electronics

The 5 Best Electronics Wipes

Andrea Cannon — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 10:00:15 +0000

In today’s world of touch screens, your smartphone, tablet, and electronics can get much dirtier, much more quickly. Fortunately, electronics wipes offer the perfect solution to effectively clean dust, dirt, grease, grime, makeup, smudges, and fingerprints off your screens.

Electronics wipes make it easier than ever to quickly, safely clean your electronic screens. By regularly cleaning your screens, they will look new again and allow you to see the picture more clearly. Smooth surfaces also allow for optimal stylus response. When there are smudges on your screens, it can also cause you to strain your eyes more, which can take a toll on your vision. With electronics wipes, you can conveniently clean your screens with no risk of damage to your valuable devices.

What Are Electronics Wipes?

Electronics wipes are soft, nonabrasive wet wipes designed specifically for cleaning electronics surfaces. They can be used on smartphones, computer screens, televisions, and any other electronics surfaces. It’s important to first remove all abrasives from the surface, so you don’t scratch your screens while you’re trying to clean them. After you gently wipe your screens clean, you can simply throw the used wipe away.

Top 5 Electronics Wipes

Windex Screen Cleaner Wipes

Amazon’s Choice for electronics wipes, the Windex Screen Cleaner Wipes work perfectly for computers, televisions, smartphones, glasses, LCD screens, smartphones, and all electronic screens. They can also be used on game stations, remotes, glass, and metal for a better value. The antistatic cloths quickly and gently remove dust, fingerprints, and smudges. The advanced cleaning formula cleans safely and easily without leaving any residue, lint, or streaks behind. The resealable pouch will keep the wipes moist for longer. They are recommended by Influenster and have great online reviews.

Currently $8.21 on Amazon

iCloth Screen Cleaning Wipes

The iCloth Screen Cleaning Wipes are individually packaged and guaranteed to stay moist. The premium pre-moistened cloths work to quickly clean all electronics, including smartphones, tablets, computers, cameras, and glasses with no drips, streaks, or film. The nonwoven aerospace-grade wipes are extremely soft and low-linting. They safely and easily trap and lift off dirt, fingerprints, makeup, and grease, so your electronics and optical screens can provide maximum clarity. The purified water-based formula contains some isopropyl alcohol (not harmful ethyl alcohol), which iCloth claims is safe for use on all screens, sensitive optics, and specialty coatings.

The 100-pack of individually-sealed cleaning wipes are convenient to carry in your purse, car, backpack, or travel bag. They have outstanding reviews, including more than 600 five-star reviews on Amazon, and are backed by a money-back guarantee.

Currently $22.49 on Amazon

3m Electronic Equipment Cleaning Wipes

The 3m Electronic Equipment Cleaning Wipes are perfect for use on all electronics and delicate surfaces, including LCD screens, laptops, phones, computers, and DVDs. They will keep your expensive equipment clean and dust-free, so they can work optimally and provide you with a better value. The pre-moistened, antistatic, nonabrasive, unscented wipes come in an easy-dispense canister, so they’ll stay moist for longer.

These are frequently recommended online and have great reviews. If you’d rather have something that you can use over and over, consider the 3M High Performance Cloth.

Currently $11.47 on Amazon

Weiman E-tronic Wipes

The Weiman E-tronic Wipes safely clean all electronics, including televisions, keyboards and monitors, laptops, tablets, and cellphones. The quick-drying, antistatic wipes remove dust, fingerprints, and dirt. They leave a streak-free shine so you can enjoy a clearer picture on all your screens. The convenient dispenser will keep the wipes moist, so you get a better value. This is backed by the Good Housekeeping seal and has great online reviews.

Currently $7.99 on Amazon

Endust Pop-Up Anti-Static Non-Streak Wipes

The Anti-Static, Non-Streak Endust Wipes will clean most electronics quickly and safely. However, they aren’t ideal for LCD or plasma screens. The pop-up container keeps the soft, nonabrasive, ammonia-free wipes moist for a better value. The moisture evaporates in seconds so you can use your clean electronics again in no time. These are frequently recommended online and have great reviews.

Currently $9.52 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best electronics wipes. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Affordable Travel Items That You Shouldn't Leave Home Without

Amanda Gokee — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 11:00:07 +0000

Your travel budget can easily get busted just from buying things for your trip. That said, there are certain things you just shouldn't leave home without. If you pack a few smart items that will give you the most bang for your buck, you can enjoy your trip with the right stuff on hand — and enough money left in your budget for your actual trip.

1. Memory Cards

Chances are if you're going on a trip, you're going to want to bring your camera. Running out of space on your memory cards can be a big bummer when you're on the go and just about to capture the perfect shot. You'll burn through memory especially fast if you're taking videos, so it's better to go prepared and have at least one high capacity SD memory card, plus one extra, just in case.

2. Travel Cubes

Travel cubes are an easy way to pack your bag. These little compartments let you pack and unpack everything with ease. You can group your clothes, toiletries, and shoes all separately, so you don't have to worry about emptying your entire bag just to find one item buried at the bottom. They work well for backpacks, too.

3. Universal Plug Adapters

A universal adapter is a packing essential if you're planning to travel to foreign countries, because outlets fit different sized plugs depending on where in the world you are. Some countries even use two different sized plugs.

4. Luggage Scale

When you're packing your bags for a trip, a few extra pounds make a big difference. If you show up at the airport with a bag over the airline's allowed weight limit, you could be charged up to hundreds of dollars in overweight bag fees.

With a handy and portable luggage scale, you never have to worry about guesstimating how much your bag weighs. You can know for sure.

5. TSA Master Lock

It's a good precaution to lock your bag shut. Of course, if you're flying you'll need a lock approved by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. The proper TSA lock will ensure you get through security checkpoints.

6. Leather Passport Case

You know you need to bring your passport when you're traveling, and it's smart to get a case to protect it from wear and tear. Get a leather case that blocks the rare thief armed with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader from scanning personal information on the RFID chip in your passport.

7. Travel Bottles

We're all attached to our specific brand of products. Get the proper sized travel bottles and fill them up before your trip.

8. Solar Panel Charger

Solar panel technology is still growing, so it's interesting to see the gear that's now being aimed at travelers. If you're going camping off the grid, a solar panel rechargeable battery could be a great way to charge your phone and other electronics you can't do without.

9. Water Filtration Systems

Depending on what type of trip you're going on, having a way to purify your water may not only save you from buying bottled water, but it could also get you out of a tough situation. Water filtration systems are particularly useful if you're planning on doing any overnight hiking and you want to be sure you're drinking water that's safe for human consumption.

Happy shopping and happy travels.

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This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Things You Should Never Pack for Vacation

Amanda Gokee — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 09:00:09 +0000

Going on a vacation is supposed to be fun, so you never want to get weighed down by what you're packing. Here's a useful list of items you will never need once you get wherever you're going. These things will become a waste of space in your luggage, not to mention a waste of the time you'll spend packing and unpacking them.

1. Multiple Pairs of Shoes

I get it, shoes are awesome. But if you're being completely honest with yourself, whether you're going on a weeklong trip or you'll be backpacking around the world, you don't need that many pairs of shoes. It may be hard, but it's not impossible to pare down your shoes.

Shoes take up space and they weigh a fair amount. You will never regret bringing one pair of functional, semi-fashionable sneakers. These will come in handy at literally any destination, since traveling usually entails some amount of walking. So be kind to your feet and bring appropriate footwear.

Depending on your destination, you should also bring one pair of versatile sandals. This means something that you can wear out at night or to the beach during the day. These should not give you blisters within five minutes of putting them on your feet.

2. Excessive Toiletries

You might have a complicated and involved skin care routine that includes face wash, toner, moisturizer, eye cream, and more. You might be loathe to go without your favorite bath soap and shampoo during your trip. But you'll survive. Not only do these items take up space, they have the potential to leak and get flagged by security. Use what the hotel or a local store offers. It'll be fine, really.

3. Too Many Electronics

We all love our gadgets and electronics. Surely, you're going to bring your phone and maybe your computer along. But traveling is also a time to disconnect, and you don't want to get bogged down into organizing and packing all of those extra charging cords — only to end up not using any of them because you were too busy having a good time.

Electronics take up space, they weigh a lot, and they're an extra thing to worry about getting stolen since they're usually among the higher-value items you'll have with you. Limit it and reduce them whenever it's possible.

4. Towels

That's right. They seem like an item you can't live without, but you really don't need to pack towels. If you are on a backpacking trip, you can bring a microfiber backpacking towel along or just dry off with a cotton T-shirt.

Towels that are packed away in your bag for any amount of time are going to get stinky and funky really fast. You'll be happier you left them at home.

5. Easy and Cheap Things You Can Buy

Nobody should be packing anything that you'll want to buy once you've reached your destination (preferably with a no foreign transaction fee credit card). Consider the place you're going and identify things you're interested in buying, whether they're practical items that cost less or just souvenirs.

Don't bring anything that falls into this category. You can always make your purchases on the road with space to spare in your bag.

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This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Tech Gadgets With the Best Resale Value

Paul Michael — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 10:30:06 +0000

We all know the story with technology. By the time you've opened the box, it's already out of date. As advances quickly move the latest and greatest tech gadgets into the "out of date" category, it's hard to know what to buy, and how much to spend.

But, some tech gadgets are a better investment than others, holding their value well. So when the time does come to upgrade, these eight gadgets will still be worth a tidy sum.

1. Beats by Dre

They are not the best headphones on the market. To be honest, they're not even close to being the best, as far as technical specs are concerned. But when it comes to holding their value, Beats are up there with the biggest and best studio headphones on the market. The reason is simple — people want them. They have a certain "street cred" that seems to be bullet-proof, and they also look pretty cool.

You could pay up to $300 for a pair of Beats Studio Wireless headphones, brand new. The same make and model, used, will sell for close to the same price on eBay. That's not a big depreciation at all, especially for tech you actually wear. And if you buy limited edition models, they can actually go up in value.

But to be clear, if you want a pair of good headphones that also hold their value, choose Sennheiser.

2. Apple iPad

It was the first tablet to take the gadget world by storm. It's still the tablet most people gravitate to, and it doesn't look like that will change anytime soon. The Apple iPad came along in April of 2010, and after a small adjustment period (what is that thing and what does it do?), everyone was hooked. There have been many different types of iPad and competitor tablets released since, but it's the iPad that holds its value well.

Now, if you have one of the first 2010 models, it won't get you much money used, as the tech is too dated. But more recent ones, you'll have no trouble reselling them for a good chunk of money. For example, a new iPad Air 2 with 64GB is over $600 after tax. The same one, used, is going for over $500 on eBay. Just remember, condition is everything, and original packaging makes a world of difference.

3. Game Consoles (Newer Models)

I was in the market for a Playstation 3 recently, and I figured I would be able to pick up a used one for $50 on Craigslist. Nope. A used one, with just one controller, was $100. Throw in more controllers and games, and you can expect to pay almost as much as a new one. Likewise, the Xbox 360, used, was fetching a tidy sum on Craigslist and eBay as well.

If you take care of your consoles, keep the original box, and keep the games in great condition, you can expect the value of your gaming console to hold for quite a while. What's more, older consoles are making a comeback. An original NES system can easily fetch over $100, and some of the games are worth thousands.

3. Apple iPhone

Another one for Apple, and not surprisingly it's their flagship product. The iPhone is not even 10 years old yet (it was launched in 2007), but it has absolutely changed the way we all interact with the online world. And although Android phones are now surpassing iPhones in sales, they are not touching them when it comes to resale values. Do a quick search on eBay for completed listings and you'll see most iPhone 5 models are selling for around $200 (that's around half the price of a new 5s). If it's gold, quadruple that price. Even the original, clunky iPhone has value. In its box, you can get $80–$100 for it. If it's factory sealed…thousands.

4. Vintage Audio Equipment

If you want to get a tech gadget that will really hold its value well, don't buy new. Buy vintage. Right now, the comeback of vinyl means that a good record player (think Technics, NAD, Thoren) will not only be worth every penny, it will also hold its value for years. Or, in the case of designer models, rise significantly.

What's more, you can still pick up great amplifiers, tape decks, turntables, and speakers for pennies on the dollar; especially if you know just what to look for in the thrift stores and garage sales. I recently picked up a Technics turntable for $15, in the original box, which is already worth over $100 on eBay. Not that I'm selling it! And after Eminem announced the re-release of his Slim Shady album on cassette, you can guarantee tape decks will be next to rocket in value. Grab one cheap while you can.

5. Fitbit Surge

Actually, a lot of wearable tech is holding its value well, including smartwatches and fitness trackers. The Fitbit Surge is definitely up there as one of the best for holding value. Right now, a new FitBit Surge can set you back between $220–$250, while used ones are coming in at around the $150 mark. The reason, other than the sleek design and usability, is the onboard GPS tracking software. Not only can you chart distance and pace, but even elevation.

6. Google Chromecast

This is a no-brainer, as it's so affordable to begin with. But if you like buying products that hold their value, this is up there with Apple products. A new Chromecast will cost you $35 from most online retailers, and often it comes with Google Play credits. If you look up used ones on eBay or Craigslist, you'll see them priced between $20–$25, depending on condition, original box, and so on. It's an incredible useful little piece of tech, and the simplicity it takes to set up and use makes it an easy item to resell later.

7. Apple Watch

Third time's a charm for Apple, who continue to have a massive fanbase despite not producing a significant innovation for years. But whatever the current state of Apple's product line, its products continue to hold their value, and the Apple Watch (shouldn't that be iWatch, or it that way too creepy?) is no exception.

A new Apple Watch will cost you anywhere from $350–$12,000 (that's the 18K gold edition), while a used Apple Watch will sell for anywhere from to $130 to $15,000! Clearly some people have money to burn.

Recognize any of your gadgets in this list?

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

4 Purchases With Financing Options That Depreciate Fast

Qiana Chavaia — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 11:30:07 +0000

It's refund season. Unfortunately, the first thing most people do when they receive their tax refund is purchase big ticket items that often depreciate in value. Far worse, sometimes the refund is used as a down payment, and the purchase still requires financing. Or, it's bought before the money actually arrives and carried as a credit card balance — believing you'll use your refund to pay it off. (See also: 8 Smart Things to Do With Your Tax Refund)

Investing your tax refund in smart, long-lasting purchases you really need is one thing. But using the money on big-ticket items that are certain to depreciate is a losing financial proposition. Consider avoiding these depreciating purchases:

1. Jewelry

Suze Orman likes to point out that she always wears the same jewelry. I'm the same way. Unless it's for a truly special occasion — such as an engagement ring, wedding band, or anniversary gift — jewelry isn't something you should buy often. Precious stones, in particular, tend to depreciate hard and fast. Ira Weissman, a 10-year veteran in the diamond business, says diamonds are a terrible waste of your money because their value often drops to less than half after your purchase.

