This is just a reminder that the Apple User Group Bulletin is changing in some significant ways that we think you’ll like. Look for the new bulletin soon. In the meantime, we wanted to make sure you got two more vendor offers for 2009 with our wishes for a tech-filled new year.

See you in 2010!
The Apple User Group Advisory Board

Special Offers

1] – Stockphoto images: 20 Percent Discount
2] – O’Reilly Special offer for User Group Members: 35 and 45 Percent Discounts
3] – That’s Easy: Get the Apple User Group Market & Apple User Group Offers From One Site

1] – Stockphoto images: 20 Percent Discount

iStockphoto is one of the world’s leading royalty-free stock destinations with more than 5.6 million stock photos, vector illustrations, video footage, audio and Flash files. Add style to your next creative project with iStock.

Apple user group members get 20 percent off your first purchase of 50 credits (iStock’s currency) or more.

Discount Code: APP1EU5RG

Get great pictures now: www.istockphoto.com/appleusergroup

This worldwide offer is valid through March 31, 2010.

2] – O’Reilly Special offer for User Group Members: 35 and 45 Percent Discounts

Along with a 35 percent discount off print books, user group members can now get 45 percent off all eBooks purchased direct from oreilly.com.

When you buy an O’Reilly eBook you get lifetime access to the book, and whenever possible, the text is available to you in four, DRM-free file formats — PDF, .epub, Kindle-compatible .mobi, and Android ebook — that you can use on the devices of your choice. O’Reilly eBook files are fully searchable, and you can cut-and-paste and print them. You will even receive an alert when O’Reilly has updated the files with corrections and additions.

Discount code:
DSUG

Order online.
http://www.oreilly.com/store

Read more about O’Reilly eBook formats and the ways to use them.
http://oreilly.com/ebooks

3] – That’s Easy: Get the Apple User Group Market & Apple User Group Offers From One Site

Looking for information on a past offer? The Apple User Group Advisory Board publishes a single page with all current offers, expiration dates and codes. Watch for intermittent special offers.

Password:
special

http://web.mac.com/ugab/offers/vendorcodes.htm

Not a member? Join an Apple user group today to take advantage of these special offers.

1] – Take Control Books: 30 Percent Discount on All Ebooks

Whether you’re looking to upgrade to and get started with Snow Leopard or you want to set up a rock-solid backup strategy, there’s a Take Control ebook for you. There are also books offering expert advice on maintaining your Mac, troubleshooting, AirPort wireless networks, iWeb, GarageBand and more. Take Control ebooks are written by the most-trusted names in the Mac world and published by Adam and Tonya Engst of TidBITS.

An exclusive 30 percent off their already low prices is offered to Apple User Group members on all Take Control ebooks.

Discount Code (enter this code on the eSellerate cart page): CPN90219MUG

Purchase Take Control books:
http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/

TidBITS http://www.tidbits.com

This worldwide offer is valid through February 28, 2010.

2] – SmartMotion SwingChair: 20 Percent Off

SmartMotion Technology produces one of the the best office chairs for computer users. The SwingChair is especially helpful to those who sit for long periods of time, providing continual support. Satisfaction is guaranteed with a 30-day money back guarantee.

The SwingChair is regularly priced $495 (US), but Apple User Group members can purchase one for $445 (US), with shipping and handling of $49 (US) free in the continental United States. If outside this area, SmartMotion will cover the first $49 (US) in shipping costs. Ask about discounts on accessories.

Discount code: Mac comfort

To order, ask questions or get a free DVD, call: 1-800-409-3350

Get more information.
http://www.swingchair.com/

This worldwide offer is valid through March 15, 2010.

3] – Strider Software TypeStyler: 25 Percent Discount

TypeStyler is an extremely sophisticated, yet simple and intuitive, page layout and graphic design tool that allows users to create spectacular graphic designs by applying special effects and distortion to type and graphic images. The new version takes TypeStyler’s unequaled control over text shaping, styling, flow and layout even further by exploiting Apple’s latest technologies such as Unicode, Core Image, OpenGL, QuickTime and Quartz compositions.

