Tech Tips | Device Picks (November 2015)

It’s been a while since I’ve updated my device picks and that’s because nothing has really changed. Until now.

With each device listed below there is an option for a 2 year warranty from Microsoft called, “Microsoft Complete“. In most cases it’s only $129. You should seriously consider adding Microsoft Complete to your purchase order as it covers accidental damage to your laptop and includes two years of technical support. More information can be found here.

Let’s dive right in.

Mid-Range Laptops

• Dell Inspiron 15 – $599
  15.6 inch screen, Intel Core i3, 4 GB RAM, 1 TB Hard drive, 5.25 lbs.
• Dell Inspiron 15 – $679 (More powerful than the model above)
  15.6 inch screen, Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, 1 TB Hard drive, 5.25 lbs.

High-End Laptops

• Dell Inspiron 13 – $849
  13.3 inch screen, Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB Hard drive, 3.66 lbs.
• Surface Pro 3 – $1,358.99
  12 inch screen, Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB Hard drive, 1.76 lbs.
  Price includes Keyboard Cover ($159.99)
• Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro – $1,399
  13.3 inch screen, Intel Core M, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB Hard drive, 2.65 lbs.
• Surface Pro 4 – $1,448.99
  12.3 inch screen, Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB Hard drive, 173 lbs.
  Price includes Keyboard Cover ($169.99)
• HP Spectre x360 – $1,499
  13.3 inch screen, Intel Core i7, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB Hard drive, 3.19 lbs.

Phones

One thing to keep in mind when looking at phones is the amount of storage on the device. Some manufacturers are still releasing 16 GB options which is way to small and limiting. Go for 32 GB and up depending upon your needs.

Apple (iOS)

• iPhone 6s – $1,029 unlocked / $528.99 on contract
  4.7 inch screen, 64 GB Storage
• iPhone 6s Plus – $1,159 unlocked / $658.99 on contract
  5.5 inch screen, 64 GB Storage

Google (Android)

• Google Nexus 5X – $559 unlocked / $129.99 on contract
  5.2 inch screen, 32 GB Storage
• Google Nexus 6P – $699 unlocked / $199.99 on contract
  5.7 inch screen, 32 GB Storage

BlackBerry

I’ve been finding it harder and harder to recommend BlackBerry lately. A lot of technology bloggers, myself included, believe that the Priv is BlackBerry’s last ditch effort to revitalize its hardware platform and if it fails BlackBerry will exit the hardware business. If you just can’t tear yourself away from that keyboard read on.

• BlackBerry Priv – $799.99 unlocked / $399.99 on contract
  5.4 inch screen, 32 GB Storage

As always, if you have any questions please contact me.

Craig Pike
(866) 963-8075
cpike@bfgon.com