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OWC Tips & Deals 11/21/2007
Intro: Happy Thanksgiving from from all of us at OWC! How in the world it is already Thanksgiving? I know time doesn't speed up or slow down... just feels that way. The holidays are all so far away until they've come and gone right on by. There's no joy in that, really have to take that step back so the moments that matter - and everyone counts - don't fly by and only later be recognized for how treasured and unique they are. Can look back, but can't go back. Having a toddler and a baby (2.5yrs and 8 months - can't believe already that 'old') definitely makes for introspection. As much as I look forward to each child's 'diaper freedom day', I'd not in a million years wish to skip by the time before that. It just goes so fast. Can't stop time, can only make the best of the time we've got. Any how... Just very thankful and so much we have to be thankful for. Huge thanks to our Veterans and those in the service today. And another huge thanks to everyone in the public services - police officers, fire fighters, doctors, med techs, ambulance drivers, etc... we sometimes forget that certain things, well - they don't recognize or observe any holidays and they're out there and/or on call for those emergency situations regardless. Tip of the iceberg - but so many of the things effectively taken for granted, so much right there to be thankful for too. Macworld Expo 2008 - January 14th - 18th 2008 really is right on the horizon now and with it, the annual Macworld Expo 'Apple Extravaganza'. Mr. Jobs rarely disappoints and Apple, OWC, and hundreds of other exhibitors are there for hands on with all the latest goods for our Apple stuff and more. It's a real pleasure to see the new faces each year and the friends returning each year as well. So... Always glad to be able to not only invite you to the show, but also set you up with a Free Exhibit Hall pass to get in as well. This is a $45 value which gets you onto the Expo floor during it's operation January 15th through the 18th. If you are also interested in the conferences portion, using our code will also get you a 15% discount. Both the free pass and the discount offer go away after December 14th - so this is a good time to pre-register and be done with it. Either way - hope to see you there. :) Leopard fast facts and info condensed We're still working the new cat over, but she's definitely lean and mean - a speed improvement even over Tiger 10.4 (whether on PPC G4/G5 or Intel) - and the quick release of 10.5.1 shows Apple is quick on the ball to get rid of the little annoyances(or worse) all of us early adopters report. I'm sure we'll see a 10.5.2 release, maybe by the next newsletter, but even now I have little hesitation recommending Leopard right now. It's a snappy OS with lots of cool new features... and, well, it's fun too. Some of this is new, some of this is repeat, all of it is as short and sweet as I can make it tonight. #1 - Leopard has NO support for Apple OS 9 Classic Mode. If you have an Intel Mac, well, never was support on your Mac. But for those of us with G4 or G5s, if OS 9 is still a requirement - going to want to have a partition on your hard drive with either the straight OS 9 start up (if your Mac has native OS 9 boot support) or one with OS X Tiger or prior with the Classic Mode. The other option is to bite the bullet and make the break.... if Leopard is the OS for you. #2 - Leopard is great for pretty much any Mac that meets it's minimum specs. This includes Macs that may not have met the spec stock, but do after an upgrade. Basic requirements are: Must have a DVD drive. Leopard ships on DVD that the Mac needs to be able to read. If you don't have one now or have one that's got an issue, from $34.99 you upgrade not just to a new DVD drive - but a full DVD/CD SuperDrive Reader/Writer with Dual-Layer Burning too. Easy. Works on any Mac with an Intel Processor, a G5 Processor, or a G4 processor 867MHz or faster. This includes PowerMac G4s (even original stock 350MHz AGPs) with one of our OWC Mercury Extreme, PowerLogix PowerForce, and NewerTech MaxPower G4 Upgrades or other brand that is running 867MHz or faster. Thank you Apple! New or old - PowerPC or Intel - Leopard leaps forward and runs great. A minimum of 512MB of Memory is required. Now, sure Leopard will run with only 512MB... as will prior OS X versions... but things are rather bogged down when you have so little memory for the OS to work with. It kills me when I hear about someone with a 512MB (or lower even) memory equipped Mac buying a new Mac before buying more memory.... Adding more memory makes your Mac like new and