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Apple® introduced the iPhone 5 at the end of September of 2012. Not surprisingly, devoted iPhone lovers and users flocked to cell phone providers to pre-order the new release. Initially, AT&T was the only cell phone provider to offer iPhone service with Verizon following, and Sprint later jumping on the bandwagon. It wasn't until March 27, 2013, that T-Mobile became a player with the other three major cell phone providers.

Important Things to Consider Before Deciding on a Provider

Price is always an important consideration, but you also want to look at what you get for the price. Even more important than the price, you will need to look at each cell phone provider's coverage area. People who live in major metropolitan areas won't need to be as concerned as people who live in smaller towns or rural communities. Most providers have fairly decent coverage in all of the big cities. According to a report by Herb Weisbaum for NBC News.com Technology, Verizon came out on top as the best city provider. The findings were based on a Consumer Reports subscriber survey to which 63,000 readers responded.

All of this being said, depending on your location, you may not have as much of a choice when it comes to choosing a cell phone provider, whether for business or personal use.

Consider The Purposes For Which You Use an iPhone

As a business owner, you may use your smartphone for many purposes. The iPhone 5 is the lightest iPhone to date, and it is arguably lighter and sleeker in design than any of the comparable Android, Windows, or Blackberry smartphones. With some providers you can actually talk on the phone and surf the Internet simultaneously.

The iPhone also has an excellent camera, so some business people may find the high quality of the camera and the ability to easily upload photos useful. The flip side of that is that doing so uses data, and with the exception of Sprint, all of the cell phone providers limit the amount of data subscribers can use, even on their most comprehensive plans.

Cost of the 16 GB iPhone With Each of Four Major Providers

Length of Contract

In an attempt to lure users who don't want to be tied to a contract, T-Mobile has done away with the requirement that their subscribers lock themselves into a two-year contract. AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon all require a two-year contract commitment for subscribers who want to take advantage of their most cost-effective plans. It is also worth noting that Sprint and Verizon can charge subscribers up to $350 for terminating their contracts early. AT&T charges up to $325.

Other Considerations

When you break down the cost of the three providers who first carried the iPhone, Sprint charges the most. The caveat to that is that you don't have to worry about keeping track of the amount of data you use, and you don't risk being throttled (or having your Internet speeds slowed) if you go over the maximum amount of data use that the AT&T and Verizon allow. If you are a business user and you use your iPhone a lot – either when you're away from the office or not at home, then Sprint may be a viable option.

If you are a business user and your business frequently sends you to different locations for significant time periods, then you might not want to be locked into a contract with any provider – especially if you don't know which provider will offer the best service where you are. In that case, the flexibility of the T-Mobile plan may be better for you, but that won't take effect until after April 14, 2013.

Ultimately, your decision as to which provider to choose depends on where you are. Check the service area map for each provider before making a decision. Analyze the amount of data you use, and how much you think you'll need when using your iPhone as a mobile hotspot. Be proactive and look over each provider's website to see all of the possible options.

The best plan for a business user is the one that offers consistent reception and one that spells out everything that is included in the plan. Be sure you understand what additional charges you may incur for exceeding the data limits. Those extra charges can be pretty significant. Don't forget that you're locked into a two-year contract with every provider except T-Mobile, so you'll wind up paying between $325 and $350 to break the contract. Another consideration is that most providers have locked phones. This means that you won't be able to use the phone with a different provider should you decide to switch.

The smartphone industry is extremely competitive, and the top manufacturers are always trying to outdo one another. The most recent evidence of this phenomenon lies in the release of the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4, which both hit the market within the last few months. While choosing one phone over the other is often a matter of preference, you can get a better idea of which phone might be best for you by comparing the primary characteristics and specifications of these two products.

The Apple iPhone 5 and Galaxy S4 possess several similar specifications. Both phones come with:

• Option of 16, 32 or 64 GB of storage • Rear and front facing video cameras • Equipped with GPS • Same version of Bluetooth

Some of the major differences you will see include:

Operating System The newest Apple iPhone uses the iOS 6.1.2, while the Samsung Galaxy S4 uses the latest version of the Android operating system, known as "Jelly Bean." Both of these operating systems represent the best in the market. However, Apple's operating system is easier to learn and understand than the Jelly Bean, especially for users who are new to smartphones.

