Top 4 iPhone accessories for 2022

Top 4 iPhone accessories for 2022

Having an iPhone may already be quintessential for some people, but others still want to have a next-level extra. There are accessories that can make the iPhone push more performance, more secure, and more useful like leveling up photos and videos or charging up the device.

  1. Prime Cables Lightning to HDMI Digital AV Adapter

The Lightning Digital AV Adapter supports mirroring of whatever is displayed on the device screen. This includes apps, presentations, websites, slideshows, and more. This adapter can be used with iPhone, iPad, or iPod with a Lightning connector. This AV adapter can connect to HDMI-equipped TV, display, projector, or other compatible monitors in up to 1080p HD. This can enhance the versatility of entertainment systems or presentations. This HDMI adapter is fast and easy to use. This Lightning to HDMI adapter can connect to most HDMI displays that broaden the use of the devices. The displaying photos, videos or other presentations from the iPhone can already be shared with family, friends, students, and others. This Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter made browsing on larger screens easier and better. 

  1. Apple AirTag

AirTags are used to help track important stuff such as keys, bags, wallets, purses, devices, and others. This lessens the possibility of losing things. This keeps things on the owner’s radar. This uses the Find My app which can also track Apple devices. This cute keychain-looking Apple AirTag can play sounds on the built-in speaker via the new Items tab in the Find My app. It has Bluetooth proximity finding, Apple designed U1 chip for Ultra-Wideband and Precision Finding that uses an accelerometer sensor and NFC tap for Lost Mode. This can lead straight to the lost item; it displays the distance to the AirTag and the direction to head in. The Precision Finding is compatible with iPhone 11/Pro/ProMax, iPhone 12/mini/Pro/Pro Max, and iPhone 13/mini/Pro/Pro Max.

The tag efficiently sends out a secure Bluetooth signal to nearby devices in the Find My Network. The location of the AirTag signal is sent to the iCloud; then to the Find My app and can be viewed on a map. The process is encrypted and anonymous to protect privacy. When Lost Mode is turned on and detected by other devices in the network, this automatically sends a notification. The contact info of the owner can be gotten by the NFC tap. AirTag is still designed to discourage unwanted tracking. Only the owner can see where his AirTag is. The location data and history are never stored on the tag itself. The devices that relay the location of the owner’s AirTag also stay anonymous.

Its battery life is designed with a user-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery that can last more than a year, and iPhone gives a notification when it’s time to be replaced. The 31.9 mm x 8 mm tag that weighs lightly as 11g is also Rated IP67 resistant to splash, water, and dust. That is a maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 meters under IEC standard 60529 that should have an operating ambient temperature of -20 ℃ to 60 ℃.

  1. Otterbox Amplify Glass Glare Guard

The Amplify Glare Guard is a Corning Aluminosilicate glass screen protector that is available for iPhones 11/Pro Max, iPhone 13/Pro/mini/Pro Max, and iPhone XR. The anti-glare screen protector defends screens against drops, scratches, and scrapes up to 5x greater resistance than leading glass alternatives while giving improved display readability from low to extreme lighting. The 0.04 lbs glass protector also boasts a lowered screen-brightness setting that enables extended daily battery life. This comes with an installation frame, cleaning wipe, drying cloth, and dust removal sticker.

  1. Master & Dynamic MC100 Wireless Charge Pad

The Master & Dynamic MC100 Wireless charge pad is built to complement the MW08 Sport True Wireless Earphones that can be used with the iPhone. It is a beautifully engineered wireless charger having a low-profile look that is available in colors silver aluminum with grey coated canvas and gunmetal aluminum with black coated canvas. This charging disk measures 100mm by 100mm and is 9.9mm thick and weighs 90.7g. This gives 10 Watts of maximum output with an input of 5v/1.2~1.5A, 9V/1.2~1.5A.

The charging pad does not include an AC wall adapter. It has a LED indicator on the front of the charger which looks like a round drink coaster. It illuminates when a device is charging without being too bright. The bottom side of the Master & Dynamic MC100 Wireless Charge Pad is made from machined aluminum and has four anti-skid rubber feet to keep the MC100 from sliding around. Master & Dynamic claims that this charging pad can charge the MW08 Sport to 50% in just 30 minutes and a full charge from empty will take up to 100 minutes.

iPhone 13 vs. Samsung Galaxy S22: Which One Should You Get?

With so many choices in the market, it’ll take a lot of time just to come down to a 1 versus 1 of the devices you’re going to choose from. However, iPhones usually take the other side of the fight for casual smartphone users. If you’re one of the people picking between the iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, this guide will help you decide.

