It’s hard to stay on top of the latest technological advancements, especially if you don’t have a lot of money to spend on every updated product. With the onslaught of new cell phones, tablets, computers, and other popular electronics, yours might seem outdated just weeks or even days after you buy it. However, following a few tips can help keep your technology up-to-date.
Watch for Upgrades
Image via Flickr by Yutaka Tsutano
Technology typically becomes outdated when the manufacturer comes out with a newer version. These products will have updated software, faster processors, and newer features. It can get frustrating to save up for a new product, only to have it replaced by a newer, smaller, and faster version. However, many electronic manufacturers offer software upgrades to older models, so it is much cheaper and easier to install the updates instead of buying a new product each time.
Look for Other Support Methods
Another reason that products become out-of-date is because manufacturers simply stop offering support for older items. Some might think that older products are easier to use, but many of the latest technologies are becoming more user-friendly to appeal to larger audiences. Additionally, many of the product manuals for products are available online, along with forums where current users share their experiences and tips to keep the products running smoothly.
Consider the Options
The concept of technology becoming obsolete is an interesting one, since it is in the eye of the beholder. For some, the speed and operating system on their first generation iPad is fast enough for their needs. Apple puts out frequent software updates, which helps the item to run newer applications at faster speeds. However, those who are always on the tip of the technology curve will want the latest and fastest items, since they might feel frustrated with a product that won’t run certain programs, or crashes often.
Faster Connection
Even the latest products will run poorly on a slow internet connection. Sometimes, simply upgrading to a faster connection speed, like the kind offered by Clearwire coverage, can fix problems with technology. Updating to a faster companywill help to reduce some of these issues.
Mobile Phone Updates
Cell phones are a tough item to replace often, since most contracts offer upgrade discounts only once every year or two. Since Smartphone prices keep rising, it can cost upwards of $500 to upgrade to the latest phone without the upgrade discount. However, the top phone manufacturers offer frequent updates to their operating systems, which can help to improve speeds drastically.
Check the Features
Another good tip to consider before upgrading expensive technological products is whether the updated item is worth the added expense. Sometimes, top manufacturers release products that have minimal changes to the earlier model, which is often not worth it. Since technology changes so quickly, many people believe that their product will immediately become obsolete once it leaves the shelf. Some stores are now offering return credit towards newer product purchases for those who want to upgrade, without paying full retail price every time.
Make Sure It’s Worth the Cost
Those who analyze the benefits might just find that the upgrades and other options offered by the manufacturer are more cost-effective and offer similar benefits to purchasing every new product when it comes out.
Resources:
- http://www.avnetwork.com/columns/0020/the-beauty-of-becoming-obsolete/89620
- http://techdusts.com/2012/01/22/top-ten-soon-to-be-obsolete-technologies/
Author Bio: Vikki graduated from the University of Florida in 2012 and works as a freelance writer and graphic designer. In her free time, she loves to travel the world, learn different languages, attempt the random DIY projects she finds on Pinterest, and snap photos of everything!