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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.

Whether your choice is the iPad or a Mac we have a skin to protect your investment!

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We look forward to the opportunity to serve you with our precision designed Skins and Custom Skins.  Thanks for visiting our site!

According to a recent Forbes article, an estimated 48.6 million Americans used an eReader at least once a month in 2012. This represented nearly a 44 percent increase over 2011 numbers. The number of Americans using eReaders is expected to rise in the coming years. The same article also reported that 11 percent of book readers now strictly use digital means when it comes to their reading selections.

Are you one of the millions that have finally decided to take the plunge and invest in an eReader only to find yourself somewhat bewildered by all the options that are available to you? Aside from the tablet vs. eReader debate, there are tons of straight eReader options out there to choose from.

How do you know which one is the right choice for you?

Tablet vs. eReader

This is a debate that’s sure to rage on for a while. The first thing you need to consider is whether you’re looking for something to function simply as an eReader or if you want something with a little more functionality. Basic eReaders with e ink displays are readable – even in direct sunlight. This makes them perfect to take along for beach reading, kids’ softball practice, and any other activities or locations that would make reading impossible on a tablet device. However, if you want something with more features, you might be happier with a tablet.

Battery Life

This is an important consideration. Battery life varies greatly depending on how heavily you use your eReader, how many pages you turn, and whether or not you leave the Wi-Fi on. Kindle’s e-ink reader with keyboard, for example, lasts up to two months on a single charge if the Wi-Fi is disabled and about ten days with the Wi-Fi on. Many owners choose to leave the Wi-Fi off unless they want to look for books or load new books onto their devices. People report similar results while using Nook’s Simple Touch and when using Amazon Kindle’s Paperwhite devices. Tablet devices, by comparison, typically range from 7.5 to 11 hours on a single charge.

Price

Price is a major concern for struggling families everywhere. Kindle offers a few hefty benefits in the price department. First, Amazon offers a lower price on eReaders if readers are willing to receive special offers. Additionally, membership in Amazon Prime costs a yearly fee and provides readers with several “perks” – one of which is borrowing one free Kindle book per month. Finally, there are hundreds of free eBooks to download from Amazon on any given day. This provides readers the opportunity to explore new writers and helps them keep their eBook budgets in check.

Barnes and Noble’s Nook also offers a few low-cost eReader options without the special offer requirement with an impressive selection of Nook books free of charge. The good news for you, as a consumer, is that there is stiff competition driving prices down on eReaders in general. The odds are good that you’ll be able to find an excellent eReader in your budget – even if it lacks a few bells and whistles the newer models offer.

Size

You’ll find that eReaders come in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Like most eReader features, size comes down to a matter of preference. The average screen size for an e ink eReader is about 6 inches. Tablet devices are often larger in size and price than devices that are strictly eReaders. Nook HD comes in a 7” size and Kindle Fire comes in your choice of a 7” display or 8.9” display. The iPad mini is 7.9” and the standard iPad is 9.7”.

Each eReader has a little something special that sets it apart from the others, including amount of memory, quality of backlit display, and processor speed. You’ll have to explore those options and make a selection based on the one reader that offers the options that are most appealing to you – and within your price range. Fortunately, the average eReader is an affordable investment once you consider the benefits that go along with it.

Whichever eReader you end up selecting, make sure you protect your investment with a high quality eReader skin protector.

Building on the success of its most recent release, the Galaxy S3, Samsung unveiled its next conquest, the Galaxy S4. Because the Galaxy S3 has been on the market for such a short amount of time, Samsung lovers everywhere are wondering whether the phone is worthy of an upgrade so soon. To help you make the choice, consider the comparison below.

Specifications

The specifications offered on the Galaxy S4 are strikingly similar to those available on the S3. In fact, the processors are exactly the same. Just like the 2012 release of the Galaxy S3, the S4 will come in two different versions, one that runs with a 1.6GHz processor and one that runs with a 1.9GHz processor.

The S4 will look and feel a bit bigger than the S3, as the screen is .2 inches bigger than its predecessor. The S4 is also a bit thinner and lighter than the S3, and the screen resolution is slightly better (1080p up from 720p on the S3). Finally, the Galaxy S4 comes with a 13MP camera, as opposed to the 8MP camera available on the S3.

