Kibbles & Bytes Blog

  • Quicken: How To Get It To Work For You

    These are the current versions of Quicken available for sale for the PC:

    * Starter Edition 2013
    * Deluxe 2013
    * Premier 2013
    * Home & Business 2013
    * Rental Property Manager 2013
    * And these for the Mac:
    * Quicken Essentials for Mac
    * Quicken Mac 2007 OS X Lion compatible

    Intuit has 16 versions that are still supported and equally as many that are retired. With that many versions it can be difficult to determine what to do when you are trying to switch from a PC to a Mac. The first thing to understand is that you can maintain the same experience on your Mac by setting up a virtual machine running Windows and your choice of Quicken.

    If you do decide to migrate from a Windows version of Quicken to a Mac, Intuit does provide some knowledge base articles that can help with the process. First, it may be necessary to upgrade your version of Quicken on the PC. In the event that your version of Quicken is rather antiquated, you can download a fully functional version of Quicken (up to 2004) for free here: “*Quicken 2004.*”:http://quicken.intuit.com/support/help/install–register–and-convert/using-an-intermediate-version-to-convert-older-versions-of-quicken/GEN82211.html

    With two versions of Quicken for the Mac to migrate to, it’s important to understand what might be gained or lost. If you’re coming from Windows to Quicken 2007 for Mac, check out this guide: “*Quicken 2007 Guide.*”:http://quicken.intuit.com/support/help/convert-quicken-for-windows-files-to-quicken-for-mac/GEN82890.html

    If you’re coming from Windows to Quicken Essentials: “Quicken Essentials.”:http://quicken.intuit.com/support/help/converting-to-quicken-essentials-for-mac-from-quicken-for-windows-or-ms-money/GEN82819.html

    Quicken Essentials does have some limitations, namely:

    * Investment account transactions
    * Custom reports
    * Online banking passwords (Quicken for Mac and Windows)
    * Data from the more advanced features in Quicken for Mac and Windows

    For example, the following data is not imported: business data, rental property data, lifetime planner data, cash flow forecast data, budget data, spending plan data, debt reduction data, emergency tax records data, tax planner data, and home inventory manager data.

    For most users, I would recommend Quicken Mac 2007 for $15, available here: “*Quicken Mac 2007 Download.*”:http://quicken.intuit.com/personal-finance-software/quicken-2007-osx-lion.jsp

    In the event that you are migrating data and experience an invalid QIF header error, follow this: “*Invalid QIF Header Error.*”:http://quicken.intuit.com/support/help/install–register–and-convert/error-when-converting-from-quicken-for-windows-to-quicken-for-mac–invalid-qif-header/GEN82803.html

    For a recent client, I ended up having an error related to “tags” which I resolved by opening the QIF file and deleting the first several lines of the file beginning with !Type:Tag and ending just before !Type:Cat. This allowed me to continue the import process, even though I did have to click “Stop” during the process but from what it looked like, the majority of the data was preserved.

  • Happy Tuesday everyone!

    A lot of big things have happened lately! Apple recently has passed 50 billion app purchases from the App Store which is a huge accomplishment. It shows that when people say things like, “there’s an app for that” they’re really not kidding.

    Small Dog was at the Palace Theater’s 6th Annual Wine Tasting & Auction Event last week in downtown Manchester. It was the perfect day for the event and there was a great turnout as well. We are so lucky to be a part of a great community that lets us sponsor such great events!

    We have a lot of info to throw at you this week so be sure to dive in. David answers a question we get a lot here at Small Dog. How do you set up Quicken on your mac and/or PC? Jeremy gives us one of our deeper more advanced articles with an article about deciphering your Console. Finally, RJ Murphy shows us how to custom make a ringtone for your iOS phone.

    I hope you enjoy your week and make sure to come visit us!

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

  • Hello,

    I would like to thank you for stopping by our booth at this year’s VT Business and Industry Expo in Burlington.

    The “Small Dog Electronics Business Solutions”:http://www.smalldog.com/b2b/the-expertise-products-and-service-to-support-your-technology-needs team offers a wide array of products and services to support your technology needs—regardless of platform.

    Our team can provide systems analysis, sales and implementation as well as training, technical support, maintenance and repair.

    *Areas of expertise:*

    * Mobile Device Management (MDM)
    * OS X & iOS Training for IT
    * Kitting Services
    * Custom Engraving
    * App Support
    * End User Training
    * Onsite, Phone and Remote Technical Support
    * Break/Fix
    * Tech Refresh
    * Network Design, Security and Firewalls
    * Digital Signage
    * Physical Security
    * Printing Solutions and Managed Services
    * Storage Solutions
    * Help Desk
    * Managed Services

    It was great to talk with everyone! If you have any questions for me, please let me know.

    Last but not least, the winner of the drawing for a “500GB Seagate Hard Drive”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/82925/seagate-backup-plus-portable-usb-3-0-hard-drive-500gb-silver is Jim Robertson of Sugarbush. Congratulations Jim!

    Sincerely,

    Rob Amon
    Sales Manager
    Small Dog Electronics-Business Solutions
    1673 Main Street
    Waitsfield, VT 05673

    “*rob@smalldog.com*”:mailto:rob@smalldog.com
    Toll Free: 888.746.9812
    Direct: 802.583.9620
    Fax: 802.496.6257

    “*http://www.smalldog.com/b2b*”:http://www.smalldog.com/b2b

  • Every now and again, you need to print a hard copy of something. Whether it be your kid’s book report, some family photos…

  • Office 365

    Not that long ago, Microsoft introduced Office 365 for both Mac and Windows computers. What exactly is the difference between Office 365 and the normal Office program? There are a few major differences that I think you should be aware of.

