Those past few years flew by and it’s time to celebrate! For some of our shoppers, school is out FOREVER! What’s the best gift you can get for your grad? Here are some ideas.

The Nurturer

Volunteering is a great way to gain work experience and better yourself. Your baby is going across the country to build houses and teach underprivileged kids, and she wants to share her triumphs with her friends and family… iPhone 5 is the best way to stay connected and have loved ones partake in her successes. It’ll also ease your mind if you haven’t heard from her in a few days.

Plus: Don’t forget to get a sturdy iPhone cover, in case she’s on a job site and drops the phone! 

Handy apps: VolunteerMatch, PayItForward, Acts of Kindness

The Next Big ________ 

Writer, Artist, Designer, Thing. Whether he’s planning on being the next Christopher Nolan, Ernest Hemingway or Steven Spielberg, the Macbook Pro is the perfect graduation gift. With enough processing power to create huge explosions or the right sized screen to read and edit his first novel, this machine will do what you want it to. 

Plus: Make sure your Designer has lots of backup storage. You want your young professional to have copies of his work so if he’s submitting work for review, he won’t have to bring his whole setup. 

Artsy apps: ColorSchemer, Kindle, Inspire, Vine, Moodboard, iSupr8, Splice

The Globetrotter 

Now what? School is over and he’s just not ready to work the grind. Day in, day out, 9 to 5 just doesn’t fit your grad’s lifestyle.  He’s debating between motor biking through Asia or back-packing across Europe. He worries it may seem cliche, but that doesn’t stop him (Go Grad!). Don’t worry about him! The iPad, full or mini, is the most light weight device that still does it all. If he wants to take photos from the top of the Great Wall or post a video of his camel ride on Facebook, he can do it all with just a few clicks.

Plus: It’s worth investing in a hardcore protective case for when he gets caught in a torrential downpour in the Amazon rain forest, or in a whiteout blizzard in Iceland. 

Helpful apps: XE Currency, Time Out, Lonely Planet travel guides, Google Translate, Facetime

The Smarty Pants

Undergrad is done, but she’s continuing her education? Smart choice, Smart Gal! Her computer is still running, but it may be time for something fresh. Check out our trade in program and get her a new Macbook Air. The Macbook Air can take anything you throw at it, including her future Doctorate thesis.

Plus: Grab an external drive so she’ll always have a backup of that 30+ page research paper! Always be prepared. 

Bright apps: Dropbox, Kindle, Blackboard

Are you a graduate? What are your favorite gifts? Doesn’t have to be tech related. We’d love to hear your opinion!

One of my favorite quotes (it’s from the OC) if you’re just finishing up high school, “No one is older than a high school senior, and no one is younger than a college freshman.”

Best of luck and congratulations from Springboard Media! 

Why do people think Macs can’t get viruses?

There is an overwhelming belief that Macs are impervious to viruses. Guess what, that belief is wrong… sort of.

There are a few ways that your privacy can be breached. The main way is when your computer’s operating system gets a virus. The operating system on your machine is the software that supports the computer’s most basic functions, kind of like a person’s mind (something that’s not necessarily physical but makes decisions and does lots and lots of different things). When you’re operating system gets a virus, your entire computer is sick, similar to when you get the flu; not only is your nose running, but you also have a fever and a gross, wet cough. 

Because Microsoft’s personal computer was more readily available before Mac (1981, and 1984 respectively), for a very long time, more people owned PCs than Macs. According to Gartner, as of 2011, this is still true. Apple’s personal computer sales only comprised 10.7% of all PCs, not including tablets or mobile devices. It’s a fairly common belief that people who create viruses—“hackers”—try to attack as many people as possible at once, which is why they primarily target Windows users. 

The key thing to understand is, while you’re significantly less likely to get a virus as a Mac user, it’s still possible.

How they trick you

There are two main ways that you can get a virus. The first is when you install something that may be questionable onto your computer. 

