- Intro: Mac minis now faster, brand new iMac and Macbook models
- Reader Specials: Apple MagSafe Adapters $39.99, Elgato EyeTV $79, & More
- Quick Tip: Don't need the latest from today, save on the latest from yesterday
- Closing
- The Fine Print
Greetings from Windy Woodstock, Illinois!
I enjoy the changing of the seasons we experience here in the Midwest. That being said, the brisk Fall winds chill me no less than the next guy or gal. However, knowing those winds now drive our turbine gives me a warm feeling from the inside. While Chicago is known as the 'Windy City' for all of the political air blown around, out our way there are some great winds that we are now able to harness for a productive purpose. The entire OWC operation, including data center with ecommerce servers, as well as ISP racks for FasterMac.Net and OWC.Net, is now covered by our wind power production. In fact, those winds, now driving OWC's turbine, are providing energy that exceeds OWC's requirements.
The proof is in the pudding. By combining the benefits of OWC's highly energy efficient 'green headquarters', which includes our geothermal heat pump system, with our on site wind turbine, we have now become your zero emissions provider of upgrades, enhancements, and accessory products. OWC's geothermal system is used for both our cooling and heating needs. Not only does geothermal provide highly efficient cooling in the summer months, it also takes the place of typical natural gas heating used in our region (plus it's about three to four times more energy efficient than natural gas driven heating.)
The sustainable path we've taken is driven by our strong belief in using our resources as efficiently as possible, with consideration of the long-term benefits of investing in green technology. The bottom line is that our actions illustrate OWC's long-term commitment to environmental conservation and continuing to be competitive with respect to what our energy costs would be, should we have chosen not to be green. Staying focused on quality, service and sustainability is our commitment to you.
We've got the upgrades to help 'sustain' the Mac(s) you already have, even going back almost twenty years. If it's time for a new Mac, we have what's right for the very latest too. Let's check them out. :)
Mac mini gets a speedbump & a new server model
After going over a year and a half without even a speedbump, the Mac mini got its first recent overhaul this past March, 2009. Clearly back in Apple's priority window, they've just been updated again. Here's the latest 'then and now':
The 'new' Mac mini is still the same price, but even even better value with faster processor, larger drive, and more base memory. Apple offers the Mac mini factory configured with up to 4GB of memory and 500GB 5400RPM hard drive. OWC now supports all 2009 Mac mini models for up to 8GB of memory and a 640GB internal drive. Not only prices that are better than the factory, but options the factory doesn't offer as well. It should be noted.... if you are wanting the faster, 2.53GHz processor - the best deal is to buy Apple's $799 preconfigured version. Compared to executing the $150 processor upgrade option on the base model, the extra $200 for the $799 configuration also provides you with 4GB of memory (2GB x 2) and an upgrade to a 320GB hard drive as well. Even if you plan to upgrade further, the additional trade in values from the larger hard drive and additional memory provide more back than the additional $50 in cost adds. FWIW, while we offer 500GB drives from around $90 which allow you to repurpose your existing drive, Apple still charges $100 even to upgrade from a 320GB 5400RPM to a 500GB 5400RPM drive which leaves you with just that one drive.... Also, if you feel the need for the maximum 2.66GHz of speed, you need to start with the 2.53GHz model anyway- for which it is an additional $150 to go to the 2.66GHz option.
Brand new - The Mac mini Server for $999. The Apple Xserve may be powerful, but it's also very pricey and way more than what is needed for home and small office serving. This solution features dual 500GB internal hard drives for up to 1.0TB of internal storage and can either share another Macs optical drive for reading discs or uses the same external USB SuperDrive as the MacBook Air for direct reading as well as writing of discs. Small footprint, energy efficient - but a powerful solution for a wide variety of server needs. With consideration to the $499 cost of the Server version of OS 10.6 by itself, this $999 ready to go solution is a great value. The Server model is available running at 2.53GHz and with with 4GB of memory (upgradable to 8GB with OWC memory).
These new Mac minis aren't new, just speedbumped and 'special tasked' in the case of the server model. All Mac mini models since the new March/2009 introduction have Apple's model identifier Macmini3,1 (Click here to learn what your Mac is). Since this design's March introduction other updates have also occurred.... While originally these systems did not benefit from more than 4GB installed, OWC has confirmed that all models Macmini3,1 now benefit with with up to 8GB of memory. This has been confirmed requiring installation of the firmware update Apple issued in August and fully tested on OS 10.5.8 or later. Learn more about the Mac mini via our online blog.
