TechnoStorm: Abe Olandres on iPhone-hacking, software upgrades, and gaming laptops
Abe Olandres on iPhone-hacking, software upgrades, gaming laptops, HDDs vs SSDs, and more.
From disconnecting modems to phone security breaches, Abe Olandres answers some of your burning gadget and tech questions this week.
> Check out more of Abe’s expert advice here.
Gaming laptops
MARCO PAOLO ASKS: Can you suggest which gaming laptop will suffice in terms of quality and performance for P30k.
ABE: P30,000 may not be sufficient for a really good gaming laptop but the decent ones you can get are the Acer Aspire V5 or the Asus K43 series.
Software upgrade warning
TROY ASKS: Do you know a place where I can have my Samsung Galaxy Y rooted and its software upgraded to ICS/JB?
ABE: Normally, you can bring it to Virra Mall in GreenHills and have folks there fix this for you. However, it might not be stable so I suggest waiting for the official ICS update. If you're intent on doing it, just know you could break your unit.
Syncing iCloud info with iPad
JOHNEVA QUADRA ASKS: How do I sync my iCloud calendar info with that of my iPad3?
ABE: To sync data into iCloud, just activate it in your iOS device. Just go to Settings, iCloud and login using your iTunes account and enable all data sync from there.
HDD vs. SSD
CLARO VICENTE ASKS: What are the advantages and disadvantages of HDD and SSD?
ABE: SSD are faster than HDD but still more expensive. We wrote an article explaining this in depth here:
[RELATED: Jing Garcia answers your gadget questions]
Can my iPhone be hacked?
JAN ASKS: How safe is an iPhone against viruses and spywares? I chatted with someone an acquaintance knew. I later learned he could be a stalker. I remember sending a lot text or iMessages and a short video taken with my 4S before. Can he use any of these to possibly send or embed any viruses or spyware on my phone cause he might get my other info like passwords since I access email, Facebook and other accounts on my iPhone. Please help.
ABE: The iPhone is a fairly secure handset. I don't think you have to worry about the hardware or the OS but rather make sure that your email and passwords are secure.
TV refresh rate
MARK PEREZ ASKS: Which is better, a TV with 60 Hz refresh rate or the one with 120 Hz, and why?
ABE: Rule of thumb is—the higher the refresh rate, the better.
Disconnecting modem
WILLIAM ASKS: My broadband/modem suddenly disconnects and reconnects soon after. The problem is, when I’m playing, a one-second disconnection means I get disconnect from the game. This happens frequently. And it’s really annoying. What could be the problem? What should I do?
ABE: It could be a problem with the DSL router. I suggest calling customer support for this one since they can troubleshoot it better.
[RELATED: Tonyo Cruz reveals his smartphone checklist]
iPhone 5 in PH
DENNIESE ASKS: When will iPhone 5 be available in the Philippines through local network carriers?
ABE: Our guesstimate is this December 2012, just like last year's iPhone 4S launch.
Connectivity between iPhone and Galaxy Note
FRANCIS ASKS: Hi. I currently have an iPhone and an unlimited data plan. I plan to get a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 this Christmas. I was wondering: would the Note be able to connect to the iPhone to use its 3G signal for Internet ? Or am I asking for the moon here?
ABE: Yes, it actually works for both devices—the Note 2 can serve as a mobile WiFi hotspot which your other WiFi devices can connect to and access the internet.
Powerful USBs
F. MANAOG ASKS: Good day sir! I’m planning to buy a USB flash drive, and I’m a real monster when it comes to consuming storage so I think a 32 GB will do but I’m still having second thoughts, thinking that it will not do much for my needs. I need a powerful 32GB USB, which is fast and tough (as I oftentimes put my things on such risky places; yeah, I’m not so organized), and something not so pricey. Please help me.
ABE: Check out the USB flash drives from Cruizer, Kingston or Sandisk.
A professional blogger since 2005, Abe is among the first movers in the Philippine blogging scene. He has grown YugaTech single-handedly for the last 7 years and now has two full-time writers/contributors running the site.
Read more advice from our tech experts here.
