5 Ways Tech Addicts Can Save Money in This Economy
With the economy recently on a roller-coaster ride, many people are looking to ways to save money--but that doesn't mean you have to give up your tech addiction. Here are five easy ways to save money on gadgets and software without having to go cold turkey on tech.
1) Free Open-Source Software -- One of the most open secrets of the online world is that for almost any paid piece of conventional software, there's a free, open-source alternative that's at least almost as good if not equal in every way. Can't afford Photoshop? Try GiMP. Can't justify upgrading your Microsoft Office suite? Check out OpenOffice.org, which is compatible with most Microsoft file formats. Two great sites for a directory of free open-source software (or FOSS) are OpenSourceWindows.org for XP and Vista users, and OpenSourceMac.org for OS X users.
2) Free web apps -- Similar in practice to FOSS, but these apps are web-based and while free (or low-cost), aren't necessarily open-source. The great thing about web apps is that sometimes you just need quick access to basic functionality, and the right set of bookmarks can give you just that if you want to edit photos and images, jot some quick notes, or convert a few files. Google is the 800-lb gorilla of great web apps, but there are many others to choose from. Here are some suggestions:
Photo management and editing: Picasa Draw/paint application: SUMO Paint Office apps (text editor, spreadsheets, etc.): Google Docs File conversion: Zamzar Budget and expense tracking: Mint.com
(Got more? Suggest your favorite web apps in the comments.)
3) Convergence -- If you're going to spend money on tech, you may as well get the most value for your dollar by finding single gadgets that can do multiple things instead of separate gadgets for each one. This doesn't mean buying the biggest and best with tons of features you'll never use; but rather find an affordable gadget that does everything (or most things) you need and nothing you don't.
For example, with their increasing capabilities such as music, video, and Internet, mobile phones are the lowest-hanging fruit for convergence. Whether it's an iPhone, Blackberry, or something else, if you can find the right phone you can pitch your MP3 player, camera, PDA, e-book reader and carry it all on one device. And speaking of which: if you have a multimedia phone, how many of you have a separate headset for your phone and headphones for your music? Well, nowadays headset/earphone combos like the Etymotic Research HF2 or the V-MODA Vibe Duo mean that you don't have to carry two different devices for a single jack.
4) Previous models -- This isn't always the most appealing option, but sometimes it makes sense to spend less money on a slightly less-capable version of the same device than to be an early adopter. Whether it's an iPod, laptop, or phone, you can often get the device you want at clearance prices just by accepting a little less memory or a few less ports you didn't need anyway.
5) Barter -- Yes, really! There are many people on Craigslist, in your local paper, or even an email alias at work who might trade a gadget you're not using for a gadget they're not using. Don't see any trading opportunities available? Make your own: take out an ad yourself offering what you have and what you're willing to trade for and see who bites. Note that the usual rules of caution with classified ads and private parties apply.
--Aric A.
Will on October 18, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Quicken Online is now free too. Pretty good.
Mr_Fastbucks on October 19, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Good article. I hate seeing Windows users who pay good money for things like anti-virus software or MS Office.
#4 is my personal favorite. Certain types of electronics have such quick product cycles. You can pay a pretty hefty penalty trying to stay ahead of them.
Karthik Puthur on December 17, 2008 at 11:50 AM
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