12/29 Intro
Hello again from Woodstock. Today is 20th Anniversary of the Macintosh! It was 20 years ago on this day in 1984 that Macintosh was first unveiled. Blazing fast with an 8MHz processor, a whopping 128K of memory, and a 400K 3.5" floppy + built in display - this was the bleeding edge that $2500 got you in the day. It was the first consumer computer with a true Graphical User Interface (GUI) dependant on a mouse. At the time, I was still a happy Apple II user (and would be for about another six years), and who would have foreseen the revolutionary advances in computer usability that little Mac would lead the evolution of. Of course for all Apple's innovation, it's MicroSoft's Windows imitation that today has the vast majority market share. Well, often imitated, and never surpassed, the Macintosh and it's superior OS still lead the way today.

Courtesy of our friends at Lowendmac.com, check out the specs of the original Mac 128K.
From the Mac 128K to the G5 Supercomputing Cluster, the world's 3rd Fastest!
View Apple's classic 1984 Super bowl Commercial with a couple updates on Apple's 20 Years Page.

So about this 20th Anniversary - a lot of talk out on the news sites about it, but so little noise from Apple. It's the passion of Apple users that built and kept Apple alive and prospering to this day. I for one would have hoped for a little more noise out of Apple. Maybe a 20th anniversary promotion, or a special model, something... But then, we're just a week and a day from the Super bowl. Twenty Super bowls ago is when Apple baited the new Mac era, perhaps on Feb 1st, they'll have something again that will stay with us the same. Of course, in this day, maybe it's just all business and the past is past.

Good news for PowerMac G3 & G4 'Yikes' Owners - Got some new ZIFs to get all those machines more performance for an exceptional value! First off, we are pleased to introduce our new G4/450-533MHz 1MB L2 Mercury ZIF costing only $149.99! This new Mercury ZIF operates at 533MHZ in PowerMac G3 Beige Models and 500MHz in both the G3 Blue & White and G4 'Yikes'. This is a real deal to give a real boost to those Macs. Want more speed still? Well, at long last, Sonnet has finally begun shipping their new Encore G4/800MHz & 1GHz 1MB L3 ZIFs ($348 and $498) which are compatible with not just the Beige G3, but also with the Blue & White and G4 'Yikes' Models too! The Beige G3 Only EG4/700MHz Encore ZIF model remains available while supplies last for the reduced price of $298. For those that don't need a G4/altivec, but want more processing speed, PowerLogix's G3/900MHZ ZIF for $229 is yet another very economical option for seriously boosting a PowerMac G3's performance.

Just in brief, Xpostfacto 3.0 continues to get closer to official release. Now up to 3.0alpha11, it's easy to run the latest Mac OS X 10.3.x 'Panther' on more and more of the PowerMacs/Powerbooks not supported by Apple. And of course there is still Xpostfacto 2.2.5 which takes good care of those looking to run OS X 10.2.x and prior on unsupported models. You've invested in those machines to keep them fast and Xpostfacto keeps you supported for the latest Apple has to offer.

Anyone can toot their own horn, but we really don't have to when it comes to our Mercury FireWire line of solutions. These products have repeatatively gotten top marks by reviewers and latest is no exception. After just getting a 'Gear of the Year 2003' award, Photoshop User just reviewed our 60GB 7200RPM On-The-Go and gave it a perfect 5 out of 5! You'll find top ratings on our entire Mercury FireWire line + the ongoing support that insures no question of compatibility with the next OS Apple releases.You can check out all our FireWire products, as well as those by Lacie, EZ Quest, and Smartdisk online here.

That'll be it for the intro this week, but do read on for our new Quick Tip covering iTunes/iPod tricks, new updated Reader Exclusive Specials, and this week's Music on the Mac article. Some good stuff for everyone. And this round everyone should be getting just one copy of this 'good stuff' - My apologies for the server glitch that resulted in more than a few of you getting those extra e-mail copies last time. Thanks for being an OWC Tips n' Deals subscriber and have a great weekend!

Some Quick Links
Jump right to our site to view online the full list of Reader Hot Deals.
See more specials from OWC available exclusively on the Apple.com Hot Deals Page.
See past hardware & software reviews, product testing, & more in our online reviews section.

Take part in MyMac's OWC Sponsored Apple Garageband creative contest!

'For Macs Only' Nationwide Internet Access from under $8.00/Month!

Stuck at Apple OS 9.1? Maybe not - XpostFacto and OS9Helper support OS X and up to 9.2.2 on models Apple doesn't!

Tired of annoying telemarketing calls? The FTC's Do-Not-Call List really works!
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Quick Tip - Moving those i'Tunes'

Over the last few weeks I have been bombarded with numerous e-mails asking about ways to more easily backup songs between multiple computers and an Apple iPod. Apple's copy protection thing is all fine and good to make the RIAA happy, but it can be a real pain for those of us just looking to legitimately backup our music... Especially if we can't login to Apple's itunes page to authenticate the machine we want to put our music on. Thankfully, there is an excellent donationware solution for us legitimate music users/owners and Jamie Dresser does a nice job introducing and explaining that utility.

Want an easy way to get songs from your iPod to your different Macs? Jamie's write up on PodUtil is for you!

See our past Quick Tip topics online in the Quick Tip Archive
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Great Buys and Featured Exclusive Specials for OWC E-Mail Subscribers:

Feature Deals listed below, visit the Reader's Specials Page for more reader deals!

FEATURE - Make your PowerMac G3 Beige/B&W, G4 'Yikes' PCI FASTER, from only $149.00!
OWC MercuryZ533 G4/450-533MHZ 1MB L2 ZIF Performance is now Only $149.00

Go faster yet with Sonnet Encore G4/700-1GHz ZIF models from $297.95

Just want more G3 Speed-don't need a G4/Altivec? PowerLogix G3/900MHZ ZIF $228.99!

We make PowerMac G4 AGP Graphics/Sawtooth/Gigabit Ethernet/Digital Audio/Quicksilver models faster too, up to G4/1.467GHz with single and dual processor upgrades!

OWC Mercury Extreme - 2MB L3 Cache, 30 Day Trial, -MacWorld Recommended-
G4/800-900MHZ 2MB SPD $265.00 - G4/1.33GHz 2MB DDR $439.00 - G4/1.25-1.4GHz 2MB SPD $425
Check out the full Mercury G4 Extreme Upgrade Line from $199 for 700MHZ and up to 1.467GHz.

Single & Dual G4 Upgrades to 1.467GHz in Stock from Giga Designs, Sonnet, & PowerLogix too!

Wanna make that PowerMac G4 Cube Faster? The new PowerLogix G4/7457 Upgrades are the BEST EVER for your Cube G4! 100% Compatible, Stable, & Cool running + 10-15% faster than comparably priced Sonnet Cube Upgrades thanks to a 512K 1:1 L2 Cache which is twice as much and twice the speed of the 256k the Sonnets have. Check out the 1.2GHz and 1.4GHz from $499!

Upgrading is even more economical when you send your old processor in for a Rebate!

We've upgrades for almost every Mac - Use the 'MyOWC' guide to see what we have for Your Mac!

FEATURE - Read/Write 'BURN' CDs & DVDs with a 'SuperDrive' from $130
Pioneer DVD-R+R/RW 4X/2X; CD-R 16X, CD-RW 10X 'SuperDrive' is now $129.99!
100% Compatible with Apple iDVD, iTunes, Toast, ETC - Burn Movies, Music & More!

*NEW* Pioneer DVR-107 DVD-R+R/RW 8X/4X; CD-R/RW 24X 'SuperDrive' in stock for $179.99

While They Last: Lacie D2 52x24x52 FireWire CD-R/RW Complete Solution only $89!
Although sold as Refurbs, these units look BRAND NEW. They are in a brand new, retail sealed box and are spotless. A sweet deal for the price. FireWire Cable, LaCie software included.

ADS Instant DVD USB Audio/Video Capture to Mac + DVD/CD Authoring System $179.99
The easiest way to bring in a/v from you VCR, DVD Player, TV, Camcorder, Etc and it converts it to MPEG2 realtime - saving computer processing time & hard drive space. Includes disc burning and video editing software. This product ROCKS!

FEATURE - Stick a Fast 120GB Drive in your Desktop/Tower Mac for $95!
Hot Buy - 120GB Hitachi 7K250 2MB Buffer ATA/6 Hard Drive only $95!
Maxtor MaxLine II 250GB 5400RPM 2MB Buffer ATA/133 now only $165
Western Digital Caviar 200GB 7200RPM ATA/6 8MB Buffer for $179
Maxtor DiamondMax9 Series 40GB 7200RPM 2MB ATA/133- Special $49.00
All of the above drives will work in ANY PowerMac/iMac/eMac Model that has either built in IDE/ATA or an added in PCI ATA Hard Drive controller.

