Kibbles & Bytes Blog

  • Troubleshooting Mountain Lion Bugs

    I upgraded to 10.8 Mountain Lion several weeks ago, and I’ve been experiencing a couple of odd issues since then — perhaps some of you have, too.

    *Problem:* In-Browser Blank PDFs
    *Solution:* Install Adobe Reader

    Occasionally, I’ll click on a link to a PDF to view it in my browser-of-choice, Safari (in this case, Safari 6.0). It has always popped up quickly within my window (provided the file itself wasn’t too huge). However, since I upgraded to 10.8, I kept getting a blank screen where my PDF should be. Really frustrating, especially since most of what I needed to access what work-related.

    I would get around this by using either “*Chrome**”:http://www.google.com/chrome or “*Firefox*”:http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/ in the meantime, but as great as they both are, I wasn’t ready to give up Safari as my default. I had tried to see if there was an update to either Safari or Mountain Lion that would fix it, but no dice.

    Finally, I came across a link that directed me to download and install Adobe Reader separately. I did that, and success! I’m not sure what the official reason for the problem was — whether it didn’t work as a result of a corrupted update or something else — but if you’re having the same issue, this should fix it.

    “*Get Adobe Reader here.*”:http://get.adobe.com/reader/

    __*It’s a sound troubleshooting step to always check web oddities in another browser first before doing something more drastic.__

    *Problem:* App Store Connectivity Issues
    *Solution:* Update DNS server numbers to Google’s

    This has been a really perplexing one to me (and a lot of others, I find). There’s a known problem with Software Updates on some computers with Mountain Lion, in which you’ll see an error that the computer cannot connect to the App Store. This has been the case for me since 10.8.0, and many people found that it happened after the 10.8.1 update as well.

    After perusing the Apple Support Communities for answers, I stumbled across a thread where the advice was to add Google’s DNS numbers in place of the default ones in Network Preferences. To do this, go to *System Preferences > Network > Advanced… > DNS* and press the “+” button to add the following: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (on separate lines).

    Once I did this, I was able to connect again! The support article I referenced explained it thusly: “DNS Servers do translation, [so] think of them as Address Books.” “*See the thread here.*”:https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4243502?start=0&tstart=0

    It’s worth mentioning that I’ve been using Google’s DNS servers for several years now on my personal machines, but I hadn’t entered any on my work machine. Heed the following warning if you’re using a work machine that may be configured in a different way:

    __*Note: Be aware that in some cases, changing to Google’s DNS numbers may upset some networking preferences, such as the availability of networked printers. If you find that you all of the sudden can’t print to a printer you’ve been using for a while, just go in and remove Google’s numbers.__

    Unfortunately, the above happened to me, meaning that to connect to the App Store, I need to use Google’s DNS numbers and to print to our networked printers, I need to use our network’s default numbers. Here’s hoping Apple addresses this issue in 10.8.2!

  • Weekly Apple News Recap | 11.02.12

    *iPad mini Debuts*
    Today marks the official release date of the brand new iPad mini. We have our hands on some now, and I will echo Don by saying that it’s spectacular. I have never considered an iPad in the past, as it always felt too close to what I had already. (And I hated that I couldn’t hold it in one hand comfortably. Yes, I have small, child hands.)

    “*Read more here.*”:http://www.apple.com/ipad-mini/overview/?cid=wwa-us-kwg-ipad-10001
    “*See them on our site (available in stores)*”:http://www.smalldog.com/iPads/iPad_mini

    *Forstall and Browett Out at Apple*
    Apple CEO executed a major shakeup at Apple this week with the announcement that Scott Forstall and John Browett are leaving. Forstall will stay on until the end of the year as an advisor to Cook, but Browett’s role has been terminated, effective immediately. Several Apple employees will have expanded responsibilities, most notable Jonny Ive.

    “*Read more here.*”:http://macdailynews.com/2012/10/29/tim-cook-takes-full-control-of-apple-john-browett-and-scott-forstall-out-jony-ive-bob-mansfield-eddy-cue-and-craig-federighi-get-expanded-responsibilities/

  • _Dear Friends,_

    Our sympathies and best wishes go out to all of those impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Vermont was pretty much spared the brunt of the storm, even though we had a lot of jitters from our experience last year with Irene. But the devastation on the East coast — in NYC and New Jersey — is simply amazing and horrifying.

    More frequent and more severe storms seem to be the trend, and mother nature has a way of re-working the earth. We are still recovering from Irene in Vermont over one year later, so I know that there is a long row to hoe for our friends on the coast.

    We received our first iPad mini demos and we have some models for sale in our stores, starting today! I spent a few hours today working on the location of the magnet for the sleep function so that we can incorporate it into our new iPad mini cases.

