Kibbles & Bytes Blog

  • Mavericks Keychain Access

    As I mentioned in my previous article featured in “*Tech Tails Issue #883,*”:http://blog.smalldog.com/techtails/tt883/ Keychain Access is a very handy utility. It intuitively saves all your passwords in one location any time you log into a secure site and/or account. Appropriately, your passwords are essentially keys and OS X Keychain Access is…well, a keychain.

    Forgetting your system admin password is equivalent to losing your keys, but resetting a password is very easy thanks to OS X’s new Recovery partition — steps I explain in “*article #889.*”:http://blog.smalldog.com/techtails/tt889/

    However, doing this does not change the default password that you’ve forgotten. Because of this, you will be prompted to enter a keychain password each time an application requires authentication that your (old) keychain would normally provide.

    There is a solution to resolving this and it requires deleting the login keychain. Though not a very intuitive process in previous versions of OS X, Mavericks makes it __much__ more clear for basic users.

    If you don’t remember your original password, you’ll need to delete the keychain. Deleting a keychain also deletes all the password data saved in that keychain. This shouldn’t be a major concern, assuming that you remember all your passwords for your various accounts.

    # In Keychain Access, choose Preferences from the Keychain Access menu.
    # If available, click the Reset My Default Keychain button. This will remove the login keychain and create a new one with the password provided.
    # If Reset My Default Keychain is not available, choose Keychain List from the Edit menu.
    # Delete the “login” keychain.

    The next time you log in to the account, you can save your current password in a keychain.

  • Solution For Forgotten Passcodes

    There seems to be an influx of customers who have forgotten the passcode on their iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad. Although this is an unfortunate frustration, the fix is relatively easy, and (hopefully) painless, provided you have your music/apps/other data backed up on your computer.

    ??*Warning:* This fix will erase all data on the device itself. As long as everything is backed up on your computer, you have nothing to worry about.??

    Basically, you need to restore your iPod/iPhone/iPad in “recovery mode.” In order to get your device into Recovery Mode, you first need to turn off your device (hold the Sleep/Wake button until the “slide to power off” prompt can bee seen, slide it!). Now, that your device is off, make sure your USB dock connector cable is plugged into a USB port on your computer, but NOT plugged into the device. iTunes should be open during this process. While holding down the home button, plug your usb cable into the device, keep holding the home button until you see the “Connect to iTunes” screen (iTunes logo + USB cable).

    You should now get an alert in iTunes that states a device in “recovery mode” has been detected. Click OK, and you are now able to restore the device, erasing the user added data, as well as the passcode.

  • Happy Holidays, Everyone!

    Some of us just got through our holiday festivities, and some of us are just getting started. I have been to a couple holiday parties so far and while fun, they can be hectic, too. Sometimes I wish that getting ready and picking gifts to bring to these parties was as easy as operating an iPad or MacBook..

    We have been seeing a lot of friendly faces over the last couple weeks as people get gifts for their loved ones and coworkers. Apple gave us a gift as well when they released the newly designed Mac Pro for sale. With its state of art design and jaw-opening specifications, it is going to be hard for people who want a Mac desktop to resist this buy, even with a starting price of $2,999.99!

    Of course, we will keep you updated about when they are available in our stores! Enjoy your tech fix everyone and have a safe holiday!

    Barry
    “*barry@smalldog.com*”:mailto:barry@smalldog.com

  • A Gift for Any Budget

    There’s still a little bit of time! We have lots of gifts under $25, which make great stocking stuffers. If you still need…

  • Protect your MacBook Air in style with the lightweight and durable premium leather sleeve from Hammerhead. Manufactured from genuine top-grade leather, this sleeve…

  • All of us at Small Dog Electronics send our sincere wishes from our family to yours for a very Merry Christmas. Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards All is a message well worth celebrating!

    Thank you for reading this issue of Kibbles & Bytes!

    Your Kibbles & Bytes Team,
    _Don, Kali and Stephanie_

  • Need It Now? Get Instant Gratification.

    h3. Small Dog Gift Cards

    p<>. Every gift card and certificate is *redeemable both online and in-store, and they never expire.* Pick whatever amount you want, and if you’re tight on time, give us a call at 800-511-6227 or write a comment in the Notes field at checkout that you’d like a certificate emailed instead!

