OWC Tips & Deals 05/28/2005 Intro: Apple & Intel, OWC Elite-AL FW, Processors, More Quick Tip: Be a 'Genius' with your Hard Drives Great Buys & Special Deals - Just for Readers! Quick Tip: Be a 'Genius' with your Hard Drives Closing The Fine Print Intro: Hello from your friends in Woodstock! Already, it's the 'official' start of summer. We congratulate the class of 2005 and also take a moment to remember sacrifices past that make many of today's hopes and dreams possible. We live in a great land and observing Memorial Day is one way we honor those who gave thier lives defending our Freedom and Liberty. It's hard to imagine living under rule that allows no debate or question be raised against those in power. Where there is no free will, just a rule to be followed. Such oppression is as foreign a concept to most of us as Democracy and Freedom is to someone oppressed and without. Like being blind and one day you can see - it takes time to comprehend. But if you've been able to see your whole life and suddenly that sight is taken away, it's something you'd certainly fight for the restoration of. Many paid the ultimate price defending the Freedom and Liberty of this nation and we remember their sacrifice on Memorial Day - as we should every day. A great site with information on the history of Memorial Day and its proper Observation is www.usmemorialday.org. Apple: Could there be an Intel inside your next Mac? Probably not anytime soon, but still interesting to see this rumor resurface by way of the Wall Street Journal. Supposed high-level execs were the source of this latest re-speculation. Adding some steam to the speculation were comments by Intel's new CEO. After 'confessing' to an hour spent each weekend clearing spyware and viruses off his daughter's computer, Mr. Otellini suggested the best immediate solution for this problem was to buy a Mac instead of a Wintel PC! The article sites a couple motives for such a comment, but still - it's an incredible admission that was sure to turn more than a few pale in Redmond. Apple OS X 'Tiger' 10.4 is cranking full steam ahead. It's by far our most popular software item, still going super strong even nearly a month since first shipping. In fact, it's part of the reason Apple's stock has been back on an upswing with many analysts noting the strength of Apple's new OS. When your ready for Tiger (that's already some bugs fixed with v10.4.1), $99 with no rebates makes it an easy buy from us at OWC. :) Apple OS X 'Tiger' on older machines - talking those not supported by Apple to run Tiger - is available right now with Xpostfacto 4.0b2. Last week we noted the 1st beta, and Ryan has already cranked his next update. There is an Xpostfacto for every OS X Version - because even old Macs can run OS X, really well in fact! Reminder - if you purchased a new Apple PowerBook Aluminum 12" or 15" model or battery for one Oct/2004 through May/2005, Apple has issued a recall that may affect you. And, also a reminder - NewerTech has a full line of batteries built in the USA that run longer, last longer, with better battery cells for an overall better product, IMHO, too. :) OWC: They've been a long time coming, but the new OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro series is finally here. Using the same custom Oxford based bridge solutions as our well reviewed Elite Pro Series, these new Aluminum models offer a sleek new look for those that prefer the 'G5' look. In addition to the single drive solutions offering up to 400GBs of storage, added is a Dual Drive RAID version that goes up to 800GB. You can check out the full line, now available from $129.99. Processor Upgrades: There is still a lot of life left for PowerMac 7300-9600 models! Xpostfacto keeps them going with the latest OS X versions and Ben Ralston's OS 9 Helper lets those models, which Apple stopped supporting at OS v9.1, take advantage of the improvements OS 9.2.x provide. You can now upgrade those systems up to G4/800MHz or G3/1GHz too.... And for those willing, Ben Ralston's new PCI Upgrade Benchmark Article that compares PowerLogix G3/1GHz to the Sonnet G4/800 PCI upgrades definitely helps choose which upgrade could be right for you. Having been a part of making PowerLogix's PCI 1GHz upgrade available, we can't be more pleased with the results of Ben's experience. Working Class Dogs - Mac: I thought we'd be ready this week, but looks like will be next. Stay tuned to 'meet' OWC's next 'Working Class Pup' and for the naming contest to begin. Of Interest and/or for Fun: See what you can get crossing a Mac mini with an Mac SE or iMac! Intro Closing: That'll be a wrap for intro this week, although our Quick Tip, Reader Exclusive Specials, and the latest Music on the Mac by Roger Adler do still follow. Do have a safe and enjoyable weekend and don't forget to take that moment Monday to honor those