Are you looking for a gaming laptop that will win you more games and help you stay productive? Check out this article for the year’s top three gaming laptops.
By Damon Harrison / Blog / 0 Comments

Top 3 Gaming Laptops of 2022

Are you looking for a gaming laptop that will win you more games and help you stay productive? Check out this article for the year’s top three gaming laptops.

Razer Blade 15

Razer Blade 15 got even better with a new top-level Razer Blade 15 Advance Model. This beastly performing gaming laptop is now compact with the latest 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor (14-core) and NVIDIA with graphics up to GeForce RTX 30 Series laptop GPUs, previously with 6-Core Intel Core i7 with graphics of GeForce RTX 3070 laptop GPU, giving you the most impressive gaming laptop graphics ever. 

Razer Blade 15 has an amazing display with Full HD 360Hz, QHD 240Hz (G-SYNC), or the new 4K with UHD 144Hz display. The already high-end former model that performs with Windows 10 Home is free to upgrade to operate with Windows 11 Home.

You can enjoy an unbeatable performance loaded in the thinnest 15” RTX gaming laptop chassis ever. It has spectacular specs loaded with a large amount of storage space of 1TB PCle and an extra M.2 PCle slot, memory of 16GB to 36GB RAM (DDR5 4800MHz), a vapor chamber cooling system, and a per-key RGB keyboard. This top-notch gaming laptop that is thinner from 0.78” / 19.9 mm to 0.67” / 16.99 mm also has an SD card reader port.

The latest Razer welcomes some other improvements. The keycaps are larger. Though it’s not that noticeable, it makes it easier to touch so that you can type quickly. 

The power button has been replaced by a less meticulous full-size key in the top right corner of the keyboard. It looks cleaner and more sensible. The new speakers also got sleeker. Razer’s touchpad remains one of the best in any Windows laptop with its smooth panning delivery, responsive presses, and high-quality feel. Last year’s model upgraded the webcam to 1080p, so you’ll get a better video call experience. 

This Razer Blade 15 Advanced model is still the most excessive among gaming laptops with a base configuration price of $2,499.99, but its CPU and GPU bring an incredible on-edge gaming experience with a high-quality portable design. It is also available on Amazon, Best Buy, B&H, and Newegg.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 GA402 2022

Asus has released its new ROG Zephyrus G14 GA402 with various models yet nearly similar to each other. These are consisting of RJ-L8106W, RJ-L8147W, RJ-L8146W, RJ-L8145W, RK-L8135W, RK-L8134W, RK-L8133W, and RK-L8132W.

ROG Zephyrus G14 GA402 operates with Windows 11 Home runs with AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS Mobile Processor (8-core/16-thread, 16MB cache, 4.9GHz max boost). All of the models have 8GB GDDR6 but the RJ models’ graphics have AMD Radeon RX 6700S ROG boost up to 100W(SmartShift), while the RK models have AMD Radeon RX 6800 ROG boost up to 105W(SmartShift). It has a $1,649 configuration for RX 6700 and $2,499 for RX 6800. 

All of its displays are the same as the ROG Nebula display, QHD+ 16:10 (2560 x 1600, WQXGA), an anti-glare display, a refresh rate of 120Hz, a response time of 3ms, and supports Dolby Vision HDR.

Its memory is available in either 8GB DDR5 or 16GB DDR5 on the board, 8GB DDR5 or 16GB DDR5 SO-DIMM, with a maximum capacity of either 24GB or 32GB, and can support dual-channel memory. This gaming laptop has a large storage space of 1TB PCle 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD, all I/O ports that are needed are available, backlit chiclet keyboard 1-Zone RGB touchpad, and 720 HD IR camera for Windows Hello. 

