Sunday, January 22, 2012
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
iPhone 3G Battery Swap
A number of months ago my wife received in the mail an iPhone 3G from her son (Thanks again!). He had upgraded to an iPhone 4. Up until two weeks ago she had been using it as a fancy iPod Touch and for making Skype calls (since it has a microphone on it). Two weeks ago she got a new SIM card for it and began using it as a pay as you go phone (AT&T does not allow pay as you go data on an iPhone for grreed reasons). She was very pleased and excited with this development. Well then last week it stopped charging properly. She was bummed to say the least.
Off to the interest we went and sound a number of sites that show you how to swap the battery out in the phone. We particularly liked the video and PDF guidance provided by ifixit.com.
So we ordered a battery and tool kit ($5 and change) – which arrived Friday. So Friday night was swap night for the battery. The Repair kit comes with the following items:
Next we continued to follow the guide and undid 6 cables, 9 more screws, and the logic board and finally got to the battery. Here are some pictures to illustrate this for you.
A little elbow grease and a spudger tool and out came the battery!
In with the new
Finally everything removed and disconnected back in (in reverse order) and the iPhone was returned to normal. A quick power up test and all was found to be well. After a little charging I made a test call from the phone to the house line as a final test.
So the bottom line is – if your iPhone battery is not holding a charge – you (yes I mean you) can replace your own battery! It just takes a little bit of time and patience to get through it and make sure you don’t damage the ribbon cables. This will save you loads of money paying someone else to do this for you or for replacing your device.
Off to the interest we went and sound a number of sites that show you how to swap the battery out in the phone. We particularly liked the video and PDF guidance provided by ifixit.com.
So we ordered a battery and tool kit ($5 and change) – which arrived Friday. So Friday night was swap night for the battery. The Repair kit comes with the following items:
- The replacement battery (not shown)
- 2 Spudgers
- A guitar pick
- Another guitar like pick
- A #00 Phillips head screwdriver
- A flat head screwdriver
- A suction cup (helps to separate the screen from the back of the unit.
So I removed the SIM card from the phone and began removing the bottom screws by the dock connector. This is where the night ended. We had a challenge getting out the second of the two screws on the bottom of the phone that you must remove to get into it! So off to a few stores to see if we could find a very small ez-out (no luck) but we did find a precision screwdriver kit (another $6 or so). This kit had a 1 mm flat head screw driver that eventually (Saturday morning) – allowed the second screw to be removed so our adventure could continue.
 |
| 3 cables that connect the screen section to the logic board. |
 |
| A screw is hidden under the Do not remove sticker. |
 |
| Logic Board for the iPhone 3G |
A little elbow grease and a spudger tool and out came the battery!
In with the new
Finally everything removed and disconnected back in (in reverse order) and the iPhone was returned to normal. A quick power up test and all was found to be well. After a little charging I made a test call from the phone to the house line as a final test.
Televsion Revelation - OTA HDTV
When we were planning our move to North Carolina, Louise, my wife, and I made the conscious decision to NOT get cable TV. This was mainly due to two items 1) first - we have a tendency to watch quite a bit of television when we have it and 2) a high cable bill (even if you take out the Internet access and digital phone from the bundle) due to movie packages.
We have been getting our TV shows via the internet but recently we purchased two small HD TVs for my wife’s new system to use as monitors. This use of these TVs has not worked out well – thus one of them was moved to the older computer in our bedroom so my wife could still have two monitors on her new system. This led me to have a sudden insight – digital TV was supposed to be available over the AIR (OTA) thus overcoming the cable bill! So I did some research and found out through this site:
http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=1
That I should be able to get most broadcast stations that I would want with a passive antenna.
So $16 or so dollars later – were are now using a Phillips SDV2210/27 passive antenna to pull in HDTV and we get the main broadcast channels from Charlotte in nice crystal clear HD. YEAH! Here is picture of the Antenna box:
We have been getting our TV shows via the internet but recently we purchased two small HD TVs for my wife’s new system to use as monitors. This use of these TVs has not worked out well – thus one of them was moved to the older computer in our bedroom so my wife could still have two monitors on her new system. This led me to have a sudden insight – digital TV was supposed to be available over the AIR (OTA) thus overcoming the cable bill! So I did some research and found out through this site:
http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=1
That I should be able to get most broadcast stations that I would want with a passive antenna.
