Recent Comments
Comment by Jeff on What is the Worst Place to Buy a Smartphone? (September 17, 2025 04:38 AM)
After destroying an old Nokia Chiclet phone in an unfortunate accident underneath a pickup truck tire, I sought out a military grade Casio G'Zone flip...
Comment by Jeanine on What is the Worst Place to Buy a Smartphone? (September 17, 2025 01:43 AM)
Another flip phone fan here. I do not understand the need to have a "smart" phone, unless of course you like being the prisoner of your device....
Comment by Herb K on What is the Worst Place to Buy a Smartphone? (September 17, 2025 12:55 AM)
Bob - I got what I think is a GREAT deal from Consumer Cellular: A Google Pixel 10 (base model), 128GB, normally $799 for $399! That's 50% off! Cash...
Comment by Ruth on What is the Worst Place to Buy a Smartphone? (September 17, 2025 12:47 AM)
Bought my first two iPhones at a carrier store. After that, I migrated to an Apple store where the product knowledge was much better. Have never had p...
Comment by FactsRule on What is the Worst Place to Buy a Smartphone? (September 17, 2025 12:30 AM)
I've used Swappa.com for many years very successfully and happily....
Comment by Wolf on What is the Worst Place to Buy a Smartphone? (September 17, 2025 12:18 AM)
This is a great article presenting the good, the bad, and the ugly, regarding where to buy phones. I had my present iPhone for several years now, and ...
Comment by Citellus on Smishing ALERT: What you need to know and do (September 16, 2025 11:07 PM)
Just like email, when I get a text that looks possibly legitimate and asks me to call my bank or some company, I do call. Only I use the number that ...
Comment by cropduster on What is the Worst Place to Buy a Smartphone? (September 16, 2025 10:48 PM)
i've purchased at least a dozen iPhones through SWAPPA in the decade past. I've never had a problem. Why buy new when you can but someone else's "tr...
Comment by Renaud Olgiati on What is the Worst Place to Buy a Smartphone? (September 16, 2025 10:33 PM)
In smartphones (as in all electronics) I always look for the (latest - 1) version, usually second hand but guaranteed working, on Amazon or Ebay. Neve...
Comment by BernieAmle on What is the Worst Place to Buy a Smartphone? (September 16, 2025 10:19 PM)
I have bought a number of refurbished phones through Back Market and their descriptions and services are first class. ...
Personal Articles
Your Electrons Needed (and a favor...)
I love my job. Every day, I help people use computers and the Internet, answering their questions and pointing them to resources that will save them time, trouble, or money. I especially love it when readers become friends and people tell me that they're using what they've learned here to help others. It's very satisfying, but there is one favor I'd like to ask of you. Please read on...
...Doctor, My Eyes!
Hi All! Today I’m taking a break from my usual job as Translator for the Technology Impaired, to share an “eye opening” story with my AskBob readers. If you’ve noticed I haven’t been publishing as regularly as usual lately, read on to see the reason for that. I think you’ll be glad you did...
...Can You Spare a Few Electrons?
I love my job. Every day, I help people use computers and the Internet, answering their questions and pointing them to resources that will save them time, trouble, or money. I especially love it when readers become friends and people tell me that they're using what they've learned here to help others. It's very satisfying, but there is one favor I'd like to ask of you. Please read on...
...Hey, It's My (digital) Birthday!
Today I'm celebrating a birthday. It was 24 years ago, in July 1995, that The Internet Tourbus first rolled out into cyberspace. And ten years later, AskBobRankin.com was born. With thanks to awesome readers like you, I'll keep on keeping on, with my continuing guaranteed to make you better looking and 146% smarter. Read on!
...A Big Milestone + Geekly Update
Today I'm celebrating an anniversary -- 20 years of online publishing! The Internet Tourbus first rolled out into cyberspace in July 1995, and ten years later, AskBobRankin.com was born. With thanks to awesome readers like you, I'll keep on keeping on. Today's Geekly Update is an expanded version, with twenty items that are guaranteed to make you 146% smarter. Read, think and comment!
...Announcing... The Rankin File!
I've started a new website, and what better day to officially announce it than on my birthday? The Rankin File offers 'small business tech and tips' for those who run their own business. If you have a home-based business, a small business with employees, or you're even thinking about starting your own business, The Rankin File is for you! And as the name suggests, it's not just for business owners. If you're a secretary, office manager, or wannabe techie, my tips will help you score points with the boss. Read on to learn more about what you'll find in the Rankin File...
...Tourbus - The Final Bus Stop
In case you haven't heard, The Internet Tourbus is rolling up to its final stop. After 16 years of online publishing, Tourbus is one of the longest-running email newsletters. But two things have happened this year, prompting me to hit the brakes. Here's the full story...
...Who is Bob Rankin?
Every so often, people ask about my background, and how I got started with computers and the Internet. I've published bits and pieces of my bio before, but never a detailed account of my professional life. So here it is, with a few interesting personal asides...
...My Cholesterol Level is Too High!
After a routine physical, I got the news from my doctor that my cholesterol is too high. My diet is pretty healthy, and I'm not in bad shape for a 48-year-old guy. But this LDL and HDL stuff is a wakeup call for me. Clearly I need to exercise more and be aware of foods to avoid high cholesterol. So here's my 4-month plan to knock 40 or 50 points off that cholesterol number, without using any prescription drugs...
...Bonzai - It's a New Puppy!
I know I'm supposed to write about computers, the Internet and nifty gadgets, but life is more than all that electronic stuff. I'm so happy with my new puppy that I've just got to show him off...
...
