dpkroh

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dpkroh
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  • Should you upgrade to Apple's redesigned 2018 iPad Pro?

    dpkrohdpkroh
    I have owned every generation of iPad since the very first model.  I have owned most generations of the iPhone since the iPhone 4.  The iPad was always my preferred device to use because of its larger screen.

    My iPhone X changed that to a large degree. I still used my iPads most of the time though. The iPhone X display, despite its beautiful OLED, was still too small for regular use.

    Then I got the iPhone Xs Max.  Finally a big enough display, to put other factors into significant consideration. Quality Vs quantity. For the first time since I started using iOS devices, my iPhone has replaced my iPad as my most preferred, and most used device.

    Used to be I would always bring my iPad to the coffee shop.  Now I frequently leave it at home. Together with a foldable keyboard, the Xs Max in my pocket often says “see ya later” to my iPad Pro as I head out the door.

    The 2018 iPad Pros, while dressed up quite nicely, remain second rate LCD cousins to the drop dead gorgeous OLED iPhone XS Max.
    hummerchine

  • Philips puts HomeKit-compatible Hue White Ambiance candle light up for preorder

    dpkrohdpkroh
    AppleZulu said:
    Here's a question. For those who own networked light bulbs, how do you get everyone in the household to not flip associated light switches off, rendering the whole point of networked bulbs useless? I have a couple of lamps plugged into networked plug-in adapters, and even those required a stiff learning curve to prevent the lamps themselves from getting switched off. Replacing hard-wired wall switches that control hard-wired light fixtures seems to me to have been the only way to prevent regular disabling of networked lighting.

    Here's the scenario: the techie member of the household gets everything set up to have networked light bulbs timed to go on and off, plus the ability to switch them on and off remotely so that a simulated at-home appearance is ready to go before the two-week family vacation. After the plane lands at a destination a thousand miles away, the techie spouse learns that the non-techie spouse went through the house right before they left to check the stove and all the locks and faucets and switch off all the lights, just to be sure everything was squared away for the trip. You know this has happened out there somewhere, more than once.
    I did a little more searching on the web, and have found what seems to be the perfect solution.  It looks to prevent accidental use of the switch, while also allowing deliberate use.  By default a small tool is needed to activate the switch. Optionally the access hole can be made just large enough for deliberate finger tip access.  It screws on with the switch mount screws, so can be used on any custom combination of "multi-gang" switch box arrangements.

    http://switchshield.com/?page_id=40






    tofino

  • Philips puts HomeKit-compatible Hue White Ambiance candle light up for preorder

    dpkrohdpkroh
    AppleZulu said:
    Here's a question. For those who own networked light bulbs, how do you get everyone in the household to not flip associated light switches off, rendering the whole point of networked bulbs useless? I have a couple of lamps plugged into networked plug-in adapters, and even those required a stiff learning curve to prevent the lamps themselves from getting switched off. Replacing hard-wired wall switches that control hard-wired light fixtures seems to me to have been the only way to prevent regular disabling of networked lighting.

    Here's the scenario: the techie member of the household gets everything set up to have networked light bulbs timed to go on and off, plus the ability to switch them on and off remotely so that a simulated at-home appearance is ready to go before the two-week family vacation. After the plane lands at a destination a thousand miles away, the techie spouse learns that the non-techie spouse went through the house right before they left to check the stove and all the locks and faucets and switch off all the lights, just to be sure everything was squared away for the trip. You know this has happened out there somewhere, more than once.

    I have Hue bulbs in every room of my house.  More than 65 bulbs requiring the use of 2 bridges.  At first I thought I would want to prevent access to the actual power switches, but they come in very handy.  When you want to flick on the lights, and don't immediately have a smart device to interface with, a power on-off results in the bulbs turning on immediately, after this "reboot". This is very handy for moments when you don't have a smart device on you, or for guests.

    Since Hue bulbs can be "buggy" requiring occasional power on - off "reboots" instant access to the power switches is hepful in this situation as well.  The packing tape resists movement of the swich, but press hard enough and the switch turns off, only to return to the on position as soon as released.  Enough tension to prevent casual accidental use of the power switch, yet very convenient quick and easy "re-boot"
    tofino