the chic geek electronics blog
HSN gadget guru Katie Linendoll offers tech support
Katie Linendoll, HSN’s Chic Geek
Welcome to my world.
A world where technology becomes exciting and easy to understand. Yes, it is possible. Here in my blog you'll get insight into the goings-on in the gadget world, from computers to GPS systems to digital cameras. Got a question? Got a comment? Want to chat about something completely unrelated? I'm game. Shoot me a line and let's get ready to Upgrade Your Lifestyle.

Back to Campus

Weren’t we just saying last year how the summer flew by? Well, here we are again saying the same thing. Its total déjà vu and like it or not, with that comes back-to-school season right around the corner. So let's talk a little bit about how to prepare for it – HSN style.

Times have changed. We’ve come a long way since #2 pencils and the box of 64 crayons with the built in sharpener. Technology is a back to school must and of course I’m sure your child is telling you they need this and that for school, and you want to give them an edge. But how far do you go? What's a want? What's a need? To help you figure that out, I'd like to present my top-5 essentials for any student (or anyone else for that matter) who's looking to stay current.
  1. Computer – one word – essential. The average student doesn’t need the latest and greatest to write homework assignments but here are the basics I recommend:
    • At least 2 GB memory – this allows your computer to multitask and run at fast speeds with no lag.
    • A 200 GB hard drive should allow them to store all the music, movies and of course class files they need.
    • Dual core processor – no worries if you don't understand the verbiage. Basically, in a dual core processor, each core handles incoming data simultaneously to improve efficiency. Just as two heads are better than one, so are two processors!
  2. Digital Camera. Sure, they're handy and great for unlocking creativity, but you can also keep tabs on your kids by making them promise to send photo updates of their whereabouts. It's a win-win. You’ll want to look for the following specs:
    • 6-8+ Megapixels – More pixels = greater flexibility because you can crop pictures without losing detail and make large photo prints.
    • 3x optical zoom – This increases your depth options (get at least 3x closer to your subject).
    • Large color LCD (2.5” or greater) for reviewing and sharing your images
    • Rechargeable battery - Well, because college kids are broke and do not have money for batteries.
  3. GPS. Very handy for students going away to an unfamiliar place for college, or for new high school drivers who simply have no sense of direction (a category I was in). Make sure they don't get lost in their travels. Also a GPS is handy for learning where stuff is in a new town. Craving a late night pizza or need that double latte to get that paper done? Use the GPS to locate all the local pizza and coffee shops.
  4. Multifunction Printer. You wouldn't believe how much use you can get out of this. And it saves trips to the business center, computer lab, etc. Whether you are printing out directions, projects, pictures, or scanning in photos, it does it all.
  5. Guitar Hero – Just trust me on this one.
I'm still waiting on the day when kids request jet packs instead of taking the bus and time machines in case they need a virtual history lesson. Until next time... stay tuned!

Also, I wanted to address a question that came in from the last blog from Jan in TN:
The issue with the volume could be as simple as needing to turn up the volume on your DirecTV box. Using HDMI should not lower the volume of your TV and the TV should treat all sources the same. It is unlikely the TV is defective. Also, make sure your DirecTV box is set to output audio to HDMI. I hope this helps!
Time for an upgrade
These will get you up to speed …
 
Garmin Nuvi 350 Personal Travel Assistant GPS
HSN Price: $299.95
Gateway 14" Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD Tablet Laptop Computer
HSN Price: $1,099.90
Sony White PS2 System Guitar Hero Bundle
HSN Price: $299.95
» shop back to campus

     ADD YOUR COMMENTS

(0 comments for Back to Campus)