We’ll break this guide down into four categories:

  • Body
  • Display
  • Platform
  • Camera
  • Price

You can skip through the categories you care most about to help yourself decide faster! But if you’re like us who like getting down to the nitty-gritty of gadgets we plan to spend our money on, read through our buying guide.

Body

iPhone 13: The iPhone 13 weighs 174 grams and is measured at 5.78 x 2.81 x 0.30 in. The front and back of its aluminum frame are powered by Gorilla Glass, which can be found on most smartphones today. The iPhone 13 is also IP68-rated dust- and water-resistant, and you can swim up to 6 meters deep for 30 mins with your iPhone 13 if you’re into that!

Samsung Galaxy S22 5G: On the other side of the ring, the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G weighs 167 grams and is measured at 5.75 x 2.78 x 0.30 in. Similar to the iPhone 13, it has an aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back. Based on Samsung’s ads, the Galaxy S22 5G has an armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance. Moreover, this model is IP68 rated dust- and water-resistant.

Display

iPhone 13: The iPhone 13 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel with HDR10, and Dolby Vision support. Its display panel has a peak brightness of 1200 nits. As for display resolution, you get 1170 x 2532 image clarity, protected by a scratch-resistant ceramic glass with an oleophobic coating, wide color gamut, and Apple’s True Tone.

Samsung Galaxy S22 5G: Not straying far, the Samsung Galaxy S22 also has a 6.1-inch size display, but with Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and a peak brightness of 1300 nits. However, display clarity is where iPhone 13 wins over the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, since the Galaxy S22 5G only has a 1080 x 2340 panel. Wondering what protects the Galaxy S22 5G’s display? It’s Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ and the panel has an Always-on Display feature. Perfect for those who don’t like tapping their phones to check the time!

Platform

iPhone 13: The iPhone 13 runs iOS 15 out of the box, and is upgradable to the latest version of the iOS 15. It runs on Apple’s A15 Bionic chip which has six CPU cores with a 4-core Apple GPU. Storage-wise, the iPhone 13 is upgradeable up to 512 GB.

Samsung Galaxy S22 5G: The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is shipped out running Android 12 and is powered by Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Its CPU has eight cores and its graphics processor is Adreno 730, a brand you often see on Samsung smartphones. When it comes to storage, the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is only up to 256 GB.

Camera

iPhone 13: Apple’s iPhone 13 has a dual-lens rear camera setup with the first lens being wide with 13 MP. The second lens is also 12 MP, but is ultrawide. Both lenses have their own LED dual-tone flashes and HDR photo and panorama. The highest video capture quality you can get from the iPhone 13 is 4K@60fps with Dolby Vision HDR support.

The front camera of the iPhone 13 has a single-lens setup, with 12 MP wide lens that is SL 3D supported. It has HDR and can take up to 4K@60fps videos.

Samsung Galaxy S22 5G: Samsung’s contender for this buying guide has a triple-lens rear camera setup. The main is a wide lens that has 50 MP, the second is a telephoto lens that has 10 MP with 3x optical zoom, and the third lens is ultrawide and has 12 MP with Super Steady video. The rear camera setup has a LED flash, auto-HDR, and panorama. Samsung Galaxy S22 5G’s rear camera can take up to 8K@24fps videos with HDR10+ support.

Its front camera is a 10 MP wide lens with Dual Pixel PDAF, auto-HDR, and can take up to 4K@60fps videos.

Price

iPhone 13: Starts at $799 for the 128 GB model. It comes in Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink, Red, and Green.

Samsung Galaxy S22 5G: Starts at $699.99 for the 128 GB with 8 GB RAM model. The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G comes in Phantom Black, White, Pink Gold, Green, Graphite, Sky Blue, Violet, and Cream.

What made you decide?

Was it the camera? The body? Or the price? We know there are many factors in play, but for most people, the price is one of the biggest deciding factors. But if you’re a tech whiz who likes comparing every feature of the gadgets you’re planning to purchase, we hope this buying guide helped you pick the right smartphone for you!

If you need expert assistance when it comes to picking your new smartphone, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us and we’ll be happy to answer all your tech questions! Our friendly staff are available and will lead you to the smartphone that will serve your tech needs.

Laptop MD Accessories

Top 5 Apple Gadgets and Accessories to Get In 2022

Apple is known for designing its products to support each other. This can be seen in how integrated their products are with each other, which manifests clearly in Apple’s native tracking application, Find My. Find My allows you to track all compatible Apple devices signed into your iCloud account and included in your Family Sharing setup.