most certainly a Mac with 1GB or 2GB you have now will run better than most new Macs if you only had 512MB installed in one of those... Get the most from the Mac you have by giving it the most memory (ok, after 4GB - if you can go higher - will be about applications you have than can use that higher memory...) you're willing to add. We've got tests with an array of Intel Macs here - but these results are pretty universal for any Mac or even PC for that matter. More memory means more operations cached in that high speed accessible part of the system vs. having to do more calls to the hard drive which is much much slower (no matter how fast your hard drive) than memory is. Your Mac must have a FireWire Port... In retrospect, not really sure why Apple even put that spec out there. I mean, and please e-mail me if there is such a beast, but I am aware of no Mac made (be that it meets the specs stock or after processor/memory/dvd upgrades) that could comply with all the other requirements - but not have a FireWire Port. In fact - two machines which do have FireWire Ports and can be upgraded to a G4 faster than 867MHZ actually are not Leopard compatible. I was hoping otherwise, but we did confirm that PowerMac G3 B&W and PowerMac G4 'Yikes' PCI models (no AGP video slot) - even with a Sonnet G4 1GHz ZIF are unable to run Leopard. Those are also the only two PowerMacs that have built in FireWire ports which are not bootable... Makes ya wonder, but doesn't really change anything. #3 - A video card with Core Video Acceleration support really lets Leopard loose. Leopard does a lot of window dressing with Core Video in addition to using it to make video display in general faster. Quartz Extreme video acceleration was introduced with OS X 10.2 'Jaguar' and the Core Acceleration was added on top of this first in 10.4 Tiger. This Apple online article lists out what Video Card chipsets that are supported for the Quartz and Core technologies. You only have the option to upgrade if you are the owner of a PowerMac G4 or G5. Even if you're not upgrading the Leopard - a faster Video card (especially if you've still got an ATI Rage AGP that doesn't even have Quartz Extreme acceleration) really can significantly speed up your general Mac performance. Owners of PowerMac G4 AGP Graphics/Sawtooth, GigE, Digital Audio, and Quicksilver models, your only current Core Video supported option is the ATI Radeon 9800 MacEdition. The good new - it's also the fastest Core supported video card produced for any PowerMac G4 model. This card supports 2 displays including 1 x DVI up to 24". Owners of PowerMac G4 'Mirrored Drive Door' models are able to use the aforementioned 9800 or the slightly less expensive Radeon 9600 Video Card. If you don't already have the core video card, why not just go for the 9800? The 9600 is still very fast + it supports up to two DVI or VGA displays including ability to drive 1 x Dual-DVI 30" display & 2nd display (VGA or DVI) up to 24". If you have a PowerMac G5 with PCI/PCI-X Slots, out of the box you have a minimum of the GeForce 5200. This stock Nvidia card is supported for Core Video Acceleration. Those with a 5200 would consider upgrading to the ATI retail 9600 Video Card for a decent video performance boost + if you want support for a 30" display. The ultimate performance video card upgrade available for this G5 is the ATI Radeon x800 Mac G5 Edition. This card also is able to support up to one 30" Dual-DVI + a 2nd display up to 24" - one note, as the 2nd port is an ADC port, unless you have an Apple ADC display you will need to procure an ADC to DVI or to VGA Adapter to use a second monitor. If you have the PowerMac G5 'October-2005' PCI-Express model, you've already got a pretty sweet video card stock. Even the base Nvidia 7800 model is just fine for Leopard if you're already happy with it now. Anything other than the 7800, you're good.... if you have the 7800 and want faster - the Radeon X1900 PCI-Express G5 Edition is a significant step up and it also lets you have up to two 30" Displays too. Also, you can add the X1900 as a 2nd video card to your PCI-Express G5 for more display support, more performance, or both. #4 For years we've included software with our drives, and currently include ProSoft DataBackup, to encourage the peace of mind backing up brings. Well... if you aren't already backing up - Leopard's Time Machine not only gives you the means built right in, but gives you more than a normal back up too. It's so rightly named 'Time Machine' as with the backup drive provided, it will archive multiple versions of your data. On the same day you can recover hourly versions of files you've changed or deleted, then it's