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OWC Tips & Deals 11/15/2006
Intro: Greetings again from OWC. It's kind of funny how things sometimes work out. In the last newsletter, the main news topic happened to be the recently released Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro models. We specifically noted how it's always been Tuesdays, in recent history, that Apple has done their new product releases. Almost an inside joke, asking when Apple next XYZ whizbang is coming out? - Check back Tuesday. :) Wouldn't ya know it, the new MacBook 13.3" Core 2 Duo laptops were released one week ago - on Wednesday. Is the start of a new release day? Nah... except maybe in election years when the timing doesn't work for the week before and can't wait till the week after said election voting. Seeing how a 41% voter turnout is considered good in this country, definitely glad Apple didn't distract with an election day release... Of course, not a sensible election day release marketing wise either. Anyway - glad they opted for the Wednesday release 'exception'! The new MacBook is a better performance value than ever and a lot of us were waiting and hoping for just this update. Read on and we'll tell ya more about it. :) New Intel Core 2 Duo MacBook 13.3" from $1099 retail Since being released this past May, the Apple MacBook 13.3" laptops have been a huge hit. Although positioned as the entry level Apple laptop, they pack an incredible amount of performance for their price. Now equipped with 64 Bit Core 2 Duo processors and priced the same, well, they're just better than ever! The MacBook 13.3" 'entry level' line up is now the third Apple line to get the bump from the 32 Bit Core Duo to the new 64 Bit Core 2 Duo processors. Covered the iMac update in our October 7th Newsletter. Went into significant detail again on the MacBook Pro Core 2 Update in our prior October 31st Newsletter. And here we are now with the MacBook. For those wondering, I'd now expect it won't be much longer before the Mac mini sees the same transition, as it is now the only model to still use the 32 bit Core Duo processor version. Anyway.... The prior newsletters cover the 'core' differences between the old and the new processor, focus here will cover the actual changes from the update. Starting with the base White MacBook, the price and the processor speed remain the same. As we well know, processor speed isn't everything and that 64 bit Core 2 Duo upgrade means realworld this MacBook is up to 33% faster or more vs. its Core Duo predecessor. $1099 gets you the 1.83GHz White MacBook with 512MB of memory, 60GB SATA drive, CDRW+DVD-Rom combo drive, Airport & Bluetooth Wireless, and built-in iSight. Lots of horsepower and value in a so called 'entry-level' laptop! From there you have the new mid-level $1299 White MacBook, still 2.0GHz, but with Core 2 Duo 64 Bit processor. The $200 cost difference over the entry level model gets you that extra processor speed, bump up to an 80GB hard drive, 1GB of total memory, and DVD Dual-Layer SuperDrive. Pretty decent value for $200 and this is the least expensive Apple laptop with built in DVD burning capability available. Maybe calling the $1299 config 'mid-level' isn't really accurate. Your third factory stock base is $200 at $1499, but that $200 only gets you an extra 40GBs of HD storage with its 120GB stock drive and a matte Black finish. All said, the Black Macbook looks very sharp and the finish is supposed to further be more rugged as well. For all three models, Apple offers upgrade options on the hard drives to up to 200GB. My hope is that you'll stick with the minimum stock hard drive and buy the bigger drive from OWC when it's needed. We currently offer the same 200GB hard drives for $299; 160GB for $199, 120GB for $115. Looking at the two White models, Apple charges as much as $100 MORE than we sell you a new drive with 3yr Warranty - straight up. And that's not even including you taking advantage of a rebate from the stock drive if you elect to send it in to us. To be balanced though, if you want the Black one - and want additional HD space - Apple already got their dollar on you from paint job and it is cost effective to do the factory upgrade there. The only other real upgrade option is for the memory. If you're doing a custom configuration from the Apple store, honestly, with memory prices where they are - Apple is very competitive. That said, if you're purchasing a base config from another retailer (for rebate special, sales tax savings, whatever), then I hope again that you'll come to us for the memory that's right. The other benefit of our memory is the Lifetime Warranty