Nothing changes faster than technology, but your 100% store is always up with the play! To get the low-down on camera and phones, use the drop-down menu on the left.

Cameras

Thinking about your current camera – what would you like to improve? When choosing a new camera, a good way to start is to think about what you’d change about your current one. Perhaps you can’t zoom close enough - boost your optical zoom – 3 is about average; you want to print your photos larger - you need more megapixels; or you keep chopping off your photos - you need a bigger LCD screen.

What are the extras you can get in a compact camera? Compact cameras now offer optical zoom of 8+. They can also take moving images as well as stills – look for “HD movie” if you want good a picture quality that allows you play it on your TV.

Where will you be taking your camera? Perhaps you want to take underwater shots, or action shots on the mountain. Look for models that have a suitable zoom range, are waterproof, freezeproof, dustproof, or shock-proof (if you want a camera you can just throw in your bag).

What’s a dSLR camera? This is a cross between a compact camera and an SLR (Single Lens Reflex). You can purchase different lenses, which makes it more of a ‘photographer’s camera’ than a simple point and shoot.

Digital video cameras – high definition or standard definition? Camcorders are available in standard definition (SD) or high definition (HD), which provides superior picture quality; but you’ll need an HD television to appreciate the difference.

Digital video cameras – what the different systems? Modern camcorders offer a choice of formats - including DVD, mini DVD, HDD (hard disc drive), or memory card. Each format has its different strengths, depending on what and how you like to record. We can talk you through the options in store.

How many photos will a digital photo frame hold? Most digital photo frames accept standard SD memory cards – so if you already use an SD card in your camera, you can simply plug it into your digital phone frame. The number of photos that can be displayed depends on the size of your memory card. A 2GB card, for example, could hold at least 400 images. \

Digital Still Cameras

Thinking about your current camera – what would you like to improve? When choosing a new camera, a good way to start is to think about what you’d change about your current one. Perhaps you can’t zoom close enough - boost your optical zoom – 3 is about average; you want to print your photos larger - you need more megapixels; or you keep chopping off your photos - you need a bigger LCD screen.

Where will you be taking your camera? Perhaps you want to take underwater shots, or action shots on the mountain. Look for models that have the zoom range you need, are waterproof, freezeproof, dustproof, or shock-proof (if you want a camera you can just throw in your bag).

What’s a dSLR camera? This is a cross between a compact camera and an SLR (Single Lens Reflex). You can purchase different lenses, which makes it more of a ‘photographer’s camera’ than a simple point and shoot.

Digital Video Cameras

Digital video cameras – what the different systems? Modern camcorders offer a choice of formats - including DVD, mini DVD, HDD (hard disc drive), or memory card. Each format has its different strengths, depending on what and how you like to record. We can talk you through the options in store.

Digital video cameras – high definition or standard definition? Camcorders are available in standard definition (SD) or high definition (HD), which provides superior picture quality; but you’ll need an HD television to appreciate the difference.

Digital Photo Frames

How many photos will a digital photo frame hold? Most digital photo frames accept standard SD memory cards – so if you already use an SD card in your camera, you can simply plug it into your digital phone frame. The number of photos that can be displayed depends on the size of your memory card. A 2GB card, for example, could hold at least 400 images.

Mobiles

Which mobile phone is right for me? Some people just want a basic phone for calls and texting – while others want a phone that’s almost like a mini-laptop. With a smartphone (see the section below) you can browse the web, send emails, record video, download ‘apps’ (applications) and much more. 100% Appliances has a range of phone options and can help you choose well.

iPhone, Android, Windows Phone 7 – what’s the best smartphone? The Blackberry was the first smartphone, followed by the Apple iPhone. Then there’s the range of ‘Android’ phones that run on Google’s mobile operating system. Microsoft launched its own smartphone in 2010, called Windows Phone 7. Each brand has its fans and critics – so if you’re choosing between them, start by checking out the reviews on the Internet and consider which features are most important to you. We can also explain the pros and cons in store.

What does it mean that my mobile phone is 3G compatible? 3G stands for “third generation” of mobile phone technology. It was first introduced into New Zealand by Vodafone, followed by Telecom’s XT network, and also 2degrees. 3G is basically a faster network that provides capacity for services like mobile broadband. To use the network, you need a 3G-compatible phone.

