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Technology August 2012

Ask Mr. Modem

Ink Cartridge Shelf Life

If the system you're contemplating purchasing ultimately needs several hundred dollars worth of new parts, why bother? If it's what we in the biz refer to as an old beater, and you invest in all kinds of new components, it's still going to be an old beater that you then have far too much money invested in.

Q. What is the shelf life for unopened ink cartridges? I have two in my office that have been sitting there for about a year. Are they still good?

A. Generally speaking, the industry-estimated shelf life for an unopened printer cartridge is two years. "Unopened," within this context, refers to remaining factory sealed in its air-tight wrap.

Even though that is the estimated shelf life, I have used cartridges that were five years old and they were fine. A lot depends on the conditions within which they are stored. It's one thing to store a cartridge in a room-temperature office; it's quite another to leave it in the trunk of a car, in an unheated, uncooled garage, or on the porch if you happen to live in a rain forest.

 

Q. I have the opportunity to purchase a used Mac laptop, sight unseen and of an uncertain age, at a very low price. I would like your opinion as to whether it is practical to purchase it, have it gutted and reinstalled with the appropriate programs. I have a repairman who charges a flat $50 to do whatever needs to be done to fix a computer, plus parts. What do you think?

A. First, do you want a Mac? They're great computers, but so are Linux systems. If you have always wanted something other than a Windows PC, this might be a chance for you to obtain one. On the other hand, are you only interested because this particular computer came to your attention?

If your answer to my initial query is yes, that you always wanted an Apple system, the next question is, “What are you really purchasing?” I would not purchase any computer sight unseen or without knowledge as to its age and condition, and the specifics of any warranty. (It does have a warranty, doesn't it?) I also would not consider purchasing it without having it checked out by a reputable Apple-certified technician.

If you have confidence in your repair person -- and it is unusual for any reputable technician to provide a flat-fee service without regard to the amount of time any repair will require -- the other issue is the cost of parts. Apple parts are not inexpensive. If the system you're contemplating purchasing ultimately needs several hundred dollars worth of new parts, why bother? If it's what we in the biz refer to as an old beater, and you invest in all kinds of new components, it's still going to be an old beater that you then have far too much money invested in.

Personally, I would not consider it an "opportunity" to buy somebody's old computer without knowing a LOT more about it. Keep in mind that one person's opportunity is another person having found a sucker to unload something on. Bottom line: Caution is advised.

 

Q. Is there any way I can organize my iPad apps into folders? Thanks, Mr. M.

A. If you have oodles of apps on your Home screen(s), you can tidy things up by using folders to group similar apps. To create a folder, press and hold an app icon until it starts to jiggle. Using your finger, drag it on top of another app. Voila! Both apps are now in the same new folder. You can drag additional apps into any folder to create a nice collection of similar apps. You will need iOS 4.2 or higher (the operating system) to use this function. For additional life-altering iPad tips, check out http://amzn.to/nw7pjf.

 

Mr. Modem’s DME (Don’t Miss ‘Em) Sites of the Month

 

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer -- as opposed to an amateur astronomer using an empty toilet-paper roll as a telescope.

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

 

Cleveland Clinic 90th Anniversary

This world-class medical facility opened in 1921 and commemorates its longevity with this celebratory site. Start by clicking the arrows on the main image and scrolling through photos representing the various decades. Select one of the navigation tabs which include Welcome, Our Story, Historical Timeline, Cleveland Clinic Today and Wellness Events to begin your journey. I particularly enjoyed the historical time line which documents some interesting facts about the Clinic that have long been lost to history. For example, in 1929 an x-ray machine exploded and nearly destroyed the clinic. Who knew?

http://bit.ly/gssSjd

 

The Black Sea: Can You Dig It?

If you ever wanted to make like Jacques Cousteau, but all that spooky, slimy underwater stuff gives you the heebie-jeebies, you can now become part of a team of divers that explored the depths of the Black Sea. Visit this interactive archeology exploration of the wreck of the Pisa, a ship sunk in a 1277 battle. Okay, maybe it was 1278. Here you can track the progress of this expedition by viewing pictures, journal entries and historical data.

http://bit.ly/IGPzLh

 

For more information about Mr. Modem's technology-tips eBooks and award-winning weekly computer-help newsletter, featuring his personal answers to your questions by email, visit www.MrModem.com.

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