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what to do if you spill water on a laptop

What to Do If You Spill Water on a Laptop

Written by csadmin on . Posted in Blog, Computer Repair. No Comments on What to Do If You Spill Water on a Laptop

No matter how careful you are with liquids around your laptop and other computer equipment, accidents still happen. Spilling something on your electronics can cause them to short-circuit and fry, rendering them useless in the worst-case scenario. Knowing what to do if you spill water on a laptop can save you time and money while preserving your data. 

As a top computer repair service in Tucson, AZ, Quik Fix Repair knows that it’s possible to fix a water-damaged laptop at home if you know the correct steps and act quickly. Our guide below explains what you can do to save a laptop from water spills. 

Top Laptop Water Damage Emergency Steps

Unless you have a water-resistant laptop, the last thing you want to do is accidentally drop water on it. When moisture soaks your laptop screen or keyboard, it could cause damage to internal components, leading to hardware problems. Knowing how to dry out a wet laptop quickly will make preventing serious complications like total device failure easier. 

Here’s what to do to prevent a short circuit after a laptop water spill. 

Turn the Laptop Off

The first thing to do to save your laptop from a premature malfunction due to a water spill is to turn the system off. Water and electronics with power can be dangerous. As soon as the spill occurs, unplug the device and press the power button for at least five seconds to shut the laptop down.

Leaving the power on while trying to clean the spill will make a short circuit more likely. If the water splashes on you as well as the computer, don’t unplug the device from the wall. It’s better to turn off the circuit breaker for the outlet to avoid an electric shock or electrocution.

Unplug Accessories

When learning what to do if you spill water on a laptop, remember about laptop attachments and accessories. These may include thumb drives, USB cords, and wireless mouse attachments. You don’t want the moisture to affect those components or create spaces where water can hide. 

You should also flip the laptop upside down and remove the battery if possible. Again, you don’t want moisture to hide in the laptop’s cracks and crevices. 

Dry All Surfaces

When the computer is off and no longer has its battery or attachments, start drying it off. Use a soft, lint-free towel or cloth to wipe down the entire surface of the laptop, including its screen.

Avoid using a heat source like a blowdryer or sunlight to dry out the laptop. Excessive heat can cause additional damage to the electronic equipment. Instead, open the laptop, turn it upside down in a “V” shape, and lay it on a towel so the water can drip out. Let the device air dry for at least 24 hours.

Open Laptop to Remove Internal Components

Sometimes a water spill around a laptop is severe enough that a simple air dry won’t be sufficient. If moisture gets deep into the laptop, you might need to open the back panel and remove the components to ensure thorough drying.

Unfortunately, opening the back of an older laptop is more straightforward than taking a modern device apart. In that case, it may be best to let the laptop air dry as much as possible and take it to a computer repair shop for additional help. 

Clean Water vs Sticky Liquid on Laptops: Same Cleaning and Drying Methods?

The type of moisture that gets on your laptop will determine whether you should attempt the repair at home or if you need professional guidance. For instance, water isn’t acidic, and while it is damaging, it won’t immediately ruin the computer. It’s possible to save a laptop from a water spill. 

Conversely, sticky liquids like juice, soda, or alcoholic beverages are more corrosive and conductive. They can quickly cause permanent damage, so professional intervention is necessary.

Get Help for Your Water-Damaged Laptop From Tucson’s Repair Experts

Are you still struggling with your computer equipment after learning what to do if you spill water on a laptop? Quik Fix Repair in Tucson, Arizona, is here to help. Whether you drop your phone on water or spill something on your computer, we offer innovative electronic repair solutions. 

With more than 250,000 successful device repairs in our portfolio, we know how to quickly troubleshoot problems and provide long-term fixes. We offer low prices and a lifetime warranty on our work. Call Quik Fix Repair at (520) 448-9611 for a quote from our East Side location, (520) 463-7044 for our South Side shop, or (520) 850-6637 to reach our Central Tucson location.

why is my laptop camera not working

Why Is My Laptop Camera Not Working?

Written by csadmin on . Posted in Blog, Camera Repair. No Comments on Why Is My Laptop Camera Not Working?

A laptop camera is just about as necessary as the keyboard, especially if you work from home. While it can be distressing, if your camera has stopped working, you can resolve the issue relatively quickly.

If you’re wondering, “Why is my laptop camera not working?” then allow Quik Fix, which is responsible for expert computer repair service in Tucson, AZ, to explain all the troubleshooting tips you need to know.

Troubleshooting Options for Restoring Your Laptop Camera

Ensuring your camera works is just another part of how you care for your laptop. You can try several different troubleshooting steps to get your camera back online.

Update Your Camera’s Drivers

Sometimes, software incompatibility can be the source of your issues. Resetting the drivers can help resolve a camera issue, even if you’re just having problems with camera latency. If your camera isn’t working, you may need to update your drivers to their latest versions:

  1. Press Windows + X and click Device Manager
  2. Within Device Manager, expand Imaging Devices by clicking it.
  3. Right-click your laptop’s camera driver.
  4. Select Update Driver.
  5. Select Search automatically for updated driver software and select the latest update.

Ensure Correct Windows Camera Settings

If your camera isn’t working correctly, it may be because your camera’s settings within Windows are incorrect, denying your computer permission to use the camera. Sometimes, settings can change during normal operation. Or, if you’ve never used your camera before, Windows may have turned this setting off:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Search “webcam” in your search box.
  3. Select Camera privacy settings.
  4. Turn Allow apps to allow access to the camera.
  5. Below, select all the apps you want to use for your camera.

