Don't Forget the Used Market for Electronics

One of the facts of life in this digital age is that there will always be a newer model. There will always be some new function or feature rendering obsolete your current TV, DVR, cell phone, GPS, laptop, scanner or camera. You fill in the blanks. For those of us in business it is especially problematic. You no sooner sign the purchase order or call in the order than you see a newer and better model introduced. It is a never ending battle and one that you really can’t win.

Even if you think you have the proper equipment or software you will soon hear those frightful words, “Oh, we don’t support that model anymore.” So what are you to do?

Well, keep in mind that “newer functions” and “a better model” are all relative terms Do you really need those new functions? Just like new automobiles, most electronic devices radically depreciate in dollar value before you get to your car in the Best Buy® parking lot. Many, however, will hold their practical value for you.

For example, laptop computers are very popular. Unlike their desktop cousins, the prices for these machines are still relatively high. There are some good reasons for the higher prices, since the manufacturer has to squeeze a bunch of stuff into a very small package. So do you have a choice? Can you get a laptop without breaking the bank?

The answer might be yes. Many corporations and businesses provide laptops to their “road warrior” employees. Often these machines are replaced every two years or so. There are companies that buy up these used computers, recondition them and then sell them to the general public. Many of these computers are top-of- the-line models that cost $2000 or $3000 new. Often they can be bought for $500 or less. I have several friends that buy used laptops because they can have a much better computer than they could ever afford new. I got one recently and it was a really good buy.

For sure there are some used electronic items that you may wish to stay away from. For example, if you were going to buy a new TV set you certainly would most likely not want to buy a large screen analog set in light of the upcoming analog cut off in February 2009. But it really does depend on what you want to do with it. If you needed a set and did not care about high definition programming or just wanted a big set for video gaming, it might not be a bad idea to get a used analog set. This is especially true if you are getting it for pennies on the dollar.

The good news is the modern electronic devices are very reliable. If they work out of the box, chances are that they will continue to work for many years. Eventually most every device will break and you will want to get rid of it. That brings up another issue.

When you decide to throw away that cell phone or other high tech gizmo, do it responsibly. Most electronics have lots of lead and other heavy metals. Regular and rechargeable

batteries are filled with all sorts of nasty things that can wreak havoc on our environment. Many stores have bins that you can use to discard unwanted phones and batteries. Not only will using these receptacles benefit the planet, it might also help someone else. Some retailers salvage old cell phones and give them to individuals who can use them for emergencies. For example, some go to battered women’s shelters for use by the clients to call for help if necessary.

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Here are some places to find used laptop computers. I have used "Laptop Hotspot" and have found them to be very professional and helpful. I have not used "A-Hi." If you go the online route be sure to shop wisely and check out the references of the online seller.

Laptop Hotspot
9035 Colerain Ave.Cincinnati, OH 45241Phone: (513) 245-2600

A-Hi Computers & Electronics
www.a-hi.com
4030 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati –
(513) 531-1111

craigslist
http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/sys/


eBay
www.ebay.com

Don't Forget the Used Market for Electronics

One of the facts of life in this digital age is that there will always be a newer model. There will always be some new function or feature rendering obsolete your current TV, DVR, cell phone, GPS, laptop, scanner or camera. You fill in the blanks. For those of us in business it is especially problematic. You no sooner sign the purchase order or call in the order than you see a newer and better model introduced. It is a never ending battle and one that you really can’t win.

Even if you think you have the proper equipment or software you will soon hear those frightful words, “Oh, we don’t support that model anymore.” So what are you to do?

Well, keep in mind that “newer functions” and “a better model” are all relative terms Do you really need those new functions? Just like new automobiles, most electronic devices radically depreciate in dollar value before you get to your car in the Best Buy® parking lot. Many, however, will hold their practical value for you.

For example, laptop computers are very popular. Unlike their desktop cousins, the prices for these machines are still relatively high. There are some good reasons for the higher prices, since the manufacturer has to squeeze a bunch of stuff into a very small package. So do you have a choice? Can you get a laptop without breaking the bank?

