Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Just Tell Me What to Get: Sub-$1,000 LCD for the Living Room]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/11/just-tell-me-what-to-get-sub-1-000-lcd-for-the-living-room/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/11/just-tell-me-what-to-get-sub-1-000-lcd-for-the-living-room/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/11/just-tell-me-what-to-get-sub-1-000-lcd-for-the-living-room/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A reader writes: I need a good TV for my living room specifically, and I've decided that LCD is the way to go. I definitely want good video quality and I'd like to keep it under a grand if I can. Please... just tell me what to get!

What up, reader? While the screen-size arms race is destined to continue forever (We fully expect to see a 120-incher any day now.), it turns out that the sweet spot for a typical living room is 40 or 42 inches. A TV around that size is big enough to let you lose yourself in a movie, but won't squat in the corner like an electronic elephant once you turn it off. With that in mind, we're pretty hot for Samsung's LN40B550 40-inch 1080p LCD HDTV ($950 list, but lower at many places).

Continue reading Just Tell Me What to Get: Sub-$1,000 LCD for the Living Room

SwitchedJust Tell Me What to Get: Sub-$1,000 LCD for the Living Room originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresjusttellmewhattogetpanasonic viera x1PanasonicVieraX1samsung lcdsamsung ln40b550SamsungLcdSamsungLn40b550topWed, 11 Nov 2009 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Tech Etiquette: Cell Phone Dos and Don'ts]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/10/tech-etiquette-cell-phone-dos-and-donts/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/10/tech-etiquette-cell-phone-dos-and-donts/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/10/tech-etiquette-cell-phone-dos-and-donts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The cell phone has been draining the world's sperm supply for more than 35 years already. And yet, as ubiquitous as mobiles are today, so too are the dolts who still haven't grasped how to use one responsibly. For anyone who's ever gabbed at dinner, texted on the toilet, ruined a movie, or grossed out an elevator (just to name a few mobile no-nos), Switched presents the following guide of cell phone Dos and Don'ts. By all means, do us (and yourself) a favor and forward it on to your fondest offenders.

SwitchedTech Etiquette: Cell Phone Dos and Don'ts originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>etiquettefeaturestechetiquettetopTue, 10 Nov 2009 12:53:00 EST<![CDATA[What's the Best iMac for Basic Creative Tasks?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/09/whats-the-best-imac-for-basic-creative-tasks/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/09/whats-the-best-imac-for-basic-creative-tasks/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/09/whats-the-best-imac-for-basic-creative-tasks/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Question: I'm finally ready to move to Mac, especially with Apple's latest iMacs. I really like the design and simplicity. But which one should I get? I was thinking I should get the base model for $1199, but the big 27-incher is pretty tempting, too, even though it's another $500. Or should I spend the extra money and get the upgraded versions of the iMac? So confusing -- I thought Apple was easy! I'll be using it for a little bit of everything, but my high-end needs will include a little video editing, music writing, and graphic design with Photoshop.
Answer: Apple certainly likes to tout its simplicity and plug-and-play usability, but try telling that to someone switching to Mac for the first time. On the surface, it looks as though Apple has two new iMacs out: the 21.5-inch and 27-inch. Simple. Done. Right?

Not so much. Let's take a quick trip to Apple shopping land (otherwise known as store.apple.com).

Continue reading What's the Best iMac for Basic Creative Tasks?

SwitchedWhat's the Best iMac for Basic Creative Tasks? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecreativefeaturesimacjusttellmewhattogettopMon, 09 Nov 2009 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Cutting-Edge, Eco-Friendly LED TV for Less Than $2,200?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/04/cutting-edge-eco-friendly-led-tv-for-less-than-2-200/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/04/cutting-edge-eco-friendly-led-tv-for-less-than-2-200/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/04/cutting-edge-eco-friendly-led-tv-for-less-than-2-200/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


A reader writes: I need a good TV for my living room, and I've decided that LCD, particularly LED, is the way to go. I've heard that some plasmas can look better than LCDs, so I definitely want good video quality, but I heard they use up a lot of energy and I don't want to break the bank if I can avoid it. Also, I'd like something that doesn't use up too much power. Please... just tell me what to get!

What up, reader? Indeed, the Plasma vs. LCD conflict is a tough one, as plasma does traditionally provide better black levels, which can translate to superior contrast between dark and light onscreen, especially valuable when watching high-definition movies now in the Blu-ray era.

