Tuesday, February 23, 2010

iPod Headphones: Things to Consider Before Getting One

An iPod is only as good as the headphones that one uses to listen to it. While the Apple iPod headphones make a perfect buddy for your gadget, at some point you would want to try other options that could offer booming lows, crisper highs and of course, an impressive overall sound quality. Simply put, at the store, if you are left with just one choice to make, the only iPod accessory to get really is a new pair of headphones or ear buds.

You have to remember that when getting a new pair of headphones, you can’t take things at face value. Colors and designs can be so inviting but you have to resist the packaging. Checking out what stuff these headphones are really made of is a must. Whether you're on the lookout for an earbud replacement or searching for a pair that comes sans wires and maybe someone who’s out to get something that promises top audiophile sound quality, it is always wise to make sure that what you’re about to pay for has the perfect ability to accurately transmit sound. Your checklist should look like this:
• Comfort level
• Affordability
• Durability

Instead of just going to an Apple Store, you can check out Apple Resellers for much of the time, they offer a variety of options to satisfy any ear, and any price range from a few dollars to hundreds.

However, you also need to factor in some things before making a headphone purchase. First, what kind or style of headphones do you want? iPod earphones are usually sold as ear buds simply because having a larger, full size pair of headphones partially defeats the purpose of the iPod being the size it is and having the portability it does. Since ear buds fit directly in your ear, comfort can be a bit of an issue if you have overly large or small ear canals so keep size in mind when buying. Ear buds are the most portable, the lightest to wear and can produce fairly high quality sound making them a perfect fit for an iPod, or any portable player for that matter.

Another common style of iPod headphone is the supra aural ones. These are simply speakers surrounded by pads that just sit on your ears and are fixed with band that goes over your head or behind your neck. Supra-aural headphones are extremely comfortable to wear, however they are not nearly as portable as a pair of ear buds and are not favored by some people as they mess up hair or can interfere with hats or earrings and can fall off when being active (jogging, doing yard work etc.).

The third type of headphones is the more full-sized circumaural headphone. This style of headphones fully covers the ear and is worn over the head. They have the ability to produce the best sound quality, in part because of their size and ability to block outside noise, and in part because larger and better sounding components can be fitted inside them. Because they are the largest of headphone styles, they are also the heaviest and the least portable. In fact they’re not really considered portable at all and are best suited for home or studio use. So they’re fairly uncommonly used with an iPod or any potable music player simply because they’re big, heavy and can be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

Once you decide which style of headphones you’d like to purchase, your next major decision is whether you want them to have any ability to block outside noise and/or if you want them to be without wires.

Noise canceling headphones are great if you travel a lot, are in an all round noise environment or just want better sounding audio. They can also reduce the likelihood of causing hearing loss, because they allow you to listen to music at a lower volume and yea they do come in all shapes, sizes and styles, however they are more expensive than a non noise canceling set.

Wireless headphones are fantastic because there's no cord needed so you’re free to roam around your home or office and don’t need to worry about cords getting caught in earrings, zippers or being an all round annoyance. A transmitter simply sends a signal to a receiver in the headphone that reproduces the sound in your ear.
Here are some things to watch for when you purchase a wireless headphone.
• Weight and comfort, nothing will give you a headache faster than a heavy, uncomfortable headphone set.
• Make sure the volume control is easy to access and simple to use.
• Are the batteries rechargeable? Better yet, does it come with an adapter that you can plug directly into the wall?
• Do they come with any type of carry case or carry bag?

No matter which style of headphones you decide to buy, it’s always important to try them out first to ensure that they are comfortable to wear and don’t cause listening fatigue. If you aren’t able to try before you buy , then make sure they come back with a money back guarantee.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Connect with MacMall


Thank you for making the Grand Opening of our Torrance Store a successful one! Visit us any day of the week and we’re more than glad to serve you. At MacMall, we always make sure that you get value for your money by giving you only the best deals on Apple and on today’s hottest electronic gadgets.

You can always keep track of what’s going on at the store or simply just keep in touch.

Whether you want to keep abreast of the latest MacMall Store news, have a question about a product, take part in fun giveaways, or just want to connect, we’re here for you.

Follow us on Twitter
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We’re always here for you. Just pop us a message anytime!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

What makes getting a Refurb product a win-win purchasing decision?