daily, weekly, and monthly as space allows. It's not just your most recent backup the last time you did it, it's going while you work and gives you the ability to recover a file well after you might have deleted or made a major edit and only later realized you need it back or a prior version back. Pretty dang cool. But - a couple things to note: You need a dedicated hard drive or partition on your drive for Time Machine. Ideally the volume selected is larger than your main volume being 'time machined' so there is room for those extra histories to be maintained. Can't do a lot of 'time traveling' if there's no room to keep history in tact. The most economical option is with an internal drive connected to an available port on the stock IDE/ATA or SATA bus (if you've got a PowerMac with available bay), next best is with an external FireWire Drive. Now... you can use a USB 2.0 Drive, but doing so will cost ya - in system performance. USB data transfers have a lot of processor/bus overhead and this takes performance away from your OS and applications + USB 2.0 is still slower than even FireWire 400 in straight data transfer speeds. I can go into a lot more detail - but the bottom line is FireWire in general is a far better choice for storage than USB. Of other note on time machine is a new dependency and even willful habit you can find yourself forming. While a normal backup is typically a single snapshot of your latest - Time Machine technically enables you to delete files you don't currently need knowing you can grab them back later when you do. And even if not willful, just seeing and knowing you've got the moments in history recoverability, might even be more free wheeling with things in general. It's still not a bad idea to have a 'backup of this backup' - a drive you can backup your Time Machine volume to and keep at another safe location, etc. This will give you the ultimate protection. We keep prized family photos, our music albums, digital video, etc on our Macs - if all your drives are in one place, the best backup is still gone if you're robbed. And if you have no backup to Time Machine and that drive fails or some error happens that wipes it, any of the extra copies you depended on Time Machine to keep for ya are gone that way too. No matter what - if you have no backup already and you've got Leopard - Time Machine leaves you NO excuse to get that much fixed immediately. :) #5 Just a quick comment on one of my favorite Leopard features I use - QuickView. It is incredibly awesome being able to click and view documents, pictures, spreadsheets, etc - lickedy split - without needing to launch an application first.. and it's faster too than opening files one by one in the app by a long shot as well. It's a great feature if you need to find some prior version of a file you edited that's available on Time Machine - or just to find which file is the one you need in general. One thing handy for me has to do with screen shots... I take a lot of them and with the straight via the 'command-shift-4' function... and those just default name with a number. Very nice to see mini images of my shots now and a quickview to see them in size. Can hardly explain, but it really rocks. :) I feel like I cut a corner here, but none the less it I hope you find this information useful. We'll have lots more that we go into next time - fresh stuff - but as more and more of you are just getting started with Leopard, I hope you can what's above already to make your Mac even better for it. Scary Mac Virus Alert - Not! Last month a new Trojan came out to threaten the Mac platform. One Mac anti-virus software producers even called this one of 'critical concern' in email blasts seeking to sell the ware. What the trojan app did was certain critical in nature, but the threat level is anything but. While one day it's highly likely that someone will release a real zinger of a virus or trojan against the OS X platform, that day has yet to come to pass. To date, and including this latest 'OSX.RSPlug.A' trojan, the only way you get infected is if you intentionally enter your admin password that is required before it can install itself. The simple solution? If you don't know where an application is coming from and/or that it is from a trusted source - don't install it. And for sure, things like Web Browser plug-ins - it doesn't take the admin password to add them, if you browse some random site and something onthe site says you need some add on plugin, etc - and then the installer for that wants your admin password... Something's not right. :) Again, while we are fortunate to be on a platform that thus far has not faced an onslaught of viruses. Just browsing to