Android & Chill
One of many internet’s longest-running tech columns, Android & Chill is your Saturday dialogue of Android, Google, and all issues tech.
Prime Day has all the time been the day once I inform myself I am not going to purchase something I do not want or waste cash on silly issues. Then I do each.
This yr will likely be totally different; it has to be as a result of I am broke. Even when I wished to purchase a bunch of gadgety toys, I can not, as a result of a life-changing medical situation and an entire lot of pricey water harm to my home have left me with no cash, maxed bank cards, and payments to pay. The tank is dry, and now I’ve to fill it up once more.
It isn’t all dangerous. I’ve a telephone that can final me till a minimum of subsequent yr, a Chromebook that will likely be up to date for some time, and a drawer full of gadget junk I’ve already purchased that I can tinker with another time. You by no means know, I’d have the ability to do one thing new and funky as a result of concepts are free, and outdated stuff will be helpful generally.
We’ll be shopping for a bunch of boring family stuff if we will discover it in bulk and on sale. Stuff like trash luggage, laundry detergent, and diverse crap that everybody wants. I determine between Amazon and Walmart — which you recognize goes to have a bunch of stuff on sale to compete — we will truly save a couple of bucks in the long term by spending it up entrance. Each penny counts.
Nonetheless, I additionally want to make sure that the issues I cannot afford to exchange will final till I can. I’ve discovered that it is all the time higher to spend a couple of {dollars} prematurely to attempt to forestall breaking or dropping your stuff, which can price some huge cash to exchange. Issues like telephones. Particularly telephones.
Your telephones and watches want safety
I am searching for display screen protector and a case for my telephone, my work telephone (or I can let it break and ask for a brand new one), and my spouse’s telephone. Normally we purchase a brand new telephone as a result of we both actually wished one or as a result of the one now we have stopped working. My spouse is particularly onerous on the display screen and has busted various through the years. She says that does not occur to me as a result of I am decrease to the bottom, however I chalk it as much as my jungle-quick catlike reflexes and superhuman velocity.
Both manner, display screen protector and a case I can stand (I actually don’t love both and by no means use them) will imply my telephone has a greater probability of surviving till I can afford to exchange it. Identical for my spouse’s. If I’ve to spend $100 to probably save $1,000, I am good with that.
The identical goes for our watches. I take advantage of a Garmin and my spouse has a Pixel Watch, and each of them nonetheless work nice. I am certain they are going to stick with it for a minimum of one other yr until they get damaged or misplaced. I do know they make display screen protectors for watches, and I will be shopping for a pair in addition to a brand new silicone band for every. I am additionally going to see what the case scenario is. Sure, you should buy a case in your smartwatch.
Tablets, computer systems, and cables
My spouse makes use of a Galaxy Tab, and I’ve an iPad right here in addition to a Chromebook I take advantage of for work. All three have to preserve operating till I can afford to exchange them.
I do know they make circumstances and display screen protectors for each tablets, and I’ve seen some for a laptop computer earlier than. If there’s stuff to suit my Chromebook, I will add it to my price range.
I do know I am shortly reaching the restrict of what I can afford to spend, however I additionally wish to purchase two USB chargers and two new high-quality cables. They will sit within the bundle till I want them, and will probably be cheaper than operating out to Walmart after work and grabbing one as a result of I want it straight away.
All of that is going to price me some cash, and I do know that. It is going to additionally assist ensure that I haven’t got to spend extra later, and even worse, want one thing and never have the funds to get it.
It is okay to be low-cost, and Prime Day is your time
My spouse says I secretly love this as a result of I am an inexpensive bastard who by no means likes to spend cash. She’s proper and incorrect — I’m low-cost, and that has taught me the way to get extra by spending much less. I am doing it as a result of I’ve no alternative, although.
These fancy headphones I have been wanting will simply have to attend.
