USB-C Video Not Working? Which Ports, Cables and Devices Support It
A USB-C port only shows a picture if it supports video. Here is how to check your port, cable and device, and what to try when the screen…
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Electronics
Guides and explainers on everyday electronics, including laptops, phones, displays and power: how they work, what the limits are and what to check first.
Electronics
Solar Security Cameras: How Much Sun Do They Need?
What makers say about the sun solar security cameras need, and NREL-based winter figures for panels facing south, east, west or north in five US cities.
Matter Smart Locks Explained: What Works and What to Check
What a Matter smart lock is, how Wi-Fi and Thread differ, what Apple, Google and Alexa say about locks, and which claims to check before you buy.
SD Card Speed Classes Explained: C10, U3, V30 and A2
What C10, U1, U3, V30 and A2 mean on an SD card, per the SD Association: minimum write speeds, bus speeds, app classes and which to match to…
USB-C Hub vs Docking Station: Which Do You Need?
A hub adds a few ports through one cable; a dock adds power, more ports and more displays. See the differences, Apple display limits and what to check.
AR, XR and Smart Glasses Explained: What Each Type Does
AR, XR, display and AI glasses are overlapping terms. See the two main types, what each connects to, and the compatibility limits the makers state.
Solar Generators Explained: How They Work and How to Size One
A solar generator is a power station plus panels. See how it works, real US sun-hour data for five cities, and how to size the panels and battery.
Portable Power Station vs Generator: Differences, Safety and Sizing
Power station vs gas generator: what each is, the carbon monoxide safety difference, and how to size one by watts and watt-hours. Sources: CPSC and EPA.
Security Cameras Without a Subscription: What Local Storage Really Covers
What a no-subscription security camera really includes, what local storage does and does not cover, and what to check before you buy. Sourced from makers.
iPhone Battery Health: What Maximum Capacity Means and When to Replace
What iPhone Maximum Capacity means, where to find Battery Health, what Apple's messages say, and when a battery replacement makes sense. Sourced from Apple.