Another feature that takes advantage of Apple’s excellent cross-device integration is Universal Control. This feature lessens the time you take switching between your Apple devices. For example, you’re working on your MacBook, and you need a file from your iPad. You can simply drag and drop the file you need using your MacBook’s trackpad to navigate your iPad. What’s better is that Universal Control isn’t limited to two devices, but three.

With notable features making Apple gadgets easier to use, it’s time you find additional devices and accessories that’ll complete your Apple ecosystem. Here are five products we recommend:

1. 16-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro

The M1 Max is currently Apple’s most powerful processor, with 10-cores of CPU power and a GPU with up to 32-cores. The beefy Apple silicon is made even more powerful by 64GB of unified memory, making it a good MacBook for heavy video rendering and software development tasks.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro is built to be compatible with Apple’s latest integration feature, Universal Control, so that you can work between your other compatible devices without a problem.

2. iPad Pro 12.9-inch

Apple’s latest addition to their iPad Pro line are the 11- and 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Both come with up to 2TB of storage but differ in size, display quality, and battery capacity.

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, which you’ll also find in their latest generation of MacBook Airs. The M1 chip has an 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. In addition, it has an 8-core GPU with up to 16GB of RAM.

The 12-9-inch iPad Pro is fully compatible with Universal Control, so you can conveniently include it in your productivity arsenal and have no issues transferring what you need.

3. iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 13 Pro Max is Apple’s fastest iPhone, with the A15 Bionic chip and the Pro camera system with Telephoto, Wide, and Ultra Wide modes. It’s also 5G capable, making it fast enough to connect to the internet and support your online tasks without an issue.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max is fully compatible with Universal Control, so working alongside your iPad and MacBook is made extremely convenient.

Lastly, it’s compatible with Apple’s MagSafe accessories, making charging up this smartphone a hassle-free experience.

4. Apple Watch Series 7

The Apple Watch Series 7 currently has the biggest display out of all Apple Watch models released in the previous years. This made it an even more competent smartwatch because users who aren’t fans of smaller displays benefit from its upgraded viewable area.

The retina display also has an always-on feature, so you don’t have to repeatedly tap on your watch to see the screen.

5. MagSafe Duo Charger

As Apple continues to develop MagSafe-supported devices, the MagSafe Duo Charger becomes even more relevant. It allows you to conveniently charge your compatible iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, and other Qi-certified devices without the trouble of plugging into a charging port.

With the MagSafe Duo Charger, you can just lay your device on top, and you’ll get the juice you need for your devices.

Top 3 iPad Pro Issues and How to Fix Them

Holiday Shopping: Computer Edition

Every year, we get thinner, more powerful, and of course, more expensive computers. Manufacturers are racing to be the first in new designs and capabilities so they can capture the hearts of consumers. Whether you use a computer for office-purpose or gaming — there is a perfect computer out there for you.

Brands have been in this game for so long, that they already know what we want and need.

If you’re in the market for your next computer, the holiday season is the perfect time to score the best deals on your next machine. Holiday shopping isn’t all about small gifts now — it’s about time we treat ourselves (or our loved ones) to a new shiny gadget.

Don’t worry, we’re not going to bombard you with sponsored brands and models of computers that came out this year. In this article, we’ll list the best computers based on what type of user you are. A gamer, a casual user, or a professional? We have a computer recommendation for you.

Ready to score your next computer? Read below and take your pick:

  1. MacBook Air

The first one in Apple’s line of computers to run without Intel, the MacBook Air M1 hits the sweet spot from every possible angle. From its known portability because of how light it is compared to the MacBook Pro and non-Apple computers, it’s also one of Apple’s most popular laptop models.

Compared to other Macs, the Macbook Air is not expensive. It’s light, has many features, and is easy to use. You’ll see students use MacBook Airs often because they can take it anywhere without breaking their backs and banks.

Of course, we know you’d love to know the techy stuff about the Air M1. Click here for all the technical specifications you could want.

Looking to buy the MacBook Air M1? Weigh your needs first. What will you be using it for? Do you do photo and video editing often, are you planning to use it for gaming? 

If you answered those two questions with a yes, then you’re better off with a MacBook Pro or a Windows gaming laptop since both can better handle those tasks. 

  1. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15

Interested in a computer for gaming? Let’s look at the computer that’s best capable of running the latest titles. 

