Category Archives: What Goes on at Gazelle

Earth Day 2012: 5 Tips for Green Gadget Use

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In honor of Earth Day, Gazelle is encouraging all consumers to lead a more sustainable lifestyle with more efficient use and handling of their smartphones, tablets and other electronics. Here are some specific suggestions:

Gazelle’s Gadget ”Greening” Guide:

  • Charge appropriately. Don’t leave your gadget plugged in to continuously charge. Unplug it when it is done to conserve power. Also try using an eco-friendly surge protector that senses when your device is off so it can control power flow in an energy efficient manner.

 

  • Power down when not in use. In addition to turning it off when you don’t need it, you can buy an inexpensive app to protect and extend your battery.  Battery Doctor Pro gets good reviews and is only 99 cents.

 

  • Protect your gear. The better condition of your device, the better it will perform. Invest in a good screen protector and case — there are even “green” cases made of recycled material.  Remember, the better condition your device is in when it’s time to upgrade, the more money you can get back for your trade-in.

 

  • Declutter. Now that your new smartphone is your personal GPS, digital camera and camcorder, make sure to recycle your old gadgets at your local electronics recycling post so they don’t end up in a landfill. For a list of electronic recyclers in your area click here (earth911.com).

 

  • Get cash for your upgrade. Are you still using an old phone that doesn’t hold a charge and consumes a ton of power? The cash you’ll get when you trade in with a service like Gazelle will go a long way toward paying for a new, more energy efficient smartphone.

Gazelle has facilitated more than 900,000 gadget trade-ins, but there are still many consumers that are trying to lead a more sustainable life and are unaware that their used electronics store significant value. Our hope is that Earth Day can be a call to action for many to begin to trade in their gadget so it can find a happy second home.

 

Are you a gadget friend, foe or frienemy? Take our quiz and enter to win an iPad 3!

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We’re all excited for the iPad 3 and we don’t even know what its going to be yet. Will it have 4G LTE connectivity? How about  a new retina screen or a faster processor? Will there be an improved camera for all of your photos? Whatever it is – we want it, we’re getting it and we’re giving it away to a lucky winner.

In anticipation of next weeks announcement, we put together a little sweepstakes for our fans and followers. You can win one of the new iPads as soon as its released! Whatever it is, one lucky Gazelle fan will get a FREE 3rd Generation iPad.

So what do you have to do? Simple – take our “Gadget friend, foe or frenemy” personality quiz to be entered. If you share it with your friends, we’ll give you bonus entries. All you need to do is visit our Facebook Page, like it and get to answering! We’ll tell you what kind of gadget friend or enemy are you and enter you into the sweepstakes.

Official Rules for this contest can be found here.

 

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas On Any Budget

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This mother’s day gifts seem to be all about tech and gizmos thanks to new products like smartphones and tablets. Check out my top picks for this years hottest tech gifts for your mom this Mother’s day. From high-end tablets and phones to e-readers, bag and cases. No matter what budget you are on finding the perfect gizmo or gadget for mom this year should be a breeze. Hit up my video below as I speak with CBS San Francisco on what tech gifts Mom’s really want this year. Enjoy!

 

Tuesday Tech Shot: Vertu Constellation #TTS

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We here at the GazelleLab have seen lots of devices come and go over the years – StarTacs, iBooks, MiniDisc players, Blackberrys,  obscure Chinese knock-offs, and everything in between. That said, it takes a certain kind of gadget to really stand out from the crowd and stick in our minds as a classic. To give credit where credit is due, the GazelleLab would like to introduce a new feature of the blog: Tuesday Tech Shot. Every Tuesday we’ll pick an electronic device from any of our 22 categories that we (completely subjectively) decide is a classic and showcase it here on the blog. For our inagural Tuesday Tech Shot, we’ve selected…

The Vertu Constellation C!

The Vertu Constellation represents style, class, and luxury. Like a fine Swiss timepiece the Vertu radiates class and style. From the ceramic laser-etched keypad and the sapphire crystal protective layer, to it’s liquid metal body construction, the Constellation is a true work of art. Today we pay homage to the ridiculously expensive but classy Vertu Constellation. Enjoy!

GDGT Live: San Fran Style

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Our friends over at GDGT had yet another spectacular live event on Friday night, and it was one of their best to date. The previous show was held back in September here in Boston, and this rendition of gdgt live was more than twice the size. For those unfamiliar with GDGT live, just imagine a gadget lovers playground and a baby CES all combined into one. With showings from HTC, Windows Phone 7, Sonos, T-Mobile, Sony, and Gazelle of course…this San Francisco treat was the hot spot in the Bay Area on Friday night. I had the chance to check out some of the new Windows Phone 7 devices from HTC, Dell, and Samsung. I also got some hands on time with Google TV (both built in and the Logitech Revue type), the new 1080p Roku Box, and the Boxee Box. These set top boxes look to be hot gifts this holiday season (watch out Apple TV).

