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Mac

Should I buy a MacBook or iPad

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Whether you’re a road warrior or often find yourself leaving on a jet plane in the name of your career, you likely have an arsenal of gadgets you bring along in your carry-on luggage. But is that laptop really necessary, or could you save both space and weight by swapping it out for a tablet? It truly depends on the nature of your job.

A good rule of thumb is that if your job has you producing a large amount of content, you’re better off sticking with your trusty MacBook. However, if it’s more likely you’re just consuming content, then an iPad will certainly be sufficient.

Should there be any possibility you’ll be doing a lot of typing, having a MacBook will definitely make life easier. The touchscreen keyboard on the iPad is not conducive to working on larger documents or lengthier emails, despite the fact that the suite of iWork programs is available as a series of well-equipped iPad apps. Of course, you can also bring along a portable Bluetooth keyboard or use a case with one built in, but they still don’t compare to having a proper computer for document creation and editing.

A MacBook is also a better choice than an iPad if you’re delivering a Keynote presentation and aren’t entirely sure you can connect to the projector you’re using via Bluetooth. While the Keynote and Keynote Remote apps on iPad are great, that stunning presentation you spent hours on won’t be doing you any favors unless you can show it off.

You’ll be glad you have your MacBook handy in a variety of other situations as well. If there’s a chance you’ll be given information via a disc or thumb drive to review, you won’t have to figure out how to get it via email or the cloud instead. If you’re in one of the many hotels worldwide that still provide Wi-Fi only in the lobby and leave you limited by an Ethernet cord in your room, you’ll be glad for your MacBook. Furthermore, it’s a great charging station for your peripheral devices, reducing the number of cords you’ll have to pack and the need to search out enough plugs.

All that being said, there is definitely a lot of merit in taking an iPad along on your next business trip instead. Not only will it allow you to pack a smaller bag and save your back from the added weight, but it’s extremely portable and boasts a number of useful features.

If you’re mainly reading – emails, reports, blogs, you name it – then an iPad is ideal. It’s also more than sufficient for accessing your email, keeping your social media accounts up to date and tweaking a few documents via iWork. With the right app, it can allow you to go paperless, signing and emailing contracts right on it with the use of a stylus. You can also upload photographs with a simple camera adapter kit, and do a little more typing with one of the aforementioned options to bring a keyboard.

The iPad is a great option for anyone concerned with battery life and the possibility of not having anywhere to plug their MacBook in. So long as you have 3G or Wi-Fi, you’ll always be able to get online. And it’s ideal for situations where you have a limited amount of elbow room, like on an airplane or in a crowded press conference.

If you’re unsure of the situations you may find yourself in while traveling for business, taking your MacBook along is certainly a safer bet. It gives you the most options for completing your work, viewing files and connecting to the Internet. However, if you know exactly what you’re heading into and prefer to be extremely mobile, your iPad should certainly cover most of the bases for you.

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Sell your old iPhone for top dollar at Gazelle

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It’s become a part of “Mac culture” – eagerly anticipating and even lining up to buy the latest generation iPhone or iPad. But when new models come out fairly frequently, what’s to be done with the old versions? They can always be passed on to a friend or family member, or even sent to a local electronics recycling depot. But upgrading to the latest Apple “ i device” isn’t cheap, so wouldn’t it be nice to get a few dollars back, easing the expense?

That’s where Gazelle.com comes in. They’ve capitalized on the fact that thousands of people have extra gadgets sitting around the house that are perfectly good but have been abandoned for the newest model. Their service, for which they have earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, allows consumers to trade in unwanted devices.

The process is simple. Visit Gazelle’s website and answer a few questions about the device you no longer want. They’ll tell you it’s value, and providing it’s worth more than $1.00 you can ship it to them free of charge. Once received by the company they’ll check it immediately and then send your funds. Customers even have the choice between receiving a check, money in their PayPal account or an Amazon gift card.

Gazelle accepts a wide variety of devices including iPhones and other smartphones, iPads and other tablets and some computers, including MacBooks. They then find new homes for the devices, in part by refurbishing them and selling them on their active eBay store.

Since its inception, Gazelle has become an increasingly popular service and to date have taken in nearly 1 million items on trade. They take their clients’ trust very seriously and guarantee all personal data will be securely erased from devices they receive. With such a great program and commitment to customer service, it’s no surprise nine out of ten clients have reported being happy with the company, or that Gazelle has earned such a prestigious rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Gazelle even offers a referral program for customers – for each friend you refer who sells a gadget, you’ll receive $10.00, and the friend will get an additional $10.00 for their first trade-in.

