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questions 

Murphy's law is going to crash my laptop after I ask this. Help?
(Jan 30, 2009) — 4 comments

I'm finally getting nervous about not having a backup of my computer. So, I need another hard drive to back up my stuff. I'm looking for advice. ... more

Why does steve jobs hate the keyboard?
(Dec 3, 2008) — 5 comments

Looked I've chimed in many times here telling people to buy a mac over a pc. For the most part, I still think that is probably the best move for m... more

Enough, I just need a popcorn book!?
(Nov 7, 2008) — 8 comments

I'm done worrying about the election and the stock market. I've had my fill of reading technology books. I need a break. I need a good, quick, ... more

Do your iPhone apps randomly close?
(Oct 29, 2008) — 7 comments

When using various apps (safari, ny times, games) my iPhone sometimes just closes the app I was in -- It goes back to the home screen. I don't k... more

Good head phones for running?
(Oct 14, 2008) — 6 comments

My old headphones have been allowed to live way, way too long. They still sound great, but the exposed wires are now running rampant. Where wires... more

If I buy a coffee maker, will I really use it?
(Sep 30, 2008) — 8 comments

I visit starbucks way too often. I do it because it is easy and it has become somewhat of a ritual in the morning. If I start investigating buy... more

iPhone condom. Do I need one?
(Aug 16, 2008) — 5 comments

Look, I'm the kind of guy who likes to buy a toy and use it. When I'm done with it, it's going to be battered and bruised. It's not that I abus... more

Help me NOT get a ticket: bluetooth speaker phone?
(Aug 10, 2008) — 7 comments

I am now one of the suckers that went out and bought a new iPhone. I was hoping that the speakerphone would alleviate my need to buy a hands free f... more

B.Y.O.Bottle of wine to a bbq?
(Jul 23, 2008) — 11 comments

In a couple weeks, I've got a bbq to go to and I'd like to bring a nice bottle of wine. The sum total of my wine knowledge is that there are reds ... more

Know of a good video podcast?
(Jul 17, 2008) — 3 comments

I really just started playing with iTunes video podcasts but, I am starting to finally "get" it. However, it takes a while to download, watch ... more

Does dishwashing a keyboard really work?
(Jul 8, 2008) — 7 comments

Last week my keyboard drank 1/2 a bottle of beer. Needless to say, its not responding so well now -- I think its still drunk. I tried to clean ... more

AT&T vs. Verizon -- a showdown in Santa Monica
(Jun 20, 2008) — 4 comments

Verizon's cell phone selection is horrible. I'm sick of it. Verizon's *service* is supposed to be much better than AT&T. However, I'm about to... more

Put me to sleep
(May 25, 2008) — 5 comments

Do mattresses really cost that $#!@ much? You'd figure that a full grown man would have purchased a "real" mattress by now. However, I really j... more

Limo services in LA
(May 15, 2008) — 1 comment

A wedding is quickly approaching and some of us are planning on a bachelor party. Anybody have a good limo service that you can recommend? Or pe... more

Air Conditioners
(Apr 14, 2008) — no comments

Summer is coming and I don't have AC in my apartment. Do these $300+ room coolers work? Not the stick it in on your window sill types -- the type... more

Bluetooth keyboards
(Apr 10, 2008) — no comments

Anybody know of a good bluetooth *ergonomic* keyboard? Note that I said bluetooth, not wireless in general. I'm probably the only one that li... more


comments 

Advice on a low-cost computer?
(Apr 7, 2009) 

I'll chime in just to say that all the advice above seems pretty good. more

Murphy's law is going to crash my lap...
(Feb 6, 2009) 

Why did I tempt fate?! Today a windows VM on my box decided to blue-screen on every boot. I hadn't seen a blue screen in years. Today I saw p... more

Murphy's law is going to crash my lap...
(Jan 31, 2009) 

FWIW: The drive will be used to back up an apple laptop with time machine. Obviously, apple's time capsule is in the running. However, it is ... more

What's a Good KVM Switch
(Jan 24, 2009) 

6 months without a home office? Ouch. You can be forgiven. I hope you iron out the latest kinks. I don't know how many monitors you've got but... more