Overall it was a fantastic and entertaining night as some of the biggest names in tech showed up to enjoy the nights festivities. If you have never attended a gdgt live event, I highly recommend it. Make sure to check out their website/facebook page for future show locations. Check out some pics from gdgt live SF below. Also some more official gdgt pics from StarkInsider can be found here. Enjoy!


Just How Fast Are We?

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We were so excited to announce that Inc. Magazine named Gazelle the 24th fastest growing company of 2010 that we decided to celebrate by asking you, our favorite customers, to tell us just how fast we really are. Tons of you responded on our Twitter and Facebook pages with your personal experiences dealing with Gazelle and just how fast the process took. Thank you for all the great responses.

From these responses we chose 10 of you for a special bonus, a $24 dollar bonus code to use at checkout on your next trade. Congratulations to our Facebook winners: Beth, Crystal, Nancy, Marty, and Lisa and our Twitter winners: @JasonAg @SocialMediaGary @tcdriver @velo214 and @Danlsett

GazelleLab TopTech 5 Friday 9.7.2010: Android Phones #TT5F

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The TopTech 5 Friday is back this week with some hot Android powered smartphones that just ooze class and style. That’s right, today we look at the top 5 Android phones on the market from U.S. carriers to Unlocked superphones. The TT5F delivers all your options when it comes to choosing your best Android powered weapon. So kick up your feet and put down your iPhone, the best Android devices are below in this weeks TopTech 5 Friday. Enjoy!

1. Sprint:
HTC Evo 4G- With this 4G monster still selling strong, it’s no wonder it makes this elite list. This massive (4.3″ screen) Android device is fully loaded in every department. Features: 4.3″ Touchscreen, 8MP Camera, Android OS, 4G/3G, Froyo, 1GHz processor, Front facing camera, kickstand, Mobile HotSpot. $199 @Sprint

2. Verizon:
Motorola Droid X- The Droid X can really give the EVO a good run as it is very similar in hardware features. Still think HTC Sense UI is better than MotoBlur, but nevertheless this is still one great phone. This Android monster is huge and sports some great features, a true flagship device for Motorola. Features: 4.3″  Touchscreen, Android OS, 8MP Camera, TI 1GHz processor, Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS. $199 @Verizon

3. Unlocked:
HTC Desire- The Desire is still the best Android phone on the market these days. Power packed and stylish, many phone makers should take pointers on the elegance of the HTC Desire. Features: 3.7″ Touchscreen, 1GHz Processor, 5MP Camera, Android OS, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth. $580 @MobileCityOnline

4. AT&T:
Samsung i897 Captivate- The AT&T version of the Galaxy S packs a punch with its brilliant screen and 5MP camera. Personally my choice for the best Galaxy S phone out there across all carriers. Features: 4″ Touchscreen, 1GHz Processor, 5MP Camera, Android OS, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth. $199 @AT&T

5.  T-Mobile:
Samsung T959 Vibrant- T-Mobile picks up their version of the Galaxy S phone with the new Vibrant. Considered the best phone for T-Mobile which utilizes a brilliant SuperAMOLED display and the Android OS. Features: 4″ Touchscreen, 1GHz Processor, 5MP Camera, Android OS, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth. $199 @T-Mobile

Honorable Mention
HTC  myTouch 3G Slide (T-Mobile)
Samsung Epic 4G (Sprint)
HTC Legend (Unlocked)
HTC Incredible (Verizon)
Motorola Droid 2 (Verizon)



GazelleLab TopTech 5 Friday 9.3.2010 #TT5F

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In this edition of the TopTech 5 Friday we take a look at iPad competitors. With tablet news blasting around the web daily, I thought I would compose my top 5 tablets that should give the mighty iPad a challenge this year. We all know that the iPad is the leader when it comes to the tablet, Apple’s phenomenal sales numbers prove this. It looks as if competitors will try to tackle the iPad in a similar fashion they did the iPhone…with Android. Expect Android tablets to be the hot holiday gift this year with most computer manufactures outing a Google flavored device. So lets take a look at what the iPad could be facing heading into the holiday season and into 2011. Enjoy!

1. Samsung Galaxy Tab-  With the success of the Galaxy S phone worldwide, Samsung has produced a Tablet version called the Tab.

