized song for a video presentation. It’s an example of where AI can become a genuinely useful creative tool rather than simply replacing traditional content creation.

Justin demonstrates just how quickly generative AI works by creating a ridiculous AI advertisement during the show. The conversation then moves into Grok inside Tesla, with Justin explaining how he can talk to the AI from his car, ask questions and even use it to help with navigation. That leads the guys into comparing the strengths of Grok, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Microsoft Copilot—and how different AI platforms may be better suited for different jobs.

Photography gets plenty of attention, too. Andy talks about using Photoshop, Lightroom and AI tools such as Gemini to restore old family photographs, and the guys discuss why vintage Polaroids can be especially difficult to clean up without changing the character of the original image. Shawn makes the case for leaving many Polaroids alone—the imperfections, light leaks and unusual colors are part of what makes instant photography special.

That conversation leads naturally into the new Pokémon and Polaroid collaboration, including special-edition Polaroid Go cameras, Pokémon-themed designs and collectible film frames. The crew also talks about how something that was once considered inexpensive instant photography has become a much more costly hobby.

Later, the discussion turns practical when a listener asks about improving a home network. Justin explains the advantages of mesh Wi-Fi, discusses options including Orbi and TP-Link, and raises concerns about how some big-tech-connected networking products may handle user data. The conversation expands into online privacy, targeted advertising and the desire some users have to reduce their dependence on companies such as Google, Amazon and Meta.

The guys also dig into Wi-Fi 7, explaining an important point that’s easy to overlook: buying a Wi-Fi 7 router doesn’t automatically make everything faster. To take advantage of multi-gigabit Internet service, switches, network adapters, computers and other hardware throughout the network also need to support those faster speeds.

Justin brings some humor to emergency preparedness with the story of testing a small hand-crank/solar NOAA weather radio with his son just as a real flash-flood warning sounded. The frightening alert tones weren’t a malfunction—they’re deliberately designed to grab attention and activate Emergency Alert System equipment.

The show also ventures into radio communications as Shawn discusses GMRS and FRS radios, repeaters and the FCC’s concerns about large networks of linked GMRS repeaters. Shawn explains how linking repeaters across large areas can tie up frequencies shared with ordinary FRS walkie-talkies, creating interference and regulatory concerns.

The guys also share some tips about the importance of keeping your computers free of dirt and dust and share a couple or ways to do that.

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ASUS Zenbook DUO 2026: The Ultimate Grown-Up Back-to-School Laptop? https://blog.techtalkradio.com/asus-zenbook-duo-2026-the-ultimate-grown-up-back-to-school-laptop/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=asus-zenbook-duo-2026-the-ultimate-grown-up-back-to-school-laptop Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:51:09 +0000 https://blog.techtalkradio.com/?p=19913 Read More]]>

On a recent Talking Tech with Andy Taylor segment on KMSB Fox 11, Andy joined Tyler Butler to take a look at the latest ASUS Zenbook DUO, a laptop that takes the traditional notebook design and doubles down—literally—with two 14-inch displays.

The Zenbook DUO isn’t an entirely new concept. Andy first featured the dual-screen design back in 2024, when ASUS demonstrated how a laptop could transform from a traditional keyboard-and-screen setup into a portable dual-monitor workstation. For 2026, ASUS has refined that idea considerably, making the new DUO feel less like an experiment and more like a polished everyday productivity machine.

That makes it especially interesting as a “grown-up” back-to-school computer. Whether you’re a college student juggling research, online classes and assignments or an adult returning to school while also managing work and family, having two displays available almost anywhere can be a serious productivity boost.

What’s New for 2026?

One of the biggest changes is the construction. The latest Zenbook DUO is encased in ASUS’ proprietary Ceraluminum™, a combination of ceramic and aluminum designed to provide strength while remaining lightweight. The finish also helps resist scratches and fingerprints—something you’ll appreciate on a computer that’s constantly being moved between classrooms, offices, coffee shops and home.

