Digital dilemmas Choosing the right device

By Timmi Aplin-Barrett

Buying a new device or piece of technology can be a daunting task when you consider how many options there are.

First, you need to figure out what kind of device you want; a tablet, laptop or PC? Then you need to figure out what brand and who to buy from. In order to suss this out, it’s good to know what you want your device for.

Harvey Norman’s wearables, tablets, Apple product and marketing manager, Scott Hitchens, explains the pros and cons of tablets.

PROS

• Light and portable

• More cost effective than a laptop

• eBook functionality

• Ideal device for travel.

CONS

• Keyboard and mouse sold separately

• Can be fragile

• Multitasking can be harder than using a laptop

• Tablets offer limited functionality compared to a laptop.

Meanwhile, Harvey Norman’s hardware, gaming, software product and marketing manager, Morne Jacobs, explains the pros and cons of laptops and PCs compared to tablets.

PROS

• Performance capability that can outperform most other devices

• Bigger screen size and high resolution at affordable prices

• Quality audio due to bigger real estate for speakers

• High storage capacity that can be increased if needed

• High megapixel webcams with smart AI features to improve call quality.

CONS

• Size – much bigger than mobiles and tablets in most cases

• Battery life in the lower spec range is not ideal

• Weight – laptops are heavier than tablets due to performance, specs and screen size

• Thin and light laptops come at a premium price point

• Lack of LTE connectivity vs mobile and tablet products.

Scott says when looking at buying a tablet, you should look for screen size and whether that fits your needs, how much storage it has, You should also check if it has a camera, the quality of that and how it connects to the internet – is if WIFI or cellular?

He says there are some things to be wary of, too.

“Buy the right operating system – if you have an iPhone currently, then an iPad may be the best choice for you for ecosystem functionality.

“If you think you will need more storage in the future, consider buying a device with more base storage or a device that can take an SD card,” Scott explains.

When purchasing a laptop, Morne says people should look for the generation of the CPU. “Intell 11th Gen and up and AMD 6000 Series and up should be the bare minimum,” he says.

“Also, the battery life should have a minimum of six hours for entry devices.”

He says full HD should be the benchmark for screen resolution with 2k and 4k options readily available.

Morne says to avoid grey imported products as these products will not have a local warranty and is exceptionally risky.

“They will be cheaper but the cost to get them repaired will outweigh the saving.”

Scott says although refurbished items can come at a cheaper price point, they have a risk of coming with a used battery which means it could hold less charge.

Morne explains that the challenge when buying refurbished items is that those purchased from a reputable dealer, are a great option. However, not all dealers are reputable and their warranties have a lot of fine print that voids them from any responsibility.

A great place to start when buying a new device is going into a store. This way, you get to try out various models and get top quality advice from the experts. Scott says you should use online research to find different features, benefits, prices and brands.

Morne says heading in store means you get a better idea of the product you’re buying. He says it allows you to pick up the products and get a true feel for what they have to offer.

Family owned and operated building company, Foster Building, is dedicated to customer satisfaction and quality workmanship. Foster Building is run by husband and wife duo, Aidan and Michelle Foster. Together, they have created a punctual, honest and reliable building company.

Aidan has been involved in the building industry within the South Canterbury area for approximately 20 years and has been the foreman for a reputable building company in Timaru prior to starting Foster Building. He’s a qualified builder with advanced trade certificates, a Licensed Building Practitioner with both a site licence and carpentry license.

Foster Building offer a wide range of builder’s services to South Canterbury. From concrete work to interior finishing, the site staff are highly experienced. They work with residential and commercial, alterations and extensions, kitchens and bathrooms, architectural homes, LBP certified work, insurance work, project management, landscaping and much more. New homes are a specialty and during the last 20 years, Aidan has worked hard to establish his reputation as a professional and highly competent builder.

