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CNET's top DisplayPort monitors

I think there were many who follow the electronics field who believed DisplayPort would quickly usurp DVI as the digital connection of choice on computer monitors. That (probably inevitable) future has yet to be realized, but its likelihood is increasing.

It's taken a few years, but judging by the ratio of DisplayPort-capable monitors we've reviewed in 2010 vs. 2009 (4:1), I'd say 2011 will likely be its breakout year.

So, while we all wait for DisplayPort to become a household name, I've compiled a list of the best DisplayPort-capable displays we've reviewed so far. … Read more

We're picking up a signal!

AirRadar is a utility that can help you scan for, track information on, and join wireless networks. Like similar apps (some of which are free), AirRadar provides much more information than you'd otherwise get through the Mac OS AirPort status menu. Whether you're testing your signal strength at home or trying to find free Wi-Fi on the road, AirRadar will list all open and closed networks in range, along with information such as signal strength (current, average, and max), type of encryption, MAC address, and channel--and you can also sort networks into smart groups, such as all open … Read more

New iPad docking mode on the horizon?

A subtle but important change could be in store for the iPad.

Though the touch-screen tablet can be used in both portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) mode, it can only be placed in its charging dock in portrait mode. There's just one 30-pin connector on the bottom of the short side of the rectangular iPad.

But according to documents Apple filed with the Trade Marks and Designs Registration Office of the European Union earlier this year and made public last week, a horizontal docking option may be on its way. The blog Patently Apple found the documents submitted by … Read more

Apple simplifies troubleshooting with Express Lane

In an attempt to put more troubleshooting know-how in the hands of its customers, Apple has created Express Lane, a simple to use resource for locating issues and solutions to common problems with all of Apple's products.

The site is incredibly easy to navigate, using a simple three-column approach to determine the general scope of the issue you are having. Once you've narrowed down the topic, you can select one of the thousands of helpful articles available directly from Apple about nearly any documented problem--including information for many older Macs and previous generation iPhones and iPods.

But Express … Read more

MacFixIt Answers

MacFixIt Answers is a feature in which we answer questions e-mailed from our readers. This week we have questions on extending wireless networks with AirPort Express devices, new Macs not booting to a retail upgrade DVD for Snow Leopard, QuickTime not able to play some media files, and changing from the less secure WEP wireless security scheme to WPA or WPA2.

Question: Extending wireless networks with an AirPort express

MacFixIt reader "Mark" asks:

How can I get my Airport Express to act as a bridge (extend my Wi-Fi signal)? I only have a 2Wire (WEP password) router, and … Read more

Tip: No wireless router? Use your Mac

These days, wireless routers are quite common, and most retail options out there have some wireless capability; however, there still may be times when you are without a router and need to set up a wireless network for multiple computers, iPhones and iPads, or other devices that support Wi-Fi connectivity.

To do this, all you need is a Mac with an AirPort card in it. Connect it to an available network with the Ethernet connection, and then set up a shared wireless connection with the following procedure:

Go to the "Network" system preferences.

Select the "AirPort" … Read more

How to connect your laptop to a TV

Laptops once used to be the domain of word-processing programs, file databases, and light gaming, but more often than not most people currently use their laptops as makeshift do-it-all interactive televisions. With the abundance of streaming video sites and TV/movie content available, they're often the most versatile entertainment products on the market, pound for pound.

Unfortunately, you're locked in to a screen that often has limited viewing angles and a resolution that's often less than 1080p. There's good news, though: connecting to an HDTV is a lot easier than most people think--provided you have an … Read more

Weekly Troubleshooting Utilities Update

Our Weekly Utilities Update report is a list of all the updates for many Mac utilities that have been released in the past week. Though utilities can be any tool that helps you perform a routine task (including image manipulation and synchronization), our focus in this column is to bring you those tools that help in troubleshooting Mac hardware and software problems. This week there are relatively few updates, with a couple available for both maintenance and hardware management utilities, as well as a new version of MacPorts.… Read more

Is your 802.11n Wi-Fi feeling sluggish? This simple solution could help

With many routers now transmitting Wi-Fi signals using the 802.11n standard (including all of Apple's current router offerings), some users may find that they are unable to take advantage of the increased speeds. This is most likely due to the password settings users have chosen for their network.… Read more