1. Check the Activity Monitor

When browsing the web, your MacBook runs all kinds of programs in the background – ones you might not even need. Check your Activity Monitor to get a glimpse into what applications are tapping your computer’s resources. To locate the Activity Monitor, perform a Spotlight search or access it from the Applications>Utilities folder. The tabs at the top illustrate different types of resource consumption (RAM, CPU, etc.).

2. Close Programs You Aren’t Using

Applications like Excel and Photoshop use an inordinate amount of RAM, even when you aren’t using the programs. Close out of any applications you aren’t using to free up processing space. Restarting your MacBook and clearing the cache in your browser are like taking a vitamin and will help improve speed, too, believe it or not.

3. Adjust the Finder Menu

When you open the Finder window, the “All My Files” view opens automatically. If it’s jam packed with a large number of files, this will slow down your computer when you are in this view.

Avoid this scenario by clicking the “Finder” menu and selecting “Preferences.” Next, choose your preferred folder. Restart your computer. Notice that when you bring up the Finder window, that it no longer loads all of your files anymore. See if that doesn’t make your MacBook less congested and sluggish.

4.Uninstall Unnecessary Applications

Have programs installed that you haven’t used in months? Go through your applications list and drag those you don’t use to the trash.

5. Review Your Available Disk Space

6.Getting alerts about low disk space can be frustrating, but it’s the performance degradation that’s really the issue. If you can delete or move anything to an external drive, do it. Quick targets include the Downloads folder – filter by size to check for large items that could potentially be deleted. 

7.Scan for Software Updates

Apple frequently releases software updates to help speed up your MacBook. Review the OS updates and other system upgrades that are available. And remember, some updates require a reboot, so keep that in mind as you review the list and install when it is convenient.

7. Bring it in for Maintenance

Is your MacBook Pro still under warranty? The Apple Genius Bar might be your best option. All new MacBooks come with a standard one-year limited warranty, with an option to extend with the AppleCare Protection Plan. We recommend getting your computer checked out by the Genius Bar if it’s underperforming and still under warranty. If it’s not under warranty, look for a reputable local Mac repair shop to give it a tune-up.

Sometimes that age-old tech just isn’t repairable, or worth the expense. Along with iPhones and iPads, Gazelle now sells Certified MacBooks at significantly lower cost than retail.

Technology has had wonderful benefits for society, but it has also made us an impatient people that demand everything NOW. When we complain that our MacBook Pro is running slow — well, slow is a relative term.

Still, that’s no consolation when you’re on deadline or trying to binge on Netflix, and your MacBook Pro is running very slow. We hope the seven strategies we shared with you in this post will help speed things up for you.

Because, just like you, we appreciate FAST. And remember, next time you need FAST cash, trade in your used devices at Gazelle.com.

*Gazelle’s IT specialist Dave Bergstrom contributed to this article.

Photo courtesy of Flickr

Note: this post has been updated 2/11/17 for accuracy.

The post Free Fixes for Slow Macbook Pro Kevin Walther appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

Investing in an iPhone protection plan, either from your wireless carrier or a third party, is a smart option when trying to prevent an iPhone causality. While plans vary from a one-time fee to monthly payments, they often come with more coverage than you’ll ever need. Educate yourself and shop around to learn what fits your needs in a protection plan without overpaying.

Use our top tips as a checklist for choosing your iPhone protection plan.

1. Is it Covered by Water Damage?

Water damage is one of the leading causes of iPhone accidents. Make sure your warranty covers liquid and water damage, just in case your phone goes for a quick swim.

2. Cracked Screen, No Problem

iPhones can do great things, but a cracked screen ruins the seamless experience. A quality protection plan will cover broken screens and accidental damage at minimal cost to you. You’ll want to stay protected and avoid the shame of unprotected text.

3. What About Hardware Defects?

New technology brings glitchy screens and broken buttons. But you shouldn’t be held liable for those issues. Look for hardware defect coverage in your protection plan.

4. Check the Deductible

With any protection plan, it’s all in the details. All the bells and whistles might be covered, but if the deductible is too high, you’ll be wasting your time and a great deal of money. Most replacements will run you a $50-100 deductible and if it’s higher, ask why and shop around.

5. Lost iPhone?

Unfortunately, protection plans often do not include lost or stolen devices. Your best bet is to use Find My iPhone and these strategies to locate the device – and learn from your mistakes.

Image courtesy of Flickr

The post 5 Tips for Choosing Your iPhone Protection Plan Kevin Walther appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

Read my considerations if you’re on the edge of upgrading the iPhone 6s.