ASUS has also refined the physical design of the DUO. The transition between its two displays is now seamless, eliminating the “hump” found in the earlier design and giving the machine a cleaner appearance when both screens are being used together.

Display technology has also taken a major step forward. While the earlier version used LCD technology, the 2026 Zenbook DUO features brilliant 3K OLED displays, providing richer color, deeper blacks and excellent clarity. For photographers, video editors, designers and other content creators, OLED can make a noticeable difference.

The detachable Bluetooth keyboard has received attention as well. It’s lighter than before, making the complete system easier to carry, while the keycaps feature an abrasion-resistant coating engineered to help prevent lettering and surfaces from wearing down after extensive use.

One Laptop, Multiple Ways to Work

During the Fox 11 demonstration, Andy showed Tyler the DUO’s signature feature. Lift away the Bluetooth keyboard and a second display is revealed underneath. Deploy the integrated stand and the Zenbook DUO becomes a portable dual-screen workstation.

For students, that could mean having research or an online lecture on the upper display while taking notes or writing a paper on the lower screen. Someone working remotely could keep a video conference on one display while accessing documents on the other.

Creators can benefit even more. During the segment, Andy demonstrated DaVinci Resolve, showing how a video editor could take advantage of the additional screen real estate. Tyler pointed out another useful configuration: putting the video preview on one display and the editing timeline and clips on the other.

And, as Tyler joked, there’s always the possibility of keeping Netflix running on one screen while “working” on the other.

The Zenbook DUO can even be rotated into a book-like vertical configuration. Windows and applications automatically adjust to the new orientation, opening up additional possibilities for reading, research, presentations and creative work.

Plenty of Power Behind Those Screens

The model demonstrated on Fox 11 was equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, 32GB of memory and 1TB of storage, with additional storage configurations available. ASUS also includes stylus support, allowing the DUO to become a digital canvas for drawing, handwriting, annotation and creative applications.

Despite powering two displays, battery life remains impressive, with ASUS rating the system for extended use depending on configuration and workload. ASUS has also paid attention to cooling, with ventilation designed into the chassis to maintain airflow while the system is handling demanding applications.

Who Is the Zenbook DUO For?

At around $2,500 for the configuration demonstrated, the Zenbook DUO isn’t aimed at someone simply looking for an inexpensive laptop to type papers and browse the web.

Instead, this is a machine for someone who would normally carry a powerful laptop and perhaps wish they could bring a second monitor along with them. Students in media production, graphic design, engineering and other demanding programs could take advantage of its flexibility, as could professionals heading back to school who need one computer for both coursework and their career.

The original Zenbook DUO showed us what a dual-screen laptop could be. The 2026 ASUS Zenbook DUO demonstrates how much that concept has matured. With its refined Ceraluminum construction, smoother dual-screen design, OLED displays, improved keyboard and powerful hardware, it turns a portable computer into something much closer to a desktop-style dual-monitor workspace that you can fold up and carry with you.

For the right student, creator or professional, that versatility may be the Zenbook DUO’s best feature of all.

Watch for more technology reviews and Talking Tech segments with Andy Taylor at TechtalkRadio.com.

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PC Users Eyeing a Mac, The Rosebud.App and Asus PX13 ProArt https://blog.techtalkradio.com/pc-users-eyeing-a-mac-the-rosebud-app-and-asus-px13-proart/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pc-users-eyeing-a-mac-the-rosebud-app-and-asus-px13-proart Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:13:23 +0000 https://blog.techtalkradio.com/?p=16022 Read More]]>

This week on TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd kick things off with a real-time look at severe weather, storm tracking, and the growing role of independent meteorologists on YouTube. Shawn shares how live storm coverage from creator Ryan Hall has changed the way many people follow dangerous weather, offering faster, more detailed updates than traditional local broadcasts in some cases. The conversation also dives into storm preparedness, from generators and backup power to radios, fuel, and having a family plan in place when rough weather rolls in.

