5 things to look for in the best contract phones
5 things to look for in the best contract phones

Earlier phones used to come with a contract. All major carriers like AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-mobile, and Sprint were competing with each other for giving the best phone contract deals.

There are hardly any carriers that offer contract phones these days, but if you are specifically looking for the best phone contracts, then here are some things to consider before you take one:

  • Cheaper phone: When carriers offer you a contract, a smartphone that works with that carrier often comes at a discounted price. Hence, you have to pay less for the phone. When you renew your contract with the same carrier, you have the option to change your phone too.
  • Hidden charges: Be wary of the hidden charges that come with the contract. Normally the plans remain unchanged during your 2-year contract tenure. So there should not be any more extra charges apart from those mentioned in the plans.
  • Saves money: No doubt while looking for the best phone contracts, you save money as you get a phone with the contract at a subsidized rate. You have the same plan for 2 years and that way your budget stays the same until the last day of your contract.
  • Better coverage and network: Contract phones work best if you have a good network and 4G coverage. Normally users with contract get excellent network as carriers want the users to stick with them.
  • Switching over: If you are not satisfied with your current contract, you have to either wait for the contract to get over or terminate the contract. If you are terminating the contract, then you have to pay the cancellation fees. In case you are planning to switch from your current carrier, then there are other carriers like Verizon or AT &T that offer competitive plans and some credit for the switchover.

There are few takers for contract phones, as all major carriers are offering unlimited 4G data, HD streaming videos, and 8-10GB of hotspot data. Keep your options open and think before getting into a contract.

  • Points to consider while buying used or refurbished laptops

    Used laptops are very different from refurbished laptops even though these two words are used interchangeably. First of all, lets understand the meaning of both of the laptops and gradually, the difference will be clear too. Used laptops, as the name suggests, have been previously used by someone. It is after the usage that these are sold to some other person.

    Refurbished laptops might or might not have been used. They should have been having some minor defect like scratches or the issue may also be major and relating to the software. These defects were removed by the company and they have been restored to the condition of a brand new laptop. The refurbished laptops are thus, checked thoroughly for being capable of working as a new laptop. Hence, they are different from used laptops in many aspects.

    The first difference between the two is that used laptops are not checked for their working before reselling, while refurbished laptops are thoroughly checked and repaired before reselling. Usually, refurbished laptops, due to minor defects, are returned to the manufacturer or seller. It is the company that deals with the further reselling of the product after repairing it. But the used laptops are usually directly sold by the previous owner of the laptop.

    This difference is all the more reason that buying refurbished laptops is much more reliable than buying used ones. Third major difference is that the price of refurbished laptops is more than that of used laptops. This difference in price is justified as the working of a refurbished laptop competes to that of a brand new laptop and is certainty better than that of a used laptop. On this basis, refurbished laptop is a preferred option when it comes to both performance and price. It completes new laptops in price and used ones in usage.

    Refurbished laptops usually come with a warranty, while the used laptops may or may not have a warranty; the warranty of the used laptop depends on the time of usage and the warranty received by the previous owner. Generally speaking, refurbished laptops are supposed to be more reliable as they are purchased from the company outlet or an agent. The seller has the responsibility as the warranty would have been given while the refurbished laptop was sold.

    Used laptops, on the other hand, are less reliable as the liability of the seller (who is usually the previous owner of the laptop) ends when the resale takes place. So, whenever you are buying a refurbished laptop, a person can be assured that he has some place to go if something goes wrong with his laptop. Such luxury is absent when it comes to buying a used laptop unless the warranty is still valid.

    Despite having so many points in their favor, it is not 100% guaranteed that a user will have a better experience with a refurbished laptop than that of a used laptop. Even though there is no warranty along with a used laptop, it is no reason to think that it won’t perform well. Similarly, having a warranty doesn’t mean a refurbished laptop is sure to give a pleasant usage experience.

    It is so that some laptops are better refurbished than the others. The buyer has no way of finding out how thorough the laptop has been checked apart from buying and using it. Moreover, a person might need a laptop for very limited use and a used laptop may suffice. Even though a refurbished laptop has an edge over the used one in more aspects than one, it can never be said that users will stop considering the option of buying a used laptop.

