Electronics Articles

Article / Updated 03-23-2023

iPad users are a diverse group, and some face visual, motor, or hearing challenges. If you’re one of these folks, you’ll be glad to know that Apple offers some handy accessibility features for your iPad. To make your screen easier to read, you can use the Magnifier app, adjust the brightness, or change the wallpaper. You can also set up the VoiceOver feature to read onscreen elements out loud. Voice Control, Numbers, and Grids are welcome accessibility features to help you navigate more easily. And you can turn on or off a slew of features, including Zoom, Invert Colors, Speak Selection, and Large Type. If hearing is your challenge, you can do the obvious thing and adjust the system volume. The iPad also allows you to use mono audio (useful when you’re wearing headphones) and to set an LED to flash when an alert sounds. Features that help you deal with physical and motor challenges include an AssistiveTouch feature for those who have difficulty using the iPad touchscreen, and Switch Control for working with adaptive accessories. Also included are the Home Button and Call Audio Routing settings, which allow you to adjust how quickly you have to tap the iPad screen to work with features, and whether you can use a headset or speaker to answer calls. The Guided Access feature helps if you have difficulty focusing on one task. It also provides a handy mode for showing presentations of content in settings where you don’t want users to flit off to other apps, as in school or a public kiosk. This article covers some of the accessibility features of iPadOS 16. For more comprehensive coverage, check out the book iPad For Seniors For Dummies, 2023-2024 Edition. How to use the Magnifier app on an iPad The Magnifier app uses your iPad’s camera to help you magnify objects. Magnifier is considered an accessibility feature, but almost everyone needs a magnifier at one time or another. To use Magnifier: Tap the Magnifier app icon to open it. By default, the app resides on the second Home screen. Point your iPad’s camera at the object you want to magnify. Drag the magnification slider (shown in the figure below) to increase or decrease magnification. By default, Magnifier offers an advanced controls pane (see above) with more controls to help customize your experience. You can select which camera to use, adjust brightness and contrast levels, and apply color filters. You can also take freeze frames (to freeze something onscreen momentarily) by tapping the large round button. Freeze frames are not saved to Photos. They disappear into the ether when you close the Magnifier app. Tap the customize controls icon (gear) in the lower left of the advanced controls pane, and then tap Settings in the resulting menu to open the Customize Controls dialog, shown in the figure below. From here, you can determine which controls appear in the advanced controls pane. To remove a control, tap the red circle containing the minus sign (–) found to the left of the control name; then tap the Remove button that appears on the right. To add a control you’ve removed, simply tap the green circle containing the plus sign (+). You can combine magnification with your iPad's portability so that you can reach up to (or behind) an object and magnify something that is not only too small to see otherwise but also out of view entirely. How to set up VoiceOver on an iPad VoiceOver reads the names of screen elements and settings to you, but it also changes the way you provide input to the iPad. In Notes, for example, you can have VoiceOver read the name of the Notes buttons to you, and when you enter notes, it reads words or characters that you’ve entered. It can also tell you whether such features as Auto-Correction are on. VoiceOver is even smarter in iPadOS 16 than in previous incarnations. It includes support for apps and websites that may not have built-in accessibility support. It can read descriptions of images in apps and on the web, and it can identify and speak text it finds in images. To turn on VoiceOver, follow these steps: Tap the Settings icon on the Home screen. In Settings, tap Accessibility. In the Accessibility pane, tap VoiceOver. In the VoiceOver pane, shown in the figure above, tap the VoiceOver switch to turn on this feature (the button becomes green). With VoiceOver on, you must first single-tap to select an item such as a button, which causes VoiceOver to read the name of the button to you. Then you double-tap the button to activate its function. Tap the VoiceOver Practice button to select it and then double-tap the button to open VoiceOver Practice. Practice using gestures (such as pinching or flicking left), and VoiceOver tells you what action each gesture initiates. Tap the Done button and then double-tap the same button to return to the VoiceOver dialog. Tap the Verbosity button once and then double-tap to open its options: Tap the Speak Hints switch and then double-tap the switch to turn the feature on (or off). VoiceOver speaks the name of each tapped item. Tap once and then double-tap the VoiceOver button in the upper-left corner of the Verbosity window to go back to the VoiceOver screen. You can change the language that VoiceOver speaks. In General settings, tap Language & Region, tap iPad Language, and then select another language. However, this action also changes the language used for labels on Home icons and various settings and fields in iPad. Be careful with this setting, lest you choose a language you don’t understand by accident and have a difficult time figuring out how to change it back. If you would like VoiceOver to speak descriptions of images in apps or on the web, swipe up with three fingers to scroll down and then tap and double-tap VoiceOver Recognition, tap and double-tap Image Descriptions, and finally tap and double-tap the Image Descriptions switch to toggle the setting on (green). Don’t ignore the Sensitive Content Output setting in the Image Descriptions page. If the content of an image is something you’d like to keep everyone in the room from hearing, select any option other than Speak. Return to the main VoiceOver screen. If you want VoiceOver to read words or characters to you (for example, in the Notes app), scroll down (use a three-finger swipe to do so), tap and double-tap Typing, and then tap and double-tap Typing Feedback. In the Typing Feedback dialog, tap and then double-tap to select the option you prefer in both the Software Keyboards section and the Hardware Keyboards section. The Words option causes VoiceOver to read words to you but not individual characters you type, such as the