-Serial ATA and Parallel ATA Mac PCI 3.5" HD Controllers
Use any ATA/IDE Drive up to and beyond 500GBs with SIIG ATA/133 PCI $74
Like the G5, your Mac can use SATA/150 Drives with Firmtek FTST1S2 PCI $63.99

-Deals on SCSI Drives/Controllers too
Apple/ATTO UL3D* Ultra160 DUAL CHANNEL 64 Bit PCI SCSI Controller **$79**
18.3GB WD 7200RPM for Macs with standard Internal 50 Pin SCSI $79.95

Faster & Quieter + Higher Capacity 2.5" Drives for PowerBook/iBooks!
The FASTEST Laptop Drive EVER - IBM/Hitachi 60GB 7200RPM 8MB TravelStar 7K60 is now $250.00
New Toshiba Model MK4026GAX 40GB 5400RPM 16MB in stock for $165.99
High-Capacity IBM/Hitachi 80GB 4200RPM 8MB TravelStar 80GN for $229.99
NoteBook Tip-Even 4200RPM NoteBook drives being made today are faster than older 5400RPM!

Memory Specials & Price Trend Report:
01/24/2004 Memory 'Watch': Seeing DDR Pricing holding it's own while PC100/133 SDRam costs continue to fluctuate in an upward direction. Strong demand for memory this year is expected to pressure supply and therefore the cost we pay for memory product.

OWC Memory Meet/Exceeds Apple Specs+Lifetime Advance Replacement Warranty

1GB PC3200 DDR400 Kit (512MB x 2) for PowerMac G5 1.8GHz, G5 Duals $172.50

2GB PC3200 DDR400 Kit (1GB x 2) for PowerMac G5 1.8GHz, G5 Duals $579.00
That's 2 1GB(1024MB) Modules - 4 Sets of these Max your G5 to 8GB!

512MB DDR PC2700 for ALL PowerMac G4 MDD 867-1.42GHz, G5/1.6GHz 79.00

512MB DDR-SO PC2700 for PowerBook G4 AL 12"/15"/17"; iMac G4/1.0-1.25GHz $112.50

512MB PC100/133 SO-DIMM for all iBooks and PowerBook G4 Titanium 15" Models $119.00

256MB SDRam all PowerMac G3 Models and PowerMac G4 'Yikes PCI $49.00

512MB SDRam PowerMacs G4/350-1GHz; G4 Cube; iMac G3/350-700MHz $107.50

256MB SO-DIMM for all iBooks, all PowerBook G4 Ti's, & iMac G4/700-800MHZ $43.50
This is a BELOW MARKET special - our overstock = your bonus deal!

Not sure about the memory your Mac needs? With our Online Guide you can order with confidence! Getting the Right Memory for Your Mac is made easy with OWC!

USB Feature Deals:
Memorex USB RF Wireless 5-button Optical Scrolling Mouse $25.00!

USB 4 Port Powered HUB, 2Btn USB ScrollMouse, 8-Button Game Pad **$19.00**
This also includes 2 USB Extension Cables. That + the USB Hub alone cost more than $19 separately and then you get a USB ScrollMouse & GamePad too! $50 Value for $19.

Killer deals that keep bad power from killing your Mac!
SpikeMaster 8-Outlet Surge Protector w/RJ11 & $50K Repair/Replace - $19.99
Protect computer, accessories+Modem from Brown Outs, Power Spikes/Surges, etc.
Tripplite 525VA Backup UPS 6-Outlet solution + RJ11 Protection - $55.00
6-Outlet Surge/Spike protection AND keeps your Mac going when Power cuts out!

FireWire:
OWC Neptune FireWire Solutions are 'Value Done Right!
OWC Neptune 80GB 7200RPM FireWire $115
OWC Neptune 120GB 7200RPM FireWire $159.
Cables, Dantz Retrospect, Intech HD Speedtools, 1yr Warranty, More included.

Special Readers Savings on Top Rated OWC Mercury Elite FireWire 800,400+USB2
OWC Mercury Elite FireWire 800+400+USB 200GB 7200RPM w/8MB Buffer $289.00
OWC Mercury Elite FireWire 400+USB 250GB 7200RPM w/8MB Buffer $295.00
All Cables, Dantz Retrospect, Intech Speedtools, 2yr Warranty and more incl.

