IPad
Apple introduces new iPad with Apple Pencil support
So why do we need another iPad® when there’s already small-medium-large out there in about 100 configurations?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...
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.
Read More...
Cherry-picking the top features in iOS 11
With every upgrade comes the opportunity to improve your user experience. The trick is to pick-and-choose just those features and capabilities that offer you value and address your needs.
You’ll have just that chance with iOS 11, the most ambitious update yet from Apple®, offering a host of tweaks, upgrades and changes.
Open me first.
Let’s start with compatibility. You will need an iPhone® SE or an iPhone 5S or later to upgrade to iOS 11. That means all new iPhone shipments — right through the iPhone X arriving next month — will feature iOS 11 onboard.
After you install iOS 11 — either via Software Update on your iPhone or from iTunes® — you will immediately notice some new features. Dock icons no longer have names, and many Apple apps now have the same bold text design Apple brought to the Music and News apps in iOS 10. Read More...
Success Story: Momentum Builders Builds Buildings, Not Apps
08/23/17 Filed in: Case Studies
Why builders build buildings, not apps
As one of the industry’s leading building envelope contractors, Momentum Builders prides itself on solving problems. In fact, the team welcomes the engineering challenges that structural, roofing, siding or pre-engineered metal building opportunities often bring.
“We’ve developed a culture of service and problem solving,” declared Kyle Smith, Owner/Operator and Business Manager of Momentum Builders, based in Mercer, PA, for the past 35 years.
But information technology is an entirely different animal, and finding solutions to tech glitches and roadblocks can reduce even burly construction engineers to wimps.
Smith oversees administrative processes related to production, account management, sales and marketing, and ensures that all documentation appropriately flows to every part of the business. Momentum Builders operates on a small Apple® network — Mac® workstations, notebooks and servers — an anomaly in the largely PC-based construction world.
“Because of our long history with Apple, we now expect everything to just work and just work quickly,” Smith said. “We depend on a smooth, glitch-free environment that is fast and flexible.”
All is good, all is calm.
But it wasn’t always that way.
Back in the early 90s, when Momentum Builders was about a decade old, the company needed a fresh look at technology to keep pace with business growth. It needed an administrative portal that would connect the key processes of construction projects with each arm of the company — sales to estimating to production and back to sales. It needed an entirely new database, as well as a new network and IT management tools.
All was not good, all was not calm.
Ownership at that time had a vision, but not a solution, The team connected with CranstonIT, an emerging IT services company that specialized in Apple and FileMaker technologies. Momentum Builders sought CranstonIT because of its reputation to remediate the tasks at hand while planning, solving and projecting for future business growth.
Apple’s TV App Creates a Unified Viewing Experience
04/18/17 Filed in: iOS
Apple® has discovered a way to bring harmony and order to an otherwise crowded and often chaotic field of television content.
The new TV app is an innovative, simplified and — might we add — free way to provide one central location to access all the content you enjoy. By loading content from across all your apps as well as iTunes®, your library and your subscription services, you command instant access to your personal cache of TV shows and movies. The TV app is transformational in the way you can watch TV on your Apple TV® as well as on your iPhone® and iPad®. Plus, it always stays in sync so you can begin watching a show on one device and easily continue where you left off on your other Apple devices.
Donate Your Old iPads to a Good Cause
01/19/17 Filed in: General
“We need any iPad, as early as the first iPad,” said Dave Sevick, the organization’s Executive Director. “We have data entry projects that do not require full computers. iPads will work fine.” Read More...
Apple Pencil Offers Pro Precision for an Affordable Price
10/12/15 Filed in: Hardware
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...
Stay Healthy with your iPhone
The start of a new year often comes with New Year Resolutions. If you’re like many people, one of your resolutions probably includes getting into better shape. Remembering to stay active and tracking your diet are often big obstacles when beginning a healthier lifestyle. Thankfully your iPhone is here to help. With the Health app that was introduced with iOS 8, there also came Healthkit. Healthkit is a tool that provides app developers the ability to create applications that allow their data to be synced and synthesized within Health. There are many fitness and nutrition apps that now integrate with Health, but which ones are the best? Read More...
