But iPads come at a hefty price or a child that may break or lose it. Should you get them their own tablet or opt for a used iPad instead? Here are three reasons why used devices are a solid investment:

1. Behind the Curve

Choosing used iPads might mean you’re behind the curve when it comes to the newest models on the market. However, this is great news since any model more than a year old comes with a significant drop in price. Your five-year-old likely doesn’t need the features of the latest iPad Air 2, but could get a massive amount of use from a certified pre-owned product at a fraction of the cost.

2. You Buy It, They Break It

Young kids have a penchant for destruction. It’s not malicious, they just simply don’t know how much abuse an iPad can take before it breaks, or what might happen when it hits a tub full of water. That’s why going used is a viable option: You’ll pay far less for a refurbished iPad than one off the shelf. Plus, ownership can teach younger kids to care for delicate devices. Older kids tend to better understand the benefits of responsibility for their devices.

3. Responsible Use

Your child will grow up surrounded by technology, even if it isn’t in your home. As a result, it’s critical to introduce the concept of responsible use as early as possible. This means being considerate of other people online, being careful about what gets posted on social media sites and determining what to do when encountering cyberbullying. The bottom line? Used iPads allow you to affordably help you introduce these ideas over time rather than letting friends and other family members fill in the gaps.

Looking for a smart investment? Consider getting your child a used iPad.

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Here are five ways new devices offer real benefits:

1. Connection

As noted by Dr. Joanne Orlando, technology offers huge value for families when it comes to staying connected, especially at long distances. FaceTime, Skype and other video chat services have evolved to the point where family members across the globe can connect on a daily basis. Young children can establish relationships with grandparents they’ve never seen in person, while parents away from home can check in with their kids every night.

2. Education

When it comes to education, technology and family life have harmoniously converged. Parents can now teach children about the value of staying safe online and communicate essential principles, such as not posting personal details or photos showing their address or the name of their school. There is also a host of great learning applications for children of all ages, as well as adults, many of which are available on multiple platforms for little to no cost. What’s more, function-specific devices like eReaders are a great way to enable education without introducing other, more distracting content.

3. Communication

All too often, families focus on the “app” and “Internet” aspects of mobile technology and forget that their devices are also ideally suited for quick and efficient communication. Beyond phone calls and emails, families can set up group text messages or send each other quick photos just to say “hi.” They can arrange meeting times, ask for favors or send out reminders easily; it’s better to know that you’re out of milk thanks to a quick text rather than getting all the way home just to turn around again.

4. Creation

According to The Modern Parent, technology can empower families to create. This could be something as simple as creating memories together by playing a quirky little app on a long rainy day. Children now grow up in a world inundated with technology and, as a result, have an inherent grasp of tablet and smartphone use that most adults lack. Kids are constantly discovering new ways to communicate and express themselves online. Rather than sidestepping this issue, parents can learn a great deal about the real impact of Internet-enabled devices by taking the time to understand which apps matter to their children and familiarizing themselves with them.

5. Reaction

Finally, technology can help families react more quickly in case of an emergency or natural disaster. Worried when your teenager isn’t home on time? Send them a text to confirm they’re fine, and if they don’t respond, it’s possible to locate them via GPS. Need help away from home? Even locked smartphones still let you place emergency calls. Technology not only empowers families to more easily relate, but can also help keep everyone safe.

When it comes to technology and family life, balance is key. Too much of anything is never good, and sensible limits on screen time and downloads only make sense. With proper oversight and an emphasis on empowerment rather than limitation, families can come out ahead when they’re connected via smartphone and tablet technology.

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1. The Apple iPhone

Although kids tend to prefer the latest and greatest editions to show off to their friends, any iPhone color or model will do. Right now that’s the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus, both of which are well-reviewed and come with the benefit of Apple’s tight security architecture for parents’ piece of mind. For kids, though, the allure lies in the iPhone’s slick body design and access to the largest collection of games and apps available. In addition, the interface is clean and simple, making it easy for kids to learn to use and for parents to jump in and help if they run into problems. For an even smarter and cheaper solution, check out Gazelle’s certified iPhones.

2. The Samsung Galaxy

Samsung’s line of Galaxy smartphones draw consistently positive reviews and are one of the few phone lines to make a dent in Apple’s market share, especially for kids. The line offers a few solid benefits: One of the fastest processors on the market, a great-looking 5.1-inch screen and one of the best smartphone cameras available. If your kid is the creative type, the Android OS offers more opportunities than iOS for them to customize the look of their device. The Galaxy S5 is IP67 certified, meaning it’s resistant to both dust and moisture, protecting it from even the clumsiest kids.