The answer might be yes. Many corporations and businesses provide laptops to their “road warrior” employees. Often these machines are replaced every two years or so. There are companies that buy up these used computers, recondition them and then sell them to the general public. Many of these computers are top-of- the-line models that cost $2000 or $3000 new. Often they can be bought for $500 or less. I have several friends that buy used laptops because they can have a much better computer than they could ever afford new. I got one recently and it was a really good buy.

For sure there are some used electronic items that you may wish to stay away from. For example, if you were going to buy a new TV set you certainly would most likely not want to buy a large screen analog set in light of the upcoming analog cut off in February 2009. But it really does depend on what you want to do with it. If you needed a set and did not care about high definition programming or just wanted a big set for video gaming, it might not be a bad idea to get a used analog set. This is especially true if you are getting it for pennies on the dollar.

The good news is the modern electronic devices are very reliable. If they work out of the box, chances are that they will continue to work for many years. Eventually most every device will break and you will want to get rid of it. That brings up another issue.

When you decide to throw away that cell phone or other high tech gizmo, do it responsibly. Most electronics have lots of lead and other heavy metals. Regular and rechargeable

batteries are filled with all sorts of nasty things that can wreak havoc on our environment. Many stores have bins that you can use to discard unwanted phones and batteries. Not only will using these receptacles benefit the planet, it might also help someone else. Some retailers salvage old cell phones and give them to individuals who can use them for emergencies. For example, some go to battered women’s shelters for use by the clients to call for help if necessary.

----------------------------------------

Here are some places to find used laptop computers. I have used "Laptop Hotspot" and have found them to be very professional and helpful. I have not used "A-Hi." If you go the online route be sure to shop wisely and check out the references of the online seller.

Laptop Hotspot
9035 Colerain Ave.Cincinnati, OH 45241Phone: (513) 245-2600

A-Hi Computers & Electronics
www.a-hi.com
4030 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati –
(513) 531-1111

craigslist
http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/sys/


eBay
www.ebay.com

Don't Broadcast Your Personal Information

You can’t miss all the hype from companies like Cincinnati Bell and others bragging that that they have installed hundreds of WiFi “hot spots” throughout the area. A “hot spot” is a location from which you can access the Internet wirelessly with your laptop computer or other WiFi-enabled device like a Palm Pilot®, cell phone or even a wireless gaming device. In the Harrison area you can find public WiFi spots at the Speedway gas station and The Public Library. These are Cincinnati Bell sponsored locations. There are many others. Time Warner Road Runner in cooperation with "Project Lilypad" is installing free WiFi at CVG making it one of the few airports in the nation with free WiFi service.

While there is great convenience to being able to sit in a coffee shop, or even under a tree in a park, and conduct personal or work-related business using your computer, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, many of us do much or all of our banking on line. This requires the use of passwords, user names, Social Security numbers and other very personal information. Now I am sure that if you were in a crowded restaurant you would not shout out, for all to hear, your Social Security number or ATM password. Well, if you are logged on line at a public WiFi location that is potentially what you are doing.

Remember that WiFi systems "broadcast" the information though the air and any computer close by, with the right software, can intercept that information. Because these public WiFi locations are used by many people they can’t be secured with encryption systems like we use in many of our offices and businesses. For sure the guy with dark glasses and a trench coat in the next booth at Market Street Grill is most likely not spying on you. But, he could be.

So the rule of thumb is to keep your private communication via computer private. Do it at home or only on systems that you know are private. Speaking of home, many of us have WiFi systems in our homes. If you live out in the country most likely you don’t need to worry about your neighbor signing on to your system. In the city, where houses are closer together, or in condo units separated by only thin walls, your WiFi can easily be used by the guy next store. If you don’t care if he is “freeloading” on your Internet connection and can eavesdrop on your communication, you need do nothing. If you might have a problem with that, you can encrypt your system. This will allow only you and those you authorize to use the connection. You will find instructions on how to do that in the manual that came with the WiFi router. It should be in that junk drawer someplace.

To be sure the wireless revolution is tremendously convenient. Cell phones, Blackberries® and cordless home phones are great tools. Just remember that anything you send or say on these devices is broadcast for all to read and/or hear.

