A Useful ODwire.org feature for Mac Users who are technophobes...

[Paul Farkas]

Do you keep your Apple products clean or loaded with "crap".

MacMentors sent a New year's suggestion...

January 17, 2024

Here’s your MacMentor quick tip for January.

As you set goals for 2024, make sure you include in that list, getting and keeping your Mac (and all Apple devices) tuned up and ready to roll. Let’s schedule time to clean out the CRAP that is keeping your Mac from running efficiently.

Call/Text or email to ensure your Mac computing year gets off to a terrific start that will make 2024 the best year you and your Mac can have.

Happy Computing,

The MacMentor Team

 

[Paul Farkas]

Mac Users Attention!

From Mac mente 3/9/24...

​ iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4 and macOS 14.4 are available and ready for primetime! ​

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​ ​ macOS 14.4 is here...and if you haven't upgraded your Mac yet, I highly recommend you do so. Same is true for your iPhone and iPad, with iOS 17.4​

​ There are only a few new features, security enhancements and bug fixes in these updates, however as always I highly recommend you keep you Mac, iPhone/iPad up to date for security and safety reasons. For macOS 14.4 I've highlighted one of the new features below, it's hardly earth shattering, but hey not all updates are: New Emoji characters (mushrooms, phoenix, lime, and shaking heads are now available) along with transcripts for the Podcast App (similar to viewing lyrics for a song, or the transcription of a voicemail). An option to show only icons for websites on your Safari Favorite bar Along with Security enhancements and bug fixes. If for some reason your Mac is set to automatic updates, but hasn't done the update yet, please upgrade manually. If you do run into issues having upgraded your machine, let me hear about them, I can report them to Apple or better yet try and re-create the issues, or help you resolve them . #Apple #Mac #Tech #macOSSonoma #NewRelease #UpgradeYourLife​

​ ​ If you have questions, concerns or just want to chat about your Mac, iPhone or iPad, please call or text us @ 847.902.6681 or email geoff@themacmentor.com, at your convenience. We look forward to hearing from you soon!​

​ ​ TheMacMentor.com​

​ ​ email us today​

 

[Paul Farkas]

AAAARGH!! A crowded Inbox!

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​ ​ April 17, 2024 Are you frazzled and feel like your inbox owns you? Do you find yourself buried under mountains of new emails every hour, every day? Not knowing what to do, your inbox grows and grows, then your Mac becomes slow and your angry and frustrated because your Mac is supposed to be fast and you find yourself desperately needing help to sort through it all? Well, take a breath and know you're not alone. So many people struggle with the overwhelming task of organizing their inbox, whether due to lack of time, not knowing where to start, or not realizing the detrimental effect it’s having on your Mac. Fear not, The MacMentor is here to help. Consider us your inbox specialists. How would you like to declutter and streamline your email experience today? We understand that your time is precious, and sorting through countless messages can be, and is a daunting task. That's why we're here to provide you with the support and guidance to “Own your inbox”. With years of knowledge and strategies along with our personalized, patient approach, we'll work with you to implement a personal and efficient email management strategy that works for you. Whether it be setting up new mailboxes and filters to prioritizing messages and eliminating spam, we'll help you “Own your inbox”, so it no longer owns you. Don't let email overload hold you back any longer. Call, text (847.902.6681) or email, using the button below to setup your “Own my inbox”, session(s) today. Happy Computing, Until next time, happy computing, Geoff Chief Mentor The MacMentor​

 

[Paul Farkas]

July Greeting from MacMentor...

July 1, 2024 It's hard to believe it's already July, but it's never to soon to get your kid(s), or yourself a new device. Now is a great opportunity to get a new Mac (Air or Pro), or a new iPad (Air or Pro). As always, I'll happily chat with you to ensure you get the device that best suits your needs, not only for today, but for the future. What I like to call "future proofing". Don't wait until August comes and the device you seek is hard to acquire, call today and we can make sure you or your child is ready to go when school starts. We look forward to speaking with you and seeing you soon! Happy Computing, Until next time, happy computing, Geoff Chief Mentor The MacMentor​

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Schedule your next Mac/iPad discussion Today!​

 

[Paul Farkas]

A heads up from MacMentor...

