Podcast Summary: Hands-On Tech 193: Old Electronics

Release Date: December 1, 2024
Host: Micah Sargent
Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)

Introduction

In episode 193 of Hands-On Tech, hosted by Micah Sargent, listeners are treated to a deep dive into various tech-related topics ranging from recycling old electronics to optimizing device performance during high-demand shopping seasons like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The episode is structured around listener-submitted questions, providing practical advice and insightful discussions on contemporary tech challenges.

1. Recycling Old Electronics: Assessing Value and Disposal (Timestamp: 00:00 - 25:00)

The episode kicks off with a question from Kelly, who found outdated computer components in her father's garage and seeks advice on whether to sell or recycle them. Kelly's items include a 2004 Antec smart power supply and an 80GB Western Digital spinning hard drive.

Key Points:

• Assessing Value: Micah suggests that most computer components manufactured after 2000 hold minimal resale value. For instance, the specific hard drive Kelly mentioned is listed on eBay for around $29, but selling may require patience due to limited demand.

• Recycling Options: Emphasizing environmental responsibility, Micah recommends exploring local electronics recycling programs. He shares personal experiences of recycling various electronic waste, including compact fluorescent bulbs and car batteries, highlighting that some facilities accept items for free or at reduced rates.

• Creative Repurposing: If recycling isn't feasible, Micah humorously suggests transforming old electronics into art, noting the trend of repurposing electronic waste creatively in urban settings.

Notable Quote:

"If it's made in 2000 or after, and it is just a computer component, chances are it's not worth anything, much of anything."
— Micah Sargent [04:15]

2. Navigating Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals (Timestamp: 25:00 - 50:00)

As the holiday shopping season approaches, Micah delves into strategies for securing the best deals without falling prey to marketing gimmicks.

Key Points:

• Understanding Black Friday: Micah provides a historical perspective, explaining that "Black Friday" signifies companies moving from being 'in the red' to 'in the black' financially, emphasizing profitability post-holiday sales.

• Trusted Deal Sources: He recommends Wirecutter by The New York Times as a reliable resource for discerning genuine deals from superficial discounts. Additionally, platforms like The Verge and CNET are cited as excellent for tech-specific bargains.

• Early and Extended Sales: Highlighting the trend of deals starting as early as October and stretching into December, Micah advises shoppers to stay vigilant and act promptly to capitalize on limited-time offers.

• Avoiding Overwhelming Retail Hubs: Micah cautions against relying solely on fronts like Amazon's homepage, which he characterizes as "filled with lights and sounds" designed to distract consumers from meaningful savings.

Notable Quote:

"Wirecutter is where I would start and then go from there. And just be careful, you know, they're all trying to get you to buy, so try not to fall into the trap if you can avoid it."
— Micah Sargent [28:45]

3. Troubleshooting iPhone 12 Mini Wireless Charging Issues (Timestamp: 50:00 - 1:15:00)

Ray brings up an annoyance with his iPhone 12 Mini, which intermittently wakes up with a sound and screen illumination while placed on a wireless charger overnight.

Key Points:

• Identifying the Problem: Micah explains that the "boink" sound and screen glow indicate the phone detecting the charger. Frequent disconnections suggest misalignment between the phone and charger coils.

• Solutions for Alignment: He emphasizes the importance of proper alignment, possibly aided by MagSafe or Qi-compatible chargers, which use magnets to ensure the phone sits correctly.

• Mitigating Notification Sounds: For persistent issues, enabling silent mode or disabling system haptics in settings can eliminate the unwanted sounds. However, Micah advises addressing the root cause—improving charger alignment—to prevent recurring interruptions and potential battery health concerns.

Notable Quote:

"Heat is the enemy of battery health, so you want to have as best alignment as you can possibly have between your smartphone and its charging coils and the thing that is charging it."
— Micah Sargent [55:30]

4. Preserving Metadata When Exporting Google Photos (Timestamp: 1:15:00 - 1:35:00)

Sean seeks assistance in extracting photos from zip files downloaded via Google Takeout while retaining original metadata such as photo names and descriptions.

Key Points:

• Understanding Google Takeout: Micah clarifies that Google Takeout exports photos along with JSON files containing metadata. Changes made in Google Photos (like renaming or adding descriptions) are stored separately from the actual image files.

• Using EXIF Tool: To merge metadata back into the JPEG files, Micah recommends using the open-source EXIF Tool. This tool can combine the JSON metadata with the corresponding JPEGs, restoring original names and additional information.

• Step-by-Step Guidance: He provides a high-level overview of the process, encouraging users to back up their photo libraries before attempting metadata integration and directing them to online resources for detailed instructions.

Notable Quote:

"When you export your photos using Google Takeout, first and foremost you should understand that what Google does is upon accepting your photo, it sort of has that main copy that's maintained, and that main copy is left alone from that point forward."
— Micah Sargent [1:20:45]

5. Battery Management: To Plug In or Not? (Timestamp: 1:35:00 - 1:55:00)

Dan references a previous question about keeping his iPhone 16 Pro Max plugged in continuously to preserve battery health, debating whether this practice is beneficial.

Key Points:

• Debunking Battery Anxiety: Micah addresses the prevalent concern over battery health, reassuring listeners that modern devices are equipped with system features like "Optimized Battery Charging" that manage charging cycles efficiently without user intervention.

• Impact of Heat: He underscores that excessive heat from improper charging practices can degrade battery health more than maintaining a consistent charge level. Proper charger alignment, as previously discussed, plays a crucial role in minimizing heat generation.

• Charge Limit Settings: For those who prefer manual control, Micah advises setting a charge limit (e.g., 80%) to reduce battery stress. However, he notes that this disables built-in optimization features and should be approached with caution.

Notable Quote:

"Heat is the enemy of battery health. You do not want the battery getting hot."
— Micah Sargent [1:40:20]

6. Simplifying Complex Router Setups (Timestamp: 1:55:00 - 2:25:00)

Alan presents his intricate router configuration involving a Netgear R7000 connected to a modem and two additional routers functioning as access points, each with distinct SSIDs. This setup, while providing robust connectivity, requires manual switching between networks on his devices as he moves through different areas of his home.

Key Points:

• Unified SSIDs for Seamless Roaming: Micah advises assigning the same SSID to all routers and access points. This allows devices to automatically connect to the strongest signal without manual intervention, streamlining the user experience.

• Optimizing Router Settings: He suggests configuring each router to operate on different channels within the same frequency band to reduce interference and improve overall network performance.

• Transmit Power Adjustment: By lowering the transmit power of each router, overlapping coverage can be minimized, prompting devices to switch to a stronger signal source naturally.

• Considering Mesh Networking: While offering solutions within the existing setup, Micah ultimately recommends transitioning to a mesh networking system for enhanced simplicity and performance.

• Network Mapping Tools: He mentions tools like Nmap and WiFiMan for assessing network coverage and identifying dead zones, aiding in further optimization.

Notable Quote:

"The best thing that you can possibly do, Alan, is switching to mesh networking. It is the way of the future."
— Micah Sargent [2:10:50]

Conclusion

Throughout episode 193, Micah Sargent adeptly addresses a variety of listener questions, providing actionable advice and demystifying common tech concerns. From responsible electronics recycling and savvy shopping tips to intricate device management and network optimization, the episode serves as a valuable resource for both casual users and tech enthusiasts seeking to enhance their technological interactions and infrastructure.

For more insights and detailed discussions, tune into the full episode of Hands-On Tech 193: Old Electronics on TWiT.tv.