Other World Computing
Greetings from Woodstock!
It's been a busy few days here with the new iMacs and also with our look into (and solution for) another little curve ball.

But first, the new iMacs...
New 2012 iMac "Notes"
The new 2012s are definitely the most elegant iMacs ever and deserve to be called the best iMacs ever. Compared to the prior 2011 iMacs, the upgrade from USB 2.0 to USB 3.0 (USB 3.0 is about 10X faster) by itself would have been compelling even without the aesthetics, faster video, and faster processors. They are fast, the screen (even though not Retina) is incredibly sharp and clear, and the performance is on par with the current MacPro depending on the application. Unlike the MacPro, however, what you can do inside these new machines to expand performance is severely limited - much more so with the 21.5" model.

We do have the full solution now for upgrading memory in the 21.5". Our 16GB kit will soon ship with all the tools you need to safely remove the screen, remove the logic board components, upgrade the memory, and put it all back together right how it was. Because Apple elected to use glue tape to secure the display to the iMac chassis, this is a more tedious process than it had to be and something that I honestly don't expect many will seek to perform. We do have a rough video online here: showing the entire process and will shortly have one of our full-fledged installation videos posted with the step-by-step instructions. The complete installation kit, including the 16GB memory set for $119.00, can be pre-ordered here: and will begin shipping in a few days following the posting of the DIY 'how-to' video.

In my opinion, this is a lot of form over function with the 21.5" and one has to wonder how hard it would have been to just give us a hatch for this memory. This isn't an issue with the iMac 27" model; which not only Apple supported/approved for enduser memory installations, but also can have up to 32GB of RAM via four modules vs. the 21.5" maxing out at 16GB due to being limited to using two modules.

The additional memory capability and non-hassle of adding memory to the new 27" might be reason enough to hold out for the larger display model (as if the bigger display isn't reason enough). If you're ordering a 21.5" model and even though Apple charges a premium, I suggest you watch the video and decide if you're better off selecting having the 16GB option installed at the factory.

You can see more images and info on the new Apple iMac 21.5" now on our blog.

Use our Easy Guide to see the Right Memory available to upgrade your iMac or Any Mac.
Mac mini 2012 has a pronounced problem with Bluetooth & USB 3.0
Although few and far between, we started hearing reports of customers experiencing issues with certain USB 3.0 drives and their 2012 Mac mini. As it turns out, USB 3.0 can emit interference that can affect not only Bluetooth, but also 2.4GHz Wi-Fi as well.

It seems the problem is some minis may not have proper shielding applied internally. While most Mac mini 2012s have had their Wi-F/BT work fine with connected USB 3.0 devices, some users experience up to total loss of Bluetooth even at very short range. This random occurrence appears to be due to the specific placement of shielding inside the mini, which from our investigation appears to vary from unit to unit.

The solution – we now have a blog up with a video demonstrating installation of a very simple solution to the problem. Insulated EMI shielding foil can be used to shield the mini's Bluetooth module from the internal USB 3.0 emissions and substantially restore your Bluetooth range. With this solution applied, and with using multiple Bluetooth devices together, we've seen range consistently restored to between 20 and 25 feet. Not quite the max 30 feet advertised for Bluetooth, but certainly useable.

A true 'how-to' installation video version of this 'first look' is in production now. In the meantime, the present video in our blog covers things more than adequately so those affected can waste no time in restoring their Bluetooth to an acceptable range. Furthermore, we've assembled a complete Bluetooth Shielding Kit for Mac mini for $9.79 that has proper insulated shielding and all the tools you need too. We're all about solutions and are pleased to quickly offer one to you for this troublesome problem.

As a further note on this issue, it can actually affect other USB 3.0 equipped Macs and PCs as well. It can also be highly affected by low-grade USB 3.0 cables. We are pleased to confirm that our included double-shielded USB 3.0 cables are of substantial quality and do not further exacerbate the problem. We also found this to be true of the cables included with many of the other brand USB 3.0 solutions we offer with the exception of LaCie. If you have a LaCie USB 3.0 cable and are having issues with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth – a new cable may also be part of the needed solution.
With OWC covering delivery on qualifying orders as low as $25.00, no lines to wait in, and super fast ship out – we try to make things as easy and smooth as possible. Up to an additional $50 instant-off can help too.

See our latest Blast online here - lots of extras just for readers:
We don't make you enter codes – just by using the links in our emails, your reader pricing is activated – simple as that. :)

Much of the above and a whole lot more can be found on our blog at blog.macsales.com. New articles are always being posted and it's not just about us – it's about you too and we enjoy and appreciate your feedback and contribution to our blog!

See our latest Blast online here - lots of extras just for readers:
We don't make you enter codes – just by using the links in our emails, your reader pricing is activated – simple as that. :)

Much of the above and a whole lot more can be found on our blog at blog.macsales.com. New articles are always being posted and it's not just about us – it's about you too and we enjoy and appreciate your feedback and contribution to our blog!

When looking for that perfect Christmas tech gift, check out our CyberHoliday promos – still rolling. With OWC covering delivery on qualifying orders as low as $25.00, no lines to wait in, and super fast ship out – we try to make things as easy and smooth as possible. Up to an additional $50 instant-off can help too.

And wrapping it up....
Other World Computing

Thank you for reading and thank you for all of your support.

– OWC Larry
Other World Computing | www.macsales.com
2650 Bridge Lane
Woodstock, IL 60098
800-275-4576 / 815-338-8685

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The 'fine print'
Other World Computing
div. of New Concepts Development Corp.
2650 Bridge Lane
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-338-8685
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