K&B SPECIALS: 03/25/11 – 04/01/11

Finder windows are among the most commonly accessed components of OS X’s graphical user interface (GUI). These windows are used to organize and locate files, browse and store applications, conduct searches, and connect to external drives. While most users have, at some point, experimented with customizing the Finder’s iTunes-esque sidebar to best suit their needs, many users fail to realize the application’s full potential for customization. If there’s a void of gray space to the right of the gear-shaped icon in the toolbar at the top of the window, you may be one of these users. Like many OS X applications, the Finder’s toolbar can be tweaked and customized. This can be accomplished by selecting “View” from the Menu Bar and clicking “Customize Toolbar…” The ensuing drop-down menu gives you about 17 different icons that can be dragged onto the toolbar. If you go a bit too crazy, you can always drag the default set of icons back to the toolbar from this menu as well.

Though the Customize Toolbar… menu affords plenty of options for Finder customization, it is merely the beginning. Depending on the size of the window–which is partially determined by screen size–the Finder’s toolbar can house tons of additional shortcuts. Ranging from files and folders to applications, nearly anything can be dragged onto it. As these shortcuts remain present while you browse through the Finder, the toolbar is a great place to store frequently accessed folders or applications. If you’re looking to slim down your dock, it’s easy to move semi-frequently used applications that are crowding dock space into the Finder toolbar. If you’d like to reorganize shortcuts or remove them from the toolbar, simply hold Command and click and drag to rearrange, or drag shortcuts outside of the Finder window to remove them entirely. Happy customization!

This Tuesday, Apple released software version 4.2.1 for the popular second generation Apple TV. The device, which had been experiencing somewhat widespread issues following the 4.2 update, should now operate more reliably. Releasing 4.2.1 less than two weeks after the release of 4.2, Apple clearly listened to user feedback and expedited development of the patch. According to the “*support document*”:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4448 accompanying the release, the following issues have been addressed:

*TV compatibility:*
Addresses issues that may cause the screen to flicker or display incorrect color on some older TVs.

*Wake from sleep:*
Addresses an issue where Apple TV may not wake up from sleep.

*Audio:*
Addresses an issue where audio may not be heard on some TV models after switching from another input.

*Stability and performance:*
Apple TV Software Update 4.2.1 includes stability and performance fixes for Apple TV.

The bug affecting the greatest number of Apple TVs was intermittent screen flickering. Last week, this issue was traced to older HDTVs attempting to convert the Apple TV’s 720p output to 1080i. Early feedback seems to indicate the update resolves this problem. Apple TV users can download the update from their devices directly. Using the Apple Remote, simply navigate to Settings > General > Update Software.

As you may have already seen on the Web or in stores, there is a bold new color available in the “Chill Pill Mobile Speakers”:http://chillpillaudio.com/page4/mobile-speakers/mobile-speakers.html family: Pink! The pink Chill Pill will add a splash of color to your life while providing stellar on-the-go sound. Like the other members of the Chill Pill line, this portable speaker can be charged and re-charged from your laptop’s USB port or by any USB power supply (such as the “Chill Pill Audio 2-Port USB AC Power Adapter”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/74975/chill-pill-audio-2-port-usb-ac-power-adapter-for-ipod-iphone-chill-pill/at_kb) and will provide up to six hours of music, podcast, or audiobook playback between charges. The pink Chill Pill is a perfect complement to your iPod, iPhone, iPad, or any other device with a standard 1/8 inch (3.5mm) headphone jack.

While all of the above features are a great reason to buy the pink Chill Pill, there is another: Chill Pill Audio, Small Dog Electronics’ private label brand, is donating one dollar from the sale of each pink Chill Pill to “The Breast Cancer Research Foundation”:http://www.bcrfcure.org/. This non-profit organization funds research on and raises awareness about breast cancer around the world. The pink Chill Pill–priced at just $39.99, the same affordable cost as the rest of the line–allows you to listen to your favorite media while knowing your purchase has helped support critical health research and outreach.

