Most of us can’t do without a smartphone. The gadget helps us communicate easily, find the information we’re looking for, shop for our favorite products, and so much more. On the downside, we spend hours glued to our screens. This can take a toll on our personal lives, affect physical and mental health, and even cut short the life of our devices. Here are some harmful smartphone habits to break immediately.
Scrolling before bedtime
Endless scrolling on social media before bedtime makes it hard to fall asleep at night, leading to restlessness and tiredness the next day. Screens emit a blue light that affects melatonin production in the brain, the hormone that controls a person’s circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle. Without melatonin, it can be difficult to fall or stay asleep. Experts advise keeping the phone away for at least an hour before bedtime. You can instead read a book or listen to a podcast to relax your mind.
Always keeping the phone with you
If you keep your phone in your pocket, you’ll be constantly tempted to pull it out and browse. Not to mention, you’ll be on the alert for notifications. Therefore it’s best to carry it in your purse or backpack. If these options aren’t feasible, put the device on silent mode when keeping it on you.
Purchasing cheap cables
Smartphones are a long-term investment. Be it the latest iPhone or a flip phone, we want our gadgets to last for as long as possible. But, many don’t realize that something as simple as using cheap cables and chargers can damage electronic devices and reduce their lifespan. Faulty wires can permanently damage the battery and increase the risk of a fire or electrocution. So, invest in a quality cable to protect yourself and your phone.
Draining your battery completely
Allowing the battery to drop to 0% could damage your cell phone. It can cause a drop in performance, and your phone may lose charge more quickly. One expert-recommend way to prolong battery life is not to let the charge drop below 30%. Many also have the habit of charging their devices overnight. That, too, can be harmful. For a longer battery lifespan, it should be unplugged soon after it’s sufficiently charged.
Constantly checking your phone
Many people constantly text, look at alerts and notifications, and even play games on their phones. This habit can do a lot of harm in the long run. It prevents a person from focusing on essential tasks and reduces productivity. Studies have also found that the human attention span has dropped significantly in the last decade, owing to the constant use of cell phones. Instead of spending too much time with technology, one can learn new skills that will be useful in the future.
Another habit to avoid is paying for phone plans without doing any research. Many smartphone owners make this common mistake. The plan you purchased might sometimes be contractual, and you’ll be stuck with it until the course runs out. Researching a competent 5G phone plan and sticking to reliable carriers like Verizon can benefit you. The brand offers unlimited nationwide 5G plans for as low as $35/month per line.
While smartphones can create problems, they can be helpful if used correctly. If you’re looking for a new, feature-rich 5G phone, check out these options:
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
Released on August 26, 2022, this foldable phone has a 6.2-inch cover screen, a 7.6-inch main screen, and up to 1TB of storage. It costs $719.99.
Apple iPhone SE 3
The Apple iPhone SE 3 has a powerful A15 Bionic processor, a 4.7-inch display, long battery life, and a pocket-friendly design. It was launched on March 18, 2022, and costs $429.
Google Pixel 6a and Pixel 7
The Google Pixel 6a was released on July 28, 2022, with a superb 6.1-inch screen and the ability to record videos in 4K. The Google Pixel 7 might be suitable if you want something more advanced. Available since October 13, 2022, it has an excellent dual rear camera, the Tensor G2 chipset, and a long-lasting battery. The Pixel 6a starts at $499, while the Pixel 7 starts at $599.
iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max
Apple announced the new iPhone 14 series on September 7, 2022. Its best models include the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max, which cost $799, $999, and $1,099, respectively. These have amazing HDR displays, a full-day battery, a powerful camera, and of course, the trademark Apple iOS.
Need a cell phone plan? Check out internet phone plans and 5G phone plans by T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, UScellular, and Sprint.
The last major sales event of the year is Cyber Monday, so if you have missed the Black Friday sales, you can still shop for the best deals. This year, Cyber Monday is on November 28th. And it is worth paying attention to the deals if you consider investing in the latest tech. As there is still time for Cyber Monday, here is a look at the best tech sales of last year.
Smartwatches
Look out for Cyber Monday deals on these smartwatches:
Apple Watch 7 series
Retailing at $399, Amazon offered the Apple Watch 7 (GPS/41mm) for $379. The Apple Watch 7 (GPS/LTE 41mm) was also available at a discount of $20 and might be on sale for $479.
Apple Watch SE
One of the best wearables you can get hold of on a budget is the Apple Watch SE. On Amazon, you could buy the Amazon Watch SE at $60 off its regular price of $220.
Fitbit Sense
Available at a massively discounted price of $190 against its original price of $300, this deal was perfect for fitness lovers. The smartwatch comes with free six-month membership to Fitbit Premium.
Laptops
Here are three laptops that you shouldn’t miss when the sale starts:
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
This Core i3 model with a 12.3-inch Touch screen comes with 4GB memory and 128GB storage. You could get the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 on sale at BestBuy for $599 instead of the retail tag of $959.
HP Envy 17
You could save $450 on the HP Envy 17 laptop. This sleek and powerful laptop has a 17.3-inch display, 8 GB RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. Originally priced at $1099, you could have got it for $649.
Apple MacBook Air M1
The 256GB MacBook Air is among the best laptops to get your hands on this holiday season. This 13.3-inch IPS Retina display laptop was available at a discount of $100.
