Category: Advice

The only thing we hate worse than seeing other people toting around lackluster, craptastic gear is finding it underneath our own Christmas tree. That may seem like materialistic nitpicking in a season that's about generosity -- and it is -- but what really inspires us is the idea of always getting the absolute most out of your money, and the joy of giving (or receiving) a truly excellent item. ...

A reader writes: I'm shopping for a low-cost Blu-ray player for my dad, who is deeply in love with his new HDTV. I know he'd want one that does Netflix streaming since he has a subscription, but with so many options out there I'm totally lost -- just tell me what to get! Dearest Reader: If you ask us, Blu-ray technology is in a transition period, so bear with our rant while we try to answer ...

A reader writes: I need a good TV for my living room specifically, and I've decided that LCD is the way to go. I definitely want good video quality and I'd like to keep it under a grand if I can. Please... just tell me what to get! What up, reader? While the screen-size arms race is destined to continue forever (We fully expect to see a 120-incher any day now.), it turns out that the sweet ...

The cell phone has been draining the world's sperm supply for more than 35 years already. And yet, as ubiquitous as mobiles are today, so too are the dolts who still haven't grasped how to use one responsibly. For anyone who's ever gabbed at dinner, texted on the toilet, ruined a movie, or grossed out an elevator (just to name a few mobile no-nos), Switched presents the following guide of ...

Question: I'm finally ready to move to Mac, especially with Apple's latest iMacs. I really like the design and simplicity. But which one should I get? I was thinking I should get the base model for $1199, but the big 27-incher is pretty tempting, too, even though it's another $500. Or should I spend the extra money and get the upgraded versions of the iMac? So confusing -- I thought Apple was ...

A reader writes: I need a good TV for my living room, and I've decided that LCD, particularly LED, is the way to go. I've heard that some plasmas can look better than LCDs, so I definitely want good video quality, but I heard they use up a lot of energy and I don't want to break the bank if I can avoid it. Also, I'd like something that doesn't use up too much power. Please... just tell me what ...

digg_url ='http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/just-how-risky-are-public-wi-fi-hotspots/'; Ever wonder how safe all your personal information is when it's beamed through the air over Wi-Fi ? If you haven't, then chances are, you haven't taken the right precautions to keep that information safe, either. In clear, easy-to-understand language, the 'Today Show' recently examined the ...

Hand-sewn costumes, homemade popcorn balls, and bobbing for apples are all so last millennium. It's time to get with the high-tech late Aughts, our fair readers, especially since Halloween is upon us. If you still haven't settled on a costume, or done anything ghoul-related, then take a look at our high-tech DIY guide to all things crafty and creepy, and get your spook on this Halloween. ...

  It's hard to keep up with the cell phone market these days. New models hit store shelves seemingly every week, and carriers roll out new contract plans nearly as frequently. Maybe that's why the prepaid cell phone market is growing so rapidly. Consumers are flocking toward no-contract, unlimited services. At least two prepaid carriers have seen their subscription rates double over the ...

Share The increasing flood of e-mail hitting your inbox can lower the guard of even the most cautious person. In the rush to keep up with important notes, it's easier than ever to fall prey to the scam artists and identity thieves who lurk online. E-mail scams and phishing attempts evolve constantly, hoping to take advantage of the latest trends and current events. Although the e-mails ...

Traditionalists might balk, but the holiday shopping season is already underway. Skeptical? Head to your local department store and you'll be inundated with Christmas trees and holiday ornaments. Bargain hunters, though, know that the real deals are over a month away. Traditionally, Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving for the uninitiated) is when retailers truly slash prices. Early ...

Share It's another Saturday night and you ain't got nobody. But, wait. Here comes a friend request from that shy one you used to French kiss in the back of the bus in junior high. The former wallflower is a doctor now. A hot doctor. A single, hot doctor. You message back. Your Saturday night just got a whole lot spicier. As their numbers of Facebook friends climb into the upper hundreds, many ...

digg_url ='http://www.switched.com/2009/10/12/10-rules-for-dealing-with-family-on-facebook/'; It's probably the scariest friend request you'll ever get: Your mom (or dad... or, God forbid, grandparent) has joined Facebook – and they want to connect. Sure, you love them – and you're happy they're embracing the digital age – but do you really want to keep them that informed ...

One of the most important things everyone -- even Mac users -- needs to do with a computer is to make sure it is as secure from viruses, phishing scams, and other 'net threats as possible. No matter how often you practice safe browsing habits or think twice before clicking on a random link in your e-mail, you'd be surprised how often even the most cautious of folks can be caught off guard, which ...

Kids have always loved to mix it up with a little school-time tomfoolery, whether it's streaking at a football game or leaving a flaming bag of poop on a teacher's doorstep. But in the digital age, the mischief has moved online. What may seem like harmless virtual-reality hijinks can have devastating real-world consequences. Switched consulted sociologist Carrie James of Harvard's GoodPlay ...