Does Your iPhone Battery Need A Boost?
Are you scrambling to find an outlet to recharge your iPhone by mid-afternoon? Well, Mophie is the answer to your power outage. Mophie is an ultra-thin case that houses a rechargeable battery that virtually doubles the battery time and serves as a protective case for your phone. Although is adds width and weight to the phone, the difference for anyone using a simple protective case is not that great.
I’ve been using the mophie charger for several weeks and find that it is no longer necessary to charge the battery during the day.
To find out more about Mophie, you can visit their website at www.mophie.com to determine which of their products fits your iPhone model.
If you have any questions about Mophie or any other technology issues, please do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail, at jblue@bluetutor.com. In addition, you may access my BlogTalkRadio program “Keeping Technology Simple” by clicking on the link below. On the program, I discuss the latest technology with experts in the field each week.
LOOKING TO BUY A NEW COMPUTER? YOU MIGHT WANT TO WAIT
There are plenty of reasons for buying a new computer, especially if your current one is older, slow and in constant need of maintenance.
However, if your only reason is to get the “latest and greatest,” you might want to consider waiting. In his column in the Wall Street Journal this week, http://on.wsj.com/IBxfzr, Walter Mossberg presents his argument for waiting, unless it is absolutely necessary to replace your existing equipment.
Both Microsoft and Apple will be introducing new operating systems within the next few months, and while there might be some excellent deals available now, the preliminary news on the changes indicate that it might be worth waiting.
So, if your incentive to buy is because your existing computer has slowed down, your equipment might just need a maintenance checkup.
If you need advice on whether you should be scheduling a checkup, or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
IS THE “NEW” iPAD FOR YOU?
The big news in the tech world this past week has been the launch of the “New” iPad. This third generation iPad has received a great deal of press both before and after the launch.
The first question you must ask yourself is whether or not a tablet is for you. The iPad is still the number one ranked and best selling tablet. If you already own one, then you must evaluate the merits of upgrading to the “latest and greatest.” For those of you who have never owned one, the major issue is to determine whether a tablet will address your technology needs, whether for personal or professional purposes.
As indicated in previous posts, the tablet has proven to be an ideal substitute to the much heavier laptop computer for the road warrior. Tablets are excellent for communication (email, messaging, skype, etc) and getting information (news, weather, restaurants, movies, games, etc). For those of you that do a lot of writing, there are many keyboards on the market that make typing much easier than the touch pad. However, despite publicity to the contrary, it does not replace a computer since there are many functions that require a computer.
During the past few months, I have introduced the iPad to several clients who have never used a computer. Tablets have proven to be the ideal solution to techno-phobics who had previously been reluctant to embrace technology. The larger screen and easy access to “apps” has changed their world.
If you have been considering your first tablet purchase, take some time to sit down and write down your technology needs. There are many options to choose from, the iPad, Nook, Kindle, etc.
As for those of you considering an upgrade, the new iPad offers a faster processor, high resolution screen, 4G wireless service, and a far better camera than the earlier models.
However, like many new products, there are several issues that have surfaced that must be considered before you decide to upgrade.
The iPad offers two ways of accessing the Internet. The popular choice is the faster wireless 4G network, at this time provided by both Verizon and AT&T. The monthly charge for this service is based on the amount of data used. The other, and free method, is any wi-fi network, such as set up in your home, hotels, some airports and coffee shops (Starbucks). Try steaming movies through the 4G wireless network and you will find that your data costs will skyrocket. An article in today’s Wall Street Journal, http://on.wsj.com/GBIDcO, offers a full explanation of what to expect if you use the 4G wireless network and the costs associated with it.
Other reports indicate the new iPad might have a overheating issue, which Apple is looking into.
If you need help determining whether the new iPad is for you as a new purchase or whether you should consider the upgrade, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
HAVE YOU BOUGHT YOUR FIRST TABLET YET?
Why tablets are in your future
Tablet shipments totaled 26.8 million units in the 4th Quarter of 2011, an increase of 150% over Q4 2010 according to researcher Strategy Analytics. Worldwide tablet shipments topped 66.9 million units in 2011 against 18.6 million in 2010. With 15.4 million iPads sold for Q4 2011, Apple accounted for the lion’s share of tablet sales. Hot in pursuit are Android based tablets.