Its audio has some wonderful specs like a 4-speaker system with Smart Amplifier, a built-in 3-microphone array, and AI noise-canceling technology. You can have a great experience in its network and communication with Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) (Dual-band) plus Bluetooth 5.2 (may vary with OS upgrades). Its battery has 76WHrs, 4S1P, and 4-cell Li-ion. Can have AniMe Matrix that’s adding a customizable, dynamic LED grid to the laptop’s lid. It weighs from 1.65 Kg (3.64 lbs) to 1.75 Kg (3.79 lbs) with different dimensions too.

Razer Blade 14 AMD Ryzen 5900HX

This Razer Blade 14 costs as much as $2,599.99. Pretty expensive, right? But it can also perform expensively. This device processor is AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX with 8 Cores / 16 Threads, a 3.3GHz base, and a 4.6GHz maximum boost. 

Updating its Windows is free if available. It has a display of 14-inch QHD 165Hz, 2560 x 1440, a graphics of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (8GB VRAM). Amazing graphic features like NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3080 Laptop GPU, 8GB GDDR6 VRAM, NVIDIA CUDA® Cores – 6144, Maximum Graphics Power up to 100W, Boost Clock up to 1365MHz, NVIDIA GPU Boost™ 2.0, NVIDIA Optimus™ Technology, NVIDIA Whisper Mode 2.0, NVIDIA Resizable BAR, 2nd Gen Ray Tracing Cores, 3rd Gen Tensor Cores, and VR ready.

It has a storage of 1TB SSD, a memory of 16GB DDR4-3200MHz (fixed on the board), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and 5.2 Bluetooth connectivity, and a per-key RGB keyboard, Microsoft Precision Glass touchpad.  It also has amazing audio of built-in stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphones/microphone combo port.

It’s finished with CNC Aluminum, anodized black, and a backlit green Razer logo with the dimensions of 16.8mm x 220mm x 319.7mm that weighs 1.78 Kg (3.92lbs). It is amazing to have powerful hardware with such slimness like a pro. 1.78 Kg may be heavy, but for an NVIDIA RTX 3080? This is just impressive.

https://www.rogersts.com/graduated-and-need-to-buy-a-new-laptop-heres-what-to-look-for/
By Damon Harrison / Blog / 0 Comments

Are you considering buying a new laptop but wondering what’s best for you? Many people search for the best devices with high-end features but miss what to look for, which is what they need and what’s best for them. Here we’ll discuss what to look for.

Processor

This is also referred to as a chip or CPU (Central Processing Unit). Intel and AMD are the two companies that make processors for laptops.

Core i3 is weaker but cheaper. Yet this chip is still ample for everyday computing tasks. This is available as dual-core and at multiple speeds ranging from 1.30 GHz up to 3.50 GHz, with features of either 3MB or 4MB of cache. 

One may ample if you run web browsers, Office applications, media software, and low-end games. But it can’t handle content creation, heavy editing, or video work. It may also slow down with tougher games.

AMD Ryzen 5 and Intel i5 are indistinguishable when browsing the web or editing documents. Core i5 CPUs are capable of handling a broader range of situations. 

This is usually available as dual-core or quad-core. Its multiple speed ranges from 1.90 GHz up to 3.80 GHz, with 3 MB, 4 MB, and 6 MB cache. Ryzen 7 and Intel Core i7 can also be similar. Intel i7 features either four cores or six cores with frequencies of 2.60 GHz up to 3.70 GHz. This processor is primarily marketed to gaming enthusiasts, gaming artists, filmmakers, and makers.

The Core i9 processor is the most powerful among the four units. These CPUs feature six to eighteen cores with two threads per core when hyper-threading is enabled. It has 2.9 to 3.6 GHz, and up to 5 GHz frequencies if using Intel Turbo Boost. 

In terms of graphic performance, AMD tends to have an edge. So if you’re a video editor or a gamer, this is likely to be your upper hand. 

Memory

Choosing the right memory might boost your device’s performance. It’s been a norm to have 8GB as the bare minimum as it fits our budget and it can already meet our productivity fairly. But for experienced users, it’s not a great choice.

