Buying a TV for Black Friday
Q. I’m really getting anxious to pick up a 4K TV. When are prices coming down?
A. Prices on 4K TVs have been falling steadily, and starting this Black Friday we could see 60+ inch 4K TVs fall as low as $1,500 or even $1,000. If you want something smaller, you can knock even more off, although you won’t get the full benefit of the extra pixels. And if you’re looking for a smaller second TV, 40-inch HDTV sets could end up as low as $100 in some door buster deals. Find out what other deals and savings you can expect during the upcoming Black Friday.
Telemarketers keep calling
Q. I’ve got my phone on the Do Not Call list, but I still get calls from telemarketers. What’s going on?
A. Assuming it wasn’t a scam, you might have agreed to receive the call when you bought something from a store. Businesses you buy from can call you up to 18 months later. In that case, firmly tell the caller you want to be removed from the company’s call list and they have to comply. If they call again, you can file a complaint with the FTC. Learn how to file a complaint and more ins and outs of the Do Not Call system, including how it handles cellphones.
Booking a better hotel room
Q. I’m planning our family holiday trip and want to know a good way to save on hotel rooms.
A. One surprising way to save is to book directly with a hotel instead of using a deal site. You can often get rooms and packages not available through third parties. Also, most hotels offer price matching and service will often be better. Plus if your plans fall through or there are problems, it’s easier to deal with the hotel than a third party. Of course, you can also skip hotels entirely. Find out where you can stay instead that gives you more options for the same money, and is perfect for a family. Keep reading for some essential travel apps you’ll want to download.
Easier way to share large files
Q. I’m trying to send a whole bunch of pictures to my family, but my email says the files are too big. What is going on?
A. Most email providers have limits on the size of attachments you can send and receive. Instead of using email, upload the photos to a service like Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, or Google Drive and then choose to share them. You’ll get a link you can send to your family and they can download the photos from the service. It’s easier for everyone. Learn more ways to share photos online, and four other essential tricks every computer user needs to know.
Save money on printer ink
Q. I don’t use my printer a lot, but I sure seem to be buying a lot of ink for it. How can I cut down? I mostly print Web pages.
A. You’ll want to use a program or site like CleanPrint or PrintWhatYouLike to remove the ink-guzzling ads and extra text you don’t need to print. You might also avoid printing entirely and turn the pages into digital PDF files with a program like doPDF. They don’t use ink, they’re easier to store and you can always print them later if you need a hard copy. Still want to print? Learn how to save ink on things you print every day, plus an ink-saving option that’s brand new.
Bonus: Travel apps you can’t miss
Q. I’m traveling with a smartphone for the first time. Are there any apps I should take with me?
A. Three apps that really come in handy are Findery (Android, Apple; Free), Google Translate (Android, Apple; Free) and OpenSignal (Android, Apple; Free). Findery gives you an inside scoop on the sites and restaurants where you’re at. Google Translate can help you communicate in other countries, including translate signs in real time. OpenSignal helps you find Wi-Fi so you can spare your data plan. Get 7 more apps that help you have a successful vacation.
On the Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show, Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com. Kim also posts breaking tech news 24/7 at News.Komando.com.
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