Crowdstorm blog
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May 10 2012Advanced guide to buying MP3 players
A couple of weeks ago we added a buyers’ guide to the MP3 player section of this site, written for people looking for a new music device.
It covered the basics – such as the difference between an MP3 player and a digital media player, and the advantages disadvantages of a touchscreen – but didn’t look at more sophisticated features. This blog will look a little more deeply into... -
Apr 16 2012How to save: Buying a cheap printer
When it comes to buying hardware, the main consideration is very often the initial outlay – but that’s not always the case.
If, for example, you’re buying a television or laptop, what you pay up front is going to be a strong indicator of the value you’re going to end up with. However, it can be a very different story with printers.
The reason for this is the cost of... -
Apr 12 2012How to buy online: From tumble dryers and washing machines to freezers and toasters
When it comes to buying products online, especially ones you don't know much about, it can be a pretty daunting task. There are a lot of comparison sites out there, but what about advice on what you're comparing?
Here at Crowdstorm we’ve been concentrating hard on getting the right products up online from the best online retailers, giving you the best choices we can.
Now... -
Mar 19 2012UK shoppers do more of their retail online than any other major economy
According to researchers from the Boston Consulting Group, around 13.5 per cent of all purchases in the UK since 2010 have been online; the highest percentage of any of the major world economies. As well as this, it is also predicted to keep rising at a strong rate in terms of percentage, with likely expansion of 11 per cent per year from now up until 2016. Even my remedial maths shows that that...
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Mar 12 2012Patience for store browsing evaporates as web browsing takes over
We've all been there: You head out to the shops to pick something up from your regular store (the supermarket is the worst for it), pop down the right isle, and instead of your favourite cereal you're faced with dog food.
In frustration you walk isle to isle until you find someone who is stocking the shelves, who then has to parade you like a lost school child to the new home to all things... -
Mar 09 2012Five things to check before you buy a laptop
When it comes to buying a laptop, there are hundreds of makes and models to choose from. So, once you've set your budget, what do you do next?
Here are five key factors you should always consider before taking the plunge and buying a laptop.
1) laptop screen size
This is a very important decision as the size of laptop screens can vary greatly. In addition, it can have an effect on... -
Feb 21 2012Better than Monopoly: Five great family board games
While computer games and apps may be all the rage, table top board games have also been making a big comeback in terms of popularity. While they're not taking over the high street yet, the industry is booming online and in specialist stores.
We realise some of those stores may not seem the most inviting, so we thought we'd give you a steer towards some titles that might be of interest. If... -
Feb 13 2012Comet cuts off its nose to spite its face?
We've said it before and will no doubt say it again: the only chance high street retailers have of survival is making the most of their unique assets: namely their stores and the specialists that work for them.
So it was with sadness that we read of Comet's plans to axe some 450 employees this week, with the cost-slashing measures taking out engineering and support staff working as field engineers... -
Feb 10 2012The big freeze: Crowdstorm keeps it cool with our five best fridges and freezers
Well the snow finally arrived across most of the UK this week, as temperatures plummeted and the roads and walkways became treacherous. Our advice is to turn the heating up, stay indoors and enjoy the big freeze from the comfort of your own home. Beko GNEV320S A classic example of American fridge design, this Beko ticks all the boxes: Ice and water on demand, large capacity and it just oozes style....
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Jan 30 2012What's the difference? Cheap smartphones vs high-end smartphones
When it comes to mobiles, everyone these days seems to have a touchscreen smartphone. But of you don't know much about them, where do you start? Is there really much difference between a more mid-priced HTC Desire Z and a top of the range Samsung Galaxy S2? Touchscreen This is an area where you can often really feel the difference between high and low end smartphones. However, it’s...
