Author: Cameron

Galaxy Watch Active 2: True Apple Watch Competition?

Samsung’s forays into wearable tech have been met with scattered success. However, until now, they’ve been playing second-fiddle to the Apple Watch on some features, like ECG and fitness tracking. Samsung looks to correct that with the Galaxy Watch Active 2, their second smartwatch this year. Let’s take a look at the newest wearable from the Korean manufacturer.

Galaxy Watch Active 2

Design

When you’re wearing a piece of technology as a part of your wardrobe, it’s important that it has a strong design and looks fashionable. Thankfully, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a smart and stylish little watch, sporting a few appearance options and an attractive, round face. The watch comes in a few colors, ranging from silver, black, gold and “lily gold,” as well as with options for either aluminum frame or stainless-steel frame.

Also, the choice of frame dictates which type of band you get. The aluminum frame sports rubber straps for the band, while the stainless-steel frame has a leather band. The face can be purchased in either 40mm or 44mm, depending on your preference and wrist size. The 40mm watch face retails for $280, while the 44mm goes for $300.

Health Features

One of the biggest draws for the Apple Watch Series 4 last year was its medically-certified ECG that can detect arrythmia of the heart. Samsung promises that the Active 2 sports ECG technology as well, though it has yet to be officially certified like Apple’s. This does mean that the ECG won’t be online right away, but it could likely be activated later after the feature is reviewed by medical professionals.

Another health upgrade comes in the form of the heart rate-sensing LEDs. While the previous Active sported only 4 LEDs for detecting your heart rate, the Active 2 will be sporting a full 8. This means that it will likely detect heart rate more accurately, and will be able to pick up finer gradations of rate change. This is great for those who want to track their activity and keep up with their fitness.

Software

Instead of Wear OS, Google’s open operating system for wearable tech, the Active 2 runs on Tizen, which is Samsung’s proprietary watch operating system. A number of new software features will be on display with the Active 2. For instance, Google Translate will be baked into the watch, which is a welcome addition. Similarly, apps like Spotify won’t require you to sign in again if you’re already signed in on a paired smartphone.

A fun and unique software addition called “My Style” offers a unique new way to find great watch faces. This feature allows you to take a picture of your clothing and have the watch create a custom face to match. This is great for style-conscious users who want to make sure their tie and watch match! We love the round face and stylish appearance of the Active 2, and “My Style” gives it yet another wonderful fashion application.

Other New Features

Another new feature that we love is the return of the spinning outer bezel for accessing apps and controlling the watch. This was present on the older line of Galaxy watches but disappeared on the Active. The one present on the Active 2 isn’t actually a physical spinning bezel, but is instead a haptic feedback response that feels great.

An LTE model will be made available, though we don’t yet know what the pricing info on that model will be. The LTE model will allow you to make phone calls, send messages, stream music and even watch YouTube videos all from your wrist without needing your phone nearby. All in all, we’re excited to see the Active 2 hit the market, as it will likely prove an excellent competitor for Apple’s Watch line.

August 5, 2019
Should Samsung Fans Get the Galaxy Fold or the Note 10?

Samsung fans have a busy end-of-year ahead of them. If you love your Samsung phones and you’re looking to keep up with the hottest new technology, there are two phones vying for your attention. The first is the Note 10, the newest iteration of the popular phablet line of Android smartphones. The second is the revolutionary folding Samsung Galaxy Fold. Which should you buy?

Galaxy Fold vs Note 10

Price Point

It’s important to start with the price point, as these phones are dramatically different in base price. The Note line of smartphones typically retails for around $1,000, while the Samsung Galaxy Fold will retail starting just under $2,000. This means that fans looking for a more traditional phablet may stick with the Note 10, while those looking for the most cutting-edge offering from Samsung will look to the Galaxy Fold.

Galaxy Fold Issues

If you remember hearing about the Fold a while back, there’s a reason for that. It was meant to launch in April, and even went up for pre-order then. The Galaxy Fold was delayed to address some issues with the screen and hinge that cropped up with review devices. A few issues like screen failures, bulges from debris working under the screen and an odd issue with a film that could be removed from the screen, have been directly addressed by Samsung.

Now, the device is set to launch by the end of September, putting its launch date right alongside the Note 10’s likely launch. It’ll also be going head-to-head with Apple’s newest offerings, meaning that competition in the already-crowded premium smartphone market will be intense.