Build your own 3.5" or 2.5" FireWire/USB Kits
OWC Mercury Elite 3.5" FireWire Kit Special $65.00
Aluminum 2.5" USB 2.0+1.1 Kit $15.99 or Express 2.5" FireWire911 $39.00

Add FireWire & USB ports to ANY Mac with a PCI Slot - Plug & Play!
Orangelink Plus 2-Port FireWire+2-Port USB PCI Card only $45
OWC 3-Pt FireWire PCI $15

Browse our full line of FireWire 400/800/USB, hubs, cables, etc. Solutions by EzQuest, Lacie, SmartDisk, and others also in stock.

Great Deals for Apple OS X & OS 9
Apple OS 9.x Installation CD $39-------10.2.x 'Jaguar' Full Install Set $57.50

Have OS X 10.1.x? Get the Apple OS X 10.2.x 'Jaguar' Update Set for $39

Ready for 10.3 Panther? Apple OS 10.3.x 'Panther' Retail Box Version - $115.00

USB Feature Deals:
Memorex USB RF Wireless 5-button Optical Scrolling Mouse $25.00!

USB 4 Port Powered HUB, 2Btn USB ScrollMouse, 8-Button Game Pad **$19.00**
This also includes 2 USB Extension Cables. That + the USB Hub alone cost more than $19 separately and then you get a USB ScrollMouse & GamePad too! $50 Value for $19.

-Find more hot buys and exclusives on the Tips 'n Deals exclusive Deals page
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Music on the Mac 01/24/2004 - From Expo to 'the Garage'

Greetings from www.macsales.com/music It was an exciting, whirlwind experience at MacWorld Expo this year. For those of you who may have missed it, we were there in number to take our OWC experience Òon the roadÓ! I have been to many trade shows but none of them match the enthusiasm of the crowds at MacWorld Expo. These folks are truly into their Macs and the digital lifestyle that comes with the iLife experience. Speaking of iLife, Apple introduced GarageBand, a new and unique application as part of an update to the iLife suite. It is designed to let ÒeveryoneÓ create their own music easily and yet it is still quite powerful and definitely FUN. We've just gotten our own copy in and can't wait to start rocking out around here. This application lets you use included loops and sounds and also to record your own performances on vocal, midi keyboard and guitar. It even includes a selection of guitar amplifier emulations that sound pretty good. If you have a current Mac with audio input, you can buy a simple cable for $20.00 to plug your guitar directly into your Mac. If not, you will need a USB audio interface. We have several available including the Apple recommended M-Audio Mobile Pre for use with GarageBand. A midi keyboard/controller is an obvious add-on to your GarageBand experience and the M-Audio Oxygen 8 and Edirol PCR-30 are great choices in that department. Creating and mixing your own music requires decent speakers and the popular M-Audio BX-5 powered monitors are a great sounding choice! While GarageBand is intended for amateurs, I have no doubt that many pros will use it to sketch out song ideas and some will even record albums with itÉ..I may just have to try that myself. Griffin Technology also had a surprise up their sleeve with the intro of the upcoming iTalk device. This plugs into the top of your iPod and turns it into a voice recorder. I can see many of you will use it to remember song and lyric ideas and also to record events, concerts and even your private music lessons so you can easily keep track of whatÕs going on in your busy lives. Soon to be available for about $ 40.00 retail, it is another in a line of practical products by Griffin and we will certainly bring it to you at our usual competitive pricing.

As always, we encourage you to visit our Mac Audio/Music forum to share your questions and comments at our macsales.com site!

***SPECIAL NOTE: Take part in MyMac's OWC Sponsored Garageband creative contest here!

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.
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Closing:
Another day, another 20th anniversary. Right... Plenty of more important anniversaries that come up, but still it's something for the Mac to have made it 20 years. Although quite evolved since its debut, and some argument over its form and function today under OS X, few tech products have been so lasting and true to their origins. Here's looking forward to the next 20 years of Macintosh, hopefully a time that Apple will not only continue their lead as the innovator, but also emerge to once again dominate.

Thanks for being an OWC Tips n' Deals Subscriber and all the best!

We Support our Troops _________________________________________________________________________
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