The team is built on quality from South Canterbury to North Otago, servicing areas such as Timaru, Twizel, Tekapo, Oamaru and more. Foster Building doesn’t just work 9-5 either – if after five suits you, it suits them. The team pride themselves on being easy to contact, day or night and want to make sure clients rest easy while Foster Building gets on with the job.

Foster Building are proud to have Formance panels on board because they know that if there’s one fundamental decision a client needs to get right, it’s the fabric for the envelope of the house. Formance panels provide significant improvements in all areas of the building envelope – structural, weather-tightness, thermal and visual – compared to traditional construction methods. Not only this, but Formance panels encourage reduced energy use and high levels of comfort.

For a building company that puts in the work to create the best possible building services, contact Aidan and Michelle at Foster Building.

Foster Building

205 Selwyn Street, Timaru

021 344 840 or 03 688 3385 office@fosterbuilding.co.nz www.fosterbuilding.co.nz

I’m Christchurch born and raised. At 17 I started my first business – a fish & chip shop in Cashmere, and I have been in business ever since.

Like most people I have a wife and children. But that’s enough about me, what we want you to know is that as a customer of A+ Serivces you are well looked after, we highly value all our precious customers. And yes, sometimes things go wrong, but we run towards problems not away from them. So, if an issue arises (which doesn’t happen often) we have your back.

• We are fully insured should anything go wrong

• Health and safety policies are in place (incl Covid-19 protocols)

• We have an office you can call with real people on the phones. Without any gimmicky phone service or call centre to deal with.

• We are an experienced team of 15 willing and ready to help you.

• All staff receive ongoing training.

• We cover Canterbury and other areas, such as Wanaka, Twizel, Tekapo, Hanmer Springs, etc. So, if you have a holiday home we can most likely take care of that as well

• We have plenty of 5 star ratings and a referral program in place

• Free quotes

• We can perform our services at your business as well as your home.

Our team of technicians offer a wide range of services and as happens with life, we all get older and busier so most our customers either cannot manage these services themselves, or would rather just pay to have someone else take care of it and have the added piece of mind.

• Spiderproofing & other pest control (incl Borer treatment)

• Building Washing

• Carpet Cleaning

• Domestic Cleaning

• Meth Testing & Decontamination.

When it comes to professional home window cleaning, why choose us?

Because our window cleaning is safe and effective. Our extendable water-fed pole system means we can thoroughly clean every single one of your windows using purified, low-pressure water and in most cases without using ladders. This keeps you, our team and your home safe from unexpected falls and ladder-related accidents.

Spider Proofing

You will be amazed with the superior result you will get, no more creepy crawlies annoying you. You choose internal, external or both. With all technicians going through a new intensive 7 month course to keep up to date on health and safety and environmental regulations

Rats & Mice

Do you want that dancing in the roof cavity to stop? Perhaps it’s the evidence as the “mice detector” you have found, what ever the situation we can help you. Call, Text, Facebook or email us.

Did you know most carpet manufactures are now requesting that your carpet is cleaned at no longer than 18 month intervals with a hot water extraction system with a temperature of at least 60 degrees, otherwise the warranty they offer is voided? Your carpet will appreciate the difference a clean with A+ Services will make. Have the reassurance that the dirt and grime build up will be gone leaving fresh clean carpet for you to enjoy.

Are you worried about overflowing gutters damaging your home’s exterior or pests turning your leaf-filled gutters into their home?

Are you tired of spending hours and hours up a ladder trying to clean out your gutters? Call 027 714 4812 for a quote.

Moss does more than make your roof look old and unkempt, it can also damage the integrity of your roof. In the colder, wetter months, the weight of moss can strain and crack your tiles, leading to costly repairs. With our comprehensive moss removal and prevention treatment, you can enjoy a roof that looks better and lasts longer.

Using our specialized van mounted equipment we will safely spray our product, which will remove years of moss build-up from your roof tiles without damaging the integrity of your roof. Which not only protects your roof from moss growth but also algae and lichens. Seeping into your roof tiles, it stops spores from germinating and stays active for 3–4 years. (Product takes 6-12 months to be fully effective).