My word! We live in the age of technology! Black Friday is a great time to take advantage of sales on big ticket items, such as computers, printers, big screen TVs, tablets and smart phones. Look for deals in advertisements, websites for big box and cell phone stores, and Amazon.com.
New Computers: If your computer is older than six (6) years and slow, it may be time to consider a new one, either a laptop, tower, or all-in-one. The prices of computer hardware is in the range of $450 – $950 depending on the speed and configuration.
Your new computer will come with the newer Windows 11 installed. For a fast computer experience, look for CPU speeds > 2.0 GHz, memory > 8 GB, SSD disk storage > 256 GB, and built-in Wi-Fi. Dell, HP, Lenovo and ASUS manufacture good computers.
DOWNLOAD Your New Computer Workbook.
You will want to back up the files from your old computer, if it is still working.
DOWNLOAD How to Manually Backup Your Files.
CONTACT US if you want help to select or setup your new computer. We would be glad to transfer your files from your old computer, make your new computer functional, install good protection software, and decommission your old computer.
New Printers: If your printer has been problematic, it may be time to consider a new printer. HP, Epson, Brother, and Canon make good printers. Ink can be ink jet, laser, or tanks. HP offers the convenience and price savings of their HP Instant Ink service. Ask me how to get a free month of HP instant ink.
New Tablets: You may have given up using your computers and now use a tablet to access your e-mails, online banking, Google searches, and Zoom meetings. Apple iPad and Android tablets are your choices of device, depending on your preference of user interface and budget. Tablets can be Wi-Fi or cellular models.
If you choose an Apple iPad, and have backed up an older iPad, the new device can be set up to look exactly like your older iPad. See my article on how to backup your iPad or iPhone.
CONTACT US if you want help to set up your new iPad or Android tablet.
New Smart Phones: If your mobile phone is old, and possibly ‘not smart’, it may be time to upgrade to a new smart phone. The best place to look at upgrading your phone is with your cell phone carrier. It pays to comparative shop other carriers who may have better price plans. Your choices of devices are Apple iPhone or Android, depending on your preference and budget.
If your older device is an Android phone, you will want to back it up.
DOWNLOAD my article how to back up your Android phone
Large Screen TVs: If your television is an old, heavy ‘boat anchor’ or a smaller screen, it may be time to consider replacing it with a thinner, lighter TV with a larger screen. Smart TVs have in-built software to manage subscription Netflix, Roku, or Disney Channel services.
Decommissioning your old equipment: Once you are using your new devices, you may wonder what to do with the old equipment. You want to make sure that none of your files or passwords are still on the old equipment. After you have transferred all of your files to the new devices, the best way to ‘scrub’ the old device is to reset it to factory. This includes computers, tablets, cell phones, and printers. Best Buy will recycle your old equipment so it does not end up in a landfill.
Happy shopping for deals this Black Friday!
I am committed to protecting your computers at an affordable price. Thank you for trusting me to keep your computers healthy. Contact us at 239-567-0104 when it is time to renew your protection software, join our Loving Your Computer training classes, or to help you select and set up your new devices. Be well.
By Linda Lindquist, November 18, 2024https://www.computerandinternethelp.com/contact-us
