Capitol Macintosh

We can now sell iPads and their accessories via Apple’s on-line store!  We don’t make much money (1%) but every penny counts.

One of the more common things we see in our store is MagSafe power adapters with damaged wire insulation and/or fraying where the thin cord meets the power brick or where the cord meets the actual MagSafe tip. While many consider this the result of a design flaw (coupled with the fact that Apple does offer free replacement in some situations), the simple fact is that these conditions are completely avoidable.
Most commonly, fraying at the power brick end is the result of wrapping the thin cord too tightly when the adapter isn’t in use. Wrap it more loosely, and wrap it such that the cord remains perpendicular to the power brick. This eliminates the strain. The same principle applies for the MagSafe tip end: keep it perpendicular to the computer to eliminate strain, and never pull on the cord to remove the plug from the power port - disconnect it by grabbing the MagSafe tip.
If your computer is still covered by it’s one year warranty or an AppleCare plan, and has not been damaged, we can get it replaced for you, at no charge.

Incorporating the Mac into an existing PC network is easier than ever with Mac OS X. Native support for Mac- and Windows-based networks means that you don’t have to deal with compatibility issues and you can leverage your existing technology investments. The Mac can connect to virtually any server, share files with nearly any computer, and seamlessly share printers and other network services. It can even authenticate to Active Directory services. With Mac OS X, the Mac has out-of-the-box support for Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, something even Windows PCs don’t have.

Now, for a limited time, buy Office 2008 for Mac and get a $20 rebate from Microsoft.

Apple has determined that a very small percentage of hard drives that were used in MacBook systems, sold between approximately May 2006 and December 2007, may fail under certain conditions.
If your MacBook was purchased in the date range listed above and shows a flashing question mark on the screen, please bring it in and we’ll examine the hard drive to confirm if it is eligible for a replacement, free of charge, under this program.
Note: If your MacBook is not experiencing the symptom listed above, you do not have to contact Apple or any Apple Authorized Service Provider. As always, Apple recommends that you back up your data. Learn more.

For the eighth consecutive fiscal quarter, Capitol Macintosh has earned the Apple Authorized Service Commitment to Excellence Recognition award. Apple has over 2500 ship-to locations in the US and Canada and Capitol Macintosh is one of only 56 locations that have been able to achieve this accomplishment.

Being honored 8 quarters in a row places Capitol Macintosh in the top two percent of North American Apple service providers, those that have implemented and utilized best practices, including repair, turnaround time, first-time fix and parts per repair.

“The Commitment to Excellence award program recognizes Apple Service providers who have excelled in delivering superior customer service and an outstanding repair experience to our valuable Apple customers,” said Norwita Powell, America Field Services, Apple, Inc.

Mac OS X 10.5 Help
Calibrate the battery in your MacBook or MacBook Pro every month or two to keep your battery functioning at its fullest capacity.

To calibrate the battery:

Plug in the MagSafe power adapter and fully charge the MacBook or MacBook Pro battery until the light on the MagSafe connector changes to green and the Battery icon in the menu bar indicates that the battery is fully charged.

Allow the battery to rest in the fully charged state for two hours or longer. You may use your computer during this time as long as the power adapter is plugged in.

Disconnect the power adapter with the computer on and start using it with battery power. When the battery’s charge gets low, you’ll see the low battery warning dialog on the screen.

Continue to keep your computer turned on until it goes to sleep. Save your work and close all applications when the battery’s charge gets low and before the computer goes to sleep.

Turn off the computer or allow it to sleep for five hours or longer.

Reconnect the power adapter and leave it connected until the battery is fully charged. You may use your computer during this time.

Repeat the calibration process every two months or so to keep the battery fully functioning. If you use your MacBook or MacBook Pro infrequently, it’s best to recalibrate the battery at least once a month.
If you purchased additional batteries, repeat the calibration process with those batteries as well.