Your machine may get sluggish because some programs demand more memory capacity even modern web browsers lightens the load. So most users who want to multitask without the slowdown are recommended to choose 16GB of main system memory or 36 GB for those heavy multitaskers like video editors. 

The more RAM you have, the faster your laptop performance is. Check if the RAM is soldered to the motherboard, you can upgrade the RAM yourself if it is not soldered. You would also want to check if it has DDR (Double Data Rate). DDR 4 RAM is speedy and common in most laptops. But the manufacturer will give you a list, so it’s better to check before buying.

Storage

This is your laptop’s filing cabinet. The most common storage choice these days is a solid-state drive (SSD), but some budget laptops still use spinning drives. SSD is can be budget-friendly and faster especially if they use an NVMe connection. 

The recommended minimum space amount is 256 gigabytes. If you use Cloud, you can choose less. But it’s better to have a ready space for more. It will eat up space quickly if you install a lot of software or games. You may notice that the hard drive doesn’t have the same space as what was advertised. The space didn’t reduce, it just has something to do with the difference between the binary that Windows use and decimal bytes that drive makers use. 

Battery Life

Many focus on the number of hours that the manufacturers quoted. A laptop’s battery life is often different from what is said on the box. It can differ due to the screen brightness, type, or amount of software you run. These affect how long the battery lasts. 

The battery life of your device also differs from the type of processor that you use. You should look for the rating of the battery in milliamps-hours (mAh) or Watt-hours (Wh). If the number is bigger, the battery will last longer.

Design

You should consider your laptop design according to which field you are in or where you use your laptop for. If you travel and take your laptop with you a lot of times, you might like the slim ones. There are also notebook laptops, which are slimmer, lighter, and simplified sets of tools. Ultraportable and Ultrabook are quite similar to notebooks. 

Ultrabook’s strong point is strong security and anti-theft protection. In convertible (2-in-1), you can quickly switch to touchscreen mode or the traditional keyboard model. Convertibles also transform in various ways like detaching, sliding, twisting, and fold-back mechanisms. The most high-end convertible has a high-resolution screen with a wider color gamut, optimized for multimedia that is great for watching videos.

After you narrowed down your choices, check the reviews and look for something beyond the specifications you prefer. I hope you find this article helpful.

By Damon Harrison / Blog / 0 Comments

Just like all batteries, iPhone batteries tend to deteriorate in performance over time. An iPhone that can last you 12 hours out of the box can only last you two or three hours after a year or two. You wonder, why does my iPhone’s battery health deteriorate so fast?

Well, the answer is because that’s meant to happen. However, there are ways you can slow down this inevitable deterioration of your iPhone battery.

How to Check Your iPhone’s Battery Health

First, you might want to check your iPhone’s battery health percentage. Here’s how:

  1. Launch “Settings.”
  2. Scroll down and find “Battery.”
  3. Tap “Battery Health.”

The “Maximum Capacity” is the maximum charge percentage your iPhone battery can reach relative to its health. When your battery is new, the number should be at 100%. You’ll notice that over time, the percentage goes down.

But if it goes down at an alarming rate, for example, at least 1 percent per week, you should take measures to prolong your battery’s lifespan. But if you’re a heavy user, you should expect this rate. Consistently using demanding apps, keeping your iPhone plugged in, and using it while charging deteriorates it.

That means the more time you fully discharge and charge your iPhone battery, the faster its “Battery Health” percentage goes down. Faster deterioration means you need to get an iPhone battery replacement service one or two years after getting a new iPhone.

How to Improve Your iPhone’s Battery Health

If you want to slow down the fall, here are some practices you can apply to your daily smartphone routine:

  1. Don’t get the battery percentage down to 0%.

0% battery is the time your iPhone shuts itself down in the middle of an activity because it’s out of juice. To save your iPhone’s battery from fast deterioration, avoid fully discharging it. Charge your battery when the percentage drops below 20%, the time when you get low battery warnings on your screen.

