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Tip Store: Computers: Hardware
Cheapest Memory Cards and Flash USB Storage
I found a great website for memory cards and flash USB drives and all sorts of accessories for cameras and digital storage devices. It is called Cheap as chips and I could not find prices cheaper, they post out within a couple of days and have a free helpline number for advice. The web address is www.cheapchips.com.au and the free helpline number is 1800779004.
- Contributed by Vicki, Rye, 14th July 2009
Website: www.cheapchips.com.au
- Contributed by Vicki, Rye, 14th July 2009
Website: www.cheapchips.com.au
Lightweight Laptop Leads to Heavy Savings
Approximate $ Savings: $100
Once my desktop computer was getting outdated, instead of buying a new computer I decided to switch over to a Lightweight laptop. Although it was more expensive in the short term not only does the battery last for 6 hours, it also uses up less than 1/4 of the power to run, unlike conventional laptops, lightweights have smaller hardware and therefore use less electricity, I have saved heaps on my power bills, and now they are down by at least $100 a month.
- Contributed by Jarod, Willeton, 30th June 2009
Once my desktop computer was getting outdated, instead of buying a new computer I decided to switch over to a Lightweight laptop. Although it was more expensive in the short term not only does the battery last for 6 hours, it also uses up less than 1/4 of the power to run, unlike conventional laptops, lightweights have smaller hardware and therefore use less electricity, I have saved heaps on my power bills, and now they are down by at least $100 a month.
- Contributed by Jarod, Willeton, 30th June 2009
Photograph Layouts for Exact Replacement
I decided to move my computer and all accessories (printer, router, speakers etc.) to another room. I was worried about replacing all the cords correctly and did not want to make any mistakes. So I took a digital photograph of them and used that to replace each plug in the correct point. No worries – everything back where it belonged in no time!
- Contributed by Janet, Morphett Vale, 18th January 2010
- Contributed by Janet, Morphett Vale, 18th January 2010
Simple, Homemade Laptop Covers
Approximate $ Savings: $32
Going overseas, my husband and I both needed laptop covers to keep our computers protected. I priced them and discovered they would be $20 each (i.e. $40 for the two). I went to my local fabric shop and bought vinyl table protector material for $12. I not only made two for us but a third one for my son who wanted one as soon as he saw them. I made them in a simple envelope style and zigzagged the sides on the machine. They worked very well.
- Contributed by Joan, Cornubia, 6th December 2009
Going overseas, my husband and I both needed laptop covers to keep our computers protected. I priced them and discovered they would be $20 each (i.e. $40 for the two). I went to my local fabric shop and bought vinyl table protector material for $12. I not only made two for us but a third one for my son who wanted one as soon as he saw them. I made them in a simple envelope style and zigzagged the sides on the machine. They worked very well.
- Contributed by Joan, Cornubia, 6th December 2009
Family Computer Solution
Approximate $ Savings: $2000.00
I have 3 children (twin boys 15 and one 12 years). We all need use of the computers. My desktop died, and old laptop was on the way out. So after months of working out what would be the best way to save money, I finally came up with this. I was with Telstra, but changed to Optus. Optus have great deals with home, Internet and mobiles (Fusion deals start at $99.00 to $199.00 a month) and this includes a wireless modem. I have the $129.00 plan, which includes 30MG of Internet, and includes all calls, yes mobile included (GMS mobile, which most mobile phones now are). The reason I have this is most notebooks and laptops come with wireless in built cards (this is pretty standard). Remember the laptops and notebooks pick up the wireless signal anywhere in the house giving access to internet anywhere in house. I bought one laptop and two notebooks for $1409.00 (was $1669.00). Notebooks don't have much hard drive, so I also bought a portable hard drive (350G for $129.00). I have all required programs on the portable hard drive (easily downloaded from one computer) and if the kids need other programs or download time, they download straight to the portable hard drive, saving space on their computers. Everything important is stored on the portable hard drive, so if anything goes wrong with any of the computers, we have everything on the portable (photos, bought programs etc). Also only one program being download, not 2 or 3 per computer, which also saves on download time. Each computer picks up the wireless signal from the modem, so it does not matter where you are in the house, you can use the computer (no more leads/cords from one end of house to the other). By changing the service provider, I have saved $171.00 a month so far (2 months in). I also have plenty of download time left, meaning no more slowing down of the Internet. I had been with my service provider for ever, and it took me ages to change, thinking they were always the best, but now that I have changed I cannot be happier. I will never buy a desktop computer again. They are very expensive, and laptop can do the same thing; I bought 3 laptops for the price of one desktop.