the 'wrong' site on or opening an infected e-mail/document can be all it takes on a Windows PC to become host to malware... For us Mac users, the few virus/trojans we have to worry about - well, really don't worry about - unless you 'invite them in' with your Admin password entered on a silver platter, there's nothing to worry about at all.... not yet anyway. Apple quietly updates MacBook With no fanfare at all from Apple, on November 1st a new MacBook 13.3" just quietly appeared on Apple web store. Despite a couple significant enhancements - there wasn't even a release from Apple on this. First off, this 'new' MacBook has the same 'Santa Rosa' family processor and bus that the MacBook Pros have. The base model for $1099 is still 2.0GHz, but the $1299 and $1499 models move from 2.16GHz to 2.2GHz. The speed isn't all that much to chat about, but with the new Santa Rosa processor/bus - these MacBooks can now fully utilize all 4.0GBs of memory. With prior Core 2 Duo MacBooks, while a matched pair of 4.0GB modules could be installed to enable performance 128bit addressing, 3.0GB was the max actually utilized. On that note... Apple now offers an upgrade to 4.0GB at the factory.... for only $850. Memory prices have really fallen this year and Apple really hasn't lowered their factory installed prices. Going from 1GB to 2GB, 3GB, or 4GB is really a GREAT investment for the performance it delivers... And with that said, the current reader price of $115 for 4.0GB OWC MacBook/MacBook Pro/iMac Intel Kit (2x2GB) is the real deal. That's for two Micron based premium modules... memory is unbelievable low... and the same top quality as when it that OWC kit went for over $600 just 8 months ago - which was still a comparative bargain then. Apple charges $150 to upgrade to 2GB.... our 2.0GB Kit, by comparison, runs you 1/3rd the price at $50.00. Anyway.... The other major upgrade is to video... At long last, the very old Intel GMA950 video chipset has been upgraded to the current and much faster Intel GMA X3100. There's not a lot in the way of benchmarks... however, the new X3100 is about 3x faster than the two and half year old GMA950. There's not much more that I can say there other than this is REALLY a huge upgrade that was overdue. A great entry level laptop is now better than ever. And.. quick side note - major news will soon be published on the new OWC/Axiotron ModBook Solutions. The ModBook, introduced at Macworld last January, is finally going to start shipping end of next month. The ModBook book is a kit we use to turn the MacBook into the world's only Mac Tablet computer and one that can run windows (courtesy of bootcamp) at that. With Leopard out and these latest enhancements to the MacBook - the long wait definitely now has some real dividends. Our site currently reflects the prior model MacBook/ModBook information - but next week will be fully updated and 'official news' made on with product on track to go. :) Apple quietly updates MacBook Pro Another update on November 1st was to the MacBook Pros... In the June Newsletter I covered in detail this year's 'major' MacBook Pro update. This time it's just a quick speed bump option addition. So in keeping this speed bump thing speedy... The three base models (2.2GHz 15.4" $1999, 2.4GHz 15.4" $2499, and 2.4GHz 17" $2799) remain virtually unchanged. But... now, when you select a either 2.4GHz base system - you've got the option for $250 to upgrade to a 2.6GHz processor. So there ya have it. The factory memory upgrade option to go from 2.0GB standard to 4.0GB is still ridiculously high (with consideration to the current memory market) at $700... So, IMHO, makes our 4.0GB Kit at $115 pretty much a no brainer. For Fun and of interest Did ya hear? Apple is buying into AMD.... Not! In some respects, would be kind of cool - but also really wouldn't make sense. And.. Abu who? :) Intro Closing: Even when there doesn't feel like a lot going on, there's a lot going on. No such thing as a quick newsletter, but they're fun to write and hopefully fun to read too. There's a ton more for us to cover out there and more in-depth on that that surface has been scratched on... but until the next time, well - certainly have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving and the best always to you and yours! But more does follow... Still in this newsletter we have Link to Quick Tip Archives, this week's Reader Specials Highlights, and Roger's Music on the Mac following some 'messages from our sponsor'. Quick Links Online Installation Videos, PDF Docs, FAQ & more in OWC Tech Center: From installing memory to ipod batteries, installing processor upgrades to Optical Drive you'll find help with OWC's Installation Videos. Tips on setting up hard drives, creating raids, proper memory handling, network setup, basic trouble shooting, and just a whole lot more. There is a lot of experience here and we're happy to share that with you. 