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Macbook Pro and iMac Top U.S. October PC Sales ; Tim Hickman Launches Hard Candy Bubble Shell Case For 13" MacBook; iResQ MacBook Repair vs. Big-Box Retail Comparo in Wall Street Journal; SteelSeries Sudden Attack Ikari Laser Mouse and QcK Mass Mousepad
Monday, December 7 2009 @ 12:21 PM ET | Article Link
Macbook Pro and iMac Top U.S. October PC Sales
Appleinsider's Sam Oliver reports that Apple had the top-selling desktop and notebook for the month of October, as the new iMac and the 13-inch MacBook Pro outsold all competitors in the U.S.
Oliver says that a ccording to new data from the NPD Group, as told to CNet, Apple took advantage of a down month for PCs, as most hardware manufacturers were looking to clear their existing inventory before the launch of Windows 7 late in the month.
For the full report visit here:
http://tinyurl.com/ykrxht4
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Tim Hickman Launches Hard Candy Bubble Shell Case For 13" MacBook
Tim Hickman, former GM of Speck Products, has gone independent with a new line of "Hard Candy" hard shell cases for 13" MacBooks and certain PC netbook models.
Smaller portables are more likely to be tossed into a purse or backpack than into a padded briefcase, so they need protection that is always on and stylish. Consequently, hard shell cases are an ideal solution for netbooksand subnotebooks.
Hard Candy Cases is a brand new company whose CEO Tom Hickman started and ran Speck Products from the beginning (2001) until 2006. The company has been working with the same factory for the last 5 years and can produce 40,000 units a month per item, and has also been working with the same logistic partner for the last 3 years and can handle your most complex shipping, drop shipping, packaging, UCC 128, and EDI requirements.
Hard Candy Cases - where fashion meets protection.
Many of us these days keep our computers with us all or most of the time, and always-on hard shells mean the computer is always protected. Hard Candy's form specific design means a significantly higher attach rate. The company claims a world class design center, industry leading engineers, and in house laser model scanners help facilitate bringing to market the best form fitting cases.
Hard Candy's Bubble Shell case for MacBook is available in a variety of colors, and these snap-on, always-on cases provide protection from scrapes and scratches while adding personality to your MacBook. These cases are model specific.
Hard Candy Case New MacBook 13"
• Designed specifically for MacBook 13.1"
• Polycarbonate Shell protects from Bumps & Scratches
• Easy to use Snap-On Always-on design
• Bubble texture creates a unique design statement.
Features
• Polycarbonate Shell protects from Bumps & Scratches
• Easy to use Snap-On Always-on design
• Bubble texture creates a unique design statement.
How to Install Your Hard Candy Case on your MacBook:
Installing a Hard Candy Bubble Shell case on your MacBook 13" laptop should be super simple and easy. First, recommended are dusting, or cleaning your MacBook, reducing the chances of dust scratches. Place the bottom of your Bubble Shell on a table or other hard surface. While making sure that your MacBook is completely closed, press your computer gently into the case bottom until it snaps into place. Make sure to apply pressure to the corners ensuring proper fit into all the tabs of the case.
Once your Bubble Shell case bottom has been installed, you can install the top in the same fashion. Again, be sure to apply pressure to the corners of your Bubble Shell case in order to seat it properly until it snaps into place.
If you are experiencing difficulties fitting, Hard Candy recommends using a credit card to separate the case from the computer. Simply slide the card between the case and your MacBook near the tabs, and once the case is off, try fitting again.
To ensure ease of use, they also recommend removing the cases periodically to dust your computer and clean your Bubble Shell hard case.
The Hard Candy Cases design team builds each case specifically around the requirements of each computer. Because each computer is different, we take into consideration placement of each plug, port, switch, and panel. By using our cases, you will retail usability of every port, plug, vent, and panel as before.
Hard Candy Cases are injection molded with a unique blend of polycarbonate plastics chosen based on their ability to provide your computer with long lasting, easy to clean protection from surface scratches and scuffs.
