Uncategorized

Where to Watch Out for iPhone Damage in the Home

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Have you ever wondered which locations in the home iPhone users are most likely to damage, crack or break their smartphones? SquareTrade, a gadget warranty website, recently conducted a study revealing that

  • 21 percent of all iPhone damage related to the home occurs in the kitchen
  • 18 percent of incidents occurs in the living room
  • 16 percent in the bathroom
  • 10 percent in the bedroom
  • 8 percent in the driveway

In September, SquareTrade released information indicating that Americans have lost $5.7 billion dollars to iPhone damage just since 2007. Since the website sells extended warranties for electronic gadgets of all kinds, including the iPhone, it makes sense it would promote the notion that owners often lose money because they frequently damage their iPhones and accidents are not rare but rather common occurrences.

Since iPhones are damaged so easily, the iPhone repair industry is booming.  However, when it comes to getting your damaged iPhone back in the condition you had it when it was first bought, you’ll need to consider professional services, not just the local electronics repair shop.  iFixYouri uses top-of-the-line replacement parts and utilizes a safe, static-free environment for iPhone repair.

Beware the Kitchen

If you are among those people who have accidentally microwaved, baked or boiled your iPhone while cooking your dinner, you probably have no problem agreeing with SquareTrade’s assessment that the kitchen is a dangerous location for electronic devices, especially cell phones.

Studies show that three-quarters of all smart phone users carry them into the bathroom and I am actually quite shocked that more iPhones have not found their way into the toilet. A Plaxo study in 2011 cited that 19 percent of all iPhones have been submerged in toilet water, while SquareTrade’s survey determined 9% of iPhone users have faced that issue at home.

The bottom line is you need to be careful when using your iPhone in the home. You would be wise to purchase a screen protector and case and avoid cooking on the stove while attempting to play Angry Birds at the same time. This dangerous combination will result in nothing but bad news for your dinner, your game play and your phone.

Tablets

Sony Halts Xperia Tablet S Sales Due To Defect

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Yikes! Sony is halting sales over their newest tablet, the Xperia Tablet S, after an issue with the water resistant device surfaced.

It turned out that the device had a manufacturing defect: a gap on the rear display panel where water can easily flow in and cause damage to its interior components.

A Sony spokeswoman once said in an email that Sony is committed to providing high quality products and strives to provide a high level of customer satisfaction. Unfortunately, their newest tablet that was released in September fails to meet their “splash proof” feature and, as as result, Sony has ordered all retail outlets to stop selling the Xperia Table S immediately. Sony will be replacing their devices in stock with products that meets their stringent standards.

In a press release, Sony stated that they will provide assistance in terms of repairs for free for all of those existing Xperia Tablet S owners.  However, any other repairs required for issues not related to water damage are going to require professional assistance, like iFixYouri’s tablet repair services.  Whatever happened to your tablet in terms of damage, the experts at iFixYouri have seen it and fixed it.

Is the Tablet Gone for Good?

Sony is expected to resume selling the tablet in mid November.

The Tablet S was revealed at the IFA trade show held in August and made its way to US stores on September 7, which was then followed by its global release in various countries in Asia and in Europe.

The Xperia Tablet S comes in a variety of storage capacities:

  • the 16GB model with a $399 price tag
  • the 32GB model for $499
  • the 64GB model with a $599 asking price.

The tablet runs the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS and sports the following specs: a 1.4GHZ quad core processor, the NVIDIA Tegra 3, a 9.4 inch 1,280 by 800 touch screen, 8 megapixel rear camera and a 1 megapixel front facing camera.

According to Reuters, Sony has shipped around 100,000 of the device and yet has purportedly stated that it will not create a significant impact on the company’s earnings.

The defect does not pose any safety concerns, however customers are warned to stay away from splash zones whenever using the device.

Accessories, iPhone

Need an iPhone Case? Consider These Top Choices

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If you want to protect your iPhone from damage (and keep it looking clean and new), you will have to get yourself a decent iPhone case. iPhone cases are available online or in stores and they come in an array of different colors, styles and designs.  With the various cases available online, the million dollar question is, which one is the best?