What is Bluetooth? It’s a technology that provides a wireless connection between mobile phones, computers, headsets, car kits and even fax machines. It allows devices in the same area to “talk” to each other via radio waves. When Bluetooth is activated, the devices communicate automatically, so you don’t have to press anything to transmit data. To find out whether your mobile phone has Bluetooth, look at the settings menu for the word “Bluetooth” or the Bluetooth symbol. Or you can look at the website Bluetooth.com for a list of Blue-tooth capable phones. If you’re not sure, just ask us in-store.

Hands on the wheel – choosing a hands-free car kit Since November 2009 it’s been illegal to have your hand on the phone while you’re driving. So if you want to talk and drive, you’ll need the technology to do it. Your options range from an entry level Bluetooth headset only (which you can also use out of your car), a Bluetooth car kit (for better sound clarity while driving), or a GPS device that comes with hands-free capability.

Phones

What are the extra features you can get with a cordless phone? These days pretty much all cordless phones come with an alpha-numeric keypad, redial options, paging from base to handset (so you can find your phone in the house), and favourite number storage. Users want more from their devices these days - features such as longer range, greater clarity and even the ability to link their cellphone calls to a home based cordless phone via Bluetooth. There are a range of extra features, if you need them – such as built-in answering machine, baby monitor, hearing aid compatibility, conversation recording or a headset port so you can "wear" your phone. We even have phones for the visually and hearing impaired. There is now a new range of repeater series phones, that treat each additional handset as a repeater to give much greater reception distance, giving you even more cordless freedom. And of course there are styles and features to suit almost every taste.

Mobiles

Which mobile phone is right for me? Some people just want a basic phone for calls and texting – while others want a phone that’s almost like a mini-laptop. With a smartphone (see the section below) you can browse the web, send emails, record video, download ‘apps’ (applications) and much more. 100% Appliances has a range of phone options and can help you choose well.

iPhone, Android, Windows Phone 7 – what’s the best smartphone? The Blackberry was the first smartphone, followed by the Apple iPhone. Then there’s the range of ‘Android’ phones that run on Google’s mobile operating system. Microsoft launched its own smartphone in 2010, called Windows Phone 7. Each brand has its fans and critics – so if you’re choosing between them, start by checking out the reviews on the Internet and consider which features are most important to you. We can also explain the pros and cons in store.

What does it mean that my mobile phone is 3G compatible? 3G stands for “third generation” of mobile phone technology. It was first introduced into New Zealand by Vodafone, followed by Telecom’s XT network, and also 2degrees. 3G is basically a faster network that provides capacity for services like mobile broadband. To use the network, you need a 3G-compatible phone.

What is Bluetooth? It’s a technology that provides a wireless connection between mobile phones, computers, headsets, car kits and even fax machines. It allows devices in the same area to “talk” to each other via radio waves. When Bluetooth is activated, the devices communicate automatically, so you don’t have to press anything to transmit data. To find out whether your mobile phone has Bluetooth, look at the settings menu for the word “Bluetooth” or the Bluetooth symbol. Or you can look at the website Bluetooth.com for a list of Blue-tooth capable phones. If you’re not sure, just ask us in-store.

Hands on the wheel – choosing a hands-free car kit Since November 2009 it’s been illegal to have your hand on the phone while you’re driving. So if you want to talk and drive, you’ll need the technology to do it. Your options range from an entry level Bluetooth headset only (which you can also use out of your car), a Bluetooth car kit (for better sound clarity while driving), or a GPS device that comes with hands-free capability.

Phones

What are the extra features you can get with a cordless phone? These days pretty much all cordless phones come with an alpha-numeric keypad, redial options, paging from base to handset (so you can find your phone in the house), and favourite number storage. Users want more from their devices these days - features such as longer range, greater clarity and even the ability to link their cellphone calls to a home based cordless phone via Bluetooth. There are a range of extra features, if you need them – such as built-in answering machine, baby monitor, hearing aid compatibility, conversation recording or a headset port so you can "wear" your phone. We even have phones for the visually and hearing impaired. There is now a new range of repeater series phones, that treat each additional handset as a repeater to give much greater reception distance, giving you even more cordless freedom. And of course there are styles and features to suit almost every taste.