You may encounter a pop up from something you’ve never seen before saying “Your computer has a virus!” This mystery popup will then ask if you want install a program to test if you’ve been infiltrated. That program is actually the virus, and if you install it, you will need to pay the company who created the virus lots and lots of money to remove it, or lose all of your data by doing a clean operating system install.

The second, and much more prevalent way that most people are exposed, is by clicking a link via e-mail. Sometimes e-mail viruses are obvious, just a slew of nonsense words or letters. Unfortunately, sometimes they’re very clever and even the most tech-savvy people fall for them! 

You may receive an e-mail from a good friend saying, “Hey, I just posted this picture of you, click here to see it!” Clicking that link will direct you to what looks like Facebook, but it’s actually a fake page so that when you log in, the creator of the virus has your personal information. This is especially dangerous if you use the same password for multiple sites or if you’re being asked for any bank information. 

Don’t fall for their bull

The best way to avoid these scenarios is to stop and think! If you have never installed a virus program on your machine and you’re getting a popup saying you have a virus, it’s probably fake. If you get a nonsense e-mail or an e-mail from a friend who you haven’t heard from in ages, or it just seems unusual, don’t hesitate to call them and ask, “Hey, did you send me an e-mail?” It’s a great way to prevent giving yourself a virus and also a wonderful excuse to catch up with an old friend. 

If you do think you’ve gotten an e-mail virus, change your passwords. Not password, passwords. To everything. Paypal, Amazon, e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, and any other site you may use. Make sure you use different passwords for different sites. If you bank online, make sure that is especially different. 

Finally, if you’re ever not sure, don’t hesitate to give your local computer store a call. No one will judge you for making sure you’re safe. 

Apple is keeping us together. In honor of Mother’s Day, here are some Springboard Moms using their favorite devices to stay connected with their kids. 

Chris says, “Mom’s latest favorite Apple product is her iPhone but she has been an Apple user for close to 20 years. This pic is the latest in our Apple Computer connection w/ Luke our newest Apple user!”

Samantha, one of our brilliant salespeople, stopped by to show off our wonderful store to her lovely mother.

Sam, “My mom recently got her first iPhone and so I thought I would introduce her to my favorite iPhone accessory: Yurbuds headphones.  They are a great pair of headphones that are guaranteed to stay in your ear, so my mom can use them on her morning walks!  Love you so much Mommy!  Happy Mother’s Day!”

Urby and her mom share iMessages of the new additions to the family. 

She says, “My mom loves her iPhone because she loves taking photos and sharing them with her 2 daughters. My mom recently got a puppy so she has great photos to share”

Even over a thousand miles away, Karin and her mom keep in touch using Facetime! 

Karin says, “Pam, my mother, is in love with her iPad — she lives in Wisconsin, so we communicate with FaceTime so we don’t feel so far away from each other!”

Tommy and her mom use Facetime to stay connected, nothing beats getting to have a face to face conversation with mom.

Tommy says, “If my mom gets a new haircut, we use facetime so she can show it off. I also gave her a tour of my new apartment when I moved in and she was thrilled!” 

Emily says, “After giving birth to my son Ethan, Facetime has been a total lifesaver. My Mom lives two hours away and it is so reassuring to call her iPad using my iPhone when I need some advice. Ethan loves seeing his Grandma as well.”

Brian says, “My mom really was not into tech at all before her iPhone. She used a little flip phone (we called it the barbie phone!) which she called and maybe texted. She said she didn’t need an iPhone. We got her a phone and instantly fell in love. She started doing eBay, texting, Words with Friends, and lots of things she would never think she could do. 

She became more confident with technology and now you can’t take her phone away from her! I love you Mom! Happy Mothers day!!”

Rett says, “This is my mom, Mary Stockman-Smith. My mom thought she was super tech savvy because she knew how to plug her digital camera into her computer and load the pictures onto a CD. Now she’s spending hours a day playing Candy Crush, and learning that some old friends just shouldn’t be reconnected with on Facebook. She loves her iPad and seems to learn new things that I would always get frustrated trying to teach… Just the other day she got stuck in her first YouTube hole watching videos of laughing babies!