OtterBox Defender iPhone Case

If you are looking for a case that can handle tough conditions, the OtterBox Defender should be your first choice. It comes with a screen protector, polycarbonate shell and a rubber outer layer which acts as a shock absorber. Therefore, when you accidentally drop your phone, the rubber outer layer absorbs the impact and ensures that your phone is not damaged. It also comes with rubber plugs which protect the ports. The only downside with this case is that it is a bit bulky; however, that is a small price to pay for the safety of your iPhone.

 

OtterBox Commuter Case

Otterbox Commuter

It might not be as rugged as the Defender but it offers great protection for your iPhone. As it was the case with the Defender, the Commuter has rubber plugs which keep the dust out of the headphone jack as well as the iPhone dock connector. It comes with a built-in screen protector which protects your screen from scratches and keeps it looking sleek and new.

 

Cygnett Vector

Cygnett Vector

Sleek, textured, stylish and affordable are some of the words that can be used to describe the Cygnett Vector 3D iPhone case. It is easy to grip, impact resistant and has a built-in screen protector. If you are looking for a cheap yet effective case, look no further than Cygnett Vector.

 

 

Belkin View iPhone Case

Belkin View

The new iPhone 5 is stylish, sleek and very gorgeous, therefore, you can be forgiven for not wanting to cover it with a case. The Belkin View case was made for people who like to show off their stylish new phones. It offers great protection without compromising the stylish look of your phone. The back of the case is made of polycarbonate and it is transparent. The side edging is impact resistant. You can choose from the array of colors at your disposal.

 

Grove Bamboo Case

Grove Bamboo

It might be a bit expensive but its style and design justifies its price. The new Grove Bamboo case features intricate designs which make your phone look stylish and gorgeous. Unlike other rubber cases, this case does not succumb to scratches and scuffs. The best thing about it is that you can customize the design to suit your personality.

While cases protect your iPhone from accidental damage, there are some cases when the iPhone case won’t do you any good. For instance, if you accidentally drop your phone in a pool, the case will not protect your iPhone from water damage. The technicians at iFixYouri have the expertise required to fix your iPhone. Bring it to one of our locations or send it to us and let us repair your iPhone.

Uncategorized

Do You Need Kindle Fire Repair?

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kindle-fire-repair-ifixyouriThe Kindle Fire is a tablet that provides many of the same features as its competitors, with a level of connectivity with Amazon that cannot be beaten.  Also like the competition, it is also susceptible to damage.  Fortunately, there is hope for Kindle Fire repair with iFixYouri.

For instance, if your Kindle Fire’s screen is shattered, or if the touch response digitizer is unresponsive or erratic, or if the device was dropped into a puddle, it can likely be fixed by expert technicians.

Reasons You May Need to Repair your Kindle Fire

Listed below are a few possible ways to damage a Kindle Fire.

The Casing

If you own a Kindle Fire, you already know that it is not the sturdiest piece of machinery. Like all tablets, it has to balance form and function. If you drop your Kindle Fire, you have a very strong chance of causing damage.

As always, a protective case is always recommended for mobile devices, but even a case can’t guarantee protection from damage.  Remember, although cosmetic damage may only appear to be superficial, the device’s operation may have been affected.

The Screen

The Kindle Fire has a slick screen, and the new HD model is even better. Not surprisingly, it is also quite fragile. All it takes is one drop to shatter the screen, and a bit of bad luck can render the device virtually useless. Fortunately, you can get the screen repaired or replaced if you do damage it.

Internal Damage

Whether the device has been soaked in water, left in hot temperatures for days on end, or suffered any variety of unfortunate accidents, the Kindle Fire can suffer internal damage like any other tablet on the market. You might be amazed, though, what can be done to get the machine back up and running.

There are dozens of problems possible, but there is a possible repair option for almost every issue. This means that you can potentially avoid buying a brand new machine, as well as avoid having to lose everything that you have saved on your current model.

