Posts from — February 2012

A printer is likely to be one of your first purchases as you set up a home office or small business. Choosing the right one depends on what you expect your printing needs to be. Before deciding, take some time to think about how much you will be printing, what quality and speed you will need, whether you will have multiple users or if you will be printing text, photos, labels or other documents. We’ve researched the most popular types of printers to help you choose the one that will best serve your purpose.

Inkjet

Best for: Printing images and high-quality photos as well as printing on unusual textured paper or other materials.

Although the lines between inkjets and laser printers have blurred in recent years, inkjets still tend to be better at color printing. These are traditionally found in private homes because they are often less expensive than laser printers and take up less space.

However, it’s important to remember that even though the initial cost may be less, the price of ink for these printers can really add up. They are also relatively slow and often have low capacity paper trays, which can make high volume printing very frustrating.

Laser

Best for: Printing clean and professional looking text quickly and in high volumes.

Laser printers are the common choice for businesses and home offices where a lot of printing is done every day. They have higher capacity paper trays and work much faster. When printing in black and white, text appears crisp and clean. Unlike inkjets, laser printers use single toner cartridges and therefore their maintenance is much simpler and cheaper.

On the other hand, the initial cost of a laser printer can be high. Although small, light versions now exist, most laser printers still take up a lot of space. If you plan to print in color using a laser printer then you are likely to have many of the same disadvantages that come with an inkjet printer, such as multiple expensive cartridges, without the advantages of high quality photo printing.

Dot Matrix

Best for: Infrequent printers looking to keep costs low.

The printers described above are both non-impact printers. Dot-matrix printers are impact printers which use wire pins to strike an ink ribbon directly to the paper, similar to a type-writer. The cost of maintenance and ink for these printers is significantly lower than for other types. However, these are becoming less and less common and it will probably become difficult to find ink and replacement parts for them in the near future.

These are the basic technologies that you are likely to come across when choosing a printer. However, there are also a lot of specialized computers such as photo-printers, portable printers or all-in-one machines which combine printers, scanners, copiers and fax machines.  Although there are better and worse printers out there, the most important aspect of your printer choice should be the specific needs of your business or home office.

If the news is true, then I love Symantec, the makers of Norton antivirus software.  They are currently in the middle of a limited pilot program for Norton One, which is meant to provide full computer security coverage for non-techies.

Although Norton One will be on the expensive side, it sounds like it may be worth it for the hands-off experience it’s supposed to provide. One account can be used on five devices; will include 25GM of online storage and a really simple online interface. The installation is as simple as they can make it, with a customized link sent to your email with the license key already entered. The best part though is that it comes with access to “premium” support which promises that calls to customer service and tech support will be answered within 2 minutes. It will be released for sale in the spring in English speaking countries only: the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

The idea of finally taking fairly complicated software that everyone needs and making it match the tech comfort-levels that everyone has shouldn’t be a novel one. But it is. This is the first software of its kind.

I’m not too afraid of technology but for us naturally cautious (and clumsy) people out there, every time we play around with our computer’s security appears like a chance that we will accidentally delete everything we own and open our computers to hackers, spammers, ID thieves and alien spies. The more hands off I can get my computer security the better.

And there are plenty of people out there more afraid of their computers than I am, although I’ll name no names (cough-Dad-cough). For their sake, I’d like to think that this will be the beginning of a trend. Although all software is created to be user friendly, I’d like to see more software very specifically keeping the non-techies in mind.

Online piracy has been a popular subject recently, thanks to SOPA and other legislation around the world. But software piracy has its own share of the spotlight, in a David and Goliath legal battle.

Faxproducts.com, a subsidiary of Black Ice Software LLC, claims that Essilior of America, the country’s largest optical lens manufacturer bought their Print2Email product to use on-site within the company but gave the license key out to its own customers. BlackIce says that if Essilior had paid them for all of the computers that are using the software, they would have made $13.1 million, rather than the $999 that they actually received.

