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Talkin' Tech: Shopping for Technology
This Talkin' Tech page provides guidelines for:
Buying a Computer
Kindles and E- Readers
Digital Audio Players
PDA's
Cameras
How to Maintain Your Electronics
Recycle/Reuse

If you are planning on giving an electronic gift this year, this is a must-read page.  Technology is changing constantly and staying up to date will make you an informed consumer. If you're going to purchase electronics for yourself and wish to use it at the college, check out the following links! 

 CCAC Hardware StandardsMobile Phones                                               


Suggestions before you buy:

COMPUTERS: Buying a PC can be a rather intimating experience if you are not technology savvy.  However, if you do a little research you will be able to purchase the correct PC for your needs.  Industry standards state that most computer hardware will last between 4-7 years with proper care. So spend a little time now to determine what type of computer will not only fit your needs today but tomorrow, and you may save money in the long run.

PC stands for Personal Computers and that means anything from a net-book to a Mac, however most people associate the term PC to the operating system provided by Microsoft.  There are several types of computers for that are suitable for home use. However, with each type keep the following factors in mind.

Most Common Types of Computers:

Netbooks- are also known as mini notebooks or subnotebooks that are small, light and relatively inexpensive laptops. They are best used for general computing and accessing web-based applications. Not recommended for gamers, or serious computer users. Most users you them as supplements to desktops. On the up side, they are extremely portable. On the down side, they have limited capabilities and storage space.                                                                                                     

How to Purchase a Netbook                                         

Laptopsalso known as notebooks are slightly larger and weight generally between 5 to 10lbs with screens up to 17inches. Most laptops have similar features with desktops. Portable and accessible to the Internet with they are equipped with wireless capabilities. Positive-

Buying a Laptop, Laptop Reviews

Desktops- this is most familiar type of computer. Desktops consist of a tower, monitor, keyboard and mouse. They are designed to fit on most desks, taking up as little room as possible.

Compare price, features and reviews



More Electronic Devices

If you or someone else is a reader in the house, you might want to purchase either a Kindle or a Sony E- reader. Light weight and extremely portable, they can hold a number of books. There is a push on to make text books available through Kindles and Sony E- Readers.  Before purchasing, check out the websites listed below to see which one is the best fit.

Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Kindle for PC Released, Color Kindles?

Sony E- Readers, Reader vs. Kindle

Music lovers might like to have a Digital Audio Player, most commonly known as a MP3 player. Under the brand name Zune or I-pod.  Their primary function is to store and organize your favorite music. Some of the players have video capabilities.

CNET Reviews, Consumer research on MP 3 players

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are tightly integrated computers that often use flash memory instead of a hard drive for storage. These computers usually touch-screens instead of keyboards for user input. They are slightly smaller than a paperback novel and the battery last for a reasonable amount of time. Positive – they are great for keeping track of email and events. Negative- small screens and not a lot of storage space. 

All about PDA's, Consumer Research reviews on PDA's

You might want to purchase a camera for the shutter bug in your life. Check out the website for the latest models. Remember when buying a digital camera to make sure that the you computer is  software is compatible with the software of the camera.

Reviews and Comparisons, Digital Photography Review


Maintenance

Industry standards are now predicting that hardware of the system will out last the software only if you maintain your system. Below are some websites with  suggestions on how to keep your system at top performance.

How to set up a daily disk clean up, Troubleshooting and maintaining your PC


Recycling/Reusing
Electronic discards includes computers, monitors, televisions, audio equipment, printers, and other home electronic devices. Consumer e-waste reached 3.01 tons in the USA alone. Of 3.01 tons only 13% was recycled or reused. Select one of the links below to see how you can responsibly recycle or reuse that old electronic equipment

Sony Green, Goodwill, e-Cycling

Discard - As a last resort, homeowners may discard electronic equipment with normal trash or in a bulky waste collection program.  Businesses must follow EPA regulations for electronics disposal.

Taken from PA Department of Environmental Protection website.  Remember these guidelines are designed for home users.  Businesses fall under stricter guidelines for computer disposal - see EPA Guidelines for eCycling.


Have Fun Shopping !!
   

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