Leo Laporte, also known as "The Tech Guy," is one of the most popular technology-related radio broadcasters in the United States. In addition to his extremely popular weekend broadcast on the Los Angeles-area radio station KFI AM 640, Laporte has written several books and served as the host of several television programs about technology and gadgets. His latest project is an online podcast network called TWit.tv.
Despite his lack of formal training in science or electronics, Leo Laporte is considered by many to be one of the best all-around technology gurus in the world. Born in Rhode Island, Laporte attended Yale University for three years, studying Chinese. His fascination with computers began while using his first personal computer (PC,) the popular 1980s Atari 400. Laporte now lives in Northern California, where he maintains all his broadcasting work and websites.
Perhaps the best known of his many programs is his nationally syndicated weekend radio show, Leo Laporte: The Tech Guy. On his program, he reviews new technology products, such as cameras, computers and computer programs, and other gadgets. He also has experts in various fields check in for interview and product segments. Listeners can also call Leo during the show with questions about which product they should by, malfunctions, and basic tech instructions. As a broadcaster, Laporte is known for his even temper and friendly advice, and for asking callers to call back or post on his website with updates about their situations.
Laporte is often called in to appear as a guest expert in technology on many radio and television shows. He has a recurring technology and gadget segment on the popular morning television show Live with Regis and Kelly, occasional spots on ABC’s overnight news show World News Now, and even short visits to another of KFI AM 640’s award-winning programs, The Bill Handel Show. His own television program, The Lab with Leo Laporte, was broadcast in Canada from 2007-2008.
As an author, Leo Laporte has written several books related to computers and gadgets. Including operating guides to both PC and Mac computers, he has also written a guide to Tivo programming and several guides to modern technology. His most recent book is Leo Laporte’s Guide to Safe Computing. He is also mentioned or referenced in nearly every recent book about computer maintenance, podcasting and general technology.
With his long history of fascination with gadgets and technology, Leo Laporte is recognized by many to be a leader in the field. With the success of his podcasting network, TWit.tv, Laporte has reached an even wider audience by promoting a fully-internet based program. If you would like to hear Leo’s weekend radio program, podcasts of the show are available for free at the ITunes store. If you ever have a question about which camera to buy, what security software to put on your computer, or why an annoying malfunction window keeps popping up on your monitor, asking Leo Laporte may be the best way to get quick and expert advice.