Troubleshoot via the Control Panel

If you don’t know the answer to the question, “Why is my laptop camera not working?” then maybe Windows itself can help you. Troubleshooting in the Control Panel can amend all kinds of issues besides your camera not working. If you’re having trouble, a Windows troubleshooting session may be able to fix your problem without any more of your effort required.

  1. Go to your Control Panel by typing “control panel” in your Settings search bar.
  2. Scroll down before clicking Troubleshooting.
  3. On the left, click View All.
  4. Click Hardware and Devices, then Next.
  5. After clicking next, the troubleshooting program will attempt to detect and fix your issue if there is one with the software of your camera.

Rollback Your Drivers

If updating your drivers doesn’t fix the issue, your drivers may be the problem. Rolling them back can help resolve any compatibility issues your laptop’s camera may be having with the system. You can do all of this within Device Manager.

  1. Search for Device Manager in your Settings search box.
  2. Click Imaging Devices, where your camera is located.
  3. Right-click your camera and select Properties.
  4. In the Driver tab, click the Roll Back Driver option and click OK. 
  5. Restart your computer.

Uninstall and Reinstall the Camera Drivers

Sometimes, reinstalling drivers can fix a problem if the initial install isn’t functioning properly.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Scroll until you find Imaging devices.
  3. Right-click your camera under Imaging Devices and click Uninstall Device.
  4. After opening the Uninstall Device window, check the Delete the driver software for this device option. Click Uninstall.
  5. Under the Action tab, click Scan for hardware changes. This will reinstall all missing drivers.

Check and Disable Camera Apps

If multiple apps are using your camera, they may clash and not allow seamless camera usage between them:

  1. Open Task Manager.
  2. Select the Start-up tab.
  3. Find all processes that are using the webcam.
  4. For each process you don’t want to use your webcam, right-click the process and choose Disable.

Reset Your Camera App

If all else fails, try resetting the app itself:

  1. Select Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Camera
  2. Once you find the Camera app, select Advanced Options.
  3. Choose Reset.

Solve Your Troubleshooting Issues Today With Quik Fix

Now that you know the answer to “Why is my laptop camera not working?” why not work with some of the best experts in the business? Whether you’re working outside or dealing with tech issues inside, we have the solution for all kinds of tech problems.

We provide expert phone, Apple, and computer repair services in Tucson, Arizona, and surrounding areas. Not only are our prices low, but we offer services that have your device back to you within the same day. To get started with your tech solutions today, reach out and call our Quik Fix team at 520-850-6637.

why is my ipad not responding to touch

Why Is My iPad Not Responding to Touch?

Written by csadmin on . Posted in Apple Repairs, Blog. No Comments on Why Is My iPad Not Responding to Touch?

If you own an iPad, you likely rely on it for myriad tasks, like professional work, household management, and entertainment. Is your iPad touchscreen unresponsive? This situation can make you panic and ask yourself, “Why is my iPad not responding to touch?” as you anxiously press the buttons and tap the screen.

Stay calm; services like Quik Fix Repair offer iPad screen repair in Tucson, Arizona. Below are also a few tips and tricks to make your screen respond again.

Why Is My iPad Not Responding to Touch: A Brief Guide

Smart device and iPad touchscreen issues truly bring to light society’s dependence on technology. However, your unresponsive screen is rarely a reason to panic.

 Try the following recommendations to get your device working seamlessly again:

#1 Clean Dirt or Dampness off the Screen

Your fingers smudge excess oils, leftover food, and droplets onto your screen. Your iPad might also gather dust and debris on this surface while particles infiltrate even a protective casing.

Of course, you can mitigate this by washing your hands more and also using a microfiber cloth with a little rubbing alcohol to clean the screen. Take the case off to gently wipe down the device and the inside of the case, as well.

#2 Remedy Wet or Cold Fingers Before Using Your iPad

With a touchscreen not working on iPad devices, it might not be detecting your touch because of dampness or extreme temperatures. Cold fingertips don’t provide the heat the screen responds to, and moisture places a similar barrier between your fingers and the surface.

Try warming your hands before touching the screen. If you recently rinsed your hands, thoroughly dry them on a towel. Then, try using your iPad again.

#3 Try iPad App or System Updates

Why is my iPad not responding to touch after washing and drying my hands and wiping down the screen? Sometimes, fixing iPad touchscreen problems involves a technical approach. 

Do you have issues with one app in particular? If so, close the app and check for updates. Applications may stagnate and freeze when their developers release updates. 

Alternatively, force your device to restart so that your operating system updates.

#4 Look for Problems With the iPad’s Case or Screen Protector

Searching for “iPad touchscreen not responsive” solutions on the internet might turn up some helpful advice, but they often forget the accessories like screen protectors or cases. 

Protective cases can collect dust inside, preventing your full fingerprint from making contact with the screen reader. Cases also incur damage as they age. After all, they protect your device when you drop it, becoming warped and cracked while your device remains pristine.

Check the following, as well:

  • Did you leave the thin, plastic screen protector in place? Screen protectors are almost undetectable and may bubble up or wrinkle. Lift and peel off this membrane covering the screen, and your screen should work as expected.
  • Is there visible damage on your case or screen protector? If you’ve had things for a while, you may need to replace them.

