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OWC Tips & Deals 12/08/2006
Intro: Holiday Greetings and Salutations from your friends in Woodstock! How can it already be only two weeks till Christmas, three weeks till New Year, and only a month before MacWorld Expo '07? The answer is of course rather consistent to the calenders we've adopted and with days passing with regard to those laws of nature and physics. How fast it seems to go by and each year faster yet, so it feels. Then again, I can still remember a day when each December day seemed an eternity... Couldn't wait for the last day of school before Christmas Break and it seemed like forever before Christmas Day would come too. I certainly have a different appreciation for this time today and ever more so evolving as I watch my already nearly eighteen month old son grow up. Anyway...... Macworld Expo Passes - gift from OWC It's that time of the year again and if you're going to Macworld, now is the time to get your pass! I would be honored for you to be our guest at the Macworld Expo San Francisco, which runs January 9th through the 12th. Just register via our website, and the $45 pass is our gift - no cost to you! But, you need to hurry on this one... The offer is only good through end of day December 11th (That's Monday!). Having said that, in addition to getting the pass for free - by registering by December 11th, the pass will also be mailed to you by Macworld so you don't need to stand in line at the show. Anyway, enjoy the pass, enjoy the show - hope to see ya there! MacBook Memory Upgrading: To Pair or Not to Pair Since day one, Apple has strongly recommended that memory going into models with the Intel GMA950 Video chipset be installed in pairs. GMA950 video equipped Macs do not have dedicated Video Memory for display and rather the GMA950 actually shares 64MB from your main system memory installed. Models with the GMA950 include all Mac mini Intel, all 13.3" MacBook, and iMac Intel 17"*(*17" Education Core Duo/Entry Level Core 2 Duo models only). Although it's not going to be great for playing games, the GMA950 certainly gets by for the daily grind. A-OK for Quicktime and Quicktime HD playback, web browsing, DVD movie playback, iMovie, iPhoto, etc. Compared to what was stock video a couple years ago, it is a very capable entry level standard. But on to the shared memory.... As all of the Intel Core 2 Duo Macs (same is true between Core Duo Macs) share the same memory controller and processor. It is only on the GMA950 equipped models, which have the shared memory use for video, that are pushed to have only matched pairs of memory installed - for enabling the 128MBit memory addressing. In the Apple store, you'll find that while the current Core 2 Duo models with Nvidia or ATI video offer memory options on non-pairs - the GMA950 equipped model configs offer memory options that only include pairs. I know, it's time to get to the point. Although delayed with our first MacBook Core 2 Duo being defective, with a new MacBook in hand earlier this week, the memory testing I promised in our last newsletter has now been completed. The results really surprised me and that's part of why I've been building to this point..... Despite Apple's strongest recommendations for memory pairing, the test results we have from the current Apple MacBook 1.83GHz 13.3" Core 2 Duo laptop cause us to recommend otherwise. When the iMac G5 came out, paired memory for performance interleaving was an option there as well - but testing showed that you were better off upgrading to have more memory via replacing one module than buying less memory so the budget could support two modules. We really believed that it would be different with these GMA950 video equipped Intel Macs because of them sharing the system memory - something that wasn't a factor with the iMac G5. The bottom line is that it's not at all what we expected. We did a total of 8 different tests, that I will summarize below (and/or click the preceding link to view the data online), and tested memory configured: 512MB (256MB x 2 Pair) 768MB (256MB + 512MB) 1.0GB (512MB x 2 Pair) 1.0GB (1024MB Module, 2nd slot empty) - unlikely realworld config 1.25GB (1024MB + 256MB) 1.5GB (1024MB + 512MB) 2.0GB (1024MB x 2 Pair) One of the specially designed features of the GMA950 included support for Apple's h.264 Quicktime High Definition Video Playback. In all memory configs, playback occurred without issue with the small, medium, and large Quicktime HD Videos tested. We did two tests with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe After Affects, both of which are still not Intel-Native and utilize Rosetta emulation to operate. This test did not show an advantage for matched pairs either, rather illustrated that having more memory was