The speed of advancements in technology seem to be increasing every year leaving tech savvy geeks shelling out wads of cash to keep up while leaving others, less savvy, increasingly confused. How do you know when to upgrade and furthermore, what to upgrade to?

Very simply, this question is no different than that of choosing a new car. Let’s say, for example, that you’ve decided it’s time to replace your work vehicle since it’s become old and obsolete. You visit the dealer and learn that there’s a great dealer incentive program in place and to sweeten the deal, there’s only one of last year’s model remaining on the lot so they’re willing to strike a substantial chunk off the sticker price. The fact that the vehicle is your favorite color seals the deal and you drive away with your brand-new, shiny, new-smelling sedan with moon roof. You haven’t decided about the satellite radio option, yet, since you can’t even figure out how to change the station! That’ll come later.

Arriving home, your spouse steps out to greet you in the driveway. With a curious facial expression, she cautiously asks, “But honey, how are you going to haul your ladders with this?” You see, this is to be your work vehicle and you’re a house painter!

Almost every purchase decision begins with the same question—What function do I need this item to fulfill (over what I have already)?

Starting with this simple question will filter out many of the other, more confusing, questions that seem to get folks off track. Getting more specific, I have many folks asking me lately if they’d do well to switch from PC to MAC. Before that question can be answered, however, you need to determine what functions you perform and which software is required to complete those functions. Not all software titles are available on both platforms. As to which smart phone to purchase, you should start by asking yourself what you want your device to do for you and which wireless carrier you want to contract with.

Not every new device released to market will satisfy your practical needs. Using caution and avoiding impulse decisions will keep you from getting swept up into the fervor of a new release. One example would be the latest release of Apple’s iPad. While very exciting, and extremely promising, you’d be terribly disappointed to get home to your sofa, snuggled in and poised to harvest crops on FarmVille only to learn that this device doesn’t support an app called Flash, necessary to run games like FarmVille.

Alternatively, once you have carefully weighed your options and made your purchasing decision, I encourage you to explore the limits of your new device. I’ve had my current smart phone for over a year and I still enjoy learning of new features and apps available for it.  Can you believe that I can deposit checks into my checking account, set my satellite receiver to record a tv program AND arm my home security system…ALL from my cell phone?! That’s just crazy!

_____________

“Tech Tuesday” is published every Tuesday. To reach Tracy with comments or questions, email her here.