4 Ways to Make Your Holiday Tech Gifts Last Forever

I'm sure you got some cool smart devices from Santa and your loved ones this Christmas and Holiday season. For most of us, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other smart devices have become an integral part of our home, school, and work lives. It's safe to say that we are dependent on them, and it can be very stressful when they stop working. Our tech devices are a big investment, so it's best to take steps to keep them working and out of your basement or junk drawer. To get the most out of your holiday tech gifts, it makes sense to protect your gadgets from avoidable damage and breakdowns. These helpful tips will help you extend the life of gadgets.

1. Understand the life of your device versus the life of the battery. Did you know the average life of a smartphone, tablet or laptop is 4 to 5 years, but the average battery life is 2 to 3 years? Many people will sell their tech devices when they fail to hold a charge. Save hundreds on spending money on a new device when you can replace the battery. Check out Amazon's Cell Phone Replacement web site to get replacement batteries. Keep in mind some tech devices need to have the expertise of an expert to replace the battery, but even if you have to pay labor for the replacement for a battery, it's still cheaper than buying a new device.

2. Get a Protective Case or Bag. I like the sleek look of Android and iPhones and never get a case for mine. I know how to replace the screens on these devices, so it's not really a big deal if I drop mine. Do as I say and not as I do and get a protective case for your smart device. Otterbox (www.otterbox.com) offers a wide variety of cases from sleek to bulky. Need protection for your laptop, checkout Swissgear (www.swissgear.com) for bags that not only fit your laptop but also provides padding for the bottom, side AND top as well as a waterproof outer.

3. Don't Keep Your Devices in Extreme Temperatures. All device manufacturers have optimal operating temperatures for all of their devices. Most tech manufactures recommends using your gadgets between 32 and 95 degrees. Extreme temperatures can shorten the life of your devices, so don’t leave that laptop, tablet or smartphone locked in a hot car and don't store your devices for an extended period of time in an unheated car. Also, laptops should not be placed for very long on your lap, bedding or pillow. This will block the cooling vents and cause the laptop to overheat. Visit Lapdesk (www.lapdesk.com) to get items that will give you a flat, even surface to work. If you have to work out in the extreme cold with a smartphone or tablet, keep them close to you to be warmed by your body. Extreme cold can make your batteries drain quickly and screens are much more likely to crack.

4. Don't purchase Generic Chargers. That charger you've purchased for your device could be killing your device. Generic chargers are usually made with shoddy parts and don't have regulators built into them that can sense when your laptop, smartphone, or tablet battery no longer needs charging. When you need to get a new charger, only purchase one from the manufacturer of your device.

Want to ask me a tech question? Shoot me an email to burton@burtonkelso.com! If you prefer to connect with me on social media, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on my YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you. 

If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. My team of friendly tech experts are always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. 

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