Yes! As of a couple weeks ago, Apple quietly released a handy “AA Battery Charger,”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/76697/apple-battery-charger/at_bis accompanied by six batteries.

The charger itself mimics a laptop MagSafe power block, but is about a tenth of the size. The battery charger also uses much less power than a typical charger; it will sense when the batteries are fully charged and slow the current being drawn, known as “vampire draw.”

The batteries are also designed to last years without losing much of their charge. Apple claims they retain 80% of their charge after sitting a full year in a drawer. They also say the service life of the batteries should be closer to 10 years!

With six batteries and a very compact charger, its “$29 price tag”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/76697/apple-battery-charger/at_bis seems very reasonable to keep all your gadgets running for years to come.

Absolute Mac Basics
S. Burlington – Sun 09/12/10
5:15pm – 6:45pm

Mac Basics Level 2
S. Burlington – Sun 09/19/10
5:15pm – 6:45pm

Comprehensive iPad
S. Burlington – Sun. 09/26/10
5:15pm – 6:45pm

*September’s Dog Friend*
This month’s dog is not one of ours, but a customer’s! Kato is a 4-month-old Boxer and is a bundle of energy.

Mike Shannon, one of our customers, brought him in last week to show us the new puppy.

Corliss Blakely, a life-long Vermont artist, is now painting on the iPhone and iPad, which has “opened up a new world for artists,” as she puts it. Corliss has translated her realistic style in oils to the new technologies, stating, “the world is changing and artists now have a wonderful new canvas to create on.” Corliss purchased an iPad at Small Dog the day they came out, and was the first artist in the world to display an iPad painting on the internet!

The iPad is a mobile studio: artists can now create without the toxic paints and mediums they have used for centuries.

Her favorite painting app on the iPad is ArtStudio.

Visit her site at www.ipadpaintings.com to see her paintings and demonstrations.

Are you doing something creative, wild, out of the ordinary, or just plain cool with your Apple gear? Want to show it off in an upcoming issue of Best in Showroom? Come in to one of our stores to let us know!

For monthly drawings, Mac tips, tricks, Apple news and fun stuff, follow us on Twitter and friend us on Facebook!

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