Well, the best way to start off a discussion of Buying Tips
is for you to review all those back issues of Bali Advertiser
and their Year-End articles! So far we’ve shown you
over 100 neat consumer items. But, IF you haven’t saved
those issues, then here’s a recap and up-to-date, new
information, so read on.
Digital Cameras:
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 and
you can do the same AFTER the image is
captured using your computer
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.
The newer cameras can do it wirelessly!
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. These printers
have really improved in quality and reduced in price over
the last year. Some even are wireless or can print directly
from your camera!
6. SHOP AROUND. Check the internet (http://www.pricescan.com)
and RIMO Bali Computer Center.
Use http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camera-buying-guide/ for
more help.
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 micro phone;
lights; or other accessories. So you want a camcorder that
will let you do that.
Use
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/audio-video/video/camcorders/reports/how-to-choose/index.htm
for more help.
Portable Music Players
As digital players morph into video players and phones, one
thing remains constant: The brand name that’s on most
of them. Apple’s iPod players still account for more
than three out of four MP3 players sold. Hardware alone doesn’t
explain Apple’s dominance. While iPods score well in
tests, so do players from other manufacturers, many of which
offer capabilities and features that iPods lack (Check http:/www.creativelabs.com,
I’ve had my 30GB Zen for 5 years!). With all those products
out there, other companies are rushing to create incredible
accessories to go with them. From alarm clocks, waterproof
players, and more. Just look at the “Gadgets Galore”
articles in www.baliadvertiser.biz and see how many are designed
for iPods! But, Apple’s success rests in part on its
creation of a self-contained digital-entertainment system.
iTunes, its content-management software, works seamlessly--only
with iPods--a fact that’s prompted the French government
to sue Apple for monopolistic practices. Its online iTunes
store offers by far the largest library of online video content,
supplementing its dominance over online music sales. Its content
includes many exclusives and also offers comprehensive one-stop
access to podcasts, the booming (and mostly free) online downloads
that offer everything from National Public Radio broadcasts
to music-preview shows to weekly self-help recordings.
Use
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/audio-video/audio/ipods-mp3-players/reports/how-to-choose/index.htm
for more help.
Try: http://www.ebizmba.com/articles/comparison-shopping.html
- the 20 Most Popular Sites for Bargain Hunters
