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.

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

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.

Here are a few recent on-line reviews for MacMedics. Both of these are from Yelp.com. We frequently re-post these here on our blog to give them wider exposure. For what ever reason, Yelp filters all 29 of our reviews for the MacMedics Millersville location.

I have been a customer of MacMedics for a long time. It seems that whenever I run into a jam, be it a crash of a hard drive or something less urgent such as a problem with my iPhoto library, MacMedics has come through with flying colors! They are professional, knowledgeable, and efficient. They calmly determine what the problem is and offer solutions to fix it. 

Last week I raced to MacMedics with my back up drive, which I thought, might be compromised because of a power surge. I was going to arrive after closing time, and after calling Dana Stibolt; he assured me that he would wait for me because he understood the urgency of the situation. He quickly determined what the problem was and offered an inexpensive solution for the problem. 
I trust m MacMedics with all of my Apple needs. They have consistently performed well beyond my expectations. You can count on them.

Laurie Y.
Arlington, VA
1/13/12

Watch the keynote video from the event here: http://www.apple.com/apple-events/education-january-2012/

Apple Reinvents Textbooks with iBooks 2 for iPad

Today, Apple introduced iBooks 2 for iPad, featuring iBooks textbooks, an entirely new kind of textbook that’s dynamic, engaging, and truly interactive.

Now students will experience gorgeous full-screen textbooks on their iPads that feature text as well as interactive animations, diagrams, photos, videos, 3D objects, and more. With iBook textbooks, students can highlight text, take notes, search for content, use study cards, and find glossary definitions.

The iBookstore offers high school textbooks on topics such as algebra, biology, chemistry, and geometry from McGraw-Hill and Pearson to customers in the United States. Textbooks from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt are coming soon. iBooks textbooks are available for $14.99 or less.

Visit the iBooks 2 textbooks page on apple.com for more information. A First Look will be available by the end of January.

Apple Introduces iBooks Author

With iBooks Author and a Mac, anyone can create stunning iBooks textbooks, cookbooks, history books, picture books, and more for iPad.

iBooks Author features Apple-designed templates with a wide variety of layouts. It’s easy to add photo galleries, videos, 3D objects, Keynote presentations, lesson reviews, and more. Preview your book on iPad before submitting it to the iBookstore for purchase or as a free download.

Visit the iBooks Author page on apple.com for more information. A First Look and Product Presentation will be available by the end of January.

Apple Unveils New iTunes U App

The new iTunes U app gives educators and students everything they need to teach and take entire courses on iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch.

Now teachers can create and manage courses, and offer them to millions of iOS users around the world. iOS users can access the world’s largest catalog of free educational content from top universities worldwide. And for the first time, any K-12 school district can offer full courses through the iTunes U app.

Visit the iTunes U page on apple.com for more information.

Zappos/6pm security breach: Your info could be at risk? If you reused your password/email address combo from either of these sites elsewhere, then change it!

See article from COMPUTERWORLD here:

http://blogs.computerworld.com/19584/zappos_security_breach_your_data_hacked

Here’s the letter from 6pm.com:

First, the bad news:

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any additional questions about this process, please email us at passwordchange@6pm.com.

For website logins, it’s always wise to create a new password for each site and NEVER reuse your email password ANYWHERE!

Also see our MacMedics Blog post from 2010 here: MacMedics Security Alert: Only Use Your E-Mail Password For Your E-Mail Account (Gawker Security Breach)

There is really no substitute for accurate and authorized Apple repair service. Our talented and Apple Certified Macintosh techs solved another problem for two different Apple customers who both took the time to leave a 5-Star Review for both our Millersville and Lanham offices this week.

When you’re having issues with your Mac, please come visit our fully staffed and stocked offices in either Millersville or Lanham, Maryland. We’ll fix your Mac under Apple’s Limited Warranty or Apple’s extended warranty, AppleCare. Or, we can efficiently service your out of warranty, vintage, or obsolete Macintosh. When your Mac repair is complete, we’ll ensure you know everything you need to know in order to preserve and protect your valuable data and operate your computer successfully for as long as possible.

We love to help! So instead of making an appointment, trying to find parking, dealing with crowds, or having to worry about your data being erased, or having to deal with your computer being shipped away for repair, come see the Apple Certified Technicians at MacMedics.

