The Frugal Geek
Will a Screen Protector Make Touch Screens Not Work?
LockerGnome reader David asks, “I want to get a screen protector, but will the plastic that goes over the screen prevent me from using touch features? Won’t the sensors not be able to detect my finger?” Screen protectors made for touch devices typically don’t have any effect on a touch screen’s functionality. In fact, some [...]
How to Buy a Good Webcam
Finding a good webcam can be difficult when you’re on a budget. Unfortunately, not all SD or HD webcams are created equal. Some of them are really very terrible, especially if they seem under-priced for the features advertised on the packaging. When the webcam feature list says it’s a 1080p webcam, it probably has the [...]
How to Choose Between Two Computers
A LockerGnome reader asks: I’m going to be starting college in the Fall of 2011 and I am in the hunt for a laptop. I don’t really need a Mac, but I love the ease of use the OS offers. While most of my experience is with a Windows PC, I can’t help but to [...]
Budget Video Podcast Setup
LockerGnome reader John asks: “I am going to start doing video podcasts and am in the process of picking out what gear [I want to use]. I don’t want to use my MacBook Pro iSight as the quality just isn’t there. As I am not up to speed with the current equipment available these days, [...]
How to Run Long Lengths of FireWire Cable
LockerGnome reader Mike asks: “Are there any secrets to running long lengths of FireWire cable? Currently, the maximum reliable distance of a single FireWire cable is 15 feet (4.5 meters). Though some retailers carry 10 meter cables, these tend to be unreliable and sketchy at best. I’d recommend using a FireWire hub or repeater to [...]
How to Get Clear Stills from Video
A LockerGnome reader asks: “Could you let me know as to how I might get a better quality snapshot of a paused video recording (playback)? I’m trying to avoid hazy printouts.” This is a great question. Unfortunately, the very nature of compressed video works against you here. As long as there is movement in a [...]
How to Stream PS3 and Xbox from a Mac
LockerGnome reader Joyn asks: “I own a new Mac mini, and I know you stream your videos with one. Do you know how I can stream video from my PS3 and Xbox 360 from the Mac?” Because the Mac Mini doesn’t come with a video in, you’ll need to purchase a video input device that [...]
Top 5 Ways to Make an Old PC Feel New
Like anything in the world of technology, PCs age and face obsolescence as faster new systems hit the shelves. For some frugal geeks, making the most of your hardware for the longest period of time is a must. Here are five tips to make your old machine feel like a new machine. 1: Consider Lighter [...]
AMD Radeon 6990 vs. nVidia GeForce 590 GTX
LockerGnome reader Shazad asks, “I have a Radeon 6990 and the frame rates aren’t uniform. I have some spare money and I’m considering replacing it with an nVidia GeForce 590 GTX. Do you think this would be a step up in performance?” Well Shazad, these two video cards are among the top performers on the [...]
Best USB Condenser Microphone?
LockerGnome reader Seth asks: For a while now, I’ve been on the lookout for a good-quality microphone. I’ve always wanted a stand-alone mic that -wasn’t- part of a clunky headset. So just as I did when I was in need of a webcam, among the numerous Google searches I did as research, I checked out [...]
