Robert Braathe – Professor and Consultant

One of the biggest fears customers face is investing in technology that they don’t know how to use or that they fear will become obsolete.

Very often, I encounter situations where customers have invested too much into software or hardware without forethought or planning.

Next time you are considering upgrading a system or converting over to a Mac or Apple product, contact me for some pre-purchase advice.

One of my recent experiences was dealing with a client who made a significant investment in a backup program thatt that had ceased working properly.  In order to upgrade and get support, they would have had to invest an additional $1700 in support and software to get it working the way that they wanted.  Instead, I upgraded their systems to Snow Leopard and put them on Time Machine, which cost them only $49 plus my time with them.

Look forward to assisting you with your future technology needs and implementing them!

robert@galaconcierge.com

iPhone 203-770-2686

While there may not be an Apple Store in Saratoga Springs, there are options for those who don’t wish to travel all the way to Albany for their Apple needs.

For those who have need for at-home or business assistance and training for Apple products, I can make a trip to the Apple Crossgates Store to pick up what you need and install it for you, transfer your data, or setup peripheral devices like printers, external hard drives, iPods, iPads, iPhones, and more.

I offer Apple products through my Amazon store online.  Here is a shortcut to get to one of my store pages.

As well,  The Skidmore College bookstore has Apple computers for sale.

http://academics.skidmore.edu/blogs/skidmoreshop/2010/07/05/the-skidmore-shop-is-open-during-the-summer/

For pre-purchase advice, give me a call at 203-770-2686, anytime Monday through Saturday.  Just like Chick-Fil-A, I’m closed on Sundays

I get asked often what my opinion is on Refurbished Macs.  To me, Refurbished Macs are a great value for those who don’t have the capital or resources to buy new, or who want to save a few bucks and buy a great computer.

There are many pluses and no minuses to buying a Refurbished Mac.  The computers are covered with the same one year limited warranty, and like any Mac, the optional AppleCare is well worth the value with three years telephone support and three years of AppleCare coverage.

You can check out some of the latest Refurbished Macs on my Apple Store for Business link

http://tiny.cc/refurbmacs

As always, if you have any questions, I am available for pre-purchase advice at robert@galaconcierge.com or 203-770-2686 Monday through Saturday.

The decision to invest in new technology can be costly if you invest in the incorrect solutions.

One of my specialties is working with new and existing clients to assist with what to buy, when to buy it, and how to make the right call when it comes to hardware and software from Apple and other vendors.

Whether it is a software solution vs. a cloud-based or Web 2.0 solution, refurbished vs. new Mac, or rebuild vs update your website and web presence, contact me for a complimentary consultation before you invest in a solution.

Alternatively, you can also check out some of my recommended products on my Amazon store and my refurbished and new Apple Store for Business at the links below.  You can reach me at 203-770-2686 Monday through Saturday or via email at robert@galaconcierge.com

Amazon Store – Robert Braathe – Recommended Business and Technology Products

Shop the Apple Online Store

Great deals on Macs. Save big on Apple-certified refurbished Macs, while supplies last.

I ordered the iPad the day pre-orders were starting, and I received it Saturday afternoon.  Immediately, I knew this had the potential for changing my world for the better.

About three hours later, I discovered some truly amazing apps and uses for the iPad that I hadn’t considered before.

The keyboard is very handy and larger than the one on the iPhone.  I did order the optional iPad Keyboard Dock and iPad case to allow me a little more comfort when sitting in one place.

I did hope for a longer power cord since I like keeping my computers charged fully, but I may just buy a USB extension cord to allow this to be more comfortable for me.

Skype – if you are on Wifi, you can make phone calls from your iPad via the iPad’s internal mic and speaker

Netflix and ABC Video – great apps for streaming very high quality video and shows

Amazon Kindle for iPad – an amazing app that shows books in the same great way over Whispernet as the Kindle itself.  I was using this app for the iPhone, but now on the iPad, I am able to view books in all their glory

iBooks – Apple’s own bookstore for books.  I downloaded a couple titles and was also pleased with this app.

Sketchpad HD – the best sketching/notepad app I’ve found so far

GoodReader – a great app for storing PDF’s and other docs that allows you to wirelessly connect to your laptop to transfer files

Duo Browser – a great tool for viewing more than one webpage on the same screen

Skygrid – excellent news aggregator