In a time of thinning wallets, buying a refurbished item is a great way to get a great buy on an outstanding product at a bargain price. Usually priced significantly lower than a “new” product, what makes a manufacturer refurbished product a better product purchase is the fact that it goes through much more extensive testing and the issues are known and resolved. How? When an item is returned—often unopened—to the manufacturer, it undergoes an intensive inspection process and when needed is restored to original specification, tested and/or repackaged for resale with an assurance that it is of the same quality as a new item.

Yes, like new! And this holds true for MacMall. We offer no cut-rate, cut-feature products. Just excellent ones! This you have to take note of: We refuse to compromise on quality in order to slash prices. As always, the only option we give you is for you to take a tour on our incredible refurbished deals and take home an overloaded bag of savings!

Visit your nearest MacMall Store now or call 1-800-MACMALL (622-6255) to find out more!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Holiday Gift Guides Make Christmas Shopping Easier

Last weekend before Christmas and you’re not yet done with holiday shopping?

Yule comes only once a year, so aside from a loved one’s birthday, the season provides one of the few opportunities to make someone smile through specially-wrapped boxes. Oh what a joy it will bring if you can come up with perfect holiday presents! These days, the quickest way to someone’s heart is the gift of some electronic toy or gadget. You play Santa around friends and family members, making them feel more special by crossing out a techie item on their wish lists. But of course, it’s given that wishes can pile up and there you are, figuring out what to get for them….without stretching the budget too far!

Thank heavens—filled with a number of great picks and savings—gift guides are always a shopper’s best friend. Not only do they make Christmas shopping easier but they also help you save time and money. Often, items are sorted according to the gender of recipients, interests or price ranges. Some guides would go as far as listing gift ideas based on categories. Scrolling on them is easy too—especially if you got your lists handy. The ideal way to maximize the use of these gift guides is to have a pen ready and make up your mind in advance on what purchases to make. While iPods, Mac computers, cameras and other tech stuffs are sure to be hit ideas, it would be cool also to try cute stuffs like digital photo key chains, USB flash drives or E-Book readers.

Simply put, gift guides pop the idea that indeed, ‘tis the season to shop…and save! The happier news is, there’s still time for you to make the wishes of those you hold so dear come true! This weekend, wake up early and hit your local retail store so you can put an end to your unfinished business—HOLIDAY SHOPPING, that is! You don’t need to go too far, there is always one near you.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Guide to Computer Speakers: What to Look for when Buying Computer Speakers

Planning to buy a pair of computer speakers? Know what features to look for so you can be sure to buy the best speakers for your computer.

Unlike any other computer hardware and parts, looking for a pair of good, high-quality computer speakers is fairly easy. You don’t have to visit each Apple store in Santa Monica just to get one that will perfectly match your desktop or laptop. Truth is, as long as you know the essential features that you need for you speakers, buying a pair will never be a sweat,

So, here’s a guide to computer speakers so you could easily identify what features to look for when buying a pair or two.

3D-Sound: If the sound card of your computer is capable of 3D-sound, you may want to get a four- to six-speaker setup. This should provide superb sounds that make you r music come to life. A 3D-sound is also perfect for computer games with heavy effects.

Subwoofer: Are you the type of music lover who wants to hear the sound of the songs fully and flatteringly? For the extended bass sound, make sure to get a subwoofer along with the computer speakers you purchase.

Corded or Wireless: While most computer speakers still make use of a standard power cord, there are models that are already wireless and make use of batteries instead. While battery-operated speakers are more portable and flexible, it is still much more functional and practical to get the corded ones for better power and performance.

Volume Control: Make sure that your speakers have a volume control that is easy to access and use. This would give you control over the volume without managing it from your PC or laptop.

Style: While the appearance or style of the computer speakers are not really as important as other technical features, you may still want to consider it, especially if you are going to match it with your computer or laptop. Will they be too big for your laptop or too small for your desktop? Is there enough space on your work table? What color of speakers would look good on your computer?

Keeping these guidelines in mind, you can be sure of which pair or set of computer speakers to purchase. Whether they’re from the Apple store or any other computer shop, and no matter which brand name they use, as long as they have the features that you are looking for, then they will definitely be perfect for your computer or laptop.

MacBook Care: Keeping Your MacBook in Top Shape and Good Condition

Learn how to take care of your MacBook. Follow these guidelines on how to keep your MacBook in top shape and good condition!