3. The Lumia 365

This Windows phone isn’t the flashiest smartphone for kids, but it does come with a few nice features. The 4.5-inch screen is more than adequate, the case body is slick and modern-looking, and it provides the familiarity of a Windows OS. The Microsoft MyFamily tool lets you manage what kids download and view on their phones.

4. The Kyrocera Duraforce

Is your child a klutz? Do they like dropping things in water or stepping on them to see what happens? If so, the Duraforce may be the perfect solution. This 4.5-inch Android phone is as rugged as they come, sporting both dust and water protection so less-than-graceful kids can still enjoy the benefits of a great mobile device. The phone is also 4G-ready and powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, making it capable of handling your child’s need for videos, games and social media interactions.

Looking for the best smartphones for children? Whether you’re buying new or considering a refurbished phone, there are some great options on the market. At the top of the hill are familiar devices like the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy line, simple phones like the Lumia 365 and more-rugged options like the Kyrocera Duraforce. Simply put, you won’t be starved for choice in today’s smartphone market.

Which smartphones are your children asking for?

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Prepaid plans are another option, letting you pay up front for the features and phone you want. Adding refurbished phones into the mix makes things more complicated still: Can you connect used phones with prepaid plans, or are you out of luck?

The Prepaid Difference

Most smartphone users are familiar with carriers’ contractual models. You want the shiny new phone that comes with an unaffordable sticker price, and a telecom company offers to “help” with the cost, subsidizing a large portion of it in exchange for your business over the next few years.

Often, you end up paying more than the phone is worth over time and may face high penalty costs if you try to break the contract early. Going over the amount of minutes or data allowed by your plan often also comes with a large fee; forget to pay and your credit rating could suffer.

Prepaid plans, meanwhile, offer just the opposite. While you still need a carrier, you don’t lock into a contract but instead buy a set number of minutes or amount of data, which you can use at your leisure. Not all phones are eligible for prepaid plans — most carriers and manufacture reserve prepaid options for older models and those that don’t sell as well as newer versions. Some smaller carriers may require you to opt-in for a basic month-to-month plan and add services on demand to achieve the ideal mix of features and cost.

Possible downsides? You generally end up paying more per minute than you would under a contract. In some prepaid plans, minutes expire after a set time period. One of the biggest benefits, though, is the ability to control the cost of your cell phone usage; if you try to go over your purchased minutes or data, your phone simply won’t work. Newer carriers are less likely to let time or data packs expire, giving you more choice with less risk.

What About Used?

Is it possible to get used phones with prepaid plans? The short answer is yes. As noted by Pearson’s Que Publishing, it’s now possible to use older iPhone models, such as the iPhone 4 or iPhone 5, as part of a prepaid deal, although newer versions like the iPhone 6 are off-limits.

While not all prepaid services support all phones, there are a few basic rules: Your phone must be GSM-enabled and “unlocked,” meaning it will work with more than one service provider. Unlocking can often be done at small retail kiosks or by following how-to videos online. Additionally, you’ll need to get a new micro-SIM card from the new service provider to allow the phone to work on their network.

Once you have the right hardware in hand, most providers will charge you a one-time activation fee and let you pick the prepaid plan of your choice. As long as you don’t want the newest hardware, it’s absolutely possible to get used phones with prepaid plans.

Start by finding a reputable, certified reseller that offers high-quality refurbished phones and pick a model you like. Do a quick search to ensure your selection is eligible for prepaid, and when it arrives, check with the existing cell service provider to make sure the phone’s IMEI number isn’t tied to an outstanding balance. If everything looks good, it’s time to start shopping for a prepaid plan.

Have you signed up for a prepaid plan with a used phone? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

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1. Ping Your iPhone

Apple’s Find My iPhone app can help you narrow down where in the world your device has wound up using its built-in GPS. Once you’re close enough, actually finding your phone becomes more a game of chance and less of an exact science. BGR reports that Apple’s new watch will incorporate a new feature to make that process easier: Ping My iPhone. Using the watch, users can make their lost phone beep, offering an auditory location clue.

2. Toss Out Your Keys

As noted by Tom’s Guide, one innovative feature of the new smartwatch is keyless access. By downloading Starwood Hotel’s Preferred Guest app, you can open your hotel room door with just a tap of the watch’s face. Apple CEO Tim Cook told The Telegraph that it may be possible for the watch to replace car keys and “the clumsy, large fobs that are now used by many vehicles.”

