Tech Gear Thread

[timot_one]

I'd kick a puppy.

[gargantula99]

Right in it's tiny puppy nuts!

[cna]

How bout this for a nice start in 2011?who would by this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQkIs8Sp11k

[Mike]

I saw Andy Android... Im in!!!!

[timot_one]

Alright guys.  Two topics that I need some input on.  Wireless routers and an external hard drive. 

First, I need a new wireless router since mine is about 7 years old now and is acting up.  I tried working from home today and every 5 minutes my work computer lost connection from my wireless network and my company's VPN.  My laptop is a brand new IBM Intel Core i5 ThinkPad that I literally got 6 days ago.  I don't seem to have the same severity of problems from my MacBook, but my network seems to crash a lot and I usually have to reset my router and cable modem up to 5 or 6 times a day now.  I was looking at the Cisco - Linksys routers, but know that I don't really need N even though that's pretty much what they're pushing now.

Second, I need a new external hard drive.  I just ran out of space and don't really want to keep deleting stuff from my laptop.  I know that Seagate made good stuff in the past.  I'm just trying to find something that won't break the bank, will be reliable, and will give me more space.  Here are my requirements are that it must be at least 1 tb and have firewire 800 and USB 2.0.  One nice feature would be that it does not require an external power supply and can be powered via Firewire or USB.

Suggestions and feedback are welcome.

[Jeff Likes Bagels]

Tim, here are some initial suggestions based on what you've described.

For a wireless router, go with this: http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Linksys-WRT54G2-Wireless-G-Broadband-Router/dp/B0014J07R2

For an external hard drive, I had some trouble looking for one that supported IEEE1394b (Firewire 800). You can go to the link below though, and it'll list all of the external hard drives that are 1TB or larger on Newegg, which is where I shop for computer stuff. I usually sort them by best rating.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007601%20600030763&IsNodeId=1

[cna]

Get a wrt54g there old hackable routers that will last you forever and for external go for Western Digital  My Book Essentials i own the 3Tb version came with usb 3.0 rock solid so far

[timot_one]

Clemente, don't forget that I'm not going to hack or modify it.  I'm just not that good with computers to be able to accomplish that.

That router comes out to being about $47 with shipping, plus I have to wait.  I can pick up a Cisco Linksys E1000 locally for about $50.  How do you think that would compare?  This may also be something that I may be able to get reimbursed for as an office supply through my work.  If that's the case, I might be able to get something a little nicer without taking it too far.

The verdict is still out on the hard drive.  I have used LaCie drives before.  My 40 gb portable pocket drive is unreliable and doesn't work any more, but it's about 8 years old and I carried it around in my bag all the time when I was in college.  My other 250 gb LaCie drive has worked like a charm the past 8 years.  I also know that Seagate makes good stuff.  I used to have a Glyph drive back in the day with my recording set up.  It was basically a modified Seagate drive with a ridiculous warranty.

[Mike]

I also use a My Book essential, and have no problems but, its not the most poratable thing in the world.

[timot_one]

I may just get a hard drive that I can keep at home, but a smaller portable one to bring with me when I travel.

[b_beau_09]

does any one here have the new apple tv?  I have an oppurtunity to get one for free with my credit card reward points and I'm pretty tempted, since I just opened a new card on USAA to transfer my  balance. (in process of switching all my banking/insurance to USAA because I moved over an hour drive from my current credit union)

[Mike]

I have never used this but, if it is the best option for your reward points what do you have to lose.

[b_beau_09]

yeah, well I don't typically get anything for just me anymore.. and I talked to the lady about it and she told me that "if I want it go for it, don't worry about what we need for once and do somethign for you.."  so I have permission. haha it's just I dont know much about it and was hoping to get some input from people who have it or have used it before I get something I may never use.

[timot_one]

I have the first generation AppleTV and I really like it.  It syncs with my iTunes account on my laptop so it has all my movies, TV shows, music, and pictures.  It's also connected to my wireless network for youtube and to download directly from iTunes.  If I buy something on my Apple TV, it will automatically transfer to my laptop and download there too.  The addition of Netflix is definitely a nice plus.  Just remember the new Apple TV only has an HDMI output.

[cna]

apple tv is sick i had a jailbroken one now i switched to 2tb Argosy media center which play's every type of media i throw at it.