So $16 or so dollars later – were are now using a Phillips SDV2210/27 passive antenna to pull in HDTV and we get the main broadcast channels from Charlotte in nice crystal clear HD. YEAH! Here is picture of the Antenna box:
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Huge Pen Drive for a Very Small Price
I woke up this morning to an email from my neice Patti, who was asking about a Pen drive brand and if it was good or not. The second item I noted was that she was getting an absolutely fantastic price on this device via ebay which brings up its own question that I will address in a moment - on to the Brand question.
The brand of a pen drive is an interesting question and probably varies greatly by who you ask. Many probably just say get the cheapest - but this is not always an appropriate answer. Personally prefer different brands depending on the situation - so here is my break down:
So what are your thoughts?
The brand of a pen drive is an interesting question and probably varies greatly by who you ask. Many probably just say get the cheapest - but this is not always an appropriate answer. Personally prefer different brands depending on the situation - so here is my break down:
- High Security needs (think FIPS 140-2): Definitely IronKey - a bit pricey but there is no better drive IMHO when it comes to a secured drive. Built in encryption and a kill feature if someone messes with it physically or failed the password 10 times. See more at https://www.ironkey.com/personal
- Regular use - Typically I prefer Kingston or SAN DISK for regular needs but may also venture into the PNY brand evey once in a while. Currently my main pen drive is a 32GB Kingston Data Traveller.
So my second question is - where do you buy Tech like this from? I have never really considered ebay as a source for electronics but this in this particular case I might - since the price is 10.8% of what it would cost at newegg for the same drive! What an interesting dilemma.
So I suggested to my niece that she do a little investigation on the seller and if she did order to get a second on and I would reimburse her. Hey a deal is a deal and considering that Louise (my wife) and I just had a bad data event with one of our laptops - this might be a great backup solution for the next system.
So what are your thoughts?
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Session 4 - Graphics Card and Sound Card Installation
Today's Session was focused on the installation of the graphics and sound cards. Below are both cards and the associated documentation and fun stuff included with the XFX ATI Radeon HD 5970 Black Edition Graphics card.
So the next step is to get all of the power and data cables connected and then the first power on (AKA smoke) test will be ready to occur.
The image below is of both the Graphics card and Sound card installed into the case:
This Graphics card is huge at just over 12 inches long and as such I had to remove the fane shround to get it to fit into the case. The picture below is a close up view of the minimal clearance between the fan and the card:
So the next step is to get all of the power and data cables connected and then the first power on (AKA smoke) test will be ready to occur.
Assembly Session 2 and 3
OK - I have been working on the system off and on for the last week. Below are the picutres from last Sunday and One from today that show the motherboard and it componenets and the CPU with cooler and fans installed.
Above: Motherboard Box
Above: Power Genie, DLED Display, X-FI Sound Card and Motherboard (underneath).
Above: All the stuff in the motherboard box.
Above: MSI Eclispe SLI Motherboard
Above: Motherboard With CPU Installed
Above: Xigmatek Thor's Hammer Cooler with 2x Antec 120mm fans for CPU Cooling.
Next Comes the Graphics Card and Sound Card!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
First Assembly Session
I have begun assembling my new system and I took quite a few pictures both before and during this sessoion so this entry will be mostly a pictoral of my first session, in which I installed the Power Supply, card reader, optical drives and the hard drive. So here goes the picture show.
Top views (with and without cover).
All of the parts before assembly.
The Box for the case was nearly 30 inches tall!!!
The Drives, card reader, RAM OS and Graphics Card!
Motherboad, CPU, CPU Cooler and Power Supply.
The Case being unboxed!
The Unboxed Case - Its big for a "mid-tower".
