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Jason Cox asked:


When spending a lot of money on pleasure components like an iPod, life gets a huge kink in it when iPod breaks down. Everyone knows the convenience of the iPod makes listening to music easy when doing practically anything. Instead of going out and buying a new iPod, consider trying some other ideas. Here are some tips that may put the dance back in your step, letting you avoid repairing your iPod by a professional iPod repairman.

First, you should obviously use a hard protective case to avoid scratching the screen of your iPod. The hard cases are better because if you drop your iPod while in a hard case in water, your iPod is usually protected in up to three feet. Plus, if you drop your iPod, a hard case help protect your device from sustaining damage to its internal devices, which are necessary for proper function, and external cosmetic damage to your iPod.

Second, Dont use your pockets, backpacks, or a purse to carry your iPod tunes. LDC screens are pliable under pressure, which is easily created if you bend down, sit down, sit on your backpack or purse or if you fall down. This will put pressure on your iPod, which can bend or crack your LCD screen. You might also think of your screen when left in your car such as extreme heat or cold.

Next, you should always avoid pulling, wrapping, or causing any other type of tension to the cord attached to your headphones. This can break your headphone sockets. Avoid letting your wires get tangled up when you are not using your iPod. You would not want a short in your headphone wires. It would also be totally inconvenient having to untangle your headphones each time you go to use them. Another tip is if your iPod does not boot up as it usually does, you might try charging it. Sometimes, when you are to low on juice your iPod cant boot up.

Also, when you buy your iPod, you could also purchase an extra battery and battery replacement kit. This is ideal for when your battery dies. You dont have to go anywhere to replace it. The average iPod battery takes about three hours to fully charge. What if your iPod would not shut down? You have checked that the hold switch is turned off, and you know your battery is fully charged, and then you need to reset your iPod, deplete your battery all the way, and then update your iPod.

Another tip is that you should also check for regular updates for your iPod, just like your home computer. You want it to continue to work properly. If the LDC screen on the front of your iPod shows a not so happy face, this means that you should check that the requirements for your iPod match your computer. If so, try to restore your iPod by putting it in disc mode and then restore. Remember restoring your iPod is not the same as updating. Make sure you back up your music files before you restore. To update plug your iPod into your computer and down load the newest version of iPod updater. You could try plugging your iPod into a different fire wire or USB port connecting to your computer. Then restart your computer, and reinstall your iPod or iTunes software.

To check your iPods hard drive for errors, run the scan disk feature. If the face with an upside down smile comes up then the problem cant be fixed at home.

Last, if you are constantly on the go, running, skating, dancing, and your iPod is always being jarred around, you might have a problem. Your iPods internal protection function will come on, which will freeze your iPod up. Fix your frozen iPod, hold the select and the menu button at the same time. If you have an older iPod, hold the play button down for a few moments, which should repair your iPod issue.

These are only a few basic ways to avoid iPod repairs. For a more in-depth look into solutions, most companies have websites, which corresponds with the brand of iPod you own. If you iPod is still under warranty and you are still having problems, return your iPod to the manufacture that can exchange it for a new one.

Christine Peppler asked:


Most cellular providers give, or deeply discount, cell phones which they provide to customers at the time they commit to a two year contract. Without the cell phone plan however, the cost of a cell phone can be a few hundred dollars. Although getting a cell phone which is offered by the service provider is generally the most affordable option, there are a number of situations in which it really isn’t feasible. Whether a cell phone is lost or damaged and requires replacement before the start of a new contract period, the user has a need which is more temporary, or if an additional phone is needed beyond that which was provided, consumers sometimes find themselves looking for less expensive alternatives.

For those interested in finding a cell phone for short term purposes there are of course alternatives out there.

Renting a cell phone is an option that could be worth the attention of those who wish to make use of a cell phone without committing to a cell phone plan for a couple of years. For Ray and Connie McCord, this option was the right fit a year ago when Ray had to go out of state for business for an extended stint. In their case, cellular services weren’t even part of their lives and they didn’t want to commit to the expense of the service for an ongoing two year period. The convenience of having a cell phone while Ray was away however was invaluable, allowing Connie to easily reach him even during hours when he wouldn’t be in his hotel room. Luckily, by renting a cell phone during this time, they avoided the lengthy commitment but were able to take advantage of the convenience of continuous accessibility that cell phones offer.

Finding the right service requires a bit of shopping online. A search on “rent cell phone” will result in a number of options. As an example rentcell.com can provide users with the use of a cell phone for any period of time, from one day to one year. Those considering such a route need to examine the cell phone plan that is offered just as they would if committing to a plan from a major carrier. In most instances, free long distance, no roaming, and a low per minute charge are key points to consider.

For those who travel internationally, renting an unlocked phone with a global roaming SIM card can be the perfect solution. In an online search, consumers will find services such as IntouchUSA which is available here in the US and allows travelers a hassle-free way to stay in touch.

For consumers who are simply looking for a less expensive cell phone minus a cell phone plan, used cell phones can be had through the numerous sites online that will buy, recycle, and sell old cell phones. One example is cellularcountry.com where users can pick up a used locked or unlocked cell phone with a 30 day guarantee. Phones can be selected to match up with a user’s current service or unlocked phones can be used internationally or with a variety of providers. The phones come with a battery and charger. Returns are allowed but refunds are minus a 20% restocking fee unless they arrived damaged. There are of course many other sites to select from, including of course, e-bay.

Although the commitment of a cell phone plan offers consumers the best savings when purchasing a cell phone as well as some of the highest quality equipment, there are certainly times when users need other options. Renting cell phones for short term needs and picking up inexpensive used cell phones to replace non-functioning devices are two possible options to consider.