How to buy – LCD
Why LCD?
1. Higher number of pixels on the screen, therefore a more detailed high–definition picture
2. Lower power consumption
3. Lighter in weight, therefore easier to wall mount, or to move around
Things you should look for in a LCD
I. Brightness, Contrast and Resolution:
Picture brightness is important, especially if the room you would watch your TV in is heavily lit. A higher contrast ratio implies that dark screens will be reproduced better. Resolution measures the number of pixels on the screen and can tell you how detailed the image is.
II. HDTV Resolution:
III. Connectivity Options:
Look for connectivity options for a set–top box or cable, DVD player, computer, digital camera and camcorder and a gaming console.
IV. Screen Size:
LCDs start at 51cms (20”), and go higher in the range upto 132 cms (52”). The ideal viewing distance for a LCD
Viewing distance is a key consideration for choosing the right screen size. Here are the thumb rules for adequate viewing space:

Screen – size in cms	Viewing distance in feet
25 ” to 28 ”	8
32 ”	10
35 ” to 36 ”	11
50 ” to 60 ”	12 to 15

Consider the area of the living room or bedroom you would like to place the television in, to help you choose the ideal screen–size. What can I factor in, to enhance my viewing experience?
Basically, here is what you need to factor in, in addition to your LCD television, to use it to its full potential:
1. A right place to hang it or stand to place it on.
2. A sound system, especially for music lovers.
Though the internal sound system is extremely good, the compact form does not leave space for high–end speakers. Connect your TV to a Home Theater receiver for optimum enjoyment and a cinema – like experience at home.
How to buy – Laptop
Why choose a laptop?
1. Essential product and can serve a multitude of purposes – business, entertainment, communication, etc.
2. It is portable, aesthetically appealing and less entanglement of wires between its components.
3. It is cost effective
Things to look for in a laptop
Microprocessor:
The microprocessor is the heart of any computer. Popular brands that you can opt for are Intel and AMD. The speed of the microprocessor is measured in Gigahertz (GHz). A 2.5 GHz processor will be faster than a 1.6 GHz model. The higher the speed, the faster your computer will process multiple tasks.

RAM:
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It can range from 128 MB to 4 GB. Higher RAM will make your laptop run faster, as it determines the complexity and number of simultaneously running programs on your computer. A Laptop generally has two RAM slots, where two chips can be combined to get a higher total RAM.

Hard Drive Capacity:
The hard drive is similar to a stack of discs placed on top of each other and spun at the same time to read data from them. All your files (music, movies, word documents, presentations, etc.) are all stored on your computer’s hard drive. The capacity ranges from 40GB to over 160GB.

Optical Drive:
Optical drives are CD or DVD drives. Most laptops come with a DVD and CD reader, and some give you the option to write data onto CDs and DVDs too. Rewriting is another option where you can write data multiple times on one rewritable CD or DVD. This should be chosen as per your preference.

Graphics Card:
In order to do special tasks like video editing, image correction or to play memory intensive games with realistic graphics, a good graphics card is required. Generally graphics are determined by the chipset setting (the chipset is the main ‘motherboard’ on which the processor and all the other internal units are installed). This is good enough for normal computer usage, but if your usage involves tasks like the ones mentioned above, then you should ensure the presence of a separate graphics card.

Operating System:
This is the main software on which all your programs and applications run. The majority of computers globally run different versions of Microsoft’s operating system (‘Windows’), but there are other alternatives available too. The current version of Windows is Vista.

Screen Size:
In the current generation, laptops are available in different sizes. The screen size is an important decision because it directly impacts the size of the laptop, its weight, and its battery life. Laptop screen sizes range from 11.1” lightweight portable ones to 20” desktop replacements. The screen size is always measured diagonally from the bottom left of the screen to the top right. This is called the ‘Viewable Image Size’.

Battery Life:
You should take the battery life into consideration when you decide your usage. If your laptop is going to be used as a desktop replacement, then due to the screen size and other features, the battery life will be limited. However, if a laptop is being purchased for business purposes or simply to check mails and surf the internet, then a model can be chosen which provides greater battery life for usage on the go.

Weight:
Finally, you should be comfortable with the computer you purchase. As mentioned at the start of this guide, one of the main reasons for purchasing a laptop is its portability and you will be carrying it around. Larger laptops can weigh over 4 kilograms, while the lightweight ones can be as light as 1 kilogram. Screen size and battery type make your laptop heavier, so those choices have to go hand in hand with the comfort factor. How to buy – Microwave
Why buy a microwave?
1. It incorporates modern day technology to assist you with reheating, defrosting and cooking your food.
2. Food is cooked faster and is also healthier since it retains the nutrition that can be lost in the traditional cooking technique.
3. A Microwave Oven also gives you the freedom to sample and experiment with a variety of cuisines, while letting you enjoy the cooking experience as always. Types of Microwave Ovens
There are three types of microwave ovens that you can go for. These are Solo, Grill and Convection.