best even 1.25GB being better than 1.0GB Matched Pair as well as 1GB solo module. Then there is our multi-application stress test with Photoshop running a script while iTunes plays. Oddly, with 1.5GB of memory installed the test was about 5 seconds slower (about 1.5%) than with 1.25GB installed, however - both the 1.25GB and 1.5GB non-paired memory configs beat the 1.0GB matched pair config by about 5% and 4% respectively. In our last 'real-world' application test, we did a frame rate test with the popular Mac game Halo. This is the only real-world test where a clear benefit appeared for the Matched Size Pair vs. non-matched memory config. The advantage manifested in the 1.0GB (512MB x 2) and 2.0GB (1GB x 2) test configs with about a one half frame per second (about 3%) improved performance vs. 1.25GB and 1.5GB non-matched. Not talking a whole lot there - but, it's significant if only for it being a real-world result in favor of matched size pairs. The first benchmark utility we ran was Xbench, and here we observed 0.3% to 2.03% reported benefit with matched vs. non-matched in the 512MB to 1.5GB typical configs. The 2.0GB max memory config, had the best score in this test - about 3.35% faster than the lowest scoring 1.25GB config, but only about 1.6% better than the 1.5GB (1GB + 512MB) config. More memory, in addition to the interleaving, without question impacts performance and the results of this test. We also tested with the benchmark application 'Cinebench'. This utility is supposed to tell you how well the 3D Modeling application 'Cinema 4D' will perform on your system. It's considered a good test of processor and overall video performance. In comparing 1GB to 2GB configs - both the 1GB and 2GB matched measure up about 8.5% better vs. 1.25GB and 1.5GB non-matched configs. In fact - the 1GB and 2GB configs both reported basically the same performance suggesting that additional memory didn't help Cinema 4D, which I kind of find surprising. In conclusion: More memory is overall better than having less memory that is interleaved. There is a HUGE benefit to upgrading even just to 768MB (replacing a one of the 256MB with a 512MB) from a factory 512MB config. General performance is better having more 1.25GB or 1.5GB by replacing one of the stock modules with a 1.0GB Memory Module vs. buying two 512MB modules for about the same cost and only having 1.0GB total. And of course, having a total of 2.0GBs is the best - but you'll be in darn good shape all the same with 1.25GB or 1.5GB too. We are going to do some further testing with original Core Duo Macs as well as both Core Duo and Core 2 Duo Macs when configured with a 2nd spanned display attached. There is no reason currently to expect results that are any different from what we've found above. I know a lot of MacBooks are out there with just the 512MB as well as 1.0GB configs. Hope this helps so you can put in even just the little extra to start getting even more from that great little laptop! The 'Swiss Army Knife of Hard Drive Accessibility' cased NewerTech's Universal Hard Drive to USB Adapter is recognized as one of those must have tools if you do any of your own hard drive upgrading. this product, first introduced about six months ago, gives you an easy way to access or transfer data, setup/initialize, connect any 2.5" or 3.5" or even 5.25" standard optical drive to your Mac (or PC) via an available USB 1.1 or USB 2.0(recommended) port. Be it SATA or IDE or ATA or ATAPI, it's the easy way to temporarily connect up that hard drive you just replaced or extra drive sitting in the drawer, whatever. What really closes the 'must-have' part of the deal is the really low price of only $24.95 ($20 for newsletter readers). And now, it's available with a case too. So, literally speaking, this 'Swiss Army Knife of Hard Drive Accessibility' with case is now available for $28.95 ($25 for readers!). Makes a great gift too. :) OWC Hot Deals Blast If you aren't already aware, in addition to this newsletter we also send out a deals only focused e-mail several times a month. Anyway, over the last week or so I've sent a series on them with a focus on Storage deals, then SuperDrives, and most recently Wireless options. You can check these out in this 'special' online reprint' and might even decide it's worth getting on the list for your e-mail box too. While I always update you on the latest reader specials with each Tips n' Deals e-mail, our Hot Deals Blasts are 'blasted' out a bit more frequently with some deals that don't even last in stock between Tips newsletter send outs. For Fun and of interest As you may have gathered from the last newsletter, I kind of consider the Zune a joke. Then, maybe Microsoft over played the 'iPod Killer' hype depending too much on the 'unique' brown Zune version to