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Get the Scoop on Apple’s New iPhone Buyback Program Here

By Advanced Technology Solutions on September 5th, 2013 in Tech News tags: Apple iphone buyback program, iphone 5S, iphone repair, iPhone repair NC | Leave a Comment

Tech lovers around the world are excitedly wondering about features that’ll be available on Apple’s new iPhone 5s that’s out soon. In the days leading up to that release though, something else has caught the attention of savvy iPhone users: The launch of Apple’s buyback program.

Following Suit of Other Retailers

Physical stores like Best Buy and Radio Shack (or anyone with a professional looking logo) have already been offering buyback programs for iPhones, alongside websites like NextWorth. These cater to users who might simply need to get rid of an old phone before a new version becomes available, and the services also fit with the growing desire of consumers who want to be environmentally conscious and recycle their electronics instead of just disposing of them.

iPhone Buyback Program Specifics

To be eligible for the program, an iPhone must be free from water damage, not be locked into a contract, and in working condition. If you can meet those qualifications, your unneeded phone can help you get a discount of up to $280 off a new iPhone model, depending on the condition of your phone.

Some of the factors that’ll determine the old phone’s value include screen and hardware quality, plus the functionality of the buttons. Clearly, before sending your iPhone in for a buyback evaluation, it’s worthwhile to get it in the best possible condition. That’s easy to do by sending it to a NC iPhone repair specialist at Advanced Technology Solutions. We have locations in Cary-Apex and Raleigh, and pride ourselves on good quality smartphone repair work that’s completed efficiently. We can fix cracked iPhone screens, fix audio ports, repair iPhone buttons, and more…)

(Stuck with a broken phone that’s still under contract? Here’s some tips)

A Complement to an Existing Recycling Program …

Apple also has an electronics recycling program that accepts iPhones, iPads, iPhones, and Mac computers. If they have monetary value, participants can get credit in the form of a gift card redeemable at the Apple Store. Additionally, people who choose to recycle standard iPods (not iPod Shuffles) through the Apple recycling program can also receive ten percent off the cost of a new model.

Apple Accepts Other Phone Models for Recycling

Perhaps in an effort to further help users respond appropriately when it becomes time to part with an electronics item, Apple will even accept other brands of mobile phones by mail and recycle them for free. People who use other brands of mobile phones aren’t eligible for gift card credit, but it’s helpful that the option is there to use if necessary.

Many people are constantly on the lookout for ways to save money on things they need anyway. Apple is readily attending to that need by rewarding users for keeping their iPhones in good condition and making the decision to recycle them before buying a new model.

Resources: Biz Journals, USA Today, Apple, Digital Journal

(Image: Wikimedia Commons)

Slow Computer? Here’s Some Advice

By Advanced Technology Solutions on August 15th, 2013 in computer repair tags: bloatware, slow computer, speed up your computer | Leave a Comment

Does your computer move at a snail’s pace nowadays? Is it driving you crazy? If your computer seems to be getting slower and slower all the time, chances are that it’s bogged down with what many of us, in our industry call, bloatware. Or, it could have a virus or malware program running that you’re not aware of.

Image: freedigitalphotos/imagerymajestic

When you download a game or a ‘so-called’ free software package, you may have been asked to install a toolbar that looked like fun. Or, you may even have been given the option to add a program to help you speed up your computer. These could be adding to the problem. In many cases, people have several programs installed that provide ads, that gather information (spy ware) , or that use your system’s resources without your knowledge (malware). Over time it can make your computer slow to a crawl and seem almost unusable. You may also have viruses you’re not aware of that came in through a trojan horse proggram. Viruses don’t always totally debilitate your system — sometimes they just slow it down or add pop-ups and other nuisances.

Beyond being inconvenient, it could also be causing other problems you’re not aware of. Your computer could be open to hackers who leverage your resources and your identity online (for unscrupulous activities) and it could put you at risk of having your webcam controlled remotely as well as other issues, too. When some people who download movies online or copy music and other programs from shareware sites few realize the level of vulnerability they’ve opened themselves up to.

Here are some tips:

Always read fine print before installing programs. It’s usually better to spend a bit of money purchasing legitimate software licenses versus visiting piracy sites where you are going to open yourself up to potential problems from hackers.
Keep your antivirus software up to date. (Make sure you’re using a decent antivirus program, too. Reviewing your options is wise.)
Consider a hardware upgrade. If you have a 5 year old computer but use your computer for gaming and many resource-intense applications it’s probably time to upgrade your system and add memory, for examplPreview poste.
Consider a periodic cleaning. There are software packages that can do this for you but you may also opt to send your computer to us at Advanced Technology Solutions. We can spend a few hours with your computer and get it running at optimal condition again, ensuring that you aren’t inadvertently putting your identity as risk, too.

Want to know what’s slowing your system down?

Talk to us about computer repair services. We can speed up your system, remove viruses, and do repairs, too. We also offer ipad and iphone repair and more.

(image: freedigitalphotos.net)

Help! I Broke My Phone and I’m Under Contract

By Advanced Technology Solutions on August 2nd, 2013 in Smartphone Repair tags: Androids, cell phone repair, cell phone tips, LCD or touch screen repairs, water damage cell phone repair | Leave a Comment

Is your smartphone broken but under contract? What can you do?

Image: Flickr/robertnelson

What can you do when you’ve broken your cell phone (or it simply stops working) and you’re in a multi-year contract with your cell phone service provider? Of course this generally happens after your warranty has expired.

Unfortunately, you have very few options and all of them will cost you money. But some options are more cost effective than others.

It’s important to read your contract carefully. Some providers will let you buy out the cell phone for a prorated fee (based on how many months are left in your contract) and let you start on a new contract. Others will require you to buy a new phone out of your own pocket and add it to your contract. If you mostly use a phone for work, then consider using these voip systems instead to avoid these situations.

Fixing Your Phone

There are services (like ours) that will help you fix your smartphone. It might be less than you expect, too.

Various cell phone repair services are available, including:

iPhone screen replacement ,
water repair damage for iPhones, Androids, and more,
audio port repair,
charging port repair,
button repairs,
LCD or touch screen repairs,
and more. (Talk to us about our smartphone phone repair services)

There are times, of course, when you’ll opt to simply buy a new phone instead of fixing your broken phone but it’s advantageous to investigate the cost of cell phone repair versus replacing it, particularly if the phone is fairly new and /or you’re still very early on in your contract.

Raleigh Smartphone Repairs

If you need help with iPhone repair, Android repair, or PC repair, we can help. Advanced Technology Solutions is in Raleigh, NC and can help with other issues, too, such as locked phones, too. Learn more about us, contact us, or feel free to stop in or give us a call at 919.615.3074.

(Image: Flickr/Robert Nelson)