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Thursday, December 31, 2009
2010 Screen Saver
Usher out the zeros and bring in the teens, with this free 2010 screen saver, exclusively for the Mac!  3D, color-cycling goodness will fill your screen and light up your party, or just help you connect with the fact that we are finally far enough from the nineties to truly start experiencing the wonders of the new milenium - enjoy! Labels: 2010, Apple, Mac, screen saver
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Mouse Your Mac With Wiimote
 Controlling your Mac with a Wii Remote is as simple as installing a free app, called DarwiinRemote, and pairing the controller with your Mac via Bluetooth! Once installed, you can use the Wiimote as a mouse and program the buttons to do whatever you like. This means that you can play Mac games, control iTunes, or use Front Row - all a la Wii! DarwiinRemote even supports force feedback and nunchuck attachment. Needless to say, this is an awesome way to control a Mac mini, hooked up to your TV, since the Apple Remote won't control a mouse (leaving you virtually stranded, outside of Front Row). Since the Wii Remote uses IR signals, as well as Bluetooth, you will need a Mac that shipped with an Apple Remote (or, more accurately, a built-in IR sensor) to run the program that enables Wiimote usage. Labels: Apple, Apple Remote, Emerging Mac, Mac mini, media pc, Nintendo, Wii, Wiimote
Monday, December 28, 2009
Core Duo vs. Core 2 Duo
 While perusing our selection of restored Mac laptops, many of you have been confused by the difference between the intel Core Duo and Core 2 Duo processors in the classic MacBooks. Here's the low-down on these two similarly named CPUs:- Core 2 Duo runs about 30% faster than a Core Duo.
- Core 2 Duo has 64-bit architecture, while the Core Duo is 32-bit.
- Both processors have the same front-side bus speed of 667MHz and the same L2 cache.
While the processor's clock speed may be the same, a 2GHz Core 2 Duo runs faster than a 2GHz Core Duo, by virtue of it's improved 64-bit architecture. In spite of this, the power draw (and heat generated) is nearly identical on both processors. However, the Core 2 Duo is available in faster speeds than the Core Duo, and more speed means more power draw, more power means more heat.
Note: Some sources claim that the Core 2 Duo runs hotter, draws more power and is less stable than the Core Duo but, if you're comparing CPUs with the same clock speed, you're likely to find those differences negligible during ordinary use (ie. anything other than benchmark tests). If you're interested in such test results and other nitty gritty specifics, here's some more info for ya.
Labels: Apple, chip, Core 2 duo, Core duo, difference, intel, laptop, macbook, processor
What's the difference between a used and refurbished Mac?
 You have lots of purchase options when it comes to buying a replacement Macintosh. Today we'll be focusing on MacBook and MacBook Pro systems - looking at the differences between used systems and refurbished. Is there a difference? Let's find out.
Why would you want to buy a used, refurbished or restored Mac in the first place? To save money, of course! Used, refurbished and restored MacBooks and MacBook Pro systems represent a great value to end users and businesses alike.
Used MacBook and MacBook Pro systems are typically pre-owned systems that come to you with a wipe-down and a smile. What we mean is that you don't get much when buying a used system, other than perhaps a photo of the unit you are buying and the word of a seller who tells you that everything works with the used product. That's about it - and for some people, this is fine and some great deals are to be had on used systems at places like Craiglist and eBay. However, you need to be careful when buying a used system - after all, you're not buying a toaster, you're buying a complex piece of equipment that performs hundreds of different tasks as you use it. Be sure you test the system for things like a WiFi connection, optical drive, hard drive, memory, screen brightness, keyboard lights, hinges, etc.. You get the picture - there's a lot of things that could be hidden that you don't want to miss when purchasing a used computer. We suggest taking the system to a repair center and having a certified technician inspect it for problems. This simple step could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars down the road.
Let's move on to refurbished or restored MacBook and MacBook Pro systems. Typically, these systems have undergone an entirely different experience prior to being sold. This can include:
- Thorough diagnosis by Apple Certified Technicians to locate and replace any components that may have failed - Test and replace known problem components such as screen hinges that may be failing - Run extensive diagnosis software to insure that the hard drive, memory and optical drive are still operating within factory specifications. Any component that fails is replaced. - Clean and replace any damaged case parts
In addition, the after sale experience is typically different for refurbished MacBook and MacBook Pro systems. Included with most refurbished or restored systems is:
- A warranty. Typically 30-days to 1-year - A return policy - in case you are not happy with the system - Professional packaging and often free shipping
So, clearly there are some big benefits to purchasing a refurbished or restored MacBook / MacBook Pro system vs. buying a used system. Yes, refurbished or restored systems can cost a bit more than a comparable used system. We recommend that you take a look at the pros and cons of each and make your decision based on the overall value of each condition. You can view our complete list of Restored MacBook and MacBook Pro systems here and take $10 off any system when you use coupon code "TWEET" with your purchase!
