IOS

Do we plan to buy an Apple product at Christmas? This is all we need to know

Published

2 months ago

December 15, 2022

How many Applesfera readers have an Apple product on their Christmas shopping list? Surely many, and we are not the only ones, because whether it is a small accessory or a new Mac, the Apple devices are a common gift during these holidays. And in the situation of considering buying a product from the Cupertino company, there are several things we should know.

Key details like the return period, the possibility of getting a reconditioned product or choose to make the purchase in other stores are important to be clear. Thanks to this, we will be able to plan the purchase that best suits our needs and make it with the certainty that we have purchased in the best possible way.

Guarantee, return terms, financing and other details to take into account

Let’s start by talking about the return terms, which are very important when we are dealing with a product that we are going to give away. Although it is not that we expect that after giving an iPhone to a friend or family member they will want to return it, it is possible that a little more storage or directly another color is raised, to give a couple of examples. Apple is fully aware of the situation, so during the holidays it extends the return deadlines.

We normally have 14 days to use and test any product purchased from Apple. Within this period we can return it without even being asked why and we will receive a refund. However, during the holidays the return period in Spain is extended until January 20. Enough to make any changes, if necessary.

Refurbished products also enjoy the same extended return and exchange period. With this, they become an excellent option if we find exactly the model in the store What are we looking for. If so, we are dealing with an Apple product in which we can receive a substantial discount. A product that has undergone a restoration process before sale and that enjoys a one-year warranty.

Lastly, let us bear in mind that if we decide to finance the purchase, that is, pay it in installments, then we will only have 14 days to make an exchange or return. Something to take into account depending on when we make the purchase and when we plan to give it to the person concerned.

We must take something similar into account if we buy an Apple product in third-party stores. It is true that we can find interesting offers, for example on Amazon, El Corte Inglés or FNAC, but there are some considerations. The first is that the extension of the return period does not apply necessarily, because each store sets its own conditions. The second, and most important, is in the guarantee.

Let’s take a good look at the return times and take into account the after-sales service.

By law, products must have a three-year warranty, but only the first is paid by the manufacturer, leaving the other two in charge of the seller. In this sense, buying a device from Apple means that we will have a three-year warranty with Apple. Meanwhile, buying it from a third-party store means that only the first year is in charge of the Cupertino company.

here we must personally assess the kind of after-sales service that the seller can offer and consider whether an occasional discount is justified. This applies to both third-party stores and official Apple resellers. Only purchases made at apple.com or at an official Apple Store enjoy a three-year warranty with the company.

Buy refurbished iPhone: tips, recommendations and what to consider

All purchases are different. The price, possible discounts, guarantees, returns, after-sales service, delivery date, etc. are involved. Yes, they are all Apple products, but the way to buy it is different in each case. In this sense, let us take into account the small details to make sure not only to buy the best gift, but to do it in the best possible way.

In Applesphere | So we can try on an Apple Watch (virtually) without having to go to an Apple Store

IOS

Apple Pay in South Korea: this time it’s (really) coming soon

Published

2 hours ago

February 5, 2023

Thomas Grimm

After a false start and much procrastination from the administrative authorities, Apple Pay really getting ready to make its big debut in South Korea. The Financial Services Commission had looked into the exclusivity contract that linked Hyundai to Apple Pay, and it was finally decided to cancel this deal: “During the authorization process, Hyundai Card decided to remove the exclusivity clause that was included in the original contract. Therefore, other credit card companies may contract with Apple to provide Apple Pay service in Korea at any time. » thus specified one of the persons in charge for the FSC. Hyundai Card will only be able to benefit from the service a little in advance, in particular in the shops of Costco, Lotte Himart, Ediya, Mega Coffee, KFC etc.

Apple Pay virtual payment

This new arrangement should not be so unfavorable to Apple since Apple Pay can now be compatible with all payment cards used in South Korea. As a reminder, the FSC had blocked the launch of Apple Pay at Hyundai Card almost at the last minute: advertisements announcing the availability of Apple Pay were even already visible in Seoul! Finally, in addition to Hyundai Card, Apple Pay will also be compatible with credit cards from Shinhan, Samsung (yes!) and BC.

IOS

Magic Mouse VS Logitech Lift: Features, Differences, and Pricing

Published

3 hours ago

February 5, 2023

Thomas Grimm

Apple offers users two peripherals to control their Macs: the Magic Trackpad or the Magic Mouse. Those used to MacBooks and their large touch pad for gestures may choose the former, but those who prefer a more conventional experience are likely to opt for the latter. However, there are other mice that can make us question whether the Magic Mouse is the best option for our Mac. Like the Logitech Lift. We put them face to face to compare their features, differences… and prices.

