Capitol Macintosh

By Ted Schadler, Forrester Research

iPad has exploded onto the scene. Who could have imagined that a tablet (a category introduced in 2001) would capture the imagination of employees and IT alike? But it did, and it’s kicked off an arms race for smart mobile devices. Every day, a new tablet appears: Cisco Cius, Dell Streak, Samsung Galaxy Tab, RIM PlayBook, HP Windows 7 Tablet, the list goes on. These post-PC devices will find a place in your company, but where?
We’ve had over 200 conversations with IT customers about iPads and other tablets since January. The interest is incredible. And IT is ahead of the curve on this one, determined not to be playing catchup as happened with employee and executive demand for iPhones. We talk to people every day who are deploying iPads in pilots or experiments.

In a new report for Forrester clients, we categorize the ways in which we see tablets entering the workplace:
Displace laptops. This is the classic executive and mobile professional scenario. While it will be some time before tablets replace laptops completely, iPads have proven their value in meeting rooms, on the go, and of course as personal devices. But for now, it means tablets are a third device alongside smartphones and laptops.

Replace clipboards and other paper. This is the scenario for a construction manager using an application by Vela Systems that can now carry an iPad instead of a tube full of construction drawings. It also applies to clinical testing in the pharma industry, facilities inspections by quality assurance pros, and insurance brokers writing business out in the field. New place scenarios where there has been no connected solution previously. This includes doctors using iPads to write orders in surgery or access patient records in the examination room. Also retail floor personnel customizing an order for a new Mercedes or summer warddrobe.

Is iPad for you? Stop in and give it a test drive!

Apple has released an important set of firmware updates for MacBook and MacBook Pro models ranging from late 2007 to early 2008. This update addresses an issue that barred the models in question from charging with Apple’s recently redesigned MagSafe Power Adapter.
Though Apple introduced the “L-shaped” version of the adapter alongside the MacBook Air in January 2008, the company only recently made it the standard across their notebook line. Though this redesign effectively prevents the fraying (and in some cases frying) issues that plagued the older design, it became problematic with several slightly older Macs.
The notebooks affected would charge per usual with the classic MagSafe design, but would fail to recognize its “L shaped” successor. This was not a widespread problem until Apple halted production of the original MagSafe design earlier in the year. Upon this manufacturing change, owners of certain machines were essentially left without a means of charging should their original adapter fail.
We encountered this problem ourselves, and though a PMU reset occasionally alleviated the issue, many users were forced to seek used or refurbished adapters of the older variant. Thankfully, however, this issue is no more. By running Software Update from the Apple Menu, users of the following machines can download the SMC Firmware Update which permanently resolves the issue.
MacBook (13-inch Late 2007)
; MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2008); 
MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2008)
; MacBook (13-inch, Early 2008); and 
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2008)

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.

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.