Category Archives: Accessories

Accessories, iPhone, Tips

Screen Protectors: Your Smartphone’s Best Friend

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In this digital age, smartphones have become essential to our lives. They’re our primary tools for communication, entertainment, and work. Therefore, taking care of these valuable devices should be a top priority. One of the simplest yet most effective ways of doing so is by using screen protectors.

The importance of maintaining our smartphones cannot be overstated. These devices hold not just monetary value, but also a significant amount of personal and professional data. With the rising costs of new smartphones, protecting our current ones becomes even more essential.

In this blog post, we will delve into why screen protectors are a must for your smartphone, helping to extend the life of your device and keep it in prime condition. For help with smartphone repair, please visit iFixYouri.

Understanding Screen Protectors

A screen protector is a thin sheet. It’s made of plastic or glass. You place it on your phone’s screen. Its job is to shield your phone’s screen.

Screen protectors - properly installed iPhone screen protector
Photo by Lucas Hoang on Unsplash

How Does a Screen Protector Work?

The screen protector takes the hit. It faces scratches, not your phone. It faces impacts, not your phone. It’s like a bodyguard for your phone’s screen. It keeps your phone’s screen looking new. It also makes your phone last longer.

Types of Screen Protectors

Exploring Types of Screen Protectors

There are several types of screen protectors. The main ones are tempered glass, PET, and TPU.

Tempered Glass Protectors

These are tough. They feel like your phone’s original screen. They’re the most protective but also the thickest.

PET Protectors

PET stands for “polyethylene terephthalate.” These are thin and light. They’re less visible but also offer less protection.

TPU Protectors

TPU means “thermoplastic polyurethane.” These are flexible and resist impacts well. They can be a bit tricky to apply but offer good protection.

Benefits of Using a Screen Protector

Avoid Scratches and Cracks

Screen protectors keep your phone’s screen safe. They take on scratches and cracks, so your phone’s screen doesn’t have to.

Stop Dirt and Fingerprints

Screen protectors help keep your screen clean. They can stop dirt and fingerprints from marking your phone’s screen.

Less Glare

Screen protectors can reduce glare. This makes it easier to see your screen in bright light.

More Privacy

Some protectors can help keep your information private. They make your screen harder to see from the side.

Keep Resale Value

Screen protectors can keep your phone looking like new. This can help maintain its resale value.

Busting Screen Protector Myths

There are some myths about screen protectors. Let’s clear those up.

Myth: They Affect Touchscreen Sensitivity

Truth: Quality screen protectors don’t change how your touchscreen works. Your phone will respond to your touch as usual.

Myth: They’re Unnecessary with a Phone Case

Truth: A phone case protects the edges and back of your phone. A screen protector safeguards the screen. You need both for full protection.

Applying a Screen Protector

Adding a screen protector can be easy. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Clean Your Screen

First, clean your phone’s screen. Use a microfiber cloth. This removes dust and fingerprints.

Step 2: Align the Protector

Next, align the screen protector with your phone’s screen. Make sure it matches up with the home button, camera, and speaker.

Step 3: Apply the Protector

Peel off the protector’s backing. Then, place it on your phone’s screen. Start at one end and smooth it down to the other. Be slow and careful.

Step 4: Remove Bubbles

Finally, remove any bubbles. Use a credit card to push them toward the edge. Now, your phone has a new layer of protection!

Screen protectors are important. They save your phone’s screen from scratches and cracks. They keep your screen clean and can even add privacy.

Invest in Protection

Screen protectors are a small investment. They can save you from big repair costs. So, get a good screen protector. It’s a smart way to protect your phone.

Need Help?

Check out iFixYouri’s screen protectors. We have options for every phone. The application of protectors can be tricky. If you need help, schedule a service with us. We’ll make sure your phone gets the protection it needs.

Accessories

When Will Self-Repairing Phones Arrive?

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Apple is aware that at-home phone repairs are annoying and time-consuming. With this is in mind, it published a series of patents for a self-repairing device in 2014. Seven years later and this almost indestructible phone still does not exist. So when will self-repairing phones arrive? 

