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15 MacBook Features Users Should Know About

15 MacBook Features Users Should Know About

Apple’s Mac devices are renowned for their intuitive design and capabilities. However, it’s the lesser-known features and customization options that truly set them apart. By exploring these hidden gems, users can unlock new levels of productivity, convenience, and security. From seamless multitasking to hands-free operation, these features are designed to empower users and make their interaction with the Mac even more seamless and efficient. These tips make Black Friday 2023 even more sweet:

1. Master Spotlight Search
While many users know about Spotlight Search, few realize its full potential. Beyond simple file searches, Spotlight can perform complex calculations, provide weather updates, offer currency conversions, and even pull in data from the web. By pressing Command + Spacebar, users can unleash the full power of Spotlight and navigate their Mac with unprecedented efficiency.

2. Check Quick Look for speedy previews
Quick Look is a feature that allows users to preview files without actually opening them. By selecting a file and pressing the spacebar, users can quickly examine its contents. This is incredibly useful for browsing through images, documents, and even audio or video files. It’s a time-saving gem that can significantly expedite workflow.

3. Use Text Replacement for effortless typing
For users who find themselves frequently typing the same phrases or responses, Text Replacement can be a game-changer. By navigating to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text, users can set up custom shortcuts for longer phrases. For instance, “omw” can automatically expand to “On my way!” This feature is a productivity booster that can save substantial time in the long run.

4. Try the gestures feature
Apple’s trackpad is a marvel of engineering, offering a range of gestures that can streamline navigation. From swiping between desktops with three or four fingers to pinching to access Launchpad, mastering these gestures can significantly improve the efficiency of multitasking. Users can explore these gestures in System Preferences > Trackpad.

5. Use Split View
Split View is an invaluable feature for users looking to enhance productivity. By dragging a window to the edge of the screen, users can automatically snap it into place, allowing for seamless side-by-side multitasking. This feature is particularly useful for comparing documents, managing emails, or any task that benefits from simultaneous viewing.

6. Try out its virtual assistant
Siri is more than just a virtual assistant; it’s a powerful tool for boosting productivity. Beyond basic tasks like sending messages or setting reminders, Siri can perform complex operations like searching for files or adjusting system settings. Users can customize Siri’s capabilities in System Preferences > Siri.

7. Use desktop stacks
For users who tend to clutter their desktops, Desktop Stacks can be a game-changer. By right-clicking on the desktop and selecting “Use Stacks,” macOS will automatically group similar files, creating a more organized workspace. Users can customize this feature by right-clicking and selecting their preferred sorting criteria.

8. Try Preview for editing
Preview is often overlooked as a basic PDF viewer but offers a surprising array of editing tools. Users can add text, annotations, signatures, and even edit images directly within Preview. This can save time and eliminate the need for third-party PDF editors.

9. Master Terminal
While Terminal may seem daunting to some users, it offers unparalleled control over macOS. Power users can execute a wide range of commands to perform tasks that might be otherwise inaccessible. It’s worth exploring online resources and tutorials to unlock the full potential of Terminal.

10. Customize trackpad gestures with BetterTouchTool
For users looking to take trackpad gestures to the next level, BetterTouchTool is a must-have application. It allows for extensive customization of trackpad gestures, enabling users to create their own shortcuts and actions tailored to their specific workflow.

11. Enable live captions
Live Captions is an accessibility feature that provides real-time captions for any audio playing on the device. Beyond their primary purpose, live captions can also be used during phone calls. By enabling live captions, users can have the conversation transcribed in real-time, offering a powerful tool for those who are hard of hearing.

12. Navigate with Mission Control
Mission Control is a powerful tool for managing multiple desktops and applications. By pressing F3 or swiping up with three or four fingers (depending on trackpad settings), users can access an overview of all open windows, desktops, and spaces. This allows for quick navigation between different tasks and applications, enhancing multitasking efficiency.

13. Optimized storage
Optimized storage is a valuable feature for users who are tight on storage space. By navigating to the Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage, users can click on “Manage” to access a range of tools for optimizing storage. This includes options to offload unused apps, store files in iCloud, and automatically empty the trash, ensuring that the Mac runs smoothly even with limited disk space.

14. Enhance security with FileVault
FileVault is a powerful encryption tool that provides an added layer of security for user data. By navigating to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault, users can enable full-disk encryption. This ensures that all data on the Mac’s internal drive is protected, even if the device falls into the wrong hands.

