Kibbles & Bytes Blog

  • Everything's Coming Up Retina!

    Hardly a day goes by when I don’t get the question “What is the Retina Display?” Of course, it’s higher resolution, meaning more pixels per square inch, but what does that really mean? How does that affect my day-to-day experience?

    Right now, Small Dog has a multitude of options for iPads out there, and it can be quite confusing spotting the differences and figuring out whether spending a little extra cash will be worth it for you. This is the question I try to answer for anyone who calls or walks through our door, since it’s a common one.

    The Retina display made its first debut with the iPad (3rd generation), which was released March 16th, 2012. Fast forward six months later to the announcement of the 4th generation (and current) iPad on October 23rd, 2012, which naturally also has the Retina display. Apple has also released the iPad mini, a smaller, lighter iPad that does __not__ have a Retina display, but does that matter?

    The mini boasts the same resolution as the iPad 2, but because the screen size is smaller, and therefore the pixels denser, you’ll find it to be sharper. The iPad mini display has smaller pixels than the same resolution on the iPad 2, resulting in a higher pixel density. But still, why Retina? In the simplest of terms, having a retina display means you are not able to distinguish the pixels, which does make it easier on the eyes when reading content and enjoying your cinema experience to the max.

    So now that you know the difference between Retina and standard displays on the iPad, you might still be asking yourself which one is for you. This is the million dollar question — both devices have a long list of advantages, and sometimes the best way to determine what features are most important to you is to stop by one of our stores and experience the devices in person. Our knowledgeable staff can help determine which features and advantages will get you the most for your money and uses!

  • Odds and Ends

    We bet a number of you have received tech gifts or given tech gifts for the holidays. As ever, I want our customers to be empowered with knowledge of how to love and care for their devices, and to foster a long and successful lifespan of the products we sell every day.

    **Charge ‘er up all the way, then unplug.**
    The best thing you can do for battery longevity is to charge and discharge your battery regularly. Keeping a device plugged in all the time will run too much unused current through the cells and ends up decreasing battery life substantially.

    **Don’t be afraid to clean that screen.**
    All it takes is a soft cloth, such as a microfiber, and streak-free cleaning solution. Just avoid using Windex or other abrasives. We recommend the aptly-named AppleJuce device spray cleaner. Smells good and oh, we sell it too!

    **Mind your cables.**
    The AC adapter is one of the most tossed around piece of equipment you own. It is also probably the most under-appreciated. I find most people don’t realize how important it is until their dog chews one up or their kid plays Indiana Jones with it. Keep the cord protected and, when traveling, don’t wrap it up too aggressively or else the internal wiring will suffer stresses, particularly at the power block (also yes, it’s normal for that white block with the Apple logo to get quite warm).

    As Emily mentioned, we offer affordable one-on-one lessons in our stores and I happen to be one if the folks here in Waitsfield who teaches them. If you need any suggestions for keeping your device happy and healthy just stop by the store or schedule a lesson for a more comprehensive look into your digital life. We’re here for you, especially now that you have an electronic present or two!

  • Winter is Here!

    Winter finally arrived here in Vermont! Snow is a welcomed site amongst all the twigs and dead grass of fall. It’s time to dust off those sleds, grind a few turns down the mountainside or fire up those snowmobiles that sat all last winter! No matter how you choose to take in the snow, remember, it doesn’t last forever, so enjoy it while it lasts. My family does not ski; however, we do enjoy a number of outdoor winter activities such as sledding and snow shoeing, two activities that last year left our sleds and snowshoes more covered in dust than in snow!

    January is a month of new beginnings it seems, and it’s the perfect time to take the advantage of our consulting and lesson services. Did you receive a new computer, iPad or iPhone but are wishing you knew more about it? One-on-one lessons or consults are often the best way to get a solid footing and understanding of how that new device works. We often find that if customers feel overwhelmed with a device, they can develop a regret in the purchase and no one wants that. All of our retail locations offer one-on-one lessons and consulting services, and often times we can help you in our store the same day!

    Don’t delay getting the most out of that new device. Happy New Year!

    Emily
    “*emily@smalldog.com*”:mailto:emily@smalldog.com

  • Hello all,

    The new year is upon us. I always get some version of my life flashing in front of my eyes around now, plans for the future swirling around with everything that happened in the year passing away. That usually lasts for a week or two and then it’s back to business as usual.

