AuntTUAW
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Dear Aunt TUAW: From Earth to Romania
Dear Aunt TUAW, I have a late 2008 MacBook Pro and a 4 year old MacBook Pro that I will be taking to Romania next month to give to my in-laws so we can video conference with them. Seeing as they are not very computer literate, I want to be able to perform remote control / screen sharing in case the need should arise. I know that OSX has built-in screen sharing capabilities on a local network, but over the Internet is something else altogether. I know that there are several services, such as LogMeIn, that provide this service for a fee, but I was wondering if I could do this without paying for a service. Can you direct me to some documentation as to how to set this up? ssh configuration, port forwarding on the firewall, etc.... that might be able to get me started? Or make a recommendation that would be how you would do this. Love, Your Nephew Chris M.
Dear Aunt TUAW: What's in Apple's guitar hole?
Dear Aunt TUAW, Maybe I'm completely wrong, but I eventually demystified the Apple 9/1/2010 Press Invitation. I had a look at the press release image I found on www.fscklog.com (it's a little bigger than yours) in Photoshop. Instinctively the soundhole was very interesting to me, especially the "barely lit" part underneath the strings, where you can see the inside of the guitar back. Classic guitars typically have a label of the guitar maker there and in the image you can barely see something that could be a label. I found it very interesting that the Apple creative crew was so picky in such a detail, so this again pulled my attraction. Of course, it would simply look odd, if you couldn't see anything of the guitar's inside from a front shot like this, so maybe there's nothing special about it. I then inverted the image in Photoshop and there was a "label" clearly visible.
Dear Aunt TUAW: $1.39 iPad holder
Dear Aunt TUAW: Behold the $1.39 iPad holder. It holds the iPad perfectly in both orientations. All of the iPad users in my office have one, and it's the best. It's very very stable, too. Love and kissies, Your nephew Joel
Dear Aunt TUAW: Will my MacBook Air Ethernet adapter work with my iPad?
Dear Aunt TUAW, Whoa, it's sure been hot here in Texas lately, so it's a good thing you're staying in air-conditioned comfort at the resort there in Florida. That reminds me of something I meant to ask you... Since I'm basically hanging out in my dorm room with its gigabit Ethernet connection to beat the heat, I'd love to figure out a way to hook that big pipe to my iPad. Remember the old MacBook Air that I got rid of? Well, I still have the USB Ethernet Adapter for it, and I was wondering if plugging that into the USB port on the iPad Camera Connection Kit would give me a way to use Ethernet on the iPad. I don't have a Camera Connection Kit, but if this works, I'll run out and buy one as soon as I get money from Mom & Dad. Stay cool, Your loving nephew, Chris
Dear Aunt TUAW: Why is iTunes deleting my apps?
Dear Auntie TUAW, Thought I'd send this up to see if y'all can reproduce it too. I'd seen reports on the Apple discussions that when folks were plugging into iTunes, any app they had installed directly on the iPhone was being deleted instead of transferred back. Mine does this as well, which is quite annoying! Can y'all reproduce it or are only some of us suffering this one? I've checked all the settings, de-authorized and authorized my computer, just did a restore and setup as new a few days back. Updates transfer back just fine, but good luck keeping a new app on there!!!! Love & huggies, Your niece Lauren
Dear Aunt TUAW: Why is my iPhone sales tax so high?
Dear Aunt TUAW, I tried over 40 times throughout the day to order from the Apple Store. Then in the evening here in California, I succeeded. The screen said shipping by June 24th. In the confirmation email the next morning, the delivery is now July 6-8! Also, here in California the sales tax is on the unbundled [unsubsidized] price, even though I qualified for the $299 upgrade. The tax is $57.67, which is based on the $599 price. So, I am paying almost 20 percent in taxes. Does that mean that for everything I buy here in California I will pay taxes on the highest price the manufacturer can charge?!? Then why buy something on sale if the state government eats up the savings in taxes. I am really steamed about this! Your disgruntled nephew, Z.
Dear Aunt TUAW: Do I need my cable caps?
Dear Aunt TUAW, Wow, it's a new record! I opened my iPad Camera Connection Kit about 20 minutes ago and have already misplaced one of the caps ... Help me, Aunt TUAW. How do I keep my caps under control? Love and hugs, Your loving nephew Stevie
Dear Aunt TUAW: How do I print from my iPad?
Dear Aunt TUAW, I'm trying to figure out how to print from my iPad. I use mine, which is an awesome 64GB WiFi+3G system, for school and work. A 16GB Wi-Fi iPad is the only computer my mother has. My mom does have a wireless printer at home connected to my Dad's computer. We both use Windows (XP and 7 respectively) and HP printers. I've been round and round in the App Store and can't make sense out of all of the so-called printer apps in it. Help! Kisses and cuddles, Your Dear Nephew Jeremy Read on for Auntie's response...