1. First off, it’s Expensive.

As a financially conscious consumer, my jaw dropped when I saw the final price tag for my device. For the iPhone 6s 64GB, my final cost was $795 – the most I’ve paid for a phone, ever. Costs are rising as carrier subsidies disappear, but seeing the final cost of ownership was shocking. If I had considered the upfront cost before waiting in line at the Apple Store, I likely would have just stuck with my older iPhone.

2. Good, but not Great Updates

When you don’t think the iPhone can get any faster, it does. Without talking specifics, I’d say the speed has doubled, which is great for consumers who need speed. Other features are underwhelming. Force Touch is kind of cool, but unnecessary until more developers start utilizing it. Live Photos are a novelty and I haven’t found use for them yet. Personally, I don’t find the new features alone worth the upgrade cost, considering that in a year the iPhone 7 will be faster, have bigger improvements and a new design.

3. It’s Worth the Upgrade from iPhone 5

If you’re still using an iPhone 5 or 5s, I’d say spring for the upgrade. There’s no use wasting productivity time with a smaller-screened phone – and you’ll notice a great difference. Plus, the longer you hold onto your iPhone, the faster it depreciates in the secondhand market. If the 6s is out of reach financially, you can go Gazelle Certified and get an iPhone 6 for significantly cheaper.

Have you upgraded to the iPhone 6s? Share your thoughts with us.

Image courtesy of PC Advisor. 

The post Is the iPhone 6s Really Worth It? Kevin Walther appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

Given rising iPhone costs and marginal updates to the new iPhone failing to impress prospective buyers, it’s an easy decision to skip this cycle and wait for next year’s phone.

But there are many of us who want or need to upgrade from our iPhone 5 or 5s to a faster and better iPhone. We’ve heard the same thing from our customers – 31% of customers who buy from Gazelle are upgrading to a newer model – but none of us are ready to shell out more than $650 for the newest iPhone. In fact, 80% of smart device owners are not planning to buy the new iPhone 6s, according to a recent survey commissioned by Gazelle. Well, we have a solution.

Save up to $180 and Pre-Order the iPhone 6

Fact: your iPhone becomes slower over time. Older models also depreciate in value as newer versions are introduced, making them worth less in the trade-in marketplace – even more reason to upgrade your old device.

For a limited time, pre-order your iPhone 6 or 6 Plus between now and September 30 and save as much as $180 over the Apple Store and your carrier. Devices are expected to ship between 2-3 weeks or sooner, while supplies last. As an added bonus, trade-in your old iPhone to maximize your cash savings.

It’s time to get current. For more information, please visit www.gazelle.com.

The post Forget the iPhone 6s. Here’s How to Upgrade and Get the Best Deal on an iPhone 6 Kevin Walther appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

But given its cafeteria tray size, we’ve been asking ourselves: Is bigger really better? While the iPad Pro boasts multi-tasking features and a vibrant screen, its size might prevent portability and functionality over its smaller family members.

Before you upgrade to Apple’s latest tablet, arriving in-stores in November, consider the pros and cons.

Pros: Why You Should Get It

1. Massive Screen Size: Apple supersized its iPad Pro with a 12 x 8.68 x 0.27 inch retina display, compared to the iPad Air 2’s 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.24 inch screen. The Pro is ideal for multi-tasking, movie watching and presenting.

2. Doubles as a Personal Computer: “The iPad is the clearest expression of our vision of the future of personal computing,” said Tim Cook. And more than ever before, it can double as a laptop. Apple also introduced two accessories made just for the Pro: the Apple Pencil ($99) and Smart Keyboard ($169).

3. More Power: The iPad Pro comes upgraded with the A9X chipset, nearly double the CPU performance of the iPad Air 2. This allows for dual multi-tasking windows and a faster processing time when switching between apps.

*Photo courtesy of Macworld

Cons: Why to Stay Away

1. Too Big: The screen size may be a benefit for some, but bigger is not always better. The original iPad was created to complement its smaller cousin (the iPhone). Closer to laptop size, the iPad Pro is an animal of its own and may be too cumbersome for the on-the-go traveler.

2. It’s Expensive: As the most expensive iPad ever, the Pro starts at $799 for the 32GB and $949 for the 128GB, without the Wi-Fi option. That doesn’t include the Pencil or Smart Keyboard that you’re definitely going to want.

Who is it for?

If you’re in the market for a presentation tool, a multimedia-viewing device or a touch-based personal computer, then the iPad Pro is for you. But if you’re hoping for casual Internet surfing like previous generation iPads, you might find the iPad Pro too big.

Still looking to upgrade your older iPad? Gazelle has certified pre-owned iPads of all generations up to the iPad Air 2, for lower cost than at Apple.

The post The iPad Pro is Coming. Should You Rush to Upgrade? Kevin Walther appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

Before you buy the iPhone 6s, here are our top features to help guide your decision.