The show also revisits one of the week’s most talked-about tech topics: the new MacBook Neo. Andy and Shawn break down the appeal of Apple’s lower-cost laptop, discussing its price point, specs, battery life, and why it could be an attractive option for people who have always wanted to try a Mac without spending a fortune. They also talk about the learning curve for longtime Windows users, the differences in workflow, and why Apple may have found the right moment to push harder into the affordable laptop space..

Shawn, who has long been skeptical of AI, admits he was surprised by how powerful and creative the music-generation platform Suno turned out to be. The two discuss the fun and creative possibilities of AI music tools, while also emphasizing the importance of ethics, transparency, and giving proper credit whenever AI plays a role in the creative process. Later in the show, Andy spotlights the ASUS ProArt PX13 GoPro Edition, a compact but powerful creator laptop designed for video editors and GoPro users, with features like a bright OLED display, strong onboard AI processing with the Ryzen AI Max 395+, 128GB Ram, 1TB Storage along with a built-in jog wheel, and 2-in-1 flexibility for tablet type use.

Andy with Sean Dadashi, co-founder of Rosebud, an AI-powered journaling app designed to make self-reflection easier, more guided, and more meaningful. Sean explains how the idea for Rosebud grew from his own experience with therapy and journaling, where he saw firsthand how difficult it can be for people to stare at a blank page and know where to begin. With Rosebud, users can write or speak their thoughts, then receive thoughtful AI-guided prompts that help them go deeper, recognize patterns, and stay connected to personal goals over time.

Screenshot of Rosebud on the Web

Wrapping things up, the show touches on Mario Day March 10th Record Day, Nintendo announcements, and new family-friendly interactive gaming experiences from NEX Playground in the Audiocast, making for a packed episode full of gadgets, AI, entertainment, and practical tech talk.

Got a question for the show? Email techguys@techtalkradio.com, and catch more at techtalkradio.com.

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Episode 428 – So You Want to Start a Podcast? https://blog.techtalkradio.com/episode-428-so-you-want-to-start-a-podcast/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-428-so-you-want-to-start-a-podcast Thu, 23 Jan 2025 15:16:29 +0000 https://blog.techtalkradio.com/?p=11448 Read More]]>

For this Week’s TechtalkRadio Show, Justin and Andy listen in to Shawn as he discusses his role in providing technical support for Notre Dame sports broadcasts, particularly hockey which is his favorite sport to cover. The guys discussed the challenges and opportunities of podcasting as many people are looking at ways to podcast. Shawn shared his experience with the Athletics Department at the University, which started a podcast called “Wake Up the Echoes” that took off quickly. With some wanted to develop shows, The group discussed the importance of content and the shift towards live video and short-form content.

With TikTok in the News recently, The team discussed the topic of social media, with Justin emphasizing the importance of curating one’s social media feed to avoid unwanted content. Shawn also shared his limited use of social media platformswith the exception of Reddit and Snapchat. Justin highlighted the potential for social media to become an echo chamber if not managed properly. Shawn shares that he stopped using Facebook in early 2020 and noticed changes in his habits and mindset. While initially driven by muscle memory to open social media apps, he found himself completing more meaningful projects at home. Andy discusses the prevalence of ads and sponsored content on platforms, suggesting blocking unwanted connections.

Justin expresses uncertainty about TikTok’s future amidst data privacy concerns and speculations about tech company motives, but admits to rarely using TikTok himself.With a walk down memory lane, Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed the evolution of social media platforms and their impact on society. They reminisced about the rise and fall of various platforms such as Myspace, Vine, and Google+. Shawn shared his experience with BBSs and LiveJournal, while Justin talked about the shift from AOL chat rooms to Skype. The conversation also touched on the addiction-like withdrawal symptoms some people experienced when TikTok was temporarily banned. Justin shared his efforts to reduce his family’s reliance on social media, while Shawn and Andy discussed the cultural significance of social media platforms in college life.

A Listener Question from Palm Desert has a listener that uses her PC laptop extensively, and has run out of USB slots due to the addition of a camera and a backup drive. Andy and Justin suggest using a powered USB hub to add more ports. They recommend brands like Belkin, Logitech, and Anker. Andy had a hard drive failure and was able to use EaseUS Data Recovery Software to recover data. Justin shares his positive experience with Easeus, a data recovery software. Andy advises being redundant with backups and not relying solely on one backup device.

