Category: Laptops

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6 Accessories Every Laptop Should Have

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Accessories Every Laptop Should Have

A laptop on it’s own is not enough to successfully do all the things you probably want to do. We’ve put together a list of the accessories every laptop should have, and why!

The 6 Accessories Every Laptop Should Have

Charger

Having a charger is the biggest no brainer for a laptop, right? How can you use your laptop for extended periods of time without an adequate power supply.

Some laptop chargers are convertible so that you can have a long or short cord depending on if you’re at your house (and close to an outlet) or out in public and need additional length to reach a place to plug it into a wall. Some chargers even have cases of their own to protect them!

Be careful when plugging your laptop into the charger. Too much force can cause problems that damage the plug. In the event of damage, Target PC offers laptop plug repair.

Keyboard Cover

Not everybody uses a keyboard cover, but everybody really should.

Think about all the times you’ve eating something messy while looking something up online? Or you’re at a coffee shop getting work done and crumbs from your cookie drop into the spaces between your keys?

There’s an easy way to prevent this unnecessary laptop damage, and it includes keeping your keys adequately covered from inevitable messes by you or others who may use your computer!

Another item to consider is a screen protector, though these are not as widely used. In the event that your laptop screen is beyond repair, Target PC can help fix it!

Hard Case

Hopefully you’re more careful with your laptop than your phone. You can drop your phone a bunch of times without any serious damage, but the same can not be said about your laptop.

One hard drop can absolutely ruin your laptop for future use or resale value. Even a small bump can do damage, which is why these cases are included as accessories every laptop should have.

To stack the odds in your favor, invest in a hard cover case that snaps on your laptop and gives it additional protection.

Laptop Bag

When transporting a laptop, you should provide as much care as possible. That’s why having a bag specifically to be used for your laptop comes highly recommended.

Women may seek a different solution along these lines, as most already carry bags of some type. Our suggestion for them is next.

Laptop Sleeve

If you’re a woman, you’re probably already carrying a purse with you everywhere you go. In your case, it may not make sense to have a separate laptop bag. Instead, invest in a good laptop sleeve to protect your laptop from the inner contents of your purse. Laptop sleeves are fun to customize according to your individual likes and tastes.

Wireless Mouse

Although laptops have some kind of built-in mouse or track pad, it’s usually beneficial to have another mouse that’s easier to physically move around. Even better is a wireless mouse.

Wireless mice are less bulky and less likely to get tangled up with other laptop accessories. Plus, they send a message that you’re not stuck in the past as technologies are rapidly changing.

To learn more about laptop accessories or for any number of laptop repairs, send us a message online or call (440) 725-0642.

Now that you’ve seen the accessories every laptop should have, do you need to add some to your shopping list? Or are there any we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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VGA vs DVI vs HDMI Resolution – Which Is Best?

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vga vs dvi vs hdmi resolution

Are you confused by all the different display ports and options on monitors, TVs and projectors? It can be confusing when comparing VGA vs DVI vs HDMI resolution, but it doesn’t have to be!

Here’s a port by port breakdown explaining each type of resolution and a recommended application of use for each!

VGA vs DVI vs HDMI Resolution

HDMI

We’re going to start by teaching you about HDMI Resolution, because quite frankly… it’s the best. HDMI broken down just means “high definition multimedia interface.”

Most modern TVs and PCs support this resolution. Furthermore, most products you would plug into a monitor of some type also support an HDMI connection. A few you might have could include:

  • Tablets
  • Google Chromecast
  • Cable box
  • Mobile Device

The main reason why HDMI connections are considered to be the best is because they incorporate both display and audio through the same cable. It’s a familiar format that most people understand, which makes it popular among customers.

In recent years, HDMI standards have been upgraded. But don’t go out and buy new cables – you don’t need them! The HDMI standards upgrade is a part of the hardware itself and cables used with lower standards equipment will still work perfectly.

To summarize, HDMI is great for general use, but other cables can be good for other specific situations.

Do you have a TV with damaged connection ports? Contact us to get in touch and get it fixed!

DVI

DVI stands for “Digital Visual Interface.” It was considered to be the standard display format in 1999… quite awhile back in the technological revolution. DVI has multiple different modes, including:

  • DVI-D (digital only)
  • DVI-A (analog only)
  • DVI-I (digital and analog)

Technically, the digital video signal passed through the cable is the same as HDMI.

The main difference between the two connection types is that DVI doesn’t support an audio signal and requires using a different cable in addition to the visual cable.

This helps to explain why it’s not something you would find on Bluray players or new HD TVs. You can, however, find it on projectors.

At this point in time, HDMI has basically replaced it, though it is good for computer monitors that lack speakers.

There are two types of connectors: dual-link and single-link. Dual-link connectors double the power of transmission with higher speed and signal quality.

VGA

VGA stands for “Video Graphics Array,” which is an analog, video only connection. You will rarely find this connection type on TVs, but can sometimes find it on projectors or old PCs.

The big tech companies (like Samsung) banded together to agree to drop support for VGA back in 2010. As such, there’s really no good use for this display type unless your PC or projector older and doesn’t support DVI or HDMI.

Do you still have questions about VGA vs DVI vs HDMI resolution or want to know what’s the best one to use for your specific purposes? Contact us online or call us at (440)725-0642 for more information!

Taking a look at your electronics, what are the most common connection types you can find? Share in the comments and see where you stack up amongst our other customers!

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Here’s What to Do with an Old Laptop

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what to do with an old laptop

The thing about electronics is that they have a finite lifespan. What was once a powerful laptop used for business or gaming is now sitting in a closet and collecting dust.

Perhaps the hardware wore out, or maybe the technology is too outdated for your machine to do anything useful.

Whatever the case, consumers are often left wondering what to do with an old laptop.

In this short guide, we’ll provide you with a few different ideas.

Repair It

This option might seem a little too obvious.

If your laptop has a few broken parts – such as a damaged screen or a loose power connection – it is easy enough to to repair. In most cases, the cost of the repair will be less than buying a new laptop.

If you live in the Cleveland area, take a peek at our services page to see what we can do for you.

Give It One Job

If you’re wondering what to do with an old laptop that’s in otherwise perfect working condition, consider re-purposing it. In other words, give it just one simple task to do.

For instance, you could mount it to the wall and use it as a stationary calendar or photo frame. If you have a few broken keys, a battery that won’t hold a charge, or a damaged CD drive – it really won’t matter.

If you have a room in your house that doesn’t receive WiFi, you could turn your old laptop into a hotspot. Here is a guide on how to do that.

You could also use your laptop simply for its screen by connecting it to your desktop computer.

Use It for Parts

Removing and reusing laptop hardware can be rather tricky. This idea would be best applied by those more technically inclined.

For example, you could remove the hard drive from your old laptop, place it in an enclosure, and then use it as an external drive.

In some cases, you may also be able to salvage the CD drive, although finding an external enclosure for it may prove to be challenging.

Sell It for Cash

Computer repair stores, such as Target PC Inc here in Willoughby, Ohio, will often buy your laptops. We can use the parts, or sometimes even refurbish certain models for resale.

The answer to what to do with an old laptop is not to throw it away. Not only is that the equivalent of tossing money in the trash, but it is also not the environmentally responsible thing to do.

Instead, bring your old laptop into our showroom and we may be able to give you cash for it on the spot.

  • Trying to figure out what to do with an old laptop you no longer use?
  • Are you upgrading to a newer, more powerful laptop?
  • Do you need extra cash to pay for an unexpected expense?
  • Perhaps your laptop requires extensive repairs, and you simply cannot afford it?

Find more details on selling your laptop to Target PC Inc here.