fbpx
Announcing the most powerful 13-inch MacBook.

Announcing the most powerful 13-inch MacBook.

by | May 6, 2020 | Announcements, Apple Inc., Mac, New and Hot

Introducing the new 13-inch MacBook Pro. Now with a tenth-generation quad-core Intel processor and Magic Keyboard.

The all-new 13-inch MacBook Pro® features a tenth-generation quad-core Intel processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz. A brilliant and colorful Retina display with True Tone technology for a more true-to-life viewing experience. A backlit Magic Keyboard and Touch ID. Fast integrated graphics. And the versatile Touch Bar for more ways to be productive. It’s Apple’s most powerful 13-inch notebook. Pushed even further.

  • Tenth-generation quad-core Intel Core i5 processor
  • Brilliant Retina display with True Tone technology
  • Backlit Magic Keyboard
  • Touch Bar and Touch ID
  • Intel Iris Plus Graphics
  • Ultrafast SSD
  • Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
  • Up to 10 hours of battery life*
  • 802.11ac Wi-Fi
  • Force Touch trackpad
  • Available in space gray and silver
  • The latest version of macOS
  • Prices start at $1299.99

Now accepting pre-orders! Call 541-773-9861 to reserve your 13-inch MacBook Pro today.

Configurable processor, memory, storage and graphics options are available. MacBook, MacBook Pro, Retina, Magic Keyboard, Touch Bar, and Touch ID are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. *Battery life varies by use and configuration. See www.apple.com/batteries for more information.

We’re all in this together.

We’re all in this together.

by | Apr 17, 2020 | Announcements

Still open. Still fighting. Not going anywhere. Because we are truly all in this together.

Hi! How weird is all this, right? We just hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. That’s the most important thing.

Lately, we’ve been thinking a lot about our community and customers, folks like you who have become like family over the last 45 years. We recognize the importance of connection during these trying times, and the role technology has come to play in maintaining those connections to friends, to educators, to co-workers, and (most of all) to our families. We stand ready to troubleshoot, maintain, and upgrade the devices and systems that knit us together. Even our business name now takes on an entirely different meaning, and signals our intent: please let us truly be your connecting point.

We can’t begin to express our gratitude for those currently fighting this virus, either directly or indirectly. Where would be right now without the tireless efforts of medical professionals and all who support their work, including the cleaners, cooks, and maintenance and laundry staff? A thousand thanks and more for their efforts.

Also, we keep in our thoughts the gas, electricity, cable, and phone companies doing their level best to ensure we all stay safe and online at home. And we mustn’t forget the supermarket staff, truck drivers, farmers, and manufacturers laboring mightily to produce and disperse food and other essentials during this tough time. They’re risking a lot to make sure we have what we need.

Bottom line is, we’re all in this together, and we are going to get through this. Please try to stay positive and hopeful. We’re still open, still fighting… and we’re not going anywhere. Thank you for battling through with us. We can’t wait to see you again on the other side.

