Summary: Most people, even those on low budgets, rarely obtain the most value-for-money option when acquiring a product. They may spend $700 on a TV instead of $300. $1,000 on a washing machine instead of $600. $500 on a personal video recorder instead of $200. $2,500 on a laptop instead of $1,500. Or $300 on a modem and router instead of $150. And their product may still have less functionality, reliability, performance and support than a lower-priced alternative.
Apart from spending less to achieve only your required features, you also need to balance operating costs, reliability, performance, ease-of-use and the effectiveness of replacement/repair or support.
The problem is that it takes significant product knowledge to isolate the most value-for-money option. And considerable research time to do this each time you buy as brands, models and prices will have changed since the last time.
Review websites (e.g. Gizmodo) and independent consumer websites (Choice) can be helpful but are not comprehensive and often don't adequately cover the value-for-money end of the market - particularly if they need to be acquired through eBay, overseas websites or unusual channels.
In this post, I will provide brief guidance for the most essential products, including on what model I have purchased, why, from where, and at what cost.
Details:
1. General tips
(a) Use independent buying guides and review sites
For example:
> Choice - PVR buying guide
> Good Gear Guide
2. Personal Video Recorder (PVR) and Set Top Box (STB) for viewing and recording digital free-to-air TV
- Firstly, decide whether you really just need a PVR + STB or want the extra capabilities of a media centre (networked into other home devices, streaming capability, etc) or remote-access apps (smartphone or web-based). For streaming remember you can use a $35 Google Chromecast with laptops or Android devices.
- If you need a fully-fledged PVR + STB + internet-connected entertainment solution then consider the $399 Fetch Mighty which you can use without ongoing subscriptions if you want to. Also check out Flip TV (good for those with non-English language TV desires) and other IPTV competitors that will start up.
- For the number of tuners, if you can get by with only two ("twin") tuners then you'll save quite a bit. But you'll be limited to recording two different channels and watching one more from one of the two channel owners.
- If you can do without smart EPG recording (recording a whole TV series regardless of start day/time) you can get a budget PVR. Instead make sure it at least has daily/weekly recording slots and can add sufficient time to the program end times.
- Get a minimum of 500GB and ideally 1TB but not more. If you want to preserve recordings for the long-term make sure you can transfer the files to external storage or PC.
- Aim to avoid models branded with Freeview as these are usually crippled in certain ways such as to avoid skipping ads or easily transferring free-to-air recordings off the device.
- For the models you shortlist, download the manual or specifications and check it will meet your requirements.
- Avoid brands or models that will be bricked if a service provider winds up. E.g. TiVo PVRs became essentially useless once TiVo wound up in Australia.
- If you really need 4 tuners, look at Beyonwiz (T2 1TB) or Fetch Mighty. If you're tech-savvy and really looking to spend as little as possible for a 4 tuner PVR consider reliable Topfield models.
- Use eBay to identify the brands and models within your budget. You don't need to buy second-hand but it's useful to know as many of the common models within your price range. E.g. eBay - DVRs, Hard Drive Recorders ($80 to $300)
My Purchases:
- I bought the Aldi twin tuner 1TB AS-PVR1000R for $200 in 2011 which lasted till March 2017.
- And the Aldi APVR-014 in 2017 which has a retail price of around $200 when available but I bought an as-new one on Gumtree for $100. Manufactuer-refurbished versions can be had on eBay for $150.
3. Laptop
Priorities:
- Very reliable brand that will last for at least 5 years with no issues (e.g. Dell)
- Performance at 2nd level (CPU, RAM, Graphics chip, Hard-drive speed) so that it will perform adequately in 4 years. You will pay a premium for the 1st level at any time. And the entry level specifications are unlikely perform adequately in 4 years with software updates.
- Battery must be replaceable at reasonable cost and battery capacity and life should be at higher end.
- Ensure laptop meets all expected regular needs. For example, if you'll be working outdoors then buy a laptop with a screen optimised for outdoor use (matte rather than glossy, or less reflective)
- Set up a hard drive partition (e.g. D drive) to store files and backup essential files to cloud storage (Google Drive). Then you can restore/reinstall your system to eliminate virus, malware or performance issues.
My Purchases:
- In Oct 2015, I bought a Dell XPS 13 (9343 version) for $1,600. I expect to be using it till around 2020.
4. Modem + Router
My Purchases:
- In 2008 I bought a Billion BiPAC 7402GX for about $250. It is still working and in use in 2017.
- My next modem + router will be an NBN-compatibile one. Likely acquired at a discount when I sign up for the NBN. Note that all Australians will be required to switch to the NBN by 2020 if it is available to their home. If buying a new modem + router make sure you get a NBN-compatible one (VDSL2). Ideally, one sold by the retailers servicing your home.
See:
> Mr Telco - Top 9 NBN Compatible Modem Routers Under $100
> iinet - General NBN FTTN or FTTB modem setup advice
> Boom Broadband - NBN-ready routers
5. Smartphone
My Purchases:
- In 2011 Google Nexus 4 for $420
- In 2017 Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime for $210 on AliExpress.
> Stop wasting money on expensive phones and monthly usage costs
6. WiFi/Internet Extender
WiFi extenders are usually not effective through multiple walls. Powerline extenders are much more useful unless your electrical circuits have issues.
My Purchases:
- In 2017 I bought a TP-Link TL-PA8010P AV1200 PowerLine Range Extender for $134 on eBay
Further Info:
Mr Telco Blog
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