dollar sign ($). The Characters and Words option causes VoiceOver to read both the individual characters as you type them and each word as you complete it. Press the Home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen (iPad models without a Home button) to return to the Home screen. You can use the Accessibility Shortcut setting to help you more quickly turn the VoiceOver, Zoom, Switch Control, Grayscale, AssistiveTouch, or Invert Colors features on and off. In the Accessibility screen, tap Accessibility Shortcut (near the very bottom of the screen). In the screen that appears, choose what you want three presses of the Home button (or top button, for iPads without a Home button) to activate. Now three presses with a single finger on the Home button or top button (depending on your iPad model) provide you with the option you selected wherever you go in iPad. How to use VoiceOver on an iPad After VoiceOver is turned on (see preceding section), you need to figure out how to use it. I won’t kid you — using it is awkward at first, but you’ll get the hang of it. Here are the main onscreen gestures you should know how to use: Tap an item to select it. VoiceOver then speaks its name. Double-tap the selected item. This action activates the item. Flick three fingers. It takes three fingers to scroll around a page with VoiceOver turned on. The first time my iPad locked when using VoiceOver, I had no idea how to unlock it. Luckily, I found the answer by consulting Apple’s support site from a computer. If your iPad has a Home button, just press it to unlock — simple. However, if your iPad doesn’t have a Home button, you need to look at your iPad (for Face ID to recognize you) and then slowly move your finger up from the bottom of the screen until you hear two tones, which indicate that your screen is unlocked. If tapping with two or three fingers is difficult, try tapping with one finger from one hand and one or two from the other. When double- or triple-tapping, you have to perform these gestures as quickly and as precisely as you can for them to work. The table below provides additional gestures to help you use VoiceOver. If you want to use this feature often, I recommend the VoiceOver section of the iPad online User Guide, which goes into great detail about using VoiceOver. You can find the User Guide on Apple Support's iPad Manuals page. Once you're on the iPad Manuals page, just click the model of iPad or the version of iPad OS you have to read its manual. You can also get an Apple Books version of the manual through the Apple Books app in its Book Store. VoiceOver Gestures Gesture Effect Flick right or left Select the next or preceding item Tap with two fingers Stop or continue speaking the current item Flick two fingers up Read everything from the top of the screen Flick two fingers down Read everything from the current position Flick three fingers up or down Scroll one page at a time Flick three fingers right or left Go to the next or preceding page Tap three fingers Speak the scroll status (for example, line 20 of 100) Flick four fingers up or down Go to the first or last element on a page Flick four fingers right or left Go to the next or preceding section (as on a web page) Check out some of the settings for VoiceOver, including a choice for Braille, Language Rotor for making language choices, the ability to navigate images, and a setting to have iPad speak notifications. How to change additional vision settings Several Vision features are simple settings that you can turn on or off after you tap Settings, tap Accessibility: Zoom: The Zoom feature enlarges the contents displayed on the iPad screen when you double-tap the screen with three fingers. The Zoom feature works almost everywhere in iPad: in Photos, on web pages, on your Home screens, in your Mail, in Music, and in Videos. Give it a try! Spoken Content: Options here include the ability to have your iPad speak items you’ve selected or to hear the content of an entire screen and highlight content as it’s spoken. Display & Text Size: Includes such features as Color Filters (aids in case of color blindness) Reduce White Point (helps reduce the intensity of bright colors) Invert Colors (which reverses colors on your screen so that white backgrounds are black and black text is white): Classic Invert inverts all colors, and Smart Invert does not invert colors for items like images, multimedia, and some apps that may use darker color styles. The Invert Colors feature works well in some places and not so well in others. For example, in the Photos application, pictures appear almost as photo negatives (which is a really cool trick to try). Your Home screen image likewise looks a bit strange. And don’t even think of playing a video with this feature turned on! However, if you need help reading text, White on Black can be useful in several apps. Larger Text (under Accessibility tap Display & Text Size): If having larger text in such apps as Contacts, Mail, and Notes would be helpful to you, you can turn on the Larger Text feature and choose the text size that works best for you. Bold Text (under Accessibility tap Display & Text Size): Turning on this setting restarts your iPad (after asking you for permission to do so) and then causes text in various apps and in Settings to be bold. Button Shapes (under Accessibility tap Display & Text Size): This setting applies shapes to buttons so that they’re more easily distinguishable. For an example, check out the Accessibility button near the top of the screen after you enable Button Shapes by toggling its switch on. Turn it back off and notice the difference (shown in the figure below; the button name is underlined). Reduce Transparency (under Accessibility tap Display & Text Size): This setting helps increase legibility of text by reducing blurring and transparency effects that make up a good deal of the iPad user interface. Increase Contrast (under Accessibility tap Display & Text Size): Use this setting to set up backgrounds in some areas of the iPad and apps with greater contrast, which should improve visibility. On/Off Labels (under Accessibility tap Display & Text Size): If you have trouble making out colors and therefore find it hard to tell when a setting is on (green) or off (white), use this setting to add a circle to the right of a setting when it’s off and a white vertical line to a setting when it’s on. Reduce Motion (under Accessibility tap Motion): Tap this accessibility feature and then tap the on/off switch to turn off the parallax effect, which causes the background of your Home screens to appear to float as you move the iPad around.