There is a lot of merit to this creative business solution. It means less waste and clutter, with old devices no longer sitting around the house or being tossed away. What’s more, it also helps subsidize the purchase of new gadgets. Perhaps you’ve decided to clean up around the house and realized getting a few dollars back for your old electronics is better than having them collect dust. Or maybe you’ve got your eye on a new iPad Mini or the upcoming new iPhone and want to take some of the sting out of the purchase price.

Whatever your reasoning, using Gazelle.com is a great way to make the most out of your electronic purchases and save yourself a bit of money. It’s quick, easy, free and definitely worth investigating if you’re still holding on to your first generation iPad and iPhone 3.

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Apple iPhone 5s release date

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“This should brighten everyone’s day.” Apple has recently issued colorful invitations to their September 10th event, at which it’s expected they’ll make announcements regarding features of the new iPhones, iOS 7 and other innovative product developments.

So with the event just days away, when can we expect the rumored iPhone 5s and 5c to be released? Some sources are vague, perhaps playing it safe, by saying “sometime in the latter part of 2013.” Others are speculating as quickly as September 12th. But most sources of Apple news are focusing on September 20th as the day Apple’s new products will hit the shelves.

Apple typically releases their new products quite quickly after announcing them. They’re at their most hyped then, with everyone buzzing about the news. It’s an ideal time to capitalize on that and make them available while they’re receiving so much attention.

On July 9th, an employee at Pegatron, a Taiwanese manufacturing company known to work with Apple, stated that they were busy pasting protective film onto the backs of the new iPhones’ “plastic back cover” to protect them from damage. This, coupled with tales from other sources and the colorful design of Apple’s event invitations all seem to hint at the release of the iPhone 5c, a cheaper model that will have the same components as the current iPhone 5, with a plastic casing available in a variety of different hues.

Popular websites such as MacRumors also seem to feel confident that the new iPhones will be released soon. Their reliable insider sources also seem to hint at a date around September 20th. Confidence in that being the date of choice for Apple has been furthered by reports that wireless carriers such as Verizon have blacked out vacation periods for employees between the 18th and the 20th of this month. It is believed that Apple will release their new iPhones in the USA at this time, with other first-wave countries to be offered them in the days to follow.

Perhaps in the theme of playing it safe, relatively reliable information source KGISecurities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has laid out a predicted release date roadmap which also indicates this fall as the expected time for release of the new iPhones.

Just a few days ago, TechRadar reminded readers that it is around this same time of year that the iPhone 4s and 5 were released, which is a good indication that they will follow suit with their latest smart phones.

While many of the popular websites frequented by Mac enthusiasts have fairly reliable sources that hint at, or even leak, information to the public, it’s important to remember that Apple can have an ace up their proverbial sleeve. It’s not far-fetched to think that the company will surprise the world, possibly with their release dates but likely with the products themselves.

Will there really be a gold iPhone 5s? Or colorful, cheaper iPhone 5c model? Or might the company have pushed ahead right away with an iPhone 6? There is only one way to know for sure – tune in tomorrow for Apple’s Event.

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5 things to know for Apple’s September 10th Event

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The invitations have been received, and their colorful presentation and playful opening statement, “this should brighten everyone’s day” have the tech world buzzing. Is it possible that Apple’s choice of design and phrasing is a hint that they’ll be confirming rumors of the cheaper iPhone 5c, available in multiple colors, at their September 10th event? In just a day, we’ll know for sure.

As usual with all things Apple, there have been countless rumors circulating since the last batch of products was released about what the next models will be. So, what can we expect on the 10th? Here are five important things to know about Apple’s next event.

1. Expect surprises. While much of the leaked information and predictions from credible sources about upcoming iPhones and other new Apple products will likely prove to be true, it’s not unrealistic to assume that Apple has some unexpected news to share as well. It could be different iPhone specs than what we’re expecting, or an entirely new product or feature altogether. As Apple has been criticized recently for no longer being as innovative as they once were, the September 10th event is a prime opportunity for them to wow us once again and prove doubters wrong.

