[Editor's Note: This article was first published in EMMagazine, a bi-monthly publication in Japan, Volume 18, October-November 2014 Issue]
Gadgets are everywhere!
Young and adults alike have gadgets. It seems to me that most of us are even
pre-occupied with gadgets and we spend most of our days using them. I for one
cannot miss a day without having to use my own collection!
At your birthday parties, unveiled under every gift wrapping
paper and in every corner shop, there are gadgets being sold. We can’t seem to
do without them. From updating our status messages to finding about the way
back to the destination through the map apps. Gadgets are widely used and they
are present in almost all aspects of our lives.
With today’s technology, it’s normal if you want to purchase new
gadgets. These devices will not only make you look cool.
Obviously, it can also make your life easier. Take for example your mobile
phones if it weren’t for those, you won’t be able to communicate fast. And
let’s talk about the internet connection. Don’t you think that it makes us
closer? You can learn new things in just a click. Thanks to your modem,
connecting is such a breeze.
The question is, how do you take care of your gadgets? You are always
using your devices on its full potential. But have you ever thought on how you
can handle these properly? If you won’t do it, you will have to spend more
changing units year after year. Here are some of the most practical tips on how
you can make your gadgets last longer.
Protect Your Gadget
From Water
Water is one of the greatest enemies of
electronic devices because it is an almost perfect conductor; if a gadget falls
into water when it is switched on this can cause its components to short
circuit. Water also corrodes metals to varying degrees, so if a mobile phone or
other handheld device gets wet it should be wiped dry immediately to prevent
the moisture from seeping inside.
Say
No To Direct Sunlight
Sunlight can be very bad to your gadgets. You think that I’m exaggerating when
I say that your devices will melt. However, that’s true. In fact, it happened
to me. I accidentally left my laptop inside my car while I was doing my monthly
groceries. I completely forgot about it until I got home. Too late for me
though. The screen of my laptop now has a line which cost me hundreds of
dollars! Indeed, I learned the hard way. This doesn’t only go with laptops. All
your gadgets must be stored away from direct sunlight. Otherwise, it’ll be
ruined.
Extremes of heat and cold should be avoided, as internal
components can be irreparably damaged by swings of temperature. If taking them
into such extremes cannot be avoided, then they need to be adequately protected
in suitable bags and other casings.
Buy
Protective Casing
You’ll see a lot of protective casing
available. They are not there for nothing. If you think that these will ruin
your gadget’s look, you are wrong. There are a lot of designer protective
housings which would be perfect for your desktop, laptops and mobile phones. I
even found an iPhone casing that has a cute cartoon character. Instead of
making your gadgets look dull, these casings give it more personality.
Clean
Your Gadgets As Necessary
Too much is bad. You need to clean your gadgets
when it’s needed. Don’t use your everyday cleaning materials at home. I would
suggest that you buy special fluids and cloth for your devices. That way, you
can be sure that you will not scratch your phones by accident.
Electronic gadgets need to be regularly cleaned
as well. Keeping your gadgets clean and dust-free is important, as it may
affect its performance.
A soft cloth should be used to wipe any
accumulated dirt, avoiding the use of chemicals and harsh cleaners because
these may damage the case. Mild detergent in the water is usually enough; apply
with a soft, damp cloth. You may get a gadget cleaning vacuum sucker available
easily in the markets for your laptops, etc.
Keep
Your Gadget Away From Food and Drinks
Many people, work on their table with their
computers and other tech stuff while eating or drinking something. This has
been very common; however, we should be very careful about this because one
small mistake, like accidentally spilling your juice, can damage your gadgets.
To avoid this, put your precious gizmos
somewhere safe and make sure that your food and drinks are far enough from your
things so even if there’s an accident, you’ll only have to worry about how to
clean up the mess.
Charge
Your Battery After The ‘Warning’ Sound
As much as you want to use your phones
for a long time, you have to give it a rest. I won’t recommend that you charge
your gadgets even if it’s half empty. You have to wait for the warning that it
needs to be charged. Again, I learned the hard way. I always charge my laptop
even if I don’t have to. Now, I can’t use it without plugging in.
Batteries are a particular cause for concern in things like
iPhones, iPads and laptops. Laptops should be left plugged in, which causes
less battery strain, and the latest version of the battery should be used with
iPads and iPhones. On all devices, check the programs available for extending
and optimizing battery life.
Always
Bring Your Gadgets To An Accredited or Authorized Center
If in case your gadgets broke down, don’t bring it to cheap
repair centers. In the end, you will be paying more. It would be best if you
bring it to well known repair centers. That way, you know that you are putting
value on your money.
Always bear in mind that gadgets can be very fragile. If you will not take care
of it, you’ll have to buy a new one. Given the bad economy, I don’t think that
it’s acceptable.
BONUS TIP: INSURE
YOUR GADGETS
Take out adequate insurance on your precious electronic
gadgets as a final line of defense against their damage or loss. Many of these
devices are quite expensive, and apart from the cost of replacing them there is
the loss of irreplaceable data to consider; this should be regularly backed up
on various media, such as external hard drives and discs.
There are a lot more things that can be done to protect your gadgets.
These are just some basic tips that you can do. But the main point would go as
if you really love gadgets then be concerned to them else it would be a sort of
waste of money and resources.
