Author: csadmin

Picture this — you wake up, scroll through Facebook, Instagram, and emails for way too long. You finally climb out of bed and get ready to take a bath because you really need to treat yourself. As you start thinking through your to-do list for the day, you start filling the bathtub with water.

As you queue a bath time playlist, your phone slipped out of your semi-wet hands and into the water-filled tub! As you pause for a second to take in what just happened, you notice your phone’s light still on, and a bit of relief washes over you. You pull out your phone and try to give it CPR, but it’s useless. So, what should you do to make sure your phone’s okay?

How bad is water in and on your phone?

After overcoming the shock of seeing your phone fall into the bathtub, you might have tried to wipe off all visible water and give it a few shakes to get the water out. But unfortunately, if your phone was fully submerged in water, shaking it won’t do the trick. 

You may be thinking “will my phone ever work again or will it explode in my face while I scroll through TikTok?” Let us answer that question for you. Yes and no.

Why? Today’s smartphones are built to withstand being dipped in water for a limited time. If you recover your phone immediately after dropping it in water, you may still be able to use it. But you should expect muffled speakers and a stuffy microphone. But if you leave it underwater for long enough, you’ll end up with a dead phone. But we also know you wouldn’t do that intentionally.

About your phone exploding question, it probably won’t happen. Generally phones explode when you use faulty chargers and batteries, or buy phones that are faulty from the factory, like Samsung’s Note 7 in 2016, which saw users posting combusted units they just bought. Although the Korean tech giant recovered from this combustion issue, it’s hard to forget an exploding phone. 

What should you do after you save your phone from drowning?

After you get out of what should have been a relaxing bath, you’re ready to find out how badly damaged your phone is. Will it need expensive repairs? Has the liquid damage rendered your phone completely useless? Don’t worry, we’re here to tell you what to do after your phone falls in the water:

1. Switch it off

Whether you’d like to admit it or not, turning your phone off when it runs into issues is always your go to option. We’re not going to disagree with you because you’re right! Anyone who’s been around electronics knows that running currents through any wet electronic circuit will result in problems that can sometimes be fatal.

Modern phones automatically shut off when submerged long enough, but that doesn’t mean you should turn it back on after recovering your phone. In another case, if your phone remains on after you save it, we highly recommend that you switch it off to avoid further damage or risking harm to yourself.

2. Use a damp cloth

If your phone fell into a tub that’s filled with liquid other than water, we suggest you wipe it down with a damp cloth. Moisten a lint-free, soft cloth and wipe it all over your smartphone until you’re sure no liquid remains.

After clearing all the liquid, wipe it again with a dry cloth.

3. Take out removable components

The first thing you should remove is your phone’s case! Obviously, you won’t be able to wipe the unit off properly with it on. After getting rid of your already-soaked case, take out your SIM card and tray, memory card, and, if possible remove your phone’s battery/

Basically, take any part that’s removable out and let it dry.

4. Pick the right towel

What towel or cloth should you use to wipe your phone off with? You’ll want to look for the softest cloth you can find. If you don’t, you may end up with a scratched and liquid-damaged phone.

To make sure you’re not ruining your phone by using the wrong towel, get a lint-free and soft cloth, similar to one you would use to clean glasses. When in doubt, look for the softest cloth to avoid scratches.

With your soft cloth, wipe the phone, along with the removable parts you took out.

5. Let it dry

If your phone turned off by itself after being submerged, you’re probably itching to turn it on to check if it still works. We have to stop you right there — your phone’s components are probably wet and any current will damage it further.

After you wipe off the liquid residue that’s visible to you, put your phone and its parts in an absorbent towel and leave it in a cool, dry place. This is a painful part because you’re left to wait until everything has dried to know if your next stop will be to a phone repair store for professional help.

6. Switch it on

It’s time! This is the day you’ll find out if you need to run to your trusted smartphone repair store, get a new phone, or revive one that survived a swim in the bathtub. After you’re sure your phone’s dry — which is probably one to two days after the incident — switch it on.

If it turns on and works normally, lucky for you! But if it doesn’t, we don’t recommend plugging it in to charge because it may still have water inside.

7. Monitor for issues

If your luck continues, you’re probably elated that your phone’s still working after that fiasco. Now, it’s time to monitor your phone for issues that follow liquid damage. You might notice issues while blasting your music, using your camera, or just by looking at your screen for weird colors and lines.

8. Reach out to a phone repair shop

Even if you don’t notice any issue and your phone is working normally, it won’t hurt to visit a smartphone repair shop and get your cell phone checked. Some problems might not appear early, and you might deal with them much later after the problems have worsened.

That’s why we recommend you reach out to a reputable cell phone repair store near you to get a liquid damage diagnostic check. Some shops offer them without a fee, and it’ll benefit you and your phone if you grab these offers!

