9 Ways to Use Technology to Save on Technology
Cut your tech costs and use your smartphone to do it
by Michael Calore and David Pogue, AARP Bulletin, July/August 2016 | Comments: 0
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Photo by Sam Kaplan
1. Don't overpay for cables
En español | Michael Calore, Wired Senior Editor
Shop at monoprice.com or at AmazonBasics to buy off-brand phone chargers or connector cables. They work as well as those from Apple or other brand names.1 of 10 -
Photo by Sam Kaplan
2. Don't throw away money on inferior earbuds
Cut-rate listening devices produce poor sound quality, causing people to turn up the volume and potentially damage their hearing. Good earbuds can be found for $30, but serious music lovers might want to invest more on headphones.
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Photo by Sam Kaplan
3. Get expert budget picks
Websites like Reviewed.com, TheWirecutter.com and TheSweetHome.com review home tech gear. Along with their top-rated items, they usually include a budget pick.
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Photos by Sam Kaplan
4. Know the best time to buy tech
TVs, Blu-ray players and cameras go on sale during the year-end holidays. Computer prices drop in late spring. Older Apple products often get discounted when new versions hit the store, usually in the fall.
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5. Don't buy a 4K TV yet
Prices have come down for these super-high resolution televisions, but they still cost $1,500 and up for top models, and there is still too little content available for watching. Instead, buy a quality HDTV for $500 to $800.
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Photo by Sam Kaplan
6. Book last-minute hotel rooms via your smartphone
David Pogue, Founder of Yahoo Tech. Rooms will be cheaper than reserving through a personal computer, as hotels deeply discount a few days in advance to lure in mobile guests.
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Photo by Sam Kaplan
7. 911 always works
You can call 911 on any cellphone, even if it has no cellular plan. Those who want a cellphone just for emergencies can use a phone that is out of service. Just keep it charged.
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Photo by Sam Kaplan
8. Keep ink flowing
An ink-jet cartridge that you think is empty might just be blocked with dry ink. Remove the cartridge and heat it with a hair dryer, then see if it works.
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Photo by Sam Kaplan
9. Free music "speaker"
Insert your cellphone—speaker first—into a mug and enjoy the increased volume and richness.
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More Ways to Save
Discover great deals and savings on shopping, dining and entertainment as an10 of 10
Video: Save 50% or More on Smartphone Accessories
Michael Calore, Senior Editor of WIRED Magazine, share his favorite tip for saving money on smartphone accessories like chargers and cables.
Spend less on your daily expenses, car, travel, insurance, taxes, groceries, shopping and more
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