3. Fully Native Apps

It stands to reason that most Apple Watch apps will be extensions of native iPhone or iPad applications, but Cook announced that it will be possible for developers to create standalone apps for the watch “later in the year,” according to Tom’s Guide. These apps may allow the device to be used solo instead of only while synced with another device. This opens the opportunity for a truly “killer app” for the watch, one that sets it apart from Android devices using stripped-down versions of full apps.

4. Digital Touch

The new Apple Watch allows you to connect in a new and unique way: You can draw shapes on the watch face and send them to a friend, or use the heart rate sensor to detect your pulse and send it as a vibration pattern to a friend’s device. What’s more, you can use the Tap function to send vibrations of your choice to other watch users.

5. Deeper Customization

Apple has never been very open to customization, frowning upon jailbreaking devices and limiting the apps accepted into the App Store. But they’re taking a different direction with their new watch, offering two face sizes — 38 mm and 42 mm — along with three “styles,” each one of which falls at a different price point.

Interested in buying the Apple Watch? Gazelle will be adding it to the catalog, available for trade-in and certified pre-owned.

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1. Curate Content

To maximize smartphone longevity, be critical about the content you keep on your phone. Not all apps are useful; some hog battery power, some are nearly impossible to remove and some even come packaged with malware. Your best bet is to stick to approved app stores, and if you’re thinking about selling in the near future, don’t clog up your phone with bloatware or spyware.

2. Just in Case

Scratches and dents can reduce the value of your smartphone. If you don’t have a good case, it’s time to invest. There are a host of companies that make both custom and generic cases for all types of smartphones. A rubber case can limit damage from falls, prevent scuffs and scrapes, and—most importantly—help you avoid the dreaded cracked screen. Once your screen breaks, your hopes of high trade-in value shatter with it. While you’re at it, use a screen protector. Even minor scratched, which are inevitable without an inexpensive screen protector, will lower your trade-in value.

3. Carry Well

Along with a great case, it’s important to carry your smartphone in a way that limits potential damage. This means carrying it in a roomy pocket rather than one crammed with credit cards, keys or coins. You should also never put your phone in your back pocket. Whether it’s bending, breaking or general wear and tear, there’s no faster way to decrease your smartphone’s longevity than by sitting on the device daily. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean the screen with a soft cloth and make sure the buttons aren’t obstructed by dirt or debris. Keep your phone clean and you’ll get a better return.

4. Start With the Battery

Want to get the best value for your trade-in or just make sure that your phone doesn’t die before you’ve gotten your money’s worth? Simply put, take good care of your battery by not leaving your phone out in extreme temperatures and staying far away from water.

There are a few other ways to maximize your battery life. First, try not to run your phone from full to empty on a regular basis. While this won’t cause immediate damage, it will shorten the total life-span of your battery. Leaving your phone plugged in once it’s fully charged has a similar effect: Over time, the battery simply becomes less efficient.

5. Don’t Jailbreak

As a final tip: No matter how tempting it may be to do so, don’t jailbreak or root the operating system. Jailbreaking comes with the risk of requiring a total operating system reinstall; at worst, you’re left with a very expensive paperweight. Jailbroken phones are almost always used to access third-party apps not approved by the device manufacturer—apps that can fundamentally impact the way your phone works. Jailbreaking sentences your device to a shorter overall lifespan.

How do you maximize smartphone life and get the best trade-in value?

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1. Narrow Down Manufacturers

When comparing used phones, it’s important to start with the basics. What kind of smartphone do you want? If you’re a diehard Apple fan or Samsung champion, chances are you’ll prefer to stick with an operating system (OS) and manufacturer you know you like. If you’re not sure, however, then you should start with a broad comparison of what each manufacturer has to offer. Here’s a quick breakdown of each:

Apple

• Runs on iOS
• Easy-to-use with a slick, simple interface
• Large app store with lots of choices and good security
• Often the highest cost of any phone

Google

• Uses the open-source Android OS
• Lets you customize home screen and device function virtually any way you want, with less standardization across models
• Often lower-priced than competitors

Samsung

• Uses a modified version of Android to deliver a curated mobile experience
• High consumer scores for quality and features, but often with a higher price tag

Windows

• Runs on Windows Mobile OS
• Modern features and solid functionality that doesn’t really stand out in the crowd

Great if you’re a Windows PC fan or want more business-focused tools

2. Consider Important Features

Once you’ve determined your preferred manufacturer, it’s time to consider the features you need in a used device. Start by searching on a high-quality resale site that offers a wide selection. Narrow your wish list down to a few key features you need in your new phone, such as a high-megapixel camera, 4G capability, the ability to upgrade storage or attach peripherals, battery life or display size. This will help you to narrow your search to just a few phones that meet your specifications, letting you decide based on price and preferred features.