past. Brief Messages from our 'sponsors': Quick Links One of kinds, returned goods, trade-ins, etc. need homes too - and usually find them pretty fast. First come, first served limited quantity deals, found here: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/bargains/. Internet Access from FasterMac.Net, ISP just for Apple/Macs! From $8 a month, get nationwide dial up or DSL just for Mac Users - that includes 24/7 1-800 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 www.FasterMac.net Time to buy a new Mac or does it make sense to upgrade the Mac you have? OWC's exclusive Benchmark Reporting System lets you look at up to 16 realworld test results pitting stock vs. upgrades vs. new Macs so you can make the choice right for you! Use Apple OS 9.2.2 & Apple OS X on Macs Apple doesn't support because OWC does with OS 9 Helper and Xpostfacto! **Tiger support in Beta now!** Quick Tip: Be a 'Genius' with your Hard Drives We take it for granted that when we turn that Mac on on, do our point and clicks, that things will always just work the way they are supposed to. Sometimes there might be a user error... Having a good backup as well as using an application like ProSoft's Data Recycler are proactive ways to prevent any pain from a human glitch. I remember the days of easy file 'undeletion' with Apple OS 9.x and prior... I learned the hard way, which led to this prior Quick Tip on the subject, that the file system OS X uses is not quite as forgiving and flexible after an accidental deletion, for example. Other issues that can and arise on hard drives don't need us to make a mistake to occur. Just from normal use, hard drives become fragmented. As we use the computer, both OS X as well as open applications create and delete temp files stored to the drive. At the same time we also create new files, delete old files, or modify existing files resulting in them being either larger or smaller. Files are stored on a hard drive on a first available free space basis. Fragmenting is when the data for files isn't contiguous, but rather in pieces spread out in two or more physical locations on the hard drive platters. While not being an operational risk, it does increase the time required to load or save given data. Through no fault of our own or through fault such as an incorrect shutdown or drive dismount, real file corruption or file structure damage can also occur. We've all seen an application crash (especially MS apps) and that's the result of an error encountered. If that application was in the process or writing data at the time of the crash, it is possible for harm to result. Also, things like one time OS or even hardware glitches can result in problems that may not even be immediately noticeable. And then there is the actual on-going failure of a piece of hardware. Hard drives are a mechanical device and one of the most likely components in a system that would fail. Ever since my accidental deletion incident, I have been a growing fan of the Prosoft line of utility software for OS X. Drive Genius is among their latest additions that just ads to my appreciation. This great utility pretty much does it it all. It'll keep your hard drives up to speed with automated optimizations which eliminates exsting drive fragmentation, recover corrupted files, repair damaged file structures, and do S.M.A.R.T. drive hardware diagnostics too! It also does 'cloning' like CCC for doing a perfect bootable backup of your drive - as well as includes 'Shredder', the DoD compliant file eraser that'll leave no trace of that sensitive data you want no more. It's good to be prepared. From making backups, to detecting hard drive problems, and repairing those problems that 'soft' with file or directory structure, this is one utility that is worth having around. Great for just keeping things at their best + the tools so you're prepared for the worst as well. We are happy to recommend Prosoft 'Drive Genius' and are very pleased that they have made it possible for us to offer this great app for a special $65 price that is $34 off the normal retail. And, if you buy Apple OS X 'Tiger' 10.4 for $99 on the same order, use coupon code 'GENIUS4' to save another $10. Given the alternative costs of professional data recovery or data loss, Drive Genius isn't just an ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure - it very well may be the cure as well. 