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OWC Tips & Deals 11/15/2008
Intro: Greetings again from Woodstock! I think we've got a nice variety of information in this newlstter edition and hope you'll enjoy. Got 6GBs of memory for MacBooks, a new 'Voyager' HD Dock, a realworld look at the Unibody MacBooks + lots more in between. Here we go! Install up to 6.0GB in MacBook & MacBook Pro Core 2 Duos One of my favorite things to say and show is how more memory really makes the difference. For nearly two years we've been working to provide a solution that would allow us to break the 4GB limit in Core 2 Duo Mac models. While we've been able to build 4GB DDR2 SO-DIMM 667MHz models for some time, the challenge - or really what ended up being the wait - was for the memory device components that could run at a low power and heat level as to meet specification and provide the reliable operation required of every OWC module. More memory does make the difference... but the 6GB vs. 4GB is a little harder to quantify. It certainly feels faster, especially with multiple applications open. It does measurable get things done faster. Some of you, like OWC's Jamie, may notice that with 6GB installed - you don't need to restart things as often (or at all) to keep things optimal. We are working on some better test scenarios + are also looking forward to a review site's own independent testing to better graph the benefits... but in the mean time, we've got one test showing how the additional memory benefits Photoshop with a larger file sequence. Of particular note here is that this sequence well exceeds the 6GB of memory. Also - we are still to be adding results from many additional systems.... If working with application and files that exceeded a total system memory use of 4GB but that stayed within the 6GB level - the gains would be far more dramatic.. still, it's a good test and illustration even so. So, really nearly two years in the making and finally a reality. Back when we first got our hopes up, component cost had this module pegged at a cost of about $2000.... Not likely a best seller had it met spec. They're still a bit pricey today, but if your MacBook or MacBook Pro is being used as portable graphics workstation - the return on investment is definitely there. Especially when you compare the performance of 'pre-Unibody' models with 6GB to the latest. It's a fraction of the price of a new Mac to get a 'new Mac boost' with this simple memory upgrade. 4.0GB DDR2 modules for the 'Pre-Unibody' MacBook models are now available for $449.99, 6.0GB Kits (2GB + 4GB) for $475.00. These are specifically mid/late 2007 and later models. Our site pages have the details to confirm if your model qualifies. BTW, if your Core 2 Duo Mac can go to 4GB or 6GB - and you've got 2GB or less now... look, it's from $57.99 to upgrade to 4.0GB and that's SO HUGE vs. 2GB or less... 6GB is nice, but 4GB is a bargain to make things new. And what about those new Unibody models... 6GB for them too? Didn't have to work quite as hard on this one, although they are currently far more limited and pricey. Expect prices to come down with time - but currently 4.0GB DDR3 modules for the new 'Unibody' MacBook models are now available for $679.99, 6.0GB Kits (2GB + 4GB) for $729.99. Just as more memory makes the difference in the prior generation, the same is very much true with these new models - which are also covered on that benchmark page. While you'll never be able to have the 32GB of a Mac Pro (which REALLY lets those Mac Pro cores loose, btw..) in these aforementioned MacBook and MacBook Pros, every little bit does help. 50% more memory, it really helps. :) New Mac or Make your Mac like New? With respect to what I'm going to 'reveal' about the new Unibody MacBook and MacBook Pros, well, they make for a really good example that supports getting the most out of the Mac you have vs. buying that new Mac. No matter what the times, it always makes sense to tap that potential of your current system with the often simple and cost effective upgrades available. Our last full newsletter published October 7th went into some detail on this. From Memory to Faster Hard Drives to Video Cards, Optical Drives, and Processor Cards too. The Mac you have will determine the options for upgrades available - but unless you've already maxed it out, there's likely something still to do that can offer a great gain for a relatively small hit to the pocketbook. Upgrades can really make an existing Mac better than new. And heck, upgrade costs today are even lower than a month ago too - Check it out. :) Those new 'Unibody' MacBook