Kibbles & Bytes Blog

  • Apple Releases New Quad-Core and Thunderbolt-Equipped iMacs

    Today, Apple released significant updates to its popular line of all-in-one iMacs. Introducing next generation quad-core Intel i5 processors across the line, the new iMac models also feature faster graphics, the recently released Thunderbolt I/O technology and a FaceTime HD camera.

    Maintaining physical similarities to the previous generation, today’s update falls more in line with the annual speed boost typically performed on Apple’s flagship products than a groundbreaking new redesign. Akin to March’s MacBook Pro update, the new iMacs may look the same, but have been retooled internally to pack a serious performance punch.

    The driving force behind the new machines is the next generation “Sandy Bridge” line of Intel quad-core processors. Now standard across all models, Intel’s i5 chip boasts speed increases of up to 70 percent. With custom-to-order options ranging as high as 3.4GHz on the 27-inch model, high-end users are almost guaranteed to see an exponential speed boost. Coupled with the powerful new processors, the new iMacs also feature next generation graphics from AMD.

    The 21.5-inch and base 27-inch models include a stock configuration of 512MB GDDR5, and the high end 27-inch offers a default configuration of 1GB GDDR5. Users can further upgrade the top of the line 27-inch model with the beastly Radeon HD 6970M which offers an incredible 2GB of GDDR5 video memory.

    These new iMacs also mark the first appearance of the revolutionary Thunderbolt I/O technology on a line of desktop computers. Introduced alongside the latest series of MacBook Pro, this high speed I/O technology features two bi-directional channels with transfer speeds up to 10Gbps each. Supporting up to six daisy-chained accessories, one Thunderbolt port is capable of driving multiple displays and external hard drives.

    Though currently limited to Apple’s 1st party accessories and select 3rd party hard drive manufacturers, Thunderbolt is slated to see widespread adoption in the coming months and emerge as a true successor to USB and FireWire. Apple has included one Thunderbolt port on the 21.5-inch models, and two on the 27-inch machines.

    Taking yet another cue from the recently released MacBook Pro, all new models of iMac include a built-in FaceTime HD camera and Apple’s revolutionary FaceTime software. Enabling HD video calls between other compatible FaceTime HD Macs–currently limited to iMac and MacBook Pro–iMac owners can also make standard definition calls to all of Apple’s additional FaceTime-equipped devices such as iPad 2.

    Carrying over several mainstays of the line, both 21.5- and 27-inch models include fantastic high resolution LED-backlit displays, an SDXC card slot and Bluetooth keyboard and Magic Mouse. Additionally, each machine comes preloaded with Mac OS X v10.6.7 Snow Leopard and the iLife ’11 software suite. Ushering in a new era of speed, graphics capabilities and connectivity, the new iMacs offer a powerful solution to Mac users of all backgrounds and levels of experience.

    Check out the all-new iMacs “*here.*”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=iMac+Introduced+05%2F2011

  • Happy Tuesday,

    I spent some time in our South Burlington store last Friday and poked around the newest Thunderbolt MacBook Pros. The inside is nearly identical to the previous generation, but there are a few very minor changes. Apple is making its computers more and more serviceable as time goes on, and there’s no doubt that future generations will be even more simply constructed.

    Apple does not make iPad, iPhone, and iPod easy to service. That’s why they don’t offer repair of these devices, opting instead to replace any in-warranty iOS Devices outright if they break under warranty. It’s the same approach if your device is damaged and not covered by warranty: outright replacement. Small Dog is able to facilitate warranty replacement of qualifying iOS Devices in our stores.

    If damaged, your iOS Device is considered out of warranty. Our technicians are trained to open these things up and replace bad parts instead of the whole unit. It’s a greener and more sensible approach in my eyes–and it’s certainly less expensive than buying an unsubsidized iPhone for up to $750!

    Hopefully you won’t need to take advantage of these repair services, but if you do, you know where to go!

    As always, thanks for reading, and keep in touch.

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

  • MACDefender Poses Malware Threat

    Earlier this morning, antivirus software company Intego posted an article detailing a new malware threat for OS X users. This malicious software—masquerading as…

  • !(image)http://blog.smalldog.com/images/2336.jpg!

  • Specials | May 2011


    **FREE** “**Hammerhead HDMI Cable**”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=hammerhead+hdmi+flat/at_bis
    With purchase of “**Apple TV**”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/76960/apple-tv-2010/at_bis and “**AppleCare**”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/76969/at_bis


    **FREE** “**Hammerhead Sleeve**”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=hammerhead+ipad+sleeve/at_bis
    With purchase of iPad and “AppleCare”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/76884/at_bis

    “**Chill Pill Mobile Speakers**”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=chill+pill+speakers/at_bis
    **NEW COLORS:** White and Reggae

    “**Hammerhead iPad (1st Gen) Leather Case**”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=verso/at_bis
    **$20 OFF:** NOW $39.99

  • Bento 4 by FileMaker

    Organize contacts, track projects plan events and more–all in one place and more efficiently with “Bento 4.”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/78176/at_bis

    Bento links up to Address Book and iCal, integrates with iPhoto and will work with Excel and Numbers. $49.99 for a Single user and $99.99 for up to 5 users.

