8 Reasons To Switch to an iPhone

There are two types of people in this world: Those who have an Android phone, and those who have an iPhone. 

Ok, there's maybe more than that, but, there's no doubt that the debate between iPhone vs Android goes back a long time. It seems like for many people, the brand they start with is the one they stick with. 

But, if you've always had an Android, you don't know what you're missing out on. Even though iPhones do have their drawbacks, there are a lot of benefits to buying an iPhone over an Android. 

So, why switch to iPhone over an Android smartphone? 

Check out this guide to find out the advantages of iPhones. 

8 Reasons To Make The Switch To iPhone


1. Information Security 

As technology continues to take over our lives, information security becomes more and more of an issue. 

If you're someone who takes information security seriously (as you should), then you may find it alarming that 97 percent of smartphone malware is targeted at Android phones. That number is dwindling each year but it's still a stark comparison between Apple and Google / Samsung smartphones.

The reason Android users are more susceptible to software malware is because Apple takes exhaustive precautions when selecting which app developers can have access to Apple's ecosystem. 

In other words, getting apps with malware into the Apple App Store is nearly impossible. 

Android uses Google's Play Store for its apps. And unfortunately, Google doesn't vet as thoroughly as Apple does when it comes to app store access. 


2. The Apple Ecosystem 

Many Android users don't know what they're missing out on when it comes to the Apple ecosystem.

The range of Apple products keeps growing and growing. This means you can easily sync your devices together with just a few clicks. You don't need to spend time downloading extra software or extra applications to sync things together. 

All you need to do is sign into your Apple account on a new device, and voila! All of your contacts, photos, calendars, and emails will instantly sync. This also means that you don't have to pay twice for books, movies, or apps. You just need to simply redownload them on each device. 

And, because Apple has a closed ecosystem, user safety is guaranteed. 


3. iMessage 

You don't quite understand the disappointment of seeing a green text bubble until you have an iPhone. 

For those who don't know, Android texts show up in a green bubble, whereas iMessages show up in a blue one. 

Why is the different color such a big deal?

The blue bubble is Apple letting you know your messages are end-to-end encrypted. This means that the only people who can see these messages are the people who are communicating. 

In other words, no eavesdropper can decrypt your conversation -- not even the company that's running the messaging service. If someone were to try and hack into your messages, all they'd get was a bunch of gibberish. 

With text messages sent on Androids, end-to-end encryption is not used. This means that your private conversations could be vulnerable to the eyes of hackers. 

On a less serious note, iMessage is also great because it allows you to send messages to friends and family from anywhere in the world, just as long as you have WiFi. With Android, you can't do this. 


4. Excellent Support and Help 

Whether you're shopping for a new iPhone or fixing a damaged iPhone, help is just around the corner. 

If you have an issue with your iPhone, you can go online to the Apple site and tap into a huge database of how-to articles. You can also get help via live chat. Or, you can schedule an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar at your earliest convenience. 

And, because Apple products are so popular, it's easy to find authorized Apple resellers and repair shops. 

Android users, on the other hand, don't have this sort of support system. To fix your Android phone, you'll either have to go through the phone maker or your carrier.


5. Get the Best Apps First 

If you're a big fan of apps, you'll be happy to learn that Apple almost always gets access to new apps first. 

For example, for one popular game app, Fortnite, it took months to come out with an Android-friendly version. Same with other popular apps like HQ Trivia and Super Mario Run. 


6. No Bloatware 

One of the biggest gripes Android users have is that the phones come with a lot of bloatware. 

While Android has slightly improved upon this by consolidating all carrier bloatware into a single folder, it's still annoying to have this junk taking up space in your phone. 

The great thing about iPhones is that they don't come with a single piece of carrier software. This makes for a clean experience from the moment you buy your phone. 


7. User-Friendly 

Without a doubt, the iPhone beats out the Android when it comes to user-friendliness. 

All of your apps are launched from the home screen, and all of your settings can be found under one menu. 

And while an Android can be customized and modified in different ways, the operating system's basic features are still much more complicated to get the hang of than iPhone's system. 

If you value a smartphone with a small learning curve, the iPhone is the way to go. 


8. Faster 

Last but not least, we can't forget that the iPhone is faster than the Android. If speed is a top priority, iPhone mobile phones are the superior option.

Because the iPhone is less cluttered and more streamlined than the Android, you'll be talking, texting, and searching at the speed of light. 


Why Switch to iPhone: Are You Ready to Make the Switch? 