Your Connecting Point family

ANNOUNCEMENT: More changes at Connecting Point

ANNOUNCEMENT: More changes at Connecting Point

by | Mar 26, 2020 | Announcements, Security, Service Bulletin

More changes at Connecting Point

In light of recent events, including orders issued by Gov. Kate Brown on Monday morning, Connecting Point is adjusting its store hours. We’re now open from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday. For the time being, we will be closed on Sundays. Our monthly introductory Mac and iPad classes have been suspended. Our regular Deal of the Week offerings have also been suspended. And we will no longer be making onsite service calls, because we’ve determined it’s just too much of a risk for both you and us. We will offer free delivery of completed repairs within the greater Medford area. Many of our fellow small businesses are temporarily closed, either voluntarily or because of new state and federal guidelines. We are humbled to have been earmarked as an “essential business,” but it does make a lot of sense. With so many of us homebound and sheltering in place, it’s hard to think of another situation where properly functioning technology — especially our smartphones, tablets, and computers — is so vitally important. Connecting Point is committed to remaining open, including our service department, to help our fellow Rogue Valley residents stay connected. Connected with work. Connected with distant and not-so-distant friends and family. Connected to the internet and streaming services to help pass the time. And most of all, connected with each other. In addition to protective measures we rolled out last week (stringent disinfection procedures throughout the store, free shipping on all orders over $100, free front “porch delivery” by Connecting Point within the greater Medford area on orders over $100, and “no contact” curbside pickup of products prepaid over the phone or via our online Apple eStore, we’re adding a few more:
  • We’ve implemented a sterile, isolated service check-in in area just inside our front doors (see photo above). From now on, every item brought in for service of any kind will be first deposited in this new check-in area. A single staff member will come forward to receive your item and check it into our system. Afterwards, all surfaces are disinfected in preparation for the next customer. In addition, your items will be safely sanitized, both before and after the service or upgrade has been performed.
  • Because we’re not a large store, we’re honoring the concept of social distancing by limiting customers to one at a time (or one couple or small group). A sales specialist will assist you with questions and demonstrations while strictly maintaining the six foot distance experts recommend.
  • We’d also suggest calling ahead before visiting, for both sales or service related situations. That way, we can do our utmost to minimize your time inside the store.
If you’re a Mac user having problems with your system, or just need a little handholding with a technical issue, might we suggest a ComputerCare REMOTE annual subscription? For just $99 a year, one of our trained technicians can access your Mac remotely, and troubleshoot many common problems without setting foot in your home or business. That’s peace of mind for less than 28¢ a day! Get more information about this service here.
We also have other tools you might find handy to get through this tumultuous time. We have the entire iPad line in stock, along with every Mac model (including the new MacBook Air announced just last week). We carry smart speakers like Apple HomePod. We also carry several lines of brand-name Windows laptops and desktops. And we offer other products to make your “staycation” more enjoyable:
  • Apple TV with Siri remote to make streaming to your big screen TV both simple and enjoyable.
  • Webcams for FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, WebEx or other conferencing purposes. These have been notoriously hard to source, but we are working hard to keep up with unprecedented customer demand.
  • Memory upgrades and SSDs. If you’re just not yet ready or able to get a new computer, these are two excellent ways to wring new life out of your old one. By maxing out your computer’s RAM and replacing its hard drive with an SSD (Solid State Device), you will not believe the performance boost! Call us at 541-773-9861 for full details.
  • Wi-Fi routers, adapters, repeaters, and accessories. You’re likely leaning pretty hard on your Wi-Fi network right now. We offer the latest wireless routers for squeezing every last drop of bandwidth out of it, and Wi-Fi adapters and extenders to ensure it reaches every corner of your home or business. We love solving connectivity problems. Lean on us.
We value your business, and will strive to provide the best possible service to our customers during these exceptionally challenging times. We’ll continue to implement any recommended precautionary measures, in accordance with government and public health guidelines and regulations. Our aim is to reduce risk for both our customers and employees, while still providing a valuable resource to our community. Stay strong, stay well, stay home. We’ll get though this together. Thanks.
Deal of the Week | OontZ Angle 3 Weatherproof Bluetooth Speaker $24.99 (reg. $49.99)

Deal of the Week | OontZ Angle 3 Weatherproof Bluetooth Speaker $24.99 (reg. $49.99)

by | Mar 20, 2020 | Deal of the Week, iOS Devices, Outdoor Recreation

Gear up today for all the outdoor fun to come, with this stunning 3rd-gen portable wireless Bluetooth speaker from the audio wizards at Cambridge SoundWorks!