One More Possible iPad Touchscreen Issue—Faulty Cables Plugged In

Did you know that bad cables can prevent your iPad from running smoothly, too? USB cables connect to other devices, charge the battery, and help you listen to audio with earbuds. However, if you have these accessories connected to your device, try unplugging them to see whether your screen responds better. 

Be sure to reconnect them to test whether the touchscreen issue comes back, too. It could be the same cable creating the problem. Replacing faulty connections ensures they don’t interfere with how the device communicates and responds to stimuli. 

What if These Suggestions Don’t Wake Up My iPad’s Touchscreen?

While you can solve most touchscreen problems with the above solutions, an internal problem requires one of the following solutions:

  • Complete factory reset: Delete all data and personalized settings to return the device to its original programming.
  • Clear memory space: Delete apps, photos, and other data that you can do without. The move should free up the device for smoother communication and screen responses.
  • Professional iPad touchscreen troubleshooting: An iPad technician can troubleshoot and repair a hardware or software issue. 

Still Having Issues? Contact Quik Fix Repair!

“Why is my iPad not responding to touch?”

If you’re still asking this question after trying the above solutions, contact Quik Fix Repair in Tucson, Arizona. We can also fix your broken smartphone and other handheld devices. We might even help you avoid the expense of purchasing a new device with our quality tech repairs.

my ipad fell and now the screen is black

My iPad Fell and Now the Screen Is Black: Here’s What You Can Do

Written by csadmin on . Posted in Apple Repairs, Blog. No Comments on My iPad Fell and Now the Screen Is Black: Here’s What You Can Do

If you’re searching for, “My iPad fell and now the screen is black,” you’re likely worried about whether you can find an affordable solution to your problem. As a provider of trusted iPad screen repair in Tucson, Quik Fix Repair can troubleshoot the problem and find a competitively priced solution. Keep reading to discover the potential causes of your iPad’s black screen and possible solutions for the issue.

Causes of a Black iPad Screen

If your iPad screen turned black after falling, you might jump to the conclusion that the fall caused the damage. If the fall cracked the screen, you’ll have an obvious cause for your black screen. However, it’s possible the fall worsened a different problem or the black screen is just a coincidence.

Other potential causes of a black screen include a dead battery, using the wrong charger, ignoring a necessary update, a faulty app, and more. Don’t take it for granted that you know the problem after you dropped your iPad.

Troubleshooting Your Black iPad Screen

Fixing the black screen issue on a dropped iPad could cost significant money, but several possible solutions won’t cost you anything. If your screen is black after you drop your iPad, consider the following potential issues.

Install a New Screen

The easiest step in troubleshooting an iPad’s black screen after dropping it is deciding whether you need a new screen. Cracks of any kind provide a clear indication you need a new screen, but it’s possible you need a new screen even if you don’t see damage. For example, the fall can jar the liquid-crystal display and damage the pixels. 

The extent of the damage will dictate the cost of replacing the new screen. However, before assuming you need a new screen, determine whether it has any of the following issues.

Charge the Device

You can attempt restoring the iPad display after a fall by charging the device with an official Apple charger. Using off-brand chargers can damage your device or frequently fail to charge it. If the Apple logo doesn’t appear on the screen after a few minutes, try something else.

Install Updates

If you’re searching, “My iPad fell and now the screen is black,” consider whether you’ve installed updates recently. One of the first rules of caring for your new phone or device is to install updates soon after they’re available. Thankfully, you can still update your iPad even if the screen doesn’t work. 

Plug it into a charger and then connect it to your computer. Open iTunes on your computer and then press the Home and Sleep buttons simultaneously until you see the option to restore or update appear on your iPad.

After you tap Update, iTunes can update your device without affecting your data. The iPad should then restart, completing the process.

Check Auto-Brightness

One of the easiest solutions for an iPad with a black screen due to dropping it is checking the brightness levels, especially if you can still hear it. If you know the device is on and you’ve enabled Siri, ask it to turn the brightness up. Otherwise, take it to a dark room and determine if you can see enough to change the settings. 

If you’ve dropped your iPad, it’s possible you damaged the device’s ambient light sensor. If you disable auto-brightness, the problem won’t affect you any longer.

Cool It Down

Your iPad can overheat for several reasons, causing the screen to go black. One of the most common reasons for overheating is using an off-brand charger. 

Put your iPad in a cool place for an hour and, as long as you know it has adequate power, turn it back on and see if you’ve fixed your black screen problem.

Attempt a Reset

As with most electronic devices, sometimes addressing screen problems on a dropped iPad comes down to restarting it. First, try a forced reset by holding the Home and Sleep buttons at the same time.

If that doesn’t work, you can try a factory reset. This will erase all your information on your iPad but will fix any problem caused by corrupted software or hardware.

Quik Fix Repair Can Solve Your iPad Problems

Now you know what to do after you search, “My iPad fell and now the screen is black.” Whether you’ve dropped your phone in water or it fell off the table, Quik Fix Repair can troubleshoot it and find a solution. We’re the number-one Apple repair shop in Tucson.

To schedule your device repair, call 520-448-9611 or contact us online.

Apple iPad Air 4 vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

Written by csadmin on . Posted in Blog.

Stuck between the iPad Air 2020 and Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra? Use this comparison piece to help yourself decide.

