Tough Times Call for Frugal Tech Support

Civilians are doubly stressed this holiday as financial pressures compound the anxiety many people already feel about choosing the right tech gift. A recent Consumer Electronics Association study found that while the budget for CE gifts is up 4% (to 28%) this year, overall spending on holiday goodies will be down 14%.* No one wants a disappointing gift, so how do you use a tighter budget wisely?

Geek Squad is here to help with Geekonomics tips and tools. This holiday season, Geek Squad shares tech advice online for civilians in need and shows you how to give great presents for everyone on your list, even if your budget is low and your stress level is high.

“A lot of us are feeling financial strain and this holiday. We’re looking for ways to be smart about how we spend our money,” said Double Agent Matthew Dworkin of the Geek Squad. “This year we’re giving people free advice and help to do just that, while also getting rid of some the hassle normally associated with the holidays. Geekonomics tools and tips ensure that civilians make informed decisions about what to buy (and what not to), as well as how to make the most of their gear once they get it home.”

To ensure a pleasurable and stress-free holiday shopping season, Geek Squad will offer free advice on GeekSquad.com, including:

• The first of its kind “Fix or Replace Calculator.” Pondering whether or not to splurge on a new piece of technology? The calculator allows civilians to answer questions about their existing gear and make informed decisions about whether to repair, replace or even re-gift. The calculator covers popular categories – from laptops and digital cameras to TVs, cellphones and other gadgets – and can be found at www.geeksquad.com/calculator.
• Live chat sessions when civilians need tech advice most. While the rest of the world may be “on hold” for Christmas, Geek Squad won’t leave you hanging this holiday. From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (EST) on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (EST) on Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and 8:30 a.m. to 12 midnight (EST) on Friday, Dec. 26, civilians can log onto www.GeekSquad.com for live chat sessions with Geek Squad experts. Technicians will answer any and all questions about getting your gear up and running to alleviate some of that last minute “technostress.” If you’re feeling shy and don’t want to chat, watch the interaction on the site or search for answers among a bank of frequently asked questions.
• Free instructional videos offering instant relief from common technology problems. Need a short tutorial on how to hook up your new gizmos? Geek Squad has put together dozens of videos to help civilians troubleshoot technology challenges. Look for these easy-to-understand tutorials at www.geeksquad.com/news.
• Blog commentary from Geek Squad contributors nationwide. You can access Geek Squad’s opinion on tech developments with an emphasis on what they mean for those who aren’t as passionate about technology as we are. You’ll find our blog posts at www.geeksquad.com/blog.

For help with all your technology needs, call 1.800.GEEK.SQUAD (1.800.433.5773) to set up an onsite consultation, find a location near you at www.GeekSquad.com, or visit the Geek Squad Precinct at any Best Buy location to speak with an Agent directly. We provide our services wherever and whenever you need them – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

* Consumer Electronics Association 15th Annual CE Holiday Purchase Patterns Study, October 20, 2008