You want the gift that keeps on giving--but you don't want the gift that keeps on giving you headaches. Most gifts aren't actually bad, but they might catch you unprepared or uninformed, and that can make them more burden than boon.
For example, it's great to get a complete home theatre in a box system, but what if you have no idea how to set the jolly thing up, much less which cables you should be using? That's where we come in.
We've compiled the top 10 ways to deal with high-maintenance gifts. Read on to get tips, tricks, advice and resources to make using your new toys as enjoyable as getting them.
For example, it's great to get a complete home theatre in a box system, but what if you have no idea how to set the jolly thing up, much less which cables you should be using? That's where we come in.
We've compiled the top 10 ways to deal with high-maintenance gifts. Read on to get tips, tricks, advice and resources to make using your new toys as enjoyable as getting them.
Follow these 10 tips
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Take the time to prepareIf your gift requires some assembly, get everything you need together before you get packing foam all over Mum's new living room carpet. Do you have the cables? Do you have the batteries? Are they charged? Do you have a saw? A fromdigger? Do you need a fromdigger? Better check.Light and space are also keys to successful setup. Make sure you can get behind your desk/PC/stereo rack so that you can see what you're doing once you're there (bring a headlamp, if you have one). If the project is truly complicated, consider hiring help. It may pay for itself in reduced frustration. |
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Get permissionTalk to your landlord and/or neighbours if what you're installing will have any impact on them. This applies particularly to outdoor items, such as a satellite dish, but also to indoor items such as a booming new surround-sound speaker set if you're in a unit or a house built close to another. There's nothing worse than having to take it all down because you didn't have permission or it's a fire hazard or some silly thing. |
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Know where your circuit/fuse box isThis may sound obvious, but it's a lot harder to find the box when you blow the wiring. It's easier if you know exactly where to go to get the lights working again. (Remember that headlamp from before? It'll help here, too.) |
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Do your setup during business hours.Try to, if you can, set up your gadgets between 9 and 5. That way, if you run into problems, chances are the tech support folks will still be available. Also, the tech support folks during business hours tend to be more experienced than the weekend staff. |
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Install essential softwareWith a new PC or laptop, you should have the basic security applications such as a firewall, an antivirus program and a spyware blocker. For any new device (such as a digital camera or DVD burner), don't rely on the software that came in the box. Go to the manufacturer's Web site and download the latest drivers. |
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Make backupsWe know you've heard it before. We know. But trust us. Just do it, right now before you have a chance to lose things. We'll wait here. |
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Register your warrantyIt can only help. You can ask them not to send you junk mail and still register. It may save you money and time on repairs later. |
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Track your documentation and receiptsIf you have a receipt, keep it until you're sure the gadget works and you're not going to send it back. Does the gadget work with your equipment? You'll feel silly trying to install a Mac-only device on your PC. Also note that most software is not returnable if opened. Make sure you want to keep it before you break the seal.Another thing: don't throw out the manual. For one, it has customer service numbers that may be invaluable. It also has instructions that you may actually want to read. You may think you know how to install that RAM, but won't you be red-faced if you break it? |
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Keep packaging together and in good shapeIf you do have to return your gadget gift, you'll have a much easier time if it looks about the same as it did when you got it. It also will be much easier to ship a product for return or repair if you have the proper packaging. |
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Visit enthusiast Web sitesIf you get a new cutting-edge product, go looking for geeks who are really into it. You can pick up a whole lot of tricks and secrets. Learn from other's mistakes and wisdom. |
Don't give up
If something breaks, tinker with it. If that doesn't work, change the BIOS settings. When the system gets completely screwed up, have a drink (champagne or cranberry juice, but something festive). See how technology can make you feel better?Like this article? Click below to send it to your mobile for free!
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