Kibbles & Bytes Blog

  • Repair of the Week: Lost iSight Function

    Just how important is your iSight? Do you use it regularly? Is it used by your children for hours of entertainment? Is it used for teleconferencing and online meetings? Does a special needs child need it to attend classes at school? No matter what it may be used for, it is as important to some users as any other input device on the machine.

    The iSight was first introduced in June 2003 as a FireWire peripheral. The original Sight resolution was 640×480, and the built-in cameras that followed support HD standard 720p, with 1280×720 resolution. Apple has since dropped the “iSight” moniker in favor of FaceTime camera.

    This week, a customer dropped off a mid-2007 MacBook where the camera was not being recognized by the OS. There are two possible points of failure when this happens because the iSight camera is mounted within the bezel brace of the display and it has a single cable that connects it to the logic board. This cable is paired with the low voltage display cable and runs through the right hinge of the display.

    On the MacBook, the camera cable shares a plug with the display cable. This plug connects to the hard drive and optical drive. Part of the camera/bezel piece is the microphone which plugs into the logic board on the far left, next to the battery connector/sleep sensor board. Reseating this cable did not have an effect on the performance of the device.

    Since that didn’t work, I then started to strip down the display module. After removing the plastic bezel from the display housing, it is necessary to remove twelve phillips head screws to tilt out the entire display with braces and camera attached.

    With the display tipped out of the housing, I was able to access the low voltage display cable on the back of the LCD and the small flat four pin connector of the USB based camera. I reseated the cable for the camera and restarted the system, but seemingly made no progress in finding a solution.

    As noted in the service manual, the next step was to replace the entire camera and its bezel. (While mounted within the bezel, the camera does plug into a small card that the cable running through the hinge plugs into as well.) On a lark, I disassembled these pieces by removing the four screws–two in the camera on the front and two in the daughter board on the rear.

    After pulling this connection apart and reseating the connections, the camera, after a restart of the machine, was available and functional.

    This repair is atypical. When a component becomes unavailable, more often than not, it has failed and needs replacement. In the case of this MacBook’s iSight, it required the complete break down of the display module and the replacement of the camera, as well as the system microphone and associated frame components. Luckily, reseating a few connectors (which the service manual doesn’t specify) did the trick!

  • Happy Tuesday,

    This winter’s heavy snow and this spring’s heavy rain continue to cause some pretty serious damage in Vermont. It was one of the worst mud seasons in memory, but spring of 2011 will probably be remembered around here for Lake Champlain’s record flood that’s inundating so many communities close to its shore.

    The lake’s level has trended upward for years, and I can’t help but wonder if the tens of thousands of acres of paved parking lots and other development isn’t at least partially to blame. Sure, we’ve had a lot of precipitation, but with so much of our formerly open space now paved over, there’s simply much more runoff than ever before. Thankfully, the water is retreating, but the real costs of the flooding remain to be seen.

    Of course, the floods here are nothing in comparison to those along the Mississippi River. Our hearts go out to the victims there and here in Vermont.

    Last weekend’s warm weather was certainly refreshing, and the sound of lawnmowers and smell of chlorophyll combined with budding trees and flowering azaleas put a big smile on my face. It’s about time.

    As always, thanks for reading.

    Matt
    “matt@smalldog.com”:mailto:matt@smalldog.com

  • AirPlay v. Bluetooth Wireless Audio

    AirPlay v. Bluetooth Audio: Which one is for you? AirPlay – AirPlay is a technology invented by and used by Apple to let…

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  • Spring is almost in full bloom, and I can tell we’re on the cusp of summer. There’s a palpable sense of energy in the air, and many neighborhoods are already laced with scents of charcoal grills in the evenings. Vermonters are out enjoying the weather, and soon Burlington will trade many of its college students for summertime vacationers and tourists.

    I’ve been getting into spirit with my new bike, a 1970’s Murray Cruiser–pedal powered–sorry, Don! She’s already proven perfect for moseying alongside Lake Champlain on the Burlington bikeway. Though not a hog, I’m still on the lookout for a mean–think huge–set of Ape Hangers so I can ride in style. See you out there!

    Thanks for reading this issue of Kibbles & Bytes!

    Your Kibbles & Bytes team,
    _Ben & Kali_

  • Free eWaste Recycling: May 14th and 21st

    Live near Vermont or New Hampshire? Have some tech stuff to recycle? We’re holding FREE eWaste Events in both Vermont and New Hampshire this year, so come on down!

