The Gadgetress ~ TV, mobile and Internet: Covering technology's monthly bill

Archive for the 'GADGETRESS' Tag

So long and thanks for all the fun!

April 9th, 2010, 3:54 pm by

The Gadgetress blog launched five years ago as a spot to post my high-tech musings. It evolved into a gadget-review column, then a how-tech-saves-money site and finally a blog dedicated to reporting the latest on local TV and mobile services.

But all good things must come to an end and the Gadgetress blog is retiring. That’s because after nearly 10 years at the Orange County Register, I’m leaving this great gig — and Orange County — for that mysterious “to pursue other opportunities.”

It’s really a mystery to me what I’ll be doing next. I’m taking a break for a few months. Seriously. I may return to the world of tech journalism. If you want to keep track of what’s next for me, just head to my personal site at tamara.net.

I enjoyed every minute, especially the interaction with readers. Thank you readers, fans, critics, the companies and even Time Warner Cable. I’ve learned a lot from all of you and hopefully vice versa. I’ve updated the story archives so if you’re looking for an old post on TV service, here’s where to go:

For all other tech-related stories and questions, here are a few people who may be able to help you:

Farewell good readers. I’ll be on Twitter, Facebook and who knows where else? May we meet again!

Signing out,

Tamara “The Gadgetress” Chuang

Back after a week of being blogged off

July 20th, 2009, 8:32 am by

UPDATE, 12:25 p.m.: Got called in to jury duty. They let you bring computers in there, right? The Gadgetress at gadgetress.com

I’ll be back up and running (hopefully) later on today after a week of vacation and shutting myself off from the virtual world (it was quite lovely, everyone should try it). 

Now, I’ve got to get caught up but it’s going to take me a bit as I head to a morning event and then check in for jury duty. But I’ll soon post more updates on my continuing coverage of AT&T U-verse in Orange County, plus any other news on TV or cell phone services I bump into. 

Thanks for your patience. If you have anything on your mind, a news tip or two, let me know!

Review: Toshiba’s always-on USB goes ZZZZ

June 11th, 2008, 3:19 am by

Toshiba’s Sleep & Charge USB technologyWhen I first learned of Toshiba’s USB Sleep & Charge technology, I perked up.

I get pitched on new computers all the time — but these days, I only care if I spot something different.Toshiba’s newish USB technology charges gadgets all the time — even when the computer is in sleep mode or turned off.

Since I often use my laptop’s USB ports to charge a cell phone, iPod or other small gadget, this means no more waking up to find my phone battery still dead because my computer took a snooze.

The Irvine computer company offered to send me a shiny new Satellite U405 to test out. It had three such USB ports. Before I even opened the box, my Toshiba contact mentioned that I would need to turn on this feature since Sleep & Charge is disabled by default. That should have been a warning.

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Welcome back to the blog!

November 5th, 2007, 3:00 am by

I (iGirl) will be covering all your technology news (not just Apple news) through the spring while the Gadgetress is out working on her Widget.

The past week I’ve been busy wrapping things up on my Irvine beat, so click below to read my list of the top 10 local and national tech headlines from the past week.

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Where’s the Gadgetress?

November 1st, 2007, 12:01 pm by

Gadgetress will return spring 2008It’s been three years since I first pitched the idea of The Gadgetress and started blogging. I feel so lucky that my job lets me play with new tech toys, meet innovative companies and hang out at gaming and gadget conventions.

Thanks to all my readers who have checked in daily to see what’s new. Today, what’s new is that I’m taking a break to work on my own little Widget. Don’t worry, I’ll be back, but not until Spring 2008.

Starting next week, Sonya ‘iGirl’ Smith will be taking over while I’m gone. Readers met her when she camped out all night at the Irvine Apple store for an iPhone. iGirl would appreciate any tips and suggestions.

Plus, the local PC club will continue to answer your computer questions each week. And another new contributor Matt Degen will occasionally step in with updates on the gaming scene.

So, keep this blog bookmarked and check in often. I may make surprise visits to the blog but otherwise, I’ll see you next spring!

I’m back!

November 6th, 2006, 10:54 am by

A brother’s wedding, hosting a dozen relatives from Malaysia and road trips up and down California… After two weeks away, I’m back in OC and in search of cool new gadgets, local tech events and other geeky trends to share with readers. Of course, I will graciously accept any tips from readers, too.ipodspeaker.jpg

Many thanks to Matt Degen for filling in for me last week with his reviews of three speaker systems for the iPod.

As for my recent gadgets,
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Dude, where’s the Gadgetress?

March 31st, 2006, 3:43 pm by

gadgetressyikes.jpgTechnical difficulties, I’m told, are over. The OC Register blogs are back! And for loyal readers who visited this page during the database-corruption fiasco (that’s the reason I’ve been given), I can finally post again. AND you can comment! (as Larry has already done so below - thanks Larry!)

If you tried to comment in the past week and don’t see your comment posted, you could do it again. Plus, I still have another USB key and some freebies to give away from JVC if anyone is interested. Just tell me about a cool gadget you’ve seen lately.

I know I will have to post some serious gadgets to get readers back to checking in with my blog. So stay tuned. I’ll post more tonight.

Yikes! Comments not working temporarily.

March 25th, 2006, 8:00 am by

thegadgetress@ocregister.comWe’re moving servers, or something like that, so the blogs are on the fritz. If you were trying to repond to my gamer request below, click HERE to send me an email. Thanks!

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