  • 7-in screen/380 grams
  • Android 2.2
  • 16gb storage w/microSD
  • 1.3mp front camera/3.0mp back camera
  • WiFi/3G HSPA
  • Price is TBD

2. Asus EEE Pad- Asus will continue the success of the EEE line with a new Table in various size and operating systems.

  • 10″ screen
  • Android OS
  • Android version due in March for $399
  • Also expect 2 Windows versions due in January for $1000

3. Toshiba Folio 100- Toshiba enters the Tablet race with a vibrant  10″ screen and sleek hardware all powered by Android

  • 10″ screen
  • Tegra 2 CPU
  • Android 2.2 OS
  • 3G and non 3G versions
  • 1.3mp camera
  • HDMI, USB, WiFi
  • $500, $640 w/3G
  • Available end of year

4. ViewSonic ViewPad 100- ViewSonic brings an impressive Atom powered device which can dual boot both Android/Windows

  • Dual Boot Android 1.6 and Windows 7
  • 10″ screen
  • Intel Atom N455 1.66Ghz processor
  • 1GB RAM, 16GB SSD, Wi-Fi
  • USB ports, a miniVGA, microSD
  • Price and availability is TBD

5. Hannspree Tablet-  Hannspree is bringing some great high powered hardware on their first Tablet attempt

  • 10.1″ screen
  • Android 2.2
  • Dual-core ARM A9 1-GHz processor
  • Nvidia Tegra 2
  • 16GB memory
  • mini HDMI, mini USB 2.0, microSD card slot, WLAN and Bluetooth
  • Price is $500
  • Availability is November 2010

GazelleLab TopTech 5 Friday 8.27.2010 #TT5F

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In this edition of the GazelleLab TopTech 5 Friday we take a look at the HD movie playing monsters known as Blu-ray players. Blu-ray as an industry has seen massive growth over the last 3 years and manufactures everywhere have multiple models. From high-end 3D players to sub $100 entry level models, Blu-ray players have taken off since the death if HD-DVD. When choosing the proper Blu-ray player there are many things to take into account. First you should look at your budget, how valuable is a Blu-ray player to me? Remember those looking to grab their first player will have to trade in those DVD’s (to Gazelle.com I hope) and purchase/rent all new Blu-ray titles. Next you want to look at features. Do I need a 3D player, integrated Netflix and apps, multi-regional, WiFi, 7.1 surround…with so many options out there you have to way your existing home theater devices into account.

The GazelleLab has once again done all the dirty work to deliver the 5 best Blu-ray players for you. For all those with existing players who are looking to upgrade, we have included the top 5 players to trade-in as well (data gathered from gazelle.com).

The Top 5 below will cover the best 3D, Multimedia, Budget, Portable, and Best Overall players. So let’s get to it and check out the GazelleLab top 5 Blu-ray players below. Enjoy!

1. 3D

Sony BDP-S570- BRAVIA Internet Video: Access movies, music, videos & more. Built-in Wi-Fi & Blu-ray 3D playback capability. DLNA wireless streaming of photos, videos and music. Netflix, Pandora, Slacker, Picasa, YouTube and more. $194 @Amazon

2. Multimedia

Sony PS3 Slim 160GB- The best gaming system on the planet is actual one of the top Blu-ray players as well. Gaming, Blu0ray, WiFi, 3D upgradeable, Netflix, Bluetooth, Web Browser, and YouTube. $299 @Amazon

3. Budget

Philips BDP3010/F7- Looking to get into to Blu-ray? Check out the bdp3010. HDMI, BD Live, Ethernet port, DTS $110 @BestBuy

4. Portable

Samsung BD-C8000- For those who need to travel with their Blu-ray collection look no further than the c8000. WiFi, 1gb memory, BlockBuster, FaceBook, YouTube, and Internet TV $449 @Amazon

5. Overall

Samsung BD-C6900- This baby has it all! 3D, DIVX HD, Internet TV, Netflix, Blockbuster, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, Pandora, USB, BD Live, WiFi, Dolby True HD. This is the ultimate Blu-ray player to integrate in your home theater system. $312 @Buy.com

Top Blu-ray Player Trade-ins @Gazelle.com

1. Sony BDP-S350

2. Samsung BD-P1500

3. LG BD300

4. Panasonic DMP-BD35

5. Sony BDP-S300

GazelleLab TopTech 5 Friday Back-2-School Gadget Guide #TT5F

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Since we have been in the back to school spirit on the blog this week, I though I would dedicate my TopTech 5 Friday selection to the cause. Today I will give you my 5 best back-2-school gadget picks for all you returning students. With only 5 selections to make, there is a ton of gear to choose from. Some of you may think these gadgets are essential, while others extravagant…but the decision is up to you. So pull up a chair and kick up your feet, because the TopTech 5 Friday back-2-school edition is below. Enjoy!