15. Enable parental controls
For families with young users, parental controls can be an invaluable feature. By navigating to System Preferences > Screen Time > Content & Privacy, parents can set restrictions on the type of content that can be accessed, limit screen time, and even control which apps can be used. This feature provides a level of control and peace of mind for parents.

Apple’s range of Mac devices, including the Mac Pro, Mac Mini, M2 Mac Mini, Mac Mini with M2 Pro, 14-inch Mac, 16-inch Mac, and 15-inch MacBook Air, are versatile tools for both casual users and professionals. By delving into these lesser-known features and customization options, users can significantly enhance their productivity, streamline their workflow, and unlock the full potential of their Mac experience. Look out for the upcoming offers this Black Friday sale season to be able to save some while upgrading the tech setup.

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A handy guide to buying the right laptop

Laptops are powerful portable tech that is versatile, compact, and fast, making them the preferred choice. However, the best laptop for you is the one that complies with your needs. Now, there is a plethora of laptops in the market. This makes choosing the right device a daunting task. To help you, here is a guide to help you buy a laptop as per your needs and the best ones available in the market. Plan your budget Thanks to tough competition between laptop brands, you can buy a laptop for as low as $200. But if you can increase your budget, you can buy a quality laptop with better performance and features. Laptops like HP Stream and Dell Inspiron 11 3000 are the least expensive, costing about $150-$200. Laptops costing $900 and above have faster processors, cutting-edge graphics, and powerful resolutions. Moreover, they are lighter, making them efficiently portable. Pick your operating system Do you want a Windows or a macOS? There is no wrong answer, as the choice of the operating system solely depends on your preference. If you are confused, here’s a brief summary of each. Windows 10, Microsoft’s latest operating system, is the most flexible. Moreover, laptops with Windows OS are generally inexpensive and offer features like touch screens and dual graphic chips. On the other hand, macOS Big Sur is Apple’s latest desktop operating system and is expensive. If you are a tech wizard and know your way around an OS, you can also choose operating systems like Chrome OS and Linux. Specifications As per your needs and budget, opt for the most powerful processor, as processors influence the performance and speed of the laptop. Most laptops have an Intel® processor, although some laptops even come with an AMD processor. Inexpensive laptops offer Intel® Atom®, Intel® Celeron®, and Intel® Pentium® CPUs that are good for light document editing and browsing. However, if multitasking and speed are important to you, then opt for an Intel® Core™ i3, or better yet, an i5 or i7. Next, you should check the RAM size. Most offer only 4GB RAM space. However, experts recommend that you opt for a minimum of 8GB RAM. Furthermore, get a laptop with a solid-state drive (SSD) since these are three times faster than a hard drive. Consider buying a laptop with a minimum of 9-plus hours battery life with a 12.5- to 14-inch screen size. Top 5 laptops of 2021 To further help you, here are the five best laptops of 2021: Equipped with an 8th Gen Intel® Core™ processor and 16 GB RAM, the Google Pixelbook Go is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a fast and efficient laptop. Along with a great processor and impeccable response rate, this laptop boasts of a touchscreen display that can play 4K videos. If you’re looking to upgrade your laptop, checkout Google’s laptops on sale and save big this shopping season. The Dell XPS 13 offers excellent performance, 3.5K OLED touchscreen, i3-i7 processor, option to choose an 8GB or 16GB RAM, SSD storage, powerful display, and a sleek design. The Apple MacBook Air with the latest M1 chip provides an outstanding 14-plus hours of battery life and lightning-fast processing speed. Next is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 that is powered by the Intel® Core™ i5/i7. It comes with features like touchscreen, top-notch graphics, and up to 1TB SSD storage. Finally, don’t forget to check out the latest IdeaPad Slim 7 by electronic giant Lenovo. The recently-released laptop comes with a 15.6” display, 11th Gen Intel® Core™ processor, 512 GB SSD storage, Dolby Atmos® Speaker System, and a whole lot more. If you find this laptop a bit pricey, don’t worry. There are several fantastic deals on Lenovo laptops right now, and you can grab this one at a lower price from the company’s website.