Applications Applications for the Apple iPhone 5 are available from the Apple App Store, while applications for the Galaxy S4 come from the Google Play Store. The Apple App Store is still the best in terms of the number of applications available for purchase, but the Google Play Store is rapidly gaining ground. Soon, the two stores will offer a similar number and variety of applications for smartphone users.

Screen Size and Weight Screen size is one of the features for which the Galaxy S4 has the advantage. The Galaxy S4's screen is much larger than that of the Apple iPhone 5, with screen sizes of 5 and 4 inches respectively. However, at 4.59 oz, the Galaxy S4 also weighs more than the Apple iPhone, which weighs only 4 oz.

Resolution The screen resolution of the Galaxy S4 is expected to be superior to that of the iPhone 5. The S4's resolution is impressive at 1920 by 1080 pixels, while the iPhone's resolution is 1136 by 640.

Camera Both phones include front and rear facing cameras with decent resolution. However, while the iPhone's front and rear facing cameras feature resolutions of 8 and 1.2 megapixels respectively, the Galaxy S4's front and rear facing cameras have superior resolutions of 13 and 2 megapixels.

In addition, the Galaxy S4 is unveiling several new features, including Sound and Shot, which allows users to capture sound and still images simultaneously, and Dual Camera, which allows users to combine shots captured from both the front and rear cameras.

Processor Speed The final point of comparison between these two phones involves the speed of the processor. While the Apple iPhone's processor offers a respectable speed of 1 GHz, the Samsung Galaxy S4 nearly doubles this speed at a whopping 1.9 GHz.

For most of the diehard Apple fans, choosing between these two phones is a no-brainer. The Apple App Store is better established, and the smaller, lighter phone is easier to hold and carry than the S4. However, when you compare the specifications, there are also several characteristics that could make the Samsung Galaxy S4 a better choice for many other smartphone users. The screen is much larger, allowing for better gameplay and easier visibility. The Galaxy S4's screen and camera resolutions are also better than the resolutions available on the iPhone, thus offering a richer viewing experience, better pictures and superior videos. Finally, the Galaxy S4's processor speed is clearly better than that of the iPhone, which provides users with faster, more efficient operations.

Whichever one you decide to purchase, don’t forget to protect your investment with Best Skins Ever screen skins. We have skins for the front, back or full body skins!

T-Mobile announced plans to debut its lightening fast 4G LTE network service. The service initially rolls out in seven major metropolitan areas with plans to provide HSPA+ (High Speed Packet Access) speeds to more than 100 major metropolitan areas serving 185 million people throughout the U.S. by year’s end. Currently, HSPA+ is available in 50 major metro areas within the country.

The seven fortunate metropolitan areas to enjoy T-Mobile’s new 4G LTE network right away are:

• Baltimore
• Houston
• Washington, D.C.
• San Jose
• Kansas City
• Phoenix
• Las Vegas

T-Mobile, however, has no plans to sit back and relax now that its 4G LTE network is up and running in these few cities. Plans for rapid expansion are already underway for bigger and bolder offers in the future.

What does T-Mobile’s LTE Network Mean for Consumers?

Perhaps the best news to consider with T-Mobile’s LTE network is that consumers have access to the lightening fast speeds the 4G LTE network is known for, without the lengthy contracts required by other carriers. Not all smartphones are LTE equipped. However, T-Mobile has plans to offer at least five, in the coming months. These include:

• Galaxy Note II
• BlackBerry Z10
• Galaxy S 4
• iPhone 5
• HTC One

It goes without saying that as more people join the network; speeds will begin to slow to some degree. For now, the network really does deliver on their promises to bring faster mobile Internet speeds to the masses.

What Sets T-Mobile’s Network Apart from Other Carriers?

The main difference consumers experience when turning to T-Mobile as a carrier is the difference of clarity, and not necessarily in terms of sound. Other companies have confusing pricing plans and contracts. T-Mobile has turned its back on the confusion and the contract requirements. For this reason, consumers get clear pricing for the services they purchase and aren’t required to invest in contracts.