Macbook 13" 'White' goes 'Unibody'
Ever since the Macbook 13" Unibody model (replaced with MacBook Pro 13" model in June/2009) was introduced last October, been wondering just how long the original MacBook design was going to be kept around. Last November they dropped the price to $999 and gave it a nice video chipset boost that suggested it wasn't done yet. In January, the MacBook White got a small speed bump up to 2.13GHz and with the same $999 price. First introduced in May of 2006, the original Macbook design is now retired and replaced with a new MacBook White 'polycarbonate unibody' design:
There's really not a whole lot more to say. Some will love the design... I, well, am not one of those. It doesn't feel as solid a the design it replaces + is likely to really collect dirt in a hurry too. looks really sleek closed, but when open for business - I think there's a reason Apple doesn't show an angle shot (like they do with the Pro models) where you can see the perspective with keyboard and trackpad visibile. To each his own, but I can hardly argue that this is still a very solid laptop and priced pretty nice at $999. It is of great disappoint that FireWire is no longer on this new version and no way to add or adapt it on either. Only the current MacBook Pro 13"/15"/17" laptops have built in FireWire via one FireWire 800 Port.
OWC now supports all MacBook and MacBook Pro models with options of up to a 1.0TB hard drive (640GB maximum for MacBook White & Black models) and 8GB of memory. The memory and hard drive options available for your exact model are all made easy via our website and at a cost savings vs. the same options factory installed. As an example, while Apple charges $150 just to replace the 250GB drive with a 500GB - you can outright purchase the right 500GB drive from OWC for about $90 and retain that factory 250GB drive to repurposed into an external, spare backup, etc. Online installation videos make upgrading easy too. Learn more and keep up to date via our blog.
New Apple iMac 21.5" and 27" models
If you thought the iMac was great before (I do), the new Apple iMac models still start from $1199, but are now bigger and better than ever!
New line up of 21.5" display based options replace prior 20" line up:
The new 21.5" Model has the base offering at the $1199 with Nvidia 9400M 256MB video and then for $1499 ($300 more) you can instead start with configuration that is standard with the higher performance ATI Radeon HD 4670 256MB and also a standard 1TB drive in place of the 500GB. While there is currently little gain recognized from the 4670 video for most productivity applications (we'll soon have benchmarks posted), more and more benefit is being realized as the OS and applications evolve to better utilize video card processors + it's a definite 'yes-worthwhile' if gaming is part of the planned use. In the here and now, gaming frame rates improve by as much as double with the ATI vs. the Nvidia equipped iMac 21.5". Since you really can't upgrade the video later (thanks a lot Apple) - you need to give this consideration a time of purchase.
Unlike the prior generation of iMacs, this model has a total of four DDR3 Memory slots. You can add an additional 4GB kit and have 8GB total or an 8GB kit and have 12GB total - without removing the remove the standard factory 4GB. Only should you want to max the memory up to 16GB will you need to take out those original modules. While Apple officially supports up to 16GB in all the new iMac models, they only offer to factory configure the 21.5" with up to 8GB. Not only does OWC offer you the options for up to 16GB total, but even if you just need an additional 4GB, we'll save you 50% compared to the same installed by Apple.
New line up of 27" display based options replace prior 24" line up:
The new 27" Model now starts from $1699 with Core 2 Duo 3.06GHz (Dual-Core) with option to 3.33GHz for additional $200 and standard Radeon HD 4670 Video 256MB with option to Radeon HD 4850 Video 512MB for an additional $150. For the ultimate gamer as well as for benefits recognized longer terms with productivity applications, it's certainly worth getting the 4850 in my opinion. As this is not something made to be upgradable later, something you definitely need to consider at the time of sale. The brand new Quad-Core iMac option starts at $1999 for with the 2.66GHz Intel i5 and is $200 more for the 2.8GHz Intel i7 upgrade option. We have not tested either Quad-Core model as Apple has not shipped these as of yet and presently lists 'November' for their ship ETA.