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7 Ways to Elevate the Google Pixel User Experience

The Google Pixel is loaded to the brim with exciting features. Using these features will not only save time for users but also, in many cases, prolong battery life. As a result, one can genuinely customize their Pixel devices in multiple ways to make their experience with them even better than it already is. However, not all users may know the Pixel's qualities and capabilities. Therefore, here are some hacks to be familiar with: Automatically screening incoming calls Receiving unknown calls can be tricky, especially from a new number. To combat this, Pixel phones have a Call Screen feature to eliminate the feeling. This feature lets the phone answer calls for users. Users can see the real-time conversation between the caller and Google Assistant when they activate this in the settings. Additionally, users can completely screen calls to let it happen automatically. Using these features, one can screen or silently decline spam calls without being notified. Creating app-specific shortcuts Multiple apps in the Google Pixel 7, Google Pixel 7 Pro, Google Pixel 8, Google Pixel 8 Pro, Google Pixel Fold, and older variants have apps with quick-access functions to let users open them with a brief press-and-hold on the icon of the app. For instance, one can click the camera icon and find shortcuts to take selfies or videos. These shortcuts are time-saving and, more importantly, battery-saving exercises. Using AI to create eye-catching wallpapers AI is a massive part of all the latest Pixel models. The cameras and pictures especially feature a healthy dose of machine learning and other tools to create visual magic for users. For example, users can customize their Pixel's wallpapers in many ways to alter their phone's overall aesthetic per their requirements. A Cinematic Wallpaper option (available in the Pixel 6 and newer models) uses machine learning to take users' photos and collages and make wallpapers. The wallpapers are also given extensive 3D treatment to make them immersive. Users can tilt their phones to make their wallpapers come alive beautifully. The Cinematic Wallpaper makes one's Google Pixel phone a fantastic thing to look at at any given time. Using NightLight to protect eyes during night usage Night-time usage of phones tends to affect users' eyes. One may have heard about the dangerous blue light emanating from phones, TV, and laptop screens. This light can cause eye issues and insomnia in the long term. To avoid that, users can activate NightLight, which turns the screen slightly amber-tinged when the surrounding lighting is low. The amber shade is easier for the eyes to process in dark surroundings. Using it enables users to find quality sleep at night without getting glued to their phones. The best part is that it can automatically switch on during the night and off in the early morning. So, it is one of the best health-based features on Google Pixel phones, and it will truly enrich the user experience of Pixel buyers. Changing someone's expression in a photo AI's rampant rise in art and visual manipulation manifests itself in the latest Pixel models. The phone's camera comes with a "Best Take" feature, which allows users to capture multiple pictures in nanoseconds and later edit each person's expressions in each picture. So, for instance, if users need a photo of someone looking at the camera and beaming simultaneously while they click, they can use this feature to adjust (post-capturing) the faces and expressions until they find the best permutations and combinations. Best Take is a breathtaking feature and AI-based capability in the latest Pixel models. Adding real-time captions to videos using Live Caption AI not only pervades pictures but also videos in the latest Pixel models. Often, when users watch a video in another language without subtitles, they find it hard to understand what is being said. To counter this, users can activate Live Caption, a dynamic element that creates real-time captions with startling accuracy while viewing a video. Activating gesture navigation The latest Pixel models enable users to activate real-time gesture navigation. Using gestures, users will not even have to touch their devices to get to specific menus, submenus, or apps. This is a helpful feature when one's hands are unclean and must be used without touching the user interface. Users can simply go to settings to activate gesture navigation and launch the feature. One can also check out the pre-fitted gestures and customize the Pixel phones to their liking in some later models.  

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The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Specs, features, and price

When it comes to off-roading capability and engine power, probably no other SUV can outstand the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee is more capable and refined than its predecessors and is available in a wide variety of trim levels. To help you stay informed the next time you are at a Jeep Grand Cherokee sale, here is a list of its specs and features, and where you can find Jeep Grand Cherokee for sale. Performance The Grand Cherokee Limited X, the new trim level to the 2019 model, is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces a horsepower of 295 and torque of 260 lb-ft. This robust engine offers a comfortable and effortless ride. One of the most impressive features of this SUV is its towing capacity of up to 6,200 lbs. You can also go for the upper trim levels that are powered by the superior V8 engine. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine in the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk generates 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, which delivers a towing capacity of 7200 lbs. The Grand Cherokee has the slick eight-speed automatic transmission and is available in the four-wheel-drive configuration. Features, technology, and safety All Grand Cherokee models are equipped with the ProTech I package.
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Here’s what you need to know before looking for tire coupons

