Issue 49.13
There are a lot of new and improved hi-tech items out there this year and some are at pretty good prices. This is a just a sampling of those you may want to look at as you choose what to give (or get for yourself).
Cameras – For most of us, a basic digital camera or even the camera on our cellphone or tablet computer is plenty to take shots of events, people and trips. This is an area where major changes have been happening. Two years ago, you could find a 4 megapixel camera on sale for $50-$100 dollars. With a 4 MP picture, you can print a 7 inch by 10 inch picture with very little if any loss of quality and fairly good color depth. Today there are many cameras on the market that boast 14-16 Megapixels which translates to poster size quality pictures. They sell in that same $50-$100 price range. If you want photos that are truly professional, look for hybrid cameras with Micro four thirds or APS-C sensors. These typically have multiple lenses that can be attached for special effects or special situations such as low-light or long distance (telephoto). They run from $500-$1500 and the lenses (sold separately) are from $50-$2000. If you are looking into this area, spend some time learning before you buy. It is a big investment.
Tablets – This is another area that is changing rapidly. The gold standard has been the iPad (10 inch screen – $450-$800) and they are still the leader with the new iPad mini (7 inch – $300-$600) taking some market share. There are valid new challengers out there now with offerings from Samsung, Google and others. Most of the really good alternatives are in the $250-$700 price range and feature either the android OS or Windows 8. Additionally, there are a surprising number of tablets in the $50-$250 range that have less features or are a little less powerful or reliable, but that may be a great choice for those just getting into the market or for those on a budget. Compare features and customer reviews before buying, especially on the lower end products.
GPS – I love my GPS. It helps me find my customers on obscure streets. If you never go anyplace new or need to find the local drug store or restaurant in a new city, you probably don’t need one, but they are a very convenient gadget and mine even helps me keep tabs on the speed limit and if I am pushing it too much. If you buy one, insist on lifetime map updates so you don’t have to pay every year to get the new streets and locations. Traffic updates are also nice as they can route you around construction or traffic jams. New units run from $80-$250, but most of the lower priced units are fine for the normal user.
Headphones – Being a musician, I love good headphones and hate cheap ones. This is an area where prices have gone up, but quality has taken a big leap. There are now headphones that rival a $5,000 sound system and are very comfortable. Most of us don’t want to spend the $100-$500 that these units cost, but it may be worth it to you if you really love great music. For the rest of us, there are very good units in the $40-$100 range and some pretty good ones in the $25 range as well. Just listen to them and see how they feel before buying – it is worth taking the time to be sure.
There will be a few more items in next week’s article so stay tuned. In the meantime, remember to always back up anything on your computer that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 32 years, 23 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or his website www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.