If you’re nowhere near a charging station, turn on “Low Power Mode” in “Settings” > “Battery.”

  1. Don’t fully charge your battery all the time.

It’s understandable to want to have a fully charged phone, but consistently charging your iPhone’s battery from 0% to 100% severely hurts its health. When you can, charge your iPhone up to 50% or a little more.

If you’re going out and won’t have the chance to charge again, take advantage of the iPhone’s “Low Power Mode.”

  1. Avoid storing or using your phone in high temperatures.

If your iPhone starts to feel hot on your hands, it’s time to put it down and give it a rest. But when you do, make sure to store it in a dry, cool place to help it cool itself down and save its battery and other components from damage.

According to Apple, the iPhone works best in 0 to 35 degrees celsius environments. For storage, the iPhone can be comfortable at -20 to 45 degrees celsius.

Note: When storing an iPhone long-term, make sure you turn it off with the battery percentage at 50%.

  1. Remove thick cases when charging your iPhone.

If you’re a fan of thick iPhone cases because of the protection they offer, make sure to check how breathable they are. They might be too thick to the point that your iPhone can’t breathe and let heat out when it needs to, which happens during charging.

Check if the case is breathable. If not, remove it before plugging your iPhone in.

Parting Words

Truthfully, you can’t save your iPhone’s battery from deterioration. They’re made to be used and are susceptible to wear, that’s why they’re easily replaceable through professional iPhone battery replacement services.

However, it’s still a good idea to try to reduce the speed of its deterioration. But when the time comes for your iPhone to get a fresh battery, remember to rely on the experts to help you out.

By Damon Harrison / Blog / 0 Comments

In a world where data is probably as valuable as gold, many people are scrambling to protect their privacy and information which can easily be used, stolen, and sold online. With massive data breaches on many popular websites and companies such as Facebook and Yahoo, just how safe do you think your information and data are? Truth is, some information about you may have already been somewhere being used by someone, be it legally or not. If you are privacy-conscious like me, who hates having my data lying somewhere over the internet, then here are the three devices that will help keep your information safe and secure.

  1. Bitcoin wallet

Tired of having your credit card information stolen every time you buy something online? If you are dubious about using conventional digital wallets such as Paypal and Cash App that can easily be tampered with by scrupulous hackers, then you might want to try creating a bitcoin wallet. A bitcoin wallet is where you can store your bitcoins – the most popular cryptocurrency today. Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual currencies that are encrypted using cryptography. 

What’s so special about these currencies is that they are almost impossible to counterfeit and it has a unique distributed ledger called the “blockchain technology”. We wouldn’t want to drown you with the technicalities, but bitcoins are a popular thing nowadays and you might have already heard about it before. Bitcoin wallets used to be fully digital with strings of numbers and letters that act as the wallet address or storage of your bitcoins. However, there are also physical bitcoin wallets available now in the form of a hardware device. There are tons of companies offering bitcoin wallets. You can use bitcoin to pay online (given that the merchant accepts bitcoin payments) without having to divulge a single piece of your personal information. All you need are your bitcoins and bitcoin wallet, and you’re good to go shopping online.

  1. USB data blocker

USB data blockers are devices that mask your USB port, preventing your device from being infected with malware and viruses. They are also known as “USB condoms”. This device sits between your device’s USB cable and the USB charging port. These data blockers are useful especially when you plug your phone or laptop in public places, such as public charging ports in parks or coffee shops. With this device, the chances of malware trying to steal your data or access your device are significantly lessened. USB blockers are cheap and can be bought online. A small price to pay for your privacy and peace of mind.

  1. Satellite phones

If you are a start-up or a small business owner in any field looking to establish an efficient, fast, and secure way of communicating with your team; or someone looking for an alternative to conventional cellular phones, you might want to consider a satellite phone.