Essilior has been using the software as part of their Visioffice product, which lets eyeglass customers look into a camera and “try on” glasses and have them fitted. The Print2Email software allows them to send the pictures to friends or family to get second opinions about which frames look best. Users originally were given temporary free trial versions of Print2Email, but when those began to run out, Essilior would remotely log onto the user’s Visioffice account and put in the company’s license key which was supposed to be for limited use.

This made me wonder: As consumers, should we be on the lookout for this kind of thing? On a day to day basis, internet piracy is a much more common dilemma we face. However, software piracy is an issue for individual consumers as well. According to BlackIce, users may not have known that they were using a license code that had not been paid for. That means they can’t be blamed, but perhaps software piracy is something that as consumers we should learn to recognize.

Of course, that comes back to a greater question of consumer responsibility.  How vigilant we’re prepared to be and how much we’re willing to invest to be ethical consumers is a question we face with every individual purchase we make but unfortunately, there is no right or easy answer.

There are plenty of stories out there about failed inventions finding a new life in a completely different niche (just check out play-doh and post-it notes if you need proof). But in this story software gets a brand new use despite its great success in a totally different area.

Aurora Clark, a professor at Washington State University is using the technology behind Google’s PageRank software to search molecules. One of Clark’s students pointed out that the interactions between molecules are very similar to links between webpages. Google uses those connections between pages as an important part of the algorithm used to rank web pages. MoleculaRnetworks, created by Associate Professor Clark, with Barbara Logan Mooney and L. Rene Corrales, ranks water molecules  by how many hydrogen bonds they’ve made and how many bonds each of the neighboring molecules has made.

This idea allows chemists to simulate molecular shapes and chemical reactions without actually having to do the experiments in a lab. Not only does that save a lot of time and money but it can also be much safer, especially for scholars like Clarke whose research centers on toxic metals like uranium, plutonium and lead. She and her associates have published an article explaining the new software in the Journal of Computational Chemistry. Ms. Clark says that even though the software currently focuses on water based molecules it could easily be modified in the future and used to help find causes of disease and to develop medications.

This is a great example of something I’ve always found fascinating about modern technology. While we still work to develop tools to shape materials and create tangible items, so much of what is being invented is software that finds new ways to analyze and organize information. Even if it’s developed for a very specific type of information, it can help us look at all sorts of things differently.

So that is my hope for today: That every bit of technology I use today will give me a slightly different perspective on the world. A big part of what we do hear at Consumer-Rankings is analyze software. But for today, I’m hoping to get some tips from the software itself about new ways to see the world.

As if Apple has not profited from revolutionizing enough industries over the past few of years, now it has its eyes on a new target, the PC. While they have done a great job raising our expectations of what a PC and laptop can do, they are now making consumers question their assumptions once again regarding what we can expect from a multimedia device. With the introduction of the iPad, Apple sought to carve out a niche that would be initially geared for tech enthusiasts that would enjoy a product that’s a cross between a smartphone and a laptop. While many consumers did not see it at the time, the folks at Apple understood that the trend of growing Internet media consumption had created a demand for a wireless, portable media device that’s more conducive to browsing the web, using email and watching movies than the typical smartphone. Somehow, this “niche” product has become a mass marketed, household consumer electronic in just around years.

But as Apple succeeded in creating a product market, it appears they also started the cannibalization of another product market, one in which they particularly excel, the PC. Speaking at a Goldman Sachs technology conference, their new CEO, Tim Cook predicted that over time, tablets will cannibalize the PC. Since most desktops and laptops are in fact PCs rather than Macs, then the transition to tablets, a market that Apple dominates, will mainly benefit Apple.

So as tablets become more and more mainstream, and newer versions become better suited for office type work, we may find ourselves giving up our desktops and laptops. That could be a scary thought for those people that don’t yet feel 100% comfortable with traditional computers. However, one of reasons the iPad had such a successful launch was that it redefines the term user friendly. Most non tech savvy users can up an iPad, or pretty much any tablet for that matter and master the majority of its functionality within 20 minutes. So if you have yet to consider purchasing a tablet, you may want give some thought to taking the plunge and making that purchase, while you still have a choice.