Well, I promised to keep you up to speed on the availability of the DTV set top converter boxes. At this writing (Feb. 9) I have yet to see one in a store but I do have one. I got one from my contacts in Washington and am told that within a month or so they will be in most major electronics retailers. So it is a safe bet that you can send for your coupons from Uncle Sam. You can do it on line or by phone. The web address is www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon ; the phone number is 888-388-2009.

I have the Zenith/LG model and it is a very nice unit with lots of easy to use functions. I plan to review the various brands and models as they become available in local stores. Look for the reviews in future columns.

Don't Broadcast Your Personal Information

You can’t miss all the hype from companies like Cincinnati Bell and others bragging that that they have installed hundreds of WiFi “hot spots” throughout the area. A “hot spot” is a location from which you can access the Internet wirelessly with your laptop computer or other WiFi-enabled device like a Palm Pilot®, cell phone or even a wireless gaming device. In the Harrison area you can find public WiFi spots at the Speedway gas station and The Public Library. These are Cincinnati Bell sponsored locations. There are many others. Time Warner Road Runner in cooperation with "Project Lilypad" is installing free WiFi at CVG making it one of the few airports in the nation with free WiFi service.

While there is great convenience to being able to sit in a coffee shop, or even under a tree in a park, and conduct personal or work-related business using your computer, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, many of us do much or all of our banking on line. This requires the use of passwords, user names, Social Security numbers and other very personal information. Now I am sure that if you were in a crowded restaurant you would not shout out, for all to hear, your Social Security number or ATM password. Well, if you are logged on line at a public WiFi location that is potentially what you are doing.

Remember that WiFi systems "broadcast" the information though the air and any computer close by, with the right software, can intercept that information. Because these public WiFi locations are used by many people they can’t be secured with encryption systems like we use in many of our offices and businesses. For sure the guy with dark glasses and a trench coat in the next booth at Market Street Grill is most likely not spying on you. But, he could be.

So the rule of thumb is to keep your private communication via computer private. Do it at home or only on systems that you know are private. Speaking of home, many of us have WiFi systems in our homes. If you live out in the country most likely you don’t need to worry about your neighbor signing on to your system. In the city, where houses are closer together, or in condo units separated by only thin walls, your WiFi can easily be used by the guy next store. If you don’t care if he is “freeloading” on your Internet connection and can eavesdrop on your communication, you need do nothing. If you might have a problem with that, you can encrypt your system. This will allow only you and those you authorize to use the connection. You will find instructions on how to do that in the manual that came with the WiFi router. It should be in that junk drawer someplace.

To be sure the wireless revolution is tremendously convenient. Cell phones, Blackberries® and cordless home phones are great tools. Just remember that anything you send or say on these devices is broadcast for all to read and/or hear.

Well, I promised to keep you up to speed on the availability of the DTV set top converter boxes. At this writing (Feb. 9) I have yet to see one in a store but I do have one. I got one from my contacts in Washington and am told that within a month or so they will be in most major electronics retailers. So it is a safe bet that you can send for your coupons from Uncle Sam. You can do it on line or by phone. The web address is www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon ; the phone number is 888-388-2009.

I have the Zenith/LG model and it is a very nice unit with lots of easy to use functions. I plan to review the various brands and models as they become available in local stores. Look for the reviews in future columns.

I Can't Hear You!!!!

I had a call on my voice mail from a women who was very upset with me and CET. Of course she did not leave a call back number. Her complaint was that she experiences loss of audio on some of the programs she is watching on CET. Naturally she thinks that this is CET’s problem. Actually the problem is in her set. I bring this up because it relates to a topic we discussed in this column a few weeks back.

Many new TV sets have multiple audio channels. One of these channels is called the SAP (Special Audio Program) channel and can be used for Spanish language or Descriptive Video for the blind. Most people don’t know that they have this feature, since most do not need it. Normally this feature should be turned off. If it is left on or inadvertantly turned on, you can have a real problem. There are many times when there is no audio recorded on the SAP channel and the result is you will hear no audio at all. This is what is happening to the lady who called me.

