A Really Good Deal

When folks ask me about a really good deal on a computer, I invariably tell them that the time to buy is August. This is the time of the year that retailers will do anything to get you into their store, and the great deals abound. I've waited too long in years past, and thought things would "drop a little more" and couldn't believe how the prices climbed come September. Anyway, this year I was ready.

I had seen some good deals. I had decided in advance that my notebook budget would be around $500 to $600 dollars which put me a little above bottom end. I wanted a 15" screen, and a greater than 200 gig hard drive. It had to be a dual core processor so anything Celeron was out, and I preferred Intel this time around. Oh, and it couldn't be a Dell for so many reasons.

I had found this notebook which seemed to fulfill my requirements. I had waited though as I didn't like the rebate that I invariably wouldn't get. I also didn't like that the chip was an Intel Pentium Dual Core, which sounds like a Pentium D. While I had a Pentium D processor in a work computer that performed quite well, it just didn't sound current. It really is a Core 2 Duo with half the cache, but the TechNudge faithful will understand that I didn't want a disabled chip.

I was pleasantly surprised to find an even better deal at OfficeMax. While it's not my favorite store, with no rebate, for only a little more I could have it all. Yes, even the Core 2 Duo that I think is the current state of the art in notebooks, or at least for what the mortals can afford. I also liked that the 5750 chip runs at an honest 2 GHz clock speed which sounds much better than 1.73 GHz for whatever reason. The 250 GB hard drive with a 5400 rpm spindle speed was also a deal clincher, not to mention the 3 gigs of RAM which is even more than my desktop currently. While the "no returns" policy was quite onerous, I still took the plunge and brought it home.

At any rate, it's up and running, and I'm pleased with the purchase. This is the first Vista product, and aside from the networking issues, it's a pleasant operating system that has been quite stable so far. I'll have more to say about all of this, but I wanted to mention this while the sale was still on. It is available in OfficeMax stores, and also online at the same price. While it may not be for everybody, for a general purpose notebook, it's a lot of hardware for not too much dough. In other words, a really good deal.

Jonas

NudgeCast 7/30/08

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On new Optimum HD channels, notebook buying, and another new search engine.

Download the mp3 here.

NudgeCast 7/2/08

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Notebook advice and Amazon shipping.

Download the mp3 here.

Resupply Mission

So, my Actiontec Powerline networking adapter is still in California, the latest tracking scan puts in in Richmond, instead of San Fran. I've emailed Amazon thrice (that's three times for the youngsters), and even though there was no way this was going to arrive anywhere on time, they wouldn't do anything until three days had passed. As an aside, I'm kind of sick of computing on my 12" notebook, but I keep delaying moving my desktop downstairs to my cable modem.

Yesterday, the folks at Amazon finally agreed that it wasn't making it, and I've waited long enough. The postman came and went, and I emailed them to tell them that it obviously wasn't coming and pointed out that the USPS tracking put the goods on the wrong coast. I also asked of they could ship it a little faster. Finally they did agree to send out another one. They were also nice enough to upgrade me from "Super Saver Shipping" to "Standard Shipping."

This morn', I looked into the tracking again. The new box has left the same New Jersey facility. Unfortunately, it is still coming postal service; I've had better luck with UPS which can at least track packages more precisely. The new delivery estimate is for 7/2 to 7/7 which is not much faster than the "Super Saver Shipping." I'm just wondering what to do if both boxes show up somehow at this point?

We'll keep you posted how this all turns out.

Jonas

Where's My Stuff?

I've been waiting for my Actiontec Powerline networking gear for over a week now to get my network up again. It was supposed to arrive on Monday, but there's still no sign of it. So, I decide to check on it via the tracking system of the Amazon site.

I had previously seen that the item was in New Jersey on 6/17. As I'm in New York, I figured it should have been here soon thereafter. Nothing on the track for days, and now imagine my surprise that somehow my package ended up going to the wrong coast. That's right, my box is in California! I've provided an image of the tracking info with some things whited out:


All right, I can understand that sometimes not everything goes to plan. Errors do occur. However, if the item is overdue, and floating around California, when it should be in NY, Amazon should do something to make it right.

I emailed Amazon customer service yesterday, and today. All they could tell me on both occasions was that the item "may arrive soon," which is kind of impossible if it's on the other coast for no good reason. I'm told they can order me another one, but can't do so before the close of business on June 26th, even though I've got a better chance of the Dodgers coming back to the Empire State than I do my Actiontec gear in a timely fashion.

