Good Idea, Bad Idea #1

Remember the Animaniacs? You know, Yakko, Wakko, and Dot! Between their cartoons they would always have this stick figure-looking man or a mime portraying good and bad ideas. Usually the bad idea was some rendition of the good idea, only silly. Well, my ideas will hopefully give you some insight when purchasing your next electronic devices. I've been doing some researching in my "spare" time, and I think I know enough to help you all out. Some of this may be DUH, but maybe you haven't given much thought to others. So here they are, good ideas and bad ideas.

Good Idea #1: Having wireless abilities on your home or mobile computer. Although most computers, especially laptops, will come with wireless abilities standard, some desktops will offer a myriad of amazing specifications, but lack the ability to pick up surrounding wireless signals. Sure, your phone may be able to check email and go on YouTube, but as I've learned, sometimes you just need a bigger screen, a faster processor, and a full keyboard. You can pick up a wireless adapter for less than $50 from your local electronics store. It's a one time fee and an easy CD setup, allowing you to pick up any available wireless internet connection nearby.

Bad Idea #1: Paying $50+ a month for unlimited wireless connection on your mobile computer. If you're using your computer at school, there is most likely a free wireless connection available to you just for being a student. Some work offices, mall areas, and restaurants have a connection that you can pick up and use for free or with permission from the facility. In places like the airport, Starbucks, or Barnes and Noble, you will usually have to pay about $5-12 for a few hours to a days worth of internet. Spending $7 for one or two afternoons out of month is a much better allocation of your money than going unlimited for more than $50 when you probably won't be using it that much. At first glance, Clear seems to have some good prices for their wireless services; but unless you need to be online at every minute of every day, their internet packages are all look and little practicality.

So lesson for today: wireless = a great necessity. Wireless prices = much investigation. Try to weigh your reliance on the internet during your daily, weekly, and monthly activity before making contract or long-term decisions about how much you pay to get it.