I have a passion for helping people make technology work.
I want to assist Dr. Graystone in making a better Cylon, consult with Captain Jack on containing the rift, assist the Professor with the Planet Express ship's dark matter engines, and lend a hand to Rodney when he needs to fix a beat-up DHD by some remote Stargate...but even more then all that, I want to help real-life computer users make their technology work better for them right here on Earth. For my day job, I own a computer repair business in Lawrence, Kansas. Drawing on my support background, I focus on practical technology from the user perspective; iPods, iPads, iPhones, iMacs, and everything in between...and I can even do Windows (ugh!)
I've worked in corporate IT and academic computing before settling on residential and small office computer support. I'm also heavily involved in our User Group. My experience with Apple goes back to Apple IIe days; the first Mac I used was a MacPlus, and owned was a IIvx. Ever since then I've been a Mac fan. I even met my spouse through the Lawrence Apple Users' Group. As you can tell, I am a bit of a sci-fi TV fan, and I also enjoy music (everything from Klezmer to Nine Inch Nails) and playing with our dog, Tova.
I love hearing your comments and feedback: good, bad or otherwise.
Never be without power and avoid carrying a myriad of odd cables and adapters as you enjoy the summer. These multi-functional accessories provide effective charging without weighing you down or taking up half your carry-on luggage. Read more »
The selection of breathing and sleep-aid apps in the iOS App Store can be a bit overwhelming. Here’s a round up of the best ones, for beginners, intermediates and the more experienced. Read more »
Still undecided what to get someone on your holiday gift list? From backup phone batteries, to warm gloves you can wear while tapping on your iPhone, we’ve collected some essential items and accessories all under $100 that any iPhone or iPad users could use. Read more »
The Neat Cloud service differs from other cloud services like Evernote because of its complete solution and ease of use. Like Apple’s marrying of hardware, software and services, Neat provides the scanner, the software, the cloud service and mobile app making it a true all-in-one solution. Read more »
I took the Fitbit One out for a test drive (or in this case a walk) and absolutely love the updated model, as well as the creation of a Fitbit Zip for users looking for a more affordable product with slightly less features. Read more »
The older and more expensive your printer, the more you’ll find value in the xPrintServer in both your home and office. The product works almost as well as advertised with some minor caveats. Here’s a hands-on review of the device. Read more »
There’s been plenty of anecdotal evidence already offered that Maps needs work — at times location data is missing or directions were wrong. But on more than one occasion Maps have led users astray because of the user-sourced business information that Apple is using from Yelp. Read more »
The iPhone 5 just arrived and if you’ve been to an Apple Store, you know that cases are hard to find right now. A few manufacturers have confirmed cases available starting Friday online and provided samples for review. Here are some great choices. Read more »
iOS 6 has some great features but the maps are not one. Thankfully there are good alternatives available right in Apple’s own App Store for detailed directions and points of interest. Also a bonus tip: how to turn an old iPhone 3GS into a standalone GPS. Read more »
Thinking about signing up for Google Fiber? Curious about those sleek black boxes Google is showing off? Here’s what each box does and what it looks like — the Network Box, a Storage box and optionally a TV Box if someone gets the TV service. Read more »
Our reporter visited a vegan bakery in Kansas City that was one of the first places to get Google Fiber. He offers speed tests via wired, Wi-Fi and a sense of the problems that Google Fiber will have to overcome to sign up customers. Read more »
Apple’s iPhone charger isn’t always practical for travel. The iKeep Charger is excellent for not just charging the iPhone, but other devices like wireless headphones or a mobile hotspot. After using it, I really think it is a must-have device on the go. Read more »
If you’ve ever lost or misplaced your keys, your iPhone or your iPad, the Zomm Wireless Leash Plus can help remind you where you left them. This little multi-function device can also act as a wireless speakerphone. We tried it out, here’s what we found. Read more »
As a small business owner, I’m delighted the field of mobile credit card processing is opening up. I compared Verifone’s Sail and Square’s services while processing payments for my business via my iPhone and iPad. Here’s what I found. Read more »
As Apple’s market share grows, so too have security threats against the Mac, such as Flashback and MacDefender. But there are others, including some we’ve seen on Windows, that could be aimed at the Mac. Here are some examples and how to defend against them. Read more »
Looking to upgrade the speed of your iPad 3G? This may be the device for you: Netzero’s 4G hotspot provides near 4G speeds and 200 MB a month of free bandwidth with the purchase of the $99 device. Read more »
From the iTunes interface it appears you have to choose the option of either local or iCloud backup of your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. But that’s not true. You can do both! Here’s a quick tutorial on how to do it. Read more »
Apple recently introduced software updates and a removal tool for the “Flashback” threat on Macs. Users of Apple’s current desktop OS, Lion 10.7.3, and the previous Snow Leopard 10.6.8, Apple’s got you covered. For anything older, Apple’s recommendation is disabling Java. That’s wrong, and here’s why. Read more »
