Gadget Hacks How-Tos

How To: Use folders on an iOS 4.2 or 4.2.1 Apple iPad

Learn how to use organizational folders on an Apple iPad running iOS 4.2.1 or 4.2! The 4.2 release of Apple's iOS 4 mobile operating system for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch brings with it a host of new features. While that's certainly a cause for celebration, there's also, believe it or not, a downside: learning how to take advantage of them. Happily, the web is awash in helpful video tutorials like this one which make the process a pleasure (and a simple one at that).

HowTo: Turn Your iPad Into a Violin

You can now become quite the accomplished violinist (on your iPad) for just $2.99 with the release of Smule's Magic Fiddle app. You may be a little rusty at first, but Smule will walk you through it, and with a little practice, you'll be as fantastic as this group in no time at all:

How To: Buy a new eBook on an Amazon Kindle 2 eReader

Interested in adding a new book to your digital collection? It's easy! And this brief video tutorial from the folks at Butterscotch will teach you everything you need to know. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started buying and downloading eBooks from the Amazon bookstore to your own Kindle 2 or Kindle 3 eReader, take a look.

How To: Make a digital color organ with high-powered LEDs

Collin of MAKE is back with another inspiring project. You may remember his analog light organ. Well, he's decided to upgrade and make his light organ a digital one. One thing to watch out for is the amount of heat emitted by high-powered LEDs, but as long as you find a way to dissipate the heat, this will work out just fine. Watch, and don't forget to read the thorough instructions before building this!

How To: Control YouTube clips with keyboard shortcuts

In this home-computing how-to from the team at Tekzilla, we learn how to use a number of essential, must-know keyboard shortcuts when watching videos on YouTube. They're easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview in just over two minutes. For all of the details, take a look!

How To: Install an .apk file on a Google Android smartphone

If you're interested in installing an application that you can't find in the Android Market, you'll need to use an apk (or Android packet) file. Don't know how to load an apk onto your phone? No problem: this Android owner's guide will walk you through the process. You'll find that, with a file manager application like Astro File Manager, it's a snap.

How To: Disassemble an HTC Desire Google Android smartphone

In this video teardown, we learn how to take apart an Desire HTC Desire Google Android smartphone, the first step in any repair. This video presents a step-by-step guide of the reassembly process. To follow along, you will need an air gun to reduce dust, an anti-static (ESD) wrist strap, a wedge, a pair of tweezers, and a small screwdriver.

How To: Insert a SIM card into the Samsung Galaxy Tab

Adding a SIM card to your Samsung Galaxy Tab is easy! If you have this new Android tablet and are looking to see how to install the SIM card, this video will clearly show you how it's done. Simply remove the slot's cover, insert the SIM card, making sure it's secure and snug, and then closing the cover. That's it!

How To: Insert a microSD memory card into the Samsung Galaxy Tab

If you want to expand your storage capacity in your new Samsung Galaxy Tab, it's easy thanks to the microSD slot on the side. Installing your microSD memory card is as easy as removing the slot's cover, inserting the microSD card in, pushing to make sure it locks, and recovering the slot. Adding storage makes your Android experience even better, plus you can transfer files and data easily!

How To: Plug a headset cable into the Samsung Galaxy Tab

If you plan on listening to music or making phone calls, you're going to have to get some headphones or a headset with mic (in lieu of Bluetooth headsets). Using them might just be the simplest thing to do on the Samsung Galaxy Tab, but just in case, this video will show you how to plug in your headset cable. It's just like any other Android device.

How To: Plug the data cable into the Samsung Galaxy Tab

Okay, so you might not need a how-to for this one, but nonetheless, just in case, here you go— plugging in the data cable to your Samsung Galaxy Tab. It's basically the same way you plug in all mobile devices these days, and it's just like any other Android tablet, so you should be able to do it with little difficulty. Just don't force it in, or you risk damaging it and your device.