How to Clean and Maintain Your iPad

Your iPad is important to your life. Whether you use it for essential shopping, checking movie times, or creating unique presentations for clients, you don't want anything to happen to it. But if you never perform any maintenance on the device, you're taking a big risk.

If you want to keep your iPad operating smoothly and efficiently for years to come, there are a few specific things you should do, and here they are:

• Clean It – It’s important to clean your iPad (and all of your electronics) on a regular basis, especially if you use the device a lot. Be sure not to use a window cleaner or any similar solution to wash your device. The best cleaning tool to use is a slightly damp, lint-free cloth, like what you would use to clean eye and sunglasses. Further, always be sure to keep your device away from oils and any other liquids, as these can damage it. 
• Update It – It’s very important to heed the alerts that your tablet sends, especially regarding new versions of the device’s operating system. Keeping the information current is the only way to ensure that your device has the most recent security updates and remedies for any bugs or kinks. If you don’t update your operating system, your iPad will start to slow down and experience other problems. 
• Optimize It – You should always take steps to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your iPad’s battery. Apple suggests that you make it a point to drain your device's battery at least once a month. After the battery drains, you should make sure that you’re recharging it to a 100% before unplugging it from the charger. Although this is not necessary to keep your iPad running, it has been proven to make your battery life last longer.
  
• Protect It – In order to protect your device, purchase one of the many fashionable iPad cases that are available. Even if you consider yourself to be an extremely cautious and steady person, accidents happen, and you'll want to ensure that your iPad won't suffer because of them. There are a variety of cases to choose from, but make sure that yours fits the right model. Also, choose a case that will provide an adequate amount of protection against bumps and falls. In addition, you are encouraged to purchase a screen protector, which will keep your iPad screen safe from even the dirtiest hands it comes in contact with, not to mention the sharpest corners it could hit.

By following the above steps, you will keep your iPad running as efficiently as possible for as long as possible.

Top Techie Valentine's Day Gifts for Her

The Valentine's Day countdown has officially begun. There are now less than 30 shopping days until Cupid's big day is here, and we've decided to help you out by providing you with the top technology related gifts that your lady will love. The best part about all of these gifts? You don't need to set foot in a store to get them in your hands. Read below to learn about what your tech guru is hoping to get this Valentine's Day.

• Wearable Technology – Some women are looking for a diamond ring this Valentine's Day, others are looking for a ring that counts their steps and takes phone calls. Everyone will be wearing technology this year. If your technology lover also happens to be a fitness guru, then look into one of the many pedometers that are being made by all of the major manufacturers. These gadgets can track the number of steps taken in a day and the total distance walked. They can also take phone calls and double as music devices. We're figuring that since the legging phase hasn't died out yet, technology makers realized they had to come up with a solution for women who don't have pockets.

• USB Heated Blanket – Does your beloved always claim to be cold, no matter the season? A USB heated blanket is the perfect gift so that your gal will stay warm when you can't be there to cuddle. This gift says "I care" and "You're a tech geek" all at the same time. She'll be sure to think of you every time she plugs in to warm up.

• iPad cases – Let's face it, technology is expensive. If your sweetie is a klutz and can't seem to keep her devices safely in her hand, then a stylish, protective case is what she needs. There are plenty of personalized and unique options out there, so you can truly find the perfect one for your sweetheart. She'll be thanking you the next time she slams her tablet to the ground . . . by accident, of course!

• Modern Mixed Tape – Gone are the days when we could sit down and record a bunch of love songs to a cassette. What's the modern day solution to a mixed tape? A personalized music station courtesy of Pandora. Purchase your gal a one-year subscription to this service so she can listen to the ad-free tunes of her choice.  

Ah, the mixed tape. Gen X is off crying somewhere.

Now that we've got the wheels turning, hurry up and make a purchase so you can check a Valentine's Day gift off your to-do list.

Just in Case: Protect Your iPad!

Nothing beats the convenience and simplicity of the iPad for everyday use.  Whether using it on the go, at a business meeting or for your simple pleasure, it is a fantastic device.  The only difficulty with it could arguably be trying to keep it safe from harm because of the portability.  Investing in iPad cases for your device could easily be the smartest decision you've made; aside from purchasing an iPad in the first place of course!  If you really need some more reasons as to why a case would be in your best interest, and want to hear about how simple it is to damage your iPad, continue reading.

-    Wet/Slippery Hands

Yes, unfortunately there are those of us who forget to dry our hands after washing, forget about the lotion we just put on and generally have a difficult time hanging on to the iPad!  With the right case, you will be able to have better traction and the benefits of protection should it slip and fall.

-    Child and Animal Proof

What better way to protect your device from the mischievous designs of your child or family pet than with a case?  In the event that it even falls onto a child, having protective padding could help soften the blow of the hard edges.  If the family cat decides to spaz out on the table top, you will breathe a sigh of relief for investing in a case.  Altogether, it's a smart move to make.

-    Protect Your Investment

Accidents happen; you wouldn't want to own a vehicle without insurance, correct?  The same logic applies for iPads; after spending that amount of money for a portable device, keeping it safe should be a top priority. 

The iPad is a fantastic electronic device, capable of things such as improving a small business, making communication far easier and working as an entertainment device for hours and hours.  Protect your investment with iPad cases!

What Are Some Must-Have Accessories for Your iPad to Own this Year?

