Apple's newest operating system for the Mac, OS X Mavericks, introduced several new features. But it also introduced some bugs and even took away some features without good reason. If you've been frustrated by Mavericks, or have found that an application you frequently use doesn't work with it, here's how to downgrade back to OS X Mountain Lion.
Nelson is looking to buy a refurbished MacBook Pro, but is wondering whether or not it's a good idea. Leo says that in many cases, a refurbished item is brand new, having been returned and unable to sell as new. Leo's suggestion is to buy directly from Apple. He'll get the same warranty as a new product that way and will be assured the refurbished item has been gone over and certified, not just repackaged or resealed.
Dave is going to get a 13" MacBook Pro with Retina display, and is wondering how much RAM he will need. Leo says that 4GB is just fine with the base models. If he wants to spend another $100, he can double the RAM, but it's not necessary. He could put that towards an SSD.
Vivian is going back to school to study graphic design and wants to know if she needs a high end Mac. Leo says that graphics are the important thing and the Iris Pro in the 13" MacBook Pro is a good option, and it will also allow her to use a Mac Cinema Display with it.
Apple surprised everyone on Tuesday by releasing the iPad mini with Retina display. At midnight Cupertino time, Apple quietly made the new iPad mini available for purchase.
iPad mini with Retina display on sale now starting at $399…
http://www.theverge.com/2013/11/12/5094446/retina-ipad-mini-available-now
Micheline can't erase photos on the iPad from Picasa. Leo says that there's a setting in Picasa that will allow it. Leo also says that Windows photo sync is terrible and iTunes on Windows isn't that great either. That's why Picasa is a better option.
Ideally, though, iTunes and the iPad work best on the Mac. Here's a link that talks about issues and various solutions. There's a photo cache called iPod Photo Cache that she can delete.
Howard's iMac goes to sleep overnight and he can't wake it up unless he resets the computer. Leo says that he should try to reset the PRAM. If that doesn't work, another thing that Howard can do is update to Mavericks. He might want to wait on that because it has trouble with a few things like Apple Mail. He should also check the Energy Saver preferences. Leo says it's a pretty common problem.
When upgrading to a new operating system, it isn't uncommon for devices such as printers to stop working. Fortunately, it's often a very simple solution. First, go to System Preferences and find "Printers & Scanners". Then delete and re-add the printer.
Bob has a new Mac running Mountain Lion, and wants to know whether or not he should upgrade to Mavericks. Leo says he moved every Mac he has over to Mavericks and he likes it. He downloaded it once and then moved it to a USB key to install to other computers. The only issue he sees is that older devices like old printers may not work. If he has dedicated business software, he'll want to be sure it's supported.
Donald upgraded his MacBook Pro to OS X Mavericks, but now he can't print. He has the printer connected to a PC, and is using Printer Sharing in Windows to print from the Mac. Leo says that Donald will have to delete and then re-add his printer.