I love you mom, thanks for all the support over the years.”

We love our mothers. Please don’t forget to show all Moms, biological or not, that they’re highly appreciated.

Name: Garrett Smith (Rett Smith at Springboard)

Tenure at Springboard: About 2 years

Position: E-Commerce Coordinator

Pets: Mr. Fun - He’s a cat.

Hobbies/Interests: I’ve begun additional work as a stand up comedian, performing at open mics, some booked gigs, and Helium Comedy Club. I also co-host a podcast called Trailer Trash w/ Mike and Garrett, where we watch movie trailers with comedians and make fun of them. We had Todd Glass on as a guest once! Beyond that I’m a big comic book nerd and movie aficionado.

Place I Want to Visit: Space.

Favorite Authors and Books: Again, big comic book guy. Anything Jonathan Hickman writes, especially The Manhattan Projects and his current run on Avengers. Preacher by Garth Ennis is one of my all time favorite stories. Of course Alan Moore’s Watchmen and I also really enjoy his book From Hell. Jason Aaron has been killing it lately with all his Marvel books. Punk Rock Jesus by Ryan Murphy was a really cool, original series. Oh! And everyone should seek out Matt Fraction’s short run on The Defenders. Most fun i’ve had reading a comic book.

Favorite Music: Battles, Minus the Bear, Beastie Boys, MF Doom, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, Young MC, Pete Rock

Favorite TV Shows: L O S T, Community, Parks and Rec, Adventure Time, Adult Swim toons, Seinfeld, The IT Crowd, Black Books

Favorites Movies: Ghostbusters, Kill Bill, The Shining, Observe and Report, Back to the Future, Empire Strikes Back

Favorite Sports Team: Flyers

Favorite Apple Products of All Time: iPad

Favorite iPhone/iPad App: The Marvel Comics app

Favorite Quotes: “See you at the party, Richter.” - Arnold Schwarzenegger

Favorite Thing About Working at Springboard: Filling out these super cool questionnaires.

Little Known Facts About You: I was born with a beard.

There are a million great reasons to keep in touch, but with Mother’s Day fast approaching, we thought it’d be nice to remind you how.

Apple products are created with the intentions of staying connected. Integrated with apps that are meant to allow you to communicate, here are some of our favorite iPhone applications to chat with Mom and the rest of the family.

iMessage

iMessage is Apple’s “better kind of texting.” It’s a free text messaging service for anyone with an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. If you’re out with the girls and your phone dies, you can borrow someone else’s phone (iPhone or not) and log in with your Apple ID and keep the conversation going. The best part is that it’s unlimited, and doesn’t effect your carrier messaging fees.

Facetime

The easiest way to chat face-to-face with other Apple users, Facetime is integrated into the operating system of your device. No tricky downloading or trying to figure out what to do. Just hop on a WiFi network and you’re chatting with your friends and family. 

Skype

If you’re not near WiFi or your family doesn’t have Apple products (what a perfect opportunity to make the switch), Skype is a great alternative to Facetime. Chat face-to-face using either your front and back facing cameras. Show off your colorful apartment or show Mom her newest grandchild, Facetime and Skype are both great apps! 

Facebook

It may seem obvious, but Facebook and Facebook messenger are fantastic ways to check in and say hello! Share pictures, messages, links and all sorts of other fun things, privately or publicly. 

Slow Message 

This app is a great way to remind your friends and family that you care. It’s like virtual snail mail. Pre-plan to send a message or e-mail to a recipient of your choice (you can even send messages to yourself in the future!). Pleasantly remind your friends and loved ones that you care and are always thinking of them with Slow Message. 

No matter what you do, don’t forget to wish your mom a Happy Mother’s Day! 