2. Automobiles

You've heard that cars lose their value the moment you drive off the lot. So, why pump so much money into something that will never appreciate in value, will only cost more money over time, and ultimately need to be replaced? And worse, why would you finance a new vehicle — taking on additional debt on top of a depreciating asset — if you don't really need a new car?

The good news is, consumers have wised up to the truth about auto financing. And the automobile industry has caught on to the fact they can no longer convince people to run out and buy new cars every two to three years. But they still want your money. So, they've created an alternative scheme to traditional three to five year financing. It's an auto lease, where if you use the car for work (individual or business), you can deduct up to as much as 100% of monthly payments and other expenses. While it's not right for everyone, in some situations, it's a good alternative to taking on new car debt. Of course, the best option is still to pay for cars in cash, buying a vehicle only when you really need it.

3. Electronics

In our nation's consumer-driven economy, the sale of goods is the backbone of business. So, some businesses no longer have an incentive to make quality products that last, because consumers want the latest release with updated features. Since electronics are a necessary — and rapidly depreciating — evil, your best bet is to buy only what you need, get an extended warranty on it (if possible), insure it, and hang onto it for years to come. Help drive down the excessive costs of these expensive gadgets by simply refusing to trade them in every year.

4. Furniture

Used furniture is only as valuable as what someone is willing pay, and that's often far less than what you paid originally. Even designer furniture in good condition only fetches a small fraction of its original price. If you're in the market for furniture, buy high-quality, durable pieces if you can. Budget and plan for their purchase and acquire them over time. If you can't quite afford those high-quality items yet, consider buying them used and let someone else take the depreciation hit, instead.

Are there other quickly depreciating buys we've missed? Please share in comments!

This article is from Qiana Chavaia of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Companies With the Best Employee Discounts

Damian Davila — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 16:00:07 +0000

Only 29% of U.S. workers are engaged and emotionally invested in their work and focused on helping their organizations improve. Given that most employers are only planning to raise wages by an average 3% in 2016, consider companies that provide other ways to make your dollars go further.

Here are eight companies with some of the best employee discounts.

1. American Apparel

If your friends look to you for advice on the latest fashion trends, and choosing your wardrobe is one of the most important parts of your day, consider looking for a job at American Apparel. Its store managers even pay attention to what applicants wear during interviews.

Buzzfeed reported that employees working at American Apparel receive a cool 50% off on all store items, no exceptions. Since it's company policy that you wear only American Apparel clothes to work, you also receive a $200 stipend to buy their clothes when you first start.

2. Apple Store

Receiving a discount at an Apple store is really hard. The only two common ways to get a discount are either through the Apple Education Pricing program — which allows students, parents of students, and teachers to save up to $200 on a new Mac, and up to $20 on a new iPad — and the Black Friday sales event.

On the other hand, Apple Store employees are eligible for a 25% discount on the iMac, Mac mini, Mac Pro, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro on their first day of employment. Additionally, you can receive a 25% discount on each purchase of one item from the iPod, iPad, Airport base station, and Apple Display models, provide your friends and relatives a 15% discount on up to three products, save 50% on software and 10% on third-party accessories, and receive an additional $250 off an iPad or $500 off any Mac computer every three years.

3. Bed Bath & Beyond

The 20% off coupon from Bed Bath & Beyond is so legendary that even actress Kristen Bell is a fan of it. Imagine if there was a way to get that discount every day without having to wait to find a coupon in a magazine or an email — there is! Bed Bath & Beyond associates receive a straightforward 20% discount on all purchases and a 30% discount once a year during Christmas. Associates can also choose from a monthly list of random items that are priced at cost.

4. Best Buy

After a three-month period, employee are eligible to buy a wide selection of items sold at Best Buy stores at wholesale cost, plus a 5% to 10% markup, depending on item. Former Best Buy employees report on Reddit that you can make substantial savings on batteries and tech accessories. For example, the black housing for a GoPro H4 camera retails for $50 and an employee was able to purchase it for $15 to $20.

5. Brooks Brothers

Clothing retailer Brooks Brothers offers a great 60% employee discount on all merchandise with no cap on items of dollar amount, according to a reddit poster. At Brooks Brothers you can shop clothes for kids, men, and women so you won't have a hard time finding gifts for friends and family. This employee discount is perfect for those looking to start building or completely revamping their entire wardrobe.

6. J. Crew

Just like at American Apparel, employees at J. Crew stores receive an employee discount on items for their work wardrobe. Every month you can receive a 50% employee discount on five items that you plan to wear at work, so outerwear isn't eligible for this discount. However, you can receive a storewide 30% employee discount on all full-priced merchandise. J. Crew also provides a list of slow-selling or overstock items each week that employees can get 60% off the retail price on.

7. Whole Foods

All Whole Foods employees are eligible for a default 20% discount on all store purchases. By meeting certain ranges for blood pressure, BMI, and total cholesterol, and not using nicotine products, Whole Foods employees are able to pump up their employee discount from 20% up to 30% through the Team Member Healthy Discount Incentive Program. Spouses and eligible domestic partners of Whole Foods employees are also eligible for the employee discount. Given that there are some foods that are actually cheaper at Whole Foods, employees are able to save on organic and socially responsible food items even more.

8. Zappos

Known as one of the companies with the best customer service, Zappos aims to please its employees as well. Among the many employee benefits that the company offers, Zappos provides a 40% employee discount on the Zappos.com website and several discounts with local businesses. Another employee perk worth mentioning is that Zappos covers 100% of an employee's health care premiums and 71% of his or her dependents' health care premiums.

What are other companies that offer excellent employee discounts?

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This article is from Damian Davila of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Home Buys You Should Never Skimp On

Mikey Rox — Mon, 11 May 2015 13:00:22 +0000

There are some everyday items I personally never skimp on, like toilet paper, kitchen knives, bed sheets, and small appliances. But what about larger items for the home? These are often even more important, as the difference between the cheap stuff and pricier counterparts can have a profound impact on your quality of life and even your safety. Take a look.

1. Exterior Door Locks

Be honest — when you read the title of this post, did you immediately think of door locks? Probably not, and neither did I. It wasn't until veteran handyman Marcus L. Horner mentioned exterior locks that I gave them a second thought. Ironic, because a strong door lock is perhaps the most important thing you should never skimp on.

"Among the most important things in a home are the front and back doors. You should never skimp on these two items," Horner says. "You would not believe how many people I see almost on a daily basis who replace doors with the cheapest they can find — and this is after they have already been broken into!"

This is your family's safety and sense of security we're dealing with here, people!

2. Mattresses

I don't think you need the King Midas of mattresses to enjoy a restful, comfortable night's sleep. In fact, the comfort factor of mattresses is really quite relative, depending on each person's preference (I can speak from experience that IKEA and West Elm sell decent mattresses, with the former being very affordable and the latter being perfectly midrange). It goes without saying, however, that the higher in price you go, the plusher and more luxurious the mattress will be. Above all, make sure it comes brand new from a reputable dealer and manufacturer. Because sleep deprivation is a serious thing.

