Jan 22

Shopping for Technology (Fall 2003)

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Shopping for Computers

Consider…

  • Processor speed – do you need the latest, greatest?
    You pay for that!
  • RAM – how much is pre-installed?, is the amount expandable?, is it shared
    for the video?
  • Hard Drive – Are you into video? speed is important; Are you into digital
    photos or music? size is important
  • Want technical support? – Dell, Gateway, etc will provide it. eMachines
    will not (for free)

 

Shopping for Digital Still/Video Cameras

Consider…

  • Media
    Storage Options – how are the photos/video captured? Floppy, CD, DVD, Digital
    tape, Media card (compact flash, smart media, MMC, etc)
  • What is more important – video or still?
  • Do you want to edit? Recording to DVD means you will have to edit and
    burn to another disc.
  • For more info, visit our past Technology Tuesday on Choosing a Digital Camera

 

Shopping for an MP3 Player

Consider…

  • Amount of music wanted on the player
  • How you listen to music
    • Do you work out and change your tune list frequently? A flash memory
      model is lighter and quick to change.
    • Do you like to play DJ and have a variety of music to fit the mood/situation?
      Then a hard drive “jukebox” might be better suited for your
      needs.
  • For more info, visit our past Technology Tuesday on MP3
    players    .

Shopping for the techno-person who has everything?

Consider…

  • Another storage card for your favorite digital photographer (smart card,
    MMC, Flashcard, etc)
  • A spindle of CD-R or DVD-R for your budding videographer
  • Rechargeable batteries and a fast charger

Want to know where to buy?

Consider…

  • Buying from a store means sales tax..but it also means easier returns
    and in-person customer service
  • Buying online might be cheaper but it also means shipping costs, more
    difficult returns and online customer service
  • Always be sure that your online store provides a SECURE means for entering
    your credit card and other information.

Some online options:

Outpost – http://www.outpost.com

NewEgg – http://www.newegg.com

CyberGuys – http://www.cyberguys.com

References

Product Reviews

2003 Technology
Buying Guide from Inc magazine

Parade Magazine’s Gadget Guide – http://www.parade.com/current/columns/gadgetguide.html
from
November 24, 2003 issue

Guide for buying an ultra-cheap
PC http://www.savetz.com/cheappc/ A
Guide for buying a super-cheap PC..warning this is not for the techno-phobic

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