Learn more about computers, technology, and the Internet. Our research staff has evaluated hundreds of Web sites covering tech-centric educational and business resources, tech news and blogs, tech-related job boards, and those all-important tech shopping guides. We've selected the best sites–the most useful and comprehensive of the bunch–and provided concise descriptions of each.
Rate the sites and suggest others!
This fun site offers a wealth of easy-to-understand, "tell-it-to-me-like-I’m-a-kindergartener" explanations on the inner workings of topics ranging cell phones to stem cells to Wal-Mart. A recipient of multiple awards and written by expert editorial staffers, it has great sections on computers and electronics.
Suite 101 is a regularly-update magazine comprised of expert-written articles and recommendations on everything from business to world affairs. But its great technology section is a stand-out–and always has fresh material. Recent articles: “Learn how to use the latest computer software”; “How to fix your own car”; “LCD vs. Plasma vs. DLP”
This well-maintained personal blog offers “a Boomer-friendly guide to technology and the Internet.” Blog entries are usually of explicit interest to Boomers: “Why Boomers should consider buying a laptop” and “16 things it takes most of us 50 years to learn.” Written in non-geek-speak, the blog assumes that its readers haven’t spent their whole lives in a computer lab.
TechCrunch is almost exclusively dedicated to chronicling so-called Web 2.0 technology–second-generation Web-based services that emphasize online collaboration and sharing among users (like social networking sites, communications tools, wikis). Updated over a dozen times daily, and each entry is a well-researched, incisive and cogent description of a company’s new offering. As TechCrunch is the first place Web 2.0 companies turn to with news about new developments, the blog is a must-read for those who want to stay on the cutting edge.
This is the Internet’s most trafficked blog dedicated to gadgets and toys for geeks. Updated manically fast, the blog boast pictures with each entry and sports a smart-alecky tone “Free Boat with $495,000 Sam's Club Lifetime Membership.” If you need to have the newest toy on the block before your neighbor gets one, this site should be your Bible.
Pink headlines reign supreme at the best blog for female-oriented tech news. Its proprietress does a superb job scouring the Internet for nuggets of particular interest to the fairer sex: “Shopping Gets Interactive”; “A Stylish Way to Eavesdrop”; “Pet Carrier iPod Boombox”; “Food Blogging to Your Kitchen.”
Written by Robin “The Boomer” Raskin, this popular tech blog gives you the skinny on new products and services with great context, but without drowning you in technical minutiae. It's tech news by a Boomer, for Boomers. Sample blog headlines: “Dig into Your Own Family’s Past”; “Limited Time Offer: Free Turbo Tax.”
Wired News is a brilliantly-written and constantly-updated news source for all things techie, digital and new. Cannibalizes some articles from its sister magazine, but it’s mostly all original content. The writing is fresh, the topics counter-intuitive. Recently underwent a face-lift that makes it read more like a newspaper. Sample headline: “Fears of a YouTube Swiftboat Scare the Hell out of Politicos.”
CNET is the Internet’s most comprehensive and trusted review site for high-tech and consumer electronics products. Side-by-side rankings and 1-10 ratings made comparison shopping a breeze. Each product goes through extensive, hands-on use, and the more popular items even have video reviews. Site organization makes finding what you’re looking for a snap, as do search criteria like “Under $100,” or “Shop by manufacturer.” Top ten lists and editors’ picks also greatly help to sort through the clutter. Also includes reviews from users–which often help to round out a review.
A populist version of CNET’s reviews, Epinions bills its services as “Unbiased reviews by real people.” As such, users, not editors, decide what content to review. While CNET is also unbiased in the sense that it doesn’t keep freebie products, Epinions offers an additional set of user reactions to whatever product you’ve got in mind to buy. It offers customized product searches based on your preferences, along with e-mail notifications about new reviews and also has buying guides (“What should I consider when buying a baby monitor?”) and biographical info about reviewers.
Like almost everything Google does, this shopping search engine is tops in its class. Simply type in any product you want to buy, and Google’s legendary search engine–tweaked for shopping–will tell you where to find it, and at the lowest price. If you use Google as your main Internet search engine, you shouldn’t need any further convincing of this shopping tool’s power and simplicity.