"Why switch to iPhone?" As you can see, there are many compelling reasons to switch from Android to iPhone smartphones. Now, all you need to do is head to your phone carrier and tell them the news that you're ready to make the telephone switch. 

When you get your new iPhone, be sure to come back to our blog to check out more articles like this one. Visit our Tech section today!

7 Top Tips on Buying a Computer

Before you spend money on a new computer, be sure it's the best choice for you! From laptops to desktops and Macs to Dells, the best computer for you is the one that best suits your needs. 

With more features and new models seemingly all the time, it's hard to know where to start. Follow these seven tips to save you some hassle when buying a computer. 


1. Stick to Your Budget

It's easy to buy more computer than you need if you don't stick to your budget. Computers go from affordable to expensive when you add more features and storage. 

Set a price you can afford, then begin your search for the perfect computer. If you find you need a more expensive machine than fits your budget, consider computer financing. The right financing plan can help you get the best computer for your needs while you pay it off over time. 


2. Determine Its Use

How do you intend to use your new computer? Is it a business purchase? Is it for gaming? Do you need it for small tasks like browsing the internet or watching movies? 

Your intended use for a new computer helps you decide what type of computer best suits your needs. If you're a graphic designer or video editor, you need a lot of power and disk space, plus excellence graphics capabilities. 

Gamers also need "big guns" when it comes to a powerful computer. Choose a system that can keep up with graphics and has plenty of memory. 

If you need something for entertainment and browsing the web, consider a small laptop or tablet. You won't need as much computer as someone who requires a laptop or desktop for daily business needs. 

A smaller computer that fits your needs can help you save money, too. 


3. Choose Your OS

Your computer's operating system makes a difference in how useful your computer is for its intended use. While you can do a lot with any operating system, specific operating systems excel at different tasks. 

The most common operating systems are Windows or the Mac OS. It's the age-old OS rivalry of "PC people" versus "Mac people."

• Windows continues to be the most popular operating system available. You'll find Windows desktops and laptops in most office spaces used in many capacities.
  
• The Mac operating system has gained more reliability and popularity in recent years. Because the Mac OS system can now do much of what a PC can do in terms of general business performance, Macs have become more commonplace around the office. 

An Apple computer is no longer "only for creatives" in the workplace. While they're often more expensive than a similar PC configuration, many people prefer the stability of the operating system over a PC.


4. Desktop vs. Laptop vs. Tablet

Where will you use your computer most? If you don't need to carry a computer with you, a desktop is your best option. You can often save money on a desktop versus a laptop, depending on the desktop's configuration and if you already have a monitor. 

However, with more businesses needing to operate on the go, your options for laptops are plenty. A laptop gives you a mobile office to work wherever you are. 

Depending on your job responsibilities, a desktop might be all you need. Some people need a device they can take with them to write or give presentations. Others would rather leave work at the office, so a desktop is a perfect solution. 

Size can also help you determine if a desktop, laptop, or tablet best suits your needs. A small laptop or tablet could be perfect for a busy person on the go or for someone who needs a portable device for around the house. 


5. Don't Forget the RAM

If you need a computer that can handle more than one task at a time and needs to handle heavy graphics or files, you need more RAM. 

Random Access Memory (RAM) is what makes a computer fast. It helps your system multi-task and keeps up with how fast you move between tasks before you complete something and save it the hard drive. 

If you use your computer primarily for surfing the web and basic tasks, 4gigs of RAM should be all you need. Most people function well with 8gigs of RAM for work-related tasks, watching videos, and general gaming. 

More RAM adds more costs to your computer. If you don't need a lot of speed, less RAM can save you some money on your system. 


6. Select Your Storage

Do you work with big files, lots of photos, and large software programs? You'll need more storage on your computer. 

Choose the laptop or desktop that has enough internal storage (or memory) for your needs. It's hard to find anything less than 64gigs anymore, but the latest computer models offer 256gigs with room to expand if you need more. 

You can also add external storage drives if you outgrow the internal storage of your computer. 

External drives are inexpensive and connect to your computer for smooth file transfer.


7. Check the Connections

Make sure your new computer connects to everything you need. Check for the ports that match your peripherals: Wifi, Bluetooth, USB, firewire, HDMI, or SD slot. 

Newer model laptops have fewer ports these days. This design helps lighten a laptop and make room for more internal power. 


Buying a Computer Can Be Fun!

If you've never bought a computer before, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the options and decisions. 

