My Cart (0)
Valentines Day Gift Package! iPod nano 8GB - Silver (5G), $15 iTunes Gift Card!
- $159.99
Need help? Call 800-511-MACS (6227)
Subject: Tech Tails #596: Repair of the Week, Permanent Widget Removal, iTunes De-authorization or Mac ≠ MAC, Microsoft Word Readers, Art's Widget, Pink Nanos, TurboTax is Awesome, Specials!
Date: February 5, 2008
Happy Tuesday, Apple is well known for its marketing prowess. From the iconic 1984 commercial declaring the imminent release of the Macintosh, to the Think Different campaign (you can see one of the largest collection of Think Different posters in our Waitsfield headquarters!), to the latest MacBook Air commercials, each is immediately and timelessly relevant, well-produced, and to the point. Feist’s “1234,” featured in the iPod nano commercial, sticks in my head for hours after seeing the commercial. The 1984 ad was on YouTube’s top ten videos yesterday. But the MacBook Air ad really gets my attention. The song is called New Soul, by Yael Naïm, and the lyrics are so pertinent and spot on for the product, its development, its manufacture, and the anticipated reaction of the general public: I’m a new soul I came to this strange world hoping I could learn a bit ‘bout how to give and take But since I came here, Felt the joy and the fear, Finding myself making every possible mistake. I’m a young soul in this very strange world hoping I could learn a bit ‘bout what is true and fake. But why all this hate? Try to communicate. Finding trust and love is not always easy to make The full lyrics are here: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/y/yael_naim/new_soul.html The full music video is fantastic as well, and really helped me get a sense of what the artist was going for. I hope you’ll check that out on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YUxbDEPFiM Enjoy this issue, and keep in touch! Matt matt@smalldog.com <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Repair of the Week By Todd, todd@smalldog.com For me, computer repair is lots of repetition and not too much experimentation. After you see as many machines as we do, many symptoms have clear solutions either in hardware or in software. This repair was completely new to me. A customer came in the other day because iTunes on her MacBook Pro, running 10.4.11 and the latest iTunes, would freeze at the end of track two of any CD. She noted that the problem did not occur when playing through VLC (www.videolan.org). The initial steps were to test with other CDs and to run system updates. When neither shed any light on the situation, I did an Archive and Install to no avail. I then turned to my best friend in computer repair, Google, where I found a note on an enthusiast’s forum suggesting that error correction in iTunes under 10.4.11 causes this very issue. Surely enough, disabling this setting fixed the issue. Here’s hoping for a quick update to iTunes to resolve the issue. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Permanently Remove a Widget From Your Dashboard By Ed, ed@smalldog.com If you’re like me, you’ve downloaded a bunch of widgets for your Mac’s Dashboard that you no longer use. Pink Floyd Reunion Tour Watch widget - never mind, they’re never reuniting. Expos baseball schedule - they’ve moved to Washington, DC, and changed their name. John Edwards for President widget - no longer useful (Was it ever? Just kidding. I liked him.) It’s easy to deactivate a widget, but the icon for the widget continues to show up in the Dashboard menu at the bottom of the screen. If you want to clean up your Dashboard menu, it’s possible to permanently delete widgets. Click on the Finder icon at the left end of your Dock (or the top of your Dock, if you keep yours on the left or right of your screen.) Browse to your Home folder, then open your Library folder. Look for a folder named Widgets in your Library folder. All the widgets you’ve downloaded are stored here. You can delete these by dragging to your Mac’s trash, or by clicking on them and pressing Command-Delete, which will send the widget to the trash. Once you empty the trash, the widget is gone forever! Or at least until you download it again from http://www.apple.com/downloads/dashboard <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> De-authorize Your iTunes Account Before Hardware Repair, or, MAC ≠ Mac By Matt, matt@smalldog.com Pretty much everyone has downloaded from the iTunes Store, but not too many of us know just how iTunes keeps track of computer authorization. Every device on the internet has at least two unique identifiers: the MAC address and the IP address. MAC is an acronym: Machine Address Code. Plenty of people believe that Mac, the abbreviation for Macintosh, should be in all capital letters--this is incorrect. Likewise, iPod--not iPOD or IPOD; iMac--not iMAC or IMAC; etc. Network interfaces have MAC addresses; Macintoshes can be called Macs. (I had to get that off my chest) Since your MAC address is completely unique, it’s the ideal way for iTunes to know that you’re authorized to play purchased content on any given machine. Trouble is, your ethernet port is part of the main logic board, and the main logic board requires replacement in some repairs. You’re allowed to authorize up to five computers at any one time to play your purchased content. But replacing your logic board changes the MAC address, so if you didn’t de-authorize before repair, you’ve lost 20% of your available registrations. I made this mistake earlier this year when I had to replace the logic board in my home theatre Mac Mini and when I sold my iBook. It also happened when my PowerBook G4 flew off my car roof at 60 miles per hour. Thankfully, iTunes allows you to de-authorize all computers on your account once annually. I’m coming up on one year since I “flushed my authorizations,” and it’s a good thing. I have five machines authorized right now, but access only to two of them: my MacBook and my Mini. To de-authorize all machines, and better understand the process, follow the detailed steps outlined here: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93014 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Microsoft Word Readers By Ryan, ryan@smalldog.com When you purchase a new Mac, it comes with three different applications that will open Microsoft Word documents. By default, your computer will open Word documents with the included Microsoft Office trial, but that doesn’t let you print or save. Apple’s own iWork trial includes Pages, which will open Microsoft Word files, but will not allow you to print. These applications are set as the default helpers for Word files to encourage users to try them out. Enter TextEdit, a very simple word processor that comes with every Mac and can open and print Word documents easily. Although the formatting and layout features of TextEdit are limited, it does make use of the built-in dictionary that comes with MacOS X. You may want to make TextEdit the default application to open your Word and otherwise formatted text documents. This is done in the document’s info window. To bring this up, click the document’s icon once to highlight it, and then select “Get Info” from the File menu. Here you can see a lot of information about the file, and also choose what application should open it. From the “Open With” pull-down menu, navigate to TextEdit, and click the button below to apply this settings to all files of that type. If and/or when you decide to purchase Microsoft Office or iWork, you’ll want to go through the same procedure to specify the appropriate application to open your documents. Don’t forget to put the trials in the trash, and to empty the trash! <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Art’s Widget of the Week By Art, art@smalldog.com This week’s useful widget is called GuitarChords and is a learning tool for those ready to strum the ax. Posted by William Turnage last May, this is a Universal widget just 111kb in size. Choose our chord and view the fingering suggestion. You can even listen to the notes as reinforcement. Turn the widget over for custom tuning. This is one advanced widget! Download it here: http://www.apple.com/downloads/dashboard/music/guitarchords.html A now, a haiku inspired by everyone’s favorite musical instrument, the electric guitar: Playing many notes Too loud for your old parents Electric guitar <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> iPod nano = Perfect Valentine's Day Gift By Ed, ed@smalldog.com The release of the pink iPod nano made me think about Valentine's Day. Sure, it's sort of a silly holiday, but it's also a fun excuse to lavish a little extra attention on your sweetheart. I've always thought that the current generation iPod nano is a perfect Valentine's Day gift. It's like a digital jewel, with its sparkling display and anodized aluminum and stainless steel case. Heres a Valentine's gift suggestion: an iPod nano, a box of Lake Champlain Chocolates, flowers, and an iMix of fun and romantic songs. Now all you ladies out there know what to get me. I don't mind if you skip the flowers. Lake Champlain Chocolates are great, by the way. They make unique, highly rated chocolates, and offer several excellent Valentines Day-themed gift boxes. You can see them here: http://www.lakechamplainchocolates.com/flowers You can see all of our iPods and iPod nanos here: http://www.smalldog.com/product/70793/at_tt <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Tax Season is here… TurboTax Specials and Why I'm Excited for Tax Season! By Kali, kali@smalldog.com When I first started doing my own taxes a couple of years ago, I was a tad daunted by the idea. My husband and I were living in New Hampshire at the time, and we didn't have to do state taxes there, but I still thought it would be scary. As far as I can remember, though, my parents have used TurboTax, and they swore that it's really easy to understand. So I bought the basic version of TurboTax, and prepared myself for a difficult and confusing task. However, they were right, and I was amazed at how easy it was! Every page was very clear, and I didn't get tripped up by financial or accounting jargon I wasn't familiar with. My husband and I got married in June 2006, so this year, it will be the first time we're filing jointly for our taxes! Plus, we've moved to Vermont, so we're going to have to upgrade our version to include state filing. Once we get our W-2s, we're set to move up the ladder to TurboTax Deluxe. Wish us luck! (on the refund, because I think we have the filing part handled) :) Free Shipping on all versions of TurboTax for Mac! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17839/at_tt <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> SPECIALS! Here are the specials for this week, valid through February 12 (unless otherwise noted) or while on-hand supplies last. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><> iPODS NEW 32GB iPod touch announced today! Preorder yours here: http://www.smalldog.com/product/70839/at_tt 8GB Pink iPod nano w/video, in stock and ready to ship. FREE 3-day express shipping, get it in time for Valentine's Day: http://www.smalldog.com/wag17876/at_tt SAVE $30 + FREE SHIPPING on 8GB iPod Touch (new, never used, MA623LL/A)! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17827/at_tt SAVE $30 + FREE SHIPPING the 16GB iPod Touch (new, never used, MA627LL/A)! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17828/at_tt Buy any new iPod classic (black or silver, 80GB or 160GB) and get a FREE Napa leather iPod Case! This is another great Valentine's Day gift - even if you get it for yourself! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17391/at_tt iPod FM transmitters for 1G and 2G nanos, 4G and 5G iPods, price reduction and FREE Shipping! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17871/at_tt <><><><><><><><><><><><><><> iMACS 24in 2.8GHz iMacs in stock and ready to ship. The fastest Mac ever is also a powerful professional workstation. iMacs with the 2.8 GHz Core 2 Duo processor are usually special order machines. Our special bundles will save you up to $769 from Apple's regular pricing. Expires in 2 days! Check them out: http://www.smalldog.com/specials/70693/at_tt iMac Bundles! Save up to $769 from Apple's regular pricing! http://www.smalldog.com/category/x/x/Imac/imac/wag104/wag10004/at_tt <><><><><><><><><><><><><><> MACBOOKS MacBook Air 1.6GHz 2GB/80GB, MacBook Air USB Superdrive, FREE 3-day express shipping! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17877/at_tt MacBook 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo 1GB/120GB/SD/AP/BT, white + 3-year Applecare plan! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17889/at_tt MacBook 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo 2GB RAM/120GB, Superdrive, white, Epson CX7400 (FREE after rebate), Applecare! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17890/at_tt MacBook 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo 2GB/160/SD, BLACK, Epson CX7400 (FREE after rebate), Applecare! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17892/at_tt MacBook Bundles! Save up to $750 from Apple's regular pricing: http://www.smalldog.com/category/x/x/MacBook/MacBook/wag140/wag10040/ at_tt <><><><><><><><><><><><><><> MAC PROS See all Mac Pro Bundles here: http://www.smalldog.com/category/x/x/Mac%20Pro/Mac%20Pro/wag505/ wag505000/at_tt Mac Pro 8-Core 2.8GHz 4GB RAM (config'd as 4 1GB chips) 320GB HD, 2600XT, 3-year Applecare plan - $3068.99! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17888/atXX/at_tt <><><><><><><><><><><><><><> REBATES $70 rebate on many Epson printers and printer/copy/scanners with purchase of any Mac or camera! This makes the CX7400 printer/copier/scanner FREE after rebate! Other models include: C88+, C120, R280, R380, CX7400, CX7450, CX8400, CX9400Fax, CX9475Fax, RX595 or RX680. Mail-in rebate expires March 31 2008. http://www.smalldog.com/wag17850/at_tt $10 rebate on the all-new Epson Stylus C120 printer, the worlds fastest ink jet printer - only $79.99 after rebate! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17851/at_tt <><><><><><><><><><><><><><> SOFTWARE SAVE $150 and get free shipping on Final Cut Studio 2! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17776/at_tt Free Shipping on all versions of TurboTax for Mac! Prices start at $24.99. Get your taxes finished early this year! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17839/at_tt <><><><><><><><><><><><><><> HARD DRIVES Save $30! Small Dog Internal SATA 750GB, for Mac Pro, G5 PowerMacs, G5 and Intel iMacs - $229.99 http://www.smalldog.com/wag17853/at_tt <><><><><><><><><><><><><><> PRINTERS SAVE OVER 50% on the Canon Pixma MP460SE Print Copy Scan w/USB! Amazing price on this all-in-one printer/scanner/copier! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17791/at_tt <><><><><><><><><><><><><><> CLEARANCE QuickerTek 27db Transceiver for All G5 Powermacs - Clearance, now only $149.99! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17862/at_tt QuickerTek 27db Transceiver for intel Mac mini - Clearance, now only $159.99! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17861/at_tt mStation 2.1 Stereo Tower for iPod - Clearance, now only $259.99 http://www.smalldog.com/wag17855/at_tt Rain Design iWoofer iPod Speaker System Black - $55.99 - Clearance, now only $55.99! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17856/at_tt Apple iPod Camera Connector - $25.99 http://www.smalldog.com/wag17857/at_tt Think Outside Boomtube H201 Portable Speakers - Clearance, now only $149! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17858/at_tt Xerox Phaser 8500DN 24PPM USB Ethernet Solid Ink - $1079.99 http://www.smalldog.com/wag17859/at_tt Mondo Mint Digital Music Station for iPod - Clearance, now only $329.99! http://www.smalldog.com/wag17854/at_tt <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> You are subscribed to the TECH TAILS weekly email newsletter from Small Dog Electronics. To unsubscribe: http://www.smalldog.com/unsubscribe_n.html To add yourself: http://www.smalldog.com/subscribe.html If you need additional help, please contact: ListMaster@smalldog.com (Note: You may need to add this sending address to your address book to bypass spam blocking software.) <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Check out our other newsletters: http://www.smalldog.com/subscribe.html KIBBLES & BYTES BEST IN SHOWROOM <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Small Dog Electronics | Always By Your Side 1673 Main Street, Waitsfield, Vermont 05673 USA Phone: 802-496-7171 Toll Free: 800-511-MACS (6227) Fax: 802-496-6257 Email: sales@smalldog.com <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> TECH TAILS, SMALL DOG, SMALL DOG ELECTRONICS, and ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE are registered trademarks of Small Dog Electronics, Inc. Entire contents copyright 2008, Small Dog Electronics, Inc., Waitsfield, Vermont USA. All Rights Reserved.
Twitter
Facebook
Flickr Photostream
YouTube Channel
Barkings! Blog
RSS Feeds