Apple injects more Pro in the new MacBook Pro
With faster performance and enhanced professional features, Apple® has dubbed its new MacBook Pro® the most advanced Mac® notebook ever.
The new 13 and 15-inch MacBook Pro models with Touch Bar® feature eighth-generation Intel Core processors, with six-core on the 15-inch model for up to 70 percent faster performance and quad-core on the 13-inch model for up to two times faster performance. Intel asserts these new processors will “redefine mainstream desktop performance” and immerse users in incredible computing experiences. Read More...
Apple introduces new iPad with Apple Pencil support
Apple® is glad you asked that question.
The new iPad is different, is more capable and may just be a better value than any iPad model currently available.
To the untrained eye, the new sixth-generation iPad is essentially the same as the fifth-gen model it replaces. The 9.7-inch form factor, the aluminum unibody construction, the silver-grey-gold color options, the existing accessories and even the opening price point remains the same — the 32GB model starts at $329. Read More...
Fun facts about Apple’s new HomePod
Before we delve into the unique personality of this device, let’s first understand what HomePod™ is and what it is not.
Apple® claims HomePod is the ultimate music authority, bringing together Apple Music® and Siri® to learn your taste in music. From all indications to date, Apple is spot on with that assessment. The engineering is amazing. HomePod isn’t just one speaker, it’s actually eight speakers, all controlled by Apple’s own A8 processor and tons of custom software. There are seven tweeters that fire down and out from the bottom, and a single four-inch woofer pointing out of the top for low frequencies. There is also a total of seven microphones — six around the middle for Siri, and a seventh inside that measures the location of that woofer so Apple can precisely control the bass.
All of these speakers and software aren’t trying to add anything to music, but rather to eliminate unwanted extra sounds you might get from reflections in the room in which HomePod sits. It is this kind of nuance that easily makes HomePod the best sounding smart speaker in the marketplace.
If you’re all in on the Apple ecosystem, and you’re a diehard fan of Apple Music, then HomePod is your device of choice. But if you are instead looking for a more competent Amazon Echo or Google Home as a voice-controlled intelligent assistant, you may not find it in HomePod.
If you still have HomePod perched on the fence, here are some fun facts you should know: Read More...
Trade-in, trade-up with Gazelle
“Gazelle has built its reputation as a super-fast, efficient and safe way for people to get cash back for their used iPhone® or other device,” said Patrick Cranston, President of CranstonIT. “We are proud to affiliated with such an iconic name in our industry.”
Gazelle has helped pioneer the eCommerce category, and is recognized by an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and a 9.5/10 Reseller Ratings review average.
Since 2008, Gazelle has paid out more than $200 million for unwanted technology, while helping consumers upgrade at the same time. Gazelle has purchased and resold more than two million devices — such as iPhone, iPad®, MacBook® and other used high-end devices — and enabled discount opportunities for consumers who otherwise could not afford new technology.
Essentially, Gazelle rewards people for approaching consumption in a smart, environmentally responsible way. Rather than discard a device you no longer value or use, Gazelle provides original owners with an opportunity to exchange it for cash and then put that cash towards a certified pre-owned device.
If you are interested in seeing what your device is worth — or in buying a certified pre-owned device — you now have two ways to begin that process. You can either visit Gazelle.com OR contact CranstonIT at 888-813-5558 or support@cranstoninc.com. If you choose the latter, a CranstonIT representative will facilitate the entire process for you. Either way, your device will be quickly evaluated and you’ll have a cash-back quote good for 30 days. Ask us for more details.
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Apple Introduces HomePod
Back in 1984, Steve Jobs introduced the Macintosh®. Or rather, the Mac® introduced itself to the audience by saying “Hello, I’m Macintosh. It sure is great to get out of that bag.”
Apple's introduction of HomePod™ demonstrates just how far we’ve come from those early days of technology intelligence. HomePod can not only introduce itself, but teams with Siri® and Apple Music® to create a brilliant home assistant capable of managing everyday tasks and bringing the music listening experience to an entirely new level.
