iPad - Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Networks and Connections

Did you consider the two most important things while buying an iPad? Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi +3G connection. Probably you picked an iPad and it became a part of you. Surfing became easier, watching movies and reading was so natural but now you have a problem with connectivity. Phones that have Wi-Fi and 3G network connectivity have an added advantage because if there is no wireless network, one can still use the 3G. If you rely on Wi-Fi only you can experience some problems like;

• Low or weak signal.
• Failure to access the internet even when the Wi-Fi is connected.
• Failure to locate or join a nearby Wi-Fi. connection.

It is very easy to logically look for the sources of the problem by following the following basic steps

1. Verify the settings
these can be done by tapping the setting icon, turning the Wi-Fi off and turning it on again. If the connection is still impossible then you can tell the phone to forget what it knows and give it new settings. Go to the Wi-Fi network screen and check individual settings, tap 'Forget this network' and verify by tapping 'Forget'. A list is provided and this enables you to reconnect by choosing your network from the list.

2. Router
before attempting the complicated troubleshooting try moving you device closer to the router. Being too far away may weaken the signal or cause slow connections. It's also advisable to try connecting other devices to the router to see if it's working. You can try this by connecting your laptop or desktop to the wireless network. When any other device is working the problem may not be the router.

3. Remove any barrier
this may include any case or covering on the iPad. This may sound unbelievable but any obstruction may weaken the signal. It may not solve the problem but it can increase the signal strength.

4. Verify the password
if you are joining a network that needs a password it's important to make sure you entering the correct password. Some passwords may have letters that look the same but are very different like 'o' and '0', 8 and B,. When this does not work go to the final step.

5. Renew the lease
if your lease has expired you can renew it by tapping the blue button on the right of the network name. This will take you to the network settings. Chose the 'Renew lease' and verify by touching the 'Renew' button. Hope this solves all your connectivity problems if not, contact your service provider.

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Silicone screen-top keyboard for iPad

Along with Seattle product designer and mechanical engineer Brad Melmon, Steve Isaac has designed a transparent, flexible faux keyboard that lays on top of the iPad’s virtual keyboard to give users the familiar feel of notebook-like raised keys. Made from transparent silicone, the TouchFire keyboard is placed flat on the iPad’s screen and lines up with the tablet‘s virtual keyboard in landscape mode.

The keys have been reinforced with micro-structures to give the product some resistance against key strikes, and TouchFire can be attached to an iPad case when not in use via a pair of clips. The designers say that being able to feel where the keys are means that users can type as fast and as accurately on an iPad as they would on a laptop, and touch-typers should never have to take their eyes off the message pane.

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iPhone 4S - Rise of New Generation

Here comes the latest and newest gadget from the world of iPhone which recently hit the markets. Yes we are talking about iPhone 4S, a smart, high end device from Apple. It contains almost all the advanced features that one can expect from a new generation smart phone. People are excited to know what is new with the launch of this high end device. Undoubtedly there is a lot more which they will find really exciting and amazing.

First we will talk about the appearance which is slightly different with that of iPhone 4. The retina display is the name of the screen having amazing resolution and pixel density that helps you get the crystal clear images which remain clear even when enlarged. The device has an incredible voice recognition system called Siri which can answer your queries. Without using your hands you can realize the weather, get the finest club, reach the exact location and much more. Use your voice to type emails or text messages and see things getting done for you within seconds. With iPhone 4S you can store mails, contacts, applications, documents, music, images, videos and get them in all your other devices and that is too wirelessly.

You get the smart 8MP camera to capture the memorable moments of your life supporting HD video capture in 1080p. The powerful camera enables you to get the blur-free and crystal clear images of your loved ones. The phone has dual-core A5 processor which makes this device work really fast. It is available in white and black colors and very easy to carry due to its light weight. All the features really make it a true smart phone.

You can get exciting iPhone 4S deals in the market as per your requirement. The phone is available in contract deals, pay as you go deals and SIM free deals. One can choose any network provider and use this smart phone as per your wish. Various attractive offers with great benefits are also available that can surely give you a memorable experience of conversation with your dear ones.

With contract deal you can avail some great offers and free gifts too. You can also make use of internet to know more about the available deals and can choose one as per your requirement. With exciting tariff plans, various free gifts, free minutes and texts which can prove to be very advantageous for the mobile users. It gives freedom to the user to talk without any tension but with a real comfort.