Takeaways

Phones falling in liquid is a relatively common occurrence. That’s why professionals are trained to fix these problems! There are thousands of reputable repair stores out there that will be more than happy to help you with your liquid-damaged phone. But if you can’t go to them as soon as you get your phone out of the water, follow our recommendations above for the best chance of saving your phone from irreversible damage. 

As iPhone and Android users, we sometimes think that repairing a smartphone is always simple and easy. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. For many issues, there just simply isn’t a feasible DIY way to complete the fix without risking permanent damage or voiding your warranty. There are important components that must be properly maintained and repaired when necessary. The hardware and software of every smartphone can be highly sensitive, so asking the help of professionals is a good decision to make.

Why Choose a Professional Instead of Trying it Yourself?

Fast Service 

Certified technicians are all well-versed in the current technology that we have today. They can quickly repair mobile devices running on both iOS and Android operating systems. Free diagnostics can be provided too. Customers should understand that every repair shop has a standard turnaround time, but in general, the process will be faster than trying out a repair at home without the proper tools.

Accurate Diagnostics 

In the tech repair industry, most professionals who are working for many years acquired new skill sets as technology continues to change. They provide accurate diagnostics to quickly determine the cause of problems and ensure that these won’t happen again. Certified techs use reliable tools to have consistency in every repair service provided. 

Technical Expertise 

Every licensed technician has technical expertise depending on the industry. Electronics repair focuses on resolving power failure, hardware/software compatibility issues, and more. Professionals know their way around with simple and complex issues day by day. In a repair shop,  they follow certain support boundaries and there are escalation procedures as well. It’s a good decision to choose experienced professionals.  

Tech professionals are also exposed to different applications that work on either iOS or Android operating systems. They’ve used highly technical skills to navigate complex platforms and developed interpersonal skills when speaking to non-technical people. Professionals in this field can explain complex data to customers using easy-to-understand words. 

Minimizes Risks 

Reducing risks is one of the reasons why customers look for the right repair shop. But, people just can’t trust every store they visit. A tech professional can repair every smartphone at reasonable costs. Data management, battery replacement, water damage, and cracked screen repair are services provided at the electronics shop. If you’re not careful, then things can get worse. 

Visiting one of the leading shops in the area gives you a chance to meet licensed technicians who are experts in mobile technology. Doing this gives you peace of mind because everything saved on your smartphone is secured. At the end of the day, customers are happy because a tech problem is resolved using the right tools. Nowadays, it can be easy for others to say that they know how to fix a smartphone but proving it is another story. The best way to minimize risks is to choose a professional who can do what’s best for your device. 

Hardware and Software 

Generally, all smartphones have similarities especially when it comes to hardware and software. For Apple and Android phones, downloadable apps can be found in one place like the Google Playstore and Apple Store. Smartphones have reliable operating systems and motherboards. Your devices won’t work without these two important components. Tech professionals have the skills to repair, analyze, and replace parts when needed.  

OS Recovery 

You might experience technical problems with your smartphone, and repairing the device yourself may damage some parts instead of fixing them. A corrupted system can be considered a complex tech problem on an iPhone and Android phone. Power outages, viruses, and wrong system updates can be some of the causes. The best solution is to drop by a repair shop near you so professionals can look into it. 

Back-up Data 

Loss of data is one common concern in mobile technology. Before system recovery, it is recommended to backup data especially the ones that are important to you. Certified technicians can safely store information and it will be available as soon as the task is complete. 

Data Recovery 

When data becomes inaccessible on your mobile phone, most people simply give up. In this day and age, tech professionals are using reliable tools to provide data recovery services. Whether you lost photos, files, or folders, leave them all to the experts. 

Motherboard Maintenance and Repair 

First things first, it is not expected for end-users to repair motherboards on their own. A brand new phone can cost you a lot of money, so if something goes wrong, it’s important to choose licensed techs who can take care of your smartphone seriously. 

Here are some causes of motherboard problems: 

1. Spilled water 
2. Dust accumulation 
3. Physical damage 
4. Manufacturing defects 
5. Poor maintenance 

If you are getting a blank screen and error messages more often, start looking for a tech professional. 

Here are a few services that can be provided: 

1. Micro soldering is a process of repairing small components that can’t be seen by our eyes. The tiny parts can only be visible by the use of a microscope. Imagine this: A motherboard consists of microchips and capacitors that work together to support the functionality of your smartphone. Licensed techs understand this whole process. 
2. Assembling and disassembling motherboards. 
3. A motherboard replacement is another option if it happens to be unrepairable. Rest assured that other parts won’t get damaged during the repair.  

In the electronics repair industry, licensed technicians are aware of the steps on how to properly maintain a smartphone. That said, we’ve decided to compile a list of things you can also do below.

