Yes, we’re nearly there! As of writing this piece, we are 8 days away from Christmas. You may be getting gifts from loved one or have bought gifts for loved ones, however what we all want is for Christmas to go off without a hitch. With that in mind, I’m going to share with you my 8 essential tech tips for Christmas. So, without further hesitation, here we go!
8: Read the manual!
This should go without saying, but you’ll notice that when you buy some tech these days, it may come with a small “Quick start” guide on a single sheet of paper or small card, what it usually doesn’t come with, is a manual.
This is simply because no one reads the manual anymore. People want to pick up an item, power it on and use it. They then blame the item when something goes wrong (and it will). The manual not only has instructions on how to properly use the item in question, but it usually has problem solving tips within.
So, if you’ve bought someone a tech gift, download the manual and read it. Not only will this give you an idea of how to use the product, but when someone runs into trouble, you’ll have inside info on how to fix the issue (and look like a superhero at the same time). User manuals can usually be found in the support section of a manufacture’s website.
7: Get spare batteries!
If your tech gift uses batteries, don’t make the mistake of
A: Assuming batteries come with it!
Or
B: Assuming the batteries that come with it are fully charged!
This can be tricky; a lot of items can’t be opened without ruining the packaging. Understandably, you don’t want to give someone an opened gift. So, buy a spare battery and standalone charger and charge the batteries in secret. That way not only is your gift ready to use Christmas morning, but you can also charge any spare batteries while the item is in use.
6: Insurance!
Some items are built to be tough; others can be quite delicate. A lot of companies will offer extra insurance for a product for a low fee. If you’re spending over $300 on an item, extra insurance for $50 that guarantees a replacement might be worth it. If something happens, you don’t want to have to dish out another $300 to replace the item. So, anything to ease the cost of a replacement is a good idea.
5: Accessories
Accessories make a cheap but ideal gift! Accessories can add to the fun of the main gift and can be a great cheap option. Let’s say you’ve bought someone an R/C car. Buying some small foam safety cones now gives them an obstacle course to drive around.
Bought someone a camera? Those same cones could be a prop for forced perspective shots. The point is that accessories don’t have to be expensive. Simple props can elevate a gift and give a person many more hours of enjoyment. Just use your imagination!
4: Regulations and laws!
Some of you may be getting a drone for Christmas. Toy drones are usually exempt from certain regulations due to their weight, but other drones may not be. Know the regulations and laws regarding drone flying, where you can fly them and where you can’t fly them. You don’t want to buy someone a drone and suddenly end up with a fine for thousands from the FAA in return.
There are lots of online resources, YouTube videos etc. all about the laws and regulations regarding drone flying. Learn them and make sure you’re familiar with them before you fly otherwise you could be in real trouble. You can even make money from your drone with a Part 107 license.
3: Keep tabs on your item!
I’m now a big fan of Apple AirTags. They are handy small devices for keeping track of your items with no monthly fees. If the item you’ve bought for someone comes with a carry case? Pop an airtag in it. Bought an R/C car? Stick an AirTag inside it if you can. In the case of an action camera, there may not be room for an AirTag on it.
In which case look up other ways to keep track of the item. For example, with GoPro camera’s, you can load on a special firmware called GoPro Labs Firmware. This allows you to add owner and contact information into the camera firmware itself. This can be used to display a name, an email address and phone number on the rear screen of the camera when it’s powered on. Fantastic if you ever lose your camera and someone else finds it.
Even if the SD card is removed, this info is still displayed on the camera as it’s part of the operating system.
At the very least, get an ultraviolet marker to write information on the device if you have to.
2: Get the right SD Card!
Although not all devices use an SD card, in the case of action cameras or drone, they need one. I’ve been telling people for years to use the right SD card in their cameras. I’ve published this on my website, mentioned it in forums, I’ve made videos about this on my channel. Yet even now, every other day people ask why they are having issues with their camera and mention they are using a totally unsuitable SD card. People seem to think that all SD cards are the same, I assure you they are not. Cheaper SD cards are usually unsuitable as they simply aren’t fast enough for the device they are used in. This leads to crashing, overheating and even damaging the device in question. People will spend over $300 on an action camera and accessories, and then try putting the cheapest slowest SD card in the camera and then wonder why it’s not working properly. STOP DOING THIS! Get a Samsung Pro Plus SD card for your camera and stop using cheap slow SD cards that can damage your camera.
1: HAVE FUN!
So, you’ve gotten or bought someone a tech gift for Christmas. It’s no use putting it on a shelf and only looking it and never using it. You don’t become an expert with an item by not using it. Is there a risk of breaking or damaging something? Sure, but there’s no reward without risk. The trick is to avoid unnecessary and dangerous risks.
So have fun, enjoy your gift and master using it……….. then get a YouTube channel and make some money showing other people how to do the same thing.
Merry Christmas folks!
This article contains links to 3rd party retailers for some items. If you purchase using these links I get a small fee. This is used to help fund this website and create more YouTube video tutorials. So please use the links above to help fund all of this hard work and to prove to the world, you’re not the Grinch.
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