The OontZ Angle 3 Weatherproof Bluetooth Speaker boasts crystal-clear, distortion-free sound for your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth device. Surprisingly loud volume levels from such a diminutive speaker. Rain proof, splash proof, shower proof. Portable and lightweight. Plus its flexible, stylish design allows playing in both horizontal and vertical orientations. It even doubles as a hands-free speaker phone. The versatile OontZ Angle 3 Weatherproof Bluetooth Speaker normally sells for $49.99, but as this week’s DOTW, it can be yours for just $24.99!
  • Two precision neodymium drivers deliver clean highs and clear midrange
  • Bass radiator delivers enhanced bass output from a tiny enclosure
  • Plays loud and distortion-free even at maximum volume, enough to fill an average-sized room
  • Perfect for dorm rooms, the beach, the pool, the shower, and for small groups and gatherings
  • IPX5 Certified Water Resistant
  • Dimensions: 5.25″ x 2.6″ x 2.8″; weighs just over 9 ounces

This offer runs from Friday, March 20th through Thursday, March 26th, 2020, while supplies last. Sorry, no rain checks.

Please support your friendly, local, independent technology experts: Like us on Facebook; follow us on Twitter and Instagram; write a review on Yelp! and Google. We truly appreciate your support!

Connecting Point, the COVID-19 coronavirus, and you

Connecting Point, the COVID-19 coronavirus, and you

by | Mar 20, 2020 | Announcements

To our loyal customers and community

Like so many of you, we’ve spent a lot of time studying the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus, and how it fits into our busy lifestyle. Here at Connecting Point, we are taking the CDC’s guidelines to heart, to ensure both our employees and you, our valued customers, are protected when you walk through our door.

We are a small, locally owned business.

We’ve worked hard for 45 years to provide Rogue Valley folks like you with the best sales, service, and support for your technology needs. Our wonderful local community keeps our lights on. It puts food on our tables, and clothes on our backs. Yes, the COVID-19 coronavirus has us all concerned, but we’d like to assure each and every customer visiting our store we are as prepared as possible to help defeat it. We have hand sanitizer at the front counter, the service counter and also in the bathrooms. We constantly wipe down our displays, counters, and doors with disinfectant — all day, every day.

Don’t want to leave the house? We’ve got you covered.

If you don’t feel comfortable leaving the sanctuary of your home, we understand. And we have options for you, as well. Beginning immediately, we’ll offer free shipping on all orders over $100. If you live in the greater Medford area, we’ll even make that personal front-porch delivery to your home or business, in our company vehicle, by one of our own staff. Or you can take advantage of our new no-contact curbside pickup procedures. Just place your order by phone, and give us a ring when your car pulls up to the storefront. A gloved, masked staff member will walk the items out to the curb and deposit them beside your vehicle. It’s a weirdly impersonal approach for a business like ours, one that has prided itself on its “personal touch” for decades. Clearly, these are not times for that particular kind of personal touch. And lastly, you can shop for Apple products at our online store, where again shipping charges will be waived for the duration of this crisis.

Stronger together.

In short, we’ll get through this together. We value you, and we hope you value us. Please support small, locally owned businesses during these trying times. And not just ours: they’re all important, and we hope to see them stick around for years to come. Buy a bunch of gift cards from your beloved local merchants. Order takeout from your favorite local restaurants. Get a growler to go from one of our excellent local brewpubs and taphouses. Order a case or two of our fine local wines online, direct from the vineyard itself. These places are hurting right now, and you can make a real difference. Above all, take care of yourself, and your friends and family. Thank you.

Deal of the Week | Pop Grips Holder for Dashboard, Desk, or Wall (2-pack) $9.99 (reg. $19.99)

Deal of the Week | Pop Grips Holder for Dashboard, Desk, or Wall (2-pack) $9.99 (reg. $19.99)

by | Mar 13, 2020 | Deal of the Week, iOS Devices

Installs in seconds: Just clean surface, stick, and press. Done!

Clever Pop Grips Holder for Dashboard, Desk, or Wall 2-Pack works with most popular collapsible phone grips. Made of durable Classic Black silicone. Super-gripping 3M adhesive comes ready to use on both holders, and you also get two extra replacement adhesives. And since this is a two pack, you can install them in multiple vehicles or other locations. Our Pop Grips Holder for Dashboard, Desk, or Wall 2-Pack normally goes for $19.99, but as our featured Deal of the Week, for the next week they’re just $9.99!