Stolen MacBook Returned Using Find My iPhone
“Where’s the laptop?” That was the haunting question one of our own employees, Kelsey Lewis, was asking after her apartment was broken into one night during a recent visit to Thailand. While she was out, burglars had gotten away with a MacBook Air and iPad. After confirming that they had been stolen, she didn't panic, instead she turned to Find My iPhone. Read More...
Knock to Unlock - Knock iOS App
12/17/13 Filed in: iOS
Somedays it feels like all we do is type in passwords. We are always looking for ways to simplify our password situation without compromising on security. Introducing Knock, the new iPhone and computer application that offers an interesting solution.
With Knock unlocking your computer is as simple as physically knocking on the face of your iPhone. The computer will automatically pick up the iPhone signal when you are within range of your computer allowing it to unlock. When you and your phone walk away from your computer, the minute you get out of range, your computer locks itself, making sure you never forget again. What if you forget your phone? No problem, just type in your password the old fashioned way and if your phone gets lost or stolen all you have to do is disable the application on the computer. Knock uses bluetooth to connect with your computer without draining your battery. Read More...
With Knock unlocking your computer is as simple as physically knocking on the face of your iPhone. The computer will automatically pick up the iPhone signal when you are within range of your computer allowing it to unlock. When you and your phone walk away from your computer, the minute you get out of range, your computer locks itself, making sure you never forget again. What if you forget your phone? No problem, just type in your password the old fashioned way and if your phone gets lost or stolen all you have to do is disable the application on the computer. Knock uses bluetooth to connect with your computer without draining your battery. Read More...
iPad Air Released
There’s no doubt that the last couple of months have been eventful for Apple customers. From the release of the new iPhones and iOS7 to new MacBookPros and Mavericks, there’s been a lot to be excited about. With the newest round of releases, Apple announced the iPad Air, a total redesign of the much beloved iPad, making it the most attractive tablet on the market.
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...
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...
SquareUp Mobile Payments
We live in a world where paying cash is quickly becoming obsolete. As cash becomes a thing of the past, it is more and more important for small businesses, individuals, and mobile stores to have a way for their consumers to pay for goods. One of the best options is the Square credit card reader and app. No business wants to have to turn a way a customer or miss a sale because they’re unable to accept a specific form of payment. The Square credit card reader is the perfect solution to the payment problem. All you need is an iPhone, iPad, or Android, access to WiFi or cellular data, and the Square credit card reader to never miss out on a transaction again. Read More...
FileMaker Databases for your Business
It’s a competitive world. That means businesses must be as efficient and productive as possible. This is especially true for small businesses. Often businesses cannot find a pre-made software program that works the way their business operates. That’s when a custom built database can help you take your business to the next level of automation and efficiency.
We recommend FileMaker Pro. This database software has been an industry leader for small and medium size businesses for over 20 years. It’s cross platform and data can be accessed from your Mac, Windows PC, web browser or iOS Device. Multiple users can access the database simultaneously from anywhere there is an internet connection. Read More...
We recommend FileMaker Pro. This database software has been an industry leader for small and medium size businesses for over 20 years. It’s cross platform and data can be accessed from your Mac, Windows PC, web browser or iOS Device. Multiple users can access the database simultaneously from anywhere there is an internet connection. Read More...
iOS 7 releases September 18th
The release of iOS 7 is finally almost here. Apple’s new operating system for your mobile devices, such as iPhone or iPad, will be available for download on September 18th. iOS 7 is chocked full of exciting new features, some of which we already highlighted in a previous article that you can read here.