Benefits of a Self-Healing Phone 

Even though a phone company like Apple thrives from selling devices, and, in many cases, replacing broken phones, it believes the self-healing phone will be beneficial to all parties involved. 

For customers, these devices would allow them to save time and money. They would spend less time making repairs and spend less money having to buy the tools to make the repairs. 

For Apple, these devices would most likely lead to more business and happier customers. Based on past releases, customers new and old are going to be attracted to a self-repairing device because of how unique the concept is. The device would most likely cost a pretty penny, but it’s easy to understand why. Customers would also build trust with Apple for selling long-lasting phones, which would also result in them only buying a new phone when they want to rather than when they have to. 

A self-repairing phone currently does not exist, but you can still save your time and money when you bring your damaged device to iFixYouri. And if you are ready to replace your phone and make extra money, turn to Tech Reboot. 

The Future of the Water Damage Repairs

Apple first filed a patent for a self-healing phone in July 2014 that specifically focused on preventing water damage. 

Imagine this: You accidentally drop your phone in a glass of water and begin to panic as you watch it submerge. Your first thought is to place your phone in a bowl of water. After leaving it overnight, you retrieve it with high hopes, only to realize that your phone has a broken loudspeaker. 

With Apple’s patent, water-damaged phones would use a special vibrate tone to push water out of the speakers and internal components. 

There is a catch though. According to the patent, the device will only play when you are in a loud setting, such as a party. 

And LCD Repairs 

Referring to the scenario above, water damage can also ruin your phone’s LCD.

If Apple’s idea came true, you would no longer have to worry about this repair either. The patent states that your phone would be able to fix damaged pixels on an LCD by running a screen diagnostic that will take place overnight while you are asleep. 

This diagnostic would also test your phone’s camera and repair any other issues you may have experienced throughout the day. 

A Self-Repair Breakthrough 

A University of Japan student in 2017 accidentally discovered glass that can repair itself almost instantly. 

The polymer glass, known as polyether-thioureas, was accidentally discovered when a graduate school student was attempting to make glue. He realized that whenever he cut the polyether-thioureas it would easily adhere to itself after being pressed together by hand for a short moment. 

Final Thoughts 

Research shows that U.S. smartphone owners break an average of 2 million phone screens per year and spend over $10 billion per year on repairs. 

Apple has published patents in hopes that it could help reduce these statistics and improve a phone’s screen and water damage repairs. 

In the meantime, use protective and sturdy phone accessories.

And if your device is already broken, take it to a trusted tech repair shop where experts can help you out for an affordable price. 

Original Photo Credit: Jankuss Via Pixabay.com

When Will Self-Repairing Phones Arrive? By iFixYouri 

Accessories, iPhone

Is My Phone Actually Waterproof?

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When buying a phone, many people make the mistake of confusing water-resistant for waterproof. A water-resistant phone can be disturbed by water to a certain extent, while a waterproof phone can be submerged in water without limitations. You may be asking yourself, “Is my phone actually waterproof?” Unfortunately, the answer is no, not quite. As of February 2021, there are no phones on the market that are truly waterproof. But many great phones just happen to be water-resistant.

The iPhone. 

Six (phone) generations ago, people were so excited about the release of the iPhone 6S. They jumped to the conclusion that just because the new device is water-resistant, it could withstand going for a swim. A test ran by iFixYouri experts showed that the device performed well after being submerged in water for two minutes, except for the microphone and loudspeaker. These two hiccups solidify the fact that the iPhone has great water-resistance, but is NOT waterproof. 

Apple has not released an official IP or Ingress Protection Rating for the iPhone 6, but it is predicted to have a rating of IP66. The higher the number, the more resistant a device is. Thankfully the iPhone has improved greatly since then. 

iPhone 12 Line 

The iPhone 12 line was released in October 2020 and has received praise for its camera quality, display, and durability. 

It is rated as IP68 and can be submerged in 20 feet of water for 30 minutes without major damage done.