I had better luck with Amazon when their stuff used to ship UPS, and not postal service. I'll keep you posted when it doesn't arrive tomorrow. Have I mentioned my network is still dead and waiting for this? Maybe this is an argument to shop B&M!

Jonas

Seriously Super Saver Shipping

So I've ordered my new antenna from Amazon. It seems these days they're more aggressively trying to get you to upgrade the shipping option. I ordered it on 3/6. When I put the order through, it said that I would receive the item 3/18 to 3/25. As this still beats the digital transition date, I figured this was ok, and it saved me $7 over standard shipping, which is 3 to 5 days.

Today I checked on my order, and I've tracked the package to Pittsburgh, with an arrival date of 3/11. Even if it's a day late, this still is more like the 3 to 5 day shipping, so what are those folks paying extra for?

Is this an isolated event? I'm pretty sure not as when I ordered stuff in January, including a Zune 80, they again threatened to ship it almost two weeks later. I held tight, and the package arrived in less than a week from order.

I think in the end that there is little difference in the time that the package will be received from standard shipping, or super saver shipping. Maybe they should rename standard shipping to "sucker shipping?" Keep this in mind with your next order.

Jonas

Forced Upgrade?

Let's face it, no one likes to be forced to do anything. After I've researched something to death, and gone through the effort to get something working, there are plenty of times I'd like to leave well enough alone.

I recently spotted this article on Broadband Reports that mentions that they're going to be forcing Verizon DSL customers to upgrade to the Fios offering. It leaves me rather annoyed.

I am in a Fios neighborhood, but I simply can't justify the cost. I currently have the slower DSL (768/256), and a regular phone plan. Together they run me less than $45 a month (with all of the ridiculous phone taxes), as I use my cell phone for most of the outgoing calls. The DSL is $17.99 monthly; it was $14.99 for the first year, and it generally works just fine, with an occasional hiccup, or two.

As we've all figured out, the copper phone wires of years ago are not aging gracefully, and Verizon has bet the farm on fiber optics, marketed as Fios. At least in my area, it's a jump in price to around $65 a month for phone and internet (I'm not sure if it includes the taxes; it may not). True, it's faster, but I can already stream video, and my WiFi isn't getting any faster, so it's fast enough for the time being. I'm just not sure what the $20 a month would get me, and it would add up to almost $250 at the end of the year!

When I originally tried to sign up for Verizon DSL, I practically had to beg them, and then threaten them, to get it. I kept saying that I would only get Fios if it was comparatively priced, and they finally acquiesced after I wore the Fios rep down, and mentioned that I would be exploring "other options." I guess a DSL customer was still better than no customer to them, although that may be changing.

While I didn't get any email from Verizon yet, I really don't want to go through this again. While the article doesn't mention it, if fiber cable is cheaper to maintain, then shouldn't the cost savings passed along to the consumer? I think they should have a "bargain Fios" offer that could offer slower speeds for less dough. If they're going to force me to upgrade for their convenience, and their cost savings, why should I have to pay more for it?

While I doubt we'll ever see Fios internet at DSL speed for under $20 monthly, it would be a compelling offering, and get their fiber service in more homes. And that might just be good business in the end.

--Jonas

Nudgecast 12/11/07

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Bye, Bye CompUSA

I can't say that I was surprised at all to hear that CompUSA was going away real soon. I've had one near me for years, but the last time I was there was probably a decade ago, and they were a nightmare. Here's my CompUSA tale.

I was looking for some dirt cheap rebate item I had seen in the circular. You know, one of their "loss leaders" just to get ya in the store. It was August, and the store was mobbed with back to school sales going on. After wandering around the quite crowded store twice, I couldn't find the item I came for, and asked someone with a name tag. Turned out he was the Intel rep that was promoting his company's desktops talking trash that only a Genuine Intel chip could run Windows (ha!) and such nonsense.

Anyway, when I went up to customer service, they informed me that they never had the item, but were getting it in "real soon." I was told to write my name and address into this spiral notebook, and they would let me know when the item arrived. I never did find out if I would still get it at the rebate price or not. The notebook was stuffed with page after page of names. I wrote mine down, and left the store.

In the parking lot, I decided that when I never heard from them, I wasn't coming back, and I would find another place to leave my cash at. Needless to say, CompUSA never contacted me. A few weeks later, I got my first (of many) Microcenter circulars, and the rest is history.

Am I sorry to see CompUSA go? Not at all.

