What is Tech Talk?

It's your monthly dose of tech news, tips & how-tos, as well as our favorite receipes and some other web goodies.

September 2015

DEAL OF THE MONTH

It's accessories part II! Because there are so many cool toys out there to help you maximize your productivity we couldn't constrain it to just one month.

In honor of National Good Neighbor Day on the 28th we've got a BOGO deal for you! Get a Dymo LabelWriter 450 for $95.99 AND we'll throw in a Dymo LabelManager 160.

The LabelWriter 450 integrates with Word, Outlook, and Quickbooks so you can effortlessly print nearly any label you need. You can also print USPS-approved postage with no contracts or monthly commitments.

The LabelManager 160 is really handy to keep around the office or in the car to label smaller items on a whim, and uses batteries so you're not tethered to an electrical outlet.

Gadgets Galore

AUTHOR | Jessa Erickson @ThinkSpace IT

There seems to be no shortage of techy, and some not so techy, gadgets on the market today. Whether you're in the market for something that can help increase your productivity, or maybe even help decrease it, here's a brief list of some cool stuff we've run across recently.

For the geekier among us and those who like to infuse a little fun into their routines, ThinkGeek.com has a wide array of geeky gadgets for just about everything you can think of. This "Coolest Or Nerdiest Office Gadgets" list has some really useful stuff we wouldn't mind adding to our wish list! For the parental among us you might want to check out item #1 on CNET's "All the cool new gadgets at CES 2015" list. Don't fret though, this list isn't just for the child bearing only. From gadgets and gizmos aplenty (yes, I frequently channel the inner child in me who loves a good Disney movie - bonus points if you can name the movie!), this CoolThings Cool Gadgets site will possibly leave your wallet a little bit thinner. And last but not least, Inc.com has a rather extensive list of "32 Incredibly Useful Business Gadgets for 2015".

Product Spotlight | Sabrent 2.5" Hard Drive 3.0 Enclosure

AUTHOR | Jessa Erickson @ThinkSpace IT

If you ever find yourself in a position where your laptop dies (but the hard drive is still functional) and you don't have a full backup, this is the guy you need. Instead of going through a potentially lengthy data migration process, simply plug the hard drive into this enclosure, attach the usb cable and viola, it's your new portable external hard drive.

*Sabrent also makes 3.5" hard drive enclosures for desktop hard drives

OVERVIEW Take advantage of the lightening speed of USB 3.0 to quickly transfer files up to 5 Gbps! Connect any 2.5″ SSD / Serial ATA (SATA) or SATA II Hard Drive to your computer through an available USB 3.0 port on your desktop or laptop. It is constructed from durable aluminum, to ensure heat dissipation. Transfer data quickly and easily, anywhere, with this great external hard drive case. This enclosure allows you to connect your SATA HDD to USB 1.1, 2.0. or 3.0.

FEATURES

  • Hi-Speed USB 3.0 to SATA interface
  • Compatible with 2.5” SATA hard drives
  • Ultra light aluminum case
  • Plug & Play, Hot-Swappable
  • No driver needed

10 avoidable printer problems

AUTHOR | HP Technology at Work

Printers are a major business investment. And understandably, you want to get the most out of that investment. A proactive approach to printer maintenance and repair is key to ensuring the best ROI and minimal downtime. The first step is to identify potential problems you can control. The second step is to put a plan in place for if/when something does go wrong. To help with both steps, here are 10 avoidable printer problems—and how to tackle them with ease.

1. Installing a multifunction printer on your own
Home-use printers are relatively easy to set up—but multifunction printers (MFPs) are a different story. MFPs not only represent a larger investment, they have a lot going on inside. For example, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP squeezes a business-grade printer, copier, scanner, fax machine, automatic duplexer, and automatic document feeder into a compact 16.5 x 16.4 x 12.7 inch frame. Rather than chance the installation yourself, the HP Services Delivery Team provides installation and training options to ensure every part of your MFP—and your business—can seamlessly work together. If you need to install an MFP yourself, however, remember to consult the product user guide for installation and use recommendations.     Read more

Make Technology Simple: 15 Hacks You Have to Try

AUTHOR | Lenovo via Macworld

Advances in technology have made our lives more creative, connected and organized than ever. But that doesn't mean our devices are doing all they can for us.

These 15 life hacks show how to use technology in simple, revolutionary ways—because sometimes all your high-tech life needs to function better (and smarter) are some low-tech innovations.     Read more

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