sink the final nails into the iPod's coffin. I mean, come on now, there must have been market studies that determined a large number of iPod users were ready to bail if only someone offered a brown digital music player! I am not sure what studies Microsoft did, but for all the hype - objectively speaking, the Zune falls way short of expectation. Maybe that's why Microsoft acts like their happy about selling a whole 1 million of them by June of 2007. That compares to the over 8.7 million iPods Apple shipped from July to September, a slower selling period and only 3 months vs. the 8 months MS is projecting for hitting their first million. Microsoft has got the big dollars and is certainly putting their money where their mouth is, but I personally find the digital rights restrictions of the Zune 'program' alone a deal killer - even if the actual Zune design/features caught up to what Apple has mostly perfected already. None of this is too surprising. I mean, really, early adopters in general know the pitfalls that lurk... and none know it better than those who work with anything Microsoft. And as this is Microsoft, sure - it will get better, but - assuming there isn't some major misstep by Apple, it's still going to be 2nd - if it even gets to that (currently 6th overall by digital music player brands) vs. the iPod they seek to imitate. Intro Closing: By the time I get to sending these newsletters out, it's not uncommon for the date to be in need of revision. Time flies especially when trying to write. So far, time yet remains to get this one under the wire - and working to make future ones more timely than ever. Currently I use BBEdit to compose these in an HTML text format. In addition to composing, trying to watch the grammar, and further working to catch to make sure all the words 'thought' also get typed too... I'm sure you know how easy it is to skip typing a word from a thought and even reading over the section and still missing the missing word since it's from your thought.... Anyway, I will be testing actual newsletter composition software out. If all goes well, we'll have an even cleaner and easier to read newsletter that comes out more often and that will again have a clean non-HTML text version viewable from the same. Just thought I'd share... I hope you're having a great December with much holiday joy. Thank you reading our Tips n' Deals newsletter! That's the intro - this is still ahead: Quick Tip: Keep you lap cool, updated Reader Specials, and Roger's Music on the Mac follow right after these 'messages from our sponsor': Quick Links A better Apple/Macintosh ISP at a better price - FasterMac.Net Super competitive rates, Toll Free Tech Support, and a brand new level of Anti-Virus and Anti-Spam protection coming on line - you'll be amazed at how much you get for less at FasterMac.Net. Even just for e-mail, FasterMac.Net makes the hassle of Spam effectively no hassle at all. Just what does OWC do with trade-ins, open box items, discontinued goods, etc.? We put 'em up on our Clearance Deals Page. Upgrade the Mac you have or get a new one? OWC's exclusive Benchmark Reporting System helps you answer your own question. Compare various stock Macs vs. New Macs vs. Upgrades - you pick the Macs to compare and from up to 15 different tests we've completed. Use Apple OS 9.2.2 & Apple OS X on Macs Apple doesn't support because OWC does with OS 9 Helper and Xpostfacto! Quick Tip: Keep you lap cool - manual control of MacBook/Pro fan! As laptops have gotten faster, they've also gotten a bit warmer or even hot too. Even since the PowerBook G3, I suppose that it's nothing new with sometimes the laptops actually being more like lap warmers or even burners. And that's where this Quick Tip comes in handy - for those with the new MacBook or MacBook Pro models that already are known for their thigh roasting capabilities. OWC's Jamie has put together this brief web article with the link to the application that cools things down. The featured software is donation ware - so remember to take care of that author should this solution be just right when it comes to cooling things down! See past Quick Tip topics online in the Quick Tip Archive Great Buys and Featured Exclusive Specials for OWC E-Mail Subscribers: The latest and greatest OWC Tips n' Deals Specials are viewable and regularly updated on your Reader's Exclusive Specials Page. Features currently include 500GB HDs from $167.99 120GB Notebook Hard Drives for $99 FireWire 250GB External Drives from $119 Apple OS 'Tiger' 10.4.x with iLife 2005 for $95 Apple Airport Cards from $74.50 A Wide Variety of discounted Memory Deals G4 Processor Upgrades, including 1.2GHz for just $175 And a whole lot more! This portion of our newsletter is currently being revamped, so I encourage you to visit this