--Jonas

Camera Shopping

I find buying a digital camera a frustrating experience. Often, it can be difficult to find the right information about a camera. For example, many of the hardcore camera sites really focus on digital SLR's, and don't get involved with the point and shoots at any level of detail. I also find that many sites, including PC Mag which does a good job with many products, has an "Editor's Preview" of some cameras, totally based on the specs regurgitated in prose, and never using the camera firsthand. Two good websites that actually do a really good job of testing camera gear are DP Review and DC Resource. However, they are both hampered by the same challenge that their review process is so exhaustive that they only get to a minority of the cameras that get released in any given year.

Fear not, I wouldn't be posting this if there wasn't an answer of some sort. While it doesn't replace a review, I suggest that you check out some images made with the camera. This is also useful to supplement reviews for a specific question about a camera, such as how the performance in night photos, or action will be. Once you know where to look, it can also be instructive to see what amateur photographers can capture with a camera, as most of us are not pros in a studio.


The answer is to head on over to Flickr, which is an online photo sharing site, and one of the larger ones. Jump on over to the Camera Finder section, and find the model by manufacturer. They have just about every model, as long as someone, at sometime, uploaded a picture with that camera. Then we can see if the colors are really bold, or simply oversaturated, before we plunk down our "one way cash" on that new camera that cannot be returned in most cases. Other features include the ability to see the most popular camera (Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi), or the most popular camera in a phone (Nokia N73).

Happy shopping!

Graphics Card Confusion

The one part of selecting parts for a computer that consistently confuses me is choosing the graphics card. I'm in the middle of finding the right one myself, and this is what a purchaser should keep in mind.

First of all, figure out your needs. Most of us do not need a $500 part, or a dual card setup. If you just want to step up from your integrated graphics for better DVD viewing, or so that Google Earth runs better, that ok, and you need a low end card. If you want to play some occasional games, but not at the highest settings, than a midrange card will do. Only the dedicated hard core gamers that want the ultimate gaming experience, or those that do serious video editing need to spend a ton on this.

Next, take a look at your system. Take the case apart, and see what is on your motherboard in terms of slots. Are you upgrading a graphics card, or adding one for the first time. Check out the slots you have available. If you have a free PCI-E slot, than this is the most preferred and offers the best performance in terms of available bandwidth. Older motherboards will use the AGP slot, which was replaced by PCI-E, but fret not as there are still cards made for this standard. On some computers, especially cheaper boxes from companies like HP there is not dedicated graphics slot, but a PCI solution can be considered although it has less available bandwidth so this should only be considered if it is the only option.

While we have the case open, there are two other things to check out. First, not that we've identified the slot we're going to use, check out how much room is available. Some of these cards are quite tall, and have fans that make them wide so they may not fit in a smaller case. Also, take note of the power supply wattage as many systems come with an anemic power supply and will not be up to powering a robust card.

Now that we know our needs, and where the card will be going, we can start to shop. Unfortunately, this is quite confusing. Basically, there are two cards manufacturers: ATI and nVidia. ATI makes their own cards, but nVidia only makes the chips, and third party makers put them on the boards. This is why there are so many nVidia boards out there; EVGA is the big name these days.

The cards are numbered. In the nVidia side of things, they get divided into generations for the last several years- 5,6,7,8, the higher number being a more recent series. Within each family, again, the higher number is the better card. For example, a 7600 card is better than a 7300 one, and these are both better than the 7100. However, not all the cards that carry the same number are the same exact part. While they will have the same graphics processor, they often vary in both the amount of RAM, and sometimes in the clock speed this is all running at as the manufacturers can do whatever they want with the chip that nVidia is supplying them.

Among the ATI cards, they don't have such a neat numbering scheme. Generally the higher number cards are the better part.

I find it frustrating that while there are tons of reviews of the higher end stuff, at the low end there is very little data out there. Manufacturers can make whatever claims they want, but it can be a serious crapshoot to know how much better a 7200 will be than a 7100, or whether a 7300 is equivalent to a 6600 or not. Still, if the only alternative is integrated graphics, than we'll pick the best card for our system and needs, and it will always be a step up. Happy shopping!

--Jonas

Making Sense of Digital Cameras

From the Bear Den...

It used to be so easy. You walked into a store, selected a camera from three or four choices, and you're all systems go take your photos! Now you go into a store to purchase a camera and there is a HUGE selection, with all kinds of options you never had to deal with in the past! Here are some helpful tips to help understand this digital photography technology.

