Gone are the days where we have to spend huge money to be tech savvy. It is possible to have all the gadgets needed, and then some, without breaking the bank.
First up, the phone: One of the top phones for less than €150 is the Lumia 635. This small handset runs Windows Phone 8.1 and allows the user to zip through browsing, email and apps without any struggle. The 635 has a fast quad core processor and a 5MP camera which look great on the large 4.5" screen. It also has 8GB internal memory ensuring there’s enough space for photos and music!
Next up, ensuring the phone - after purchase - doesn’t cost you a fortune each month in bills. The app “KillBiller” is free on Android and calculates the phone owner's usage and then scans through all mobile networks, finding the best value plan on offer.
Many networks offer great deals on 30 day rolling contracts, bringing the monthly cost right down. The only catch with this is the phone tends to cost more.
A tablet is more of a “want” than a “need” but it’s now possible to get one at an affordable price, fulfilling the want! The 7-inch model of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 4 is now available at just €199.99. The tablet has a 1.2 GHz quad core processor and 8GB of storage. It runs Android KitKat and again, works incredibly well, given the tiny price tag.
One of my personal favourite tech items of the year is the Chromecast. While they’ve been around for some time, they only became available in stores here a few months ago. Chromecast is a device which can turn a TV into an entertainment hub, without having to purchase a SmartTV! Plugging into the HDMI port of the TV, ChromeCast connects to mobile devices via WiFi. This means content on Netflix and YouTube can be watched on the big screen.
The Chromecast is available in stores now for less than €40.
Wearable tech is all the rage at the moment. We saw Apple unveil their new iWatch, but it’ll cost an arm and a leg. For those looking to enter the wearable market, check out the Sony SmartBand which pairs up with most Android devices. This band can monitor steps, phone usage and sleep. Available now for just €49.99 on CarphoneWarehouse.ie.
