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.
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 Duobut, 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.
While I was in the warehouse the other day, I noticed a huge box, containing 3000 MacBook Pro palm-rests. When I asked what they were for, I was told that these particular parts all had broken keyboards, trackpads or cosmetic issues, and were going to be recycled. I decided that covering the parking lot with keyboards would look pretty good, on video, so I had them set aside for me.
Saturday morning, I arrived at 7am, made some coffee, checked my e-mail and set to work on my idea. Somehow I had thought that working with 3000 palm-rests would be as easy as working with 3000 Lego pieces but, as I began unwrapping each individual part, it quickly became apparent that this was a monstrous task. Three hours later, I had unwrapped a little over 400 of these things, working at a fairly brisk pace. At that rate, it would have taken me over twenty hours just to unwrap them all, let alone place them and clean up, so I decided to switch gears at that point and start laying them out on the blacktop (this proved to be pretty rough on my legs and back, I would find out the following day).
I think the final result is still pretty impressive, even if I didn't get to whole 3000 pieces, and it is certainly a sight few people will have seen before. The highlight of the video, as it turns out, was peeling out on those MacBook parts. I have to thank our General Manager, Paul for that idea, as it turned out to be the highlight of the video and was also fun to do. Skidding atop the keyboard tiles was a bit like trying to stop while driving on ice. Click here to see for yourself!
Afterwords, I gathered up all of the keys and other broken bits to be recycled. The plastics and metals all melt down just the same, even when they're torn to bits.
I had assumed that the whole world had already seen the MacBook Wheel announcement, back when it came out back in January, so I was shocked to discover that some avid Mac fans actually missed it! If you are one of these sad few, you have to check out the MacBook Wheel launch video, from the Onion. You may even need to watch it a second or third time, to read the 'predictive sentences,' and the news feed scrolling across the bottom.
Stay tuned for this week's news - it's almost done!
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!
Ever wondered if artistic style translates into the digital realm? Find out, by watching our latest time-lapse video, From Canvas To Modbook. In this video, painter Anthony Riggs demonstrates how his unmistakable style is equally impressive when applied to a Modbook instead of the traditional canvas.
Why should writers have a monopoly on undo and cut-and-paste? A modbook gives you the ability to explore different variations on the same composition, with the ease and power of a word processor - not to mention every color in the universe in your palette (Tony's favorite feature). See the press release here.
Our Modbook upgrade video is quickly becoming one of our most popular videos, with over 88,000 views so far! In light of all this attention, a few common questions have come up - so here's a quick FAQ on the Modbook technology and upgrade service:
Q: Where's the keyboard? How will I write email without one? A: The Modbook doesn't open, there is no longer a physical keyboard, after the tabletconversion. The Axiotron Quick Clicks application provides resizable, on-screen keyboards of various styles, as well as hand writing recognition and gesture controls. Personally, I just plug in a USB keyboard, if I have much typing to do, but a bluetooth keyboard would be even better.
Q: Can the Modbook only be used, lying flat on a table or lap? A: Axiotron is currently developing a quick-release bracket with standard vesa mountung holes, which will enable you to use a variety of monitor stands and arms. In the meantime, your best bet is a cookbook holder, if you want to prop it up like a monitor.
Q: Will my hard drive and data be erased, during the upgrade process? A: When you send you MacBook to TechRestore for an overnight upgrade, we will not erase your data or format your drive, unless you specifically request it.
Q: Why is it so expensive, when I'm providing the Macbook? A: Actually, a Modbook upgrade is about half the price of a pre-upgraded Modbook ($1149 before March 6th) and this tablet upgrade is comparable to the price of a Cintiq tablet, but offers complete portability and GPS! Also, Google Earth is way more fun when you use a pen to pan around. (c;
Q: Does the Modbook work with a Windows bootcamp partition? A: Windows will probably work fine, and you can use the Windows on-screen keyboard for text input but, technically, Windows isn't supported.