Thanks to our customer, Mark, who had his Mac serviced in our Lanham office this week. Here’s his review from Yelp:

My Macintosh desktop computer had a complicated problem; part of the electronics had failed, while most individual components were fine. Since MacMedics is a certified Apple Service Provider and Reseller MacMedics correctly diagnosed the problem, which endless Apple phone support had been unable to do. The replacement part and labor were free, since my computer was still covered by the AppleCare Protection Plan. My computer now works better than when it was new. I also got some excellent technical advice on maintaining the computer, including information on back-up plans. I highly recommend MacMedics.

Mark
1/6/12

Also, thanks to our customer, Richard, who had his Mac serviced in our Millersville office this week. Here’s his review from Yelp.

Small repair. Done in a 15 minute walk up. Best service I have had in a long time. Highly recommend!

Richard
1/7/12

Please keep an eye out for a very convincing fake email that is made to look just like an official Apple email.

Here’s what it looks like:

It appears that wherever it points to has been shut down, but it is quite likely that they will switch it to a different server very quickly.

If you’re looking to avoid the Mall today, we have some great last minute gift ideas at some really great prices at the MacMedics Millersville location.

Save $100 New & Custom Built and MAXED out MacBook Air 13”, 1.8GHz i7, 4GB, 256GB Flash, Intel HD Graphics 3000 $1599!

Save $100 New Last revision 13″ MacBook Pro $1499 model: 2.7 GHz i7, 500 GB HDA, 4GB RAM in stock at MacMedics at “mail order” price: $1399

1/17/12 Just Re-Stocked: Save $300 MacBook Air closeout: Previous model: MacBook Air 13.3″ 1.86g 2GB 128GB $999 only a few left at MacMedics Millersville

Also in stock:

iPod touch in both black & white
iPod nano Silver
Apple TV
iPad 2 16 GB WiFi (Black)
iPad 2 16 GB WiFi (White)
Used iPad 1 32 GB WiFi + 3G
Used iPad 1 64 GB WiFi + 3G

Buy any iPod or Mac and get 25% off any case (hard shell, sleeve, or carrying bag)

We also have a wide selection of used MacBooks, MacBook Pros, and MacBook Airs. There is also a small number of iMacs and Mac minis available as well. All MacMedics refurbished Macs carry a full 1-year warranty.

MacMedics also carries new and used iPads. We have sold out for the holidays, but we are expecting some more in soon. If you’re looking to get an iPad or you’re already getting one for the holidays, we do accept trade ins and we also pay cash for them outright (in any condition).

1/12/12 Update Now 25% off LoJack for Laptops, the Mac OR Windows version makes a great gift. If you have a MacBook Pro road warrior or a college student, this is a MUST have item. Order here: http://t.co/aeEWeorb

Apple TV Software Update 4.1.1 Released

Apple released Apple TV Software Update 4.1.1. This is an important update, and it should be installed on all Apple TV units.

Don’t forget the MacMedics is your local Apple Authorized Value Added Reseller for Macs, iPads, iPods, and Apple TV.

From Quicken 12/22/12:

Dear Quicken Mac Customer:

As a fellow Mac fan and customer, I wanted to personally introduce myself, and share some highlights of our Apple-related efforts with you.

I recently became General Manager of the Personal Finance Group at Intuit, responsible for Quicken and Mint.com. Intuit’s 25 years of leadership in personal financial management software makes me excited to lead this team and I am committed to creating products to help you reach your financial goals.

I recognize, however, that we have not always delivered on this promise to Quicken Mac customers.

As you may know, Quicken for Mac 2007 does not currently work on Apple’s latest operating system, Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion). I understand the frustration this may have caused you and have put a team in place to address this issue. I am happy to announce that we will have a solution that makes Quicken 2007 for Mac “Lion-compatible” by early spring. There are still details to be worked out, so I ask your continued patience as we work through these. In the meantime, you can find more information on our Mac FAQ page.

Working toward a Quicken for Mac 2007 solution is just a first step in winning back your confidence.

We are expanding our development team to continue our renewed focus on personal finance solutions that suit the needs of our Mac customers. As we develop solutions, we’ll be looking to you and the rest of our Mac customers for ideas and feedback.

I understand we have a way to go, but I wanted to start by communicating our commitment to Mac and look forward to sharing the details with you as they emerge.

Thank you for your continued loyalty to Quicken.

Sincerely,

Aaron Forth
General Manager, Intuit Personal Finance Group