Digital and Optical Zoom: Ignore digital zoom, it is pretty much worthless. Optical zoom ranges are what you need to look for. (Editor's note: I think of digital zoom as "in camera cropping.")

Batteries: The advantage of AA batteries is that you can run into a store and purchase batteries when you are traveling. Recall that battery technology has come a long way in the past few years; they stay charged longer and cost less. For everything you wanted to know about batteries and more, see here.

Memory cards: The 2 big memory formats are Secure Digital (SD) and Compact Flash (CF), although there is no shortage of other less common formats. The purpose is the same- storage space for your photos. What other equipment do you own and what memory formats do they support? If you'll be taking a lot of burst shots, you will want the fastest memory you can get (Ultra IV), but such speed comes at a premium price.

Along with strides in technology, we have to deal with new terms, options, specifications and designs. It’s not as hard as you may think. However it can be a bit overwhelming and frustrating if it’s all new to you. Let’s break down digital cameras into actual applications people would intend to use them for...


Ultra-Compact Cameras are the smallest cameras and are also referred to as Pocket Cameras. These cameras are very handy due to their small size. You can carry them in a pocket or purse and they are always there when you need them. Of course that is the reason they make camera phones right? In the past few years megapixels have increased and you can now find these camera’s in the 6 to 8 MP range. The big drawback is the optics in the lens suffers due to the small size. These cameras are fine for face or group photos, but you will not get a very big zoom range and landscapes will suffer due to the small aperture of the lens. Your photos will not produce the vast depth of field you would see in a camera with a larger lens.

Compact cameras are larger than the Ultra-Compacts. While these cameras may still be small enough to fit into your pocket, they tend to weigh more. One of the reasons for the increased weight is due to a larger lens. You will also see an increase in optical zoom ability to 3X or even 5X and also have more manual controls available.

Super Zoom cameras are not as large as Digital SLR’s cameras, but they are large enough that they are going to need to be carried in a camera case. These cameras offer great optical zoom capabilities of 10X or 12X and have a large lens that with produces a good depth of field. They will offer the user much more control over the camera. Options such as image stabilization will be required with a super zoom camera. These cameras are best suited for the traveler when you will be taking various photo subjects from portraits to landscapes to nature and wild animals.

Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras have really come down in price over the past few years and offer the photographer the most control and capture the best quality of photos. When you look through the viewfinder of a DSLR you are looking through actual lens. This camera is for the person that is going out “to take photos” or doesn't mind carrying a large camera on a trip. While they are the largest and weigh the most, you gain the capability of additional lenses for different applications. They also cost the most, but wow you will capture some really fantastic images!

So you can see that different cameras are really meant for different occasions and applications. Because of this, many people own more than one camera.

In closing….

Look at the occasions when you will want to take photos and you will easily determine what type of camera you are really going to use most often. This will make your choices fewer and easier for sure!

-Bear

This Is Suspicious...

I've been chronicling my attempt to buy a Philips 3575 hard drive TV recorder. After my failed Site To Store saga, my plan was to find a store in stock, and drive to the next county to get it. If I needed to take a trip, I supposed it would be worth it. Anyway, my order was canceled so I needed a plan "B," and this seemed the best way to get it.

I went on the Wal-Mart website to plan the attack. They have a feature that lets you see which stores have the item in stock, somewhat like Circuit City has had for years. Anyhow, the original store I was planning to go to is now out of it, but one even further away does apparently have stock. No biggie, I'll just use my GPS even though I have no idea where any of these stores are.

Getting to the point of this piece, I see that the price of the recorder has risen from $298 to $318. I know this is America, home of capitalism and the "all mighty dollar." Wal-Mart can charge whatever they want for this device as they are the only one selling it, so there's not exactly competition working here.

What's annoying me is this nagging feeling that my order was canceled last week, so they could raise the price this week. No one likes to feel like they are being shaken down for extra cash on the same item. The timing of this is just a little bit too close for my taste. Will the $20 be a deal breaker for me? Probably not, but as they say, it's not the amount, it's the principle.

--Jonas

Addendum: When I first researched this product, it was only available at Wal-Mart. Now, it turns out that Wally Mart does not have an exclusive on it. It can be purchased also from Amazon, J&R, and even directly from Philips. Wal-Mart is definitely price gouging and taking advantage of the situation as Amazon has it for $289, and the others $299 which sounds a lot more reasonable to me. Why was I driving to the next county again?