Features Magic Mouse and Logitech Lift

Specifications	apple magic mouse	logitech lift
dimensions and weight	2.16 cm (height) x 5.71 cm (width) x 11.35 cm (depth), and 99 grams	7.1 cm (height) x 7 cm (width) x 10.8 cm (depth), and 125 grams
CONNECTIVITY	Bluetooth and Lightning	Bluetooth and USB Logi Bolt
sensor technology	–	Logitech Advanced Optical Tracking with up to 4000 dpi
buttons	Multi-touch surface and one click	Six buttons, four of them configurable
wireless operating distance Advertisement	–	about 10 meters
battery	Month or more of operation per charge	up to two years
Compatibility	Mac with Bluetooth and OS X 10.11 or later, and iPad with iPadOS 13.4 or later	Windows, macOS, iPadOS, Chrome OS and Linux
price	85 euros	€79.99

Logitech Lift for Mac, Ergonomic Wireless Mouse, Discreet Clicks, Silent Smartwheel, 4 Customizable Buttons, Bluetooth, For macOS/iPadOS/MacBook Pro/Macbook Air/iMac/iPad, OffWhite

Apple Mouse Magic Mouse

Design: the Logitech Lift aims to solve a problem that many of the people who work glued to the computer end up suffering: wrist pain. Have a 57 degree angle relieves pressure on the wrist, so that the arm and upper body have a more relaxed position. In addition, there is a left-handed version and a right-handed version. The Magic Mouse goes for a minimalist, low-profile look, the opposite of the Lift, and you love it or hate it. This type of design does not suit some people because of the pain.
connectivity: Magic Mouse connects to Mac instantly via Bluetooth, and is recharged by Lightning. The Logitech Lift can be used both by Bluetooth and by the Logi Bolt USB receiver if our equipment does not have Bluetooth or we prefer this type of connectivity.
sensor technology: Apple does not provide information on this, but Logitech assures that the Lift can be configured with up to 4000dpi for users who want more speed (without sacrificing precision).
Buttons: Magic Mouse, to the *text muted* eye, does not have buttons, because its surface works like a big button, and it depends on whether the click is on the left or right side to do certain functions. However, this has a problem, especially when playing games, since you can’t do both clicks at the same time. On the other hand, the surface is tactile and allows gestures, something that is not common in a mouse. The Logitech Lift has six buttons, and four of them are configurable. In addition, the SmartWheel allows comfortable movements of speed and precision.
Compatibility: Magic Mouse only works with Mac. Period. By your side, the Logitech Lift offers compatibility with all major operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS and iPadOS. Plus, it can be paired with up to three devices at once and quickly switch between them with the push of a button, making it highly versatile.
Battery: Apple promises a month or a month and a half of autonomy in the Magic Mouse depending on the use, but Logitech claims its Lift can last up to two yearsand uses one AA battery.
Price: The recommended retail price of both mice is similar: 79.99 euros for the Logitech Lift and 85 euros for the Magic Mouse. Of course, the Logitech Lift can be found around 50 euros with usual offers.

Magic Mouse VS Logitech Lift, which one to buy?

Since its release, Apple hasn’t revamped the Magic Mouse (other than adding a built-in battery in place of the battery compartment in a revision), and seems to have no interest in doing so. It is a mouse that enters through the eyes and attracts attention due to its design, since there is no other like it. But It is not very practical for many users (or comfortable). Yes, it allows you to perform gestures such as movement and has a range that is not bad, but it is not for everyone.

The Logitech Lift is a more conventional proposal, although not classic, since it is committed to a vertical format with which to help us improve posture and reduce wrist pain, something that those of us who spend working in front of the computer all day have suffered ever. Also has customizable buttons and dpias well as the ability to connect it to three devices at once and jump between them quickly.

Logitech Lift for Mac, Ergonomic Wireless Mouse, Discreet Clicks, Silent Smartwheel, 4 Customizable Buttons, Bluetooth, For macOS/iPadOS/MacBook Pro/Macbook Air/iMac/iPad, OffWhite

Apple Mouse Magic Mouse

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IOS

Apple would not have planned a Mac Studio M2 Ultra because of the new Mac Pro

Published

5 hours ago

February 5, 2023

Thomas Grimm

Apple is due to launch a new Mac Pro with the M2 Ultra chip this year and that could mean there won’t be a new Mac Studio with the same chip, according to information from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

The problem for Apple would be that a Mac Studio with the M2 Ultra chip and a Mac Pro with the same processor would duplicate each other. The interest in taking a Mac Pro would be more than limited, especially if we are to believe the rumors that the machine will not be really modular. Apple would therefore prefer to set aside the Mac Studio and not renew it, at least for now.

It could therefore be that Apple is waiting for its M3 or M4 chips to offer a new version of the Mac Studio. Suffice to say that we will have to wait a little while. As a reminder, the existing computer was born a little less than a year ago now and is entitled to M1 Max and M1 Ultra chips.

Regarding the Mac Pro, Apple had initially planned an M2 Extreme chip, but the project was finally abandoned to focus on the M2 Ultra chip. The computer would keep the same design as the 2019 model with Intel processors. Users would not be able to change the RAM or graphics card (GPU) themselves. The release would take place in the spring, although the exact date is still uncertain.