Your MacBook may be one of the best investments you’ll ever have. With the power, functionality, and portability it provides, there’s nothing else you’ll need when it comes to computing and staying connected. As soon as you bought one from the Apple store, you will see the endless possibilities it offers.

However, it is not enough that you simply own one. Keeping your MacBook in top shape and good condition is just as important. Make sure that you take proper care of your MacBook to maximize its functions and capabilities.

Below are some simple but significant ways on how to keep your MacBook in the best condition and make it last through the years.
  1. Regularly clean your MacBook display. Wipe away dust and dirt off it for best viewing experience. To do this, make sure that your MacBook is properly shut down, the power is unplugged, and battery has been taken out. Then, with a clean, soft, and slightly damped cloth, wipe the screen gently. Never spray any liquid directly on the MacBook’s screen.
  2. In cleaning the exterior of your MacBook, use a clean, soft, and slightly damped cloth, as well. Wipe dust and dirt off the keyboard, cover, and the base of your laptop in a gentle and moderate pace. Never use solvents, aerosol sprays, or any chemical liquid in cleaning your MacBook.
  3. Carry your MacBook gently and carefully. Place it in a secure bag with padded sleeves so that it won’t get scratched or damaged. Also, make sure that there are no loose items in the bag that could accidentally get stuck on your laptop computer.
  4. Take care of the battery of your MacBook by not overcharging it. Moreover, drain the battery once in a while to fully maximize its use. If you will not use your MacBook for a long period of time, make sure to store it in a secure place with its battery unplugged.
Save yourself from trips to the Apple store whenever your MacBook gets damaged and needs to be fixed. If you take care of your MacBook and keep it in its best condition, you can be sure to use it for a long period of time.

From PC to Mac: Switching to a Mac System

Before switching from a PC to a Mac system, make sure that you know these simple functions that might come in handy when you’re already working on your Mac computer.

Are you a PC user for so long that you think switching to a Mac computer would just be plain impossible? Well, nothing’s impossible, right? So as soon as you have bought your new Mac system from the Apple store and when you’re ready to switch from PC to a Mac, you have to keep in mind a few simple things to help you get through the adjustment period.

Though it’s relatively easy to find your way through a Mac, you may want to read about the following tips that would save you a minute or two in exploring the new system.

Finding the Start Menu

Remember: There is NO Start button and menu on a Mac system. Instead, you use the Finder window in navigating through your applications and browsing over your documents. You can also place the apps that you frequently use in the system Dock for easy access and use. You can then place the Dock at the bottom or either side of the screen.

Right-Clicking on Mac

If you have the Apple mouse which is designed with one button only, then it wouldn’t really allow you to right click, would it? To perform the right click function using the Apple mouse, you hold down the control key and then click the mouse button. This should open a context menu just like in Windows. You may also simply use a mouse with two buttons, and then do the usual right clicking.

Searching for Files and Applications

If you’ve been so used to the easy searching of files and programs with the Windows-based search function, then you won’t find it difficult to search your files and apps on Mac using Spotlight. It has a blue icon that is located at the upper right part of the screen. To search for e-mails, applications, filenames, file contents, contacts, and even metadata, simply click the icon and type in a phrase. It’s as simple as that!

Using the C: Drive

With a Mac, you won’t have to go back to the archaic way of digging files from the C: drive. Find all your files using the Finder on your Mac. If you’re a hard-core administrator, you can also use the Terminal app for some Unix action.

Knowing the HOT Keys on Mac

Notice first the command key on your Mac keyboard. It is the key with a little 4 leaf clover image located immediately to left and right of the spacebar. It functions similarly to the control key of a system that works on Windows. Most shortcuts or hot keys on Mac make use of the command key, so it’s better that you familiarize yourself with the common command keyboard shortcuts:
  • To delete a file, please the command key + backspace.
  • To copy a file, press the command key + C.
  • To paste a file, press the command key + V.
  • To create a new file, press the command key + N.
  • To print a file, press the command key + P.
  • To quit an application, press the command key +Q.
It’s never really challenging to switch from PC to Mac. Of course, there will always be a room for adjustment, but as soon as you get a grip of how the Mac system works, you can easily work your way out. So start setting up that Mac computer you purchased from the Apple store and see the difference!