iPad Brightness, Dropbox Storage & Cable Management Tips

Reader Tips Roundup: iPad Brightness, Dropbox Space & Cable Management

Each week, we compile and present a selection of helpful tips submitted by our readers. This week’s collection focuses on simplifying your digital life with practical solutions.

Adjusting iPad Screen Brightness

A straightforward method for modifying the screen brightness on your iPad has been shared. This allows for comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions.

Expanding Dropbox Storage

Readers have discovered a useful technique to gain additional storage space within their Dropbox accounts. This involves synchronizing your photos to maximize available storage.

Reducing Cable Clutter

One common frustration addressed by our audience is the issue of excessive cable clutter. Several effective strategies for minimizing this problem have been proposed.

These tips aim to enhance your user experience and streamline your digital setup. We appreciate our readers for sharing their insights and solutions.

Stay tuned for next week’s installment of reader-submitted tips, where we’ll explore further ways to optimize your technology usage.

Conveniently Adjusting iPad Screen Brightness Using the Multitray

A reader named Nick recently shared a helpful tip regarding iPad functionality.

A Discovery About Native Brightness Control

Nick explained that he previously relied on a jailbroken iPad and tools like SBSettings to gain access to features not readily available on standard iPads.

He specifically mentioned using SBSettings for quick access to the screen brightness slider, bypassing the need to navigate through the Settings menu.

However, a friend pointed out a built-in method for achieving the same result on a non-jailbroken iPad.

This method involves simply double-clicking the Home button, which activates the Multitray, and then swiping to the right.

Acknowledging a Previously Overlooked Feature

Nick noted that he had been jailbreaking iPads before the introduction of the Multitray, leading him to overlook this native functionality.

He shared this information with the hope that other readers of How-To Geek might also be unaware of this convenient shortcut.

We admit that, like Nick, our familiarity with SBSettings led us to miss this integrated feature.

Having a preferred solution already in place prevented us from exploring the iPad’s native capabilities in this regard.

Thank you, Nick, for bringing this useful tip to our attention!

Obtain 4.5 GB of Complimentary Dropbox Storage

A reader, Kelly, has shared a useful Dropbox tip with us.

Dropbox's New Photo Sync Feature

Dropbox is currently introducing a new functionality called Photo Sync. Participation in the beta testing phase of this feature can result in receiving up to 4.5GB of additional storage capacity.

Access to the beta program is achieved by downloading the beta version of the Dropbox application for Windows.

How to Claim Your Extra Storage

The process is straightforward. After installing the beta client, begin synchronizing photos and videos from your mobile devices or digital cameras.

• For every 500MB of data uploaded, Dropbox will grant an equivalent 500MB of storage space.
• The maximum additional storage obtainable through this method is 4.5GB.

Kelly reports that only two synchronization cycles, utilizing a 4GB camera SD card, were sufficient to maximize the available free storage.

This method is described as exceptionally simple and efficient for acquiring extra Dropbox space.

A Convenient Way to Increase Storage

Considering the ease of obtaining free storage, this represents a remarkably convenient opportunity. It’s a valuable tip for Dropbox users!

Reducing Charging Cable Chaos with Versatile Cables

A reader, Courtney, recently shared a valuable insight regarding cable organization while traveling.

A Traveler's Cable Collection

During a business trip, Courtney observed a colleague unpacking a substantial collection of charging cables.

The assortment included a cable and wall charger for each device brought on the trip.

However, many of these cables and chargers were largely interchangeable.

With the exception of the laptop charger, most devices could have utilized a smaller, combined set.

For example, both a Kindle and a Bluetooth headset used micro USB connectors.

The iPhone required its proprietary Apple connector, but the Kindle and headset cable could have been used with the iPhone's wall adapter.

Numerous other gadgets shared common connectors and charging methods.

Courtney’s point is that a habit of bringing a cable and charger for every device can lead to unnecessary bulk.

After streamlining the collection, only a laptop charger, a USB wall wart (from the iPhone), one micro USB cable, and one Apple sync cable were truly needed.

Most devices didn't require constant charging, eliminating the need for a power strip’s worth of cords.

Simplifying Your Cable Pack

It’s a simple concept, but easily overlooked.

It’s easy to fall into the routine of packing all original cables without assessing actual needs.

If you aim to travel light, taking a moment to inventory your charging and cabling requirements before departure can be beneficial.

Consider which devices truly need dedicated chargers versus those that can share.

Share Your Tips

Do you have a helpful tip or trick to share?

Send an email to tips@howtogeek.com for a chance to have your advice featured on the front page.

• Prioritize versatility: Choose cables that support multiple devices.
• Reduce redundancy: Avoid packing multiple chargers for the same connector type.
• Inventory before travel: Assess your actual charging needs.