Many of my clients who refused to embrace technology because they found computers intimidating have managed to bridge the digital divide by embracing the iPad, Kindle, or Nook. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t hear from a client wanting to learn how to use their new iPad. The majority of my new cliens have never used a computer and will probably rely only on their tablets for their communication and information needs.
Below are some of the major reasons for their popularity.
1. Portability – Smaller and lighter than a computer, it can easily be carried in a briefcase or pocketbook.
2. Larger Screen – Much easier to read.
3. Ease of Use – One touch away from your favorite news services, stock reports, restaurant reviews, movie schedule, etc.
4. Long battery life – Significantly longer than a computer
5. Mobile Internet Access – Ability to browse the Internet from the car, train, beach, etc.
6. Immediate Start-up – Slide the button on top to turn it on for instant access.
7. Maintenance Free – Little or no technical issues
If you or someone you know needs assistance with any of their new tablets or gadgets, or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
Time for your Annual Technology Checkup
Most likely, you make sure that you have an annual physical exam. Those of us who schedule a checkup on a regular basis are concerned that all our parts are in good working order.
With technology playing such an important part of our daily lives, doesn’t it make sense to make sure that your technology supports your needs? Whether or not you use technology for business or personal use, keeping current could make you more productive and probably save you money.
Here is a partial list of items that you should be thinking about:
– Is your computer slowing down? If it hasn’t had a maintenance checkup in the past year, it’s time to see whether a simple exam is necessary or you should consider replacing it.
– If you are in the market for a new computer, should you consider a MAC or PC?
– Will one of the “latest and greatest” new gadgets such as the I-Phone, I-Pad, netbooks, etc. make your life easier?
– Do you have the right tools to stay in communication and to access information while traveling. Do you have the right mobile devices (computer, cellphone, etc.)?
– Have you looked at your telephone bills recently? Should you be considering using one of the many Internet based services?
– Are all your important files being backed up?
– Do you have someone to call if you have technical issues?
Being proactive will make you more productive and probably save you money. Don’t wait until something goes wrong.
How about scheduling that technology checkup now!!
Career in Transition? Re-entering the Job Market?
Have you recently left corporate life either by choice or the result of downsizing? Looking to start a new business or re-entering the job market? Have you developed a technology strategy to support your efforts?
The computer skills needed to set up a new business are different than those used in corporate life. If you are looking to re-enter the job market, you will most likely be asked about technology that you have not used in your personal life. Most likely, you will need to make sure your computer and other hardware is up to date. What about maintenance? Do you need to brush up on your basic computer skills?
Technology plays a major role in our lives, both personally and professionally. Take a few minutes and review where you are:
1. Do you have the right office environment? If at home, do you have a private area to work? Do you have your own computer? If space is a problem, consider a laptop. Multiple computers at home can be handled by a wireless network. Have a good all-in-one printer, scanner, fax, copier. Be sure your wireless network is secured.
2. Are you an efficient road warrior? Do you have the right tools to stay in communication and to access information while traveling. Do you have the right mobile devices (computer, cellphone, etc.)
3. Do you have someone to call if you have technical issues? If you recently left corporate life, you no longer can pick up the phone and yell “help.”
The list goes on, however what’s most important is that you have a plan which includes insuring that you have the right equipment and basic skills to support your efforts.
If you are interested in a more detailed discussion about technology and career transition, click on the first item on the right under The Net Radio Program Podcasts to listen to my radio show with commentary and an interview with a former corporate executive who has made the transition.
10 reasons why you should back up the data in your computer
Your documents, pictures, music, videos, etc, that are stored in your computer are important to you. Do you have a backup system? Here are some reasons you should be backing up your data.
1. What if your computer crashes and you can’t start it.
2. Your home/office burns down
3. Your computer has been stolen
4. You left the computer in a restaurant, hotel, etc.
5. Coffee, soda or other liquid has been spilled on the keyboard of your laptop
6. The computer has been dropped
7. A virus has wiped out the hard drive
8. Malware, short for malicious software, has permitted someone to infiltrate your computer system without your consent
9. You have inadvertently erased an important file.
10. Someone else who uses your computer has deleted files
The list goes on. Before disaster strikes, make sure you are backing up ALL your important data onto an external hard drive and explore many of the online backup options that are available.
If you have any questions about what method of backup is best for you, do not hesitate to contact me.