The Option key on your Mac has some pretty handy (no pun intended?) benefits, from time-saving keyboard shortcuts to access to hidden or ‘bonus’ features.

Some of these things we’ve covered in previous Mac Treats — for example, how to stop the ‘quack’ (hold the Option key while pressing the volume buttons) and how to access your Library folder in 10.7+ (hold the Option key while perusing the Go menu in Finder) — but it can do so much more.

Among the most popular, using the Option key:

* Adds bonus/alternate menu options in the Finder and almost every app
* Accesses ‘Secure Empty Trash’ in the Finder menu
* Enables full-screen Quick Look in a Finder window
* Allows one to move an item rather than pasting in *Finder > Edit*
* Allows one to bypass System Preferences for certain commands using the menu bar instead
* Gives an option to Show Inspector with *Option+Command+I*

For more on what the Option key can do for you, take a look at this article at “*Mac Tuts+.*”:http://mac.tutsplus.com/tutorials/tips-shortcuts/going-further-with-the-option-key-in-mac-os-x/

__Note: We covered some the options of the Option key way back in 2008 in__ “*Kibbles & Bytes issue #597.*”:http://blog.smalldog.com/kibbles/kb597/ __Some of these commands have changed over the years, but it’s worth a read in order to explore more Option possibilities!__

Come join us for our Annual eWaste Recycling Event in Rutland, VT. We’ll be collecting all manner of electronic waste (well, maybe not __all,__ so “**see the list of accepted materials here.**”:http://www.smalldog.com/recycle?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=KB-ewaste) on **Saturday, September 21st from 9am – 2pm.**

If you’re unsure of what ewaste is, then listen up. As you may know, we use a lot of electronics in our daily lives, and unfortunately, many of them contain hazardous materials such as mercury or lead. In the last few years, Apple has manufactured devices and machines free of toxic materials, but chances are, you may have older “electronic waste” around the house that you need to get rid of responsibly.

Come out and join us!
* **Saturday, September 21st, 2013 in Rutland, VT from 9AM to 2PM**

“**Click here to read more about our annual eWaste Recycling Events.**”:http://www.smalldog.com/green
“**Click here for more information about our 2013 events.**”:http://www.smalldog.com/recycle

It’s getting closer! We’re thrilled to announce that we’re going to be hosting a **free iPad in Business Briefing** on Tuesday, September 17 from 9am – 12pm at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, NH — open to anyone interested in learning about how to use iPad in a business environment.

We’ll have a representative from Apple on hand to present, as well as our partners Zco Corp. (App Developer) and Burlington Bank Card (iPad/iPhone POS System) to highlight their solutions.

Topics will include integration, security, deployment, apps and of course, how using iOS and working with Small Dog Electronics can provide an ideal solution for your business.

Refreshments will be provided. And did we mention that it’s free??

Visit our Seminars page for more details and to sign up:
“**Smalldog.com/seminars**”:http://www.smalldog.com/seminars

Might as well look cool carrying around all your supplies when you head back to that place called School.

*Save $15* on all Burton Metalhead packs until September 15!

Join us for Small Dog Electronics night at the Vermont Lake Monsters in Burlington, VT tomorrow night at 6pm! We’ll be on-hand to give away *free cases for your iPhone (and Samsung Galaxy — gasp!) when you show it at the door.*

The season’s about to come to an end, which means summer is almost over, but the weekend looks to be a gorgeous one for a night at the park!

“*Learn more here.*”:http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t462

Enjoy *50% off* any color Hammerhead neoprene case for iPad and Brenthaven Collins Folio Sleeves for iPad.

Both of these cases will give your iPad supreme protection while looking sleek, too!