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OWC Tips & Deals 4/30/2007
Intro: Hello again from your friends in Woodstock! Just couldn't wait any longer, definitely couldn't let April go by without dropping some kind of line out there. Without further ado, gonna get to it! It's all about Apple, Inc. As far as the markets are concerned, things are going great in Cupertino. Apple just turned the their most profitable March quarter in history supported by a 36% increase in Mac and 24% in iPod unit sales as well as lower component costs. Mac computer sales actually set an all time record with that 36% growth driving over 1.5 million units into the world. And seeing how the overall computer market was estimated to grow only about 11%, this can only mean that Apple grew its share of the computer & OS markets as well. That's good and good all the way around.... and all without any upgrade or new model introduced to the Mac line. Someone's smiling all the way to the bank. And what will Leopard do for Apple next? Oh, ooops... The iPhone is next and, in a statement, Apple assured that they are on track and making sure you too will be able to "experience what a revolutionary and magical product it is" this June as promised. What's this got to do with Leopard? Well, in that same statement you'll read on to see the that what was needed to ensure the iPhone launched on time, well, those resources came from the Leopard development team. Although it was only three weeks earlier on March 23rd that Apple had denied rumors of any Leopard delay, we'd read in that short April 12th statement about the iPhone that "Life often presents tradeoffs" and this particular tradeoff means that the OS 10.5 Leopard has been pushed back to October. Not the end of the world by any means. Tiger is still grrreat and heads and shoulders above Vista. It's disappointing, but, well, Jobs has a plan. Clearly the iPhone is long of long term strategic importance to Apple, Inc. and we would hope and expect that a successful iPhone will bring the same kinds of benefits to Mac sales and market share as the iPod has arguable done. Still.... It is a little disappointing to not see any new Mac models come out or speedbumps where they could. It's been since November, when Apple bumped the Macbook 13.3" from Core Duo to Core 2 Duo, that any of the lines (except the Mac Pro) got any kind of bump. In fact.... The Mac mini (maybe being replaced soon with something more expandable?) is still offered with the same 1.5GHz 'solo' and 1.66GHz Core Duo and at the same retail prices that it was introduced with OVER A YEAR AGO! Patience is a virtue... Some Mac stuff might be a little slower to arrive. Maybe Jobs is got his focus on the iPhone for a little bit. Maybe there is some adjustment to allow with Apple Computer, Inc. now being Apple, Inc. with consumer and computer focus. I have no doubt that the best is yet to come. At the same time, I think we've got the best on the market already as well. Mac Pro Xeon now available with new 8-Core option Alright power users - if the Mac Pro with Quad Cores wasn't enough, it's now just a $699 premium to double your pleasure and jump from the 3.0GHz Quad up to the 3.0GHz 8-Core Apple Mac Pro Xeon configuration. And in a nutshell, that's what's new with the Mac Pro. Comparing to last August when I covered the Mac Pro Release, well, it's still $2499 for the default 2.66GHz Quad Core with 1GB Mem/250GB HD/16X SuperDrive/Nvidia 7300GT Video. From there it's still a savings of $299 if you want to drop to a 2.0GHz Quad Core processor config, $799 more to bump up to 3.0GHz Quad Config... and now the $1498 option ($699 on top of the Quad 3.0GHz spread) to take 'er to 'OctoCore' 3.0GHz. Same Mac Pro system, but now with 8-Cores available. Little changed with the options, but there has been some change since August, 2006. More factory available storage, reduced video option costs, reduced memory costs: The Mac Pro still has the four hard drive bays, which come with the mounting trays whether you populate them or not. Up from the original 2.0TB max factory installed, Apple now offers option for up to 3.0TB of HD Capacity (750GB x 4) installed. Having said that, where Apple will charge you an extra $329 per 500GB HD or $499 per 750GB HD added - you can add your own 500GB and 750GB HDs via OWC from $137.99 and $269 respectively. Also, for the same $499 per as the factory 750GB install option - you can actually go up to 4.0TBs of total storage with 1.0TB Hitachi SATA II HDs now in stock at OWC! While Apple factory drives have only the Apple 1yr Factory warranty (unless you pay for AppleCare extension), easy to add drives (if in doubt, watch our video) from us come with the benefit of up to a 5 year factory warranty in addition to cost savings that add up quick. As with the hard drives, there's a lot of saving getting your certifiedmemory upgrade from OWC. It's easy to install and again, got videos linked on the page just to be sure. Last August, you were saving about about 20% vs. paying for Apple to install the memory. Today you can get our certified Mac Pro Memory, and backed by our Lifetime Advance Replacement Warranty, at savings of 50 to 58%! You can cover a processor upgrade just in those savings alone. :) The Video Card options are still exactly the same except adding a 2nd 7300GT($149) or optioning to upgrade to the ATI Radeon X1900($249) is $100 less than before. The upgrade option for the top-end Nvidia Quadro FX4500, however, remains the same $1649. Not really any else to mention. At the core, well, it's that option for double the cores. Is 8-cores really more and better than 4-Cores? Well... that's all in what you'll be using them for. Significant gains are visible most especially when multiple instances (same application running multiple times) doing processing work are opened up on the 8-Core. But for some of the 'core' type work, like testing done this far with Adobe Creative Suite 3, running by itself - there was no gain compared to the Quad Core as it never got past utilizing 4 of the cores. Some have speculated this may change when Leopard 10.5 comes out. Either way - there is plenty of processing power at your disposal for serious multi-app multiprocessing even as things sit now. It's all about what you need and Rob-Art of Bare-Feats has some nice test results for Quad vs. 'Octo'. If your spending $799 to get to 3.0GHz Quad, those results might make it hard to resist pushing $699 more out here to make it an 'Octocore' instead. And there ya have it, on a silver platter for the high-end big spenders - and what is the first and only Apple model speed bump/model upgrade thus far for 2007. :) More Memory means more performance and now at all time lows! How low can it go - I really don't know... but short of paying for memory to be hauled away, I'd suspect we're close to the floor. When you look at your Mac, having enough memory can really make a difference. It's pretty much the easiest upgrade to make and now it's dollar for dollar about the best value too. If you have less than 1GB right now, there's no reason to wait with the prices we've got today. More memory means less time spinning your wheels while you watch those 'spinning beach balls' too. How much memory you need depends on the types of applications you're running, but, going from 512MB or less to 1.0GB or more is something that gives a noticeable boost even for the most basic applications under Apple OS X. Upgrading your hard drive gives you more data storage space + today's drives provide more speed too. A faster processor (if an option for your Mac) or, arguable, a new Mac with a faster process has straight performance benefits too. But - no matter what the Mac or how fast a hard drive and processor you've got in it, leaving your memory short makes for a bottleneck that holds the rest back from really showing you what that system can really do. Once you've got the memory - a faster hard drive and/or a faster processor can then really give that next big leap. I don't know how low it'll yet go... but it's pretty darn low now. Memory is about the only computer component out there that has costs which rise and fall in a commodity like supply and demand driven way. This year it's been on the fall, by over 50% depending on the type... 1.0GB Modules for MacBook/MacBook Pro/iMac Intel as low as $59.00 each, 2.0GB Modules for $175.00, you can now go to 3.0GB in ANY Core 2 Duo iMac/MacBook/MacBook Pro for $229.00! Earlier in the newsletter I'd commented about lower component costs helping to have driven Apple's latest record earnings..... Memory is certainly a part of that given prices down well over 50% while Apple is still charging the same $175 for 1GB and $750 for 2.0GB modules installed as factory options. Gotta be nice to be Apple, Inc. Mac Pro Quad Xeon and 8-Way Xeon Memory up to 16GB now as low as $107.38 per GB. Upgrading with 2.0GB of matched PC3200 for a PowerMac G5 or iMac G5 is now $159.00. No matter what Mac you've got, we've got the memory for Macs from the last two decades. Our online memory guide makes it real easy and with memory right now so low, well, it's also easy on your bank account. Check out your special Reader deals on Memory too! I don't have a crystal ball... but if you need memory, today's prices mean a pretty quick return on the investment. And even without a crystal ball, while it's been a whole lot more expensive in the recent past, there's hardly room left now for the drop to continue. Enjoy! All OWC Mercury Storage now includes ProSoft DataBackup III Since early this year we've been including the current, full retail version of Prosoft's award winning DataBackup utility. When their new version III was released