Site To Store To Nowhere

Here We Go Again!

I've been trying to get a new hard drive based recorder. I say trying because not only is my local Wal-Mart out of it, but only one store out of the twenty closest has "limited supplies." I found out that Wal-Mart has this new Site To Store plan. It works kind of like the old Sears catalog pickup. I order it online, they ship it to the store, and they send me an email when it is ready to be picked up. By sending it through the Wal-Mart distribution channel, they don't charge me shipping. They also claimed on the site to not charge my credit card until I pick up the item. Reportedly, if I don't pick it up, I don't get charged.

With the above in mind, I decided to give it a try. My order went through. Because it was shipped through the Wal-Mart distribution channel, there is no way to track the package like with UPS or FedEx. After a week of looking up my order, and it only saying "shipped," and never receiving the email to pick it up, I started to get curious. Make that impatient. After all, the Fall TV season is starting in two weeks. I wondered if maybe I had missed the email, or it hadn't gotten past the spam filter.

I copied down my order number, and headed to the store that the device was to be shipped to. At the desk was a pleasant woman, who offered to get some help. She called on a handheld radio, and I heard several of the associates say that they were doing something, and couldn't respond. On the 3rd request, an assistant manager did respond to the desk.

I explained the situation to the at least partially disgruntled woman. She took my order number, entered it into the system, and told me it was "returned." Huh?! I never received it, so how could I return it? She then told me that the item must have arrived at the store damaged, and it was returned for credit.

I then asked if they were getting me another one. I was told "No, there's a shortage of these." She then suggested that I put the order through again.

Then, this was the final shocker. She asked me for my credit card for the refund. Huh?? I thought I wasn't being charged for this? I was told that I had been charged when I placed the order, but they would take it off now.

I left wondering, empty handed mind you, that if I hadn't gone to the store, that the charge would have been on my credit card bill for an item never received!

Overall, I am completely dissatisfied with my Site to Store experience. Last night, I received a survey from them. I started to fill it out, but after 10 minutes of filling in dots of how the experience went, I gave up. I was hoping for a text box that I could explain it to the higher ups, but I decided to simply post it here instead. Maybe they'll get the message- then again, maybe not. Next time, I'll use Amazon.

If you've used Site to Store, feel free to share below.

--Jonas

Upcoming Tech Purchases

A few times a year, I take stock of the gear I have, and figure out what I'm going to be spending my moolah on technology wise. It's always a fun process, and there's always a few things (like a video camera) that I never quite get to year after year. While I'm not exactly the average consumer, I thought it would be worth sharing what I'll be in the market for over the rest of 2007.

Digital Camera- I bought my first and only digital camera back in 2001. It's an Epson 3100Z, and it has a 3.3 megapixel sensor. While it still works fine, it has two drawbacks. It has the shutter lag that plagued earlier models, and it doesn't fit in my pocket. As I can get a 7 to 8 megapixel model for around $150, and they are smaller, I'll be looking into this, and this will likely be my next purchase. Ideally, I'd eventually love both a compact point and shoot, as well as a digital SLR model to cover all of my photo needs.

Graphics Card- When I put together my Shuttle system, I left out the graphics card as there were some new models coming out. Even though I don't play any games, integrated graphics sucks too much processing horsepower that could be offloaded to a dedicated processor. I don't want to spend a lot on this, but even a lower end card I think should dial up the performance.

VCR Replacement- After months for digital tuners to arrive in recording devices, I'm ready to buy. While I wish there were more hard drive devices, I only need one. Before the Fall TV season starts, I should have this through the front door and wired up.

iPod- I've been close to buying one for some time, but I've been devoting funds elsewhere. If the sixth gen iPod comes out, and it looks good, I may devote the cash to it. I keep hoping that the capacity of the smaller video iPod will grow from 30 to 40 GB because then I'd have more than enough room. The larger 80 GB size is too expensive for what this is. Then again, if the Zune hits the capacity that I'm looking for with the next generation, I may still buy one of those. I guess it depends on what each of their new models look like, in the meantime, capacity aside, the SanDisk Sansa is a really great player.

All right, that's enough gear to acquire over the next six months. Unfortunately, yet again, the camcorder doesn't make the cut. I'm hoping for next year, but I've been thinking that for the last five plus years. I'll also be in the market for another desktop, a 20" to 23" LCD television, and a new phone next year, and who knows what else.

--Jonas

PS: Whew, I made it through a whole post without mentioning the iPhone...