- Contributed by Judy, Frankston North, 12th April 2009
I have 3 children (twin boys 15 and one 12 years). We all need use of the computers. My desktop died, and old laptop was on the way out. So after months of working out what would be the best way to save money, I finally came up with this. I was with Telstra, but changed to Optus. Optus have great deals with home, Internet and mobiles (Fusion deals start at $99.00 to $199.00 a month) and this includes a wireless modem. I have the $129.00 plan, which includes 30MG of Internet, and includes all calls, yes mobile included (GMS mobile, which most mobile phones now are). The reason I have this is most notebooks and laptops come with wireless in built cards (this is pretty standard). Remember the laptops and notebooks pick up the wireless signal anywhere in the house giving access to internet anywhere in house. I bought one laptop and two notebooks for $1409.00 (was $1669.00). Notebooks don't have much hard drive, so I also bought a portable hard drive (350G for $129.00). I have all required programs on the portable hard drive (easily downloaded from one computer) and if the kids need other programs or download time, they download straight to the portable hard drive, saving space on their computers. Everything important is stored on the portable hard drive, so if anything goes wrong with any of the computers, we have everything on the portable (photos, bought programs etc). Also only one program being download, not 2 or 3 per computer, which also saves on download time. Each computer picks up the wireless signal from the modem, so it does not matter where you are in the house, you can use the computer (no more leads/cords from one end of house to the other). By changing the service provider, I have saved $171.00 a month so far (2 months in). I also have plenty of download time left, meaning no more slowing down of the Internet. I had been with my service provider for ever, and it took me ages to change, thinking they were always the best, but now that I have changed I cannot be happier. I will never buy a desktop computer again. They are very expensive, and laptop can do the same thing; I bought 3 laptops for the price of one desktop.
- Contributed by Judy, Frankston North, 12th April 2009
Bag Bases Not Just For Keeping Bags Steady
Approximate $ Savings: $10-$20ea
I have found the black inserts you find in the bottom of green shopper bags make the best computer mouse pad ever, especially for laptops as they are so light and just slide into your laptop bag. I use one for my home PC and one for my laptop and I never have trouble with the mouse "sticking". They never wear out and if I need one its just a matter of finding a green bag around the house! I suppose a mouse pad can cost up to $20, so if there are a few computers in the house this becomes a considerable saving!
- Contributed by Kerry, Balmain, 8th October 2008
I have found the black inserts you find in the bottom of green shopper bags make the best computer mouse pad ever, especially for laptops as they are so light and just slide into your laptop bag. I use one for my home PC and one for my laptop and I never have trouble with the mouse "sticking". They never wear out and if I need one its just a matter of finding a green bag around the house! I suppose a mouse pad can cost up to $20, so if there are a few computers in the house this becomes a considerable saving!
- Contributed by Kerry, Balmain, 8th October 2008
Colour-Coded Cords
When pulling plugs from the back of your computer make sure you either colour code both the leads and rear of the computer box, or put sticky labels on both the cord & the box so as when you go to plugging all back in you put the leads in the correct spots. My husbands has to tell his customers on a daily basis after they pick up their computers from being repaired.
- Contributed by Prudence, Tecoma, 30th March 2008
- Contributed by Prudence, Tecoma, 30th March 2008
Keep Cords Under Control
When pulling plugs from the back of your computer make sure you either colour code both the leads and rear of the computer box, or put sticky labels on both the cord & the box so as when you go to plugging all back in you put the leads in the correct spots. My husbands has to tell his customers on a daily basis after they pick up their computers from being repaired.
- Contributed by Prudence, Tecoma, 30th March 2008
- Contributed by Prudence, Tecoma, 30th March 2008
Build Your Own Computer
Building your own computer is a great way to have the latest technology and save money. Look for online stores that offer a build your own system section, most of the time they have step by step instructions you can get by with a basic hardware knowledge. They also put them together with the parts you select and ship it ready to use. If this is not for you, avoid buying retail. Instead look for a computer person who works from home selling computers, 90% of the time they will do it for say $200 and it will be a fraction of a retail store price. You can save over a $1000 for a bit of a look around. ;)
- Contributed by Matthew, Moree, 25th November 2007
- Contributed by Matthew, Moree, 25th November 2007
Standby and Save
Approximate $ Savings: 50c a day
Turn your computers status to 'standby' if you're going to lunch, a meeting, or if at home, perhaps out shopping or watching TV. This is a habit, which can save on power, and is a daily reminder to be money and energy conscious. At night, or for prolonged periods, be sure to turn it off at the mains.