Article / Updated 03-21-2023

Apple’s iPad gets its features from a combination of hardware and its software operating system (called iPadOS; the term is short for iPad operating system). As of this writing, the most current version of the operating system is iPadOS 16. It’s helpful to understand which features the newest iPad models and iPadOS 16 bring to the table (all of which are covered in more detail throughout my book iPad For Seniors For Dummies, 2023-2024 Edition). Models and sizes of the latest iPads The iPad is currently available in various sizes, depending on the version you choose. Here are the five basic sizes, by iPad type (for price and memory capacity information, see the article What To Look for When Buying an iPad): iPad: There are two models of iPad. The ninth-generation model features a touchscreen that measures 10.2 inches diagonally and sports a super-fast 64-bit desktop-class A13 Bionic processor. The tenth-generation model takes the iPad up a notch with a touchscreen that measures 10.9 inches diagonally and boasts an even faster 64-bit desktop-class A14 Bionic processor. iPad Air: The fifth-generation iPad Air employs a touchscreen measuring 10.9 inches diagonally and features a powerful Apple M1 processor. iPad mini: The iPad mini 6’s screen measures 8.3 inches diagonally. This iPad uses a 64-bit A15 Bionic processor to do the behind-the-scenes work. iPad Pro: The two iPad Pro models are the fastest of the bunch. One's screen measures 11 inches diagonally, and the other's is 12.9 inches; they both come with blazing-fast M2 processors, which are the same processors used in many of Apple’s newest Mac desktop and laptop computers. Dimensions of devices are typically shown in the units of measurement commonly used in a region. This means, for example, that the basic tenth-generation iPad is shown on Apple’s U.S. site as being 9.79 inches (248.6 mm) high and 7.07 inches (179.5 mm) wide. In metric-system countries, both dimensions are given, but the order is reversed. When it comes to screen sizes, however, the dimensions are given in inches. Features of the latest iPads In addition to the features of previous iPads, the latest iPad models offer the following. Retina and Liquid Retina displays In addition to screen size, screen resolution has evolved so that Apple’s Retina and Liquid Retina displays, both of which support very high-resolution graphics, now appear across the line. The name derives from the concept that individual pixels on the screen are so small that they can’t be distinguished at normal viewing distance. Apple Pencil Originally designed exclusively for use with iPad Pro models, the Apple Pencil now works with all the latest iPad models. (Be sure to check which version of Apple Pencil will work with your iPad by visiting the Apple Pencil web page. Apple Pencil lets you draw and write on the screen with a familiar pencil-style tool rather than with your finger. The device contains a battery and sophisticated processing powers that make the experience of using it very much like (and sometimes better than) a traditional pencil. Third-party pencils and drawing tools exist, but Apple’s integration of Apple Pencil is remarkably smooth; the product has taken off quickly among graphic artists, illustrators, and designers. As other people have discovered its usability for marking up documents, it is becoming more and more common in business environments. Neural Engine The Neural Engine is a component of the processor in every iPad that focuses on handling specialized tasks related to artificial intelligence, image and speech processing, and more cool things. Touch ID This security feature is included on several iPad models. Sensors in the Home button (ninth-generation iPad) or top button (iPad Air, iPad mini, and tenth-generation iPad) allow you to train the iPad to recognize your fingerprint and grant you access with a finger press. Touch ID also allows you to use the Apple Pay feature to buy items without having to enter your payment information every time. Facial recognition Touch ID is replaced with Face ID on iPad models that don’t have a Home button. Using Face ID and the front-facing camera, your iPad unlocks when it recognizes your face. Barometric sensor On all iPad models, this sensor makes it possible for your iPad to sense air pressure around you. This feature is especially cool when you’re hiking a mountain, where the weather may change as you climb. Perhaps more to the point, the changes in barometric pressure can be sensed on a smaller scale so that elevation can be measured as you move normally. More keyboard options The iPad Pro has a full-size onscreen keyboard. Because the screen has more space, the top of the keyboard can contain extra commands for filling in passwords and using more advanced input techniques. Smart Connector for Smart Keyboard In addition to the onscreen keyboard, you can use a Smart Connector to hook up a Smart Keyboard, an external keyboard that makes getting complex work done much easier. Smart Connector is supported for all iPad models, with the exception of iPad mini. Live photos Using the 3D Touch feature, you can press a photo on the screen to make it play like a short video. The Camera app captures 1.5 seconds on either side of the moment when you capture the photo, so anything moving in the image you photographed, such as water flowing in a stream, seems to move when you press and hold the still photo. The iPadOS 16 update to the operating system adds many features, including (but definitely not limited to) the following: Stage Manager Stage Manager (supported for iPad Air fifth generation, all generations of iPad Pro 11-inch, and iPad Pro 12.9-inch third generation and later) is a new way to switch between apps and their windows on your iPad. Windows for the app you’re working in are in the center of the screen, while other apps’ windows are located on the left side, within easy reach. It’s a game-changer when working with multiple apps at once. Weather I shouldn’t be this excited about a weather app, but I’m not the only long-suffering iPad user who’s ecstatic that Apple has finally seen the light and made their iPhone Weather app available for iPadOS. Good things come to those who wait, I hear. New Mail features iPadOS 16 gives Mail a couple of much-needed new features that enable you to unsend an email and to schedule emails to be sent at a later time. Live text Live text lets you interact with text in images, and now with iPadOS 16, it works with videos, too. For example, you can select text from a paused video and copy it into a document. Or if the text is an address, you can copy it into Maps to find the location. Built-in apps have been updated iPadOS 16 provides performance enhancements and interface upgrades for all the apps that come preinstalled with it, bringing many into the realm of their desktop computer counterparts. Don’t need all the built-in apps? You can remove them from your Home screen. (Note that built-in apps take up very little of your iPhone’s storage space.) When you remove a built-in app from your Home screen, you aren't deleting it — you’re hiding it. And if you change your mind, you can easily add them back to your Home screen by searching for them in the App Store and tapping the Get button. These are but a very few of the improvements made to the latest version of iPadOS. I highly suggest visiting Apples iPadOS 16 web page to find out more.