So if you are planning to buy an advanced, high end and smart gadget then don't think too much as this is the best choice undoubtedly. Now no more waiting, no more confusions, just go and get it today.

Harry Johnsonn is one of the many writers who creates interesting and thought-provoking content on all ranges of latest technology and gizmo. Get the latest updates on Apple phone, iPhone 4S Contract, and iPhone 4S deals.

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Extend Your Smartphone’s Battery Charge

Does your new Smartphone battery drain too quickly? For the most part, the standard batteries that come with the new Smartphones aren’t up to the tasks demanded by the many apps and widgets running on the phone. In addition, the 4G network drains batteries even more. To top off all of that, your cell phone provider may be adding to your battery woes. No wonder your standard battery is giving up the ghost!

Everyone agrees that the 4G network drains your battery faster than the 3G network. Forums are reporting 4G drains the battery 20% faster than the 3G. The only thing you can do to combat this is to turn off the 4G unless you are streaming video or data. You can buy an extended battery, but that means your case won’t fit as the extended battery is thicker than the standard battery. There is a good solution to this dilemma. Buy a spare battery and a Sync and Charge Cradle. For example, the HTC EVO 4G Sync and Charge Cradle not only allows you to sync your EVO 4G, but will charge it will you’re streaming video. It has a spare battery charger built into it so you can be charging the spare battery as well. No need to get the bulkier extended battery that your case won’t fit. Sure you have to carry around the spare battery, but that’s a small inconvenience. Another cool gadget that may save you bacon from the fire is called an Emergency Portable Charger. It is external and just plugs into your Smartphone or iPhone and recharges your battery. It is great for those times when the power is out (like during the upcoming winter storms) or when you are out and about without access to electricity.


There are some simple, easy to do steps that will help your battery life. These include conditioning your new battery, configuring your Smartphone services, and being selective about which apps you use on your cell phone. These tips are the pretty much same whether you have an iPhone or an Android Smartphone. The only big difference is that you can’t get an extended battery for your iPhone or change it out easily. For those iPhone owners there are some cool gadgets that help, like the Rechargeable Battery Case for the iPhone 4.

Battery conditioning and battery care is critical to get the most out of your mAh (milliampere-hour). The mAh determines the length of talk time and stand by time your battery will give you. When you get any new Smartphone or cell phone, you should always condition the battery so that it utilizes the most charge it can. Conditioning the battery means that when you get the new battery you should take it out of the phone and then replace it. Keeping the device off, plug it into the AC charger and then let it charge for 6-8 hours without being on or using it (overnight is usually best.) This will bring the battery’s charge up to its highest capacity initially, an important step in conditioning the battery. The next step is to use the phone and discharge the battery until it is almost dead. Then repeat the charging process overnight. Do this for the first 2-3 times you charge the battery. Repeat this process about once a month as we tend to do a shallow discharge and recharge the battery frequently. (We all do it. We have a fear of having a dead cell phone.)

Reduce your screen brightness. Your screen is without a doubt the worst offender for taking down the battery charge life. Turn the screen brightness down to 30%. Unless you are out in really bright sunlight, you will still be able to read your screen just fine. This adjustment alone could enable you to have another few hours of battery life per charge.

Change your email settings. Unless you are totally addicted to getting your email immediately, change the frequency of checking email to every couple of hours. While it may not be as exciting as getting your email instantaneously, your battery charge will last much longer.

Turn off the GPS locator, the Wi-Fi, and the Bluetooth. If you are going to go on a trip and need the Google Maps feature, you can turn it back on. Other services that use the GPS are Weatherbug, Latitude, etc., but again, if you don’t absolutely need them, turn off the GPS locator. Just having the GPS off will save your battery. If your phone is constantly searching for a Wi-Fi connection you will drain the battery quickly. Turn it off and only use it when you get to a location you know has a Wi-Fi connection. As for the Bluetooth, turn it off at night or when you aren’t using it. It will save you lots of battery charge.

Be selective with running apps. Your new Smartphone has a bunch of application running, and you may have downloaded even more. There are so many cool apps available for the various Smartphones. But having all these cool apps running takes down the battery in a big way. I have downloaded an app called Advanced Task Killer for my Droid X, which allows you to manually stop apps you choose. You can always access the apps from your home screen any time you wish. I automatically kill running apps every time I access my phone. This saves the life of your battery. For iPhone owners there is the AppManager.

By being smarter than you Smartphone, you can extend your device’s battery charge life. As with anything else in life, management is key. So again, condition your battery and be choosy about what’s running on your phone. You will get a whole lot more life out of each battery charge!

