Easily buy someone a tech gift when you know nothing about Tech

The holidays are fast approaching again, and aside from toys and clothes, technology is always at the top of many people’s wish lists. The problem is, there are so many products to choose from, it can be difficult to choose one when you don’t know their differences. If you are looking to buy a tablet, smartphone or game console for your loved ones this year, but the problem is you have no idea where to start. You can use the following tips to get started.

Ask them what they want

Perhaps the most important point on this list is this: Before you can figure out which one to buy, you need to know what your friend or family member needs this item for. “It’s the thought that counts” doesn’t really apply when your recipients can’t use the gift you bought them; The technique is very specific for that mistake. Of course, there are a lot of products that can perform similar functions, but it is important to buy the right one the first time.

For example, if you want to buy someone a laptop for a Christmas gift. You see the prices of Windows or Mac options, and think that for the price, a Chromebook can get the job done. If you find that all they need is schoolwork, email, and light web browsing, then sure, a Chromebook will do the trick. However, if you didn’t ask and it turns out you need a machine for video editing, or, God forbid, gaming, you’ve bought them a $200 paperweight.

Although they don’t need the power and capabilities that come with a traditional laptop, they may prefer it over something like a Chromebook. After all, a laptop gives you more options and will be more useful in the long run. Before buying a gift, be sure to ask them what they’re looking for in a new gadget Accordingly you can decide what you want to buy.

The brands on the table

Branding can be just as important as functionality; The person you’re buying for might, in theory, like the audio quality of a certain pair of earbuds, but if they’re not AirPods, they’ll be disappointed. Earbuds are a fashion to them, but to you, an earbud is an earbud. Make sure they are not looking for a specific brand with their technology before purchasing an option.

Sometimes a brand is just a logo or a fad, and certain brands can make or break your ability to fully enjoy the gadget. Consider something like iPhone vs. Android; if you’re buying them a smartphone, you’ll want to know ahead of time whether they want to use iMessage and FaceTime (which is iPhone-only), or if they’re open to a different type of phone. If they want to play Mario Kart and Zelda, you’ll need to buy a Nintendo Switch; if Spider-Man: Miles Morales is on their list, they’ll need a PlayStation.

Prices can be misleading

It is true that most profitable technology is junk. If you buy a cheap version of the product, it will not be a good thing.

However, you should not assume that the most expensive version of the product is correct, either It lacks the sticker shock we’ve come to expect from electronics, but there’s plenty of tech that does everything you need.

Example:- Apple’s expensive tablets do almost everything for half or a third of the price. The same goes for the iPhone SE; This iPhone is $399, has an older display and camera, and handles the most important functions you’d expect from an iPhone.

That’s all to say, don’t go cheap if you don’t want to, but don’t feel like you’ve been priced out of gifts because the “best of the best” is pretty expensive.

Check out the reviews

Even if you know that a product is suitable for the tasks you want it to do, you should not buy it until you check with the reviewers. The internet is full of reviews for just about anything; If you want to know more about the latest iPad, there are hundreds of reviews for it; If you want to learn the pros and cons between MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, there are plenty of comparisons.

You tube has a vibrant tech community that reviews just about every product you can think of. Of course, YouTube is a wonderful resource. These reviewers can answer your questions and introduce you to new or better products; If you’re looking at a review for a wireless earbud and they mention the audio quality isn’t as good as another brand, chances are you’ll go with the other one, even if you’ve never heard of it before.

However, be careful; Most reviews are 100% reviewer experience, and some actually look like ads. Generally, there is a disclosure when a product reviews or is sponsored by a featured video, but be aware of that bias.

Ask a technician for help

Have another techie in your circle? Maybe even someone who is friends with the subject of your gift? Ask them for advice! Technology covers many different areas, and those interested in technology may have some level of knowledge about what you are trying to buy, especially if it is more consumer-centric. If you have such a person in your life, they may already be one of your first stops.

However, be careful; Some of us who are steeped in tech news and discourse gravitate towards the high-end spectrum of gadgets. They’ll recommend an iPad with the best display and fastest chip, even if it’s three times the price of the tablet you were thinking of getting. I know I have to remind myself that not everyone wants or needs the best, and that just because a product exists doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone.

Of course, maybe your recipient is a techie who wants the best. It really depends on who you are buying the product from.

Don’t rely on stores for help

Apple Geniuses, Best Buy’s Geek Squad; You’d think these stores would have the best tips for shopping this holiday season. However, my advice is to steer clear. It’s important to remember that at the end of the day, these stores are looking to sell you something. If you get better service from a product they don’t sell, you probably won’t get that advice; Instead, they will try to keep you to in-stock devices, and may push you to buy something more expensive than you need to.

You won’t find an Apple employee recommending you buy a Samsung Galaxy over an iPhone or a Dell laptop over a MacBook Air. They don’t do it meanly; They are simply trained to help you with products that Apple sells, so you get a one-of-a-kind experience at their store.

Additionally, it has been my experience that many retailers do not provide adequate training to their staff. You might find employees who love technology and know what they’re talking about, and you might get advice from someone who doesn’t know much more than you. They may recommend you buy a product that doesn’t suit your needs, or fail to suggest a product that works better. In short, skip the stores.

No need to feel lost; Stick to the plan! Learn what technology needs your gifted needs, talk to their friends, ask other techies, and watch some YouTube videos on the subject. Before you know it, you’ll have a good idea of ​​what to buy.

Frequently Asking Questions

What is the most popular gadget?

Mobile phone Adoption of Technology Finds 73 percent of 37,000 respondents say their mobile phone is their most used electronic device. Fifty-eight percent said the second most used device was their desktop computer, while 56 percent said printers were the third most used device.

How do I gift a PC game?

To gift a digital game on your console, go to the Microsoft Store, find the game you’d like to gift, find the gift wrap icon, and click on it. This will open the “Buy as Gift” options, where you can choose someone from your friends list or type in an email.

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