1. Never use the phone in the rain. Water accumulation can cause damage to the internal parts. 
2. If you’re not knowledgeable enough about the smartphone’s hardware, do not attempt to remove the motherboard. Leave it to a tech professional. 
3. Do not place the mobile phone under extreme weather conditions as this may negatively impact its performance.  
4. Avoid overcharging your phone. Overcharged smartphones won’t only affect battery life, it can also damage the motherboard. 
5. Never use applications that might cause the smartphone to overheat. 
6. Avoid dropping the smartphone too often as this may cause physical damage. Use a shockproof cover to protect its parts. 

Malware Protection  

The iOS platform has a sandbox that provides a high level of security, so restrictions can always be seen during the installation of apps on your iPhone. It’s also the best way to prevent Malware attacks from happening. However, jailbroken Apple phones can be vulnerable to viruses since it bypasses certain restrictions. 

Android phones on the other hand have an open system that gives users more opportunities to install applications even outside the Google Playstore. In this case, there are potential risks of getting the Malware into the system. 

If you’re confused, that’s OK. Spyware and malware protection is something our techs specialize in. We’re happy to help answer basic questions about virus protection. 

Certified Tech vs. Non-Certified Tech 

When it comes to mobile phone repair, customers always want nothing but the best. Others say that a smartphone is an extension of yourself. What if something’s already wrong with it? Who do you talk to? 

A certified technician is a person who has undergone intensive training and passed all the requirements of becoming an expert in his field. He has received certification for it.

On the other hand, a non-certified tech is someone who only has relevant experience in the industry. Some states don’t require certifications. 

Customers always have the discretion to choose whether or not licensed techs are good for them. It depends on experience, technical, and customer service skills. 

When to look for a tech professional? 

When you buy an iPhone and Android device, everything seems to work just fine. Typically, a new gadget still has superior performance until it reaches its lifespan. When this happens, every smartphone may not be working at its full capacity. 

Here are some warning signs: 

1. Slow speed. 
2. Error messages 
3. Distorted images upon restart. 
4. Blurry videos and photos. 
5. Power failure. 
6. Touchscreen problems 
7. Unclear audio
8. Charging port issues 

These are common problems when a smartphone starts to age. Do not ignore the signs and seek the help of a tech professional near you. 

Costs 

It’s practical to get Apple and Samsung phones fixed these days. Certified techs follow standard pricing set by repair shops. Buying a brand new one now might cost you a lot. So, get your smartphone repaired today! 

Years of Experience

When looking for a tech professional, it is important to consider years of electronics repair experience. Most shops today already expanded support boundaries to further support new and existing customers. Our technology continues to evolve at a faster rate and so is the repair service. Users depend on both iOS and Android operating systems, so look for people who are already good at these platforms. 

Follow-Up 

Licensed technicians work at repair shops near your area. It’s easier to follow up on the condition of the device right after repair. You can call, text, email, and check the status online. Walk-ins are usually encouraged when customers have urgent requests.  

Store Policy  

Every repair shop has a policy that protects business owners, employees, and customers. Tech professionals already spent time understanding store policies that cater to the needs of every walk-in customer. Warranty and refund are usually included in the shop’s terms and conditions, as well as COVID-19 safety restrictions. 

Does Your Smartphone need to be Fixed?

Want to schedule a visit? Give us a call, stop in our shop, or you can also request a free quote online.

The adage “nothing lasts forever” applies to many things, especially to today’s smartphones. 

Drops in performance are typically direct results of how you’re using and maintaining your phone. While we all know it’s completely natural for our smartphones’ battery health to degrade over time, we’re still pretty much puzzled about performance drops — especially dramatic ones.

What makes a phone “slow”?

While the answers to what makes a phone slow are subjective based on the user experiencing the phone’s performance, we all have a few answers that resonate with us all. From animation delays to app launching, here are the things that scream your phone’s performance level is going down:

Animation delays

Without being a smartphone expert, you’ll notice delays in visual movements and seconds of waiting time before one movement, such as swiping to the next page of apps.

Time delays in opening apps

We all know this — we bought our phones and were very impressed by how it opens and closes different applications. Months or years after, we’re starting to get annoyed by the seconds we have to wait just to open our Instagram app.

In the ideal world, launching any type of application should take you less than a second. If you still have the time to get a bag of chips after tapping on your Netflix app and turning back to your phone while it struggles to load stuff up, you’re bound to give it a good reset or get a new one.

You’re starting to get storage warnings

One of the main culprits of decreasing smartphone performance is storage. Many users tend to unknowingly fill their phones up with storage-hogging files, such as high-quality videos and photos, big applications, and many others.

You don’t have to be a tech expert to know that when your phone’s storage is full, your phone slows down and you won’t be able to miss the performance drop. Some users are probably used to the wait, but for ones who aren’t these signs can be annoying.

How do I make a smartphone faster?

