Technology

Best Buy {Geek Squad Solution Central}

by sarah on 02/08/2013

Best Buy in Fair Lakes

Did you know that Best Buy offers free one-on-one consultations and classes to help you make the most out of your electronics?  I’m very fortunate that my husband is an IT professional, so all I have to do is trot down the hall and *most of the time* he patiently answers my questions. Even so, since he deals predominantly with PCs, I often have unanswerable difficulties with my iPhone, which is where Best Buy’s Geek Squad Solution Central comes in handy.  For instance, our Best Buy in Fair Lakes offers free iPad classes on Monday nights at 6 PM and MAC classes on Thursday evenings at 6 PM.  And, after the classes, many of the staff are on hand to answer any Apple-related questions you might have.  I was happily surprised to learn that they will help you regardless of where you purchased your device – no questions asked!

The Geek Squad Solution Central would be perfect for those of you with parents who find it difficult to operate their newest electronic gadget!  When I visited the Best Buy in Fair Lakes, I enjoyed meeting two of the Geek Squad tech pros,  Brandon B and Trent C.  They love helping customers with everything from setting up (or operating!) a TV to suggesting the best apps for the smartphone.  And, with all the experience that the Geek Squad boasts (ours even has a tech with a master’s degree in computers!), it’s the perfect place to head when you need a few electronic pointers.

The New Geek Squad Solution Central

Geek Squad Solution Central is Best Buy’s latest innovation to move beyond a functional role of being “just another place to buy” and “just another repair place” to establishing a higher level, emotional relationship and to deliver a differentiated, high-touch customer experience.   Located in the center of the store for easy access from any department, the core of Solution Central is to provide opportunities to show customers how to “own” and “enjoy” their technology.

Solution Central is staffed with Geek Squad Technology Education Agents (TEAs).  TEAs have a strong knowledge of all services, technology and categories in the store.  The TEAs provide the following:

•       Counsel on repairing, replacing, or buying equipment to find the complete solution that will work “wherever you are” in your technology journey.

•       Walk Out Working experiences for Tablets, Computers, Digital Cameras and Gaming categories.  Walk-Out-Working are “in the moment”, custom product set-ups offered before you leave the store with your new device, with the option to schedule appointment times at a later date.  The subsequent appointment can range from rapid, quick-fire set-ups to elongated, more detailed set-ups, depending on the customer needs.

•       30 minute 1:1 personalized sessions with a TEA to cover any topic the customer has questions on.  These classes are meant to accommodate different customer preferences for how and what they want to learn.

•       A broad range of technology classes to meet with customer needs and interests.  I would call your local store to see what classes they are offering, before you sign up online.

•       Getting more out of technology, including getting access to information you need, entertainment you crave and connecting with the people you care about.

And, the best part?  All the appointments are free and easy to schedule online!  {Please note that appointments for other Geek Squad services provided at the Precinct or AutoTech Bay do have fees depending on the service.}

Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1 – Visit the Geek Squad’s Online Scheduler (or call your local store to see what classes/consultations they offer)

Step 2 – Scroll down to ‘In-Store Solution Central Scheduling’

Step 3 – Click on the ‘Schedule a Reservation’ button

Step 4 – Enter your zip code for the available locations near you and select the location you want

Step 5 – Select the reservation you want (either Consultation or a Class)

Step 6 – Select date and time

Step 7 – Provide your contact information (not only for registration, but you will be sent confirmation and reminder emails)

I hope you are able to take advantage of some of the one-on-one consultations that Best Buy offers!

{The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.}

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Review {Samsung Galaxy SIII}

by sarah on 12/18/2012

My sad little iPhone 3GS was reaching the end of its life (to its credit, it has lasted over two years), and I was having difficulties deciding what to purchase as its replacement.  One of the perks of being a blogger is being able to try out cutting edge technology without having to plunk down hundreds of dollars.  And, thanks to AT&T’s generosity, I was able to test drive the Samsung Galaxy SIII.

