With many schools and colleges back in session, we are seeing the usual and predicable spike in accidental damage repairs in our service facilities. It’s very important to remember that a dropped computer, one with a broken screen, or one with any type of liquid damage–no matter how new–has no warranty coverage.

Here are my favorite protective products for Apple laptops.

**1.** “Speck cases”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=speck are hard shells that are form-fitted for a precise and tight fit to your laptop. Also see JJ’s review of Incipio Feather cases (another great case) below.

**2.**The second part of protecting your laptop is a well-padded laptop bag like “those from Timbuk2.”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=Timbuk2 These messenger-style laptop bags have lots of storage, look good, and provide great protection.

**3.** If you prefer a sleeve-style laptop case, know that they provide less protection, but are still better than carrying around a naked computer. My favorite is the new “Hammerhead line,”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=hammerhead named for CEO Don Mayer’s bulldog.

**4.** “KB Covers”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=kb+cover makes a line of form-fitting super-thin plastic covers that’ll save your bacon if you spill a small amount of liquid on your keyboard. It only takes a drop of water to make it through your keyboard and onto complex (and very expensive) circuitry below!

Beginning **Tuesday, September 15,** start looking for a special wooden apple at select Vermont pick-your-own orchards.

In partnership with the Vermont Departments of Tourism and Agriculture, Vermont’s Apple Orchards and Woodchuck cider, you could win one of 24 iPods while picking apples… as if the delicious apples you’ve picked along the way weren’t enough! If you find one, you’re a winner of an Apple iPod nano, iPod classic or iPod touch!*

For complete contest rules, participating orchards, locations and more details, visit: “www.applestoipods.com.”:http://www.applestoipods.com

“To see a video of a wooden apple being hidden, click here!”:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybt1Y3xl4V0

__*See the official rules and regulations listed on the website for all prize details.__

*Closeout Aluminum MacBook!*

MacBook 2.0GHz 2GB/160/SD/AP/BT
Save up to $350 on this original unibody aluminum MacBook with closeout pricing!
*Only $1049.99!*

Have a new laptop but still don’t have something to keep it protected and safe? The New Incipio Feather case for the MacBook Pro 13in is the perfect solution.

It’s lightweight but strong enough to protect your laptop from scratches and drops. It’s 1mm thick for amazing protection without added bulk. It has a soft touch matte finish and is made of a ultra strong polymer.

“Check out all of the Feather Cases on our website.”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?s=1&find=feather&refinecat=Notebook_Gear%7CCases

*There’s still time…*

We’ve created a Mac to School Essentials Bundle for MacBook + MacBook Pro 13in that will put everything you need together in one package AND save you money (over $50, to be exact)!

Bundle includes: iWork ’09, 3-Year AppleCare Protection Plan, Surge Protector, Ethernet Patch Cable, 2GB Flash Drive, and Hammerhead MacBook Sleeve.

“View it here”:http://www.smalldog.com/wag19258_atbis; come on in to buy!

Each class is taught by an Apple Product Professional and features take-home materials.

*Absolute Mac Basics:*
09/20/09 5:15pm to 6:45pm
09/27/09 5:15pm to 6:45pm

*Mac Basics Level 2:*
09/13/09 5:15pm to 6:45pm

For a detailed description of our classes, “find out more here.”:http://www.smalldog.com/classes