3. Major Appliances

You'll really have to search hard for off-brand appliances; even the low-priced options come from well-known brand names. But don't let that fool you in this case. Unlike other items, I stand by my position that the price of electronic items directly correlates to their quality with a few exceptions (I'm looking at you, Beats headphones), so it's worth spending the extra money. Besides, this is a long-term investment — many appliances last 10 years or more before needing to be repaired or replaced — so if it helps, think about the cost versus the lifetime of the product to soften the financial blow.

Financing is usually available as well to reduce the immediate burden. If that doesn't help, think of it this way: Do you really want to keep dragging refrigerators and washing machines in and out of the house every few years because you wanted to save a few bucks? I didn't think so.

4. Fire Extinguishers

Unless you have children, you probably don't spend too much time thinking of worst-case scenarios. But a house fire is definitely a Code WTF emergency, and it's important to be as prepared as possible. One of the components in your disaster preparedness kit should be a fire extinguisher. There are several options from which to choose, according to Consumer Reports, which asks the question: "When the kitchen's on fire, do you want a $7 aerosol can or a real extinguisher?" Spring for the tried-and-true traditional red bottles, which cost about $25 more.

5. Blu-ray Players

Consumer Reports also weighs in on cheap DVD players, particularly Blu-ray players for less than $20. Common sense should warn you that a Blu-ray that cheap is probably too good to be true, with CR warning that you should expect to have to replace it every year. Heck, even pricier Blu-ray players don't last terribly long. I have a Samsung Blu-ray player that's about four years old that will only play standard DVDs now, and it's annoying as all get out.

6. Vacuum Cleaners

According to Consumer Reports magazine's Shop Smart section, a "$50 vacuum cleans like a $50 vacuum." Considering that well-reviewed vacuums like Dyson and Kirby run in the $400 to $800, you can deduce then that your $50 won't get you much. Personally I have a Shark vacuum that I purchased at Bed Bath & Beyond in the $120 range that works perfectly well for me. I also have a relatively small home. Your home may require a heavier-duty vacuum, and in that case you may want to start looking in the higher-end section. Kind of like buying a new car, actually.

7. Computers

I'm an Apple guy. It's not cheap, but these products of superior quality are well worth the money I shell out — especially my laptop.

Before I switched to Mac, I worked from PCs and Windows laptops. I was just out of college with minimal disposable income, so I jumped at the chance to buy a laptop for $200 from Circuit City. Of course it worked well straight out of the box, but just a few months in the speed slowed down, I had to wait a good couple minutes for everything to boot up and get started, and it was prone to viruses. This scenario is rather common with PCs, and the cheaper you go the more often you'll have to replace it. There's actually a name for this retail practice — it's called intentional obsolescence, which means that the product is designed to have a limited lifespan, forcing you to replace it sooner than you would a quality product. That's not to say that you should switch to Apple, but my Macs last many years longer than any PC I've ever owned.

8. Irons

There are $20 irons on the market, and there are $90 irons on the market. While I don't think you need a professional-grade iron, I do recommend irons in the $40 to $60 range to ensure that you're getting a quality product.

The one problem I seem to consistently find with cheaper irons is that they don't get hot enough to steam out wrinkles efficiently, and often hot water drips out of the iron itself causing a mess on your clothes and ironing board. I've been burned quite badly from faulty irons, actually. Save yourself the blisters and spend a bit more on a decent iron that will do the job it's supposed to do.

Do you have things to add that we should never skimp on in the home? I'd love to hear your suggestions. Let me know in the comments below.

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This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Power Banks

Andrea Cannon — Fri, 01 May 2015 09:00:25 +0000

A portable power bank can save your phone when you’re down to your last bit of battery. And let’s face it, nobody wants to be stranded without their cell phone. Fortunately, power banks are small, affordable, and easy to use, so you won’t ever have to panic when your phone or tablet is running low on battery juice ever again. With the small external chargers, you won’t ever have to worry about your battery running out in the middle of a call. You can talk to your friends, play games, listen to music, or surf the internet for as long as you want, without having to worry about finding a nearby charging station.

In fact, some power banks can charge your smartphone more than four times under one full charge. To get the most from your investment, it’s important to choose a power bank that best fits your lifestyle and budget.

What is a Power Bank?

A power bank is a portable battery charger that can recharge your battery whenever you’re running low on power. This will make it more convenient to use your phone or tablet whenever you need to, without having to search for an available wall charger. All you need to do is plug your phone into the portable charger and continue on your day. The phone will charge with enough power to get you through your day and you can easily recharge the power bank from any USB port once you get home. These are ideal for when you are traveling, on business, or just to keep in your car or bag for a quick emergency charge. At some point in time, you’ll find yourself on low battery power, and will be glad you have the portable power you need.

Top 5 Power Banks

EasyAcc 10000mAh Brilliant Ultra Slim Dual USB Portable Power Bank External Battery Charger

The EasyAcc Brilliant Ultra Slim Dual USB Portable Power Bank is one of the bestselling battery chargers in the world. With dual USB output, you can simultaneously charge two devices to save even more time. While it is compact, ultra slim, and super portable, it is powered with an impressive 10000mAh rechargeable power capacity (USB Output 1: 5V 2.1A, USB Output 2: 5V 1.5A), providing enough power for 5-6 full charges to your iPhone 5 or 2.5-3.5 charges for Samsung Galaxy S4, S3. The reliable charger has a matte surface, is fingerprint-resistant, and available in black and orange, black and green, black and purple, black and silver, white and green, white and orange, and white and purple, so you can find the perfect colorful power bank to express your style.

You can use it everyday, or in emergency situations only, and with standby time of up to six months once fully charged, you won’t have to worry about it losing power anytime soon. Your purchase will include an EasyAcc power bank, a Micro USB Charging Cable (20 CM), a Micro USB Charging Cable (60 CM), and a User Manual.

Currently $21.49 on Amazon

RAVPower Luster 3000mAh Mini Portable Charger (2nd Gen External Power Bank With iSmart Technology)

As the #1 Best Seller of all Amazon’s MP3 battery packs, the lipstick-shaped, lightweight RAVPower Luster Mini Portable Charger can fit into any pocket or bag. With 3000 mAh of juice (Input: DC 5V / 1A Output: DC 5V / 1A), it’s powerful enough to provide nine hours of additional talk time or 90 hours of music playback from your cell phone. Equipped with iSmart technology to charge your device smarter and faster than standard USB, it automatically detects and delivers the optimal charging current for the fastest charge possible. The external power bank provides enough power for a full charge for iPhone 6, 5, 4, and most smartphones.

Built with premium grade A+ battery cells, you can enjoy over 500 recharge cycles with this mini charger. Available in black, silver, gold, pink, and blue, and no larger than a pack of mints, you can choose what best suits your personal style. Your purchase will include a RAVPower power bank, a USB Charging Cable, and a User Manual.