Like the 21.5" , the 27" models also all have four DDR3 Memory slots. You can add an additional 4GB kit and have 8GB total or an 8GB kit and have 12GB total - without removing the remove the standard factory 4GB. Only should you want to max the memory up to 16GB will you need to take out those original modules. Compared to Apple's $200 factory cost to upgrade to 4GB and $1400 to upgrade to 16GB, not only does OWC save you up to 50% for the same memory, but we also offer the 8GB kit independently so you also have the option for 12GB.
These are easily the best iMacs ever. Having more memory beyond 8GB will become of more and more benefit as applications go 64 bit and begin to directly utilize over 4GB directly. Depending on the applications you use and how many applications you like to simultaneously run - over 8GB offers benefits already.... and those benefits are only going to grow. Benchmarks and hard drive upgrade information for these new models is coming soon. Stay tuned to our blog as we'll be posting more iMac info by tomorrow and ongoing throughout the week and forward.
And, of course, just because Apple has new iMacs doesn't mean you shouldn't look to maximizing the iMac you've already got. Our site makes it easy to both identify your exact model and view the correct upgrades that are available to make your iMac an even better iMac.
New, Lower Prices for Modbook & ModService - The World's Only Apple OS X Tablet Solution
The world's only Apple hardware based Tablet - now shipping with Apple OS 10.6.x 'Snow Leopard' - that supports both OS X as well as Windows just got better.
Now from $1679.99 (was $2079.00) the Modbook is available complete with 2.13GHz Core 2 Duo Processor, 13.3" High-Resolution display, 2GB of memory, 160GB hard drive, 8X DL SuperDrive, Airport Extreme 802.11n/g/b, BlueTooth + Built-in WAAS GPS. Options are now offered supporting up to 1.28TB (1280GB) of internal hard drive capacity, 6GB of memory, and available extended warranty for up to 3 years.
Already own a MacBook 'White' or 'Black' Core 2 Duo model of up to 2.13GHz? Now from $679.99 you can take advantage of our turnkey ModService option that turns that MacBook into a full Modbook Tablet Solution. The price includes a proper shipping box for your MacBook, full conversion service, as well as FedEx 2nd Day Air pickup and return delivery services. To be installed at the time of your ModService conversion, you can also select options such as up to 6GB of memory, 640GB hard drive, and 8X DL SuperDrive as well as faster FedEx Overnight services as well.
The Modbook Tablet has a wide array of applications with those in the creative space most recognized. For anyone who does digital drawings, the difference between drawing directly to the screen compared to a separate USB Tablet is of night and day. Professional users who switched to the Modbook no longer need to draw on paper and then trace on a tablet as the full creative intent can now be generated from the get go penned right to the screen. Great for watching multi-media, an effective GPS solution, and more too - all completely self contained and fully portable with up to nearly 5 hours of battery life.
At some point Apple will release a multi-touch tablet - the rumors have been flying for well over a year now and the latest rumor/report coverage might even be the reflective of the genuine article. That being said, a touch device does not offer the same functionality of usefulness of a true tablet with pen digitizer. If the latest reports are true, Apple's tablet also looks to be aimed at another vehicle to sell and delivery various media (music, tv, movies, and potentially books like Kindle does) via iTunes and would likely then be equipped with substantially slower processor than is found in even the MacBook Air. While being what is effectively a super sized iPod Touch does not diminish the expected appeal of such an Apple Tablet, it isn't a product that would take the place of/replace a tablet solution with the functionality of the Modbook.
Still no Blu-Ray from Apple
There are plenty of good reasons why Apple may be slow to add Blu-Ray support... one reason could be their desire to promote customers to purchase HD movies via the iTunes store as an option to Blu-ray. That's nice and all, but on a scale where the best Blu-Ray High-Def playback rates a 10 out of 10 - the best digitally delivered high-def tends to be in the 5 out of 10 range with standard definition at a 1 and DVDs in the 3-4 point range on this same scale. With all these beautiful Macs and now the 27" iMac - the lack of blu-ray support (ever more common on even low end windows laptops) continues to be a disappointment.
