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Look out for the first Question of the Week on Friday

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:17:40 -0500

Do you follow our Twitter? If not, make sure you do because this Friday we’ll be tweeting our first Question of the Week. Answer correctly via Direct Message and the first person to do so will win a $25 gift card to Illini Apple Center.

We’ll tweet a question every Friday at 9 a.m. until Jan. 1, 2010. Yes, we will tweet on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

We’ve currently got 438 followers. The 500th follower will receive a $50 gift card to Illini Apple Center and the 1000th follower will receive a $100 gift card.

On your marks, get set, follow!

Apple Composite AV Cable: Review

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:44:24 -0500

New Features: 5/5

Welcome to the video everywhere generation! Introducing Apple’s Composite AV Cable for iPod (and iPhone). This product is actually an update to an earlier composite AV (Audio & Video) cable that originally shipped exclusively with any iPod Photo. Quite a bit has been overhauled since its initial inception; and the end user is greatly benefited by this update. Unlike Apple’s original AV Cable, which output media by way of the earphone jack, this one is designed to work through the dock port of any iPod. This product includes a USB cable and wall charger, along side the AV cables, so you may enjoy endless media playback, all while charging or maintaining a fully charged iPod battery.

Performance: 5/5

Distinct brands, such as Apple or Belkin, each of which manufacture cables are not typically compared to one another because cables are not typically changing, evolving products. Yet Apple introduced substantial changes to their AV cable line, thus performance assessment is a must. This composite cable allows you to charge your iPod while playing video through any compatible display. Best of all, unlike the previous battery draining Composite AV Cable, this one comes stock with a USB wall charger for iPod; which allows for endless media playback through any compatible device—as long as you have access to power.

Play: 4/5

Any good toy travels and mobilizes well. Not only does this cable travel well because of its small form, but it packs power for other uses that are not immediately evident. For example, you can charge any iPod with this product from wall power, anywhere, worldwide. This feature is not even available if you were to purchase the standard USB Power Adapter for $29. Thus, the included wall charger packs the ability to operate with Apple’s World Travel Adapter Kit—so you are never without power for your iPod.

Productivity: 4/5

Where this device really shines is in instances where your computer could substitute for an iPod for presenting media on-screen. Clearly, your computer is the first source of media storage, which would then be synced or transfered with iTunes to an iPod. Now, the ability to use your computer for other purposes than being the video feed is evident and beneficial. Best of all, your computer could double as additional storage space for all those videos you couldn’t find space for on your iPod.

Price: 5/5

The Apple Composite Cable sells for $49. No other product likes this exists; and from a functional stand point, this device is a priceless necessity. Even after ten uses, you’ve easily recouped your investment and enjoyed every minute of it.

Overall: 4.6/5

If you are in the market for an iPod charger, get the Composite AV Cable. If you are in the market for a video cable for your iPod, get this one. If you are in the market for an accessory for personal use or even as a gift, get this accessory. Although Apple also makes a similarly priced and presented Component AV Cable for iPod, the Composite Cable satisfies a great deal more presentation rooms requirements because of the widely employed Composite inputs found on most any display.

Holiday Sale!

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:41:44 -0500

Please see our Specials page for detailed prices and terms and conditions.

Review: Harman Kardon Soundsticks II

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:26:00 -0500

The Harman Kardon Soundsticks II are an incredible set of speakers, coupling power and clarity with a stylish design. Minutes from opening the box you will have thumping bass pouring out of these speakers. They will fill up a room and make it feel like you are immersed in the music. The two 10 watt speakers can be angled up or down so that the sound can be perfectly manipulated to provide you with the best listening experience. On top of that, the booming 20 watt subwoofer can be turned up enough to make your floor shake, easily reaching those frequencies you never thought existed. The volume control buttons on the tweeters work on contact, and muting them is as simple as touching both at the same time. These Soundsticks not only sound great, but they also look super stylish. The subwoofer looks like a futuristic spaceship, and when its plugged in, a small blue LED glows brilliantly in the dark. The speakers look like they are made of glass, and aren’t so large that they will dominate your workspace, yet they look stunning next to any display. The only downside to these speakers is that there is no volume level display to show you how much more you can pump up the sound, but this is easily overcome by keeping your speaker volume level and just adjusting the volume on your computer.

