Buying guides Archives - Komando.com https://www.komando.com/category/reviews/buying-guides/ The Kim Komando Show: America's top weekend talk radio program about all things digital! Free tips, downloads, software, newsletters, advice and more about the home electronics, digital cameras, photography, TVs, online security, gadgets and more. Fri, 12 Jan 2024 15:41:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.komando.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cropped-favicon512x512-32x32.png Buying guides Archives - Komando.com https://www.komando.com/category/reviews/buying-guides/ 32 32 166923932 Tech gifts at every budget for every person on your list https://www.komando.com/amazon/tech-gifts-at-every-budget/898578/ Wed, 13 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=898578

The holidays are upon us, folks, and you’ll feel so good if you knock out some of your shopping this weekend. I’ve got you covered with solid picks for anyone in your life.

Pro tip: Before you add anything to your cart, look for the orange coupon flag under the product price. You only get the savings if you check the box.

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Fitness trackers to track your steps that aren’t tied to Big Tech https://www.komando.com/amazon/best-affordable-pedometers/863682/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=863682&preview=true&preview_id=863682

A pedometer suits you if you want something basic that counts steps. They’re versatile, so you can clip them to your belt or waistband instead of wearing them on your wrist. All pedometers do is count your steps, differentiating them from fitness trackers, which can monitor sleep, count calories and more.

Some fitness trackers can even tell when you’re stressed! A pedometer is perfect if you don’t need all the extra features of fitness trackers. Here are our top three picks.

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Shopping for a new computer? 3 specs that really matter https://www.komando.com/shopping/essential-computer-specs/799463/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=799463

We’re all suckers for a good deal. When buying a computer, jumping on a shiny new laptop is tempting if it’s at a great price. While cost is a definite factor, it’s not the only thing you must consider. Need help to find the perfect laptop for you? Tap or click here to take our quiz and find the right one.

Did you buy an iPhone just for its camera? (If you did, we aren’t judging!) Probably not, though. You evaluated all of its features before making a final decision. With computers, you need to do the same.

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Home intercom systems that don’t use Alexa or Google Assistant https://www.komando.com/amazon/home-intercom-systems/859863/ Mon, 29 May 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=859863

Are you tired of shouting across the house? It’s time to communicate more clearly without straining your voice to get someone’s attention. Improve communication and clarity with your family from room to room, grab your husband’s attention from the garage, or call your kids down for dinner. These intercoms are our top picks to help you communicate better with your family.

Hosmart wireless home intercom system

Hosmart is the leading manufacturer of intercom systems for good reasons. They offer quality and variety without a high price. You can access six separate channels with up to three individual digital codes.

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Best iPhone and Android cases to protect from drops, hold your cards and more https://www.komando.com/amazon/versatile-iphone-and-android-cases/862535/ Sat, 20 May 2023 09:30:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=862535

It can feel like an extra limb if you’re always holding your smartphone. Just as you decorate your body with clothes, bracelets and watches, you can also accessorize your phone. However, it can be hard to find your perfect match since so many versatile iPhone and Android cases are on the market.

Luckily, we scoured the web to find the best smartphone cases in five categories. Whether you’re looking for rugged phone covers or the best drop-resistant cases, we’ve got you covered. We also discovered sleek, minimalist and artistic phone covers worth checking out.

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I wish I could help every one of you https://www.komando.com/tech-tips/dell-tech-help/885316/ Tue, 16 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=885316&preview=true&preview_id=885316

That’s where the pros at my sponsor Dell come in. We use Dell gear at Komando HQ. Dell laptops, PCs and servers power my national radio show, podcasts, this newsletter and everything else we do.

If you’re shopping for your small business, side hustle or new venture, you can chat with a small business expert for free advice on the right hardware. No obligation to buy, either.

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Here are all the cars that now qualify for the full $7,500 tax credit https://www.komando.com/money/ev-tax-credit-changes/884171/ Wed, 19 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=884171

Almost every major car manufacturer now offers electric vehicles or at least hybrid alternatives. If you’re feeling the pressure to get an EV, there’s no rush! Here’s why it’s a good idea to wait.