The camera app in iOS 7 makes taking pictures even more intuitive. You can shoot stills, video, slow-mo, panorama, and square, switching between these different options with just one swipe, so you’ll always be ready to capture a moment. Now you can take a still shot while recording a video to take advantage of both options in a can’t miss moment. There’s also a new filter features that allow you to add filters to your photos. You can either shoot using filters or add them later. The new camera app is sure to add even more beauty to all of your photos and videos. Read More...
The camera app in iOS 7 makes taking pictures even more intuitive. You can shoot stills, video, slow-mo, panorama, and square, switching between these different options with just one swipe, so you’ll always be ready to capture a moment. Now you can take a still shot while recording a video to take advantage of both options in a can’t miss moment. There’s also a new filter features that allow you to add filters to your photos. You can either shoot using filters or add them later. The new camera app is sure to add even more beauty to all of your photos and videos. Read More...
iPhoto on iOS
Photo editing apps for iOS devices such as your iPhone or iPad can often be confusing and lack clear and precise editing power. Apple has designed their iPhoto App for iPad and iPhoto to harness the power of an editing program like Aperture or Lightroom but made it intuitive and easy to use, allowing any photo to look professional.
You can edit and sort your photos by the albums that you’ve created in Photos or by tapping the Photo tab. To get started just click an album or photo that you’d like to organize or edit. If you have several photos that are similar and you’d like to find the best shot, double tap one of the pictures which will bring up all of the similar photos, allowing you to do a side-by-side comparison. Once you’ve found that perfect photo you can flag it or make it a favorite by tapping the ribbon icon, this will add the photo to albums that only contain your best shots, making them easy to share and find later. Read More...
You can edit and sort your photos by the albums that you’ve created in Photos or by tapping the Photo tab. To get started just click an album or photo that you’d like to organize or edit. If you have several photos that are similar and you’d like to find the best shot, double tap one of the pictures which will bring up all of the similar photos, allowing you to do a side-by-side comparison. Once you’ve found that perfect photo you can flag it or make it a favorite by tapping the ribbon icon, this will add the photo to albums that only contain your best shots, making them easy to share and find later. Read More...
Turning Used Devices into Cash with Gazelle
Gazelle is an independent company that will pay you for your old cell phones, smartphones, iPads, iPods and Macs. You may not get top dollar for your equipment, but a little extra cash in your pocket is always a good thing. This is also an environmentally friendly solution instead of throwing your electronics into the garbage, since Gazelle refurbishes and resells most of the items they receive.
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...
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...
iPad vs. the World of Tablets
Tis the season... for tablets, that is. It seems that all the big tech names are coming out with one. So, how are you to choose? It all depends on your particular needs.
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...
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...
The Newest iPad and iPhone Features in iOS 6
Apple’s new iOS 6 operating system, available this fall, will bring some significant improvements to the iPhone and iPad.
Some of the most notable changes are to Siri. She will be able to open apps, pull up sports scores and stats, and even make restaurant reservations through Open Table. Siri will also be able to integrate into the hands-free systems of many vehicles.
A new application called Passbook can organize movie and sporting event tickets, store membership cards, retail coupons and airplane boarding passes. You can even use Passbook to check in for a flight, buy movie passes and redeem coupons.
The new iOS will also have its own mapping app with real-time traffic updates and turn-by-turn navigation spoken by Siri. Maps are vector based which means graphics and text are incredibly detailed. You can tilt and rotate to view an area and the Maps app will keep the names of streets and places where they belong. Read More...
Some of the most notable changes are to Siri. She will be able to open apps, pull up sports scores and stats, and even make restaurant reservations through Open Table. Siri will also be able to integrate into the hands-free systems of many vehicles.
A new application called Passbook can organize movie and sporting event tickets, store membership cards, retail coupons and airplane boarding passes. You can even use Passbook to check in for a flight, buy movie passes and redeem coupons.