Unlike other parts of your vehicles, your tires undergo rigorous wear and tear. Depending on the number of miles you drive and other factors, you need to replace them every few years for the safety and optimum performance of your vehicle. While this may cause a dent in your pocket, one of the best ways to shop for tires is using tires coupons. Many big tire brands such as Goodyear, Firestone, and Bridgestone among others, offer tires coupons and promo codes as part of their marketing or customer retention campaigns. You can easily find tires coupons for brands such as Firestone, Bridgestone, and Goodyear on various coupon websites. However, you need to ensure that these websites are authentic and also check the expiration date on these coupons. Moreover, considering the safety concerns related to tires, you should only opt for the best tires from reputable brands like Goodyear. To help you pick the right tire for your vehicle here is a quick read on the benefits of purchasing tires from Goodyear. To find the right Goodyear tire for your vehicle, use the Tire Finder tool on the Goodyear website. Using any of the following three options, you can find the right tires for your vehicle.
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Top trim levels of the 2020 Ram 2500

One of the best pickup trucks in the business, the 2020 Ram 2500 is loaded with a suite of features that make it one of the most desired pickup trucks today. To offer the ultimate driving pleasure, the Dodge has features divided into various trims that can suit every buyers’ budget. As a result, the Dodge Ram 2500 is now available in six trims and 29 configurations. This article elaborates on the special features offered by each trim—right from its engine specifications to interiors and much more. Read on. Tradesman The powertrain consists of a 6.4-liter V-8 gasoline engine with eight-speed automatic transmission. It is also available with a 6.7 Cummins turbo diesel. The 4×4 model features manual shifting with an on-the-fly transfer case for all old-school drivers. The pickup truck also comes with electronic stability control and automatic quad halogen headlights. Power Wagon It has the same chassis as the Tradesman, except, instead of the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel, it has an 8HP75 with eight-speed transmission. This engine is suitable for light commercial vehicles (LCV). It also has LED projector headlamps. The Power Wagon comes with hill descent control for better stability and control when descending down a mountain range.
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Pros and cons of automated investing

Automated investing services, or Robo advisors, have become ubiquitous in the present times. Many financial service companies now have their own automated investing services. There’s no doubt that the introduction of Robo advisors has made investing an accessible financial option to many. However, automated investing has some disadvantages as well. So, before you decide to opt for the best automated investing service, have a look at its pros and cons. Pros of using Robo advisors Low fee Low management fees are one of the biggest advantages of opting for a Robo advisor. Big names in the finance industry such as Charles Schwab Corp.’s Intelligent Portfolios offer Robo advisors for free, while some financial institutes such as Betterment and Wealthfront charge a low 0.25% as a management fee. High-quality investment portfolios Algorithms used in some of the best automated investing services such as the ones provided by Betterment are backed by Nobel prize-winning investment models. These models are created to offer the greatest return on investment for the smallest risks. Access to a financial advisor Many traditional financial services companies now use Robo advisors to select assets for their client’s investment portfolios. This allows them to offer their clients financial advisers that can help them with taxes, loans, and any kind of financing or investment.

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4 tips that can help you pick the right investment advisor

4 tips that can help you pick the right investment advisor

An investment advisor can be a game-changer. A capable advisor can help solve most of your financial issues and give you the best investment advice so that you can turn market situations to your favor. But, finding the right investment advisor is not easy. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind while looking for the best investment advisor. Know what type of service you need First, you need to decide what kind of financial assistance you need. Do you need help picking investments? Or are you seeking advice on real estate, retirement, or insurance needs? Asking yourself these questions will help determine the type of investment advisor you are looking for. Nowadays, many people use a robo-advisor, which is as competent as a human investment advisor. A robo-advisor is great for investment management and other basic investments. But if you want substantial transformation in your money-situation, a human advisor is the viable option. Choose a fee-only advisor If you’ve decided to pick a human advisor, the next step is to choose the type of advisor: commission-based, fee-based, or fee-only. If you’re planning something big financially, you must pick a fee-only advisor. Such advisors work for and get paid by other clients like you, so they always act in their clients’ best interest.
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Handy tips for retirement-focused investments

Handy tips for retirement-focused investments

With pension plans becoming more and more obsolete, retirement-focused investments have come to the fore in the past few years. Besides helping you fund your future, these valuable assets also provide incredible gains, and in some cases, constant income till the end of life. Since investing for retirement—and planning it—can prove to be challenging, we have put together a list of tips that may be helpful in the process. Assess your options Multiple investment vehicles are ideal for long-term gains and can return a sizable amount by the time you retire. Mutual funds, stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds, cash investments, annuities, and dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs) are also good sources of high returns, although they depend on investor characteristics and risk aptitude. Saving money in certain tax-advantaged accounts such as 401(k), individual retirement accounts (IRA), and brokerage accounts is also an option. Start early and young No one is ever too young to invest. It’s a healthy habit that can earn serious money in the long term, with even the smallest of investments capable of making a difference a few years down the line. Starting early gives your money time to grow and lets you accumulate more compound interest over a period of time.
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4 popular credit cards for college students