Headphones
If you’re a music lover, watch out for deals on these amazing headphones:
Sony WH-1000XM4
This headphone from Sony, providing immersive sound and multi-device connectivity, was on sale at both Amazon and Best Buy for $248. You could enjoy $100 off and groove to your favorite music.
Bose QuietComfort 45
Amazon and BestBuy offered Bose headphones – QuietComfort 45 at a price drop. At a discount of $50, you could get the headphones for $279.
Smartphone
Cyber Monday is the day for buying smartphones, such as
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
This foldable smartphone from Samsung was available on sale for $850. Along with this smartphone, you could also get a pair of Galaxy Buds 2 for free.
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
Retailing at $700, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE was available for $655 as part of the Cyber Monday sale last year. Grab a solid smartphone this holiday season.
One Plus 9
This feature-packed smartphone from One Plus was on sale for $589, available at a discount of more than $100, keep an eye out for it this year too.
Google Pixel 6
Google Pixel 6 was more affordable than ever during the Cyber Monday sale last year. Originally priced at $599, you could grab this smartphone for $499.
Tablets
These tablets are expected to be surprisingly cheaper on Cyber Monday:
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus featured a 12.4-inch touchscreen and was on sale for a discounted price of $699 at Amazon. The 11-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 was offered for $499, and both tablets have long battery life and support S Pen.
iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2021
The Apple iPad Pro retailing at $1099, usually goes out of stock soon. You could save $100 on this 12.9-inch tablet with Apple’s M1 chip.
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro
A powerful Android Tablet, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro has an 11-inch display and a large battery ideal for both work and play.
Television
TV deals dominate Cyber Monday, and here are the ones to consider this year:
Hisense 58-inch 4K Roku TV
This deal is one of the cheapest for a 58-inch TV from Hisense. This 4K Roku TV was on sale for $338 at Walmart, compared to the retail price of $426.
Samsung 50-inch Crystal 4K TV
This TV was part of Samsung’s 2021 lineup of Crystal TVs. You could get it during the Cyber Monday sale for $479, saving $90.
TCL 55-inch 4K QLED Roku TV
With a savings of $450, this TV is an excellent option for those on a budget. Originally priced at $999, you could get this 4K QLED Roku TV for $549.
Speakers
If you’re looking for deals on speakers, these two are your best options:
Google Nest Mini
This smart speaker was offered at a massive discount on Cyber Monday and was available for $24.99 against its regular price of $49.99.
Apple HomePod mini
Apple HomePod mini was at a price drop of $10 to $89. This Siri-enabled HomePod mini boasts an impressive audio quality and is a good buy for music lovers.
It is time to snag great prices on the best tech deals for Cyber Monday 2022. The best deals tend to sell out fast, so take prompt action before it is too late.
Buying a new computer can be incredibly expensive, given the significant investment it requires. Also, the amount of choice available in terms of prices and configuration can make the whole process of buying a new device very overwhelming. Shoppers often make mistakes when buying a new computer, especially those who are less tech-savvy. In this article, we’ve listed a few common mistakes you can avoid when buying a new computer.
Purchasing a computer that does not meet your needs
Before buying a computer, it is important to determine your needs, whether you want to use it for home, work, or gaming. There is no reason to buy a computer with tons of RAM if you are not going to use it for heavy workloads or gaming. Shoppers often spend more money on features that they do not need. Before buying, you must list all the features you need and purchase the best one that meets your needs.
Not thinking about other costs
If you buy a gaming computer, be aware of what is included in your purchase. Most computer software is accessible on a trial basis, and you would need to pay after the trial period ends. It is best to look for deals where software is included in the price to help save money. For example – many computers come standard with Windows 10. Again, shoppers often forget to buy antivirus software, a must-have when buying a computer. Some computers may come with a 90-day free virus scanner; if you want to use it, it is best to purchase the updated software.
Paying for an extended warranty
Most computers come with a 1-year warranty, and it is better to skip the extended warranty when buying a new computer. Extended warranties are available for a fee, and companies profit significantly from them. It is not worth buying an extended warranty because the chances of needing a repair in a new computer are very low. Also, even if something happens, the cost of repairs will be less than the cost of an extended warranty.
Spending too little or too much
Many shoppers tend to underspend and later regret it as it is likely to have fewer features than they need. There are many computers on the market, giving you many options to select from. With some research, you can easily find a computer that offers the best value for your money. You can probably opt for something inexpensive if you need a computer for basic tasks. But hardcore gamers may need a pricier computer with the latest processor and large storage. Instead of buying immediately and paying a lot, browse through dozens of websites and find promotional offers from time to time.
Not buying the right OS for your needs
There are several operating systems to choose from when buying a computer, including Windows, Linux, macOS, and Chrome OS. Each has its advantages, and you must decide which one you want depending on your needs. Many shoppers often end up with macOS despite being a power user resulting in headaches later. macOS is usually best for those who want a computer for basic tasks, while Windows is a better choice for any other work.
Focusing on only the processor
Though choosing a suitable processor is very important, other factors should also be considered while buying a computer. This includes clock speed, thermal design power, cache size, and the brand- Intel or AMD. For example, an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 will work well for a casual user as each has 6 cores and 65-watt TDP. For a gamer, an Intel Core i7 or i9 or AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 would be a go-to choice. They have eight cores and offer great single-thread and multi-thread performance for ultimate gaming performance.
When buying a new computer, thoroughly research the available options, and choose the one with enough memory and processing speed ideal for your needs.