Gadget Hacks How-Tos

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.

How To: Change your phone and video ringtones on the Samsung Galaxy Tab

Every device has ringtones these days, even tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Maybe it's because you can actually make phone calls from this Android tablet, or maybe it's just because of the alarm clock. But either way, you're going to want to change them every now and then. Go to MENU < SETTINGS < SOUND SETTINGS < PHONE RINGTONE and select the ringtone of your choice. Press OK to save. You can also change the VIDEO CALL RINGTONE.

How To: Set the correct date and time manually on the Samsung Galaxy Tab

If you're not connected to the internet or don't have a data plan on your Android-powered Samsung Galaxy Tab, then chances are you don't have the right time and date. But don't worry, it's an easy fix! Simply go to MENU < SETTINGS < DATE & TIME and uncheck the AUTOMATIC to set the date and time manually. Choose SELECT DATE to change the date, SELECT TIME ZONE to change your area of the world, and SELECT TIME to adjust the hours and minutes of the day. Easy as can be.