At least it is very easy now to burn your own video Blu-Ray discs on a Mac. We've long had internal and external options for adding Blu-Ray to your Mac and now have options with up to 12X Blu-Ray burn capability from under $240. Thanks to the HD/BD plug-in available for Roxio Toast Titanium 9 and 10 (included with the Toast 10 Titanium Pro version offered alone or bundled with select OWC solutions), you can take video from iMovie, Final Cut Pro, HD Camcorder, and your TiVo, etc and burn up straight to to Blu-Ray. You're not limited to just HD video of course and it's amazing how much SD video you can put on a single Blu-Ray disc compared to a DVD. Check out this OWC Tip to see just how easy it is to burn your own video Blu-Rays. Now... if only Apple will add support so we can play them back under OS X too.
Reader Special Deals and Deal Highlights
With our latest updates, as long as you hit our Reader Loyalty Specials page or follow one of our 'secret encoded' links, it's all set up so you'll get the reader price however you find these featured deals on our site. Whether browsing that specials page, using MyOWC compatibility, or just browsing around our site - the same reader pricing is called out and displayed. We appreciate your business and letting us send you our newsletter(s), so we're making sure you're taken care of. Thanks!
Some recent 'feature offers' include:
New 2.0TB 7200RPM Serial ATA Hard Drives for under $180.
Apple's current iMacs, MacBook Pros, minis, and Mac Pros only have FireWire 800, connect your FireWire 400 devices from $7.99.
Apple Genuine MagSafe Power Adapters for MacBook/MacBook Pro/MacBook Air from $39.00
Targus Camera/Camcorder Tripods from $5.00 - take better photos/video with the right stand.
ElGato EyeTV options from $79 - Record/Watch/Import TV, HDTV, and A/V on your Mac + new iPhone App for remote control and even lets you stream video!
For more of our our latest feature offers, check out the web posted October 29th Blast. Subscribe here to receive these regular, weekly & special promo send outs.
OWC QuickTip: Don't need the latest from today, save on the latest from yesterday
Macs really go the distance... with some of the upgrades from OWC, perhaps even further than Apple ever intended. Certainly they hoped you'd have long retired that G4 from nearly a decade ago, never mind that G3 still cranking strong from previous decade. In the best of times and even more so in more challenging times like those today - there's real benefit from extending the use of the great hardware you already own and, most likely, have paid for too. Apple would, no doubt, prefer you buy their latest and greatest at each new release... But it's one of the advantages a Mac provides that it does last so much longer than a PC and an advantage that had best not go away with respect to the premium we pay to have a Mac too. I'm saying nothing new today that I haven't said time and time again over these past couple decades and this 'look at the "old" rules of upgrading' article may just help you maximize more performance out of that great Mac you've got.
At some point, the time does come to buy a new Mac. Maybe it's a got that must have feature for ya, perhaps it lets you get your work done faster... might not be a replacement, but be an additional unit needed for your deployment. Whatever the need, one of the surprisingly better kept secrets (one I have shared often, including in our newsletters) is Apple's Clearance Store. This is their 'Specials' section where you'll find a selection of both yesterday's models and even the very latest - at substantial discounts vs. buying 'new'. OWC has purchased dozens of these 'Refurb' Macs from Apple over the years and never been disappointed. Unlike used/refurb you'll find from other non-Apple direct sources - these systems come complete with all original accessories, the latest shipping Apple OS version, and tend to be in brand new condition + are backed by a 1yr Apple Warranty. Other than the plain brown box these clearance Macs ship in - you'd think these were brand spankin new. Some currently available examples:
MacBook 'White' 2.13GHz for $749 (vs. $999) - perfect for ModService
MacBook Pro 15" 2.53GHz for $1299 (vs. $1499) - Current shipping model
Mac Pro 'Nehalem' 2.66GHz Quad-Core for $2149 (vs. $2499) - Currently shipping model
Mac mini 2.0GHz 'march 2009' models make appearances for under $500
and more....
That said - got to watch what you're buying too... Right now, they are sold out of iMacs refurbs with the exception of a 3.06GHz 24" Model. At $1149, would seem like a great deal.... until you noticed it was an April 2008 model (now two generations ago).
Important tip.... The best time to check Apple's Clearance Store is first thing in the morning. Apple updates/adds to the store daily and you want to be there before everyone else makes off. The under $500 Mac mini listings always are fast to go. Just because you don't see what you want today doesn't mean it won't be there tomorrow. And hey, even if you want the latest model - you'll find those there too, usually starting 6-9 weeks after the new models first start shipping. This is an easy way to save on what is, as far as I am concerned, on what is effectively a brand new Mac.