Note’s Odd Position

When the first Galaxy Note was released in 2011, its 5.3-inch screen was massive compared to the competition. However, most smartphone manufacturers now make “plus” or “max” versions of their phones that sport screens as large as 7.2 inches for the Huawei Mate 20 X. Ironically, even the Galaxy S10 has a Plus model with a screen roughly the same size as the recent Note handsets.

When Samsung unveils more details about the Note 10 on Wednesday, we’ll find out where the screen size falls on this spectrum. However, for those truly invested in having a huge screen for all their entertainment and browsing, the Note isn’t exactly the king anymore. That title goes to the absolutely massive screen on the Galaxy Fold.

Folding Innovation

The entire purpose of the Note when it was first unveiled was to bridge the gap between tablets and smartphones by offering a compromise. A tablet small enough to fit into your pocket, or a phone big enough to compete with tablets; whichever way you want to look at it, this was the market purpose of the Note. However, new technology makes a much more interesting compromise possible.

The Fold’s screen is made of a unique plastic that folds up and bends when you close the device. This allows it to have a massive, tablet-like screen when you’re using it, but then folds down to a manageable smartphone size when you’re not using it. This means it’s literally a tablet that will fit in your pocket. However, will this convenience be worth $2,000 for Samsung fans?

Bottom Line

If you want to stick with the tried-and-true Note style, complete with S Pen functionality and the same form factor you know and love, the Note 10 will be a good pick for you. It’ll likely retail for around $1,000, which isn’t cheap, but it’s a far cry from the Fold’s $2,000 asking price. Meanwhile, if you want to be on the cutting edge of Samsung’s newest tech, the Galaxy Fold offers an exciting new form factor and could be a glimpse into the future of smartphones.

August 5, 2019
Google Home vs Amazon Echo: Which Smart Home Hub is the Best?

If you’re considering jumping into the world of smart home devices, then your first big decision is which hub you want to go with. While Apple offers a hub through their HomePod, the Siri-powered device is much more expensive and limited in features than Amazon and Google’s offerings, respectively. Between the two smart home juggernauts, which is the best for outfitting your home?

Google Home vs Amazon Echo

Smart Hub Overview

A smart hub is a device that coordinates all of your smart home devices. Typically, these hubs are also “smart speakers.” This means that they’re capable of music playback, and both Google and Amazon’s smart speakers contain virtual assistants that help you use your smart home features. For example, if you want to listen to a song, you can use voice commands to ask the virtual assistant to play it for you.

The other major use of a smart home hub is calling on the virtual assistant to perform smart home tasks. This could include turning on smart lights, preheating smart ovens or tuning smart thermostats. All of these functions are controlled by voice commands, making them very satisfying for tech fans and very helpful for busy professionals. If you need to know what the traffic report is, you can ask your virtual assistant. If you want to lock your front door with a smart lock, tell your virtual assistant.

Google Home

Google Home is a bit newer to the market than Amazon’s Echo devices, but it quickly made up for lost time. Distinct from Amazon’s device in a few ways, the Google Home Mini is a great intro smart speaker for people looking to get into the smart home world. Google Assistant, the virtual assistant that powers the device, has a warm and conversational voice, and sounds only slightly robotic. It’s capable of controlling a wide variety of smart devices from many different manufacturers.

Notably, Google’s Pixel phones can be used as Google Home devices when paired with smart home technology you have. As such, if you have a Google Pixel, you essentially already have a Google Home device. The Google Assistant that is on Pixel phones is the same software that is housed in Google Home speakers. If you’re already in Google’s ecosystem with devices like Google Wi-Fi, Google Pixel or the like, then Google Home is a great choice for you.

Amazon Echo

The originator of the current smart speaker market, Amazon’s Echo devices hold the largest market share. They’re the most “generic” of the smart speakers you’ll find in stores and offer a wide variety of compatible smart home devices. Alexa, the virtual assistant that powers the Echo, is a very flexible and easy-to-use software. It responds quickly and accurately to a number of commands and can usually decipher even thick accents.

The Echo Dot is priced similarly to the Google Home Mini, and the two are of comparable usefulness in everyday scenarios. In fact, the two devices are so similar that it’s hard to recommend one over the other. The main differences between the two is the performance of the virtual assistant. Google’s is a bit more robotic and colder, while Alexa is a bit livelier.