earlier this month, well, all of our solutions were upgraded to include this latest version as well. To be clear - this is not same lite, limited, OEM version - this is the same application that retails for $59 (which we sell separately at the discounted price of $39) and with the same benefits you'd get for buying it separately too! This includes the free upgrades - just as owners of Prosoft Backup II got their upgrade to the new version III, if you've got one of our OWC Solutions that originally included version II - you're upgrade is also just a download away. Backing up your data is one of the most important things you can do. And we couldn't be more pleased to include DataBackup III, arguably the best OS X Backup solution available today, with all of our OWC Mercury and Neptune Solutions. New Products, Upgrades, for adding Mac Storage First on the list, for all you Mac Pro owners - add two eSATA ports for $24.95 with the NewerTech eSATA Extender Cable. Now why would you want to give up two of your internal bays - um - you wouldn't and you don't! Every Mac Pro Apple has shipped happens to have two additional SATA II port channels that have been unused and available. The custom designed NewerTech eSATA Extender lets you have up to 6 SATA Drives via the Mac Pro's own SATA bus channels (the 4 standard internal + the 'NewerTech' 2 x eSATA). And what easier way to use those eSATA ports than with a Dual-Bay OWC eSATA Kit or Solution. :) Next, got new capacities, new levels of performance, and new external solutions too. The OWC Mercury On-The-Go 2.5" Bus Powered line is now available with Performance 7200RPM Speed to 160GB and new OWC On-The-Go solution options now feature SATA drives with USB 2.0 and USB 2.0+eSATA interfaces in addition to the flagship FW800(400)+USB2 model with all offering up to 200GB from $99.97. OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro 'Quad Interface' FW800/400/USB2/eSATA solutions make the leap to now offer up to 1.0TB, the highest capacity single drive solution of its type on the market today - while the OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro RAID FW800/400/USB2 leaps to 2.0TB to hit the same mark for Dual-Drive solutions. If we can do it externally, well, you know there's internal options too. And OWC is pleased to have the new 1.0TB Hitachi's in stock allowing up to 1.0TB of quick SATA I/II storage per bay! They aren't cheap - but where real-estate is prime, these bring you an extra 33% more capacity vs. the 750GB capacity, the prior king of the hill. While we've had a 200GB 2.5" Laptop hard drive option for some time, what people have really been hot are higher capacity 7200RPM drives. Well, Seagate has delivered! The new 7200.2 Momentus 160GB SATA 2.5" Notebook drive is a nice capacity bump from the prior 100GB model offerings. And more than just being 60% more 7200RPM capacity, this drive is remarkably faster than any other 2.5" drive we've ever tested. It's a leap both in capacity and in performance over all that come before it and is an excellent Macbook/MacBook Pro upgrade for both performance and more storage in one. NewerTech cranks up G4 Performance with new 7448 Processors Never underestimate the performance you can get from an existing PowerMac G4. Apple built these machines really well and made lots of upgrading possible. NewerTech's new 7448 G4 Processor upgrade line takes the G4 processing power to the max. Available in up to Dual 1.8GHz and Single 2.0GHz models from $399, these 7448s use less power, run cooler, and feature a 1MB L2 1:1 Cache to deliver up to 40% more performance than the 7447 based models. Compatible with Apple OS 9.x and 10.3.5 and later, enjoy all your existing hardware and software - with just a whole lot better performance. What really makes PowerPC upgrades a value today is PowerPC software. Today's Intel Macs can be very appealing, but don't forget you'll likely be needing to upgrade your software if you want to take advantage of such an upgrade. In light of that even spending $699 for the top end Dual 1.8GHz can be an easy decision with the delivery of better performance on that existing Mac than your same software even on a 2.33GHz $1999 Intel iMac. There's always that time to make the move to new. And... depending on what your situation is, there's a good argument for a NewerTech 7448 upgrade as well. :) For Fun and of interest Yes, at long last, Adobe has released the new Creative Suite 3 - the first Creative Suite (Photoshop, etc.) to have Intel Native support. For owners of Intel Macs, it's a huge performance booster vs. the prior PowerPC only versions which need to utilize Apple's Rosetta compatibility emulation for operation. This is big news, certainly interesting.... but what's for fun about this? It's actually not a lot of fun for some... between figuring out 'which Creative Suite' is right