How to Buy A Printer
Picking the right printer can be tough, with so many variations in features, and individual printers with almost any possible combination of those variations available.
Before you run out to the store (or compare prices online), sit down and determine your needs. At that point, you will be in a better position to figure out what type of printer and what features match your needs.
Click below to read a roundup of the type of printers in the market. Good reading before making a purchase.
How to Buy A Printer – How to Buy a Printer | Roundup | PCMag.com.
What Your Kids Can Teach You About Tech
“The millennial generation has consumer technology figured out. They keep costs to a bare minimum while their parents pay hundreds of dollars a month for cellphone, cable or satellite TV, Internet services and other technology.” So states Karen Blumenthal in an article in the Wall Street Journal.
In her article, she suggests you consider whether you need a landline and why many people are just relying on their cell phone at home. For those of you that have a smartphone, make sure your data plan matches your usage.
Savings can also be realized by making sure you are using wireless technology, whether at home or on the road to access the Internet.
And finally, do you really need a TV?
To read her article click below:
Should You Be Upgrading To The Latest iPhone?
A great deal has been written about the new iPhones (5S and 5C). Should you consider upgrading or sticking with your current phone. If you have the iPhone 4 or 4S, the new phones offer a significant upgrade. If you have the iPhone 5, you might not be interested unless you are interested in some of the new features described in the articles below.
Here’s what Shelly Palmer has to say about the new phones.
iPhone 5s, 5c Release Reveals Apples True Direction.
For another analysis, click below to read what Walt Mossberg from the Wall Street Journal reports.
Walt Mossberg on the iPhone 5S
David Pogue in the New York Times outlines 3 lessons to be learned from the introduction of the new iPhones.
Tablets Are Expected to Outsell PCs in 4th Qtr 2013
Have you bought your first tablet yet? Hard to believe that the forecast is that more tablets will be sold during the holiday season than desktop and laptop computers.
Whether you are a Windows or Apple person, change is in the air.
To read the full article in the Digits Section of the Wall Street Journal, click below.
In First, Tablets Are Expected to Outsell PCs – Digits – WSJ.
Starting a New Business? Do You Have a Mobile Strategy?
Global sales of smartphones and tablets have surpassed those of conventional computers. According to a recent study by Deloitte, “global mobile traffic as a percentage of total Internet traffic is expected to reach nearly 20 percent by the end of this year—compared with less than 5 percent at the end of 2010.”
The same report indicates “The prospect of outsized returns from investments in mobile has attracted startups and venture capitalists. Some of these firms are placing big bets on mobile-only initiatives and investments. In fact, a quarter of the firms and projects in a survey of venture capitalist and startup incubators have built their strategies on mobile technology.“
If you are starting a new venture, regardless of the size of your company, your ability to be competitive will depend on the strength of your mobile program.
To read the entire article, click here or below.
The Best Laptops for College Students
PC Magazine just published its annual laptop guides for college students. While most students today are opting for the latest Mac, there are a host of Windows based alternatives available, particularly if price is a factor in your decision.
Remember, that before you invest in a new laptop, it is wise to check with the school to see if they have specific requirements. Many schools have repair centers that are only offered to students that purchase their computer through the school. On-site repair at your school will usually result in a much faster turn-around time instead of having to return it to the vendor.
A comparison of the PC Magazine’s recommended models is available by clicking on the link below.
Google’s Android Market Share Surge
According to an article in today’s Wall Street Journal, a recent report from IDC reports that Google’s Android global market share is now at 79%, up from 69% at the end of the last year. Apple’ s market share slipped to 13% while Blackberry, once the market leader, now stands at under 3%.
Steve Mollenkopf, president and operating chief of mobile chip giant Qualcomm Inc. is quoted in the article that “You are seeing tremendous growth in the developing world. Companies selling there are picking up Android and driving that.”
What does this mean for Apple and Blackberry? Read the complete article below.
Googles Android Seizes Smartphone Market – WSJ.com.
In a related article, AllThingsD’S, Ina Fried reports that Blackberry continues to lose more top level executives.
Are you Accessing Your Electronic Medical Records?
According to a report from researchers Aeffect Inc. and 88 Brand Partners, only 24% of consumers are accessing their electronic records. The same report indicates that about 80% of hospitals make this information available.
This is one area where consumers are reluctant to enter the digital age. The reason given is that most patient have no idea how to access this information.
We are living in a digital world and there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to obtain your EMR records. The next time you visit your doctor or a hospital, ask them whether or not they have access to this information, and if so, instructions on how you can get them.
Below is a link to the full article that appeared in today’s Wall Street Journal.
Electronic Medical Records Go Largely Unused: Survey – The CIO Report – WSJ.
How Are Your Texting Skills?
More people have found that making contact by texting is easier than calling.
Read the complete article below.
Why Millennials Chat and Text With Their Mothers From Work All Day – WSJ.com.
The open rate on texting is close to 100%. As for e-mail, it’s no secret that it might take hours or days to get an answer.
It’s not necessary to have a smartphone (iPhone, Android, or blackberry) to text. Although sending a text can be tedious on a basic cellphone, you have a better chance of reaching people than e-mailing or calling.
Running late for an appointment, need to ask a quick question, reach for your mobile phone and send a text!