Bottom Line

Both Google Home and Amazon Echo are fine platforms for smart home hubs. If you like the idea of using a Google-based ecosystem for your home, of course, the Google Home is ideal for you. However, if you would rather have a more general and widely-applicable virtual assistant, the Amazon Echo is a bit more flexible. Both are excellent devices in the same price range, however, so it really comes down to personal preference.

August 2, 2019
Getting the Most for Your Old Smartphone: Smart Selling Tips

When you purchase a cell phone, it begins to depreciate in value rather rapidly. This is somewhat like what happens to brand-new cars. The resale value of phones and new cars both drops dramatically as soon as you begin using either of them. In the case of phones, we’ve got some tips for ways you can keep this depreciation to a minimum. This way, when you go to sell your phone, you get the most you possibly can for it.

Smartphone Selling Tips

Phone Case

Get a phone case as soon as you purchase a new phone. Make sure that as soon as you open the box you’ve got the phone in the case. Carrying the phone around without a case for any length of time is a surefire way to have the phone get cracked or scuffed when you inevitably drop it. Yes, we understand that many modern smartphones are gorgeous and feel great in the hand. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a case.

Your phone’s case is its first line of defense against being out in the world. Dropping it, banging it into things and scratching it can all be ways to reduce your phone’s value. One you’ve got a case on it, don’t stop there: unless the case is a full-enclosure that covers the screen, you need a screen protector. This acts as a second screen, protecting the actual screen from scratches and cracks. Ideally, you should grab a glass screen protector, as they’re more durable and can absorb more shock than plastic covers.

Original Packaging

When you get a new phone, don’t discard the original packaging. Set it carefully to one side, and keep as much of the original material that came with it as you can. When you go to resell the phone after you’re ready to upgrade, you’re going to want to have this stuff on hand. The same goes for the original charger and headphones that come with the phone.

This is because you get the most money from your old phone by selling it yourself on Craigslist or eBay. Instead of selling it to your phone carrier, selling it to a private individual allows you to set the price to whatever you think is fair. Then, by including the original packaging, headphones and charger, you can charge a good bit more than other sellers who are just selling the handset. You could even include the case and screen protector as part of the price, too.

Clean it Up

No one wants to buy a grungy old handset. This is another huge plus to having a case: typically, your phone’s case will keep the handset from getting too dirty. However, if you intend to sell the phone and its case, both need to look pristine. There are a number of ways to safely clean electronics, so make sure you clean your phone carefully. Don’t use dish soap or harsh cleaners: specialized electronic cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth are what you’re looking for.

Repairing the Screen

Do a bit of research if the screen of your phone is cracked. If you find that people selling the phone with a cracked screen are fetching a much lower price than a pristine phone, you need to look into repairing the screen. Find out whether it’s more expensive to get the screen repaired than the difference in price the phone would fetch.
For instance, if people are selling the same phone as you for $500 used, but phones of the same model with a crack are selling for only $400, then an $80 screen repair nets you an extra $20. We’d call that a good value.

August 2, 2019
Wi-Fi 6: Should You Upgrade Now, or Wait?

The newest certification of Wi-Fi speeds, Wi-Fi 6, is now a reality. Next-generation routers like the Netgear Nighthawk AX12 are capable of speeds up to thirty percent faster than the top-of-the-line Wi-Fi 5 routers that are the current standard. What does this mean for the average consumer? Is it time to upgrade, or will your existing router be good for a while longer? Let’s take a closer look.

Wi-Fi 6

How Fast is it?

The first question that needs to be asked of the new wireless standard is “just how fast is it?” Unsurprisingly, the answer is that it’s absurdly fast. In preliminary testing, Wi-Fi 6 routers have shown themselves capable of speeds pushing 1.2 gigabits per second. This means that the newest wave of routers would have the transfer speeds required to allow for incredibly smooth streaming video and games, as well as download speeds that sound unreal.

At present, the fastest Wi-Fi 5 rated routers aren’t capable of pushing 1 gigabit of speed. This means that anyone with a direct fiber internet connection capable of putting out a gig of speed aren’t able to get all of the speed they’re paying for! As such, if you’re already paying for fiber speeds, it might be time to consider upgrading to the cutting edge of routers.