This hard shell will fit like a glove on your MacBook 13" Laptop built after October 2009. If you are unsure about your computer, check out Apple's Website to see if your computer matches.
Hard Candy Cases does everything it can to prevent their cases from inhibiting the original functionality of your model, and specifically design their cases understanding that heat dissipation is an issue which must be addressed. Our cases feature vents which mimic the location of the original vents on your model, providing proper airflow to reduce chances of thermal shutdown.
Hard Candy Case for New MacBook 13"
- Designed specifically for MacBook 13.1"
- Polycarbonate Shell protects from Bumps & Scratches
- Easy to use Snap-On Always-on design
- Bubble texture creates a unique design statement.
- Depth: 9.32 inches
- Width: 13.2 inches
- Height: 1.28 inches
- Weight: --- oz.
- Colors: Clear, White, Black, Pink, Blue, Red
Ships in recycled materials container.
Shipping as of Dec 4th, 2009.
SRP $49.95
For more information, visit:
http://www.hardcandycases.com/
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iResQ MacBook Repair vs. Big-Box Retail: New Review in Wall Street Journal
Charles Passy reviewed iResQ's MacBook repair service in his Cranky Consumer column the December 3rd edition of the Wall Street Journal online, comparing the iResQ experience to other repairs performed by Best Buy's Geek Squad, Staples, and Office Depot. Highlights of Passy's verdict include, "iResQ got the job done," and "iResQ definitely knows its Macs." The article's title is "Can Big-Box Merchants Fix Your Computer?"
Big-box retailers should take heed. Kansas-based MacBook repair company iResQ went toe-to-toe with the giants in a December 3rd Wall Street Journal review by Charles Passy. In his Cranky Consumer column, iResQ's repair service was evaluated alongside that of Best Buy's Geek Squad, Staples, and Office Depot. iResQ, which also repairs iPods, iPhones, and Sony PSPs, stacked up well. In the review of the four different services, titled "Can Big-Box Merchants Fix Your Computer?', Passy found positive and negative things to say about his experiences with each company.
News ImagePassy sent iResQ a slow MacBook, and after getting a diagnosis and recommendation to upgrade the memory, he took the company up on its advice. "iResQ got the job done," he wrote. "iResQ definitely knows its Macs; its technicians seem fully versed in all the models and possible upgrades," he added. Despite the positive remarks, he also noted some issues with getting his shipping label and the response time for his confirmation email.
"We are honored to be reviewed in the Wall Street Journal and represent the little guy," commented
Brian Buffington, iResQ's General Manager, on the shipping issues. "Most of our customers do not experience this, but we have been aware of the delay that a few users have experienced when ordering an e-mail label. At this time, we have to process those orders through our shipping software manually, which can cause a delay. A revised version of our website, which will be released within the next few months, will automatically e-mail these labels seconds after a purchase is made. Until that happens, we have raised our efforts to ensure that we dispatch the emails out as quickly as possible."
"Since our humble beginnings in 1994, we have always viewed customer satisfaction as integral to our success," says Buffington. "We are proud of our track record over the years, and we hope Charles Passy is ultimately satisfied with his repair."
As always, due to high freight volume, iResQ shipping prices are a fraction of published rates. Customers can take advantage of its low rates, or ship portable devices on their own if they prefer.
iResQ, a division of ResQ Systems, L.L.C., is an Apple-Authorized Service Provider that repairs Apple computers and portable devices in addition to the Sony PlayStation Portable within a 15,000-square-foot commercial facility. Servicing Apple products since 1994, its team of dedicated, full-time technicians boasts years of experience and multiple Apple Certifications. They joined the Apple Authorized Service Provider network in 2008 and consequently provide Apple Warranty service as well as out-of-warranty repairs. The company has been "Customer Certified" by BizRate for over 8 years. Twenty-four-hour diagnostics and repair service cover the entire line of iPods, iPhones, Portable Macs, and Mac Minis. This includes the entire PowerBook G4 family, the iBook family, plus the MacBook and MacBook Pro systems, as well as all versions of the iPod except the iPod Shuffle. The company provides a standard 90-day warranty on all work performed, and free technical support on all repairs backed by a 30-day return policy with no restocking fees. iResQ cares about the environment and has a flexible recycling program in place.
iResQ is also an ideal solution for schools and computer repair shops. Its repair depot can handle large numbers of repairs quickly and efficiently, and it provides volume discounts.
For more information or to order repair services, call 1-888-447-3728 or visit:
http://www.iresq.com
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SteelSeries Announces Limited Edition Sudden Attack Ikari Laser Mouse and QcK Mass Mousepad
SteelSeries, specialist in gaming peripherals and accessories, today announced the availability of SteelSeries Ikari Laser and QcK Mass Limited Edition Sudden Attack gaming gear. Designed specifically for the popular Asian online FPS game, Sudden Attack, the SteelSeries Ikari Laser Mouse has a unique camouflage print while the QcK Mass Mousepad features graphics from the game, helping to immerse and prepare gamers to choose sides in the battle between the United Great Forces and the rebels from Tanziriro Liberation Front.
"Sudden Attack has an excellent reputation and is well known throughout Korea for its combination of fast and free game play. When we were approached by GameHi to design co-branded gear for their player community, we wanted to design and sell peripherals that would not only look the part, but also offer technology that can be personalized and help improve the way users play the game," said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO.
The SteelSeries Ikari Laser features programmable macros for RTS and MMO gamers and a high precision sensor with 40,000 samples per second (SPS), which is suitable for FPS gamers. The advanced SteelSeries XY2 laser engine supports resolution settings with increments of only one Count Per Inch (CPI), giving gamers the ability to fine tune the mouse exactly to his or her personal reaction pattern.
The Ikari Laser provides gamers with unique SteelSeries technology including, SteelSeries FreeMove which provides the option to choose when the mouse should kick in and correct a players movement. This feature allows players to adjust how much control should be left up to the mouse and how much control should be left up to the player.
SteelSeries Ikari Laser Limited Edition Sudden Attack highlights:
- Samples per second: 40.000
- Inches per second: 50
- Counts per inch: 1 - 3.200 (one CPI Steps)
- Acceleration: 20 G
- Sensor data path: True 16 bit
- Lift distance: 1,8 mm (0,07 inch)
- Buttons: 5
- Cord: 2 m / 6,5 ft (braided to improve durability)
- Polling: 1000 Hz
- Gold-plated USB connector
- Measurements: 130 x 83 x 36 mm / 5,1 x 3,3 x 1,4 in
- CPI high/low indicator
- SteelSeries FreeMove Technology
- Large pressure points that reduce friction for optimized glide
- Driverless, plug-and-play feature for LAN gamers
- Operating systems: Win XP/Vista/Win 2000/Win 98/Win ME/Mac OS
This limited edition Ikari Laser made specifically for Sudden Attack, has a unique camouflage print for each individual mouse making the gamer ready to choose sides in the battle between the United Great Forces and the rebels from Tanziriro Liberation Front.
The SteelSeries Ikari mice are the result of 15 months extensive research of ergonomics, technology, shape, motion, hand grip and play styles by gamers. The shape, materials and specifications of the SteelSeries Ikari mice are based on input from professional players from Team 3D, compLexity, mousesports, SK Gaming, Team NoA and other world-class gaming organizations, who collectively represent the world's most accomplished gamers in Counter-Strike and other gaming disciplines.
The SteelSeries Ikari Laser mouse features programmable macros for RTS and MMO gamers and a high precision sensor suitable for FPS gamers. Furthermore the Ikari Laser is completely driverless which enables the mouse to remember settings and macros when plugged into tournament computers - without installing any drivers or software.
The advanced SteelSeries XY2 laser engine supports resolution settings with increments of only one CPI, which for the first time ever gives the user the ability to fine tune the mouse exactly to his personal reaction pattern. Set your windows and in-game sensitivity to default and set the CPI on your hardware instead of forcing software calculations.
