I have been intrigued by computers since a very young age. At middle school I tried to configure a startup for Windows XP and Ubuntu, but I messed up, I broke the Windows installer and was left without an Operating System. After three days thanks to the mercy of How-To Geek and Super User, I was finally able to fix it. The same was I was scared about breaking the home computer I enjoyed fixing it and continue tweaking it.

I studied at a Computer Technology vocational High School, were I took classes in Computer Reparation in order to obtain a certificate from CompTIA A+ and also some classes in Network Management Systems CCENT from Cisco. Unfortunately for me, our school was unable to participate in those exams and was never able to obtain the certificates. I worked as a Computer Technician for the school’s Department of Technology during my last year. I started my own business from home, fixing computers in order to collect some money to be able to pay the University. The best choice was a portable computer (Laptop), for University it was easier since I already knew more about the specifications, to think that “bigger numbers” means a better computer. I bought myself a new Lenovo 11s Yoga for $800, and it was as good as the recommended computers by the MIT service, and it was half the price. My portable computer worked very well until this year when it started to burn pixels, leaving ghost pictures on my screen. This would happen when leaving an image on the screen for a long time. The warranty I had bought for my Laptop was about to expire so I took it to the Geek Squad beginning of July. They game an estimated time for a fix of about two weeks.

Five weeks later I received a call from them telling me that a part needed for the reparation was no longer on sale. To my luck they gave me a store credit to buy a new portable computer. Now I’m writing from my new Lenovo Yoga 2, that it’s twice better than my old Laptop and was only $100 more than the credit given to me by the store. I have received many questions from the parents at MIT about which laptop are good for their kids. I have complied the best advices that I have given my friends and customers when buying a computer. I hope it helps you make a more informed decision.

Warranties

The majority, if not all portable computers come with a Manufacturer Warranty that state that they will fix your computer if any part its defective. But the Manufacturer Warranty doesn’t cover falls, spills or theft. Make sure you pick one of the insurances that the many stores offer to your convenience. Ask for one that covers spills just in case, also covering falls and theft, even more if they plan on taking their computer to the university campus. There are some stores like Best Buy that will even return you money in the form of store credit when they are not able to fix your old computer.

Read more

Today we will review the MicroSD card, a wildly popular external and removable storage device which uses can be extended for tens of millions in multiple products.

MicroSD is a flash memory format developed by SanDisk in July 2005 and standardized by the SD Card Association later. It is the smallest variation when it comes to SD memory card size specification, which includes these same generic SD and miniSD cards. Its reduced size to 15×11×1 mm has allowed them to be included in all types of devices, especially smartphones.

Its release coincided with the boom in sales of smartphones and even today some models don’t support them, its use became massive and in some cases they’re essential to increase internal storage of the device itself. Cameras, tablets, computers, GPS, handheld consoles and a long list of etc, are the field of action covered by these external storage cards.

MicroSD formats

As the general standard of SD cards is divided into three formats (SD, SDHC and SDXC) microSD cards have been marketed in these variants. And it is the first thing to assess when buying because they are not compatible with all devices, though currently the third type is the most widespread and used.

Read more

Once you get close to making up your mind as to what laptop you would like to buy, you may find yourself having to choose between two very similar machines, with similar technical and design characteristics, but which have been constructed by two different manufacturers.

Is there really any difference between brands?

Even if from one manufacturer to another, a computer’s components might come from the same supplier, the laptop’s brand is its most distinctive element and what will be important to you in making your decision.

It is similar to what happens with cars: two brands of cars, built with parts coming from the same suppliers, only really distinguish themselves from each other by their brand, which is what represents the manufacturer’s standards and reputation, the level of styling and finishing, as well as the quality of the after-sales service.

What are the best laptop brands? Which ones are the worst?

The reliability of brands is a highly controversial subject. Oftentimes, a brand’s perceived reputation is polluted by anecdotal accounts which fill up certain online forums with raging rants, and it becomes hard to determine whether these negative opinions are really statistically representative of an actual lack of quality.

Read more