Dear Aunt TUAW: Transferring iWork files from iPad without iTunes
Dearest Aunt TUAW, Is there a way to transfer files from apps like Keynote and Pages to a computer that does not have iTunes installed? Yours truly, Nephew Jack Read on for Auntie's answer.
Dear Aunt TUAW: Why are there TV Squad Posts in your RSS feeds?
Dear Aunt TUAW, I'm dying here. Your RSS feed is full, I mean FULL, of posts from TV Squad. I don't watch TV. How do I get the TV out of my TUAW feed? Love and thanks! Your affectionate nephew
Dear Aunt TUAW: Which 3G plan should I opt for?
Dear Aunt TUAW, I'm getting a new iPad 3G. I understand the bit about no contract and $15 a month for 250mb but wonder about how does 250mb relate to web usage. I have heard some say the web surfing can consume a lot of "bandwidth" but have no idea what that means relative to 250mb of data plan use. I am not an AT&T fan (still waiting for Verizon or Sprint to get the iPhone) and am always reluctant to sign up for a 2 year contract for anything. My wife has an iPad wireless model and she has had no trouble web surfing, e-mail etc, at the house or our apartment in the city.
Dear Aunt TUAW: Can I use a USB keyboard or headset with my iPad?
Dear Aunt TUAW, I love my new iPad and I plan to use it for some heavy duty writing. But I'd rather not fork out all the money that Apple is asking for a Bluetooth external keyboard [or a keyboard dock]. Do you know of any workaround? Is there a way, maybe, to use a standard USB keyboard with the iPad? Thanks for letting me know. Love & Kissies, Your Nephew [Name Withheld] My darling nephew, Although you can pick up an inexpensive second-hand Bluetooth keyboard on eBay (I recently spent about $40 on my new-to-me Think Outside Stowaway unit), there is a glimmer of hope on the USB keyboard horizon. TUAW just received a tip from reader Jonathan, who is playing with his new Camera Connection Kit. (Auntie's is still on the way, I'm afraid.) He tells us he was able to successfully connect a USB keyboard and type directly on his iPad. He also reports that the kit allows users to import photos directly from their iPhones, as was expected and specified. It's also worth noting that Glenn Fleischman at TidBITS has just reported that a standard USB audio headset works for output and input to the iPad via the Camera Connection Kit; he was able to use the Skype app for a call via this setup, with excellent quality. So far this is the first Auntie's heard about the keyboard and audio support via the Camera Connection Kit -- she suspects that these features may not be 'officially supported' -- but if these developments pan out you can likely carry along the USB connection cable from the kit and any folding keyboard or audio headset you already have around the house! Just be aware that there isn't a huge difference in price between USB and Bluetooth foldable these days, so if you have to buy, you might as well go straight for the Bluetooth solution. Sending you keyboard hugs and USB snuggles, Auntie T.
Dear Aunt TUAW: Apple borked my box. Now what?
Dear Aunt TUAW, I ordered a 32GB iPad WiFi+3G model back in March, shortly after they were announced. I ordered a few accessories too, each of which has shipped separately ahead of the iPad. I received the first accessory today via FedEx--the iPad Dock. I've always been a fan of Apple's packaging and the dock is no exception. As so, I'm always especially carefully when opening Apple stuff as not to damage the packaging. What I did find a little odd, though, is that they put one of those plastic tabs (as if it was hanging in a retail store) right over the only opening to the box. Despite my best efforts, I wasn't able to remove the plastic tab that was VERY well affixed to the box without damaging it and leaving glue-like residue behind. I guess I won't be saving this well-designed box for the future -- unless you can help! Thanks in advance for any advice. Love, your nephew, Andrew B.
Dear Aunt TUAW: Did Steve Jobs gift me an iPad?
Dear Auntie T, Hi! First time writer. I was just curious if anyone else was receiving an email like I received. My first instinct is to say it is fake and/or an April Fools' joke. However I want to be sure. The entire message is below. From: Steve Jobs Subject: Congratulations! You've won an iPad! Date: April 1, 2010 4:05:24 PM CDT To: [Redacted] Reply-To: steve.jobs@apple.com Dear Kris [Redacted], You are the winner of a brand new Apple iPad! Please show up at your nearest Apple Store on saturday April 3rd from 9am to 3pm. Bring an official ID an give Authorization Code # [Removed just in case it is real.] I personally hope you enjoy our new product! Steve Jobs Apple Corp. Please give me your take on this. Thanks! Love the site. Love and Kissies, Kris McG.
Dear Aunt TUAW: Does size matter (when it comes to iPads)?
