Friday, July 27, 2007

Oh, What's in a Name? Ep. 2 UPDATE

Hello faithful web friends!

As a follow up to the last podcast, Episode 2, in which we discussed USB Card Readers (the video for which I will link to again and embed below), I wanted to give you all some examples of hubs/readers that you can purchase online from reputable sources. I also wanted to clarify some of the nomenclature that I used when describing the device itself.

Now, I knew in my little geek brain that when I created the last podcast that the word HUB actually technically describes a USB port that allows you to plug in many USB devices (cameras, printers, card readers, etc.) into your computer via one USB plug in in the back. A HUB is also generally a dictionary term for the main center for any sort of activity. I always refer to my card reader as a HUB, because I think I cross purposes in my brain when thinking about its function. For those of you who are curious, here is a picture and a link to what an actual, technical USB hub is:



Now, here is a link to the type of hub, or USB Card Reader, that I so highly praised in my last podcast:

I actually have this exact reader for my other camera that has an xD card, and though it does have a cord, it doesn't need an external power source and works just like the reader I showed you in the podcast. San Disk is a great company for these types of products.

There are also multi card readers, which are great if, like me, you have a ton of different cameras and memory card types. These multi card readers are totally affordable, and have lots of slots for your different kinds of memory cards on one nifty little device. Here's a link to one from Staples: MULTI CARD READER

So I just had to clarify for all of you that the more correct term for the device that I hope you will all run out and buy is a USB Card Reader, which I mentioned in the video. But c'mon, how can you make a cute title like "Hubba, Hubba, Hubba" out of "USB Card Reader?!" You can't, is the answer. :) I just had to get that off my chest.

Ok fellow geeks and geeks-in-training...that's all for now! To email me your questions, or even video questions for a chance to be featured in a future podcast, email me at geek.girl@earthlink.net.

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Oh, and here's the episode again, just in case you missed it!



Ok peeps, Happy Friday, and keep those questions and comments coming!!

Cheers,

Geek Girl

5 comments:

Jessica said...

Ok-this isn't about Hubs-another Q. I made a slideshow with iPhoto and exported into a Quicktime movie. How can I put that up on my blog??? Possible?

GeekGirl said...

Hey jessica-yes, it is possible, however you have to have a blog that either offers you video hosting, OR, you can upload your slideshow to YouTube or MySpace, and then just copy the "embed" html code for the video and paste that into the body of your blog. Then, once you publish the blog, the video will show up and play right on the page, like my videos do.

Switchpod.com is the hosting service i use for my blog, and there i can upload videos, photos, etc. and they "live" on the web and thus have a web address. this is what you need to embed a video onto your blog...but again, the easiest, cheapest way to do it is to use YouTube. You'll just have the YouTube logo on the video, but it's a small price to pay. (Plus, they automatically generate the HTML code for you once you upload a video.)

Let me know if you have any troubles! Thanks for your question.

Cheers,

Geek Girl

Jessica said...

There's a reason geek rhymes with chic! You rock. I hadn't even thought of the whole You Tube thing. I'm now officially a You Tuber. Thanks again!

Natasha Lee said...

Wow that is awesome!!! Is it compatible with all types of digital cameras?

GeekGirl said...

hi Natasha!

to answer your question, YES! however, you have to make sure that you buy the right type of card reader for your particular memory card. (SD, memory stick, etc.) like the multi-card reader i linked to in this blog, you can find one that reads many types of memory cards, and it's likely that yours is included. However, DO make sure yours is listed on the packaging before you buy it.

HERE'S ANOTHER GREAT TIP IF YOU HAVE A NEWER MODEL LAPTOP: a lot of times, new laptops come with a built-in card reader on the side! this way you don't need a cord, software, OR a reader!!

hope that helps,
cheers!

Geek Girl