- Contributed by Danny, Brisbane
Turn your computers status to 'standby' if you're going to lunch, a meeting, or if at home, perhaps out shopping or watching TV. This is a habit, which can save on power, and is a daily reminder to be money and energy conscious. At night, or for prolonged periods, be sure to turn it off at the mains.
- Contributed by Danny, Brisbane
Computers at Auction
Parents looking to buy a computer for their children should look into buying at an auction. These computers may be a few years old but are generally sufficient for most games and programs. You can pick up a whole computer (including the monitor and printer) for around $100, compared to $1500 for a new PC. If you need to upgrade it, buying a few parts may set you back another $200-$300, but at over $1000 cheaper than a new computer, it's worth the effort.
- Contributed by Y. Ayoubi, March 3rd 2005
- Contributed by Y. Ayoubi, March 3rd 2005
Canon Printer Toner
In the email I received today, you asked if anyone could help Trish, who was seeking a cartridge for a Canon EP-A laser printer. The toner for this machine is available from http://www.inkman.com.au/products/category 396.asp for the genuine toner at $113.52 or http://www.inkman.com.au/products/category352.asp for a compatible toner at $93.50.
- Contributed by Lesley Forster, February, 2004
- Contributed by Lesley Forster, February, 2004
Save Money by Updating Rather Than Buying New
When it comes to computers, they are always being updated. I recommend Umart www.umart.com.au This computer company can improve your computers performance, and also save you money by just updating the parts that are needed, also have a look at Umart and ask them to advice you on the computer you need for the job, they can build it to your needs, saving you on the extra you pay for in a complete system elsewhere.
- Contributed by Marty, Nundah, March 1st 2005
- Contributed by Marty, Nundah, March 1st 2005
Identity Theft
With identity theft becoming a major concern to all I have invested in a cheap paper shredder. Not only has it given me peace of mind but as I place all of the end result under fresh mulch around the garden it saves me in the amount of mulch I need to buy and the amount of water I need to keep my garden alive.
- Contributed by Ronda, Mornington, March 25th, 2005
- Contributed by Ronda, Mornington, March 25th, 2005
Save Paper When Printing
To save paper when printing, any A4 paper that comes in the house with ads on etc, I always check the back. If it has no printing on it, I use it for printing emails, tips & hints on this site etc. Saves fortune on paper. Even if only half a page is empty, this also comes in handy printing emails. I also use this paper as a notepad near the phone. Have done all the above for years.
- Contributed by Bev, Green Point, November 6th, 2004
- Contributed by Bev, Green Point, November 6th, 2004
More Ink Saving
Another ink-saving tip when you are printing e-mail or from the Web: Highlight only the part that you want to print, then when you go to "File" and "Print", be sure to check "Print Selection". This will print only the highlighted area, and not all the extra ads and other stuff that you don't want or need. You'll be amazed at how much less ink this will use.
Computers for Low Income Individuals
Hi, I thought I would try and win a years free membership to your site by telling you about a great website. http://wvmascot.dyndns.org/WV/index.php At this website disadvantaged/low income families can get a Computer for $299+ postage including 15 hours free Internet access. It also explains how they can get an interest free loan through Centrelink to pay for it. The purpose of this site is to allow all children to have the tools they need to succeed at school no matter what their circumstances.
- Contributed by Jean Robinson, Sydney, July 22nd, 2004
- Contributed by Jean Robinson, Sydney, July 22nd, 2004
Wizmo
I run a computer business and am on an economy drive. I found I have a tendency, when called in an emergency, to jump up from my own computer and run out the door. When I return home many hours later, the computer has been on the whole time. I have checked out Integral Energy's web site and they say they charge 12 cents per 1000 watts per hour. My home network has 3 x 300 watt machines on it and that adds up. So, I put a simple program in called Wizmo, which you can get from www.grc.com, and in the Scheduled Tasks, told it to run at 9AM every day. You can make Wizmo do many things but I use it to shut the machines down. So, if I run out the door before 9AM, the machines turn themselves off and if I am at home and they go off at 9AM, I turn them back on if needed. This saves me up to 6 hours a day at almost 12 cents per hour (3 x 300 watt machines). Further, I set Wizmo to turn the machines off at midnight. I can be up late and sometimes don't turn them off before I go to bed. Another 6 hours saved. All together, about 12 hours of the day at almost 12 cents per hour for the 3 machines together. Add that up over a quarter!
- Contributed by Greg Hart, Katoomba
- Contributed by Greg Hart, Katoomba