Formerly known as Froogle, this comparison shopping tool puts Google's search expertise to good work, making it simple for you to type in what you're looking for and get back an easily sortable avalanche of brands, prices, and stores. Sort the results by exact product name, by store, or best of all, by price. You can even view photos of the merchandise in a grid view in order to compare dozens of dresses, TVs, or tennis rackets side by side.
If it's Apple, it's here. An easy-to-surf superstore for all things Mac, iPod, iTunes, and iPhone, it's an essential bookmark for anyone who lives and works in the Apple world. The newest Apple products are typically available only here, and it's an equally good source for the best deals on refurbished products at deep discounts. Have a question about your Mac or iPod? The site is also a central hub for support. See if you can get your problem solved at the site before you head out to the store and stand on line.
From alarm clocks to Xboxes, This online electronics superstore lists thousands of products, many of which are discounted 50 percent or more. Prices can be so low, in fact, that it's always a good idea to check the listings here before you hit the "buy" button at any other online store. Chances are you'll save at least a few bucks.
Technology is supposed to make life easier, right? Dynamic Living specializes in products that can make a home environment safer and more comfortable for seniors. Among the items it offers: talking timers and clocks, amplified and vibrating phones, super-simple TV remotes, and pendant paging systems, plus a whole range of daily household gadgets and personal care items designed to make life just a little easier.
As one of the largest computer stores both in the real world and online, CompUSA has perfected the art of guiding you through all the complicated specs to find the one computer or peripheral that's right for you. Just pick a category and start specifying what matters most, and soon you'll have a targeted list of choices to select from, with each product rated from one to five stars and accompanied by reviews from actual users.
It's a blessing that the Internet can give you so much great information about what products to buy, but it's also a bit of a curse. How can you sort through so much advice easily? At this site, editors review the reviewers, sifting through thousands of product reviews to summarize the general consensus on what you should buy in hundred of categories, everything from computers to cars. Many categories also come with a quick and basic intro to get you up to speed on the main differences between the types of models you may be considering.
Since 2000, EnableMart has been specializing in "assistive technology," products that help people with vision, hearing, communication, and mobility challenges. If you or anyone you know faces these kinds of difficulties in their daily lives, browse through the store, and you'll be surprised to learn how much help is out there. One favorite: screen magnification software that can enlarge what you see on your computer display. That's something all of us can use.
On-site computer support technicians offer same-day mobile computer support from over 8000 computer support and repair technicians available in the U.S. and Canada.
Your trusted 24-hour on-site computer and network support. Flat-rate pricing on computer service, repair, upgrade, troubleshooting, protection, training and setup in your home. Get help online, over-the-phone, or in one of their many stores. Emergency help also available.
Provides personalized online preventative maintenance and technical support services via the Internet. Technical support for any computer problem with services range from $29 - $99 and all work is guaranteed. Instant Technology Relief!
Get help for your PC, network, MP3 player, digital camera and more. Their certified technicians can help install, repair, upgrade or demonstrate your favorite technology—online, at home or wherever you are!
This is the place to go to find the most Boomer-friendly phone ever, the Jitterbug. It makes calls–that’s all. No camera, no music player, no personal organizer. Just big buttons, a bright and easy-to-read screen, loud and clear sound, and service plans include an operator to make calls for you–in case of incapacitation.
A leading retailer of electronics, cameras, TVs and computers, BestBuy garners our best-of recommendation because of its “Geek Squad,” a cadre of computer support agents who will solve your any and every problem–on your terms. They make house calls, in-store calls, and also run phone support. No bricks-and-mortar electronics retailer has a better integrated service of this type.
The audio retailer par-excellence. Its legendary speaker systems and headphones deliver sound packages that you'd swear came from devices three times their sizes and cost. The Web site breaks down all the offerings into easily-browsable categories, with detailed and photographic info on all product info. Offers great customer service and online tracking options.
For the geek-child in all of us. It offers a browsing experience almost as fun as playing around with the floor models at the store. The "New Products" and "Best Sellers" sections are addictive, and the sheer depth of the online catalogue is enough to make any tech lover swoon. Has great gift recommendation lists–sorted by age, price, and product category.
