Tech Tips | Device Picks (August 2015)

With the recent release of Windows 10 this can be a stressful time to buy a new computer. Should you go “all in” with Windows 10 and buy now or wait a few months for Microsoft to iron out more bugs?

It’s ideal to wait until the fall to purchase a new computer. That being said, if you are in dire need of a new computer right now, go ahead and buy one.

I’ve been using the final version of Windows 10 for around a month and it’s been great. It hasn’t been without it’s challenges but the issues I’ve experienced aren’t something that a “normal” computer user would have faced. Windows 10 is fantastic and Microsoft is very much on top of releasing bug fixes ASAP. I’ll be writing more about my experience with Windows 10 in the coming weeks but I wanted to let you know that my preliminary opinion of it is very positive. If you need a new computer now, go ahead. Do it. You’ll love Windows 10 too. Especially if you’ve been using Windows 8.

Let’s get down to it. Here are my device picks for August 2015:

Mid-Range Laptops

• Dell Inspiron 15 – $499
  15.6 inch screen, Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, 1 TB Hard drive, 5.32 lbs.
• Acer Aspire V5 – $599
  14 inch screen, Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB Hard drive, 4.41 lbs.

High-End Laptops

• Dell XPS 13 – $999
  13 inch screen, Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB Hard Drive, 2.60 lbs.
• Surface Pro 3 128 GB / Intel Core i5 – $1,199 *
  12 inch screen, Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB Hard Drive, 1.76 lbs.
  Update: Microsoft is expected to announce the Surface Pro 4 at an event in October. You may want to consider waiting.
• HP Spectre x360 – $1,499 (New pick for August)
  13.3 inch screen, Intel Core i7, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB Hard Drive, 3.36 lbs.

* If you’re interested in a Surface Pro 3 you’ll also need a Surface Pro Type Cover. They cost $159.99 and, in my opinion, are required. Don’t forget to check out the available colour options.

All-in-ones

• Lenovo A740 – $1,699 (New pick for August)
  27 inch screen, Intel Core i7, 8 GB RAM, 1 TB Hard Drive

Phones

You really don’t want to buy a phone right now.

Apple is set to release the predictable iPhone 6S and 6S Plus which will cut the cost of the current iPhones by $100. Most Android handset makers also have new devices arriving in the fall along with Microsoft and its new Windows 10 phones. And who even knows what’s going on with BlackBerry as they embrace the Android operating system with their latest phone codenamed Venice.

Seriously, this is the worst time to buy a new phone. You’ll end up paying a ton of money for last years tech. Wait until the fall.

But what if you need a phone right now because your current one is broken? I suggest grabbing the unlocked Microsoft Lumia 635 for $159 to get you by until the fall.

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

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