    My only resolution this year is to try and give this experience the contemplation it deserves — it’s not often we get inspired for self-examination and if you let it slip by, it seems like a lost opportunity.

    Even though we are taking a break from Tech Tails until next week, Don wanted to say hello to all of you, and I figured I’d say Happy New Year as well. As always, thanks for reading.

    Liam
    “*liam@smalldog.com*”:mailto:liam@smalldog.com

  • Need a quick replacement for your Apple Earpods? Well, we have got a great deal for you. Save $3 on a pair of…

  • I think I am going to take the 4-day weekend coming up and relax and get ready for a busy January and February. I’m heading out to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in a couple of weeks and then out to Cupertino for some meetings with Apple.

    Looks like some snow shoveling is in my immediate future, though.

    Thanks for reading this issue of Kibbles & Bytes and from all of us at Small Dog Electronics, have a very Happy New Year and may 2013 be the best year ever for you and your family!

    Your Kibbles & Bytes Team,
    _Don, Kali, Stephanie & Mike_

  • 2012 Foggy Crystal Ball

    The world didn’t end at the end of the Mayan calendar, but how did I do on my guesses for 2012?

    *WEATHER*

    __”A mild winter with record snowfall in March but an early spring.”__ I’ll give myself a 50% on this one. It was a mild winter and early spring but no record snowfall
    __”Dry hot summer this year.”__ Yup, it was dry, but not exceptionally hot.
    __”It will not be below -20 F at my house this year.”__ Very true; it barely got below 0, but it was 0 this morning.

    *SPORTS*

    *MLB* — __”While I think the Cubs will be better, this is not their year. So, I am picking the LA Angels as World Series winners!”__ Nope, Hapy was in heaven as the Giants won the World Series.
    *NBA* — __”Shortened season because millionaires and billionaires were feuding. While I would love to see my beloved Celtics add a banner, I am actually choosing the Chicago Bulls over the LA Clippers for the NBA Finals.”__ Whoa, way off! The Heat defeated the Thunder and the Celtics took the Heat to game 7!
    *NFL* — __”Packers win the Super Bowl over the Pats, 36-24.”__ Well, it was the Giants over the Pats, but the Pats lost, so all is well.
    *NHL* — __”Some team where there is natural ice in the city will win the Stanley Cup.”__ Way wrong, as there is no natural ice in Los Angeles and no NHL hockey this year.

    *POLITICS*

    __”There will be a third-party Presidential Candidate that receives at least 10% of the popular vote.”__ Nope.
    __”Mitt Romney will be the Republican nominee.”__ Not bad, Don…
    __”Barack Obama will be re-elected based upon an improving economy but in a very close contest.”__ I’m giving this one to me.
    __”Democrats will barely maintain control of the US Senate.”__ True.
    __”Republicans will maintain control of the US House.”__ True, sorta, depending on how you define “control.”
    __”Governor Shumlin will be re-elected in Vermont.”__ No contest.
    __”Record number of freshmen US Reps will be elected.”__ Not by far. 67 this year compared with 94 two years ago.

    *ECONOMY*

    __”Overall economy will grow.”__ Yes, it did…albeit slowly.
    __”Unemployment nationally will fall below 8%.”__ Yes, it did.
    __”Interest rates will remain at historical lows.”__ Yes, they did.
    __”The Chinese Yuan will continue to appreciate.”__ Yes, it did.

    *APPLE*

    __”The iPad line will expand to include multiple models aside from color and carriers (i.e. size, power, etc.).”__ Yup.
    __”Apple will release a revolutionary television that changes the game (once again). We will never watch TV in the same way.”__ Not yet!
    __”More Apple Products (i.e. iPad and MacBook Pro) will incorporate Siri.”__ Yes.
    __”Apple will post successive record breaking quarters.”__ Yes.
    __”Apple will make a surprise acquisition.”__ Not that I am aware of…

    *SMALL DOG ELECTRONICS*

    __”Small Dog will acquire or build three new stores in 2012.”__ Nope, but we are opening one in Rutland soon.
    __”Small Dog will have over 100 employees by the end of 2012.”__ Nope, closer to 70 right now.
    __”Small Dog will have 5 employees who were, at one time, CEOs of their own companies.”__ Only three.
    __”Small Dog will have a syndicated talk show.”__ We have a talk show on WDEV but it is not yet syndicated.

    *MISC.*

    __”There will be scientifically confirmed intelligent extra-terrestrial life.”__ Nope.
    __”There will be one astounding medical break through.”__ Nope.
    __”Peace will come to two regions that desperately deserve peace.”__ Sadly, we have more wars not fewer.

    I’ll be back next week to look in that crystal Mac Cube casing and see what 2013 will bring.

  • Last Chance to Win a New iMac!

    __You heard the rumors. Apple confirmed it. Now we have one to give away!__

    Apple’s all-new iMac is super thin, super fast and features the latest Intel processors, all-new NVIDIA graphics, advanced storage options and the most advanced high-speed I/O. It’s the perfect gift to give away or keep for yourself.

    *To celebrate the redesign of the iMac, Small Dog Electronics will be giving away a brand new 21.5-inch iMac!* As long as you’re subscribed to both our Newsflash (General Communications) and Kibbles & Bytes newsletters, you’re eligible, so you’ll just need to then submit a valid email address. We’d also love to know who’s local to our retail stores and how you heard about it!

    Note that you’re already subscribed to Kibbles since you’re seeing this, and by entering an email on the contest page, you’ll be added to the General Communications list if you weren’t already (if that address is already in our database, you won’t receive any dupes). *So there’s nothing more for you to do — just click Submit and cross your fingers!*

    “*Click here to enter!*”:https://www.smalldog.com/contest/imac2012

    Here’s the skinny:
    *Who:* Anyone with a valid email address — limit one (1) entry per person
    *What:* Grand Prize is a new 21.5-inch iMac
    *When:* November 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012

    Good luck!

  • Evite & Eventbrite: Two Apps For New Years Eve

    New Year’s Eve is the perfect time for friends and family to get together and ring in the New Year. A time to celebrate the past year and get ready for a fresh new start! Some people stay in for a quiet night and watch the ball drop, some have a party at their house and invite friends over to eat and drink, and others go out and celebrate with a night on the town. However you choose to spend the New Year, there are a few apps out there to help you start the New Year off stress-free and in an organized manner.

    I like to think that there are two types of people when it comes to events: The planners and the non-planners. I love planning. Planning a party, planning a vacation or just simply planning my weekend.

    There are a few apps out there that can make planning that last minute New Year’s Eve soiree a breeze. Let me introduce “*Evite*”:http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=19XpSnZWhPI&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fevite%2Fid431685286%3Fmt%3D8%26uo%3D4%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30. “*Evite*”:http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=19XpSnZWhPI&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fevite%2Fid431685286%3Fmt%3D8%26uo%3D4%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30 is a free app (for iOS — and Android) that allows you to send out invitations and manage your guest list. It’s also a website and allows you to go back and forth between the mobile app and website. “*Evite*”:http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=19XpSnZWhPI&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fevite%2Fid431685286%3Fmt%3D8%26uo%3D4%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30 has a bunch of New Year’s-themed invitations to choose from. Pick whichever you like the best and then enter in all your party information. It’s pretty stinkin’ simple, which is what we like these days. “*Evite*”:http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=19XpSnZWhPI&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fevite%2Fid431685286%3Fmt%3D8%26uo%3D4%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30 will send you push notifications for updates, new RSVPs and when one of your attendees writes a comment. After you’ve sent out invites and gotten your guest list, pop on Pinterest and get some recipes for appetizers and a fancy Champagne drink…that would be my plan at least.

    For those of you non-planners, meet “*Eventbrite*”:http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=19XpSnZWhPI&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Feventbrite%2Fid487922291%3Fmt%3D8%26uo%3D4%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30. If you’re not up for planning a killer party but don’t want to sit home and watch the ball drop, this is just the app for you. It’s another free app where you can search for local events by keyword, location, date or type. Some of the categories that events are grouped into include classes, festivals, food/wine, music, fundraisers and more. A lot of events are free, but if tickets are required, you can purchase them right on the app and the tickets will be stored under the “My Tickets” tab or in Passbook.

    Hopefully these tools will be helpful in planning a fun New Years Eve — in whatever fashion you choose! 2012 was certainly a good year for us and we hope 2013 will be even better!