If you’re in the market for a tablet, the number of choices you have can be overwhelming. That’s why our experts have rounded down two of the latest tablets from technology powerhouses Apple and Samsung.

In this gadget A versus gadget B article, we’re going to compare Apple’s iPad Air 4 (2020) and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (2022). We’re breaking down which one fares better in terms of:

  • Specifications
  • Price
  • Design
  • Display
  • Performance
  • Camera
  • Battery life
  • Software

Specifications

Looking at the quick specifications for both products below, we can see significant differences in starting price, cameras, battery life, weight, and color choices. These differences might be the point where you pick either of the two. 

You might like the iPad Air 4 because it’s $500 cheaper and lighter, but you might also like the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra for its better camera, bigger display, longer battery life, and higher storage capacity.

iPad Air 4Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Starting price$599$1,099.99
Display10.9 inches (1640 x 2360)14.6 inches (1848 x 2960)
CPUHexa-coreOcta-core
RAM4GB8GB
Storage64GB128GB
Rear camera12MP13MP + 6MP
Front camera7MP12MP + 12MP
Battery life7606 mAh11200 mAh
Size9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 in12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 in
Weight458 g726 g
ColorsSpace Gray, Silver, Rose Gold, Green, Sky BlueGraphite

Price

In the table above, you can see that the iPad Air 4 is half the price of the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. The reason behind this is that the iPad Air 4 was released two years before the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. That’s a long time in the technology for the industry, long enough for both manufacturers to come up with better products.

Aside from the release date, you should also consider their differences. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is more expensive, but that’s because it fares better than the iPad Air 4 in terms of tech specs.

Design

In the iPad Air 4, you can see Apple’s consistent design choices and wide color options. Granted it has thicker bezels than the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. But if you’re a fan of Apple’s design and what colors you can get from them, the iPad Air 4 is designed better, just 0.02 in thicker and roughly 300 g lighter than the S8 Ultra.

Display

The S8 Ultra has a bigger viewable area than the iPad Air 4. It also has a higher screen resolution, which makes for crisp viewing. However, that also means the S8 Ultra is heavier and requires more space for storage.

Performance

The iPad Air 4 has a 6-core CPU and the S8 Ultra has 8 cores. If you’re not into bench testing your tech, you won’t notice the difference 2 cores can make. But when it comes to RAM, the S8 Ultra will fare better because it has 4GB, compared to iPad Air 4’s 4GB.

Camera

If you look at the specs sheet on top of this article, the S8 Ultra has better (and more) cameras. But if you’re someone used to the quality of either brand, you’ll easily spot the difference between the camera quality. Samsung’s front cameras are known to underperform in low light settings, while Apple’s fare much better without much light on subjects.

Battery Life

It’s inarguable that the S8 Ultra has a better battery life because it’s much bigger than the battery pack the iPad Air 4 has. But with a slightly bigger display, more CPU cores, and more RAM, you should expect the S8 Ultra’s juice to run out faster if you’re a heavy user.

Software

In terms of Software, the iPad Air 4 fares a lot better because of the highly-integrated “Apple ecosystem.” You can connect all other Apple devices you have with ease. With the S8 Ultra, the chance to integrate with other Samsung devices as much as the iPad Air 4 can with other Apple devices is slim.

Which iPhone Model Is the Best for You?

Written by csadmin on . Posted in Blog.

Apple usually comes out with 2 to 4 models of the iPhone with every generation. That means you’ll have to choose between 4 different iPhone models to find the best iPhone model that will suit your daily productivity, social, and entertainment needs.

Moreover, if you’re a smartphone user who takes high-quality photos and videos, plays heavy mobile games, and does other hardware-demanding tasks on your phone, you’re bound to look for an iPhone that can serve all your needs without an issue.

Fortunately, we came up with a list of iPhone 13 models to find the best iPhone model for you. Go through our list and finish reading it to find a suitable smartphone:

1. iPhone 13 mini

Today’s smartphone mantra is the bigger, the better. That doesn’t stand true for the iPhone 13 mini. It has a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display, which is by far the smallest viewable screen since the iPhone 8. 

Since not everyone is a fan of big smartphones with wide screens, the iPhone 13 mini is perfect for people who like to have their cell phone fit just right in their hands and pockets. It’s never easy to always have to hold your phone in your hands because it won’t fit in any of your pockets, right?

With the iPhone 13 mini, you get 5G support, a powerful dual-lens rear camera that can capture up to 4K@60fps videos, the A15 Bionic chip, and up to 17 hours of video playback on Wi-Fi. When it comes to storage, you can have up to 512GB to store all your images, photos, files, and apps.

Even with all those features, the iPhone 13 mini is still mini – it only weighs 140g! Size-wise, this is the best iPhone model for users to like the comfort of having a cell phone with a size that’s just right to fit in their palms and pockets.

2. iPhone 13

The iPhone 13 mini made a slight jump and became the iPhone 13. The iPhone 13 is just a tad bigger, with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and the same rear camera power. It’s also powered by the same A15 Bionic chip but has a bigger battery that can play up to 19 hours of video on Wi-Fi.

It’s also 5G-enabled to let you stream videos without a problem. However, you get 63 additional grams for a bigger display and battery. If you think carefully, 2 hours of additional video playback and .7 inches of additional screen size isn’t all that big of an improvement to accept carrying a 173g iPhone around when there’s the 140g iPhone 13 mini with the same features.

But if you’re looking for the selling point of the iPhone 13, it’s the familiar size that the colorful iPhone XR has. Are you a fan of the XR? The iPhone 13 is a good way to look back.

3. iPhone 13 Pro

Since iPhones are famed for their superb camera quality, the iPhone 13 Pro gets a huge upgrade from the iPhone 13’s dual-lens rear camera set up.

The iPhone 13 Pro has a triple-lens set up with 6x optical zoom, LiDar Scanner for better photos in Night mode and low light environments, a bigger battery that allows up to 22 hours of video playback on Wi-Fi, and up to 1TB of storage.

However, the screen size didn’t change. The iPhone 13 Pro still has the same 6.1-inch screen you’ll see in the iPhone 13 but with ProMotion. Even if the Pro version weighs 33 grams more (203g), the only changes you’ll see is the better camera, bigger battery, and more storage capacity.

So if you want the iPhone 13 with a better camera and more storage to take advantage of the quality of that camera, get the iPhone 13 Pro.

4. iPhone 13 Pro Max

The brightest of the iPhone 13 line is the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which has the same camera as the iPhone 13 Pro. However, its screen size is much bigger, with 6.7 inches of the viewable area on Super Retina Display with ProMotion.

It has a beefier battery, allowing up to 28 hours of video playback on Wi-Fi. Its storage capacity is also capped at 1TB, which we think is enough if you’re not trying to shoot movies on your iPhone.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max has the biggest display, so this one is perfect for creators who want to utilize the camera power of the 13 Pro Max for content creation. In addition, you’ll also appreciate this model if you love watching videos on your phone.

Top 4 Apple Accessories You Should Buy

Written by csadmin on . Posted in Blog.

Apple accessories make the Apple ecosystem more organized and usable. Here’s a list of the ones you should have in your arsenal.

The lifestyle sold by Apple is difficult to resist. It provides ease of use, organization, convenience, and a sense of minimalism all in one. While some Apple accessories might seem unnecessary, they exist for their own purposes and users love them. Otherwise, Apple wouldn’t think of releasing them if they knew their consumers wouldn’t bite.

Let’s take a look at the Apple accessories that are worth your money:

1. AirTag

The AirTag is one of Apple’s latest additions to the line of Apple accessories. It’s a keychain you can attach to anything, even non-Apple devices, and electronics. It helps you keep track of those items. You can attach an AirTag to your keys, backpack, wallet – the options are endless!

The best part of the AirTag is that you can see the location of the item it’s attached to in the Find My app. Simply put, once an item has an AirTag, it can be located just like the devices in your Find My app.

You can purchase as many AirTags as you want and pair them to your Find My app to keep track of things that are important to you. If you lose your keys and wallet frequently, then the AirTag is a great buy.

Furthermore, you can personalize your AirTags by getting free engraving services from Apple upon purchase.

2. MagSafe Battery Pack

There’s nothing better than having extra battery juice without carrying a power bank around with you all the time. That’s what the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack brings to the table for Apple fans. Not only that, but it also comes in different colors! You can match it with the rest of your electronics and Apple accessories to create an organized look.

The MagSafe magnets are compatible with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series, but there’s also a version for older iPhones called the Smart Battery Case.

Here’s how much the MagSafe Battery Pack can charge your iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, according to Apple:

  • Up to 70% additional charge with iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 13 mini and MagSafe Battery Pack*
  • Up to 60% additional charge with iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 and MagSafe Battery Pack*
  • Up to 60% additional charge with iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro and MagSafe Battery Pack*
  • Up to 40% additional charge with iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 13 Pro Max and MagSafe Battery Pack*

3. AirPods Max

Another first of its kind from the group of Apple accessories is the AirPods Max. It’s the brand’s first-ever over-head earphones and audio accessory that comes in colors other than white! It has an impressive fit that prevents it from falling off your head, Hi-Fi audio, noise control with Active Noise Cancellation, and Spatial Audio.

You can customize it further by getting an engraving service from Apple upon purchase. Further, the colors are the following:

  • Space Gray
  • Silver
  • Pink
  • Green
  • Sky Blue

Lastly, you get a free 6-month subscription to Apple Music.

4. USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter

Since Apple ditched USB-A ports for its Mac computers, it’s become essential for MacBook users to get Apple’s USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter as one of their go-to Apple accessories. It not only comes with a USB-A port, but also has an added Type-C port and an HDMI port.

If you find yourself needing USB-A and HDMI ports often, this accessory is worth the purchase. With an HDMI port, you can plug your MacBook’s display into a much bigger one.

Final Thoughts

Truth be told, there are tons of Apple accessories you can choose from to make your maneuver with Apple electronics so much easier. Just pick the ones you need to make enjoying Apple products better, and you’re good to go!

Which System is Best: Xbox, Nintendo, or Playstation?

Written by csadmin on . Posted in Blog.

The world of gamers is a big one. There are numerous brands, devices, and enthusiasts with a single goal in mind — setting up the best gaming experience.

 

Outsiders may not appreciate the captivating adventures gamers enter to explore new worlds, conquer powerful enemies, and complete complex missions. Battles to win and prizes to uncover, the gaming world is filled with possibilities and adventures. Plus, if you and your friends combine forces, there is no telling what great things you can accomplish.