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. Watch for major update on/about September 1st! 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: Archive Check out our Quick Tips Archive, Hardware/Software Review articles, and more - all in the OWC Product Reviews and Editorial center. Great Buys and Featured Exclusive Specials for OWC E-Mail Subscribers: A much larger selection of regularly updated Tips n' Deals reader discounted specials can be found on the Tips n' Deals Specials Page, which is updated just for - well - readers like you! Highlights: Faster, Bigger, Better - More Storage for A/V, Backup-Time Machine, etc Put a bigger, faster drive inside! If you've got a Mac Pro, you've got 4 internal drive bays for up to 4.0TB. PowerMac G4s and G5s support 2 or more drives with factory standard bays. PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, MacBook Pro, and iMac owners - you can put a bigger and faster drive inside to upgrade the existing stock drive. And when you do have to take a drive out, consider external enclosure kits as a way to extend existing value further. SATA Internal HDs for Mac Pro, PowerMac G5 & G4*, iMac G5, iMac Intel: (PowerMac G4 owners can use SATA drives by adding PCI SATA HD Controller) 1.0TB Western Digital 'Green Power' 16MB Cache 3yr Warranty $269.00 1.0TB Hitachi 7K1000 7200RPM 32MB Cache 3yr Warranty $289.99 After $30 MIR Rebate 750GB Hitachi 7K1000 7200RPM 32MB Cache 3yr Warranty $175.00 After Mail In Rebate 750GBWestern Digital Caviar SE16 7200RPM with 3yr Warranty - $179.00 500GBWestern Digital Caviar SE16 7200RPM with 3yr Warranty - $109.00 300GB Maxtor MaxLine III 7200RPM 16MB Cache 5yr Seagate/Maxtor Warranty - $69.00 Click for all SATA 3.5" HD options ------------- PATA (IDE/ATA) Internal HDs for PowerMac G4*, iMac G4*, and eMac Models *Note: Pre-2003 Models will only recognize up to 128GB of HD capacity via internal IDE/ATA bus controller. Although limited via the built in controller, you can use ANY Capacity external FireWire/USB2 currently available(Built in or Add on ports) or, owners of PowerMac G4s can add PC HD Controller which also is not affected by built in controller limit.* 160GB Hitachi Deskstar 7200RPM 8MB Cache with 3yr Warranty - $55.99 250GB Western Digital Caviar SE 7200RPM 8MB Cache with 3yr Warranty - $78.99 400GB Hitachi Deskstar 7200RPM 8MB Cache with 3yr Warranty - $107.99 500GB Western Digital Caviar SE16 7200RPM 16MB Cache with 3yr Warranty - $125.00 750GB Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM 16MB Cache with 5yr Warranty - $229.00 Click for All PATA 3.5" HD options ------------------ NoteBook 2.5" SATA Hard Drives for all MacBook & MacBook Pro Models: 250GB Hitachi TravelStar 5400RPM 8MB 3yr Warranty $159.99 After Rebate 250GB Western Digital Scorpio 5400RPM 8MB 3yr Warranty - $165.00 200GB Hitachi TravelStar 7K1200 7200RPM 16MB 3yr Warranty $179.00 After Rebate 160GB Hitachi TravelStar 5400RPM 8MB 3yr Warranty $97.50 Click for all Notebook SATA 2.5" Options ------------------ NoteBook 2.5" PATA (IDE/ATA) for all iBook & PowerBook G3/G4 Models* *Models produced prior to 2003 limited to 128GB of Recognized HD Capacity on internal bus. This limitation is not present when connecting additional storage via FireWire or USB* WD Scorpio 5400RPM 2.5" NoteBook 9.5mm Hard Drives for PowerBooks/iBooks On special: 60GB now $45.99; 80GB now $53.99; 100GB now $62.99 160.0GB 5400RPM Hitachi 5K160 PATA 8MB Cache HD w/3yr Warranty **$97.50** *for 2003 & Later Models* 120.0GB 5400RPM Hitachi 5K160 PATA 8MB Cache HD w/3yr Warranty $79.00 7200RPM Seagate & Hitachi Models 80GB to 100GB from $91.99 Click for all 2.5" IDE/ATA HD Options Plug & Play FireWire External Solutions 250GB for $115; 500GB $179, more These Plug and Play Solutions delivery exception performance with Plug & Play Ease. All you need is a Mac (or PC) with an available FireWire port to use any of these solutions. Models with USB & eSATA fully interoperable on systems with those interfaces as well. 250GB OWC Neptune 7200RPM FireWire 400 Complete Solution - $115.00 500GB Elite-AL Pro 7200RPM 16MB FireWire+USB2 Model now $179.00 320GB NewerTech miniStack v3 FW800/400/eSATA/USB2 + Powered Hub $179.00 750GB Elite-AL Pro 16MB 7200RPM FW800/400,U2,eSATA Model for $287.50 1.0TB NewerTech miniStack v3 FW800/400/eSATA/USB2 + Powered Hub $465.00 1.5TB 32MB 7200RPM FW800/400+USB2 Performance RAID now $519.00 Click for all FireWire Solutions Transfer