With satellite phones, you have cell reception everywhere, with a network of satellites orbiting the planet round the clock. Should cell towers suddenly malfunction and you need to make an important call, satellite phones will still be up and running. Being able to communicate with your loved ones or your team during emergencies is a nice plus.

This does not mean satellite phones are foolproof when it comes to protecting your data, especially during calls, but there are a ton of benefits if you’re considering buying one. Unlike smartphones, there won’t be massive data breaches such as in the current handhelds we have today. Satellite phones are not the frequent subject of hacking and malicious codes either. 

Calls may be intercepted, and a hacker somewhere out there may be eavesdropping on your call, but they won’t be able to steal all your personal information such as credit card and social security numbers, full name, and address compared to a hacked laptop or cellular phone. And if you are getting a satellite phone from a very reputable company with strong encryption protocols, intercepting calls should be the least of your worries. Satellite phones are useful in many fields, whether it’s for businesses or private organizations. If you’re keen on getting one for your business or your family, we recommend buying a sat phone that can deliver both security and efficiency at all times.

By Damon Harrison / Blog / 0 Comments

The Best Streaming Services for 2022

The phrase “going to the movies” has a new meaning thanks to online streaming services that a majority of us depended on when we’re not 100% sure about going out to see a movie in theaters.

Since we can watch movies (even the newest ones) without going out of the house because of streaming services, it’s hard to imagine a weekend without them. So if you’re surfing the web looking for a new streaming service or another one to add to your list, you’re in the right place.

We jotted down the best streaming services for 2022 that we recommend:

1. Netflix

Netflix is known to have an impressive library of original movies, TV series, documentaries, and other types of consumable video content on its subscription-based platform. It’s probably the hottest streaming service right now because of its library alone and how accessible it is.

Outside of its original library, Netflix hosts classic movies and TV series people love to watch over and over, such as Friends, How I Met Your Mother, and other American series. It’s also home to an extensive list of hit series from South Korea and Japan.

When it comes to accessibility, you can count on Netflix to be available on any streaming device. You can use it on your smartphone, computer, Apple TV, smart TVs, and its library also supports streaming in 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos – for a price.

2. Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime can be bundled with a Prime Video subscription or as a standalone subscription Like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video has its own library of original movies and series. You can subscribe to Amazon Prime and have Prime Video bundled with it, or only pay for a Prime Video subscription to access its library of video content.

There are tons of international films, 4K HDR support, and rental feature. Since Prime Video has a set of exclusive titles, you have to pay extra to watch them on your streaming device. In addition, there are also channels you can watch using your Prime Video subscription, such as Paramount Plus and AMC Plus, among others.

3. HBO Max

HBO Max offers users an extensive library of iconic films and latest movie releases. You can subscribe to HBO Max ad-free or ad-supported, depending on your viewing preference.

Its library is constantly updated with the latest films from Warner Bros., new releases 45 days after their theatrical release, and a collection of content from classics such as Sesame Street, Adult Swim, etc.

However, despite its impressive library, it can’t stream in 4K HDR quality like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. You’re limited to watching your favorites in 1080p, which isn’t all too bad if your display isn’t big or you stream on your smartphone.

4. Disney Plus

Streaming service Disney Plus is home to Marvel and Star Wars films. So if you’re a fan of both franchises, a Disney Plus subscription is highly recommended to ensure you get all the movies you need for binge-watching.

You can get Disney Plus as a standalone subscription or with ESPN+ and streaming service Hulu.

Aside from Marvel and Star Wars films in one place, you also get access to Disney’s classic movies! However, this may mean the content leans more towards general audiences. It’s excellent for family movie times, but not if you’re into mature titles.

As for stream quality, Disney Plus can stream 4K HDR to support high-resolution displays for the best viewing experience.

Final thoughts

When looking for streaming services, you should consider what titles you want to watch and check if specific providers have them in their libraries. Even though monthly subscriptions aren’t expensive, you can spend those dollars on better streaming services that actually have what you want to watch.

