Kibbles & Bytes Blog

  • Why AppleCare?

    If you are like me, you usually react negatively to the hard push for extended warranties on that washing machine, car or TV. In most of these cases the value is simply not there. AppleCare is different. With AppleCare for your Mac, as an example, your 1-year Apple warranty is extended to 3 years. Not only that but the 90 days of free access to Apple’s award-winning telephone technical support is extended to that same three years.

    The hardware coverage not only covers your Mac but also other Apple peripherals purchased at the same time, such as AirPort base stations, Apple USB SuperDrive, or Apple Display. Your technical support covers not only the Mac but the OS X operating system, questions about iLife and iWork, or connecting to printers and AirPort networks.

    Take it from me, just about any out-of-warranty repair to your Mac will cost more than the cost of AppleCare. Now, if you “*add SafeWare to AppleCare you can also cover accidental damage, as well.*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/85003/safeware-mac-warranty-w-applecare-3yr

    AppleCare is called AppleCare+ for most of the other Apple products such as iPad, iPhone and Apple Watch. In these cases, AppleCare extends the 1-year Apple Warranty to 2 years and tech support from 90 days to 2 years. But AppleCare+ also adds accidental damage coverage which makes it an even more valuable purchase for your mobile devices. Drop it in the ocean and fish it out with a net and Apple will be able to get it repaired or replaced up to two times for a small service fee ($49 in the case of the iPad).

    We definitely recommend AppleCare or AppleCare+ for all of your devices. It can make the difference between tears and cheers!

  • Stacks Make the Dock Better! by Jerry King

    The 2007 release of OS 10.5 (Leopard) brought Stacks capability to the Dock. A stack is a folder “aliased” into the folder/file side of the dock. The folder remains in its original location. Click on the stack to expand it, then you “single click” on a desired item in the folder; the result is as if you had double-clicked on the item. If the stack folder has sub-folders one merely slides the cursor over the sub-folder to dig down into the structure.

    Computer work seems to obey the 80/20 rule. 80% of activity is with 20% of the documents. Instead of moving your working files from their “home folder” and returning them I recommend that you first create a folder in Documents titled “Quick Launch” (QL) or similar. Then drag that folder into the files & folders area of your Dock. Finally, create and drag aliases of your active working files into the QL folder.

    The pay off! Click the QL folder in the dock. It will open and display the set of aliases you have created. Click on the alias of the document you want to work on. Apple will start the appropriate application and open the document. When you save the file it is still where it belongs.
    Similar techniques (explained in detail in the complete article) can be utilized to remove the Congo line of non-running applications from the Dock. Every application is just 2 clicks away.

    This is an excerpt from a longer article that can be accessed “*here*.”:http://www.jwkingmac.com/SmallDog/DockStacks.htm

    Jerry King is president of the Naples MacFriends User Group (NMUG), founded to help Macintosh users get the most out of their computers. NMUG is open to residents and seasonal visitors. “Click here for more information.”:http://www.naplesmug.com/

  • _Dear Friends,_

    It has been unseasonably cool this past week and it is a bit disconcerting to see my breath in the morning as I get into my car. I don’t like turning on the heat in the house in June so it was sweaters and warm beverages. This weekend sounds like it will be warmer. Nevertheless, I was sitting on the deck last night and was pleased to see a ruby-throated hummingbird trying to get some nectar out of the still-closed peonies.

    Apple’s annual World Wide Developers Conference, which has been sold out for months, starts on Monday with the keynote presentation. This will be streamed live and the best way to view the presentation will be on your Apple TV. We can expect a peek at Apple’s plans for the next few years especially as it relates to software. We will see the next iteration of Mac OS X and the iOS and no doubt some surprises, too! The excitement starts at 1 PM EDT.

    This week’s Kibbles & Bytes exclusive features the LaCie Fuel. This is a wireless battery-powered mobile HD with wifi and USB 3.0. The LaCie Fuel comes in 1TB and 2TB versions and both are available this week to Kibbles readers for $20 off and free shipping. The 1TB unit is $159.99 and the 2TB unit is $209.99 and shipped free. “*Click here to add it to your cart.*”:http://www.smalldog.com/wag900001865

    The LaCie Fuel allows you to expand the storage on your iPad wirelessly without cables or internet. Load up the first 5 seasons of Game of Thrones and watch wirelessly on your iPad! Not only that but it creates its own wifi network for up to 5 devices to access. You can stream Thrones to 3 devices simultaneously! With a 10-hour battery life, this could be just the solution for that remote camping or road trip. “*Click here to check out the video on YouTube.*”:http://youtu.be/Xh8_gS8zfs4

  • Thank for Signing Up!