Data from existing HDs, Make your own Externals - from $25.00 NewerTech Universal HD Adapter - connect any 2.5" or 3.5" Hard Drive external via USB 2.0. Great method accessing 'extra drives' from previous upgrades, etc - makes it super easy to transfer data to a new drive that's replacing an existing drive in single HD bay systems. Universal for both SATA and IDE/ATA (PATA) Hard Drives - $25.00 Make SATA 2.5" HD from the MacBook or MacBook Pro External from $34.99 Make IDE/ATA 2.5" HD From PowerBook/iBook External from $29.95 Make SATA 3.5" HDs from Mac Pro, G5s External from $109.99 Make IDE/ATA HDs from Apple G4 Computers External from $44.95 Memory makes the difference Memory Market Update: Insanity prevails with the dram manufacturers which means the best prices on DDR2 modules ever are what you get to enjoy! Memory for the latest Intel Macs is a huge bargain right now... it's the same top quality stuff today, just at a fraction of the price it sold for months ago. 4.0GB for DDR2 today is less than 1/6th the cost of what just 2.0GB had cost a year ago at this same time. Amazing too are the benefits when you upgrade.. be it from 512MB to 1GB, 1GB to 2GB, 2GB to 3GB and higher too. We've even got real world application testing comparing this. If you've only got 512MB (oh my gosh) or even 1GB - adding more can literally be like you've bought a brand new Mac for the difference it makes. We sell top quality, major brand memory at what are really cheap prices right now - and not to be confused at all with selling cheap memory that's not the good stuff. More memory = Faster Mac = Less 'Spinning Beach balls' Top Quality, Apple Spec Qualified Memory and backed with a Lifetime Advance Replacement Warranty - We've got ya covered! Upgrade MacBook, MacBook Pro Models (Core 2 Duo & Core Duo) For all speed/models of MacBook and MacBook Pro All models have 2 slots - upgrade one at a time or with a set. 1.0GB PC5300 DDR2 now $26.00; Upgrade with a 2.0GB Set $50.00 Add a 2.0GB Module to any Core 2 Duo Model for $58.75, 3.0GB Memory Set (2.0GB + 1.0GB Modules) for $82.50, or 4.0GB Memory Set (2.0GB + 2.0GB Modules) for $115.00! See other up to 4.0GB Memory and Hard Drive Upgrades options online. Add up to 16.0GBs to Apple Mac Pro Quad Xeon Max the Apple Mac Pro Quad Xeon with up to 32GBs of Top Quality Memory Apple Qualified with Apple Approved Heat Spreader for Optimal Reliability Mac Pro has 8 Slots, Memory must be installed in Matched Pairs. 1GB x 2, 2GB x 2, and 4GB x 2Module Sets now starting from about $44.37 Per GIG! Upgrade iMac Intel, Mac mini Intel Models (ALL) Both Systems have 2 Slots, May be upgraded one module at a time or pairs. 1.0GB PC5300 DDR2 now $26.00; Upgrade with a 2.0GB Set $50.00 Add a 2.0GB Module to any Core 2 Duo Model for $58.75, 3.0GB Memory Set (2.0GB + 1.0GB Modules) for $82.50, or 4.0GB Memory Set (2.0GB + 2.0GB Modules) for $115.00! See other up to 4.0GB Memory and Hard Drive Upgrades online. Upgrade your PowerMac G5 and iMac G5 with PC3200 iMac G5 1.6GHz, 1.8GHz, and 2.0GHz; all PowerMac G5 Models with PCI-X Slots (all PowerMac G5s prior to the PCI-Express 'October 2005' models) PowerMac requires Matched Pairs, iMac allows one at a time. 2.0GB Matched Pair PC3200 DDR 184 Pin DIMMs - $119.00 1.0GB PC3200 DDR 184 Pin DIMM Module - $59.50 512MB PC3200 DDR 184 Pin DIMM Module - $27.50 Click for All Memory Options. More Memory for iMac G5/1.9GHz & 2.1GHz Models, PowerMac G5 'Oct 2005' PC4200 Memory for Late 2005 Model iMacs; PowerMac G5 PCI-Express PowerMac requires Matched Pairs, iMac allows one at a time. 1.0GB PC4200 DDR2 240 Pin DIMM Module - $28.50 2.0GB PC4200 DDR2 Matched Pair 1GB x 2 Matched Set - $55.00 Click for All Memory Options including 2.0GB modules/4GB kits from $65 per 2GB! Upgrade PowerBook G4 Aluminum 12"/15"/17"; iBook G4 12" & 14" PC2700 for all iBook G4 Models, All 'Pre-Oct 2005' PowerBook G4 Aluminums PowerBook has two slots, iBook only 1 slot - no advantage to matched pairs. 512MB PC2700 DDR SO-DIMM 200 Pin - $29.50 1.0GB PC2700 DDR SO-DIMM 200 Pin - $75.00 Click for All Memory Options. Upgrade PowerMac G4 AGP Graphics, Gigabit Ethernet, Digital Audio, Quicksilver models Three or Four total slots, up to 512MB per Slot - Each slot independent with no advantage to matched sets. 256MB PC133 CL3/PC100 CL2 SDRAM DIMM 168 Pin - $22.50 512MB PC133 CL3/PC100 CL2 SDRAM DIMM 168 Pin - $49.00 Click for All Memory Options. OWC stocks top quality, fully tested - Apple Spec Memory for nearly every Mac made If you don't see your model listed and/or are not sure what your system needs, use our 'MyOWC' compatibility guide will list out just options are correct for your Mac. Watch, Schedule, Record, Edit