9 Ways to Use Technology to Save on Technology

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

9. Free music "speaker"

Insert your cellphone—speaker first—into a mug and enjoy the increased volume and richness.

More Ways to Save

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• 12 Ways to Travel on a Budget
  
• 6 Ways to Save on Entertainment