    Small Dog Electronics is pleased to be partnering with RETN for this one-of-a-kind, FREE event. RETN instructors Doug Dunbebin, Gin Ferrara, and Ross Ransom will work with Macintosh consultant Michael Scott Duplessis from Small Dog Electronics to guide you through the essential features of iMovie 10 in this hands-on workshop. We recommend that you bring your iPhone or iPad to follow along.

    This Workshop is designed to help you understand both the basics of iMovie and also how one can use iMovie to promote either their small business, non-profit, or practically any organization. We will recommend different equipment for different users, both advanced and basic. In addition to the equipment recommendations, we will be offering exclusive bundles and specials to attendees on the day of the workshop.

    We will be taking 25% off select items exclusive to attendees the day of the event. Click Here to see the full list of all items that will be on sale the day of the event. Please note that the discounted price will be reflected at the time of the order placement. **iPads and iPods are excluded.

    In addition to the exclusive deals mentioned above, RETN will be offering a special discount. RETN will be teaching a two-day iPad workshop on Mon./Tues, June 29 and 30 and again this fall. Normally the price is $265, and RETN normally offers a 10% discount to members of VBSR, CommonGood VT and Vermont NEA. For those who attend this event and register by Friday, June 12, RETN will offer a $70 discount and you can take the workshop for $195. (After June 12, you may still get a 10% discount if you say they heard about it through Small Dog Electronics) You can get this deal for the June workshop or the fall workshop. Find out more information by visiting RETN.org or by speaking directly to a staff member the day of the event.

    We recommend that you arrive 20 to 30 minutes early to comfortably locate your seat. Light breakfast snacks, coffee, and tea will be available during the break as well as a chance to meet with employees from both RETN and Small Dog Electronics. Here is a Sneak Peak of next weeks event and what we will cover.

    Lastly, we apologize if you have received this email multiple times. We encountered a glitch that caused the email to send prematurely.

  • Tech Talk in South Burlington

  • SPECIALS

    Purchase any New MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro with AppleCare and **Receive a Free $50 Gift Card**

    Purchase any New iMac with AppleCare and **Receive a Free $50 Gift Card**

    Purchase the Belkin WeMo Smart LED Bulbs and **Save $20**

    Sonos

    **Save $50 when you buy a pair of Play Ones**

    Purchase the Seagate Cloud Media Storage and **Save $10**

    Purchase the Kwikset KEVO Bluetooth Lock and **Save $30**

    Purchase a ZAGG Keyboard Case for iPad

    **Save $30 on Select Cases**

    *For a full list of SPECIALS and BUNDLES*, “*Click Here.*”:http://www.smalldog.com/momsdadsgrads/moms-dads-and-grads

  • Look to the Clouds!

    Do you have trouble remembering to plug in your external hard drive so you can get a backup done? Then it may be time to look to the cloud! **Cloud Storage** is a service where data is remotely maintained, managed, and backed up. It allows you to store your important data online, so that it can be accessed anytime from any place via the internet.

    The main advantage of using the cloud is the same as a traditional backup: Protecting your data! What the cloud adds, though, is the benefit of an offsite backup. A physical backup won’t do you any good if your external hard drive is in the same laptop bag as your computer when it gets stolen or if there is a fire in your home.

    The cloud also allows for easier file sharing. Instead of trying to email the grandparents all of those pictures, send them a web link so they can view and download the ones they want!

    While there are a lot of great cloud services out there, a lot of customers are concerned about putting their data “out in the ether”. That’s where devices like the **Seagate Personal Cloud** come in. It provides you with up to 8 TB of storage that you can access from anywhere using the same security protocols as online banking. While the core backup functionality is great, what makes the **Personal Cloud** really cool is the ability to stream your media from wherever you have internet access using the Seagate Media App. Leave the DVDs at home and stream the kids’ favorite movies to your iPad when you hit the road this summer!

  • Automatic

    As tech companies across the world continue to make new gadgets and devices, you just have to sit back, relax, and download the app. Technology today connects us with everything you could ever want and/or need. These various devices and their various network connections are known as the “internet of things.” One particular company that has captured our attention here at Small Dog is Automatic. “*Automatic*”:http://www.automatic.com is a company that could help you unlock the potential that is both under the hood of your car and in your pants pocket. By using your iPhone and purchasing the $99.95 Automatic adapter that snaps into the data port of your car, you can enjoy several added benefits.

    Automatic is designed to learn your driving habits and make recommendations on how to be a more efficient driver. The smartphone app will notify you if something is wrong with the car and it will give you recommended tips on how to resolve the issue. The app will also allow you to reset warning lights such as the check engine light or oil warning light as opposed to having to take your car to a specialist. Other added benefits include a tracking system that can be used both in the case of emergencies and/or if you need help locating your parked car.