As a plus, the iPhone 12 is just as durable on land as it is in water, being that its Ceramic Shield display adds extra protection. For the best protection, consider getting a protective case. 

iPhone 11 Line 

The iPhone 11 also has a rating of IP68, but can only be submerged in 6.5 feet of water for 30 minutes without major damage done. The iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max have the same rating but can withstand 13 feet of water which is twice as much as the iPhone 11. 

So if you are looking for a water-resistant phone but want to save hundreds, consider the iPhone 11. 

The iPhone X Line 

According to Apple, the iPhone X and iPhone XR have a rating of IP67 and can withstand a maximum depth of 3.2 feet for up to 30 minutes. The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have a rating of IP68, with a maximum depth of 6 feet for 30 minutes. 

What Apple Has to Say 

On Apple’s informational page titled “About splash, water, and dust resistance of iPhone 7 and later,” it states what to avoid to prevent water damage.

  • Bathing and/or swimming with your phone 
  • Bringing your phone into contact with pressurized or high-velocity water (surfing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, etc.) 
  • Using your when in a sauna or steam room 
  • Purposefully submerging your phone in water (There is no need to bathe your phone)

Samsung Galaxy

Take note that the Samsung Galaxy is also praised for being one of the best water-resistant devices on the market. 

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: IP68; Can withstand 5 feet of water for 30 minutes 

Samsung Galaxy S21: IP68; Can withstand 5 feet of water for 30 minutes

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: IP68; Can withstand 5 feet of water for 30 minutes 

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: IP68; Can withstand 5 feet of water for 30 minutes 

When shopping for a phone, if your priority is its durability, you will not have to look far or sacrifice too much money with a Samsung. The Galaxy FE starts at $699, while the Galaxy S20 Ultra starts at $1,399, even though they both have the same IP rating. 

What Happens if My Phone Is Water Damaged? 

If you mistook your device for being waterproof and now your phone won’t work properly, turn to iFIxYouri, where tech experts will repair your device for an affordable price, and best of all have it working like new in no time!

iFixYouri is located all throughout Florida. For those who are not close by, iFixYouri has a secure shipping system.

Is My Phone Actually Waterproof? By iFixYouri

Accessories

Tech Prepper: How To Properly Prepare Your Phone For The Worst Scenarios

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NOTE:This post is part of iFixYouri’s Tech Prepper series. This series covers how to prepare yourself and your digital devices for any of the worst case scenarios they may face: viruses, malware, theft, or loss.

Please check out our other posts in the Tech Prepper series:

People prepare for the unexpected all the time: They stockpile water and food for natural disasters, save extra funds for a rainy day, and have a list of emergency contacts in their phone. But people should also prepare their phones specifically for damage, loss, or theft. Here is how to properly prepare your phone for the worst scenarios. 

Prepare Your Phone Before it is Damaged 

A shattered screen can easily ruin someone’s day. To save yourself from this disappointment, you need to make sure that you are using high-quality protective accessories. 

For clumsy people, it is nearly impossible to maintain a phone without a durable phone case like Otter Box or LAUT.

The next best accessory to prep your phone for damage is a screen protector, which can be found at almost any big box store. 

It is also a good idea to invest in a protection plan. You are often offered a phone warranty or insurance plan when buying a new phone. Even though you may not want to pay the initial price, the protection is worth it.

While a warranty covers defects and damages caused by the phone manufacturer, an insurance plan covers damage, loss, and theft. 

Just keep in mind that you cannot purchase coverage after the damage is done.

If your phone breaks but does not have the proper coverage, you are not completely out of luck. Tech repair company iFixYouri will assist you with any of your repair needs for an affordable price.

Prepare Your Phone Before it is Lost or Stolen 

Breaking your phone is a bummer, but suddenly losing it or having it stolen is worse.

Thankfully, there is a series of things you can do to prepare your phone in the event it is ever stolen or lost.

The first thing you should do is download the mobile app that your carrier’s protection plan provides or set up the phone-finding features in your settings. 

With one of these apps set in place, you can track your phone’s location if it is ever misplaced or stolen. 