covered by it. And about that memory... Apple strongly recommends that you install same size module pairs in these MacBooks. The same is also true for the Mac mini Intel, as well as the entry level iMac Intel model. Unlike the MacBook Pro and the rest of the iMac Intel line up that independent video with its own dedicated video memory, both the MacBook and the Mac mini utilize an integrated Intel GMA950 Video Chipset which shares 64MB of the main system memory for video display purposes. We will be doing bench testing to illustrate the effect, but essentially - for example - with a MacBook Pro, overall system performance is better with 1.5GB (1GB + 512MB modules installed) vs. having only 1.0GB with Matched 512MB x 2. The reverse is true in the GMA950 video supported Macs due to the importance of memory performance for the video display functions. Again, we will be doing testing to test what Apple's indicated here - but the expectation is noticeably more sluggish performance with the Video and the System fighting for the reduced memory bus bandwidth where two same size modules are not installed. That all said - the GMA950 is a perfectly adequate video chipset for a lot of stuff, even H.264 High Definition video playback - it's just not going to cut it for games. And it apparently is borderline if you don't heed Apple's recommendation. If you get a machine with 512MB stock, it has 2 x 256Mb. Upgrade to either 1.0GB (2 x 512MB) or, best, 2.0GB (2 x 1.0GB) - I think you'll be sorry going to 768MB or 1.25GB in that example. So - there ya go. One last note... I'd expect that the performance driven requirement for matched pairs likely is the reason Apple didn't enable the MacBook Core 2 Duo's firmware to support up to 3.0GB. 2.0GB is the max... and with today's modules, you couldn't fit a 2.0GB and a 1.0GB module in the MacBook memory slot space anyway. As always, hope this little run down proves useful. Next newsletter, we'll have those benchmarks to make it all better yet. Even without those benchmarks, I say it again - now equipped with the Core 2 Duo, the MacBook 13.3" is Apple's best 'entry-level' laptop ever made better. MacBook Pro & iMac Core 2 Duo 3.0GB Mem limit, benchmarks Whereas the original MacBook Pro with the Core Duo is firmware limited to a maximum of 2.0GB of Memory, the new Core 2 Duo equipped models now support up to 3.0GB.... but why not 4.0GB? HP, Dell, etc show up to 4.0GB supported for their Core 2 Duo Laptops - so why not Apple? Well, truth is, technically - neither Dell nor HP's competing models support 4.0GB either... they just don't have qualms with selling you the 4.0GB. What do I mean? Pretty much all the Core 2 Duo systems on the market have the same Intel memory controller in addition the processor they all share. While the memory controller is fully capable of supporting the full 4.0GB, the bus address space for that '4th gig' of memory unfortunately overlaps with address space already required for other system functions. The bottom line is that those systems shipped with 4.0GB installed end up really only having about 3.4GB usable. It's about $400 more for a 2.0GB module vs. a 1.0GB. There also may be other performance hit factors relating to that overlap, never minding the lack of useability. Bottom line is that while Apple took the high road, and something I am sure will pay benefits down the road as PC Laptop buyers feel the sting of this.... Companies like HP elected instead to push the 4.0GB max memory option, and while they have tech notes that warn about some memory not being addressable - you don't see that on their option purchase pages. I would like to also mention, if you want to max you MacBook Pro or iMac with Core 2 Duo to 3.0GB - we've got those 2.0GB modules and for a good savings vs. what the module costs from Apple factory installed. :) What about needing matched pairs for best performance? In the these systems noted which have independent video controllers with dedicated high-performance video memory - having more actual system memory provides for greater overall performance than having less memory installed that is of matched size. Reading on Apple, the bus is maximized to ensure the best memory performance utilization regardless - and as there is no video chipset fighting for shared use from that same system memory, plenty of bandwidth to go around. More benchmarks for the MacBook Pro Core 2 Models now posted. See what a difference that Core 2 Duo 64 Bit does vs. the 32 bit Core Duo across the MacBook line and the Imacs too! You can customize the results to compare against just about every other Mac and Upgraded Mac option out there too! Take a