    Of course, it is in a different location than previous iPad models, and once I found it, I had to figure out how to determine the polarity of the magnet. Kerry came up with a thread to suspend the magnet, and since magnets always align North/South, I just needed to know which way the magnet was facing. We should have our leather and poly leather cases for the iPad mini in time for the holidays!

    My very first impressions of the iPad mini (only hours old) are that this is going to be one spectacular product. I have begun to use my full size iPad for reading and I think reading on the iPad mini is going to be a better experience because of the size — it can be held in one hand and just seems like a paperback book. We will post more first impressions later today “*on our blog.*”:http://blog.smalldog.com

    I had my friend (and former employee) Troy Kingsbury come to WDEV as our special guest for “*Small Dog Speaks*”:http://www.smalldog.com/sdspeaks this week. Troy owns the local convenience store in the Valley, the Village Grocery (or as it’s called around here, the “VG” or “Troy’s”). Troy was the one who suggested a charitable giving program that allows us to accept donations on our website that we then match. He hasn’t stopped giving, either — in fact, his gasoline pumps are named Giving Gas because he donates 1 cent per gallon to charity. He also actively collects tires in partnership with our Lt. Governor, Phil Scott, to be sold in fundraising efforts. The money raised goes toward providing heating assistance to the needy in our state.

    Troy is also a stock car driver at nearby Thunder Road and launched a program called Race to Read. In this program, he takes his race car to local schools with the challenge that if the kids read 15 books, they can sign the hood of his car. He has over 400 signatures so far! He’s one of the good ones, and it was a pleasure to have him on the radio yesterday.

  • Important Information Regarding Your Apple Product

    Recently, Apple has expanded coverage of a hard drive recall for iMacs made between October 2009 and July 2011. These hard drives may fail, and either Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider can replace these for you free-of-charge if your machine qualifies.

    You may have already been contacted by Apple about this repair if you submitted your email address at time of registration. If you are unsure, please go to this website: “*http://www.apple.com/support/imac-harddrive/*”:http://www.apple.com/support/imac-harddrive/ to check your eligibility.

    *As part of Apple’s Authorized Service Provider network, we at Small Dog Electronics in Manchester can do this replacement for you.* To ensure that your data is protected (barring any failure that may prohibit saving it), we can transfer it for you for free if you’d like to provide us with an appropriate backup drive. If you do not have a backup drive for your machine, then we can transfer over your data for a $100 fee. The repair and the transfer will take about 2-3 business days.

    We are committed to customer service, and we hope to make this recall and replacement process as easy as possible. *Please feel free to give me a call at 603.836.0003 if you have any questions about the replacement program.*

    Sincerely,
    Sean Bourque
    Store Manager
    Small Dog Electronics – Manchester, NH

  • Specials | 11.12

    Many of us know the importance of AppleCare. For those who don’t, it’s an amazing product that offers phone support from Apple as well as hardware coverage on your product.

    And now it gets better for iPads — Apple introduced **AppleCare+** which is the same great hardware and phone support, but also allows for **two accidental damages with only a $49 deductible!**

    We’re offering two great bundles with AppleCare this month:

    **Portables (Laptops):**

    **Buy any new MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with AppleCare and receive a FREE Hammerhead Neoprene Case (up to a $30 value)**

    **iPads:**

    **Buy any New iPad (2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, mini, 4th Gen) and AppleCare+, and receive a FREE hammerhead Pen Stylus.**

    Just mention that you saw it in Best in Showroom!

  • Coupon Special | 11.12

    Check it out — one of the most popular Speck cases has been resized to fit the all-new iPhone 5.

    We’ve got plenty in stock and for the month of November, we’ll be offering $5 off the case. Just mention that you saw it in Best in Showroom!

  • Product of the Month | 11.12

    **Life Proof for iPad**

    Life Proof! That’s right — the same awesome protection you expect for your iPhone is now available for your iPad.

    Waterproof, dust proof, and offering drop protection, this will keep your iPad safe from the storm.

    We’ve also got a demo for you to check out, so come by the S. Burlington store to see!

  • MacBook Air, "You've Come a Long Way, Baby"

    The MacBook Air was first introduced to the Apple notebook lineup in early 2008. It was underpowered and overpriced. Four years have passed and the MacBook Air now stands as the best choice for most consumers looking for a new laptop.

    At first glance, both the 13″ and 11″ models are incredibly thin and super portable. The weight is not an issue for students slipping this computer into a backpack, because it weighs less than most textbooks. Under the aluminum unibody enclosure are Intel’s i5 or i7 processors, depending on your model. These processors working in conjunction with OS X Mountain Lion allow for a snappy and seamless user experience.

    One concern about the computer is the lack of an optical drive. The need for CDs and DVDs is diminishing with the availability of online movie steaming and digital app downloads. This does not mean that you will never be able to access content on discs. You can purchase an external SuperDrive, or if you have a friend with a MacBook Pro, you can remotely access their optical drive. Both users need to be connected to the same wireless network and the CD/DVD sharing option must be enabled in system preferences.

    The MacBook Air uses a solid state drive rather than a hard disk drive. This means files are now stored using flash based memory rather than magnetic discs and movable heads in traditional hard drives. For the user, this means faster startup and shutdown times, faster application launch times, and better battery life.

    They run silently which allowed Apple to introduce Power Nap. This feature allows updates to occur automatically when the computer is in sleep mode. The capacity of these drives may be smaller than you currently own, so make sure to pay attention to the number of gigabytes you are currently using and allow for a bit of room to grow.

  • One-on-One Lessons

    We’ve begun to offer one-on-one lessons in South Burlington.

    For the month of November, our lessons are **$39.99 for an hour with one of our well-trained associates.**

    To book a lesson, swing through the store or give us a ring.

    **Lessons are scheduled M-F from 11am – 5pm.**

    They are a perfect way to learn how to use your fun new Apple device!

  • Apple's Oct. 26th Announcement

    At any given moment, the Apple Rumor Mill is grinding away, trying to predict what the highly secretive Apple Design Team is working on over in Cupertino. With rumor sites buzzing with activity, the wait finally came to a close on October 23rd during Apple’s media event. How accurate were the rumors? Let’s find out!

    *Rumor 1: iPad mini*
    Rumors have predicted a smaller iPad for months! Well, it would seem they were right! Apple released an iPad that is less than half the weight of the 3rd Generation iPad while continuing to deliver 10 hours of battery life, Siri, an HD FaceTime camera, and a 5 megapixel iSight camera!

    BONUS: Apple ALSO announced a brand new 4th Generation iPad with drastically more powerful graphics and processing power that I didn’t see a single rumor about before the actual announcement! They’ve still got it.

    *Rumor 2: iMac*
    Many have predicted a completely redesigned iMac that would be thinner as well as having the usual benefits that come with an update such as a faster CPU and graphics card. Again, they were right! Apple’s new iMac shaves off almost 40% of its volume and 30-40% of its weight, all while adding an amazingly thin new display and an Apple-created drive technology called Fusion to deliver both incredible speed as well as massive storage.

    *Rumor 3: 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display*
    The recently released 15-in MacBook Pro gave rumor sites a lot to talk about, as it seemed natural that Apple would eventually follow suit with a 13-inch sibling. Well, following a recipe that Apple so magnificently crafted, the time has come for it! With a screen that delivers double the resolution and a design that shaves off 20% in weight and thickness, all while maintaining the power expected of the MacBook Pro line, Apple has created a real winner here! We have received stock, and a demo has hit the floor, swing by and check it out.

    All in all, Apple delivered a truly astonishing product announcement that refreshes, and to a degree, even redefines, some of the products across their entire lineup in a way that I haven’t seen in years! Amazingly, the Rumor Mill even got most of their predictions almost right on the mark, but now that Apple has made all of these official, I don’t just want to read about them, I want to USE them!

  • iPhone 5

    Just over a month ago, Apple unveiled the new iPhone 5. I was fortunate enough to receive mine on launch day‚ and trust me when I say: believe the hype. This truly is the best phone Apple has created. Between the new 4 inch sRGB display, A6 processor and unibody structure, the iPhone 5 is beautiful, functional, and powerful.

    After a month with the phone with me every minute of the day, I’m glad I made the switch. It’s only marginally taller than the iPhone 4 I upgraded from, but the extra half inch gives a much needed screen real-estate boost for browsing the web and reading content. The A6 is mind-blowing, apps open instantly, and multitasking is effortless. Let’s not forget about the improved camera. It will make taking photos of your meal at that new dimly lit restaurant look much more clear and crisp on Instagram!

    The phone itself feels almost unreal. After holding an iPhone 5, it makes any other phone feel dull and dated in comparison. The unibody design and aluminum back give the iPhone an very distinct and gorgeous look and feel, while staking claim to the world’s slimmest smartphone. Apple’s biggest complaint so far, which I believe is something to be proud of, is that it’s __too light!__

    If you are eligible for an AT&T upgrade, this is the phone to buy. Stop in today and place your order for the best iPhone yet. And although stock is extremely tight, we hope to see more through the holiday season.

  • 2012 Holiday Giveaway

    _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 and it couldn’t be easier to win. All we ask for is that you subscribe to our Newsflash and Kibbles & Bytes newsletters with a valid email. While you are at it, you can sign up for any of our other newsletters you’d like to receive and tell us some key information about how you know us. To put your mind at ease, you can view our privacy policy “here”:http://www.smalldog.com/privacy.

    Here is the skinny on the contest details:
    *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