    *Our Vermont event is scheduled for Saturday, May 14th at National Life Insurance Headquarters in Montpelier, VT.*
    “*View website here.*”:http://www.smalldog.com/ewastevt

    *Our 2nd annual New Hampshire event will be held on Saturday, May 21st at the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester, NH.*
    “*View website here.*”:http://www.smalldog.com/ewastenh

    Both events are completely free and are “all-you-can-ewaste!” Each event will take place between 9:00AM and 2:00PM. (While the vast majority of electronics are recyclable and will be accepted, there are a few exceptions–namely kitchen appliances and air conditioners.)

    *Make sure we can take it–see our list of accepted materials on either page.* Read more about our “*ewaste collection programs here!*”:http://www.smalldog.com/ewaste

  • MACDefender Poses Malware Threat

    Monday morning, antivirus software company “*Intego*”:http://www.intego.com/ posted an article detailing a new malware threat for OS X users. This malicious software–masquerading as “MACDefender”–targets users through Safari via SEO poisoning attacks. Essentially when a rigged link is clicked after performing a search, users are redirected to a page containing JavaScript that automatically downloads a compressed file.

    This malware presents the greatest threat to users who have enabled the option for their browser to automatically open “safe” files. Upon downloading, the malware will automatically open and infect the machines of any users with this browser configuration. It is worth noting, however, that by default Mac OS X prompts users whenever a downloaded application attempts to open itself or install. If you ever see an application you haven’t explicitly elected to download, deny it permission to open, and under no circumstance provide it your administrator password.

    If you have enabled the option for Safari to automatically open downloaded applications, there is a chance–though slim–that your machine has been infected. MACDefender installs silently and with nothing more than a click on a deceitful link. If you believe the malware has been installed on your machine, “*Mac Rumors*”:http://www.macrumors.com/2011/05/02/new-macdefender-malware-threat-for-mac-os-x/ recommends taking the following precautions:

    # Open Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor and quit any processes linked to MACDefender.
    # Delete MACDefender from the Applications folder.
    # Check System Preferences > Accounts > Login Items for suspicious entries.
    # Run a Spotlight search for “MACDefender” to check for any associated files that might still be lingering.

    Although these steps will effectively disable and remove MACDefender in the interim, Intego is further investigating the most efficient and complete means of removal. The company will post its findings on its “*blog*”:http://blog.intego.com/ shortly. As the number of Mac users who have consciously visited Safari preferences and enabled the “auto open” option are on the lower side, Intego has associated a low threat level with the malware.

    However, it may behoove you to run–at the very least–a quick Spotlight search for any traces of MACDefender. To be as savvy as possible against attacks such as these in the future, refrain from ever offering a suspicious application your admin password, and keep a regular Time Machine backup.

  • Apple Addresses Location Issues With iOS 4.3.3

    This Wednesday, Apple released iOS 4.3.3 for its mobile devices. As announced during last week’s executive phone “*interview*”:http://blog.smalldog.com/article/jobs-apple-executives-speak-on-location-tracking-issues/ with All Things Digital, the update focuses exclusively on the controversial iOS crowd-sourced location database cache. The new software addresses the three major points of concern with the company’s previous builds of iOS software. According the the support document accompanying the update’s release, iOS 4.3.3:

    * Reduces the size of the cache
    * No longer backs the cache up to iTunes
    * Deletes the cache entirely when Location Services is turned off

    The update offers iOS device users greater control over how–and if–their location data is used. One aspect of the previous iterations of iOS that sparked controversy was the size of the location database cache. Though originally less than the size of a typical song, the cache was able to store more data than intended–up to one year’s worth. By shrinking the size of this file, users who elect to continue use of Location Services will not have cached files dating back as far.

    Beyond initial privacy concerns, the fact that the location database cache was included in routine iTunes device backups worried some iOS users. Though largely innocuous, should the data fall into the wrong hands, problems could technically ensue. In an effort to eliminate this possibility, Apple has omitted the cache from future backups with 4.3.3.

    A tertiary option for users who choose to forgo their device’s location functionality entirely, deletes the cache from the device when Location Services is disabled. As this option claims to delete the cache entirely, it can be assumed that users who periodically want to wipe their location cache can do so by toggling this feature on and off.

    iOS 4.3.3 is available through iTunes and via direct download “*here*”:http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1358 (GSM version) and “*here*”:http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1373 (CDMA version). To update through iTunes, simply connect a compatible iOS device to your Mac, launch iTunes, and follow the on-screen prompts. As always, we recommend backing up your device prior to updating.

    *Devices compatible with this software update:*
    * iPhone 4 (GSM and CDMA models)
    * iPhone 3GS
    * iPad 2
    * iPad
    * iPod touch (4th gen.)
    * iPod touch (3rd gen.)

  • My On-the-Go Set Up

    I caved. I bought an iPad 2. I couldn’t resist. From the moment I tried out the iPad 2 on demo, I fell in love. I thought the first generation iPad was a cool device, but I just didn’t think I needed one. Now, I can’t figure out how I lived without it.

    As I write this article, I have my iPad 2 propped up vertically with the help of my “*Apple Smart Cover*”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=smart+cover (in green) and I’m using the “*Apple Wireless Keyboard*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/74730/apple-wireless-bluetooth-keyboard-2009/at_kb (that I originally purchased for home use with my MacBook Pro). This set up is ideal. I am totally a fan of the multi-touch keyboard, but when I have a lot of writing to do, like a blog or a long email, I prefer using the Apple Keyboard.

    The thing I really like about the combo of iPad 2 and the Apple Keyboard is that I can move my iPad wherever I want on the table. For instance, if there is a glare, if I want to share the screen with someone else, or if I need to move it because my neck hurts. There are no limits to adjusting the screen because it’s not confined to a laptop–I feel FREE to do my thaaang!

    The screen on iPad 2 is so clear and vibrant that you can easily see whatever you’re doing, and don’t need to worry about things showing up too small (use the pinch gesture, and life is good). With such a nice screen, you don’t want to risk scratching it. Yes, iPad 2 is supposed to fight scratches, but once your Apple Keyboard’s keys come into contact with the screen in your bag, well, you’ll think differently!

    To make sure I didn’t fall victim to a keyed iPad, I purchased the “*PDO Crystal-Clear Screen Protector.*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/77959/screenpro-screen-protectors-for-ipad-2-2-pack-crystal-clear/at_kb I opted against getting the “*PDO Anti-Glare Screen Protector*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/77960/screenpro-screen-protectors-for-ipad-2-2-pack-anti-glare/at_kb because I think it really takes away from the amazing experience of the iPad 2 screen. Sometimes with anti-glare screens you get kind of a foggy look, and that’s the last thing I wanted.

    To tote around my iPad 2 I purchased the “*Incase Nylon Sleeve for iPad*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/77582/incase-nylon-sleeve-for-ipad-or-ipad-2-aubergine/at_kb __Yes,__ I do have the Smart Cover, but this little iPad 2 is like my baby; I want to protect it the best I can. The nylon sleeve from Incase allows me to bring my iPad around and not have to worry about banging it up. It has cute little handles and a pocket on the outside that fits the iPad’s sync cable, power block and my Hammerhead Cleaning Cloth (which is like magic, by the way). Fingerprints on my iPad and iPhone are gone with one swipe of the cloth. I highly recommend this product–we will have more in stock soon!

    Even though I use my iPad 2 for almost everything, I still have my trusty iPhone 4 with me at all times. However, since I am a clumsy lady, a case is 100% necessary for me. I favor the “*Aura*”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=hammerhead+aura case by Hammerhead, in the “*Red Diamond*”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/76564/hammerhead-aura-case-for-iphone-4-red-diamond/at_kb pattern because it’s silicon and will absorb the shock of a fall (which with me happens a lot).

    The other great thing about the Aura is that it has an outer lip that goes around the front. This means if I drop it screen first the outer lip will hit the pavement first, not my iPhone’s screen. Another plus is that I can charge my iPhone, put it in a sound dock, and plug in the AUX cable in the car without ever having to take the case off.

    The last item in my “collection” are my headphones. I am super picky about headphones and I feel like I have purchased about 30 pairs. However, I have finally found a pair that are comfortable, stay in place and have a good sound: “*Urbanears Bagis*”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=urbanears+bagis headphones. These little puppies will stay in your ears whether you’re kicking back, doing work or jogging on the treadmill. I hardly notice I have them in–minus the fact that I’m jamming out to music. For $29.99, these are a great replacement for your Apple earbuds. The Bagis headphones also include a microphone and a button for play/pause on your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch.

    I finally feel like I have a good mix of products that allow me to do my work–but are also fun. I am extremely happy with these products and highly recommend them to any iPad or iPhone user!