The only potential downside involves the pricing of devices. Since T-Mobile isn’t participating in contract gimmicks, they aren’t able to offer the substantial price reductions other carriers offer in order to entice customers to buy new phones. However, T-Mobile does offer payment plans to spread the payments over the course of two years rather than paying the total costs of new phones, some of which cost over $500 up front.

The new 4G LTE network is only one part of T-Mobiles efforts to bring a little bit of simplicity back to the mobile phone purchase process and another sign of T-Mobile’s commitment to have an “Un-carrier” attitude. Consumers stand in prime positions to reap the rewards of this new way of doing business.

Are you on the LTE network? Which cell carrier do you use? Let us know the good, the bad and the ugly so others can use your knowledge when shopping for a new phone!

The iPhone is one of the most advanced smartphones on the market. You can use your iPhone for almost anything, from surfing the web to holding virtual "meetings" with friends, coworkers, and family members. Even with hours of practice, however, it's nearly impossible to learn everything there is to know about this innovative mobile device. Below are some iPhone tricks you may not have ever discovered on your own.

1. Perform a soft reset

Even though the iPhone is designed to function perfectly at all times, the screen may sometimes freeze up, especially if you try to run too many applications at one time. Fortunately, you can easily solve the problem by performing a soft reset. According to iSmashPhone, you can reset the device by simply holding down the sleep and home buttons simultaneously until the screen turns off and restarts.

2. Scroll quickly to the top of the page

When surfing the Internet or reading email, you may sometimes find yourself scrolling all the way down to the bottom of the page only to find that you need to return to the top. To accomplish this task quickly, simply tap the top bar, which is the bar that features the battery life and time. Your screen will immediately return to the top of the page.

3. Answer calls with your headphones

Few iPhone users realize that the headphones accompanying the device come with a button that you can use to answer phone calls, hang up and send calls you don't want to answer to voicemail. You can also use the headphones to answer call waiting or ignore it. Even when calls aren't coming in, you can use the button on the headphones to play songs, pause them and skip to the next song.

When a call is coming in, answer it by pressing the button once, or press the button twice to send the call to voicemail. If a second call comes in while you're already on the phone, press the button once to answer it, or press and hold the button for two seconds to send it to voicemail. Finally, you can play and pause songs with one press of the button, or you can skip to the next song by pressing the button twice.

4. Take a quick screenshot

According to iPhoneToolBox, taking a screenshot is easier than most iPhone users may think. If you want to take a quick picture of the screen, simply hold the home button down and click the lock button one time. The screenshot will be taken immediately. You will know you have been successful if the screen flashes white.

5. Insert punctuation fast

When texting or typing on the iPhone, you must typically switch to the symbols screen, designated by the "123" button, to insert punctuation or numbers. However, if you are in a hurry, you can use a shortcut to add punctuation or numbers to your message. Simply press and hold the "123" button, slide your finger over to the symbol you would like to add to the message and release.

Are you favorite tip or trick missing from the list? Let us know what your favorite is below so others can use their iPhone to its fullest capabilities and as always, don’t forget to protect your iPhone from everyday wear and tear!

Before Apple launched the iPad, one of its most popular products was the Macintosh computer. Macs were available as desktops or laptops, and they were the main source of competition for PCs. Nearly all of Apple's advertising revenue was poured into the Mac, and you heard about the Mac anytime computers were discussed. Today, however, Apple has a new golden child: the iPad. Although Apple originally meant for the iPad to add to its arsenal of computer products, its release has caused some unintended consequences for the Mac.

iPad's Effect on the Mac

Prior to the development of iPad there were two types of computer consumers: those who bought Apple products and those who bought PCs. However, Mac could never quite keep up with the PC. According to sources, PCs dominated 92 percent of the market in 2009, whereas Mac held only 5 percent. Then, in the early months of 2010, Apple released the iPad in hopes of capturing a larger share of the market.

Although Apple's iPad did boost the company's revenue and draw in more consumers from the PC side of the market, it also eclipsed some of Apple's existing products, including Macintosh desktop and laptop computers.

iPad Versus Mac

When examining the differences between the iPad and the Mac, it is easy to see why the iPad has enjoyed so much more success in the market. Before the iPad emerged, users of Apple products had only the Mac to turn to for most of their internet-based activities. Surfing the web, email, games, and reading were only possible on these larger Apple computer products. Though some basic activities could be completed on smartphones, the screen simply wasn't big enough for most users.