I was thoroughly pleased with my experience with the Harman Kardon Soundsticks II, and anyone looking for some quality computer speakers that provide power without compensating for style should consider these first.

Sound Quality: 5/5

Ease of Use: 5/5

Aesthetics: 5/5

Price: 3/5

Overall: 4.5/5

Price: $169.00

The Magic Mouse is here!

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:54:11 -0500

We finally got our shipment so come in and get yours for $69.

Fall Sale UPDATE:

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:59:21 -0500

This is an update of the previous post regarding the Fall Sale here at the Illini Apple Center.

$50 off of the 13” MacBook Pro (2.26 GHz) and the 15” MacBook Pro (2.53 GHz)!

The older generation of White MacBooks are still on clearance at $799 until supplies last.

We’ve also got a few models of the fourth generation iPod nanos in stock. Remember, if you purchase a fourth generation iPod, you can receive 50% off of a case for it!

Make sure you stop in to take advantage of these great deals.

It's the LAST DAY of the fall sale!

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:02:37 -0500

This is your last day to come in and get $50 off of 13” MacBook Pros and $100 dollars off of 15” & 17” MacBook Pros!

Remember, the previous generation of white MacBooks (2.13 GHz) is at a clearance price of $799!

Blue Snowflake Microphone

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:06:00 -0400

Small, portable and affordable. How much more can you ask for in a consumer-level, condenser microphone? The Snowflake is a USB mic, making it perfect for plug and play situations. With no unnecessary drivers to install, plugging the mic into my MacBook and starting to record right away was a breeze. I found this mic to be ideal for recording voice-overs for home movies, podcasts and demos for the aspiring musician.

With a frequency range of 35Hz-20kHz and a fairly flat response across these frequencies, it can be used in almost any situation, but vocals seem to be the best applicant for this mic. The Snowflake is a cardioid shaped mic which helps give it direction during recording. Recording levels did seem a little lower than I had hoped, which might have been caused by the fact that it’s a USB-condenser mic, meaning it receives its power from the computer. But with that aside, the recording was clear. Vocals were much warmer and fuller in comparison to my internal, laptop mic.

Overall, I was very satisfied with the Snowflake. I found it very convenient to be able to plug this mic into my laptop and start recording right away without having to install drivers or deal with external interfaces. With the only accessory being a USB cable, setting up this mic couldn’t be simpler. I would definitely recommend this mic to anyone doing consumer level work. Anyone looking to do a professional recording without having to spend thousands, should look at the higher end Blue microphones such as the Snowball.

Sound Quality: 4/5

Portability: 5/5

Price: 4/5

Overall: 4.3/5

Price: $59.00

Design Your Way contest ends tomorrow!

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:50:02 -0400

Submit your Tucano sleeve design to the Design Your Way contest by midnight tomorrow (Oct. 23) for your chance to win a trip to Tucano’s Headquarters in Milan, Italy!

Go to this website to submit.

The Illini Apple Center Fall Sale

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:09:00 -0400

Until supplies last:

$50 off 13” White MacBook

13” White MacBook 2.13GHz ~~$949~~ $899 (Retail Price $999)

$50 off 13” MacBook Pro

13” MacBook Pro 2.26GHz ~~$1099~~ $1049 (Retail Price $1199)

13” MacBook Pro 2.53GHz ~~$1399~~ $1349 (Retail Price $1499)

$100 off 15” and 17” MacBook Pro

15” MacBook Pro 2.53GHz ~~$1599~~ $1499 (Retail Price $1699)
15” MacBook Pro 2.66GHz ~~$1849~~ $1749 (Retail Price $1999)
15” MacBook Pro 2.8GHz ~~$2099~~ $1999 (Retail Price $2299)
17” MacBook Pro 2.8GHz ~~$2299~~ $2199 (Retail Price $2499)

(No custom orders. In stock only. No MacBook Airs.)

