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June 27, 2007
Technology for the Home - Article Ideas
Over the last few years I have written quite a few articles for HGTVpro.com on various technologies for the home. And I have a long list of topics that I have not yet covered.
I would like your input on what topics you are curious about. I cannot not promise that all suggestions will result in an article, but I look forward to your suggestions.
What technology topics, terms or products would like to know more about? Thank you in advance for your ideas.
Posted by Bob Gatton at 4:18 PM | Comments (3)
June 25, 2007
Rhino 101 Labeler
Last year I did a write up on the Dymo RhinoPro 5000. Its a great product, I use it constantly to label cables on AV installs. It's easy to use and leaves a professional impression.
This month the Dymo folks have started to ship the Rhino 101. This is a clever $19.99 labeler that has a roll of labels, a retractable Sharpie pen, a flat writing surface and a built in cutter. Simply write the label, advance it and cut. The label itself is split down the back, making it easy to remove the backing.
I have one of each, but will continue to use the $150 Rhino 5000. I like the look of the printed label as opposed to the hand written label. This might be because I have terrible penmanship.
I am a bit conflicted on the Rhino 101, its well designed and very convenient to use, but doesn't a Sharpie and a roll of white electrical tape work almost as well?
Two questions
1) What do you use on the job for labeling?
2) What do you think of the Rhino 101?
Posted by Bob Gatton at 4:32 PM | Comments (0)
June 18, 2007
Roomba by IRobot
I bought a Roomba robot vacuum cleaner last year and recently reviewed IRobot's sweeping robot for the workshop and garage - the Dirt Dog . Start the Roomba or the Dirt Dog and come back in a while to a clean floor or garage. Very cool
Operation couldn't be easier, after you start the Roomba, it criss crosses the room, vacuuming around table legs and under chairs and couches. My Roomba works well on both hard floors and carpets. It has sensors to tell it to spend more time in dirty areas and to keep it from falling down stairs. And if you buy the optional charging station, it when it is done, or its battery is almost dead, it will automatically return to the station to be recharged.
All is not perfect. Lamp cords need to be tied up so that they do not coil on the floor - the Roomba will try to eat the cord. And if you have area rugs with fringe on the ends, it doesn't like those either.
I am a fan of both the Roomba and the Dirt Dog, but I am curious, if you have either one, what is your experience, do you like it? And I am also curious how dogs and cats react to it.
Posted by Bob Gatton at 1:48 PM | Comments (15)
June 7, 2007
TVs - Part 2
Thanks for all the comments. Instead of adding a comment on the end, I decided to address some of the issues that have been raised.
1) CRT TVs, good ol' tube televisions are the best bang for the buck, no doubt about it.
2) On rear projection television set spec sheets, they usually state the number of hours the bulb should last, this is approximation. I have had bulbs that failed at less than half the rated hours and have also had bulbs that lasted much longer than the manufacturer specified.
3) If you decide to buy a rear projection LCD, DLP or D-ILA set, check out the price of the replacement lamp, how many hours it should last and if it is user replaceable. I only know of a handful of front projectors where the owner cannot replace the bulb.
3) The picture on rear projection sets does get darker when viewed from an angle. Think about where you are going to place the set in your home before purchasing and look at the set in the store at approximately the same angle. If it is too dark, look at another set.
4) Energy consumption - an interesting question. I will look into this and do an article or blog entry.
5) Service issues - most projection televisions are quite reliable. If I had a problem with the local servicer, I would directly contact the manufacturer. If the set has had repeated problems, manufacturers will sometimes pay for service after the warranty has expired. It's worth a try.
Comments?
Posted by Bob Gatton at 8:33 AM | Comments (0)