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 the latest highlights. Some Clearance Page Special Highlights We are always putting up new goodies to move out on our clearance/specials page. This week, there are two items of particular interest you may want a stab at: ADS Instant DVD Hardware A/V to MPEG2 to DVD solution - $119.00 Micro Solutions 'Roadstor' portable, Photo CD Burner, DVD Player - $150.00 Dozens of other goodies also listed. ProSoft Drive Genius Special OWC Exclsuive! Normally retailing for $99, OWC is is now able to offer ProSoft's Drive Genius for the super special price of $65, $34 off! This utility lets you Maintain, Manage, and keep your drive Optimized for the best reliable operation. Also includes Shredder, which permanently deletes sensitive files to Department of Defense standards. If your upgrading to Tiger - order Drive Genius and Apple's new OS X 10.4 Tiger on the same order to save an extra $10 using coupon code 'GENIUS4' at checkout! Apple OS X Deals Apple's OS X 'Tiger' 10.4 Retail Box Version for $99, or Get the full Apple Panther 10.3.x DVD Installation Set for just $49.00 Also - for those that like Techworks Memory and don't mind Rebates Get $15 back for each 1GB Techworks PC3200 DDR DIMM you purchase from OWC when you buy up to 8 Techworks 1GB Modules and Apple OS X Tiger from OWC between April 10th and May 31st, 2005! Separate orders are OK so long as the memory and the Tiger has shipped between those two dates. Internal Hard Drive Deals For PowerBooks & iBooks: 80GB 5400RPM 8MB Buffer Hitachi 5K800 Notebook HD $147.50 100GB 5400RPM 8MB Buffer Seagate Momentus Notebook HD $195.00 For PowerMac G3/G4, iMac G4, eMac G4:* 400GB 7200RPM 8MB Buffer Hitachi 7K400 3.5" ATA/6 HD $289.00 300GB 7200RPM 8MB Buffer Seagate 7200.8 3.5" ATA/6 HD $199.00 250GB 7200RPM 8MB Buffer Seagate 7200.8 3.5" ATA/6 HD $129.00 *Speedtools HiCap Software or PCI ATA Contoller needed for Pre-2002 models. For PowerMac G5, iMac G5: 400GB 7200RPM 8MB Buffer Hitachi 7K400 3.5" SATA/150 HD $292.50 300GB 7200RPM 8MB Buffer Seagate 7200.8 3.5" SATA/150 $209.00 Memory Specials & Price Trend Report: 5/28/2005 update: The past week was mixed. Say SO-DIMM 1GB for PowerBooks/iBooks go up a little. 1GB Long DIMMs for G5s and the like dropped a little. 512MB 'sized' memory pretty much stayed the same all across the board. Still good times when it comes to how inexpensive performance enhancing memory upgrades remain. For iMac G5, PowerMac G4 Mirrored Drive Door, Mac mini, eMac G4 1.25GHz: 512MB PC3200/2700/2100 184 Pin DDR DIM Module now $48.00 For Mac Mini, eMac G4/1.25GHz, and eMac 1.0GHz 'Education Model': 1GB(1 x 1024MB) PC2700 DDR 184 Pin Module - $109.00 For all PowerMac G5 Models, iMac G5: 1GB Matched Pair (2x512MB) PC3200 DDR 184 Pin - $95.00 2GB Matched Pair (2x1GB) PC3200 DDR 184 Pin - 219.00 1GB PC3200 DDR Module for iMac G5 Only (PowerMac G5 requires Pairs!) $115.00 For All PowerBook G4 'Aluminum' 12/15/17"; iBook G4; iMac G4/1.0 & 1.25GHz: 512MB PC2700/2100 DDR SO-DIMM 200 Pin Module - $55.00 1GB PC2700/2100 DDR SO-DIMM 200 Pin Module - $137.00 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 - $29.00 512MB PC133 CL3/PC100 CL2 168 Pin SDRam DIMM Module - $79.00 For PowerMac G3 'Beige', G3 Blue & White, G4 'Yikes' PCI Models: 256MB PC100 CL2/PC66 168 Pin SDRam DIMM Module - $25.00 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. Cut the Cord, Wireless = Freedom We just got a great deal in on Logitech's awesome 'Click' RF Wireless 3 Button w/scroll wheel Optical Mouse. Reader Special Price - $23.00. This a great mouse and less than half of retail and it's plug and play on any Apple model with an available USB Port. Also available - Logitech USB Wireless Keyboard with Mouse(not optical..) combo for $24.99 SuperDrive Upgrades to Read & Write DVDs/CDs Fast Put a new SuperDrive in your Mac, or replace one you already have with something faster! Burn DVDs & CDs with Apple's iDVD, iPhoto, iTunes Internal for For G3/G4/G5 PowerMac, eMac G4, iMac G4 Models: Apple Genuine DVR-106 4X DVD Superdrives - $75.00 Pioneer DVR-A07XLA 8X DVD Superdrives - $69.99 Pioneer DVR-109D/BK 16X DVD SuperDrives with Dual Layer(8.5GB) - $69.95 For an even better deal, choose from one of the four 'Value Bundle' offers Get up to 8X Burn Speeds for Mac mini, PowerBook G4, iMac G5, Cube G4 from $149.95 Plug & Play External Superdrives with up to 16X DVD Burn Speeds with OWC FireWire & USB2 Solutions which include all cables, Media, burning software and Dantz Retrospect Backup too, from $129.99. El Gato Eye200 TV/DVR Deal Watch TV, Digitally Record, Edit, and playback at will - all on your Mac with this great FireWire Solution! Normally $309.00, $289 for Readers And... another $30 Rebate from now till June makes the net just $259.00! Watch TV, Digitally Record, Edit, and Playback with an internal PCI Card. Compatible with PowerMac G4 and G5, Miglia Alchemy TV DVR, with remote control - $125.00 Import Audio/Video & Playback through with plug & play FireWire device - ADS Pyro A/V FireWire Device for most any A/V Source - $149.00 FireWire Hot Deals 60GB 4200RPM OWC Mercury On-The-Go, Reader Special $150.00 80GB 7200RPM OWC Neptune FireWire 400 Solution, Special $109.00 250GB 7200RPM OWC Mercury Elite 800 Pro 800/400 Solution, Special $239.00 OWC Mercury Elite Oxford911+ 3.5" FireWire 400 Enclosure Kit - $65.00 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 @ 1.2GHz, $285.00 Extreme @ 1.4GHz, $339.00 Extreme @ 1.5GHz, $389.00 PowerLogix PowerForce55 G4 Upgrade for all PowerMac G4 AGP Graphics/Sawtooth & Gigabit Ethernet Models. Reliable, low cost speed bump with 2 Year PowerLogix/OWC Warranty + 30 Day Money Back! PF55 @ 1.0GHz, $179.00 Video Card Deals The best prices ever are now available for ATI 9000/9200/9600/9800/x800 MacEdition Video Cards. The full line is now in stock and starting from $99.00. 