Apple Watch Bands: 3rd Party Milanese Loop in Silver and Space Gray

If you are in the market for a new band for your Apple Watch and  are looking to get the Milanese Loop then you should take a look at the offerings from Moko.  With a starting price of $24.99, it is a great deal compared to the $149 offering from Apple.  They also offer a variety of colors to to match the Apple Watch you have.

Moko Milanese Loop



The Moko brand is one of the more popular and well reviewed choices for 3rd Party Apple Watch bands on Amazon.  One of the best things about the loops they offer are the variety of colors you can get that Apple does not have.  So if you have the Space Grey Stainless Steel Watch they offer a Milanese Loop in that color to match.

MoKo Milanese Loop Stainless Steel Bracelet for Apple Watch 38mm - Silver

MoKo Milanese Loop Stainless Steel Bracelet for Apple Watch 42mm - Silver

MoKo Milanese Loop Stainless Steel Bracelet for Apple Watch 38mm - Space Gray

MoKo Milanese Loop Stainless Steel Bracelet for Apple Watch 42mm - Space Gray

Actual Images:

Sports Aluminium Apple  Watch w/Silver Milanese Loop

Sports Gray Aluminium Apple Watch w/SG Milanese Loop

Best Cases to Show Off Your Rose Gold iPhone

2015, new iPhone, new color, Rose Gold.  Here are some of the best cases that I have come across to display the new Rose Gold iPhone.

Manufacture: Spigen
Model: Neo Hybrid EX
Retail: $34.99
Link: http://www.spigen.com/collections/iphone-6s/products/iphone-6s-case-neo-hybrid-ex?variant=5259966017
Comments: Clear case to really show off the Rose Gold color.

Manufacture: Spigen
Model: Ultra Hybrid
Retail: $24.99
Link: http://www.spigen.com/collections/iphone-6s/products/iphone-6s-case-ultra-hybrid?variant=5259886913
Comments:  Slightly different from the one pictured above, transparent all around.

Manufacture: Spigen
Model: Style Armor
Retail: $29.99
Link: http://www.spigen.com/collections/iphone-6s/products/iphone-6s-case-style-armor?variant=6302247873
Comments: Case matches the Rose Gold color but doesn't truly display the back of the iPhone.

Manufacture: Spigen
Model: Thin Fit
Retail: $14.99
Link: http://www.spigen.com/collections/iphone-6s/products/iphone-6s-case-thin-fit?variant=6352983041
Comments: Similar to the one above except fully Rose Gold.

Manufacture: Spigen
Model: Tough Armor
Retail: $34.99
Link: http://www.spigen.com/collections/iphone-6s/products/iphone-6s-case-tough-armor?variant=5904808705
Comments: Adds protection in exchange for color visibility.  Case does match the Rose Gold color.

Manufacture: Ringke
Model: FUSION

Retail: $10.99

Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010QYKIBK?tag=macrumors-20&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Comments: Clear TPU case with port covers.

How to Determine Which A9 Chip Is In Your iPhone

*UPDATE*  Apple has given a statement to TechCrunch saying that the actual difference is around 2-3% based on internal testing.  This difference can vary between all iPhones, with the same parts, regardless of chip.  Also worth noting, the app listed below has apparently been removed from the AppStore.

If you haven't heard by now there is some drama building up regarding which A9 chip in the new iPhones is better.  This year it was dual sourced from both TSMC and Samsung.  Early reports suggested that the Samsung chip would be the superior chip due to the smaller size and, well, Samsung.

Recently stories have been circulating that the TSMC A9 chip is actually the superior chip.  Although bigger in size, it is apparently more efficient and has the potential to increase battery life by up to 20% (still being tested).  But if you are curious as to which A9 chip is in your iPhone you can head over to the AppStore and download Lirum Device Info Lite.  Once downloaded, open the app and compare the Model number to the ones listed below:

N66AP (6s plus) or N71AP (6s) - Samsung chip
N66MAP (6s plus) or N71MAP (6s) - TSMC chip

It has been reported that if you have a 6s you have a higher chance of having the TSMC while the 6s+ has a higher chance of having the Samsung chip.

iPhone 6s/6s+ Insurance Options

You just picked up the latest tech from Apple and now you want to add some insurance just in case an accident occurs.  The devices are costly themselves and can be costly to repair or replace so let's talk about some of the options you have when it comes to getting insurance for your new iPhone.

Applecare+ Insurance
-----------------------------------
Apple offers it's own insurance that covers your phone for 2 accidental incidents and extends your mechanical warranty by an additional year.  The bad news is that this year the price jumped from $99 to $129 for the insurance plan and the deductible jumped from $79 to $99.  They do not cover loss and theft, but they probably provide one of the better services since you are dealing with the source.

If you decide to use Apple's Upgrade Program which they introduced this year then Applecare+ is already included in the monthly cost of the device.