Need photo viewing software for Mac
(Jan 19, 2009) 

I think Google's photo browsing software Picasa is now available for the Mac. Perhpas that will let you browse folders from both computers? more

what's the best 'shopping search' for...
(Dec 11, 2008) 

A co-worker of mine has likewise been talking up www.pricegrabber.com recently. I don't have direct experience with the site. However he is *very... more

Why does steve jobs hate the keyboard?
(Dec 9, 2008) 

Ben you are so right about Excel 2007. It is horrible! What was wrong with the shortcuts that they had to make them impossible to use! I guess w... more

good dental bridge
(Dec 4, 2008) 

Good luck with your search Helen. I am lucky enough to have found a dentist I love in LA (see below.) It sounds like you're doing your homewo... more

Good head phones for running?
(Dec 4, 2008) 

Thanks Jorge. I ended up buying the headphones below. So far they sound decent -- definitely better than the original ipod set. However, I f... more

Do your iPhone apps randomly close?
(Dec 4, 2008) 

Now that 2.2 has been on my phone for a bit, I find it has treated me pretty well. I no longer expect apps to crash. It still happens (rarely) ... more

Do your iPhone apps randomly close?
(Nov 22, 2008) 

Crossing my fingers that today's 2.2 update solves this problem. (BTW, could it have been any harder to find street view?!) more

iPod for kids
(Nov 15, 2008) 

or maybe a cheaper one with some good reviews? more

iPod for kids
(Nov 15, 2008) 

You know there's a "real" ipod for $50 bucks right? more

Shopping for a blu-ray disc player...
(Nov 14, 2008) 

I'd bet that the blu-ray player will work, but not to it's full potential -- read: it's probably going to look just like a regular old dvd. Unle... more

web technology question
(Nov 12, 2008) 

At the beginning, there were many contenders. However, we didn't go with Rails. Instead, Mobspin was built around the PHP framework Symfony. I... more

Enough, I just need a popcorn book!?
(Nov 11, 2008) 

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll go check these out. more

If I buy a coffee maker, will I reall...
(Oct 30, 2008) 

Thanks for the continued input. Grind the beans at the store. got it. Gold filters. got it. Cuisinart, good. got it. Now I just need to kno... more

Snug Harbor
(Oct 27, 2008) 

Thanks Ricky. I tried this out over the weekend. One more place to get weekend breakfast added to the list. M more

Good head phones for running?
(Oct 18, 2008) 

thanks guys. Seems like Sony is pretty popular. I didn't get the exact model you suggested. However I went ahead and ordered another pair of ... more

Good head phones for running?
(Oct 15, 2008) 

The headphones below are what I'm currently using. Again, they sound and feel great, but they don't act well with sweat. more

Pitch Black - Unrated Director's Cut
(Oct 12, 2008) 

I'm not sure about 5 stars. But I liked this one too. more

yoga
(Oct 10, 2008) 

I'm far from the yoga guy but, but I've taken a few classes in my life. It's *amazing* how good you feel afterward. I highly encourage you to f... more

mid or end of life crises??
(Oct 8, 2008) 

Or perhaps you might want to schedule an appointment at your local mac store for the "Genius Bar"? more

mid or end of life crises??
(Oct 8, 2008) 

Ahh, a mac girl. Sorry, I just assumed windows. You're right windows is not for macs. I'm pretty sure that grey screen means something has gon... more

who's a magician??
(Oct 6, 2008) 

Your description of the error really doesn't help us techies figure out the problem. (it's not your fault. error messages are hard to read) Ho... more

mid or end of life crises??
(Oct 6, 2008) 

Sometimes it is better to throw in the towel. If you have some weird error happening, it may be easier to just start from scratch. (finding and ... more

Orthoscopic Surgery
(Oct 6, 2008) 

I confess, I'm not sure of the difference between orthoscopic and orthopedic. However, they sound the same to me. There is another thread on mob... more

If I buy a coffee maker, will I reall...
(Oct 6, 2008) 

A french press? Hmm. I'd forgotten that was a possibility. I've used them in the past but forgot about that option. I think I'm going to go lo... more