The good news is that LCDs are continuing to evolve, with the switch to energy-saving LEDs (light-emitting diodes) as their light source (versus more common cold cathode fluorescent lamps, if you want to get technical). The Next Big Thing in energy-efficient televisions is local dimming LED, which can make specific areas of the screen lighter or darker depending upon the picture being displayed. The improvement can be absolutely stunning, imparting more drastic blacks and a much-needed boost to the dynamic contrast ratio, rated at a mind-boggling 2,000,000:1. Unfortunately, a lot of these LED TVs are pricey, but we've found one from good ol' bang-for-the-buck Vizio.

Continue reading Cutting-Edge, Eco-Friendly LED TV for Less Than $2,200?

SwitchedCutting-Edge, Eco-Friendly LED TV for Less Than $2,200? originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresjusttellmewhattogetlcdlcdtvledtopvizioWed, 04 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just How Risky Are Public Wi-Fi Hotspots?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/just-how-risky-are-public-wi-fi-hotspots/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/just-how-risky-are-public-wi-fi-hotspots/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/just-how-risky-are-public-wi-fi-hotspots/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ever wonder how safe all your personal information is when it's beamed through the air over Wi-Fi ? If you haven't, then chances are, you haven't taken the right precautions to keep that information safe, either. In clear, easy-to-understand language, the 'Today Show' recently examined the security of Wi-Fi networks. While the video above is a little on the fear-mongering side, it does make some good points about the vulnerability of wireless traffic, in particular, those public hot-spots at your local coffee shop, park, or airport.

Here's what you need to know: Public hot-spots -- most of which are open and don't require a password -- are, by nature, insecure. Sure, they may be easy and convenient to hop on from your computer, but that very openness is also what allows anyone, including hackers, to just walk in and sign on. In other words, when you're signed on to a public Wi-Fi hotspot (or at an unsecured network at your or someone's private home), it's entirely possible for someone to come along and snatch your data, literally out of the air.

Luckily, there are some essential precautions you can take to protect yourself when you're in a public hotspot. First and foremost, get a good firewall program -- not the one built into Windows or Macs, though. Most security suites from Norton, McAfee, and others come with one, and you can download free ones from the likes of Zone Alarm and Comodo. These apps are designed to prevent hackers from gaining access to the data on your PC, and will block and alert you to any attempts to wirelessly access your computer.

Continue reading Just How Risky Are Public Wi-Fi Hotspots?

SwitchedJust How Risky Are Public Wi-Fi Hotspots? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackershackingsecuritytopwi-fiwifiwifisecurityMon, 02 Nov 2009 06:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Last-Minute Halloween Guide (Best Online Resources)]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/30/last-minute-halloween-online-resources-guide/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/30/last-minute-halloween-online-resources-guide/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/30/last-minute-halloween-online-resources-guide/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Hand-sewn costumes, homemade popcorn balls, and bobbing for apples are all so last millennium. It's time to get with the high-tech late Aughts, our fair readers, especially since Halloween is upon us. If you still haven't settled on a costume, or done anything ghoul-related, then take a look at our high-tech DIY guide to all things crafty and creepy, and get your spook on this Halloween.

Continue reading Last-Minute Halloween Guide (Best Online Resources)

SwitchedLast-Minute Halloween Guide (Best Online Resources) originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresguideshalloweenholidaystopFri, 30 Oct 2009 12:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Who Needs a Prepaid Phone?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/29/who-needs-a-prepaid-phone/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/29/who-needs-a-prepaid-phone/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/29/who-needs-a-prepaid-phone/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It's hard to keep up with the cell phone market these days. New models hit store shelves seemingly every week, and carriers roll out new contract plans nearly as frequently. Maybe that's why the prepaid cell phone market is growing so rapidly.

Consumers are flocking toward no-contract, unlimited services. At least two prepaid carriers have seen their subscription rates double over the past year -- and now the big companies are rolling out their own prepaid options to retain their existing customers.

You generally won't have to have a credit card or leave deposits with these services, but you will have to buy your own phone, which can run anywhere from $30 to over $300, depending on the service you use and how many bells and whistles you want. In addition, most plans come with activation fees ranging anywhere from $15 to $35.

Prepaid's not for everyone, though. So how do you determine if it's a good fit? To help you figure it out, we've put together a list of the 10 types of situations where prepaid phones make sense. Click on 'Next' below to find out more.

SwitchedWho Needs a Prepaid Phone? originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresprepaidprepaid phonesPrepaidPhonestopThu, 29 Oct 2009 06:02:00 EST<![CDATA[10 Ways to Spot an E-Mail Scam]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/26/10-ways-to-spot-an-e-mail-scam/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/26/10-ways-to-spot-an-e-mail-scam/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/26/10-ways-to-spot-an-e-mail-scam/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The increasing flood of e-mail hitting your inbox can lower the guard of even the most cautious person. In the rush to keep up with important notes, it's easier than ever to fall prey to the scam artists and identity thieves who lurk online.

