PC Community Main Meeting
7:30 - 10 pm January 2, 2015
Calvary Baptist Church 28924 Ruus Road, Hayward California
The meeting was called to order at 7:39 pm by President Chuck Horner
Members were reminded to see Lola Hunter at the ticket table for raffle tickets, door prize tickets, and 3" x 5" cards to write questions for discussion/answers at the end of the Meeting. Get at least one $5 raffle ticket for this month's raffle prize, a Patriot 32GB Micro SD card with adapter.
Chuck brought up the Clubhouse and refurbishing. John Cordeniz pointed out that handhelds are being used for more and more functions and laptops are more popular than desktop computers. Laptop computers have many proprietary components, making refurbishing more challenging. Chuck noted how much he enjoys the companionship of the group, but wonders if we want to continue as a formal group.
Chuck does not have a desktop computer any more. He carries a light-weight Toshiba notebook and also has a full-size laptop computer with a 17" monitor to use for graphics. He is not interested in gaming, so the power features of desktop computers don't interest him. Members pointed out that desktop computers are easier to upgrade.
Presentation: Our new toys:
Chuck got an EnerPlex AlwaysOn solar panel and battery/recharger. When he's driving, he keeps his phone in it on his dashboard. That keeps his phone charged up.
Chuck also has a Royal PowerBurst. He finds that it is a bit bulky, but it is really fast. It has enough power to charge his laptop. His phone charges really fast with it. He got a Bluetooth converter that plugs in to the 1/8th inch sound output in his car. He also has an adapter that allows him to connect a USB drive to his phone. He also has a multiple-connector adapter that allows connections between devices with a variety of connectors.
Another thing Chuck has found to be helpful is a coiled audio extension cord, by Griffin. It is solidly built and doesn't get tangled in itself.
Sally Holt suggested looking for things like USB to miniUSB connectors at Monoprice.com.
Bayle Emlein won a Logitech k360 wireless keyboard as a raffle prize. She likes the touch a lot. It has been running for several months on the same set of batteries.
Andrew Tews reported getting a virus through a photo-sharing app.
Don Odle is enjoying the language translation option on his phone. He speaks English and it reads back in Chinese to his friend.
Got a problem or question about a device? Look it up on YouTube. More than likely someone else has solved the problem in front of a camera and posted itself.
Yorkman Lowe has a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3. It has a lot of apps he doesn't use but he is enjoying the camera and video. The camera is fixed focus, so sometimes his picture isn't always clear. He has good access to websites of his choice and connectivity is good. He enjoys the easy portability.
Chuck has plastic laptop/notebook Targus lapdesk, the Targus PA243U Notebook Portable Lapdesk. It allows him to balance portables on his lap. It folds out wide enough for him to rest his hands while typing. Wishes he could find another just like it.
Door Prizes
CES backpack -- Michael Wong
Microsoft bag -- John Cordeniz
Wrist PDA tee shirt -- Yorkman Lowe
Golf balls--Sally Holt
Red pen--Lola Hunter
Picture planner magnifier--Bob Dunn
Storage Visions bag--Bayle Emlein
Raffle Prize
32 GB Micro SD card Chuck Horner
Thank you to Michael Wong for taking care of refreshments and also for helping with room logistics and with the signs.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Bayle Emlein, Secretary