If I buy a coffee maker, will I reall...
(Oct 6, 2008) 

Hey marta, It sounds like I need to find a way to get my coffee from your place :) Super thanks for the detail. I'm not quite ready to spend th... more

Netflix queue revisited - movies this...
(Sep 30, 2008) 

I finally watched Lars over the weekend. I'm not sure if I'd go out of my way to recommend it, but it certainly was "different." Different in a... more

Netflix queue revisited - movies this...
(Sep 25, 2008) 

I just got my netflix "Lars and the real girl" movie. It was delivered to my work. Female reaction: "Good movie, enjoy" Male reaction: "Lars a... more

A Million Little Pieces
(Sep 11, 2008) 

Debby, wasn't this the oprah guy that turned out to be a fraud? Perhaps you want to put true in quotes? more

Car Seats
(Aug 31, 2008) 

Sorry if this seems a bit off topic: I think your baby is a year too young for the video's subject and it doesn't directly help to answer your ques... more

Netflix queue revisited - movies this...
(Aug 30, 2008) 

The Secretary? Wow, great call Aura! Debby, you seen that? Maggie has been in my dreams ever since I saw it. (why did the mention of th... more

Netflix queue revisited - movies this...
(Aug 30, 2008) 

Mad Men, huh? I think I've heard this a couple times on mobspin now. Apparently I've been missing out on something. Thanks meg, I'm addi... more

Help me NOT get a ticket: bluetooth s...
(Aug 28, 2008) 

You guys might notice I altered my review of the Rokr. I returned it -- it was just too hard to use. After this experience, I'm hesitant about... more

Dentistry
(Aug 28, 2008) 

I don't know what this deep cleaning is but... more

Netflix queue revisited - movies this...
(Aug 27, 2008) 

Just added "Lars and the Real Girl" to my queue. Thanks John. more

Netflix queue revisited - movies this...
(Aug 27, 2008) 

Despite the fact that your unsophisticated tastes frowned on my West Wing TV pick, I'll give it another go. Netflix movies you might not have se... more

Laptops
(Aug 21, 2008) 

You're still looking for a laptop? Check out this mobspin review. (and comments) http://tinyurl.com/5fvfkw Seems like you might have upped ... more

What's the Tooth Fairy Doling Out?
(Aug 21, 2008) 

It was a long, long time ago, but I just got spare change -- maybe it equaled a dollar. Simply out of curiosity, I'm also interested to hear wh... more

iPhone condom. Do I need one?
(Aug 21, 2008) 

You guys are right. At some point I am bound to drop this thing. Apparently, the recommendation is to buy a skin. Skin it is. Is there a ... more

showing my age....
(Aug 17, 2008) 

As Lonnie indicated, you don't want one big file of all the songs. Why? If the songs are all in one file, your pc (or portable mp3 player) is... more

AT&T vs. Verizon -- a showdown in San...
(Aug 17, 2008) 

FWIW: I took the plunge, and switched to AT&T for the iPhone 3G. I'm a week into using it. With regards to cell coverage, so far there is no... more

Help me NOT get a ticket: bluetooth s...
(Aug 17, 2008) 

As I was checking out the jabra, I noticed the motorola rokr T505. At $117 (amazon) it was a tad more than the jabra (~$90). However, it has an... more

can't take the heat
(Aug 13, 2008) 

Obviously I can't tell if your laptop is "too" hot but perhaps to alleviate your fears a bit: my laptop is plenty warm too. I normally just do a... more

Help me NOT get a ticket: bluetooth s...
(Aug 13, 2008) 

whoa, I wasn't expecting that price. Maybe I'm going to be a Treky after all. Thanks for the heads up that the cheaper ones might not be worth it... more

Any word on where to get a new iPhone...
(Aug 10, 2008) 

LA looks like it might be slowing down. I walked into the century city store yesterday and got one (typing on it now :) There were about 5 peopl... more

Dreams from My Father: A Story of Rac...
(Aug 9, 2008) 

1st -- I like the anthem. I admit nothing! 2nd -- Damn it. Now I have to go read this book. And now I have to come up with a good cover story ... more

Abbot's Pizza Co Ii
(Aug 9, 2008) 

Salad? I never thought of going there for a salad. You may have decided where I have lunch tomorrow. Thanks. more

Dreams from My Father: A Story of Rac...
(Aug 8, 2008) 

Very funny guys. Just because I don't like your germany troop hating, national anthem hating, my wife hates whitey, I want to loose the war guy.... more

EXCEL Book
(Aug 7, 2008) 

If you used an "old" excel and relied on the keyboard, a word of caution: Don't upgrade to Excel 2007 unless you have a very good reason. If you... more

Any word on where to get a new iPhone...
(Aug 1, 2008) 

I guess I should have said so before but, that page has not helped at all. Sure, I check after 9pm However, I find that it ends up implying "Co... more

Any word on where to get a new iPhone...
(Jul 31, 2008) 

LA is still nuts. I'm trying to get one too. So, I call my local iphone stores (2 of them) every couple days: It's either "We're sold out." or ... more

B.Y.O.Bottle of wine to a bbq?
(Jul 31, 2008) 

Bob, Laura, thanks for reminding me: Tempranillo! I tried, and liked, this recently. I never would have remembered without you. Great advice... more

B.Y.O.Bottle of wine to a bbq?
(Jul 31, 2008) 

That's two votes for Argentina. Interesting.... more

B.Y.O.Bottle of wine to a bbq?
(Jul 31, 2008) 

I like Belgian beer and that's a great idea. However, If I do that, the bottle of Chimay is not going to make it to the party :) No Napa. Got i... more

Know of a good video podcast?
(Jul 23, 2008) 

Thanks anyways Elliot. I do like The Onion, but between it showing up on my TiVo and in iTunes, I've had my fill for a while. more

EXCEL Book
(Jul 20, 2008) 

I cannot recommend a specific book but, I can say that I've had pretty good luck with microsoft press books. You can find more info here: (both... more

Electric toothbrushes?
(Jul 19, 2008) 

First off, I just visited the dentist for a second tooth implant. I've had cavities. I've had caps fall off. I have a chipped tooth that my den... more

Help with my netflix queue
(Jul 19, 2008) 

Miriam, thanks for the Burn Notice reminder. I knew I was supposed to add something to my TiVo! more

Help with my netflix queue
(Jul 17, 2008) 

West Wing was a no go? I'm so disappointed. I love that show. Anyway, the wire is in the mail from netflix...now we'll see how your recommendat... more

Office Computer
(Jul 11, 2008) 

Glad I could help. Keep us posted on what you decide (or if you have more questions.) more

Office Computer
(Jul 10, 2008) 

There's lots of caveats when giving this type of recommendation but here goes: short answer: Buy a mac laptop and a second monitor for your d... more

Does dishwashing a keyboard really work?
(Jul 10, 2008) 

The verdict is in...sort of. I took the keyboard out from under the sun, put the batteries back in, power light on...good. apple-tab, cycled... more

Does dishwashing a keyboard really work?
(Jul 9, 2008) 

That's great news. This is an apple keyboard too (wireless). I'm still a little nervous to try it out after just one day in the sun, but you're... more

Does dishwashing a keyboard really work?
(Jul 9, 2008) 

My phone ended up in the wash before too. Screen was a little messed up, but otherwise it worked fine. That's part of the reason I'm holding ou... more

Help with my netflix queue
(Jul 6, 2008) 

West Wing. Five stars. Highly recommended. Netflix it now! It's not on your list so... If you haven't, you've got to watch this. This ha... more

Audi A4 (2009)
(Jul 3, 2008) 

Awesome review! I'm jealous of the track day. Free and in somebody else's car! Nice. more

Put me to sleep
(Jul 3, 2008) 

Thanks Damian. I'll keep this in mind as I look around. more

Good low-end mountain bike?
(Jul 3, 2008) 

Finding the right bike is more of an art than a science. It seems like you've picked a price point, and from your question I don't think you're ... more

What's a Good KVM Switch
(Jul 2, 2008) 