This offer runs from Friday, March 13th through Thursday, March 19th, 2020, while supplies last. Sorry, no rain checks.

Please support your friendly, local, independent technology experts: Like us on Facebook; follow us on Twitter and Instagram; write a review on Yelp! and Google. We truly appreciate your support!

Connecting Point: Apple Exchange and Repair Extension Programs

Connecting Point: Apple Exchange and Repair Extension Programs

by | Mar 9, 2020 | Apple Inc., iOS Devices, Mac, Service Bulletin

Connecting Point is here to help.

Apple is swift to respond to issues customers may be having with their goods or services. Among these are exchange and repair extension programs for a variety of Apple products. As an Apple Premium Service Provider, Connecting Point SERVICE is fully authorized to facilitate these programs, right here in our Medford, Oregon service center. If you discover you qualify for any of these programs (or have a question whether it does qualify), simply bring the affected device in to our store anytime during normal business hours (Monday through Saturday 9 am to 6:30 pm, Sunday noon to 5 pm). We’ll handle it from there! Here are some of the exchange and repair extension programs currently in place:

13-inch MacBook Pro (non Touch Bar) Battery Replacement Program

Apple has determined that, in a limited number of 13-inch MacBook Pro (non Touch Bar) units, a component may fail causing the built-in battery to expand. This is not a safety issue and Apple will replace eligible batteries, free of charge. Affected units were manufactured between October 2016 and October 2017 and eligibility is determined by the product serial number.

Eligibility

Use the serial number checker here to see if your MacBook Pro qualifies for this program. If your 13-inch MacBook Pro (non Touch Bar) has an eligible serial number, Apple will replace the battery, free of charge. Connecting Point is more than happy to facilitate this repair. This program does not affect 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar or older 13-inch MacBook Pro models.

iPhone X Display Module Replacement Program for Touch Issues

Apple has determined that some iPhone X displays may experience touch issues due to a component that might fail on the display module. An affected device may exhibit the following:
  • The display, or part of the display, does not respond or responds intermittently to touch
  • The display reacts even though it was not touched
Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will replace the display module on eligible devices, free of charge.
No other iPhone models are part of this program.  

Service Process

Your iPhone will be examined prior to any service to verify that it is eligible for this program. If your iPhone X has any damage which impairs the ability to complete the repair, such as a cracked screen, that issue will need to be resolved prior to the service. In some cases, there may be a cost associated with the additional repair.  

Additional Information

Apple may restrict or limit repair to the original country or region of purchase. This Apple program doesn’t extend the standard warranty coverage of the iPhone X. If you believe your iPhone X was affected by this issue, and you paid to replace your display module, you can contact Apple about a refund. The program covers affected iPhone X devices for three years after the first retail sale of the unit.
 

13-inch MacBook Pro Display Backlight Service Program

Apple has determined that a very small percentage of 13-inch MacBook Pro displays may exhibit one or more of the following behaviors:
  • Display backlight continuously or intermittently shows vertical bright areas along the entire bottom of the screen
  • Display backlight stops working completely
Affected devices were sold between October 2016 and February 2018. Connecting Point SERVICE can service affected MacBook Pro units, free of charge.  

Eligible Models

To identify your computer’s model and to see if it is eligible for this program, choose About This Mac from under the Apple () menu. Eligible models are listed below.
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
Note: No other Mac notebook models are part of this program.

Service Process

Your MacBook Pro will be examined prior to any service to verify that it is eligible for this program. To prepare your unit for service, please backup your data.
Note: If your MacBook Pro has any damage which impairs the service, that issue will need to be repaired first. In some cases, there may be a cost associated with the repair.

Additional Information

This worldwide Apple program does not extend the standard warranty coverage of your MacBook Pro. If you believe your MacBook Pro was affected by this issue, and you paid to have your display repaired, you can contact Apple about a refund. The program covers eligible MacBook Pro models for four years after the first retail sale of the unit.
 