TV/Video on your Mac from $59.00 Special Factory Refurbished Deals on Award Winning Elgato Mac EyeTV products EyeTV Hybrid USB 2.0 same as above, but Analog&Digital for $97.99 EyeTV 250 Fully Featured Digital Video Recorder/AV-in Solution $119.00 A big step forward, this model originally retailed for $199 and in more than just for watching and recording video, this incorporates hardware video encoding to keep the load off your processor and make the recording, scheduling, etc of TV/Video super easy and effective. Not a refurb - but a great product to have from Elgato if you've got an iPod/iPhone, AppleTV, or Sony PSP: The Elgato Turbo.264, brand new for $85.00, works with any Mac via an available USB 2.0 Port, takes the burden off your Mac's Processor(s), and does the h.264 encoding (for watching your videos on those aforementioned devices)up to 5 times faster when compared to a 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo Macbook Pro - so worlds faster for older PowerPCs and lets you work unhindered on any Mac while the encoding job runs. 802.11n Wireless Options for Mac at $62.50 Add 802.11b/g/n Wireless support to pretty much any Mac (or PC) running Apple OS X 10.3.x or later - including 10.5 - with Edimax nMax. nMax 802.11n Wireless for PowerBook G3/G4 PCMCIA Cardbus Slot or nMax 802.11n Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter works via any available USB port or nMax 802.11n Wireless PCI Card Adapter for use via any available PCI/PCI-X Slot All three models now in stock and available, your choice at $62.50. Who Let that Cat Out? Apple 10.5 Leopard from $119.00 Long awaited and well worth the wait, Apple OS 10.5 Leopard is now available. Requires an Apple with a G4, G5, or Intel Processor that is 867MHZ or faster, 512MB min of Memory, DVD optical drive, and built in firewire port. Note - OWC Has tested its OWC Mercury Extreme G4, PowerLogix PowerForce G4, and NewerTech MaxPower G4 Upgrades and found them 100% Leopard compatible. What's more, if your Mac was originally slower than 867MHz, so long as you've got a current or prior G4 Upgrade that is 900MHz or faster - you're good to go (so long as have the memory and the DVD drive). Apple OS 10.5 Leopard Retail Box Version Single User - $119.00 Apple OS 10.5 Leopard 5-User 'Family Pack' and more from $197.99 Upgrade to a modern DVD SuperDrive the reads & rights DVDS, DVD-Dual Layer, and CDs from $34.99 Check out faster G4 Processor options for your PowerMac G4 from $175 Awarding Winning Prosoft Utility Specials - DataRescue II $55 If ever you've got an issue with data on one of your hard drives, the award winning DataRescue II is an application you want in your arsenal and ready to deploy. Be it data corruption or accidentally deleted files, DataRescue has saved the day for many. Prosoft DataRescue II normal retail $99, Super Reader Special - $55.00 Also check out Prosoft Drive Genius - this is the same utility Apple uses for the system maintenance they charge you for at the Genius Bar which you can buy and thus be doing that maintenance yourself. :) Normal $99, $67.50 for you. Kensington Car/Auto 12V to AC 200w Inverter for $29.50 This Kensington Car/Auto AC Power Inverter is in like new condition, factory refurbished and complete with a 1yr Kensington Warranty. Very solid, conveniently compact, and a heck of a deal at less than half of new retail, this product provides one AC Outlet and also One USB Port for power in addition to passing through the 12V Auto. Perfect for powering your laptop, ipod, cell phone, etc. Great solution too for MacBook/MacBook Pro users who don't have a cost effective Car/Auto Adapter even available out there. Plenty of stock available at the special reader price of $29.50 See your home's power usage real-time, reduce power bill Few of us like to see our monthly power bill, any bill for that matter... but when it comes to our power usage, that's usually when we think about it. Enter the Blue Line Innovations PowerCost Monitor - this nifty device works with pretty much any type of power meter, is allowed/legal (in fact power utility companies are starting to promote this product), and lets you see you're power consumption in real time. I put one on my meter and while have always tried to be energy conservational, this gives that extra reminder and even challenge to make sure lights, tv, etc, computer, etc - is shut off when not in use. For those with variable rate plans (different power cost for peak vs. non-peak), it's easily programmable and helpful for shifting power intensive activities (doing laundry, etc) to those non-peak hours. When you have it displayed front and center how much the power is costing you