Android Done For?

So while researching some stuff as I was designing a flash based site for Beasthood Inc I ran into some issues with availability on mobile devices. Of course everyone knows Adobe Flash, the vibrant coding engine that makes animation and gameplay on our favorite websites function, was only reserved for full computers... that is, until Google came alone with the Android system and took over as the only mobile device capable of running it. This seemingly small addition is the reason Android soared into relevance and why many overlooked its choppy usability and horrid battery life. But now, with the release of the newest OS, Android 4.0 (ice cream sandwich), for some odd reason Adobe has this up stating they will no longer support them. This means the very high end graphics processors and coding capability that made Android a viable competitor to the Apple ipad and iPhone devices has ceased to exist for future development. With HTML5 its only possible replacement being YEARS away from being standard, what will keep Android afloat? Its a cold world out in these tech streets, every android device out now just simultaneously became "old". As of now "certified" devices will still be supported for the Adobe Flash install (which sounds like corporate code for "those who pay us kickbacks"), so expect your full computer browsing experience to get worse and worse as time goes on. R.I.P. Android, twas a good run.

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What’s the Difference: Memory Cards & Prices

 

I’m sure by now you’ve got a digital camera, tablet, phone, camcorder etc etc etc that probably uses SD/SDHC cards but you probably don’t understand why there are so many different types of memory cards and what the point is of buying anything besides the very cheapest one for your needs… well let me make it simpler for you so that you not get the cheapest card, but the best value for your usage.

 

Capacity

This refers to the size of the memory card and how many pictures/videos/data it can hold. Typical sizes on the market will range from 4Gigabytes to 128Gigabytes doubling in size with each increase (4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128). This will determine how much it will take to fill up the card before you need to empty it off to a secondary device.

 

 

Just so you better understand what your needs may be the symbols got from Kilobytes(KB) to Megabytes(MB) to Gigabytes(GB) (1024KB = 1MB, 1024MB = 1GB). This way you can make a basic determination of what the minimum size you want to have is based off what you are using it in.

 

Speed

This an area that most people have NO IDEA about and is probably the most important in a practical sense for people dealing with cameras/camcorders and they don’t even realize it. The speed of the memory card refers to the Read/Write capabilities, in laymen's terms, how fast the information can be created and/or accessed. lower speeds will actually slow the performance of you device which has to slow down because it gets backed up during use.

 

ex. You ever took a photo with your camera or cellphone and had to wait 2 - 3 seconds in between each picture? in most cases its not the camera itself but the memory card that’s the problem. When you take a photo/video or even save something to the memory card, if the card itself is too slow, the device has to slow down to account for it. amazingly simple right? I know.

 

The simplified manner in which to determine the speed of the memory card is called the Class which is notated on the card itself with a small number within a circle (Typically ranging from Class 2 and Class 10).

 

Now while getting the highest speed is the fastest, keep in mind the device you have, Technically faster and actually faster are not one in the same. A typical smartphone needs nothing more than a Class 2/4 speed while a digital camera should be no less than 4 if its more than 8Megapixels. For any device taking Hi-definition video or SLR camera should be Class 6 or 10 to ensure optimal use and speed.

 

So hopefully this has made it a tad bit simpler to understand the dozens of differences between the options available at the store. Make sure you aren't just getting the cheapest option, but the most valuable to suit your needs.

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You Should Never Pay Full Price For...

 

Blank Media / Flash Memory

Blank CDs, DVDs, Thumb drives, Camera & Phone Memory Cards are ALWAYS on sale at some Local retailer, these items are high in markup and frequently used as an ad item to get people in the store just so the sales people a chance to convince them they need other high profit items. If you find the odd time frame where its not on sale at any local retailer, wait 7 days and I guarantee you it will be again shortly.

The only real exception to this is specialty stuff like encrypted flash drives, Brand specific Memory Cards (Olympus xD, Sony ProDuo), Lightscribe, Printable, Dual Layer, Rewritable CD/DVD's, and Blu-ray discs. Those will rarely be on sale because they are simply not widely used by comparison.

 

 

Retail Printers & Ink

In this day and age many people are choosing to do their own business card printing and marketing material from their home or small business office to save money in the long run. Ink & Toner will be a HUGE part of the cost but to counteract that make sure you get a Valuable, not cheap, printer. All-in-one Printers nowadays start as low as $75 and ink will run at least $40 so keep that in mind when making your purchase. Be on the lookout for bundle pricing with Ink and Printers, Store Brand ink, and in store free Store Membership Scan Cards which give you cash back for purchasing ink and Paper products (which also send out weekly coupons) on items such as these.

When selecting a printer make sure you choose from ones available everywhere (HP, Epson, Canon, Lexmark) the more readily available, the more aggressive competitive pricing will exist for the product. (On average HP will have the best pricing on both Hardware and Ink and coupons sent because they are the largest vendor in the category)

 

 

Windows Computers

Desktops & Laptops for the most part are sold below store cost, stores make money on the extras (Software, accessories, protection plans etc.) So in the age of Wal-Mart's and Online Vendors like Amazon.com make sure you aren't even paying MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price) for them. This info can be found on their websites, but a simple check of major features (Screen size, Processor, RAM) at local stores is sufficient enough info. Most retailers have new ads every Sunday so grab one from each place and compare like products to find the average price, then purchase the one below that that you like.

Shopping, like anything else, requires some logic thought behind your actions. By doing due diligence instead of buying on impulse you can save yourself tons of money and buyers remorse thinking you didn't get the best deal. Also, keep a look out for stores clearance specials because they have SEVERE mark downs because the goal isn't to make money on those items, but to get them out of the way to make room for new items.

Happy Shopping

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