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  • 7 ways to keep the charcoal grill clean

    Charcoal barbecue grill-made foods are full of flavors, but to maintain the functionality of the grill, it needs some cleaning along with regular maintenance. Like any other kitchen appliance, charcoal BBQ grill needs cleaning at least once or even twice at the time of the grilling season. It’s important as the ash or carbon, and rust buildup is not healthy for your health.

    Even manufacturers recommend cleaning the public grills before use because, before you, someone has used it.
    Here is a checklist to ensure you have all the necessary things for cleaning the charcoal barbecue grill.

    • Several grills do not have peeling scope inside the lids due to a coating of porcelain enamel. You may find some small pieces of paint like debris sometimes. Relax! These aren’t any kind of paint but the accumulated grease and smoke which are collected while using the grill. Make sure to check these things if you’re purchasing a charcoal grill on sale. The debris can be removed by simple brushing. Use a stainless steel brush before grilling. If you want to prevent the accumulation in future, wipe the grill with paper towels. Even mild soap water solution can also be used after the cooking is finished. Always do this when the charcoal barbecue grill is warm but watch out for the temperature.
    • If you want to clean the inside portion, there are two ways; you can use machine One-Touch for removing excess grease and smoke accumulation out of the kettle bowl. Or use mild dishwashing soap with steel wool pad.
    • For cooking grates to be free from stain and ash, preheat the grill and open all the vents while maintaining the grill temperature high. Keep it like this for 10 to 15 minutes, and after that use the bristle brush made of stainless steel to dust off remaining debris. Residue attached to the grate can cause the food to stick while grilling.
    • For maintaining the charcoal BBQ grill perfectly fine for cooking, you can wipe down the lid as well as the bowl during cooling. Use mild detergent water or glass cleaner for this to get spotless shine.
    • Check the ash catcher every time you grill. Keep it sufficiently empty and don’t overcrowd the catcher.
    • Scrubbing with aluminum foil can be of excellent use. You can use it to clean the leftover debris off the part of the grate.
    • If you’re using a public grill, make sure to place a paper bag or plastic to remove the debris out of the charcoal barbecue grill into another bag.

    Keep the aluminum foil, paper, and plastic bags, bristle brush, putty knife and grill brush (coarse brush) in store if you’re working on a charcoal barbecue grill. A properly cleaned grill can elevate the taste of the food by maintaining appropriate hygiene.

    If you haven’t purchased one already, look for the best charcoal grills on sale. However, opt for reliable and reputed brands even if you want to buy charcoal grills for sale.

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  • Auto locksmiths and their role

    An auto locksmith or a vehicle locksmith is a professional who offers specialized lock smith services for different types of vehicles and automobiles. Some of the common services provided by a local auto locksmith include:

    • Opening car doors for people who somehow locked themselves out of it.
    • Making spare keys
    • Making cutting keys
    • Reproducing keys when the owner of a vehicle loses all other keys like cutting keys and spare keys
    • Duplicating vehicle and automobile keys
    • Fixing the programming of transponder keys
    • Repairing vehicle door locks
    • Programming the remotes and fobs
    • Fixing or building ignition locks

    In case of an emergency, the auto locksmiths who offer their services round the clock, 24/7, can be a blessing in disguise. Almost everyone has managed to lock their car keys in their vehicles at some point and has gotten stuck. The only person who can help in such cases is an auto locksmith. All other methods of trying to open the lock of a locked vehicle without a key can be harmful and cause more damage to the vehicle.

    Most auto locksmiths who offer round the clock services are pretty mobile, or they have tie ups with other local auto locksmiths in the surrounding areas, thus creating a network of auto locksmiths you can tap into in case of an emergency. Whether the locksmith will open the car through other means or simply fabricate a new key depends entirely on the severity of the situation and the type of vehicle it is.

    It is a wise move to have a couple of locksmiths on call, saved into a mobile. A sheet of paper with all emergency contacts including the numbers of some auto locksmiths can also be kept in the car.

