Monthly Archives: April 2013

As technology has progressed over the last several decades the computer industry has developed many different ways to store information. In the beginning, the amount of information people could store in a single location was relatively small. As time went on, however, larger and more effective storage methods emerged. Today, we have a particular method of storing information that is virtually without limits: cloud computing, more simply known as ‘the cloud’.

What is the Cloud?

The term "cloud" refers to a network of machines owned and operated by third parties. When you have permission to use this network, you can store your files, applications and other data on these machines. The data you store is accessible from any location, and you no longer need to worry about running out of storage space on your own computers. You can also use cloud computing to run certain operations and applications, which is often faster and more effective than using your own machines.

How Does it Work?

When you utilize a cloud computing system, your computers connect to the cloud system via the Internet. Some cloud systems allow you to use your existing programs, such as web browsers, to access their resources, while others require the purchase and installation of specialized software. The cloud system to which you connect to is composed of servers, computers, and data storage systems that can include a variety of applications and programs. A central server that monitors interactions with clients to ensure that everything runs smoothly manages the entire system. Many cloud computing companies offer security guarantees along with their basic cloud services. Such companies have measures in place to keep their clients' information secure, and they back up all of their clients' data to ensure that nothing is lost if the system breaks down. Most companies offering security guarantees are paid providers.

Cloud Computing Options

If you decide to use cloud computing for your company or to store personal information you will have many options to choose from. Some larger companies create their own private cloud to store the information from multiple operating locations. Creating a private cloud for your company often involves the services of a third-party cloud provider who helps you establish the cloud. Other cloud users subscribe to a public cloud that they share with many other clients.

There are advantages to both of these approaches to cloud computing. While private clouds are more secure, they may also be more expensive or difficult to operate. Public clouds, on the other hand, require less participation from clients, but they may not always offer enough security for client data.

When choosing cloud storage, you must also decide whether to purchase cloud space or use free space. Free cloud storage providers don't typically offer as much security or support to their clients. However, if you are storing information that isn't confidential, or if you don't need much technical support, free storage may be the best option. Paid cloud storage providers typically charge clients based on the amount of storage or operational resources they require, and most paid providers offer plenty of support to their clients. Thus, paid cloud storage is usually the best option for clients who need a secure environment and extra support. Let us know your thoughts on cloud computing and if your business takes part in this new trend.

As you are in the process of scrambling to acquire the new Samsung Galaxy S4, be sure to have a plan to keep your device safe once you do get it, with a Skin from Best Skins Ever.  Our glossy or matte Skin options provide invisible protection against everyday wear and tear of your new Galaxy S4.

We are now accepting pre-orders for the  Samsung Galaxy S4 Skins with shipments starting on or before Tuesday, April 30, 2013.

We offer a Total Body Skin which provides complete protection by combining the Screen and Body (back and sides) Skins.  Alternatively, we offer the Screen Only Skin - Glossy, the Body Only Skin - Glossy or the Body Only Skin - Matte for purchase individually.

Best Skins Ever provides precision designs at everyday affordable price.  We offer Skins for  MacBooks, tablets, Androids and other devices.

We are now accepting pre-orders

for the Samsung Galaxy S4 Skins!

Shipments will begin on or

before, Tuesday, April 30th.

Glossy and matte material

options available.

Earth Day Sale

22% Discount

on all Skins.

*********************

Monday, April 22, 2013

through

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Yes, it is true.  In celebration of Earth Day (April 22nd) we are offering everybody on Earth a 22% discount through Wednesday, April 24, 2013.

On Earth Day and everyday, we do what we can by reusing and recycling as much as we can while making our protective products for the Android phones, iPhones, and other personal electronics.  Our goal has always been to provide a quality product while minimizing our packaging material for our shipments to you.  But it doesn't stop there, we hope that you too will join us in recycle that packaging when you are through with it.  Help us to pass on a clean planet to the next generation.

Browse our catalog and see what new additions we've made to the selection at BestSkinsEver.com.

Thanks for your business and thank you for your efforts on Earth Day and everyday!

Apple® introduced the iPhone 5 at the end of September of 2012. Not surprisingly, devoted iPhone lovers and users flocked to cell phone providers to pre-order the new release. Initially, AT&T was the only cell phone provider to offer iPhone service with Verizon following, and Sprint later jumping on the bandwagon. It wasn't until March 27, 2013, that T-Mobile became a player with the other three major cell phone providers.

Important Things to Consider Before Deciding on a Provider

Price is always an important consideration, but you also want to look at what you get for the price. Even more important than the price, you will need to look at each cell phone provider's coverage area. People who live in major metropolitan areas won't need to be as concerned as people who live in smaller towns or rural communities. Most providers have fairly decent coverage in all of the big cities. According to a report by Herb Weisbaum for NBC News.com Technology, Verizon came out on top as the best city provider. The findings were based on a Consumer Reports subscriber survey to which 63,000 readers responded.

All of this being said, depending on your location, you may not have as much of a choice when it comes to choosing a cell phone provider, whether for business or personal use.