What This Means

This new Wi-Fi certification means more than just blisteringly fast speeds. Thanks to the increased power offered by the new standard, public Wi-Fi will likely get better in the coming months and years. Wi-Fi 6 routers can cover a much broader area than their Wi-Fi 5 cousins, and they can also connect to more devices at once without compromising speeds.

Notably, Wi-Fi 6 routers are backward-compatible with Wi-Fi 5 devices. This means, essentially, every device you own that can use a Wi-Fi connection, from your phone to your tablet to your laptop. However, most devices that are rated for Wi-Fi 5 won’t be able to take full advantage of the speeds offered by Wi-Fi 6. That said, the routers themselves will be able to service more devices at once, meaning they’ll be useful even for older devices.

High-Speed Internet

One of the most important things to keep in mind when you consider router transfer speeds is that they’re only one link in a chain. Think of it like being on an assembly line making widgets. If you can make thirty widgets in a minute, that’s great! However, if the person to your left, who hands you completed wodgets to make into widgets, can only make ten wodgets in a minute, then you’re bottlenecked. As such, you can only make as many as the slowest person in the chain.

The same thing occurs with Wi-Fi routers. Even if you had a brand-new Wi-Fi 6 router capable of transferring data at over a gigabit per second, that wouldn’t do you any good if your ISP is only sending you speeds at 100mbps. As such, most houses that are getting the average internet speed actually aren’t going to be interested in the newest Wi-Fi 6 routers right away. That is, of course, unless they want to future proof.

Future Proofing

In the years to come, it’s expected that average internet speeds will continue to rise steadily. As direct fiber connections become more common, speeds exceeding one gig will become the norm. This means that in the next few years, it’s likely that most Wi-Fi 5 routers will become outdated and unable to keep up with average transfer speeds.

In short, that means that most homes won’t need a Wi-Fi 6 router right away. However, if you already get fiber internet speeds, you might see a bump in your Wi-Fi speeds with these new routers. Similarly, if you want to future-proof your home for the coming increases in internet speeds, you could opt for a Wi-Fi 6 router now. In either case, you’ll be picking up one of these new routers sooner or later as Internet speeds increase across the board.

August 2, 2019
Samsung Still Makes Tablets? Galaxy Tab S6 Review

Believe it or not, Samsung still makes tablets. The newest Galaxy tablet, the Tab S6, offers a number of exciting new features to differentiate itself from the pack. While general interest in tablets may be down, Samsung seems to want to change that.

While tablets were all the rage in 2013, the interest in them has cooled notably in the past few years. More and more phones are getting huge screens, while laptops are getting smaller, lighter and more affordable. Tablets are just being squeezed from too many directions. However, the Galaxy Tab S6 is here to prove that there’s still innovation to be found in the world of tablets.

Under the Hood

As you’d expect from any premium tablet, this thing is a beast in terms of processing power and overall strength. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 powers the device, allowing it some serious chops when it comes to rendering graphics, multitasking and playing games. In general, if you’re looking for the strongest Android tablet on the market, the Tab S6 has you covered.

The screen is a huge, gorgeous AMOLED, coming in at 10.5 inches and sporting bright, vibrant colors. Much like the Galaxy S10, the screen is so crisp and clear that it gives you plenty of real estate to appreciate just how good the excellent camera on the device is. Quad speakers on the Tab S6 offer a ton of sound quality, creating a sonic landscape that is encompassing and deep without even needing headphones.

New Features

The S Pen that works with the tablet is great, as usual. It’s tremendously useful for productivity tasks, taking notes and thumbing through presentation slides. It’s also useful as a long-range camera shutter, allowing you to take pictures from your tablet even if you’re across the room from it. The strong magnets in the back of the Tab S6 allow you to slap the S Pen on there to get a charge. About ten minutes of charge should get you through a day of use, according to Samsung.

The Book Cover Keyboard accessory makes the Tab S6 feel almost like an Android-powered laptop. It’s stellar for productivity, allowing you to use your tablet like a powerful, small computer for tasks like composing emails or writing essays. Combined with the excelled DeX desktop interface that comes with this version of Android, and you’ve got a very powerful, versatile device.

DeX has mouse support, and, as such, the new Book Cover Keyboard has a trackpad. This allows you to use the Tab S6 essentially just like a laptop. Unlike most two-in-ones, which are laptops pretending to be tablets, the Tab S6 is actually a tablet doing a good laptop impersonation. While it won’t be replacing your MacBook for editing videos, it’s a great device for people who need to tackle everyday tasks.

Other Goodies

Thanks to the super-powerful processor running under the hood, the Tab S6 seems positioned to be a strong mobile gaming platform. Thanks to a partnership with Discord, Android promises you’ll be able to use the Game Launcher overlay to chat with your friends even while you’re gaming. The high resolution display and powerful processor have the Tab S6 well-suited to even the most demanding of Android games on the App Store. Simply put, this thing could crush some Fortnite.

The on-screen fingerprint scanner and USB-C compatibility are just icing on the cake. The tablet comes in a variety of colors, including gray and blue, and will retail starting at $650. It comes with the S Pen, but the Book Cover Keyboard is an extra $180. Later this year, Samsung promises to launch a version of the Tab S6 with LTE built-in.

August 1, 2019
Is $1000 too Much for a Smartphone? Price Trends

In the last few years, we’ve seen premium smartphone prices get a little out of control. When Apple unveiled the iPhone X and the public found out it would cost a cool $1,000, people were a little shocked. Likewise, when the Samsung Galaxy S9 was announced to be at that same price point, people were concerned about the trajectory of smartphone prices.

The latest move in this direction has been the absurd asking price for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Fold. The super-premium smartphone will retail for nearly $2,000, making it twice as expensive as the line that many feel is too high for smartphones. In addition to this, smartphone sales are lagging across the board. What does this mean for the industry?

Sales Trends

Apple has been posting consistently slumping sales for the iPhone line. This isn’t due to the quality of the phones: ostensibly, the iPhone XS is the best iPhone ever. The XR, it’s less-expensive cousin, has sold far better, though, despite having notably weaker hardware under the hood. This is because it costs a solid $250 less. It seems consumers don’t mind shelling out $750 on the high end, but $1,000 is simply unreasonable for the average consumer.

Samsung has experienced similar sales trends. Their tremendously expensive Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S10 handsets have sold poorly when compared to their predecessors, though Samsung’s A-series of more budget-friendly phones has sold incredibly well. If this has taught phone manufacturers anything, it’s that less-expensive phones are the preferred type in the modern landscape. But why is that?

Stronger Phones, Longer Lifespans

There was a point in time when people would trade their phones out for the newest model once every two years or so. This cycle was so consistent that manufacturers literally had strong years and weak years to incentivize it. Today, though, the average consumer is waiting three years or more before they trade their phone up for a new one. Phones aren’t just more expensive, they’re better across the board than in the past.

In general, smartphones are better now than ever before. Crisp screens, unbelievable cameras, fast processors. Even phones in the $500 to $750 range are unbelievably powerful. For the average consumer, a strong phone with a good camera that gets tons of software updates is just as good as the hottest new thing. Besides, why shell out $1,000 for a new phone when your current phone works fantastically well?

Software, not Hardware

Hardware revisions in recent years have slowed in intensity greatly. At one point in time, each new generation of phones brought huge increases in power and speed. Now, each new model year is iterative instead of revolutionary. There’s not a lot distinguishing the iPhone X from the XS, or the Galaxy S9 from the S10.

Instead, software updates are the meat of the current smartphone cycle. Android is polishing their next OS update, Android Q, while Apple is hard at work on iOS 13. These two are likely to be bigger news than whatever new handsets the two companies drop this September. After all, iPhones all the way from the SE can use the new iOS, making them feel like they have a new lease on life.

What Will Change

It wouldn’t surprise us if the big phone manufacturers slowed down significantly on hardware production. Rather than trying to dress up minor revisions as brand-new handsets, it’s more likely we’ll see them issue a main flagship phone, its budget sibling and an XL version, and hold on to those for around three years. Then, when a major shift does come along, they can push out their newest handset, organically picking up new users along the way with software updates.

Or maybe they’ll keep throwing $2,000 folding phones at us. Who knows?

August 1, 2019
Anker Soundcore Liberty Air: Discount Price AirPod Killers

If you love the idea of wireless earbuds for your runs and walks, you’re likely intrigued by Apple’s AirPods. They’re stylish, they have great sound quality and they’re truly wireless. There’s a lot to love about them, except for that tremendous price tag. Coming in at around $160, the AirPods are seriously expensive for being small earbuds that don’t do a great job of blocking out other sounds.

That’s where high-quality alternatives come into play. Anker’s Soundcore Liberty Air come in at the low price of $80, making them literally half the price of Apple’s offering. However, are you getting half the value when you go with Anker, or do the Soundcore Liberty Air earbuds live up to their “Airpod Killer” nickname?

Sound Quality

Of course, one of the first considerations when you’re looking at a pair of earphones is the sound quality. Thankfully, the Soundcore Liberty Air earbuds aren’t lacking on that front. The drivers, though small, pack a ton of punch. The bass levels are rich and smooth, not booming by any stretch but powerful in their own way. Mid-tones sound even and clean, and the higher register is audible even on loud, highly-compressed songs.

One of the biggest strengths of the sound quality of the Soundcore earbuds is that they sport a rubber ear tips, creating a seal with the inside of your ear. This not only helps them stay put when you’re running or jogging, but it also helps them to block out outside sounds and makes the listening experience more encompassing. This is a marked improvement over the AirPods, which don’t do a great job keeping sound out.

Design

If you’re not a huge fan of the “hair dryer” design of the AirPods, you’re likely going to like the look of the Soundcore Liberty Air earphones. They sport a shorter, flat tail, as opposed to the long, cylindrical tail of the AirPods. The back of both earbud is actually totally flat, making these discreet and stylish earbuds. As we mentioned earlier, they sport rubber ear tips that allow them to make a seal with your ear. Not everyone loves this earbud design, but if you do, these are great.

They fit snugly in their charging case, which offers an excellent storage solution while also providing up to an extra three charges. Since each charge lasts around five hours, this means you’ll likely get a solid twenty hours if the earbuds and the charging case are both totally topped off before you leave the house. That’s a lot of juice for these little earbuds, making them a great companion for a commute or a long plane ride.

Minor Quibbles

On the negative side, if you don’t like the rubber ear tips, then you really don’t like them. They’re integral to the sound quality of these earbuds, as getting a good seal is how they deliver their sound. If you can’t get a good seal due to the shape of your ears, then you’re going to find these to be absolutely worthless earphones.

Another small quibble is the charging case: it uses Micro USB instead of USB-C, making it a bit outdated in that regard. It also means the case charges a bit more slowly than it would if it used a more modern power cable.

Bottom Line

That all being said, the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air earphones are a great deal at $80. If you’re in the market for good true-wireless earbuds, then these are a great pickup. The only real concerns are the ear tip design and the somewhat-dated charging case. All-in-all, these earbuds are close to deserving their nickname of “AirPod Killers”.

August 1, 2019
Saving on Back to School Shopping: Tax-Free Weekend and More

There are a number of schools of thought when it comes to saving money on school supplies. On the one hand, there’s people who just buy any and every supply under the sun and don’t even check the price tag. Other parents carefully pick and choose which items, and which brands, they’ll be sending their young ones to class with in order to save every penny they can.

What if you could have the best of both worlds? Shopping for every school supply your kids could possibly need can be pricey, but it ensures they’re well-prepared. Likewise, saving money on supplies is great, but you don’t want your kids to be at a disadvantage in school. Thankfully, you can have your cake and eat it too with our back to school shopping tips!

Tax-Free Weekend

Many states offer tax-free weekends around the time back to school shopping season starts. This is usually in early August, so it’s nearly upon us in most states. Check your state online to see if there’s a tax-free weekend coming up. This is the best time to stock up on back to school supplies, though you may need to contend with a bit of a crowd.

Of course, tax-free is only a portion of the savings you could find when you’re hitting up the stores for discounts. There are many other ways you can find some substantial discounts on your supplies, though you might need to be a bit more careful in your planning than just “I’m shopping on tax-free weekend.” Here are some other ways you can save big while you’re stocking up.

States that Have Tax-Free Weekends

The majority of states that have tax-free holidays are in the Southeast. The only exceptions are Georgia and North Carolina, neither of which offer any tax-free holidays. Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio and Connecticut are examples of non-Southern states that have tax-free weekends, as well.