It may only be February but that leaves just two months until taxes are due and the earlier you get started the easier the process will be. Fortunately, there’s a lot of great advice out there in cyberspace to help you get started.

First of all, decide whether you’d like to work with an accountant or tax preparer or if you will be doing it yourself. There is a lot of great software out there to help if you choose to file taxes on your own and it’s definitely the cheaper option. Just make sure that you choose the best software for you. Start by reading reviews for tax software to help choose the best one for you. Some are cheaper, some easier to use and some provide very accessible human support, so make sure to decide what features are the most important for you individually before you start.

As you make these decisions be aware of scams. Suspect anyone who guarantees anything, such as the largest possible tax return. Some of these manage to live up to this guarantee by submitting false information that can get you into big legal trouble later. Also keep an eye out for emails that ask for personal information. The IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers by email.

Although not actually scams, be wary of offers of Refund Anticipation Loans (RALS) from tax preparers. These are short term loans that allow you to spend your tax refund before you’ve gotten it. The interest rates can be astronomically high and they are based on an estimate of your refund. If your refund ends up being less than expected, you could easily end up owing the tax preparer money that you don’t have.

Once you’re prepared it’s time to get your papers in order. If you’re very responsible then you’ve been saving everything you might need since the beginning of the year. All receipts, earlier tax bills and any other tax bills you’ve gotten in the mail. This includes your W-2 forms, which your employer should have sent to you by January 31^st.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed now that you’ve got all of your papers, there are apps to help. If you have a smartphone, search for apps that allow you to scan all of your receipts, documents and invoices and then sort, tag and format them. Some can even take that information and help you graph and track it. Once you’ve done it, keep the documents anyway, just in case.

Now it’s time to try to understand what deductions are available to you. You may be able to claim deductions if you or your dependents are in college or paying off student loans, or if you are helping to support aging parents or additional family members besides your own children. Doing some research ahead of time can be especially helpful if you own your own small business. Keep all receipts just in case, but be careful not to invite any IRS audits.

By now, we’re used to hearing about how our favorite stores make the transition to ecommerce.  This time, we can get ready to hear about the opposite as rumors about that Amazon.com will be opening a brick-and-mortar retail store in Seattle as a test to see if physical stores could help improve profits.

This isn’t the first time that the rumor has circulated but this time it’s sounding more likely and claims that a designer is already working on the layout. The store would primarily offer Amazon’s e-readers and tablets and other more expensive products, in addition to the books from its new publishing division. Some say that this is an attempt to follow in the footsteps of Apple’s success in its physical stores.

This could be a complicated decision for Amazon because it means that they will have to start worrying about things like the complicated tax implications, the company’s online image, as well as the obvious physical space and new type of logistics.  But we’ll let them ponder that.

This again brings up the question for us as consumers, where do we like shopping best? I, for one, am a sucker for online retail. I’m thrilled to avoid crowds, parking lots and pushy salespeople. On the other hand, I understand the appeal. It’s never quite the same as being able to browse and handle the merchandise. For me, that’s particularly true with clothing and books but much less the case for tech.

There are certain stores that I’d much rather go to in person and their being online would mean nothing to me. The same may be true in the other direction. If Amazon.com were in fact to open up a brick-and-mortar store, would you want to check it out? Or would you still prefer to do your Amazon shopping from the comfort of your computer screen?

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and while some of us may be floating on air, others are dreading the pressure of buying the perfect gift or watching while everyone else receives one.

I hereby apologize to those consumers out there searching for the perfect gift for the picky significant other in your life: We just can’t help you. Try searching the internet and you’ll find loads of recommendations and advice about picking the perfect Valentine’s Day gift and I don’t need to repeat them. Anyway, with the weekend almost here, your shopping time may be running out. Most importantly though, getting the right gift is about showing how well you know your valentine and (as great as our research can be) we just can’t do that for you.

Instead, we’re giving some tips to the singles out there. The blog on chemistry.com is providing some great ideas for how to pamper yourself on Valentine’s Day, because there’s no reason you should miss out on the fun!

