Tech Tips | Device Picks (Winter 2016 / 2017)

Winter is such a crazy season. It starts out great with Christmas but gets really depressing with the lack of sunlight, bunch of snow and freezing cold temperatures by the time February rolls around.

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
• HP Notebook 15 – $599
  15.6 inch screen, Intel Core i3, 8 GB RAM, 1 TB Hard drive, 4.86 lbs

High-End Laptops

• 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

Desktops

For the first time in forever I’ve got a desktop pick and it’s great. I bought two of these for my office and love them.

• Dell OptiPlex 3040 – $869
  Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, 500 GB Hard drive
  This doesn’t come with a monitor so don’t forget to grab one if you need it

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)

• iPhone 6s – $769 unlocked / $20 on contract
  4.7 inch screen, 32 GB Storage
• iPhone 6s Plus – $899 unlocked / $77 on contract
  5.5 inch screen, 32 GB Storage
• iPhone 7 – $899 unlocked / $197 on contract
  4.7 inch screen 32 GB Storage
• iPhone 7 Plus – $1,049 unlocked / $347 on contract
  5.5 inch screen 32 GB Storage

Google (Android)

Wow. When Google announced their 2 new Pixel phones they were expensive on a 2 year contract. The prices sure have fallen off. If you’re renewing your contract, I’d seriously consider the Pixel or the Pixel XL. They are great phones. The off contract price, however, is way too much.

• Google Nexus 6P – $699 unlocked / $0 on contract
  5.7 inch screen, 32 GB Storage
• Google Pixel – $899 unlocked / $20 on contract
  5 inch screen, 32 GB Storage
• Google Pixel XL – $1,049 unlocked / $48 on contact
  5 inch screen, 32 GB Storage

BlackBerry

I’ve decided not to list any BlackBerry products anymore. If you really want one, call me.

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

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