Article / Updated 03-21-2023

The most obvious differences among iPad models (several models are shown below) are their size and weight, with the Pro being biggest, followed by iPad Air, then iPad, and finally the smallest, iPad mini. All models come in a variety of colors to suit everyone’s taste. All models come either with Wi-Fi only (so you access a Wi-Fi network for Internet access) or with Wi-Fi + Cellular for connecting to the Internet through Wi-Fi or a cellular network (as your cellphone does). The iPad models also differ in available memory and price based on that memory (prices are accurate as of this writing and are subject to change): iPad Pro 11-inch: Wi-Fi models come in 128GB for $799, 256GB for $899, 512GB for $1,099, 1TB for $1,499, and 2TB for $1,899; Wi-Fi + Cellular models of each memory configuration cost $200 more than their Wi-Fi–only counterparts. iPad Pro 12.9-inch: Wi-Fi models come in 128GB for $1,099, 256GB for $1,199, 512GB for $1,399, 1TB for $1,799, and 2TB for $2,199; Wi-Fi + Cellular models of each memory configuration cost $200 more than their Wi-Fi–only counterparts. iPad Air: Wi-Fi models come in 64GB for $599 and 256GB for $749; Wi-Fi + Cellular models come in 64GB for $749 and 256GB for $899. iPad (ninth generation): Wi-Fi models come in 64GB for $329 and 256GB for $479; Wi-Fi + Cellular models come in 64GB for $459 and 256GB for $609. iPad (tenth generation): Wi-Fi models come in 64GB for $449 and 256GB for $599; Wi-Fi + Cellular models come in 64GB for $599 and 256GB for $749. iPad mini: The Wi-Fi model comes in 64GB for $499 and 256GB for $649, and the Wi-Fi + Cellular model comes in 64GB for $649 and 256GB for $799. Finally, the iPad models vary in screen quality and resolution, camera quality, and so on. Logically, the bigger the iPad, the bigger the price and (usually) the higher the quality. How much storage do you want? Storage is a measure of how much information — for example, movies, photos, and software applications (apps) — you can store on a computing device. Storage can also affect your iPad’s performance when handling such tasks as streaming favorite TV shows from the web or downloading music. Streaming refers to playing video or music content from the web (or from other devices) rather than playing a file stored on your iPad. You can enjoy a lot of material online without ever storing its full content on your iPad. Your storage options with the various iPad models range from 64 gigabytes (GB) to 2 terabytes (TB), which is equivalent to 2,000GB. You must choose the right amount of storage because you can’t open up the device and add more components as you typically can with a desktop computer. However, Apple has thoughtfully provided iCloud, a service you can use to store content on the Internet. How much storage is enough for your iPad? Here’s a guideline: If you regularly work with large media files, such as movies or TV shows, you might need 512GB or higher. For example, if you shoot 4K video at 60 frames per second, that will take roughly 1GB of storage space for every two-and-a-half minutes of footage. In light of this fact, at least 1TB of storage may be more appealing if you shoot a lot of video. If you like lots of media, such as movies or TV shows, you may need at least 256GB. For most people who manage a reasonable number of photos, download some music, and watch heavy-duty media, such as movies online, 128GB is probably sufficient. If you simply want to check email, browse the web, and write short notes to yourself, 64GB is likely plenty. Do you know how big a gigabyte (GB) is? Consider this: Just about any computer you buy today comes with a minimum of 256GB of storage. Computers have to tackle larger tasks than iPads, so that number makes sense. The iPad, which uses a technology called flash storage for storing data, is meant (to a great extent) to help you experience online media and email; it doesn’t have to store much because it pulls lots of content from the Internet. In the world of storage, 64GB for any kind of storage is puny if you keep lots of content (such as audio, video, and photos) on the device. Using the iPad with a computer and Internet Although you can use your iPad on its own without any Internet or Wi-Fi access and without a computer to pair it with, it's easier if you have Internet access and a computer that you can (occasionally) use with your iPad. Basic Internet access for your iPad You need to be able to connect to the Internet to take advantage of most iPad features. If you have an Apple ID, you can have an iCloud account, Apple’s online storage service, to store and