Category Archives: Hardware and All That

Review: Acer Aspire 5 (A515-54G-70TZ)

Posted on June 20, 2020 by Jesse Zylstra

I bought an Acer Aspire 5 A515 about a year ago. It’s possibly a little late for a review, but for anyone looking into this series… $699.99 USD Quick pointsPros: affordable, lightweight, backlit keyboard, SSD, dedicated graphics for basic gaming, … Continue reading →

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Microsoft Surface

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Jesse Zylstra

Microsoft’s latest operating systems adventures are clearly attempting to pull us into the tablet world. Windows 8 is fully focused around being a tablet OS — even though it will probably be installed on more “regular” (or traditional) desktops than … Continue reading →

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Computers and Music

Posted on September 15, 2012 by Jesse Zylstra

Do you know what the first two digital consumer products available were? The year was 1971. A Sharp brand Calculator, and an Allen Digital Computer Organ. The Allen Digital Computer Organ was often called MOS1, MOS meaning Metal Oxide Semiconductor. … Continue reading →

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Lenovo Laptops, Ideapad Y570

Posted on July 7, 2012 by Jesse Zylstra

I bought a new laptop a few months ago. I spent many prior months thinking about this decision, reading about manufacturers, researching hardware components, and deciding on a price. Prior to my purchase, I had figured out a few things: I … Continue reading →

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Why Not Dot Matrix?

Posted on July 2, 2012 by Jesse Zylstra

In a recent post that I published about computers and hardware and their quality, I mentioned my DOT Matrix printer. I own a Citizen GSX 140 color dot-matrix printer, built in the late 80’s. I also use it often. You … Continue reading →

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Can you refill a dot matrix printer ribbon with WD40?

Posted on July 1, 2012 by Jesse Zylstra

“Can you refill a dot matrix printer ribbon with WD40?” Yes, you can! This even works on color ribbons. Just open the cartridge up carefully, being sure not to break any plastic parts.   Spray WD40 liberally inside the cartridge. Close the cartridge. … Continue reading →

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Computer Components: What really lasts?

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Jesse Zylstra

I have repaired computers for normal everyday computer users for a very long time. I have also spent a lot of time repairing computers for a local school district. I’ve seen all major brands, and have used and repaired computers … Continue reading →

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The Kindle E-Reader (The $79 Wonder)

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Jesse Zylstra

I ended up with an Amazon Kindle, the $79 “just plain Kindle” with no special features. Prior to having a Kindle, I always thought that they were strange devices. I had a hard time understanding the concept of abandoning a … Continue reading →

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New Changes to Zylblog

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Jesse Zylstra

Hello Everyone, Over the past few years since the beginnings of Zylstrablog on Blogger.com, and later private IP-based hosting through a free domain redirect (anyone remember zylstrablog.co.nr ? Still works…), and then zylblog.info and now zylblog.com, my interests in computers … Continue reading →

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Instructables: Wallet made from a Keyboard

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Jesse Zylstra

Fun from the Past, originally from Jan 22, 2010: Wallet made from a Computer Keyboard I ran into this fun, relatively easy and geeky project and thought it would be worth sharing. Check it out! This project is easy to … Continue reading →

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