Check out daily news and tips on our OWC Blog. More current and past tips also posted in our Quick Tips & Reviews archive. As a team of Mac users we enjoy sharing what we know and learn with the hope and intent that such continues to help you get the most and more from your Mac experience.
Quick Links
Online Installation Videos, PDF Docs, FAQ & more in OWC Tech Center:
From installing memory to ipod batteries, installing processor upgrades to Optical and Hard Disk Drives - you'll find help in the OWC Tech center. Tips on setting up hard drives, creating raids, proper memory handling, network setup, basic trouble shooting, and just a whole lot more. We're always adding new information, videos, etc - a wealth of information we're happy to share!
There's lots of things you might pay someone to do for ya... with a little help from our Tech Center, you may learn and find out first hand how easy a lot things can be done right at home.
Get your domain names, host your website, and high-speed internet access & email from FasterMac.Net - Great Prices for Great Mac Knowledgeable Internet Access & Solutions, nationwide.
Now available - in addition to dial-up service packages we now have options for pure e-mail service, DSL, and new Wireless 4G Broadband too! OWC.net and FasterMac.net are now the nation's first and only 100% on-site 'green' wind-powered internet service providers.
For Fun and of Interest
Making every dollar go further during challenging times doesn't necessarily mean buying the cheapest. Buying a Mac costs more, but you save more with a system that will last longer + experience a lower cost of ownership with more time of productive use too. Whatever you chalk it up to, Apple just reported another 'record-breaking' quarter in which its Mac unit sales were up 17% compared to the same quarter a year ago.
Even if as many as 85% of Mac owners also have Windows... And even may be running Windows on their Macs via bootcamp or Fusion/Parallels - at least they've got the hardware doing it. :) It's annoying, but some software still doesn't have a Mac version..... but that's less and less the case today and easily covered by the options that allow that support where needed running right on the Mac.
Seems that Nokia believes Apple borrowed quite a bit from them for the iPhone.... and they're out to collect. Analysts suggest that Apple could be on the hook for as much a one billion dollars for their past and ongoing use of that which Nokia owns patents for. Apple has said they will defend against this lawsuit vigourously. Qualcom was also sued in the past by Nokia - and they won, so will be interesting. The iPhone is ground breaking with implementations of so many different features and technology that most analysts think it's nearly impossible for Apple to be 100% in the clear on this one.
That's a bit to digest till the next time. :)
This is one of my favorite Monday's of the year. I'm not really a great morning person and can't say Monday is my favorite day of the week.. but with the clock rolling back an hour over the weekend for daylight's saving time, it's like a whole different day. In a few weeks that extra hour will have been worked into the new old program, but for now - it sure feels good to have. The opposite, of course, occurs when it's again time to 'spring ahead' - but we're talking in the now.
In the now, blessed with three young children (1yr, 2.5yr, and 4yr old) and a fourth on the way, sleep is a luxory in short supply and high demand. I'd not change a thing and my wife and I are both glad that these little ones are there and thus the reason for the late night and early morning call outs. That being said, I have a greater respect and appreciation for my own parents as each year passes.
Like my parents, my hope is to leave things as best as possible for future generations. Having grown up in the country, I really have a deep respect for our environment and natural resources. While I find the current 'green talk' way over politicized, I do believe that conservational practices are not only in everyone's best interest - but that they also can make good economic sense as well. As a parent, I want my kids to enjoy clean air and fresh water. At the helm of OWC, I am responsible for making the choices that keep OWC relevant and competitive. Having founded OWC over 21 years ago, the plan then and now remains long term.
Building a ‘green’ headquarters and an on-site wind turbine are investments in our future that meet these long term goals. With respect to the cost of energy, these investments have a return that covers the initial costs relatively early with consideration to the long term useful lifespan of the building and systems in it. The combination of our building’s water and energy efficient systems with the on-site renewable energy further make us a net provider of energy for both positive conservational and environmental benefit.
I am glad to have taken and to continuing the OWC journey in a direction that not only enables us to competitively provide the products and services you’ve come to know us for (and ones you’ll know us for in the future), but one that at the same time is responsible in our use of resources and with all due respect to our environment and this planet we all live on.
Thank you reading, being a Tips n' Deals subscriber, and your support as an OWC customer. It's why we are here and something the team and I never forget.
Sincerely,
- OWC Larry
The 'fine print':
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