Case Interior
Power Supply Components - the bag on the left for cables. The PSU is in the felt bag. Parts bag and Ac Cable - Fancy packaging.
Front views of what has been assembled so far.
Finally the PSU in its mounted position. The case has a 3 way securing system for the PSU - the screws, velcro strap and a mounting bracket!.
Overall I am pleased so far. Tomorrow begins the motherboard installation.
Parts Have Arrived
Well the ordering is done and the parts have arrived. Next Step is to inventory and build the system. There have been two updates to the design - so the final as ordered system now is as follows:
So my original cost estimate for this system was $3026.58 (does not include shipping) and my final actual cost before shipping and rebates is $2877.87 (a savings of $148.71). Shipping added 44.36 to this. I have one rebate to process which will lower the cost by $10.00 thus my final cost will be $2912.23 for a delta savings of $114.35 from the original build cost estimate. Now the fun begins - building it and documenting it all here.
Component | Qty |
12GB DDR3-1333 - 3 sticks of Crucial CT51264BA1339 RAM (4GB each) | 1 |
Silverstone Raven RV02-BW Case | 1 |
Xigmatek Thor's Hammer CPU Cooling Fan | 1 |
ATI Radeon | 1 |
Flash Media Reader/Writer - Rosewill RCR-IM5001 | 1 |
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit | 1 |
Corsair HX850 Power | 1 |
MSI Eclipse SLI | 1 |
Blue Ray Burner - Plextor PX-B940SA | 1 |
Intel Core i7-920 CPU | 1 |
Hard Drive (1 TB) - Western Digital Caviar Black | 1 |
DVD+/-R/RW Dual Layer Drive - Samsung SH-223C | 1 |
So my original cost estimate for this system was $3026.58 (does not include shipping) and my final actual cost before shipping and rebates is $2877.87 (a savings of $148.71). Shipping added 44.36 to this. I have one rebate to process which will lower the cost by $10.00 thus my final cost will be $2912.23 for a delta savings of $114.35 from the original build cost estimate. Now the fun begins - building it and documenting it all here.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
New System Design
My darling wife (you may know her poetic Louise Blog) and have been discussing the merritts of building/buying a new desktop computer system for the house. Through much discussion and possible uses we have decided to jump to the top (or very near the top anyway) of the technology pile so that we have very few, if any limitations on what the machine can do. I have come up with the following design for the new system:
So my question is what do you all think? Comments and alternative ideas are welcome.
Component | Qty |
12GB DDR3-1333 | 1 |
Silverstone Raven RV02-BW Case | 1 |
Xigmatek Thor's Hammer CPU Cooling Fan | 1 |
ATI Radeon | 1 |
Flash Media Reader/Writer | 1 |
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit | 1 |
Coolermast Thermal Fusion CPU thermal compund | 1 |
In-Win Commander IRP-COM850 Power | 1 |
MSI Eclipse SLI | 1 |
Blue Ray Burner | 1 |
Intel Core i7-920 CPU | 1 |
Hard Drive (1 TB) | 1 |
DVD+/-R/RW Dual Layer Drive | 1 |
So my question is what do you all think? Comments and alternative ideas are welcome.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Favorite Accessories
Where would we be in this world without our accessories? Accessories – those lovely little gadgets that help us out when we need our primary gadgets to do just a little more - aren't they great?!
Right now I have two favorite accessories – a Targus 4-Port Powered USB hub, and a Power Monkey Explorer – an emergency power supply for a myriad of devices.
The workhorse of these is the Targus 4-port powered hub.
This device allows any two USB ports on a device to magically become 4 ports. I can use this 4-port hub to run high-power USB devices by simple plugging in both the black (data and some power) and Red (additional power) USB connectors. I have regularly used this device to recharge my Blackberry, run my pen drive, sync my Livescribe Pulse Smartpen, and run and external mouse.