Some people would say the solution is to drop that slow phone and buy a new one, but not everyone can do that at a moment’s notice. That’s why we compiled a list of useful tips that’ll help you improve your phone’s performance. Yes, this applies to both Android and iOS phones.

1. Restart

In almost every gadget out there, the first order of business when things aren’t going right is to restart. This applies to your phone as well. If you’re experiencing performance issues such as lagging or getting stuck somewhere, restart your phone. This should fix temporary performance issues.

2. Update

Some people might say you shouldn’t download and install updates right away when they come out, but that should be taken with a grain of salt. Updates come with bug fixes and security enhancements that keep your phone running and your information protected.

If you go through update notes like no one ever does, you’ll find fixes to issues reported by users. These fixes could mend the performance drop you’re experiencing. Take it from us and keep your smartphone updated.

3. Uninstall apps you don’t need

Applications take storage space and take a chunk off your memory — giving your phone less juice to work with. Less juice means it’ll struggle to perform other tasks. Remember that when an app isn’t useful to you, get rid of it. Completely. Do this to all apps you don’t use anymore and you’ll be surprised by how much it helps your phone’s speed.

4. Reduce animations

Remember when we said delays in animation mean your phone is slow? We’ve got a direct solution for that. In most smartphones, users are given the option to reduce animations. The reduction will result in less than pleasing movements on your screen, but you get a little performance boost in return. You can find this under the “settings” option.

5. Factory Reset

Factory resetting your phone is a great way to clear everything and boot your phone up as if it were brand new. Different phones have different factory reset options. Some allow you to select what you want to reset — which beats the purpose — while some only let you do a 100 percent reset. Meaning everything goes.

A factory reset can make all the changes you need or not at all. This should be your last resort, especially when you’re at risk of losing important data you don’t have backups for.

What if I need help?

If you are experiencing a slow phone and none of the above tips are helping, give us a call. There could be another issue that a professional can diagnose and fix at a fraction of the cost of buying a new phone. We will give you a free quote, so don’t hesitate to give us a call, visit us directly, or fill out an instant quote form by clicking here.

We’ve been working within the confines of our humble abodes for over a year now. Even if you don’t notice or admit it, it’s kind of draining when the line between personal and work time gets blurry. With an identical place for both work and play, getting a break can be quite a task. A year into working from home isn’t enough to adjust to, coming from years with a dedicated place, such as office buildings for work.

As we teach ourselves to work outside our homes again, it’s essential to take things one step at a time. You can start working on your porch, garden, or any other part of your home that isn’t indoors. But how can you make sure you enjoy and get things done while working outdoors?

We’ve got you covered with three tips:

1. Optimize Your Laptop’s Battery Life

With a portable computer coming hand in hand with working from home or outside of it, you know how essential it is to keep your laptop charged all the time. But the traditional way we all go is staying plugged into a wall socket. You can’t just find wall sockets anywhere you go, right? A short laptop battery life will keep you indoors.

That’s why you must know the necessary system tweaks that will make your laptop’s battery last longer when you’re headed outside for a change of scenery. 

Turn On Battery Saving Mode

Laptops powered by macOS and Windows come with their battery saver modes. You can hover over the battery icon in the taskbar and just turn on battery saver mode. There might be a slight performance loss, but it’s worth it considering the extended battery juice.

Lower Your Brightness

Your display brightness is one of your laptop’s biggest battery drainers. The bigger and brighter your screen is, the heavier work it puts on your battery, making it last for less than the ideal time.

Turn Off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth When Not Needed

If you’re just typing down a few things without online reference, help your battery by turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You’ll be surprised by how much battery life you’ll save by making this a habit.

2. Get A Portable Laptop Charger

When system tweaks don’t make the cut because your laptop’s battery isn’t as good as it used to be, you’re left with one choice. That’s to get yourself a portable laptop charger. They aren’t as handy as the power banks we use for our phones, but they function the same way.

You can charge your smartphone and other work devices along with your laptop! Since you won’t always have a wall socket near you, it’s good to have one of these portable chargers handy.

Such chargers are powerful and pack a lot of juice. They can be heavy, so prepare to carry them to your new outdoor working spot. Here’s a list of portable laptop chargers you should check out.

3. Avoid Crowds

Certain places  just aren’t made for productivity. The beach, a restaurant, and the likes are places where you should expect flower productivity due to the number of people and commotion. Moreover, these places are designed for recreational activities, not preparing for your next managerial meeting.

Your home’s outdoor areas are good examples of productive spaces. If you live alone, you might more easily find new outdoor working spaces for getting things done. And if your laptop or phone does drop on the cement or get splashed by a sprinkler, don’t hesitate to call us! We’ll have you back to typing speed in no time.

