Android & Chill
One of many net’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 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 12 months might 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 am unable to, as a result of a life-changing medical problem and a complete lot of costly water injury 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 cellphone that can final me till not less than subsequent 12 months, a Chromebook that might 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 would have the ability to do one thing new and funky as a result of concepts are free, and previous stuff might be helpful typically.
We’ll be shopping for a bunch of boring family stuff if we will discover it in bulk and on sale. Stuff like trash baggage, laundry detergent, and various crap that everybody wants. I determine between Amazon and Walmart — which you already know is going to have a bunch of stuff on sale to compete — we will really save a couple of dollars 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 at all times higher to spend a couple of {dollars} upfront to try to forestall breaking or shedding your stuff, which is able to value some huge cash to exchange. 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’ve stopped working. My spouse is particularly exhausting on the display screen and has busted quite a lot of over time. 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 pace.
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 likelihood of surviving till I can afford to exchange it. Similar 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 exploit a Garmin and my spouse has a Pixel Watch, and each of them nonetheless work nice. I am positive they are going to stick with it for not 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 purchase a case to 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 exploit for work. All three have to preserve working till I can afford to exchange 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 price range.
I do know I am rapidly 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’ll sit within the package deal till I would like them, and it will likely be cheaper than working 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 can additionally assist be certain 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 fallacious — I’m low cost, and that has taught me tips on how 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.