Have a great day
Shannon Jean TechRestore
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Ho Ho Ho!
You know it's a couple of days before Christmas when all through the Labs, the Elf techs are scurrying to get out the Macs - they fixed and they fiddled, repaired and restored, installed and upgraded and got them out the door. Our last repair shipment before Christmas was picked up last night - our new RestoreBoxes, with their shocking "urgent" yellow paint job are headed out throughout the land, arriving on doorsteps today, just in time for the last FedEx and UPS shipments of the season.  Our repair center will be closed today, 12/24 and 12/25 so our hard working team can spend time with family and friends and generally enjoy the holiday with as much laughter and fun as possible. Of course, you can continue to schedule any services on our website, or even order a "post-Christmas" Restored MacBook Pro (did you see those $899 17" MacBook Pros?!) and we'll be back here bright and early Monday morning, continuing our quest to restore the world. Merry Christmas! Shannon Jean
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Repair - Restore - Recycle - TechRestore keeps it green
We can all agree that filling our landfills up with old, discarded electronics is not a good idea. And shipping those products to another country to keep them out of sight and out of mind is not the answer either. There is a better way! Repair - keep your electronics alive by performing economical repairs and upgrades. This is especially true for computers, PC and Mac alike. For example, if your MacBook is getting sluggish and you feel the need for (more) speed, be sure to consider a memory and/or hard drive upgrade that could give your trusty MacBook a new lease on life. Most MacBook systems shipping with 1-2 Gigabytes of memory that can be upgraded to 4-8 Gigabytes. A simple memory upgrade can dramatically increase the speed of your MacBook or MacBook Pro. And did you know that Apple recommends that you keep at least 10% of your hard drive free to keep your Mac running strong? If you have a 160 Gigabyte hard drive, you need to have 16 Gigabytes of hard drive space free at all times. Go below this amount and start filling up that drive all the way and you'll find that your Mac will continue to slow down and you may start seeing application crashes and other errors. This is especially true if you are using applications that require a large "scratch disc" such as Photoshop or InDesign. Keeping on the topic of repairs, if you find yourself with a broken MacBook or MacBook Pro - before you consider replacing it, but sure to investigate your repair options. Things like broken screens, SuperDrives, keyboards and damaged case parts are easily repaired and at a fraction of the cost of replacing your entire system. Plus, you'll be doing the Earth a good turn by keeping your system out of the landfill. Even if you do decide it's time to upgrade, keeping your system functional with an economical repair is a great way to keep an extra computer around or better yet, pass it off to someone who can continue to get some good use out of it. So, you've decided that you do need a new Mac. What next? Before buying that brand new shiny model that was just announced, take a look at some economical alternatives. Refurbished or Restored MacBook and MacBook Pro systems offer a fantastic value and can help stretch your budget. In fact, with the extra cash you'll save, you'll have enough to add some nice accessories like a nice big LCD display for your desk that you can connect to your MacBook when stationary. By purchasing a Restored computer system, you'll also be doing your part to reuse current technology and to keep more e-waste out of the landfill. Finally, if it is time to retire that old trusty Mac, be sure to bring your system to a certified e-waste recycling center. The recycler will insure that your system is taken apart and recycled in the appropriate manner, with minimal impact on our environment. Learn more at TechRestore.com/recycle
Friday, December 18, 2009
DIY Augmented Reality
One fascinating use of augmented reality is altering perception with image processing. In the past this has required the use of bulky computers and cameras but, the fifth-gen iPod nano has a compact video cam and powerful, live, video processing. By viewing the world exclusively through the processed video, you can radically alter your own perception which, unlike merely shooting video, becomes an interactive experience - like being inside a video-game version or reality. Ideally, a pair of video glasses could be rigged to hold a 5G nano but, for now, I'm making do with stuff I have lying around. I used an old oscilloscope hood from a computer surplus store, but you could make something similar out of cardboard, if you want to try it yourself. Check out the video to see my version.Disclaimer: nano AR not recommended for driving, bicycling or rollerblading.Labels: Apple, AR, augmented reality, diy, ipod, nano
What is a Unibody and why do I care?
 You may have heard the term "Unibody" being used in conjunction with an Apple MacBook or MacBook Pro laptop during the past year. You hear this term, because Apple loves to talk about their design features, even featuring photos and videos of the unibody component of the MacBook and MacBook Pro on their website.
Apple has always been fanatical about the design elements of every Mac. With the unibody MacBook and MacBook Pro, the product designers took a number of pieces and combined them into one. This single piece, becomes the body of the MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops, hence the term "unibody". The entire top case is milled out of a single piece of aluminum, giving the unibody MacBook and MacBook Pro systems an extremely rigid frame and a high quality "fit and finish" that you won't find on other laptop computers.
In October of 2009, Apple released a new, non-aluminum MacBook to replace the aging sub-$1000 line of MacBook systems that had not changed much since May of 2006. This new MacBook is also a unibody, but it is formed from a single block of polycarbonite, rather than aluminum.
The reason why you should care about the aluminum unibody MacBook and MacBook Pro as well as the polycarbonite unibody MacBook is that the unibody design increases the sturdiness, the fit and finish quality and the overall reliability of all Mac laptops. The unibody is good for the Mac and good for all of us Mac users.
TechRestore technicians, being Apple Certified, receive technical training on these new models and we have systems coming in daily for repair. The most popular repairs currently are replacement of the glass panel that covers the LCD screen and replacement of the LCD screen itself. We are also seeing more systems coming in for the massive 750 Gigabyte upgrade that we offer. TechRestore also offers the only anti-glare, Matte-finish screen upgrades on the planet for the 13-inch MacBook Pro models, removing the glass screen cover, replacing the LCD screen with an anti-glare version and installing a custom bezel that surrounds the front of the screen. This matte-finish screen replacement won a Best of Show award during MacBook Expo 2009.
We are now offering the new, 2009 unibody MacBook Screen repair for just $249! Overnight (or same day in most cases) service with free return shipping and a 1-year warranty.
Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
New TechRestore Smart Box
Our new, ecologically friendly LaptopRestore Smart Box is hot off the press and ready for action! Made with 100% recycled paper and 80% recycled plastics, at a facility which is 90% solar powered and 90% of the 100% recyclable materials in this container are curb-side recyclables that can go in with your regular recycling.
Packing instructions, contact information and even troubleshooting steps printed on the interior flaps. The bold, black and yellow stripes on the side designate it as an urgent shipment and make it impossible to lose, even in a sea of other shipping boxes.  Adjustable foam inserts ensure a snug fit and a safe ride for any size laptop. Since it's reusable, the box can be used for travel, storage or even shipping another laptop in for repair. However, if you should decide not to keep your Smart Box, it is 100% recyclable and everything but the foam rubber padding can go in your regular recycle bin!
For more information about TechRestore's commitment to eco-friendly computing, check out our Recycling page.Labels: box, container, eco-friendly, green, laptop, recyclable, recycling, shipping, solar
With all of the different models of Mac laptops out there, it can be confusing to discern between them: aluminum vs. aluminum unibody, MacBook vs. MacBook Pro, etc.To take the confusion out of identifying your Mac, we have an ID chart listing all of the model numbers and what they mean, on our Mac Laptop Restore page. Just find the model number, on the bottom of your laptop, look it up on the chart and there you have it! 
Labels: Apple, id, identification, laptop, Mac
Monday, December 07, 2009
New PDF & e-Book Downloads
 We've added PDFs and e-Books to our downloads! So far, the virtual bookshelves are stocked with take-apart guides for iPhones, iPods and PSPs but soon we'll be adding a Mac Survival Guide, as well as other titles.Just look for the PDF & e-Book link in the left sidebar, on our downloads page or click right here to get your free digital books!Labels: diy, e-book, ebook, guide, pdf, take-apart
Friday, December 04, 2009
Weekend deals for your enjoyment!
 Happy Friday!
We hope you had a great week and are ready to enjoy your weekend. Here's a couple of deals for you that we think will make it even better:
$69 iPhone 3G Screen Repair! Normally $99, schedule your repair this weekend (or bring to our Concord, CA repair center on Monday) and use coupon code "3GME" to get this special price.
In the market for a powerful MacBook Pro? Want that big 17" workspace? This weekend we have the lowest priced 17" MacBook Pro on the planet - just $899 with Free Shipping! Use coupon code "17SALE" to get this special price that will expire on Monday, 12/7.
Augmented Reality
 Augmented reality used to be a term that applied to head mounted displays and, more recently, iPhones and PDAs - displaying information about the world around you or otherwise enhancing your vision. Now, however, there is a new breed of AR that employs projectors.The Magic Projection system uses a standard desktop projector, connected to a Mac. Here is a video of a Unibody MacBook Pro driving a display which projects on to a blank canvas which has embedded spatial sensors.Even more practical is the Sixth Sense system, which employs a wearable computer and projector. This video shows how such a system can be used to provide product ratings and book reviews, or even turn any surface into a calculator or web browser!An example of augmented reality already put into practice is provided by Lego. In this video, an electronic 'mirror' shows what you can create with the bricks included in any box of legos.Labels: Apple, AR, augmented reality, immersive video, macbook pro, projector, wearable
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