Tech Snippets & Reviews

Technology goodness; including but not limited to WordPress, Apple, Macintosh, reviews, technology, smart home, and more.

Disable insert mode on Apple Magic Keyboard & Windows

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I recently began using the Apple Magic Keyboard with my docking station. I use my docking station for my MacBook Pro and Dell XPS 13.

I highly recommend the Cable Matters Thunderbolt 3 dock, which works great with a single cable to my MacBook or my Dell XPS 13 and also provides charging & power to both laptops.

2022 Update: The Thunderbolt dock recommendation above was made in 2018 when I initially posted this blog. I now recommend and use the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock. I use the CalDigit TS3 Plus with my new MacBook Pro 16-inch M1 Max with no issues.

I’ve retired the Dell XPS, because of hardware/driver issues that I couldn’t solve after lots of time on the phone with Dell Support.

All was fine until I accidentally toggled the keyboard into insert mode in Windows 10. Insert mode overwrites characters if you move the cursor earlier in the sentence to make an edit.

To disable insert mode on Windows 10 on the Apple Magic Keyboard

  1. Press clear above the seven (7) on the numeric keypad.
  2. Then press 0 (zero) on the numeric keypad.

Are you using an Apple Magic Keyboard without a numeric keypad? Try this.

  • Press Fn – I at the same time.

I don’t have an Apple keyboard without a numeric keyboard to test on, so let me know if this works.

Another way to disable the insert mode

  1. Go to the Start Menu.
  2. Please search for the On-Screen Keyboard app and open it.
  3. Click the insert key on the virtual keyboard.

Are you looking to purchase an Apple Magic Keyboard or Mouse? Use the links below.

2022 Update: Are you looking for a better wireless keyboard across your devices? The Logitech MX Keys Advanced Wireless Illuminated Keyboard is my top recommendation and the keyboard I enjoy far more than the Apple keyboards.

WordPress Error Solved – Warning: Parameter 2 to wp_hide_post_Public :: query_posts_join( ) expected to be a reference

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Shop WordPress books on Amazon.

After upgrading from PHP version 7.0 to 7.1 on my WordPress website hosted with DreamHost, I received the error message below above the header on my website.

Warning: Parameter 2 to wp_hide_post_Public::query_posts_join() expected to be a reference, value given in /home/xyz_vps/nafzinger.com/wp-includes/class-wp-hook.php on line 298

The solution

If you’re not using the WP Hide Post plugin, make a note of the error message, it should give you a hint of what plugin is causing the issue. In the case above, my hint was Parameter 2 to wp_hide_post_Public::query_posts_join(). You can also disable the problematic plugin.

Some code caused the error in the WP Hide Post plugin. I fixed it by connecting to my server via SFTP, then navigating to the WP Hide Post plug-in directory, as shown below.

/wp-content/plugins/wp-hide-post/public/class-wp-hide-post-public.php
  1. Open class-wp-hide-post-public.php and search &$.
  2. Remove the all & that appear before the $ and save your file.
  3. Refresh your website, and the problem should be fixed.
  4. If you’re using a caching plugin, you may need to force-purge your cache and try again.

PHP 7.1 doesn’t like & in front of $query parameters in functions.

Use Garrett Digital for help with SEO or WordPress problems, large or small.

Shop WordPress books on Amazon.

Google Home Mini vs Amazon Echo Dot

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Google Home Mini vs Amazon Echo Dot

Whew, it has been a while. I’m here to give a quick overview of the Google Home Mini compared to the Amazon Echo Dot.

After using the Amazon Echo Dot for the past 1+ years, the Google Home Mini (and other versions of the Google Home) win for a few reasons.

  1. The speaker and sound quality of the Google Home Mini are better than the Amazon Echo Dot. You could almost use it as an everyday speaker if you’re not throwing a party and have relatively quiet surroundings.
  2. You can make phone calls using your Google Voice phone number through Google Home and the Google Home Mini. No phone is required. They need to fix the ability to connect the Google Mini Home and other Google Home devices to Bluetooth headsets. If you don’t have a Google Voice number set in Google Assistant, the phone calls show up as “No Caller ID” to the person receiving the call. You can dial by name from your Google Contacts or by phone number.
  3. The Google Home Mini and Google Home devices are more likely to understand complex questions, and you can ask follow-up questions. So Google Home is more contextually aware.
  4. The Google Home Mini and Google Home devices don’t require you to add skills to achieve things like requesting rideshare, playing simple games, etc.
  5. The setup process for Google Home devices is much more pleasant. It doesn’t require you to disconnect from your wifi and connect to the device.

Seattle, AIDS/LifeCycle, and UX Immersion 2013

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UX Immersion Conference: April 21-24, 2013 in Seattle

On Friday, April 19, I depart for one of my favorite cities, Seattle, Washington, to attend the UX Immersion Conference. UX Immersion is put on by Jared Spool, and the fine folks at UIE.

AIDS/LifeCycle and Seattle-based Team of One

I added a weekend to the trip, so I can ride and socialize with Seattle-based AIDS/LifeCycle participants. Many Seattle AIDS/LifeCycle riders are members of Team of One. Lately I’ve felt disconnected not knowing many other AIDS/LifeCycle participants. I’m hopeful that meeting other participants prior to the ride will help make the experience more comfortable.

On my trip to Los Angeles in February, I was able to meet our team, The Pork Pedalers, captain-extraordinaire, Brendan Hooley and some members of Team Cynergy, but others from my team were unable to make it out.

Kindle Fire Review

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Here’s my review of the Kindle Fire. Keep in mind, I’ve been an iOS user from the start and my experience using Android is limited. If you haven’t used a tablet and don’t own an iOS device, the Kindle Fire might be for you. It’s a great value at $199 and is perfect for consuming media; including TV and movies, via NetFlix and Hulu; books and music, via the Amazon store. If you’re used an iPad or iOS device, you may not be happy with some of the minor rough edges of the Kindle Fire.

Kindle Fire unboxing
Kindle Fire unboxing
Kindle Fire configuration screen
Kindle Fire configuration screen

Pros of the Kindle Fire

  • Amazon UI eliminates some complexities of Android operating system.
  • The price – $199.
  • Good quality hardware.
  • All books, music, and apps purchased from Amazon are instantly available.
  • Super simple configuration. When you turn it on, it knows who you are.

Cons of the Kindle Fire

  • 7-inch form factor is cramped. After a few days, I’m still quicker using the iPhone keyboard.
  • The spacebar is tiny and offset to the left, you really notice this in portrait mode.
  • Web browser crashes too often.
  • Lack of hardware home button and volume controls.
  • Limited device configuration, this is likely an advantage for first-time users.
  • Limited app store selection. No Facebook or Twitter app yet, but popular apps such as Pulse News, Netflix, Hulu.
  • Lack of sync options for non-cloud apps/files.
Amazon Kindle Fire lock screen
Kindle Fire lock screen

Tiny space bar on Kindle Fire
Tiny Spacebar on the Kindle Fire