To purchase your pink Chill Pill, visit “Small Dog Electronics.”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/77492/chill-pill-mobile-speakers-pink/at_kb

This Monday, Apple released the seventh major revision of Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. The maintenance update, which is the first since January, includes several bug fixes and subtle performance enhancements. Additionally, Apple has bundled numerous security improvements into the update–a full list can be viewed “*here.*”:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4581 Though the update includes more enhancements and refinements than new features, it is still a welcome release and a suggested update for all Snow Leopard users. Some of the top-billed features of the release include fixes that:

* Improve the reliability of Back to My Mac
* Resolve an issue when transferring files to certain SMB servers
* Address various minor Mac App Store issues

A complete list of all additional non-security improvements can be viewed “*here.*”:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4472

The update is available via Software Update or by direct download. As always, we recommend users back up their data prior to installing operating system updates.

Additionally, Apple has released a unique build of Mac OS X v10.6.7 specifically for early 2011 MacBook Pro models. Supplementing the aforementioned fixes, this release addresses minor FaceTime performance issues and improves graphics stability and external display compatibility. Users of the new MacBook Pro are advised to obtain the update through Software Update in order to ensure they receive the proper version. However, a direct link can be found “*here.*”:http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1368

*Direct Links*

* “*Mac OS X v10.6.7 Client*”:http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1363 (for users running v10.6.6)
* “*Mac OS X v10.6.7 Client Combo*”:http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1361 (for users running v10.6 – v10.6.5)

* “*Mac OS X v10.6.7 Server*”:http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1362 (for users running v10.6.6 Server)
* “*Mac OS X v10.6.7 Server Combo*”:http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1364 (v10.6 Server – v10.6.5 Server)

_Dear Friends,_

Even though it is officially spring, we are back into winter mode with cold temperatures and some snow, too. Nevertheless, there are signs of spring with the geese honking as they return and, of course, the knee-deep mud on my road. This is the toughest time of the year in Vermont because spring is on the horizon and we all start looking for those little signs of its arrival. But there is still a lot of snow in the yard, the roads are impassable, and motorcycling seems a bit far off. Nevertheless, the maple sugar season is extended by this weather, and that is a good thing for the Vermont economy.

I am sad to report that we had another break-in at our store in Waitsfield, and some customers who we had called to pick up their iPads had to be called back and told that they would have to wait longer. We are doing everything we can to get more iPad 2s for these customers and for the many other customers looking for this new product. Apple stores, whether owned by Apple or by independent resellers like ourselves, are increasingly becoming targets of thieves as the most popular products on the planet attract not only customers but thieves too.

On a happier note, I set up a new Mac system for my sister today. She has been using an older Mac for years and is finally entering the modern era. We discussed what her needs were, and her original plan was to have a laptop and desktop; however, I convinced her to do something similar to my setup. She had fallen in love with Grace’s 11-inch MacBook Air, so we set her up with one of those with 4GB of RAM as well as a 24-inch display, Magic Mouse, BlueTooth keyboard, LaCie 1TB hard drive, and USB hub for her existing printer and scanner. Now she has the best of both worlds: the ultimate in a tiny portable computer and a powerful desktop system with large storage for Time Machine backups. While I use the 13-inch MacBook Air, the 11-inch is sure a sweet Mac. We have just introduced our “Hammerhead premium leather sleeves for the MacBook Air”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=hammerhead+macbook+air+leather, and they look great.

This is the 10th Anniversary of Mac OS X, and that is in no small part a key to Apple’s continued success. It is the most powerful and most secure operating system on the planet and the foundation of the Mac experience. Happy Birthday, OS X!

I have been looking for a project ever since I completed my Norton restoration. It is my “stress relief” to get dirty and greasy in the shop, bang a few knuckles, and work on mechanical things. Well, I have decided to embark on a project that was only a dream until recently: I am going to convert my favorite motorcycle to an electric motorcycle with the help of my friends Steve Miracle, who is an electric car conversion expert, and Dave Sellers, an architect and inventor who will help me with the looks of the finished product. I am going to document this process at my “blog.”:http://www.donmayer.org/Don_Mayer/Blog/Blog.html The first step is to take all the stuff I won’t need–like the engine, transmission, exhaust pipes, etc.–off of the bike.

Thank you for reading this issue of Kibbles & Bytes!

Your Kibbles & Bytes Team,

Don, Ben & Stephanie