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How To Update Mac OS 9 to 9.2.2

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Okay, this may sound simple enough but if you don’t have the updates on disc somewhere then it can be next to impossible to find the update files for Mac OS 9. Part of the reason it’s so hard to find updates to OS 9 is the fact that Apple has basically dropped all support for the OS. However, the aging OS is still used by many enthusiasts and vintage computer users around the world and if you need to do a clean install you’re going to want the updates. Everything is still out there, you just need to know where to look.FinderLogo

First, let me get you up-to-speed on some of the work you will need to do once you obtain the update files. These steps will help if you have a newer Mac or a Mac with OSX installed and will make the process much easier. Please stick around for the final steps or you might not get things to work.

  •  Step one, get the files!  You can obtain most of the older updates through this link.
  • The updates you will need are 9.1, 9.2.1 and 9.2.2. The first two are prerequisites and will need to be downloaded and installed before continuing.

Once you have downloaded each update folder, you need to prep them before you can use them on your older Mac. This guide assumes you are doing the prep work on a newer version of OS X. Here is what you need to do:

  • For Update 9.1, open the folder, you should see 15 (.bin) files, select them all. Next, Control click or right-click on a (.bin) file in the selection and choose “open”. This will open all of the (.bin) files. Now sort the files in the folder by “kind” and you should see all of the extracted files separated from the original (.bin) files. Now, take all of the extracted (.part) files and the single (.smi) file and burn them to a disc (CD-R*). You will now be able to load this disc into your older mac and proceed with the update by opening the (.smi) file and then launching the installer.
  • For Update 9.2.1, extract the file from the (.bin). Next, the process is a little different from the 9.1 update. You can try to load the single (.smi) by burning it to a disc and then mounting it on the older Mac, but I found that this doesn’t always work. I find it’s better to convert the (.smi) to a (.dmg), mount it, then burn the files contained within the image to a disc.
  • To convert the (.smi) to a (.dmg) on your OSX machine, Open, Disk Utility, then click in the white space in the box to the left so you are not selecting any mounted disks. Next, click Convert. Find the 9.2.1 (.smi) file and click Convert. Choose read-only with no encryption and then choose a save location. Click Save. You will be prompted to use (.dmg) instead of (.smi), click “Use (.dmg)”.
  • Now you can open the new (.dmg) file and burn all of the files to a CD-R. For Update 9.2.2 use the same process as 9.2.1.

** Please note that attempting to use a USB stick to update instead of a CD-R will likely result in failure. Mac OS 9 doesn’t seem to recognize the files correctly when loaded on to a flash drive. Your best bet is to burn the files to a CD-R.  Also, remember that many older Macs that run OS 9 do not have DVD drives, so don’t forget to use a CD-R for those machines.  A CD-RW may also be suitable.

Product Review: Retractable Car Charger for iPhone

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With all of our smart phones and devices made to be our everything, we can’t have them dying on the road. Most people use car chargers nowadays, and recently my last one broke so I was in the market for a new one. The last one I owned had a long cord and when I wasn’t using it just got in the way or tangled up when trying to put it away.

I thought this retractable car charger was a great idea so I had to get it. With it’s neat retractable cord there’s no wires hanging all over the car and in the way, and prevents tangles. Another nice feature about this device is that there’s an extra USB port, which can be used to hook up many other usb powered devices or to charge two devices at once. There’s also plenty of cord to go around at a total length of 90cm.

The bottom line is it’s a great charger, especially for the price and I haven’t found anything about it I don’t like. If you are looking for a great iPhone charger at a good price, I recommend this one.

For more details on this charger and to purchase, go to MobileFun.com or if you’re looking for other iPhone 5 chargers.

 

Retractable CarCharger

Features:

High performance circuit prevents over charging

Elegant stylish design with compact size

Retractable cable to avoid mess and tangles

Input 12V-24V for any vehicle

Extra USB charges two devices at once

90cm the length of the wire

Blue LED indicator when working

 

Product Review: KIDIGI Universal Desktop Cradle for iPad

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When I am doing the GWE podcast or when I am working on content for the website I find it absolutely necessary to have multiple screens in front of me. One of the screens that I love having the most is the iPad. However, I can’t always find the optimal place for my iPad and the outer case doesn’t always allow me to position the iPad in a way that’s comfortable for me while I work. Fortunately, I was recently sent the KIDIGI Universal Desktop Cradle for iPad from MobileFun.

KIDIGIDekstopCradle

The KIDIGI Universal Desktop Cradle works with the iPad (3rd generation)iPad 2, iPad and will also fit the iPod and iPhone. This cradle comes with USB cord to allow you to connect your device to your computer or directly to your Apple charger through the cradle itself. The 30-pin connector in the cradle is adjustable to ensure everything sits firmly in place regardless of what device your using. Another plus for this device is that you should be able to use it without removing your case, a huge annoyance that often comes up with other desk cradles. The KIDIGI cradle also looks really nice, it’s slick design makes it look like an Apple product.

KIDIGIcradle2

 

KIDIGIcradle3

The only con I found for this cradle is that I feel it could be a little more stable. While using it, I put it to the test and pushed hard and it began to wobble a bit. The cradle held it’s ground well enough and your device will definitely be safe, it’s just not as solid as I would like.

Overall I would recommend picking this up if you’re looking for a nice desktop cradle to use with pretty much any Apple device with a 30-pin connector.

Here are some of the key features:

  • Data Hot Sync and charging on your desk with a cradle.
  • The connector is easy to adjust to fit all ipods & iphones ipad.
  • Keep Silicon case or leather case with your iPad or iPhone in the cradle and can use in stable condition.

 

You can pick one of these up for just $17.49 at MobileFun. Have a device with the new lightning connector? No problem, MobileFun has something for  iPhone 5 as well, so go ahead and check it out.