Most gadgets are designed to make life simple but it is important for
potential users to choose only those that will be useful to them. Here are
some tips on doing that:

•Know what you want the gadget to do. In other words, don’t drool over a
gadget just because it’s the coolest thing. What primary function or
functions do you want the gadget to perform? For instance, don’t buy a
Blu-ray player just because it plays Blu-ray discs. All devices offer
secondary features and functions that will differentiate one model from
another. Decide what else you’d like the device to do, and you’ll be able to
map those functions to specific features.

•Ignore format wars. Plasma or LCD? Apple or Android? Windows or Mac?
Don’t be sidetracked by these rhetorical and academic questions. It’s not
“who,” it’s “what” – what do you want to do with the gadget? Make sure
your device of choice performs the functions you need it to perform in the
way you want them performed.

•Research online, the Internet is filled with advice.

•Once you have researched online, go to a store for some hands-on. You
can still buy online, but you want that tactile experience with your
prospective purchase first, especially in actual usage conditions. View TVs
in dark demonstration areas or rooms, stereo equipment in sound rooms
and bring along video or music you are familiar with for demo. Try to take
portable devices with screens outside to see how well you can see the
display in the sun. Most importantly, get your hands on both the gadget
and the remote control, if applicable. If you can’t figure out the operational
logic in a couple of minutes, move on.

•Don’t let the sales person control the sale. If he or she says something
incomprehensible like “It’s got extra quads,” ask “Why is that a good
thing? How does that help me?” “Explain this to me like I’m a four-year-
old.” Also, the sales person might try and steer you to what they’ve got in
stock rather than what you need. An unnatural emphasis on a specific
make and model should be a tip-off.

•Stick with the names you know. Yes, there are really good products
available from companies you’ve never heard from – but these are never
the cheapest products. Don’t recognise the brand offered for a bargain
price? Then that model is a must to avoid.

•Measure your storage space. Regardless of its size, you will store your
gadget purchase somewhere. Measure this space – height, width and
depth – and make sure your gadget will fit comfortably.

•Just Say No To Extended Warranty. Under no circumstances should you buy an extended warranty from a store.

Source: www.tech.lifegoesstrong.com