Keyboard Service Program for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro

Apple has determined that a small percentage of the keyboards in certain MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models may exhibit one or more of the following behaviors:
  • Letters or characters repeat unexpectedly
  • Letters or characters do not appear
  • Key(s) feel “sticky” or do not respond in a consistent manner
Connecting Point SERVICE will repair eligible MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro keyboards, free of charge. The type of service will be determined after the keyboard is examined and may involve the replacement of one or more keys or the whole keyboard.  

Eligible Models

To identify your computer’s model and to see if it is eligible for this program, choose About This Mac from under the Apple () menu. Eligible models are listed below.  
  • MacBook (Retina, 12-­inch, Early 2015)
  • MacBook (Retina, 12­-inch, Early 2016)
  • MacBook (Retina, 12-­inch, 2017)
  • MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
  • MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019)
  • MacBook Pro (13­-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2016)
  • MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2017)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2018)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2019)
Note: No other Mac notebook models are part of this program.

Service Process

Your Mac notebook will be examined prior to any service to verify that it is eligible for this program. The type of service will be determined after the keyboard is examined and may involve the replacement of one or more keys or the whole keyboard. The service turn-around time may vary depending upon the type of service and availability of replacement parts. To prepare your unit for service, before bringing it to Connecting Point SERVICE, please backup your data.

Additional Information

This worldwide Apple program does not extend the standard warranty coverage of your Mac notebook. If you believe your Mac notebook was affected by this issue, and you paid to have your keyboard repaired, you can contact Apple about a refund. The program covers eligible MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models for four years after the first retail sale of the unit.
 

15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program

Apple has determined that, in a limited number of older generation 15-inch MacBook Pro units, the battery may overheat and pose a fire safety risk. Affected units were sold primarily between September 2015 and February 2017 and product eligibility is determined by the product serial number. Customer safety is always Apple’s top priority, and they have voluntarily decided to replace affected batteries, free of charge.
 

Eligible Models

First check to see which 15-inch MacBook Pro you have. Choose About This Mac from the Apple menu () in the upper-left corner of your screen. Confirm your model is “MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015).” If you have that model, enter your computer’s serial number here to see if it is eligible for this program.
Note: No other MacBook Pro models are part of this program.

Replacement Process

Your MacBook Pro will be examined prior to any service to verify that it is eligible for this program. Service may take 3-5 days. To prepare your unit for service, before bringing it to Connecting Point SERVICE, please backup your data.
This program is for battery replacement only.

Additional Information

This worldwide Apple program doesn’t extend the standard warranty coverage of the 15-inch MacBook Pro. This program does not affect your statutory or warranty rights.
 

Further Information

For Apple’s complete list of these and other repairs, along with information on other avenues of repair besides Connecting Point SERVICE, visit the Apple website page here.
Deal of the Week | 30-Inch Telescoping Magnetic Pick-Up Tool $9.99 (reg. $19.99)

Deal of the Week | 30-Inch Telescoping Magnetic Pick-Up Tool $9.99 (reg. $19.99)

by | Mar 6, 2020 | Deal of the Week

Essential retrieval tool for small metal objects in those hard-to-reach places!

Our ridiculously handy Telescoping Magnetic Pick-Up Tool can lift ferrous stuff weighing up to 15 pounds, thanks to its powerful super magnet. How many times have you accidentally dropped things like nails, screws, bolts, paper clips, horse shoes, spark plugs, dog collars and the like in seemingly inaccessible places? Now you can nab them with ease! Keep one in the garage, another in the house, yet another for the office, the yard, the car. This Telescoping Magnetic Pick-Up Tool normally goes for $19.99… and it’s a bargain at that price. But as our featured Deal of the Week, it can be yours for a low, low $9.99!

This offer runs from Friday, March 6th through Thursday, March 12th, 2020, while supplies last. Sorry, no rain checks.

Please support your friendly, local, independent technology experts: Like us on Facebook; follow us on Twitter and Instagram; write a review on Yelp! and Google. We truly appreciate your support!