Today’s students rely on technology for all things related to their work. Some students prefer to use computers, some prefer tablets, and some prefer a good mix of both. But if you’re someone looking to add a gadget to a student’s mix of equipment, a good pick that’d touch on both convenience and performance would be Apple’s iPad models. With flexible usability and a multifunctional setup, the iPad models are the perfect gift for a graduate just starting into their post-school career.

What are the hottest iPads right now?

iPad Pro

The California tech giant’s April 2021 event gave Apple fans a peek into what’s in store for them. Apple announced new upgrades for their iPad Pros, amping processing performance up by using M1 chips and better touchscreen technology in the recently announced models. 

These two upgrades made the iPad Pro look more appetizing to both casual and avid users – more powerful processors would mean increased productivity, and that increased productivity would be accommodated perfectly by the touchscreen technology upgrade.

Aside from new chips and better screens, Apple finally gave in to the consumer demand, which is the release of 5G-capable iPad Pros. Although Apple fans are aware of the implications of this upgrade on their carrier plans, who wouldn’t want a faster connection paired with a powerful processor?

iPad Air

A relatively cheaper and lighter alternative to the iPad Pro is the iPad Air. They come with A14 chips as the new iPhones do, but function relatively similar to the iPad Pro. The Airs, however, didn’t get the same M1 chip and 5G capability upgrade. This is a good thing for people who are comfortable with the Air’s current capabilities relative to its affordable price.

Which one would be better for students?

Picking the right one for a student finishing up school and heading into a new career would require you to answer some questions related to usage and preference. What kind of activities will the graduate use the iPad Pro or Air for? How long would they use the iPad? Lastly, what’s your ideal price range?

If you’re aware of your grad’s device and gadget usage (favorite device? Favorite apps?), you’ll have an idea of which iPad model to buy them. If they’re finishing up high school using Microsoft Office for school work and communicating with their peers, you’re better off going with the iPad Air, both price- and comfort-wise.

But if the student is wrapping up a Bachelor’s degree – and perhaps playing with upper-level hobbies like graphic design or coding – they’re better off with the iPad Pro for its processing power and bigger screen size options. They can still work just fine with an iPad Air, but if they have application needs that are more than the power Microsoft Office requires, the iPad Pro is the ideal choice. For instance, most companies use a combination of office and productivity tools that do require a bit more juice – apps like Slack, Teams, Zoom, and Airtable come to mind.

Battery Life

We know battery life is a concern, so let’s jump in. All iPad Pro models can last up to 10 hours while a user surfs the web or streams videos on Wi-Fi, and up to 9 hours on a cellular data network. 

The iPad Air doesn’t sit far away from that range, lasting the same hours on both Wi-Fi and cellular data network for the same activities.

Apple Pencil Compatibility

While both the Pro and Air work with the Apple Pencil, the Pro fares better in terms of use. The iPad Pro allows the Pencil to charge by connecting to the iPad Pro. The same feature is non-existent in the iPad Air.

If your future graphic designer or product manager won’t be using the Apple Pencil enough to need it to remain juiced up, this isn’t much of an issue. But if they use apps that benefit from sustained Apple Pencil use, such as drawing and note-taking applications like Procreate, the iPad Pro’s compatibility with the Pencil is a good feature to consider.

Display Size

In terms of display sizes, the iPad Pro wins with its 12.9-inch model. This is also one of the good points about the Pro you should consider. Everyone would benefit from a bigger screen, but that would mean a heavier work unit to lug around on a work commute. If your grad is now in a #WFH career, this may be irrelevant!

If the person who’ll be using the iPad doesn’t mind the weight, they can go with the Pro, but if weight is a concern, the Air is a good choice in terms of mobility.

Final Thoughts

Both models are perfect for basic productivity needs for recent graduates in a variety of fields of work, but if you’re looking to use either model as a computer, be prepared to lower your expectations. Why? Because neither model is specifically engineered to be used as a computer. 

There’s just so much computers can do that iPads can’t. The closest iPad model to computers is the iPad Pro, but why not just get yourself a computer if that’s what you’re looking for in terms of performance? Considering the cost of Apple products, this may indeed be a better option.

The iPad Pro is the more powerful model, but that comes with a hefty price tag for some buyers. Consider your gift recipient – what will they be doing with it in their new career? You may just arrive with the Air as your pick. In terms of maximum productivity through the power of Apple’s iPads, the Pro is always the better choice. It’s the bulkier one in terms of processing power, screen size, and compatibility. The iPad Air comes at a cheaper price tag, but you shouldn’t expect the same features you’d get from the Pro.

So what’ll it be? That’s for you to decide – but we hope this breakdown helps you shop for your recent college graduate. And from us at Quik Fix to them, congratulations on making it through!