good look at your options.... New is nice, but upgrading can be a winner too! NEW ATI Radeon X1900 PCI-E G5 Video Cards Apple's Mac Pro Quad Xeon towers totally rock.... but so do the PowerMac G5 'Oct-2005' PCI-Express Dual and Quads! Those systems still run right up there with the best of them and of course are untouchable when it comes to running software, like Adobe Creative Suite, that is not yet Intel Native supported. Long demanded, finally here, is an after market Video Card upgrade option for these fine PCI-Express G5s! At long last, it's here, in the form of the ATI Radeon X1900 G5 Edition 256MB Video Card. This PCI Express card is for, well, the late 2005 PCI-Express slot G5 Models only. They do not work in the new Mac Pro Quad Xeon models due to firmware differences. They do not work in prior G5 PCI-X Slot G5s as PCI-Express is not compatible with PCI-X. For $349, this High-Performance video card supports up to 2 x 30" Dual-DVI Displays (supports standard DVI and VGA display as well) + an S-Video out port for easy viewing of a project via standard TV. We put this card up on the site about ten days ago and back orders have been piling up like crazy! Clearly a lot of pent up demand. The good news, if you get in line now - still likely to have one of the very first cards shipped as we well prior arranged for a significant quantity of this new ATI card to be available for our customers. Come one, come all - if you've got the right G5 and have been waiting to make its Video display better - the wait is nearly over. Product is currently in route to OWC with the first units expected to be shipping on out to our customers by Friday or Monday. Apple Quad Xeon XServes now shipping! Available with the same speeds as the Towers, but in an enterprise rack 1U server profile, the new Xserve Quad Xeons have just begun shipping. We are now awaiting our unit with an Apple delivery ETA of November 20th - so this is something we'll hit some detail on in the next newsletter. They are now shipping, and at least wanted to cover that much. :) Microsoft Zune -iPod Killer- unleashed What's with 'Zune'? Zoomy Tunes? Looney.... I'm sure there's an explanation on the name out there, but by whatever name - the Microsoft 'iPod Killer' Zune is now officially shipping. At $249 for the 30GB base model, oh.. that 30GB model is the only model - oh, but with options of White, Black, and a snazzy Brown to choose from, oh, um - wow - what a Zune! And bummers too, us Mac Users need not apply. You must be using Windows (not a pre-release of Vista since that's not supported yet) as this is Windows only. Was this what Apple was thinking with BootCamp? Gotta make sure the Intel Mac crowd could use the Zunes that would be killing off the iPod? Does Microsoft believe that the Zune could be a lure to the Mac crowd to reverse the from Windoze to OS X conversion trend? Or... does Microsoft just have enough trouble making their software work right with Windows as it is? :) I don't think I am going to Zune anytime soon. And although I haven't personally used a Zune, I think this Wallstreet Journal article covers the bases pretty darn well. Please sign me up for a device that only plays commercial media purchased from the Zune store (doesn't even play Microsoft's own DRM format 'PlayforSure' commercially purchased music format). A device that only lets me listen/use that Zune Store commercial media via the Zune player itself (or an Xbox360 if I'd get one) and not even via my Windows PC standalone. A device that is larger, heavier, and while with a bigger display - only 320x200 resolution that can make it look grainy compared to an iPod. But it can Wirelessly share music with other Zune players - sort of.... Only some purchased music allows that and the shared transfer is slow + restrictive in use.... Oh - but for no additional charge, you do get an FM Radio built-in. Maybe the FM helps make up for the current complete lacking of video content available for Zune? Well, hey... at least Zune store songs are only 79 points right? Err.. points, how do I get those points? I see - I have to prepay in $5 increments which get me 400 Zune points each, huh? Wow - that's the same $0.99 per song the iTunes store charges. Kinda nice with iTunes in that you only pay as you go for what you buy. Then, once you prepay you $5 over to Microsoft, 79 points for song, what a bargain for just 79 points! :) There are some good points... the Wireless sharing could have potential, the actual unit interface is reportedly very good... but with it falling so short in areas that count (IMHO), who other than an Anti-Apple, Anti-iPod, go against the grain music lover