Designed to compete against — er, crush? — Amazon Echo and Google Home when it begins shipping this month, HomePod is a powerful intelligent speaker in an elegant mesh-covered cylindrical package that stands just seven inches tall and boasts seven beam-forming tweeters for high-frequency acoustics and a large woofer for deep, clean bass. Driven by its A8 chip, HomePod software enables a spatial awareness that can sense its location in the room and automatically adjust the audio for the optimal listening — or command-executing — experience.
Who should buy the new iMac Pro?
To be clear, Apple® created the new iMac Pro® for the professional user.
It’s an astonishing machine, and it’s packed with the most powerful graphics and processors ever in a Mac®, along with the most advanced storage, memory and I/O — all behind a breathtaking Retina® 5K display in a sleek all-in-one design. There’s no debate when Apple bills this as "the most powerful Mac ever built”.
That power starts with the processor, an 8-core Intel Xeon W. If that's not enough performance for you, there are also 10-core, 14-core and 18-core options. Standard RAM is 32 GB, but you can bump it to either 64 GB or 128 GB. The default storage is a 1 TB solid-state drive, but you can increase that to 2 TB or 4 TB. You can't upgrade the iMac Pro in any way yourself, but you can take it to an Apple Store® or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to have additional RAM installed.
Apple raises bar in your hand, on your wrist, in your home.
From the company that brought you “just one more thing,” Apple® certainly didn’t disappoint at its September product introduction.
It begins where the announcements ended, with the revolutionary iPhone X. With its all-screen design, 5.8-inch Super Retina® display and intelligence that responds to a tap, a voice and even a glance, Apple is touting this as the most technologically advanced mobile device ever designed. iPhone® X introduces Face ID that uses ultra-secure 3D imagery to unlock with just a glance, 12MP dual cameras with dual optical image stabilization, Portrait mode with Portrait Lighting, a TrueDepth camera for portrait selfies and expressive Animoji, the A11 Bionic chip, wireless charging and water and dust resistance. All this, plus iOS 11. Ten years after the first iPhone was introduced, iPhone X (that’s ten, BTW) will be available November 3.
Apple Hardware takes center stage at WWDC
With more than 5,000 developers in attendance, Apple introduced a new iMac®, a powerful new iMac Pro, an iPad Pro® in a new form factor and a smart speaker called HomePod — the first new product since the Apple Watch® was unveiled in 2015.
HomePod created the loudest buzz. It’s Apple’s answer to the popular Amazon Echo and Google Home wireless smart speakers, and delivers amazing audio quality that competes with the best Wi-Fi speakers on the market. Read More...
Apple’s Airpods Promises to Invigorate Wireless Earbuds
Unlike previous generations of Bluetooth earpieces, these wireless earbuds are compact and unobtrusive. They fit in the ear canal with very little showing outside the ear and no cord or wraparound piece attaching them.
Connecting AirPods to your Apple devices couldn't be easier. Simply select AirPods on your device and tap on the pods. Once connected, they’ll stay that way, ready to use anytime you want. What’s more, they can sense when you’re wearing them and will pause when they’re removed. Read More...
MacBook Pro 2016 Features Touch Technology
The new MacBook Pro 2016 is lighter, brighter, faster and more fun than previous Mac notebooks. Naturally, all those upgrades come at a cost. If you’re in the market for a high-end laptop, and don’t mind spending up for one, the MacBook Pro might be for you.
The most exciting of this laptop’s interesting and innovative features is the new Touch Bar that has replaced the function keys at the top of the keyboard. This adaptive strip of glass will automatically change based on what you’re doing and what app you’re using. For instance, while in Contacts, the Touch Bar will display actions for the contact card you’re currently viewing in the main app such as shortcuts to call, FaceTime or iMessage that person. While in Safari, you’ll see forward and back keys and an address/search button. Currently, not all apps are Touch Bar ready, but more are being added as developers adopt the technology.
Apple Unveils Watch Series 2
September has been a busy month for Apple. With the usual fanfare that accompanies its fall releases, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 2 featuring the WatchOS 3 operating system.
