MacMedics Macintosh Service, Consulting, & Sales For Baltimore, Washington DC, & Philadelphia Blog

Macintosh Consulting, Service, & Support

Archive for the ‘Better Mac Computing’ Category

Did You Know That We Love Fixing Macs For Our Clients? This Is How You Get Rave Reviews!

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Here at MacMedics, we really, REALLY LOVE what we do, and we really enjoy helping clients with Macintosh problems. In many cases, these folks have already called someplace else, only to get the run around.

In some cases, the issue can be very simple and what looks like a complex problem, and be quickly solved on the spot.

See the Angie’s List review from just such a MacMedics client from 2/2/12:

I added a Seagate external hard drive to my iMac and by accident loaded some Windows based software onto my Apple computer. The end result was that I was unable to start my computer. I called several Computer Tech companies to help me and it was going to cost several hundred dollars to fix the problem and would take several days. Bad news, I needed the computer running immediately and paying several hundred dollars was not a good thing.

I decided to look for a local company that specialized in Apple computers and found MAC MEDICS. I called them and explained the issue and the tech person thought he knew how to fix the problem. He walked me through several steps over the telephone but could not get the computer to work. Unfortunately that meant I would have to bring the computer in. I got to the store later that day and the technician who helped me on the phone came out to take a look at the computer. Fortunately it was an easy fix and he got the computer running correctly. He explained that this was a common problem that he has seen from customers. How much did he charge me, $0.00!

Wow what a company! I will definitely use MAC MEDICS in the future. In fact I purchased from them an inexpensive service plan for this computer.

Here’s another Angie’s list review from 11/22/10:

In addition to doing an excellent job replacing my iMac’s hard drive, the owner, Dana Stibolt, spent a lot of time with me on the phone explaining my options. He worked me in that very day, and completed the work in less than two hours. I was very impressed. Although it was quite a drive from where I live, I would go there again should my iMac need service again.

Apple Updates Final Cut Pro X

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Apple Updates Final Cut Pro X

Apple released Final Cut Pro X v10.0.3, a significant update that introduces:

-Multicam editing that automatically syncs up to 64 angles of video and photos

-Advanced chroma keying for handling complex adjustments right in the app

-Enhanced XML interchange for developers to build apps and plug-ins as part of the Final Cut Pro X ecosystem

Final Cut Pro X v10.0.3 also includes a broadcast monitoring beta that supports both Thunderbolt devices and PCIe cards.

Written by Dana Stibolt

January 31st, 2012 at 9:29 am

A Complete Backup Is BOTH Local AND Off-Site. Don’t get ROBBED Of Your Data!

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We’ve heard this story before:

We heard about another Apple Authorized Reseller who has a client, an attorney on the West Coast, whose MacBook Pro and Time Capsule were stolen in a recent break-in. Everything he had was on those two devices.

If a drug addict breaks into your home or office looking for stuff to steal to fuel their next drug fix, they WILL steal anything that has an Apple logo on it and anything else they think might be related. They will grab ANYTHING else they think they can get as little as $5 for. GPS devices go for $5 at pawn shops by the way when they are sold.

You might be 100% totally backed up locally, which is AWESOME because so many people don’t even do that, but if your data needs to be backed up, you need three things to have a complete back up:

The important thing is to PLAN AHEAD. Your back up is not complete if it’s not:

1. Automatic (Use Time Machine and this point is covered)

2. Redundant (Double your back up with a clone of your data or use an off-site back up and this point is covered)

3. Off-Site (Take your double back up off-site or get Mozy or CrashPlan Pro and this point is covered)

If you’d like to sign up for Mozy or CrashPlan Pro, we have links to those services, including the hard to find free 2GB Mozy account. We also strongly recommend LoJack for Laptops.

http://www.macmedics.com/mozy (Use code “2012″ for 10% off paid service until 2/1/12)
http://www.macmedics.com/crashplan
http://www.macmedics.com/lojack

We also have a number of other backup related articles on the MacMedics Blog about Time Machine, backups in general, and some posts about disaster planning.

Don’t Play Trick Or Treat With Your Mac’s Back Up!

It’s Not A Real Backup Until You Also Have An Off-Site Copy Of Your Data

Be sure to read “The Nine Things We Wish We Did Before Our House Burned Down” in the post listed above. We have the list line by line and a link to the original post, which is a “MUST READ” for anyone that has a house OR a computer

MacMedics Is An Apple Authorized Value Added Reseller

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MacMedics is an Apple Authorized Value Added Reseller and an Apple Authorized Service Provider, as well as being Certified Members of The Apple Consultants Network and Apple Developers. With two offices in the State of Maryland, and one in Philadelphia, we are well positioned to provide our famous, award-winning support and service to the Baltimore and Washington DC areas, as well as Northern Virginia, Wilmington, Delaware, Philadelphia Metro area, and Southern New Jersey.