would buy it? Apple's iPod and iTunes just work great - simple as that. Microsoft does have deep pockets and this is just version 1.0 of course. The Zune may have its day, just I don't see that day anytime soon. For Fun and of interest Not happy with the in flight entertainment options? Starting mid-2007, if you fly United, Continental, Delta, or Emirates air - you'll start seeing the option to power your own entertainment - with your iPod. First, seamless integration with your Mac... then with PCs too... then auto makers, and now the airlines. Only Apple has successfully made digital media so easy and convenient! Intro Closing: I feel like these things are longer than I plan for, but still leaving more to cover next time - at the same time. That makes the next newsletter already partially framed... expect that before Thanksgiving. :) Thanks for subscribing to - and of course reading - our Tips n' Deals newsletter! And that's the intro, and here's what's yet ahead: Quick Tip update on AppleJack, 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. 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: Must Have AppleJack Utility now for Intel Macs too! This is going to be a very 'quick tip' indeed. AppleJack, covered in the August 9th newsletter, is a must have maintenance tool + get ya out of trouble maybe saver. It's been available for PowerPC Macs for quite some time and now the long awaited Universal version with Intel support is finally out. AppleJack operates from single terminal mode and is a clean, safe way to repair permissions, clean up system caches, clear bad preference files from your OS X. All of that is just good, general maintenance to keep your OS X operating correctly for best, most reliable performance. What's more, is that should something go South on you - more often than not, booting into single user mode and running AppleJack has a good chance to bail your OS out. We personally use this application at OWC and are darn happy to that's it support is now extended to the Intel Macs as well. And... this latest version also adds a convenient memory test as well. This is an application I'd paid for. But actually being provided at no cost at all, value doesn't get any better than that. A big thanks to the author. Enjoy. 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. Apple SuperDrive burns DVD at up to 16X, CD 40X - $29.00 Plug and play native OS X compatible, Genuine Apple Logo/Apple Firmware SuperDrive is the simple, perfect optical upgrade and/or addition to 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 $29.00 for Readers! Check out Apple DVR-109 Bundles with Software, DVD & CD Media from $36.95 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. Elite-AL Performance 500GB FW800 Raid $250.00; FW400 250GB $119 500GB OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro 800 RAID FW800/400 7200RPM 32MB $250.00 FireWire Cables, EMC Retrospect, Intech HD Speedtools, 2 year Warranty 500GB OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro 800+U2 RAID FW800/400+USB2 7200RPM 32MB $275.00 FW & USB Cables, EMC Retrospect, Intech HD Speedtools, 2 year Warranty 500GB OWC Neptune FireWire 400 7200RPM 16MB Cache Solution now $235.00 250GB OWC Neptune FireWire 400 7200RPM 16MB Cache Solution now $119.00 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. 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 NewerTech Universal Drive to USB2 Adapter $19.99 It's the 'Swiss Army Knife' of disk accessibility, the NewerTech Universal Drive adapter lets you plug and play SATA, IDE, ATA, ATAPI 2.5"-3.5"-5.25" Hard Drives and Optical drives with no assembly required. Great for data transfer after an internal drive upgrade - an easy way to read/write/transfer data from those drives you might have lying around. All in all, it's a great tool to have at your disposal for a variety of needs. Complete with all cables and power supply, $19.99 for Tips Readers! Also available - bulk OWC ATA/IDE/ATAPI to USB2 Adapter kit - $10.01 While they last - nearly identical to the NewerTech adapter, except without SATA HD support. Put up to 200GB inside your PowerBook/MacBook/iBook! SATA Internal For MacBook Pro & MacBook models: *NEW* 200GB Toshiba 4200RPM 8MB Buffer 3yr Warranty In Stock $299.99 160GB Hitachi TravelStar 5K160 5400RPM 8MB 3yr Warranty now $195.00 120GB Toshiba 5400RPM 8MB Buffer 3yr Warranty now $114.99 See our full line of MacBook & MacBook Pro internal 42/54/7200RPM options from Hitachi, Toshiba, and Seagate + Trade-In offer online. ------- 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 $105.99 ATA/IDE or SATA 500GB from $184; 250GB now $79.00 250GB Seagate 7200.10 