1. It’s All About 3D Touch

Get ready to enter new dimensions with the iPhone’s 3D Touch, arguably the biggest change in the new device. The iPhone previously used a single plane, 2D touch, but this new technology is bringing the experience to a whole new level.

The next generation of multi-touch recognizes more gestures and force, allowing access to special shortcuts, swipes and pinches – letting you do things faster and more accurately. For example, you can access quick menu options to the Safari reading list directly from the home screen (and it only gets better from there).

2. More Speed

The iPhone is fast, again. In fact, it’s 70% faster than it’s predecessor. This A9 chip also allows for Live Photos – similar to the Apple Watch where the image moves like real life. Trust us, it’s awesome.

3. Welcome, Rose Gold

iPhone, meet your new family member, Rose. This new metal finish is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The iPhone 6s now comes in four bold colors: Space Gray, Silver, Gold and Rose Gold.

4. Take Better Photos

Bring your photos to life with Apple’s improved camera, this time with professional quality images. But seriously, it’s amazing. The all-new, 12 mega-pixel iSight camera adds 50% more pixels than before as well as a faster auto focus for better accuracy. Plus, the iPhone 6s includes 4K video recording and editing.

5. A New Price Structure

With carrier subsidies disappearing, the iPhone is getting more expensive. If you want to buy the iPhone 6s, you can either finance it through your carrier or purchase the device outright. The iPhone 6s 16GB starts at $649, 64GB at $749 and 128GB at $849.Apple also unveiled the unexpected “iPhone Upgrade Program,” a monthly payment plan that lets users get new iPhones every year by signing a two-year agreement. The plan starts at $32 per month for 16GB and includes AppleCare+. It’s expensive, but may appeal to those interested in upgrading every year.

The features are definitely cool, but are these updates worth the cost?

Decide for yourself if the iPhone 6s is right for you. Luckily, options exist if you’re still looking to upgrade, but don’t want to pay the price of new. You can trade-in your old iPhone to offset the cost of a new one or buy a certified pre-owned iPhone 6 at a lower cost than new.

Pre-orders start on Sept 12. What are your upgrade plans?

The post 5 Features You Need to Know Before You Buy the iPhone 6s Kevin Walther appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

Bloggers have been on the prowl for months to find hints. Here’s our best guess at what Apple will unveil:

iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus

For months, rumors have run rampant about the imminent iPhone 6s, falling within Apple’s product line (previously the iPhone 4s and 5s). Pressure-sensitive technology, known as Force Touch, is expected to be integrated, allowing for sub-menus and buttons accessed on the screen by touch.

We’ll also welcome a new color to the family – Rose Gold – as well as a much-improved 4K, 12-megapixel camera, faster processor, and to no surprise, an updated operating system. Our favorite is a much longer battery life (that might last multiple days!) Those looking for a change in screen size, don’t count on it.

If you’re planning an upgrade to the iPhone 6s, check out Gazelle’s Best Price Guarantee. We’re offering the best trade-in price on iPhone 5s, 6 and 6 Plus – in cash.

iPad Pro and iPad Mini 4

Apple reserves its September event for the iPhone, but according to rumors, Apple may showcase a new iPad Mini and a brand new, larger 12.9-inch tablet. (It’s currently 9.56 inches.)

But those wanting the new iPad will need to wait. Both versions will appear in stores sometime in November.

Apple TV

Any Netflix, Hulu or other Internet TV binger should be excited for this one. Apple TV is believed to be getting its first update in a long time. The fourth generation Apple TV, heavily rumored to make an appearance on Wednesday, will support a faster processor, two storage options – 8GB and 16GB – and an app store for gaming and other software, reports 9to5 Mac.

Siri is likely to come along, too, with an all-new touch-based remote.

Where You Can Watch

Apple will be live streaming the keynote at 10 a.m. PT on Wednesday, September 9 right here. Join the conversation on our Twitter and Facebook pages as we share breaking updates.

The post iPhone and More: What We Expect at the September Apple Event Kevin Walther appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

Apple will hit the stage on Wednesday, September 9 to unveil its new signature iPhone. With rumors swirling of new features and colors, only one thing will stand in the way of your next device – the price.

For the first time ever, the iPhone will cost you significantly more because mobile carriers are no longer subsidizing the price. With consumers frustrated by confusing carrier offers that often require lengthy commitments and other conditions, Gazelle is offering a limited time deal to make trade-ins easier and better for your wallet.

Introducing Gazelle’s Best Price Guarantee

Gazelle’s Best Price Guarantee offers the best trade-in price on your old iPhone – paid out in cash, not credit. This special promotion, valid until Wednesday, September 9, guarantees that Gazelle’s cash offer for the iPhone 5s, 6 and 6 Plus will beat the trade-in credit offered by your wireless carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile or Sprint) or Apple. Terms and conditions apply.