With your stimulus check in hand (or “in the mail), you might be tempted to shop laptop upgrades. Purchasing a new MacBook cover sleeve or buying a USB C converter for your laptop may both be good “upgrade” options, but you should consider buying a completely different laptop. Whether it’s outdated, has run out of storage, or simply no longer fits your pace, your laptop might be ready to throw in the towel. We took a look at some of the most recent laptop models, and each of the four contestants comes ready to impress us with their different specs. Maybe you’re debating between the MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Air, or you’re ready to go beyond Apple products. We could compare every little detail of the computers we’ll be looking at, but today we’ll stick with the basics: price, portability, screen size, and battery life. 

Apple MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020)

First up we have the Apple MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020).

Price: $999.99. Of the Apple and Lenovo computers we will be looking at, the Macbook Air takes the cake with the best price. For $1000 you buy yourself a long lasting, high performing laptop. Plus, you don’t have to worry about making ends meet after purchasing it. 

Portability: 2.8 pounds. Very portable. Coming at only 2.8 pounds, the Apple MacBook Air is ideal for anyone looking for an easily portable, lightweight laptop. Take it on a trip or, if you’re working in the office, take it with you to work. 

Screen size: 13.3 inches. You want a laptop you can work on easily, not one that either requires a magnifying glass or takes up too much space in your bag. The 13.3 inch screen is the perfect size to work on, watch a movie, and fit in your bag. 

Battery life: about 29 hours. You read that right. The Macbook Air beats our other three laptops by several hours when it comes to battery life. 

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 8 (2020)

Our next contestant is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 8. Coming in as the lightest computer in our group, this laptop is here to make a statement. 

Price: $1,184.99 

Be ready to spend “a few” more dollars with this one than with the Apple MacBook Air, but again, you won’t have to break the bank to afford it. 

Portability: 2.4 pounds

Here is where the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 comes in on top. Weighing in at only 2.4 pounds, this laptop takes the cake for the lightest laptop. You can certainly take this laptop wherever you go without breaking your back. 

Screen Size: 14 inches

The laptop screen here is a tad larger than that MacBook Air. You may have to be a little more clever fitting this laptop in your backpack or bag, so keep that in mind.

Battery life: about 13 hours 49 minutes. Battery life is admittedly the biggest dropoff here. Now will you be on your computer for 13 straight hours? Maybe not, but you will have to make sure your charger is on hand for any road trips or plane rides you may be taking this year.

Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch

Next up we have the Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch. This laptop comes in swinging with a larger screen that many love. 

Price: $2,399.00. You may read that price and be a little shocked. While this Apple laptop is more expensive (even compared to other Apple products), it will last you for many years. If you’re looking for a long term investment, this is the laptop to consider. You get what you pay for, and this MacBook agrees.

Portability: 4.3 pounds. The MacBook Pro is on the heavier end for laptops. You won’t want to walk very far with this in your bag, but it will be a trusty pal for work and travel. 

Screen Size:16 inches. Here we have the biggest screen in our roundup. If you’re doing any type of design or just want a nice screen for movies, this should be one of your top choices. This will require a spacious bag if you plan to take this laptop with you to work or on vacation. 

Battery life: about 18 hours 40 minutes. This laptop beats the Lenovo for battery life but cannot quite compete with the MacBook Air. You’ll be able to get a lot of work done without having to be plugged in 24/7. 

Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch (M1, Late 2020)

Last but not least we have the MacBook Pro 13-Inch (M1, Late 2020). If you’re looking for a computer between the MacBook Pro 16-inch and the Macbook Air, this or the Lenovo should be your choice. 

Price: $1,199.00. A little more expensive than the MacBook Air but not quite as expensive as the MacBook Pro 16-inch, this computer is a great price. A little clever budgeting and you can get this great laptop.

Portability: 3 pounds. This MacBook Pro is a nice middleweight in our laptop lineup. You can take it with you and not have to worry about an aching back or sore arms. 

Screen Size: 13.3 inches. Same screen size as the MacBook Air, the screen is large enough for movies, designing, and more while also being small enough to stick into your backpack. 

Battery life: about 22 hours 27 minutes. This laptop comes the closest to matching up with the MacBook Air. A long battery life that won’t have you attached to a plug all day long and is dependable. 

Whatever laptop you go with, hopefully the above breakdown provided some insightful reference points in your search. If you’re still struggling to narrow down your options, don’t worry – Quik Fix has a convenient location near you and is ready to offer tech advice! You may also decide to stick with the laptop you currently have. We can offer expert, professional repairs for that as well. Whether it’s a keyboard repair or a new screen, our quality repair services have you covered.

Have you thought about selling your phone? Maybe you’re looking to upgrade to that shiny iPhone X everyone is talking about, or maybe you’re ready to downsize on the screen with a model like the iPhone 12 Mini. Or perhaps you’re just ready for something different (Google Pixel 5, anyone?). No matter the reason why you’re selling your phone, you need to make sure you know how to sell it as well.

