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Navigating the New Technology Landscape: Why is This Model Better Than That One?

I realize the new technology learning curve is constantly evolving, but sometimes we forget to ask an obvious question.

I bit the bullet a few weeks ago and went shopping for a tablet. I decided my smart phone was fine for many purposes, but I was finally able to justify getting a tablet to watch videos and read articles without torturing my eyes.  The print seems to get finer as I grow older.  I don’t need my technology to constantly remind me about that.

Reading consumer reviews about the different makes and models only served to confuse me.

Online reviews were numerous but not very specific.  Customer reviews were based largely on brand preference and price – not performance.

Just when I thought I knew what I wanted, I went to a retailer to check it out, I was told “That model isn’t as good as the others.”

As I continued my research, it seemed that I was getting closer to finding the best device at the right price when tech-smart employees told me “I personally prefer the XYZ with the 10 inch screen.”  I figured I could make a decision with a few more visits to stores for the recommendations of employees who use these devices.

I have been working with computers since 1995, and realize the learning curve is constantly evolving.  However, I only started to understand which model and brand would be appropriate for me once I asked what seemed an obvious question: “Why do you prefer this particular device?”

The answers were revealing.   One clerk said his choice was because of brand loyalty.  Another said his store had a great price on a particular model and that’s what drove his decision.  The last one I asked showed me the difference between my two top choices and explained that one of them had a lot of storage space, but the other model’s screen was less jerky and the model was faster than the others.  He showed me and I agreed.

It’s a lot easier to choose a dessert in a restaurant.  If you ask a waiter or waitress which is their favorite, one might recommend the peanut butter cupcake because they love peanut butter.  Another might steer you towards the chocolate cake because of their love of chocolate.  However, when we as consumers tread on unfamiliar territory, it is important to understand the details of why a product or service is better, and in the case of home improvements, why one design is different than the others, and why it is best choice.

-Submitted by Howard Schwartz, Executive Communications Director Connecticut Better Business Bureau

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Isabel Etkind February 16, 2013 at 06:09 am
A question that you should ask is if they work on commission or partial commission because in that case their income is tied to the amount that they sell.
This candeprivesthe shopper of discounts,sales items or even manufacturer promotions. The only way to know for sure is to do your own research before going to the store. The functions of all the computer components(what they do,why they are important and even the recommendations for minimum sizes and/or amounts) is readily available on the Internet. It is also important to determine what the main function of the computer,tablet,phone etc will be. If you are not carrying a computer around much why pay for the ultra-portable extremely light design because in most cases you lose at the very least some memory and hard drive space. If you ask a sales person they are going to try to sell you the most expensive item with at least one or more additional items. These sales people do not know you, how you use the computer or what features are most important to you. Take the time to review the computers available at all price points, the differences between them and what a reliable reviewer like "Consumer Reports" recommends. The more expensive computers generally contain better made components, higher quality speakers and screens and bigger hard drives and more memory. However sometimes a midrange or low end priced computer will provide everything many users need.
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Creeky June 18, 2013 at 08:46 pm
FHA Exposed, you can rest. She turned herself in:Read More http://www.justice.gov/usao/ct/Press2013/20130604.html If you are looking for some comeuppance for those that kept this quiet, and handled what they could out of the public's eye, I wish you success in your endeavors, and the best of luck--I think you'll need it.
Thomas Paine June 18, 2013 at 10:21 pm
Creeky - For a dead guy, I try to keep busy: http://wilton.patch.com/blogs/thomas-paines-blog
Creeky June 18, 2013 at 10:59 pm
Thomas, you certainly do. I enjoyed "Outside the Box."
Creeky June 18, 2013 at 09:34 pm
Atticus, Ralph Arnone is next scheduled to appear in court on July 1st, at which point he isRead More expected to enter a plea. As an aside, one isn't supposed to go to bed and wake up still angry at the same thing, day in, day out, week in, week out, month in, month out... I'm not trying to give you a hard time. I care deeply about firefighters and I'm genuinely concerned about you. You were exposed to a lot of chemicals in your career. You may have some endocrine system damage or something causing an electrolyte disorder. This stuff starts out with things like joint pain and minor psychological implications but, it gets much, much worse. Get to the doc. Maybe you're just a spicy guy, maybe Ralph hurt you in some terrible way, or maybe you are sick and as a result, you'll be facing a much shortened a painful life. Honestly, I'm not trying to give you a hard time or pick a fight.
Atticus Fich June 19, 2013 at 06:01 am
Well thanks for your concern Creeky. But at my age I cant say I have lived a shorten life. As forRead More chemicals...well as most of the posters here on this rag say, firemen do nothing 99.9% of the day so I guess the on chemical exposure would be to the big comfy leather chairs in the dayroom. Why do you care anyway Creeky? In your previous posts about me you said, don't feed to trolls. You are not honest Creeky. Take your fake concern and false "honesty" and waste it on someone else. Not trying to give you a hard time, those are your comments about me. Where did you get the info on Ralphy?
Creeky June 19, 2013 at 08:05 am
Atticus, review your own posts. It isn't trolling. It's a vendetta. If you think I'm dishonest,Read More fine. I'm not going to try to speak rationally with someone whom is irrational. Why do I care? Because I've seen how much care fireman are capable of, and how much they give of themselves. It's respect and karma. As far as where I got the info, it's publicly available. If you wanted my help in how to find it yourself, perhaps you shouldn't have attacked my character. You are on your own now.