 

But, the gaming world has its challenges. There is no denying that there is disagreement between PC and console gamers. Even within console gamers, there’s an ongoing debate over what game console system is the best one.

 

Today there are three types of game consoles most widely known to consumers: Sony’s PlayStation, Microsoft’s Xbox, and Nintendo’s Switch.

 

But which one of the three is actually the best?

 

Let’s find out.

Market share

Our first criterion is popularity. According to one study, Playstation 2 is the most popular gaming console around. Having sold approximately 158 million units, PlayStation stands tall at the front of the pack in popularity.

 

Behind PlayStation comes Nintendo Wii at number four. With just over 101 million units sold, Nintendo proudly ranks number four in the gaming console popularity charts.

 

But what about Microsoft’s Xbox models?  Xbox 360 comes in at number six with approximately 85 million units sold. Not as impressive as Playstation or Nintendo, but still a respectable number of units sold. 

 

In the list of popular gaming consoles, Playstation ranks as the most popular, with four models total ranking in the top ten. Nintendo comes in second, its most popular model ranking number four on the list plus three other models ranking in the top ten list. Lastly, Xbox’s most popular unit comes in at number six, with only one other unit making it in as the tenth most popular gaming console. 

 

Our winning gaming console by popularity: Sony’s Playstation. 

 

Which console is 2021’s favorite?

Every year, new consoles are released by the gaming world’s favorite manufacturers. But this year, we haven’t seen much from them.

 

But their releases from past years, such as Sony’s PlayStation 5 (2020), Microsoft’s Xbox Series X (2020), and Nintendo’s Switch (2017) proved to be gold. 

 

Much of the continuing popularity for these gaming consoles can be attributed to lockdowns that have kept people inside for months. Even adults, many of whom now work from home, find they have some extra time to enjoy some gaming time. Children and adults alike have enjoyed the extra gaming time they’ve been able to enjoy. 

 

GameSpot found that in the first half of 2021, the Nintendo Switch garnered the most sales. Following the Switch is Sony’s PlayStation 5, a highly-coveted console. 

 

If you were in the market for a PlayStation 5 this last year, you know how difficult it was to score a unit when it first came out because people were flocking to stores in an effort to secure one for themselves.

 

With the holiday season coming up, it’s hard to tell which console will be this year’s favorite. 

 

Once the holiday season and sales have ended, we’ll find out this year’s best-selling game console.

Specifications

In deciding which game console is truly the best, the average consumer may not look at the specs. As someone in the market for a game system, you know it’s the technical specifications you’re after and not just the best looking console.

 

So we’re going to take a look at some of the pros and cons of the PlayStation 5, Switch, and Xbox Series X, the top three latest and most popular releases.

 

  • PlayStation 5

The first on our list is the PS5. It’s a powerful video game machine that looks sleek — much like its predecessors. Sony maintained the monochromatic game console designs seen in their previous releases.

 

The internet didn’t go crazy over the PS5 for no reason. This monster offers a next-gen gaming experience and a library of games exclusive to the PS Plus Collection. 

 

Aside from its design and platform exclusivity, the PS5 is praised for its DualSense controller, spatial 3D audio, and impressive SSD. You don’t have to wait a long time for your games to load, no matter how demanding they are.

 

Output-wise, the PS5 offers 4k@120fps and 8K@60fps gameplay. Both are clear enough to show you the shadows of your Uncharted character and water reflections!

 

Of course, it’s not perfect. Aside from it being hard to find when it first came out, it’s also a bit larger when compared to the old PlayStations.With today’s games taking bigger storage space, the 825GB SSD the PS5 comes with fills up pretty quick.

 

  • Nintendo Switch

Out of the three game consoles we’re comparing, the Switch stands out. First, it’s the only handheld device that doesn’t need to be plugged into an external display for you to play your games. Plus, it’s three years older than the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

 

Though the Switch might be smaller compared to the other two consoles, it’s powerful enough to stand against them.

 

The Switch is a hybrid game console. It can be played handheld or connected to a display. Nintendo wants its throne back from Sony with this feature, and the public loves it!

 

The seamless transition from a portable console to a home console is definitely a huge success, but that amazing feature has its own drawback. It needs more battery juice to display on bigger screens.

 

When it comes to playing titles you can play on the PS5 and Xbox, you can’t really expect all the games you can play on the PS5 and Xbox to be played on the Switch. 

 

  • Xbox Series X

The PS5’s direct competitor is Microsoft’s Xbox Series X, which came out the same year.

 

With the Xbox Series X, Microsoft tried to address loading times, graphics, frames, and backward compatibility issues many gamers complained about.

 

They’ve geared this release up with a storage drive that significantly boosts loading times, even for demanding titles that are known to have long loading times.

 

Contrary to the PS5, the Xbox Series X has Dolby Vision and Atmos support. This means better display and audio for titles supported by Dolby.

 

For video playback, it can only produce up to 4K@60ps and 40K@120fps, depending on the capabilities of your display.

 

When it comes to backward compatibility, the Xbox Series X fares better than the PS5 because of its wider coverage for old titles not released for its platform.

 

The downside of the Xbox Series X is that its library of exclusive games isn’t as big as the PS5’s and the user interface isn’t as optimized.

 

It can be a tad picky when it comes to display panels because it requires compatible displays for gamers to experience the new visual features it comes with.

 

Final thoughts

Picking the best console for you can be a tough choice, especially if it’s your first time buying one.