for you... because there's now SIX of them to choose from... and ouch to the pocketbook too, they range from $999 to $2499! Already own Creative Suite or a Creative Suite App? The upgrades start from $399 and up to 80% of the full retail of new depending on what you own now. One bit or another is must have if you're on an Intel Mac... but after wading through to figure your best option, this is no cheap upgrade to unleash the Intel native power. It works great too on PPC Macs... but, this upgrade is mainly about Intel Native support and not new features to the core apps like Photoshop. This Joy of Tech cartoon probably sums it up best. :) Intro Closing: I really waited, wanted, and expected a lot more from Apple. We've got our own goodies rolling out and there's more to come. Just thought there'd be more from Apple to complement such. I know the next MacBook Pro speed bumps are dependent on Intel delivering their next processor speed bumps... but in the least figured the Mac mini Intel would have something happen around it when we arrived to its mid-march intro anniversary. I think I've just become accustomed to what had been a pretty regular new Mac enhancements roll out from Apple. Maybe it's better that things are more stable and less frequent - but darn it, at least upgrade stuff like video if nothing else. Like I said though, Steve ha a plan and given the successful state of Apple - I can hardly argue. :) Thanks for reading, and when there's the next deluge to share, will be dropping our next newsletter across the electronic frontier. Have a great week and always the best! On we got to this week's Quick Tip: Keep that Intel Mac cool, this week's Reader Specials Highlights, and Roger's Music on the Mac following some '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. New goodies recently added! 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: Keep your Intel Mac Cool under load In an effort to keep the latest Intel Macs super quiet, Apple did some great things to see heat dissipated by methods beyond just loud, fast spinning fans. Even so, with a heavy processing load there's definitely a point where having those fans crank up is a good thing. What's not so hot... ok... actually is literally a hot issue has to do with Apple's default thresholds for when the system will crank up its fans. In the case of Apple's flagship Mac Pro, things can get mighty toasty in spots without some of the fans accelerating at all. One easy to recreate scenario is with any Mac Pro equipped with a Radeon 1900XT and the game World of Warcraft. With multiple reports all over the web, we've tested it ourselves to see our Mac Pro video go all wiggy with artifacts, have total system lock ups, and in one test experience a total loss of video with this game being played. Was it a bad video card? No - it was a big rise of temperature within that caused these problems. How about those MacBook Pros - some people report having their MacBooks turning into 'MacCooks'. It's not your typical web browsing, e-mail reading, word processing, etc - that cranks up the heat - it's when you dive in with applications or even some games that use the system capabilities to their max. You don't break a sweat walking, but when you're running as fast as you can - you know. And these Macs are designed to run all out, but maybe there is a question to where Apple has the fans set to crank on. And there is a solution. It's called smcFan Control. This application lets you set new minimum fan speeds for each fan your Intel Mac has. It's smart too... so you're not able to accidentally cook your Mac, minimum speeds are maintained and Apple's automatic fan speed increases will occur should your settings be lower than what Apple would automatically engage for a various load. What's particularly useful is that you can have multiple fan setting profiles to switch between for a particular situation. While you can leave the default Apple settings for the stuff that doesn't fire up the grill, a simple menubar pull down lets you select a custom fan speed profile to keep the heat off during an activity that does. In the case of our World of Warcraft testing - we found that our PCI Expansion bay temp rose from around 90F to over 110F with problems starting after temps in the 105F+ range were registering. The room tested in was about 76F and when we cranked the fans from a default of about 700RPM to 1800RPM - the same load only brought the bay up to 94F and NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. A future Apple SMC update may very well have those fans bumping up automatically - until then, smcFan Control puts your Intel Macs temperature(s) in your hands with easy to use profiles so you'll only need to crank up the fans when you're cranking those apps you've seen crank the heat. Enjoy and don't forget to donate(we have no affiliation, just like useful applications like everyone else). 