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OWC Tips & Deals 01/08/2006
Intro: Wow - it's just a day before Macworld - and all through the house, keyboards are clicking while mouses move about. Greetings from your friends at OWC - here we are, the day before Macworld SF officially starts and two days before Job's Tuesday Keynote and the start of Macworld SF Expo 2006. This year, like every year before, the rumor mill is in full gear. Before we get to the predictions for MW2006, a quick review of the rumors we scouted right before MW2005... The $499 'headless' iMac rumor pretty much was met with the Mac mini release New Apple iWorks Suite went from rumor to reality Flash Memory iPod Player - that was the shuffle Apple iLife 2005 was released The Apple iPhone.... Not a MW2005 release and I don't think the Motorola ROKR iTunes phone exactly would qualify as a late fulfillment of that particular rumor anyway. So for 2005 - call it 4 out of 5, not too bad.... These are the prime Apple/Job's Keynote Release Rumors for 2006: Most significantly missing from iWorks is a spreadsheet. If 'Numbers' is for real and released, perhaps iWorks will be ready to give MS Office a run for the money. Intel based 'MacTel' Mac minis might be ready this week Intel based 'MacTel' Apple iBooks might be the first Apple Intel Laptops 2003..2004...2005... should be time for iLife 2006 Edition A lot of speculation Apple possibly using the NAND Flash Memory for something of other than it's iPod Nano line. NAND in a Mac for booting the OS could make for lightning fast OS boot times as well as benefit overall OS performance. Seems to be stretching it, but you never know. It's only been a short while since Apple released new Powerbooks, iMac G5s, and PowerMac G5s.... Other than a speed bump - would be very surprised to see anything there. Whether any of the rumors are on mark, there is still little doubt that Jobs has got some major cards up his sleeves. The world is watching, with ever more intensity and expectation - just gotta wait till Tuesday to find it all out. And with that said, only Apple garners so much anticipation in the computer world. OWC, NewerTech and Macworld Expo 2006 First off - if you are coming to the Expo, we certainly hope you'll come by and say hi at our booth #2217. We have a variety of great presentations going on in our booth 'theater' and definitely with something for everyone there. Our latest On-The-Go FW800s, miniStacks with side ports, new 160GB 2.5" solutions, and a whole lot more will also be on display. And hey - last minute, just deciding and don't yet have your pass? Come to the Expo courtesy of OWC and save yourself the $45 they'd otherwise be taking at the door. Can use that for goodies at the show. :) If you are not coming to the show... I would encourage you to book mark our Macworld Web Page where we will be adding a link for web order eligible Macworld specials, hot Macworld News if/as possible, and - we'll also have several well positioned Web Cams that you can watch video stream to see what's at the Macworld show floor - at least that which is near to us & we're only a booth divided from Apple's main setup. At home or at the Expo - we hope you enjoy the show! New OWC On-The-Go 160GB Portables: A year ago we were just this time introducing our first 100GB 2.5" portables... now, and sooner than expected our first 160GB 5400RPM models are now available. Now even more data is ready to go in a shirt pocket size starting from $129.99. The 160GB capacity On-The-Go is available in a FireWire 400 only Model, FireWire 400+USB2 Model, and is the top capacity of our new FireWire 800+USB2 On-The-Go solution line. All OWC On-The-Go Solutions include all cables, Dantz Retrospect Backup, Intech HD Speedtools, Carrying Case, 1yr OWC Warranty, and may be bus powered or by using the included AC Adapter. After Holidays & a New year Clearance Deals Got a whole load of different limited supply open box, discontinued, used items that are first come, first served on our OWC Bargains Clearance Page. Lots of great deals various goodies while they last. For Fun I remember my own Apple II computing days... and when it was said "Apple II Forever" - there was no kidding around. Job's Macworld vs. Gate's CES Keynotes - what's the biggest difference? I can't remember a Job's keynote demo going anything but right, and why not - that's our team with the Macs and Macs just work. However - seems every year at CES, with 2006 being no exception, Mr. Gates doesn't have quite the same luck. Even