The Mac Mini is a computer small enough to fit in your two hands, but with enough on the inside that it could replace your old desktop computer. Carved from a single, solid block of aluminium, the Mac Mini is only 3.6cm in height and can fit snuggly in your bag.

With a removable panel to upgrade memory and a simple, organised set of ports offering all you need without adding to its bulk, the Mac Mini is the perfect desktop addition. You can connect it to a display with just one port, meaning you have more room for the important things – like transferring photos and videos, plugging in a USB stick and much more.

The processing power of the Mac Mini is very impressive for its compact size. With the option of a 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 or a 2.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, this little computer can compete with some of the best. It also has a great graphics card and lots of storage so you can download and play the games, movies and applications you love.

Packed with memory, the Mac Mini has 4GB of 1600MHz DDR3 memory that can be upgraded easily up to 16GB. The Mac Mini also has the Fusion Drive – a breakthrough storage system that manages your data so frequently used items like apps and documents stay on the faster flash storage, while less used items move to the hard drive.

Perhaps the most obvious reason the Mac Mini is so desirable is its small size but great flexibility. You can easily connect the Mac Mini to a number of different screens with ease. From the large HDTV sitting in your living room to a generic desktop and your own keyboard and mouse, the Mac Mini works with almost any screen – it doesn’t even have to be Apple!

For more information about the Mac Mini, or to buy one today, head to Apple dealer, Next Byte today. With stores across the country and an online shop to browse at home, they can help you get the Apple device you need.

A Mac laptop is the perfect companion for your studies. With applications like iMovie and Garageband for the designer at heart, Keynote to keep all your notes in one place, the ability to install Microsoft Office and programs like Final Cut Pro and Aperture for those in the visual industry, a Mac product can hold all of your school work in one place. You can also sync it with products like your iPad and iPhone so you have everything with you at any time.

With Apple, you have the tools to help you grow and prosper in your chosen field of study. Your laptop will be a companion for life, holding your notes, work and life in one portable platform. And with Next Byte offering students, staff and educators special education pricing on their Macs in all stores, every day of the year, there is no better place to get started!

Next Byte currently has a student discount for those looking for laptops for the New Year. Simply purchase a selected Mac with an AppleCare Protection Plan and $100 worth of Sprout Accessories and you could save up to $220! View this deal and much more online at www.nextbyte.com.au. Or, visit the Apple dealer in store or call your local Next Byte store on 1300 361 119 for more information.

Although it has been a while since the new iPad came out, the surprises haven’t stopped just yet. With breakthrough retina display and all the features you loved, as well as some new additions, the new iPad wowed Apple enthusiasts around the world. But there was one more thing Apple had hidden under its belt – a bigger and better iPad.

The new iPad with Retina display traditionally comes in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. This allows for a significant amount of applications, documents, photos and other items to fit comfortably on the tablet’s drive. However, Apple wanted to do one better, so they came out with a fourth option – 128GB.

With 128GB, your iPad could rival your home computer for space. You can easily fit all of your emails and documents, music, photos and applications. Although it may not replace your computer for games or larger software, it is a great companion – perfect for on the train to work, while on holidays overseas or just whenever you are out and about.

Still not convinced? There are many other things the iPad has that beat other tablets and portable computer choices. The new iPad boasts retina display, an impressive 5mp iSight camera on back and a HD FaceTime camera on the front, 4G LTE data, an A5X processor with quad core graphics processing and iPad dictation. It is also available in white or black with lots of accessories on the market so you can personalise it to your tastes.

So, get a powerful computer that can fit in your bag – get the iPad with Retina Display! Small on size, big on power. Visit Apple dealer, Next Byte for more information or to buy one today. To find a store near you, call Next Byte on 1300 361 119 or visit the Contact Us and Locations page online.

Here are just five tips to help:

1. Close apps

   Ensure you exit applications when you are finished. Manually exit them either through the menu, or by checking your running applications. Live applications, even in the background, will drain your battery very quickly.

