Electronics Delivery or Pickup

Consumer Reports recommends skipping extended warranties. These warranties are usually difficult to cash in on, thanks to the fine print that leads to a great deal of claim rejections. You may even have to cover part of the repair cost, at which point the warranty may or may not have saved you real money.

Most modern electronics are extremely reliable, making an extended warranty usually unnecessary. It's often helpful to check online reviews for a particular product or brand to get a better idea of whether the warranty is the most cost-effective choice.

One handy way to find out if your electronics are going to experience problems is to leave them on for 48 hours shortly after purchasing them. If they're going to fail, most products will malfunction within the first 48 hours of use. After that first 48-hour period, turn the product off for as long as possible. Ideally, you'll leave it off for a full day. 

If the electronic item fires up again with no problem, you can rest easier knowing that you've thoroughly tested it and are unlikely to have long-term problems. Most electronics have at least a 60-day warranty that you can fall back on. Depending on the store, you may also be able to simply return the item.

Having the right accessories can transform your experience with many electronics. Your computer needs great speakers to take your gaming experience to the next level. That Nintendo Switch offers a lot more fun with a memory card, and you simply can't keep your printer going without a regular supply of ink. Any time you're shopping for accessories that you'll use with other electronics, it's important to consider your selection carefully. 

Check the specs on your current electronics for compatibility. Most computer accessories have a USB port that's easy to plug in, but this also presents the question of how many ports are available. If your laptop has just two USB ports and they're already in use, you'll need a hub with additional ports to add more accessories. Taking the time to do a little research in advance can save you the hassle of returns later.

Many chargers will work for a variety of devices, but you still need to make sure you're choosing the right type of cable for the product that you need to charge. The primary options for charging cables are:

While you can swap chargers for many items, laptops are often an exception. These typically need a very specific cable. Anytime you're purchasing a charger for electronics, it's important to check the product carefully so you can select the appropriate cable.