So, I did it. I finally took the plunge (no pun intended) and remodeled our kids bathroom. After looking at old linoleum for years and each time thinking to myself, "We really need to update this bathroom" - I completely gutted the space a couple weeks ago and have been on my hands and knees ever since. The thing about home improvement projects is that they have a very typical lifecyle:
Stage 1: Destruction
This is where the fun begins. Your head is full of ideas and you have a sledgehammer in your hands. Your kids stare in awe as you destroy part of your home on purpose and within a very short time, you are staring at an empty room, just waiting for your creative energy to explode all over the place.
Stage 2: The Trip to Home World
Whether you go to Home Depot, Lowes, MondoHome - whatever is in your neck of the woods, chances are, you're going to wind up at some ginourmos warehouse store, wandering the aisles with a glazed look in your eye as you look at all the options for you new, empty space. Typically you have your spouse in tow and quite often any plans you have made about materials goes right out the window when said spouse happens to look at the "special order Italian glass tile" that is at the end of the aisle containing all the rest of the tile that you can take home with you today. Once you spend 20 minutes bringing your spouse back to reality, you load the tile up that you had agreed on previously. Then it's a quick trip around the rest of the building ("The tram to paint town is about to depart!") to pick out paint a new vanity and other sundry items. All in all, expect to spend 2-3 times as long as you think it will take. You will have a headache by the time you leave.
Stage 3: Progress
You plunge in and make a big impact with tile, paint and new fixtures. You are truly Master of your Domain.
Stage 4: The Finishing Touches AKA: Will this never end?!
You're almost done. There's only 30-40 things left on your list, but most of your mistakes are hidden by the overall impact of your superb placement of the bath matt, toothbrush holder and other accessories. As you look around, you start to see all the little things - just one more touch-up of trim paint, oh, one more section of grout to cleanup, one more piece of baseboard that need caulking. You get the idea. It's the home stretch - push hard and you will actually get this thing done. Be forewarned - do NOT fall for the Classic "let's start ANOTHER project" at this time - although enticing, you will only cause yourself (and your spouse) grief if you go down this rabbit hole.
All in all, things when pretty well and most of the flaws in my work are hidden well behind sinks, mirrors and toilets - not bad for the first time.
OK, enough about home improvement. We have some great stuff for you this week! Onward....
These DIY videos are direct and detailed, without a minute wasted. Our unique auto fast-forward editing, allows you to see every move the tech makes, without suffering through each little screw removal/replacement in real-time. Watching these videos is also a good way for you to see if you feel confident enough to indulge your inner hacker, and attempt doing your own repair - see what you're in for before you ever pick up a screwdriver!
Desktops & Wallpapers
Now for the goodies...I've re-engineered a classic sci-fi movie poster, to be Mac themed: Invasion Of The Unibody Snatchers! Here we have a Mac desktop image and an iPhone wallpaper image:
Click on the images above to see them full size, then right click and select save, to make them yours.
To install an iPhone wallpaper image:
Click on the image that you like, to see it full size.
Right click on the full-size image and select save.
Add the image to your iPhoto library and sync with your iPhone.
Locate the image on your iPhone, tap , and then tap Use As Wallpaper.
iPad fans will also want to check out the iPad Desktop image featured in last weeks Buzz. It turns your iPhone into a mini iPad (which it basically is anyway, until they release some iPad specific apps).
iPhone App Pick
I just have to share this gem, since I haven't seen it mentioned elsewhere. It's a free iPhone game called Alpine Crawler. It's a simple 2D, side-scroller involving a truck and some hills - the aim being to complete the course in time, without rolling your 4x4. As with most good action games, it's all about the amazing real-time physics. Check out the Alpine Crawler web-page or iTMS app store link.
Enjoy!
Brian Northway Designer/Animator
Buzz Specials
The Buzz coupons are valid through 4/2 at Midnight Pacific Time. You can use the coupons and order via the links, or call 1-888-572-7372 to speak to one of our friendly humans. Coupon codes cannot be combined, but you can use them on separate orders, if you are so inclined.
iPad pre-orders started today, but why wait to experience the magic?
Download an iPad desktop for your iPhone and turn it into a mini iPad!
To install: after adding the photo to your iPhoto library and syncing with your iPhone, simply locate the image on your iPhone, tap , and then tap Use As Wallpaper.
Need a place to hang pizza coupons, in your kitchen? There's an app for that.
Without the frame of the iPhone to put them in context, these magnets are a little esoteric. Still, these iconic...uh....icons are sure go get a smile from any iPhone user and, at $13, they make a great gift for fellow Mac/iPhone enthusiasts.
iPhoria is a mental/emotional state defined as a sense of great elation experienced by new iPhone users.[1] Technically, iPhoria is an affect,[2] but the term is often colloquially used to define emotion as an intense state of transcendent happiness combined with an overwhelmingurge to download apps.
New iPhone owners, who experience iPhoria, will commonly say things like "wow, did you know that you can do [some amazing thing] on an iPhone?" or"look at this cool app that I found," to which any experienced iPhone user might reply "dude, I've been using that for months."
iPhoria is a temporary condition which, over a period of several weeks, will transform into a state known as omniPhonence, where users are instantly aware of all new apps, status updates and news, due to the 24/7 internet connection on their iPhone.
Did you know that you can share iPhone apps with up to five other users (under the same Fairplay DRM license as music and video)? With some apps, like GPS navigation, costing $80 or more, this could save you quite a bit, but even the cheaper apps add up quick. Here's how you can let your family member, friend or significant other legally use the apps that you've already bought, in four easy steps.
Step 1: Authorize Computer Log the other person out of their iTunes Music Store (iTMS) account and log in using your account.
Step 2: Re-Download In iTunes, go to the app store and click the Buy App button for an application that you've already purchased. iTunes knows that you already paid for this and just lets you re-download it without charging again. The app will then begin to download. Step 3: Switch iTMS Users Once the download is complete, it shows in the Applications section of iTunes. You can now log out of your iTunes Store account and log the other user back in. Step 4: Sync & Play Plug the other users iPhone in now and sync. Once synced, it shows on the other iPhone, ready to be used.
Ideally, you and your friend would do this on each others computers, on a reglar basis, to ensure that you both have the benefit of the other's purchases.
Man I love this stuff. February has just flown by, with tons of repairs keeping our Techs busy and record numbers of Restored MacBooks and MacBook Pros keeping our shipping department hustling. We posted a new video a couple of weeks ago, showing everyone what our Restored systems look like and we've seen laptop sales take off dramatically since the video was released. We thought that you would enjoy seeing some samples of our systems before your purchase and we are thrilled to have the video so well received.
If you're in the market for a refurbished MacBook or MacBook Pro, here's the video for your viewing pleasure.
Self-Install Mac Parts
We also released our new Self-Install section for Mac laptop LCD screens on our website during the past week and we are beginning to ship LCD screens to DIY'ers throughout the country. Look for a video next week that will highlight this new service and provide some guidance on how to choose the right screen along with lots of other info about this new product line. We've been selling iPod, iPhone and PSP parts for some time now and adding the Mac laptop parts to our website has been a much heard request from our customers.
FUTURESHOCK
Hello my fellow Mac & iPhone enthusiasts!
I've got a some fun stuff for you today. First off is our new iPhone wallpaper downloads. Vacation photos and snapshots of the kids are nice but, sometimes, you want to dress up your iPhone - whether for style, your own enjoyment, or both. Here are some photos that you probably haven't had the opportunity to snap yourself:
My favorite, and the one that's sure to earn you some serious geek cred, is this photo of the inner workings of the iPhone. This isn't just a snapshot of an iPhone logic-board, it's an image of exactly what you would see, if your iPhone screen were invisible - reproduced at actual size! The effect of having this as your wallpaper image is equivalent to Superman-style "x-ray" vision, revealing every major chip, the sim card slot up top, even the tiny motor on the right side which generates the vibrating alert. What better way is there to appreciate the wonder of this advanced technology than by peering in to it's intricate innards? And all without ever dissecting your precious electronic companion.
To install any of the iPhone wallpaper images above:
Click on the image that you like, to see it full size.
Right click on the full-size image and select save.
Add the image to your iPhoto library and sync with your iPhone.
Locate the image on your iPhone, tap , and then tap Use As Wallpaper.
Enjoy!
Brian Northway Designer/Animator
Buzz Specials
The coupons here are valid through 3/12 at Midnight Pacific Time. You can use the coupons and order via the links, or call 1-888-572-7372 to speak to one of our friendly humans. Coupon codes cannot be combined, but you can use them on separate orders, if you are so inclined.
Since Shannon's out today, we're jumping right in to the goodies...
First off, I have to mention the iPad. It's definitely a Kindle killer and a netbook neutralizer - but then, Kindles and netbooks aren't $500+. I've heard that you really have to hold an iPad, and use it a bit, to fully understand this device's true sex appeal. While I totally believe that, I still think it's a little weak that you can't make calls with it, using a Bluetooth headset, or run ordinary Mac OS apps. That said, I certainly wouldn't turn one down, if it was offered to me for free - and that's exactly what we're doing!
Register to win an Apple iPad three different ways:
Sign up for our bi-weekly Buzz newsletter (also see "signup" at upper right).
Srsly - it's that easy...and you can maximize your chances of winning by doing all three. Don't worry about the safety of your email address - no one on Earth has ever received spam from TechRestore! Our Buzz newsletter has an easy opt-out and we would never give or sell email addresses to another company, 'cuz that's just not how we roll.
For a brief summary of the iPad's features and my observations from the announcement, click here.
I created these 19 high-quality, stereo ringtones mostly from iMovie sound effects. Unlike ringtones made from songs, these unique attention getters include retro phone rings, spacy sci-fi sounds and classy orchestral accents. There's even a Mac start-up chime for us die-hard Apple fans. (c: Just keep in mind that the audio previews require ultra-high compression, to be small enough for the web, so the're a bit rougher and tinnier than the actual ringtone files.
Once downloaded, simply drop them in your iTunes and sync with your iPhone.
If you'd prefer to make your own rigntones, I've posted everything that you need to know here. It's simpler than you think!
Web Videos
I have a couple of found videos that I think are worth sharing (no, not the Mad TV iPad commercial).
The first one is the iSandwich, an iPhone made of food. The video's a little on the slow side, as you watch the preparation of the edible electronics, but the surprise ending is well worth the wait!
Next up is the source of the "leaked iPad photo," that I wrote about just before Apple's announcement. Apparently, it was just part of an Apple Store window display, featuring a 10" iPod. It was just pure coincidence that the photographed part happened to be almost exactly the size of the new iPad.
New Homepage Layout
Here's a sneak peek at our new homepage. After our recent format change, we've decided to add some content "below the fold," for those of you who don't mind scrolling. Let us know what you think of it - suggestions are always welcome.
Enjoy!
Brian Northway Design & Marketing TechRestore
Buzz Specials
Here are the deals! You can use the links to order, or call 1-888-572-7372 if you have questions and want to speak to one of our awesome humans. Any coupons listed can be used online or via phone and are valid through 2/12 at midnight Pacific Time.
Here's all that you need to know about making your own iPhone ringtones: They're AAC files with the .m4a extension changed to .m4r and they have to be 40 seconds, or less, in length.
That's it!
You can convert any file to an AAC, using iTunes, if your preferences are set to import to AAC. Simply highlight the file in iTunes, and select Create AAC Version from the Advanced menu. Then right click on your new AAC file and select Show In Finder, to see the actual file, so that you can change the extension to .m4r Then, simply drag your new creation on to your iTunes library to import it, so that you can resync your iPhone and start enjoying your ringtone.
Audio editing software like WavePad, Audacity, or even Garage Band, will enable you to crop and fade your favorite songs, movie samples or sound effects. Just be aware that this does not work with DRM'd (copy protected) files. If this all seems a bit complicated, software like iRinger (Mac) or ToneShop (PC) provides a one-stop solution. Also, we will be offering free iPhone ringtones on our Downloads page, soon.
The most convincing peek at the new Apple tablet doesn't even come from Infinite Loop: Sports Illustrated posted a great demo video depicting a multi-media version of their magazine, in December, which has largely flown under the radar of Mac rumor hype, until recently leaked photos confirmed the "giant iPhone" form-factor of Apple's new device.
The Sports Illustrated proof-of-concept video clearly depicts an iPhone type device, responding to the same orientation changes and finger gestures employed on the iPhone. The size of the mocked up tablet also coincides with the 10" 16:9 screen that is widely believed to be used in the new Apple tablet.
Obviously a Kindle killer (despite Amazon's frantic attempt to get apps on the Kindle), this hypothetical application of the new Apple tablet also fits with Apple's strategy of creating new media markets, as they did with the iPod, iTunes and iPhone. Paper media is quickly going extinct, but the engine behind print media may find a new rebirth, thanks to Apple. Reducing eye strain with e-ink, a la Kindle, is a great idea, but static, monochorme pages are no where near as exciting as full-color, animated, content with embedded video (nevermind Amazon's disappearing e-books).
It's clear that we are now an internet-centric society and, as cool as the Kindle may be, it's poor web browsing capabilities are a severe limitation. The type of speech recognition and synthesis capability, featured on the iPhone 3GS, could also go a long way toward enabling the new Apple tablet for use by blind users as well - further stranding the Kindle, even as Amazon scrambles to add accessibility to their e-book reader. Add to the list, all of the best features of the iPod, iPhone and MacBook, and you can see that Apple is likely ushering in a new era of computing, once again. One way or another, we'll know next Wednesday!
The 3.0 update for the iPhone and iPod Touch may be full of wonderful features but there is one that's not so great: third-party docks and video cables will no longer output video!
Apparently, the new update checks for the presence of an Apple Security chip and displays a message on your TV stating that you are using an invalid accessory, when you attempt to connect using a 3rd-party A/V cable that lacks this built-in dongle. Admittedly, we've seen lots of iPods and iPhones with logic boards blown by poor quality accessories, but I think that people should be allowed to take their chances, not to mention keep using the equipment that they already own and have been using successfully, for years in some cases!
I'm guessing that this is Apple's way of retaliating against patent infringers but, if they had offered these cables at a reasonable price, there wouldn't be a market for knock-offs. I mean who wants to pay $50 on a cable for an iPod that could cost as little as $150? I'm sorry, but a cable that should have been included with the iPod in the first place, shouldn't cost 30% of the price of the iPod.
Some users are downgrading to the 2.2 firmware, but it's a fairly involved process and you lose the 3.0 functionality, so most folks are biting the bullet and forking over the $50 to get the Apple cable.
Hopefully, Apple's new tablet will be so awesome that we will forget about these shenanigans soon. (c;
ifoapplestore.com is reporting that Apple will now replace a water damaged iPhone at any Apple store for $199. You'll receive either a new or refurbished replacement and you won't have to extend your current ATT contract to get the new phone. We think this is good news, since in our experience, most water damaged units have multiple part failures that make a repair not economically feasible. We're glad to replace your broken screen overnight for $99, repair your audio jack or dock connector port along with multiple other specific iPhone repairs - but when it comes to water damage, we will now send you back to the Apple store. Link to full story.
First off, I just want to let you local folks know that you are more than welcome to save yourself the cost of shipping a device in for repair, by dropping it off in person. We don't have a retail store, but our Repair Center is open from 8am - 5pm and local drop offs are welcome, here's how to get here:
Time to get up. Get dressed. Get your shoes on. Don't forget your sweatshirt. Be sure to brush your teeth. Yes, you do need to comb your hair, son. Do you have your homework? No, you can't take that to school. Have a great day.
Then:
15 minutes until bedtime. Get your pajamas on. Brush your teeth. Did you go to the bathroom? Leave your sister alone. Don't yell at your brother. Get to bed. No, I let you stay up late to finish that TV show - no time for stories now. Tomorrow, yes. Goodnight. Go to sleep. For the last time, go to sleep. I already did tuck you in. GOODNIGHT.
And so it goes - the story of my life. And just how many times do you think I've told my son to brush his teeth? Let's just say, for sake of argument that I have to tell him only 3 times per day (we'll be very generous) - that's 3 x 365 = 1095 x 6 years = 6,570 times that I've instructed the little bugger to brush his chompers. He's 7, but since I can't remember when he actually got teeth that needed to be brushed, we'll go with the lower number. And since I probably have to ask/tell him at least twice as many times as I'm giving him credit for, you can see that this is a rather large number. As well, we could have the same discussion about rather important things such as combing hair, shoes - you get the idea.
I'm pretty sure I've asked this question here one time or another, but can you tell me when they start actually remembering to do these things on their own? Certainly it can be no big surprise that brushing your teeth and hair are part of the morning routine, now that we've done it thousands upon thousands of time? Unfortunately, I don't think you'll be sharing any good news with me about my future prospects of not having to remind Ethan about these daily tasks.
And then there's Skylar. She's a dream when it comes to remembering these little things - but let me ask you one more very important question: Am I the only person in the country who thinks that the last thing in the world my lovely 10-year old daughter needs is a cell phone? Has everyone else gone insane and started thinking that these little kids are really deprived without a phone to text their friends with? I paid about $1000 for my first cell phone and even though I still remember how cool it made me feel to talk on it while walking down the street - I'm still not sold on getting one for Sky - and not just because everyone else watching me hold that big brick to my ear back then thought, "Who does this idiot think he is, the President?" I just can't think of any reason for a 10-year old to have a phone, other than the fact that half of the other 10-year olds in her class have them - and that's no reason at all. Yes, I get the safety thing - very cool to be able to locate your kid quickly and in some cases, very important for particular situations. We don't have one of those.
Wow, domestic life. Who'd have thought that these would be the pressing issues of the day. ;-)
OK, visit the Special News for some deals! Use the links on that page or speak to a real, live Human being by calling 1-888-572-7372. The coupons are valid through 3/31 at Midnight Pacific time. Here we go!
The iPhone or iPod Touch may not have the same super readable, e-ink display as the Amazon Kindle but their size and price do make them a compelling option for reading e-books. After all, think of how much more micro-reading you might do, in line at the bank or supermarket or, um...other places (oh c'mon, don't tell me you don't read when you're in the can). Kindle For iPhone is available, for free, on the iTunes Music Store.
On the down side, you can't browse or buy e-books from Amazon, directly from the iPhone (you buy in a browser and then transfer from your computer). On the up side, all of your book marks pass back and forth between your iPod/iPhone and Kindle (if you have one). Worried about squinting to read on your iPhone or iPod? Rotate it sideways and/or increase the text size! Color book covers and quick page swipes are other advantages that the Apple hand-helds have over the Kindle. All in all, this app provides yet another reason to join the iPhone revolution!
Our fourth most popular video, happens to be the first stop-motion take-apart video that we ever did, unless you count the brief blip iniPod mini Madness (which, sadly, I shot in low-res, not upgradeable to HD). Now you can see the iPhone insides in even greater detail, with better music and sound effects! I had to cut the unboxing bit, since it didn't fit the widescreen format, but I know you really want to see the device it's self. (c;
iPhone users rejoice - you can officially count on getting free Wi-Fi service on your iPhone from any AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot across the land - this includes boatloads of Starbucks, airports and all sorts of other places. Check out the map, that's a lot of free wifi. Enjoy!
Ever wonder what would happen if you drove over an iPhone. Wonder no more. This iPhone was run over by a car and all that was damaged was the screen, which has since been replaced. The iPhone that you see here is now restored to complete functionality!
It's a big news day for the iPhone. The 2.0 Firmware for all iPhones was released (sadly none for the iPod touch yet), the iTunes Music Store has iPhone applications for sale and, the first 3G iPhone take-apart photos have hit the net!
The 2.0 iPhone firmware update allows the installation of 3rd party applications on the iPhone and comes with some other minor updates, such as 3D buildings in Google Maps. Get the details on downloading and installing the free update here.
Once your iPhone is updated, head over to the iTunes App Store, to check out all of the cool games, communication and productivity software! Apps of interest include Smug Shot (a kind of Photo Booth that uses the iPhone's camera), Enigmo (an amazing 3D puzzle game), and Type Pad (a mobile blogging app).
If you don't yet have an iPhone, or you want to see how the new 3G iPhone differs from yours, check out the first 3G iPhone take apart in New Zealand (yes these guys flew halfway around the world to be the first to crack one open)!
iLounge's new iPod & iPhone Book is hot off the virtual press and ready for free downloads. As usual, they have lots of fantastic product reviews and, this time, there's a great iTunes guide, that covers everything from basic to advanced usage! Get your PDF copy here.
Macworld Expo was an amazing success! We got to see tons of satisfied customers, who dropped by to say hi and tell us what a great job we do, as well as connecting with people who've never used our service before. You can see the TechRestore booth (and our friends from eunitech) in this Quicktime VR photo from Macworld '08. By now, you've no doubt heard of Apple's new roll-outs, including the MacBook Air (soon to be on our dissecting table) and the update to the iPhone and iPod touch that simulates GPS tracking by triangulating your position based on nearby WiFi hotspots! Exciting stuff.
iPhone 2.0 vs. FlatBook Pro Rumors about the announcement of a second generation iPhone, at Macworld Expo abound. Perhaps it will have GPS and record video but, either way, it's not all that exciting. I mean, as far as I'm concerned, the iPhone is to small for computing and too big to be a phone. I think the bigger announcement is going to be a tablet version of the MacBook (Pro), that makes use of the touch screen technology seen in the iPhone and iPod touch. Hopefully it will operate somewhat like the Microsoft Surface. Of course you can already get a ModBook, but it requires a pen and, besides, everything's more appealing once Apple reinvents it.
, and then tap Use As Wallpaper.
I just have to share this gem, since I haven't seen it mentioned elsewhere. It's a free iPhone game called Alpine Crawler. It's a simple 2D, side-scroller involving a truck and some hills - the aim being to complete the course in time, without rolling your 4x4. As with most good action games, it's all about the amazing real-time physics. Check out the Alpine Crawler 
