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 at all times been the day after 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 12 months shall be completely different; it has to be as a result of I am broke. Even when I needed to purchase a bunch of gadgety toys, I can not, as a result of a life-changing medical difficulty and a complete lot of costly 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 is not all dangerous. I’ve a cellphone that may final me till no less than subsequent 12 months, a Chromebook that shall be up to date for some time, and a drawer crammed with gadget junk I’ve already purchased that I can tinker with once more. You by no means know, I’d be capable to do one thing new and funky as a result of concepts are free, and outdated stuff could be helpful generally.
We’ll be shopping for a bunch of boring family stuff if we are able to discover it in bulk and on sale. Stuff like trash luggage, laundry detergent, and various crap that everybody wants. I determine between Amazon and Walmart — which you recognize is going to have a bunch of stuff on sale to compete — we are able to 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 switch will final till I can. I’ve discovered that it is at all times higher to spend a couple of {dollars} upfront to try to forestall breaking or dropping your stuff, which is able to value some huge cash to switch. Issues like telephones. Particularly telephones.
Your telephones and watches want safety
I am purchasing for a good display screen protector and a case for my cellphone, my work cellphone (or I can let it break and ask for a brand new one), and my spouse’s cellphone. Often we purchase a brand new cellphone as a result of we both actually needed one or as a result of the one we now have stopped working. My spouse is particularly exhausting 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 cellphone has a greater probability of surviving till I can afford to switch it. Identical for my spouse’s. If I’ve to spend $100 to doubtlessly 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 may stick with it for no less than one other 12 months 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 new silicone band for every. I am additionally going to see what the case state of affairs is. Sure, you should buy a case on 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 switch them.
I do know they make instances 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 funds.
I do know I am shortly reaching the restrict of what I can afford to spend, however I additionally need to purchase two USB chargers and two new high-quality cables. They’ll sit within the package deal till I would like them, and it is going to be cheaper than operating out to Walmart after work and grabbing one as a result of I would like it straight away.
All of that is going to value me some cash, and I do know that. It’ll additionally assist be certain 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 flawed — 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 selection, although.
These fancy headphones I have been wanting will simply have to attend.