​ ​ ​ If you are paying for Evernote Subscription, why you should stop!​

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​ ​ Friday August 30, 2024​ Twelve years ago when I started The MacMentor, I was looking for tools not only to help myself in my business, but also to help my clients make better use of their devices. Evernote stuck out as simply the best note taking app for ALL your devices. With a subscription price starting around $35/year, it was priced for everyone. Like most subscriptions, Evernote raised their prices, after a few years, which given the new feature to the application, made sense. However this past month, an email came out from the makers of Evernote that subscription prices were going from $63.99/yr to $113.99/yr! Now, again I understand and can appreciate raising prices a little at a time, however, nearly doubling your subscription in a year has led me to suggest leaving Evernote and moving to a different platform. My recommendation is to use the Notes App that comes with your Apple devices. It may not have ALL the functionality of Evernote, but it has most of the functionality, and Apple continually improves it, with many more improvements coming next month with the release of iOS 18, and if you have purchased additional iCloud storage (who hasn't at this point), there's no extra fee for Notes, it's included in your iCloud. So, if you use Evernote and would like to understand how to export your notes to use in the Notes app, please reach out and I am happy to provide assistance. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you soon!​

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​ ​ Email us with questions​

 

[Paul Farkas]

MacMentor updates...

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​ Apple has released all new operating systems for your devices, be extra careful when upgrading your new iPad Pro!!​

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​ ​ macOS 15 and iOS 18 are ready for download and use. If you have a new iPad Pro be VERY careful when upgrading. There is an upgrade to iOS 17.7 that will brick your iPad Pro and make it unusable, you need to bypass it and go straight to iOS 18!​

​ As I mentioned, there are many new features and functionalities in both operating systems which I will address in emails in the coming weeks. You don't have to upgrade your systems immediately if you don't want to, but the software is solid and ready to use. Like always, on your Mac, open system settings, click general, then click software update and you'll have macOS 15 option waiting for you. The upgrade will take 15-30 minutes depending on your wifi speed. On your iPhone/iPad go to settings > General > Software update. You'll see an update for iOS 17.7, skip it scroll down and go directly to iOS 18. It is ready for prime time. #Apple #Mac #Tech #macOSSonoma #NewRelease #UpgradeYourLife​

​ ​ If you have questions, concerns or just want to chat about your Mac, iPhone or iPad, please call or text us @ 847.902.6681 or email geoff@themacmentor.com, at your convenience. We look forward to hearing from you soon!​

 

[Paul Farkas]

Additional updates....

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​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Happy Halloween 2024 Apple had an exciting week! Releasing new Macs, along with new iOS and macOS updates. If you own an M series Mac, make sure to update to macOS 15.1. If you own a new iPad Air or iPad Pro, make sure you update to iPadOS 18.1. If you own an iPhone 15 Pro, or new iPhone 16 or 16 Pro, make sure you update to iOS 18.1, all of which will put you on the brink of getting Apple's new AI experience!! I say put you on the brink, because there are some terrific new Apple AI features in these updates, but Apple is rolling out all it AI features slowly. As always, The MacMentor is here to guide you through the numerous new features, for which I will be sending more emails than usual in the coming weeks. For now, those of you with the machines I noted above, please make sure to update/upgrade your operating systems. In the Mac, open System Settings, go to General, then Software update. On the iPads and iPhones, open Settings, then go to General, Software update. It is my goal to make sure you feel confident with these new features. So please don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a session or two. For the rest of you, I would also recommend updating to the new operating systems, you simply will not have access to Apple's new AI functionality. More to come soon! Until next time, happy computing, Geoff Chief Mentor The MacMentor​

 

[Paul Farkas]

Thank you!​

It’s hard to believe we are nearing the end of another fantastic year for The MacMentor. 2024 marked the twelfth year supporting you and your Apple devices! I’m beyond grateful for your trust and continued support. ​ Moving into 2025, I wish you and your families health, happiness, and many more Apple devices for me to help you with. ​ Thank you again for being a part of The MacMentor “family”. As we venture into Apple’s AI future, please don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions regarding new devices, your technology needs and where Apple’s AI functionality can benefit you. Best wishes to you and your family for an incredible holiday season and an AMAZING 2025!​ Sincerely, Geoff, The MacMentor ​

 

[Paul Farkas]

Starting 2025 some Mac Mentor advice...

