Tech Tips | Device Picks (Fall 2016)
Oh the fall. This is my favourite time of year. We get to wear jeans again and open our windows.
Mid-Range Laptops
- Dell Inspiron 15 – $547
15.6 inch screen, AMD A10, 8 GB RAM, 1 TB Hard drive, 5.34 lbs - Dell Inspiron 13 – $549
13.3 inch screen, Intel Core i3, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB Hard drive, 3.56 lbs - ASUS X555DA-US11 – $599
15.6 inch screen AMD A10, 8 GB RAM, 1 TB Hard drive, 4.56 lbs
High-End Laptops / 2 in 1 Detachable Devices
The Acer that’s listed first is on sale right now and it’s a gorgeous machine. I’d give that one a serious look. Of course, feel free to give me a shout and we can discuss what’s best for you. (866) 963-8075.
- Acer Aspire S 13 – $999
13.3 inch screen, Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB Hard drive, 2.96 lbs - Dell Inspiron 13 – $999 (Convertible)
13.3 inch screen, Intel Core i7, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB Hard drive, 3.44 lbs - Lenovo Flex 4 – $999 (Convertible)
14 inch screen, Intel Core i7, 8GB RAM, 256 GB Hard drive, 4 lbs - Surface Pro 4 – $1,448 (Detachable screen)
12.3 inch screen, Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB Hard drive, 2.37 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. Also, check out Costco’s mobility booth before making a choice as they often have better prices than the carriers if you’re buying on contract.
Apple (iOS)
The iPhone 7 is now available. Do you need it over the 6s and 6s Plus? Not really. The leap to 7 was incremental, not evolutionary. If you’re not sure which one to pick, head into your local Apple store or cell phone provider and check the devices out in person. If I were buying an iPhone today I’d seriously consider the 6s.
- iPhone SE – $629 unlocked / $50 on contract
4 inch screen, 64 GB Storage - iPhone 6s – $769 unlocked / $200 on contract
4.7 inch screen, 32 GB Storage - iPhone 6s Plus – $899 unlocked / $399 on contract
5.5 inch screen, 32 GB Storage - iPhone 7 – $899 unlocked / $399 on contract
4.7 inch screen 32 GB Storage - iPhone 7 Plus – $1,049 unlocked / $549 on contract
5.5 inch screen 32 GB Storage
Google (Android)
Google just announced it’s new Pixel lineup of phones and while they look great, I have yet to use one in person. While initial previews are singing their praises it’s tough for me to confidently recommend them until I get one. And knowing me, that will be soon.
- Google Nexus 6P – $699 unlocked / $0 on contract
5.7 inch screen, 32 GB Storage - Google Pixel – $899 unlocked / $399 on contract
5 inch screen, 32 GB Storage - Google Pixel XL – $1,049 unlocked / $549 on contact
5 inch screen, 32 GB Storage
BlackBerry
I know I said that I would go easy on BlackBerry and with that in mind, I will say this; You should only be considering this device if you’re a die-hard BlackBerry fan or if you really need a physical keyboard. The writing is on the wall here, folks, as BlackBerry has recently announced that it will stop designing and manufacturing smartphones.
- BlackBerry Priv – $559 unlocked / $0 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