Check out our Specials Page for more details.

Calling all University of Illinois student artists and designers!

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:58:03 -0400

Be a part of the design elite! Design the new Tucano sleeve for the 13” MacBook Pro and your design could be selected for Tucano’s Limited Edition Folder Art Collection 2010.

You can win a trip to Tucano’s headquarters in Milan, Italy!

Check out the website for more details and come on into the Illini Apple Center to get a feel for existing Tucano sleeves before you start designing your own.

iPod touch, 3rd Generation: Review

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:03:00 -0400

New Features: 2/5

Welcome to the new iPod touch! This third generation looks remarkably similar (identical?) to the last generation. Surprisingly, the update is too insignificant to make this iPod appear at the top of consumer’s holiday wish list. Although, the few key changes will ultimately please the masses:

- 50% faster ARM processor

- Twice the RAM, now with 256MB

- Double the capacity, with 32GB or 64GB

- Firmware update to iPhone OS 3.1.1

Performance: 4/5

With speed and time-saving in mind, this iPod certainly curtails any former complaints dealing with application or system load times. The new touch in every facet of operation operates more smoothly and quickly. Syncing completes sooner and the iPod starts up in about half the time it took to start up a generation ago. Think of this update as Snow Leopard was for Leopard, an under-the-hood overall performance boost.

Play: 4/5

It wouldn’t be an iPod without games. From the beginning, Apple has steadily increased its emphasis on gaming. One restatement from the former release, “The funnest iPod ever” has resurfaced and is again the tag-line for this release. With more than 30,000 gaming titles to choose from: Major categories such as single-player, epic-story, multi-player, and simulation; there is bound to be many games to satisfy any gaming craving; over 30% of which are free to download and play! Of course, the iPod still plays music seamlessly, as well as movies and TV shows. Most notably, with the new preloaded 3.1.1 software, you can listen to your music while playing all your games!

Productivity: 4/5

Typically, when you think about iPods, music and gaming comes to mind. Many professionals, as well as general audiences, are increasingly using an iPod touch for work related tasks. This is because the iPod touch can been seen as Apple’s only PDA. With fully functional wireless internet, getting online, receiving/sending email, checking the weather or the market, planning events, or even just finding your way, is so easy, even a baby could do it. Many applications are available for managing productivity, from daily finances, to unit conversion, to sharing workloads with your co-workers: You can even manage and view iDisks provided by MobileMe!

Price: 5/5

During Steve’s keynote speech, he said that $199 is the magic price that everyone wants to pay. Essentially nixing any changes coming to the 8GB iPod touch. To clear up any confusion, the performance increase presented in this new generation of touches can only be found in the upper two models, the 32GB and 64GB. With that being said, “The new touch is the most affordable iPod ever!”

- 8GB iPod touch for $199

- 32GB iPod touch for $299

- 64GB iPod touch for $399

Overall: 3.8/5

Ultimately, this iPod revision is a success. Lower price points, twice the storage, and faster load times are features everyone can appreciate. Although the update lacks new bells or whistles, there is still good reason to go out and buy one of these glamourous devices; assuming you do not already have one.

Raffle Schedule

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:07:06 -0400

We’ve got a final list of items to give away tonight at Mac For Life from 5pm to 8pm. We’ll be giving away items every half hour at the various stations, so head over to 512 E. Green for your chance to win:

5:00 - Skullcandy Headphones

5:30 - Blue Microphone Eyeball

6:00 - Livescribe Pen 1GB

6:30 - M Audio Torq

7:00 - Wacom Intuos4 USB Tablet Medium

7:15 - Flip Pure Digital Ultra Series

7:30 - GRAND PRIZE - MacBook Pro 13” 2.26GHz

Fans for Life photo contest almost over!!

