In this week’s TechtalkRadio show, Andy and Shawn revisit the USB hub Andy purchased from a discount store—and this time, they crack it open! They discuss their experiences with USB hubs and the potential dangers of using unverified or suspicious USB devices. They emphasize the importance of purchasing from reputable vendors and being cautious when using public USB ports.
Thinking about getting a new laptop? Shawn shares his recent purchase of a Lenovo ThinkPad T17 for his in-laws, explaining how it met their budget and needs. He walks through some of the challenges they faced while setting up the new computer, particularly issues with transferring settings and favorites—most of which revolved around Microsoft’s OneDrive. After some configuring, the laptop was set up to their liking, and Shawn details a few of the key steps he took.
Andy is joined by Micki and Steve, showrunners and producers of the upcoming Vintage Computer Festival SoCal, taking place in Orange, California, on February 15th and 16th, 2025. The event, expected to draw over a thousand attendees, stems from the organizers’ passion for vintage computing and their goal of fostering a community for enthusiasts. Inspired by similar events nationwide, they have been working on this festival for about four years. Attendees can expect to see a variety of vintage computers and related memorabilia while sharing their experiences and memories of their first computers. The organizers also run a YouTube channel, VintNerd, where they share their interests and conduct fascinating interviews. Check them out at www.youtube.com/@TheVintNerd and on their website at https://thevintnerd.com/index.html.
Andy and Shawn return to discuss their love for electronics and tinkering. Andy shares his experience with Elenco Snap Circuits, including the Top Secret Spy Kit and the Snap Circuits Jr. Explorer Kit. These STEM-focused kits allow users ages 7 to 107 to experiment with circuits—no soldering required! Andy demonstrates one of the projects he built with the Spy Kit: a motion detector, which turned out to be a fun and rewarding project.
Shawn also shares some exciting news—he will be attending the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas for the first time! He looks forward to networking and learning about the latest in broadcasting technology.
Finally, Andy and Shawn discuss a book called Computer Engineering for Babies and its educational value in teaching young children the basics of computer functions in an engaging and accessible way.
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]]>On this week’s TechtalkRadio Show, hosts Shawn, Justin, and Andy are joined by Matt Jones to delve into the latest in Technology, Computers, and the Internet. Matt reminisces about his childhood and the impact of the first computer in his house, which sparked his fascination with technology after its eventual failure. Justin shares insights about Mark Rober, a prominent figure on YouTube known for his engineering videos, particularly as the “Glitter Bomb guy.” Mark also runs Crunch Labs, promoting STEM learning through specialized packages.
The discussion takes an interesting turn when Andy asks Justin and Shawn about their views on introducing their children to STEM. In the broader sence of education Justin questions the necessity of Home Economics in schools, Andy and Matt have alternate views on this and advocate for a broader curriculum that includes trades and budgeting alongside STEM. Matt adds a unique perspective on Language Learning.
Over the years, the hosts contemplate holding onto old tech in the hope of teaching future generations to build systems, though Justin humorously predicts it might end up being just a cube. Andy shares a comical moment involving a giant box of tangled cables and a mysterious USB 2.0 to a Male Aux Audio Jack. Shawn takes to Google and is able to tell us what it is for. The conversation shifts to audio over Ethernet and video usage at Water World near Denver.
Andy recounts his positive experience testing Tablo TV, a device facilitating cord-cutting with DVR capabilities. Despite encountering issues with the antenna, Justin explains the intricacies of antenna waves and the effectiveness of the fractal design. The hosts delve into the challenges faced by local TV and radio broadcasters, including changes in content and revenue maximization strategies with the addition of Local News Content.
Shawn introduces the DJI Pocket OSMO 3, leaving everyone on the show eager to get their hands on one. The device’s impressive features and its capability to produce high-quality video content are highlighted. Matt shares insights into the DJI Pocket OSMO 3’s remarkable 80% battery recharge time in just 16 minutes, contrasting it with the 40 minutes required for the OSMO 2.
The show wraps up with a lively contest to decipher acronyms, Who will win? Tune in to find out for our Pop Culture winner for the week.
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