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Computers and electronics of all kinds are the hottest gifts this season. Everyone loves to get them, but what happens when that coveted, must have gadget doesn’t work? Here are some tips to make returns and exchanges easy and hassle free.

First, always always keep the receipt in a safe place and give the recipient a gift receipt. If you are the recipient, keep all the original packaging until you know for sure the device is working as it should. To do a return or exchange you’ll need to have it all, plus all accessories.

When you’re buying, make sure to check out the store’s (or website’s) return policy. Often times they have different policies for different items. For example, software and DVD’s usually can not be returned at all if opened, although they usually will let you do an exchange for the exact same item. Hopefully if you bought online, especially from Ebay, you used your credit card. This will allow you to dispute the charges if a merchant refuses to honor their return policy. Using Paypal offers similar protections provided you don’t use an existing Paypal balance or e-check.

If you don’t have a receipt, don’t expect to get any help. Because of high fraud, most stores have new, stricter policies in place that do not allow returns or exchanges without receipts. This is why it is extremely important to always keep track of them.

Finally, a word about extended warranties. While they can sometimes be helpful on big ticket items like computers, avoid them otherwise as they are generally a waste of money. These days, once the 1 year manufacturers warranty is up, the device is obsolete and ready to be replaced anyway. Sad, but true!

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Sorry guys, due to circumstances beyond my control (technical difficulties and a kidney infection) I’ve again fallen behind and I am sorry. Seems like every time I get back on track something comes along to knock me off again. Don’t you hate it when you get into a cycle like that? I’m happy to say that I’m just about over the infection and the technical difficulties have been fixed, so let’s try this again, shall we? They say 3rd time’s a charm!

Christmas is almost here and I’m quite excited. This will be my first Christmas as a married woman and the first Christmas in a long time where I’ve been blessed enough to be able to splurge on the people I love. I don’t care what I get this Christmas-in fact I don’t have a thing on my list. There really isn’t anything I want or need-I have it all. I realize I am very fortunate. Many aren’t this holiday season and while you’re counting your blessings why not bring a little holiday magic to those who may not have many to count? Pick up an extra Poinsettia or wreath and bring it to your local nursing home, veteran’s center or homeless shelter. Got some CDs or DVDs you don’t use much anymore? Freecycle them or donate them to a local nursing home or shelter. When you do your holiday grocery shopping, pick up a few extra canned goods and non-perishables and bring them to your local food pantry. These are all small and easy to do things that will mean a lot. This is the season of giving, and the more love and care you give away, the more you’ll get!

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Computers are not generally known as being environmentally friendly. Since technology is always changing and folks always want to be on the cutting edge, people tend to upgrade after only a couple of years and toss their old systems out. The problem isn’t just that our landfills are overflowing. Computers contain trace amounts of several toxic chemicals like mercury and lead. Improper disposal can lead to health and environmental hazards. The other problem is that computers are power hogs and can use a lot of electricity. Want to go green? Here’s a good way to start.

Western Digital has unveiled its new Greenpower brand of hard drives. The drives, available in 500GB, 750GB, and 1TB sizes use an average of 4 to 5 watts less than similar hard drives from Hitachi, Seagate and other manufacturers.
Tom McDorman, VP and GM of the company’s enterprise business unit, said: “WD’s RE2-GP enterprise line of hard drives allows customers to expand their storage needs, reduce their total cost of ownership, and improve the environment all at the same time.”
The increased efficiency is produced by several different technologies, including IntelliSeek, which optimizes seek speeds to lower power consumption and noise.
The new drives are expected to have retail prices of $149.99(500GB), $249.99(750GB) and $349.99(1TB).

Oh, and when you’re ready to toss your old system, call your city’s sanitation department to learn about safe ways to dispose of and/or recycle it. Or, you may want to consider donating it to a worthy organization instead.

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