The IRS’ new guidelines again cut back on the number of electric vehicles that qualify for a $7,500 tax credit. The number of qualifying models is shrinking yearly, and the list is shorter than ever. Here’s what you need to know.

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Wireless charging is finally in your car – Here’s what you need to get started https://www.komando.com/amazon/wireless-charging-in-your-car/859930/ Sun, 12 Mar 2023 20:30:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=859930

Are you still buying gas station charging cables for your phone? Stop plugging it into the cigarette lighter and leaning it in the console (we all know it will slip between the seats anyway).

Magnetic-safe wireless charging is finally here for your car. Keep your battery full, your eyes on the road and charge smarter without dropping your phone. Here are our top picks.

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Take better Android phone photos with these phone lens attachments https://www.komando.com/amazon/android-lens-attachments/853754/ Thu, 09 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=853754

Cell phones rival expensive cameras more and more every day. If you know how to use them properly, that is. Beyond using pro mode on your phone, you can attach a lens over your camera to take stunning photographs with more depth and clarity. These inexpensive lens attachments don’t do all the work on their own. When you pair them with the proper phone camera settings and angles, nobody will believe you took these photos on your phone.

Shuttermoon camera lens kit for iPhone and Android

Shuttermoon gives you five different lenses for various types of shots. This includes a fisheye lens for wide angles and a macro lens for zoomed-in shots without losing texture. In the carrying case, you’ll find a clip clamps down over your phone to hold the lens in place.

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Save up to 66% on new tech with Dell’s semi-annual sale https://www.komando.com/small-business/small-business-sale/879570/ Thu, 09 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

With the right technology, your small business can boost productivity, manage data more efficiently and improve communication with customers. If you’ve been holding off on upgrading your tech, now’s the best time to buy. Thanks to Dell’s semi-annual sale, you can purchase high-quality gadgets at steep discounts.

Laptop pick: Dell Latitude 7320 Laptop

Attention small business owners! Don't miss Dell's semi-annual small business sale, where you can save big on desktops, laptops, monitors, and more.

If you need a reliable and portable computer, look no further than Dell’s Latitude 7320 Laptop. With Dell’s sale, you can grab it now for 66% off. That’s a total steal! Here’s what you’re getting at this steep discount:

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8 handy products to make gross household chores easier https://www.komando.com/amazon/household-cleaning-products/813461/ Tue, 14 Feb 2023 08:30:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=813461&preview=true&preview_id=813461

As the saying goes, cleanliness is next to godliness. But not all of us want to pour countless hours into the never-ending battle against dirt, dust and grime. Tap or click here for the best way to clean all the dirt and grime off your tech.

You can also check out these time-saving gadgets. The right tools can cut your cleaning time in half, so check out these cleaning tools and get scrubbing!

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Your morning coffee will never go cold again with these mug warmers for your desk https://www.komando.com/amazon/coffee-mug-warmers/859908/ Sun, 12 Feb 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=859908

You left your coffee on the edge of the desk and let it run cold again, didn’t you? It happens to the best of us, but it’s time to stop sacrificing your morning pick-me-up. These coffee mug warming plates help keep your brew at the optimal temperature, so even if you get lost in your work or scrolling Komando articles (wink-wink), your coffee will be perfect every time you reach for it. These are our top picks.

Wenvinda coffee mug warming plate for your desk

Wenvinda has a mix of the best features you could ever want in a mug warmer. First and foremost, there are six timer settings in two-hour intervals. You never have to worry about wasting power since it will shut off automatically. While Oracer introduces a better auto shutoff later in this list, Wenvinda is still on the right track.

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Best board games and puzzles to play with friends and family https://www.komando.com/amazon/best-board-games-2023/871554/ Sat, 31 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=871554

Board games are fun for the whole family and help pull us away from our screens for bonding time. But the same board games have been around for ages and can feel stale. The same goes for puzzles.

Thankfully we’ve rounded up some new options that are super fun. These unique board games and puzzles can be played solo or with a group. Curb your boredom and create delightful memories with the people you love with these selections.

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8 tech security products everyone should own https://www.komando.com/amazon/tech-security-products/787936/ Fri, 30 Dec 2022 08:30:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=787936

Technology can make life better, but it can also expose personal information and destroy your privacy. While you should be aware of the dangers of hackers, the very manufacturers who make your products also collect data. To protect yourself from digital threats, you’ll need each tech security product on this list.

