GeekSugar

Back-to-School Deals of the Week

GeekSugar — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 03:47:02 PDT

Gearing up for the Fall semester can be expensive, especially if you're buying your supplies at full price. Plus, between dorm life, computers, and other essentials, your long list of must haves can get pretty overwhelming. Thankfully, I'll be sussing out the best deals on some great back-to-school supplies for you every week through the month of August. First up, a few laptop deals you don't want to miss, and some accessories you may not be able to walk away from.

How-To: Clean Your Computer Monitor

GeekSugar — Thu, 20 May 2010 03:47:09 PDT

Since 60 percent of you have more than one computer monitor, you should take the time to keep them fresh and clean to enjoy for years to come. However, cleaning your screens isn't as simple as grabbing your household cleaner and giving them a scrub. LCD screens and computer monitors are particularly fragile, and since they can get so expensive, you'll want to take extra care to make sure you're cleaning them properly.

I have a few tips on how to keep your monitors squeaky clean and healthy after the break.

I Would Have Used This Four Times Already Today

GeekSugar — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:47:03 PST

Sometimes the simplest accessories solve the biggest problems. Take this useful gadget: the i360 iMac Turntable. It's a simple rotating turntable affixed to the bottom of your iMac or Apple monitor that allows you to easily swivel the monitor from side to side. They're made to match your computer in white or aluminum, and most models even feature a tiny built-in picture frame for an added touch of personality.

I swivel my screen to the right at least three times a day to share something I'm looking at, which usually involves making sure I don't knock the monitor over or disturb whatever else is sitting on my desk. Priced around $40 depending on which model you choose, this is an inexpensive and smart solution!

How Many Computer Monitors Do You Use?

GeekSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:43:29 PDT

I'm a busy gal, and most of the time find myself working wherever I can - on the couch, on the train, anywhere I can find a WiFi signal. But when I'm at the office, I like to not only use my laptop monitor, but hook it up to my cinema display and double my desktop real estate. When I'm at home? It's a single screen for me.

I do notice a big difference in productivity when I have more than one monitor. I typically use my laptop screen for emails and IMs while my cinema is used for blogs and writing up posts. However, one of my friends is an animator and uses three screens daily. Needless to say, he's got a huge desk. What about you - are you a single-screen gal, or do you make the most of your desk space and use multiple monitors? How many monitors do you use?

iCovers Protect Your Precious Monitor

GeekSugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00:00 PDT

As pathetic as it is, I think of my computer as an extension of me, in that I want to keep it safe from bumps and bruises like any good mom. I take the time to select a comfortably padded bag or sleeve for my laptop, so shouldn't I want to protect it at home? Acme makes soft, sleek, and extremely attractive iCovers, not only for laptop screens, but Apple cinema displays and monitors. I actually hunted for something like this a year or so ago for my monitors and couldn't find it, so I sewed it. Maybe someday I'll be brave enough to post my instructions, but all I can say is that they don't look near as pretty as the iCovers.

Prices range from about $30 to $80, and they even take custom orders.

View 5 Photos ›

CES 2008: The Alienware Curved Monitor For Video Game Fanatics

GeekSugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:00:30 PST

All I gotta say is try privacy scarfing this bad boy! Gizmodo was first on the scene to capture this ginormous LED curved monitor by Alienware at CES. With a screen resolution of 2880 x 990 and a supersized DLP display, I can't help but assume this massive ~~television~~, I mean monitor, is going to cause some serious eye damage. The Alienware curved monitor is reportedly going to be available later this year. No word on pricing just yet.

Source

Gear Review: Lark Silent Alarm Clock

Leta Shy — Sun, 13 May 2012 16:48:00 PDT

You can count me as one of the 30 percent of people who don't get enough sleep every night, so when Lark sent me its silent alarm clock ($100) to test a couple months ago, I was all about it. Since then, I've been using it pretty regularly, here's what I think of the alarm clock.

First, here's what it is: The Lark is part app (compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad only at the moment, but an Android version seems imminent), part motion-sensing wristband that vibrates to wake you up and tracks your sleep quality throughout the night. It promises to both help you wake up more naturally and without disturbing your bedmate and change your personality from sleep-deprived night owl to well-rested morning lark. Included in the package is the Lark sensor, wristband, and charging dock where you plug your wristband into when you wake up - both to shut off the vibrating alarm and ensure that your wristband has enough juice to monitor your sleeping stats for the next night. The charging dock includes a USB port to connect your iPhone charger to it, so you don't have to use two sockets for each.