By Damon Harrison / Blog / 0 Comments

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.

By Damon Harrison / Blog / 0 Comments

Do you have an Apple iPad Pro and want to know how to fix the most common issues? You’re not alone. That’s why we prepared this guide to help you solve issues plaguing a lot of iPad Pro users.

The Apple iPad Pro line is Apple’s best line of iPads to date. The first iPad was already impressive when it came out in 2010, taking the world by storm. Apple has outdone itself over the years, coming out with new iPads that make consumers jump in line to purchase the new, revolutionary features. 

However, each new feature has its issues and the iPad Pro is no different. While yes, it’s a highly capable device that can function like a small computer for basic computing tasks, it has its imperfections. We’re making it our duty to help you speed past the common issues you might encounter with your Apple iPad Pro.

1. The iPad Pro Shuts Down by Itself

Your Apple iPad Pro shutting down without you doing anything to cause it to happen could be a result of a few different issues. It could be because the iPad is running too hot and is trying to save itself from damage by taking a break and shutting down. Your battery could also need replacing or it could be due to other iOS update bugs. 

How to Fix It

Solution 1: If you run demanding applications for long periods of time, it’d be good if you can work somewhere that’s cold to help your iPad Pro regulate its own temperature without shutting down. This doesn’t mean you need to set the thermostat to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, just make sure your iPad is not sitting in direct sunlight for too long.

While the iPad Pro is capable of running demanding applications when compared to other iPads such as iPad Mini, Air, and iPad, it’s still not engineered to run heavy-load computing applications for long periods.

Solution 2: Get your battery checked. The most probable cause of any battery-powered gadget shutting down by itself is a faulty battery. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to get Apple to replace your battery for a fee or without charge if your iPad Pro is under warranty. You can also contact your local repair shop to let them check your battery for signs of deterioration and have them replace it for you.

Solution 3: Keep your iPadOS up to date. Apple keeps an eye on common software issues and regularly sends software updates for customers. Make sure your iPad is up-to-date, running the newest software and you should have fewer difficulties. If the problem persists, you’ll have to reach out to Apple’s support lines to get personal assistance.

2. Your iPad Pro Can’t Connect to Wi-Fi Networks

If your iPad Pro can’t connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, in your office, or at co-working spaces, the problem may be with the device itself and not different routers. If you find yourself having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi networks anywhere you go, it’s a sign to get your device checked by Apple or your local iPad repair service provider.

Get It Fixed

Going to the experts is the best solution, especially if your Wi-Fi settings aren’t grayed out and can detect networks you can’t connect to. This can mean the issue lies with the iPad Pro’s components, and getting it checked out by professionals would definitely answer your most pressing Wi-Fi questions.

3. The iPad Pro Is Not Charging

Do you find yourself plugging your lightning cable in and out before you hear the distinctive Apple charging sound? Or does your iPad Pro take ages to get fully charged? These two things can be the effect of many issues with both your iPad Pro and charger.

The Fix

Solution 1: The first step in any troubleshooting is isolating the problem. First, try to use different chargers on your iPad Pro. If it does not work, it’s your iPad Pro that has an issue. If you’ve tried multiple chargers and they work, it’s the cable you usually charge with.

Solution 2: Your battery is dying. Literally. The only way to fix a dying battery is to get it replaced with a fresh one. If your iPad Pro is still under warranty, you can get your battery replaced for less at Apple. If not, it might be cheaper to get your local iPad repair shop to replace your battery.

Final Thoughts

Alas, you’ve reached the end of our short but insightful guide. We hope this helped you and that you can now identify any issues with your iPad Pro. Remember that while DIY projects are fun, it’s best to take your iPad Pro to your local repair shop and have the experts fix the issue.

By Damon Harrison / Blog / 0 Comments

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:

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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?
By Damon Harrison / Blog / 0 Comments

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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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?
By Damon Harrison / Blog / 0 Comments

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.