However, if you know what to look for in a laptop, tablet, or desktop, buying a computer can be fun!

A new laptop or desktop can last several years. Keep up with OS updates and be careful when traveling with your laptop. You'll extend the life of your new computer by taking good care of it.  

Did you find this article helpful? We hope so! Be sure to check more articles on business and technology for tips on being frugal!

7 Great Reasons To Switch To A Mac

One of the age-old tech problems has always been, should you opt for an Apple Mac, or use a Windows based PC. By default, many of us have picked our side. When you get used to one system, and all of your data is stored in a particular way, it seems obvious to stick with it. 

There are, however, a great many reasons to choose an Apple Mac over a PC, and it is never too late to make the switch. While it may take a while to adapt and learn the simple things that you may take for granted on a PC, such as how to split screen on Mac, you will find that with some research, in a short space of time you will naturally adapt. 

Which PC Do You Even Buy? 

When we talk about PC’s, we’re talking about thousands of different models. You could even ultimately build your own from scratch. It’s hard to know which one is definitely the best one. With no universal standard, it’s easy to get bogged down and struggle to find the right model for you. 

You can obviously modify, and get everything that you want from your PC, and that is one of the great appeals of having one. If you are particularly technically minded, this can be an excellent option, and many people will build their own machine from scratch. 

A Closed System Runs Better 

However, the Mac has an advantage in its closed system. Nobody else can modify the technical design of the product before it reaches the end-user. All of the parts have been specifically designed for that product. This is very different from PCs, which may be an amalgamation of lots of various components. 

As such, there are not going to be any conflicts between the hardware within the Mac. This will cause the operating system to run smoother, and greatly diminish the risk of a system failure. 

The Enhanced Security 

One of the primary reasons that people choose the Mac is for its security. While there are differences in the way that the file systems operate between Windows and OS, the simple fact is that Macs are still open to attack. The difference is, that they don’t see the same prevalence of cyberattacks than their Windows counterparts. 

Macs come with some pretty sturdy in-built security features though. However, it is still a very good idea to install additional software to ensure you are as protected as you can be. 

The Superior Build Quality 

When you buy a Mac, you are getting a premium quality product. The build quality is second to none, and Apple really doesn’t skimp when it comes to putting in the right parts. While you may find that many rivals will look to create low-cost computers that will generate large volumes of sales, the Apple business model is very different. 

There is a high level of attention to detail within the design of the Mac. Apple generally spend a long time perfecting each model that they bring to market, and as their reputation always relies on getting it right, they make sure that they do just that. 

The machines are built to last for a few years, and you will often find that second-hand Macs still retain a great deal of their value, even after a few years of use. 

The Operating System 

Macs run using OS, which is a very stable, Unix based operating system. There are distinct differences to get used to when it comes to switching from Windows. However, the design is very simple and user-friendly. 

For Windows users who really struggle to make the change, you can choose to run your Mac using Windows. Or, you could opt to have both operating systems installed. 

You will find that the hardware marries well with the operating system, and there is never any conflict between any of the tech, and the software. 

Devices are easily installed on Macs, with no need to worry about finding drivers. Everything is plug-and-play. This saves plenty of headaches, especially when it comes to dealing with compatibility issues. 

The Bundled Software 

Good quality software comes as standard on all Apple machines. When you first open your Mac, you will find that it has many great titles available pre-installed. These include titles like Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Facetime, Garage Band, iMovie, and so many more. The equivalent software on PC would end up costing you a considerable amount in licenses. 

Macs have long set themselves apart from PCs with their use in video, music, and photo editing. They have long been the choice of many professionals in the media industry because of their ability to process complex tasks with stability and speed. 

If you want to continue using your Windows software after you have made the switch, fear not, there are many of the same titles available. You can even run Microsoft Office from OS. 

After Care And Support 

If you have ever passed by an Apple store, you will notice one simple key point; there are always a lot of staff members available on the shop floor. Apple not only use their expert staff to generate sales of all of their products, but they also provide aftercare support. A trip to your local Apple store could help you get the best from your machine. In-store tutorial and demonstration sessions are available, covering a large range of things, from photo, video and music production, right through to coding. 

If you have a technical problem with your product, you can get online support, over the phone help, or you can take your issue into the store. Apple can then repair any faulty or damaged products. 

Is It Time To Make An Investment In A Mac? 

With many excellent reasons to choose an Apple Mac, your next computer may well be a game-changer for your life. With the superior build and proven reliability over a long period, it makes perfect sense to invest in a Mac computer.