Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 156 of 259

Q&A: Can a laptop really have both an SSD and a hard drive?

Posted on September 6, 2020

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Question from Bryan P.: Hi Rick. I found your blog while Googling the answer to a question I have about laptops.

I couldn’t find a clear, straight-forward answer so I hope you can answer it for me.

I’ve been looking online for a new gaming laptop because the one I had (and loved) got stolen a few days ago.

It’s been several years since I’ve shopped for a new computer and I’m seeing something that’s confusing me.

I really like this laptop that I found on Amazon. The sales page says it has both a 256 GB SSD and a 1TB hard drive.

Could that really be true? I thought laptops only came with one drive since they’re so cramped for space.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Should I replace the battery on a 2 year old laptop?

Posted on September 6, 2020

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Question from Brenda G.: I have a two and a half year old Dell Latitude E5570 laptop that no longer works unless it’s plugged into a wall outlet.

I took it to the computer shop here in town and they said the battery is bad but they can order a replacement battery and install it for me for $160.

I really like this laptop but I don’t want to spend that much money for a battery if you don’t think it’s a wise use of the money.

My question is do you think I should have the guys at the computer shop order a battery and install it for me or would it make more sense to just apply that $160 towards a new laptop?

I really respect your opinion and I’ll take your advice regardless of which way you recommend I go.

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Q&A: Will a USB 3.0 external hard drive work with a USB 2.0 hub?

Posted on August 21, 2020

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Question from Melissa S.: Hi Rick. I just bought this 4TB external hard drive to back up the hard drive in my new Dell desktop PC (which only has USB 3.0 ports).

I really like this drive because it will store a LOT of photos (I’m a photographer).

Due to the arrangement of my cramped desk, the external hard drive will have to sit on a nearby shelf and connect to the computer through a USB hub.

My question is can I use the hub I already have or will I need to buy a new one?

The one I have is several years old but it still works great. The thing is it’s a USB 2.0 model.

I’m afraid to plug either the computer or the hard drive into this hub until I hear from you because I don’t want to burn something up.

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Q&A: Why can’t I get Netflix to stream in 4K?

Posted on August 14, 2020

Question from Perry: I recently bought a high-end Windows PC from Best Buy.

Here’s a link to it so you can check the specs.

I asked the salesman what I would need in order to watch Netflix in 4K with that machine and he said a broadband Internet connection and some type of 4K compatible streaming device.

I told him I had a DSL connection and he said that’s fine. He then recommended that I buy a Chromecast Ultra, so I did.

He told me my new computer and the Chromecast Ultra would let me watch Netflix in 4K if I used the Edge browser.

However, no matter what I try I can never get Netflix to stream at anything faster than 1080p.

I went back to Best Buy and asked what else I need to do (or buy) to get Netflix in 4K and three different people insisted that I have everything I need.

Do you have any idea what could be the problem?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]