Dear Aunt TUAW, I am planning on getting an iPad WiFi+3G when they become available, but I am still undecided on which (storage) size I should get. I currently have a 16GB iPhone 3GS which comfortably, for now, holds all my media needs. While I have a lot of music and photos and some video I don't feel the need to have it all on my phone at one time. Looking at what I store on my iPhone I think an iPad 32GB would more than fit my needs -- but will my media files be larger on the iPad with the larger format of the device? I don't expect that my iTunes songs will take up anymore than they do on the iPhone, but will the format of pictures and video take up more storage space? With AT&T increasing the download size limit over 3G it got me wondering if 32GB on the iPad will be more like a 16GB iPhone. At this point I would be deciding between the 32GB and 64GB. Just wondering if the $100 price difference would be better spent buying the 32GB and putting the $100 toward a year's worth of 3G connectivity? Love, kissies & hugs, Your nephew, RJ
Dear Aunt TUAW: Why GPS?
Normally readers write directly to Aunt TUAW using our tips line or feedback form. But today, we're switching things up a bit. Instead, Auntie is responding to a comment left on her last post about whether you should buy the Wi-Fi only iPad or wait for the 3G version. That's because Aunt TUAW has a bug up her sleeve about GPS and its role on the iPhone, the iPad, and its tie to social media. Without further ado, here's today's "letter" and Auntie's response. Dear Aunt TUAW, I'm on Facebook, but why do people need to read Facebook updates when they're traveling? Whatever happened to looking out the window at new places? And geez, how about a simple paper map?!? If I have to go somewhere new, I print out a Google map before the trip or bring the old Rand-McNally. I may be weird, but look at all the dough I saved. :-) I live in northern New Mexico with wilderness available just a few miles outside of town. We hike and walk everywhere, assuming the MUD isn't so bad. I've never used an iPhone or a GPS device of any kind. What I'm wondering is, just why do people have those things? Seriously. Is it just a game? I take hikes in the backcountry with a compass and a topo map, just like in the old days with the Boy Scouts. :-) I can look at a hillside and point to where it is on the map. I almost always know where I am. So what is it about living in a city, forgodssakes, that makes one addicted to GPS??? Aren't there street signs? If you didn't have GPS, would you just sit down on the curb and have a nervous breakdown?!? Sincerely, John Hamilton Farr
Dear Aunt TUAW: Should I buy the 3G iPad?
Dear Auntie T, I was hoping you could help me decide something since I think many people will be trying to figure out the same thing. Namely, is the 3G on the iPad worth it for my purposes? I live in NYC, which has lots of available Wi-Fi. I have a laptop and I also have a Sprint mobile broadband for those rare occasions when I can't pick up Wi-Fi somewhere. I noticed in the last few months that I haven't used it at all. The places I use my laptop (library, cafes, graduate school classes) all have Wi-Fi. These are the same types of places I'm planning on using my iPad (with one exception: Beth Israel hospital doesn't have Wi-Fi, although I've yet to need my computer there) Is the 3G price tag, coupled with the AT&T price tag, worth it? Should I get the Wi-Fi only version now and wait for the price drop and hardware bump sure to come in version two? I would greatly appreciate your opinions on the matter. I've read your blog for years and highly respect the articles and advice you produce. Love, Your niece Trish
Dear Auntie TUAW: I've got a great idea, now what?
Dear Auntie T., I have the best idea for an iPhone app, well, modestly speaking, ever! So how do I sell this great idea? Is there a forum for discussing how to get an idea sold? Any help you can offer will be appreciated. Love and kissies and hugs, Your nephew, Mike (who isn't Max) Read Auntie's answer below!
Dear Aunt TUAW: What's the low down on battery packs?
Dear Aunt TUAW, Boxcar is killing my battery life (at least, that's what I'm guessing -- I love Boxcar, but since I began getting 20+ notifications a day, I'm seeing the battery drain quite a bit faster). What kind of battery pack can you recommend to help my poor iPhone stay online and available? I need to stay connected. Thanks in advance from your favorite nephew, Mikey Read on for Auntie's reply
Dear Aunt TUAW: Recovering iPhone data and media
Dear Aunt TUAW, I'm from the Philippines and I would just like to ask for your help. I don't know if the news had reached you guys but there had been some massive flood lately in our country brought about by super typhoons storming over our land. Anyway, I own an iPhone and thank God I brought it with me when the flash flood came which sadly destroyed my PC and laptop. Now I have a new desktop which leads me to my problem. I'm afraid to install iTunes in it because if ever I'd sync my phone with the new desktop, I'm pretty sure all my iPod files will be gone. Are there any work around for it (so that I can still save my files on my phone)? Will jailbreaking help (as a last resort)? Thanks and more power! =) Best regards, Rand B. Read on for Auntie's answer...