    Sometimes, it is not the person’s fault; keys can get jammed, stuck or even break without notice, which is not something that a driver usually anticipates. It can happen in the unlikeliest of places, while you stop to get gas, a run to the grocery store, a day long drive, or during a trip.

    Having a local auto locksmith’s number on hand is a wise decision.

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  • Purchase Maytag Parts Online And Save Time

    Is your washing machine giving trouble for the past few days or your Maytag stainless steel tub dishwasher with a large capacity has started malfunctioning all of a sudden! Faults with the mechanism of electrical appliances can certainly give you a nightmare. Yet, just wandering in despair will not solve the problem. If any of your Maytag appliances are not performing in the desired manner, you need to investigate the cause of the problem and get it fixed. Maytag appliances are known for offering lifetime longevity and so you can expect to get it fixed by replacing the damaged parts with new one. Purchasing Maytag parts is also quite simple as you can find them online. If you have not purchased spare parts online, you can check a few suggestions for your assistance.

    Search the official site: When it comes to the replacement of spare parts, you should at first check for the warranty on the appliance at first. If you are in luck, you can get the appliance repaired by the company by showing the warranty. However, if the warranty period is over or does not cover the damaged parts, you can make your purchase from the official website of Maytag Replacement Parts. You can find almost every spare part over here and get the device fixed at ease.

    Search reliable stores: Though the official site of the company is the best place to search for the spare parts, you can also browse through the website of different reputed stores working over the web. Many customers prefer to make their purchase from Amazon online store as this offer attractive deals and discounts without compromising with the quality of the product.

    Compare different sites to get the best deal: When you are not making the purchase from the official store, it is important for you to compare the price offered by different sites. This will help you in finding, which store is offering you the best value for your money.

    Know the sales terms: Many people, especially the ones, who are new to the online market often make a mistake of placing the order without checking the sales terms. Do not be among them. Check each and every clause carefully to avoid any pitfalls later. Special care should be given to the return or exchange clause so that you can get the parts exchanged if needed.

    Read the warranty terms carefully: Whether you are purchasing from the Amazon store or you are placing the order on any other web store, you should make sure to check warranty terms carefully. Genuine spare parts, which are manufactured by Maytag are covered under warranty and accepting any part just based on the price will not be a wise decision. Note the warranty terms carefully before accepting any product.

    Check out the shipping time: Getting the spare parts delivered to your doorstep is undoubtedly one of the major advantages of shopping online. However, you should make sure to check the shipping time. Go for the ones, which can offer you assured delivery within a week as delaying the repairing job is not recommended. Also, you should verify the shipping cost of the product. While some stores offer free shipping, there are others, which charge you money for the same. So, enquire everything carefully and then place the order.

    Nowadays, many people are purchasing Maytag parts online and you can also go for it, as online shopping is far more convenient than visiting the stores physically. Yet, you should be an intelligent shopper and select the product with complete accuracy. Like the appliances, you can find a wide range of spare parts online. So, be careful about the model number as well as other details for making the selection accurately. Though the online stores do not have any professional salesperson to help you with the selection, you can always take the assistance of the online chat clients or customer services of the stores for your ease of selection.

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  • 4 Popular 60- and 65-Inch TVs

    There are plenty of options in the market right now for enormous 60- or 65-inch 4K TV sets. The TV is very large, so it is important to consider the dimensions of your house or the wall you intend to set it up on before purchasing one. The size of the room and window to door ratio are very important. The brightness of your room is also another factor apart from the price of the model when considering buying a 60- or 65-inch TVs. Let us examine some of the best 60- and 65-inch TVs available today.

    LG OLED65C8
    While many debate the merits of OLED vs QLED, LG’s OLED screen really packs a punch. LG is known to make the OLED panels for other manufacturers in the market as well with their own LCD screen technology. It is almost impossible to get a similar cinematic experience from any other manufacturer. The color, contrast, and black levels are comparable to the splendor and brilliance of the cinema down the street. It has a flawless WebOS interface as well that makes it a contender in the Smart TV space as well.

