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OWC Tips & Deals 10/31/2006
Intro: Happy Halloween from your friends in Woodstock! Sometimes it's hard to wait, but if you were able to heed our words and hold off for just a little bit longer on that MacBook Pro purchase - you're in for a treat. Last Tuesday, and at long last, the new Core 2 Duo processor equipped MacBook Pro laptops were released. As is the expected norm, you get a lot more performance and other additional value for your dollar with this update. Which leads to my favor topic.... to upgrade or not to upgrade? At some time there is always the point reached where purchasing a new Mac will make more sense upgrading one you already own. But - when you can add more more memory, a larger and faster hard drive, a new video card, and/or a faster processor (if an available option) to the Mac you have now and with such completed are able to extend the use of and enjoy using that Mac for a longer period of time - it's a total win-win. First off, even if you get a new Mac - you may still need to upgrade it's memory or something else. And the Mac you have - with the memory you need - can often be faster than a brand new Mac that isn't properly equipped. Another consideration is your existing software. If you need OS 9 applications and/or have a lot of PowerPC native apps that aren't yet Intel Native supported - getting a new Mac now, while great for that new native software, will be not offer a lot for the PPC only apps while ending your ability to run anything that requires OS 9 or classic mode. The mix of applications you are using today is real consideration for what's the right time to go to that new Mac since it may also mean going Intel for the first time too. Why buy the cart (new Mac today) if the horse(Intel versions of software you use) won't be ready for another few months? And, whether the right time for a new Mac is today or 6 months from now, having your 'other' Mac up to speed makes it a better additional Mac if you plan to keep it too. And even if you will be selling it off to help pay for the new Mac - the upgrades themselves aren't a total loss when it comes to resale value. Every dollar matters. And while it can be easy to think wow - a new Mac can be had now even under $1000.... You have to look at what additional you'll be spending to make it work the way you need it + are you going to buy a new Mac every 3-6 months? Upgrading lets you keep the Mac you've already got up to snuff so you can choose the right time to buy new. These computers get faster, more feature rich, and become a better performance value with each line upgrade. Nine months ago $1999 bought you a 1.83GHz 32 Bit Core Duo equipped MacBook Pro with 512MB Memory and 4 months ago it bought you the same but at 2.0GHz. Now - the bump is to a 2.16GHz 64 Bit Core 2 Duo equipped MacBook Pro with 1GB of memory at that $1999. You can pretty much bet there will be another speed bump come Macworld Expo in January too... Upgrading the Mac ultimately lets you buy a better New Mac when the time is right while making that Mac you have already better for all time to come. New Intel Core 2 Duo MacBook Pros One thing is for sure - if an update to an Apple line is on the horizon, at least wait until the next Tuesday if you can - since it's just about always a Tuesday when Apple debuts what's new. Be it various special events, plain old product line updates, heck - even the Apple Macworld Keynote happens on a Tuesday. Although we expected on several Tuesdays prior, it was Tuesday October 24th that Apple did make the new Core 2 Duo MacBook Pros available. At first glance, looks like your getting about a 18% faster notebook for the same money. Where the base of $1999 used to get you a 1.83GHz MacBook Pro, now you're getting a 2.16GHZ. That's nice... but the most significant difference is that while the prior models used the 32 Bit 'Core Duo' processor, these new units are equipped with the 64 bit 'Core 2 Duo' which makes for a performance difference well beyond raw processor speeds. For those of us who have been using Macs for any period of time have long known that Megahertz, or in this case, Gigahertz are not the whole story. What first set the PowerMac G5 apart wasn't just the faster clock speeds - most of all, it was the 64 Bit G5 Processing. It's kinda like a two lane vs. a four lane highway... maybe the speed limit is a little faster on a particular two lane, but more cars are getting to and from their destination on that 4 lane highway. OS X is a 64 bit enabled operating system and very effectively makes use of those extra 'processing lanes' a