The Apple Watch Series 2 is faster, brighter, and smarter than its predecessor. The dual core processor is 50% faster and the display is two times brighter. This means less time for apps to load and you’ll be able to see the display much more easily when outside. Read More...
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus Cause a Stir by Omission
The new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus were released this month with more buzz about what the phones do not have than what they include. That’s unfortunate, because the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus include some noteworthy additions.
What’s causing all the commotion?
The phones do not include a headphone jack.
What?! How will we listen to our tunes?
How to Extend Battery Life – Mac and iPhone/iPad
Tips for extending the battery life of your Mac and your iPhone can fall into several categories, from the obvious to the elusive. Sometimes the obvious is what eludes us the most.
Powering Your Mac
Obvious Tip: Turn off what you’re not using.
You probably already know that turning off wifi and Bluetooth can save battery life, but do you actually do it? You’d be surprised at what a difference this simple action can make. If you need to connect to a wireless network to get internet access, then wifi has to be on. Bluetooth is different. If you don’t connect Bluetooth devices to your Mac, you can turn off Bluetooth, save battery and not be inconvenienced. Read More...
iPhone SE and iPad Pro Prove Size Does Matter
iPhone SE: Small Size, Big Performance
Released on March 31, 2016, Apple’s latest addition to the iPhone arsenal -- the SE -- packs a lot of punch in a design you’ve seen before. The lightweight case with 4-inch retina display fits comfortably in the hand just like its popular predecessors. As with the 6s, the phone features the A9 chip, offering spectacular speed and responsiveness, with the addition of the M9 coprocessor that enables you to talk to Siri without the need to pick up the phone. Read More...
HomeKit makes your home smarter
Homekit is not an application that runs utilities or anything else in your home. Rather, it’s a technology certification platform that developers can integrate into their hardware enabling it to communicate with your iOS device. For example, if you have a smart lighting system and that system is certified through Apple’s MFI program for HomeKit, you’ll be able to use your iPhone to turn your lights on and off. The same goes for all those other automated home functions like locks, heating, and cooling.
One of the features that puts HomeKit at the front of the class is its encryption protocol. The certification process requires manufacturers to include a custom encryption co-processor. This is big. While using smart technology is handy and helpful, it’s not worth the box it came in if someone can tap into your home’s automated locks and security cameras. According to Apple, HomeKit data is encrypted 100 percent of the time so, for example, only you or someone in your household knows when your lights are set to turn on/off. Read More...
If You Want Bigger and Faster, iPad Pro Does Not Disappoint
iPad Pro uses iOS 9 to add new capabilities including fast multi-tasking and a variety of built-in apps, all in a super slim, lightweight design. The four built-in high-fidelity speakers make listening to music and movies a theater-like experience. And the new portable, full-size keyboard adds even greater functionality. Read More...
Apple Pencil Offers Pro Precision for an Affordable Price
Color outside the lines. Take doodling to a new level. Create a work of art. The new iPad Pencil for iPad Pro lets you do all of this and more. It looks and feels just like the writing instrument we all grew up with, but has so much technology loaded into its slim design you can’t help but marvel at it.
Working in harmony with iPad Pro’s enhanced Multi-Touch surface, the Pencil allows a level of precision that you just can’t get when using your finger as a stylus. Sensors in the Pencil detect position, force, and tilt, enabling you to press lightly for a thin stroke or harder for a bold stroke. Tilt it to the side and you can create shading, just like you would with a standard graphite pencil. Read More...
Protect Your Network with Kerio Control Firewall
Kerio Control offers a complete firewall solution that provides multiple types of protection called Unified Threat Management. This all-in-one solution will protect your network from malware, viruses, and malicious activity through a vigilant system designed to keep the bad guys out. Read More...
The New Apple TV Adds Apps, Siri, Touch for Your Viewing Pleasure
This is not your father’s TV, folks.