The Bottom Line Regarding Kindle Fire Repair

The Kindle Fire is a great machine that can break as easily as any tablet on the market. If you are willing to stick with your current machine and get it repaired, though, it may be able to be as good as new. The investment for a repair is quite low compared to the price of a new Fire, and it will help you to keep using the same tablet of which you may have grown fond.

Uncategorized

How iPod Water Damage Can Dampen Spirits

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ipod-water-damage-ifixyouriAfter downloading hundreds of albums and thousands of songs onto their portable MP3 player, iPod users do their best to protect their music player. Sadly, life is fast moving, mistakes are made, and iPod water damage is quite common.

It is not unheard of for someone to be listening to his or her new Avett Brothers album while using the restroom, and so, when they stand to leave, the iPod gets bumped and splashes in the toilet. People panic in a situation like that and immediately assume the worst. However, iPod water damage does not have to signal the end for the well-made MP3 player – iPod repair is also common.

Most Common Causes of iPod Water Damage

Owners of iPods, beware of the most common ways these devices are subjected to water damage:

  1. The iPod is dropped in a pool, toilet, or sink.
  2. While walking outdoors, unexpected rainfall soaks a person and the iPod is not protected.
  3. Someone spills a beverage.

What To Do About Your iPod Water Damage

It’s easy to think that a damaged iPod might just be for the trash, but the owner of a device that has undergone such a calamity has options. You might be able to get the device fixed, depending on:

  • how wet the device gets
  • whether it was totally submersed
  • how long it was saturated
  • the type of liquid

Personal Action Steps for iPod Water Damage:

  • Do not press any buttons.
  • Place the iPod under a bright light, display screen face-up, and let dry for 2 to 3 hours.
  • Fill a bowl with dry, uncooked white rice. Place the iPod in the rice, screen face down, and leave for 2 to 3 days.
  • After 2 to 3 days, remove iPod from rice bowl and plug the device into a charger. The display should light and read, “Do Not Disconnect.”

In the Event that Damage Requires Services:

Most iPod owners have media from multiple sources on the MP3 player. Because it is difficult to retrieve all of those media sources, most owners will gladly send an iPod for professional repair. However, it is best to avoid sending the device to a third party that is not proven.

To Evaluate a Third Party Repair Technician:

  • Do not choose the cheapest service, as these repairmen will likely cut corners.
  • Do not send the device to the highest priced contractors either. The service should reflect a fair cost, never far beyond the total price of a similar and new device.

Since an iPod is a delicate device, owners with a damaged iPod need to find a trustworthy technician to do the work, such as iFixYouri. Wait to buy a new iPod, and do not try online remedies that suggest self-repair requiring the device to be dismantled. A trustworthy repair service is the best option and well worth any iPod owner’s time and money.

Uncategorized

The e-Waste Mountain Grows Bigger

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Just because a product is in good working order, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the owner still wants to use it. Manufacturers use that theory to convince buyers to replace certain electrical and computerized goods. Our culture is permeated with consumerism and new gadgets are introduced all of the time to keep abreast of fashion. People want the latest electronic goods that combine style and convenience, not nearly enough people invest in electronics repairs when they should. While this does keep the economy moving with supply and demand, the e-waste generated from this non-sustainable practice is overwhelming.

Built to Not Last

Frequently building new models of devices creates a lot of electronic waste, but people who lust after the latest technology typically don’t take that into consideration. The latest iPhone is sleeker and more powerful and utilizes a different type of port – why keep the previous version?

This level of consumerism worries environmentalists, who know that many of the hundreds of thousands of earlier models, and all the accompanying accessories, just end up in landfills.  Electronic waste can have serious effects: electronic equipment contains dangerous and toxic metals and chemicals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium.  In addition to harming the environment, when the poisons seep into soil, people and animals are affected.

While there are often opportunities for residents of cities to recycle their electronic waste, millions of electronic devices like computers, TVs and cell phones join the rest of the garbage, perhaps due to convenience, or perhaps due to ignorance.

Is Your Old Smartphone Headed to the Trash?

