In the last four issues you’ve received information
about:
1. Digital Cameras
2. Camcorders
3. Handheld Computers or PDAs
4. Portable Music Players
We discussed how to make the right choices so you have the
best product at the best price when you are all done.
Now let’s summarize a little. (For the full articles,
please go to the Bali Advertiser Archives at: http://baliadvertiser.biz/articles/index.html)
Digital Camera:
1. Determine what you are going to
do with the images AFTER you take them. This will help
you determine how many pixels the camera needs to record and,
to a large extent, the cost of the camera.
2. Determine if you want to be able
to zoom into a subject. Have you ever used this feature
previously. Maybe you don’t really need it.
Zooming adds to the price of the camera.
3. What brand cameras have you used
before and what brands do your friends/family use. It
can really help, if you’re new to digital photography,
to have a friend with a similar camera.
4. Unless you’re a real computer
wiz, the camera needs to have a very easy way to get the images
into your computer.
5. If you are planning to print the
images yourself, make sure you have a good quality ‘photo’
color printer and a good supply of (expensive) photo paper.
6. SHOP AROUND. Check the internet
(http://www.pricescan.com) and RIMO Bali Computer Center.
Use http://www10.activebuyersguide.com/ to guide thru the
selection process
Camcorders:
1. Decide what features you really
want and need.
2. Check the LCD viewfinder in bright
sunlight to make sure you can see it while outdoors.
3. Check for noise as you zoom or
record. This noise can be picked up by the microphone.
4. Consider buying extra re-chargeable
batteries.
5. Purchase the best lens you can
afford. The better the lens the better the pictures!
6. Think about extras. Once
you get used to the camcorder itself you may want to be able
to add another microphone; lights; or other accessories.
Use http://www10.activebuyersguide.com/ to guide thru the
selection process
Handheld Computers or PDAs
1. Battery Type – single or
rechargeable?
2. Display type – color or black
& white?
3. Screen resolution – check
for sharpness and ease of readability.
4. Weight – are you going to
be carrying it in your pocket or in a brief case?
5. Data Entry method – do you
write on it or does it have a small keyboard?
6. Expansion – can you add to
it to add more features?
7. Synchronization method –
is it easy to keep your PDA and your computer data in step?
8. Internet & E-mail capability
– do you need to check your email or surf the web with
your PDA?
Use http://www10.activebuyersguide.com/ to guide thru the
selection process
Portable Music Players
1. How fast can you transfer the music
from your computer to your MP3 player? USB2.0 and Firewire
are the fastest and easiest ways to do this.
2. Storage medium.
a. Hard-drive based players
hold the most.
b. Some players use CDs that you create
on your computer.
c. Flash-memory based models
generally max out at 512MB of built-in storage (around 120
songs).
3. How easy is it to find a particular
song, especially if your player holds 500 hours worth?
4. Battery Life. It won’t
do you much good to have 500 hours of songs with a battery
that only lasts an hour. Look for long battery life
and easy and quick recharging.
What about prices? Once you’ve narrowed it down
to one or two cameras, check http://www.pricescan.com to check
prices.