For iPhone: Settings > iCloud > Find My Phone 

For Android: Settings > Security > Android Device Manager 

One of the most obvious but important things for you to do to prepare your phone if ever stolen is set strong passwords. 

Most smartphones give you the option to set passwords, activate Touch ID, use face recognition, or all of the above. Using your phone without a password is like leaving the door of your house unlocked when you are not home. 

You can also set passwords for specific apps that hold important information, such as important notes and banking information. 

To prepare your phone in case it is stolen or lost, you should also know about the phone you own. You should know your phone’s number and IMEI to be able to identify your device if ever necessary. You can locate this information in your settings. 

In the case that you never see your phone again, you need to make sure that you are always backing up your phone’s information. You can either do this through the cloud or physically upload information to your computer. 

In Conclusion

Properly preparing your phone for an unfortunate event comes down to common sense and balance. Keep your phone close to you in large crowds and set boundaries with the outside world. There also needs to be a balance between not necessarily being glued to your phone but always keeping an eye on it.

How To Properly  Prepare Your Phone For The Worst Scenarios By iFixYouri.

Original Photo: Stefan Stefancik Via Unsplash

Accessories, DIY Fix, laptops, Repair

Four Unusual Keyboard Shortcuts You Didn’t Mean to Hit

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Modern keyboards have a total of 104 keys, meaning that there are hundreds of combinations that can result in a shortcut. Each shortcut serves a specific purpose but may seem bothersome in the times you don’t need them. With this being said, here are four unusual keyboard shortcuts you didn’t mean to hit. 

Everything You Type Erases One Letter at a Time 

Typing is the most basic function of a keyboard but it becomes an annoying task when what you have already typed is erased.  

This issue is happening because you have accidentally hit the Insert key. The insert key has two modes- insert and overwrite. 

You are used to the insert mode, which allows you to type one letter after the other without any conflict.

The overwrite mode is what causes your typing to overlap. 

To fix this keyboard issue, simply hit the insert button again. 

What is the purpose? 

The insert key does not serve a big purpose on the keyboard anymore. Unless you want to rewrite something you have already typed, the overwrite mode is only useful for pasting something (Shift + Insert). Even this shortcut could be argued because the more common way to paste something is Ctrl + V. 

Your Search and Task Bar Have Disappeared 

Your computer screen has a standard layout. The address bar is at the very top and the taskbar is at the very bottom of the screen.

So what happens when your laptop’s layout changes and there is just an enlarged screen with no taskbar or exit button in sight?

The reason why your screen appears this way is because you accidentally hit the F11 key. 

All you have to do is hit the F11 key again and your screen will return to its normal layout. 

What is the purpose? 

If you want a bigger screen for more workspace, then the F11 button will come in very handy. 

As a bonus, F11 has a symbol below it often related to the computer’s volume. To activate the key’s secondary function, just hold down Fn and press F11 at the same time. 

Your Screen Flipped 90°

Can you imagine working on your computer while tilting your head to the left or the right the entire time just to see the screen properly? 

Well if you hit Ctrl + Alt + Arrow Keys that is exactly what will happen as you will see your screen go from landscape to portrait mode. 

To reverse this shortcut and align your screen you just have to hit the Ctrl + Alt + Upward Key to bring the screen back to its original position. 

What is the purpose? 

Depending on the tasks you perform, working on a vertical screen is very beneficial.

A vertical monitor allows for more space and improves productivity. For example, developers who use coding can see almost double the number of lines on a vertical screen than on a horizontal screen. 

Your Screen Keeps Zooming In and Out

When you are browsing the web, it becomes very inconvenient when your screen begins to zoom in and out uncontrollably. 

In reality, you do have control of this situation and it is quite simple to resolve. If your screen refuses to stay put, it is because you are either pressing Ctrl +  or unknowingly pinching your laptop’s touchpad. 

To get your screen back to its normal size, just press Ctrl – or pinch the touch bar using two fingers. 

What is the Purpose? 

The purpose of the zoom in/out features is to get a better look at your screen when needed. If a website uses a font that is way too small for you to read, or there is a large image that takes up the entire screen, these features are handy. 