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:54:20 -0400

Hey guys,

Don’t forget about your chance to win a Flip Pure Digital Ultra Series White, 120 min. handheld camcorder in the Fans for Life photo contest!

Submit photos of you or a friend using a Mac/iPod/iPhone somewhere on the UIUC or Parkland Campus and enter it on illiniapplecenter.com! Get creative and be proud to show off your Apple products!

Mac OS X Snow Leopard Release Party!

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:00:29 -0400

Here at Illini Apple Center, we really like to party — so we’re pairing up with WPGU FM and throwing a party for the release of Mac OS X Snow Leopard on Friday, Aug. 28 from 4-6 p.m.

Make sure you come to 512 E. Green St. in Champaign for giveaways and Snow Leopard demos! This is the perfect opportunity for you to get your copy of Snow Leopard so come join in on the fun!

Snow Leopard: Coming Soon

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:52:23 -0400

Apple has announced that the newest version of Mac OS X, Snow Leopard, will be available this Friday, August 28th. Check back later today for details on availability and upgrade information.

Use a Mac for Life and get more done.

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:35:00 -0400

We’re so excited to announce the Mac for Life event happening on Sept. 3 here at the Illini Media Building (512 E. Green St., Champaign, IL 61820) on the 4th floor from 5-8 p.m. Santa and Good Luck Jane will perform live and One World Pizza will be serving free pizza!

Make sure you come by to experience staff demos of Apple products like

Adobe Photoshop and Creative Suite
MobileMe
iWork
Livescribe Pulse smartpen
and a TON more!

We’ll be raffling off a 13” MacBook Pro! You must be present to win, so make it out to Illini Media for a chance to win! There will be plenty of other goodies to give away from our sponsors:

Check out the Mac for Life page for more details!

Look! Even Time Magazine says Macs are great back-to-school gadgets.

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:02:42 -0400

Look! Even Time Magazine says Macs are great back-to-school gadgets.:

Check out Time Magazine’s list of 25 Best Back-to-School Gadgets. First on the list is the MacBook Pro. The list even includes items that IAC carries, like the Livescribe Pulse smartpen which we previously reviewed. We’ve also got the Incase nylon backpack that Time recommends in store.

We may not carry the exact products that Time Magazine recommends, but there are plenty of similar products in store. Come on into IAC for all your back-to-school gadget needs!

Give your Mac some of that TLC

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:19:00 -0400

Just like your mom might send you a care package during finals week, IAC is always helping you take extra good care of your Mac, especially now that school’s about to start up - you’ll be depending on it more than ever, particularly if it’s new.

The Illini Care Package is a comprehensive 1-year package of support software and training. It includes data migration, iPod migration, a Mac tune-up, Windows installation, application installation (except Windows compatibility solutions) and RAM installation. In addition, you’ll receive four 30 minute one-to-one training sessions. All of these support services are rolled into the Illini Care Package for $99.

See IAC’s support page and click the “Support Services” tab for more details.

It's the 2nd to last "13 Thursdays" today!

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:29:48 -0400

There’s only one more “13 Thursdays” Thursday after today. It’s your last chance to rediscover campustown businesses and take advantage of their “13 Thursdays” special offers and deals.

Make sure you stop by the Illini Apple Center next Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, to partake in a FREE workshop about how to get the most from your Mac. There are two workshops going on on Aug. 13: 1) “Get an iLife,” and 2) Photography Basics. Check out IAC’s workshops link for more detailed information. Take care to register yourself for these workshops in advance by visiting that link as well.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about your Mac if you’re already a Mac user. If you’ve only recently become a Mac user, this is your chance to learn tips from someone who’s extremely familiar with Macs.

See you there!