BTW, I assumed you were running windows. If not, there's an open source virtual VKM too. http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/ I tried this brief... more

What's a Good KVM Switch
(Jul 2, 2008) 

Take a look at: http://www.maxivista.com/ It's a "virtual" kvm. Meaning, instead of a physical switch, it uses software. With the professio... more

cough remedy?
(Jun 29, 2008) 

I'm not sick very often, but when I am, theraflu seems to help. I'm not sure if it is kid friendly but, it works for me. Maybe they make a chil... more

Cell phones for my parents?
(Jun 25, 2008) 

I think my parents have the LG LX5400. (verizon) They didn't need all the "frills" either. They just wanted a phone. I think they're pretty h... more

AT&T vs. Verizon -- a showdown in San...
(Jun 24, 2008) 

Say it isn't so! I'm reallizing I was just trying to solicit one persons "Mike, buy an iPhone, otherwise you're an idiot." response. It seems... more

PC Video Editing software
(Jun 22, 2008) 

I work on PC's all day. I "play" on a mac at night. If you buy a mac. You will not regret it -- worst case it runs windows too. I haven't u... more

Apple Mighty Mouse Wireless Kit
(Jun 22, 2008) 

To replace my failing mighty mouse, I just bought a logitech LX 8. (cheap experiment at 35$) I pooh-poohed RF before because of the extra wires... more

waxing
(Jun 21, 2008) 

...ohhh, wait a second.... more

waxing
(Jun 21, 2008) 

Lonnie, I'm with you. It sucks to spend a weekend afternoon waxing the car. Sun is out, the game is on, bbq is calling, whatever. I love my car ... more

1931 Underwood type writer
(Jun 21, 2008) 

I don't have an answer for you, but what's the back story here? A 1931 type writer? Did your laptop die or something? more

Put me to sleep
(Jun 21, 2008) 

Thanks. I'm still getting over the sticker shock. But, I guess this is how much mattress cost. I'll go check out the Beautyrest. more

Samsung LNT4065F 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
(May 30, 2008) 

Damian is on to something here. I'd just like to emphasize: HDMI connections are important. Obviously, your cable/satellite goes into one. B... more

Sony Bravia W-Series KDL-52W3000 52-I...
(May 30, 2008) 

No motion blur? No "stuttering" on sports? Really? I've still got an "old" tube (sony XBR 36" 1080i HD). When watching it, I *never* see blur... more

Marley & Me: Life and Love with the W...
(May 26, 2008) 

My softer side? Ahhg, now I have to find some blood and gore book just to prove my man-hood. I'm glad you liked it though. more

Lapinator Portable Insulated Laptop Desk
(May 26, 2008) 

It's probably bad for my laptop heat but, I just put a small pillow underneath it while I am couch surfing. So far my laptops have survived. Is... more

Apple MacBook MB403LL/A 13.3-inch Lap...
(May 19, 2008) 

I develop on a mac book pro, so I can second the recommendation of an apple for *nix development. (You doing windows stuff or unix stuff?) On... more

Ishino Oil Cooler Seal - 95-02 Mazda ...
(Apr 24, 2008) 

I'm not sure what the mazda part has to do with this, but thanks :) Cooling my place was my top priority but, oddly enough, the fact that it mak... more

reviews 

Sony MDR-EX51LP Fontopia Headphones
(Oct 14, 2008) — no comments
Small-star-onSmall-star-onSmall-star-onSmall-star-offSmall-star-off 

I replaced my iPod ear buds with these. I thought these were a lot more comfortable and sounded better -- especially on the bass. However, they... more

iphone 3G 16GB UNLOCKED 1GB GSM
(Aug 16, 2008) 1 comment
Small-star-onSmall-star-onSmall-star-onSmall-star-onSmall-star-off 

my first iPhone: Actually, I own the *locked* AT&T version, but this listing was the closest they had. I've had it for a week now. H... more