The iPad, however, combined the best of both worlds for consumers. It allowed users to complete all of the same tasks they could on their Macs, but it was light and portable like a smartphone. The screen was large enough for easy reading, video watching, and game play, but not so large that users couldn't tote the machine along with them to work, school, and on vacation. Thus, many people who had previously relied on a Mac or other computer applications for access to the Internet began to use the iPad.

The Future

Although it is unlikely that Apple's iPad will completely destroy the market for Macs, some changes are undeniable. Some tasks, such as large amounts of typing, are still easier to complete on a laptop or desktop. However, consumers who don't have the need to complete such tasks on a regular basis may avoid purchasing a larger machine, especially since the iPad is more user-friendly and intuitive than the Mac. Likewise, even those who do need a desktop or laptop for certain tasks may be less inclined to upgrade or replace existing machinery since they will be using their iPad for most other activities.

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For months before its release Apple fans were speculating about the features rumored to come with the iPhone 5: a bigger screen, faster processing, and better software were all expected. The anticipation grew as the release date came closer. Now that the long-awaited gadget has arrived, techies look back to determine whether it lived up to all of the excitement.

Differences

The iPhone 5 isn't just a newer version of the 4S. Apple has tweaked it in many ways, and users are overwhelmingly happy with the changes. Some of the differences between the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S are:

• Slim, light design
• Faster processor
• Bigger screen
• 4G LTE technologies
• Free navigation (only sometimes available on the 4S)
• Higher quality speakerphone
• Better quality images.

The 4G LTE alone is a significant selling point for the iPhone 5. According to anecdotal evidence from users, 4G LTE is faster than many Wi-Fi networks. In fact, some users have programmed their iPhones to ignore local Wi-Fi networks and stick to 4G LTE at all times, simply because this new technology seems to be more efficient. The longer screen and improved aspect ratio are also particularly impressive. Though users indicate that the difference is subtle at first, it's difficult to go back to the iPhone 4S once you've enjoyed this new perspective. The home screen can fit an additional row of icons, and movies no longer appear in letterbox.

In addition to the other upgraded features, Siri has received a makeover for the iPhone 5, and she is now able to respond more intelligently to many of a user's requests.

Cons

Though the iPhone 5 brought a lot of upgrades to the table, tech experts still see room for improvement. Though the screen is larger than that of the iPhone 4S, it isn't as big as some of the other popular smart phones on the market, such as the Samsung Galaxy S3. The iPhone 5's battery life also leaves something to be desired.

Summary

The iPhone 5 isn't perfect and there is no doubt that Apple will release yet another new model in the future. However, with its multitude of innovative new features and upgrades, no one can deny that the iPhone 5 lived up to the hype. Users asked for a larger screen, faster processing and better applications, and Apple definitely delivered.

What new features or changes would you like to see on the next iPhone model? Don’t forget to protect your investment with our iPhone 5 body skins; we have both screen protectors and full body protection.

In today's society, cell phones are an essential item for most people. However, cell phones are far from indestructible. For example, too much banging or dropping may cause your phone to stop working properly. Likewise, exposure to water can cause serious damage to your phone. In some cases, a wet phone may even be beyond repair. Nonetheless, you can try to salvage a water-damaged cell phone by allowing it to dry thoroughly. Below are some tips to speed the drying process and maximize your chances of success.

1. Take action quickly The faster you dry your phone, the more chance you have of saving it. As soon as you know your phone is wet, begin the drying process immediately.

2. Remove the battery Before you try to dry your phone, take the battery out to cut the power and set it aside until the phone is completely dry. If your phone is off when the water damage occurs, or if the phone shuts off after becoming wet, don't turn it back on. Doing so may short the circuit.

3. Use rice or silica gel One of the best ways to dry your phone is to place it in a sealed bag of silica gel, which will draw the moisture out of the phone. You can combine the silica gel packets from products you have purchased in the past, or you can buy silica gel at a local craft store. If you don't have silica gel on hand, you can also attempt to dry your phone in a sealed bag of uncooked rice. Though it won't work as quickly as silica gel, uncooked rice will also draw the moisture out of the phone.