Manufacturers are building more and more features into new electronic devices and as a result they are becoming next to impossible to easily operate. In the case of the SAP channel, the various set manufactures can’t even agree what to call that function. I examined several remote controls that I have for my TV and VCR to see how they handle turning SAP on and off.

One of the remotes for Panasonic® TV was unfortunatley very typical. There is no button on the remote that is marked SAP or even Audio. You have to press a button called “ACTION.” Presssing this button brings up an on-screen menu. One of the selections is SAP. Why a designer would think a consumer would look under “ACTION” to turn on the SAP channel is beyond me. Now I guess that I have to come to the defense of Panasonic® since I have another remote control for my VCR. That remote has a button clearly marked “SAP.” But why is this on one Panasonic® remote and not the other?

Another TV remote I found does not use the term SAP at all. Instead it has a setting for “foreign language.” This setting could easily be confused with the settings that allow you to have the on screen menus in English, Espanol or Francias.

If the manufactures would only adopt some standardization …you know “hot water on the left and cold on the right” or “righty tighty and lefty losey.” What a concept! But I ask too much.

I Can't Hear You!!!!

I had a call on my voice mail from a women who was very upset with me and CET. Of course she did not leave a call back number. Her complaint was that she experiences loss of audio on some of the programs she is watching on CET. Naturally she thinks that this is CET’s problem. Actually the problem is in her set. I bring this up because it relates to a topic we discussed in this column a few weeks back.

Many new TV sets have multiple audio channels. One of these channels is called the SAP (Special Audio Program) channel and can be used for Spanish language or Descriptive Video for the blind. Most people don’t know that they have this feature, since most do not need it. Normally this feature should be turned off. If it is left on or inadvertantly turned on, you can have a real problem. There are many times when there is no audio recorded on the SAP channel and the result is you will hear no audio at all. This is what is happening to the lady who called me.

Manufacturers are building more and more features into new electronic devices and as a result they are becoming next to impossible to easily operate. In the case of the SAP channel, the various set manufactures can’t even agree what to call that function. I examined several remote controls that I have for my TV and VCR to see how they handle turning SAP on and off.

One of the remotes for Panasonic® TV was unfortunatley very typical. There is no button on the remote that is marked SAP or even Audio. You have to press a button called “ACTION.” Presssing this button brings up an on-screen menu. One of the selections is SAP. Why a designer would think a consumer would look under “ACTION” to turn on the SAP channel is beyond me. Now I guess that I have to come to the defense of Panasonic® since I have another remote control for my VCR. That remote has a button clearly marked “SAP.” But why is this on one Panasonic® remote and not the other?

Another TV remote I found does not use the term SAP at all. Instead it has a setting for “foreign language.” This setting could easily be confused with the settings that allow you to have the on screen menus in English, Espanol or Francias.

If the manufactures would only adopt some standardization …you know “hot water on the left and cold on the right” or “righty tighty and lefty losey.” What a concept! But I ask too much.

Why are we changing a perfectly good TV system?

Much has been written and reported about the transition from an analog to a digital TV system in the United States and in other countries around the word. This column has discussed the features of new TV sets and the various “flavors” of technologies and services that you can use to receive these new digital signals. The other day I was asked some very simple questions which have not received much attention in any of these reports, including mine. Why are we doing this? Why are we spending billions of dollars to rebuild, from the ground up, a national TV system that seems to work perfectly well?

Well, there is not one answer but several. Basically it comes down to money, available resources, and the quality of the TV product. I’ll take them one by one.

In the mid to late 1990s Congress was looking for every way possible to increase federal revenues in order to wipe out, or at least reduce, the national deficit. This came at the same time more and more wireless technology companies were exhausting their allocated radio frequencies. A quick calculation showed that current analog TV was using a disproportionate amount of the radio spectrum and that a conversion to digital would free up some of this very valuable space. Since conversion to digital was inevitable, setting a time table was a “no brainer.”