    “*Get them here.*”:http://www.smalldog.com/category/Gifts_and_Swag/Gift_Cards_and_Certificates?mc%5B%5D=Small+Dog+Gift+Certificates

    h3. App Store Downloads

    p<>. Did you know that we feature apps on our website for your iPad, iPhone and iPod? We’re adding new apps all the time, so be sure to keep checking in. Many are free, and all are Small Dog-approved (see this week’s picks above)!

    “*Get started!*”:http://www.smalldog.com/category/App_Store

    h3. Shop 24/7

    p<>. No need to wait for a store to open…shop “*Smalldog.com*”:http://www.smalldog.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=kibbles-holiday 24/7. We’re always open!

    !http://blog.smalldog.com/images/3692.png!

  • A Gift for Any Budget

    We have lots of *gifts under $25,* which make great stocking stuffers. If you still need that perfect something, check out our *Under $75 and Under $150* lists as well!

    Of course, if you’re shopping for the big dog (you know, a brand spanking new Mac) this Christmas, we’re offering a *$50 Small Dog gift card with __any__ Mac and AppleCare purchase!* It’s free money for you or an extra stocking stuffer for a lucky friend!

    See all of our holiday specials, including *ALL iPhone and iPad cases ON SALE*, deals on brands like Speck and Seagate and more, at “*Smalldog.com/holiday.*”:http://www.smalldog.com/holiday/tis-the-season?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=kibbles-holiday

  • Mac Pro: Available for Purchase Now

    It’s been talked about for years now, and it’s finally here. Mac Pro is totally redesigned from the inside out — and it is the most powerful Mac yet, starting at $2999.99. *Available for purchase today,* it’s easy to finance as part of your complete business solution, so give Rob a call to get started!

    So what makes the Mac Pro special?

    bq. __”Engineered around workstation graphics with dual GPUs, PCIe-based flash storage, high-performance Thunderbolt 2, new-generation Xeon processors, ultrafast memory, and support for 4K video, the new Mac Pro delivers state-of-the-art performance across the board.”__

    “*See the Mac Pro on our website*”:http://www.smalldog.com/category/Apple/Mac_Pro and call Rob for pricing and availability.

    Of course, networks and existing systems can be complicated. We know what it takes to integrate new technology into your existing flow without the headache — let us guide you through the process.

    Contact Rob Amon and his team at “*team@smalldog.com*”:mailto:team@smalldog.com or call *888.746.9812* to order!

  • iPad Air: IN STOCK

    Don’t forget the hottest gift of the year, starting at $499.99 (plus a free case with every purchase!). We have limited stock of various iPad Air models, but they’re going quickly. *Most Popular:* “*iPad Air 16GB with Wi-Fi (Silver).*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/84453/ipad-air-16gb-wi-fi-silver

    Give us a call to order your favorite one or head into your nearest Small Dog location. Become a fan on *Facebook* for up-to-the-minute inventory and specials, photos, and other fun stuff!

    * “*Small Dog HQ*”:https://www.facebook.com/hellosmalldog
    * “*Small Dog Key West, FL*”:https://www.facebook.com/smalldogkw
    * “*Small Dog Manchester, NH*”:https://www.facebook.com/smalldognh
    * “*Small Dog Rutland, VT*”:https://www.facebook.com/smalldogrld
    * “*Small Dog S. Burlington, VT*”:https://www.facebook.com/smalldogsbtv

  • There's an App To Go with That…

    Did you know that a lot of the products we sell on our site have an app to go with them? iPhones, iPads and iPods are not only running our lives, but they are also running our toys! Check out some of the cool products that we carry that have apps.

    ??Note: To download an app, simply click the link to take you to our website, then select the black button “Download on the App Store” and it will automatically open for you.??

    *Product:* “*RoboMe*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/84813/
    *App:* “*The RoboMe Controller*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/84851/wowwee-robome-controller-for-ios-app
    The RoboMe Controller app allows you to control your RoboMe with 2 way video from anywhere. Steer him around and have RoboMe become your eyes and ears!

    *Product:* “*Sphero*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/84749/
    *App:* “*Sphero App*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/84923/orbotix-sphero-drive-for-ios-app
    It’s easy to become an expert Sphero driver. Control Sphero with joystick or tilt. Create challenging courses, race against friends and family, or turn out the lights and enjoy some night racing. Be sure to download the app to start driving today!