Gaming is a topic justin loves to shares and discussed his return to the game Project Zomboid, which involves surviving a zombie apocalypse. He mentioned that the game is available on Steam and has undergone significant changes in the past five years. Andy and Shawn discussed the value of Steam compared to Xbox Game Pass

Shawn discussed his recent purchase of a Lenovo ThinkPad T16 for his father-in-law, who was concerned about the end of Windows 10 support. Shawn sought advice from Matt and Justin, who recommended the ThinkPad due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. The ThinkPad features a 13th Gen Intel I7 processor, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, Wi-Fi 6, and a 16-inch display. Shawn also discussed the need for data transfer from the old system to the new one, with Andy suggesting the use of PC Mover for program migration. Shawn agreed to keep the new system minimal to avoid bloatware.

Andy discusses his friend who wants to keep her old computer because it has a DVD drive, even though most modern laptops no longer come with built-in DVD drives. Shawn explains why manufacturers removed the optical media option due to DVD drives taking up significant space in laptops with the concept that more users will use streaming technology for music and movies. To wrap up this Weeks Show, Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed various topics including retro technology, camera technology, and photography. Justin shared his experience of indoor skydiving on his birthday, which he found to be a thrilling experience. The conversation then shifted to the resurgence of small cameras and the benefits of detaching photography from smartphones. Shawn emphasized the importance of being physically engaged with taking photos and the nostalgic value of physical cameras. The Recent Wildlife Photography Winner was announced and can be found at https://www.comedywildlifephoto.com Shawn promised that next week he will tell us more about a New drone from DJI!

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New KMSB Fox 11 Segment – Asus Products for Work and for Fun! https://blog.techtalkradio.com/new-kmsb-fox-11-segment-asus-products-for-work-and-for-fun/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-kmsb-fox-11-segment-asus-products-for-work-and-for-fun Sun, 10 Dec 2023 22:00:09 +0000 https://blog.techtalkradio.com/?p=9933 Read More]]>

For this Mornings Segment on KMSB Fox 11, We visit with Ana Orsini and share a couple of exciting products from Asus. First in the lineup is the Asus Zenbook S 13, a laptop that has left me thoroughly impressed. Measuring only 1cm in thickness and weighing just about 2.2 pounds, it boasts a powerful configuration featuring the 13th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, 1TB of SSD storage, and up to 32GB of memory.

What sets it apart is its claim to fame as the world’s thinnest OLED laptop with a 2.8K display. Some have compared it to the Macbook Air (Not the iMac as Mentioned here – Live TV) In all fairness to the Macbook Air Users, some of the power of that is in the Operating System for Mac users, this handy thin laptop runs Windows. Going beyond performance, the laptop is environmentally eco-friendly, extending its commitment even to the packaging. The 13.3-inch OLED screen is vibrant, the trackpad area is expanded – seriously it’s massive, and it comes with two Thunderbolt 4 jacks, USB 3.2, and HDMI. We also love that Asus has Added a touch of innovation, the Asus AISense which integrates an AI system for video calls, adjusting lighting and gaze for a more natural eye-to-eye contact.

Asus doesn’t just stop at productivity; they want to make sure you have a blast too. Enter the Asus ROG (Republic of Gamers) Ally Extreme, a handheld gaming unit running on Windows. Armed with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of storage, this device stands out by offering a plethora, and because of The Three Amigos filmed here in Tucson we like to use that word, of gaming options. It’s not confined to a single source, allowing you to run and explore games from Steam, Xbox, PC Game Pass, and more. The Asus Armory Crate adds a layer of customization to your gaming experience, offering options to tailor your gameplay and buttons. The handheld features a bright 1080 7-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. Priced at $599, the deal becomes even sweeter with a 3-month subscription to the Game Pass Ultimate service included. For additional details on these exciting products, visit https://www.asus.com/us/

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