A bit of science here. All assigned radio frequencies (channels) within the radio spectrum(AM, FM, shortwave, emergency radio, cell phones, garage door openers, etc.) are not equal. Some frequencies are more valuable than others. It so happens that the frequencies that we use for analog TV are among the most desirable, since these signals can penetrate buildings, travel long distances, etc. So these TV channels could bring billions in revenue to federal coffers. In fact, the first two auctions took place in mid-January with bids totaling some $2.8 billion. The total revenue is pegged at between $10 and $12 billion.

I am sure you have read about the continuing problems that our police and fire departments often have establishing reliable communications in the event of a major disaster. This was brought home all too clearly in the aftermath of 911. The problem again was that available channels were just plain filled up. Part of the channels that will be made available in February 2009 when analog TV ceases to occupy the airwaves will be dedicated for use by homeland security and other first responders. This should greatly expand communications between and among these emergency workers.

The third reason for moving to digital is to take advantage of all the improvements digital affords. High Definition pictures and sound, multiple channels that occupy less space in the spectrum and easier recording and storage of programs are only a few of the benefits. None of these were practical within the old analog constraints.

For sure this conversion has and continues to be expensive. CET has spent millions to convert our studios and transmitter to digital as have all the other stations in Cincinnati and around the country. For the consumer, new TVs or set top converters will need to be purchased if you are not a cable or satellite subscriber. Is it all worth it? In my opinion, yes it is. Using wisely the radio spectrum is no less important than conserving any finite natural resource. For the consumer, the TV product, at least as it relates to the quality of the pictures and sound will be greatly enhanced. Time will tell if the stuff is worth watching …but that’s another column.

Why are we changing a perfectly good TV system?

Much has been written and reported about the transition from an analog to a digital TV system in the United States and in other countries around the word. This column has discussed the features of new TV sets and the various “flavors” of technologies and services that you can use to receive these new digital signals. The other day I was asked some very simple questions which have not received much attention in any of these reports, including mine. Why are we doing this? Why are we spending billions of dollars to rebuild, from the ground up, a national TV system that seems to work perfectly well?

Well, there is not one answer but several. Basically it comes down to money, available resources, and the quality of the TV product. I’ll take them one by one.

In the mid to late 1990s Congress was looking for every way possible to increase federal revenues in order to wipe out, or at least reduce, the national deficit. This came at the same time more and more wireless technology companies were exhausting their allocated radio frequencies. A quick calculation showed that current analog TV was using a disproportionate amount of the radio spectrum and that a conversion to digital would free up some of this very valuable space. Since conversion to digital was inevitable, setting a time table was a “no brainer.”

A bit of science here. All assigned radio frequencies (channels) within the radio spectrum(AM, FM, shortwave, emergency radio, cell phones, garage door openers, etc.) are not equal. Some frequencies are more valuable than others. It so happens that the frequencies that we use for analog TV are among the most desirable, since these signals can penetrate buildings, travel long distances, etc. So these TV channels could bring billions in revenue to federal coffers. In fact, the first two auctions took place in mid-January with bids totaling some $2.8 billion. The total revenue is pegged at between $10 and $12 billion.

I am sure you have read about the continuing problems that our police and fire departments often have establishing reliable communications in the event of a major disaster. This was brought home all too clearly in the aftermath of 911. The problem again was that available channels were just plain filled up. Part of the channels that will be made available in February 2009 when analog TV ceases to occupy the airwaves will be dedicated for use by homeland security and other first responders. This should greatly expand communications between and among these emergency workers.

The third reason for moving to digital is to take advantage of all the improvements digital affords. High Definition pictures and sound, multiple channels that occupy less space in the spectrum and easier recording and storage of programs are only a few of the benefits. None of these were practical within the old analog constraints.

For sure this conversion has and continues to be expensive. CET has spent millions to convert our studios and transmitter to digital as have all the other stations in Cincinnati and around the country. For the consumer, new TVs or set top converters will need to be purchased if you are not a cable or satellite subscriber. Is it all worth it? In my opinion, yes it is. Using wisely the radio spectrum is no less important than conserving any finite natural resource. For the consumer, the TV product, at least as it relates to the quality of the pictures and sound will be greatly enhanced. Time will tell if the stuff is worth watching …but that’s another column.