Apple TV takes the phase “there’s an app for that” to heart by giving viewers access via apps to entertainment from an ever growing selection of content providers. Users can rent and purchase streaming movies and TV shows in 1080p right through the App Store. The set top box comes equipped with apps like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and ESPN, giving access to everything you want to watch at anytime. Read More...
Protect Your Computer and Save Money with this Special Sale on a UPS
Fortunately, there is an easy way to protect yourself against these types of issues. Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are a surge protector and battery backup in one. When storms rage around you, you can keep working since your computer system is safe. At CranstonIT, we believe that UPS systems are an important part your computer network both at the office and home. A UPS system is a relatively simple piece of hardware and having the “newest” version really isn’t any different than having an “old” version except that you get to pay more. The important part of a UPS is its battery. You need a good quality battery that is less then three years old. Read More...
The Apple Watch is Here
The New MacBook - Reinventing the Laptop
While the size and power of the new Macbook is astonishing enough, there are also several new features and enhancements that make the Macbook an engineering marvel. Apple’s redesign of the Macbook started with the full-size keyboard. Focusing on this idea, the laptop is exactly the length of its keyboard and features new technology that makes typing more responsive as well as accurate. The 12” retina display features edge-to-edge glass, 2304x1440 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, and is much more energy efficient. Read More...
Network Wiring from CranstonIT
Apple's New iPads
Apple Watch Announced
The first impression of the Apple Watch reveals a stunning product. Apple has made the Apple Watch completely customizable with three different styles: the traditional watch, the sport version, and the 18 karat gold edition. Choose between two different face sizes, band styles, and metal types to create the watch of your dreams. The physical appearance of the watch isn't the only thing that can be customized, you can also choose between different watch faces, making sure you can get the time just how you like it. Read More...
iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus Released
The iPhone 6 and brand new iPhone 6 Plus are completely reimagined. The iPhone 6 is not only taller, but also wider and amazingly thin when compared to past generations. The iPhone 6 Plus comes in at an unheard of 5.5 inches tall and takes all of the incredible feature of the iPhone and effortlessly proves that bigger is sometimes better. Size isn't the only thing that's changed on iPhone 6, the new brilliantly clear and vibrant HD retina display seamlessly connects to the body of the iPhone, making a much more fluid experience. Read More...
Coin: The Electronic Credit Card
Stolen MacBook Returned Using Find My iPhone
Which Stylus is the Best for the iPad
There are numerous low cost options for styluses that range in cost from $10 - $20. These are okay but don’t offer any special functionality. For people who are going to be using a stylus on a frequent basis, they may want a better one. There are two styluses that are marketed as high performance and come with high end price tags. The styluses are the Jot Script ($75) and the Pencil ($60). Do either of the styluses live up to their marketing claims and hefty price tags? Read More...
Recover Your Lost Data w/ Gillware
If that crash does occur and you realize you didn’t back up your data, then what? There are still recovery options available through professional data recovery services. These services can be expensive but if your critical data is on a failed drive, it can be well worth the price of recovery. Read More...
The New Mac Pro - An Efficient Powerhouse
The new Mac Pro truly is the picture of efficiency. Weighing in at 11 pounds and only 9.9 inches high, the large bulky towers are a thing of the past. Not only is it much smaller, but also amazingly quiet. The new design vents warm air out the top of the cylinder, making it virtually silent. Much like the Mac Mini when it comes to stealth, the Mac Pro’s fans won’t disturb you. Read More...
iPad Air Released
At first glance, the most noticeable difference in the iPad Air is its size and weight. The Air weighs in at a shocking one pound, the lightest iPad yet. It’s 28% lighter, 20% thinner, and has 24% less volume, a huge difference from the 4th generation. The air features the same size display as previous iPads. But with the decreased width of the bezel on the sides of the iPad Air, it’s almost an inch narrower making it even more portable than ever before.
While the iPad Air may be the lightest yet, it’s more powerful than ever. The new A7 chips makes the iPad faster and more responsive. With the combination of the M7 coprocessor, which makes the Air work better on the move, the iPad inches closer to the processing power of a computer. With all of the extra power packed into such a small device, the battery life is a big concern, but the iPad Air can still keep you connected for up to 10 hours.