A good example of a modern title is Ubisoft’s action-adventure first-person shooter, Far Cry 6. It’s a hardware-demanding game and, as a gamer, I know you’d want nothing but the smoothest gaming experience. Especially with a title that’s as immersive as Far Cry 6.

That’s why ASUS’ ROG Zephyrus G15 would be the perfect computer option for you.

Its base model is powered by the RTX 3050 GPU (exclusive to laptops) with the Ryzen 9 5900HS the processor. 

With a base processing speed of 3.1 GHz, you’ll have enough juice to launch your games faster and keep up with fast-paced titles like Riot Games’ first-person shooter Valorant.

Of course, a beefy GPU and a fast processor are nothing without a top-of-the-line display panel. With the Zephyrus G15, you get a 15.6-inch 1440p display. 

If you play a lot of first-person games, you’ll be satisfied with the display’s 165Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time.

Worried about colors and sync? The display panel is IPS and AMD FreeSync-enabled. No dead colors and screen-tearing. Only the best gaming experience possible.

Is this laptop only for gaming? No, it can be used for a wide variety of tasks.

It’s powerful enough to run hardware-demanding software used in photo and video editing, so you can’t go wrong with the Zephyrus G15.

  1. MacBook Pro

Are we talking high-end photo and video editing? We can’t forget 2021’s MacBook Pro.

Apple’s October event introduced the remodeled MacBook Pro. The 2021 line added the 13-inch Pros to the MacBooks family. 

The base model, MacBook Pro 13”, still has the M1 chip from the Air M1. The processor revamps start when you look at the 14” and 16” models. They’re powered by the upgraded M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, which sports up to 10 cores of processing power.

When it comes to graphics, the new Apple chips boast up to 32 cores of display processing.

Since storage is a big factor for photo and video editors, we’d like to highlight that the maximum configurable storage for these new MacBook Pros goes up to 8TB. Depending on the usual size of your work, this might be enough. If not, an external storage drive is always an option.

Despite the upgrades on hardware, the new MacBook Pros remain light. The base model weighs 1.4kg. The heaviest is the 16” model, which weighs 2.1kg.

  1. Dell XPS 13 2-in-1

If there’s anything I’ve learned in technology, it’s that brands will find a way to combine things that make consumers happy.

Remember when tablets became popular? Today some of them are powerful enough to function like computers, but not so much that they can replace computers.

That’s how 2-in-1s came to be. Just a few years back we couldn’t imagine folding a laptop backwards without breaking it. Today, laptop screens can be rotated 180 degrees.

If you’re into the quirky features 2-in-1s have, Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is a great pick. It’s powered by an 11th Generation Intel Core i5 CPU and an Intel Iris Xe GPU. The processor is good enough to handle day-to-day office tasks and browsing, but when you want to play modern titles using this 2-in-1, you won’t have an ideal gaming experience.

When it comes to the XPS 13’s display, you get a 13.4-inch touch panel. Unlike traditional laptops, its display can be used in a variety of ways. Turn and spin (carefully) to your comfort and you can rely on it to keep working when you do so.

Storage-wise, it has a PCIe NVMe SSD. SSDs are known to be faster than HDDs by a mile. And being in a PCIe lane with NVMe further shoots this convertible laptop’s storage speed ahead of HDDs.

Weight is a big factor for laptop fans. To guide you, this one weighs 1.32kg. A pretty common weight for modern Windows laptops.

Takeaways

Depending on what you want a laptop for, you’ll be better off with a MacBook or a Dell laptop. It all really depends on what you’re planning to use the laptop for. 

If you’re not the best when it comes to computers, sales representatives at computer stores will be more than glad to assist you with finding the best computer for you. 

Just tell them what you intend to use the computer you’re looking for and they’ll be ready with suggestions.

Whatever your choice ends up being, we wish you happy holiday shopping!

Which Phones Offer the Best Resolution for Live Streaming?

Which Phones Offer the Best Resolution for Live Streaming?

We’ve all noticed that many people gain immense popularity through live streaming content on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and others.

Live Streaming has become so popular that almost every social media platform out there allows users to stream content live.

If you’re looking to become an “online streamer” or are just interested in exploring this part of the digital world, it’s crucial to find the best equipment possible without breaking the bank. 

So before you run out and buy some fancy camera equipment, we’ve rounded up the best live streaming phones for you to consider:

  1. iPhone 13 Pro Max

Aside from being a flagship product of California tech giant Apple, iPhones are known to have excellent camera quality. Every new model that comes out has an upgraded camera that makes your photos and videos look even more professional.