Solution with 16MB Buffer and 5yr Warranty IDE/ATA Version - $79.00 SATA I/II Version - $79.00 500GB Hitachi DeskStar E7K500 Enterprise with 5 year Warranty IDE/ATA Version - $184.00 SATA I/II Version - $187.50 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 1.0GB Mem from $122.50 per; 2.0GB MacBook $249 11/15/2006 Memory Report: Things feel a touch contrarian right now. That's good news for all of us. While demand is strong, and all contract indicators would suggest prices should be going up - memory prices have actually eased a little in the other direction. Easy to install, and great 'beach ball killin' performance boosting - with additional Quality Memory from OWC installed in that Mac, you might just be surprised at what that Mac really do. All OWC Memory is Apple System tested + backed by Lifetime Advance Replacement Warranty. New Mac Pro Quad Xeon Upgrade Sets Premium Grade, True Apple CERTIFIED Product and of course with Apple Qualified Heat Spreader - add up to 16GB of DDR2 667MHZ FB-DIMM. 2GB Mac Pro FB-DIMM Upgrade Set (1GB x 2 Pair) $447.99 OWC 4GB Mac Pro FB-DIMM Upgrade Set (2GB x 2 Pair) $929.00 **Greater Savings per 1GB with Matched Kits of up to 8 Modules!** Memory Intel based Apple MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMacs, & Mac minis Core Duo and Core 2 Duo processor based models feature two memory upgrade slots. Up to 2.0GB (1GB x 2) possible for Core Duo, up to 3.0GB for certain Core 2 Duo Models. 2.0GB Matched Module Upgrade Set (1GB PC5300 SO x 2pcs) - now $249.00 Check you options for up to 3.0GBs online here. Standard DDR for all other PowerMac G5 and iMac G5 models: 1GB Matched Pair (2x512MB) PC3200 DDR 184 Pin - $122.50 2GB Matched Pair (2x1GB) PC3200 DDR 184 Pin - 246.50 1GB PC3200 DDR Module for iMac G5 Only (PowerMac G5 requires Pairs!) $125.00 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) - $575.00 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 - $122.50 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 $63.00 1GB(1 x 1024MB) PC2700 DDR 184 Pin Module - $125.00 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 - Now - $65.00 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). 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. Hard to find Apple Airport now in stock for $89.00 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 ** 89.00 ** 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 $125; 5-User Family Pack $199 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 - Archive Greetings from the macsales.com music dept! Roger is working on his next great piece of musically inspired wisdom right now. In the mean time - check out those articles you might have missed: Browse and read other 'Music on the Mac' articles by Roger posted online. 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: First and foremost, want to wish our Veterans a belated Happy Veteran's Day. Words just can not do justice in terms of expressing the debt and gratitude I have for those who have served and protected our country. The same goes for those serving today as well. With Veterans's Day following just a few days after Election Day, that also got me thinking a bit. It's fantastic that turn out for this recent mid-term was I think the best in over 20 yeas. What struck me was the percentage of turn out of those eligible to vote was just not much more than 40%. People have fought and also died protecting the Rights and Freedoms I enjoy as a United States citizen. it's a privilege, in my opinion, to have the freedom and the opportunity to vote for those people I believe can best serve Illinois, Woodstock, and the US at large. I guess where I'm going on this is an amazement at how many people complain about our elected representation - but haven't actually voted. Personally, I think it is a cop out when I hear the rebuke that it's a statement by not voting... How about writing someone in? At the end of the day, in my opinion, by voting you do make yourself heard and I really hope in 2008 a lot more of us make ourselves heard. Almost have to wonder what kind of fresh leadership in general Washington would be held accountable to if it was 90% vs. just 40% showing up to cast. Same goes a the state and local levels too. I think it also honors our Veteran's and all those serving and who have served - that have made sure we've got this privilege in the first place. Anyway - will be back again before Thanksgiving.... wow - how can that be just a week away.... A pleasant breeze behind you, a friendly sky above. Thanks for reading! 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! 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