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AMD FirePro V4900 Professional Graphics Card

AMD is set to drop their newest professional graphics card, the FirePro V4900. Aimed at the entry-level market, the card is equipped with 480 Stream Processors, a 128-bit memory interface, a 1GB of GDDR5 VRAM and a single-slot, single-fan cooling system, and makes use of the AMD Eyefinity technology for supporting up to six displays. In terms of connectivity ports, it offers dual-link DVI and two DisplayPort 1.2. The FirePro V4900 will retail for $189.

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NEC MultiSync EA273WM 27-Inch Full HD Monitor

Here comes a new Full HD monitor from NEC, the MultiSync EA273WM. Designed specifically for high-performance enterprise users, this new 27-inch LED-backlight monitor makes use of a TN panel and provides 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution, 25,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 brightness and 5ms response time. Not to mention, it also has a built-in 4-port USB 2.0 hub and two 1W speakers, and features D-Sub, DVI-D, HDMI as well as DisplayPort connectors. The MultiSync EA273WM will become available this month for a retail price of $499. 

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Elecom M-IR02DR Wireless Mouse

Elecom hits back by unveiling their newest wireless mouse called the M-IR02DR. Powered by two AA batteries, this travel-friendly mouse comes with a 5-button design, a 2.4GHz radio frequency (works up to 10 meters), an IR LED sensor, a 800/1600dpi resolution (switchable) and a tiny USB receiver. Available in six different color options: black, blue, gold, pink, purple and white, the M-IR02DR will go on sale from mid-November for 4,200 Yen (about $54).

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Acer Z2620G And Z2610G All-in-one Desktop Computers

Acer has unveiled the new Veriton Z2620G and Z2610G all-in-one desktop computers. The Acer Veriton Z2620G comes jam packed with a 2.5GHz Intel Core i5-2400s quad-core processor, an nVidia GeForce GT 520M GPU, while the Acer Veriton Z2610G offers a 2.6GHz Intel Pentium G620 dual-core processor with an integrated Intel HD GPU. Both computers feature a 20-inch (1600×900) widescreen LCD display, a 4GB DDR3 SDRAM (upgradable up to 8GB), a 500GB hard disk drive, an optical drive and the Microsoft Windows 7 Professional OS. The Acer Veriton Z2620G and Z2610G are priced at $849.99 and $649.99, respectively. 

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Fujifilm FinePix REAL 3D V3 Digital Photo Frame

Fujifilm Japan today introduced the FinePix REAL 3D V3. It is a 7.2-inch digital photo frame that provides a maximum resolution of 1600 x 600 pixels and a 150-degree of viewing angle. Measuring 188mm x 28mm x 153mm and weighing 415 grams, the gadget is able to display 3D images without any glasses. There is an HDMI-out port that allows you to enjoy 3D videos on your HDTV. Additional features include a pair of USB ports and an SDHC card slot. Fujifilm will launch the FinePix REAL 3D V3 digital photo frame in Japan on November 12, 2011 for 50,000 Yen or around $650.

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Voltaic Array 10 Watts Solar Charger Backpack

Voltaic Systems today introduced the Array 10 Watts solar charger backpack that comes equipped with a removable solar pocket. The backpack features three 3.4 Watt solar panels and a 16000mAh battery that can charge laptops, cell phones, tablets and digital cameras. The Voltaic Array also offers a large 1,500 cubic inches of storage space, a padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate up to 17-inch laptop, an integrated phone pouch and several pockets. It takes 12 hours of direct sunlight to fully charge its battery, but you can also charge its battery using an included AC charger. Measuring 18-inch x 14-inch x 8-inch and weighs 5.5 pounds (with the battery and solar panels), the Voltaic Array 10 Watts solar charger backpack is priced at $389 each.

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Orb Audio Booster Mini-amp

The Orb Audio Booster is an integrated mini amplifier that allows you to connect up to four components and enjoy the convenience of a remote control. Measuring 6-inch x 6-inch x 1.8-inch, the device provides a 20 watts per channel, 4 stereo inputs (2 RCA and 2 mini jack), a subwoofer output and a speaker connector. The Orb Audio Booster mini-amp is priced at $164 a pop.

