Dropped your smartphone accidentally and cracked the screen? This is something that has happened to almost all of us at some point or the other. Whether it was accidental or intentional, cracked screens look ugly and can even pose a danger to your fingers, lap, and face. This is because when a screen cracks, the crack spreads further, and tiny shards of glass keep falling.

Before you consider buying a new phone, there are certain things you can do to fix the problem. However as the very first step, ensure that your phone is backed up and all the data is stored in a secure location.

·      Call the Manufacturer

Of course this will be the first thing on your mind; it’s always a good idea to contact the company that made your smartphone. Almost all smartphones come with a warranty period, so if you crack your screen within the period, you can get your screen replaced for free. However, some companies do not cover accidental damage.

For example, Apple offers AppleCare which is valid if you buy the service within 60 days of purchasing a new iPhone. But they charge you for accidental damage. Nevertheless, they will either replace the screen or the entire phone, depending upon the extent of the damage.

·      Contact a Local Repair Shop

If you are uncomfortable sending your smartphone to the manufacturer, then you can search for local mobile phone repair shops in your area. They are much cheaper, but before you hire one, make sure that they provide some form of guarantee that their repair work will not break down too soon. Furthermore, there is a risk of such outlets utilising low quality components which can void the manufacturer’s warranty and insurance on your phone.

·      Check with a Phone Insurance Company

There are services which offer insurance for covering accidental damage to your phone such as Row.co.uk. From as low as £1.49 and up to a 20% discount, Row.co.uk covers accidental damage to your mobile phone which also includes a cracked screen.

·      Do-it-Yourself

If you have hands-on experience in repairing electronic devices, then this route will save you quite a bit of money. However, even the slightest hesitation or doubt can cause further damage to your smartphone. You will need to find a repair kit for replacing the screen on your smartphone. For example, a new Galaxy S6 screen costs around £7.59 on Amazon. You can find many tutorials on websites such as iFixIt on how to replace a cracked screen.

In some instances, your smartphone’s screen must not have developed large cracks. If the crack is smaller and the screen displays and works properly, then you can use a temporary solution. Take packaging tape and wrap it over the screen of your phone; this will prevent the crack from spreading and you can continue using it till you come across a better solution.

*The information in this blog is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. Please seek a professional for expert advice as we can not be held responsible for any damages or negative consequences upon following this information.

by imarin - yayimages.com

Laptops are an electronic staple these days for everyone whether it’s office or home. From students to corporate executives, laptops have become an essential item in everyone’s life. Many people don’t even have a desktop computer at home because carrying a laptop is much more convenient. So if you are thinking of getting a new laptop or already have one and want to use it more efficiently, here are some tips for you to follow:

1.     Battery

This is one of the fundamentally crucial things you need to ensure is working fine with your laptop. It is because of a good and stable battery that a laptop can work fine even when it is not plugged in. Whenever you are buying a laptop, always see what its battery life is. Battery life is the amount of time your laptop can work without being plugged in until its next recharge. Always make sure you charge your battery everyday till its full capacity. As soon as you see the battery is 20% or lower, plug your charger in.  You shouldn’t turn your laptop on and off many times in a short amount of time, this can affect your laptop’s battery adversely.

2.     Screen

Always use a screensaver so that your laptop doesn’t waste its energy and battery life. This doesn’t necessarily harm the laptop but it helps in ensuring a longer battery life. You can also put the laptop on ‘sleep mode’ by setting its timer when your laptop is idle for a certain amount of time. Clean your laptop screen and keyboard (preferably when it’s turned off) with a dry cloth or one of those special air sprays that are made to clean keyboards. Lower the screen brightness to conserve more battery life.

3.     Protect it from overheating

One of the things many laptop users don’t give much focus on is the overheating of the laptop. Make sure your laptop is not placed on the wrong kind of surface that makes it hard for the heat it generates to dissipate.  You can always get a good laptop mat that helps it to remain cool and regulates the flow of heat. Never leave your laptop on places like blankets, couches or plastic surfaces etc for too long as they can make it go super hot.

4.     Laptop bag

If you are always out and about, a good laptop bag will always come in handy. Get a laptop bag that is strong and can carry your laptop easily around wherever you go. Typically, each model comes with its own accessories and laptop bags are always there to accompany it because they are made according to the size of the model so you should have no problems in finding one.

5.     Hardware

If you want to upgrade your hardware like RAM or HDD, always go to the manufacturer of the laptop and get it done rather than unreliable computer shops that can rip you off. If you are good with gadgets, you can buy the hardware and install it yourself.

Protect your laptop with Row.co.uk

*The information in this blog is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. Please seek a professional for expert advice as we can not be held responsible for any damages or negative consequences upon following this information.