TheBolt

The Connect Store is in the progress of an upgrade.

If you’re a regular customer at our Glenview showroom, you probably know we like to keep things constantly changing around here. Recent visitors might have noticed construction going on in our computer boutique, the Connect Store, and some have expressed concern that we were removing it. I’m happy to inform everyone not to worry, and the truth is that we’re actually expanding and improving it.

The new Connect Store will have a completely remodeled design, with new lighting and display fixtures, all intended to give you the best computer shopping experience possible. The room will also be expanded to accommodate more showroom area and a brand-new, dedicated classroom area where our technicians can teach you the basics about your new computer.

We expect to have construction completed on the revamped Connect Store before the end of January. In the meantime, don’t let our construction keep you from computer shopping. Our computer sales specialists and all of their displays have been temporarily located to the main floor of the atrium, where you’ll still get the same great Abt Service.

The Connect Store’s temporary home, in our Atrium.

If you woke up today, surrounded by a dozen open candy wrappers and a satisfied sweet tooth, there’s nothing better than following that up with getting great deals on what you need…except for maybe, more candy.

Abt is having it’s Customer Appreciation sale where you will find a huge variety of items at incredible prices.  Shop appliances, audio equipment, computers and more!  Maybe even start your Holiday shopping a bit early this year!

I’ve loved computers my whole life. When you love computers, you learn a thing or two along the way. People see that you love computers and use you as their go-to personal IT guy. My favorite question is always “can you make it faster?” While solutions to this problem can vary, I’ve learned that by running a few native programs and third-party applications, you can clean up a computer and deliver that little speed boost people are looking for.

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A computer is many things. It can be a gaming device, workstation, communication tool, a best friend…no? That’s just me? Whatever. One of the biggest uses for a computer is a learning tool. As teachers continue to implement things like iPads into their lesson plans, and more and more children are engaging a computer at home or school, it’s important to groom and prepare these younger generations for their digital future. Enter Raspberry Pi. No, it’s not the new Baskin Robins flavor, but a credit-card sized computer. Developed by the UK nonprofit Raspberry Pi Foundation, it was intended to be a simple, affordable product so students could learn basic computer and programming skills.

Model A, which costs around $25, has 256Mb RAM, a USB port and no network connection, while Model B, around $35, has 256Mb, two USB ports, and an Ethernet port. Each model also features:

• SD card slot for booting (preloaded cards available)
• HDMI out to connect to an analogue, digital, or DVI (with adapter) display that can also output sound.
• 3.5mm jack for audio out and support for USB microphone audio-in.

The (pre-loaded on available SD card) operating system will be Fedora, however, it will be possible to root the device to another ARM Linux distro if you prefer. Python will be the supported language (although not exclusively) for educational purposes. While there is no casing included, except educational models, it gives users the download and design their own Raspberry Pi casing.

The idea is simply to give young programmers the educational tools needed, the foundation  is reportedly working on programs to teach things like math, languages, and so on. Finally, with an educational system constrained by budget cuts and substandard funding, there is an affordable option with some serious potential.

Although education is the intended purpose, the possibilities are vast as programmers can design their own use for the device. Raspberry Pi is a true testament to what true net-heads have known for years, it’s about sharing information and both improving, and educating, the world around us, not stockpiling billions of dollars. Thank you (and for more information visit)  Raspberry Pi Foundation.

If you haven’t finished up your holiday shopping, Abt has all your Cyber Monday deals.  The last few years Cyber Monday has competed against Black Friday as the go-to holiday deal day.  Today will be no different with great prices on all your favorite items.  Shop our website or give us a call at 888-228-5800.

As you may have already noticed, tablets are slowly gaining in numbers when it comes to personal electronic devices.  Many believe with the influx of these uniquely designed computer alternatives, laptops will soon slowly disappear.  One reason being, the keyboard.

Tablet users can enjoy surfing the web, reading their e-mails, purchasing online, or watching a movie, all without having to punch physical keys to type or access information.  According to an article written by Technology Review they state, “A laptop with a fully virtual keyboard would resemble what’s known as a folio computer. Basically: two tablets connected with a hinge.”  Personally, replacing a physical keyboard with another touch screen representing a keyboard is cancelling out the whole point of getting rid of the keyboard.

For those of you out there who do not wish to lug around a laptop, but would like the convenience of having a computer, the best thing are tablets, which aren’t difficult to find on the market these days.  What do you prefer?

Do you have old documents, computers, printers, or electronics that you would like to dispose of, but don’t know how?

This Saturday, June 26, the Better Business Bureau will be hosting a “Shred Event” as well as safe disposal of unwanted electronics.

Because the BBB is hosting the event, you can be sure that all your old equipment and documents will be disposed of according to the department of defense’s guidelines. You can rest assured that even your computer will be “cleaned” properly.

The “Shred Event” will be from 9-2 at the United Center in Chicago. Eight shredding trucks will be on hand in lot E.

-Kelly Brummett

One of Abt’s eagle-eyed employees spotted a Geek Squad-mobile in the Abt parking lot today. Are they checking out the competition, doing some shopping, or do they need our assistance? We may never know. If you need assistance, visit the Connect Techs at Abt for all of your computer needs!

-Kelly B.