How to Save Money Using Technology
Technology is revolutionizing the way we live and work. It makes us more productive. Assuming that we don’t just add technology as another layer on top of our old way of doing things, technology can actually save money I have learned, and I will teach you all just how to do it.
Photography:
Most of us love pictures, but remember having the 35mm cameras that you had to buy the film, take the pictures, take out the film and run it by your local Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart to get the film developed? Those were the days, right? Digital photography is my favorite thing, and probably yours too. Digital cameras and videocameras have made professional photographic results achievable by all of us. One way digital photography has impacted our financial increase is digital yearbooks or scrapbooks as they can be finished up just weeks before graduation as opposed to the paper yearbooks which require months of production lead time. Digital photography makes all this possible inexpensively and, most importantly these days, instantly.
No Wires
Persoanlly, I can’t stand wires. If I could get away with no wires at all – meaning wireless power as well – I would. That is a good thing though because no wires is definitely cheaper. I say go wireless! Wireless networks and cell phones have dramatically increased technology’s mobility and flexibility while at the same time dramatically cutting the costs. Wireless is ideal for most settings: cafes, classrooms, large buildings, parks - you name it. It’s cheap and easy to install compared to traditional wired networking. You might have heard of the newest thing – Mesh networking. Essentially wireless mesh networking makes one giant hotspot which is super convenient and usually campuses have them. Check out our wireless speakers review for more on how wireless is the future for many technologies.
Online Backup
I realize just how expensive backing up a computer could be when I went out and purchased a pack of DVDs and backed up all my data then had to go and buy more, only to be very disappointed to find that they were ruined months later during a move. I could have saved so much more money if I backed up my files online. This is not to say you shouldn’t but I think you should definitely have an online backup option. If not because it is extra safe, but it is extra cheap as well. For anywhere from $10-$100 a month you can backup your data automatically on a schedule you decide or automatically. Best of all you won’t have any more backup CDs to worry about. If you would like to know more about this technology check out our online backup review.
VoIP
You have probably seen a few articles on magic Jack on this site. Another cost cutting VoIP service that we have reviewed on the coffee desk is the NetTalk Tk6000. That is one way to save money as anyone who has one can contest too. VoIP has dramatically lowered the cost of residential and institutional phone service. It makes use of your existing network and adds dozens of new features inexpensively. Some of the more traditional VoIP carriers include Vonage, Comcast, and Skype. One of the most exciting and controversial VoIP devices is set to be released by the Ymax corporation. The FemtoJack is supposed to allow users to route their cellphone calls through the Internet. The technology that makes this possible is something called femtocells which have been around for a couple years but has yet to be a cost effective alternative.
Home Tech
You may think it is ridiculous to install automated shades or blinds in your home. I remember seeing a movie which had a home with automated blinds and I was thinking to myself – why? However, I have come to realize there is actually a reason for them other than the cool factor. They save on your energy bill. The benefits of automating your shades is obvious; by programming them to open and close at certain times, you can maximize the amount of natural light and heat that comes in to your house. This also may fit in my last post on Green tech.
Thermostat
Another home tech item that would save money is controlling your temperature. Controlling your heating and cooling can have a huge impact on your bottom line costs.Programmable thermostats and remote access allow you to change your home’s temperature without much effort, and can effectively manage your home’s heating and cooling without you even being in the house. There are some thermostat technologies out there that will blow your mind, trust me.
There are quite a few more ways to save money using tech. I guess that is why better tech comes out. It saves us money in the long run and it is easier. Easier and cheaper is what we like to hear; I know I do anyway. If you have any other ways/tech you would like to share that have saved you money, then we at The Coffee Desk would love to hear them!