If The Sharper Image is the store for the Boomer with a case of slightly arrested development, Brookstone is the destination for that Boomer’s slightly more mature, older brother. Its products are still 21st century, but not ostentatiously so: a wood-paneled valet for charging electronic devices; tasteful digital photo frames; well-appointed leather massage chairs. Has good gift-recommendation lists sortable by recipient and price. Layout makes browsing a pleasure.
This Web-based store sells products tailored for a 50+ market and has gift suggestions broken down in categories: for grandma, grandpa, seniors, low-vision, 40th, and 50th anniversary. The site has a clean, easy-to-navigate interface, recommendations based on prior choices, and an efficient "shopping cart" functionality.
This site is dedicated to surfacing products of interest to Boomers. Edited and "product-scouted" by the man who brought the first Hi-Fi VCR and AV receiver to market, it keeps you abreast of technologies that will genuinely improve your quality of life–not just give you bragging rights about the latest toy. Sample products include: the Jitterbug (Boomer-friendly) phone, “TV Ears” (raise the TV volume without disturbing others), and 911 Guardian phone.
If you need help with your technology, the HiWired remote service delivery model is the safest, fastest, surest choice you can make. (Oh, yeah; it’s easy, too.) Here’s how it works: HiWired delivers all services via remote screen share technology. That means you authorize them to “drive” your computer and take over navigation. (It’s as if they are touching your keyboard and moving the mouse.) From the driver’s seat, they can perform all tasks required to set up your technology or fix a problem. They can even provide ongoing support to protect your computer down the road. Unlike other service options, you can choose to watch everything they do. If you become uncomfortable at any point, you can remove them from your PC with a simple click! And, nobody can connect back into your pc at any point without you allowing them back in. The HiWired approach is effective in over 93% of all PC-related technology problems. And don’t worry, if they can’t, they won’t charge you.
This site offers vast resources for educating seniors about technology. Through its network of real-world education centers (running since 1986), SeniorNet has educated over 1 million Boomers on computer- and Internet-related issues. The site includes info on local learning centers; online discussions groups; newsletters tailored to specific areas of interest; tutorials on basic computer and electronics operation; and links to a wealth of technology-related resources.
This top-flight consulting organization is aimed at promoting and developing products and services geared to 50+ market. It's a great place to start if you're thinking about rolling out a new product or service for the Boomer marketplace. Services provided: market research, product development, fundraising, strategic partnering, outreach, conference participation.
Women in Technology International is a premier global organization aimed at empowering women in business and technology careers. Its market reach exceeds two million women, and it offers products and services including: networking, career services, national conferences and regional events, publications and resources, small business programs, research and bulletin boards.
Here's a program that enlists high school students to teach senior citizens how to use the Internet. Any high school with 10 computers and 10 willing students can participate. If you’re interested in starting one of these programs in your locality, check out the site. (It’s run by EarthLink, a leading Internet Services Provider.)
Here's the leading job-search site for technology-related careers. It won’t necessarily contain every tech-related job listing on the Internet (indeed is the most comprehensive), but it caters exclusively to the tech market. In addition, it offers excellent editorial content to aid your tech-related job hunt: articles about tech trends; cover letter and resume guidance; first-person essays on tech jobs and career transition; salary comparisons, training and certification info; tech and engineering job fair dates.
Indeed is arguably the Internet’s best job-search site. Full of technology-related jobs (along with every other kind). The Wall Street Journal’s Walter Mossberg called it "Simply a one-stop shop for job seekers." Earned that acclaim by being the most comprehensive aggregator of job listings–pulling data from major job boards, newspapers, associations and company career pages. Also send alerts about jobs to your e-mail account.
Get Best Prices on Printer Supplies
4inkjets.com for discount printer ink and laser toner - Printer Inkjet Cartridges, Printer Ink Cartridge Refill Kits, Laser Toner Cartridges and more.
> view this exhibitor's page
Buy.com - Anything. Anytime. Anywhere.
Find, shop, and buy computers, laptops, books, dvd, videos, games, video games, music, sporting goods, software, electronics, digital cameras, camcorders...and much more.
> view this exhibitor's page