Currently $12.99 on Amazon

Anker® 2nd Gen Astro E3 Ultra Compact 10000mAh Portable Charger External Battery Power Bank With PowerIQ Technology

As the #1 Best Seller of all Amazon’s portable power banks, the Anker 2nd Gen Astro E3 Ultra Compact Portable Charger has the highest average review rating of any charging brand, resulting in 10 million+ satisfied customers. One in three chargers sold on Amazon is an Anker charger, making them Amazon’s #1 charging brand. With 10000 mAh of juice, this ultra compact portable charger can charge your phone, tablet, and more, whenever you need it most. It charges most tablets almost once, the Galaxy S5 two and a half times, the iPhone 5s four and a half times and other smartphones multiple times, all on just one charge of the portable power bank. Available in black and white, this reliable compact charger has the size and feel of a smartphone. It is made of industry grade materials, premium circuitry and a 92% efficient battery cell (up to 10% above the industry average).

It is unobtrusive, lightweight, and equipped with PowerIQ technology, which detects your device to deliver the fastest charge possible. Your purchase will include the Anker Astro E3 Portable Charger External Battery Power Bank, Micro USB cable, travel pouch, welcome guide, and their world famous 18-month warranty.

Currently $22.99 on Amazon

ZILU Smart Battery 13000mAh Backup Power Bank

ZILU is the trusted brand that created the ZILU Smart Battery and the only supplier on Amazon that offers 1,000 Cycles (double the market standard). Made of high quality Samsung 18650 Lithium Lion Battery Cells, the ZILU smart battery is durable, reliable, and small enough to fit in your pocket or bag, but powerful enough to contain 13000mAh energy. It is compatible with most of the smartphones and tablets on the market and equipped with SmartSwitch technology, allowing it to charge any of your mobile devices in the correct way. With 3A output and 2A input, the charging speed is 50% faster than most battery packs on the market and boasts up to 93% energy conversion rate.

The small, compact charger offers nine levels of protection and passed the most strict safety certification, UL 1624. With two outlets, it can simultaneously charge two devices at the same time. It can charge the iPhone eight times, Samsung Galaxy S5 four times, Galaxy Note III nearly three imes, and iPad more than one time. It is also equipped with a flashlight function for emergency situations and four LED lights to show the battery capacity. Your purchase will also include an impressive 2-Year Limited Warranty.

Currently $27.90 on Amazon

K2R-803 Cell Phone Portable Charger With Flashlight

The K2R-803 Cell Phone Portable Charger, or “As Seen On TV” item, really does hold up to its word and can quickly charge your iPhone, iPad, Samsung, smartphones, and tablets. It is beautiful, lightweight, and holds an incredible 7,800mAh, enough to fully charge your iPhone Battery almost four times. Only top grade Lithium Ion Battery Cells are used and multiple levels of protection are built into the charger to keep your phone battery healthy. You can also rely on the intelligent K2R monitoring system with overcharge, over-discharge, over-current, over-voltage, short-circuit and over-load safety protections. With two USB ports, you can simultaneously charge two devices to save even more time.

The charger is equipped with a flashlight for emergency situations, as well as four LED light indicators to show the remaining charge. Your purchase includes a K2R-803 Portable Charger, a user manual, an Intelligent LED Micro USB Cable, an Intelligent LED iPhone 5 Lightning USB Cable (the LED on the cables displays a red light when the device is charging and a blue light once it is charged), and an exclusive Battery Boost Bonus Guide Ebook. You can take comfort in the 100% customer satisfaction guarantee and incredible 3-year warranty.

Currently $29.99 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best power banks. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

4 Warranties That Aren't Worth It

Damian Davila — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 15:00:11 +0000

Most of us believe that it's better to be safe than sorry.

However, when it comes to buying warranties, you may be acting on emotion. It's time to step back and take a closer look at those extended warranties — your extra peace of mind may be coming with a hidden high cost. Here are four warranties that aren't worth it.

1. Warranties That Are Too Expensive

According to the Service Contract Industry Council, most extended warranty costs are 10% to 20% of the sales price. Anything above that 20% benchmark may be too much, particularly for small ticket items. For example, a $20 extended warranty on a $55 panini press is a waste of money.

On the other hand, buying a $150 warranty on a $2,000 computer is a more sensible purchase. Not only is that warranty just 7.5% of the total price, but it'd also cover the high cost of replacing parts.

2. Warranties Shorter Than Those From Your Credit Card

There is no need to pay twice for coverage that you may already have. As long as you complete the entire purchase on a single credit card, most major credit card companies will extend the original manufacturer's warranty up to one additional year.

Review the fine print on your credit card's extended warranty for other applicable limits, such as the maximum purchase price and maximum dollar value of claims within the same year. As long as you're aware of applicable exclusions and requirements, having a credit card with an excellent extended warranty can be a lifesaver. (See also: How to Take Advantage of the Free Extended Warranty From Your Credit Card Issuer)

3. Warranties for Products With Low Repair Rates

Some people claim that things aren't built to last anymore. However, surveys from Consumer Reports seem to indicate that it may all just be in our heads. The repair rates for several items are going down.

Laptops had a repair rate of 36% in 2010, and 24% in 2013.
LCD TVs had a repair rate of 15% in 2010, and 7% in 2013.
Dishwashers already had a low repair rate of 13% back in 2004.

Consumer Reports found that appliances usually don't break during the extended warranty period. Even when breakdowns occur, the median cost of a repair ($152) isn't that much more than the median price of a warranty ($136).

A great alternative to extended warranties for products with low repair rates is to put the money you would have spent on the warranty in a savings account, instead. By "self-insuring," you're keeping the money and gaining interest on your rainy day fund.

4. Unsolicited Car Warranties

There are warranties that aren't worth the money, and then there are warranty scams.

For several decades, the FCC has been warning consumers about auto warranty scams. Malicious companies prey on consumers whose auto warranties are about to expire — or in some cases, they may not even be close to expiration. Back in 2008, the Better Business Bureau received more than 140,000 consumer calls to confirm the legitimacy of companies claiming to sell auto warranties.

For example, in the year that the basic warranty of my 2012 Volkswagen Passat was set to expire, I started receiving unsolicited mail with warnings in big, bold letters; "Final Notice: Expiring Auto Warranty." After ignoring a couple of these mailers, additional ones started pouring in with labels such as "2nd Attempt," "Time Sensitive," or "Vehicle Alert Notice." Then, the calls started coming in every single week. It was all from unscrupulous car warranty salespeople.

Don't cave in to the pressure and protect yourself against potential car warranty fraud:

Don't provide any personal or financial information over the phone to unsolicited telemarketers.
Resist high-pressure pitches from salespeople or mailers that urge you to act now. Those "final deadlines" extend for several months over and over.
These car warranties rarely pay claims. The BBB reports that 93% of vehicle service claims are denied under these warranties.
Never agree to any contract without having a physical copy of the contract and an appropriate timeframe to review the fine print.
A major red flag is the requirement of a down payment to view a contract. Don't agree to pay over the phone.
Search online for the name of the company offering the auto warranty (such as U.S. Fidelis), since some of those companies are often in trouble with the law. Or, check the company with your state and local consumer agencies.
File a complaint with the FCC by visiting consumercomplaints.fcc.gov, calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322), or writing to Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20554.
Place your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry.

What are some warranties that you wished you never paid for?