and MacBook Pros On October 14th I hastily published a Tips n' Deals Quick Update trying to hit most of the main details on these slick new systems. For the most part I'd say the bases were well covered there and for the basic comparison of those new to the old, I direct you there. While will touch a couple of the more 'critical' points here, going to mainly focus on how these new marvels perform. If you've read everything in this newsletter up this point, you should already have some gist of that... A few quick re-hashes though... I can't say enough how disappointed I am that Apple dropped FireWire off the MacBook 'Unibody' 13" models. If they'd added an ExpressCard slot, this would be forgivable... but as there is no such port - USB2 is the only option given for connecting external storage or video devices. If you want FireWire on a Unibody, gotta go Pro. The new MacBook Pro 15" Unibody gives you that Firewire... but while the prior models had both FireWire 800 and 400 ports, the new models have just a single FireWire 800 port. This port is 'bilingual' with full FW400 backwards compatibility (which has been the case with all FW800 ports on Macs as well as the FireWire 800 ports on OWC & NewerTech storage solutions), but you'll either need to purchase a 9 to 6 pin FireWire Cable or add FireWire 400 ports via the Expresscard slot to connect up your FireWire 400 devices. For those FireWire Video cams - may actually need a 9 pin to 4 pin FireWire cable... we'll have those soon. Both models are offered in configurations with 2GB and 4GB of factory installed DDR3 1066MHZ memory. Where the 2GB is standard, you can pay Apple $150 to make that 4GB... or for $119.99 you can get a new 4GB kit from us. In addition to the $30 straight cash savings, we're also offering $30 back in trade for the original 2 x 1GB modules, doubling that savings. Up to 6GB, 50% more than the factory max memory is also available... Both models have options for upgrading to larger and/or faster internal hard drives. You can come out a lot ahead by buying a new drive from us and ending up with the extra drive you take out (Online Video shows how too). In most cases, the cost just to upgrade is more than you can purchase the drive outright for... and then with an On-The-Go enclosure, you can make that original drive an external for bonus additional storage too. Both models now have the new 'mini-Display' port for connecting an external display. While this is an open standard, currently only Apple has these cables available and you'll need to purchase mini-Display to DVI or to Dual-DVI to be able to connect up an existing LCD display to a new Unibody. Both models got what should be a good kick for their video performance. Especially noticed for the 13" model, Apple went from the low-end integrated Intel X3100 video o a truly high performance nVidia 9400M 256MB solution. The Macbook Pros move up to DUAL GPUs - one 9600M + a 9400M graphics processor. No matter what, have to give Apple serious credit for the design of these new 'Unibody' models. The design and manufacture of the housing is absolutely incredible. You have to give huge credit for the leap in structural engineering and overall form. Hands down, Apple is at the top of their game on this one. While I can't say enough to this effect, this Apple Video is well worth the watch. And what's all that leading to? Again - I think these are really great machines. If I didn't already have a Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro - I'd be very tempted... but when I look a little further, well - I think the prior models remain extremely tempting as well... because for all the thrills of the new Unibody, with the current Mac OS and applications - they don't appear to offer a leap in performance. First the 'Unibody' MacBook 13": Thanks to its new 9400M Nvidia GPU, it is no surprise that there is huge boost in gaming performance. But when you look at the rest of the test results, real-world performance with applications is actually slower with these new models. The 2.0GHz 'Unibody' is slower than the 2.1GHz MacBook 'White' it ultimately replaces... ok, maybe not a surprise... but the same is true comparing the 2.4GHz model to the prior 'White/Black' 2.4GHz as well! Same processor core speeds, what should be a faster bus with that 1066MHZ DDR3 memory - but actually is beaten by the prior model. The 'Unibody' MacBook Pro 15": For me, this was really a great disappointment. The test results here show the prior generation 2.5GHz model consistently outperforming the new 2.53GHz with even the prior gen 2.4GHz beating the faster