Kibbles & Bytes Blog

  • Yellowed Plastic

    I was recently gifted an old Macintosh SE in need of some love. In addition, it came with a keyboard and mouse. All three pieces have some of that “classic” yellowing. These old computers and other electronic hardware many of us know and love have a serious disadvantage. The flame retardant chemical additives in the plastic yellow over time, especially in UV light. It makes many of us forget what they used to look like.

    In the past few years, there have been a couple of do-it-yourself methods to chemically fix the plastic. They all involve a potentially dangerous level of hydrogen peroxide, but handled CAREFULLY, work very well.

    The “quick and easy” one is to use cream peroxide, primarily intended to bleach hair. This is weaker than the Retr0Bright recipe you can find at the link below, and requires more time in the sun, which can potentially cause unwanted streaking.

    Members of a couple vintage hardware forums and some chemistry geeks got together and determined an easy-to-make solution that can be spread on the old plastic, plastic bagged, and put in UV light for a period of time to reverse the yellowing effect. I will not detail the recipe here, as again, this is an “AT YOUR OWN RISK” procedure not condoned by Small Dog Electronics.

    The mixture can be made with off the shelf products from the supermarket, and should take only an afternoon to have your old Apple plastics good-as-new.

    Visit “*Retr0Bright*”:http://retr0bright.wikispaces.com for more info on this procedure!

    I’ll post an update when I’ve completed my own experiment!

  • Showing Users folder in Mavericks

    As a tech, I like to know where things are stored and have fairly simple ways to get to them. If you’re like I am, you may have found the fact that the Users folder is now hidden by default at the root level to be a nuisance. Using this simple Terminal command, you can restore the folder to a shown state. With 10.9.3, this will revert back to the hidden state whenever you log out, or restart your machine.

    # Open Terminal.app (located in the Utilities folder)
    # Enter the following command: *sudo chflags nohidden /Users*
    # Hit enter and wait about 15 seconds

    After you enter that command, if you open up “Macintosh HD,” you should see your Users folder sitting there once again.

    Using Terminal gives you access to the Unix code of your machine, and as a result, can be a dangerous place to mess around with settings. Only use the tool if you feel comfortable!

  • Small Dog Key West’s star technician and assistant manager, Taylor Amon, could often be heard saying the following: “The internet is a silly place.” And I don’t think I’ve encountered anything as silly as “Zack Danger Brown’s Kickstarter project”:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/324283889/potato-salad which is simply…potato salad. Seriously.

    The project started with a reasonable goal of $10 to produce some potato salad and included backer rewards such as a photo of Zack making the dish and a potato salad-themed haiku. As more and more blogs picked up the story, it gained more and more backers and it’s well over $50k at this point, with 17 days to go as of this writing.

    While I can see some shaking their heads in confusion or rolling their eyes in disgust, I can’t help but laugh. I like to imagine that the project founder is actually an experimental artist subverting the conventions of Kickstarter as we know them, transforming the most ordinary task into a product to be desired. But, he’s probably just some dude, with a silly idea, on the internet.

    I will not be donating, however, for I have had my yearly fill of that creamy, starchy salad over the July 4th weekend (America!) and I am quite full. I will instead focus my interest on repairing some computers and posting some great articles about the world of technology. We’ll start things off with your individual User folder (where your data is) and where you can find it, great DIY advice for cleaning your old hardware, and an answer to the puzzling “other” category in your iOS device’s data breakdown.

    -Mike
    “*miked@smalldog.com*”:mailto:miked@smalldog.com

  • Testimony | Steelie Car Mount

    Recently, I’ve written about RokForm, the Just Mobile Deluxe Car Kit and Belkin’s Car Tune in Kibbles & Bytes as solutions to mount…

  • All of us here at Small Dog Electronics wish you and your family a happy and safe Independence Day!

    Thank you for reading this issue of Kibbles & Bytes!

    Your Kibbles & Bytes Team,
    _Don, Kali & Stephanie_

  • SPECIAL | Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount + Freebies

    *Free VT Lake Monsters case + Free Shipping with any Nite Ize Steelie car mount purchase!*

    The Steelie Car Mount Kit is a perfect example of brilliant, intuitive design: it’s sleek, compact, versatile, adjustable, and so effortless it’s actually fun to use. Here’s how it works: two specially engineered components — the Steelie Magnetic Phone Socket and Steelie Ball Mount — are backed with 3M VHB foam adhesive tape to provide secure-yet-versatile phone docking exactly where you need it.