    Samsung 65Q9FN
    Compared to the LG OLED TV, this Samsung QLED TV is much brighter, which means that the HDR images are so crisp and sharp that they are sure to impress you. It also has an upscale engine that automatically makes the content of any resolution look spectacular. While the black levels on a 65-inch OLED TV may be marginally better, the QLED has made significant improvements over previous models to ensure there is no halo effect with its direct LED lighting. While the sound is spectacular,r the image may not appear as sharp from all angles.

    Panasonic TX65FZ952B
    This model from Panasonic is extremely sleek and well-designed and really adds a touch of class to your living room. It also comes with a sound bar that has 12 drivers, so the sound quality is par excellence. The processing and technology behind this 65-inch TV are superb, but it is priced on the higher side as compared to other models in this category. The picture quality is known for its great handling of shadow areas; however, it lacks Dolby Atmos and Vision.

    Vizio E-Series
    One of the best TVs in the 60-inch category is the Vizio E-series with its HDR compatibility and 4K resolution. It is also very well-designed and its smart interface really adds to the whole experience. While there are not many 60-inch TV sets in the market, this one takes the cake.

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  • How to read a fever

    A person’s normal internal body temperature is usually 98.6 degrees but can range between 97 and 99 degrees. A spike in body temperature is known as a fever. This is usually a sign of infection but a fever on its own is not something to worry about. A thermometer helps measure a person’s body temperature and determines the extent of his or her fever. In case of children, this thermometer may be placed under the arm or in the ear while in the case of adults; a thermometer is placed under the tongue to measure temperature. When measuring temperature in these different ways, the results may not always be the same.
    Below is a fever temperature chart to help you correlate the temperatures taken.

    Orally taken temperature of 99.5 99.9 degrees Fahrenheit corresponds to 100.4-101 degrees Fahrenheit when taken through the ear.
    Other temperature comparisons in Fahrenheit are:
    100-101.5(orally) = 101.1-102.4 (through the ear)
    101.6-102.4 (orally) = 102.5-103.5 (through the ear)
    102.5-103.5 (orally) = 103.6-104.6 (through the ear)
    103.6-104.6 (orally) = 104.7-105.6 (through the ear)

    Similarly an oral temperature of 37.5-37.7 degrees Celsius corresponds to 38-38.3 degrees Celsius when taken through the ear.
    Other temperature comparisons in Celsius are:
    37.8-38.5 (orally) = 38.4-39.1 (through the ear)
    38.6-39.1 (orally) = 39.2-39.7 (through the ear)
    39.2-39.7 (orally) = 39.8-40.3 (through the ear)
    39.8-40.3 (orally) = 40.4-40.9 (through the ear)

    Given the difference in temperatures when measured in different ways, always remember to mention to your doctor how the temperature was taken along with the recorded temperature. A child is considered to have a fever when the temperature measured through his or her ear is recorded at 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Thus according to the above fever temperature chart their oral temperature would have to be at least 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.5 degrees Celsius.

    You must seek medical helps if your child develops a fever when he is under three months old or has a temperature higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.9 degrees Celsius. If there are any other symptoms such as a severe headache, confusion, stiffness of the neck, vomiting and diarrhoea or significant irritability, seek emergency care.

    Children can be treated for fever with liquid Ibuprofen or Advil. The dosage for this medicine depends on your child’s age and weight and can be repeated every 6 to 8 hours. It is not advisable to give Ibuprofen to children under the age of 6 months or aspirin to children under the age of 18 years. Along with the medication, ensure that your child drinks plenty of fluids and rests. You may also give them a light blanket to feel more comfortable. If the fever does not subside within 24 hours, consult a doctor.

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  • Acer predator gaming laptop review

    With a range of gaming laptops in the market, it is the buyers’ instinct to pick up the best of the lot. Acer has come up with a range of laptops including Acer predator series and Acer aspire. The laptops from Acer can give a run for money to the best of the lot in the market. Its graphic based metrics as Cinebench’s OpenGL Shading test prove to be a game changer when you talk about Acer predator or Acer aspire.