If you have a working iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S in good condition (no cracked screens), you can trade it in and get up to $100 on your iPhone 4S and $50 on your iPhone 4, toward your new AT&T iPhone 5. 

Here are a few simple steps to make it happen.

1. Before you come into the store, make sure you back up your data to iTunes. 

2. Once you’re all backed up and ready to upgrade your phone, if you’re an existing AT&T customer, grab the primary account holder with their photo ID, and swing by the store. If you’re new to AT&T, please bring a photo ID. 

3. Make sure you bring all of your original accessories (charging cable and original packaging if you have it), and on the spot, we’ll renew your contract or start a new one, and get you set up with your new iPhone 5. 

Last year’s Cinco de Mayo block party, hosted by El Vez, was a huge success, so we’re back for round 2!

This Sunday, May 5th (duh!), anticipate overflowing margaritas, delicious food, great company, and ample opportunity to win great geeky gifts. We’ll be giving away a variety of Springboard swag, as well as candy and sombreros! 

Keep an eye out… each El Vez margarita you buy has a $5 coupon applicable toward any purchase in the store.

Cinco de Mayo was originally a celebration of freedom and democracy in Mexican-American communities during the American Civil War. While still embracing those founding traits, it’s become a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.

Sunday’s weather is supposed to be sunny and wam, so don’t forget to come out and celebrate with El Vez and our marvelous staff! 

Don’t forget to show your mom, or wife, how much you care. Show her simply by saying, “I love you” or cooking her dinner. If you’re lookin’ to get fancy, thank her for her time and efforts by buying her something great. 

Give her your all

Provide freedom to chat with her family and friends, along with the entirety of the internet with one simple device. Whether you get the iPad or the iPad mini, the insane number of applications and games will blow Mom’s mind, and Skype will allow you to keep in touch if you don’t see each other as often as you’d like. This is the crème de la crème when it comes to gifts!  

Teach her like she taught you

Last Mother’s Day you bought your mom the top of the line iPad and you’ve never seen her use it. She may not know how. Your Training+ will teach her all of the need-to-know basics as well as some advanced tips and tricks. Our training classes offer an individualized environment for your mom (or anyone) to learn about anything she’d like, even software. Maybe she’s learning how to use Photoshop and is stuck on a specific issue — we’ve got her covered. 

For the Mom on-the-move

Is your mom a health nut? If she goes to the gym every morning, or just loves going for a stroll around the block, the yurbuds® Inspire for Women will make the perfect gift! These headphones are sweat and water resistant and are made to never fall out, no matter how hard the workout. At $29.95 you can treat your mom to a great gift without breaking the bank.

Treat her to something new

Most mom’s don’t treat themselves enough, that’s your job. Get your mom a new look for her favorite accessory, her iPhone. We have dozens of cool cases to choose from and Mom will love the new look! 

Stop in any Springboard Media location to see even more great gifts for Mom. And stay tuned to our blog as we post some Springboard Media Mom’s with their favorite Apple products!

The nice weather is here to stay which means music festivals, picnics, and travel season is upon us.

Whether you’re going to the beach, Rittenhouse or your roof deck, we have the perfect products to keep your devices dry and charged.

Sunblock for your screen

Not only will an antiglare screen protector* defend your device, but it will also help you see your screen while you’re sitting in the sun enjoying a drink. The antiglare protector will stop the sun from reflecting off of your shiny iPhone or iPad screen and allow you to take the best blurry photo of Beyoncé playing at Made in America.

*Make sure you select “AG” or “antiglare” when purchasing online. 

Don’t drown your phone

Browsing the web while digging your feet into the sand is the best, until a single grain of sand gets into the plastic sandwich bag that you think is protecting your phone and scratches it. Don’t let this ruin your beach trip. Do yourself a favor and invest in a top notch case. Something that is not only sand proof, but also water proof, in case of rain or unwelcome icy-cold splashes. A great case will also protect your phone from mud at Bonnaroo. 

For the best options, refer to this article. 

