Weekly Apple News Recap | 4/9-4/13

__Originally featured in “*Kibbles & Bytes #684,*”:http://blog.smalldog.com/kibbles/kb684/ Ben wrote about some Mac superstitions on a past Friday the 13th!__

Stevie Wonder’s “__Superstition__”:http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=19XpSnZWhPI&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fstevie-wonder-the-definitive%252Fid3440159%253Fuo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30 was the first song to come up on shuffle during my commute this morning. I’m normally not a very superstitious person, but when Garrison Keillor reminded me that it was Friday the 13th on the Writer’s Almanac, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was more than a coincidence. Combined with the fact that Mia–a Black Lab–crossed my path as soon as I walked into the office, consider me spooked!

Since superstition is abound, and it’s the only Friday the 13th this year, I thought that it would be especially relevant to lay a few common Mac superstitions to rest. For longtime Mac users the following may seem basic, but keep in mind that many switchers unfortunately are led to believe these myths are true due to previous experience on PCs.

*Your Mac Isn’t Virus-Immune:*

OK, so this one is pretty basic: Macs simply do not get viruses. You’d be surprised how many people immediately construe software or hardware-related issues as a virus. The fact is that there has never been a reported virus on a Mac. There have been internally developed proof-of-concepts as well a security flaws and vulnerabilities in various releases of Apple software, but there has never been a full blown Mac virus in the same vein as those so prevalent on the PC.

*Dell Printer + Mac = 7 Years of Bad Luck:*

This myth is partially true. You will have bad luck if you attempt to get a Dell branded printer to work on a Mac, but likely not 7 years worth. The PC Manufacturer is the only one whose printers are incompatible with Macs. The good news is almost every other USB 2.0 and network-based printer on the market is. A very common misconception amongst switchers is that their existing printer will be incompatible with a new Mac. Not only should the printer be compatible, but many popular printers feature plug-and-play functionality with Mac OS 10.6 Snow Leopard!

*Macs Don’t Play Nice at the Office:*

The majority of businesspeople rely on Microsoft’s Office Suite to some extent in their daily workflow. Since many businesses principally use PCs, it can be a little daunting bringing your new Mac into the office. Many people forget to realize that Microsoft has a version of their popular Office software designed exclusively for Macs! This means that you can continue to use Word, Powerpoint, and Excel even if you jump to a new Mac. Existing documents in Microsoft’s formats are even cross compatible between platforms. Though the interface in the Mac programs is subtly different from their PC counterparts, there is practically no learning curve associated with the software if you have previous experience with it.

So there you have it. Rest assured that your Mac is free from all of these common tech superstitions. As for yourself, be sure to avoid ladders, black animals, and mirrors for the rest of the day. Happy 13th!

_Dear Readers,_

Happy Friday! Yes, it is the 13th of the month, so perhaps your superstitions have you down but fear not, as it is still a Friday (which is better than a Monday in my book).

I’ve taken the helm of Kibbles for Don while he is in China attending some trade shows and touring a bit of the country. I’ve often fielded questions regarding purchasing from China and it is a complicated issue. For one thing, it’s not that easy to find the resources in the US.

For example, a local business, “*Vermont Flannel Company*”:http://www.vermontflannel.com makes flannel clothing. They would prefer to buy their fabric in the US but the last textile mill where they purchased the fabric closed. Their products are still cut and sewn in Vermont but they can no longer source the fabric here in the US. Considering that the textile industry was once the largest industry in the US, that is eye opening.

Perhaps, I am naive, but profit shouldn’t just be about dollars and cents. This is one of the cornerstones of Small Dog Electronics, Don’s and Hapy’s philosophy. To me, the multiple bottom line isn’t one that is always easy to attain but is one that we should always work towards and keep present in our minds.

Keep those screens super clean!

Purchase a used MacBook 2.13GHz 2GB/160GB White (mid-2009) and Parallels and get the 3-year Mack Warranty free.

We’ll be keeping you up-to-date with all the news and filling in for Don again next week, so check back. To follow his adventures and see what else we’re up to, “*Like us on Facebook!*”:http://www.facebook.com/smalldogelectronics

Thanks for reading!
_Dawn & Kali_

Small Dog recently joined forces with Mack to provide 3-year warranty protection for your new electronic device that will protect against accidental damage. That’s right! You can stop crying when you drop your iPhone on the pavement because your arms are full but you’re still trying to talk and open the car door. (Surely, I’m not the only one who has done this!)

Here’s the coverage provided with the Diamond Service:

* Manufacturer Defects
* Impact Damage
* Sand/Grit Damage
* Accidental Damage and Unintentional Abuse
* Mechanical Malfunctions
* Normal and Abnormal Wear and Tear

What it won’t cover:

* Intentional abuse, misuse or damaged beyond recognition
* Fire
* Lost
* Stolen

Add Diamond Coverage within 30 days of purchase and there must be at least 90-days left on the manufacturer’s warranty. It’s probably best to add at the time of purchase in most cases but if you are within 30 days of purchase and we can inspect your item, you can still add the warranty.

Diamond Coverage is available for iPods, iPhones, iPads and Macs. We are also offering Mack’s Standard Warranty which will cover parts and labor for manufacturer’s defects for any used computers that we are selling.

This is another option, in addition to AppleCare, for extending coverage for your computer.

“Click here”:http://www.smalldog.com/category/Services_and_Warranties/Third_Party/?sort=descriptionasc for additional info and pricing and look for specials below!