Austin MacWorks is pleased to now be selling Brenthaven’s new Collins collection of laptop and iPad cases.

This collections offers protection, style and quality.  The collection combines elements of fashion with the technology, protection and functionality that Brenthaven is known for. With a case style for everyone, Collins is a great addition to your digital lifestyle.

The collection contains a range of case designs from custom-fit iPad 3 cases to messenger bag and backpack options. The bags feature a heather gray exterior with pinstriped lining and leather touchpoints. All of the laptop cases are designed to hold laptops up to 15.4”, keeping your gear safe with Brenthaven’s signature High Density Foam protection system.

Stop in and check ‘em out! $34.95-$89.95.

Dual 40mm drivers and a down-firing passive subwoofer give you an enhanced bass response. boomSTREAM produces a phenomenal audio signal that offers an excellent listening experience.

The built-in rechargeable lithium polymer battery provides up to 8 hours of continuous playback time. An integrated 2.5 Watt (500mA) USB charging port allows you to give your phone or music player a battery boost when you need it (includes USB charging cable).

This Bluetooth receiver is great for wireless audio streaming of music, podcasts, movies, games and more. This dynamic speaker also includes a built-in microphone, making boomSTREAM an enhanced speakerphone for your smartphone. Enjoy clear and crisp media playback and phone conversations.

Use boomSTREAM around the house, in the garage or your dorm room. This lightweight media speaker can also be easily transported so that you can enjoy your favorite music outdoors, at the office and everywhere in-between.

Enjoy wireless media playback on your favorite Bluetooth enabled devices including iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Android Devices, Smartphones, Tablets and more. A 3.5mm auxiliary input has also been included for connecting other devices without Bluetooth such as MP3 players, gaming devices and more (also includes a 3.5mm audio cable).

iPod touch (2nd, 3rd and 4th generation), iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, iPad (3rd generation), iPad 2, iPad, Android Devices, Smartphones, Tablets and other devices with A2DP streaming audio.

Using the included 3.5mm aux cable, this speaker also works with older iPod models, MP3 players, gaming devices, smartphones, tablets and other devices with built-in aux outputs or headphone jacks.

At Austin MacWorks, $69.99.

This keyboard and case in one offers iPad mini users a convenient and comfortable alternative to touchscreen typing. The durable case safeguards your device from scratches and scuffs. A well-spaced keyboard has been integrated into the case and allows you to type faster and with fewer errors than on the iPad mini’s touchscreen. The keyboard connects to iPad mini via Bluetooth and offers shortcut keys for easy typing and quick access to media controls.

With a key pitch similar to that of full-sized keyboards, the Belkin Portable Keyboard Case for iPad mini simplifies  typing-heavy tablet activities. Each of the keyboard keys has a scissor key mechanism that provides tactile feedback when struck.  Additionally, shortcut keys specific to iPad mini allow you to easily adjust volume and control your music or video.

This 3/4-inch-thick case weighs 9.8 ounces and snugly fits the iPad mini, keeping it compact enough to slip into a bag or purse.

The keyboard folds flat onto the case so it stays out of your way when viewing media on your iPad mini. The case offers protection for the iPad mini with its soft bicast leather on the outside and grip suede on the inside, helping to protect your iPad mini from scratches, scuffs, and wear.

A cutout in the case’s back makes it easy to take pictures without having to remove your iPad mini from the case.

With low-powered Bluetooth 3.0 and a 200 mAh battery, this keyboard doesn’t compromise long life for its slimness. In fact, it can last for 155 hours of active use without needing another charge.

In the box, you get: Belkin Portable Keyboard Case for iPad mini, USB-to-Micro-USB charging cable, and user manual. $79.99 at Austin MacWorks.

LaCie says the SSD runs at speeds of up to 380MB/s.