E-mail scams and phishing attempts evolve constantly, hoping to take advantage of the latest trends and current events. Although the e-mails change, the people behind them inadvertently send up the same warning signs again and again. We dug through mountains of spam to find the most prevailing trends. We've collected some actual scam e-mails and highlighted the warning signs to help you spot a hustle the next time one lands in your inbox.

Continue reading 10 Ways to Spot an E-Mail Scam

Switched10 Ways to Spot an E-Mail Scam originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-maile-mailscamsfeaturesphishingscamssecuritytopwebMon, 26 Oct 2009 12:24:00 EST<![CDATA[10 'Black Friday' Deals to Watch For]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/21/10-black-friday-deals-to-watch-for/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/21/10-black-friday-deals-to-watch-for/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/21/10-black-friday-deals-to-watch-for/#commentsFiled under: ,


Traditionalists might balk, but the holiday shopping season is already underway. Skeptical? Head to your local department store and you'll be inundated with Christmas trees and holiday ornaments. Bargain hunters, though, know that the real deals are over a month away.

Traditionally, Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving for the uninitiated) is when retailers truly slash prices. Early birds can shave hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars off their holiday bills. We checked with a few elves, who gave us a sneak peek at what you can expect deal-wise this year.

Continue reading 10 'Black Friday' Deals to Watch For

Switched10 'Black Friday' Deals to Watch For originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackfridaydealsfeatureshggsalesshoppingtopWed, 21 Oct 2009 12:23:00 EST<![CDATA[10 Tips for 'Retrosexing' on Facebook]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/19/10-tips-for-retrosexing-on-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/19/10-tips-for-retrosexing-on-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/19/10-tips-for-retrosexing-on-facebook/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's another Saturday night and you ain't got nobody. But, wait. Here comes a friend request from that shy one you used to French kiss in the back of the bus in junior high. The former wallflower is a doctor now. A hot doctor. A single, hot doctor. You message back. Your Saturday night just got a whole lot spicier.

As their numbers of Facebook friends climb into the upper hundreds, many social networking users are narrowing their searches to old friends and former flames who, they hope to find, have grown more enticing over time. This practice is so common that Boston Phoenix reporter Deidre Fulton has coined a term for these vintage partner refurbishers: retrosexuals. The name has caught on like thrift-shopping in a recession, and the exploits of various retrosexuals have been documented in the pages of publications like the U.K.'s Daily Mail and Time magazine.

We've all looked up former heartthrobs online and wondered, what if? Well, that's sexy and intriguing and all -- but you'll need to tread the waters carefully. We read up on the subject and spoke to several social-networking-love-nauts to find out how these retro-hookups work, where the pitfalls arise, and how best to navigate the fish-stocked sea that is Facebook. Take a look.

Continue reading 10 Tips for 'Retrosexing' on Facebook

Switched10 Tips for 'Retrosexing' on Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookfeaturesretrosexingtopMon, 19 Oct 2009 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[10 Tips for Dealing With Family on Facebook]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/12/10-rules-for-dealing-with-family-on-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/12/10-rules-for-dealing-with-family-on-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/12/10-rules-for-dealing-with-family-on-facebook/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's probably the scariest friend request you'll ever get: Your mom (or dad... or, God forbid, grandparent) has joined Facebook - and they want to connect. Sure, you love them - and you're happy they're embracing the digital age - but do you really want to keep them that informed about what you're up to?

Denying the request is usually out of the question, so how do you avoid those awkward moments, when your family invades your public privacy? Switched.com did some research and talked to a few people about their own experiences with parental units, and how they dealt with them. We're keeping to just their first names, to protect them -- you know, just in case their parents are reading this article. Without further ado, here are some tips on dealing with family on Facebook.

Continue reading 10 Tips for Dealing With Family on Facebook

Switched10 Tips for Dealing With Family on Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>etiquettefacebookfamilyfeatureskidsparentingteenstopMon, 12 Oct 2009 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[5 Essential Tips to Keep Your PC Safe]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/05/5-essential-tips-to-keep-your-pc-safe/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/05/5-essential-tips-to-keep-your-pc-safe/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/05/5-essential-tips-to-keep-your-pc-safe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One of the most important things everyone -- even Mac users -- needs to do with a computer is to make sure it is as secure from viruses, phishing scams, and other 'net threats as possible. No matter how often you practice safe browsing habits or think twice before clicking on a random link in your e-mail, you'd be surprised how often even the most cautious of folks can be caught off guard, which is why you need to have some basic security measures in place to protect you (and your computer), should something slip past. We've boiled it down to five basic steps that everyone -- even the computer and 'Net-threat-savvy -- should take to make sure that their PC and personal data are safe.