In this blog, we’ll cover all the steps we recommend taking before your phone is ready to sell. You’re on your way to that new Samsung Galaxy S21, or whatever new phone your heart desires!

Step 1: Clean Your Phone

No one wants to buy a phone covered in fingerprints and smudges, even if it’s an iPhone 12 Pro! Cleaning your phone should come first and foremost, no matter how old or new the model is. Use disinfectant wipes or spray to clean your screen, the back of your phone, and your phone case if you have one.

Step 2: Backup Your Data

This step is mostly for you as the seller. You’re going to want to backup all of your important data before resetting your phone, erasing that data, and selling your phone. Most phones come with automatic backup; all you have to do is turn it on. But you can also use services like Google Drive or iCloud.

Step 3: Do a Factory Reset

Unless you want your phone’s next user to see all of your pictures, documents, and other data, make sure you perform a factory reset on your phone before attempting to sell it. Most phones, including iPhones and Samsungs, allow you to reset them through the Settings app. A factory reset will erase all of your data from your phone so its next user can have a fresh start.

Step 4: Use a Phone Case and Screen Protector 

Before you sell your phone, treat it as if it were brand new and protect it with a phone case and screen protector. Your phone will have more market value if it is in excellent condition, which means you’ll make more money off of it! Besides, even you would be hesitant to purchase a used iPhone 11 or Samsung Galaxy Note 20 with a cracked screen or missing/broken button. It pays off to treat your devices well.

Step 5: Consider Getting a Repair

This step might not be necessary for everyone, but if you have a minor issue with your phone like a cracked screen or broken front/rear camera, you might want to have those issues repaired before selling. That way, you have a higher chance of getting your asking price for the phone and therefore more money to put towards a new phone like an iPhone XR!

Bottom line? If you decide to sell your phone, make sure you’re doing it the right way, both for yourself and your phone’s future user. And if you need any assistance cleaning your phone, performing a factory reset, getting a repair, or purchasing any accessories, just give Quik Fix a call!

Newer iPhone models have eliminated the Home button and replaced it with gesture-based navigation via swiping and touching, and the iPhone 12 is no exception. The new swiping features are—we have to admit—extremely efficient, time-saving, and most importantly fun! In this blog, we’ll dive into each feature and discuss how it will make your iPhone experience better, faster, and more enjoyable.

1. Getting to the Home Screen Without a Home Button

There is no Home button on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, so how do you get back to your Home screen? It’s as easy as a touch and a flick! Just 1) tap the gesture area at the bottom of your screen display and 2) quickly swipe up. The more you do it, the more natural the motion will feel.

2. Accessing the Control Center

In the iPhone 12, the Control Center is accessed at the top of the screen instead of the bottom (swiping up from the bottom will allow you to view all of your open apps). To get there, just 1) tap the top right corner of your screen where your cell signal and battery indicator are and 2) swipe down.

Additionally, if you have Reachability turned on, you can swipe down from the top right of Reachability to get to the Control Center.

3. Swiping Back and Forth Between Apps

Most smartphones today can swipe through multiple open apps at once, and so can the iPhone 12. The trick to getting there is quite different from previous iPhone models. First, tap the gesture area at the bottom of your screen display, then swipe up gently to view all of your currently open apps. This swipe can be a little tricky at first, but you’ll get the hang of it!

4. Immediately Swiping to Another App

So you know how to view all of your open apps, but how do you quickly switch between apps? This is perhaps the iPhone 12’s coolest and fastest feature. While you’re using an app, simply swipe left to switch to an app you were previously using. But if you return to your most recently used app, you won’t be able to swipe right to a new app; you’ll only be able to swipe backwards to previous apps. 

5. Force Quitting Apps

Whether you need to force quit just one app or all of them at once, it’s super easy with the iPhone 12. Touch the gesture area at the bottom of the screen, swipe up slightly, and hold your finger there for a moment (if you don’t, you’ll be taken to the Home screen). After pausing, lift your finger to see all of your open apps. From here, just swipe up on any app you want to close. 

With these swiping features tips in hand, you’ll be an iPhone 12 professional before you know it! And if you have any questions about the iPhone 12, don’t forget that QuikFix has iPhone experts that would be happy to help. Just give us a call!

The want and need for messaging platforms has significantly increased in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has prevented friends and family from seeing each other, making phone calls, video calls, and text messages some of the only ways people can communicate. With countless messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to choose from, how do you decide which one is best for you? In this blog, we’ll (hopefully) help you determine just that! Aside from your phone’s default chat apps and apps like Facebook Messenger, here are some of the top 5 messaging apps to consider downloading this year.

1. Duo

Google Duo made it to our top 5 messaging apps for what it’s worth. It works on both Android and iOS devices, and it’s also free! Google Duo is primarily a video calling app, but it also offers a “video messages” feature. This feature allows you to record a quick video message and send it to your contacts.