User group members can buy TypeStyler, regularly $179.95 (US), for $134.95 (US), and TypeStyler Upgrade for $74.95 (US); both are 25
percent discounts.

Discount code: macgroup

Download a 60-day tryout and purchase at:
http://www.typestyler.com

This worldwide offer is valid through February 28, 2010.

4] – That’s Easy: Get the Apple User Group Market & Apple User Group Offers From One Site

Looking for information on a past offer? Tom Piper from the Apple User Group Advisory Board publishes a single page with all current offers, expiration dates and codes. Watch for intermittent special offers.

Password: special

http://web.me.com/ugab/offers/vendorcodes

Be sure to subscribe to the Apple User Group Market Report podcast. The AUG Market Report and Resource blog are great sources for information about Apple user groups, vendor discounts, special events, interesting reviews, stimulating training and more:

Apple User Group Market Report podcast:
http://web.me.com/ugab/resources.html

For public information about vendor offers and more visit:
http://web.me.com/ugab/offers.html

For information about vendor offers, UGAB activities and more visit:

http://web.me.com/ugab/

The Houston Area User Group (HAAUG) will once again host Bob LeVitus and his Dr. Mac’s State of the Mac presentation at the Bellaire Civic Center on Saturday, February 21, starting at 9 a.m.
Join Apple User Group Board member Rex Covington, HAAUG President Phil Booth, Apple User Group Regional Liaison Doug Smith, Rick Roberts, Jeff Davis and the HAAUG membership for this wonderful event.

See what a little slice of HAAUG heaven looks like.
http://www.haaug.org

MacCamp: Saginaw Hosts Another World Class Winter MacCamp

SMUG in Saginaw, Michigan, is hosting their Winter MacCamp on February 28. Invited clubs are MIAMUG (Midland, MI) and TMUG (Pigeon, MI). The event will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Participants are guaranteed to have a great day of showing, sharing, helping and caring.

Network and learn.
http://www.smug1.com

Groups in the News: ColombiaMUG SIG Writes Popular App Store Game

The ColombiaMUG has a software development special interest group (SIG) that writes some fun and unusual applications, ranging from traditional card games and puzzles to educational software and more. Many of them are on the App Store. Cool!

Check out their apps.
http://www.colombiamug.com/
(Thanks to President Jose Betancur for this great tip.)

Supporting Youth: Mountain View Offers Scholarship

John Buono is well known from Macworld Expo events, but did you know that his group is involved in supporting students? The Mountain View Computer Club offers $500 (US) and $750 (US) scholarships to students from Cochise County in Arizona who exemplify the best use of computers in student projects in the fields of humanities, arts, mathematics and science.

Download more info.
http://mvcug.org/Scholarship/MVCUG_2009_Inst_and_App.doc

Visit this great group.
http://mvcug.org/

Getting Together: Malaysia MacFest

The Malaysia Mac User Group has special get togethers every two months called MacFests. The first one of 2009 looks to be a great event with presentations covering iLife ’09, iWork ’09, FileMaker and more. Add in a “Lucky Draw” raffle and the day will be one to remember.

Be there.
http://www.mymug.org/news.htm
(Thanks to MyMUG President & Apple User Group Ambassador Azul Adnan for this tip.)

Milestones

This month’s milestones includes Marsee Henon of O’Reilly, who just completed her seventh year of working with groups. Congrats Marsee!

Worldwide, this month sees groups whose first meeting convened as long ago as February of 1978 showing that when Apple groups have a good thing going it lasts.

Feb 1978 AppleSiders of Cincinnati
http://www.applesiders.com/
(Greetings to President Terrance Crooker.)

Feb 1978 Apple Pugetsound Program Library Exchange
http://www.virtualapple.org

1979 Mountain View AppleUG (now called Mountain View Computer UG)
http://mvcug.org
(Thanks to President John Buono for this tip.)

