Tag: Ask Rob

  • Things to look for when buying a laptop

    I’ve bought many computers, and I’ve helped friends shop for many more. They don’t always take my advice, but when I do, they’re generally happiest with the following things:

    Must Haves

    • 8GB+ of RAM
    • Newest or 2nd newest generation Intel processor
    • More than 1366×768 px display
    • Battery life rated for more than 4 hours (preferably much more)

    Important but I guess not critical for all people

    • 256-512 GB SSD (So worth the slight extra money)
    • 1080p or better display
    • Backlit keyboard (this is such a crucial feature more laptops should have these)
    • HDMI port is really convenient unless you’re all about the wireless
    • Get a light computer, weight is pretty important unless you plan to just plunk it on a desk
    • Touch screens are pretty affordable and they will be nice to have in the future

    Other Tips

    • Spend $100-200 more than you think you should (you’ll thank me in 4 years when you’ve spent $50 a year on a better computer)
    • Buy from a place that will accept returns, and preferably a place that will service the computer in their store (man the Apple Store is great for this)
    • Don’t be afraid to return a computer if you don’t like the way it feels
    • Start a backup plan for your important files today. If you computer falls in a lake, you should be sad/angry, but you don’t need to lose anything
    • Talk to your friendly neighbourhood tech guy. Odds are he’s bored of his computer and will have fun looking at what’s new and talking to you about it.
  • Attrell Update/Ask Rob – What’s the Deal with Coffee?

    Attrell Update/Ask Rob – What’s the Deal with Coffee?


    This week on +Attrell Update, I finally get to another #AskRob question from Nick Maddox about coffee. Check it out and ask your own question at http://blog.robattrell.com/askrob. I’m answering these questions as fast as I can!

    +Stephanie Attrell, when can I expect your next video??

    If you want to keep up with these videos, click on the “i” in the top right of the video and subscribe!

  • Future Sci Chat #12: GMOs

    Future Sci Chat #12: GMOs

    This week on Future Chat, we talked about genetically modified organisms, and we tested a more robust way of recording audio. Subscribe via RSS, on iTunes, or on Stitcher Radio to check it out.
    Future Sci Chat #12: GMOs

  • Attrell Update – Whoops I Made TWO Videos

    Attrell Update – Whoops I Made TWO Videos


    This week on +Attrell Update, I “accidentally on purpose” made two videos. The first (above) is about how I feel about what feels to me like losing time, and daylight savings time isn’t helping!

    The second video (below) is about the Rosetta space probe, which this week landed the Philae lander on comet P67, an unprecedented scientific accomplishment!

    If you want to keep up with these videos, click on the “i” in the top right of the video and subscribe!

    Earlier this week, +Stephanie Attrell let me know why she’s had so much going on this month that she missed her last video, and she’s apparently planning to learn a Taylor Swift song, because I asked her to sing one and she’s not much of a fan.

  • Ask Rob #2: Ebola

    Ask Rob #2: Ebola


    This week on Ask Rob I address a question from Maureen about Ebola. It’s a scary disease that’s having its biggest outbreak ever this year. Here are some links where you can check out more information:

    http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/
    http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/
    http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/our-work/medical-issues/ebola
    http://www.vox.com/2014/10/9/6905347/too-afraid-to-ask-about-ebola-virus-outbreak-symptoms

    Keep your questions coming at [email protected] or click Ask Me Something on this blog to submit your question.You can also subscribe to my YouTube Channels or podcasts if you’re interested in learning more. Check it all out at robattrell.com!

  • Ask Rob #1 – Why do Small Businesses fail?

    Ask Rob #1 – Why do Small Businesses fail?


    In this inaugural episode of Ask Rob I discuss the failure rates of small businesses, as well as some of the reasons why small businesses might fail. I’ve been very whelmed by the response to Ask Rob so far, some really great questions! Keep them coming at [email protected] or click Ask Me Something on this blog to submit your question.

    You can also subscribe to my YouTube Channels or podcasts if you’re interested in learning more. Check it all out at robattrell.com!

  • Attrell Update – Rob Asks Himself

    Attrell Update – Rob Asks Himself


    Here’s my +Attrell Update for the week. In this episode I give a little look into my new video series, Ask Rob. To demonstrate just how Ask Rob will work, I give some food for thought about questions that are constantly on my mind. I’ll be taking questions from anybody on the internet, by email, comment or by going to this link. I’ll take one question a week and give as thorough an answer as I can. So ask away!

    If you want to keep up with these videos, click on the “i” in the top right of the video and subscribe!

    If you missed it, on Monday, Steph let me know she will be dropping to making videos once every two weeks 🙁 Looking forward to two weeks from now though!