This is a collaborative post: New devices are expensive, and each subsequent version of something seems to increase in price. But you can save money on the latest tech and gadgets with these quick tips.
Buy Used or Refurbished Items
The latest must-have gadgets are among the most expensive things you can buy. Smartphones, video game consoles and laptops are perfect examples. However, even the latest models of something you want will show up in tech stores pretty quickly. For instance, online stores like Gadget GoGo offer refurbished and used Apple iWatches in perfect condition. So if you don’t mind the fact that something has been pre-owned, you can get a great deal on new pieces of kit at reduced prices. Just be aware that some stores can take advantage and increase costs.
Look for Free Versions of Popular Software
Smartphones, PCs, tablets, and laptops are essentially useless without apps and programs. There are many great free apps you can use for working and creating. Yet, you can find yourself paying over the odds for anything that requires a professional touch, such as image editing software. Fortunately, there are almost always free alternatives available. For example, GIMP is an excellent open-source image editor with features almost on par with Adobe Photoshop. And Google Apps offers the same functionality as Microsoft Office 365.
Save Money on the Latest Tech with Patience
You can save some money on a brand new device if you just wait it out for a while. Unless you really need your shiny new gadget right now, you can wait for a sale. Black Friday sales rake in around $10 billion in the United States alone. And you can grab a bargain if you are quick enough. Even new models of desirable items are often on sale during Black Friday week, in the run-up to Christmas or January sales. So it is possible to get something you really want at a discount if you can get past the desire to part with your cash as soon as something comes out.
Downgrade Stuff You Don’t Use
It’s possible you already own some new tech. But it might also be costing you more money to keep. For example, you might have a 500MB internet connection plan for streaming and gaming. But this is expensive and unnecessary. 100MB is more than adequate, so ask your ISP to downgrade to save money. Additionally, Sony’s PS Plus has just merged with PS Now. And you may automatically be on a higher plan than you need. If you aren’t interested in playing a vast back catalogue of older games or trialling new ones, then consider PS Plus Essentials.
Beware of the Extended Warranty
Finally, you need to be aware of the extended warranty. A warranty is a legal agreement that entitles you to a replacement or repair if a product is faulty. And the manufacturer offers this. However, retail stores will upsell an extended warranty when buying a new product. Especially something valuable, like a PlayStation 5 or a new large-screen TV. Kind of like their own version of insurance which you pay upfront or monthly. They don’t tell you that an extended warranty usually doesn’t offer anything more than your legally issued manufacturer guarantee.
Summary
You can save money on the latest gadgets by staying vigilant when buying stuff. Of course, pre-owned devices are great for saving. But you can also use free software and downgrade.