Feb 1984 North Florida Macintosh Users Group
http://www.nfmug.org
(Congrats to President Len Kaufman and group.)

Feb 1984 Massillon Akron Canton Macintosh User Group (Mac2MUG)
http://mac2mug.org

Feb 1984 Shenandoah Macintosh User Group
http://www.user-groups.net/SMUG/
(Warm wishes to Apple Ambassador and UGN Editor Fred Showker.)

Feb 1985 MUGARA
http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/mugara/

Feb 1985 USC Macintosh User Group
http://www.usc.edu/org/uscmug
(Greetings to Len Wines and the members of USCMUG.)

1987 MacinTech
http://www.macintech.org
(Greetings to Andrea Suhaka and MacinTech members.)

Feb 1988 Coastal Mac User Group
http://www.coastalmac.com
(Congratulations to President Pat Curran, and ambassador Rick Curran.)

Feb 1999 International HyperCard User Group
http://www.iHUG.org

Feb. 2004 Mac Owner’s Support Group (MACOSG)
http://www.macosg.com/
(Thanks to President and Macsimum author Dave Merten for this tip.)

News to Use: Help for Your Group’s Locator Information

Your User Group Ambassador has a lot of things to keep track of, but help is available. Your region’s Apple User Group Regional Liaison has the information you need.

Expert advice is just an email away.
http://www.apple.com/usergroups/contact/liaisons/

News to Use: Apple Sales Web Resources Available

Ambassadors, Apple Sales Web (ASW) has opened for another great year. Need a preso of the products announced during the Macworld Expo Keynote for your next meeting? ASW has it all.

Apple Sales Web
http://sales.apple.com

Review/Demo Copy of Time to “Learn the Switch to Mac” & “Learn the iPhone 3G”

Important Note: Eugene Villaluz has already downloaded copies of these items for HMAUS use at a future meeting.

“It’s About Time to Learn the Switch to Mac” reminds you of life on Windows and connects the dots to the Mac. The goal is to minimize the two to four week period of time to become familiar with using the Mac to just a couple hours. Your instructor teaches you what steps you went through to complete a task in Windows, then teaches you to perform the same steps on your Mac.

“It’s About Time to Learn the iPhone 3G” — the future of phones meets the future of learning tools. You’ll learn about every single application including tips and tricks only iPhone 3G experts know about. You’ll quickly see that this is a learning tool like no other. It’s fun, quick, and completely interactive.

Usually $29.95 (US) boxed or $24.95 (US) downloaded version, for a limited time you can download either or both of these for free to demo to your Apple user group. To learn more, contact hi@ItsAboutTimeProducts.com.

For a free copy, go to the web site below, then click to buy the download version of either product or both; next, insert “mugpromo” in the discount code box and click update cart (the total should then be $0); and finally, click checkout after which your download will be emailed to you.

Discount code:
mugpromo

Download, review and demo for your group.
http://itsabouttimeproducts.com

This worldwide offer is valid through April 30, 2009.
Limit one download per group.

Groups With Ideas: Des Moines MUG Swaps and Recycles

Older technology can be a problem when it gathers dust in a closet or basement. It’s a great opportunity for user groups to benefit their communities by holding swap meets or by providing information on best practices in recycling. The Des Moines MUG will be holding a swap meet on January 27, and regularly gives directions to a local company who recycles efficiently, ethically and inexpensively. Is your group part of the solution? Why not get involved in 2009.

Visit DMMUG.
http://www.dmmug.org

(Thanks to ambassador and Attorney Victoria L. Herring for this news.)

Groups With Ideas: TROU Moves Beyond Basic Applications

Chicago’s The Rest of US (TROU) will be part of a special Home Automation presentation at their local Michigan Avenue Apple Store on February 4. Gordon Meyer of O’Reilly’s Smart Home Hacks will be the presenter. Best of all, this presentation is free.