Consider The Purposes For Which You Use an iPhone

As a business owner, you may use your smartphone for many purposes. The iPhone 5 is the lightest iPhone to date, and it is arguably lighter and sleeker in design than any of the comparable Android, Windows, or Blackberry smartphones. With some providers you can actually talk on the phone and surf the Internet simultaneously.

The iPhone also has an excellent camera, so some business people may find the high quality of the camera and the ability to easily upload photos useful. The flip side of that is that doing so uses data, and with the exception of Sprint, all of the cell phone providers limit the amount of data subscribers can use, even on their most comprehensive plans.

Cost of the 16 GB iPhone With Each of Four Major Providers

Length of Contract

In an attempt to lure users who don't want to be tied to a contract, T-Mobile has done away with the requirement that their subscribers lock themselves into a two-year contract. AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon all require a two-year contract commitment for subscribers who want to take advantage of their most cost-effective plans. It is also worth noting that Sprint and Verizon can charge subscribers up to $350 for terminating their contracts early. AT&T charges up to $325.

Other Considerations

When you break down the cost of the three providers who first carried the iPhone, Sprint charges the most. The caveat to that is that you don't have to worry about keeping track of the amount of data you use, and you don't risk being throttled (or having your Internet speeds slowed) if you go over the maximum amount of data use that the AT&T and Verizon allow. If you are a business user and you use your iPhone a lot – either when you're away from the office or not at home, then Sprint may be a viable option.

If you are a business user and your business frequently sends you to different locations for significant time periods, then you might not want to be locked into a contract with any provider – especially if you don't know which provider will offer the best service where you are. In that case, the flexibility of the T-Mobile plan may be better for you, but that won't take effect until after April 14, 2013.

Ultimately, your decision as to which provider to choose depends on where you are. Check the service area map for each provider before making a decision. Analyze the amount of data you use, and how much you think you'll need when using your iPhone as a mobile hotspot. Be proactive and look over each provider's website to see all of the possible options.

The best plan for a business user is the one that offers consistent reception and one that spells out everything that is included in the plan. Be sure you understand what additional charges you may incur for exceeding the data limits. Those extra charges can be pretty significant. Don't forget that you're locked into a two-year contract with every provider except T-Mobile, so you'll wind up paying between $325 and $350 to break the contract. Another consideration is that most providers have locked phones. This means that you won't be able to use the phone with a different provider should you decide to switch.

The smartphone industry is extremely competitive, and the top manufacturers are always trying to outdo one another. The most recent evidence of this phenomenon lies in the release of the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4, which both hit the market within the last few months. While choosing one phone over the other is often a matter of preference, you can get a better idea of which phone might be best for you by comparing the primary characteristics and specifications of these two products.

The Apple iPhone 5 and Galaxy S4 possess several similar specifications. Both phones come with:

• Option of 16, 32 or 64 GB of storage • Rear and front facing video cameras • Equipped with GPS • Same version of Bluetooth

Some of the major differences you will see include:

Operating System The newest Apple iPhone uses the iOS 6.1.2, while the Samsung Galaxy S4 uses the latest version of the Android operating system, known as "Jelly Bean." Both of these operating systems represent the best in the market. However, Apple's operating system is easier to learn and understand than the Jelly Bean, especially for users who are new to smartphones.

Applications Applications for the Apple iPhone 5 are available from the Apple App Store, while applications for the Galaxy S4 come from the Google Play Store. The Apple App Store is still the best in terms of the number of applications available for purchase, but the Google Play Store is rapidly gaining ground. Soon, the two stores will offer a similar number and variety of applications for smartphone users.

Screen Size and Weight Screen size is one of the features for which the Galaxy S4 has the advantage. The Galaxy S4's screen is much larger than that of the Apple iPhone 5, with screen sizes of 5 and 4 inches respectively. However, at 4.59 oz, the Galaxy S4 also weighs more than the Apple iPhone, which weighs only 4 oz.

Resolution The screen resolution of the Galaxy S4 is expected to be superior to that of the iPhone 5. The S4's resolution is impressive at 1920 by 1080 pixels, while the iPhone's resolution is 1136 by 640.

Camera Both phones include front and rear facing cameras with decent resolution. However, while the iPhone's front and rear facing cameras feature resolutions of 8 and 1.2 megapixels respectively, the Galaxy S4's front and rear facing cameras have superior resolutions of 13 and 2 megapixels.

In addition, the Galaxy S4 is unveiling several new features, including Sound and Shot, which allows users to capture sound and still images simultaneously, and Dual Camera, which allows users to combine shots captured from both the front and rear cameras.

Processor Speed The final point of comparison between these two phones involves the speed of the processor. While the Apple iPhone's processor offers a respectable speed of 1 GHz, the Samsung Galaxy S4 nearly doubles this speed at a whopping 1.9 GHz.

For most of the diehard Apple fans, choosing between these two phones is a no-brainer. The Apple App Store is better established, and the smaller, lighter phone is easier to hold and carry than the S4. However, when you compare the specifications, there are also several characteristics that could make the Samsung Galaxy S4 a better choice for many other smartphone users. The screen is much larger, allowing for better gameplay and easier visibility. The Galaxy S4's screen and camera resolutions are also better than the resolutions available on the iPhone, thus offering a richer viewing experience, better pictures and superior videos. Finally, the Galaxy S4's processor speed is clearly better than that of the iPhone, which provides users with faster, more efficient operations.