Microwave Type	Reheating	Defrosting	Cooking	Grilling	Baking and Crisping	Examples
Solo	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Chapati Vegetables Pulses Rice Dhoklas Idlis
Grill	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Tandoori Dishes Paneer Tikka Tawa Sabji Chicken Tikka Grilled Chicken
Convection	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Seekh Kebabs Pizzas Pasta Cookies Biscuits

Ideal microwave capacity for family size
The capacity of a microwave should be carefully selected, since it determines the size of the unit as well as the amount of food that can be cooked in it. If the chosen capacity is too low, then it won’t be able to cook the required quantity, and if it is too high, then you will be spending extra money unnecessarily.

The factors to consider while making this decision are:

I. Usage: If you use the microwave only for reheating and defrosting, a lower capacity would suffice as compared to using it for cooking as well. Similarly, if you host regular social functions at home, then a larger capacity is recommended.

II. Family Size: The amount of food that you would cook at one time depends on your family size. Larger the family, larger the requirements. Below is the recommended capacity depending upon the number of family members:

Family Size	Capacity
2	17 – 25 Litres
4	23 – 30 Litres
6	27 – 32 Litres

Basic terminology for Microwave Ovens
Here are a few terms that you will hear often during your buying decision:

Instant Action Keys / Easy Touch Buttons	These keys are used for common items and have a preset time assigned to them by the manufacturer. For example, one button for making coffee, another one for popcorn, etc.
Turn Table	Turn tables are revolving plates inside the microwave on which dishes are placed. They are usually made of glass and automatically turn a dish as it cooks. This allows for even cooking and heating.
Grill	A Grill is a cooking surface which looks like a metal grid. It is placed over a source generating intense heat in order to cook the food.
Wattage	The higher the wattage of your microwave, the faster the food will cook.
Automatic Defrost	To use this feature, you have to enter the food type and weight into the microwave, and it automatically programs the power and time required to best defrost the item.
Preprogrammed Cooking	This is considered ‘one touch cooking’ – Place the food into the microwave, select the food item that is to be cooked and start the program.
Programmable Cooking	Similar to preprogrammed cooking but with more customization – you can select the power at which the food is to be cooked and the timing too.

Safety guidelines for using your microwave
1. Food should be cooked in open containers, and vaccum sealed or airtight items should not be heated.
2. Microwave friendly non – metallic utensils should be used.
3. Don’t operate an empty microwave – place a glass of water inside to absorb the microwaves.
4. Do not use foil lined paper products inside the microwave, and never pick up a dish using paper or plastic. Oven gloves should be used to lift the dish.
5. When reheating or defrosting food, remember to remove any wraps, cling film or plastic trays since these can melt and cause harmful chemicals to mix with the food. Easy tips to look after your microwave
1. Before cleaning your microwave oven, heat water in a microwave safe container for 2 – 3 minutes (never heat liquids for more than this time frame). Once it is done, leave the microwave door shut for around 5 minutes. The moisture softens any tough stains inside, making cleaning a breeze.
2. Always clean the door, outer edges and oven cavity of your microwave with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Do not use abrasives such as scouring pads and metal wool.
3. Save electricity by:
i. Keeping the inside surfaces clean at all times.
ii. Defrosting frozen food before cooking it.
iii. Avoid opening the microwave door during a reheating / defrosting / cooking procedure, as heat escapes every time the door is opened, and the food takes longer to cook leading to higher electricity consumption. How to buy – Digital Camera
Why buy a Digital camera?
1. Easier to capture images or record moments
2. Can be used by casual amateurs who use them to capture those special moments to professional photographers.
3. Digital Cameras are efficient with many options to edit your photos, time efficient (the result is viewable immediately) and the photographs taken can be communicated to your near and dear ones with relative ease. Things you should look for in a digital camera
Resolution (No. of ‘Megapixels’):
The resolution of the image determines its size. If you want to resize an image to a larger size or take a print out, you need a higher resolution and if you want to share your photographs via e-mail, then a lower resolution is required. This is because higher the resolution, larger the image size. Resolution is measured in pixels, and one million pixels make a megapixel. Today’s cameras range from 3 megapixels to over 10 megapixels. The resolution can be manually set in a camera too – an 8.1 Megapixel camera can also be operated at lower resolutions.