2021’s iPhone 13 line is no exception. The best model out of the three variants, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, boasts a 12 megapixel (MP) camera system that comes with unique features such as telephoto, wide, and ultrawide lens.

The picture quality can capture videos up to 1080p without high-dynamic-range imaging (HDR). The smartphones of today can take pictures at a quality level never seen before. So you don’t need to spend $5,500 on a new camera when a smartphone can capture high quality images, fit in your pocket, and not completely break the bank.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max also offers HDR video recording with Dolby Vision that can capture up to 4K at 60 fps. Talk about sharp and lag-free videos! Worried your live stream might be shaky? This smartphone’s camera has cinematic video stabilization for videos with 720p to 4K.

  1. Huawei P30 Pro

Of course, Apple has competitors that are doing their best to compete with Apple’s high quality products. One such company is Huawei. With their P30 Pro, you get triple lenses equipped with Superzoom, 40MP sensor camera, and 20MP wide-angle lens.

You don’t have to miss a thing with this unit’s brilliant camera. They coupled its high-quality camera with a big screen, so you can see everything that’s happening!

Today’s phones boast excellent battery capacity and Huawei made sure not to forget this feature in the Huawei P30 Pro. This beefy battery capacity of 4200 mAh will make sure your live stream does not suddenly end without allowing you to say goodbye to your viewers.

Plus, you’ll have no problem live streaming videos in low-light with this phone. Huawei cameras are known for performing well even in bad lighting conditions.

You can record up to 4K at 30fps with this well-rounded Android-powered unit. What’s more, it costs significantly less than Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max.

So if you’re looking for a high-quality and affordable (at least when compared to the 13 Pro Max), Huawei’s P30 Pro line is worth looking into.

  1. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra, released January 2021, can’t be left out. It’s currently Samsung’s best smartphone camera, with a 108Mp rear camera and 3 other rear lenses that have up to 12MP of clarity. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra will take your live streaming to the next level.

Worried about the resolution of your livestream video with this phone? You don’t have to be. It can take up to 8K at 24fps! That’s the highest resolution on our list, and if you love razor-sharp videos, the S21 Ultra is definitely for you.

If you want to ensure your live streams have high-quality and are lag-free, then you can record 4K at 30fps videos without a problem.

The length of your stream shouldn’t be a problem with Samsung’s newest phone. It has a 5000 mAh non-removable battery that can let you stream videos for as long as your heart desires.

All in all, it may not be as cheap as our Huawei P30 Pro contender, but the price increase is definitely worth paying for if you want high quality livestream videos.

  1. Google Pixel 5

If you don’t follow tech news, you might not be aware that Google isn’t just a search engine. It’s also a smartphone manufacturer — and a good one at that.

While the competition in the smartphone market is tough, Google surely benefits from its household popularity. Their smartphones have undeniably high quality standards, and that shows with the Google Pixel 5.

The Google Pixel 5 is a lightweight and comfortable smartphone with an ultrawide 16MP main camera. You can record up to 4K at 60fps with this Google smartphone. That quality will allow for clear livestream videos, especially if you want all the details in the frame captured perfectly.

It also has a 4080 mAh battery that will ensure that your livestream sessions are not cut off too soon.

Google may not be the first brand that pops in your mind when you think of the best smartphone cameras, but they’re worth a look.

  1. OnePlus 8 Pro

One of the Chinese tech company’s most well-rounded and popular smartphones, the OnePlus 8 Pro, packs a powerful main camera that lets you shoot at 48MP or 12MP.

It also has a 119-degree field of view, which should be wide enough for your wide-capture livestream video. We know this is important when you want to stream landscapes.

You also don’t have to worry about the battery capacity of the OnePlus 8 Pro. It has a 4510 mAh battery that offers wireless charging! If that beefy battery isn’t enough for your livestream and interactions with your viewers, then the wireless charging feature should help.

What else should you consider when looking for a phone for live streaming?

Aside from the image quality of your live streams, one thing you also have to consider is the size of the screen, storage space, and battery capacity.

Battery capacity

There are numerous smartphones out there packed with cameras powerful enough to produce lag-free clarity, but in order to produce those kinds of videos to your viewers, battery life takes a hit.

So in looking for a smartphone for live streaming, it’s important to consider the battery capacity of the cell phone you want to use and if they offer convenient charging features such as fast and wireless charging.

We all know it’s not easy to livestream if you constantly have your phone plugged into a power bank or a wall socket.