 

What you can do to make deciding a little lighter for yourself is break down your profile as a gamer. Do you like portability, high-quality video, or backward compatibility?

 

Remember that no game console has everything you want, so make sure you know what you’re looking for so you can find the best console to meet your needs.

The iPhone 13 is Here. Here’s What it Can Do.

Written by csadmin on . Posted in Blog.

On September 14, 2021, Apple unveiled its new iPhone 13 line, along with the Apple Watch Series 7, new iPad mini, and iPad.

There are four models of the iPhone 13 :

  • iPhone 13 mini
  • iPhone 13
  • iPhone 13 Pro
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max

The base model is the iPhone 13, coming in five colors: Product Red, Starlight, Midnight, Blue, and Pink. All models come with Ceramic Shield fronts and glass back and aluminum design to protect the phone’s back components. If you’ve dropped your iPhone 8 in the past and see the backglass shatter, don’t expect the same from the new iPhone model. The iPhone 13 can take quite a beating before showing any signs of damage. 

The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max models come with Ceramic Shield front and textured matte glass back and stainless steel design, providing a smooth grip for iPhone users.

The base storage capacity starts at 128 gigabytes (GB) and the highest is 1 terabyte (TB) for the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max models.

Weight-wise, the iPhone 13 mini is the lightest, weighing 140g (just about the same weight as a baseball). The heaviest out of the four models is the 238g Pro Max, boasting the widest screen of the four.

Comparing the display, all models come with Super Retina XDR and OLED display.

Processing power

All models come with the A15 5-core CPU Bionic chip that includes a 5-core GPU (4-core for non-Pro) and a 16-core Neural Engine. That’s fast enough to run multiple applications optimized for today’s smartphones and should let you run mobile games with the settings maxed out without any issues.

Damage resistance

When it comes to splash, water, and dust resistance, the whole iPhone 13 line is rated IP68 under IEC standard 60529. Meaning, all models can be submerged at a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes without being rendered useless. So you can rest easy the next time you accidentally spill some water on your iPhone 13.

Camera

When talking about iPhones, we can’t forget the camera.

The 13 line comes with a Pro 12MP camera system that has wide and ultra-wide cameras. The Pro line has telephoto as an addition. For all models, video recording quality can be up to 4K at 60fps. Crystal clear, right? Pack that with beefy storage, and you’re good to go on your vlogging adventures!

Non-Pro models

Since Apple started releasing Pro models in addition to their iPhones’ base models, fans are quick to compare and find the best models. 

The non-Pros are considered entry-level, as they come with the latest features without the additional Pro features. They also cost less than their Pro counterparts.

  • iPhone 13 mini

The 13 mini model has the smallest viewing area with 2340×1080 resolution. Albeit small, it’s clear enough to display sharp images with excellent viewing angles. There’s only 5.4-inch to look at, but the small size allows you to fit the phone into small pockets and it’s easy to hold. 

When it comes to battery life, the 13 mini is the smallest battery. You can play up to 17 hours of non-live videos and 13 hours of streaming videos. When streaming audio, the mini’s battery can play up to 55 hours worth of audio.

  • iPhone 13

I can’t say this is the base model because it’s not the entry-priced one, but because it’s called the iPhone 13, we’ll call it the line’s base for reference.

It doesn’t differ much from the mini version, but it weighs 18g more and has a 6.1-inch display at 2532×1170 pixels. That’s a bigger display with clearer images. If Apple didn’t up the resolution on this model, we’d be looking at the mini with the smaller but clearer display. 

In terms of battery life, the 13 fares better than the mini. It has a battery beefy enough to stream 19 hours worth of non-streamed video and 15 hours of streamed video. When playing audio, you can trust the 13 to play for up to 75 hours.

Pro models

The Pro models carry features you can’t find in the non-Pros. Some people prefer pros for the size, storage, and camera.

But if you’re not looking for those, we suggest you look into the non-Pro to save a few hundred bucks. If you want a feature-packed smartphone, then here’s the breakdown of the 13 Pro models.

  • iPhone 13 Pro

Headlining the Pro line is the 13 Pro. It weighs 203g and has a 6.1-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2532×1170, much like the iPhone 13.

Battery-wise, the 13 Pro can play up to 22 hours of video and 20 hours of video streamed. Like playing audiobooks of music for long periods? You’ll have no issues with the 13 Pro’s 75-hour audio playback capacity.

  • iPhone 13 Pro Max

The 13 Pro Max is the heaviest, biggest, and most expensive model of the 13 line. It has a 6.7-inch display at 2778×1284. Talk about being big and clear, right?

While most of the features are similar to the 13 Pro, the difference lies in the battery capacity. The Pro Max can play up to 28 hours of non-streamed video non-stop and up to 25 hours of streamed video. 

For music and audiobook lovers out there, you won’t have issues with the 13 Pro Max because it can play up to 95 hours of audio. 

All in all

With how the iPhone 13 models are looking like and how the public received them, it’s safe to say they are very popular. Given the next-level features that come within even the entry models, you can’t go wrong with any iPhone 13 model.

When picking the right iPhone 13 model for yourself, the features should always be the first one you should look at.

Don’t know what features to start looking at? Start with the battery capacity and go from there.

5 Signs Your Smartphone Battery Is Dying

Written by csadmin on . Posted in Blog.

There’s nothing more annoying than having a smartphone that’s designed for portability but needs to stay close to a wall socket.

