Tech News and Commentary

Dave and the team discuss Microsoft's band software support being discontinued, Anthem crashing PS4 consoles, another Tesla driver sleeping at the wheel, customer satisfaction rankings, and more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjHpBFPz2xI

Gene asked: "I have a Windows 10 Laptop made by Lenovo. I purchased it as an open box item for $111.00 from Best Buy. When I am going to a web page it sometimes just sits there on a blank screen and goes nowhere then the screen sometimes freezes up and I have to restart the laptop. This device is not that old. I sent the device back to Lenovo for a refresh and look over and when I got it back it's still once in awhile freezes up but not as much as it did when I first purchased it. and one more thing it buffers once in a while on Youtube but overall this is a great device what would be causing the freezing up every once in awhile?"

Gene, it’s probably lack of resources. Or at least available resources.

Do you notice if this happens mostly on heavier websites, or while running more demanding software? If so, you’re probably either taxing your processor or running low on available memory.

Unfortunately, $100 laptops are often $100-worth of laptop. It’s rare that you’ll find one that doesn’t have some shortcoming in some area that would affect you.

They’re also $100, so there’s only so much you can really complain about a device that mostly works and cost you 1/10th of a fancy smartphone.

The easiest workaround here would be to try to do as little multitasking as you can, don’t open too many tabs, or run too many programs at once.

Normally, we would tell you that depending on your computer you may be able to add some more RAM to help it multitask better, but frankly, on a $100 machine it may not be worth the expense. You will likely run into another bottleneck soon after you upgrade the RAM.

When you participate on the show – anytime 24/7 – and we HEAR you with any consumer tech question, comment, help for another listener, tech rage or just share your favorite App these days … you could win prizes.

NeuroMetrix: Quell Wearable Pain Relief Band

NuTone: Knock Smart Video Doorbell Camera

Killer Concepts: Piggy Pro Phone Stands - Razor thin stand that sticks to the back of any phone

weBoost: Drive Sleek Vehicle Signal Booster Kit

RYOBI: 18-Volt Score Wireless Speaker Set. - Runs on the same RYOBI One batteries as their power tools

FLEXTAILGEAR: TROPO battery-powered air pump for airbeds, inflatable toys and more

All CALLERS -- using the AUDIO option on our Free App or 1-800-899-INTO(4686)  - automatically qualify to win prizes.

Audio archived for at least 6 months