    Acer predator also dominates the gaming market and has created a distinct niche for itself in this area. The swap exhaust fan has performed extremely remarkably and has given a tough challenge to all other players in the market. The contrast levels and brightness indicators of Acer predator and Acer aspire have also been intelligently designed and make the laptops from Acer stand a league apart from other competitors.

    You can use Acer predator or Acer aspire for a day-long performance also if it has been adequately charged and therefore it performs significantly well when it comes to usage of battery power.

    Acer aspire performs considerably better owing to its bulk also. As the chassis size is large, an efficient cooling solution is guaranteed without any compromise on the quality of the laptop. The size and bulk is also a compensation as a replacement for the desktop since the users will never feel as if they are not using a worthy product, once Acer predator or Acer aspire are at work.

    The larger variants of Acer aspire and Acer predator including predator 17 is a worthy replacement for the traditional desktop.

    Pros and cons of Acer Predator

    It will always be worthy to consider pros and cons of any laptop before you decide to purchase the same. This condition also applies to Acer predator and Acer Aspire laptops also. The biggest benefit of these series of laptops is that these are of robust quality and build. These also offer superb cooling and are available for a great price.

    However, you should also consider the fact that these are heavy and large in size and you might feel the pressure of carrying these, in case you decide to carry them for a longer period.

    It is also true that these laptops are very hard to beat when it comes to performance against any such other laptops which might have been high priced. If you are considering to purchase a true gaming laptop, Acer predator and Acer aspire will fit the bill with perfection and you need not look any further.

    Choose from any of these laptops and you are likely to have a worthy product which will last you a lifetime.

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  • Setting up your living room to compliment your television set

    A living room of the house is that cozy space where the entire family sits together and enjoys conversation, games, music and entertainment. The living room needs to have a warm environment which makes you feel comfortable to sit for hours at a stretch. Since this is the part of your house where you be spending the most time with your entire family, you need to ensure it is comfortable for not just your family but also for your guests. The right furniture, lighting and choice of electronics and décor adds to the warm feeling of the room.

    Paint Color
    Choose a basic beige or off-white color for your living room walls. This makes your room appear bigger than it is especially if you are living in an apartment with a smaller hall as compared to bigger houses. If you want to add a brighter color, you can do so on the wall where your television is placed. Try staying away from dark colors like red, brown, violet etc. as these can make your room appear small and dark colors in general can make a person feel dull and sad. Brighter colors uplift your mood and make you feel instantly calmer and at peace. bright colors will also compliment the Samsung televisions you plan to buy for all your rooms.

    Placement of Television
    Instead of placing the television on a table or cabinet, there are a lot of different varieties of flat screen Samsung televisions which you can place on the wall of your living room to save space. The television needs to be placed in a way where all the occupants of the living room can view it properly. It is better to place the TV on the wall in front of all the sofa sets for the most comfortable viewing. Ensure that the television size is not too big or too small for the room. A very big television can make your room seem smaller and a very small television will cause strain on your eyes. Samsung televisions have a wide range of sizes that you can pick from to match your living room size.

    Eliminate Dark Corners
    Dark corners usually make the room appear smaller than it is. Dark corners also add a lot of negativity to the room making the people in the room feel little uncomfortable and cramped up. You can brighten up this space by adding a beautiful light-stand along with a shiny showpiece that sparkles and adds light to the dull corner. Indoor plants which don’t require a lot of sunlight can also be placed in these corners to add some natural greenery to the room to compliment Samsung televisions.

    Choice of Furniture Material
    Teak wood is the best for furniture in general because of its dark colors and durability. It is best to use premium quality teak wood furniture in your living room for that extra cozy feeling. Skip the steel furniture and glass table tops and opt for wooden tables, side tables and book stands. Ensure that you purchase your furniture from a trusted seller because living room furniture is generally very expensive and should ideally last you at least 4-5 years if not more.

    Décor
    When it comes to décor, make sure the imagery used in your living room is positive and comfortable to the eyes such as flowing water, beautiful birds, mountain sceneries etc. Negative imagery such as a lonely person, ancient battles, wars etc. add a very negative energy to the room and are heavy on the mind. Keep the living room simple and don’t go over the top just to make it feel comfy.

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