What is so great about these four unusual keyboard shortcuts you didn’t mean to hit is that they are all easily reversible. 

If you notice that you have a hard time using your keyboard, not because of a shortcut but because it does not work well, restart your computer then try using it again. If a restart does not work, you may have a broken keyboard.  

The shortcut to get your keyboard repaired is to send it to an expert tech repair company like iFixYouri. 

Four Unusual Keyboard Shortcuts You Didn’t Mean to Hit By iFixYouri.

Accessories, News

Juggernaut: Kingston Releases the Last Thumb Drive You’ll Ever Need

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Are you a videographer shooting hours and hours of raw 4K video? A photographer with a couple hundred thousand 18-megapixel photos to handle? Or maybe a hardcore PC gamer who needs to have dozens of your favorite titles with you at all times? If you said yes to any of those, it’s likely that you understand the headache that comes with huge amounts of data management, keeping track of hard drives and cloud accounts and cables. Good news! Even if you’re all of those things and more, your memory woes can be solved with one single USB flash drive. At CES 2017, portable storage mavens Kingston Digital debuted their DataTraveler Ultimate GT drive in a whopping 2 terabytes. The Fountain Valley, California-based company is doubling-down, proving that their 1TB drive from a few years back wasn’t the limit of their potential. If you’ve ever dreamed of holding absolutely ridiculous amounts of storage in your palm, either as a “daily driver” or just as a backup stick, here’s your chance.

2TB is enough for 70 hours of 4K footage at 30fps, more than 250,000 24-megapixel photos, 166 full-length HD films, or 50 copies of huge AAA-title The Witcher 3. While external hard drives in that capacity have been available for some time now (and are rather affordable) this is the first stick-style USB drive to hit that mark. A durable zinc-alloy metal casing gives the Ultimate GT a professional, industrial look, but the device’s size isn’t anything that could fit on your keyring. The choice of USB-A means that you might quickly need to purchase a dongle adapter for USB-C devices…but, given the size and shape of the Ultimate GT, you’ll need one anyway for use with most laptops, unless you want to leave the USB-side of your MacBook hanging over the edge of the table. The price hasn’t been released yet, but sources are speculating the 2TB model to be in the $800-$900 range.

At iFixYouri we find it odd that Kingston (and other USB drive manufacturers, soon) went straight from 1TB to 2TB; no 1.5TB flash drive in the interim. Seems that USB drives follow Moore’s Law and only double in capacity, so be on the lookout for a 4TB drive in the future.

Accessories, News, Repair, Tips

Why You Shouldn’t Buy Cheap Chargers

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Beware of cheap chargers! It’s not just your phone you have to worry about blowing up on you (Sorry, Samsung). It’s safe to say that most of us have been caught in the wild without a charger and 2% battery and succumbed to the $8.99 iPhone charger at the gas station. You know the type; sold right next to the male-enhancement pills and questionable energy tonics, not the familiar clean white but instead a color that reminds you of bad candy. While these may be fine in a pinch, we recommend avoiding using these chargers regularly. Reports of fire, electrocutions, and (much worse) damage to phones have been widespread. These cheap chargers, sometimes blatant counterfeits designed to look similar to official accessories, are inexpensive for a reason. Let’s take a look at a MacBook charger, since its larger size makes things easier to see. The official Apple charger is on the left, the knockoff on the right.

macbook charger
Original vs. Cheap MacBook Charger

The biggest issue regarding the safety in these knockoff chargers has to do with insulation. These devices are designed to take a very powerful electrical current from your wall and convert it into something that can safely charge your laptop. As you can imagine, a lot of safeguards are required to prevent wires from crossing and to distribute the electrical load evenly. Those safeguards aren’t as numerous in the knockoff; you can see how much empty space there is compared to the official one. If you’re going to use one, make sure you’re not standing on a wet or metal floor or you might get a deadly surprise. Budget chargers for iPads and iPhones are similarly constructed: a housing the same size and shape as the official, but the electronics inside barely fill the space. Here’s another side-by-side with iPad chargers (counterfeit on the right)…

iPad Chargers
Original vs Cheap iPad Chargers

…and a $2.95 iPhone wall charger, looking like something from a vending machine.

