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DECEMBER 2016 GH 1 05
PERSONAL gadgetsThis month Walmart challenged our engineers to create the ultimate on-the-go tech
guide. Upgrade your computer, smartphone and wearables with our Institute’s top tips and product picks. Turn the page to meet the coolest new finds!
text by NICOLE SAPORITA
P R E S E N T E D BY WA L M A R T | P OW E R E D BY T H E G O O D H O U S E K E E P I N G I N S T I T U T E
•C O N N E C T E D
W O M A N
MOBILE DEVICE E D I T I O N
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SMARTWATCHES
Useful Apps and Easy Notifications Just glance at your wrist to get the weather, find out when your next meeting is or see who’s calling.
FITNESS TRACKERS
Motivation Boosters Go beyond merely counting steps — track your sleep and heart rate, too!
LAPTOPS VS. TABLETS
Portable Home OfficeWith more choice than ever, find out which device is best for you.
SMARTPHONES Handheld Life Managers Hardware and software innovations bring what your cell can do for you to a whole new level.
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Could I replace my laptop with a tablet? SOLUTION You can do almost anything on a tablet, from e-mail and Web browsing to watching videos, playing games and using apps. But if you need a productivity hero, your best option is still a laptop, which offers full versions of software like Word and Adobe Photoshop that you can’t get on a tablet.
LAB LOWDOWN Once you’ve decided your main purpose for the device, it’s easier to choose. Laptops have more variety in manufacturers, storage, software options and price. Tablets offer tons of apps, better battery life and lower prices.
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Q: How are monthly and prepaid plans different?A: An agree-ment with a carrier, like Verizon or AT&T, gives you access to fast networks (3G, 4G, etc.), the latest phones and a variety of payment options. A prepaid plan usually means fewer surprise charges and less hassle in stopping your service, but may have a slightly higher monthly fee.
Q: I’m looking for an entry-level computer. What do you recommend? A: Chromebooks (Wi-Fi–enabled, Cloud-based computers that run on Google’s Chrome OS) are a great option. Here’s why:
Speed. They boot up fast, don’t slow down and stay charged a long time.
Simplicity. Many apps (like Google Docs, Office and Candy Crush) come installed and work offline.
Security. Built-in virus protection and automatic file backup — plus, the OS updates every two weeks.
Price. Onboard storage is limited (and not really needed, as files are saved to the Cloud), so prices can start as low as $150.
Voice search. Google’s version is integrated, so for weather or news, just ask. A good choice: Acer’s 15.6 Chromebook, $199.
TAKE-ANYWHERE WORKHORSEHP’s sleek model is great for business travel, since it’s thin and lightweight (especially for the screen size). Our pros liked its quality screen, which displays bright, sharp images no matter what you’re working on. Make sure to carry your charger with you to keep the battery powered up on the go. HP Envy 13, $999
COOL WATCHEven if you don’t have your phone by your side, the Apple Watch alerts you when calls or texts come in or you have a meeting. Our pros like that the faster new model is water-resistant and has built-in GPS. But we’re still eager for the day when it has built-in Internet and can function on its own without being synced to a phone. Apple Watch Series 2, from $369
GORDON GRAJEK,TEST ENGINEER
ASK THE EXPER
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RACHEL ROTHMAN, CHIEF
TECHNOLOGIST
ASK THE EXPER
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GH LAB PICKS
GH LAB PICKS
GH LAB PICKS
I’m sick of being glued to my phone. SOLUTION Leave it at home or in your bag and opt for a smartwatch or fitness tracker that can alert you to calls, texts and more.
LAB LOWDOWN Wearables have come a long way from plain black wristbands with limited features. New models look better, are more comfortable and boast added features to track activity, sleep habits and GPS location. Thanks to higher-quality materials, many are now weatherproof or water-resistant and have a longer-lasting battery.
I’m ready for a new phone — help! SOLUTION First, think about the operating system (OS) — the three top options are Apple iOS, Google Android and Microsoft Windows. Apple iOS is a cinch to use and offers a huge selection of apps; Microsoft Windows works best with Office programs; and Google Android is available on the widest range of devices and is the first to offer Google innovations.
LAB LOWDOWN The latest smartphones all have stellar cameras, superfast processing capability and tons of new durability features like water- and drop-resistance, so the bottom line is that you can’t go wrong, whatever you choose. It’s all about the OS.
P R E S E N T E D BY WA L M A R T | P OW E R E D BY T H E G O O D H O U S E K E E P I N G I N S T I T U T E
PERSONAL GADGETSTRIED + TESTED
WEARABLE TECHSMARTPHONES
PORTABLE COMPUTERS
GH LAB TIP For a laptop, a 13" to 14" screen usually provides a good balance between portability and usability.
CREATIVE STARIf you want a device you can use to shop online, watch videos and check social media, this Apple tablet is a solid laptop swap. It’s lightweight, with features like a split screen so apps can run side by side and speakers that adjust based on how you’re holding it and what you’re listening to. Our Lab found that the Apple Pencil (sold separately) was precise and great for drawing or taking notes. 9.7-inch iPad Pro, from $599
BEST-EVER BATTERYThis top-of-the-line Samsung model has a safe battery that lasted a whopping 11 hours during our test (continuous video playback on full brightness). Plus, it’s water- and dust-resistant. We also found that its camera took crisp photos quickly. Finally, our pros liked its wireless charger and the ability to boost storage by inserting a micro SD card in the dedicated slot. Samsung Galaxy S7, $696
PICTURE POWERIn Lab tests, the improved camera on Apple’s latest phone was most impressive in low light, thanks to updates to the flash and lens. Other exciting upgrades include stereo speakers; water and dust resistance; and a battery life of nearly seven hours. There’s no traditional jack for headphones (gasp!), but it comes with a pair that works with your charging port and an adapter for the ones you already own. Apple iPhone 7, from $649
HOT TRACKERWith this new Fitbit, you won’t need to carry a phone to the gym. GH testers loved that it vibrated if they got a call, text or calen-dar alert. You can also check its screen for your step count or launch its app for stats on sleep patterns and active hours. Work at a desk? The band can buzz to remind you to get moving.Fitbit Alta, $129
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