The new iOS will also have its own mapping app with real-time traffic updates and turn-by-turn navigation spoken by Siri. Maps are vector based which means graphics and text are incredibly detailed. You can tilt and rotate to view an area and the Maps app will keep the names of streets and places where they belong. Read More...
iOS 5 Quick and Convenient Camera Access - Helpful Camera Tips
The new iOS 5 operating system brings more than 200 new features to the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.
Some of the most useful new features are part of the Camera app. With iOS 5, your camera is now literally one touch away. That’s because you can open the Camera app right from the lock screen. So you won’t lose precious time unlocking your device with a passcode and then finding and tapping the Camera app.
The camera also has grid lines, pinch-to-zoom gestures, and single-tap focus and exposure locks so you can compose your picture right from your device. Then with a click of the volume-up button you can quickly snap a photo.
You can also edit photos right on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. With crop, rotate, enhance, and red-eye options built right into the Photos app, you can work on your photos right on your device. You can also organize your photos into albums, and if you have Photo Stream enabled in iCloud your new new photos are pushed right onto all your iOS devices.
The main advantage of the iOS 5 operating system is that all of the photo features you need are conveniently available in one place and can be accessed right on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch from the lock screen. Read More...
Some of the most useful new features are part of the Camera app. With iOS 5, your camera is now literally one touch away. That’s because you can open the Camera app right from the lock screen. So you won’t lose precious time unlocking your device with a passcode and then finding and tapping the Camera app.
The camera also has grid lines, pinch-to-zoom gestures, and single-tap focus and exposure locks so you can compose your picture right from your device. Then with a click of the volume-up button you can quickly snap a photo.
You can also edit photos right on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. With crop, rotate, enhance, and red-eye options built right into the Photos app, you can work on your photos right on your device. You can also organize your photos into albums, and if you have Photo Stream enabled in iCloud your new new photos are pushed right onto all your iOS devices.
The main advantage of the iOS 5 operating system is that all of the photo features you need are conveniently available in one place and can be accessed right on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch from the lock screen. Read More...
Keep Track of your iPhone, iPad and iPod with Find My iPhone
A missing iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch is more than a lost device. Its also lost personal information. The solution? A free service from Apple called Find My iPhone that can locate a lost or stolen iOS device.
The Find My iPhone service is built right into your iPhone 4, iPad or fourth generation iPod Touch. All you need to do is activate it. Then you can track a lost device from any computer. Read More...
The Find My iPhone service is built right into your iPhone 4, iPad or fourth generation iPod Touch. All you need to do is activate it. Then you can track a lost device from any computer. Read More...
Printing from iPhone / iPad using Airprint Activator
Simple printing. It’s what iPhone and iPad Touch users ask for time and time again. Sending documents back to a computer for printing is time consuming and inconvenient. So, how do you print directly from your mobile device?
With the release of iOS 4.2, Apple gave iPhone and iPad users a way to send their documents directly to any AirPrint enabled printer. That’s a nice practical solution if you happen to have a printer that’s AirPrint capable. But, most of us do not. What if your printer doesn’t have this unique technology? That’s where a clever little free utility called AirPrint Activator becomes your solution.
With one simple download, AirPrint Activator allows you to print to any printer, even those without the built-in AirPrint functionality.
Setup is easy. Just follow the instructions below and within minutes your printer will be ready for iPhone and iPad printing. If you run into installation problems, give us a call. We’d be happy to help you install AirPrint Activator through a remote support session. Read More...
With the release of iOS 4.2, Apple gave iPhone and iPad users a way to send their documents directly to any AirPrint enabled printer. That’s a nice practical solution if you happen to have a printer that’s AirPrint capable. But, most of us do not. What if your printer doesn’t have this unique technology? That’s where a clever little free utility called AirPrint Activator becomes your solution.
With one simple download, AirPrint Activator allows you to print to any printer, even those without the built-in AirPrint functionality.
Setup is easy. Just follow the instructions below and within minutes your printer will be ready for iPhone and iPad printing. If you run into installation problems, give us a call. We’d be happy to help you install AirPrint Activator through a remote support session. Read More...