• Universal connectivity with Thunderbolt and USB 3.0
• Shocking speeds up to 385MB/s (SSD)
• Bus-powered for complete mobility
• Accident-resistant to protect your data

CNET rates this drive 4 stars, saying “The LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt offers great performance, USB 3.0 support, and is rugged and competitively priced. At $200, the new SSD-based LaCie Rugged USB 3.0 Thunderbolt is an excellent buy, among Thunderbolt storage solutions.”

Available at Austin MacWorks for around $200.

To avoid your iPhone using SMS when you wish to send an iMessage, you will want to be sure that a few items are set correctly in Settings > Messages.

Try sending iMessages to recipients’ email addresses instead of their phone numbers to avoid potential SMS messaging charges.

First, you’ll want to check that iMessage is turned on, and confirm that your iCloud account and receiving addresses are correctly set in the “Send & Receive” section. Also, you’ll want to set “Send as SMS” to Off.

To ensure that all of your messages are ever sent through the iMessage network, consider sending iMessages only to the email address of the iMessage recipient instead of their iPhone phone number.

When sending a message, a blue send button in the Message app denotes the message will be sent via iMessage; a green button denotes SMS or MMS.

Finally, iMessage does have a tendency to go offline on occasion. You can keep a track of when iMessage is experiencing an outage by bookmarking this support page on Apple’s website.

In the latest version of iTunes (version 11), you can use Command + 1 through Command + 7 to switch the view between different sections of your iTunes library.

• Cmd + 1 = Music
• Cmd + 2 = Movies
• Cmd + 3 = TV Shows
• Cmd + 4 = Podcasts
• Cmd + 5 = iTunes U
• Cmd + 6 = Books
• Cmd + 7 = Apps

These shortcuts will only work if the corresponding sections of your iTunes library are enabled in the General pane of your iTunes preferences.

The price on the 13″ MacBook Air top-of-the-line model has been reduced by $100 to $1399.

The price on the 13″ MacBook Pro Retina 2.5 GHz has been reduced by $200 to $1499. And, Apple’s introduced a brand new 13″, 2.6GHz MacBook Pro with Retina display, priced at $1699.

On the 15″ MacBookPro Retina machines, two new models. The 2.4GHz is $2199; the 2.7GHz is $2799.

Austin MacWorks will keep you posted on Facebook and Twitter as to when we have the new machines in.

You’ll get a splash of color and a layer of reliable protection with SeeThru Satin – a hard-shell, form-fitting case. This sturdy MacBook case features a luxurious, satin-like finish that snaps on securely in two pieces. The covers feature added details like vent slots for heat disbursement and rubberized feet for stability, making the Satin as highly functional as it is delightfully vivid.

• Show your colors. Dress your MacBook Pro in vibrant color with a velvety finish.
• On-the-go protection. Form-fitting, softtouched hard shell keeps scuffs and scratches at bay.
• Stay cool. Rubberized feet and vent slots keep your MacBook from overheating.
• Elegant design. Lightweight two-piece design is easy to snap on and off.

Available at Austin MacWorks, $49.95.

iGlaze excels at protecting iPad’s aluminium back from scratches, while the VersaCover protects your Retina display with a soft microfiber lining. The VersaCover’s built-in magnet assembly supports iPad’s auto-wake/sleep feature and also doubles as multi-functional stand. Its unique folding design allows iPad to be used in both portrait and landscape modes, providing you with both convenient viewing and comfortable typing angles. For complete protection and functionality, Moshi’s iGlaze with VersaCover is a terrific solution for your iPad.

• Compatible with New iPad 3rd & 4th Generation (Newest Model)
• Unique folding cover doubles as a stand for both portrait and landscape modes. Complete front and backside iPad protection in a sleek, minimalist form factor.
• The iGlaze with VersaCover has a hard shell back and a microfiber cover that can be folded to create a stand.
• Unhindered operation of all iPad buttons and cameras. Supports iPad’s auto-wake/sleep function.

Austin MacWorks has these slim and functional covers for sale in both stores. $60 for original iPad; $55 for iPad Mini.