4. Don't use heat Though it may be tempting to use heat to dry your phone, such as the heat from a hairdryer, doing so can be harmful to the phone. The heat will dry the moisture in the phone, but it may also warp the parts inside of the device. Once these parts are damaged, the phone won't work properly.

5. Remove salt water first If your phone was damaged with salt water, you should rinse it with fresh water before you try to dry it. Though it may seem counterintuitive, leaving the salt water in the phone is more dangerous than adding more moisture to the phone's insides. After the salt water dries, the crystals left behind will damage the delicate components inside your device. For this reason, you must remove them before you draw out the moisture. Remove the battery before you flush the phone with fresh water.

6. Use air and suction If your phone is soaked with water, use suction or blown air to remove the bulk of the water before you place it in rice or silica gel. This method works best if you attempt to blow or suck the moisture out of the same openings through which it entered. Effective tools include cans of compressed air or wet/dry shop vacs. Because most cell phone manufacturers refuse to honor the warranty on a phone that has sustained water damaged, it is important to do everything you can to dry your wet cell phone on your own. Remember, using a phone skin can also help deter water damage from seeping into your phone. Buy a phone skin today and be able to use your phone in crisis! By following these tips, you can greatly increase the chance of recovery from water damage on your phone.

Though it may seem like the world of technology can't improve anymore, the top manufacturers are always coming up with new products. Like any other year, 2013 will bring with it a host of advanced gadgets entering the market for the first time and vying for the attention of consumers. Below are some of the most highly anticipated products you can look forward to in this New Year.

1. IPad 5

According to the Huffington Post, the Apple iPad 5 could appear on the market as early as March 2013. The fifth generation version of this incredibly popular product is expected to be even lighter and thinner than its predecessor, combining all of the best aspects of the iPad 4 and the iPad Mini. You can also expect this newest model to include a touch screen similar to that of the iPad Mini, as well as Apple's innovative retina display technology.

2. BlackBerry 10

Research in Motion will release its newest BlackBerry operating system, BlackBerry 10. Though RIM was once one of the largest manufacturers of smartphones in the world, consumers have since moved on to Android and Apple products. With the unveiling of BlackBerry 10, RIM hopes to regain its popularity in the smartphone market. BlackBerry 10 is rumored to be faster than any operating system currently available on the market. Both a QWERTY keyboard and touch screen version will be available.

3. Microsoft Surface Pro

Also this month, tech enthusiasts can expect to see the release of the Microsoft Surface Pro. Although the Surface Pro will run on Microsoft's newest operating system, Windows 8, the Surface Pro will support all Windows 7 applications, and it will include an Intel Core 15 processor. According to Microsoft, the Surface Pro will come with a stylus and touch screen for tablet use, as well as a keyboard for laptop use. In spite of its many features, the Surface Pro will weigh less than 2 pounds.

4. Amazon Phone

Amazon plans to enter the smartphone market in 2013 with the unveiling of the Amazon phone. The phone is expected to offer sophisticated software integration and high quality hardware for a low price. Amazon will recoup the money it spends on hardware through Kindle books, Amazon Cloud Player, Amazon MPS and the Amazon Appstore, all of which will be compatible with this new product.

5. PlayStation 4

In response to the recent release of the Wii U, Sony is preparing to unveil its latest version of the PlayStation. Though Sony isn't offering many details about the PlayStation 4, consumers can expect to see this new product enter the market sometime in 2013. Sony is known for backing up its PlayStation consoles long-term, as is evidenced by the continuing presence of versions 2 and 3 on retail shelves. Thus, in spite of the silence from Sony, speculators predict that the PlayStation 4 will go far, much like its predecessors.

6. XBox 720

Rumors indicate that Microsoft's newest Xbox, which may be called Xbox 720, will hit the shelves by December 2013. Not much is known about this new system. However, speculators predict that the Xbox 720 will begin at a lower price point than its predecessor, the Xbox 360. Speculators also predict that the console will be smaller than the 360. Though Microsoft has indicated interest in motion-based games, it is likely that the 720 will continue to appeal to hardcore gamers.