Additionally, the interface is user-friendly and simple. In the opening screen, you can either make a video call by dialing a number or select a specific contact in the contact lists to call. So there’s no need to be tech-savvy with this app!

2. Signal

If privacy and security are a must-have for you, the Signal app might be the best choice. Signal, unlike other messaging platforms, doesn’t track you or your connections to your contacts. It also doesn’t encrypt your messages and keeps all of your metadata hidden.

Other benefits the Signal app offers? Free use, encrypted texts, images, audios, and videos, and the ability to send to both individuals and groups. Signal is also available for iOS, Android, and PC computers.

3. GroupMe

GroupMe is one of the more popular and made it to our top 5 messaging apps, because it has an app on every platform (iOS, Android, Blackberry, etc.). You also have the option to send messages via your cell phone carrier’s SMS or through the GroupMe app. If you don’t have an unlimited text/call plan, the in-app messaging option comes in handy.

Despite what its name implies, GroupMe offers both group and direct messaging. Also, a unique feature GroupMe offers is GPS location tagging.

4. Threema

Threema is one of the few messaging apps that costs money, but that is actually one of the app’s greatest strengths. Because Threema is a paid app, it is owned by its users and not its investors. This makes its encrypted messaging feature extra secure, and you can rest easy knowing your data isn’t being exploited.

Threema also doesn’t require you to enter a phone number, email address, or any other personal information to set up an account. 

5. Wickr

Lastly, Wickr finishes off our top 5 messaging apps you need to consider downloading. It has both a free version and a paid version; with the free version, you can communicate with up to 10 users, and with the paid version, you can communicate with an unlimited number of users.

Its security features are impressive as well, including self-destructing messages, content shredding, and screenshot detection.

Not all messaging platforms are the same, but we hope this list of top 5 messaging apps has made your decision a little easier! Remember that if you’re considering a paid app, you can try out a free trial first to see if it’s the best fit. 

Have questions about mobile messaging apps? One of our technicians would be happy to help! Contact us now.

Remember what gaming used to be like? Text-based games, still images, plain colors, and a blocky, basic design? Nowadays, rapidly evolving technology has made games nearly lifelike. Old games like The Oregon Trail, Zoo Tycoon, and Tomb Raider have all been updated for contemporary eyes. Many nostalgic gamers, however, still play the original versions. Others attempt to play the updated games on a far too outdated gaming computer (hint—this Razer Blade 15 blog is for you!).

Whether you’re seeking to play the games of your childhood or the latest games of 2021, the new Razer Blade 15 Base Edition Small Gaming Laptop will enhance your gaming experience tenfold. In this blog, we’ll discuss several reasons why you need this laptop!

Size Doesn’t Matter

The Razer Blade 15 might be the world’s smallest gaming laptop at just 15.6 inches and 0.66 inches thin, but don’t let its size fool you! Its design is solid and durable, but not so heavy that it makes mobility difficult. Its compact enhances its performance as well, so it can take on even the most demanding games.

In fact, its exterior design resembles everything but a stereotypical gaming laptop. It boasts straight, clean lines, water-resistant material, and a slim profile. It’s a contemporary spin on the blocky design of most gaming laptops.

A 10th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor

It’s a mouthful—we know. But dedicated gamers know how important the processor is for a smooth gaming experience. The Razer Blade 15 Base Edition has a 10th Generation Intel Core i7 Processor with 16 GB of RAM, which makes multitasking, streaming, working, and most importantly gaming absolutely seamless with minimal interruptions.

Razer Blade 15’s Large Speakers

No speakers will likely ever top those of the Macbook Pros, but the Razer Blade 15 features top mounted speakers on both sides of the keyboard. For those who wish to forego the gaming headset for the day, the speaker’s advanced audio quality will definitely suffice.

Smooth, User-Friendly Keys

The keys on the Razer Blade 15 are perfectly spaced apart, making key travel simple and easy for those who choose to play their PC games without a mechanical keyboard. The touchpad is equally as wonderful; it’s large enough to game with and sensitive to touch.

Razer Blade 15 Has Exceptional Display

As previously mentioned, most contemporary PC games have incredibly lifelike visuals and graphics, and playing them on an outdated laptop can really slow you down. With its iCore 7 processor, you can hit up to 300 fps (frames per second) with virtually any PC game. The animations are impressive and will do nothing but enhance your overall gaming experience!

The Razer Blade 15 Base Edition is perfect for the modern gamer—durable, portable, long-lasting, and powerful. So whether you’re a novice gamer or a pro, the Razer Blade 15 might be your next gaming laptop of choice. Or maybe happy to keep gaming on your mobile phone – whatever your preferred choice, we’re happy to help with any phone and computer repairs should you need them!  Questions? Feel free to give our expert technicians at Quik Fix AZ a call! We love sharing our tech knowledge.