Continue reading 5 Essential Tips to Keep Your PC Safe

Switched5 Essential Tips to Keep Your PC Safe originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuressafetysecurityspywaretopvirusMon, 05 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ethics 101: 5 Online Pitfalls That Destroy Students]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/22/ethics-101-5-online-pitfalls-that-destroy-students/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/22/ethics-101-5-online-pitfalls-that-destroy-students/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/22/ethics-101-5-online-pitfalls-that-destroy-students/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Kids have always loved to mix it up with a little school-time tomfoolery, whether it's streaking at a football game or leaving a flaming bag of poop on a teacher's doorstep. But in the digital age, the mischief has moved online. What may seem like harmless virtual-reality hijinks can have devastating real-world consequences. Switched consulted sociologist Carrie James of Harvard's GoodPlay Project, who recently conducted a study that examined the online behaviors of and dilemmas confronted by 60 kids aged 15 to 25. With her help, we've come up with the top five online ethical pitfalls that can ensnare today's students (and plenty of adults, too). If you're in school, ignore them at your own peril. And if you're the parent of a pupil, read on and remember with fondness the simpler, olden days.

Continue reading Ethics 101: 5 Online Pitfalls That Destroy Students

SwitchedEthics 101: 5 Online Pitfalls That Destroy Students originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimeethicsfeatureslawstudentstopTue, 22 Sep 2009 12:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the Zune HD Better Than the iPod?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/19/is-the-zune-hd-better-than-the-ipod/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/19/is-the-zune-hd-better-than-the-ipod/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/19/is-the-zune-hd-better-than-the-ipod/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Hype Check:

Zune HD

What it is: You've no doubt heard of Zune -- Microsoft's much-hyped personal media player (PMP) -- but you may not have seen much of it. Unfortunately for Microsoft, the device hasn't exactly caught on with the mainstream, with Apple's iPod (not to mention iPhone) still dominating the space. Zune HD is the Zune's third iteration and it comes in 16 -gigabyte (GB) and 32GB varieties, a 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen, support for HD Radio and downloadable apps, and a Web browser.

Why it's different: Why would you get a Zune HD rather than an iPod? A big selling point is the tight integration of Microsoft's own 'all-you-can-eat' subscription-based music service, making discovering new music a slick, fun and affordable experience. It has a screen that tops even Apple's, HD Radio, and the ability to output HD-quality 720p video to your television set. In other words, it actually does some things that the iPod doesn't.


Continue reading Is the Zune HD Better Than the iPod?

SwitchedIs the Zune HD Better Than the iPod? originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featureshypecheckmicrosofttopzunezunehdSat, 19 Sep 2009 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[12 Gadgets to Survive the Apocalypse]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/16/12-gadgets-to-survive-the-apocalypse/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/16/12-gadgets-to-survive-the-apocalypse/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/16/12-gadgets-to-survive-the-apocalypse/#commentsFiled under: ,



Now is a good time to ponder the apocalypse. Iran and North Korea are going nuclear, the wonky weather is a harbinger of catastrophic climate change, and end-of-the-world blockbusters abound. (Tim Burton's '9' came out last week and '2012,' 'The Road,' and 'Zombieland' are all coming up later this fall.)

In that dismal spirit, the Switched team has gathered its first choices for last-chance gadgetry -- a collection of 12 must-haves if society is in peril, whether it be by fire or ice, zombies or aliens. Using our handy "What Type of Apocalypse Will It Be?" chart below, you'll be able to find the right gadgets for the right disaster and the ensuing fallout. We've prepared for all possibilities (Needs for speed, power, disease prevention, water sources, and survivalist entertainment, among others, are all accounted for.), but have left out weapons -- that's a whole other enchilada. So as icebergs melt and horsemen ride, gear up and get ready.




Continue reading 12 Gadgets to Survive the Apocalypse

Switched12 Gadgets to Survive the Apocalypse originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocalypsefeatureshumorsurvivaltopWed, 16 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[5 Popular Facebook Scams (and How to Avoid Them)]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/15/5-popular-facebook-scams-and-how-to-avoid-them/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/15/5-popular-facebook-scams-and-how-to-avoid-them/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/15/5-popular-facebook-scams-and-how-to-avoid-them/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Just as bearded hipsters migrate from bar to bar in pursuit of young ladies to ogle, so too have scammers and hackers followed their prey from MySpace to Facebook. As a result, the social network once deemed the "safe" option is now plagued by legions of 419 scammers, phishers, and peddlers of malware.