Weekly Ads

Make a plan of attack for how you’re saving money by checking out the weekly ads for whatever stores you’re hitting up. Compare and contrast prices between places like Staples, Target and Walmart, and make sure you’re getting the best deals. Be ready to get there early on Saturday morning so you beat out everyone with the same idea as you: otherwise you might miss out on the deal altogether!

Don’t be afraid to plan to hit multiple stores, either. If one store has a great deal on pencils, but another store has great notebook prices, you’ll want to make sure you go to both and stock up. There’s no reason to pay more in one place if you can get the same items for half the price somewhere else!

Coupons

If you really want to pile on the savings, you can go in for coupons. This will require even more forward planning than just selectively buying from the weekly ads, though the potential savings are tremendous. Many retailers get into price wars around this time of year, and their coupons are a big part of that. As such, you’re likely to find incredibly steep discounts on things like binders, calculators and highlighters through coupons during this time of year.

If you’re able to find a combination of deals that are at the lowest price through both the weekly ads and through coupons, you’re likely going to need to keep track of all of the deals with some kind of list or planner. However, the prep work pays for itself when you can get out with deals as good as half off or better! Stack all of these savings with the tremendous savings you could get from a tax-free weekend and you’re looking at some serious savings.

July 31, 2019
Best Back to School Tech: Keys to Academic Success

There’s something magical about the first day back at school, isn’t there? Popping new line paper in your binder, busting out freshly sharpened pencils and getting to know all of your new classmates. In 2019, however, there’s more to it than just that: you need to have the right tech for success. What do you need to excel this year at school?

From the best laptops for taking notes and doing research to the best entertainment devices, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re buying for yourself before you head back to college, or you’re a student asking your folks to get you the hottest new tech, the goal is to save money while getting an edge on the coursework. Let’s take a look at some of the best back to school tech.

Best Laptop: MacBook

There’s nothing quite like being able to take notes at the speed you type. While writing is more direct, typing is faster by a wide margin: that’s where a good laptop comes in. Whether you’re a freshman just going into college or a grad student heading in for your doctorate, there’s nothing quite like having a good station to take notes from. What’s more, the newer MacBook models are thin and light, fitting easily in a backpack.

The bright screen, responsive keyboard and robust suite of creative programs available to Macs are a huge draw for students, as well. If you need to edit photos or videos, record your music or other such creative endeavors, a Mac is the right tool to have on hand. Not to mention, your classmates will likely appreciate the stylishness that the Mac brings to your study time!

Best Apps: Chegg and Calendar

Whether you’re an Apple or Android user, the most important app in your phone for going back to school is your calendar app. There are also third-party apps for to-do lists and reminders, though both Android and Apple have such functionality baked into the core of their OS. Make sure you put your class schedule in your phone, as well as reminders for test dates, club meeting times and other extracurricular activities.

Another important app is Chegg, an online resource that is great for students. It’s replete with resources like books, test prep, study materials and more. It’s a bit pricey, so finding someone to split the cost with could be a good move. In any event, if you need someone on your side to help you with the more free-form feel of college, Chegg is a great resource.

Best Storage Solution: Google Drive

Remember: store everything on the cloud as well as on your hard drive. We prefer Google Drive for this, though iCloud is great for Apple fans, too. In either case, it’s important to have cloud backups of all of your materials in case something horrible happens to your laptop or thumb drive. In the event that your hardware is destroyed or lost, you can fall back on your cloud backups.

Make sure you also save often. There’s nothing more soul-crushing than powering through thousands of words for an essay just to have the battery die on your laptop and you lose all of your hard work. Make sure you remember the shortcut for “save document” and save often! There’s no reason to put yourself at a disadvantage when the unexpected strikes.

Best Tablet: iPad

It’s nice to be able to kick back and watch some Netflix or YouTube to unwind from a long day of class and studying. That’s where your tablet comes in. We’re partial to the iPad, but there are other great options out there too. In either event, tablets are great for reading articles or books while relaxing in bed or between classes, and you can even keep up with your emails and planner if you synch the tablet with your phone’s apps.

The big screen, powerful processor and connectivity features are what make the iPad such a great companion for a college student. When it’s the end of the day and you’re just trying to kick back and enjoy yourself, the tablet is a great way to pay a couple of games or watch a bit of your favorite show before bed.

July 31, 2019