Be there.
http://trou.org

Winter MacCamp: Saginaw Hosts Another Great Get Together

The Saginaw Mac User Group (SMUG) is hosting their Winter MacCamp on February 28. Attendees include members from Michigan’s SMUG, MIAMUG and TMUG who will enjoy a full day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) of learning and sharing with other Mac users, ending with a raffle of great prizes. Shouldn’t you be there too?

Find out more.
http://www.smug1.com

(Thanks to Betty Larsen for this great tip.)

User Groups at Macworld Expo: Share Your Pics and News

User groups had a full week of events at Macworld Expo in San Francisco, starting with Monday’s User Group Reception and wrapping up as Bernie Powell of California’s NCMUG, Perry Vannoy of the Ohio NCMUG and Macbeth Vannoy, Rex Covington, Doug Smith, Jeff Davis from HAAUG and MUG ONE President Elsa Travisano closed down the User Group Lounge.

In the coming weeks look for some cool, fun and exciting pictures on the User Group Advisory Board web site. Check back often to see what went on. You’re sure to recognize some familiar faces from around the world.

Got some photos or MobileMe links you’d like to see featured? Send ‘em in!

Thank You: Sponsors and Volunteers

Every January, Macworld Expo brings things to do, tips to learn and friends to meet, but the week does not happen by accident. Thanks to our generous sponsors and the more than 80 volunteers who spent so much of their time to make the week so memorable.

In particular, thanks to the Apple User Group Macworld ’09 Planning team, who worked the better part of the year to ensure fun-filled activities and to Tom Piper who worked with our sponsors. Thanks, too, to Lorene Romero of NCMUG who contributed her time and effort to deliver the shirts used by the volunteers all week. Finally, a big thank you to Ilene Hoffman of MacWoburn for her wonderful Party List. User group events at Macworld couldn’t have happened without these people and their hard work.

See this year’s sponsors.
http://homepage.mac.com/ugab/mw09.html

See a list of this year’s volunteers.
http://homepage.mac.com/ugab/mw09.html

Milestones

Turn on the “Way Back” machine. This month’s milestones include groups whose first meeting convened as long ago as January of 1977. Congratulations to some of our oldest groups!

1977 – Denver Apple Pi
http://www.denverapplepi.com

1978 – Washington Apple Pi
http://www.wap.org

1978 – Apple Corps of Dallas
http://www.acd.us

1978 – AppleRock (formerly Little Rock Apple Addicts)
http://www.applerock.org

1979 – Hawaii Macintosh & Apple Users’ Society, Inc
http://www.hmaus.org

1979 – Syracuse Macintosh Users Group
http://www.iSMUG.com

1984 – Corvallis Macintosh User Group
http://www.cmug.com

1984 – appleJAC Macintosh Users Group
http://www.applejac.org
(Congrats to Apple User Group Regional Liaison George Kopp, Apple User Group Advisory Board member Tom Piper and the members of apppleJAC.)

1985 – Tri-Valley Macintosh Users Group
http://www.clubtmug.com
(Congrats to long-time ambassador Izak Mutlu and members.)

1985 – The Madison Macintosh Users Group (Mad Mac)
http://web.mac.com/madmacintosh

2003 – Indianapolis Final Cut Pro User Group
http://www.indy-fcpug.org

Vendor promotions here

The page is only viewable for HMAUS members who are registered on this web site. Login first and you will be able to see the page. If you haven’t yet created a user account on the HMAUS web site register here to create an account.

In Your Face Viewbase: 33 Percent Discount

Give your arm a break with the IN YOUR FACE viewbase which makes on-the-go movie watching fun and easy. Just download a movie to your iPhone or iPod touch and watch it hands-free and up close. This innovative holder features a flexible neck, easy secure top grip with quick release, adjustable swivel head, non-scratch gripping pads and hinged bottom clamp for flat or round surfaces.

With a regular price of $29.95 (US), this exclusive user group price is $19.95 (US).

Discount Code:
5115

Offer is available:
http://www.inyourfaceusa.com/

This worldwide offer is valid through April 30, 2009.

