FEATURED SPECIAL | 03/06/09 – 03/13/09

Time Capsule and AirPort models were updated on Tuesday, adding some fun and much-needed features.

New features on both:
* *Simultaneous Dual-Band WiFi:* Time Caspule and AirPort Extreme now work on both 2.4GHz (the same frequency as cordless phones, by the way) and 5GHz bands at the same time.
* *Guest Networking:* Now Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme offer a WiFi network option expressly for visitors, meaning guests use a different password on a separate network (keeping those passwords safe!).

Wireless drive sharing and printing is still featured on both, as well as integration with iPhone and Apple TV. They have remained at the same price points.

*Time Capsule*
Apple’s solution for automatic “no hassle” backups. There are still two storage options, 500GB and 1TB, and it includes the same easy wireless networking capability.

* “500GB:”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/73304 *$299.99*
* “1TB:”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/73303 *$499.99*

*AirPort Extreme*
The wireless router that gives you more. It still offers fast, 802.11n WiFi access for Macs and PCs and other WiFi devices such as iPhone, iPod touch, and Apple TV.

* “AirPort Extreme Base Station:”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/73301 *$179.99*

New Mac Pros were announced this morning, and boy, are they hot. Here’s a rundown of the new features: New Intel Processors Intel’s…

In addition to the slew of new products announced on Tuesday, Apple also released the MacBook Battery Updater 1.4. A small number of MacBooks (both the latest unibody-style MacBooks as well as the “older” white and black plastic models) have batteries that can become inoperative after long periods of inactivity. This update presumably updates the battery software to put the computer to sleep with a little more charge remaining, avoiding extended periods of complete depletion.

You can know whether your battery needs the update by going to System Profiler and selecting Power from the Hardware section. If the battery device name is ASMB016 or ASMB013, a pack lot code is 0002, or a battery firmware version is 0110, then you should install this update. Of course, the updater will work only on eligible batteries, so there’s no harm in just downloading it and letting it determine whether or not your battery needs it.

If you must store your laptop for an extended period, this is not an issue at all. Simply charge the battery fully and remove it from the computer. The worst thing you can do is leave a battery in a depleted state for a long time, and if you plan to store your mobile computer for more than five months it is especially important to remove the battery.

Learn more and download the updated by “clicking here.”:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3421

View specials while on-hand supplies last. Please note that some specials may not be available in our retail stores; check for availability.

See all specials on our “Specials Page.”:http://www.smalldog.com/specials

It is Daylight Savings Time on Sunday. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour. This is going to cause a wicked case of spring fever in at least one Vermonter. Can I get my motorcycle out yet?

It is March though, and that usually means we will have at least a couple of big snow storms before we see spring. The local public radio station is broadcasting “signs of spring” and there are some good ones. I haven’t seen any robins, crocuses or bluebirds, however, I have seen taps in maple trees and sugaring season is here with cold nights and sunny days. What are your favorite signs of spring?

Thank you for reading this issue of Kibbles & Bytes!

Your Kibbles & Bytes Team,
_Don, Kali and Ed_

It’s sad but true: there are still many conference centers, hotels, and office buildings that lack Wi-Fi. However, many of these do offer hardwired internet access via Ethernet or (egads) a dial-up connection. If you’re solo, this is only a minor inconvenience. However, if you’re traveling or working with other people, a single wired connection can be a major productivity block.

Fortunately, Mac OS X makes it easy to share a single wired internet connection over a Mac’s built-in AirPort wireless card, to other computers that also have wireless capabilities. Except for the Mac Pro, every Mac released since early 2006 has featured a built-in AirPort card (which is what Apple calls its brand of wireless card).

This tip works best from a wired Ethernet internet connection, but I’ve read that it will also work with a cellular internet connection, such as those provided by Verizon, Sprint, etc.

To share an internet connection via a Mac’s Wi-Fi, first connect the Ethernet cable to the Mac that will be serving as the base station.

Next, navigate to that Mac’s System Preferences panel (found under the Apple in the upper left corner of the screen) and select *Sharing*. When the Sharing panel opens, select *Internet Sharing* (note that you won’t be able to check the Internet Sharing box until other options are configured). Next, make sure *”Share your connection from: Ethernet”* is selected in the drop-down list.

Since we want to share our Mac’s connection wirelessly, click *AirPort* in the “To Computers using:” box. Finally, click the *AirPort Options* button to give your new network a name and password. When you have everything the way you like it, turn Internet sharing on.

The Mac serving as base station will still be able to surf the web while others piggyback on its internet connection. Any device with Wi-Fi (including the iPhone and iPod touch) will be able to share this connection.