    *Purchase yours today! “*Click Here*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/86916/automatic-connected-car-adapter Here to add it to your cart now.*

  • Top Gifts for the Top Dog!

    It’s that time of the year again ladies and gents! The time of the year when dads run out of the house as fast as possible to play golf or hang with their other dad friends and commiserate over the fact that no one got them anything for their day right??? WRONG! What if I told you that you could get something for your dad this year that is not only what he secretly wants, but also something that is very practical for him to have? Well, search no more because I’m here to tell you that it is not only possible but it’s LOCAL! Here is my list of top items for the top dog in your house!

    The **Sonos** wireless speaker system is hands down the best way to enjoy your tunes and an even better way to pump up the volume of that football game we all know he watches. Not only can you have them paired to your TV, you can have them set up to be controlled individually. Imagine being able to listen to your music in one room while you dad is watching his sports in another and having them both be controlled separately with one device! The best part about the Sonos speaker system is that they are on SALE. Right here at Small Dog Electronics you can pick out a pair of Sonos Play 1 speakers ($399.99 value) for the incredible low price of $349.99.

    Next on the list is our **Belkin Wemo LED Lighting Starter Kit**. With this you can control the individual lights as they turn on and off from your own mobile device! Have you ever left the house in a hurry only to return when it’s pitch black outside? Well, with these lights placed outside on your porch you no longer have to worry about finding your keys in the dark. Simply use the handy app downloaded for free from the App Store and you are all set!

    Lastly, we have the **Beats By Dre. Headphones**. With the incredible sound coming out of these puppies you will never again want to use anything else to listen to your favorite songs or watch your favorite TV show. Beats were designed by Dr. Dre, a recording artist and rapper, who had an amazing concept of making a listening device that will allow the listener to hear the music as the artist would have originally wanted it to be heard!

    So stop on by Small Dog Electronics and pick out your favorite gift for your favorite guy!

  • Which Computer for your College Student???

    So, your high school graduate is headed off to college in the fall and is in need of a new of a new computer for the next step in their educational journey. It can be overwhelming to sift through the plethora of choices the Apple line has to offer. For most students, the portability factor of a laptop steers them in that direction, but where to go from there? The new and beautifully redesigned **Macbook**? The sleek **MacBook Air**? The more powerful **MacBook Pro**?

    The main factor to consider when making this decision is what the major course of study will be during their college career. A creative writing student, for example, would not need as powerful a computer as a graphic design major. For most, the MacBook and the MacBook Air will fit the average student’s needs, with the ability to research through the internet, compose papers, and stay in touch with family back home through email and FaceTime. The MacBook Pro can really be reserved for students who are going into fields of study considered more on the artistic realm of the spectrum, such as architecture, graphic design, music composition, photography or film and television production. The MacBook Pro is true powerhouse of Apple’s laptop line. If you do have a student that is going into one of the more specialized fields of study, chances are the learning institution they are attending will also provide you with a list of minimum system requirements needed to run the programs they will be using during their studies.

  • Get More Creative with your Selfies!

    With the rise of selfie-related technology in our culture, no accessory has become quite as popular or as notorious as the selfie stick. They’ve been extending our arms to lengths they’ve never gone to before to get the perfect single or group shot. Many companies have come out with models and here at Small Dog we’ve got two of them, the original **Selfie Stick** by Emio and the **Selfie Shoot n’ Share** by Digital Treasures.

    The original Selfie Stick comes with the stick wand and a separate Bluetooth remote, which the wielder clicks to take a picture. The included phone holder can extend to hold phones as big as the iPhone 6! The Selfie Shoot n’ Share has an all-in-one design, with the Bluetooth remote control embedded in the handle. With a bright red handle it’s noticeable from a distance, so you’ll never lose it. Both sticks work with iPhone and Android devices, and as our Small Dog associates can tell you, they work with all kinds of photo apps!

    While they have the same purpose, there are different advantages for each selfie stick model. The original Selfie Stick has a longer reach than the Shoot n’ Share and a sturdier metal frame. Its phone holder is also more secure; when tested with vigorous arm waving, the phone stayed in the Selfie Stick while it almost came out of the Shoot n’ Share. On the other hand, the Shoot n’ Share costs less so it’s more affordable for kids and teens. Also the Shoot n’ Share’s control is in the handle, while if the Selfie Stick’s remote is lost it becomes basically unusable. Still not sure which one is best for you? Come to Small Dog and ask us for a demo!