Whichever one you decide to purchase, don’t forget to protect your investment with Best Skins Ever screen skins. We have skins for the front, back or full body skins!

T-Mobile announced plans to debut its lightening fast 4G LTE network service. The service initially rolls out in seven major metropolitan areas with plans to provide HSPA+ (High Speed Packet Access) speeds to more than 100 major metropolitan areas serving 185 million people throughout the U.S. by year’s end. Currently, HSPA+ is available in 50 major metro areas within the country.

The seven fortunate metropolitan areas to enjoy T-Mobile’s new 4G LTE network right away are:

• Baltimore
• Houston
• Washington, D.C.
• San Jose
• Kansas City
• Phoenix
• Las Vegas

T-Mobile, however, has no plans to sit back and relax now that its 4G LTE network is up and running in these few cities. Plans for rapid expansion are already underway for bigger and bolder offers in the future.

What does T-Mobile’s LTE Network Mean for Consumers?

Perhaps the best news to consider with T-Mobile’s LTE network is that consumers have access to the lightening fast speeds the 4G LTE network is known for, without the lengthy contracts required by other carriers. Not all smartphones are LTE equipped. However, T-Mobile has plans to offer at least five, in the coming months. These include:

• Galaxy Note II
• BlackBerry Z10
• Galaxy S 4
• iPhone 5
• HTC One

It goes without saying that as more people join the network; speeds will begin to slow to some degree. For now, the network really does deliver on their promises to bring faster mobile Internet speeds to the masses.

What Sets T-Mobile’s Network Apart from Other Carriers?

The main difference consumers experience when turning to T-Mobile as a carrier is the difference of clarity, and not necessarily in terms of sound. Other companies have confusing pricing plans and contracts. T-Mobile has turned its back on the confusion and the contract requirements. For this reason, consumers get clear pricing for the services they purchase and aren’t required to invest in contracts.

The only potential downside involves the pricing of devices. Since T-Mobile isn’t participating in contract gimmicks, they aren’t able to offer the substantial price reductions other carriers offer in order to entice customers to buy new phones. However, T-Mobile does offer payment plans to spread the payments over the course of two years rather than paying the total costs of new phones, some of which cost over $500 up front.

The new 4G LTE network is only one part of T-Mobiles efforts to bring a little bit of simplicity back to the mobile phone purchase process and another sign of T-Mobile’s commitment to have an “Un-carrier” attitude. Consumers stand in prime positions to reap the rewards of this new way of doing business.

Are you on the LTE network? Which cell carrier do you use? Let us know the good, the bad and the ugly so others can use your knowledge when shopping for a new phone!

The iPhone is one of the most advanced smartphones on the market. You can use your iPhone for almost anything, from surfing the web to holding virtual "meetings" with friends, coworkers, and family members. Even with hours of practice, however, it's nearly impossible to learn everything there is to know about this innovative mobile device. Below are some iPhone tricks you may not have ever discovered on your own.

1. Perform a soft reset

Even though the iPhone is designed to function perfectly at all times, the screen may sometimes freeze up, especially if you try to run too many applications at one time. Fortunately, you can easily solve the problem by performing a soft reset. According to iSmashPhone, you can reset the device by simply holding down the sleep and home buttons simultaneously until the screen turns off and restarts.

2. Scroll quickly to the top of the page

When surfing the Internet or reading email, you may sometimes find yourself scrolling all the way down to the bottom of the page only to find that you need to return to the top. To accomplish this task quickly, simply tap the top bar, which is the bar that features the battery life and time. Your screen will immediately return to the top of the page.

3. Answer calls with your headphones

Few iPhone users realize that the headphones accompanying the device come with a button that you can use to answer phone calls, hang up and send calls you don't want to answer to voicemail. You can also use the headphones to answer call waiting or ignore it. Even when calls aren't coming in, you can use the button on the headphones to play songs, pause them and skip to the next song.

When a call is coming in, answer it by pressing the button once, or press the button twice to send the call to voicemail. If a second call comes in while you're already on the phone, press the button once to answer it, or press and hold the button for two seconds to send it to voicemail. Finally, you can play and pause songs with one press of the button, or you can skip to the next song by pressing the button twice.

4. Take a quick screenshot

According to iPhoneToolBox, taking a screenshot is easier than most iPhone users may think. If you want to take a quick picture of the screen, simply hold the home button down and click the lock button one time. The screenshot will be taken immediately. You will know you have been successful if the screen flashes white.

5. Insert punctuation fast

When texting or typing on the iPhone, you must typically switch to the symbols screen, designated by the "123" button, to insert punctuation or numbers. However, if you are in a hurry, you can use a shortcut to add punctuation or numbers to your message. Simply press and hold the "123" button, slide your finger over to the symbol you would like to add to the message and release.

Are you favorite tip or trick missing from the list? Let us know what your favorite is below so others can use their iPhone to its fullest capabilities and as always, don’t forget to protect your iPhone from everyday wear and tear!