share content online, and you can use a computer to download photos, music, or applications from non-Apple online sources (such as stores, sharing sites, or your local library) and transfer them to your iPad through a process called syncing. You can also use a computer or iCloud to register your iPad the first time you start it, although you can have the folks at the Apple Store handle registration for you if you have an Apple Store nearby. If you don’t have a store nearby, visit this Apple Help page for assistance. You can set up your iPad without an Internet connection and without going to an Apple Store: The best way to find out more information is to contact Apple Support through an Internet connection on another device, or at a public library or Internet cafe. You can use your iPad without owning a computer and just use public Wi-Fi hotspots to go online (or a cellular connection, if you have such a model). To go online using a Wi-Fi–only iPad and to use many of its built-in features at home, however, you need to have a home Wi-Fi network available. Pair your iPad with a computer For syncing with a computer, Apple’s iPad User Guide recommends that you have: A Mac or PC with a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port and one of these operating systems: macOS version 10.11.6 (El Capitan) or newer Windows 10 or newer iTunes 12.8 or newer on a Mac running macOS El Capitan (10.11.6) through macOS Mojave (10.14.6), Finder on Mac’s running macOS Catalina (10.15) and newer, and iTunes 12.12 or newer on a PC, available at the iTunes Store or via the Microsoft Store An Apple ID Internet access An iCloud account Apple has set up its iTunes software and the iCloud service to give you two ways to manage content for your iPad — including movies, music, or photos you’ve downloaded — and to specify how to sync your calendar and contact information. There are a lot of tech terms to absorb here (iCloud, iTunes, syncing, and so on). My book iPad For Seniors For Dummies, 2023-2024 Edition covers all of these things. Wi-Fi Only or Wi-Fi + Cellular? You use Wi-Fi to connect to a wireless network at home or at other places, such as an Internet cafe, a library, a grocery store, or any public transportation that offers Wi-Fi. This type of network uses short-range radio to connect to the Internet; its range is reasonably limited, so if you leave home or walk out of the coffee shop, you can’t use it anymore. (These limitations may change, however, as towns install community-wide Wi-Fi networks.) Cellular technologies allow an iPad to connect to the Internet via a widespread cellular network. You use it in much the same way that you make calls from just about anywhere with your cellphone. A Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad costs more than the basic Wi-Fi–only model, but it also includes GPS (Global Positioning System) service, which pinpoints your location so that you can get more accurate location information and driving directions. Also, to use your cellular network in the United States, you must pay a monthly fee. The good news is that no carrier requires a long-term contract, which you probably had to have when you bought your cellphone and its service plan. You can pay for a connection during the month you visit your grandkids or friends, for example, and get rid of it when you arrive home. Features, data allowance (which relates to accessing email or downloading items from the Internet, for example), and prices vary by carrier and could change at any time, so visit each carrier’s website to see what it offers. Note that if you intend to stream videos (watch them on your iPad from the Internet), you can eat through your data plan allowance quickly. How do you choose? If you want to wander around the woods or town — or take long drives with your iPad continually connected to the Internet to get step-by-step navigation info from the Maps app — get Wi-Fi + Cellular and pay the additional costs. Don’t bother with cellular if you’ll use your iPad mainly at home or via a Wi-Fi hotspot (a location where Wi-Fi access to the Internet is available, such as a local coffee shop or bookstore). You can find lots of hotspots at libraries, restaurants, hotels, airports, and other locations. If you have a Wi-Fi–only iPad, you can use the hotspot feature on a smartphone, which allows the iPad to use your phone’s cellular connection to go online if you have a data-use plan that supports hotspot use with your phone service carrier. Check out the features of your phone to turn on the hotspot feature.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-10-2023