Chances are you or someone you know owns an iPad, so if you’re looking for something for yourself or a great gift that is sure to make the recipient happy, you can’t go wrong with iPad accessories. However, once you start looking, it might get a little overwhelming. There are just so many iPad accessories out there.  Here are some of our favorites:

iPad Cases: As a manufacturer of designer iPad cases, this, of course, is our number one accessory that you must have. While we might be a little biased, there’s no doubt that you should own an iPad case for your particular iPad model. Besides being a good line of defense against falls or other mishaps, they can look stylish as well. Some of our most popular models include our Nude, Thins, Cara, and Pelle models. Plus you can find designer iPad cases here at SwitchEasy for as little as $24.99, so they’re very affordable.

Apple TV: When you’re at home, you might not want to stream Netflix movies or play television shows from iTunes on your iPad. You might want a bigger viewing experience or want a way to share web videos, go over slideshares, or play some games. The Apple TV is a great way to do all of these things and more, and for a hundred dollars, it is much cheaper than some of the competitive devices out there.

Keyboard Case: If you are using your iPad as your primary computer, you’ll certainly want to have a better way of writing than just your touch screen. Therefore, a keyboard case might be a good idea. When looking at keyboard cases, it’s important to check out the type of angles the keyboard can adjust to for comfort reasons. Also, it should be noted that no keyboard cases have trackpads, so you won’t be able to edit much.

Earphones: Sure, you could spend $10 and get a generic pair of ear buds, but you’ll be missing out on some of the benefits of a great pair of ear buds, including durability and excellent performance. If you travel a lot and use your iPad as your primary source of entertainment and communications, don’t skimp on your ear buds.

There’s no question that the iPad has become a ubiquitous part of our culture that has become a necessity for millions of Americans. To get the most out of your iPad, these are several great accessories to purchase.  

image source: Jeanette Dietl

Get an Early Start to the Holiday with these Tech Gift Ideas

It might be insane to think about seeing as it was just Halloween, but the Holiday Season is already here. Anyone who has spent a decent amount of time in malls and department stores around this time of year knows that it’s not exactly the friendliest time of year – even with the jolly fat guy keeping watch. Parking lots can be a battleground over a spot, the same Christmas music is played in loop, and people cram themselves into aisles tighter than a sardine tin. Combine this tense atmosphere with little idea of what you should get, and now you’re in serious trouble.

Luckily, you still do have some time to get your act together, but where do you start? Well, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who wouldn’t be happy with a new piece of technology. From gaming consoles and games to mobile communications devices and accessories, there is no shortage of great toys out there. Here are some of our favorites:

Mobile Devices

If you’re looking for one tablet to buy this holiday season for you, your spouse or other special person in your life, you can’t go wrong with the iPad Air. The fourth generation Apple tablet features a faster processor, more battery life and a better front facing camera. Plus, you’ll have access to the Apple App Store. However, it’s not cheap. At $500, you’ll certainly want to protect your new iPad with quality iPad cases.  Here are several of our most popular models.

Gaming

The talk of the gaming community has been the arrival of Xbox One and Sony Playstation 4. If you can get your hands on one and know someone who is an avid gamer, either might be a worthwhile purchase. However, if you’re waiting for each system to gain an established collection of games, you might want to wait. Playstation 3 and Xbox Live are still incredibly popular, and some of the most popular games this holiday season include Grand Theft Auto V, Batman: Arkham Origins, and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. 

Health Items

Do you want to fray from the usual gift ideas? If you know someone who spends most of their time at the gym or reading fitness magazines, why not look into fitness watches? The best one on the market is probably the Fitbit, but there are many quality watches out there. Are they looking to lose weight? Why not buy a Breville Juicer or Vitamix if you can afford it? And if you can’t think of anything, there’s always a gift card.

By preparing a list with techy items like the aforementioned above, you’ll surely have ample time to enjoy your holiday season. 

What Are Three Ways You Can Protect Your Tech Devices from your Children?

As parents, we love our children. We protect them, we feed them, we clothe them and we provide them shelter. And in return, they destroy our things. Okay, they obviously don't destroy our things on purpose, but young children have the innate ability to grab the most expensive tech item in the house and accidentally drop it somewhere – usually somewhere wet so there's no chance to fix it. It could be their curious minds, lack of gross motor skills, or maybe they are diabolical, but whatever the case, you need a strategy to protect your iPad, iPhone or other tech device from being another victim of the little guy in the next room. Here are several ideas to start you can out with:

Get a case: If you can do one thing to ensure the protection of your mobile communications device, you should purchase a case for it immediately. Although an iPad is a very attractive device on its own, it is not the most durable device – it will not survive a toddler onslaught. You need an iPad case that will help an iPad withstand a drop from a toddler's slippery fingers or a toss across the room in the middle of a pretend game of football.  We carry a wide variety of iPad cases to choose from to fit your protection needs.

Keep your device in a safe place: If you leave your iPad or iPod on the kitchen table or on your bed, you're doing yourself a major disservice. Your child can easily grab the device and throw it in the toilet to see if it will float. Keep your devices on you, on a shelf that's out of reach or in a secure location that your children won't know about.

Go with the adult approach: In an effort to protect your iPad or iPhone, you can kill two birds with one stone by using this opportunity to teach your children about the importance of respecting one's property. Sit your child down and explain to them that the iPad is not a toy (don't let them see you play Candy Crush) and that they're not old enough to play with it on their own. Hopefully, they'll understand and pick up on what you're saying. But you should still buy a case too just in case.

We love our children. We want what's best for them, but we also love our iPads and don't want them to get destroyed by the curious, clumsy little people in our lives. By being proactive, you can ensure your devices remain safe.