Features

Unlike the specifications, which are largely the same as those of the Galaxy S3, the Galaxy S4's features are different enough to set it above its predecessor. The Samsung Galaxy S3 was the first to come with S-Voice, S-Beam, Direct Call and Smart Stay, all of which are still available on the S4. However, the S4 is also unveiling some new features. For example, the S4 comes equipped with S-Voice Drive, a new voice control system that allows you to control the phone hands-free. The phone also comes with S Health, which allows you to keep track of your fitness and other important health information, like your blood glucose levels or blood pressure.

Even more impressive, the Galaxy S4 offers a new feature known as Samsung Smart Pause, which detects your eye movements and pauses videos when you aren't looking at the screen. The phone also comes with Samsung Smart Scroll, which allows you to scroll through content simply by tilting the phone in the logical direction. Furthermore, the S4 offers Air Gesture, which allows you to accept calls, scroll through content or change music tracks simply by waving your hand.

Finally, the Samsung S4 comes with an innovative Dual Camera, capable of synchronizing videos and photos taken from both of its cameras, and it debuts Group Play, which allows you to wirelessly share music, games and videos with the people around you.

To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade?

Though the upgraded specifications are hardly sufficient to warrant an exchange, the new features that accompany the S4 are likely to be tempting for many users. Choosing whether to upgrade to the Samsung S4 depends on just how important these new features would be in your life. For example, if you love the idea of controlling your phone hands-free and using S Health to monitor your physical fitness, an upgrade may be the logical choice.

Either way, it’s up to you but don’t let your choice affect the quality of your screen. Remember, you don’t have control over any scratches or cracks so make sure to purchase one of our screen protectors for your Samsung Galaxy S3 today. Don't forget to keep checking back for our own Samsung Galaxy S4 screen skins.

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 an on-going effort to provide you with the best possible solution for protecting your shiny new devices, we now produce our Skins with our New & Improved Film!

Features of the New Film include:

*  More conformable material for an easier application and better coverage.

*  Performs better on screens.

*  Improved self healing properties.

This new film is used on all 2012 released Skins and many of our older designs as well.

Larger than a smartphone but smaller than a netbook, portable tablets are a must-have for many of today's tech-savvy consumers. In fact, Business Insider reports that tablet sales will surpass PC sales for the first time ever in 2014. With so many manufacturers creating their own versions of this gadget, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best choice for you. Below is a comparison of two of the most popular tablets: the iPad Mini and the Samsung Galaxy.

Size

The Galaxy tablet features a 7-inch screen, which is standard for most small tablets. The iPad Mini, however, features a 7.9-inch screen, which is slightly larger. There are both pros and cons to a larger screen. While the Samsung Galaxy is more compact, the iPad Mini's screen is easier to see. Thus, for consumers who enjoy watching movies or playing games on their tablets, the iPad Mini may be a better choice. Consumers who want a smaller tablet that takes up as little space as possible in tote bags or purses may be better off with the Galaxy.
However, even though the Galaxy has a smaller screen, it is actually heavier than the iPad Mini. Thus, the Galaxy may take up less space, but the iPad is still lighter and more portable.

Processor and Operating System

Both the Apple iPad Mini and the Samsung Galaxy tablet are powered by a 1GHz Dual Core processor that gives them similar processing speeds and performance levels. While the Samsung Galaxy runs on Android 4.0, the Apple iPad Mini runs on Apple iOS 6. These operating systems are vastly different and each has its own advantages. According to Business Insider, Android is superior in terms of its photo sharing application, maps application, web browser, and video chat feature, while Apple's application store, accessibility features, notifications and camera are better.

Price

While these two devices are similar in performance, features and size, the prices are very different. The Apple iPad Mini launched at a much higher price point than the Samsung Galaxy Tab and continues to sell for more. The Apple iPad Mini does have a few features for which some consumers may be willing to pay more, such as its larger screen and lightweight design. However, for consumers who aren't as choosy or don't have a history of loyalty to Apple products, the Samsung Galaxy Tab is a more affordable option.

The Bottom Line

Both the iPad Mini and the Samsung Galaxy tab offer similar features, speeds, operating systems, and connectivity options. Since neither tablet is overtly superior to the other in terms of performance, you can choose the best product for you by simply considering which features you deem most important. For example, if you want a larger screen and a lighter weight, you may choose the iPad Mini. Conversely, if screen size isn't as important and you are looking to save a little money, the Samsung Galaxy is the clear winner.

Whichever tablet you end up choosing, make sure you protect your investment with a high quality screen protecting skin: iPad Mini skins and Samsung Galaxy Tab skins.