Just me this week! I explore the latest home tech gadgets while reflecting on my daughter’s recent car accident (she is okay) and our vehicle search to replace the 2006 Honda. I share my experience with the Mac Mini M4, discussing its setup and design changes. I also detail my outdoor lighting enhancement projects and essential tools for home maintenance. Finally, I provide insights on Black Friday tech pricing and encourage listeners to share their finds in our Discord community. Join me next week for updates and a special discussion with Sammie. Thanks for listening!

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg629

Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #629 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

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Links

Stands from Dave McCabe

Mac Mini M4 Pedestal Stand Riser Easy Reach Power Button 2024 M4 / M4 Pro – Etsy ↗

Mac Mini M4 Vertical Stand Short or Tall Easy Reach Power Button Air Flow 2024 M4 / M4 Pro – Etsy ↗

Other Links

AstroAI Digital Clamp Meter Multimeter 2000

Gardner Bender® 7″ Circuit Alert® Voltage-Sensing Residential Crimper and Stripper at Menards® ↗

BrightLux Lighting 24′ White LED Rope Light at Menards® ↗

Chapters

[0:07] Introduction to Home Gadget Geeks

[18:08] McCabe’s Creative Solutions

[26:47] Tools for Wiring and Electrical Work

[36:17] Upgrading Home Lighting

[41:48] Black Friday Shopping Insights

[51:28] Upcoming Guest Announcements

Extended Outline

• Mac Mini M1 to M2 Transition[0:00]
  • Jim Collison discusses the transition from the Mac Mini M1 to the Mac Mini M2, mentioning he ordered the new model and received it on Monday.
  • He describes the setup process, including syncing with Time Machine, configuring two monitors, and updating the system.
  • Jim highlights the differences in specifications, such as the M2 having 32GB of RAM and a half terabyte of storage, compared to the M1’s 16GB of RAM and half a terabyte of storage.
  • He mentions the trade-in value of the M1 helped offset the cost of the upgrade and expresses satisfaction with the new machine’s performance.
• Accident and Car Incident[2:49]
  • Jim shares the story of his daughter’s car accident, detailing the damage to the Honda Ridgeline and her injuries, including bruising and a deployed airbag.
  • He describes the aftermath, including the car being towed back home and the insurance process.
  • Jim mentions the emotional impact on his daughter and the plan to use the incident as a learning opportunity about vehicles.
  • He humorously notes the Diet Coke incident that occurred after the accident, adding to the chaos.
• Mac Mini M2 Setup and Initial Impressions[8:33]
  • Jim continues discussing the Mac Mini M2, mentioning the seamless setup process and the need to configure browsers and password managers.
  • He addresses the design changes, such as the power button being on the bottom and the lack of USB-A ports, and shares his thoughts on these changes.
  • Jim shows solutions for the power button issue, including a stand designed by Dave McCabe, which he found on Etsy.
  • He appreciates the new machine’s form factor and performance, noting the importance of having a docking station for older USB devices.
• Electrical Tools and Home Improvements[26:17]
  • Jim talks about electrical tools he has been using, including a circuit alert tool and a digital clamp meter from Astro AI.
  • He explains the benefits of these tools for checking live wires and measuring current, emphasizing their importance for safe wiring.
  • Jim shares his experience with upgrading deck lighting, extending rope lighting to the fire pit area, and the cost implications of these improvements.
  • He mentions the importance of having the right tools for various home improvement projects and the value of investing in quality equipment.
• Black Friday Deals and Tool Purchases[40:28]
  • Jim discusses potential Black Friday deals, particularly on tools, and suggests that now might be a good time to look for bargains.
  • He mentions following DeWalt tools on slickdeals and observing that their prices haven’t increased significantly, unlike other items.
  • Jim shares a personal story about using an auger to clear a drain clog, highlighting the importance of having the right tools for home maintenance.
  • He encourages listeners to consider their tool needs and look for deals before prices increase, emphasizing the value of preparedness.
• Closing Remarks and Upcoming Shows[51:06]
  • Jim wraps up the show by thanking listeners and participants, and mentioning upcoming guests and special episodes.
  • He reminds listeners of the live show schedule and encourages them to join the live sessions for more interactive discussions.
  • Jim highlights the importance of community and support, thanking Patreon subscribers and Amazon affiliate users for their contributions.
  • He expresses excitement for the upcoming episodes and looks forward to continuing the conversation with the community.

More from Chat GPT

In this episode, we explore the latest tech gadgets in our homes as I navigate through various updates and reviews. Recorded on November 21, 2024, we’re deep into the seasonal changes that bring in cooler weather, a reminder that now is the perfect time to cozy up and catch up on the hottest tech trends. This week, we dive into the aftermath of some personal experiences, including a recent car accident my daughter was involved in. Thankfully, she emerged mostly unscathed and we discuss the lessons learned and the process of choosing a new vehicle as we move forward.

We turn the conversation toward the recently released Mac Mini M4, which I recently acquired. I share my setup experience, detailing how I transitioned from my trusty M1 model. The installation was seamless—restoring my apps without a hitch thanks to Time Machine backup—and I discuss the technical specifications that influenced my decision to opt for increased RAM and storage. Additionally, I touch on the design changes with the new model, particularly the absence of USB-A ports, which requires me to adapt my existing peripherals. The layout, with its neat stacking and space-saving configuration, has sparked a debate on form versus function as I consider the visibility of the device on my desk.

As we delve into recent developments in home technology, I share insights from ongoing home improvement projects, particularly in enhancing our outdoor lighting with efficient LED rope lights. With Thanksgiving approaching, the urgency to beautify our outdoor spaces for family gatherings spurred me into action. I recount the triumphs of installing streamlined lighting systems that not only imbue our deck with warmth but also reduce energy consumption. Through this endeavor, I emphasize the value of smart home tech and how it can elevate our everyday living experience.

In the second half of the episode, we cover practical tools that I’ve found indispensable for home maintenance and electrical work. I discuss wire strippers and digital clamp meters that allow me to tackle various electrical tasks safely and effectively—tools that ensure I can handle home projects with confidence. Every gadget serves a purpose, and I detail how these aids have enriched my DIY endeavors.

Lastly, as we look forward to the upcoming Black Friday deals, I prognosticate trends observed in tech pricing and consumer behavior, particularly in tools and home gadgets. Even as inflation looms, I note that certain categories appear to maintain stable prices, making it a potentially opportune time for shopping. I encourage listeners to join our Discord community to share Black Friday finds and tips, as our collective insights can help maximize our holiday tech shopping experience.

Join me next week for our special episode as my daughter shares her experiences regarding the accident and our search for a new car. Plus, we’ll delve into more updates on gadgets as we move into the heart of the holiday season.

Products mentioned:

1. Mac Mini M1 and Mac Mini M4
2. Circuit alert tool
3. Astro AI digital clamp meter
4. Rope lighting for the deck and fire pit area
5. Drain auger/snake
6. DeWalt and RYOBI power tools

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Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, Apple, Apple Mac Mini M4, Outdoor Lighting, Black Friday