Happy Monday! It's time to update your Apple devices! For the iPhone the main updates are geared toward the iPhone 15 Pro and the new iPhone 16 lineup, they are Apple AI related. Similarly, the new features in iPadOS 18.3 are also geared toward newer iPads (2022 and later). However there are serious bug fixes that iOS 18.3 addresses and all undateable devices should update for that reason. ​

For the Mac, macOS 15.3 the updates also center around Apple AI, nothing earth shattering, but as always, I recommend updating your Mac, if for no other reason than to keep it protected. If your devices are set to automatic updates, but the update doesn't happen automatically, please upgrade manually. If you run into issues upgrading your machine(s), let me hear about them, I can report them to Apple or better yet try and re-create the issues, or help you resolve them. ​ ​

If you have questions, concerns or just want to chat about your Mac, iPhone or iPad, please call or text us @ 847.902.6681 or email geoff@themacmentor.com, at your convenience.​ We look forward to hearing from you soon! ​

TheMacMentor.com​

email us today​

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[Paul Farkas]

The MacMentor gives you a heads up!...

​ Will the new tariffs affect pricing on Apple products? ​

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​ ​ Saturday April 12, Hello and Happy Saturday, If you are wondering or concerned how the new tariffs are going to affect Apple products, you are not alone. In fact, the story is being covered by numerous sources, including Bloomberg, The Guardian, and the New York Magazine (they are the source of some of the information that I'm providing here). If you're concern is leading you to question whether or not now is a good time to purchase, let me help you. It is. These new tariffs are expected to significantly impact the pricing of ALL Apple devices in the U.S. "The Presidents administration has imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, which includes a 125% general import duty and an additional 20% fentanyl-related border tax (not sure how the fentanyl relates to Apple products). Given that approximately 90% of iPhones are assembled in China, Apple is particularly affected by these measures". Analysts predict that these tariffs could increase the price of an iPhone 16 Pro Max from $1,199 to around $2,150. When will this kick in? That much is not known. However if you are even somewhat considering a new iPhone, get it ASAP. Whether you go through your carrier, a physical Apple Store (Northbrook Court closes on 4.26, so their stock will be VERY limited) or Apple.com, I would do it sooner rather than later. If you have an iPhone 14, or older and you have any desire to get in on Apple Intelligence, I'd recommend upgrading to any of the iPhone 16's. If you have an iPhone 15 Pro, you are in great shape. Regarding iPads and Macs, if you have any desire to get in on Apple Intelligence, and your iPad or Mac does not support it, upgrade now. How do you know if your iPad supports Apple AI? If it's an M1 series iPad mini, or M2 iPad Air or 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th or M4 series iPad Pro you are good to go. You can check which iPad you have by going into Settings > General > About. For the Mac, it's simple, you need an M series Mac. However, if you have an early M series Mac, you may want to consider upgrading now as it's at least 4 years old and though it's not required, you are only a year or 2 away from wanting to upgrade, so...to beat any price increase you may want to do that upgrade sooner than you normally would. According to the sources, listed above - "Apple is exploring several strategies to mitigate price hikes such as increasing production in India and transporting iPhones to the U.S. via chartered flights to avoid tariffs. However, these measures are temporary solutions. The company may also absorb some of the additional costs in the short term, hoping for tariff exemptions, but consumers should brace for higher prices on Apple devices". If you have new, or new-ish devices, don't worry. If you're devices are 3 years old or more, and you are concerned and not sure what to do, call me, I'm here to help.​ #Apple #Mac #Tech #macOSSequoia #UpgradeYourLife​

​ ​ You can click the link below to send us a quick email, or call/text us @ 847.902.6681.​ ​ We look forward to hearing from you soon!​ ​

​ ​ TheMacMentor.com​

 

[Jenifer Ambler]

Go on Apple.com and scroll down and click on the Certified Refurbished link https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished for great prices and still under warranty. Almost all of my Apple products have come from there. Been checking daily for another iPhone 13 mini because they’re not making any of the newer models in that size (small hands).