Just think about the kind of things you would do for someone else on Valentine’s Day, and then turn the tables. For example, breakfast in bed is a classic romantic idea but chemistry.com suggests getting yourself a fancy cupcake and having dessert for breakfast. Fresh flowers can brighten up your home no matter who buys them. Try lighting some candles, picking up your favorite book and lounging in a bubble bath. As the blog’s author points out, there’s a lot more space to stretch out without having to share.  It’s also a great opportunity to go on any outings you’ve been dreaming of, like taking a spa day or signing up for a class which can be done on your own or with a group of friends.

That brings me to another idea. Remember in kindergarten when you made Valentine’s cards in school to bring home to your mother? I think it’s time to go back to that tradition. Let Valentine’s Day be a time to appreciate the special people in our lives, even if there’s no romantic attachment. Surprise your best friend with a delivery of balloons, cook a special dinner for your roommates, or regroup with a sibling by trying out a new restaurant together.

Valentine’s Day can be special no matter who you spend it with, so don’t let the holiday pressure you into anything impulsive. There’s plenty of time until Valentine’s Day 2013, so spend the year finding new ways to meet people,  choose the best online dating site for you, and be smart about making the most of this Valentine’s Day and next year’s!

As you choose which web designer to use to design your new site, you may automatically model yourself after the websites that you’re most familiar with. Most sites use some sort of hierarchy on content: Either a menu broken down into topics and subtopics or a list organized chronologically (think Facebook or twitter) or by relevance (like a search results page). But starting with Pinterest, a new social media site, that is slowly changing.

Pinterest lets users create a bulletin-board-style screen, with blocks of content arranged in a grid across the page. Underneath each image is space to “like,” “repin” or comment and users can rearrange the pictures across the space of the board. This allows users to compare images side by side and get feedback on them. It works more like a museum, allowing viewers to browse the board for what they find interesting, rather than checking back over time until the most recent post is the one to catch their attention.

According to Mashable, this layout is becoming a popular trend. More and more sites are beginning to use it and not only for social media sharing. It’s a great way to display products and ideas, especially when you are trying to catch the attention of new users who may be browsing for the first time, rather than looking for specific information that they already know is there. Designers say that requests to “make it look like Pinterest” are becoming common.

Of course, don’t let yourself be limited by trends in web design and make sure that your site presents your content in the way that matches it best. However, don’t forget to get some inspiration. If it’s not Pinterest, it may be somewhere else. After you’ve done that and gotten an idea of how you site will best express what you want it to, you’ll have some guidelines for choosing the web design program that’s right for you. Then it’s the time to check out some web design reviews, pick one, and get started!

Whether you’re starting a blog, online business or some other kind of website, it’s worth considering mobility. The big challenge for many businesses has been making their mobile site as profitable as the site that users access from desktops and laptops. On the small screen of a cell phone, adding ads to the layout can be very annoying and make sites difficult to use. They also make for slower loading times, which mobile users simply do not have the patience for. This challenge is only going to become more important as mobile computing becomes more popular and in many countries around the world internet access is primarily mobile.

And this phenomenon isn’t just limited to small businesses. Facebook seems to be feeling the crunch at least as much as everyone else.  They expect the growth rate for mobile users to climb above their overall growth rate pretty soon and the company will need to find a way to continue making money. According to analysts, part of the problem is that mobile users are much more likely to be goal-oriented. They may sign in just to post a status or send a quick message, as opposed to desktop users who are more likely to browse and eventually click on ads.

There’s no knowing what this really means for Facebook however. The regular website was ad-free for a long time while it drew new users and the strategy may be similar for the mobile site.  They also took their time getting out an app for the iPhone and some analysts surmise that this may have been an attempt to get more people to use the browser based version of the site, rather than going through Apple.

If even Facebook is facing this kind of question, you can imagine the challenge this will present to smaller businesses without the same resources at their disposal. But they may have a plan, so keep a close eye out and you may just be able to look to Facebook for some ideas!