This article is from Damian Davila of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Home Theater Projectors

Jeffrey Pu — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 09:01:22 +0000

For those who are a bit more ambitious in setting up their home entertainment systems, a television might not be large enough. If you're looking to maximize the size of your screen, a home theater projector might be the right machine for you. Projectors have gotten less expensive while their image quality has steadily grown higher. Projectors that can project a screen size of over 100 inches are no longer a rarity.

What Is a Home Theater Projector?

A home theater projector is an image projector that takes a video signal and projects the image onto a screen using some type of lens system. While most projectors will still work best in dark rooms, newer, higher-quality devices are versatile enough to handle decently lit rooms as well. Higher resolution, better brightness range, and a higher contrast ratio will ensure that the image quality of your project will be at its best.

Best 5 Home Theater Projectors

Mitsubishi HC4000

A Best Buy from Consumer Reports, this front projector from Mitsubishi projects in high-definition 1080p and brings great picture quality with a reasonable price. On top of the high level of picture detail and color, this projector comes with a 12-month lamp warranty (which is longer than most), as well as in-home service. However, its lack of a lens shift function means that it could potentially be difficult to place. Currently $1,035.56 on Amazon.

Optoma HD131Xe

Well-reviewed by users, folks love the high image quality delivered by this Optoma home theater projector coupled with a very low price tag. Aside from a high brightness setting that clocks in at 2500 lumens, great colors, and a high contrast ratio, this projector also delivers full 3D capability. Placement flexibility is also the main issue with this projector, and it may be a challenge to find the perfect spot. Currently $775.00 on Amazon.

BenQ W1070

Another favorite amongst users, the BenQ W1070 brings sharp picture quality, great contrast and the ability to project in just about any lighting situation. In addition to the top-notch image quality, this BenQ projector also broadcasts 3D. Users can't stop raving about the price-to-quality ratio, and many claim it to be the best projector in its price range. This projector also features SmartEco Mode, which adjusts the lamp brightness in order to maximize power saving. Currently $898.00 on Amazon.

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 3020

On the list of recommended projectors at Consumer Search, the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 3020 brings great color performance, 3D image quality and extremely high brightness, making this a great projector to use in ambient lighting. Also, while it doesn't have lens shift capability, its 1.6x zoom still gives it good flexibility in terms of placement distance. Purists might be slightly disappointed in the depths of its blacks, but users can't seem to tell the difference. Currently $1,569.99 on Amazon.

Sony VPL-HW50ES

For those that are willing to pull out all the stops for their home entertainment system, this Sony projector is the one for you. Both experts and users agree that this is one of the best projectors available on the market. Image quality is superb with sharp pictures, balanced colors, high contrast, and deep blacks. 3D performance is nearly as good as 2D image quality and set-up is a breeze. Just be aware that you get what you pay for, and this premium projector comes with a premium price tag. Currently $3,999.00 on Amazon.

This article is from Jeffrey Pu of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best LED Monitors

Jeffrey Pu — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 10:31:03 +0000

In the past, we’ve covered keyboards and mice, accessories that allow you to input and be productive on computers. This time around, we will be covering another crucial component of the basic computer system: the monitor. Instead of directly allowing us to input data into a computer, monitors give us the ability to see what we are doing and interact with the computer’s graphical user interface.

What Is an LED Monitor?

A mistake that is commonly made is to believe that LED and LCD computer monitors are made of two different types of materials. In fact, LED monitors are a specific type of LCD monitor that use light-emitting diodes to serve as the backlight to the liquid crystal display as opposed to cold cathode fluorescent tubes used by most LCD monitors. LEDs provide truer color quality, require less power and are easier on the eyes than most LCDs, making them the monitor-type of choice for most users.

The Best 5 LED Monitors

HP Envy 27

Highly recommended by Consumer Reports, the 27-inch HP Envy display is lauded for its high image quality, wide viewing angles, and 1920x1080 resolution. Built-in speakers by Beats Audio also provide quality sound for you to enjoy your entertainment. Finally, for a screen of this size, the price tag isn’t unreasonable either. Currently $384.12 on Amazon.

Samsung S23C350H

This 23-inch monitor from Samsung is well-reviewed by users who praise its color, image quality, and resolution. On top of its performance, its high Energy Star rating means that it uses less energy overall, saving you even more than its low price tag. Finally, its minimalist design and ease-of-use were also favorites among users. Currently $189.99 on Amazon.

Viewsonic VG2236WM-LED

Another recommended monitor from Consumer Reports, this 22-inch Viewsonic performs well with good picture quality and versatility. It is remarkably ergonomic, with height adjustability as well as the ability to swivel, tilt and rotate. Users agree that images are clear and crisp and that colors are vivid. Currently $479.59 on the Amazon Marketplace.

Asus PA249Q

Among one of the best monitors tested at Consumer Reports, this 24-inch Asus LED monitor is a solid performer. With extremely high color accuracy and coverage, this monitor delivers fantastic image quality as well as an exceptionally high viewing angle of 178 degrees. Additional features include 3 USB ports, as well as ruler ticks around the bezel, which makes for a nice tool for graphic artists. Currently $467.99 on Amazon.

Asus VS247H-P

Our list for best LED monitors is rounded out by this 23.6-inch Asus monitor. Users agree that this monitor performs great at an extremely reasonable price. Image quality is high and colors come out clear and vivid on this LED display. Its 2ms response time means that motion won’t be blurred when shown on the monitor and users appreciate its matte, as opposed to glossy, finish. Currently $149.99 on Amazon.

This article is from Jeffrey Pu of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Webcams

Jeffrey Pu — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 10:31:17 +0000

Dedicated webcams are becoming increasingly rare as they become incorporated into many other electronic devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. However, modern standalone webcams typically feature high definition and advanced lenses for greater video quality than your normal integrated webcams. So if you frequently make video calls, a dedicated webcam could be a worthy investment.

What Is a Webcam?

A webcam is a video recording camera that directly feeds the image it captures to a computer. Webcams are most widely used as a means of establishing a video link, allowing computers to act as videophones or conference stations. This association with video communications through the Internet gives it its name.

Best 5 Webcams

Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920

The high-end product of this list, the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 comes with full HD 1080p video resolution, 15 megapixels, and a robust autofocus system. Users applaud the excellent sound and video quality of this webcam. Additional features include built-in dual stereo microphone, noise filtering to improve audio quality, and the ability to upload to major social networking sites with just one click. Currently $74.99 on Amazon.

Microsoft LifeCam Cinema Webcam

The Microsoft LifeCam Cinema Webcam is praised by both professionals and users for its stellar video quality. This Microsoft webcam is capable of producing HD video with a resolution of 720p. Additionally, the microphone on the webcam contains noise-reduction features to enhance its audio quality. Aside from the audio and video quality, users also appreciate its ease-of-use and the fact that there’s no software to install — all you need to do is plug in it to begin using the webcam. Currently $39.97 on Amazon.

Logitech HD Webcam C310

The Logitech HD Webcam C310 is an affordable webcam that still performs very strongly. With a resolution of 720p and 5 megapixels, this webcam produces quality high definition video. And with a noise-canceling microphone, it records great audio as well. One downside, however, is that some report that video quality may get choppy at higher resolutions. Currently $29.99 on Amazon.