 

[Paul Farkas]

Update as reported in 4/12/25 Digital Time Magazine...

Are Smartphones and Laptops Exempt From Trump’s ‘Reciprocal’ Tariffs? Here’s What to Know​

• 

by
Rebecca Schneid
REPORTER

In the latest switch-up in the rollercoaster of events that have followed the April 2 announcement of President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs, the Trump Administration has said that some electronics will be exempt from these tariffs.

A notice from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), posted late on Friday night, stated that certain electronic devices will be exempt—including smartphones, laptops, hard drives, flat-panel monitors, and machines used to make semiconductors and some chips. The notice said that the exemption applies to products entering the United States or removed from warehouses dating back to April 5.

This means these products can now bypass the significantly high “reciprocal” tariffs on China, where Apple has manufactured most of its iPhones since the first model hit the market 18 years ago. However, as Stephen Miller, Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, pointed out on X on Saturday, these electronics are still “subject to the tariff under the original IEEPA on China of 20 percent.”

The tariffs would likely have made a large impact on the purchase of electronics, and by extension, on tech giants such as Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia and Samsung, as many of their supply chains are based in China and other countries outside of the U.S. Some experts estimated that with the tariffs, and before the exemption, the iPhone could have cost thousands more for U.S. consumers, especially if made in the U.S.

Trump has previously encouraged tech giants to move their companies and manufacturing to the U.S., and referenced Apple’s February announcement that it plans to invest $500 billion in the U.S. in the next four years.

In a Truth Social post on April 9, Trump said: “This is a GREAT time to move your COMPANY into the United States of America, like Apple, and so many others, in record numbers, are doing. ZERO TARIFFS, and almost immediate Electrical/Energy hook ups and approvals. No Environmental Delays. DON’T WAIT, DO IT NOW!”
However, as the Washington Post notes, Apple has a complex system that extends beyond the U.S. While their iPhones are designed in California, they are assembled in China and India, with parts sourced from various suppliers.

The notice about exemptions comes after Trump reportedly teased the idea while talking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday. “There could be a couple of exceptions for obvious reasons, but I would say 10% is a floor,” said Trump. He did not specify what those reasons were.
Experts have been concerned about how Trump’s tariffs would impact consumers as prices are expected to rise. It’s worth noting that China was the second-largest supplier of U.S. goods in 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. (Mexico was the top source of U.S. imports.) China is especially known for supplying broadcasting equipment and computersto the U.S.


The exemption move is the latest change in Trump’s tariffs plan. U.S. and global stocks tanked, prompting fears of a recession, after Trump announced what he refers to as “reciprocal” tariffs on April 2, a day he coined “Liberation Day.” However, on April 9, Trump announced a 90-day pause for most of the “reciprocal” tariffs, with the exception of China, who were hit with much higher import taxes. The tariffs on China now total 145%—a 125% “reciprocal” tariff and a 20% tariff on most goods, as a punishment for the flow of fentanyl into the United States. China has since hit back at the U.S., raising the tariffs on American goods to 125%.

 

[Paul Farkas]

Mac Mentor follows up...

​ Wait...WHAT??? ​

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​ ​ Saturday Evening April 12, Wouldn't you know it, In an amazing reversal, after reading my last email(just kidding), the government has decided to reverse it's decision and NOT include iPhones, iPads or Macs in any new tariffs So, I am retracting my email from earlier today, please disregard it. I will do my absolute best to keep you as up to date as possible, as it pertains to Apple product pricing. So at least for now, no need to be concerned about any price increases ​ #NoAppleTariffs #Apple #Mac #Tech #macOSSequoia #UpgradeYourLife​

​ ​ You can click the link below to send us a quick email, or call/text us @ 847.902.6681.​ ​ We look forward to hearing from you soon!​ ​

​ ​ TheMacMentor.com​

​ ​ email us today​

​