Q: That upgrade looks easy, can I do it myself? A: Dan does a good job at making things look easy in the video, but the process of disassembling the MacBook, transferring the camera, and reconnecting all of the various cables in the correct place and order is far from simple. Currently Axiotron does not offer a do-it-yourself kit, for warranty reasons.
Q: Do I get my old keyboard and screen back? A: On all Modbook upgrades, salvage of the palmrest (keyboard + trackpad assembly) and LCD screen is figured in to the price of the upgrade, which is part of the reason that this service is so affordable.
Q: Why wouldn't I just buy some cheap tablet PC to have this kind of functionality? A: The built-in Wacom pen digitizer, senses 512 levels of pressure at 133 updates per second and 20x the resolution of the screen - features unsurpassed by any tablet computer. The Modbook is not for showing power-point presentations without opening a laptop, it's a 21st century alternative to drawing on paper and scanning your work. True digital art creation requires the responsiveness and precision of quality components.
Q: Who would want a Mac like this anyway? A: To most, the Modbook upgrade may be little more than a novelty but, to an artist, it is essential, since the service transforms a MacBook into a powerful, portable drawing tool. Not being anchored to a desktop, means that the Modbook can be used in studios for figure drawing, on the street for doing people's charicures, or out in nature to paint landscapes - the possibilities are endless (and the GPS will ensure that you find your way back).
I've finally finished the world's first Modbook upgrade video, with help from Dan's technical skills and Lance's music. This newest stop-motion animated video shows the complete conversion process, from MacBook to Modbook. I think it's our best video yet (but be sure to voice your opinion in the comments are ratings). As usual, this video is brought to you in wide-screen - optionally 720p HD format - that's nearly twice the resolution of a standard DVD, so you can see it as though you were watching a blue-ray disc, even on YouTube. (c:
If you haven't seen one yet, let me just tell you that this is the must have service for artists. With 512 levels of sensitivity, and a screen surface designed to feel like paper, this touch-screen out-performs any other tablet on the market - not to mention the fact that it's a Mac! The best part is, that you don't have to buy a whole new system ($2249 for a complete Modbook), just upgrade the MacBook that you already use, for half that price ($1149), and it comes back with all of your data and programs intact - sweet. Click the link below for details.
Ever wonder what a black MacBook would look like with a white keyboard and track-pad? Well, wonder no more. This client of ours is sure to be the only person on their block with such a unique MacBook...
It's time, once again, for another stop-motion TechRestore video! Today, we get a rare glimpse of group laptop behavior, as a line of MacBooks and MacBooks Pro perform a synchronized stadium wave, just like enthusiastic spectators at a sporting event!
Ah, good things come to those who wait. It's finally here, the long rumored and even longer waited for 1/2 Terabyte laptop hard drive that will fit in all MacBook and MacBook Pro models!
Our first batch of drives is here and we've just made this hot product live on our website. You'll get 500 Gigabytes of storage, installed overnight with data transfer from your old drive. It's a beautiful thing.
I'm sitting in the Seattle airport, catching my connecting flight to Chicago for some business meetings - but I couldn't wait to share this news with you. Since my current 250 Gigabyte drive has been acting up, I'll be having our guys swap in one of the 500 Gig drives for me when I return. Really, it's acting up, I promise.
I just finished TechRestore's latest video promotion, which is the first in a new series of pieces that will depict laptops being destroyed. This poor PowerBook meets it's end for lack of the Mag-Safe power adapter technology enjoyed by his decendants.
Beware, no gore has been edited out, and the terrible crashing sound of Mac hitting concrete is entirely real!
I've been away too long, I know. It's been a busy few weeks with a spring break vacation tossed in last week in Maui. We rolled back into town on Saturday and I've been playing catchup ever since. We'll have a full Specials Newsletter out this week with lots of new goodies.
Here's a sneak peak on some iPod nano deals that just arrived:
, and then tap Use As Wallpaper.