Custom ringtones are great for knowing who’s calling, but those of us whose phones are on vibrate get left out of that party. One of the less advertised features of iOS 5 is the ability to to assign custom vibration patterns to individual callers. Here’s how. Read more »
As an active and enthusiastic Square merchant for my mobile business, I decided to compare notes with several other business owners who use iOS devices to ring up sales and manage their businesses. Here’s what I found. Read more »
Nielsen released a study that found just about a third of smartphone users turn to their device for shopping-related activities. But the study highlights that while not everyone is using their phone in this way, many more would like to. Read more »
Being the resident “extreme” iPhone case enthusiast, I was intrigued by the new cellhelmet Kickstarter project. This $44.99 case combines svelte design with protection against drops, but bundles it with an actual insurance policy that replaces your iPhone if damaged while in the case. Read more »
Macworld | iWorld had some fantastic products. Ignoring anything that wasn’t actually shipping, since so many products never actually make it to market , here are my top picks from the show. They include most iDevice companions, but also one product any Mac user wil love. Read more »
We’ve already talked about some key highlights from the Macworld | iWorld 2012 show, particularly from the prosumer and developer angles. But my focus here is on those products average Apple users might be interested in, for both Mac and iOS devices. Read more »
Although it’s still winter, now is the time to do some spring cleaning on your Mac to help it run more efficient and reliably. Here are six simple steps to take that will get your Mac sparkly clean and running like new. Read more »
A common New Year’s resolution is getting more organized, and email is often very much in need of organization. I’ve long been a fan of the “Inbox Zero” philosophy. It’s easier than you think to accomplish, and these simple tips will help you get there. Read more »
Losing weight is on a lot of people’s minds post-New Year, so this is a perfect time to revisit tips and tricks about how to use Apple technologies to help you get healthier in 2012. Attitude, food and activity monitoring can contribute to a healthier you. Read more »
A new year is a perfect time to talk about ways to protect your data. You should be backing up and you know it, and if you are already backing up, it’s time to test your strategy and include things you may be forgetting. Read more »
Whether you got an online backup subscription as a holiday gift or just decided it’s time to have your backup offsite, it’s a good idea to keep your data protected, and one that never goes out of style. Here’s the right way to get started. Read more »
Many of us got some great tech gifts during the holidays. Knowing what exactly you have, and keeping critical info handy can make life easier when problems occur. Here are a few simple tips you can use now to save time and money in the future. Read more »
With a competitive primary and caucus season upon us for the 2012 Republican Presidential race (the Democratic race is uncontested with President Obama running for re-election), your iPhone could be a handy guide in helping you decide whom to vote for. Read more »
One of the jailbreak features I really wish would come to the platform legitimately is the ability to use launchers to quickly start an app without digging through multiple home screens. Luckily, you can mimic the behavior of a quick launcher with iOS 5′s Notification Centre. Read more »
So you finally convinced your friends and family to retire their PC in favor of a Mac with a Christmas gift. Now, you have to deal with being the training wheels for a new operating system. Here’s how to ease their transition. Read more »
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of disappointment ran through your head because you waited until the very very last minute to buy gifts. Here are some options for gifts that while thoughtful, don’t require you to meet shipping deadlines. Read more »
Tweeting while in the shower? Blogging while in the bathtub? The Lifeproof iPhone case makes it possible, and even manages to do so without adding much girth to your device or sealing it away in a cumbersome bag-style cover, like other alternatives. Read more »
Previous generations of home surveillance systems required setup via a computer (usually a PC) and had a high cost of entry, but a new crop of low-cost Internet-enabled cameras promise “post-PC” easy setup as well as iOS integration. I’ve tested two new players in this area. Read more »
If your work area is anything like mine, you have an assortment of power bricks and USB cords cluttering things up. The iDAPT i4 solves the charging dillema by creating a universal and interchangeable charging station, using swappable tips to cover the gamut of mobile devices. Read more »
Unhappy with Lion’s new iCal interface? You’re not alone. While some fixes exist, I’ve found BusyCal not only retains all the good stuff from iCal for Snow Leopard, but also adds many new features that make it a great purchase for anyone. Read more »
With Black Friday just around the corner, your iPhone might be your greatest weapon for getting the best deals around. Just be sure you download these apps, and remember not to literally crash through doors, regardless of what retailer marketing says they’d like you to do. Read more »
Whether you use iCloud, MobileMe or Google to sync your contacts and calendars — no matter how careful you are — glitches occur. Fortunately, Spanning Tools helps clean up your contacts and calendars, making sure your syncs go as planned and correcting errors after the fact. Read more »