    The Steelie Magnetic Phone Socket Component is a strong, machined aluminum base containing a powerful, circular magnet centered with flexible silicon that attaches to the center of the back of your phone or hard case.

    Until next Friday, *get a free Lake Monsters case and free shipping when you purchase a Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount!*

  • Announcing the Semi-Annual Garage Sale!

    We’re clearing out faster than ever before. Though it may not be as big as past years, this summer’s “*Garage Sale*”:http://www.smalldog.com/garagesale still has dozens (upon dozens) of items at fantastic prices.

    With top brands including products from Apple, Beats by Dre, LaCie, Samsung and more, there’s an extremely limited quantity of these deals priced to sell out fast. You could potentially outfit your iPod, iPad or iPhone for $5 or less!

    Here are some “highlights of the haul,” with the disclaimer that things go __very__ quickly, so we cannot guarantee availability. First come, first served!

    *Lot A036 (New) – Apple iPod Shuffle (1st Gen) Dock – $2.00*
    *Lot A015 (New) – LaCie FireWire 400 to FireWire 400 data cable (6-pin to 6-pin) – $1.00*
    *Lot A102 (New) – Hammerhead 11in Sleeve for MacBook Air – Purple/Charcoal- $1.00*
    *Lot L074 (New) – DODOcase Book Cover for iPad 2 & iPad (3rd gen) – Black w/Red Liner – $10.00*
    *Lot L158 (New) – Brenthaven Prostyle II Carrying Case (Sleeve) for 15″ MacBookPro – Black/Copper – $4.00*
    *Lot P025 (Demo) – Samsung SyncMaster S19B150N 19″ LED LCD Monitor – $50.00*

    Of course, there’s a ton more, so check it out at “*Smalldog.com/garagesale*”:http://www.smalldog.com/garagesale! *Remember — The Famous Garage Sale is ONLINE ONLY. No calls please; orders will not be taken over the phone.* Thanks, and happy shopping!

  • Apps for the 4th

    “*Grill-It! XL – Recipes for the Grill*”:https://itunes.apple.com/US/app/id364726159?mt=8

    Along with fireworks, grilling ranks up there in terms of musts for the 4th. People who have the day off want to be outside enjoying the weather and eating some delightful-charred food. Use this app on your iPad to find the perfect recipe for the grill — whether it’s meat or veggie based, you’re sure to find some inspiration here.

    “*July 4th Fun, Facts & Trivia*”:https://itunes.apple.com/US/app/id494896475?mt=8

    Sure, we might celebrate this day as a National holiday, but do you know why? Use this app to quiz yourself and others and learn a thing or two while you’re at it! What did people celebrate before 1776? Find out when you download this app!

    “*NOAA Hi-Def Radar*”:https://itunes.apple.com/US/app/id458225159?mt=8

    We Vermonters know we have to have a weather app on our phones at all times. We know all too well that the weather can change from being warm and sunny happiness to torrential downpour and miserable very quickly. Download this app so you know how wet or dry your fireworks or BBQ experience will be.

    “*Beer Wizard*”:https://itunes.apple.com/US/app/id511370906?mt=8

    With summer holidays come BBQs, and with BBQs come eating and drinking. I gave you an app already for the eating part, so let’s move on to the drinking side of things. Nothing like a cold refreshing beer to go with that burger or dog! Check out Beer Wizard to help you pick the perfect beverage to pair with your food and mood.

    We hope everyone has a fantastic 4th of July! Be safe and enjoy the day!

  • Testimony | Steelie Car Mount

    Recently, I’ve written about RokForm, the Just Mobile Deluxe Car Kit and Belkin’s Car Tune as solutions to mount your iPhone in the car. However, I found that like most accessories, it’s all about what fits the user and in this case, your vehicle.

    While manufacturers list most accessories as being universally compatible, we all know with the way cars are set up, that just isn’t the case. Some cars’ cigarette/DC power ports are no longer openly accessible, but rather, tucked away in the center console. The suction cup on the Just Mobile is great, but not for use on all windshields or dashboards. Side note: A friend of mine forgot his phone in it one summer day and it overheated, disabling the phone until it cooled back down (if you’ve had this happen, there’s a specific “temperature” screen that appears).

    As a product manager, I have to know all this, and in turn, find a solution for everyone. I tried the *Nite Ize Steelie Car Kit* and I was skeptical at first — a magnet and my iPhone? Hmm… Well, go figure; it is one of the best iPhone accessories I’ve ever used, and not just for the car, but everyday use. The car kit comes with two pieces: a metal ball that mounts to your car and a magnet that mounts to your iPhone (or a to the case on your iPhone).