Creative Live! Cam Chat HD

Another solid-performing webcam, the Creative Live! Cam Chat HD is also well-reviewed by users. This webcam carries HD 720p resolution with a 5.7 megapixel video camera. A built-in noise-canceling microphone allows you to enjoy clear audio and one-click upload to Facebook, YouTube and Photobucket lets you quickly upload your photos or videos to your favorite social media sites. Currently $19.99 on Amazon.

Logitech Webcam C210

One of the more affordable cameras on this list, the Logitech Webcam C210 is also the only one here that doesn’t record in high definition. However, users agree that for the price tag, you still get great video and audio quality, and for making video calls, it gets the job done. Mac users beware — this webcam is only compatible with Microsoft PCs. Currently $26.98 on Amazon.

This article is from Jeffrey Pu of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Smartphones

William Tran — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 10:30:43 +0000

Nothing captures the essence of modern technology quite like a smartphone. The convenience of having a portable computer always in reach has allowed us to connect to the world in ways we previously never thought possible. It has become the one gadget that most of us cannot live without. Love it or hate it, the smartphone is here to stay.

But with its booming popularity comes the onslaught of multiple varieties of smartphones, each with their own unique shapes, sizes, and operating systems. Wise Bread is here to help you find the phone that's right for you with our list of the top five smartphones available today.

What Is a Smartphone?

A smartphone is an advanced cell phone with a built-in mobile operating system that allows it to perform many of the tasks and functions that a regular computer can do. Modern smartphones utilize a touchscreen interface and a vast ecosystem of mobile apps to perform an almost endless list of functions, from taking photos and recording HD videos to providing GPS navigation to even managing your finances and business, all while embracing incredibly slim and minimalistic designs that fit comfortably in your pocket or hand. Smartphones nowadays are also all-in-one multimedia devices, capable of playing your favorite music and movies and displaying your books to read. Their sheer power and convenience are what make them so popular and useful.

Please note that smartphone prices and availability may vary depending on your cellular provider. Prices will also be higher if you're buying a smartphone that is factory unlocked.

Best 5 Smartphones

Apple iPhone 5s

With a top recommendation from Consumer Reports, the new Apple iPhone 5s, which marks the seventh iteration of the popular iPhone line, is still one of the best smartphones available in the market.

The iPhone 5s contains a bunch of new exclusive features, including a top-notch 64-bit A7 processor that allows for a lag-free experience when using graphics-intensive apps and a Touch ID fingerprint reader that enables faster and safer access to your iPhone. There's also an improved rear-facing iSight camera that has a host of new features of its own, including auto-stabilization, a new True Tone flash, continuous burst mode, and slow-motion video capabilities. The new iOS 7 operating system adds a brand new look and new level of functionality to the iPhone 5s while still being easy to use and learn.

Despite all the added new features, the iPhone 5s' physical design remains unchanged from the iPhone 5 for better or for worse, and there are still no expandable storage capabilities and no NFC capabilities. But with access to the largest marketplace of apps available, these are merely small grievances when compared to the incredible package that the iPhone 5s delivers overall.

Currently $199.99 on Apple.com for the 16GB version with a two-year contract.

Samsung Galaxy S4

Another Consumer Reports top pick, the Samsung Galaxy S4, which is the fourth iteration in the popular Galaxy S line, is part of the Android family of smartphones and is definitely one of the best Android phones you can buy.

To start, it has a large, yet gorgeous 5-inch Super AMOLED HD touchscreen display with 441 pixels-per-inch, which is a great deal more than the iPhone's 326 ppi. It has a 1.9GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM, which makes loading and running apps a breeze. The S4 also has the ability to add up to 64GB of additional memory via its micro-SD slot. On top of that, the S4 also packs a 13-megapixel camera with a ton of cool features, including the ability to take pictures from both the front and rear-facing camera simultaneously.

While the S4's plastic-build quality and incredibly large screen may not be to everyone's liking, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is still a beast of smartphone that leaves very little to complain about.

Currently $138.00 on Amazon for the 16GB version with a two-year contract.

Nokia Lumia 1020

The Nokia Lumia 1020 is a Consumer Reports recommended choice that presents a strong alternative for those interested in a smartphone that's outside of the Apple and Android masses.

The Lumia 1020 is part of a new line of “Windows Phones” that utilize the brand-new Windows Phone 8 mobile operating system developed by Microsoft. The interface is composed of customizable Live Tiles that display the information of apps in real time without the need to open them, which provide a fresh user experience overall. The Lumia 1020's most notable feature is its incredible 41-megapixel camera — the highest resolution in any smartphone available now. It allows for stunning detail and clarity to be retained in both normal and zoomed-in photos. Images and videos look brilliant on the Lumia 1020's 4.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen display.

Beyond that, there's actually not that much else that it offers in the way of features. The Lumia 1020 is also much thicker and heavier than most other smartphones, and its app selection is really limited due to its new OS. But if you strongly desire to stand out from the pack or have an amazing camera, then the Nokia Lumia is the phone for you.

Currently $149.99 on Amazon for the 16GB version with a two-year contract.

HTC One

As both a Consumer Search and a Consumer Reports best reviewed pick, the HTC One is the biggest competitor to the Samsung Galaxy S4 in the race for the best Android smartphone title, and there are many ways that the HTC One tries to best its Samsung rival.

Its 4.7-inch Super LCD touchscreen display packs in a whopping 468 pixels-per-inch, which results in sharp details and vibrant colors. Users have reported that the super-slim aluminum body of the HTC One feels especially light and resilient. The HTC One's UltraPixel Camera is one of its most noteworthy special features. While the camera offers only 4 megapixels, each of those pixels takes in much more light, which allows for outstanding pictures to be taken in low-light conditions. The HTC Blinkfeed is another special feature that allows you to open your favorite apps right from the lock screen for quick and easy access.

The HTC One isn't without its share of flaws, however. Some users have reported that the HTC Sense interface isn't as intuitive as other Android smartphones and that the battery life is particularly poor. Still, users generally agree that the HTC One shines quite brightly above the rest.

Currently $49.99 on Amazon for the 16GB version with a two-year contract.

Samsung Galaxy S3

Despite being over a year old, the Samsung Galaxy S3 is still a top-performing contender in the smartphone market and easily takes the title of best value smartphone on our list. Being the predecessor to the S4 isn't a sign of weakness for this phone, but rather, it's what makes it stand out.

This Consumer Reports and Consumer Search top pick has a 1.5GHz dual-core processor underneath a beautiful 4.8-inch Super AMOLED HD touchscreen display. It packs an 8-megapixel camera with a continuous burst mode and 1080p HD video recording. It has expandable memory capabilities via its micro SD slot as well as a surprisingly long battery life. Users have even reported that the call quality on the S3 is superb and crisp. However, what's most impressive about the S3 is that its specifications still hold their ground today and even beat several smartphones that are priced above it.

The only downsides seem to be the plastic build quality and the shaky TouchWiz interface. But all can be forgiven once you realize that you can get this phone now for close to nothing. It's practically a steal.

Currently $0.01 on Amazon for the 16GB version with a two-year contract.

And those are our recommendations for the best smartphones! As always, be sure to check out the Wise Bread Shopping Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything.

This article is from William Tran of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Blu-ray Players

John Moffatt — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 09:24:03 +0000

Since officially winning the "format war" against HD DVD in February 2008, Blu-ray Discs have become the industry standard for high-density optical discs. Despite facing competition from video on demand services, a Blu-ray Disc player is now considered a staple of home theater, with the technology expected to completely supplant that of standard DVD within a few years.