true 64 Bit processor has to offer. The Intel iMacs got their Core 2 Duo processor upgrades nearly two months ago and I did cover a good bit of this in the last newsletter, but always nice to add some extra detail. Apple claims that the new models offer up to 39% more performance vs. the prior Core Duo version. Our own realworld testing the same speed Core Duo vs. Core 2 Duo Macs definitely supports such claims as more than just something of special circumstances and rather that which truly does translate to a big realworld performance boost. If you've been ready to buy a MacBook Pro - but we're able to hold of for the new models, you're definitely in for a treat! More than just the processor type and speed upgrade, there are some specific model improvements as well. These are the details there: New Base 15.4" Features/Options..vs..Prior Gen Model ---------------------------------------------------- 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo 64 Bit............2.0GHz Core Duo 32 Bit 1GB x 1 DDR2 667MHz Module..........256MB x 2 DDR2 667MHz Modules FireWire 800, 400, USB2..............FireWire 400 & USB2 (no FW800) 6X Dual-Layer DVD Superdrive.........4X DVD SuperDrive (no Dual-Layer) 120GB 5400RPM SATA HD................60GB 5400RPM SATA HD Max Memory 3.0GB Supported...........Max Memory 2.0GB Supported Of particular note on the base is that with the standard 1GB installed, you can easily fill the other slot with another 1GB or 2GB module (hopefully from OWC) to get to 2GB or 3GB of memory without sacrificing something already installed. The larger stock hard drive is a nice touch too and while 5400RPM is fast, I personally would recommend spending the $100 to change over to a 100GB 7200RPM drive. Until our HD costs come down, it's a pretty good deal to do that upgrade at Apple (or to 200GB if storage over HD performance is important) which saves the installation cost afterwards as well. A huge complaint with the MacBook Pro 15.4" had been the loss of Dual-Layer burners which had been standard on the PowerBook G4 15" line it replaced... Originally only maintained with the 17" MacBook Pro, Dual-Layer burn support now returns to Apple's 15" Laptop. Circling back to memory, well - memory makes the difference and the support for 3.0GB may well make a big difference for you later if not right now already. As before, there is a 'top end' 15.4" pre config for $2499 'base'. The extra $500 takes you from 2.16GHz to 2.33GHx, upgrades your ATI Radeon X1600 video from 128MB to 256MB of VRAM, and doubles your memory to stock with 2.0GB installed via 1GB DD2 667MHz Modules x 2. While MacBook Pro memory is upgradeable, the processor and the video are not... so - f you want the additional speed and/or VRAM - you must opt in the extra $500 up front. Honestly, as we highly recommend upgrading to 2.0GB regardless - and with consideration to the $129 you can get the extra 1GB from OWC for, basically paying $370 for about 8% more processor speed + the extra video ram. Less differences to cover with the new 17" MacBook Pro model. Still the same $2799 base, it goes to a 2.33GHz Core 2 Duo 64 Bit processor from the prior 2.16GHz Core Duo 32 Bit processor. You also get 2.0GB with 1GB DDR2 667MHz x 2 modules vs. 1.0GB standard before and support for up to 3.0GB (vs. 2.0GB max with prior). With the prior model it was stock 120GB, now it's a 160GB 5400RPM for the SATA HD included. The rest is the same though - already had FireWire 800, already had the 256MB standard VRAM X1600, already had the 8X Dual-Layer DVD SuperDrive. It's not so much that the 17" still didn't make a leap forward, it's really more of a matter that you don't have to spend the extra cash (or have the extra carry size/weight) for a 17" just to get FireWire 800 and/or built in Dual-Layer DVD support. So there ya go. Really a significant upgrade to the overall MacBook Pro line features, performance, and overall value - without any increases to base prices. Further, with the new Dual-Layer SuperDrive and built in FireWire 800 support standard on the 15.4" Models, no longer do you have to leap up to a 17" if either or both fall on your list for what's important to your needs. New MacBook 13.3" models Well... The MacBook Pro got it's 64 Bit Core 2 Duo fix last week... The question now is when Apple will deliver the same boost to the MacBook 13.3" models. I'd rather hope this occurs sooner than later. As it stands now, the current MacBook line is extremely popular and still selling strong. That considered.... Is Apple keeping the MacBook as is until a more strategic point in time, enjoying the extra margin - or is a standard model revision cycle underway with those new MacBooks with the 64 Bit Core 2 Duo processors already lined up and in queue as part of a pre-arranged schedule? We'll see what we see when Apple lets us see... and we will be watching every Tuesday with that hope to see. Tooting our own horn.... For the third year in a row, Bizrate has awarded Other World Computing the Circle of Excellence Gold Honoree award. Bizrate tracks the performance of literally thousands and thousands of online merchants. It's really something to be one of the only 28 total merchants out of those thousands to receive this "Best of the Best" Bizrate recognition. Without any question, it's thanks to you - our customer - for making this possible and with your continued support and feedback, OWC will continue to grow and evolve and serve the ever changing needs and perhaps make it four years in a row come 2007. Thank you very much! For Fun and of interest Amazing that the iPod is already 5 Years Old. Revolutionary at it's introduction... and unlike some other 'ahead of their time' products (like the Newton) - excellence in the ongoing execution and competitive evolution of the iPod have kept it as the clear market share leader in terms of portable music devices today and most of the prior years as well. While we don't know what form the iPod will take after another 5 years, I can say with confidence that just as our NewerTech batteries and other iPod gear keep what's up to 5 years old today running strong - the same will remain in another 5 years as well. After what had been a decade of declining market share, doom, and gloom - the Apple has turned - so to speak. In the most recent quarter, it's reported that Apple's computer shipments increased 31% vs. same period in 2005 and that Apple's market share grew to 6.1%. Unless I am mistaken - it's been since sometime in the early 90s since Apple last had over a 5% share. Things are really moving right along and every indication suggests Apple's share will continue to grow in the months ahead. Sweet! Intro Closing: Another rushed newsletter, the info is there and with a presentation I hope you have found usable. Guess we'll be saving the rest for next time and that next time will be sooner than later. As always, thank you for being a subscriber and reading our OWC Tips & Deals Newsletter and a Happy & Safe Halloween too! But there is more... our latest Quick Tip on a neat Web Browsing preview plugin, updated Reader Specials, and Roger's Music on the Mac follow right after these 'messages from our sponsor': Quick Links A better Apple/Macintosh ISP at a better price - FasterMac.Net Super competitive rates, Toll Free Tech Support, and a brand new level of Anti-Virus and Anti-Spam protection coming on line - you'll be amazed at how much you get for less at FasterMac.Net. Even just for e-mail, FasterMac.Net makes the hassle of Spam effectively no hassle at all. Just what does OWC do with trade-ins, open box items, discontinued goods, etc.? We put 'em up on our Clearance Deals Page. **Just added a ton of new goodies October 30th - fresh pickins'** Upgrade the Mac you have or get a new one? OWC's exclusive Benchmark Reporting System helps you answer your own question. Compare various stock Macs vs. New Macs vs. Upgrades - you pick the Macs to compare and from up to 15 different tests we've completed. Use Apple OS 9.2.2 & Apple OS X on Macs Apple doesn't support because OWC does with OS 9 Helper and Xpostfacto! Quick Tip: Web Browsing link previewing Sometimes it can be frustrating clicking on various links only to find it wasn't what you needed and/or thought it was. This can especially be the case with search results from a search engine where it may take several click and go backs to find what you were actually seeking for. Cooliris seems to be a step in the right direction. This plugin loads a preview window so you can see what a link goes to without actually leaving the original page. Having used it for a day now, I find overall I like it - but takes some getting used to. Long time OWC team member and regular newsletter contributor M. Chris Stevens has put together a nice summary explanation on this CoolIris plug in to help you decide for yourself. As it's available for multiple browsers, including FireFox and Safari, it may just be the seamless solution that helps take browser efficiency that one notch higher. Certainly this plug in will only get better over time, and it's definitely got a good start IMHO. See past Quick Tip topics online in the Quick Tip Archive Great Buys and Featured Exclusive Specials for OWC E-Mail Subscribers: Find all the deals reserved just for Readers on your Tips n' Deals Exclusive Specials Page. What follows next is just a sampling of this week's highlights. 