The power monkey explorer by powertraveller is an auxiliary battery device that can be used to charge cell phones, mp3 players, portable game, and host of other devices. This device provides anywhere from 5-96 hours of additional time depending on your device and usage patterns (5 hours on game consoles PSP and 96 hours of standby time on your mobile phone). I have been able to refill a Blackberry Bold 2 times with one charge of the power monkey explorer. Best of all – if you are out of power and don’t have access to another power source the solar panel can be used to recharge the powermonkey explorer itself.
The powermonkey-explorer kit comes with:
• the powermonkey portable charger,
• the Solar Charger,
• a USB charger and a whole bunch of charging tips for other devices,
Right now I have two favorite accessories – a Targus 4-Port Powered USB hub, and a Power Monkey Explorer – an emergency power supply for a myriad of devices.
The workhorse of these is the Targus 4-port powered hub.
The power monkey explorer by powertraveller is an auxiliary battery device that can be used to charge cell phones, mp3 players, portable game, and host of other devices. This device provides anywhere from 5-96 hours of additional time depending on your device and usage patterns (5 hours on game consoles PSP and 96 hours of standby time on your mobile phone). I have been able to refill a Blackberry Bold 2 times with one charge of the power monkey explorer. Best of all – if you are out of power and don’t have access to another power source the solar panel can be used to recharge the powermonkey explorer itself.
The powermonkey-explorer kit comes with:
• the powermonkey portable charger,
• the Solar Charger,
- a mains charger with international heads (UK, US, Europe and Australia)
• a USB charger and a whole bunch of charging tips for other devices,
Friday, January 22, 2010
Favorite Gadgets I currently use
Curently I have a select list of gadgets that I find most useful in helping me get things done.
First among these is my work provided Blackberry Bold. This device is very useful for me to maintain my schedule and accomplish work tasks while I am on the go at work. it also comes in handy as a device that allows me to carry a lot of information with me. Additionally I am able to use it as an MP3 player.
My second favorite device was a Christmas gift that my wife got for me last year (2008). This is the LiveScribe Pulse smart Pen. I have found this device useful for capturing time synchronized audio notes along with my handwritten notes. While some may not like this device for having to use special paper the small premium for it is made up for by the functianlity of the device itself.
Third, is my Acer Aspire One Netbook. I was an early adopter of this technology and bought the 8.9 inch version. I find the device usefull for mobile web browsing, document editing and other light to medium computing tasks but really believe that the latest generation of 11.6-inch netbooks and ultraportable notebooks is the real sweetspot for this technology. Best thing about this device is that is sure beats carrying my 6 pound work provided Dell D830 when I am on work travel.
Finally, two of my favorite 2 non-it gadgets are pens. The Zebra Telescopic Pen is very useful and is small so it does not require much room to sotre. My executive Yoropen is also a fine writing instrument that is very useful for both lefties (like me) and righties. It is highly ergonmoic and is comfortable to write with for long periods of time.
First among these is my work provided Blackberry Bold. This device is very useful for me to maintain my schedule and accomplish work tasks while I am on the go at work. it also comes in handy as a device that allows me to carry a lot of information with me. Additionally I am able to use it as an MP3 player.
My second favorite device was a Christmas gift that my wife got for me last year (2008). This is the LiveScribe Pulse smart Pen. I have found this device useful for capturing time synchronized audio notes along with my handwritten notes. While some may not like this device for having to use special paper the small premium for it is made up for by the functianlity of the device itself.
Third, is my Acer Aspire One Netbook. I was an early adopter of this technology and bought the 8.9 inch version. I find the device usefull for mobile web browsing, document editing and other light to medium computing tasks but really believe that the latest generation of 11.6-inch netbooks and ultraportable notebooks is the real sweetspot for this technology. Best thing about this device is that is sure beats carrying my 6 pound work provided Dell D830 when I am on work travel.
Finally, two of my favorite 2 non-it gadgets are pens. The Zebra Telescopic Pen is very useful and is small so it does not require much room to sotre. My executive Yoropen is also a fine writing instrument that is very useful for both lefties (like me) and righties. It is highly ergonmoic and is comfortable to write with for long periods of time.
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