Get funky

Braven bluetooth speakers can be paired with any mobile device to play music on the go. That hour long ride to Ocean City, or twelve hour drive to Lollapalooza, will be much more manageable, especially if your old, reliable junker only has an 8-track player. With battery life that lasts up to 20 hours on a single charge, not only can you play music directly from your device, but you can also charge it from the Braven speaker. Play it in the car and keep the party going when you arrive at your destination.

But not too funky

If people give you dirty looks for blasting your music, slip on a pair of headphones. Whether you’re looking for something sleek that won’t interfere with your tan, or some deep-bass, affordable cans, you can find anything you’re looking for in the Springboard Store.

Kick it old school

If you’re trying not to offend your neighbors, pick up a Tempo. This light weight, waterproof, collapsable speaker is perfect for super-transportability and a nice boost in sound. No electronics involved, just good old-fashioned physics. Use it in the tent when you’re settling down for the night. 

Juice up

The Scosche solar charger is outstanding for an event like Burning Man, but is also ideal for everyday use if you’re environmentally aware. Charge your phone, MP3 player or any other USB powered device in the car or anywhere you go. Attach it to your bag to charge as you’re shopping at a flea market or roaming through the Philly Science Carnival. 

If you hate the sun, or you’re stuck at a conference, you can use the Scosche battery pack.  This non-solar battery pack can charge an iPhone 4 twice, and then some. 

Both of these products are also awesome to have around in case you lose your electricity in a summer thunderstorm. 

We’ve found 5 products that will change the way you interact with your iPad, adding fun and quality to one of our favorite Apple devices. 

1.  Make Your Bad Singing Sound Good

iRig is perfect for business or pleasure. This powerful microphone is ideal for an aspiring vocalist or an important meeting. With an easy to use interface, the free iRig application allows you to record and produce clear, beautiful content. The microphone is also perfect for use with a variety of karaoke apps. It’s sure to be a blast at a party or in the board room with your coworkers.

https://www.springboardstore.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=3836

2. Keep Them Entertained

This simple, affordable device allows two people to listen to the same iPad. Traveling? A headphone splitter turns one headphone jack into two. Now you, and a friend, can listen to your favorite track or watch Hollywood’s most recent blockbuster! This product is perfect for children. Get the kids settled in the backseat, plug in the splitter and go. You can’t beat the stress free, quiet environment for just five bucks.

https://www.springboardstore.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=5060

3. Never Leave Your Couch

If you’re a Comcast Xfinity member, this application allows you to turn your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch into a remote control. Not only does it allow you to control your TV, but you can also easily access Xfinity On Demand and schedule DVR recordings directly from your iPad.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/xfinity-tv-remote/id401629893?mt=8

4. Or Just Forget About Cable

AppleTV is a sleek, compact device that allows you to stream content from iTunes, Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube and many other services directly to your TV. Access endless entertainment; with thousands of HD movies and television shows, finding something to watch will be a synch. The AppleTV doesn’t require a cable subscription, but still provides access to an incredible amount of content.

Using AppleTV, you can seamlessly stream content from your iPad to your television; music, movies, and photos are all available to easily share. Sit down with the family and share your home movies, holiday pictures and so much more.

https://www.springboardstore.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=4438

5. All of Your Music Everywhere, Wirelessly

SONOS is one of Springboard Media’s favorite devices. This wireless sound system will blow you away. Use your iPad to access and stream tons of sources of music, such as Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM, Rhapsody, last.fm and so much more! Your entire music library, music services and more than 100,000 free radio stations, podcasts and shows fill your rooms and your life! Manage all of your music through your iPad, and get amazing sound quality from SONOS Wireless HiFi system. Sit back, relax, and enjoy. Ask a sales representative for more information about which SONOS system is right for you!

https://www.springboardstore.com/store/pc/showsearchresults.asp?pageStyle=H&resultCnt=10&keyword=sonos&submit.x=0&submit.y=0