2. Stay cool, not hot!

   Any electronic device craves a cool environment. Don’t leave it in a hot car or near the kitchen. It should also have its own space, rather than being jammed in between books, pillows or other items. Instead, keep it as close to room temperature as possible.

3. Keep it locked

   When not in use, your iPhone should always be kept locked and in sleep mode. This stops anything from happening if you touch the screen by accident. You can also set up the auto-lock feature so it locks after one or two minutes of no activity. Head to Settings > General > Auto-Lock.

4. Put down the shades

   lowering your screen’s brightness can greatly reduce the battery use. This is as simple as heading to the Settings stab and pressing Brightness. Here, you can move the slider to reduce the brightness. Make it as low as possible so you can still see everything.

5. Drain it

   you should run your iPhone to empty and fully recharge it at least once a month, also known as going through one charge cycle. This goes for all lithium-based batteries. This “keeps the electrons in it moving occasionally”.

Other ways you can increase your battery life include turning off vibration and sound when you press the keys, turning off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use, using the phone while charging and turning off any automatic updates.

For more information or advice on how to extend the life of your iPhone’s battery, talk to the Apple repair experts at Next Byte.

Cracked or broken screen

It is not unusual to see someone with a cracked iPhone screen. The degree of damage is different with every user and some people will wait until the glass is falling out to do anything about it! Save yourself the pain by getting it fixed as soon as possible. Due to its prevalence, many different places will offer repairs at an affordable rate, but don’t get caught out – look for a respectable and authorised company.

No charge

Many phones have this issue. No matter how many times you try to charge it, your phone just won’t hold the juice. This is usually due to a battery that has lost its charge either from overcharging, the battery degrading, the docking connector being damaged or for no reason at all. This problem requires battery or docking connector replacement.

No sound

Like no charge, this can happen for a number of reasons and sometimes for no reason at all. There is no point in having a phone with no sound. You can’t engage in phone calls, listen to music or watch a video. In this case, your iPhone will usually require speaker replacement.

Broken home button

No matter how many times you press it, the home button only works half the time – sound familiar? This situation will require an expert to go in and check whether the button has moved or isn’t connecting properly. Heading an authorised dealer, especially if still under warranty, will get you the results you need.

Many of these problems can be easily repaired at a certified store, such as Apple repairs company, Next Byte. To find a location near you, or to book online, head to the iConcierge Service Portal by visiting http://book.i-concierge.com.au/ now.

Fantastical

This app is perfect for those who like to organise their life from the time they wake up to the time they snuggle back into bed. Offering natural language event creation and a stunning event/reminder list, this calendar is the best you’ll ever use!

Screen VNC

In our technology driven world, it is important to be able to access your computer from anywhere. Screens is the ultimate VNC client for your Mac, making it easier than ever to access your Mac from another device.

Logic Pro

The ninth edition of this program offers musicians all the creative tools they need. It features an extensive range of instruments, effects and Apple loops you can use to help write, record, edit and mix music.

Limbo

This popular indie game is a unique puzzle/platformer that follows a boy trying to find his missing sister. A little scary and a lot fun, this game offers a great story and controls suitable for most gamers.

Trine 2

If you like puzzles, action, platforming or all of the above, then Trine is for you. The second instalment in the series offers you the chance to play as one of three heroes as they make their way through dangers untold in a mysterious fairytale world.

Other Mac apps that made the list include Clean, Sar Wars: KotOR, Splinter Cell Conviction, TubeUploadr and Civilisation V: Campaign Edition. To view all of these and much more, visit Next Byte’s apps page today.

The benefits of heading online

Going to Next Byte’s online store has many benefits. The most obvious benefit is the time you save. You don’t have to travel anywhere or fight the crowds, wait in line or struggle to find a particular item – just sit at your computer and click away! It can also save you money as you don’t have to pay for fuel and online deals are often cheaper than in store.

Popular products

The most popular products Next Byte currently have on offer online include the new iPad mini, available in a number of colours and styles, Sprout styluses for your touch screen devices, iPad mini covers, wireless keyboards and the super-thin MacBook Air.