Who it's for: The Lark is useful if you have a partner and you both wake up at different times. Since it's a silent alarm clock, it rouses you with a series of vibrations through your wristband, so if your normal wake-up call is earlier than your bedmate's, your partner can snooze away without being disturbed. That may or may not be valuable enough for you to justify the $100 price tag, but it is an effective solution. Besides the alarm clock portion, the Lark app tracks several sleeping stats: how many hours you slept as well as how many times you woke up during the night and how long it took you to fall asleep (both based on your movements).

Keep reading for my thoughts on the Lark alarm clock.

Give Your Desk a Healthy Makeover With These Tips

Leta Shy — Wed, 02 May 2012 13:44:46 PDT

Since you spend so much time at your desk, it's important that you make it a healthy environment - especially since there are so many ways your job can make you fat. Here's how to make over your desk to stay healthy while you work.

Stash snacks: Vending machines and office candy jars can be too much temptation, especially when your grumbling stomach is egging you on. Instead, stock your desk drawer with a few filling snacks, like almonds, trail mix, all-natural homemade fruit and nut bars, and green tea bags to satisfy tummy and taste buds before you give up and reach for the leftover break room doughnuts.

Use a reusable water bottle: Nothing reminds you to drink more water than a filled water bottle living on your desk. Drinking enough water throughout the day is crucial for both your health and your mood, since dehydration can lead to fatigue and irritability, so fight that afternoon slump (or the urge to snap at your fellow co-workers) by drinking up. Find out how much water you should be drinking here.

Deal with germs: Many times, lunch at your desk is just inevitable. Those days dining in front of your monitor can make things a little messy at your desk. Keep your area germ-free with desk wipes and all-natural hand sanitizer (find out how to make your own hand sanitizer here).

Adjust that chair: You're sitting there for most of the day, so make sure you keep your chair and computer comfortably aligned with the position of your body to prevent back, wrist, and neck pain. Not sure if your monitor is too low or if you are sitting correctly? Read our tips for creating an ergonomic desk here.

11 Ways to Print Instagram Photos

Kelly Schwarze — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:09:01 PDT

Instagram is the easy way of creating dreamy iPhone photos in a flash. The filters work their magic so well that nearly every picture comes out looking like a keepsake. Making those memories permanent can be just as easy with these tools for turning Instagram photos into a lasting work of art.

PostalPix - Use this iPhone app to print four-inch squares from your Instagram library for only 30 cents each. Fast shipping, matte finish, professional quality resolution, and the convenience of mobile shopping make this our first stop for Instagram prints. They even sell just-right square 4-inch wooden frames.
CanvasPop - Those filtered photos are worthy of an at-home gallery. Create a high-resolution 12-inch square or 20-inch square stretched canvas print for the temporary price of $30 and $60, respectively. Buy multiple canvases for an artful wall vignette.
Printstagram - The company offers multiple ways to print Instagram photos, but the 20-by-40-inch posters will make the most stunning addition to a living room wall. Between 50-400 photos are arranged in a clean grid on thick, archival paper for $25.
Blurb - Haven't looked at a photo album in a while? Blurb brings back what now seems like an antiquated way of sharing photos with a modern, Instagram twist. Softcover books with 20 pages of Instagram photos runs $11 and a hardcover is $22. Christmas present, perhaps?
Postagram - A fun way to show people you're thinking of them, Postagram mails a postcard with popout Instagram photo and message to friends for 99 cents each. A thoughtful alternative to a birthday e-card!

Three more ways to print Instagram beauties after the break.

31 Days of Spring Cleaning: Get Ergonomic

Kristy Korcz — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 06:26:21 PDT

Sitting for hours in front of your computer - whether you're at an office or working from home - is bad enough, but throw in the poorly positioned monitor, a chair that's not supporting your back, and a desk that's too small for your stature, and you have a cocktail for body aches and pains. Check with your HR department to see what kinds of ergonomic assessment services are available to you so you can get your desk in tip-top shape. Working from home? No sweat - let this Osha ergonomic evaluation checklist help you set up a healthy home office.

Keep up with all of our Spring cleaning tech tips here or at our 31 Days of Spring Cleaning Pinterest board!

Source: Flickr user jpoesen