The Apple Value Added Reseller authorization is top tier reseller designation by Apple. Apple Value Added Resellers and Apple Specialists are the same level of Apple sales authorization. Apple VARs generally have a deeper focus on Apple solutions as well as consulting and service. Apple Specialists usually have more of a retail sales focus. Both Apple VARs and Specialists are Apple Authorized to resell Macintosh computers, Apple software and accessories, as well as iPads, iPods, and Apple TV. Neither are permitted to resell the iPhone.

With MacMedics’ 22-years of service and support to the Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia areas, we’re proud to be authorized by Apple for both Apple sales AND service. As an Apple Authorized Value Added Reseller, we are authorized by Apple to resell Macintosh computers, the Apple iPad, the Apple iPod, and the Apple TV.

Here’s more information on Apple Authorized Value Added Resellers from Apple:

Independent Apple Value Added Resellers (VARs) are professionals authorized by Apple to deliver customized, market-specific solutions. Combining their technical knowledge with industry experience, Independent Apple Value Added Resellers can help you simplify and enhance your technology—leading to improved business processes and increased success.

Working with an Independent Apple Value Added Reseller, you gain:

• Customized multi-platform solutions
• Professional, industry experience
• Apple trained and certified expertise
• Proficiency in Apple and complementary products
• Additional services to support your business

Specialized Solution Expertise

Trained in Apple and complementary technology, working with independent Apple Value Added Resellers means that you’re getting high quality service and expertise. In addition to providing technology solutions, many independent Apple Value Added Resellers also provide additional services, such as: strategic planning, system design, and training.

Things to consider when choosing an Independent Apple Value Added Reseller:

• What is their specialized expertise
• What are their qualifications and certifications?
• Are they an Apple Authorized Service Provider?
• What other services do they offer?
• Will they integrate third-party products you need?
• Do they provide on-site services?
• Will they provide customer references?

New MacMedics Client Calls Our Service “Amazing”

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A Google Local review from MacMedics client, Angelina:

“An Apple representative recommended this place when my hard drive crashed a few months ago. Although they were unable to fix the issue, since it was mechanical, they were more than helpful. They were empathetic to my situation since the hard drive contained pictures/videos of the first two years of my daughter’s life. They were so helpful and knew exactly what they were talking about. They informed me of my data recovery options and recommended the best way to go about the situation. Their recommendations were far from self-serving and were shaped to fit my needs, even if that meant they would lose money. I will never go anywhere else. Everyone there is amazing. They even took it a step farther, since it is a bit of a drive for me; they looked at my computer with in 15 minutes (even though they were closing) and called me so that I could pick it up before I left the area. AMAZING.”

You can see more Google reviews here: http://is.gd/z9hLfO

If we’ve helped you in the past, please consider leaving us a review, as we’ve just had the honor of someone posting a totally fake review (which we responded to). You can also post a review on Yelp at: http://is.gd/Zge2yO

If you’re in a serious data recovery situation and you need a second opinion, please call us at 1-866-MAC-MEDICS. If we can’t help you, as was the case with the client who wrote the Google review of MacMedics that is listed at the top of the message, we’ll refer you to one of our data recovery “clean room” partners. If you already know that you need to go to “clean room” data recovery, like if the hard drive was damaged by liquid, or it was dropped and now is not spinning, we can send you right to our partners with the details you need as well as discount codes (free evaluation and up to 10% off a recovery) for most major data recovery firms.

Sell Or Trade In Your Broken Mac, iPhone, iPod, Or iPad To MacMedics

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MacMedics will accept your working, non-working, or damaged Apple hardware as a trade in credit towards a new Apple Macintosh computer, Apple iPad, and Apple iPod. You can also apply a trade in credit towards service on your existing Mac that might be in need of repairs or data recovery.

If you have broken or outdated gear just lying around, MacMedics will even purchase some broken, liquid damaged, or outdated Apple Computers, iPads, or iPods for cash. Older equipment, or units with extreme damage can be dropped off at either Millersville or Lanham for free e-waste recycling.

Both our Millersville and Lanham offices can accept stuff for trade. Call us at 1-866-MAC-MEDICS to discuss what you have and how it can be valued.

Apple Releases Lion 10.7.1

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About OS X Lion Update 10.7.1 (Client)

The 10.7.1 update is recommended for all users running OS X Lion and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability and compatibility of your Mac, including fixes that:

-Addresses an issue that may cause the system to become unresponsive when playing a video in Safari.

