Whether you are looking for cheap earphones that you can replace every few months or investing in a good set of earphones, there are some things to keep in mind before buying a new pair. While most of us depend on advice from our peers or online portals before making a decision, there is something more important to consider: what we expect from them so that we can be clear about our purchase.
Broadly, earphones can fall into three categories:
In-Ear: In-ear headphones (also known as in-ear monitors) are great for people on the go as these are handy and offer excellent sound quality. Most models today feature a True Wireless System (TWS), which allows for a wire-free experience. Their size makes them convenient to carry around.
On-Ear: On-ear headphones (or supra-aural headphones) are bigger but may not offer the best sound isolation due to their size.
Over-Ear: Over-the-ear headphones (also called circum-aural headphones) are comfortable to wear for a long period and offer excellent sound quality. Their only drawback is that they are much larger than the other two varieties, making them heavier in weight.
With in-ear headphones gaining immense popularity today, here are some things to consider before buying your next pair:
Battery life
Most wireless earphones offer a playback time of three to five hours, after which the earbuds need to be put back into their charging cases to recharge. The charging case is equipped with a battery that can top up the charge on your earphones three to four times. When buying a new pair, look closely at the specifications for battery life for the earbuds or AirPods, as well as the charging case, to check if they fit your needs.
Controls
Many wireless earbuds models feature control pads or buttons on the earpieces that let you attend/cancel phone calls, change volume, skip tracks, or issue voice commands. Some can even pause the music automatically when you take a bud out of your ear. Other options may not offer these features, meaning you will have to keep your phone at hand constantly. It is always advisable to pick a pair with responsive controls.
Noise cancellation
Some models offer a noise-cancellation feature that may help reduce or eliminate outside noise for a more immersive listening experience. Although this feature may drain the battery on your earphones more than usual, it is worth the purchase if you work in a noisy environment or have a long commute. Your earphone may also be equipped with a ‘hear-through’ feature that lets you mute the music to hear what someone else may be saying to you.
Volume
Not all earbuds operate in the same manner when it comes to volume. While some need to be turned up to their maximum volume to deliver ambient sound, others offer the same at 50-60% volume. If possible, try to check these products at an audio/tech shop so you can get a model with the best volume settings for you.
A great option to skip out those cables and listen to music hands-free are wireless earphones (also referred to as earbuds or AirPods). They are perfect companions while exercising or commuting.
AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
The new Apple AirPods Pro is an excellent choice if you are looking for quality wireless earphones. Launched on the 7th of September 2022, the new AirPods have an H2 chip, updated active noise cancellation and an adaptive transparency mode, improved audio quality, and battery life. The device also comes with a new extra small ear tip for a comfortable and rich music experience for everyone. In addition, users can enjoy Personalized Spatial Audio for a more immersive and customized music experience, with dynamic head tracking across the Apple universe. The new AirPods Pro also features new touch controls with media playback and volume controls right from the stem and a revamped charging case with its built-in speaker, all for a launch price of $249.
The last major sales event of the year is Cyber Monday, so if you have missed the Black Friday sales, you can still shop for the best deals. This year, Cyber Monday is on November 28th. And it is worth paying attention to the deals if you consider investing in the latest tech. As there is still time for Cyber Monday, here is a look at the best tech sales of last year.
Smartwatches
Look out for Cyber Monday deals on these smartwatches:
Apple Watch 7 series
Retailing at $399, Amazon offered the Apple Watch 7 (GPS/41mm) for $379. The Apple Watch 7 (GPS/LTE 41mm) was also available at a discount of $20 and might be on sale for $479.
Apple Watch SE
One of the best wearables you can get hold of on a budget is the Apple Watch SE. On Amazon, you could buy the Amazon Watch SE at $60 off its regular price of $220.
Fitbit Sense
Available at a massively discounted price of $190 against its original price of $300, this deal was perfect for fitness lovers. The smartwatch comes with free six-month membership to Fitbit Premium.
Laptops
Here are three laptops that you shouldn’t miss when the sale starts:
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
This Core i3 model with a 12.3-inch Touch screen comes with 4GB memory and 128GB storage. You could get the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 on sale at BestBuy for $599 instead of the retail tag of $959.
HP Envy 17
You could save $450 on the HP Envy 17 laptop. This sleek and powerful laptop has a 17.3-inch display, 8 GB RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. Originally priced at $1099, you could have got it for $649.
Apple MacBook Air M1
The 256GB MacBook Air is among the best laptops to get your hands on this holiday season. This 13.3-inch IPS Retina display laptop was available at a discount of $100.
Headphones
If you’re a music lover, watch out for deals on these amazing headphones:
Sony WH-1000XM4
This headphone from Sony, providing immersive sound and multi-device connectivity, was on sale at both Amazon and Best Buy for $248. You could enjoy $100 off and groove to your favorite music.
Bose QuietComfort 45
Amazon and BestBuy offered Bose headphones – QuietComfort 45 at a price drop. At a discount of $50, you could get the headphones for $279.