3. Find Your Model

Once you’ve narrowed down your preferred manufacturer and device features, you’ll typically end up with a handful of choices that only vary slightly. Often, you’ll see two differences: model number and storage size. For example, you may be in the market for an iPhone. One option in the Apple market is to go for an iPhone 6, but the iPhone 5 has many similar features for a much lower price. You’ll also find significant differences in phone pricing based on storage: Models with 32 GB or greater cost much more and may be unnecessary if you use few apps and don’t use the phone as your primary camera.

4. Get Your Price

Finally, it’s time to price out your device. Look for a pre-owned site that has a large selection, clear explanation of its refurbishing policies and a guarantee in case of any defects. Great sites will let you choose a phone based on carrier, condition and storage size to determine a final price.

When you compare used phones, what features do you look for?

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1. Do Your Research

To avoid getting scammed by one-off sellers or those trying to make a quick buck, always do your research before buying a used cell phone. This means comparison shopping and considering different purchase avenues based on price and customer satisfaction ratings. For example, some buyers opt for social media meet-ups because they feel more comfortable meeting sellers face-to-face. The problem with this approach is a lack of inventory and no way to be sure the price you’re getting is fair and reasonable. Some resale websites offer great deals on “used” phones without being clear as to what exactly that term means. Look for a site that includes detailed descriptions of phone conditions and a risk-free return process.

2. Don’t Buy More Than You Need

Why are you in the market for a used cell phone? Do you just need it to check email and send texts, or do you use it for watching videos, posting to social media, or conducting business? It’s a good idea to define what you need before choosing used cell phones so that you don’t overspend on something that has features you’ll never use. You can get great deals on last year’s smartphone models if you can live without the shiny bells and whistles that come with current-year standards. Go in equipped with knowledge so you don’t overspend.

3. Be Critical

It’s also important to be critical about what you’re getting and how it stacks up, even after you’ve made a purchase. Take the time to completely examine your new phone. Are there any cracks in the screen or damage to the casing? Does the phone seem sluggish or unresponsive? Is the touchscreen accurate? If you encounter any new or undocumented issues, it might be time to ask for your money back or look for a better deal. Buying used doesn’t mean you’re buying damaged.

4. Choose Your OS

The operating system (OS) design controls a phone’s user experience. If you’re looking for a simple, streamlined, and secure OS, go with Apple. iOS is designed for ease-of-use and takes care of higher phone functions in the background. If you’re looking for flexibility, choose Android, which offers a more complex, open-source OS that lets you customize your experience and tweak virtually any setting you like. If you’re looking for a business phone, Blackberry and Windows phones offer a host of features aimed at corporate customers.

5. Look for Protection

One final tip: When you’re choosing a used cell phone, always looks for a site that offers a money-back guarantee if your new device doesn’t match the description. High-quality pre-owned vendors aren’t afraid to stadnd behind their products because they’re properly refurbished and don’t come with hidden problems. While “as-is” may net you a slightly lower price, a phone that bricks as soon as you take it out of the package is no bargain.

Want the best deal on used cell phones? Do your research, buy what you need, be critical of what you get, choose your OS wisely, and look for phone protection.

What tips do you have for choosing used cell phones?

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What’s the Same?

First off, both of these phablets are massive. PC Advisor reports that the Nexus 6 comes in slightly taller, wider and thicker at 160 mm by 83 mm by 10.1 mm, while the Note 4 offers 154 mm by 79 mm by 8.5 mm for those who want a more smartphone-like experience. Both are almost the same weight (184 and 176 grams, respectively), use AMOLED screens and have a Snapdragon 805 quad-core 2.7 Ghz under the hood. In many respects, they’re separated only by branding and small details. Depending on how you use your phablet, small things could make a big difference.

Touch Technology and Cameras

As reported by PC Advisor, one notable difference between the two devices is how touch sensitivity is achieved. On the Nexus 6, touch capability is added as another layer on top of the AMOLED screen, while Samsung’s SuperAMOLED version has touch sensitivity built right in. This results in a Note screen that shows fewer reflections and “seems more immersive.” The cameras are also similar: Google includes 13 MP rear-facing and 2.1 MP front-facing cameras on the Nexus, while Samsung users get 16 MP rear and 3.7 MP front clickers. On paper this means a win for the Galaxy, but it’s worth noting that the Nexus includes a dual-LED flash and the Note does not, which can help improve photo quality in dark or dimly lit situations.