without the comedy mixed in, can't help but to laugh a little. :) Intro Closing: Gotta know this is the tip of the iceberg. Hope you'll visit us if you're attending the show as I or another of the OWC team will certainly be able to add a whole lot more in person. And going to get these newsletters back on a normal track too. Survived the holidays, CES, and just Macworld to go. Love it all - but love to talk about it after it's over too. Happy Belated New Year and thanks for being a Tips n' Deals Subscriber! Check out our latest Quick Tip, New Reader Exclusive Specials, and Roger's Music on the Mac which follow these 'special messages from our sponsor': Quick Links A better Apple/Macintosh ISP at a better price - FasterMac.Net From $5 a month, get nationwide dial up or DSL just for Mac Users - that includes Toll-Free Tech support, anti-virus blocking, powerfully effective and fully customizable anti-spam tools, web space, 5 e-mail accounts, and more. You get more and pay less with FasterMac.Net. Just what does OWC do with trade-ins, open box items, discontinued goods, etc.? We put 'em up on our Clearance Deals Page. Lots of bargains listed from the holidays/year end just now too. 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: A use for those extra processor cycles Today's computers - especially Macs - are loaded with processing power. Most of us use but a small percentage of the processor computational cycles our systems have to offer. So consider letting some of those spare cycles get used for the common good.... Enter distributed computing and the folding@home program. This Stanford.edu project allows you to help in the quest of understanding the folding and misfolding of proteins - with results that very well might help lead to a cure for a disease, etc. The best part is - the folding application is written so not to slow things down when you do need full processor power so to speak. I've been 'folding' for over a month now and have never noticed any difference with it operating. The application only needs to connect to the internet to download the protein to fold and to upload the completed fold results, the rest of the time - it just does its thing where the processor cycles are available to spare. Kinda neat to be a part of something like this - and it's so darn easy and painless to be a part as well. And there is even some fun to this... At least when it comes to competition fun. Recently OWC has become the sponsor of the new MRP Talk forums. If or hopefully when you can start 'folding@home', it would be fantastic if you did so as a part of team#48057 when you first get started. Although the MacResource team is less than a month old - it's cruising right along and already is nearly in the top 8% of all the folding teams out there. Either way - this is a great cause to be a part of. And... there is more... there are times when you may want folding to start or stop automatically. If you are playing a game or doing something that is processor intensive, disabling the application does insure you get all the performance. Also, when running on battery power with your laptop, you'd probably prefer the system run with the most power savings vs. keep the processor at full draw for the folding. I have installed and am using the application InCrease which does this automization. It is listed as beta - but this simple application has proven trouble free and easy to use, helping me have the best of all worlds for our folding contribution. Who would have thought how easy it can be to donate the power of Mac to do some good for mankind. 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. 1GB of Memory $79 & More 1/8/2006 - For the last couple months the memory market has been rather counter intuitive. Strong demand, but stable to down trend in the cost of. Well - as noted on 12/28, the tide is shifting a little. That all said - memory is still way, way down and one of the best upgrade values, in terms of performance gained per dollar spent, out there. See the extra performance you can get when OS X has the memory it loves to optimize with. OWC memory is tested/certified for Apple specifications and further backed by a LifeTime Advance Cross-ship Replacement Warranty 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 - $ 85.00 2GB DDR2 Upgrade Module - $255.00 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) - $ 79.00 2GB DDR2 Pair (1GB x 2) - $169.00 4GB DDR2 Pair (2GB x 2) - $509.00 Standard DDR for all other PowerMac G5 and iMac G5 models: 1GB Matched Pair (2x512MB) PC3200 