    Bento also has an app for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad… Check it out “*here*”: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%2Fbento%2Fid314638461%3Fmt%3D8%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30

  • Classes | May 2011

    !(image)http://blog.smalldog.com/images/1359.png!

    *Mac Basics*
    _South Burlington Store_

    Sunday 5/15/2011
    5:15 to 6:45pm

    Sunday 5/29/2011
    5:15 to 6:45pm

    *iPhoto 2011 Unleashed*
    _South Burlington Store_

    Sunday 5/1/2011
    5:15 to 6:45pm

    Sunday 5/22/2011
    5:15 to 6:45pm

    Click “*here*”:http://www.smalldog.com/classes/at_bis to register, or come into the store for more details about the classes we offer in South Burlington.

  • Dog of the Month

    !(image)http://blog.smalldog.com/images/2332.jpg!

    The new dog on the block in the South Burlington store is Yuki. She’s a 9-month-old Husky mix and is a non-stop bundle of energy.

    Our very own service technician, “**Tyler Eaton,**”:http://www.smalldog.com/tylere is the loving owner of this Siberian/Samoan Husky. Stop by the store and say Hi to Yuki.

  • Friend Us, Follow Us

    Check out our blog, “Barkings!”:http://blog.smalldog.com/ to keep up with the latest Mac news, tips and tricks.

    Keep up with the “Small Dog Barkings! RSS Feed here.”:feed://blog.smalldog.com/rss/?limit=10

    For monthly drawings, Mac tips, tricks, Apple news and fun stuff, follow us on Twitter and friend us on Facebook!

    Facebook
    Twitter

  • Maximize Your iOS Device & Apple TV with AirPlay!

    Do you have a video or snapshot on your phone that you’d like to see on the big screen? How about some music you’d like to play for your friends but don’t have the cable to connect it to the stereo system?

    One of the new features of iOS and Apple TV is the AirPlay feature, which allows one to stream music, photos, or videos wirelessly to “**Apple TV.**”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/76960/at_bis This is a relatively new feature to iOS, but has been available to iTunes users for quite a while now.

    So what do you need to get started? Any iOS device (“**iPad**”:http://www.smalldog.com/category/x/x/x/Apple|iPad/at_bis, “**iPod touch**”:http://www.smalldog.com/category/x/x/x/Apple|iPod_touch/at_bis, or iPhone) running iOS 4.2 or later will have the AirPlay feature included on it. In order to stream to an Apple TV, you’ll have to be connected to the same wireless network the Apple TV is on.

    Once both devices are on the same network, select what you’d like to stream or “AirPlay” from your iOS device to the TV from either the Photo, iPod, or third party application. Then, press the AirPlay button to select your output source.

    Hitting the AirPlay button will open a new menu, and from it select the Apple TV as the output source. Videos may require a minute or two to cache or load the information, but music and photos will begin streaming instantly.

    Right now AirPlay is limited to photos, videos and music, but is being expanded to support other third party applications all of the time. For example, you can currently stream Pandora from an iOS device to Apple TV, which is nice since Pandora is not yet offered from the Apple TV menu.

    Impress your friends and show off your cool new Apple hardware with AirPlay!

  • New & Improved Class Offerings!

    **Mac Basics:**

    Small Dog offers a Mac Basics class Sunday evenings, usually twice a month. This class is designed to help new Mac users make the transition from the PC world and even show existing Mac users some helpful tips and tricks. The class runs for an hour and half and is taught by an Apple Sales Professional at our South Burlington retail store.

    By the end of the class, customers will leave with the knowledge of how navigate their computers and how to perform basic computing tasks. Customers will also be shown the fundamentals of the applications included with each Mac and how they interoperate. Attendees will also learn the importance of backups and why the Mac is more productive and more fun to use than any PC.

    Beyond Mac Basics, one-on-one lessons and consultations are available both in-store and at home, for further help and instruction. Talk to any staff member for more details.

    **iPhoto 2011 Unleashed:**

    Looking to get more out of your photography and bring out the best in your images? Come to one of our new “iPhoto 2011 Unleashed”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=iphoto+unleashed/at_bis Classes! Designed to take advantage of the new features in iPhoto ’11, you will learn the basics of importing, organizing, and editing your photos. The skills acquired will apply to smartphone photography, all the way up to high-end DSLRs.

    You will also learn how to create valuable keepsakes like hardbound books, calendars, greeting cards and even custom slideshows; then share your creations physically or virtually with friends and family members. Beyond the class, we are here to help one-on-one with all your iPhoto and Mac needs. We hope to see you attending soon! You can check out all of our upcoming class listings “**here.**”:http://www.smalldog.com/category/x/x/x/Classes/at_bis