Extra Features

Gizmag points out that the Galaxy Note 4 comes with several quality-of-life features that are missing in the Nexus, including a fingerprint sensor, heart rate sensor, split-screen multitasking and one-handed mode. The Note also offers Samsung’s patented stylus, which allows you to easily take notes, save images or annotate screenshots. While it’s not the most important feature of a phablet, the stylus isn’t just window dressing, either.

Price and Operating System

Google wins the Nexus 6 versus Galaxy 4 pricing battle, coming in around $50 cheaper for both full retail price and on-contract plans. The Nexus also includes Lollipop while most Galaxy phablets still come preloaded with Android KitKat. The Samsung TouchWiz user interface largely dominates the user experience, so if you’re not a fan of Samsung’s user feature set, then Galaxy might just get in your way.

What’s Next?

According to a recent Phone Arena article, Samsung has big plans for the Note 4, starting in South Korea. The manufacturer is on track to release a new version of the phablet powered by its own Exynos 5433 chipset. Samsung promises Cat. 9 LTE support, tri-band carrier aggregation, and download speeds up to a whopping 450 Mpbs on the new iteration. Again, the rollout starts solely in South Korea, but this is promising news for Galaxy fans worldwide.

Final Verdict

So who wins the Nexus 6 versus Galaxy 4 throwdown? In terms of sheer specs and long-term viability, the nod goes to Samsung. It is worth pointing out that the Note 4 is more expensive and the user experience much more “curated” than on Google’s phablet, so if you’re looking for more of a blank slate, then the Nexus 6 may be your best bet.

Have you used the Nexus or Galaxy? Share your thoughts with us below.

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Check Out Lollipop’s Layers

If you have an Android phone or tablet, it’s worth knowing what’s under the hood in 5.0 Lollipop, the company’s newest operating system (OS) version. First is something you don’t need to do anything about: Android RunTime (ART). This new environment replaces Dalvik VM and promises both better app performance and responsiveness. Gizmag testing shows that so far it lives up to the hype.

You can also get more from Lollipop by using the new “Pinning” feature, which is great if you’re a parent or have friends that borrow your stuff and like to mess with your settings. Pinning allows you to lock the phone or tablet to a single app, freezing out all other functions; combine it with a passcode and your settings are always safe.

Up Your Game with iOS 8

Big fan of Apple? Then making the most of your new tech devices means getting everything you can from iOS 8. Start with one of the more obvious tweaks, like taking Siri to hands-free. Go to General > Settings > Siri, and turn on Hey Siri. Now you can just say the words and have Siri respond—so long as your device is plugged in, which makes it handy for long car trips.

If you’re running iOS8, you can scan credit cards in Safari, so you can skip the tedious steps of entering card numbers and expiration dates. And if you’re sick of the default keyboard, Apple now supports custom options like Swype and SwiftKey, along with other apps that add new colors or small personal touches.

Do More Than Scratch the Surface

Are you a Microsoft guy or gal? Then make sure you’re getting the most from your Surface Pro 3. WinBeta has a few tricks, including one to increase your battery life: Head to Control Panel, then Power Options, and then pick Change Plan. This lets you reduce the brightness of the screen, which is a battery killer at the default setting. Next, increase the number of apps you can see on the Start screen by heading to the Charms bar, then Settings, then Tiles, and choose “Show more tiles on the Start screen.”

The Surface Pen also does more than just write; you can double click the top button to take a screenshot. It’s also worth heading over to Settings, Change PC Settings, and then OneDrive and enabling “Save documents to OneDrive” if you’re a regular Surface Pro 3 user. This way, everything gets stored in the cloud.

Unbury Your BlackBerry

If BlackBerry is more your style, there’s a lot to love in version 10.3 of the OS. For starters, you can now instantly access Quick Settings by swiping down from the top of the screen, giving you a shortcut to the Settings menu and some hardware toggles. You can also expand the device’s storage with large-capacity microSD cards up to 128 GB for big files or presentations. If you need more connection with your device in a desktop environment, then go ahead and install BlackBerry Blend, which lets you respond to any work or personal e-mail, BBM, or text message that comes to your device.

It’s also possible to enable gestures, which BlackBerry calls “Advanced Interaction.” Your smartphone can be configured to wake up when lifted or enter safe or silent modes when flipped. E-mail triage lets you delete or archive multiple messages and download multiple e-mail attachments at the same time.

These tips are just a small sample of what’s available. How do you make the most of your new tech device?

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