Google+ Must-have cellphone gadgets, plan to make life easier by Gregg Ellman - McClatchy-Tribune ~ High Tech House Calls
Expert Computer Consulting for Homes and Small Businesses

Let there be hope...

Life has changed there is no doubt and we wanted to reach out to see how you are doing.

As we go through this interesting time, we are trying to look at this as an opportunity to focus on our family and on friends like you. Let us use this extra time to catch up and talk more. Let us cook food that is not fast, but interesting and satisfying. Let us learn to enjoy a time to try new things. Let us find ways to enjoy time at home!

Computer Security

If my client base is any experience, anyone can be a victim of a Ransomware, Malware or Virus attack.

What can you do about it?

I conduct audits of your entire computer infrastructure and apply best practice solutions to plug the security holes on your computers, Smartphones and networks.

Now offering consultations to give you the best protection possible:


404.229.0839
carlthorne@hthcatlanta.com

Jack of All Trades, Master of Many

Jack of All Trades, and Master of Many

We provide technical support for:


Homes and small businesses

Windows and the Mac OS platform

iPhones and Android Smartphones

Wireless and wired networks

New device setup

Old device upgrade or repair

One-on-one training

Remote assistance


How To Stop Malware

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Must-have cellphone gadgets, plan to make life easier by Gregg Ellman - McClatchy-Tribune

A lot of portable USB charging batteries advertise that they give your smartphone and other power hungry devices a full charge on the go, which is typically true.

The Anker Astro3 external battery takes it to another level with its 12,000mAh capacity to charge most smartphones six to seven times before it needs a charge.

It has three USB ports for charging three portable USB devices simultaneously.

One of those ports is a Smart Port, which is capable of charging both the high-powered devices such as the iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

A neat thing is that there isn’t a button or switch on the battery. To get it going, just shake it and plug in your device to begin the charging.

There is a small circular LED power indicator dial on the front indicating how much power is left in the Astro3.

It’s also built with smart chip technology to determine full charging speeds, so your device will be safe and charged properly.

It’s built with a cool-looking black matte finish and measures about 4.4-by-3.3-by-1 inches and weighs 10.6 ounces. This lets it easily find a home in a computer bag or pocket for power on the go.

Details: $49.99; an accessory bag to store the battery is included; www.ianker.com

Otterbox’s pocket space saver
Smartphone storage solutions kind of bore me at this point but Otterbox always seems to have iPhone accessories that stick out from the rest. The company’s newest to prove that statement true is the Commuter Wallet phone case.

The multi-functional case for the iPhone 5/5s and the Samsung Galaxy S4 protects the devices as well as any case on the market, if not better. But what takes it to the next level is a sliding compartment on the bottom for a few credit cards or driver’s license.

It makes your phone a little bulkier but when you consider you eliminated your wallet, it’s a pocket space saver.

Otterbox also recently announced the Preserver Series line of waterproof cases.

They are available for the iPhone 5 and are coming soon for the Galaxy S4 and iPhone 5s.
The cases are designed for spontaneous drops in the snow, puddles or an unexpected rainstorm. They are also designed to protect your phones from drops up to 6.6 feet.

Details: $44.95 for the Commuter Wallet, $89.95 for the Preserver, both available in multiple color combinations; www.otterbox.com

Solavei could lower cellphone bill

Contracts, roaming, texting, email and data are all wrapped up in the miserable monthly cellphone bill, which we less than enjoy opening.

Solavei, a social commerce network, recently emailed to me to introduce itself as a company on the mission of making everyday commerce less expensive for people, including lowering monthly cellular bills.

The company is true to its word on contract-free cellular service, which I tested on a loaner iPhone 5 using their nationwide 4G network.

For an incredibly low $49 per month users get unlimited calls, texting and data services, which I know beats my Verizon bill by more than half.

They even offer a service for subscribers to save money when they share the mobile service with others through its social commerce platform.

For example, members can earn up to $20 per month for every three members they or someone directly connected to them signs up for mobile service. As they go forward, the more people you sign up, the more income earned.

Solavei uses unlocked GSM iPhones in 37 new markets with the 1900 MHz band. You have the choice of using your own phone or buying one from a Solavei retail partner.

Additionally, you can port over your current phone number or just get a new one.

If you choose to join, check with your current provider to make sure you’re contract free to avoid fees, which you will be responsible for before you can transfer your number.

Details: www.solavei.com