Buy a computer, write it off on your taxes!

If you purchase a computer or software between now and January 31, 2011, you can write off the full amount on that year’s taxes! No half rule applies. Add it under Class 52 in Schedule II of your tax return.

http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2009/2009-06-10/html/sor-dors155-eng.html

Objectives

The objective of this amendment is to ensure that the correct application date applies to new Class 52 in Schedule II to the Income Tax Regulations. In the case of computer equipment described in new Class 52, the measure is temporary and is intended to encourage businesses to invest in new computers and systems software.

Description

This amendment ensures that the temporary 100% CCA rate for certain computers and systems software (new Class 52) applies to such assets acquired after January 27, 2009 and before February 2011.

There has never been a better time to buy a computer and there has never been a better place to buy a reliable computer than Northern Protocol Inc. For the best built, best backed, most reliable computers, trust Northern Protocol Inc. Computer Sales and Service.

Share

Save

Help us welcome James.

James (or 007 as we’ve affectionately dubbed him) is the latest member of our team. James is absolutely brilliant and brings with him an extensive and very impressive electronics background. James has designed and built robots, electronic circuits, controller boards, interfaces and everything in between. He’s absolutely brilliant with a soldering iron as well.

His cheerful personality and extensive skill set and experience is a welcome addition to our team.

Share

Save

Adobe CS3 Installation problems?

Several people have reported problems installing Adobe Photoshop CS3. Most of the problems that you may run into with your CS3 install are as a result of conflicts with other Adobe software. Here are some links to help you try and resolve those issues.

First you will want to have the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility installed. You can download the tool here.

After you have installed the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility, uninstall any previous CS2 or CS3 products.

Adobe CS3 Cleanup Script:

Once you have uninstalled your products, run this script to clean up the previous installation.

Note that this tool has two extra levels that aren’t in the options, levels 3 and 4. Run the tool at level 3 until it doesn’t come up with any more issues, then run it at level 4. For a full tutorial on how to use the Adobe CS3 Cleanup Script, please see this Adobe knowledgebase article.

Adobe CS3 Technotes for Mac:

If you have a Mac and are trying to install CS3 or repair a damaged install, check out these technotes from Adobe.

Share

Save

“For the win”

We always do our best to make every client happy. Some jobs we do stand out in our minds as a huge “win” and encouragement.

Jonathan is one of those clients. He came in with an HP laptop in pretty rough shape. The internal battery that saved all the laptop’s settings was dead, the drive was encrypted so that nobody could access the critical (and highly confidential) data that was on it in case of theft and it was “blue screening” with a rather rare “internal_power_error” instead of booting into Windows.

It was easy to appreciate it wasn’t much good to him like that. He brought it in to another shop that quickly told him “I have no idea what to do with that. Go see Aaron at Northern Protocol. He’ll know what to do”. Well, it was an interesting challenge. We changed the battery, got it somewhat “running” again and then made a backup of all his data. Finally we fixed his Windows so it would run properly again.

What made my day was when he came in, told us that he had started out with the computer repair shop around the corner from his house, what they said and how he ended up coming to us. He finished it up with a great big smile and “Well, I’d rather come to the people that know what they’re doing”.

I have to say that meant a lot to me. It’s that “thrill of the kill”, so-to-speak, of beating the problems and seeing those happy faces that keeps me coming back for more. Thank you Jonathan, we really appreciate your business…and you made my day too.

Share

Save

A moment of “geek humour”

Even us geeks have a sense of humour, albeit maybe a dorky one. It was brought to our attention that Futureshop introduced a “Rate My PC” item on their website. Essentially what it does is downloads a little program onto your computer and “rates it”, presumably against current technology standards, and advises you if you need an upgrade.

Sounds like yet another sales tool to me, but my curiosity gets the better of me. Too…tempting…to…resist. I fire up a $3000 “gamers” build we just made and put it to the test. This computer is made up of some of the following:

Of course there’s a lot more to it, that is just the “guts” of the machine. Even the case that it’s built in is a $300 case. This is no slouch of a computer and pretty much as close to the top of the line gamer’s computer as you can get, about three steps below artificial intelligence.

First run. No rating and the message:

your computer is holding you back

And an upgrade button. Hmm. Must be a glitch. Run it again.

Stop waiting, start doing.
With a new Intel processor-based PC, you’ll get all the power you need to run today’s most demanding applications, enjoy entertainment, and multitask at breakthrough speeds. Why wait?

And, of course, another upgrade button.

Maybe I’m just too geeky, but I found that funny. I couldn’t help but wonder what we should upgrade it to. Maybe an Acer with Monster Cable?

Note: The brands and links mentioned here are not an endorsement by or for the respective companies.

Share

Save

Engenius Authorized Reseller and what that means for you.

Engenius Canada is best known for their corporate class wireless and telecom products. Corporate class products are in a league of their own, offering uncompromising performance and reliability in demanding environments. Engenius has brought this knowledge and expertise to the consumer market with their superior lineup of wireless networking products.

We are authorized Engenius wireless product resellers. “Ok, so what? What does that mean to me?” you may ask.

Resellers that aren’t Engenius authorized buy their products through the channel, or wholesalers. Those wholesalers buy their Engenius products through Engenius USA. The problem with that won’t immediately become apparent unless you have problems with them. When you do and go to send them in for warranty, you’ll find out that your vendor won’t exchange them. You’ll be told to go through Engenius. Engenius Canada, however, will know by the serial number that the products aren’t Canadian and won’t help you with your warranty. To get warranty you’ll have to send them to Engenius USA in California.

The second problem comes when you need help. Many vendors that aren’t Engenius authorized sales centres know very little about the product, they’re just in it to make a few dollars. It’s up to you to figure it out on your own. Engenius Canada isn’t eager to help, as it’s not their product. Essentially you’re left out on your own.

At Northern Protocol Inc. we’re wireless experts. We’re not going to sell you a bill of goods. We know the product inside and out, we know how to configure it and install it and we have our representatives at Engenius Canada to help us out when we need it. What this means to you is knowledgeable service, good pricing, technical support and local warranty repair or exchange.

When you’re looking for industry leading reliability and wireless range without all the gimmicks, trust Northern Protocol Inc. and our Engenius Canada partnership to get you connected.

EDIT: Jan 19, 2010: I just received this email from Engenius Canada:

Please note that Tiger Direct and ASI does not purchase through the Canadian channel, therefore you do not receive warranty from us.

For all inquires, please contact me directly.

Share

Save

We have Radeon 5870’s in stock!

The ATi Radeon 5870 is the fastest gamer’s video card available at the moment and they’re extremely hard to find. Supply is very limited. So much so that Futureshop is selling them for $549.

I’m pleased to say that we just received a shipment of nine Radeon 5870 1GB DDR5 video cards priced at only $449.99!! Each unit comes with a free game. This card supports DirectX 11 and will simply blow away any other video card out there. If you’re a gaming enthusiast that demands the best, this card is for you. Act fast to avoid disappointment.

Share

Save