processor equipped 2.53GHz model tests. To say the least, prior gen 2.6GHz models leave them all in the dust - except if you spend the extra $250 for the option to kick the 2.53GHz Pro up to 2.8GHz. Although with 2.8GHz Cores the Unibody Pro beats everything out in application testing, not even with that 2.8GHz did a Unibody model turn in faster video game frame rates than even the 2.4GHz prior gen MacBook Pro. The gaming part isn't necessarily the most critical element, but still as a performance reference I find it notable. I can only assume that the current OS and applications are not fully optimized to take advantage of the new architecture and GPUs of these new models. We know that OS 10.6 'Snow Leopard' is going to be optimized to take significant benefit of GPU capabilities and no doubt this is where the benefit of the Macbook Pro's dual GPUs may first really be seen. Really cool Macs and all... but I'd personally wait. And if I had to get a new Macbook or MacBook Pro today - there's great deals on the non-Unibody models with which you'll currently get more bang for the buck out of too. NewerTech Voyager FireWire 800/400+USB2+eSATA HD Dock Forget expensive removably bay solutions... messing with trays, etc... Not a temporary access solution either + with real performance as you'd get with a standard built solution too. Say hello to the NewerTech Voyager 'Q' Drive Dock! This sweet product lets you drop in any 2.5" or 3.5" hard disk drive for an instant performance solution. Built with the latest Oxford934DSB chipset, this Hard Drive Docking 'station' gives you performance FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB2, and eSATA just like the fixed and removable bay products. You just add your drive. It's also a great means for doing that internal drive update/transfer too since you can swap drives at will. The NewerTech Voyager is available for $99.95 w/drive included bundles starting from $159.99. Check 'er out. :) Modbooks... and now ModService to make your MacBook a Modbook In just a short couple of weeks, we're finally going to be to a point of nearly same day availability on the acclaimed Modbook OS X Tablet solutions. Still available from $2199, these are the only Mac Tablet solutions on the market and that's not likely to change any time soon... As Axiotron is finally reaching a point of good supply for the Modbook kits, we're glad to still have access to both 2.1GHz and 2.4GHz White MacBooks that we need to build the final product with. It is likely to be sometime middle of next year before we see a Modbook tablet solution based on the Unibody Models... Which makes the new 'ModService' option rather timely indeed. There is little doubt it won't be all that long before it's only the new 'Unibody' models available.. Long awaited, Axiotron finally gave the green light to allow us to upgrade customer MacBooks. You can reserve your place in line right now to get your Core 2 Duo MacBook transformed into a Modbook starting from $1299 - including return packaging + FedEx 2nd Day Air pickup and return shipping. If you've already got the MacBook investment.... should making it a Tablet have appeal, that door is now open. What is going on with Blu-Ray? I find it embarrassing and annoying that there isn't yet Blu-Ray support for Mac. Jobs played it off interestingly at the MacBook unibody introduction, but I just don't buy it. I'd rather assume that programming resources have been required for more important tasks and they're just taking a little longer to get around to the Blu-Ray support work. Rumor does have it that 10.5.6 will bring it on, but that's yet to be seen and until we do.... There's always Windows Vista. Lol. Although Microsoft had been a backer and put real cash behind the now defunct HD-DVD format, even Windows Vista now has built-in Blu-Ray support. For now, it's nice for data on the Mac.. or if you're bootcamping with Vista. We're ready though with options now from $149... Those options also read/write CDs and DVDs too. An easy upgrade for when the support is rolled out and if, of course, you've got a reason to use it too. Reader Specials Page Exclusives and Offer Highlights Access your Reader Exclusive Special's Page for all your specials. That readers specials page is where you'll find all the extra savings offered just for you. In addition to standard freight specials starting from $2.50 and same day order processing without silly rush fees, your reader's special page brings extra savings of some of our most popular products. You can now get the award winning Prosoft Drive Genius v2 for as low as $20, that's $79 off Prosoft