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Comcast/Xfinity recently expanded their reduced-rate Internet Essentials program to include an wider demographic.
In a nutshell, this plan offers 75 Mbps broadband Internet connection (where available) for just $14.95 per month, with home Wi-Fi included at no additional charge.
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If you happen to have an Apple device that’s covered by an AppleCare Protection Plan, it might already qualify to receive a new battery at no charge under the plan.
In years past, Apple would make you wait until a covered device’s battery degraded to the point where it would only retain 50% or less of its rated maximum charge before they would replace the battery under AppleCare. But they have since upped that threshold to 80%.
The 80% threshold applies to the batteries in all AppleCare covered Macs, regardless of how old the machine happens to be. Apple mobile devices purchased after April 10, 2015 qualify as well.
Bottom line: If you own an AppleCare covered Mac, you should check to see if its battery will retain at least 80% of its maximum charge.
If it won’t, I recommend that you request a free replacement battery under AppleCare. You should also do the same for any other covered Apple devices.
Bottom line: New batteries are wonderful things because they allow you to use your devices longer between battery charges.
If you can get a new one installed in your device for free under AppleCare, why not do it now and reap the benefits of that expensive AppleCare Protection Plan?
Bonus tip: This post explains how to quickly determine the warranty status of your Mac, iPhone, iPad or any other Apple device.
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Question from Patsy: My friend just bought a Chromebook after the salesman at the computer store told her they are safer to use than Windows computers.
Among other things, he said it’s impossible for a Chromebook to catch a virus.
I’d just like to know if you agree with him because I’m needing to get a new laptop myself.
So, are Chromebooks really safer than Windows laptops? [Read more…]
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If your home is like most others these days it probably has surge suppressors plugged into the outlets that are powering a sensitive electronic device.
And some homes have one plugged into every outlet.
These portable surge suppressors are fine for protecting your computer equipment, flat panel TVs and other devices from moderate power surges.
However, if your incoming power line gets struck by lightning or a strong power surge you will likely be replacing many of those items the very next day. [Read more…]
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Are you familiar with the term “Porch Pirates”? You really need to be if you shop online.
Porch pirates are thieves who walk, bike or drive through residential neighborhoods checking all the front porches for packages that have been delivered but not yet retrieved by their recipients.
If they happen to spot a package sitting on someone’s porch they’ll sneak over and grab it, then hurry away from the scene as quickly as possible.
Believe it or not, porch piracy is a big deal in today’s world. [Read more…]