The Inquisitr » electronics

Secrets those electronic stores don’t want to share

Steven Hodson — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:35:00 +0000

Buying electronics, especially all our tech toys like computers, laptops and miscellaneous other goodies, can be fraught with more Murphy’s Laws than you can shake a stick at. Then on top of that we have to deal with people who for the most part either don’t have a clue what they are doing or are more concerned with increasing the commissions over real customer care.

To help us through this mine field Sharon Vaknin at the Crave blog set about to list 7 secrets that many of these big name electronics stores would prefer you didn’t know, These are – in short form:

1. We have no formal training in the field of consumer electronics.

2. We make little off the big-ticket items, so we smother you with accessories.

3. There are times when you should purchase extended warranties.

4. It doesn’t matter whether we make commission, we’re all equally pushy.

5. No receipt? No problem! a quickie note on some policies

Fry’s Electronics: Receipt lookup, very difficult no-receipt return

Best Buy: Receipt lookup, no-receipt return

Target: Receipt lookup, no-receipt return

RadioShack: Receipt lookup, no-receipt return

OfficeMax: Difficult receipt lookup, but it’s possible

6. We offer expensive services I think a 12-year-old could perform.

7. Forget what your parents taught you–complaining usually gets you what you want.

So there you go folks just some helpful hints from your friendly bloggers at The Inquisitr to make your next shopping trip for electronics a little easier.

Technology to take power usage through the roof

Steven Hodson — Wed, 13 May 2009 23:14:27 +0000

Last year the world spent $80 billion (USD) on electricity to power all the gadgets we can’t seem to do without anymore. This poser demand has increased due to the rise in computers, MP3 players, home video games, wireless routers, portable phones and those hot flat screen, high definition digital televisions. It is so bad that the estimate is that by 2030 the expenditure on electricity will grow to $200 billion (USD).

It is believed that to meet these demands will require the output of 200 new power plants and will double greenhouse emissions to on billion tons of carbon dioxide per year. This has prompted a move by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to start urging governments around the world to create new, lower, energy efficiency standards. The idea being to force manufacturers to include extra-low power modes for when our gadgets aren’t in use as well as improve the overall operating efficiency of those electronic gadgets.

Paul Waide, a senior policy adviser at the agency, says the digital revolution is transforming home electronics into ubiquitous, multi-purpose appliances. Some refrigerators now come with televisions in the door, while TVs are now high-definition computer monitors that can also be used to listen to radio.

He said consumers should shut down their gadgets when not in use and unplug when not in use the growing number of battery chargers needed for cordless phones, cellphones, iPods and laptops.

And they should listen to radio on an actual radio, rather than an energy-hogging television or computer.

At the same time, many jurisdictions are moving to digital-only television, which consumes far more power than the traditional analogue sets.

The IEA estimates the electricity demand for television usage will rise by 5 per cent a year.

Source: The Globe and Mail

3 ways to deal with E-waste

Steven Hodson — Mon, 11 May 2009 18:19:45 +0000

As more and more people climb on the technology bandwagon as they discover the joys of being always connected they are also discovering a big downside to technology. It leaves us with a whole bunch of stuff that has to be gotten rid of at some point. Old cell phones, out of date computers and tired old laptops are only some of the e-waste that is collected in ever increasing amounts.

Until CBS’s 60 Minutes show last year about the disposal of our electronic toys our handling of e-waste was never really talked about. If you asked most people what they thought happened to their electronic cast-offs they probably would just say they got recycled somehow. That attitude is changing though as we begin to realize that these toys of ours contain some pretty dangerous chemicals that need to be handled with care.

With this increasing interest and concern about how to best deal with our electronic leftovers here are three of the best ways to get rid of them

Buy-Back

The one way to deal with the problem is to see if anyone wants to buy your old tech toys. In this regard many companies have sprung up to take them off your hands. Companies like TechForward will let you sign up when you first buy your tech toy and then after a certain period of time will buy it from you for a set price. For those people who are always upgrading as new things come out this is a good way to deal with old electronics but for others who tend to hang on to their equipment there are also companies that will buy it up after verifying it is still in working condition. Usually a quick search will give you a list of these types of companies in your local area.

Taking Back the Junk

This is probably the simplest program but it requires that the stores you deal with have a take-back program. In the majority of cases you won’t receive any money in exchange for your old equipment. It does provide you with a painless and easy way to get rid of older electronics. As well many manufacturers are starting to offer take-back programs but in both cases of retail and manufacturer programs you may have to ask about them.

Here’s a short list of manufactures with take-back programs

Stores that have take-back programs

Recycling those old electronic goodies

This is probably the one method of getting rid of our old electronics that is the most fraught with problems. While recycling old electronics may seem like the best way to deal with the problem it is also as we saw in the 60 Minutes show the one with the most potential to cause a lot of harm – both to people and the environment.

If you decide to go this route you are best to check with organizations that track electronics recycling companies. Primary of these is e-Stewards which is where you can keep up to date with how e-waste is being dealt with and also find recommendations for ethical recyclers such as Green Citizen.

Unlike the other two options recycling will usually end up costing you a few bucks as many recyclers charge a fee for taking your old electronics off of your hands. However most communities through their garbage pickups will offers a free recycling day specifically for electronics so it is always a good idea to check that out as an option.

[hat tip to Treehugger]

Ants Overtake Texas Electronics

JR — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:54:59 +0000

Have you seen this? Apparently, billions of ants are taking over Houston and shorting out the city’s computers and electronics.

The ants seem to have arrived in a cargo ship, according to reports by the Associated Press. Now, they’re everywhere — getting into homes and businesses and messing all sorts of stuff up.

The ants are known as “paratrenicha species near pubens” — uh, yeah — and are related to the breed known more simply as “crazy ants.” Scientists don’t know why they’re attracted to electronic equipment, but the little fellas do seem to enjoy lunching on a good cable or two.

What a mess.

Image: Houston Chronicle