-Resolves an issue that may cause system audio to stop working when using HDMI or optical audio out.

-Improves the reliability of Wi-Fi connections.

-Resolves an issue that prevents transfer of your data, settings, and compatible applications to a new Mac running OS X Lion.

For detailed information on this update, please visit Apple’s website: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4764

Also, see the MacMedics Software Update safety web page: http://www.macmedics.com/updates.htm. Never, ever run any software update without having a tested and working back up system in place. If you’re in a jam with your backup, just call us for free advice on what to do and how to get caught up with your backup, and protect your valuable data!

1-866-MAC-MEDICS

Written by Dana Stibolt

August 16th, 2011 at 8:18 pm

Google Review: The Employees At MacMedics Were So Helpful And Polite

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Justin, a new MacMedics client who came to us from the Apple Store wrote the following about us on Google on 8/5/11.

The employees at Mac Medics were so helpful and polite. When me and my girlfriend went to the Apple Store they belittled her, talked down to her, and made her feel even worse about the problems she was already having with her MacBook. Mac Medics took the time to explain what the problems might be, how they may be resolved, and the different levels of pricing that may result from the work. I would recommend for any Mac owner to use the services that Mac Medics provides. I know that in the future if I have any problems or when I need to replace my old MacBook, I will be returning to Mac Medics.

Two Happy MacMedics Clients Learn Why We’re A Better Option Than The Apple Store

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This review is from Shannon L. from Silver Spring, MD, who posted this on Yelp

I agree with the previous reviewer; skip the Apple store lines and come straight to MacMedics. The fan started whirring loudly in my two year old Macbook Air. I first made an Apple Store appointment, but emailed MacMedics for a quote on the cost of repair. They replied promptly. I realized I bought Apple Care, brought it in, was helped without a wait, and had it back and fresh and fixed in 27 hours. Brilliant!

I’m utterly tickled I didn’t have to go to the mall for this, wait for a genius bar appointment, or deal with any hassle. Awesome service, thanks!

This review is from Kevin P from Greenbelt, Maryland. I included this here since the review above mentions the “previous reviewer”.

Macintosh support in Prince George’s County. Took my 2006-era MacBook Pro here after it died. They convinced me it wasn’t worth repairing. Instead, I ordered a replacement model. They added memory to my specifications and copied over the data from my old hard drive, something I couldn’t have done on my own, while charging only the base $99 for labor. We had a bit of a misunderstanding over the cost of the memory, which I’m dinging them a point for, but it was resolved to my satisfaction. I’m looking forward to dealing with them on all my future Macintosh issues rather than driving to Annapolis or Columbia. (I wish I’d known about them a lot sooner as it would have saved me a lot of mileage!)

You can read our Top 12 Reasons why MacMedics is a better choice than the Apple Store for Apple Authorized Service (both Warranty/AppleCare OR out-of-warranty service) in one of our most popular Blog posts at http://www.noappointments.com.

Were you happy with the service at MacMedics Lanham or Millersville? If so would help us spread the word about our good Apple service? Thanks in advance!

MacMedics DC Google.com http://is.gd/v2Hmf7
MacMedics DC Yelp.com http://is.gd/rhGZyL

MacMedics Baltimore Yelp.com: http://bit.ly/3dcMIM
MacMedics Baltimore Google.com: http://bit.ly/amOmj

More Praise For MacMedics Baltimore

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This is a review that was posted by our client, Ty Ford on Google on 7/28/11. You can read the review on Google here.

Mac Medics RULES! Back in the day, you could call Apple and ask a question (or more) and get a nice person to answer that question. It used to be that way at XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXX in Baltimore, but the last time I called (a few years back) and asked for a little help figuring out a kink in my wireless network, they were ready to send out a person and charge me a $250.00 minimum. So when I started the G5 up this morning and all the folder icons were gone, (files were there, just no folder icons) I searched the web, found no solution. Ran Disk Utility and Disk Warrior. They found things, fixed them, but didn’t solve the problem. I finally called Mac Medics, whom I had dealt with before. Matthew suggested doing an archive and install. I had never done one, even after all these years. In five sentences he gave me what I needed to know to safely get on with my repairs. It took a little time to get some of my apps reinstalled, but I was back on the road. And he didn’t charge me a dime. THANK YOU MAC MEDICS.

Were you happy with the service at MacMedics Lanham or Millersville? If so would help us spread the word about our good Apple service? Thanks in advance!

MacMedics DC Google.com http://is.gd/v2Hmf7
MacMedics DC Yelp.com http://is.gd/rhGZyL

MacMedics Baltimore Yelp.com: http://bit.ly/3dcMIM
MacMedics Baltimore Google.com: http://bit.ly/amOmj