What Is a Blu-ray Player?

A Blu-ray player is a machine that plays Blu-ray Discs, currently the highest-quality home video format available to consumers. Because Blu-ray players can also play DVDs, there's no reason to toss your DVD collection if you upgrade to one of these machines. As the technology has been around for a few years now, prices have dropped to reasonable levels, making now a good time to invest in a Blu-ray player. Most newer models now allow you to play 3D Blu-ray Discs as well. Although these only work if used with a 3D TV, the difference in price between a 3D player and a standard player is slight enough that it's worth the investment in order to get the most current technology available. Here are the five best Blu-ray players on the market.

Best 5 Blu-ray Players

Sony BDP-S5100 3D Blu-ray Disc Player with Wi-Fi

A Consumer Reports Best Buy, this Sony 3D Blu-ray player offers an optimal balance between performance and value. Featuring the excellent picture quality consumers have come to expect from Sony home video products, the unit retails for under $100. With its built-in Wi-Fi, users can stream movies and TV shows from most of the major services, including Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu Plus; Netflix even has its own button on the remote for ultra-easy access. The S5100 is quick, with a startup time of five seconds (four with its quick-start feature enabled), and is one of the few Blu-ray players capable of playing SACDs (CDs that offer longer playing times than regular ones).

Currently $89.99 on Amazon.

Vizio VBR337 3D Blu-ray Player with Wireless Internet Application

This Vizio 3D Blu-ray player is another great deal. Consensus among consumers is its 3D performance is top-notch, especially when used with a Vizio 3D TV. It comes with unique features like an enhanced two-sided remote with a full keyboard on one side, and a tray-less design that makes the simple act of inserting and ejecting a Blu-ray Disc even simpler. The VBR337 supports up to up to 7.1 channels of digital audio output via HDMI, and can stream content from Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, Netflix, Pandora, VUDU, and YouTube, among others.

Currently $159.99 on Amazon.

Samsung BD-F7500 4K Upscaling 3D Wi-Fi Blu-ray Disc Player

If you're willing to invest a little more in a Blu-ray player, you can't go wrong with this Samsung model, which isn't likely to become obsolete anytime soon. It employs 4K Ultra HD technology, which allows for four times the number of pixels in your image as the next-highest-definition resolution on the market, Full HD. Although you'll need a 4K TV to enjoy the results, the F7500 will "upscale" any Blu-ray or DVD to its highest possible quality. Another feature that accounts for the F7500's higher price tag is its dual-core processor, rare for Blu-ray players, which permits it to run extremely fast. The CD Ripping option allows you to play and convert your music CDs into MP3s. As is becoming standard for most Blu-ray players, this one lets you access the Internet, including Samsung's own Smart Hub suite, where you can stream videos on demand.

Currently $207.99 on Amazon.

Panasonic DMP-BDT500 Integrated Wi-Fi 3D Blu-ray DVD Player

Panasonic has been a major player in Blu-ray technology and the higher-priced BDT500 model is one to consider, along with Samsung's BD-F7500. Audiophiles seem to particularly enjoy the BDT500's sound quality. Its integrated Wi-Fi offers the same level of internet access as other players in its class, though some users report it's less reliable than other brands when it comes to streaming. Other neat features include a touchpad remote control and a multi-user mode that allows you to register four users, each with individual favorite settings.

Currently $199.00 on Amazon.

LG Electronics BP530 Blu-ray Disc Player With Wi-Fi

The main reason to buy the LG BP30 player is its ability to play Region 2/B Blu-ray Discs — discs that have been specially coded for consumers in Europe, which won't play on most North American players. This feature makes the BP530 ideal for foreign film and TV buffs. It's a solid overall player as well, especially for the price. Users report that discs play smoothly, with no skipping or pauses. If you want to watch TV without disturbing your roommate, LG's remote app allows you to wirelessly send audio to your smartphone, so you can listen to your program with headphones. One drawback is the player currently does not stream content from Amazon.

Currently $109.00 on Amazon.

This article is from John Moffatt of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Computer Keyboards

Jeffrey Pu — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 09:36:04 +0000

As key component of your computer system, the keyboard that you use can either increase your productivity or dramatically slow you down. Poor typing habits on a bad keyboard can also lead to repetitive stress injuries, so picking the right keyboard can have an impact on both your work and your health. To narrow down your options from all of the choices that are out there, here is Wise Bread's pick of the top 5 keyboards.

What Is a Keyboard?

A keyboard is a device that uses an arrangement of keys and serves as one of the primary input devices for computers. The most common use for a keyboard is to input text and symbols into a word processor, but they can also be used for computer gaming and programming. Since the first computer keyboards, they've come a long way in terms of ease-of-use features and design, so it's a good idea to have an idea of what you're looking for when you buy.

Best 5 Keyboards

Logitech K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard

Highly reviewed among users, the most prominent feature of the Logitech K750 is the strip of solar panels that serve as its power source. This means that this wireless keyboard can run without the use of batteries, which requires periodic replacement. The solar power feature is no toy either. Reviewers say that it works even in dim office light and is able to function for an extended period in darkness. The downside is that this keyboard is not particularly ergonomic, so folks looking for a keyboard that will stave off repetitive stress injuries might want to look elsewhere. Currently $49.98 on Amazon.

Logitech K800 Wireless Illuminated Keyboard

With over a thousand reviews and an average of 4.5 stars on Amazon, the Logitech K800 is another favorite amongst users. An adjustable backlight allows for typing in the dark, and it runs on a set of rechargeable batteries that can be charged via USB through your computer or an adapter. Finally, users claim that the typing is extremely comfortable with Logitech's PerfectStroke key system that evenly distributes force along the key surface. Currently $77.99 on Amazon.

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

For those looking for a keyboard that is going to help prevent carpel tunnel or other repetitive stress injuries, the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard is the one to get. This keyboard is designed to keep your hands in the most natural position possible in order to reduce the stress on your hands and wrists. Most of the appeal of this keyboard is in its ergonomic design, but it also carries some additional features such as customizable hot keys. Currently $34.58 on Amazon.

Logitech G19 Gaming Keyboard

For serious gamers or tech-enthusiasts, the Logitech G19 comes with a higher pricetag than any other keyboard on this list, but also features the greatest number of bells and whistles. Most notably, this keyboard includes a 320-by-240 pixel LCD screen that can display photos, videos, and statistics for over 60 computer games, including some of the most popular online games. Twelve programmable keys also allow for up to 36 programmable macro inputs granting a huge amount of customization. Currently $114.95 on Amazon.

Anker Ultra Slim Mini Bluetooth 3.0 Wireless Keyboard

Probably the most understated keyboard on this list, the Anker Ultra Slim Wireless Keyboard is still held in high regard among users. Well-crafted keys and a sleek design make this a highly functional and aesthetic keyboard, and it is compatible with just about any device that utilizes Bluetooth 3.0. This means that it'll run on computers, but also on many tablets and smartphones. Keep in mind that this runs on two AAA batteries that are not included in the package. Currently $19.99 on Amazon.

These are Wise Bread's choices for the best 5 keyboards. Make sure to head on over to Wise Bread's Shopping Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

This article is from Jeffrey Pu of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: