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Cool new products in our retail store.
“**Moshi iVisor,**”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=moshi+ivisor+ipad available in black or white **$29.99** 
“**Moshi Magic Mouse guard,**”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=mouseguard available in white or silver **$14.99**
“**Moshi Concerti for iPad,**”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=concerti available in purple or beige **$54.99**
**$39.99** Classes are currently held in our South Burlington, VT store.
Sign up “through our website”:http://www.smalldog.com/classes or by calling **800-511-6227.**
**July 10**
iPhoto Essentials: 5:15 – 6:45pm
**July 24**
Mac Basics: 5:15 – 6:45pm
Apple has recently released Mac OS X v10.6.8, the first incremental Snow Leopard update since late March. Likely the last major maintenance update before Mac OS X 10.7 Lion debuts next month, the release includes several new features, tweaks and bug fixes.
Among the more notable features of the update are enhancements to the Mac App Store and built-in protection against known variants of Mac Defender malware–essentially the features of last month’s Security Update 2011-003. The enhancements to the MAS claim to “get your Mac ready to upgrade to Mac OS X Lion,” seeming to indicate the software update is a mandatory install prior to upgrading to the new OS.
According to the “*support document*”:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4561 accompanying the release the following changes supplement the aforementioned features.
* Resolves an issue that may cause Preview to unexpectedly quit
* Improves support for IPv6
* Improves VPN reliability
Weighing in at just under 500MB (1.09GB for users upgrading from v10.6.6 and earlier) the update is recommended for all users, and especially those considering Lion. Mac OS X v10.6.8 can be acquired by running Software Update from the menu bar, or by selecting a direct link below. As always, we encourage you to run a comprehensive Time Machine back-up prior to installing any system updates.
*Direct Links*
* “*Mac OS X v10.6.8 Client*”:http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1400 (for users running v10.6.7)
* “*Mac OS X v10.6.8 Client Combo*”:http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399 (for users running v10.6 – v10.6.6)
* “*Mac OS X v10.6.8 Server*”:http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1401 (for users running v10.6.7 Server)
* “*Mac OS X v10.6.8 Server Combo*”:http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1402 (v10.6 Server – v10.6.6 Server)
**6 Months Interest Free** (With regular payments)
On your next visit, ask a sales associate for details on available financing through Wells Fargo.
We’re offering a great selection of free seminars at our Manchester, NH retail store throughout the month of July!
**Friday**
1pm – Mac Basics
3pm – iLife Basics
5:30pm – Mac Basics
**Saturday**
1pm – iPad Basics
3pm – AirPlay/Apple TV
5:30pm – iOS iPad, iPod touch & iPhone
**Sunday**
2pm – iPad Basics
4pm – Mac Basics
According to recent research conducted by “*Chitika,*”:http://insights.chitika.com/ Vermont is the top Mac-using state in the US. With 19.55% of the population reportedly using Macs, VT edged out Hawaii and Maine which ranked second and third scoring 19.41% and 15.99% respectively.
The data–recorded earlier this month–was part of a study conducted by Chitika Insights to determine the states with the highest percentage of Mac users, and the cities they live in. Unsurprisingly, California dominated results based on city–San Francisco scored highest overall with a 24% market share. In fact, nearly half of the top Mac-using cities in the US are in California. This might lead readers to assume California is the top Mac state overall but, according to the study’s findings, it isn’t.
The crown goes to our very own Green Mountain State where, as previously mentioned, almost 20% of the population are Mac users. Surprisingly, CA trails VT by almost 6% in this category. In fact, New England, on average, ranks higher than the West Coast in terms of statewide Mac popularity. Moving South, however, numbers dip considerably with the overall Mac market share for the US hovering around 10%.
Vermont is already a wonderful place to live, but Chitika’s findings will certainly bolster Green Mountain Mac users’ state pride. To view an interactive map of Mac distribution by state, click “*here.*”:http://insights.chitika.com/mac-distribution-by-state/
No matter how careful we are about keeping our laptops clean, it is always possible for fine materials to creep in or stickiness to build up on the keys, which is not only yucky but also potentially bad for computers’ health.
V7 Soft Touch Pro Silicone Keyboard Protectors offer a stylish means of helping to safeguard portable 13″, 15″ or 17″ Macs’ keyboards from dirt, dust, spills, finger oils, and bacteria.
V7 Soft Touch Pro Silicone Keyboard Protectors, both soft to the touch and appealing to the eye, are available in a range of colors: The blue, green, pink and purple protectors add a pop of color to your machine, while the black protector allows you to maintain the original appearance of your MackBook Pro or bring bold contrast to your white MacBook.
We have all the covers on our demo MacBook and MacBook Pros here in the Waitsfield store and I’ve been enjoying both looking at and using them. The feel while typing is somewhat different from the unadorned keyboard, but the silicone gives fingers a comfortable cushion without hindering key functionality.
Applying a V7 Soft Touch Pro Silicone Keyboard Protector by nestling it over the keyboard is simple, and you can just as easily remove it for cleaning with water and mild dishwashing detergent (just make sure the protector is completely dry before reapplying).
While nothing can make your computer completely immune to spills, using a keyboard protector can aid in keeping debris from accumulating inside your machine and fingerprints from collecting on your keys.
We’ve found that keyboard covers are particularly popular with parents of young children, but we think they’re also a great idea for students or anyone who uses their computer on the go. V7 Soft Touch Pro Silicone Keyboard Protectors regularly retail for $24.99 but are currently available in our retail stores for just $18.99!
Check them out “here.”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=V7+soft
Long time Kibbles & Bytes readers will know that I have been writing editorials in the newsletter for some time. Many times when I write a soapbox, I will provoke some thoughtful discussion on our blog, Barkings!. There will usually be a few customers who advise me not to “mix business and politics” in case I hadn’t thought about the implications of expressing myself in my newsletter. Some have even gotten angry that I share my views.
That was the case this last week and I want to thank everyone who shared their views on our national priorities and the budget. Furthermore, I thought it would be good to give you some perspective on the “why” of the soapboxes. I look at our electronic newsletter as a periodical that we send to our subscribers, and while our main interest is everything Apple and how you can use the amazing products coming from Cupertino, I also view it as a newspaper that might have advertisements, pictures and of course, editorials. My soapbox is the equivalent of the editorial page of a newspaper.
But even more importantly, I believe that our commitment to social responsibility in business practices requires us to speak out on issues that face us today, especially those that impact business, our employees and our customers. I have long been an advocate for non-violence and for issues such as human rights, women’s rights, gay and lesbian rights, health care reform, dog welfare and environmental protection. I speak out on these issues, I testify in the legislature and I feel that it is totally appropriate to let you, my customers, know how I feel. It is really a part of our marketing plan–to make Small Dog Electronics personal and personable.
Sure, I could avoid upsetting any customers and be pure pablum but that is not who Small Dog Electronics is–we are an active and contributing member of our community and I want you to know how we think. Before you decide you will never buy from us again because I tell you how we feel, you should consider where other companies put their money and what their commitment to their communities is. Providing the soapbox is a forum for civil discussion of issues that impact us all and will help you understand how Small Dog Electronics measures its success by our commitment to people, planet and profit.
I encourage you to join the discussion at our blog and assure you we never intend to insult, only to provoke careful consideration. The soapbox is part of Kibbles & Bytes and will be for some time to come.
One of my favorite features of the App store is Genius Recommendations. Genius was first seen in iTunes and then the iTunes Music Store. Essentially, it takes the music you have purchased and have on your computer, and makes recommendations for other artists and songs you might like. Now, Genius can be found as part of the App Store, providing you with recommendations for new Apps for your iOS device based on those you’ve downloaded in the past.
With over 500,000 apps, it can be easy to miss out on the latest must-have title for your device. I am an avid iPhone gamer, and have discovered a number of games I would have otherwise missed had it not been for Genius. My most recent favorite is Uber Racer–which is not your average racing game. This game is set in the year 2080, where the world’s resources are running short and things are falling apart.
In this game you don’t get futuristic cars, instead you use present-day dune racers and trucks. This game is made unique by its high resolution graphics that give a realistic look and take advantage of the retina display. Of course, the damage that can be sustained while racing adds to the realism! I would recommend this game to anyone who loves racing games and would like a racing experience on their iOS device like no other.
“Download Uber Racer”:http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=19XpSnZWhPI&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fuber-racer-3d-sandstorm%2Fid409289600%3Fmt%3D8%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30 – $2.99
A recent analysis by security experts at Symantec found that both Apple’s iOS and Android are inherently more secure than Windows-based PCs. When put head-to-head, Apple topped Google in all but one category.
Symantec found that iOS offers superior protection against web-based attacks and malware while protecting your data from unauthorized access and manipulation. It received high marks for built-in data encryption and Apple’s highly-regulated App Store scored well for vetting applications in order to protect customer’s privacy and data.
Only Android’s permissions-based model for applications gave it an edge over iOS in the area of application isolation. Google’s OS gave users fine-tuned control over how applications interact with other applications and their data. However, this flexibility comes at a cost, since setting these preferences can be more intrusive to the user than Apple’s model.
Both received very low scores for protecting against social engineering attacks, a form of hacking that involves manipulating people to provide access rather than more technical cracking techniques. The lesson? Guard your passwords well and be sure to utilize Apple’s free Find my iDevice service to locate and remotely wipe your device should you ever find it outside your control.
The study further confirmed Apple’s warnings towards users that jailbreaking their iDevices undermines much of the security they have put in place, making users nearly as vulnerable as traditional PCs.
“*Check out the full study here.*”:http://www.symantec.com/about/news/release/article.jsp?prid=20110627_02
Summer is finally here, and with it comes the 4th of July. The 4th is one of my favorite summer holidays, and each year it seems to be a long, fun filled day of parades, rides, parties and fireworks.
Many of our readers live locally and know the parades around the state vary greatly, from the traditional to the unconventional and seemingly disorganized (definitely fun to watch!).
These differences are often what draw many of us to our parades of choice. Personally, I look forward to my local parade filled with a variety of traditional floats–and of course fair food and music at the local recreation field afterwords.
July is also a month where although it might feel like summer has just begun, it’s actually time start thinking about going back to school! This year we will once again be offering a number of popular back to school and summer specials at all of our retail locations.
We will be be offering money-saving bundles, discounts for students and our experienced staff will be on hand to help you and your student understand the many software and hardware requirements specific to their studies.
We will make sure you leave with the right computer, accessories and knowledge to get the new school year off right.
See you on your next visit!
Emily and the Waitsfield Retail Staff
“emily@smalldog.com”:mailto:emily@smalldog.com
Hello, Rob Amon writing for Don this week. I am Small Dog Electronics’ Outside Sales Manager, in charge of our web and phone sales, corporate sales and up until recently, our wholesale operations. (Basically, if it is not retail, it likely falls on my list of responsibilities!)
As you receive your issue of Kibbles & Bytes this week, I will be starting my first day of a month long adventure I am taking with my two sons, Tymber and Taylor. We are heading out to hike the Long Trail which runs through the the Green Mountains of Vermont. The trail starts just outside of North Adams, Massachusetts and ends at the Canadian border. It is approximately 273 miles long (give or take a few). The Long Trail is the oldest long distance hiking trail in the US and was first conceived in 1872 by James P. Taylor.
I started planning this trip a year ago when my son Tymber and I were hiking the trails around the Mad River Valley. My son Tymber is a special needs child who was born with a rare condition called Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC), which means he was born missing the part of his brain that connects one hemisphere to the other. As you can imagine, this has created many challenges for Tymber. He is small in stature, gets easily frustrated and perseverates often. He is also the sweetest, kindest person I know. His condition places him on the Autism spectrum and this is an easy way to describe some of the challenges he faces daily.
As he and I hiked last year, we started talking about how much fun it would be to hike the entire trail. When I mentioned the prospect of this to him, his eyes lit up–so, we started planning. When I told my other son, Taylor, that we were hiking the Long Trail in July, he enthusiastically replied, “I’m in!”
The trip was on–all I had to do was ask Don and Hapy for a month off to take on this adventure. I figured the best way to request something like was to add it to my weekly report to give them some time to grasp the idea and then perhaps in a day or two we could sit down and talk in more detail. I emailed my report on Friday as I often do and expected that Don and Hapy could think on this over the weekend.
I got a response from Don in a matter of minutes; it was a simple response that could not be mistaken: “YES!” Before I could even finish reading the email (as long as it was), Don was standing at my desk asking me to tell him more. He was as excited about the trip as I was. I really appreciated such a response–I have worked for Don and Hapy for 13 years and I am very grateful that they are willing to accommodate me while I go on an adventure with my boys.
We will post some pictures and notes to the Small Dog Facebook page and Flickr when we have 3G access so you can see where we are and how we are doing. It will be nice to make the full 273 miles, but honestly, the real goal is to spend some time with my sons and have an experience that will affect each of us for the rest of our lives.
Happy Fourth of July, make peace and I will see you in August!
I have included a few links if you’d like to learn more or explore:
What is ACC?
“*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agenesis_of_the_corpus_callosum*”:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agenesis_of_the_corpus_callosum
“*http://umaine.edu/edhd/research/acc/what-is-agenesis-of-the-corpus-callosum-acc/*”:http://umaine.edu/edhd/research/acc/what-is-agenesis-of-the-corpus-callosum-acc/
Read more about the Long Trail here:
“*https://www.greenmountainclub.org/*”:https://www.greenmountainclub.org/
More about James P. Taylor:
“*http://www.vermonthistory.org/index.php/library/image-collections/james-p-taylor-photos.html*”:http://www.vermonthistory.org/index.php/library/image-collections/james-p-taylor-photos.html
Small Dog’s Facebook Page:
“*http://www.facebook.com/smalldogelectronics*”:http://www.facebook.com/smalldogelectronics
And a link to Geoff’s Camp for good measure:
“*http://www.forestlakecamp.com/*”:http://www.forestlakecamp.com