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Why are Zinus Mattresses So Cheap?

We finished our basement during 2016. And in doing so, we added a bedroom. (Because, theoretically, adding a bedroom will provide more return on investment for the basement remodel.) But, we never put a BED in that bedroom, until last week.

HomePod is a Giant Leap Forward

We recently added a HomePod to our iOS-connected home - replacing a SONOS Play:1.  As a music player, it's an improvement. But that's really only the tip of the iceberg. Adding a HomePod brings HomeKit into the mainstream. It's a major leap forward. 

New iMac? Migrate Your Data EASILY.

Technology is designed to make our lives simpler. That's what it is for. However, we've come to expect that certain tasks get MORE complicated as technology advances. Especially when it comes to computing, we have come to expect that more tech = more complications.  I'm happy to report that migrating data from one Mac to another is not one of those complicated tasks.

Checking in - April 2018

It's been a long run here at AAAD. Six years! And yes, we've been waiting for HomeKit to take over the world for the better part of a decade. While things have been largely stagnant on THAT front, the rest of our tech world has changed dramatically.

Cord Cutters - The Apple TV is the Only Device You Need.

Last year, we made a pretty momentous decision - we dropped DirecTV. I guess you could call us cord-cutters, but it really doesn't feel like that. Frankly, it doesn't seem like we made any changes at all. Our AppleTV-only setup is slightly more convenient, and somewhat cheaper.

I'm EXCITED for macOS Server 2018

Apple recently announced that it was making a number of changes to macOS Server . Specifically, Apple is deprecating (eliminating) a wide array of services - dramatically reducing macOS Server's functionality. HOT TAKE - I couldn't be happier.

5 Tips For Photographing the Northern Lights in Iceland

We just spent 5 days in Iceland, which was a pretty great trip. We managed to get a photo of the Aurora Borealis, which is by NO MEANS a sure thing. I'll post a full "Iceland Tips and Tricks", or "Traveling Iceland with Kids" article later this week. But this post is all about the Northern Lights. If you've ever wanted to visit Iceland and see the Northern Lights, here are five things to keep in mind:

Okay, HomeKit. Let’s do this.

iDevices Switch Its been YEARS. But we finally got started with HomeKit. And I may not stop. HomeKit is exceeding my expectations, and gets better with every device we add.

Moving to T-Mobile from Verizon.

We've been Verizon iPhone users for years - ever since the iPhone 4. On Black Friday, we switched to T-Mobile. Ultimately, their offer was just too good.

Why You Need a Home Server

We've been talking about it for YEARS, but we finally did it - we added a home server. Specifically, we purchased a QNAP TS-451A network attached storage system. I'm only scratching the surface with this NAS so far. But already, it's one of the more exciting "IT" purchases we've made. Suddenly, we have near-infinite storage space. And it's always on. And when we upgrade our iMac, our data will still be right there . Here's what we've learned so far:

General Updates - Happy Halloween 2017

It's been a time of transition around AAAD. Most of our Apple gear is either for sale, recently upgraded, or in a holding pattern while we wait for new releases. And we're all STILL waiting for HomeKit to "arrive".

Late 2009 iMac - Should You Upgrade to High Sierra?

Our late-2009 iMac has been the best computer we've ever owned.  Before the iMac, we used to need a new computer every couple of years.  Even after all this time, the iMac still looks and feels state-of-the-art.  But is it powerful enough to run High Sierra?

The Apple TV 4K - Is It Worth The Upgrade?

After a week of searching, I finally found an Apple TV 4k on Friday. ( Which is good, because I put our 64 GB Apple TV 4 on eBay on Tuesday .) We've had the ATV4K up and running for 2 days now - is it worth the $179 upgrade? Or should you look elsewhere?

The Apple Watch LTE is the iPod We've Always Wanted

This summer, Apple discontinued the iPod Nano.  After 16 years, the iPod Era was over.  I've held out hope that the iPod would be re-booted as a cellular device - focused less on local storage, and more on streaming Apple Music.  After Tuesday's Keynote, an iPod resurrection seems unlikely.  Because the Apple Watch Series 3 IS the iPod we've been hoping for. 

2 Weeks Until The Next Apple Keynote!

And this one will be big. It's the first keynote in the new Steve Jobs Theater. It's will also introduce Apple hardware we've been waiting YEARS for.