page to check out if looking for a deal that fits for you. You can also check out the recent Hot Deals Blasts 'online reprinted'. Again, these deals and more - reserved just for Readers - found on your Tips n' Deals Exclusive Specials Page. What follows next is just a sampling of this week's highlights. Music on the Mac - Holiday Gift Guide Greetings from the macsales.com music dept! The holidays are fast approaching and here is a quick guide to help you find the right gift for that special aspiring musician in your life! The right tools at great prices. Music keyboard: The new Mid-Air 25 is a "wireless" USB/midi keyboard. Sit in your favorite chair and play music/sounds on your computer wirelessly. Goin' mobile! Mobile Recording: M-Audio's incredible MicroTrack-no, it's not an electric shaver LOL Effortlessly record "live" and then transfer to your computer to burn CDs ! Print out your score! Music notation made easy !! Print Music by the makers of Finale. Great features at a fantastic price! Microphones. Both of these are incredible values! The M-Audio Soundcheck is a great sounding mic for about $50! The MXL package is a pair of incredible condenser mics for around $100 Speakers...gotta hear it rock the room! JBL and M-Audio...names you can trust! Audio ins & outs! USB or FireWire ..pick your flavor! For the musician on the go! Guitars: Brian Moore Guitars .Gorgeous and includes MIDI capability These fantastic products and much more available in our Music Department...shop early and have a wonderful holiday season. Get our entertaining new Widget called Daily Guitar Jam. Visit studioA recording studio and Other World Computing's new audio showroom by appointment - email: rogerad@macsales.com For all your audio/music needs, macsales.com/music online. Subscribe to the "Rock Your Computer" PodCast. Browse and read other 'Music on the Mac' articles by Roger posted online. See how Roger created The Garage Album CD at The Garage Album website. Interact with Roger and other Apple Music/Audio users in our online music and audio forums. About our Music Guru: Roger Adler is a four-time Emmy nominated composer, producer, and performer. He is an endorser and clinician for the iGuitar by Brian Moore Guitars and his work is recognizable in over 1000 television commercials. Adler performed at the Presidential Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C. as recently as 2005 and his recordings include appearances on the Groundhog Day feature film soundtrack and The Garage Album. He is widely recognized for his role as Music director for the A&E television series "The Best of Comic Relief" starring Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, and Whoopi Goldberg and for 16 years as Music Director for the popular series "Wild Chicago." Adler is the owner of two recording studios serving the professional entertainment industry, i^3 audio at North Pier in Chicago and studioA at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park in Crystal Lake, IL. In addition to facilitating the Daily Guitar Jam Widget, Adler produces the popular Podcast Show "Rock Your Computer" which broadcasts to an international audience via Apple's iTunes Music Store. Closing: It's hard to believe it's been 65 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor. Several years ago my wife and I had the opportunity to visit the Pearl Harbor/USS Memorial in Honululu and it really left a mark. Both my Grandparents served in WWII and my Wife's Grandfather was even at Pearl Harbor, although not aboard a ship during the attack. Hearing their stories and reading of this history is almost surreal. Without having lived in the day, it's near impossible to appreciate how much we have to be thankful for today. History is something for us to learn from and history such as this includes brave men and women for us to always remember and honor as well. While at the Memorial we became members and later OWC became a direct donor to help in the preservation of this site. As my own family prepares to celebrate Christmas for the 2nd time with our son, I just feel ever more lucky for the life we have. I pray that he will grow up with the freedoms and liberties I've always known. I pray too that we treasure this world in terms of 'Mother Nature', protecting and conserving the environment for his generation and those to follow. Heartfelt and sincere, the best and happiest holiday season to you and yours. Thanks! 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. 1004 Courtaulds Drive Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-8685 This is an free subscribed E-Mail Newsletter that can be joined via or 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 with 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 2000-2006, Other World Computing - Since 1988 |