Knockoff iPhone Charger
Knockoff iPhone Charger

Now, we’re not saying all off-brand charging accessories are bad (but a lot of them are, according to the BBC). You can save money, but don’t be tempted to save more than 50% or you might be in trouble. An iPhone charger (wall plug and cable) retails for around $25 and good alternatives, such as PureGear or AmazonBasics, can be found for close to $15. These, of course, will be of a different external design than the official Apple product, but feature similar build quality and safety. Beware of products that make an attempt to look like exact copies of official products but have a price tag one-tenth the size; these are designed to trick you into buying an inferior counterfeit while thinking it’s legit, much in the way that Ghosthunters is titled to confuse people looking to rent Ghostbusters at the local RedBox. In the interest of safety, be sure to look for logos of product-quality organizations, such as UL, CSA, and CE.

ul-csa-logo

At iFixYouri retail locations, we sell a variety of accessories for your devices, from protective and decorative cases to chargers. Our stores carry PureGear chargers, all of which carry either the CSA or CE label and are touted by our expert technicians. If your device was damaged by a faulty charger, either a charging port malfunction or a battery that suddenly doesn’t hold a charge or dies suddenly, iFixYouri can diagnose the problem and repair it quickly and with top-quality parts. We might even throw in a quality charger, too!

 

Photo credits http://www.righto.com/

Accessories, laptops

Black Friday

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The dreaded holiday shopping season is upon us once again. As is tradition, it begins in the dead of night when the hordes swarm and overrun retailers, many of whom put up a paltry defense but ultimately fail to hold back the seething, shouting mob. Black Friday is equally loved and loathed; many of those who complain about the commercialization of the holiday season still wake in the small hours of the morning to queue in the cold for the best deals. As you would guess, iFixYouri is here to spill the beans on the best deals in popular technology.

You might notice a lack of deals from Apple in this guide. After skipping Black Friday entirely last year, the company has been whispering about some secret event with unknown offers. BOGO iPads? Free dongle sack with every 2016 MacBook Pro? Who knows? Only Apple does.

DISCLAIMER: These deals vary in availability. Some are offered in-store and online, some are Black Friday-only doorbusters, and you can get some starting Thanksgiving Day. Check the website for each retailer to see what the deal is and how best to take advantage of it. Happy hunting!

LAPTOPS

Black Friday Laptops

Apple is knocking $200 its 13” MacBook Air in both configurations: $800 for the 128GB model and $1000 for the 256GB. Traditional Apple craftsmanship that everyone expects but the non-Retina display is okay at best.

For the same price as the 256GB MacBook Air, you can snag a 13” HP Spectre x360 laptop at Best Buy instead. It’s a touchscreen convertible (folds back for use as a tablet) with a 256GB hard drive, 8GB of RAM, and an Intel i7 processor. Combine that with great battery life and a beautiful display and this chases the MacBook Air out of the ring.

For a little higher-end, Dell’s XPS13 laptop will be available, with premium options, at Costco for $1349, $300 off. We wrote a glowing review of this beauty recently, and our opinion still stands. You can’t beat a professional-level current-generation laptop at this price.

While we’re on Dell, the manufacturer is offering their Inspiron 11 3000 laptop for 50% off; only $100! It’s nothing fancy: 11” non-touch screen, 2GB RAM, and 32GB of storage. But for 3.6% of the price of a loaded 15” MacBook Pro, you get an HDMI port, microSD reader, and 10 hours of battery in a ¾-inch laptop. If you need a cheap laptop to get a student, even if it’s not your student, the Dell is the one to go for (just avoid the cruddy touchscreen model).

PHONES

phonesBlackFriday

Best Buy is offering the Samsung Galaxy S7 32GB for $550, $120 off retail. This is an amazing price for an unlocked current-gen phone. If you’re looking for something on a carrier plan, the retailer is also offering a $250 gift card and a $50 Oculus Content Pack (for use with the phone and a Gear VR device) when you sign up with a S7 or S7 Edge.

