Enjoying your tablet is all about keeping it in good working order. Follow these tips to increase your tablet’s lifespan and enjoy your gadget for longer.
Cleaning the Surface
Sticky fingers anyone? You are not alone if you have been indulging in a few ice cream cones this summer, or perhaps some delicious candy or sticky tropical fruit. You are also not alone if after you have consumed your bright, drippy mango you decided to pull out your tablet to tell your friend to tell him just how delicious it was. Before you know it, your tablet’s surface is as sticky as you are, encrusted with sugar and smudges. The best way to clean the surface of your tablet it all about the type of cloth you use. Never use a paper towel or dish towel with a rough fabric, as this may leave scratches on the screen. Instead make sure you use a soft, even cloth (feel free to use the one you clean your eyeglasses). Microfiber clothes are best. Use smooth, fluid movements across the entire screen for an even clean. For more pesky stains, such as ink or lipstick, wet a piece of cloth with soapy water (be sure to remove your battery first if possible!) and carefully wipe away at the messy surface, trying to minimize water contact to any other part of the device.
Note: DO NOT use household cleaners on your device. While they may leave your bathroom gleaming, they will strip away the coating that some tablets have as a protective layer.
Tablet Protective Case
In the first few days after receiving a new tablet you may treat it like a newborn baby, carefully cradling it, making sure it isn’t near the edges of any tables, and making sure not to leave it in harm’s way. As time passes, however, you may find yourself being a bit less careful about how you transport your tablet, throwing it carelessly in your bag as you go. One false movement, however, can lead to a cracked screen from a precipitous fall from a table, or a nasty scratch from the pen within your bag. These accidents are unfortunate, and while you can often buy a replacement screen for your device, preventative measures are much cheaper. Something as simple as investing in a shock-proof case can protect your screen and battery against small falls and sharp pens. You can also invest in a carrying case with a specific insulated pocket for a tablet device to prevent unnecessary jostling if you are a frequent traveler.
Viruses
Any device which has internet connectivity with the ability to download content and access questionable websites is susceptible to viruses. Though viruses will not damage your hardware, they can render your tablet unusable for a time and cause you to lose information. Luckily, security software comes preinstalled in most tablets. You can add layers of protection by buying malware and virus protection programs online and downloading them onto your device.
There are also some devices that are safer than others. Because they work on their own operating systems, iPads and Blackberry tablets, such as the Blackberry PlayBook, are much less likely to be infected. In fact, there have been no reports to date of viruses on a Blackberry product, a company known for its security and popularity among politicians and those with sensitive information. This blackberry PlayBook review enumerates the activities you can undertake safely. Also, if you want to check out what others have to say, take a look at this blackberry PlayBook review which has some comments from expert across the web. Even with Blackberry, however, there are security vulnerabilities (if not today, then perhaps someday), so it’s best to back up any important or sensitive information on a flash drive or external hard drive.
Tablet Battery
We often complain about the poor battery life of our old laptops, but we do not always know the correct way to treat our laptop batteries in order to keep them functioning at their best for the longest amount of time possible. The same can be said for your tablet. When you first get your tablet, it is important that you calibrate your battery. Keep it plugged in for at least 7 hours (long after it will say that it has a full charge). Then use your device until the battery is low, very low. Let the tablet shut off from low battery, and then once again charge it up to full. Repeat this a few times. This process calibrates your battery to your tablet which provides a more accurate measure of charge status. Repeat this process every few months to recalibrate your battery. Be sure to keep your tablet away from extreme hot and cold to the best of your ability, as this can fry your battery.