500GB FireWire External $235; 250GB for $125.00 500GB OWC Neptune FireWire 400 7200RPM 16MB Cache Solution now $235.00 250GB OWC Neptune FireWire 400 7200RPM 16MB Cache Solution now $125.00 FireWire Cable, EMC Backup, Intech HD Speedtools, 1yr Warranty Incl. 250GB NewerTech miniStack 7200RPM FireWire+USB2 16MB Cache Solution $149 500GB NewerTech miniStack 7200RPM FireWire+USB2 16MB Cache Solution $275 Performance storage solution with powered, built-in FireWire and USB2 Hubs all in a convenient 6.5 x 6.5 x 1.5" size + all cables, EMC Retrospect, Intech HD Speedtools, 2yr+ Warranty included. 500GB OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro 800 RAID FW800/400 7200RPM 32MB $259.00 FireWire Cables, EMC Retrospect, Intech HD Speedtools, 2 year Warranty 500GB OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro 800 RAID FW800/400+USB2 7200RPM 32MB $275.00 FW & USB Cables, EMC Retrospect, Intech HD Speedtools, 2 year Warranty Check out our Full Line of FireWire & USB2 Solutions online. Got your own drive and need the right enclosure? NewerTech miniStack FW+USB Bare 3.5" Kit $69.00; with Software Bundle $84.95 OWC Mercury Elite Oxford911plus FW400 3.5" HD Kit - $49.00 OWC Mercury Elite Oxford912 FW800/400 3.5" HD Kit - $79.00 See our full line of 2.5/3.5/5.25" 'Do It Yourself' Kits from $19.99 ATA/IDE or SATA 500GB now $199; 250GB now $83.00 250GB Seagate 7200.10 Solution with 16MB Buffer and 5yr Warranty IDE/ATA Version - $79.00 SATA I/II Version - $79.00 500GB Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM with 16MB Cache & 5 year Warranty IDE/ATA Version - $195.00 SATA I/II Version - $195.00 IDE/ATA Drives are for PowerMac G3 & G4; iMac G4; eMac G4 Models. Some of those models may require either an ATA PCI Card or InTech HD Speedtools with Hi-Cap driver for utilization of over 128GB. Also, SATA PCI Cards are available to allow the use of SATA HDs in any PowerMac model. -- Get HD Speedtools w/Hi-Cap for $15 SATA PCI HD Controllers from $39.99 ATA PCI HD Controllers from $69.99 All PowerMac G5s, iMac G5s, and the new iMac Intel models can use any of the above SATA drives. Apple iMacs all support one internal drive. PowerMac G5 models support up to two SATA drives using the Factory Bays, and you can add up to 3 additional drives inside the PowerMac G5 using Sonnet's G5 Jive + an additional SATA Controller card to support the additional drives. -- G5 Jive 3 HD Bracket/Cable Set $89 SATA PCI Cards for G5s from $39.99 Processor Upgrades Mercury G4 Extreme for all PowerMac G4 AGP Graphics/Sawtooth, Gigabit Ethernet, Digital Audio, and Quicksilver models. 30 Day Money Back + 3 Year OWC Warranty OWC Mercury Extreme G4 @ 1.5GHz with 2MB L3 Cache, $245.00 Special! For PowerMac G4 AGP Graphics and G4 Gigabit Ethernet Models: PowerLogix G4/1.2GHZ 7455 with 2MB L3 Cache now just $175.00! See all upgrade options including G4 singles up to 2.0GHz and Duals up to 1.8GHz here. PowerBook, iBook, MacBook Int HDs: 80GB from $75, 160GB from $195 SATA Internals For MacBook Pro & MacBook models: 120GB WD Scorpio 5400RPM w/8MB Buffer & 3yr Warranty - $109.00 160GB Hitachi 5K160 with 8MB Buffer and 3yr Warranty - $195.00 ATA Internals For PowerBooks & iBooks: 80GB Seagate Momentus 5400.2 8MB Buffer, Special w/1 Year OWC Warranty $75.00 120GB WD Scorpio 5400RPM Notebook HD w/8MB Buffer & 3yr Warranty $99.00 High-Performance 7200RPM 2.5" Drives 60GB to 100GB now from $107.95 Burn, baby... Burn! Apple 16X DVD DL SuperDrives $32.00 The perfect optical drive upgrade or addition for your PowerMac G4, G5; eMac G4; iMac G4; or Mac Pro Quad Xeon! Burn DVDs at up to 16X, DVD Dual-Layer (8.5GB per disc) at up to 6X, and CDs at up to 40X. Apple native OS X support, fully compatible with Apple's iLife apps, Roxio Toast, etc - and for the lowest price ever. Apple DVR-109AB SuperDrive DVD/CD Internal Solution $32.00 for Readers! Check out Apple DVR-109 Bundles with Software, DVD & CD Media from $37.99 Also available are internal SuperDrive upgrades for PowerBook G4, iMac G5, and Mac mini models available here... or.. Just plug and play an external SuperDrive solution from $79.99 ready to burn DVDs and CDs with iLife, etc. found here. MacBook & MacBook Pro 2GB Mem Sets now $125.00 per 1GB! 10/31/2006 Memory Report: In the face of high demand and pressure on supply, we've actually been able to bring some relief to what had been higher memory prices earlier in the month. Memory is about the best value upgrade you can buy - generally improving performance and reducing the frequency of those spinning beach balls in a single swoop. Memory from OWC is Guaranteed to be the right, top Quality product for your Mac and further backed by a Lifetime Advance Replacement Warranty to boot. New Mac Pro Quad Xeon Upgrade Sets Add up to 16GB to Apple's new Mac Pro with Matched Sets of DDR2 667MHz Fully-Buffered DIMMs. All OWC Memory for the Mac Pro is 100% Apple Certified Spec including the use of an Apple Qualified/Approved Heat-Spreader. This is the Correct memory for your new Mac Pro! OWC 2GB Mac Pro FB-DIMM Upgrade Set (1GB x 2 Pair) $ 459.99 OWC 4GB Mac Pro FB-DIMM Upgrade Set (2GB x 2 Pair) $969.99 **4GB, 6GB, 8GB, 12GB, 16GB complete sets offer lower pricing per module** Memory for all Intel based Apple MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMacs, & Mac minis These systems all feature two PC5300 DDR2 667MHz memory expansion slots. Modules do not need to be matched pairs, but installing the same size module in each slot (1GB + 1GB for example) provides maximum memory performance according to Apple. See all memory and hard drive options for MacBook/MacBook Pro 2GB Upgrade Set for MacBook/MacBook Pro (1GBx2) $250.00 Standard DDR for all other PowerMac G5 and iMac G5 models: 1GB Matched Pair (2x512MB) PC3200 DDR 184 Pin - $135.00 2GB Matched Pair (2x1GB) PC3200 DDR 184 Pin - 255.00 1GB PC3200 DDR Module for iMac G5 Only (PowerMac G5 requires Pairs!) $127.50 For new 'Oct/20005' PowerMac G5 Dual & Quad 'Dual-Core' Models: Eight Slots, Matched Pairs Required, DDR2 533MHZ PC4200 up to 16GB Max 1GB DDR2 Pair (512MBx2) - $ 125.00 2GB DDR2 Pair (1GB x 2) - $250.00 4GB DDR2 Pair (2GB x 2) - $559.95 Memory for iMac G5 1.9GHz, 2.1GHz with built in iSight Camera: 512MB Built in + One Slot PC4200 DDR 533MHz 240 Pin allows up to 2.5GB: 1GB DDR2 Upgrade Module - $126.00 2GB DDR2 Upgrade Module - $279.00 For Mac Mini, eMac G4/1.25-1.4GHz, and eMac 1.0GHz 'Education Model': 512MB PC3200/2700/2100 184 Pin DDR DIM Module now $68.00 1GB(1 x 1024MB) PC2700 DDR 184 Pin Module - $129.00 For all PowerBook 12" Models; all 'Pre Oct 19th, 2005' PowerBook G4 15" & 17" Models; All iBook G4 Models; And all iMac G4 models: 512MB PC2700/2100 DDR SO-DIMM 200 Pin Module - $65.00 1GB OWC PC2700/2100 DDR SO-DIMM $140.00 For PowerMac G4 Sawtooth/AGP Graphics, Gigabit Ethernet, Digital Audio, QuickSilver; eMac G4; iMac G3 350-700MHz Models: 256MB PC133 CL3/PC100 CL2 168 Pin SDRam DIMM Module - $31.00 512MB PC133 CL3/PC100 CL2 168 Pin SDRam DIMM Module - $67.50 Visit our Mac Memory Section to browse the full selection of memory we offer and/or use our online memory guide to get the right memory for your Mac(s). Hard to find Apple Airport now in stock for $92.50 Apple Airport Cards for PowerBook G4 Titanium, iBook G3s, PowerMac G4 Desktops, etc. with original Airport support. These were going for $150+ on Ebay just 3-4 months ago and now we've got 'em for ** 92.50 ** Also available - Buffalo 802.11B/G Wireless PCMCIA Cardbus 'Airport Compatible' - $35.00 for any PowerBook G3 'Pismo'; any PowerBook G4 model. Uses the external PCMCIA Slot and available for a fraction of an Apple Airport's cost + give you faster 802.11G performance too! Other Wireless options for PowerBooks, PowerMacs & wireless routers, extenders, etc - also available from OWC. Get Apple OS X 10.4 Tiger Retail + iLife 2005 Special Bundle $99.00 Get Apple's latest OS X Tiger + unleash your creativity with iLife 2005 in this most excellent bundle for only $99.00! Also available: Apple OS X 10.4.6 Retail Box Version $119; 5-User Family Pack $165 and more options including: Apple OS X 10.3.9 Panther Server for $149.00 Panther 10.3.x Single User on DVD for $47.99 Goodies from Griffin like iTrips from $9.99 Our good friends at Griffin have made it possible for OWC to offer some great deals on several popular Griffin products including: Griffin iTrip FM Transmitter for 3G & 4G iPods - $9.99 Griffin iTrip FM Transmitter for iPod mini - $12.99 Griffin iTalk Voice & Audio Recorder for 3G, 4G, Photo iPods - $22.99 Check these and all our Griffin deals right online. MultiMedia via your Mac & Standalone too- Music-Movies-etc AL Tech MediaGate MG-35 is a stand alone Multimedia Player that lets you stream video, music, movies, photos and more - from your Mac and to your TV via home network. Utilizing a hard drive installed in the unit, you can directly store such multimedia content on the MG-35 for completely standalone use. The missing home entertainment multimedia link - from $129.00! PowerBook & iBook Batteries that run longer, last longer! NewerTech iBook and PowerBook batteries are the longest lasting, longest running standard