Smartphone
Cyber Monday is the day for buying smartphones, such as
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
This foldable smartphone from Samsung was available on sale for $850. Along with this smartphone, you could also get a pair of Galaxy Buds 2 for free.
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
Retailing at $700, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE was available for $655 as part of the Cyber Monday sale last year. Grab a solid smartphone this holiday season.
One Plus 9
This feature-packed smartphone from One Plus was on sale for $589, available at a discount of more than $100, keep an eye out for it this year too.
Google Pixel 6
Google Pixel 6 was more affordable than ever during the Cyber Monday sale last year. Originally priced at $599, you could grab this smartphone for $499.
Tablets
These tablets are expected to be surprisingly cheaper on Cyber Monday:
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus featured a 12.4-inch touchscreen and was on sale for a discounted price of $699 at Amazon. The 11-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 was offered for $499, and both tablets have long battery life and support S Pen.
iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2021
The Apple iPad Pro retailing at $1099, usually goes out of stock soon. You could save $100 on this 12.9-inch tablet with Apple’s M1 chip.
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro
A powerful Android Tablet, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro has an 11-inch display and a large battery ideal for both work and play.
Television
TV deals dominate Cyber Monday, and here are the ones to consider this year:
Hisense 58-inch 4K Roku TV
This deal is one of the cheapest for a 58-inch TV from Hisense. This 4K Roku TV was on sale for $338 at Walmart, compared to the retail price of $426.
Samsung 50-inch Crystal 4K TV
This TV was part of Samsung’s 2021 lineup of Crystal TVs. You could get it during the Cyber Monday sale for $479, saving $90.
TCL 55-inch 4K QLED Roku TV
With a savings of $450, this TV is an excellent option for those on a budget. Originally priced at $999, you could get this 4K QLED Roku TV for $549.
Speakers
If you’re looking for deals on speakers, these two are your best options:
Google Nest Mini
This smart speaker was offered at a massive discount on Cyber Monday and was available for $24.99 against its regular price of $49.99.
Apple HomePod mini
Apple HomePod mini was at a price drop of $10 to $89. This Siri-enabled HomePod mini boasts an impressive audio quality and is a good buy for music lovers.
It is time to snag great prices on the best tech deals for Cyber Monday 2022. The best deals tend to sell out fast, so take prompt action before it is too late.
Buying a new computer can be incredibly expensive, given the significant investment it requires. Also, the amount of choice available in terms of prices and configuration can make the whole process of buying a new device very overwhelming. Shoppers often make mistakes when buying a new computer, especially those who are less tech-savvy. In this article, we’ve listed a few common mistakes you can avoid when buying a new computer.
Purchasing a computer that does not meet your needs
Before buying a computer, it is important to determine your needs, whether you want to use it for home, work, or gaming. There is no reason to buy a computer with tons of RAM if you are not going to use it for heavy workloads or gaming. Shoppers often spend more money on features that they do not need. Before buying, you must list all the features you need and purchase the best one that meets your needs.
Not thinking about other costs
If you buy a gaming computer, be aware of what is included in your purchase. Most computer software is accessible on a trial basis, and you would need to pay after the trial period ends. It is best to look for deals where software is included in the price to help save money. For example – many computers come standard with Windows 10. Again, shoppers often forget to buy antivirus software, a must-have when buying a computer. Some computers may come with a 90-day free virus scanner; if you want to use it, it is best to purchase the updated software.
Paying for an extended warranty
Most computers come with a 1-year warranty, and it is better to skip the extended warranty when buying a new computer. Extended warranties are available for a fee, and companies profit significantly from them. It is not worth buying an extended warranty because the chances of needing a repair in a new computer are very low. Also, even if something happens, the cost of repairs will be less than the cost of an extended warranty.
Spending too little or too much
Many shoppers tend to underspend and later regret it as it is likely to have fewer features than they need. There are many computers on the market, giving you many options to select from. With some research, you can easily find a computer that offers the best value for your money. You can probably opt for something inexpensive if you need a computer for basic tasks. But hardcore gamers may need a pricier computer with the latest processor and large storage. Instead of buying immediately and paying a lot, browse through dozens of websites and find promotional offers from time to time.
Not buying the right OS for your needs
There are several operating systems to choose from when buying a computer, including Windows, Linux, macOS, and Chrome OS. Each has its advantages, and you must decide which one you want depending on your needs. Many shoppers often end up with macOS despite being a power user resulting in headaches later. macOS is usually best for those who want a computer for basic tasks, while Windows is a better choice for any other work.
Focusing on only the processor
Though choosing a suitable processor is very important, other factors should also be considered while buying a computer. This includes clock speed, thermal design power, cache size, and the brand- Intel or AMD. For example, an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 will work well for a casual user as each has 6 cores and 65-watt TDP. For a gamer, an Intel Core i7 or i9 or AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 would be a go-to choice. They have eight cores and offer great single-thread and multi-thread performance for ultimate gaming performance.
When buying a new computer, thoroughly research the available options, and choose the one with enough memory and processing speed ideal for your needs.