Tech Savvy team tackles technology

Team Tech Savvy takes over duties.

After nearly four years and 150 Tech Savvy columns, Phil Seibel took a job at the Mankato Free Press. So the Dispatch newsroom staff will be taking on the column on a rotating basis. The team welcomes questions and feedback on topics to tackle from readers via email at techsavvy@brainerddispatch.com .

Finding the tech balance

Chelsey Perkins

Although relatively tech savvy these days, I've typically been somewhat of a late adopter when it comes to new technologies. My first smartphone? Three years ago. First computer not tethered to a desk? Not until after college. I attribute this attitude partly to an inclination toward the tried and true and partly to my father's thrifty habits rubbing off on me-wait until the next generation, he'd say, it'll be better and less expensive.

I've always appreciated being a part of truly the last mostly tech-free American generation of children, and am forever thankful social media was not yet off the ground in my high school days (Myspace doesn't count). This doesn't mean I don't appreciate the tremendous impact technological advances have on our everyday lives. I'm particularly drawn to how technology can solve longstanding societal problems in ways never before considered-through health interventions or the globalization of information, for example.

CHELSEY PERKINS may be reached at 218-855-5874 or chelsey.perkins@brainerddispatch.com . Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchChelsey .

Favorite technology in two words

Zach Kayser

My favorite technology would be a close tie between Twitter and Netflix. Twitter satisfies my need to know new information, and to make bad puns. Netflix satisfies my need to watch Harrison Ford as Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan. More than anything else, this makes me understand how technology can improve people's lives.

Let's all learn together

Jennifer Stockinger

I am the last person who should be writing Tech Savvy features. I am pretty green when it comes to working different technology gadgets. Let's just say I need a lot of help. At the same time, I am interested in how everything works, as some of these gadgets are so cool and I'm amazed at what they can do. So now being one of the writers of the weekly column, I will be able to share what I learn with Dispatch readers.

When I write my columns, please forgive me if I write in too much detail explaining things that all the "techy people" already know. I am hoping to broaden my technology vocabulary. Readers feel free to email me with your knowledge of technology terms, gadgets or what you would like to learn more about and I will consider it for a future column. I am the only parent in the "Tech Savvy writers' bunch" so I may focus on what parents can do when it comes to their children and technology, such as the tools parents need to protect their children from unsafe Internet use in our fast, digital age.

Wish me luck!

JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5851. Follow me at www.twitter.com/jennewsgirl on Twitter.

Say no to paperless

Spenser Bickett

I would say Tech Savvy is a perfect description of how comfortable I am using gadgets or technology. I'm neither a guru nor a Luddite, but I'm savvy and confident, which works for me. I spend most of my day at work on a computer or my iPhone, so I've started to prefer less screen time in my free time. I like reading and because of this previous point, I'm staunchly opposed to reading on a Kindle, iPad or other tablet device. Give me a good, solid paperback instead, which also supports Minnesota's timber industry, I might add.

SPENSER BICKETT may be reached at 218-855-5859 or spenser.bickett@brainerddispatch.com . Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/spenserbickett .

Bring on the gadgets

Renee Richardson

I admit it. I like gadgets and technology. I loved "The Jetsons" and am still waiting for the flying car. I'm always looking at the latest TV technology and am waiting impatiently for the Apple Watch 2. The idea of a smart house intrigues me to no end. I both like and am slightly apprehensive at times about the idea of entering the home after work and asking it to bring me a nice cold can of Tab but also wondering, if ever so slightly, if it will go all Hal on me like the sentient and maniacal computer in Stanley Kubrick film "2001: A Space Odyssey." Either way, I'm ready for the adventure, the discovery and the journey of living in the 21st century.

RENEE RICHARDSON, associate editor, may be reached at 218-855-5852 or renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com . Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Dispatchbizbuzz .