We’re not overselling it: There are many privacy risks, from your browser to your smart TV. These devices make it easy to stream your favorite content without purchasing and setting up a streaming box. But they can compromise your cybersecurity.

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The best gifts for the person who doesn’t want or need anything https://www.komando.com/amazon/hard-to-shop-for/867747/ Sat, 03 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000

If you’re shopping online to complete your Christmas gift list, beware! There are tons of thieves targeting holiday shoppers this year. Tap or click here for details of the top three scams making the rounds.

Now that we’re through talking about the scary stuff let’s get into the fun part. Gift giving. But some people on your gift list might seem like they already have everything. That’s when it’s good to think outside the box. For most people, the perfect gifts are functional.

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8 smart ways to use Bluetooth trackers like the AirTag and Tile https://www.komando.com/tech-tips/smart-ways-to-use-trackers/803575/ Fri, 25 Nov 2022 10:30:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=803575&preview=true&preview_id=803575

You’ve probably heard all the buzz about Bluetooth trackers, from Apple AirTags to Tile trackers. Tap or click here to find out the difference between these two beloved gadgets.

Whichever one you choose, you’re buying a popular piece of lost and found software that can save your hide in times of crisis. Bluetooth trackers are most famous for helping people track down lost or stolen items. But there are a few different uses you might not have known about.

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Our favorite laptops at every budget (PC, Mac and Chromebook) https://www.komando.com/amazon/best-laptops-every-budget/864051/ Sat, 05 Nov 2022 09:30:00 +0000

Most people have one or two gadgets running simultaneously and can do fine keeping them charged with a couple of cables and a wall outlet. But for those who have multiple devices, that’s simply not enough. Tap or click here for the top charging stations for all your devices.

Tablets are great for browsing the web, reading ebooks, playing games, listening to music and video calls with friends and family. But you should look at a laptop for handling lots of emails, creating documents and general work/business needs. While tablets rely mostly on touchscreens, which is OK for texting, you’ll want a full keyboard for more intensive tasks.

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Under the desk footrests for a more comfortable WFH experience https://www.komando.com/amazon/under-the-desk-footrests/859955/ Tue, 25 Oct 2022 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=859955

You’re already stuck at your desk while you work from home, so you might as well make the most of it. Footrests give you the most comfort you could ask for while you’re planted in your chair. The workday doesn’t have to be all bad. Here are our top picks.

ComfiLife under-the-desk footrest and support

High-density memory foam is arguably the best material for a footrest, and ComfiLife knows it. This footrest has a bit of bounce so you can find your ideal level of comfort, and it’s portable so that you can bring it with you. Here’s a tip: It works great if you spend a lot of time in a car’s passenger seat.

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Best cordless electric ratchet sets and how they can replace all your wrenches https://www.komando.com/amazon/electric-ratchet-sets/860216/ Tue, 25 Oct 2022 08:30:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=860216

You have a big task ahead, but you don’t have the tools to handle it. Electric ratchet sets save time, strain and headaches. These sets provide excellent RPM, torque and overall power without leaving your wallet feeling cold. Here are our top picks.

KIMO electric cordless ratchet set

KIMO gives you the tool, the heads and a durable case to keep all of it in. With a powerful 400 RPM motor that runs on the included 12V battery pack, there isn’t any task you can’t tackle around the house or garage. If you’re sick of running out of battery juice halfway through a session, don’t worry.

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Hunting tech: These trail cameras help you find more prey https://www.komando.com/amazon/hunting-cameras/860194/ Sun, 23 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=860194

Tracking prey can take half the day, but with trail cameras, you can speed up the process and be alerted when a target enters your hunting grounds. Additionally, these can be used as home security cameras to monitor your office or front door without impeding your privacy, as Ring doorbells do. These are our top picks.

24MP HD video trail camera, by GardePro

Motion detection is one of the critical components of a good trail camera. This GardePro cam gives you up to 90 feet of motion detection, so you know when the prey has entered the area. When it kicks on, infrared night vision sends a clear and crisp picture directly to the onboard storage card.

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