    *Product:* “*Crayola’s DigiTools 3-D Pack*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/84620
    *App:* “*Crayola DigiTools 3D app*”:http://www.smalldog.com/category/App_Store?page=1
    Crayola’s DigiTools 3-D Pack lets you create art that practically “leaps” off your iPad! Download the free Crayola DigiTools 3D app, then use the dual-tip Digital 3-D Tool to create awesome eye-popping designs!

    *Product:* “*Woogie*”:http://www.smalldog.com/search?search=woogie+for+iphone
    *App:* “*Woogie App*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/84797/griffin-woogie-for-ios-app
    What’s a Woogie? It’s half protective case for your iPhone or iPod touch, half interactive friend, and all fun. And with the app your huggable Woogie becomes an interactive playmate.

    *Product:* “*SwingTIP*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/84811
    *App:* “*SwingTIP App*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/84920/mobilplex-swingtip-golf-swing-analyzer-for-ios-app
    SwingTIP is an innovative Bluetooth-enabled 3D motion sensor that clips onto your golf club shaft and transmits real-time golf swing analysis to your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch 4th Generation or Android device. Observe a 3D rendering of your swing trace from three angles, alongside club head impact metrics, and compare it to a saved best swing.

    *Product:* “*MOTO TC Monster*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/82614
    *App:* “*MOTO TC Monster app*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/84922/
    Your house becomes a (virtual) smoke-filled, mud-spattered arena and your iPhone puts you behind the wheel of a monster truck with MOTO TC Monster. Download the free MOTO TC Monster app for your iOS device and you’re ready to wreak havoc from the touchscreen of your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad.

    *Product:* “*Romo*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/84779/romotive-romo-for-iphone-5-5s
    *App:* “*Romo App*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/84921
    Romo __(no, not the interception-prone quarterback -KH)__ is a friendly robot that teaches kids the basics of computer programming and robotics through challenges, creative play, and advanced communications. Using an iPhone or iPod touch as his brain, Romo makes robotic technology available to everyone.

  • _Dear Friends,_

    We got about a foot of snow up on Prickly Mountain and then the arctic cold hit us with -20F degree temperatures. The only good things I can say about it being that cold is that I do sorta like the creaking sounds my deck and house make and the unique crunching sounds I hear as I walk to the car.

    Congratulations are due to the City of Rutland where the “*Gift of Life Marathon*”:http://giftoflifemarathon.com/news/2013/12/18/rutland-smashes-us-blood-donation-record set the record for the biggest blood drive in the US, smashing the Manchester, NH record of 1968 pints with 2337 pints collected on December 17. Big props to the organizer of the event, Green Mountain Power. We were very happy to have been a sponsor of this event for the City of Rutland, which is enjoying a significant re-vitalization.

    Apple has started taking orders for the new Mac Pro and they say deliveries will start by the end of the month, though their website shows February delivery. This is one of the most innovative products to come from Apple. I have yet to see one in person, but Hapy has, and he tells me that it is quite small and really will re-define the power workstation. We offer the Sharp 4K displays as a companion to the Mac Pro and we can configure your new Mac Pro with multiple custom options. Playing around with configurations, I got one configuration to price out at over $13,000 with the Sharp display, 12-core Xeon E5 processor (with 30MB Level 3 cache (!), 64GB ram, 1TB of flash storage and dual AMD FirePro D700 GPUs! The stock configuration starts at $2,999 for Quad-Core and $3,999 for 6-Core models.

    While Small Dog Electronics is best known for the complete Apple solution for Macs, iPads, iPhones and iPods, we have a very expansive selection of products that you might want to consider. We have one of the most comprehensive selections of headphones and earbuds of any retailer in our markets with offerings from Beats, Urbanears, Sennheiser, JVC and others. These are great holiday gifts. We also have a great selection of speakers, both wired and wireless. We are also your headquarters for iPhone cases of all sorts. Be sure to check out all of our “*holiday specials,*”:http://www.smalldog.com/holiday/tis-the-season which are valid until 12/31!

    As we head towards Christmas, it is all hands on deck at Small Dog Electronics. We will be closing our stores early on Christmas Eve so that our employees can spend time with their families. Waitsfield, Rutland and Key West will all close at 3PM, Manchester will close at 6PM (per the mall’s hours) and our S. Burlington store will close at 5PM. Of course, our “*website*”:http://www.smalldog.com and online ordering will be open 24/7.