Older Devices With Fantastic Bang For Your Buck

Older Devices With Fantastic Bang For Your Buck

More often than not, gadget updates just have minor changes and a new model number to keep things looking fresh. Hitesh Raj Bhagat & Karan Bajaj point you towards some of the best deals right now

TABLETS

Apple iPad 2 (WiFi) 

Even though there are two new versions, the iPad 2 is the slimmest (8.8mm) and lightest (601 grams) tablet from the range. It has a 9.7-inch display (1024 x 768 pixels), dual core processor & 16GB storage. 

It upgrades to the latest iOS 6.1 and there are absolutely no issues with running any of the newer apps or playing the latest games. Apart from the performance, the battery life that you get is also phenomenal. WAS 29,500 NOW 22,500

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (WiFi) 

If you're looking for a 7-inch tablet from one of the bigger brands, Samsung's Galaxy Tab 2 is a great option. It may be old, but it still offers a lot in terms of hardware, software, features as well as overall build quality compared to most other tablets in this price range. Specs include Android 4.1, 1Ghz dual core processor, 1GB RAM and 16GB storage. The 7-inch display (1024 x 768 pixels) is sharp & vibrant. WAS 13,900 NOW 9,499

CAMERAS

Canon IXUS 500 HS 

This is one of the few ultracompact point and shoot cameras at this price with 12X optical zoom. It has a unique design, 10MP CMOS sensor and Canon's HS system for fantastic low light photos. It is also capable of full HD video recording and has HDMI output to connect with a TV. The rechargeable battery is good for up to 150 shots. WAS 19,995 NOW 11,990

Canon EOS 600D 

This mid-range DSLR recently had a hige price drop & has an 18MP sensor — similar to the one used in Canon's EOS 7D DSLR. You get a built-in flash, full manual controls and full HD video recording. The 3-inch articulating LCD makes it easy to frame your shots from different angles. WAS 50,990 NOW 34,000

Nikon D3100 

For first-time DSLR users, the D3100 is a great camera thanks to the guide mode that makes it easy to learn. It has a 14MP CMOS sensor, built-in flash, 3-inch LCD display, HDMI and even does full HD video recording. The D3200 doesn't add too many features. WAS 32,950NOW 27,110

BUYING A PC?

Processor 

There are currently two variants Intel Core series processors available — 2nd and 3rd generation. There is a clear difference between the two when it comes to performance and energy efficiency. That being said, if you are buying a PC for basic usage like Internet, multimedia playback and office work, why not save and opt for the older chip? Laptops with the 2nd generation processor can be a lot cheaper compared to those which have the latest third generation Core processors.

Windows 

Microsoft's new and revamped Windows 8 has a lot of new features, but even the older Windows 7 stands its ground. Manufacturers are moving towards Windows 8 and almost all new machines now come with the new OS. However, a lot of retailers have older stock of devices running Windows 7 which they are looking to get rid of — if you ask around and check online, you'll get some great deals on laptops and allin-one PCs with Windows 7.

PHONES

Apple iPhone 4 

The iPhone 4 marked a major shift in design compared to the previous 3GS. It still looks fresh because the iPhone 4S is near identical and the iPhone 5 follows the same design language. Apart from the latest version of iOS, the iPhone 4 also enjoys a vast app + accessory ecosystem and there's currently a great buyback (discount) offer on that drops the price by another Rs7k. WAS 34,500 NOW 24,345

Samsung Galaxy S3 

The blockbuster S3 and S2 were the main factors that catapulted Samsung into the Android big leagues, making them the world's largest vendor of smartphones. Now, even though the mighty S4 has now been launched, the S3 is no slouch. At its new price, the S3 is superb value for money and still one of the best Android phones around. WAS 43,180 NOW 27,500

Nokia PureView 808 

There wasn't much to differentiate cameraphones from one another till the 808 PureView came around. It was unveiled last year - the 41 Megapixel sensor and pixel oversampling technology was inno vative to say the least. It was and still is leagues ahead of most cameraphones – primarily thanks to the sensor being larger than most compact cameras. The Nokia Belle operating system fell out of favour though and is the main reason why it's available at this throwaway price now. WAS 33,899 NOW 17,999

Courtesy : Tectonic, Times of India, dated: 29/05/2013