Why Next Byte

Next Byte is the premium Apple dealer in Australia, offering all the Apple products you need, from iPods and Mac computers to accessories and repairs. With an extensive line of products both online and in store, you can find all you need with Next Byte, including access to customer service and over-the-phone advice.

 You can visit the Apple dealer at http://shop.nextbyte.com.au/ to start your shopping right now!

iConcierge is Next Byte’s service team, providing you with the best advice, service solutions and repairs for any Apple device you may own. They have years of experience helping solve any of your Apple issues, constantly evolving to make sure you get the best service possible. As an Accredited Apple Authorised Service Provider, you are in safe hands.

There are many benefits to choosing iConcierge to fix, upgrade or service your Apple device. You can leave your item with an iConcierge member in store, where repairs will also be completed – iConcierge do everything in store so you know exactly who is taking care of you. And if it isn’t repaired or replaced within four business days, you don’t have to pay a cent.

If you bought an AppleCare Protection Plan with your Apple product, you can also get free Apple phone support by calling 1300 321 456. General repairs are available at all stores with iConcierge and iPhone repairs are available at selected stores. For more information, visit Next Byte online now. To book in your iConcierge service job, call your local Next Byte store or head online to http://www.iconcierge.com.au/.

Liquipel – Liquipel is a revolutionary product that waterproofs smart phones. The water safe coating is invisible to the naked eye and will help protect your iPhone’s internal components from accidental spills and submersions. This exciting new product is available to iPhone users from Next Byte for just $99.

Future Proof – Future proof is an exclusive buy-back program available to Next Byte iPhone users and customers. It allows iPhone users to trade in their old smart phones for up to 50 per cent of the purchase price when their ready to upgrade. With the future proof guarantee, you don’t have to hold out for the latest release; just buy an iPhone now and trade it in when you’re ready for the updated version.

iConcierge – iConcierge is a 24 hour service team dedicated to providing you with solutions to all your iPhone problems. This handy service is now available in all Next Byte stores nationwide, offering assistance in everything from application downloads to system upgrades.

Services and Repairs – There’s nothing worse than a cracked iPhone screen. Next Byte offers fast and reliable repairs to all its iPhone customers. All their repairs are done in-store and they have a 4 day repair guarantee so you can be sure you and your iPhone will be back up and running in no time.

All of these services and more are available to iPhone users at Next Byte stores around Australia. With over 15 exclusive Apple retail shops, Next Byte has a service department ready to offer you solutions for all your iPhone needs. For more information about the iPhone services available, contact your nearest Next Byte store and speak to one of their friendly tech experts.

Say hello to my little friend – accessories for your iPad mini

The iPad mini has been on the market for a few months now and millions now use the iPad’s little sister every day. Whether you are looking for a Christmas present or just want to get a few extras for yourself, purchasing some accessories for the iPad mini is a great way to protect it, add a little personalisation and make it more portable.

Here are just four essentials:

iPad mini Smart Cover

One of the essentials, just like the cover for the regular iPad, this cover attaches magnetically, protecting the screen. The cover instantly wakes the iPad when you open it and can also be folded into a stand. The iPad mini Smart Cover comes in a range of vibrant colours to suit any style and personality.

AppleCare Protection Plan

Although not really an accessory, this extra is the perfect addition to your iPad mini. This plan extends your repair coverage and technical support to two years from the original purchase of your iPad.

Stylus

The beauty of many of Apple’s products is their touch screen capabilities. However, sometimes you need something more precise than your finger and the feel of a pen in your hand can make all the difference. A stylus is the answer and with so many different kinds and colours, there’s something to suit everyone.

Carrying Bag

Although your smart cover will protect the iPad from most bumps and scratches, a carry bag is a great way to make it more portable and add an extra layer of protection. iPad bags come in many styles and colours and usually have extra pockets for other items like your stylus and day to day items like your wallet and car keys.

Apple retailer, Next Byte, has all of the above products and much more. As Australia’s largest and most awarded Apple Premium Reseller in Australia, you can trust you are in safe hands when you visit one of their stores. So head down to a Next Byte near you and get some iPad mini accessories today.