Storage

If you’re streaming on a social media platform, you might think storage isn’t a factor for the device you’re using to live stream. But it actually is.

Your phone needs to store temporary data or you may also want to save your live stream in real-time so you can play it back for review, edit it for another video, or to save for future use.

Since your videos will be high quality, that means they’ll take a lot of space on your smartphone. That’s why you need a large storage capacity or you could run the risk of losing a recording when the cell phone’s free space runs out. 

Screen size

Another thing that’s notable with today’s popular smartphones is the screen size. With every release, the viewing area gets larger and larger. 

But not every phone with an excellent live streaming camera comes with decently sized screens.

You need your screen to see what you’re currently showing in your livestream and to also see what your viewers are saying in the comments section. If you’re not using another phone to view comments and reactions, you definitely need a smartphone with a big screen for streaming content.

Takeaways

We all see thousands of people sharing their daily lives online. There are people who prefer perfectly curated photos, videos, and there are the ones who like to stream content live.

The best phone for streaming with good resolutions can vary depending on what your other needs are aside from sharp image quality. Your budget, activity, and the content you want to stream will be major factors in searching for the perfect phone for live streaming.

Don’t grab the phone that only has the highest MP. You might risk suffering from mediocre battery life, small screen size, and small storage capacity that’ll make your live streaming experience difficult.

Look for a smartphone that has the right balance of image quality, battery life, and storage space. Make sure to look around for brands that sell phones with the specifications perfect for your needs and don’t be afraid to try new brands!

Who knows? You might find the live streaming community’s next best smartphone for livestream videos.

Mac or PC: Which one is better for Remote Work?

Mac or PC: Which one is better for Remote Work?

Now that many companies have transitioned to part-time or full-time remote work environments, you’re probably wondering what computer you should get yourself to help you work better. You might also use a computer for hobbies like gaming, drawing, recording podcasts, or editing videos.

But the problem lies in picking between a Mac and a Windows PC. It’s an age-old rivalry, Mac versus Windows PC. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but when you line the two up, which comes out on top? 

There is a laundry list of specs and subtle differences between the two computers, but today we’ll be focusing on three: Design, Repairs, and Portability.

What do you need a computer for?

When selecting between different types of ANYTHING, it’s important to consider what the needs are and what computer is best suited to your preferences. 

In this case, it’s a computer you’ll use for your day-to-day work.

There are different employees with different needs, especially when you’re in an industry that needs specific hardware and software to be taken properly.

If you work with hardware-intensive software like Adobe’s Premiere Pro, Photoshop, CorelDRAW, and others, you’re bound to buy something that can run these programs without an issue.

But if you mostly use Microsoft Office and your browser for research and writing, you’re better off with something that meets basic spec requirements. Something that can run 2 to 5 tasks without lagging.

Now decide

After making a mental list of what you’ll need in a computer or what you want to use it for, the choice should be easy. If you’re not good with computers, it’d be best to consult with co-workers or your supervisor/boss.

In the Mac spectrum, there are high-spec MacBooks that are upgradable but come with hefty sales, upgrade, and repair prices. The upside to the price of Mac computers is that many users tend to stick with one Mac product at a time for YEARS.

You’ll see people using the same Mac computer for 3 to 5 years before getting themselves a new one. That says a lot about quality, right?

For Windows PCs, you can rely on variety and affordable prices. There are thousands of brands (both good and bad) producing Windows-based PCs at ideal prices for you. Top those prices with upgradability, and you’ll be using a pretty decent unit for 1-3 years.

The downside to Windows PCs, however, is that they tend to encounter more hardware and software issues than Macs. There are driver issues, errors you don’t know how to fix, slower operating speed due to decaying parts,lack of storage, and many other issues.

But because Windows PCs have more flexibility when it comes to upgrades, it means they’re easy to repair when they encounter issues. Repairs for them are also not as expensive and wallet-draining as Macs.

There are millions of repair tutorials on the internet that Windows fans follow when their PC starts acting up. Plus, upgrade and replacement parts are easier to purchase.

Design

If you’re a computer user who cares about how a computer looks, then you’re good to go with Macs. They’re sleek, light, and have designs that are recognizable to anyone. The Apple logo is probably the only thing on there, and that’s a nice addition when you’re into minimalism.

With Windows PCs, there are units with great designs, but they usually come with steep price tags that are similar to Apple pricing. It’s also not easy to find an affordable PC that boasts less weight and a sleek design.

Simply put, if you like looking at a sleek unit, Macs are great options.