With the built in LED display in the bottom of the Ikari Laser you are able to adjust your CPI anytime, anywhere - you are completely independent of software or drivers.
The gaming grade engine used in the SteelSeries Ikari Laser utilizes a new way of analyzing tracking, reaching 40.000 SPS (or around five times the speed of conventional laser technology). Both Ikari models are equipped with huge contact area glide pads made of a very slippery material.
The Ikari Laser is not compatible with glass mousepads so you shouldn't use it with the SteelSeries Experience series. We recommend a mousepad of the SteelSeries QcK series or the SteelSeries 5L for use with the SteelSeries Ikari Laser. You might also want to consider the SteelSeries QcK mass Limited Edition made specifically for Sudden Attack (see below)
For more information, visit:
http://bit.ly/5tNqKj
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SteelSeries QcK Mass Limited Edition Sudden Attack Mousepad
The SteelSeries QcK Mass Limited Edition Sudden Attack is an extremely thick mousepad made of a high quality cloth material that features an in-game graphic. The specially designed non-slip rubber base prevents the pad from sliding; no matter what surface the mousepad is placed on. The SteelSeries QcK Mass features exceptionally heavy thickness, which provides tremendous comfort for long-gaming sessions and a massive height reaching a total of 6mm from its surface.
It's consequently important to onsider the difference between SteelSeries QcK mass and all other mouse pads from our SteelSeries product line. This mouse pad features extremely heavy thickness which results in a very unique feeling. While the mouse pad is much more soft and comfortable to touch, the height is also fairly massive, reaching a total of 6mm. Other mouse pads from SteelSeries are very thin, aiming to provide a high quality gaming surface, as close as possible to level of the tabletop it's used on.
- M-sized cloth mouse pad
- Heavy thickness eliminates uneven surfaces
- 285 x 320 x 6 mm / 11,2 x 12,6 x 0,2 in
For more information, visit:
http://bit.ly/4FNhAM
The Limited Edition Sudden Attack Ikari Laser Mouse and QcK Mass Mousepad retail for $79.99USD (EUR: 69.99 + shipping) and $11.99USD (EUR: 14.99 + shipping) respectively and are available online in SteelSeries Web Shop:
http://shop.steelseries.com/us/
bookmystique@pbcentral.com
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Week's Best MacBook Prices:
Specials for PowerBook Central Readers
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17" MacBook Pro
2.53GHz i5: MSRP $2299
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15" MacBook Pro
2.4GHz i5: MSRP $1799
2.53GHz i5: MSRP $1999
2.66GHz i7: MSRP $2199
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13" MacBook Pro
2.4GHz: MSRP $1199
2.66GHz: MSRP $1499
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MacBook Air
1.86GHz/120GB HD: MSRP $1499
2.13GHz/128GB SSD: MSRP $1799
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Apple Refurbished
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| June 2009 models: |
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| 17" 2.8GHz MacBook Pro: |
$1869 |
| 15" 2.66GHz MacBook Pro: |
$1529 |
| 13" 2.53GHz MacBook Pro: |
$1189 |
| 13" 2.26GHz MacBook Pro: |
$929 |
| 13" 2.13GHz/128GB MacBook Air: |
$1549 |
| 13" 1.86GHz/120GB MacBook Air: |
$1249 |
| Oct 2009 models: |
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| 13" 2.26GHz White MacBook: |
$849 |
| March 2009 models: |
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| 15" 2.93GHz MacBook Pro: |
$1949 |
| Jan 2009 models: |
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| 17" 2.93GHz MacBook Pro: |
$2199 |
| 17" 2.66GHz MacBook Pro: |
$1949 |
| Oct 2008 models: |
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| 13" 1.8GHz/128GB MacBook Air: |
$1449 |
| 13" 1.6GHz/120GB MacBook Air: |
$1199 |
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Updated Daily |
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