| Author: Nicholas Phillips |
For many parents, summertime is anything but simple. Between monitoring kids' out-of-school schedules, keeping up at the office and squeezing in time for fun, parents need all the help they can get to keep summer stress-free.
CompUSA, one of the nation's leading technology resellers and retailers, has pinpointed tech-specific items that will give parents a break this summer.
According to Carin Falconer, vice president of technology services for CompUSA, 'Every parent is looking for more organization, connections to the people who matter most and escape from a hectic lifestyle. Now, the CompUSA Techknowledgists are available to help pull it all together.'
For parents who have summer on the brain, here's some technology advice on what use and how to ensure technology doesn't overwhelm your busy life:
Embrace organization
* Let technology do the jugglingWhether it's tracking teens or planning a family vacation, parents' lives require consistent and on-going organization. Well chosen tech products provide all-in-one tools to handle multiple schedules, e-mails, Internet access and on-the-go connection.
* Tech HelperThe T-Mobile MDA ($499.99) combines a quad-band phone with a Windows Mobile 5.0 PDA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a miniSD card slot, support for high speed data, email, text messaging, instant messaging and Web browsing'all from one integrated device that's sleek and smaller than traditional PDAs. The phone's software is designed to sync with email, contacts and calendar information on your PC.
* Keeping tech in check ?CTechnology is a great personal assistant, but don't forget to consider in-store installation or set-up to ensure your newly organized life is off to a full-throttle start.
Plan an escape
* The great tech escapeEven the most devoted parents dream about getting away from it all. If plane tickets aren't an option, family night with one of the latest tech gadgets might just do the trick.
* Tech helperSony VAIO TV-PC ($1989.99). This TV and computer in one is a small desktop with wireless peripherals, so cords are minimal. It's perfect for a kitchen computer station or other common area. It can be used as a PC for work, then switched to TV/DVR mode to enjoy a favorite escape movie. Organizing home videos and digital pictures also is a simple task on this system, allowing you to burn them onto DVDs for easy storage and viewing for family gatherings.
* Keeping tech in checkWhen requesting in-home support from technology retailers, be sure to receive configuration to your wireless network and proper WEP-encryption to help prevent neighbors or strangers from using Internet connections or stealing personal information.
Stay Connected
* Memories waiting to happen - Parents on the go want to stay connected to friends and family with the latest digital devices for capturing and enjoying every memory. Today's technology helps manage personal memories and takes scrapbooking into the digital age. Digital images are easier to share with friends and family and easier to store on an external memory device instead of a bulky picture box or photo album.
* Tech helper - The DCR-SR100 Handycam camcorder ($1,001.99) comes with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens for creating superior quality images. High-resolution imaging takes not only sharp digital video, but also detailed digital still photographs. Dolby Digital 5.1 Channel surround sound can be recorded with the built-in microphone to make watching movies like a visit to the theater.
* Keeping tech in checkA service plan for camcorders and digital cameras will ensure your connection to the digital age is long lasting.
Can I get a little support?
* Know when to outsourceBusy parents don't have time for technology troubles. In-home support from a technology expert can save the day.
* Tech helper - Check retailers for support and service options such as in-store carry-in service, next-day service at the home or office, on-the-spot assessments and manufacturer warranty services.
* Keeping tech in checkCompUSA's Carin Falconer encourages parents to ask for training, service and maintenance. 'Technology is more and more a part of our everyday lives. Give your great gadgets plenty of support so you can use it right away. Parenthood already has enough deferred gratification.' |
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