The products mentioned here represent just a few of the new offerings we expect to see in 2013. Which of your gadgets will you upgrade this year? Which do you think were sound investments that you’ll stick with?

Thankfully, now that everyone has survived the Mayan Apocalypse of 2012, we can finally take some time to reflect back and discuss some of the popular techie gifts and trends that came from out of 2012.

In 2012 we experienced a kind of photo sharing madness that we have never quite seen before. The ability to capture a moment and share it in an instance via Instagram and other apps is just as addictive as following your favorite person on Twitter or your friends on Facebook. There are even apps like Glymps that captures video footage during the five seconds right before a photograph is taken so you can look back onto the the craziness of your friends right before their picture.

While the first Apple iPad tablet has been available to the public since 2010, the craze over them has not gone away. Today there are a slew of manufacturers trying to jump on the tablet device craze from Amazon to Barnes & Noble to Google’s own version of the iPad. Apple has even released its own revised version of the iPad, the iPad mini. Do you have a favorite device? Visit our Facebook page and let us know!

Thanks to Siri we are now able to control our tech devices from Apple through special voice control commands. You can ask Siri to call a friend for you, tell you your daily appointments, direct you to your next destination, and so much more. Before you know it, Siri will be your best friend. Don’t have an iPhone? Don’t worry! You can use Voice Control on your Android based phone or you can always download Dragon Dictation. This app will help you get your notes on paper while you are driving or when your hands are full.

Think you have the next million-dollar idea? Why not take it online and try crowdfunding? Thanks to the JOBS Act businesses are now able to take their ideas and ask for funding, up to $1 million, from non-accredited investors: every day people. For example, Kickstarter is where creators and innovators can go to ask for this funding in exchange for small rewards. To date, the biggest Kickstarter campaign is Pebble, which was funded in 2012 and was able to raise over $10 million.

Do you have a favorite techie trend from 2012? Visit us on Facebook and let us know all about it.

Whether you are in the Apple iOS or Android smartphone camp, you most likely use productivity apps to make your life easier. And while mobile applications were originally fairly limited, public demand and advancing technology have made it possible for virtually anyone to develop them – with many dedicated to helping users make life more productive and organized. Here are some of our favorites.

Dropbox is perfect for online file saving and sharing. It is a great application to use if you have multiple work locations or are constantly on the go and need files at your fingertips. It is free and easy to use and you can even share files, images or videos from anywhere with everyone on the project. Dropbox also allows you to store up to 2GB of data for free for an unlimited period of time and if you refer anyone to the service, you’ll receive an extra 500MB of extra storage space.  This app will work both on Android and iOS platforms.

Evernote allows you to keep notes and to-do lists organized and available wherever and whenever you need them. You can create text, web-clips and PDF notes and you can synch between your computer and mobile devices. Want to share notes between friends and colleagues? Sure, it can do that. With a paid subscription you can also give multi-user editing permissions as well to ensure you’re always looking at the most up-to-date content. This app is compatible with both iOS and Android based platforms.

Bump is an easy and free way to share images and contacts between two devices and has a very user-friendly interface. When you and a friend or colleague both tap “bump” and touch devices with the other user, you will share the relevant content instantly – no email, no texting required. Who knew that sharing could be this much fun? Bump is compatible with both iOS and Android.

TeuxDeux is a simple browser-based application that allows you to keep your to-do list(s) with you at all times. Just keep adding to your lists while on the go and it will automatically synch with your account online. And while you can always organize ideas by day of the week, you also have the option to save these to a  “someday” tab in case it’s not something that needs to be addressed in the immediate future but you want to ensure you record it – neat!  iOS and Android-compatible. Free.

Dragon Dictation is a great speech-to-text app for when you are on the go and need to write something down or if you think of something in the middle of the night. Just like you would with Siri, talk (“dictate”) into your phone and the Dragon app will turn your speech into text on it’s simple text pad interface. Best of all, it’s free and you can then share this app-produced text via Facebook, Twitter, text message, and/or email with the click of a button. Only iOS compatible.

Do you have any other productivity apps that you can’t live without?