Don’t Believe Us? Try It Out

Head to gazelle.com/trade-in to get your free quote today. We’ll even ship you a box and postage for no cost. If you find a better price advertised by your carrier, please submit proof to customercare@gazelle.com and we’ll beat it.

Cash is Pretty Awesome

The best part: Gazelle will give you cash in-hand (via check, Amazon gift card or PayPal) to help you buy the brand new iPhone 6s, unlike your carrier, which offers store and billing credit. Learn more at gazelle.com/trade-in.

*Details of the promotion and terms and conditions can be found here.
*Media and analysts: please contact pr@gazelle.com.

Connect with us on Twitter: @Gazelle
Like us on Facebook: fb.com/gazelle.com

The post Want the iPhone 6s? Get the Best Price for Your Old iPhone, Guaranteed Kevin Walther appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

But there’s one question everyone is asking: What is the price of a new iPhone?

There’s no way around it: Buying the iPhone 6s is going to cost more than ever before. Wireless carriers are moving away from phone subsidies and two-year contracts. You are now required to pay the full price of an iPhone, which start at $649.

Yes, we finally know how much a smartphone really costs, but wireless carriers are still creating confusion. Forget about service plans – because that’s a beast of its own – iPhone payment options vary among upfront costs, financing plans and as The Verge puts it, [depending on] “the phase of the Moon when you buy it.”

It’s easy to drown in this buying mystery. Here are your options for buying the iPhone 6s.

But First, Trade it in for Cash

Now that iPhones cost significantly more out-of-pocket, the first step is to trade in your old one. iPhones depreciate over time, just like driving a new car off the lot. Gazelle.com will give you cash for your old phone that you can put toward your new iPhone 6s, substantially offsetting the cost.

Buy it Upfront

Never have I ever paid full price for my iPhone. Game over.

If you want the most flexible option, buy your iPhone upfront (starting at $649) from your carrier or the Apple Store. This way, you’ll remain contract-free – because carriers are doing away with contracts now – so you won’t be locked into a financing plan and will own 100 percent equity in the device.

Finance it

Carriers are now heavily advertising financing plans, which spread the cost of the phone across 18, 24 and 30 months, depending on the carrier. For Verizon, the cost is divided in 24 installments, or $27 per month for a $649 iPhone.

The downside? It locks you into your carrier. If it breaks, you still need to make the full payment plus find or pay for a replacement. Financing is quite complicated, so it’s best to check with your own carrier to get an accurate offer and shop around elsewhere. The Verge broke down some of the plans, but even they validate the perplexity.

Avoid Full Price, Go Gazelle

With iPhone prices skyrocketing, latest may not be the greatest, especially for your wallet. Even with a monthly finance plan, $650 is an incredible amount of money. Consider a lower cost pre-owned option. Gazelle has certified pre-owned iPhones, contract-free and ready to go.

How will you be paying for your next iPhone? Share with us.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

The post Guide to Getting the Best Deal on an iPhone 6s Kevin Walther appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

Verizon Wireless announced on Friday that it will end its subsidy program, starting August 13. With AT&T likely to follow (T-Mobile has already made the switch), customers will now be responsible for paying the full retail value of the device.

Here’s what you need to know:

Say Goodbye to Free and Discounted iPhones

In past years, using a Verizon smartphone subsidy would lock customers into a two-year plan. With contracts disappearing, Verizon will no longer give customers a “free” or “discounted” iPhone, meaning you need to pay full retail value (starting at $649).

Previously, the cost difference for the subsidy was absorbed in monthly service charges. With these charges gone, the announcement likely brings cheaper service plans, however, Verizon customers will need to pay full price for their device, either upfront or through monthly installments.

Choose Your Own Contract

Verizon will offer no contracts, allowing customers to be flexible and switch between their plans each month. All plans come with unlimited voice and text messages, and four different buckets of data plans (see below.) Verizon will also charge an “access” fee of $20 per smartphone per month.

Data Options:

• Small: $30/month for 1GB of shareable data
• Medium: $45/month for 3GB of shareable data
• Large: $60/month for 6GB of shareable data
• X-Large: $80/month for 12GB of shareable data
  Source: Verizon Wireless

Breaking It Will Cost You Exponentially More

A low monthly fee for your smartphone may seem like a compelling offer, but it could present grave consequences. If you choose a monthly payment plan, you’ll lock yourself into a financing plan until the phone is paid off or until Verizon lets you upgrade. If you break or lose the device, you’re still responsible for those monthly payments plus the cost of a new device – which can get expensive quickly.

What do you think about Verizon’s announcement?

Photo courtesy of The Next Web.

UPDATED: Article updated to correct cheaper service plans, rather than monthly plans.

The post Verizon Cuts Contracts and Subsidies: What You Need to Know Kevin Walther appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.