iPads cost a pretty penny, especially if you have a Wi-Fi + Cellular model. This is why you should know how to take care of your iPad, troubleshoot any problems it might have, and get Apple support for iPads.

Article / Updated 03-01-2023

A Raspberry Pi (sometimes just called a Pi for short) is a very small computer. Raspberry Pi is a popular alternative to Arduino, BASIC Stamp, and other types of microcontrollers and is the ideal computer for people who love to make their own gadgets. Physically, a Raspberry Pi resembles an Arduino or a BASIC Stamp. However, the Raspberry Pi is much more than a microcontroller; it is a full-blown computer system, implemented on a single small card. In fact, a Raspberry Pi has most of the features commonly found on a desktop or laptop computer. Yet, besides its small size, a Raspberry Pi has other features not commonly found on a desktop, such as the ability to directly control digital I/O pins. Thus, you can use a Raspberry Pi with external devices such as LEDs, push buttons, potentiometers, various types of sensors, and servo or stepper motors. It contains most of the components found in a traditional desktop computer, but all squeezed onto a small board about the size of a deck of playing cards. The newest version of the Raspberry Pi, called the Raspberry Pi 3, is pictured here. This version of the Raspberry Pi includes all of the following packed onto the board: CPU: A quad-core 64-bit ARM Corex-A53 microprocessor running at 1.2GHz. RAM: 1GB. USB ports: Four standard-size USB 2.0 ports mounted on the board. These ports can be used to connect any USB device, including a keyboard, a mouse, or a flash drive. Video: A built-in graphics processor that can support 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080). HDMI: A full-size HDMI connector is mounted on the board to connect a video monitor. Display serial interface (DSI): A display interface designed to connect to small LCDs via a 15-pin ribbon cable. MicroSDHC card: The MicroSDHC card acts as the computer's disk drive. The operating system (Linux) is installed on the MicroSD card, along with any other software you want to use. Ethernet networking: A built-in RJ-45 connector for networking. 802.11n wireless network: A built-in wireless network connection. The antenna is actually built into the board itself, so no external antenna is needed. Bluetooth: Built-in Bluetooth networking for wireless devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and headphones. Camera serial interface (CSI): A special interface designed to connect to a camera device via a 15-pin ribbon cable. Audio: A 3.5mm audio jack for sound applications. Power: The Raspberry Pi is powered by a 5 V supply connected to the board via a micro-USB connection, the same type used by most smartphone rechargers. GPIO header: The most interesting thing about the Raspberry Pi from an electronic enthusiast's perspective is the 40-pin GPIO header, which provides access to a variety of features, including 26 general-purpose input-output (GPIO) pins. These pins work the same as the digital I/O pins found on Arduino and BASIC Stamp microprocessors, and can be accessed via programs that you write for the Raspberry Pi. You can use these GPIO pins as output pins to connect to devices such as LEDs, servo or stepper motors, and so on. Or, you can use them as input pins to read input from external switches, potentiometers, or other types of sensors. Unlike the digital I/O pins found on Arduino or BASIC Stamp microprocessors, the Raspberry Pi GPIO pins work at a voltage level of 3.3 V rather than 5 V to indicate HIGH signals. You'll need to adjust your circuits accordingly to deal with the smaller input and output voltage levels. In particular, if you apply a 5 V input to GPIO input pin, you run the risk of damaging your Raspberry Pi.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-02-2023

As you design and build with electronic circuits, you’ll invariably find yourself scratching your head trying to remember what color stripes are on a 470 Ω resistor or what pin on a 555 timer integrated circuit (IC) is the trigger input. Never fear! This handy Cheat Sheet will help you remember such mundane details so you can get on with the fun stuff.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-02-2023

Electronics is more than just schematics and circuits. By using various components, such as resistors and capacitors, electronics allows you to bend electric current to your will to create an infinite variety of gizmos and gadgets. In exploring electronics, use this handy reference for working with Ohm’s, Joule’s, and Kirchhoff’s Laws; making important calculations; determining the values of resistors and capacitors according to the codes that appear on their casings; and using a 555 timer and other integrated circuits (ICs).

Cheat Sheet / Updated 01-09-2023

Apple Watches cost a pretty penny, especially if you have a Wi-Fi+Cellular model. This is why you should know how to get the most from your Apple Watch’s battery life, troubleshoot problems your watch might have, and get Apple support for Apple Watches.

Article / Updated 01-03-2023

A variety of iPhone models are on the market; it can be daunting when trying to decide which one you want to purchase. In this article, I focus on Apple’s newest models, the iPhone 14 series. If you’d like to explore others, Apple has a great tool on its website for making comparisons. The sizes of the latest iPhone 14 models vary: iPhone 14 measures 2.82" by 5.78" (6.1" diagonally) with a depth of .31 inch (smaller of the phones on the left in the image below). iPhone 14 Plus measures 3.07" by 6.33" (6.7" diagonally) with a depth of .31 inch (larger of the phones on the left in the image below). iPhone 14 Pro measures 2.81" by 5.81" (6.1" diagonally) with a depth of .31 inch (smaller of the phones on the right in the image below). iPhone 14 Pro Max measures 3.05" by 6.33" (6.7" diagonally) with a depth of .31 inch (larger of the phones on the right in the image below). You can get iPhone 14 and 14 Plus in starlight, midnight, blue, purple, and a beautiful product red version. iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max come in gold, silver, space black, and a great-looking deep purple. Why the iPhone 14 is worth buying Not sure whether to get an iPhone 14 model? Here are a few more key differences: All iPhone 14 models include upgraded batteries. You get up to 20 hours of video playback for iPhone 14, up to 23 hours for 14 Pro, 26 hours for 14 Plus, and a whopping 29 hours for 14 Pro Max. iPhone 14 models use eSIMs instead of physical SIMs. A SIM stores important information about your phone and your cellular provider network. Physical SIMs can be moved from phone to phone, but eSIMs are permanently built-in. All models received camera upgrades. iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max have triple rear-facing cameras, providing amazing optical zoom, portrait mode, and other features. The 14 and 14 Plus have dual rear-facing cameras. Screen resolution. The higher the resolution the better, especially for larger screens since you need to pack more pixels (the tiny dots of color that make up the images) into a larger space. The iPhone 14 offers 2532 x 1170 resolution; 14 Plus provides 2778 x 1284 resolution; 14 Pro boasts 2556 x 1179; and 14 Pro Max provides a stunning 2796 x 1290. The table below gives you a quick comparison of the iPhone SE (third generation), 12, 13, 13 mini, 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max (models currently sold by Apple). All costs are as of the time this book was written. (Some carriers may introduce non-contract terms.) iPhone Model Comparison Model Storage Cost (may vary by carrier) Carriers SE (third generation) 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB From $429 AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile 12 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB From $599 AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile 13 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB From $699 AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile 13 mini 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB From $599 AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile 14 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB From $799 AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile 14 Plus 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB From $899 AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile 14 Pro 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB From $999 AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile 14 Pro Max 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB From $1,099 AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile Other differences between iPhone models come primarily from the current operating system, iOS 16. One exciting pricing option is the iPhone Upgrade Program. You choose your carrier, get an unlocked phone so you can change carriers, and receive Apple Care+ to cover you in case your phone has problems, all starting at a cost of $39.50 a month (depending on the iPhone model you select). The price does not include data usage from your carrier. Decide How Much Storage Is Enough Storage is a measure of how much information — for example, movies, photos, and software applications (apps) — you can store on a computing device. Storage can also affect your iPhone’s performance when handling such tasks as streaming favorite TV shows from the web or downloading music. Streaming refers to playing video or music content from the web (or from other devices) rather than playing a file stored on your iPhone. You can enjoy a lot of material online without ever downloading its full content to your phone — and given that the most storage-endowed iPhone model has a relatively small amount of storage, streaming is a good idea. Your storage options with an iPhone 14 or 14 Plus are 128, 256, and 512 gigabytes (GB), while 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max have 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB (terabyte, which is 1000GB). You must choose the right amount of storage because you can’t open the unit and add more, as you usually can with a desktop computer. However, Apple has thoughtfully provided iCloud, a service you can use to back up content to the internet. How much storage is enough for your iPhone? Here are some guidelines: If you simply want to check email, browse the web, and keep your calendar up to date, and you enjoy communicating via voice, video, and instant messaging, 128GB likely is plenty. For most people who manage a reasonable number of photos, download some music, and watch heavy-duty media such as movies online, 256GB may be sufficient. But if you might take things up a notch regarding media consumption and creation in the future (such as the newest grandchild being on the way soon), you should seriously consider 512GB. If you like lots of media, such as movies or TV shows, you might need 512GB or 1TB. For example, shooting 4K video at 60 frames per second will take roughly 1GB of storage space for every two and a half minutes of footage. If you shoot a lot of video, 1TB of storage might be more appealing. Do you know how big a gigabyte (GB) is? Consider this: Just about any computer you buy today comes with a minimum of 256GB of storage. Computers have to tackle larger tasks than iPhones, so that number makes sense. The iPhone, which uses a technology called flash storage for storing data, is meant (to a great extent) to help you experience online media and email; it doesn’t have to store much since it pulls lots of content from the internet. In the world of storage, 64GB for any kind of storage is puny if you keep lots of content (such as audio, video, and photos) on the device. What’s the price for larger storage? iPhone 14, a 128GB unit costs $799, 256GB is $899, and 512GB will set you back $1,099. iPhone 14 Plus with 128GB goes for $899, 256GB at $899, and 512GB for $1,199. iPhone 14 Pro with 128GB is $999, 256GB is $1,099, 512GB goes for $1,299, and the model tops out at $1,499 for 1TB. Not to be outdone, iPhone 14 Pro Max is the priciest: $1,099 for 128GB, $1,199 for 256GB, $1,399 for 512GB, and $1,599 for 1TB. Note that prices may vary by carrier and where you buy your phone.

Article / Updated 12-23-2022

Apple Watch comes in a few sizes and configurations. For Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 watches, you have a choice of a screen that’s either 38 millimeters (about 1.5 inches) or 42 millimeters (roughly 1.65 inches). For Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE (a less expensive model introduced in 2020), sizes measure 40 mm (1.57 inches) or 44 mm (1.73 inches), but the watches have narrower bezels (borders) than their predecessors. Apple Watch Series 7 (2021) and Apple Watch Series 8 (2022), has two sizes: 41 mm (1.61 inches) and 45 mm (1.77 inches). These watches introduced thinner bezels than all Apple Watches to date; therefore, the watch face is virtually all screen. And finally, Apple introduced Apple Watch Ultra in 2022, featuring a super durable smartwatch with a larger 49mm case size, and other bells and whistles. You measure your screen from the top to the bottom, not diagonally — similar to how most screens in consumer electronics are measured (such as those on smartphones and tablets). Although you likely bought a watch before buying this book, note that a few versions of Apple Watch are available today (the latest Apple Watch Series 8, is shown in the image below), and you can purchase a few accessories to customize your watch. For a more extensive discussion of the Apple Watch collections, or for ways to persuade a friend or co-worker that they need an Apple Watch, visit the Apple Watch website. Excluding the various bands you can buy from Apple, the six Apple Watch options are Apple Watch Series 8: The latest Apple Watch model (as of this writing) features the same design as the Apple Watch Series 7 (2021) but adds a new temperature sensor system (for insights into women’s health), “crash detection” (through motion sensors and microphone), and a low-power mode that can squeeze up to 36 hours on one charge (with iPhone nearby). Apple Watch Series 7: This 2021 model adds a bigger and tougher screen than its predecessors, faster wireless charging, all-new colors, an optional QWERTY keyboard for typing, and more. Choice of materials include aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. Apple Watch SE: Much like the less expensive iPhone SE, Apple Watch SE — updated in the Fall of 2022 — is meant to give you premium features at a more affordable price. It includes a great-looking Retina display, new dual-core processor for faster performance, advanced sensors to track your movement, sleep, crash detection (2022 model), and more. Apple Watch Ultra: Introduced in the Fall of 2022, this larger (49mm) Apple Watch is designed for sporty and outdoorsy types, featuring a more ruggedized body (titanium case), precision dual-frequency GPS, one extra (and customizable) action button, crash detection, and up to 36 hours of battery life. This watch also has three specialized bands for athletes and adventurers. Apple Watch Nike+: Ideal for fitness types who like the Nike brand, this special edition Apple Watch (and special loop band) was designed to be your running partner. The watch synchronizes with the Nike Run Club app and Nike Training Club app. You can now add exclusive Nike watch faces to this edition of Apple Watch. Apple Watch Hermès: A partnership between Apple and Hermès, this fashion-centric watch includes bold, colorful (and extra-long wraparound) leather bands and an exclusive new watch face. You also have a ton of choice when it comes to materials you want in an Apple Watch and what style of band to choose. With Apple Watch Series 6, you can go with aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, or ceramic. Apple Watch Series 7 and Apple Watch Series 8 introduced five aluminum case finishes, along with a range of new band colors and styles. See the images below. The super-durable Apple Watch Ultra is made with titanium and supports three specialized bands. In the fall of 2019, Apple also announced Apple Watch Studio, a website that lets you choose a case and pair any band.