retail and $59 off our normal discounted price! This is the same application that Apple uses in their retail stores at the Genius Bar. Drive Genius makes you a 'genius' keeping your hard drive volumes maintained, optimized, and even does repairs. A brand new feature with this recently introduced version 2 is 'DriveSlim'. DriveSlim finds unneeded OS files, duplicate files, etc - and helps you remove them. In the case of dupe files - it will even replace them with Aliases tied to the original so you don't have to worry about searching out the remaining original. Get the full scoop on the deal and the great Prosoft application online here. Run Windows on your Intel Mac - Parallels on Special online here for $49.99! The normal retail is $79.99, but we've been extended a special offer and pleased to extend that savings to you. This is the new, full retail version - full retail support - but comes as in a disc pack without the wasteful packaging. It's a super special offer and we're taking orders now with our shipment expected in by November 21st. We have a decent quantity coming, but are told we are limited in sales t that quantity. New, 'Made for Apple Mac PRo BTO' ATI Radeon 3870 Video Cards - $189.99 About $30 less than the retail card version, these special 'Apple' custom cards are for the Mac Pro 2008 models only. In addition to costing a bit less, these high-performance dual-head cards also are designed for super-quiet running - even quieter than the retail version and certain to please those looking to keep all noise as low as possible. Up to $30 Rebate per Hard Drive, up to $120 per solution on select models. Hitachi is once again providing some great mail-in rebates exclusively for OWC customers. These are super easy to claim, no hoops to jump through. I've not been a big rebate fan, but these Hitachi rebates have been most excellent. The current deals are: 2.5" for MacBook, MacBook Pro, Mac mini Intel - get $20 back on a 320GB Drive, limit 5 per customer/household/location - up to $100 back! 320GB 7200RPM Travelstar 7K320 16MB Cache now $87.50 after rebate 320GB 5400RPM Travelstar 7K320 16MB Cache now $59.99 after rebate Hitachi 3.5" 7200RPM 32MB Cache DeskStar 7K1000 - up to $30 back on up to 5 drives per household/location/customer - up to $150 back! 750GB DeskStar 7K1000 'Server Grade' SATA HD now $82.99 after $20 Rebate 1.0TB DeskStar 7K1000 'Server Grade' SATA HD now $97.50 after $30 Rebate Get up to $30 back on up to 5 OWC and/or NewerTech Single Drive External 750GB/1.0TB Solutions. All solutions come complete with all cables, Prosoft DataBackup, Intech HD Speedtools, and an industry leading warranty of up to 3yrs. Models include FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 2.0, and/or eSATA interfaces. OWC/NewerTech 750GB 7200RPM 32MB Solutions from $139.99 after $20 Rebate OWC/Newertech 1.0TB 7200RPM 32MB Solutions from $149.99 after $30 Rebate Get up to $20 back on up to 5 OWC Mercury On-the-Go Bus Powered Portable Solutions. All solutions come complete with all cables, Prosoft DataBackup, Intech HD Speedtools, and an industry leading 3yr Warranty. Models include FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and/or USB 2.0 interfaces. OWC On-the-Go 320GB 7200RPM 16MB Solutions from $119.99 after $20 Rebate OWC On-the-Go 320GB 5400RPM 8MB Solutions from $87.99 after $20 Rebate Get up to $60 back on up to 2 OWC and/or NewerTech External Dual-Drive models. All solutions come complete with all cables, Prosoft DataBackup, Intech HD Speedtools, and an industry leading 3yr warranty. Models include FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and/or USB 2.0. 1.5TB or 750GB+750GB Mirrored 7200RPM 64MB Solutions from $219.99 after $40 rebate 2.0TB or 1.0TB+1.0TB Mirrored 7200RPM 64MB Solutions from $239.99 after $60 rebate Get up to $120 back on OWC 1U Mercury Rack-Pro 4-Bay and OWC Mercury Elite AL-Pro Mirrored-Stripe desktop solutions. All solutions come complete with all cables, Prosoft DataBackup, Intech HD Speedtools, and an industry leading warranty of up to 5yrs. Models include FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 2.0, and/or eSATA. Up to 3.0TB of total Storage from $719.99 after $80 Rebate Up to 4.0TB of total Storage from $779.99 after $120 Rebate You can view all current rebate offers online clicking here. If you're looking for deals, our Hot Deals Blast is the 'eblast' to sign up for. It's sent out about 4-6 times a month and offers the latest updates on deals just for you. The most recent November 12th blast can be viewed online now. And as always - be sure to check your Reader Exclusive