    Office 365 is a subscription-based program: pay the $99.99 each year or $9.99 per month. While your subscription is active, all updates and new versions are yours without any additional fee. Normal Office products have a disc or product key that you have to purchase every time you want to upgrade; this can be anywhere from $100 to $350 (or more) depending on your license.

    For $125, you get to use these programs on one computer with one user. For $149.99, you get to use these programs on five computers and you also have access to use the programs on other tablet or smart phone devices.

    The regular Office suite comes with Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Office 365 comes with Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Publisher and Access. You will also get 20GB of online storage in SkyDrive and the ability to stream full-function Office programs on any internet-connected PC.

    At this point, I don’t see a reason _not_ to buy Office 365 (unless, of course, you don’t want a subscription). As time goes on, with the evolution of technology and the prevalence of piracy in the tech world, most programs will be heading down this path. My take: jump on the bandwagon now until you’re forced to!

  • !(image)http://blog.smalldog.com/images/3049.jpg!

    Small Dog Electronics’ New Hampshire store has its own Facebook page!

    Keep up to date with local news, classes, and specials. Follow this link to like us:

    “**Manchester, NH Retail Store Facebook Page**”:https://www.facebook.com/smalldognh

  • Beat HD Studios

    I don’t consider myself a “headphone” guy. I usually just go with what is initially provided to me (primarily the ear buds that come with Apple products). With the Beats HD Studio headphones, I saw sharp over-the-ear headphones that were very trendy. I had never heard the sound quality nor tried out the over-the-ear style. Then I got my hands on a pair. That’s when I realized: these headphones were not just about look.

    The noise canceling is undeniable; I never knew I could get such silence out of the noisy world around me. You can feel the headphones bounce around your ear with every “beat” as you feel more immersed in your music. The look itself will turn heads due to all of the publicity they have gotten throughout the year. The stylistic red cable at 4 feet long is very distinguishable, and packs in a built-in mic with ControlTalk, plus your typical volume control.

    The one drawback to these headphones would have to be the fact that the headphones are required to have AAA batteries. When the batteries are dead, so are the headphones. Another problem with that is that you will have to remember to turn them off in order to conserve the battery life. This is just one small gripe, because overall, I heartily approve of the Beats HD Studios. If you can afford the semi-steep $299.99 price tag, I would snag a pair!

  • Manchester & Rutland Classes

    !(image)http://blog.smalldog.com/images/3219.png!

    **For iPad**
    New to iPad and iOS? Never used a computer before? Our **iPad Basics** class is designed strictly for beginners.

    **For Mac**
    New to Macs? Switching over from a Windows-based PC? Never used a computer before? Our **Absolute Mac Basics** class is designed strictly for beginners.

    Give us a call for the schedule and to sign up:
    **603.836.0003** | **802-281-4490**

  • Capo Case for iPad mini

    The recently introduced Capo case for the iPad mini is small in size, but delivers excellent protection for your iDevice. Along the same style as the larger Capo cases, the mini Capo provides your iPad mini with full, all-around protection. The thin profile makes for a case that does not bulk up the device whatsoever. The openings for all ports are easily accessible and allow for all appropriate accessories to be attached to the iPad with ease.

    The case also gives the user the ability to prop up the iPad in landscape mode for movie or picture viewing. The soft felt on the inside cover does a great job of protecting the screen when the case is in a closed state. Ironically enough, pet hair is extremely attracted to this felt lining, so be careful around this type of dander.

    Overall, the Capo case for the iPad mini is a great investment, does not add any extra weight or bulkiness to the device, and provides excellent “bump” protection against everyday use.

  • June Specials | 06.2013


    All “*PONG iPhone and iPad cases*”:http://www.smalldog.com/mfg/?MfrName=Pong%20Research%20Corporation&page=1&refinecat=iPhone_Accessories are $15 off!


    We now have the “*iHome dock with Lightning connector*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/83220!
    To celebrate we’re taking $10 right off the top.

    Regularly $99.99; now just $89.99.


    Seagate Backup Plus Portable USB 3.0 Hard Drive in “*Silver*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/82928/ or “*Blue*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/82926/

    Regularly $79.99; now just $69.99.


    These “*iHome Bluetooth Boomboxes*”:http://www.smalldog.com/search?search=ibt4+boombox+w%2Ffm are just too cool at just $89.99.

    $5 off these stylish portables!
    “*iHome iBT16 Bluetooth Rechargeable Mini Speaker Cube*”:http://www.smalldog.com/search?search=ibt16 are now $44.99.

  • 0% Interest Financing is Here!

    Last week, we heard the news that Apple has partnered with GE regarding a new financing program. Set to launch June 1st, it provides no-interest financing for six months, 12 months or 18 months depending upon the amount on your invoice.

    Each order must include an iPad or a Mac, but of course, it can include any additional accessories, services or other products to qualify. As with the majority of consumer financing programs, you must pay off the loan at the end of the term or you will be charged interest.

    We’ve been spoiled with what Small Dog calls the “Hapy Plan”, which includes the chance to take payroll deduction on any purchase, so it’s easy to imagine that there are many (financially responsible) people out there who would like just a little more time to make the cash needed for a new Mac or iPad.

    We will be rolling out this program initially in stores only, but it’s likely that website sales will follow. This is an exclusive program for Apple Specialists, and we are excited that it will provide a great opportunity to get that new iPad or Mac!

    Click here for more details: “*Smalldog.com/retail*”:http://www.smalldog.com/retail

  • !(image)http://blog.smalldog.com/images/3468.png!

    “**View all the Dads Specials**”:http://www.smalldog.com/dads
    “**View all the Grads Specials**”:http://www.smalldog.com/grads

    Recognize achievements and honor your parents!

    We have some great deals that will help you save when you are picking out he perfect gift for your dad or grad to commemorate the occasion.