If you want to combine price and performance minus the good design, look into getting yourself a Windows PC.

But if you want capability, upgradability, and good looks, check out high-end Windows PCs. 

Macs: 1 PC: 0

Repairs

No device lasts forever without encountering issues. That’s why customization is a good plus for people who love to tinker with their computers, and are good for computer repair shops.

Macs are notorious for being expensive when they break and getting them repaired can cost a large amount of money depending on the issue. 

The sophisticated but un-customizable engineering of Macs made them difficult to repair, and quality replacement parts are hard to find and expensive to purchase.

But with Windows PCs, there are brand-name upgrade and replacement parts in the market that consumers can simply order and get delivered to their doorstep.

They can even repair their Windows PC at home if they know enough about it and are confident. But if you don’t want to risk it, there are computer repair shops that will be more than willing to repair your PC and upgrade it to help you maximize its features.

Macs: 0 PC: 1

Portability

Some businesses have gone with a part-time remote work schedule. That means anything that’s light and designed for portability is a good thing for your lifestyle. You’d want to be able to continue your work wherever you may be. This is where Mac’s portability puts it above Windows PCs.

Mac computers are light, slim, and easily slip into backpacks and even most handbags. The chargers are also easy to carry because of their simple design.

But for Windows PCs, it’s difficult to find an affordable unit that has decent specs and is portable. Most of them are made to be affordable to the masses, and that’s what’s good about them. But you don’t want to lug a heavy computer around campus. 

So if you want to be able to take your computer with you anywhere you go, a Mac is a great pick. 

Macs: 1 PC: 0

The verdict

Now that we’re at the end of this article, here’s the points tally:

Mac: 2
Windows PC: 1

But that doesn’t mean you should automatically opt for a $1300 MacBook.

You should also consider if that price will give you what you need for work and leisure. Macs are for creative activities and portability, while Windows PCs are for upgradability and high-performance activities like gaming.

If you know a lot about computers and already have specs in mind, it’ll be a no-brainer to find a PC that will suit your tech needs.

Just keep your budget, lifestyle, and computing needs in mind while you’re browsing. You should be ready to invest in a good PC once you know what you need and how much you want to spend.

How To Choose A Right Bag For Laptop?

If you own a laptop that makes you feel proud, you probably want to do everything you can to defend it from harm. That’s why it’s crucial to get a special bag that’s designed exclusively to protect your compact computer.

Thankfully, there are many varieties of exciting, stylish and effective laptop bags available to purchase.

Sleeves
Laptop sleeves are a popular option. Sleeves are sleek and streamlined protective options that are suitable for people who wish to avoid big and bulky bags. Laptop sleeves are so thin and convenient that you can often even easily place them inside of your other bags.

If you have a roomy rucksack, your laptop sleeve should be able to fit easily inside of it.

Shoulder bags
Shoulder bags that are reminiscent of briefcases are also available. There are even laptop bags that look and function just like briefcases themselves.

If you’re interested in a laptop bag that can give a polished, professional and serious impression to others, going the briefcase route may make an optimal choice for you.

Backpack laptop bags
Backpack laptop bags can be helpful for people who are constantly on the go. If you lead a hectic lifestyle and find that you don’t always have a lot of time, a backpack laptop bag may be a wise choice for you.

These bags can also be great for people who don’t often have spare hands. If you’re always looking at your phone or holding a bottled water or cup of coffee while you’re walking from point A to point B, keeping your laptop secure in a backpack may just work like a charm.

Customize your bag
A couple other dependable, attractive and practical laptop protection options include rolling laptop bags and messenger bags. Some people even choose to customize their laptop bags.

If you want to invest in a one-of-a-kind bag for your laptop, custom choices may be ideal.

And finally….
Now that you know more about extensive selection of laptop bags around. A laptop bag is only accessory which can protect your working device. But if you have any problem with your laptop, tablet or other devices or you need a quick visit from the computer doctor, you can find help at Laptop MD.

Laptop buying guide: Essential Tips

At LaptopMD, we encounter just about every consumer electronics problem you could imagine on a regular basis. For the most part, there aren’t many technical snafus we can’t rectify. However, some laptops are simply beyond fixing for one reason or another.

Laptop buying guide: Essential Tips from LaptopMD

In that case, it’s time to upgrade to a new machine. Use the following laptop buying checklist we’ve put together to guide your decision the next time you need a new laptop.

Step #1 – Pick a Platform: Windows or Mac
Probably the most important decision you’ll make is the default operating system that a laptop comes with.