real-time, it's quite motivating to make that number as low as can go. The Blue Line PowerCost Monitor is available for our readers discounted to $119 and I can tell you first hand, it definitely is an investment that will pay for itself. It's also nice no longer being surprised when the power bill shows up. :) Again, deals like these and more - reserved just for Readers - found on your regularly updated Tips n' Deals Exclusive Specials Page. Music on the Mac: Roger's Holiday Guide Greetings from the macsales.com Music Department! Here is a nice variety of great music products for your holiday shopping needs. Please visit www.macsales.com/music to see our fantastic selection of music products and accessories in all price ranges for everyone on your list! For the budding basement DJ, the M-Audio Torq MixLab is incredible. A software/hardware solution that makes it super easy and FUN to create your own mixes at home and "live" in action too. A great value at $ 99.00 Plug your guitar or bass directly into your USB port and rock out with GarageBand using the GuitarPlug...and at only $ 15 dollars-it's a steal! College students need to record lectures and music students and teachers need to record their music too! In the world of portable digital recorders, the winner for price vs features goes to the popular ikey Plus Portable USB recorder. It's the size of a paperback, easy to use and can record to flash drives, iPods and USB 2.0 drives. It sells for $149.00 When it comes to getting audio into and out of your computer, the M-Audio Fast Track Pro audio interface is full of features. Two high quality mic preamps, 2 instrument inputs and phantom power for your mics is included. It is also works as your midi interface. Of course, it is a great interface to use with the world leading Pro Tools M Powered recording software. The Fast Track Pro sells for $199.00 Pro Tools recording software is used the world over to record thousands of hit songs. Now you can harness the power of this application at home with Pro Tools M Powered from M-Audio. At $249.00, the price of admission into this world has never been so low. Pro Tools is a must have for serious musicians! A fantastic value in midi keyboards, the M-Audio Keystation 61es is inexpensive at $169.00 , feels great under your fingers and has USB output so you can plug it right in and play. What if you could turn ANY microphone into a "USB" mic? The folks at Marshall have come up with a convenient gadget called the Marshall MicMate. Just plug your mic into this slim, inline converter that even supplies phantom power and then the other end right into your computer's USB input. Simple and inexpensive at $79.95. Please call 800-275-4576 to speak to one of our knowledgeable sales staff and discuss your specific needs. Happy holiday shopping! Don't forget about our Audio/Music Forum. We want to be your resource for answers to your questions...and let you share your experience with others too. Please find the "right stuff" at great prices here. Get our entertaining Widget called Daily Guitar Jam. 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. 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: Time really went fast writing this latest edition... ok - it sure seems like it did. But that's ok. For once here though, going to keep the time here short. Have a great Thanksgiving and hopefully lots of great Turkey sandwich leftovers too. When we're recovered from this holiday and before the next, there will be in between our next newsletter with plenty more of the good stuff you expect. Have Happy and a Safe Thanksgiving and thank you for being an OWC Tips n' Deals subscriber... and 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 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. Notification is e-mailed to your address when you join as well as if you choose to cancel, which you may do at anytime, no hard feelings. :) To change, remove, or add an e-mail address for our newsletter, you can visit our online subscriber page anytime. If you'd just like to unsubscribe, that can also quickly be done by clicking the link at the end of this e-mail. Prices & availability subject to change without notice. New specials go up and old specials updated everyday. We Apologize for typographical errors. This e-mail may be freely distributed in its original form, complete and without any modification, alteration, insertion, or anything else that would make this different from the original intent. If you would like to 'reprint' just a portion you may make a request by e-mail to: larry@macsales.com. All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2000-2007, Other World Computing - Since 1988 |