DDR 184 Pin - $94.00 2GB Matched Pair (2x1GB) PC3200 DDR 184 Pin - 181.00 1GB PC3200 DDR Module for iMac G5 Only (PowerMac G5 requires Pairs!) $92.50 For new PowerBook G4 15" & 17" 1.67GHz 'Higher Resolution' Oct-19 models: Two Slots, Base Config 512MB installed into one slot(may be replaced), 2GB Max 1GB DDR2 SO-DIMM Module $90.00 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 $47.00 1GB(1 x 1024MB) PC2700 DDR 184 Pin Module - $92.50 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 - $49.00 1GB Samsung Factory Original - Same one Apple Installs $145.00 1GB OWC PC2700 DDR SO-DIMM for 'Pre 10/19/2005' 15" & 17"; all 12" PB AL Models that are 1.5GHz or Faster, iBook G4 Models 1.2GHz & Faster *only* $123.50 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 - $25.00 512MB PC133 CL3/PC100 CL2 168 Pin SDRam DIMM Module - $73.00 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 the Mac(s) you have. Make DVDs for Movies, Pictures, & More; Burn CDs too Upgrade your PowerMac G3-G4-G5; eMac G4; iMac G4 to the latest Pioneer SuperDrive with up to 16X DVD Burn Speeds, 8X Dual Layer burn for 8.5GB per DL Disc; and up to 40X CDR/CDRW Burn Speeds. Pioneer DVR-110D 'SuperDrive' now $52.99 or from $57.99 in one of four Value Bundles including Media & additional Software. Use Apple's iDVD, iPhoto, iTunes, DVD Studio Pro; Roxio Toast, Etc. For PowerBook G4 15" Ti, 12/15/17" Aluminum Models: MercuryPB 8X DVD w/Dual Layer SuperDrive Kit from $134.99 Includes Dantz Retrospect, NTI Dragonburn, 10 Pieces DVD Media For all iMac G5 17" and 20" Models: MercuryG5i 8X DVD w/Dual Layer SuperDrive Kit now $134.99 Includes Dantz Retrospect, NTI Dragonburn, 10 Pieces DVD Media For all Mac mini Models: Pioneer 8X DVD SuperDrive Upgrade w/Dual Layer now $119.99 Or - Go External and burn CDs and DVDs with virtually any Mac (or PC) from $89.99! USB2, Firewire/USB2 Models include all Cables & Media + compatible with iTunes, iPhoto, and iDVD5, Roxio Toast, etc! Elite FW800 300GB $239 & More FireWire/USB Savings OWC 300GB Mercury Elite-AL FW800 7200RPM 8MB Solution - $239.00 250GB OWC Mercury Elite-AL FW400+USB2 7200RPM 8MB Solution - $195.00 NewerTech miniStack FireWire/USB2 Storage Kit w/Integrated FireWire & USB2 Hubs - MacWorld Top Product Dec/05, MacAddict Editor's Choice Nov/05 normally $79, now $67.50 Reader Special for 'Add Your Own HD' Kit. or Get $10 off any 80GB to 500GB complete NewerTech miniStack Solution. Just use coupon code 'NWT200610' at checkout or while placing your order by phone. One coupon discount per order, coupon valid through 2/1/2006. 400GB OWC Mercury Elite-AL FW800/400/USB2 7200RPM 8MB - $349.00 **Macworld 4.5/5 Editor's Choice & MacAddict 'GREAT' November/2005!** 500GB 7200RPM OWC Mercury Elite-Aluminum Dual Drive FW800 RAID - $339.00 Century USB 2.0/1.1 Kits for 2.5"/3.5"/5.25" Hard Drives $15.99-$19.99 OWC Mercury Elite Oxford911+ 3.5" FireWire 400 Enclosure Kit - $65.00 See the additional options & capacities online. Internal Hard Drive Deals For PowerBooks & iBooks: New 7200RPM Hitachi 7K100 NoteBook Drives up to 100GB from $152.99 For all PowerMac G5s, iMac G5s: 500GB 7200RPM 8MB Buffer Seagate 7200.9 3.5" SATA HD $359.00 320GB 7200RPM 16MB Buffer Western Digital Caviar 3.5" SATA HD $149.00 250GB 7200RPM 8MB Buffer Seagate 7200.9 3.5" SATA HD $115.00 For PowerMac G3/G4, iMac G4, eMac G4: 500GB 7200RPM 8MB Buffer Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 3.5" ATA/6 HD $329.00 300GB 7200RPM 8MB Buffer Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 3.5" ATA/6 HD $137.50 250GB 7200RPM 8MB Buffer Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 3.5" ATA/6 HD $111.00 160GB 7200RPM 8MB Buffer Hitachi T7K250 7200.8 3.5" ATA/6 HD $85.00 Pre-2002 G3/G4 Models will only utilize 128GB without use of Speedtools High-Cap Software - $15 w/HD 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 Extreme @ 1.0GHz, $189.00 Extreme @ 1.2GHz, $229.00 Extreme @ 1.4GHz, $295.00 Import/Export Audio-Video via FireWire - great for converting VHS, etc. ADS Pyro A/V Link lets you import as well as play back via FireWire to and from any composite of S-Video source. Great way to import to and from VHS Tapes, Camcorders, even live TV. ADS Pyro A/V FireWire Link - $119.00 Miglia AlchemyTV DVR PCI - Tune, Watch, Schedule/Record Television with this PCI Card for PowerMac G4 and PowerMac G5s! Special Reader price of $119.00 Video Card Deals Get equipped with the latest ATI Video Cards for additional displays as well as Quartz Extreme and Tiger Core Acceleration from $75 here - really! Logitech RF Wireless Mouse, Mouse + KB Special 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: Logitech RF Wireless 2 Button USB Mouse w/Scroll Wheel, only $12.99! Logitech Freedom RF Wireless Keyboard + Mouse Combo is just $23.95 FM Transmitters for iPod, etc - That Work! Forget about complicated products that often don't even sound good, the NewerTech RoadTrip! Models are simple plug and play solutions with CLEAN, CLEAR, Great sounding dynamic Stereo sound at a great price too! Original NewerTech RoadTrip! 