Laptop buying guide: Essential Tips from LaptopMD

For most consumers, it’s basically a choice between Windows 10 and Mac OS X.

Step#2 – Do you want 2-in-1?
The main decision to make nowadays when it comes to mobile computers is between a standard laptop and a hybrid. A normal laptop has a permanently attached keyboard while a hybrid usually has a detachable keyboard. The Microsoft Surface Pro 4, the iPad Pro, Lenovo Yoga 900 are usually given as examples of the latter.

Step#3 – Choose a Size That’s Right for You
Since it’s an inherently mobile device, a laptop must be perfectly suited to its user on the basis of size and weight.

Laptop buying guide: Essential Tips from LaptopMD

  • 11 to 12 inches: The thinnest and lightest systems around have 11- to 12-inches screens and typically weigh 2.5 to 3.5 pounds. Examples – Surface Pro 4, Macbook 12;
  • 13 to 14 inches: Provides the best balance of portability and usability if you get a laptop that weighs under 4 pounds Examples – Macbook Air 13, Dell XPS 13;
  • 15 inches: The most popular size, 15 inch laptops weigh 4.5 to 6.5 pounds. Consider this size if you want a larger screen and you are not planning to carry your laptop around often. Examples – Macbook Pro 15, Asus Zenbook Pro UX501.

Step#4 – Find a Machine That’s Powerful Enough
The CPU and on-board RAM of a laptop will dictate what you can do with it in the field.. The key is to thoroughly peruse laptop benchmarks before buying.

Laptop buying guide: Essential Tips from LaptopMD

  • Intel Core i3/i5: If you are looking for a mainstream laptop with the best combination of price and performance, get a Core i5. Core i3 is a small step down.
  • Intel Core i7: High-end performance for gaming rigs and workstations.
  • Intel Core m3/ m5/ m7: Low-power and low heat allow systems with these processors to go fanless. Performance is better than Celeron, but a notch below Core i3/ i5.

Step#5 – Find a Machine with the Right Longevity

A laptop that can’t run as long as you’d like when it’s off the cord won’t do you much good. While a Macbook should be good for 10 hours or more under normal circumstances, a solid laptop usually won’t last much longer than five.

Laptop buying guide: Essential Tips from LaptopMD

Some particularly efficient yet robust hybrids may be able to run for 8 hours or so on a single charge before eventually sapping their battery power.

Step#6 – Select a Laptop That Fits Your Budget
Finally, the right laptop is one that ticks all of the aforementioned boxes at a price that fits your budget. That range could be anywhere from $500 to 3000$. Knowing what you want and what you’re able to get for the money that you’re willing to part with is the key.

Laptop buying guide: Essential Tips from LaptopMD

Shop around a little once you’ve dialed in your preferred specifications to avoid being ripped off on any given option.

Making Your Laptop Go the Distance
Finally you’ve found the perfect laptop for you. It would be awesome if all your data, pictures, notes, and music appeared on your new machine seamlessly as well as a pre-installed anti-virus program. Unfortunately it can be complicated for many users to do this by themselves. When you have an issue like this the friendly and experienced staff at LaptopMD is on your side.

10 Great Mobile Messaging Apps

women in a bicycle

We all know the old adage; New York is indeed a melting pot. Millions of people from all over the world call New York home, but how they you contact their friends and family overseas? Long distance calling cards are OK. International mobile plans are expensive.

Social Media is cool but nothing compares to the instant connection that mobile messaging Apps offer. They allow you to talk to anyone around the world for free, and are a prime means of international communication. Many may not know just how many options there are to choose from.

We decided to take a look at some for you! Continue reading

iPhone 6+: The Tablet Killer

iphone 6 plus repair nycAre “Phablets” phasing out Tablets? Not only are the iPhone 6 and 6+ flying off shelves, tablet sales have lowered 30% according to Best Buy CEO Joy Hubert. Is there a correlation between increased iPhone sales and lower tablet sales?

An analysis by Gartner calculates Apple sold a record 74.8 million phones in the 4th quarter of 2014, a stark increase from the 50 million they sold the previous quarter. Samsung managed to sell 73 million devices in the same timeframe, but it was a notable drop from the 83 million they sold the previous quarter.

Apple’s big fourth quarter has made them number one in the global smartphone market. Additionally, the demand for the iPhone 6+ supports a widespread belief that large smartphones, now deemed Phablets, are usurping the tablet market entirely. Business Insider released a report that predicted sales of Phablets will outnumber tablets 3 to 1 by 2019. Continue reading