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 - $27.95 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 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. Apple just did a recall of 128,000 of their own batteries, which are built overseas - maybe even more reason to consider NewerTech! 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 5/19 - More Mics Greetings from www.macsales.com/music Edirol has recently updated their line of midi keyboard controllers. This week we are looking under the hood of the Edirol PCR-1. It's a midi controller and USB audio interface that sells for around $200! The PCR-1 features Edirol's excellent key action which has a consistent playing feel and very little side to side movement. This little guy weighs only 2 lbs., 11 oz and is only 1 and 3/16 inches thick. OK, it's portable but what about the features? Well, for starters, it offers 25 assignable controllers which can control all types of midi messages. For instance, it's easy and convenient to assign a rotary control to adjust filters in real time for expressive playing capabilities. It features 25 velocity sensitive keys. Velocity sensitive means it transmits how hard or softly you play in addition to the notes you play. To get even more out of it, control maps that make it a snap to instantly control all of the parameters on many popular applications such as Reason, Pro Tools LE, Ableton Live, Performer and others are available free. The audio capabilities are also convenient. It features stereo line level recording and simultaneous stereo playback on standard rca jacks. It also has a headphone output that doubles as a digital optical output for high quality digital output of audio from your computer. The PCR-1 even has an included gig bag to carry the super light and portable keyboard, certainly making it perfect for a traveling recording rig! Great features and an excellent price make this a winning product from Edirol! -- And another winner from Edirol, an incredibly handy and useful recording device called the R-1. This is a portable stereo recorder that records to wav or mp3 via its built-in stereo mic or external mic. It also has stereo line inputs. Students are using these to record lectures, reporters are using these as "field" recorders and it has many practical applications. I went to the Edirol site and listened to some audio recorded with the R-1 and it was impressive. Even the mp3 recordings sounded full range and clean. There are also a few extras built-in to this gadget such as EQ (tone) presets, noise reducer, Reverb, mic simulator to simulate the sound of recording with an expensive Large Diaphragm Condenser Mic, tuner, metronome and more. Recordings can be downloaded via USB 2 and it also has S/PDIF digital output and stereo analog output. Recording is to CompactFlash card with up to 2 gig capacity. It has a battery life of 2.5 hours when recording and up to 6 hours playing back. This is a new product for us and it's timely because people have been asking us for this type of product for over a year.....Edirol finally came up with an elegant and feature packed solution that we are offering at a great price! Check out our Mac Music/Audio Forum for all your musical needs and to share your questions and info with all! Also, visit our website to view all of Roger's other OWC Music on the Mac articles online! And... Check out Roger's Commercial CD Album at www.thegaragealbum.com where you can also download the GarageBand tracks for each song and find out about the fantastic OWC Mercury Extreme Firewire drive, OWC Processor upgrade and OWC RAM used when creating the album. 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's amazing how fast the time keeps rolling. With lots to do at home and at OWC, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Just wonder how fast the next five weeks will fly by into July and the new chapter to be born then. In the mean time, going to take this weekend to enjoy this great land and give remembrance too on Memorial Day for those that gave their lives to protect Freedoms and Liberty both here and abroad. We owe our Freedom, our Liberty, our very way of life to those who have paid that ultimate price serving our country. Forever honor, and never forget. 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