Fortunately, there are a few simple rules Facebookers can follow to stay safe: Never click on suspicious links from friends; use a service like LongURL before following any shortened links; and assume that anyone begging for money is up to no good. And if you do happen to fall victim to a scam, quickly alert your friends (to prevent spreading the damage), then alert Facebook administrators and, if it's serious, law enforcement as well.

Since a reputable source once counseled that knowing is half the battle, here's a rundown of the Facebook scams most demanding of your awareness and good judgment:


Continue reading 5 Popular Facebook Scams (and How to Avoid Them)

Switched5 Popular Facebook Scams (and How to Avoid Them) originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookfeaturesphishersquizzesscamscamesscammerssecurityTue, 15 Sep 2009 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[What Are the Best Budget Computer Speakers Under $100? ]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/08/28/what-are-the-best-budget-computer-speakers-under-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/28/what-are-the-best-budget-computer-speakers-under-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/28/what-are-the-best-budget-computer-speakers-under-100/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Question: I use my computer for most of my TV and movie watching and music listening, but my machine's built-in speakers sound bloody awful. I want a set of computer speakers that sounds good whether cranked up loud or turned down soft. And I don't want to spend a fortune.

Advice: The underpowered speakers built into laptops and desktops can suck the life out of any video or song. They're too small to handle bass, and not of a high enough quality to reproduce most of the detail and richness in the audio.

Continue reading What Are the Best Budget Computer Speakers Under $100?

SwitchedWhat Are the Best Budget Computer Speakers Under $100? originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetfeatureshouseholdjusttellmewhattogetspeakersstudentstopFri, 28 Aug 2009 12:41:00 EST<![CDATA[12 Gadgets Every Student Needs]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/08/27/12-gadgets-every-student-needs/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/27/12-gadgets-every-student-needs/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/27/12-gadgets-every-student-needs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Going back to school may not be fun, but it's a great excuse to buy new gear. Whether it's college or high school that calls you back, rest assured that the dozen gizmos the Switched.com crew has found will make your weekdays less painful.

Continue reading 12 Gadgets Every Student Needs

Switched12 Gadgets Every Student Needs originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backtoschoolbtsfeaturescollegefeaturesschoolstudentstopThu, 27 Aug 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Lower Your Monthly Bills With Technology]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Foreclosures. Bailouts. Unemployment. Cats and dogs living together. Yes, these are stressful times. But don't panic: There are a lot of ways to stay afloat during this economic downturn. While we can't advise you on stocks or mortgages, we do know a thing or two about technology. So we present this list of gadgets, Web sites, and tips that will keep at least a few bucks in your bank account (and, in some cases, save energy and the environment). Every penny counts these days.

SwitchedHow to Lower Your Monthly Bills With Technology originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featureshouseholdpersonalfinancesavingthrifttopTue, 18 Aug 2009 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[What's the Best Digital Camera for Around $100?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/28/whats-the-best-digital-camera-for-around-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/28/whats-the-best-digital-camera-for-around-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/28/whats-the-best-digital-camera-for-around-100/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,




Question: I need a new digital camera. But since money is tight these days, I can't spend much over $100. Is there a camera around that price that's worth any money at all?

Our Advice: Yes. These days, most camera makers sell surprisingly capable point-and-shoots for just over $100. At that price, you won't get the latest and greatest photo technology. But you will get an inexpensive camera that takes good pictures and offers a useful array of automatic features. Our current favorite is Fujifilm's 10-megapixel Finepix J20, which you can pick up for about $120.

The J20 has a more compact, sturdy, and stylish design than many of its budget-priced competitors. And its 2.7-inch LCD provides a clear view in a wide range of lighting situations, from bright sunlight to dim interiors. It also produces impressively sharp and colorful images at ISO (light sensitivity) settings as high as 1600. That allows you to shoot without the flash in low light and still capture photos with minimal graininess. All those qualities lend the J20 versatility and easy portability, making it a good all-purpose snapshot camera.

Continue reading What's the Best Digital Camera for Around $100?

SwitchedWhat's the Best Digital Camera for Around $100? originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bargainsdigicamsfeaturesjusttellmewhattogetrecessionshoppingtopTue, 28 Jul 2009 15:16:00 EST