1. RAM is upgradeable (21″ iMac is not)
2. Easy to ship, easy to transport.
3. Attach nearly any display.
4. Available now (iMacs are often on backorder)
5. Computer can be serviced separate from display and swapped with a spare.

The mini can be ordered with an SSD drive for speed or used with external drives. One of the main limitations is RAM, which is limited to 16GB. This makes it more of a direct comparison to the 21 inch iMac although in our opinion it’s a better buy because of the flexibility.

We’re pleased to announce that our tech, Clay Lewis is one of the first few in the nation to become Apple Certified on Mountain Lion Server. MacLab is now certified in 10.8 and 10.8 server as well as holding Apple’s Mobility Technical Competency. The MTC designation is given by Apple to individuals within companies trained and knowledgeable on implementing managed iOS solutions. All MacLab techs are certified and members of the Apple Consultant’s Network.

With so many cloud solutions out there, you might wonder why you would need a server. A server in your office is much more cost effective because storage costs are limited to the media. And there are so many things you can do with a server, even beyond what Apple provides. We recommend making your server into a combination file and backup server. This can be act as your private cloud, accessible in and out of the office. If you have a stable Internet connection, it can even be your mail server. Your iOS devices can be managed from the server as well. Managing iOS devices deserves it’s own topic, which I’ll delve into  soon.

Here’s a great tool for your office or even your home and you can keep this all in your private cloud, which means monthly fees are dirt cheap and data never leaves your controlled environment. It’s a wild and wooly world out there—keep it in house! Kerio Workspace can sync files across multiple users and has a great web interface where you can even create content. There’s version tracking, commenting, and much more. Workspace is not just about files, it’s a group project tool with elements of social networking.

• Installing on your server means you don’t pay for hosted storage space.
• File synchronization, multiple users, separate logins
• Permissions to limit web visibility and file syncing
• Version tracking of files
• View pdfs, Word, Excel, and text files direct in your web browser or download and edit.
• Automatic file locking prevents multiple users from editing the same file
• Virus check of files with Sophos Antivirus
• Cross platform (Mac, Windows, Linux, Mobile)
• Edit on iPad
• More

A low-end Mac Mini makes a great Kerio Workspace Server.

Annual Price Comparison with Dropbox

Kerio Workspace: $32 per user first year, $12 per user following years, unlimited data.
Dropbox for Teams: $795 for 5 users, $125 each additional user, unlimited data.

Starter Edition—Free

The Workspace Starter Edition is entirely free. It allows up to 10GB of storage. This is more than enough to use it for awhile, possibly forever depending on what you do with it.

Summary

If you’re considering Dropbox for Teams or even for multiple users in your organization, take a look at Workspace. You get a lot more for much less, data is kept out of the cloud at large and files are scanned for viruses. You’re in control.

Before Jan 1: Upgrade to CS6 Design and Web Premium $949

After Jan 1: CS6 Design and Web Premium $1899

MacLab is an authorized Adobe reseller. Please let us know if we can help you upgrade before the deadline.

• Select “About this Mac” from the Apple menu, then click “More Info.” Check under “Power” to see the battery health. Make sure the condition says “Good” or “Normal.”
• Pivot the the screen. Do the hinges appear firm? The display should not flicker or show horizontal lines while being moved.
• Check the RAM and hard drive. Is there enough? Figure in costs for upgrades.
• Is there a warranty or a return period in case you discover a hardware issue when you get home?
• Check that the optical drive reads a CD or DVD (if it reads, it will most likely write.)
• Is there a fresh, clean operating system, or is there user data and applications all over the computer? If the latter, there could be left over problems to clean up.
• Have upgrades been performed or parts replaced? If the hard drive has been replaced, this is good news. Drives fail eventually. If it was already taken care of you’ll avoid this issue and the newer drive will be speedier.

MacLab has used and refurbished Macs available. We take trade-ins, install fresh parts, erase the data (securely) and perform upgrades. Re-purposing computers helps the environment and saves money. If you’re looking to buy a new Mac, don’t pass up the opportunity to trade in your old one in for credit. By purchasing used or providing a trade-in you won’t be contributing to laptop landfill.

Restart your Mac. Immediately hold down the shift key. Continue holding it until you get to the login screen. Once you do, release the shift key and click the “Restart” button.

You’ve just run disk directory repairs on your drive, which is the single most important maintenance item you can do to your Mac.

Starting with the shift key down puts the Mac into “Safe Boot” which can also be used to disable all but the critical software extensions in order to troubleshoot a problem.

Apple’s technical explanation of Safe Boot: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564