3 Keys To Protecting Your iPhone 5
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A few weeks ago, Apple’s latest gadget, the iPhone 5 ,went on sale amidst lots of excitement. Consumers lined up outside stores to be the first to get their hands on the smart phone and in just the first weekend, sales reached 5 million. But at a starting price of $649, losing or replacing your iPhone could be a hefty expense.
To be exact – Americans have spent an estimated $5.9 billion since 2007 to repair their damaged iPhones, according to a SquareTrade report. The study also found, embarrassingly, that 6% of iPhone users have taped their broken phones back together and 11% use them despite cracked screens. The most common cause of damage: dropping, followed by “immersion in liquid” – what I’m sure means a drop in the toilet.
But basic safeguards could save you money and the hassle of being without your phone. Here are 3 ways to protect your new (or even old) device.
Insure It
You have 30 days to apply for AppleCare, Apple’s coverage for spills, shattered screens and other damage – up to two incidents. The plan costs $99 for two years, plus a fee of $49 per claim and is the most common insurance for the device. Downside: It doesn’t cover the loss of your phone. Insurance plans through Verizon and AT&T do however, along with coverage for damage or stolen theft – also over two years. AT&T’s plan costs just $6.99 per month and Verizon slightly more at $9.99, but both get pricier when you make a claim, charging deductibles of $199.
Case It
With high deductibles, it’s best to do whatever you can to avoid damaging your iPhone. Cases are a cool way to accessorize your device but also a necessary protection. Otterbox, Belkin and Case-Mate all offer highly-protective cases to protect your phone from drops, scratches and spills. The cases are specially designed to fit the iPhone 5’s new larger screen and, between 20 and $50, are much cheaper than filing a claim.
Secure It
But an iPhone is more than the sum of its parts. Despite Apple’s great reputation for defending against viruses, you need to protect your system. First: Never jailbreak your iPhone. This software hacking may allow you flexibility outside of Apple’s iOS but also opens you up to the world of malware that can damage your system. While we’re on the topic of software, be sure to download Apple’s “Find My iPhone” app. It’ll help you locate your iPhone, using another device if lost, and assist the police in case it’s stolen. Hands down this free feature beats the $200 deductible for a new device with insurance or as much as $850 without it.
Odds are you won’t damage your phone over its lifetime. Just 30% of iPhone users have in the past year and only 17% have more than once. In the case that you’re especially clumsy, a cost-effective alternative to insurance is to just have it repaired. Fortunately, a recent look at the iPhone 5′s hardware shows it’s easier to repair than previous models. Apple has certified service shops where you can have your phone fixed for the most common types of damage, usually between $50 and $100 depending on the damage. Other repair shops can also perform common fixes, though doing so will void your warranty. Be warned, though, that not all damage is repairable and there’s no fix for a lost or stolen device.
Photo Courtesy,William Hook