Motorola Motorokr T505 Bluetooth In-Car Speakerphone (89149N) with gift for Motorola Q Motorola Q9h Motorola Q9m Motorola RAZR2 V9 Motorola RAZR2 V9m Motorola RIZR Z3 Motorola ROKR Z6 Motorola ROKR Z6m Motorola SLVR L7 Motorola RAZR V3xx
(Aug 16, 2008) — no comments
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bluetooth speakerphone for car visor: It's been a couple weeks. I give up. At first I said the UI was clunky. Scratch that, it's imposs... more

Apple Mighty Mouse Wireless Kit
(Jun 20, 2008) 2 comments
Small-star-onSmall-star-onSmall-star-offSmall-star-offSmall-star-off 

The Mighty Mouse ain't so mighty: Look, I've had tons of mice over the years. I'm not sure one really "feels" better than the oth... more

Bay Cities Italian Deli
(Jun 20, 2008) 1 comment
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Deli Sandwich: If you've got a hankering for a great deli sandwich, this is the place to go. It's a little Italian deli on a busy bouleva... more

Samsung i760 Black Phone (Verizon Wireless, Phone Only, No Service)
(May 31, 2008) — no comments
Small-star-onSmall-star-offSmall-star-offSmall-star-offSmall-star-off 

Can you hear me now? Just say no. The fact that I returned this phone should say it all. If you torture yourself and read this entire ... more

La Cabana Restaurant
(May 25, 2008) — no comments

La Cabana is a staple restaurant of every Santa Monica/Venice resident. Great food, reasonable prices. more

Cafe Bolivar
(May 19, 2008) 1 comment
Small-star-onSmall-star-onSmall-star-onSmall-star-offSmall-star-off 

It's a "neighborhood" coffee shop with free WiFi. I've only been a couple times, but staff was friendly and seats were easy to come by. ... more

Third
(May 5, 2008) 1 comment

Portisehead goes goth? I'm just finishing up my first play of "Third" -- their latest album. Man is this some uplifting music! ... more

Apple Nike + iPod Sport Kit for iPod nano 1G, 2G, 3G
(May 2, 2008) — no comments
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You are a runner... Look, you spent $200 bucks on your nano, you're going to spend another $100 bucks on your next pair of running shoes. ... more

Apple Nike+ Sport Armband for iPod nano 1G, 2G
(May 2, 2008) — no comments
Small-star-onSmall-star-offSmall-star-offSmall-star-offSmall-star-off 

Nike+ armband sucks: Here's an idea, go buy a shiny new ipod with a beautiful screen and wonderfully intuitive controls. Then put it in a b... more

Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog
(Apr 17, 2008) 3 comments
Small-star-onSmall-star-onSmall-star-onSmall-star-onSmall-star-on 

Bad dog Marley! Bad. Got a dog? Know somebody with a dog? Do you even remotely like dogs? Just have a sense of humor? If you answered ... more

Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
(Apr 17, 2008) 6 comments
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Democrat friends, please forgive me: Oh man am I asking for it... I tried, I really did. I probably forced my way through more than 100 ... more

Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router
(Apr 17, 2008) 1 comment
Small-star-onSmall-star-onSmall-star-onSmall-star-onSmall-star-off 

the little router that could: My ISP was blaming poor network performance on my aging (linksys) router. Seeing a good excuse to to buy one ... more

Stan's Corner Donut Shoppe
(Apr 17, 2008) 1 comment

reeses peanut butter donut: I've sworn many a times that the next time I go back, I'll try some thing new... I just cann't seem to do it... more

Father's Office
(Apr 10, 2008) — no comments
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Carls Jr. ain't got nothing on this burger: Put the six dollar burger down. Stop fantasizing about Paris, it's never going to happen. No... more

Rapid Smile
(Apr 10, 2008) — no comments
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He's done a root canal on me and I still like him :) -- no pain at all when doing that by the way. Truthfully, I've not gone to a ton of dentist... more

Western Dental Center
(Apr 10, 2008) — no comments
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I had a searing pain in my jaw one day. Of course that was the day my dentist took a day off. By the time I decided I couldn't take the pain an... more

Baby Blues BBQ
(Apr 10, 2008) 1 comment

best bbq in town: Go with an empty belly, you'll want all the space you can make. This little "hole in the wall" bbq joint will... more
 

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