You bought a feature-packed smartphone you can take anywhere with you but years — sometimes even months later, you notice that there are more times you keep it plugged in than not.

You look back and realize, “Are these smartphones really built to act like this?”

The answer is yes. Batteries aren’t supposed to last forever. They’re meant to decay in health due to use. And we also can’t deny that most of us are heavy users. We don’t even care if we’re using our phone while it’s plugged in, right?

But if you’re trying to look for explicit signs that’ll tell you about your smartphone battery’s decaying state, I compiled a list of signs you should be on the lookout for.

1. Your phone always dies on you

Imagine being outdoors with your friends and you want to play some music and take pictures. About 15 minutes later while the phone is connected to a Bluetooth speaker, the music stops.

You run to where your phone is. It’s dead. Again.

You know you just fully charged the thing, but why did it die this early? Well, you’re definitely looking at a case of a decayed smartphone battery that needs replacement.

This is the number one sign that your phone’s battery needs to be switched up, or you might have to change the way you use your phone if you don’t want to get a smartphone battery replacement just yet.

You always have to carry around a power bank with you if you want to remain away from the wall socket most of the time.

If this situation persists, the best decision is to get your phone checked at a reliable cell phone repair store that will give you good estimates for quality battery replacement services.

2. Your smartphone is old

Another sign that your battery isn’t good anymore is when your phone is 5-10 years old. Say, you’re using a phone that came out 8 years ago and you’re wondering why its battery won’t last you more than an hour.

Even if you took care of your 8-year old phone like a baby, batteries don’t last forever. You might have kept it stored somewhere and didn’t use it for years, but it’ll still decay. It probably might not turn on again unless you get a new battery.

So yes, your phone’s age is a factor to consider when assessing its battery health. Just because a phone is free of scratches and you’re a careful user, doesn’t mean it’ll work as if it’s new.

Get a new one. It doesn’t have to be the iPhone 13, but you can check out other models that are still very useful based on today’s tech needs. Just make sure you’re transacting with reputable stores as you browse.

3. Your phone never gets 100% charged

I’ve gone through this myself, and I admit it’s very confusing and stressful. When charging your phone, you’d expect the battery percentage to go up as time passes. But when your battery is nearing its last days on earth, the percentage decreases even when it’s plugged in!

That’s pretty mind-boggling, especially when you see it for the first time.

This occurrence is a big “GET YOUR PHONE FIXED” sign to us users because our battery isn’t even acting the way it’s supposed to. Something must be really wrong with it, right?

There are also instances wherein phones get charged to 100% but once you unplug it and use it for 10 minutes, the battery goes down to 10%. Yikes.

So get it fixed before your battery bloats and explodes (yes, that happens).

You don’t even have to wait for this to happen. Most of today’s smartphones have a feature in the settings where you can check battery health. It should tell you when the health is dangerously low and you need a replacement.

4. Things get hot

Don’t get me wrong, there are many things that cause phones to heat up. It could be the weather, the app you’re running, your phone case, and sometimes, your battery.

This is a serious implication that your battery is dying. When you’re charging your phone, it shouldn’t run hot when the battery is healthy.

It also shouldn’t be hot when you’re only running your messages app, for example. Because they’re not very demanding on hardware, your phone shouldn’t be hot on your hands when you’re running just that.

It’s even worse if your phone gets hot while you’re not using it! But if you left it somewhere hot, like on top of your car that’s parked under the sun, it should be hot (please don’t do that).

If these things happen to you, it’s definitely time to get your smartphone battery checked out and replaced by a professional.

5. It looks deformed

Smartphone batteries get bloated due to many factors. Damage, overcharging, overuse, and many others are just one of the few. Fortunately, today’s smartphone batteries are built to withstand most things users overlook.

If the back or front of your phone rises up or takes a weird shape, your battery is bloated and you need to get it replaced as soon as possible. I even strongly advise you to stop using it until you get it repaired.

If not, you’ll risk damaging other components in your smartphone, or worse, your battery might explode. Whatever’s inside your smartphone battery is toxic, and manufacturers are always sure to include that in the battery and phone’s packaging to tell you.

Check if your phone has light leaking in weird places or if it feels weird in your hands. You’ll know it because you always have your phone in your hands. Put it flat on the table and spin it around. If it spins full circle, then something’s wrong. It should be flat and shouldn’t spin around.

All in all, if your phone looks AND feels different, you should 100% get it checked out by a professional. Since most diagnostics are free, you don’t have to worry about paying for a phone check-up.

But if something needs urgent fixing (like your battery), then it’s always a good measure to prepare for getting some cash out for service.

What should you do?

Aside from getting a new battery or a new smartphone, there’s nothing you can really do. You can’t save something that’s dying and is meant to go that way in the first place.

The only thing you can do that’s close to saving yourself from smartphone battery problems is to practice proper phone usage when it comes to charging.

Today’s phones are built to avoid overcharging, so you don’t have to worry about it. But they’re not built for using off-brand chargers that run hot and sometimes catch fire.

Since most batteries are made for extreme use, just make sure you’re using authentic charges that won’t endanger you or your phone.

I know there are a lot of attractive offers on smartphone chargers, but it wouldn’t hurt to get one from your phone’s manufacturer.

When the time comes that you need to get a new battery, just call up your trusted cell phone repair store and let them do the work for you!