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TILT Cooling Stand For MacBook Pro

Designed by Clinton and Spencer Yee, the TILT is a cooling pad that is designed specifically for use with the aluminum unibody Macbook Pro. Measuring 0.6-inch thick and weighing at only 8 oz., this cooling stand features a USB-powered fan with the patent-pending FLOWthru Cooling System that sends a fresh flow of cool air through the TILT and reaches the hot areas of the MacBook Pro. The TILT protects the bottom surface of the MacBook Pro, allowing you to use it four hours. There is also an integrated 1/4″-20 tripod thread, allowing you to mount the MacBook Pro onto a camera tripod with ease. More pictures after the jump.

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BeatTubes Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The BeatTubes portable Bluetooth speaker is a must-have for music lovers. The speaker comes with the latest dynamic audio components that produce a high-quality sound. It is compatible with most of Bluetooth-enabled gadgets including iPod touch, iPhone and Android smartphones. If you are interested, you can buy the BeatTubes portable Bluetooth speaker for just $99.99 each.

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Thanko IPMIPR01 Pico Projector For iPhone

Thanko has rolled out the IPMIPR01 pico projector for iPhone in Japan. Weighing at only 32 grams, the LED projector provides a 320×240 pixel resolution, a mini USB port, a 3.5mm Stereo audio jack and a 1W speaker. Folks in Japan are able to buy the Thanko IPMIPR01 for 15,800 Yen or around $202.

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Watch Concept Ritmo Mundo Puzzle

Play the Puzzle Watch game and when you are ready to reveal the time simply slide out the case to show the dial. Exhibition back within an all stainless steel case. Signature rubber strap with engraved buckle and water resistant to 5 ATM.

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Concept Convertible Laptop Dell Latitude XT3

This laptop is compatible with all of the Dell Latitude E line of accessories and docking stations. The screen is a 13.3-inch HD LCD connected to the computer with bi-directional hinge, the keyboard comes with a backlight, which is always nice to have when you work in the dark. The Latitude XT3 does have one distinct advantage over standalone tablets, as it has more CPU power than those thin devices. It has an Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processor, and runs the full Windows 7 OS.

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Watch Concept Diesel SBA BlackOut

The watch is also water resistant down to 50m. It’s called the Diesel SBA Black Out. It’s rather large and has an equally fat leather strap to fasten onto your wrist. This new Diesel watch comes all in black, with something pretty unique.

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Tablet Speaker Logitech

It plugs into the 3.5mm headphone port of the iPad and runs from a rechargeable battery. The new speaker is a rectangular looking device that is a bit narrower than the iPad in landscape mode. The battery is good enough for eight hours of use per charge. The battery is charged via USB and the cable is included.

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Fujitsu Iris Transparent Tablet PC (Video)

This device uses a transparent OLED display and supports wireless charging technology. I’m talking here about the Fujitsu Iris, a pretty interesting design that was created by Liu-Wei, Yao Kai-Chi, Hong Ruei-Hong and Cheng Ya-Fang. It’s a got a camera, a scan sensor, augmented reality, compatibility with pen input and much, much more. Fujitsu Iris uses its transparency to scan documents, do instant translation and even magnify items. In order to scan a piece of paper, you just slide around a special bar and that’s it, problem solved. This tablet works perfectly for designers too, since it comes with a reality amplification application and electronic compass that make a design into a real surrounding environment.

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Shapeshifting Touch Keyboard 'Optimus Tactus'

With the introduction of this concept, the day of clunky keyboards and mice are almost over. Instead of using keys, the OLED keyboard can be customized to display anything the user wants, including a colour swatch, unique layouts, images and even video. Not restricted by any physical parts, Optimus Tactus is a large shape shifting touch sensitive tablet keyboard. The keyboard can even be optimized so that it creates a distinctive interface for every separate program; i.e. keys for text editors but a image editing tools for programs like Photoshop.

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Electrolux Vortual Kitchen Concept (Video)

Kitchen Hideaway is a kitchen without the kitchen part. Instead its a headset that puts the user in a virtual kitchen. This allows the user to cook anywhere- putting the headset on allows you to immediately escape reality and puts you in the centre of your virtual kitchen. The user moves around in the virtual kitchen, preparing virtual food; the user’s moments are mimicked by a robot in another faraway room , where the actual physical food is created. Kitchen Hideaway, removes the need for kitchen appliances.

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Speaker Bar Concept

The device looks like blades of an electric fan and vows to produce a powerful bass. Users can convert their laptops into a powerful music player when at home or elsewhere. The Speaker Bar has been exclusively designed to be coupled with laptops. The lightweight speaker will amplify the listening experience with its full-range capabilities. Simply, connect it to the handy speaker with the help of a USB cable and listen to it belting out your favorite playlist. The Speaker Bar can be easily snapped apart for easy carrying. Two AAA batteries will provide all the power for its functioning. It can also be used separately with an MP3 player.

