Everyday Tips from the ComputerMom

December
2013

Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving. It seems like I just finished cooking my turkey, and now Christmas is right around the corner. This year passed at lightening speed!

I am pleased to say that almost every person I saw last month took my Cryptolocker warning seriously, and put into place some sort of backup plan. It's gratifying to know I have some impact helping you keep your important information safe.

This month's issue is a lot lighter - I've decided to do a straightforward shopping guide, with some suggestions and tips on how to maximize your technology dollar during this gifting season.

Here's to a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Regards,

Julie Marto

508-359-8176
www.thecomputermom.com
www.facebook.com/thecomputermom

Buying a New Computer

Desktop or laptop, PC or Mac, All-in-One, or can I do it all with an iPad - I get more questions about what to buy than just about any topic. Truth is, everybody's needs are different and what's perfect for one person is not quite right for another.

First and foremost, if you or a family member is still using an older computer, especially one running Windows XP, now is a great time to replace it. Windows 8 has had a rocky start and computer sales are way down, but Windows 8 is here to stay. Microsoft isn't going backwards - their sales problems are an opportunity for you. All of the major players have great products out there to sell, and there are phenomenal discounts to try to get you into the store. Your biggest problem is deciding what to buy!

Brand reliability is a real issue. I tell people to start with a budget and then work from there. If the sky's the limit, consider a Mac (typically the most expensive option) or shop the business lines at Dell and Lenovo. Even though many of the components of computers are interchangeable commodities, there are major differences in build quality between inexpensive consumer systems and higher end machines. However, the truth is that the cheapo loss leaders typically can do all the computing you need - they just might require repairs sooner rather than later.

And while we are at it - PC or Mac? I see a lot of people who have transitioned from one to the other and I can tell you truthfully there are pluses and minuses both ways - you will just have to decide for yourself!

Desktop, Laptop, or All-in-One?

Obviously, the biggest difference is portability. If you need your computer to travel with you, even if it's just from the kitchen to your bedroom, laptops are the way to go. If you prefer to keep your main system in a central location you want a desktop or an All-in-One. The trade-offs are configurability, reliability, and ease of use. I used to say that All-in-One systems combined all the disadvantages of a laptop and a desktop with none of the advantages of either, but recent improvements in reliability, and the rise of touch screens, have changed my mind. Regardless of the type of system you purchase, I prefer an Intel processor and at least 4 GB of RAM.

	Desktop	Laptop	All-in-One
Advantages	Least expensive at entry level Highly configurable Parts easy to replace or upgrade	Portable Space saving	Sleek modern look with minimal cabling Large touch screen
Disadvantages	Large and stationary Cables can be unsightly	Delicate and expensive to repair Difficult to upgrade Cramped screen and keyboard	Large and stationary Expensive to repair
Best for	People with home offices Parents who want to control computer access Power applications such as gaming or video editing	Students Frequent travelers People with limited space for computers	People with home offices Parents who want to control computer access People who prefer a clean uncluttered look
Options to consider before buying	Graphics card for power users Storage Monitor, which is usually not included	Screen size and keyboard - test them and see if you are comfortable Touch screen Extended warranty	Screen size Touch screen Extended warranty

Can I do it all with an iPad (or other tablet)?

iPads and other tablets are the fastest growing segment of the tech market, with good reason. They are small, relatively inexpensive, portable, easy to use, and do a great job with what most people do the most of - surfing the web, checking email, and playing a few games. In fact, if that is all you do with your computer, than a tablet may be all you need. However, if you do more with your computer a tablet might not be enough.

The biggest limitations with tablets are small screen size, lack of a keyboard, minimal storage space and a dearth of real world productivity applications. There are workarounds - you can add an external keyboard, and you can store most of your documents in the cloud, but most people I know who own tablets love them but understand that they are an adjunct to a full-fledged computer, not a replacement for one.

The hierarchy of tablets runs the gamut from $99.00 Android specials at CVS to the Microsoft Surface Pro at almost $1000.00. From my perspective, the lowest end that are worthwhile to purchase are the Barnes and Noble Nook HD and the Amazon Kindle Fire, both e-readers that have tablet aspirations but built in limitations. The next step up from there are the Google Nexus 7, which lists at $229, and the various Android tablets from manufacturers such as Samsung. At the top of the heap are the Microsoft Surface and Apple iPad tablets, along with offerings from Dell, Lenovo, HP and other PC vendors.

For what it's worth, I have an iPad I have had for a few years, an Android tablet I purchased even before the iPad, and I just bought a Microsoft Surface as a Black Friday special from Microcenter - and I find myself using my main laptop much more than any of the tablets.

So where - and how - do I shop?

Anybody who knows me at all knows I love a good bargain and hate to pay too much for my technology! Here's where I shop to try to maximize my technology dollar:

My favorite brick and mortar computer store is Microcenter in Cambridge. They have a huge selection with many brands of computers, tablets, printers, and accessories to choose from, and it's the best place to get your hands on a large variety of systems to see which ones you are really comfortable with. However, they will try to upsell you warranties and accessories - be comfortable saying no to anything other than what you came in for!
My favorite online stores for technology are Amazon and Newegg.
I always buy technology with my American Express card as they automatically add an additional year to the manufacturer's warranty. Additionally they have a 90 day accidental loss protection plan. Also, you can get a free Shoprunner membership from AmEx which gives you 2 day shipping from many online sites such as Newegg.
I am a huge believer in buying refurbished technology direct from the manufacturer, at a big discount and with the same warranty as new. The two places I have shopped extensively this way are the Dell Outlet (I tend to stay on the business side except for the XPS line) and the Apple Outlet. Products purchased from these outlets are identical to new computers, with the major exception of the price!
I never buy anything online without doing a search for an additional coupon code. That one extra step can literally save you hundreds of dollars.
When I am in the market for something I go to a deal site called Slickdeals and create a deal notification for the product. For example, if I want to purchase a new laser printer I will set up a notification for that category. Every time someone posts a good price on a laser printer I'll get an email so I can check it out and see if it's for me.