When I received it, I was dazzled by its vibrant 5.3″ HD screen!  I’m use to a much smaller screen, since apparently Apple believes that sleek equals small.  But, I thought the S3 still fit in my hand perfectly, despite being almost 1″ taller and about 0.5″ wider.  The larger display made it so much easier to read online articles and keep up with all my social media outlets!

Another great feature of the S3 (and, I know I’m behind the times) is Swype.  Even though the iPhone has developed my hunt and peck skills to the point that it alarms my father-in-law, I much prefer Swype.  For those of you who are stuck in the dark ages like me, Swype allows you to use one continuous finger or stylus motion across the screen keyboard to type.  According to their website, “this patented technology enables users to input words faster and easier than other data input methods – at over 40 words per minute.“  Not even my honed iPhone skills let me type at such warped speeds!  The Swype feature alone had me contemplating the S3 over the iPhone 4S!

I did fall in love with the ease of sharing between Samsung Galaxy S3 phones, and I bemoaned the fact that the iPhone doesn’t offer such an option.  Here is a great description of their sharing abilities from Samsung’s website: “With S Beam, you can share large HD files in seconds – just touch compatible devices back-to-back. S Beam takes full advantage of NFC (Near-Field Communication) and Wi-Fi Direct technology, making it quick and easy for you to share photos, videos, documents, calendars, contacts and more. And you don’t even need Wi-Fi or a cellular signal.”  When I attended BlogHer’12, I may or may not have hung out in the Samsung booth tapping the S3 phones together.  Now, if they came out with a feature that let you to tap your Galaxy S3 against a computer and transmit all the pictures/data, I think I might finally convert to the Android!

For me the biggest drawback of the S3 was its S Voice, a feature similar to the iPhone’s Siri.  But, unlike Siri who comes up with witty answers for questions like, “do you love me?”, the S Voice struggled with understanding, “what is the closest grocery store?”  After a few tries, it did display an extensive list of stores in our area, but iPhone users will be very disappointed if they are comparing it to Siri.

For those of you who are wondering whether I decided to purchase the Galaxy S3, I’m afraid that I opted for the iPhone 4S.  Not only was it $0.99 (I bought it refurbished on Black Friday), but I’m also use to the intuitiveness of the Apple products.  However, the Samsung Galaxy S3 was the best Android smartphone that I’ve tested, and for all my readers who are Android lovers, you’ll love its sleekness and cutting edge features.  And, right now, with a two year AT&T contract, you can get the Samsung Galaxy S3 for $199, with free shipping.

{Disclosure: AT&T loaned me the Samsung Galaxy S3 to facilitate this review.}

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Review {Just Dance 4}

by sarah on 11/19/2012

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. #UbiChamps

One of our good family friends has Just Dance I, and we love playing it!  So imagine our glee when we were selected to review the newest Just Dance 4.  We received it just in time to play it with my husband’s family during our early Thanksgiving celebration.  And, it was a ton of fun, even though I never won!

Just Dance 4 has hit songs like “Call Me Maybe” with Carly Rae Jepsen,  “Livin’ La Vida Loca” with Ricky Martin, “Moves Like Jagger” with Maroon 5, “Disturbia” with Rihanna, and much more!  And, now, you can play in “Battle Mode,” where you can challenge up to three friends in five rounds of dance battles.  Even if you’re a horrible dancer like I am, you can hope to win if you have stamina, because everyone else tires out by round 3. :)

A new feature in Just Dance 4, is unique choreographies for each player, so you can look like real back-up singers!  Or, in our family’s case, you can all collide with each other and send everyone into fits of laughter!

We loved the “Just Sweat ” portion of the video game (it even has a counter that measures how many calories you lose with each song).  After a big dinner of pumpkin pie, turkey, and stuffing, it’s a great way to burn calories, so you feel a little less guilty about all your food indulgences!

You can purchase Just Dance 4 for Wii, Wii U, Playstation 3, and XBox 360 on Amazon, with prices starting at $25.00.  It would be a great Christmas present, or as a way to entertain the whole family during the upcoming winter break!

{Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post.  Thank you for supporting Capitally Frugal!}

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Review {Skylanders Giants Video Game}

by sarah on 11/09/2012

Skylanders Giants Video Game

I have a love-hate relationship with video games.  Despite my best efforts, I end up meeting an untimely demise within .0005 seconds of hitting the start button.  It’s especially demoralizing when I babysit my friend’s four-year old son, who easily maneuvers through the treacherous maps of Super Mario, leaving me to plummet into fiery flames.  But, even though my virtual self always self-destructs, it is fun to play the occasional video game!

And, with Christmas just six weeks away, your family might enjoy splurging on the newest Skylanders Giants video game, available at your local Best Buy.  We had the opportunity to try it out; and, since John is the video game ninja of our family, I dragged him along to play it. Click here to read more

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Review {HTC One X}

by sarah on 09/24/2012

A few weeks ago, we were headed to Gaylord National, where I planned to write a review of our weekend vacation.  Since I only have a sad little iPhone 3 with an undependable camera (to its credit, it has lasted over 2+ years), I was wracking my brain to figure out alternative ways to capture our special moments.   AT&T came to my rescue and offered to have an HTC One X, waiting for us at Gaylord!

Isn't it beautiful?

The HTC One X is a top of the line Android phone, fully equipped with everything from a sleek look to a fabulous camera that even takes HD video with stereo sound.  Here are just a few of its great attributes:

Camera
One of my favorite parts about the HTC One is its phenomenal camera.  It was not only more user-friendly than an actual camera, it also offered camera effects, zoom, low-light performance, and a host of other controls that you would only find in more expensive, state-of-the-art cameras.

I was especially impressed with the HTC’s camera while I was attending a blogger event at Potomac Mills.  We were all trying to shoot a picture of this “Fashion District” sign, with the sun beaming down on us; and, several bloggers were disappointed by the washed-out appearance of their pictures.  As you can tell, with the HTC, I had no difficulties capturing the photo I wanted!

The HTC camera also offers a front and rear facing camera.  While the rear facing camera is equipped with more features (like an 8 megapixel camera as opposed to 1.3 for the front camera), it’s really nice to have a dual facing camera!   The front facing feature was perfect to capture our family moments, when there was no one else to snap a picture for us.

The camera also starts in less than a second and can take a picture every 0.2 seconds!  I was so shocked to have a camera that loads in the blink of an eye.  Normally, if I activate my iPhone 3 a few minutes before I need it, it’s usually ready a few seconds after my picture perfect moment flashes past!  I wasn’t sure what to do with this cutting edge camera and am already bemoaning the day that I need to return the HTC.

For those who are interested in the technical mumbo jumbo (ahem, specifications), the HTC boasts an 8 Mega Pixel rear-facing camera with F2.0 aperture, 28mm lens, a dual-LED flash, and a back illuminated sensor.

Durability
With a technology-loving four year old, I’m always worrying that my phone will meet its untimely demise at the hands of my daughter.  The HTC manufacturers probably had concerned parents like me in mind when they designed its 4.7-inch Gorilla Glass screen, which is both durable and scratch-resistant.  While it probably wouldn’t survive being tossed out a car window, it is fairly resilient and withstood the daily wear and tear of my child.

Authentic Sound
The HTC One comes with Beats Audio so everything you hear on your phone, from music and videos to games and YouTube, is rich and authentic. I was also pleased with the sound quality of videos we shot with the phone.  Unlike my iPhone 3, the sound isn’t obscured by static and scratchiness!  Also, the HTC lets you sync your phone with your computer, via the HTC Sync Manager so you can easily transfer music and other media files!

At only 5.29" long, it's so compact!

For me, the selling point of the HTC One X is its camera capabilities.  For those of you who are constantly uploading photos to Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, you’ll love the clarity and convenience of the camera on the HTC One X.  And, you can get one for only $99 on the AT&T website (with a two year contract commitment).  Not a bad price for cutting edge technology!

{Disclosure: AT&T loaned me an HTC One X to facilitate this review.  All ideas and thoughts are my own and were not influenced in any way.}

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