ThermaPAK Laptop Cooling HeatShift Pad & Bag: 25 Percent Off

ThermaPAK’s patented HeatShift Technology is a unique blend of phase changing material (PCM) created by research and development engineers. It requires no refrigeration, no laptop power (which extends battery life), is easy to carry (approved for airport security), and performs better than USB fan style products. The HeatShift Laptop bag is made of a high-density memory foam for strong protection and has a removable HeatShift Pad inside.

Ranging in retail price from $27.99 (US, 13″ laptop) to $34.99 (US, 17″ laptop), this user group special takes 25 percent off. ThermaPAK’s Laptop Cooling HeatShift Pads and HeatShift Bags are also available at a discount.

Coupon code:
maccool

Get your cooling pad:
http://www.thermapak.com/products.php

This worldwide offer is valid through April 30, 2009.

Mobigrip Device Leash: 20 Percent Off

Use the Mobigrip to secure your expensive, slippery handheld devices from falling, damage or being left behind. You can complement your natural grip and enjoy feelings of safety, confidence and added stability. Mobigrip works with all types of handheld devices for all ages and is a perfect solution for cell phones, PDAs, MP3s, iPods, voice recorders, digital cameras (some), glucose meters, TV remotes, navigators and more.

Retail priced at $9.95 (US), this user group offer takes 20 percent off. Many colors are available and quality discounts too.

Coupon code:
20DGM0908AC1yXp

Secure your device:
http://www.mobigrips.com/mobigripdeviceleash.aspx

This worldwide offer is valid through April 30, 2009.

iStudio Publisher: Save $55 (US)

Introducing iStudio Publisher, the exciting new page layout program for home, small business and educational users. Powerful and intuitive, it lets you do everything from producing a flyer to designing a newsletter — from creating a brochure to publishing a magazine. iStudio Publisher gives you all the tools you need within easy reach to design great looking documents.

This user group special offer price is $44.99 (US) compared to the discounted launch price of $49.99 (US) (only available until March 5) and the regular price of $99.99 (US).

Promotion code:
MACWORLD

Purchase here:
http://www.istudiopublisher.com/index.php/store/

This worldwide offer is valid through August 31, 2009.

Live Webcast: Advanced Twitter for Business at 35 Percent Off

“Advanced Twitter for Business: Conversation, Community and Profit – 140 Characters at a Time” will be featured as a Live Webcast on February 6 at 10:00 am PST. If you’re ready to go beyond dabbling with Twitter, join the experts at O’Reilly for this live webcast presented by Sarah Milstein. Learn everything you need to launch a successful Twitter strategy for your group. You’ll learn how to use Twitter to promote your group, build community, find members and more.

The regular price is $99 (US), but this user group discount code offer will get you 35 percent off.

Discount code: DSUG

Register and learn new business strategies.
http://oreilly.com/go/advancedtwitter

This worldwide offer is valid through February 6, 2009.

“Learn the Switch to Mac” & “Learn the iPhone 3G”: 20 Percent Off

‘It’s About Time to Learn the Switch to Mac’ reminds you of life on Windows and connects the dots to the Mac. ‘It’s About Time to Learn the iPhone 3G’ teaches you all about the iPhone 3G, including tips and tricks. You’ll quickly see that this is a learning tool like no other. It’s fun, quick and completely interactive.

Usually the downloadable version is $24.95 (US); for a limited time you can buy either boxed or download, or both, for 20 percent off.

Discount code:
muglearn

To purchase, or for more information:
http://ItsAboutTimeProducts.com

This worldwide offer is valid through April 30, 2009.

That’s Easy: AUG Market, Resource Blog & Vendor Discount Offers

Looking for information on a past offer? Tom Piper of the Apple User Group Advisory Board, publishes a single page with all current offers, expiration dates and codes. Watch for intermittent special offers.

Password:
offers

http://homepage.mac.com/ugab/offers/vendorcodes.htm