87.9MHz or 107.7MHZ version - $14.99 Listen to Apple iPod, PowerBook, iBook-anything with a headphone jack. NEW NewerTech RoadTrip!+ FM Transmitter and iPod Charger - $25.99 For all iPods with a Dock Connector - 3G, 4G, Photo & mini Get any 'iPodLounge Recommended Buy' RoadTrip! model along with one of NewerTech's iPod High-Capacity Replacement Batteries and save up to $10 with coupon code 'HIGHROAD'. Be sure to use it at check out to save $10 with the 2200mAh or 2100mAh 1st/2nd Gen battery or save $5 with any other NewerTech iPod battery. 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 50% more capacity vs. Apple's original stock, are available for iBook G3 & G4, PowerBook G3s WallStreet/Lombard/FireWire models, and all PowerBook G4 Models. You'll find more great deals, updated regularly on your Tips 'n Deals Reader Specials Page, check it out! Music on the Mac 01/08 - Start your own PodCast Greetings from www.macsales.com/music Join the Podcasting Revolution! Everyone is talking about podcasting these days. This grass roots phenomenon has taken the world by storm because it enables anyone the opportunity to have their own podcast show available for subscription on the internet. I even have my own podcast show called "Rock Your Computer" that is all about creating music on your computer rig. Many people are wondering how they can get involved and what equipment they need to do so. I am excited to report that we at macsales have identified the perfect low cost, complete podcast production solution. As you all must know at this point, M-Audio is a company that makes great products at affordable prices. Their product called GrooveLab is designed for the budding composer/remixer. It also happens to be a killer way to create podcasts. It includes a USB audio interface and a headset with attached microphone. The Ableton Live Delta software that is included is a light but very capable version of Ableton Live. This recording software is easy to use and lets you record audio and use the included loops to build a music track with vocal. The included loops can be combined to create the soundtrack for your podcast and you can record your spoken content with the included mic. This is the best sub $100 podcast solution I have seen. Even if you use GarageBand as your podcast recording application, the GrooveLab interface and headset/mic is still a clever and economical solution! Get a GrooveLab and get your podcast "ON THE AIR" today! studioA recording studio and Other World Computing 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 4 time EMMY nominated composer/producer/performer. You may have heard his music in his role as Music Director for the A&E TV Series "The BEST of COMIC RELIEF" starring Robin Williams, Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg. He also appeared in and played on the soundtrack for the hit movie "GROUNDHOG DAY" starring Bill Murray and Andi MacDowell. He is the Music Director for the popular TV Series "WILD CHICAGO" now in it's 15th season on WTTW in Chicago. In 2001, he traveled to Antwerp, Belgium to produce and perform in the annual meeting for Philips Electronics. He recently composed and performed two TV commercials for WRANGLER JEANS, currently airing on ESPN. Closing: It is mere hours before the OWC team and I journey to San Francisco for the show. It's a lot of effort and energy devoted to this show each year + the time away from our families. But you make that all worth while! Whether it's getting to meet you or say hello every year again or bring you the latest out of this expo week, that's what it's about for us. So - going to sign off now so can get some rest before the big day of setup before the big day of Expo. Happy New Year, the best to you and yours in this year 2006 and beyond.. and thank you for being an OWC Tips n' Deals Subscriber. :) 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 with 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 2000-2005, Other World Computing - Since 1988 |