If the shiny new Google Pixel has your eye, Verizon (the only mobile carrier offering it) is knocking down the price of both the Pixel and Pixel XL 32GB to $240. If you want the 128GB model of either, it goes up to $360. That comes out to $10 a month and $15 a month, respectively, over two years. Yes, you will be locked to a data plan (the minimum starts at $55 a month) but it’ll be quite some time until you see this phone offered at this low a price.

If you’re not planning to buy a phone but want a case or screen protector for an existing phone, iFixYouri has you covered. We’re offering 50% off all cases, tempered glass screen protectors, and accessories (such as chargers, earbuds, charging packs) so check in at any of our 15 retail locations. We’re also offering 10% off any repair in-store or online at iFixYouri.com. These deals are available all weekend long and through Cyber Monday, so don’t stress. If you snag a new phone on Black Friday, stop by an iFixYouri store on the way home for all the accessories!

TABLETS

Target is knocking down prices on iPads, with $150 off the iPad Pro (to $450) and $125 off the iPad Air 2 (to $275). Far and away the best deals on iPads, unless Apple goes even lower (see above). If you’re torn between a tablet and a laptop, Best Buy is offering the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 for $600. While a solid and worthwhile machine at its original $1000 price, at $600 this beast is the best deal out there. The 12.3” screen is larger than the Pro, and it uses Windows 10 as an operating system, allowing you to do anything a computer can. Included is an Alcantara cover with an integrated keyboard and trackpad. 128GB with a microSD slot for expansion rounds it out. It’s the ultimate peanut-butter-and-chocolate experience, best of both worlds.

CAMERA

Black Friday Cameras


Best Buy is slashing the price of the Nikon D3400 dual-lens kit in half. Great for beginner and semi-pro photographers, this kit comes with an 18-55mm VR lens for solid stabilization and low-light capture and a 70-300mm telephoto ED lens for sharp photos even from a decent distance, all for just $500. It even comes in a sleek matte metallic red for those who want to stand out from their peers in Intro to Photography class (or in classic black for the shy ones). Best Buy is also throwing in a 32GB SD card.

There’s also a similar D5300 kit for $600 (again $500 off) but there’s not much of an improvement over the D3400; slightly better lenses, a fancier screen, and wi-fi hookup (they both have Bluetooth, however). Same processor, aperture, and sensor.

HEADPHONES

blackfridayheadphones

We’re finally starting to admit that Beats aren’t as overrated as they originally were. We recommend snagging the Beats Solo 2 wireless on-ear headphones for $120 at Target (down from $300). No longer bass-heavy monsters, the Solo 2 are a great, reliable set for all types of music or podcasts.

If earbuds are more your thing, Best Buy has the SoundSport in-ears from Bose for only $40 (normally $100). These highly-rated buds are growing in popularity among athletes who haven’t quite jumped aboard the wireless train. Check out our review of the wireless model, and imagine all issues with battery and connectivity disappearing. Quality.

FITNESS TRACKERS

black friday fitness trackers

Several different options in the competitive arena of wearable fitness trackers. Should you go with the $90 Fitbit Charge (normally $130) at Target…or the waterproof Fitbit Flex 2 at Wal-Mart for $70 (down from $100)?

The Garmin Vivofit 3 has received attention for its purported year-long battery life. This $100 model will be available for $60 at Target.

TELEVISIONS

‘Tis the season for insane discounts on high-end TVs. If you don’t have a 4K screen yet, now’s the time to grab one, like the Hisense 50” model that Target is carrying for $250. Not cheap enough for you? Best Buy has a 49” Toshiba 4K TV with built-in Chromecast (great for streaming from less-than-legal sources) for only $200.

HOME DEVICE

google25

Google is selling their Google Home speaker assistant for $99 through their store. If you’ve been ogling the Amazon Echo, save yourself $80 and go with the Home. We think Assistant beats Alexa any day of the week, and twice on (Black) Friday.