The iPad Air also features a new, ultra fast WiFi connection that is up to 20% faster and a HD FaceTime camera and 5MP iSight camera. The iPad Air proves again that sometimes in life the best things come in smaller packages. With the sleekest body and most powerful mind, the iPad Air is sure win for this holiday season. For more information and to purchase the new iPad Air visit the Apple Store online. Read More...
The new iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S
The most striking thing about the iPhone 5c is it’s stunningly bold colors. The first iPhone to ever be available in any color other than black or white, the 5c has five color choices: green, blue, yellow, pink, and white. Apple specially designed six colorful cases that add even more fun to the 5c. The cases feature circular cut outs that allow the color of your iPhone shine through while adding their own pop of color. The 5c is made of a single plastic outer shell, reinforced with steel framework making it much stronger than other plastic phones. Mix and match colors to make your iPhone uniquely you. iPhone 5c comes equipped with the A6 processing chip, making the phone fast while improving battery life. The new 8MP iSight camera takes even more stunning photos, and the HD FaceTime camera makes face-to-face conversations even better. Apple has managed to give you all these features with an even cheaper price tag. The 5c starts at just $99 for a 16GB phone or $199 for 32GB with cellular carrier contract. Read More...
Stop Computer Theft
How do you protect yourself? The most important actions must be taken before your laptop is ever stolen.
First, think about your data. For many of you, your data is more valuable than the computer itself. So, you must frequently backup to an external hard drive or a cloud based service like ClouDox. This helps ensure that your data is backed up and can be restored if needed. Read More...
Turning Used Devices into Cash with Gazelle
The whole process is very easy, and it’s risk-free. You look up your item on their website. After answering a few questions about it’s condition, you’ll immediately know how much they are willing to pay you. If you like their offer, you complete the checkout process and tell them whether you’d like a check, PayPal deposit or Amazon.com gift card. Read More...
Sluggish Mac? You May Need More RAM
iPad vs. the World of Tablets
The tablets we looked at include the iPads, the new iPad Mini, the Kindle Fires, and the Google Nexus 7.
The sleekest, best performing powerhouses? The iPads. They are known for their performance and features and they will integrate beautifully with other Apple products. Apple also has the best selection of good quality apps, by far.
If you shop around at this time of year you can get a 16 GB iPad 2 for around $400. If you’re willing to buy a refurbished model, it could be a little less. You can find the two newest versions of the iPad for as low as $499. These third and fourth generation iPads both have top of the line features including the eye pleasing retina display.
The newest player in the Apple field, the iPad Mini is selling for $329. It’s obviously smaller, and the performance and features are similar to those of the iPad 2, including a non-retina display. Read More...
What You Want, When You Want It: Apple TV
The third generation of Apple TV is a small black box that measures a little under four inches on each side. It can handle 1080p video and has an additional wireless antenna for improved WiFi reception.
Apple TV can stream much more than you might think. It’s set up to seamlessly stream HD movies and TV shows from iTunes, the entire Netflix streaming catalog, Hulu Plus shows, live professional sports games and more. Read More...
The New Slim iMac
What you’ll first notice about this sleek new model is its size. It’s almost a full inch slimmer and up to eight pounds lighter than any other iMac. Apple also re-engineered the display. The result is up to 75% less glare, a sharper screen image, and more vibrant colors.
It may be slim, but it’s also a powerhouse. It comes with the latest OS X Mountain Lion operating system and impressive performance technology. It’s extremely fast thanks to Core i5 or i7 processors and the latest Nvidia graphics processing. It also comes with up to 3TB of storage and a Fusion Drive option that adds 128GB of flash storage to the hard drive. The iMac dynamically manages the memory, shifting less used programs to the hard drive, reserving the faster flash memory for the most often used apps. The result? Faster day-to-day performance. Read More...
Drobo RAID
If you have questions about Drobo or data storage contact us today.
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