4 popular credit cards for college students

A good credit score is essential as it can be a criterion for lucrative job prospects or renting an apartment. Moreover, a good credit score is an uncompromisable necessity while applying for a loan that has terms and conditions that favor you. To ensure that you have a good credit score, it is better to start building it young and early. One of the easiest ways to do so is by applying for a student credit card from prominent credit cards companies. Now, there are several credit cards companies that offer lucrative credit cards, making choosing the right one confusing. To help you narrow down your choices, here are some of the best credit cards companies that offer student credit cards. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students: One of the biggest credit card companies in the country Bank of America offers a slew of benefits with its student credit card. With each dollar spent using this card, students can earn 1.5 points. This applies to purchases without any caps. The points can be redeemed as discounts on hotels, flights, rental cars, and vacation packages. There are no restrictions or blackout dates applicable for availing these discounts. With no foreign transaction fee or annual fee, the card allows one to earn nearly 25,000 points on spending about $1000 in the first 90 days.
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What you must know about guaranteed business loans

What you must know about guaranteed business loans

If you’re looking for funding your small business with a loan, you’ll most likely come across the term “guaranteed business loans.” People often misunderstand this term as business loans that are guaranteed to be approved. But, this is not what guaranteed business loans means. To clarify the confusion, let’s understand what the term actually means, and discuss the most popular types of guaranteed business loans. What are guaranteed business loans? In simple terms, guaranteed business loans in the world of small business loans refer to loans that are secured or backed by a guarantee. The guarantee can be in the form of collateral, deposit, or an agreement. This essentially means that the lender is guaranteed to receive their money back even if the borrower fails to pay. When we talk about guaranteed business loans, we refer to loans with a personal guarantee or, more commonly, loans guaranteed by the small business administration (SBA). Let’s take a look at both these types. Personally guaranteed business loans As you understand from the term “personal,” when you make a personal guarantee on a business loan, you essentially agree to sell your assets to pay off the loan, if your business is unable to do so.
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5 mistakes to avoid when investing in a high dividend ETF

5 mistakes to avoid when investing in a high dividend ETF

Exchange-traded funds (ETF) have been gaining popularity in the investment sector for some time now. Along with mutual funds, they have been one of the most preferred investment options among investors. With investors having pumped in billions of dollars in ETFs by now, these funds sure seem like a lucrative investment avenue. However, financial experts suggest treading this path carefully so as to avoid unforeseeable losses. Here are a few mistakes that you can avoid while investing in high dividend ETFs: Overlooking long-term investment Looking at long-term goals is the golden rule when it comes to any type of investment. However, seasoned investors invest in ETFs on a short-term basis through a type of trading called intraday trade. This type of trading allows the investors to buy and sell stocks and other investments on the same day. However, if not thought out carefully, investing in high dividend ETFs through intraday trading can result in lower returns and higher trading costs. Buying an ETF simply based on its name This is one of the most common mistakes people make when investing in high dividend ETFs. Investors may think that an ETF’s name provides an insight into its investment reach, i.e., whether the ETF has local or/and global investors.
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How to qualify for a reverse mortgage

How to qualify for a reverse mortgage

A reverse mortgage provides the elderly access to equity in their homes and supplements their income. With its flexible repayment option, it gives homeowners more control over their money. However, the government has laid out strict rules and guidelines concerning reverse mortgage eligibility criteria. So, if you’re considering a reverse mortgage, read on to know the reverse mortgage eligibility criteria and the types of reverse mortgages. Reverse mortgage eligibility criteria The first criterion for a reverse mortgage is that the primary homeowner must be at least 62 years of age. If your spouse is under the age of 62, you might still be eligible if you meet other reverse mortgage eligibility criteria. If you’re not 62 or older than 62, then you won’t qualify for a reverse mortgage even if you satisfy the criteria mentioned below. You must be the primary resident of the home you’re seeking a reverse mortgage for. Note that vacation homes or rental properties do not qualify. You must either entirely own the house or have at least 50% equity in it. If you have any mortgage balance remaining while applying for a reverse mortgage, you must be in a financial position to pay off that balance.
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