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P2 - Portable Water Purifier Concept

P2 is a water purifier system that dispenses clean water the normal way – through a spout plus has a detachable water-purifying jug that you can carry out with you. Its ideal for an office environment or maybe hospitals and cafeterias; anything that makes water – queues short. So basically you’re not restricted to taking water from the main body unit, which by the way dispenses both hot and cold water.

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Pad Pivot - Innovative Tablet Stand (Video)

With a curved base that sits as comfortably on a desktop as it does on the tablet user’s thigh, the PadPivot is designed to provide hands-free support to a tablet so users can devote both their hands to the important touchy tasks at hand. The device features a rounded base and a pivoting head that allows a tablet to be positioned at that best viewing angle and folds up so it can be slipped into your pocket. Designed to suit a variety of tablets and e-Readers or even mobile phones, the PadPivot head attaches to your mobile device of choice with a sticky grip plate. The surface of the base is made from non-slip rubber, but for those times when you’re getting knocked around the place, such as a bumpy bus or train ride, the stand can be tethered to your leg with the included strap.The grip plate comes with a dust cover to keep it clean when not in use and can be cleaned under warm running water.

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Kodak Playfull Waterproof Camera

Kodak has expanded its pocket camcorder lineup with the announcement of the water-, dust- and shock-resistant cousin of the Playfull camera, the Kodak Playfull Waterproof Camera. The Playfull can be immersed to a maximum depth of 10 feet (3 m) for up to two hours and records videos in 720p (1280 x 720) resolution. The pocket cam is shock-resistant, meaning it withstands drops from up to 5 feet (1.52 m) onto plywood. The new Playfull features video recording in 720p (1280 x 720) or in WVGA (848 x 480), both at 30 fps, stored as MPEG-4, AAC-LC files. It can also snap 1-megapixel still images in JPEG/EXIF v2.3 format. The Kodak Playfull Waterproof Camera is priced at US$99.95. Footage is stored on SD/SDHC cards (there’s only 18MB of built-in storage on board) and can be viewed either on the equipped 2-inch color LCD with Glare Shield for bright sunlight viewing, or on an external device, utilizing the camera’s HDMI or AV out ports.

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Ford's Driver Alert System keeps you in the right lane, recommends java on occasion

It ain't the first automaker to do so, but Ford's taking a step in the 'stay in your own lane!' direction with a new technology package for the Explorer. The Driver Alert System is slated to launch in early 2012, and it'll tout new lane keeping technologies, including a system that can help detect drowsy drivers. The goal here is to keep sleepyheads from destroying lives -- be it their own or others -- by suggesting that they pull over, rest and have a sip of coffee if they've been cruising along for an extended period of time. Furthermore, a camera setup will monitor one's lane position, and if they drift too far away from the straight and narrow, their steering wheel will vibrate. It all sounds good and well, but the fact that a AAA survey found that over 40 percent of Americans have "fallen asleep or nodded off while driving" makes 'staying at home' seem like the sensible choice. 

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Not so ultimate Ultrabook: MacBook Air KIRF features mini-HDMI port, 3.5 hour battery life

Hey, who wiped the MacBook Air logo off? Nah, we're kidding -- it's a KIRF. Sure, Apple's svelte 13-incher may have a duo of USB ports and an SD card slot, but this rig adds in a 3-in-1 card reader and and an odd, combo RJ45 / VGA jack (which we assume needs an adapter). For good measure, you'll also find a mini-HDMI output, although, with 3.5 hours of battery life it may prove problematic for getting through a 1080p movie marathon without nearby power. The alloy-encased lappy has a 1.86GHz Intel Atom N2800 CPU with a GMA3600 integrated GPU, 2GB of RAM, a 32GB SSD and a 13.3-inch LED display sporting a ho-hum resolution (for a 13-incher) of 1366 x 768, just like the 11-inch MacBook Air. Amazingly, this knock-off weighs merely .01 kilograms more than its real counterpart at 1.36 kgs (about three pounds), while being only 0.1 cm thicker. Giz-China expects this Ultrabook-wannabe by Shenzen Technology Ltd to land on Chinese shelves sometime in November for about $471. Cue Apple's lawyers in 3... 2...

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