When a useful electronic item, like a laptop or cell phone, becomes damaged, an easy solution is to throw it away and buy a new one.  Many people don’t consider that it is not only cheaper, but better for the environment, if the item was repaired, instead.  If you find yourself in this situation, where you have a device that is no longer working or even doesn’t look as pretty as it did when you first bought it, send it to us at iFixYouri — it’ll be like buying your item again, brand new.

Uncategorized

Microsoft Surface Review: Worth the Hype?

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Microsoft is making a great effort to stay relevant in a world that is increasingly post-PC. Microsoft is doing this with Surface, its first attempt at creating its own computer hardware. According to the early reviews, Microsoft has more work to do in order for Surface to be a competitive replacement for laptops, Android tablets and iPads.

The hardware that is earning good reviews for Microsoft is the kickstand and keyboard cover. However, many people wonder if Surface is really useable when holding it on a lap. The Windows RT software raises a larger question because it is limited, has bugs and cannot run the old Microsoft applications as well as Windows 8 can. Surface Pro, created to run Windows 8, may be better received when it debuts within a few months.

Microsoft Surface Reviews

The following are comments from well respected reviewers:

David Pogue stated in the New York Times that all but the cold-blooded will not be able to keep their pulses from racing when they first see Surface: the potential, the beauty and the instant change to PC from tablet. He goes on to say it is incredible that Microsoft created this envelope-pushing, bold design because up to now they only produced a feeble imitation of the fresh ideas they saw in other companies. One glitch, though, is that Surface does not have proper support and is let down by Microsoft’s own specialty—their software.

Peter Bright from Arstechnica had this to say:  This makes the decision to buy Surface dependant not on the hardware itself, but on the Windows RT software. To run on Windows RT, third party applications must use the Metro Interface and purchase it through the Windows Store. Right now, there are not enough applications, and the ones that do exist are mediocre.

Others said the tablet is beautiful and well made, and serious work is possible on the device, but unfortunately it functions more as a laptop on a desk.

One thing is for sure — no matter what the technology, or how well it functions, it is susceptible to damage or breaking.  Fortunately for the new owners of the Surface tablet who have already managed to damage the item, there is professional help: tablet repair from iFixYouri.

Uncategorized

How to Apply a Screen Protector to a Cell Phone

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Cell phone users have employed various methods for applying a screen protector, with some using steam or water, while others are successful with the common method involving a credit card.

Some screen protector tutorials found on the web recommend the steam or water method. Unless the product instructions recommend it, screen protectors and water are a bad combination because tap water contains minerals that can deposit residue between the phone screen and protector, causing the adhesive to deteriorate.

Getting Started

It takes patience to apply a protector without trapping air between it and the screen. Even the tiniest scratch on a screen can cause bubbles to form. The video above demonstrates the process, but here are the details:

First, gather the following supplies:

  1. Any plastic card such as a club, gift or credit card
  2. Cloth made of microfiber
  3. A solution to clean the screen (use the recipe to make your own)
  4. Clear adhesive tape

Prepare a place to work. Use a non-slip mat on the table surface to keep the phone in one place while you are working. Wash your hands with water and soap to remove any dirt, lotion and oils.

Put some LCD cleaner on the cloth and clean the screen thoroughly making sure to remove all the dust. Do not touch the screen with your fingers during this process.

Peel the backing off the protector being careful to touch only the edges. Start at the bottom or top of the phone choosing the end that must be aligned precisely. For the iPhone, this would be where the home button is located. Align the protector carefully, attach it to the screen and use the card to smooth it out and remove any air bubbles.

Fixing Mistakes

If you have followed these instructions and there are still bubbles, either the screen has a scratch or a speck of dust has adhered to the protector. Take a piece of tape and lift the protector while using another piece of tape to take the dust off the adhesive. Apply the protector using the same method as before.

While the process is tedious, protecting a cell phone screen from scratches or other damage is essential.  If you do end up with any damage, you have the option to repair the device, instead of buying a new one.  Contact professionals like iFixYouri to repair your scratched smartphone screen.

Smartphone, Tablet and Computer Repairs and News