Initial Cost: $129 (2 years)
Deductible: $99 per claim (max 2)

Pros:
+ Great support w/Apple
+ Cheaper than carrier insurance

Cons:
- Price increase this year on the warranty and deductible, $129 and $99 respectively.
- Covers only up to 2 accidental incidents
- Theft/Loss not included

Carrier Insurance
-----------------------------------
Let's be honest here, the insurance plans offered by the carrier's are quite expensive compared to other options that are available.  The benefit they offer over the competition is that they cover theft and loss.  But if you don't plan on losing your phone or if theft is not an issue (knock on wood) I would look elsewhere.  The image at the end of the article doesn't include T-Mobile.  T-Mobile costs $8 per month ($192/year) for the insurance, limited to 2 accidental incidents per 12 months, with a $175 deductible.

Initial Cost: $192+ (over 24 months and depends on carrier)
Deductible: $175+ per claim (depends on carrier)

Pros:
+ Theft/Loss included

Cons:
- Most expensive option
- High deductible
- Carrier repair limitations

Squaretrade Insurance
-----------------------------------
Squaretrade is very popular and has been around for quite a while.  They are by far one of the most well known insurance providers and are quite affordable.  A 2 year plan starts at $99 and a 3 year starts at $129, both one time payments.  They also offer a monthly plan which is $8 a month.  The great news is that the deductible is only $75 per claim.

Initial Cost: $99 (2 years)
Deductible: $75 per claim

Pros:
+ Affordable
+ Cheapest option listed

Cons:
- Theft/Loss not included

ProtectYourBubble Insurance
-----------------------------------
I recently came across a new insurance provider which is similar to Squaretrade.  It is the same provider that is used by T-Mobile.  The cost to insure the first device is $5.99, second device is $4.99, and then it is $3.99 for every device after that.  So if you want to insure more than one device then this might be a better option.  The deductible is also $75 per claim for smartphones.

Initial Cost: $144 (1 device/2 years)
Deductible: $75 per claim (unlimited claims)

Pros:
+ Affordable
+ More devices insured, cost per item decreases.

Cons:
- Theft/Loss not included

*T-Mobile is $8 per month ($192/year), 2 accidental incidents per 12 months, with a $175 deductible and covers Loss & Theft protection.

Should you get a white or black iPhone 6/6+?

My smartphone journey began with iOS, then I spent a few years with Android, but have been thinking about going back to iOS with the release of the iPhone 6/6+.  I couldn't decide which color, black or white, I wanted so I decide to do a little research and compare them on my own.

Black
Pros:
Clean front when device is off
Speaker/front facing camera/proximity sensor not visible
Bezels "disappear" when viewing media

Cons:
Fingerprints are more visible on the bezel
Reflections are easier to see along the bezel
Applications don't look as good with black
Only comes in Space Gray

White
Pros:
White bezels gives a cleaner look
Applications seem to look better with the white bezels
Fingerprint sensor has a colored ring surrounding it making it look more premium
Two toned look when the screen is off looks good
Comes in Silver or Gold

Cons:
Speaker/front facing camera/proximity sensor visible
White bezel might be distracting when viewing videos
White bezels may project more light reflection

Alternatives to eBay for Selling/Buying Electronics

If you tend to keep up with technology you might find yourself with extra electronics.  Well, don't let them sit and gather dust, sell them sooner rather than later to get the most out of them.

eBay used to be the go to place when trying to sell anything and everything but the fees they charge are outrageous and can add up quick.  Fortunately for us there are other options.

Craigslist is a great way to sell/buy your electronics locally.  It is free to post your items and there are no fees that you need to consider.  Since it's mostly cash only transactions it is best to meet in public places when doing the exchange.  The downside to buying locally is that you have to make sure what you are buying is legit as there are no returns.

Amazon is another option if you are looking for a broader audience like eBay with less fees.  There are still fees that you have to consider but they are not nearly as high as they are on eBay since eBay gets you on eBay fees and Paypal fees.  The fee calculation depends on various factors but you'll most likely end up making more money.  The downside is that not as many people check Amazon, but it would still be worthwhile to sell.  The positive when buying is that Paypal is not required and you can just use a standard credit card.

Swappa is newer and probably the least known website for selling/buying electronics.  There are no fees to post as a seller nor are there fees when you sell your item.  The price that you post your item includes a $10 surcharge that the buyer pays.  When selling your phone you'll have to input your IMEI number which they'll check to determine if it is whitelisted.  That is probably the best part about Swappa is that you can have confidence that the item you are buying is legit and is not blacklisted.

If there are any other options that you know of feel free to comment below.  I know Craigslist and Amazon were pretty obvious to most, but Swappa might be new to a few.

Free: Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour for iOS

For the month of January 2014 you can get Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour for iOS for FREE.  Just follow the link below, click to get your code, then click your code to open iTunes and redeem your code.  Your download should start once redeemed.

Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour