|
OWC Tips & Deals 9/18/2004
Intro: Greetings from your friends at OWC! It's been a crazy Summer and the heat is not letting up for Fall. I speak figuratively of course as we've almost had to turn the heat on so nippy this Summer has been. It's basically been Fall all Summer long, and now, wow, it is Fall. That's just Mother Nature's mild side too, our hearts go out to everyone feeling her not so mild side via the crazy and deadly barrage of hurricanes that seem never ending these past weeks. Waiting for ATI can sometimes be very frustrating, but the wait is over and the new Radeon 9200 Pro MacEdition 128MB PCI Video card is SO worth the wait. Not just a rebadged PC video card, ATI really worked hard to bring out something truly special. The 9200 delivers better than twice the performance of the 7000 Mac PCI Video card it replaces and at $129, it's only $10 more! We made sure OWC would have these cards before anyone else and appreciate those of you that waiting through all the missed ETAs to finally get one. And now, there is no more waiting as we have stock on hand to ship without any delay at all.'Officially supported' on any PowerMac running Apple OS 9.2 or later, if you've been waiting for that right video PCI video card, you need wait no longer. And hey, we've got the Radeon 9000 Pro MacEdition AGP 128MB cards in stock too. :) The iMac G5 is unquestionable a hit! Both a welcome and expected addition to the Apple family, this machine now landing on people's doorsteps. One of these lucky, early iMac G5 recipients has been kind enough to post pictures inside and out of their machine. I'm not sure it has the personality of some prior designs, but it's impressive how much power is packed in that tight, flat package! If only its video were upgradeable. Speaking of personality, this much intelligent G5 processor power in one spot makes me think about 'Skynet' and 'Terminator'. Over 1500 Xserve G5 2.0 Dual Servers are clustered together at COLSA Corporation. Over 25 Teraflops of computing power, all in one room, modeling the 'complex aero-thermodynamics of hypersonic flight'. Some perspective comes with their stat "A single person using a hand-held calculator Ñ without pausing to eat or sleep Ñ would need more than two million years to calculate what the Apple supercluster can calculate in a single second." Apple Computers, not just for graphics/desktop publishing anymore. Getting onto a different 'track', who's been waiting for an even longer running Apple iPod Battery? Well, the longest lasting iPod battery ever is now available! The $39.95 NewerTech 1st/2nd Generation iPod 2100mAh internal battery provides over 70% more capacity than the stock Apple battery did at its very best! Reports already have our 1600mAh battery going for 14-18 hours, and now you can boost that by nearly an extra 1/3rd. Talk about time for a road trip! Oh yeah, and until October 15th, when you buy that 2100mAh iPod battery - save an extra $10 off when you buy the NewerTech RoadTrip FM Transmitter at the same time! Just use coupon code 'HIGHROAD' at checkout or via the phone. And how about that NewerTech 'RoadTrip!'? All I can say is that it really rocks! Unless you've got a direct input on your vehicle's car stereo, there just isn't a better sounding solution for playing your iPod (or audio from any device with a headphone jack) through your car stereo. Everyday we sell these faster and faster as more and more get out to customers who rave about them. I'm telling ya, our best selling point is also our hardest - that low $19.99 price. Something that costs less, but is easier to use, and better sounding than products costing even 5 times more? Really! Decide for yourself, listen to a sample FM recording of the PodFreq vs. iTrip vs. RoadTrip! right online. Don't miss Jamie's great article on different player to car stereo options too. Both a cancelled TV series about extraterrestrials and what is ideal for viewing that which is extraterrestrial, 'Dark Skies' can be hard to find. I've often enjoyed driving out to sit back and enjoy the night sky. There is so much beyond and until last October when I got to view that night sky from middle of nowhere, no civilization Wyoming - I had no idea how much more of it there was to see. Even out here, in the country well away from the city lights of our small town of Woodstock, there's still enough 'human effect', never mind natural effects, to damper that view. However, if you're willing to drive a couple hours, it's pretty likely there is a dark sky ideal for the viewing. Tips n' Deals reader Henry was kind enough to send in a link for this website, helping guide you to just where that ideal unimpeded dark sky view may be. And just for a lighter note... or maybe not so - I think what Mr. Ballmer should be saying is 'Anti-Virus Developers, Anti-Worm Developers'. There are now likely millions of Windows PCs just in this country alone that, unbeknownst to their owners, are monitoring router points to capture data - infecting other users - and adding the glut of spam we all see today. This is serious stuff. Last week I included a link to a site that notes on average a 'virgin' Windows PC connecting to the internet for the first time will become infected within the first 20 minutes of connect time. It can happen in as little as 20 seconds too - the 20 minutes average accounts for time it takes for something to find that PC after first visible on the network. Stuff like this makes me glad to have a Mac, but even so, every new Windows PC sold is one that will potentially be adding to the SPAM that's already too much. Tell your friends they can help save the internet, just replace the Windows PC with a Mac! :) Oh, while I'm sure Mr. Ballmer's love for Microsoft is unconditional, I think fewer and fewer put the words 'like/love' and 'Microsoft Windows' in any sentence that doesn't include 'not'. That's enough to get warmed up with, right?. This week we've also got two new Music on the Mac articles from Roger and of course some nice updated Reader Specials, including a killer $19.99 802.11b wireless deal too. No new Quick Tip this week, but, just wait till next time. And till next time, thank you for being an OWC Tips n' Deals Reader! Some Quick Links Why are some people paying over $20/month for Dial Up Internet Access? To Get 24/7 Toll Free Tech Support and Local Numbers in all 50 states? To Have Anti-Virus and Anti-Spam filtering? Accelerated Website Access? From $8/Month - you get all of that and more from FasterMac.Net, DSL Broadband available too! So what does OWC do with trade-ins, open box items, discontinued goods, etc.? We put 'em up on our Clearance Deals Page, visit often for killer steals! Just addeds include: lots of G4 Processors, some video cards and memory. Get the most from your Pioneer Superdrive! Increase read and write speeds, install current firmware, and more! OWC's Jamie tells you how! 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 10.3.x on Macs Apple doesn't support - OWC Supports you with OS 9 Helper and Xpostfacto! Quick Tip: View Past Tips in the Quick Tips Archive A lot of these tips and articles are just as useful today as when first offered up. Check 'em out. :) 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. Belkin 802.11B WireLess Feature Special For only $19.00, you can add 802.11b Wireless Network accessibility to just about any Mac(or PC) that has an available USB Port. Whether it's a USB card or built in USB, you're good to go. And this thing is very small and light too - if I didn't have an internal Airport Card, I'd not hesitate at all to use this on the road with my laptop. These will begin shipping by Wednesday 9/22, you can get yours on reserve today. :) PowerMac G3/G4 Upgrade Specials Upgrade your PowerMac G3 with a G3/1GHz ZIF 1MB 1:1 L2 Cache $259.95 Get a G3 256MB Memory Module included for free, just use coupon code 'SPEEDY256' Don't miss PowerMac G4 Reader Upgrade Deals Too:G4@1.2Ghz for $315; 1.5GHz $475 Logitech RF Wireless Mouse Special Logitech RF Wireless 2 Button USB Mouse w/Scroll Wheel, only $12.99! I've now been using mine for nearly two months on the same batteries and it's got the 'OWC Larry Endorsement'. Logitech makes a fine mouse - smooth operation, and flawless wireless response. Highly accurate like a good corded mouse, except the freedom of cordless. Power Backup for when the Power is Out Tripplite 525VA 6-Outlet Uninterruptable Power Supply/Surge Suppressor just $39.00 Peace of mind doesn't get much cheaper than this. Memory Specials & Price Trend Report: 9/17/2004 Memory 'Watch': Every day this past week, every DRAM memory device line showed small increases in cost. Honestly - there isn't a demand issue that would support what's happening, at least nothing insane - but supplies are also weakening. So - watch out for rising memory prices. We've bought pretty well and have stock to hold our prices for the moment, but if the market continues trending up, the stock we have isn't going to hold out very long. Apple OS X runs better with 1GB or more memory, even just going to something over 512MB is night and day vs. 512MB or less. If you don't have enough memory, you're not getting your money's worth from that expensive Mac (new or older!) sitting on your lap, desk, next to desk, etc. :) 256MB SDRam for all PowerMac G3 Models and PowerMac G4 'Yikes PCI $35.00 1GB Module for PowerBook G4 AL 12/15/17"; iMac G4/1.0GHz+, iBook G4s $239.00 Get a 1GB from OWC vs. what Apple charges to add just 512MB! PowerMac G5 1GB Upgrade Set, 2x512MB Matched PC3200 DDR400 now $179.00 512MB PC133 CL3/PC100 CL2 168 Pin SDRam Module for G4 Cube, eMacs, iMac G3/350-700MHz models, PowerMac G4 AGP Graphics(aka Sawtooth)/Gigabit Ethernet/Digital Audio/QuickSilver now $89.50 Mac 128MB 5V 168 Pin 60NS Dimms for 7300-9600 Models & Clones, $16.99 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. More iPod Run Time & iPod to FM Radio that's Easy, Sounds Good NewerTech internal battery for 1st and 2nd Generation Apple iPods: 1600mAh version, 30% more capacity - $29.95; 2100mAh for over 70% more $39.95 NewerTech internal battery for 3rd Generation Apple iPods: 850mAh version with over 30% More capacity vs. Apple's - $25.99 Get the iPod going on the road with the NewerTech 'RoadTrip!' FM Transmitter: The cost is only $19.99, but this product really works, and works well. Some of you have been frustrated by products that either don't sound good, are complicated to use, or both. The RoadTrip! is plug and play simple & it really sounds great! Just doing our part to get you a better product that comes with a better price as well. And - when you buy the RoadTrip! and one of our 2100mAh batteries on the same order - get and extra $10 with coupon code 'HIGHROAD'. The Best prices for Apple OS X EVER! Apple OS X 10.1.x Full Install Set $5.75 Apple OS X 10.2.x 'Jaguar' Full, stand alone, Installer Set $27.50 Apple OS X 10.2.x 'Jaguar' with Apple iLife '2003' Bundle $33.00 Have Apple OS X 10.2.x already? Get Apple 10.3.x 'Panther' Update $60.00 Apple OS X 10.3.x 'Panther' Full Install CD Set $79.00 That's just a small sample of the many deals you'll find on your Tips 'n Deals Reader Specials Page, check it out! Music on the Mac 9/18 - Jam with your Toast; Teacher/Student Deals Greetings from www.macsales.com/music A lot of people have asked me about CD/DVD burning software. While it is acceptable to burn CDs from iTunes, there is a more full featured alternative called Toast with Jam 6 by Roxio. This application has been around for a long time and the feature set has been continually upgraded! It won a Best of Show Award at 2004 Macworld. With Toast you can create or copy CDs and DVDs, automatically back up data, digitize analog audio, turn still photos into movies and create labels and disk covers. You get CD/DVD recording software, CD Spin Doctor audio digitizing software, Motion Picture slide show software, Deja Vu backup software and Discus labeling software. You also get Jam 6 CD mixing and mastering tools, Peak Express 4 editing software and Dolby Digital encoding/decoding software. This software lets you record live audio in stereo too using the CD Spin Doctor as mentioned. With this tool, you can record audio from old records or tapes or even live audio from a microphone. You can create professional crossfades between audio tracks...try that with iTunes!! Toast with Jam also lets you record audio with Dolby Digital Sound. This compression format is widely used and makes it possible to record DVD movies with high quality sound that does not cause the picture to be compressed..... high quality video with Dolby Digital sound quality. Toast with Jam also allows you to create so-called "Redbook" audio master CDs. The Discus label software comes with backgrounds for your use for a professional look. The Motion Picture software allows you to create a "moving slide show" from still photos. This is the so-called "Ken Burns" effect of panning and zooming on still photos to create motion and interest. The included Peak Express software is a stereo editing application that allows you to edit audio and add effects. It is a convenient and easy to use tool. The CDs and DVDs created with this software will play on commercial players too! A very large number of audio and video import and export formats are supported. macsales has a great price on this leading edge application at: There are too many features to list but it would be accurate to say that Toast with Jam 6 is the most complete application of its kind for the Mac platform. ------------- Are you a student or teacher? If so, we have great news for you. Two of the most popular music products of recent times, Reason and Ableton Live are now available at special student/education pricing. Reason is a "virtual rack" full of synths, sample players, drum machine, mixers and effects that has taken the music world by storm. You can save $100 on Reason 2.5 if you submit a student or teacher ID ( or a school Purchase Order if you are from a teaching institution). The paperwork is simple and the savings are significant! The same thing is available for Ableton Live, a unique and powerful sequencing/recording environment. These 2 products are often used at the same time today via the Rewire capabilities built into both. Reason and Live together are a ground breaking and complete audio recording, virtual instrument and sequencing system that is being used by thousands of pros in the music business to produce hit songs and movie soundtracks. Join the party at a great student price!! Another special package available to schools is the M-Audio Classroom Studio Bundle. This includes an M-Audio Mobile Pre audio interface with 2 mic preamps and 2 Nova Condensor studio mics by M-Audio. The package also includes lite versions of Reason and Ableton Live. All of this for only $199.00 our price. That is a savings of over $150.00 and a fantastic way to get audio into GarageBand too! It seems as if the time is right to equip your computer or classroom with the latest in audio software/hardware and get busy making some great music. Don't miss the article on GarageBand by Roger Adler in the Sept/Oct issue of Mac Design Magazine - on newstands now! **** Roger Adler will be presenting a seminar on GarageBand at the Apple store on North Michigan Ave/Chicago on Tues. Oct. 19 at 6 PM. You are all invited and it is FREE! Hope to see some of our readers there! We encourage you to visit our Mac Music/Audio Forum at Also, visit our website to view all of Roger's other OWC Music on the Mac articles online! 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 travelled 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: I really can't believe September is half over. With so many things brewing, the time just flies on by. Projects are nearing fruition. Once get some of those things wrapped up, perhaps the blink of an eye won't mean a whole day has elapsed. And if I hadn't mentioned before, we are hiring for marketing/advertising management, graphics design(web), and sales/customer service positions. If you know someone who'd be in our area and interested, letting that individual know about us is something I'd appreciate greatly! It was just yesterday, early July, that we ordered our 2.5GHz G5 for the test lab. That's what it feels like - but it was really just yesterday last week when it finally showed up. So fast, and so quiet too - liquid cooled coolness. We will have test results for it added to our Benchmarks Reporting System by end of next week. That and a whole lot more on the plate. Stay tuned, there's lots to come. Have a great weekend and thank's for being a Tips n' Deals Reader! 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 2000-2004, Other World Computing - Since 1988 |