2. Surprises or not, the new iPhone will be the primary focus. So much of Apple’s media attention recently has been centered on the rumored iPhone 5s and 5c, and September 10th will be the day all is revealed. Features to expect include new internal components such as a robust, proprietary A7 chip. Some sources are even hinting that fingerprint scanning may be utilized on the new iPhones. At present, the technology will primarily be for unlocking the phone, but offers the capability to be used as a biometric scanner or to make secure online payments in the future.

3. Extensive information about iOS 7 will be provided. The first major mobile operating system update from Apple in a while, it is rumored to completely upgrade the user interface, predict app usage in order to preserve battery life, do automatic updates in the background, give all apps the ability to multitask and provide a useful new “iOS control panel” for tweaking settings.

4. iTunes Radio will be promoted. Given the neat features that come with this addition to the music management program, it’s somewhat surprising it hasn’t received more buzz. Launching soon in the USA and then in other countries worldwide, it offers streaming radio similar to services like SoundCloud, with a choice of 200 different genre-based radio stations. What sets it apart is its ability to bring together all the stations you’re likely to enjoy, based on your listening preferences and the type of music you tend to purchase. The more you listen, the more personalized your stations will become. Though it will be overshadowed by the new iPhone announcements, iTunes Radio is really a neat offering by Apple.

5. iPads won’t receive as much attention. While it’s not sensible to rule out any tablet-related news, it’s unlikely that the iPad and iPad Mini will be touched on in a significant way during the September 10th event. With new versions of the iPad being offered in fairly quick succession over the last few years, they have received a lot of coverage. While still an incredibly popular and important device, they will take a backseat to the iPhone and other announcements this fall.

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Why Apple stock continues to fall

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There is no doubt that Apple products are hot sellers. With loyal customers and new Mac fans alike lining up overnight to buy the latest products, the company has experienced a significant surge in popularity over the last few years. Their ingenuity and innovation have earned them a massive fan base, not to mention billions of dollars.

However, recently the technology giant’s stocks have been decreasing in value, and despite Apple stores everywhere being packed, they’re continuing to drop. So just why are stock prices lower? And will they continue to fall, or will they regain their once incredible value?

In a recent article, USA Today blamed Apple’s declining stock prices on the fact that the company is “too popular for its own good.” As products like the first iPhone and iPad were introduced, investors were lured and stock prices skyrocketed. This was great for as long as the company’s sales and overall growth were increasing while they also maintained industry-leading profits. Unfortunately, when Apple’s growth margined suffered – ever so slightly – economic reality set in and the same investors who had priced the stock for perfection started having second thoughts.

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YCharts – AAPL

Lately, Apple stock is being repriced for reality. The hype has settled down a little and people are realizing there are other companies with innovative products out there, too. I liken it to the real estate market in some parts of North America. Prices skyrocketed and people were flipping houses, investing and getting rich. But when economic reality set in and things weren’t quite so easy, values dropped significantly. Now in many areas they’re experiencing a “correction.” Once inflated prices that dropped too low are starting to return to a reasonable rate.

This may be what’s happening with Apple’s stock. After all, it’s been based largely on excitement over unveiling new products. And as growth slowed and the company experienced a lull in the pace of innovation, stock prices suffered. Group that with sinking profit margins and a disappointing sales forecast from a key supplier and it’s no wonder they’re in the position they are now.

Growing competition from Android smartphone and tablet manufacturers doesn’t help either. Consumers have more choice now then they did when the first iPhone was released, especially from manufacturers like Samsung who offer a wide range of smartphones, tablets and phablets in varying sizes and prices. In 2012, Samsung actually overtook Apple, with 30.3% of the market share compared to Apple’s 19.1%. This fear of weakening demand for the iPhone and greater competition also has investors spooked and has lead to falling stock prices.

Furthermore, some in the industry feel that the company has lost its way since the death of iconic founder and CEO Steve Jobs, who was such a force with leadership, common sense and innovation. Some of the changes and choices made under the reign of Tim Cook have not gone over as well, and speculation over falling stock prices has largely occurred since Jobs’ passing.

While rumors about hot new Apple products like the stunning Mac Pro, OSX Mavericks, the iPhone 5s and even the fabled iWatch are circulating, critics still feel the company has yet to regain its “mobility mojo” and likely won’t do so until the fall. Apple is certainly experiencing lull and transition, and the initial mania over smartphones and tablets may have passed, but in the long run I believe stock prices will remain valuable as the company finds its feet again and continues to provide consumers with quality electronics and computing solutions. Over time, this dip in stock value will likely be seen as no more than a mere bump in the road.