New iPads coming in 2019

Apple will reportedly be launching a new fifth-generation iPad mini model as well as a new entry-level iPad.

 

The new model – if real – is said to have an upgraded processor and a lower-cost display panel, whereas the entry-level iPad will  feature a 10-inch display within a narrower frame. There is also the possibility of two different versions of the entry level iPad.

 

The current entry level iPad supports Apple Pencil and is priced starting at $329.

 

By the way – How are we talking about 2019 already? Like it’s next week or something? Slow down, time.

 

 

HOT Deal of The day on an iPad!

Just in time for Christmas because no one knows what to get anybody ever!

 

Get this! The 32GB Apple iPad 9.7″ WiFi Tablet (Latest Model) is now just $229, down from $329  at Walmart.

 

Shipping is FREE or select free store pickup where stock permits.

 

Available colors are Space Gray, Silver  or Gold

 

Check out this stellar deal here! 

 

 

 

Have better passwords people!

SplashData, a large provider of security applications, just did its thing again, the thing that it does every year – published a list of the worst passwords, sourced from more than five million passwords leaked on the internet in the last 12 months, mostly from North America and Western Europe.

 

And is it good news? ….Not…really?

 

Like last year, this year has seen some pretty major data leaks, but it doesn’t seem like we’re getting any better at passwords.
For the fifth year in a row,  you guessed it, Password is up there. Like right up there at the number 2 spot. The number 1 spot? 123456.

 

New entries this year include ‘donald’ and ‘princess’.

 

According to SplashData CEO Morgan Slaint:

 

“Hackers have great success using celebrity names, terms from pop culture and sports, and simple keyboard patterns to break into accounts online because they know so many people are using those easy-to-remember combinations.”

 

Here are the top 10 most popular passwords of 2018:

 

1) 123456
2) password
3) 123456789
4) 12345678
5) 12345
6) 111111
7) 1234567
8) sunshine
9) qwerty
10) iloveyou

 

The guys at SplashData estimated that almost 10 percent of people have used at least one of the top 25 worst passwords on this year’s list, and nearly 3 percent of people have used the worst password at one time, “123456”.

 

So, if you find your password on the list, what should you do?

 

Change it.

 

SplashData said that passwords should be no shorter than twelve characters and have mixed types of characters in each one. Aaaaand as hard to remember as it is, every log-in should have a different password, BUT investing in a password management app to store everything, generate random new passwords, and automatically log into websites is  a good idea.

 

 

Check the rest of the top 100 worst passwords out here. 

Apple’s $29 battery replacement offer ending soon

Any of you guys have an iPhone that needs a battery replacement?

 

You can most likely get it replaced for a new one by Apple for $29 , but you have to do it before December 31, 2018.

 

The devices that works with the program are the  iPhone SE, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, and X, as these are the models that were affected by the battery slow-down issue that Apple got in a bit of trouble for. The $29 replacement offer has been in place since Dec 2017.

 

After December 31, 2018, replacement batteries will be priced at $49, with the exception of the iPhone X which will be $69.

 

Does this sound like something you need? Yes? Here’s what you do:

 

You can go to the official battery replacement site here,  or alternatively take your iPhone to an Apple retail store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or send it in for replacement at an Apple Repair Center.

 

Either method could take up to five business days, but anecdotally in-store battery replacements are often completed more quickly.

 

Take note- if you have any other damage to your iPhone that impairs the replacement of the battery, like a cracked screen, that damage will need to be repaired first before the battery can be swapped out for a new one.

 

If you want to check on the health of your battery before doing any of this, open the Settings app, choose the Battery section, and select “Battery Health.”

 

If the battery is not operating at Peak Performance Capability, you will see a recommendation for a battery replacement in order to restore the full functionality of the device.

 

Sound like you? Go team go!

 

 

 

 

Costco offering discounts on Macs!

Good news US Costco members!!

 

Costco just started selling discounted models of the latest MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMacs on its website. 

 

The prices range between $50 and $200 lower than Apple’s prices.  There is a limit of two per customer, and they’re accepting pre-orders now, with shipments expected to begin the week of December 17.  Shipping and handling is included, and it appears as though in store pick up is an option as well.

 

Also, as a bonus, some of the configurations are bundled with AppleCare+ for Mac coverage.

 

You have to sign in as a member in order to view the prices – Check it out!