type batteries you can buy! Built in the USA using only the very best cells from Japan and Canada, these batteries are built to last. NewerTech NuPower batteries, with up to 62% more capacity vs. Apple's original stock, are available for iBook G3 & G4, PowerBook G3s WallStreet/Lombard/FireWire models, and all PowerBook G4 Models. Deals on iPod Goodies 1800mAh NuPower Battery for 1st/2nd Gen iPods normal $14.99, now $9.99 46% more run time capacity vs. Apple stock battery. Jam again, Jam longer! See NewerTech Batteries for iPod 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, Photo & Mini + Online Videos. NewerTech Universal FireWire/USB Dock Adapter - $9.99 For all iPods with Dock Connector - Connect iPod to system with USB/USB2 or FireWire Cable. NewerTech DockSpot iPod White LED Light - $2.99 Nifty compact light that powers off any iPod with Dock Connector NewerTech Clean & Polish Kit for Apple iPods, iBooks, etc - $15.00 Not just some crummy cleaner or diluted polish in a bottle - this is a professional grade kit with two polish types and special cleaner that really restores. Add BlueTooth for $19.99; Wireless mice from $12.99 Add BlueTooth to any Mac with USB 2.0 Built in or that has a USB 2.0 Add on Card! Synch/Connect with BlueTooth Phones, BT Headsets, and other great Bluetooth enabled accessories for $19.99 Logitech RF Wireless 2 Button USB Mouse w/Scroll Wheel, only $12.99! I have been using the mouse happily since August. And have heard great feedback on the Mouse and Keyboard wireless combo to. Logitech Wireless Freedom for an unbeatable price. You'll find more great deals, updated regularly on your Tips 'n Deals Reader Specials Page, check it out! Music on the Mac 10/31 - iPod rocks w/FatMan Tubes Greetings from the macsales.com music dept! Something completely different and unique this week. We are very pleased to announce that we are the first North American dealer for the Fatman iTube with Dock. What's a Fatman iTube? It is the ultimate iPod accessory- that's what. It is a tube amplifier and separate iPod dock. Yes, it charges your iPod. Yes, it comes with a very full function remote control. Yes, the dock has both an analog and S-Video output so you can send you iPod video signal to your TV monitor. The real BIG news here is that the amplifier itself is a highly stylized stereo tube power amplifier. It is housed in a chrome chassis with black lacquered end caps. The whole thing has a clean, retro style that looks like something from the 50s, but very contemporary too! It is made by a British company called TL Audio. This tube amp ( tubes are called valves in the UK ) has a wonderful, warm, phat sound that only a tube amp can supply. Hi Fi enthusiasts (Audiophiles) have long recognized the incredible sound that tube amps impart. Who is this for? This setup would certainly be at home in the office of any CEO and just as at home in a dorm room or family room. Anyplace that you want high style and fantastic sound really. It has a very strong output of 13 watts per channel and sounds very big indeed. I personally tested it with a pair of Urei 809 studio monitors that usually require about 100 watts. This setup sounded awesome ( and I NEVER use the word awesome). My 16 and 22 year old daughters came running into the room to ask what sounded so great and threatened to throw a fit if I dare take it back out of the house. Suffice it to say that I am ordering one for my very own. A few more details...it has a switch on the front to select from Line 1 or Line 2 input. This would come in very handy. Line one is the signal coming in from the iPod thru the dock. Line 2 could be any other source such as the audio from you computer or even your TV. The whole thing is packaged beautifully and there is even a pair of white gloves and a brush for handling and cleaning.....cute! Also included are all cables needed to hook it up including very high quality speaker cables. Speaker cables are a critical piece of the signal chain and many people just don't know that. TL Audio certainly does and have not missed a single thing with this wonderful product! At about $600, this is the perfect gift for the iPod owner who wants incredible sound and style. VERY highly recommended! Get our entertaining new Widget called Daily Guitar Jam. Visit studioA recording studio and Other World Computing's new audio showroom by appointment - email: rogerad@macsales.com For all your audio/music needs, macsales.com/music online. Subscribe to the "Rock Your Computer" PodCast. Browse and read other 'Music on the Mac' articles by Roger posted online. See how Roger created The Garage Album CD at The Garage Album website. Interact with Roger and other Apple Music/Audio users in our online music and audio forums. About our Music Guru: Roger Adler is a four-time Emmy nominated composer, producer, and performer. He is an endorser and clinician for the iGuitar by Brian Moore Guitars and his work is recognizable in over 1000 television commercials. Adler performed at the Presidential Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C. as recently as 2005 and his recordings include appearances on the Groundhog Day feature film soundtrack and The Garage Album. He is widely recognized for his role as Music director for the A&E television series "The Best of Comic Relief" starring Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, and Whoopi Goldberg and for 16 years as Music Director for the popular series "Wild Chicago." Adler is the owner of two recording studios serving the professional entertainment industry, i^3 audio at North Pier in Chicago and studioA at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park in Crystal Lake, IL. In addition to facilitating the Daily Guitar Jam Widget, Adler produces the popular Podcast Show "Rock Your Computer" which broadcasts to an international audience via Apple's iTunes Music Store. Closing: Another exciting couple weeks here at Other World. And geez, hard to believe today is Halloween and tomorrow is the first day of November... We're just weeks away from Thanksgiving - then another month till Christmas... and holy cow, it's going to be a new year and then Macworld Expo already. Time flies and for sure it's important to make the most of that time that's going by every moment. While it seems pretty far off now, I know it's a lot sooner than it might feel that OWC will be in a brand new location. As I mentioned in the prior newsletter, we have found a location and construction on our new facility is expected to commence sometime in Feb or March. And we'll be doing it right, as one of the first LEEDs certified buildings in the Midwest with the goal also of being the among the first (there are only 103 to date..) LEED building to achieve gold certification as well. Building to LEED qualifications has some up front costs that a regular building would not - but much of that cost is returned in energy savings over the life of the building and you can't put a price on the environmental impact benefits. We've got one world and it's up to each of us to protect it. FWIW, these are some pictures of both where we will be building and also the wetlands behind the build site that we have also purchased to protect. Of all the reasons I personally have for being environmentally responsible, my son ranks at the top. This is the same world he'll be growing up in and eventually having children of his own (God willing) and for darn sure - I want that world to be there in the best shape possible for that time to come. There's a lot of talk on environmental issues in general.... Less talk and more action starts with each of us individually. Amazingly, the 'technology', the methods, the recycling options - the things to we can do and employ in our lives to reduce our personal impact on the environment have existed for decades. While there are plenty of exotic technologies on the potential horizon, it's the common sense recycling - proper home insulation - lifestyle considerations that we can do and make as individuals today which can add up significantly in benefit. It's nice to look to new technologies to solve the various issues we face today - but there is plenty we can already do today too and it starts with each of us. Well, until the next time - hope you have great days ahead and of course, a Happy & Safe Halloween tonight. Thanks for reading and always best! We Support our Troops The 'fine print': Contact Information+ ++++++++++++++++++++ Sales: sales@macsales.com or 800-275-4576, International 815-338-8685 Customer Service: custserv@macsales.com or 800-275-4576 / 815-338-8685 Tech Support: Online Tech Center or 815-338-8685 Please feel free to e-mail any comments or suggestions to:suggestions@macsales.com < br> You may ALWAYS reply to our OWC Tips and Deals e-mail at owc@macsales.com with any questions or comments as well - PLEASE change the subject to reflect your e-mail question/comment to ensure a speedy reply! Other World Computing div. of New Concepts Development Corp. 1004 Courtaulds Drive Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-8685 This is an free subscribed E-Mail Newsletter that can be joined via or website. This e-mail is only received if you have joined our list. 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