Special's Page for those best deals not otherwise listed via our regular site. TV on Mac options spelled out Turning your Mac into a multi-media center/DVR is easier than ever thanks primarily due to Elgato. What's not as clear is the benefit of one Elgato product vs. another. With that I'm referring to the Hybrid vs. the 250+ - it's a steep price difference and with the exception of the hardware encoding feature of the 250+, all else seems to the same about them. OWC's Chris Stevens has put together a nice little Quick Tip Summary on the Elgato offerings - including a look and testing of the Turbo H.264. After you get that video into your Mac, you may want to convert it for use in iTunes/iPod/etc... and that nifty goodie makes the conversion fast and without the slow down to other work you'd like to be doing at the same time. Enjoy! Check out more Quick Tips Archive, Hardware/Software Review articles, and more - all in the OWC Product Reviews and Editorial center. For fun and of interest Not only is our President-elect a Mac User - seems he also uses our Mercury On-The-Go Bus Powered Portable drive solutions. You can see of them to his front right in this photo. How about that. :) Fancy flying is something to itself - but an unplanned 'stunt' leads to an incredible landing and save. Unreal! No Mac or PC in this one.. just an amazing landing. Update on the Fancy Flying - Nov 17th addition to original A substantial amount of feedback as well as a link to snopes.com strongly suggests that the one winged airplane landing is a fake. Due to the source, I hadn't done my normal review and well - egg on me. :). I do appreciate all the feedback from readers on this video and will be more diligent the next time I go outside my area of expertise 'for fun'. One of our readers, an aeronautical engineer, did make me feel a little better noting that what was shown is at least possible. Amazing the possibilities of fancy digital editing and right at home now too. :) Closing: Time to close another edition. There's always more to come and we're working on delivering that more. Sometime this month that $800 or so Apple Laptop is supposed to appear... waiting to check out the new 24" displays.. working on completing ever more testing. Got some neat things cooking. We'll be back with more of the good stuff. Today had some good stuff time with my family. Some friends called yesterday about going to the circus and, well, we went to the circus. I'd never been to the circus before and the smiles and laughs from my son and daughter, well - I think we'll be going again next year. Technology is great... but be it out fishing, hiking, camping, biking, working in the garden, going to a fair, - the simple things bring a lot to the table. All about balance in the end. Hope your weekend has been a good one and such continues to be. Thank you for reading our newsletter! We Support our Troops The 'fine print': Contact Information+ ++++++++++++++++++++ Sales: sales@macsales.com or 800-275-4576, International 815-338-8685 Customer Service: custserv@macsales.com or 800-275-4576 / 815-338-8685 Tech Support: Online Tech Center or 815-338-8685 Please feel free to e-mail any comments or suggestions to:suggestions@macsales.com You may ALWAYS reply to our OWC Tips and Deals e-mail at owc@macsales.com with any questions or comments as well - PLEASE change the subject to reflect your e-mail question/comment to ensure a speedy reply! Other World Computing div. of New Concepts Development Corp. 2650 Bridge Lane Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-8685 This is a free subscribed E-Mail Newsletter that can be joined via our website. This e-mail is only received if you have joined our list. Notification is e-mailed to your address when you join as well as if you choose to cancel, which you may do at anytime, no hard feelings. :) To change, remove, or add an e-mail address for our newsletter, you can visit our online subscriber page anytime. If you'd just like to unsubscribe, that can also quickly be done by clicking the link at the end of this e-mail. Prices & availability subject to change without notice. New specials go up and old specials updated everyday. We Apologize for typographical errors. This e-mail may be freely distributed in its original form, complete and without any modification, alteration, insertion, or anything else that would make this different from the original intent. If you would like to 'reprint' just a portion you may make a request by e-mail to: larry@macsales.com. All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2000-2008, Other World Computing - Since 1988 |