Zoom (Optical and Digital):

Zoom is the feature used to close in on a distant image, or to focus on certain colours and aspects in a photograph. It is dependant on the lens installed in the camera. Basic ‘point and shoot’ cameras have a fixed focus lens and hence these cameras do not have zoom features. Most other cameras have lenses which enable either optical zoom or digital zoom or both. Zoom is measured in the times the image can be magnified (eg.: 3X Optical Zoom, 5X Digital Zoom). The two types of zoom available in a digital camera are Optical Zoom and Digital Zoom. Not knowing the difference between the two can lead to some confusion or to making an uninformed purchase. When a camera utilizes Optical Zoom, the mechanism of the lens moves outward to take close up photos. This retains the image quality, and utilizes the camera’s maximum resolution. A Digital Zoom uses software installed in the camera to expand the centre portion of the image subject to fill the frame. This leads to greater magnification but the image may lose some of its high quality. Ideally, a digital camera should have both these types of zoom in it.

Memory:
Memory is to digital cameras what ‘film’ and ‘rolls’ were to traditional ones. All the images taken are stored on two kinds of memory – internal and external. Internal Memory comes built into the camera and cannot be changed or upgraded. Images stored on this can be accessed when the camera is connected to a computer (usually via a ‘USB Cable’). External Memory comes in the form of memory cards that can be removed from the camera and ‘read’ on a computer so as to transfer images. Memory cards are available in a variety of capacities, and your choice should be determined by your usage and the resolution at which you want your images. They can be used multiple times to transfer data regularly.

Added Features:
Every brand has its own patented technology which offers something different to the user. These features make photography simpler and may be called by different names, but some are essentially the same. The user should check these features and go for a camera which addresses his or her requirements. Some examples are:
a. Auto Focus:
Using this feature, the camera automatically focuses on the subjects present in the photograph when the clicking button is half pressed.

b. Face Detection:
This is a feature by which the camera automatically detects the faces of people in the photograph before it is clicked. The detection is generally shown by green or white boxes around the face.

c. Image Stabilisation / Anti – Blur Technology:
This feature accounts for any shaking of the hands or unsteadiness while clicking a photograph, and minimizes or totally eliminates any possible blurring due to the same.

d. Red – Eye Correction / Reduction:
This feature allows you to take photographs of individuals at a close up range and discounts the reddish tint that appears in the eyes, making the photograph look more natural.

LCD Screen Size:
Most digital cameras come with an LCD screen that can be used to preview the photographs before saving them on a computer. The screen can also be used as a viewfinder. The screen size ranges from 1.5” to 3” or more, and in certain cameras it has touch screen capabilities too. The settings of the camera are selected using this screen. Users should check to see if they are comfortable with the screen and its size before a purchase. How to buy – Air Conditioner
Why buy an Air Conditioner?
To beat the heat and humidity during the hot summer months. Types of Air Conditioners
There are different types of Air Conditioners to choose from. These include Window ACs, Split ACs,
Multi – Split ACs, Cassette ACs, Tower ACs, etc. The two most popular types that exist in the market today are explained below:

Window AC:
This AC houses all its parts (evaporator, condenser, compressor and expansion device) in one single unit. Window ACs cost lesser than Split ACs, and since it is a single unit device, installation is not very complex. However, Window ACs are not as silent as Split ACs and are not as aesthetically appealing. The room also requires a duct or window which can be broken to accommodate the fitting of this AC.

Split AC:
This type of AC consists of two units – an indoor unit which contains the evaporator, and an outdoor unit which houses the condenser, compressor and expansion device. Both these units need to be connected to each other via electric wiring and refrigerant piping, which means that some drilling or permanent fixing might be required (A window or duct is not required in the room for installation). Split ACs are more expensive when compared to Window ACs, but they provide almost silent functioning, which is their greatest attraction. The designs available are also much more aesthetically appealing than Window ACs, with colour options that complement the ambience of the room. Ideal Air Conditioner for your room dimensions
There are a number of factors which determine the ideal tonnage of the air conditioner for your room. These are the size of the room, the number of people occupying the room, exposure to direct sunlight, the number of windows, the ceiling height and so on. For an accurate analysis, please step into one of our NEXT showrooms and consult the AC Guru, an expert assigned specifically for this purpose.

As an approximate guide, please refer to the chart below:

Room Size (in Square Feet) (Height of room taken at 10 feet)	Tonnage Required
50 – 100	0.8
100 – 150	1
150 – 200	1.5
200 and larger	2

Important factors
Here are a few terms that you will hear often during your buying decision:

Cooling Capacity:
It is the amount of heat that an air conditioner can remove from a room in one hour. It is measured in Btu/hr (British Thermal Units per Hour).

British Thermal Unit (Btu):
The capacity of an AC is classified in Btu/hr. It is used to measure heat energy. One Btu is the amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

Tonnage:
The cooling capacity of an air conditioner is specified in terms of tonnage. One ton of cooling is basically the amount of heat that is required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours. One ton is equivalent to 12,000 Btu / hr.

EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio):
EER is the ratio that is obtained by comparing the Air Conditioner’s cooling capacity to its power consumption. This provides you with a basic figure of efficiency. A unit with a higher EER will have greater operating efficiency.