Alarm Clock: If you plan on even making it on time to your first day, you better make sure you don’t miss the bus. Go out and grab yourself a cool alarm clock to make sure you make that 8AM class everyday. With alarm clocks evolving over the years gone are the 80′s style LCD buzzers, now it’s all about media and style. Below is my pick for the best full featured alarm clock.

iHome iP90-Dual Alarm Clock Radio with AM/FM Presets and Dock for iPod and iPhone. This can also be used as your in room stereo as well! $80 @AMAZON (for all those looking to dock their iPads, there is an iPad rumored version too!)

Calculator: Most likely you are going to run into some quadratic equations and slopes/curves in your educational lifetime. If you want to tackle these problems like Einstein I suggest a good calculator at your side. One of these babies is considered an investment and should last you long after school is over (and if decide you don’t need it anymore trade it in here at gazelle). Below is my top Calculator pick (a true classic!)

Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus- Graphical analysis, financial functions, 8-line x 16-character display, statistics and regression analysis, a must-have for classes ranging from Algebra to Pre-Calculus and Biology to Physics. $105 @BESTBUY

Laptop: No matter what level of school you are in you are going to find yourself on a computer. Whether a MAC or PC a laptop is going to be your right hand man in class, at the dorm, and when traveling. I broke down the best back-2-school laptops in my previous post here. Below you will find my top MAC and PC choices from that post.

MAC: Apple MacBook- 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD, SuperDrive, NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics, Glass Multi-Touch TrackPad, Mac OS X $999 @Apple

PC:  Sony VAIO VPCF127- Intel Core i7-740QM 1.73GHz, 6GB DDR3, 640GB HDD, Blu-Ray Player/DVDRW, 1GB NVIDIA GeForce 330M, 16.4″ Full HD, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit $1500 @TigerDirect

Smartphone: If you want to be connected at all times a smartphone is your best choice. These power-packed devices are not only for calls these days. Both Android and iPhone feature thousands of apps that can be useful in the classroom and on the road. No matter which carrier your are on, I breakdown your best option available below.

Verizon: Motorola Droid X- The new Droid X is one hot device, it sold out pretty quick on Verizon and won’t be back in stock until the months end. This Android monster is huge and sports some great features, a true flagship device for Motorola. Features: 4.3″  Touchscreen, Android OS, 8MP Camera, TI 1GHz processor, Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS. $199 @Verizon

Sprint: HTC Evo 4G- When Sprint launched the EVO as the worlds first 4G phone units were flying off the shelf. This massive (4.3″ screen) Android device is fully loaded in every department. Features: 4.3″ Touchscreen, 8MP Camera, Android OS, 4G/3G, Froyo, 1GHz processor, Front facing camera, kickstand, Mobile HotSpot. $199 @Sprint

T-Mobile: Samsung T959 Vibrant- T-Mobile picks up their version of the Galaxy S phone with the new Vibrant. Considered the best phone for T-Mobile which utilizes a brilliant SuperAMOLED display and the Android OS. Features: 4″ Touchscreen, 1GHz Processor, 5MP Camera, Android OS, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth. $199 @T-Mobile

AT&T: Apple iPhone 4 16GB- Despite all the problems this little fellow has had it is still one of the top phones on the planet. With Apple leading the way in Apps and touchscreen technology, the iPhone promises to deliver. Features: 3.5″ Touchscreen w/Retina display, 5MP Camera, FaceTime chat, Front camera, Gyroscope, iBooks. $199 @Apple

Unlocked: HTC Desire- This badboy is HTC’s flagship device around the globe and is packed with Android goodness. It can be purchased in the U.S. as the Google Nexus One (Desire features optical trackpad & sexier hardware IMHO). Features: 3.7″ Touchscreen, 1GHz Processor, 5MP Camera, Android OS, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth. $650 @MobileCityOnline

Apple iPad: Yes, the iPad get’s is own gadget category (at least until the competition kicks up). From my personal experience I was the last one who wanted one of these. Once I got my hands on it putting it down became difficult. I could only imagine going back to school with this at my side. With iBooks, Apps, Media, Calculator,Internet, and Music…it is like the offspring of your laptop and your smartphone. Agree or disagree, the Apple iPad gets my vote for most essential back to school device out there.

Apple iPad- 9.7″ Touchscreen Display, App store, iBooks, 1GHz Apple A4 processor, WiFi, Bluetooth.$499 @APPLE (also available in others sizes 32gb, 64gb and w/3g connectivity)

So there it is once again, my back-to-school Gadget Guide is complete. Let’s round-up what you need in your arsenal heading back to school this year.

  • Alarm Clock
  • Calculator
  • Laptop
  • Smartphoe
  • iPad

So make sure to bug, wine, and cry to your parents to get some of these hot devices before school kicks back off. I sure hope all my back-2-school guides have helped lead you in the proper direction on your next big purchase. For any questions on any of these guides you can hit me up on twitter @gazellelab. Enjoy the rest of the summer…while it’s still around!