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: 512MB $17.50, 1GB Modules $59, 2.0GB modules $175 There's little more that I can say. We've got memory at record low prices today and it's not just any memory - this is Top Grade, Apple Qualified memory that's tested and guaranteed right for your Mac! OWC Memory is guaranteed for a lifetime of reliable, trouble-free operation and our Lifetime Advance Replacement Warranty stands behind it. **Special** Due to an overwhelming participation in our memory rebate program, we've got a significant supply of the following Apple Genuine modules: Apple 512MB PC5300 DDR2 SO-DIMM for MacBook/iMac Intel/Mac Mini Intel $17.50 Apple 1.0GB Kit for Mac Pro Quad Xeon (512MBx2) are $125.00 These Apple Factory Modules, we've received as part of our ongoing Trade-In Rebate program, are fully System tested and backed by a 120 Day OWC Warranty. First come, first served as supply is available. 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 $59.00; Upgrade with a 2.0GB Set $118.00 Add a 2.0GB Module to any Core 2 Duo Model for $175.00 or 3.0GB Memory Set (2.0GB + 1.0GB Modules) for $229.00! See other up to 3.0GB 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 16GBs 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. 512MB x 2, 1GB x 2, and 2GB x 2 Module Sets now starting from about $107 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 $59.00; Upgrade with a 2.0GB Set $118.00 Add a 2.0GB Module to any Core 2 Duo Model for $175.00 or 3.0GB Memory Set (2.0GB + 1.0GB Modules) for $229.00! See other up to 3.0GB 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 - $159.00 1.0GB PC3200 DDR 184 Pin DIMM Module - $82.50 512MB PC3200 DDR 184 Pin DIMM Module - $39.00 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 - $67.50 2.0GB PC4200 DDR2 Matched Pair 1GB x 2 Matched Set - $132.50 Click for All Memory Options including 2.0GB modules/4GB kits from $149.99 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 - $41.50 1.0GB PC2700 DDR SO-DIMM 200 Pin - $107.50 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 - $25.00 512MB PC133 CL3/PC100 CL2 SDRAM DIMM 168 Pin - $59.00 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. Desktop/Tower/External HDs - 500GB SATA $125; FireWire 250GB $109.50 500GB Maxtor MaxLine Pro Enterprise Class 7200RPM SATA II now $125.00 This is one of the fastest, most reliable drives you can get. Not just a standard fare drive, this model is Enterprise 'Nearline' rated for mission critical data storage needs and backed by a 5 year Seagate/Maxtor Factory Warranty. Get that SAME drive bundled with ProSoft DataBackup III for $139.00 That's an extra $14 to include the $59.95 Retail Value Backup Application. 300GB Maxtor MaxLine III SATA 16MB Cache 5yr Warranty HD now $70.00 Check out other Maxtor 250GB to 500GB deals here. OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro 800GB RAID FireWire 800/400 Solution for $335.00 Includes all cables, Intech HD Speedtools, DataBackup, 2yr+ Warranty & More 250GB Seagate Barracuda SATA I/II 16MB Cache 7200RPM HD for $71.00 OWC Mercury Elite-AL 'Quad' FW800/400+USB2+eSATA Enclosure Kit $107.50 Flexible interface, performance solution - just add SATA I/II HD 250GB Seagate Barracuda IDE/ATA 16MB Cache 7200RPM HD for $72.50 320GB Seagate Barracuda IDE/ATA 16MB Cache 7200RPM HD for $94.50 NewerTech miniStack FireWire/USB2 Enclosure+FW-USB Hub Kit - $67 OWC Mercury Elite-AL Oxford912 FW800/400 Kit for IDE/ATA HDs $67.99, 15% off 250GB NewerTech miniStack FW/USB2 Complete Solution for $142.50! 250GB OWC Neptune FireWire 400 Complete Solution for $109.50! Big Storage for your Apple Laptop - 120GB from $79; 160GB $99 MacBook and MacBook Pro 2.5" SATA Internal Hard Drive Upgrades: 100.0GB Hitachi Travelstar 7K100 7200RPM 8MB with 3yr Warranty $127.99 120.0GB Hitachi Travelstar 5K160 5400RPM 8MB with 3yr Warranty $92.00 160.0GB Western Digital Scorpio 5400RPM 8MB with 3yr Warranty **$127.99 ** 200.0GB Toshiba MK2035GSS 4200RPM 8MB with 3yr Warranty - $179.99 PowerBook & iBook G3/G4 Internal IDE/ATA 2.5" Hard Drive Upgrades: 80.0GB Hitachi Travelstar 5K160 5400RPM 8MB with 3yr Warranty $179.99 100.0GB Hitachi Travelstar 7K100 7200RPM 8MB with 3yr Warranty $125.99 120.0GB Western Digital Scorpio 5400RPM 8MB with 3yr Warranty **$79.00 ** 160.0GB Hitachi Travelstar 5K160 5400RPM 8MB with 3yr Warranty $$122.00 Use and/or transfer data from the 'old' drive externally: SATA 2.5" Portable HD Enclosure Kits for MacBook/MacBook Pro Hard Drives OWC Mercury On-The-Go FireWire 800(+400)/USB2 SATA 2.5" Enclosure Kit $85.00 OWC Mercury On-The-Go USB 2.0 SATA 2.5" Enclosure Kit - $37.50 For IDE/ATA 2.5" from PowerBook or iBook:>BR? OWC Mercury On-The-Go FireWire 400 IDE/ATA 2.5" Enclosure Kit - $55.00 OWC Mercury On-The-Go USB 2.0 IDE/ATA 2.5" Enclosure Kit - $27.50 Transfer/Access Data from Drives easily with Universal Adapter NewerTech 2.5/3.5/5.25" IDE/ATA/ATAPI/SATA I&II to USB 2.0 Adapter $19.99 The Swiss Army Knife of Data Accessibility, all cables included. Add the Latest BlueTooth 2.0+EDR to existing Macs via USB Port Really doesn't get any simpler to upgrade your Mac for use with the latest BlueTooth Equipped printers, phones, cameras, organizers, keyboards, mice, etc. Just plug this simple little dongle into an available USB or USB 2.0 Port and you're off! Fully compatible with Apple OS X 10.2.6 and later (also various Windows versions), no separate drivers needed. OWC BlueTooth 2.0+EDR Plug n' Play Reader Special $9.50 (normal $19.99!) PowerMac G4 AGP Graphics / Gigabit Ethernet Model Processor Upgrade OWC/PowerLogix G4/1.2GHz 7455 with 256K L2 & 2MB L3 Upgrade $165.00 30 Day Money Back + backed by 2 Year OWC Warranty NewerTech G4/2.0GHz 7447 with 512K 1:1 Performance Cache $345.00 Over 10% off norm! 30 Day Money Back, 3yr NewerTech Warranty 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: Rock that Mac with your Guitar Greetings from the macsales.com Music Department! Guitar Month! Many of you might not know that April is Guitar Month. As a pro guitar player myself for 30 years now, I have seen and played it all. Times are indeed good for guitar players from a technology standpoint. It's pretty easy for a guitar player to get his/her signal into a computer with a simple audio interface such as M-Audio Jam Lab or Fast Track. Another great option is the all new IK Multimedia StealthPlug. This "guitar cable/USB interface in one" also comes with the popular and rockin' application called Amplitube Live. One end of StealthPlug has a regular 1/4 inch mono jack that plugs into your guitar. The other end has USB to connect directly to your computer....simple! The software gives you amp and effect simulations that really do sound incredible. These sounds are suitable for live and recording situations. You can also use the StealthPlug with a bass guitar so you folks holding down the low end can also get in on the world of desktop recording. It's time for guitarists to get in on the personal studio phenomenon...during guitar month, or any month! Please find the "right stuff" at great prices here and use our audio forum to ask any questions you may have or simply share your experiences with others! Thanks! Get our entertaining new Widget called Daily Guitar Jam. For all your audio/music needs, www.macsales.com/music online. 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: That's about gonna do it for this time around. I played the waiting game and well, Apple will deliver when and what Apple/Jobs wants to deliver. To be repetitive, the good news is what we've got today is top notch and the next new leap is no doubt to still be earth shattering when its day comes as well. It's the whole expectation thing which hits the most and boy did Jobs create expectation for Leopard at WWDC last August. Since then, seems the iPhone has been the Apple of his eye - but that's just where some extra attention is needed in the initial stages and I'm sure balance - just as it came with the iPod - is sure to return. The last time I wrote, when my wife and I were still in the expecting mode, that was on the list of concerns. I'm thrilled to announce that Julia Lauren O'Connor was born March 22nd at 12:31PM. She arrived into the world at a healthy 9 pounds, 1.6oz and 21.5 inches long and to the joy and relief of happy, proud parents. I thank the good Lord everyday for both my son Larry (now 22 months old) and our newborn girl Julia. And it's all worked out really well. Perhaps it's to do with preservation of the species that the first few weeks of having a newborn tend to be rather faded or sketchy. I remember the good stuff, I had forgotten the reality of the sleepless nights part. It's all about adapting and it's about balancing for our son too. In business, I've heard the analogy using a piece of jello... you've got x resources to push here or there, those resources - the jello itself - stay the same size and just shaped to need. That's not how family works, it's amazing how the heart and love grows so if anything, there's a lot more jello to go around. It's not the same for Larry now that he's got a sister, but in this case it's a great good as he's already taken big time to being big brother. Something to share. And with Julia sleeping pretty well through the night, well - already forgetting about those that were sleepless. Then, hmmm, a part of what long term memory retention has to do with getting sleep - I guess that really is part of the grand design. :) Spring is in the air and may there be a spring in your step for all the days ahead. Thanks for reading and being an OWC Tips n' Deals subscriber! 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