    Mounting the ball is simple; just use the included alcohol wipe to clean the spot where you want it, dry the surface, and mount the metal ball. This metal ball is what the iPhone will attach to, ensuring you can use the iPhone at any angle or tilt, in landscape or portrait view. I mounted mine pretty high since I mainly use it for GPS. If you mainly use your phone for music or hands-free calling via Bluetooth, I suggest mounting it more out of the way. Next, attach the magnet to the *center* of your iPhone. I will admit that I didn’t center mine and I regret it; luckily, you can buy replacement pieces if needed. Once you have attached both pieces via their 3M sticky, you’re ready to go.

    The phone easily attaches to the metal ball and allows for great viewing at several angles. It’s very secure (well tested on our VT dirt roads), and looks stylish when not in use. I’ve taken a few car trips using the GPS and it’s great; in line view so you don’t take your eyes off the road, and easily removed when you get out of the car. Now here’s the best part: there is a magnet on your phone, so it can now stick to __any__ metal surface.

    So why do I need a magnet on my iPhone? Think about it — in the kitchen, we need a timer or recipe up, so slap it on the fridge! In the garage, you may want to look at directions, so slap it on the tool chest out, of harm’s way. Working on the car? You guessed it, slap it on the car and watch the YouTube video on how to change your oil. It’s fantastic!

    I understand that you may not want this magnet on your phone all the time, so we’re going to give you a free sample case to stick it on if you prefer, and you’ll get free shipping on both! Give it a shot and let me know what you think. Happy 4th of July!

  • _Dear Friends,_

    Happy Independence Day! Some very powerful words were written on July 4, 1776:

    bq. ??”We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”?? “*See it here.*”:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/Us_declaration_independence.jpg

    My home town of Warren, VT has a great parade today and I will be found someplace under the Prickly Mountain people-powered float which remains a secret — known only to the about 200 people involved in building and carrying it. Later, it is the traditional strawberry daiquiri party up at my house and fireworks up at Sugarbush that night. Happy Birth Day USA!

    Be sure to check out Small Dog Speaks each Thursday on Radio Vermont, WDEV. Emily and I will talk about Macs, iPhones, iPads, the weather, horses, dogs, motorcycles or just about anything. And we will answer your questions on the air. You can catch the “*stream here*”:http://i1.stretchinternet.com:8000/wdev or give us a call between 1 and 2 each Thursday at 877.291.8255!

    My Kibbles & Bytes exclusive this week is on our Hammerhead Jacket case for the iPhone 5 or 5s. We have many different colors and styles of this rugged case including our own exclusive “Hammerflage” design. This week only for Kibbles & Bytes readers, we have a BOGO on Hammerhead Jacket cases — buy one, get one! I know you might like to change up your case from time to time, so here’s a great way to get two rugged Hammerhead Jacket cases for only $14.99!

    “*Grab this bundle here!*”:http://www.smalldog.com/wag900001541

  • iOS 8: The next big thing!

    Coming this fall, an **all new operating system for your iOS devices!** Apple calls it “the world’s most advanced mobile operating system” and it seems as though they may be correct. A couple of interesting features have already been released, as well as many others that will arise with the experience of using it. 

    **iPhoto:** every photo on every device will now be available on the iCloud Photo Library. It occurs automatically, and there is a ton of new editing options to go along with it!
    **iMessaging:** make it more personal than ever by adding your actual voice to the message! 
    **Keyboard:** the keyboard will suggest sentence completions, using vocabulary pertinent to the receiver!
    **iCloud Drive:** you can now work on any file at any time on any device!

    Our CEO and Top Dog, Don, has already been using the beta, and after the last update, seems to be really happy with it! We will be **updating our class offerings** once the new software is released to the public, so stay tuned for info on those if you’re in the Rutland area.

    The operating system seems to be capable of nearly anything! It will be available to the iPhone 4s, 5, 5c, and 5s, the iPad 2, 3, 4, Air, and both iPad minis.

  • Meet Keith

    Today I want to take a moment to introduce Keith Macleod. Keith has been a member of the South Burlington team for just shy of a year. Our own computer gaming guru, Keith is the man to see if you need help getting the best gaming performance out of your machine. Want some suggestions on fun iOS games and apps? Keith has you covered there too (check out his article on Monument Valley!). All of this knowledge comes from Keith’s aspirations to one day start a video game company himself. Other than video games, Keith is extremely knowledgeable about film photography and computer networking. So if you need any help, regardless of whether its on what game to play or what router to buy, come to SB and talk and look for Keith.