Mac computers

I used one of the first Mac computers in New Zealand and wrote programs for them since the "early days". I have used them since 1984 for many different tasks.

I was a Mac support consultant and programmer at the University of Otago for almost 40 years where I gained a lot of experience in many different areas.

I own about 30 Macs, including desktops, laptops, and servers. I think they are the best general purpose computer there is!

iPads

I have owned about 5 iPads since they were first released. I use them mainly as a media consumption device: for viewing the web, reading email, watching movies, and viewing photos. I also use them in a limited way to create content.

Thanks to iCloud, all the documents on my computers are also on my iPad, so I can access the hundreds of thousands of files I have from the iPad too.

I have set up and fixed problems with many iPads, including my own, my private clients, and those being used at the University I previously worked at, so I cam generally solve most problems quite quickly.

iPhones

I am currently on to my 11th iPhone! This isn't because iPhones have to be updated every year to remain relevant, it is more because I like to have a fairly modern model to keep up with the latest features.

Like the iPad, all of my documents are synced to my phone through iCloud, so I always have them with me, and I take the phone with me everywhere, unlike the computers and iPads, which I occasionally (but rarely) leave behind.

I have a lot of experience with iPhones, and have used them since the iPhone 3G, so in most cases I can help with setup, configuration, and problem solving quickly and easily.

Apple Watch

When I got my first Apple Watch I wasn't convinced I would find it useful, but on the rare occasion I forget to wear it now I really miss it. So I am now onto my fourth one and wear it every day.

I use the Watch for information display. With a single glance, I can see many bits of useful information, including: date and time, my next appointment, the temperature, wind direction and speed, time of sunset, noise level, and even the chance of there being an aurora that night!

So after owning 4 watches I can help with setup, configuration, and problem solving.

Other Apple products

I have experience with almost every product Apple has ever made, including desktops, laptops, iPads, iPhones, AirPods, Apple TV, HomePod, Apple Watch, AirTags, and Pencil.

I use such a wide variety of products because they just work together brilliantly. For example, I plan a destination on my laptop then check my phone in the car, I confirm the route and my Watch gives me driving instructions.

When I say "it just works" above I have to be honest and say sometimes it doesn't. Even Apple isn't perfect! That's why an experienced Apple expert like me can be useful for those odd occasions when things go wrong.

Printers and peripherals

Apple don't make every product we might want to use, so there is a need to support other manufacturers' stuff as well. This includes external storage devices (hard disks and SSDs), printers, scanners, network devices (wifi routers, switches), cabling, and other peripherals.

I own printers made by Canon, Epson, Brother, and HP, and can support other brands as well. The same applies to other devices: I have worked with a large variety of them.

Setup of devices like printer is often fairly easy, but when things go wrong (especially with wireless printing) an experienced expert like me can be useful.

Setup

Spending a bit of time doing initial setup of new devices properly can save a lot of time later trying to fix problems which might not have happened with correct setup. Apple make the process simple in theory, but in practice numerous things can go wrong.

Also, the default behaviour of setting up new devices by copying everything from a previous device - especially a Mac, but other devices to a lesser extent - can cause obscure problems later.

I have numerous ways to setup a new device, and which one I choose depends on several factors and years of experience. It should be simple, but sometimes it isn't!

Fixing problems

Computers and other devices can be complicated, especially when you install software from other companies, like Microsoft, Adobe, etc. Even Apple get things wrong occasionally, so problem solving is just part of having a computer.

Some problems stop the device working completely, and obviously these need to be fixed as soon as possible, but others are a bit more subtle and just make things harder or less efficient, but are also worth pating attention to.

So problem solving seems like an unfortunate part of using technology, but I spend a lot of time doing, and worth it when a particularly nasty bug is eradicated!

Upgrades

Computers and related technology are constantly improving so keeping up to date is useful. Also, computer programs and systems all need updates to fix problems, plug security holes, and provide new functionality.

In most cases these updates are simple and just work, but when they don't your device might be unusable. Also, some updates should not be done too early, to check that existing software and peripherals are compatible.

I can help with updates by running a full backup first (just in case there is a major problem and a need to revert to the previous version) and checking existing hardware and software for compatibility.

Training

I have had many years experience teaching people, in both formal and casual situations, how to use their computers more efficiently and avoid common problems.

I have taught people with many levels of knowledge and many different ages, so don't feel like you cannot learn new skills. And if you want to do a series of training sessions I can do that at reduced cost.

I like to think that I can explain how things work in simple language and avoid all of that jargon you might sometimes hear. Of course, if you have some technical knowledge and want to talk geek to geek, I'm happy with that too!

Security and backups

Unfortunately it is necessary to be aware of security issues (hacking, viruses, spam, scams, etc), even on Apple products which are less likely to be be affected than others. Also, any device can fail and backups are important, even for reliable Apple stuff.

I don't like to get too over-concerned about security (unless your work requires you to have higher levels than most) but some basic safeguards are useful, and that doesn't need to cost much.

Also, backup can be setup so that it "just happens" and you don't have to spend a lot of time administering it. This can also be done fairly cheaply, so just ask!

General advice

Sometimes all you want is some advice on the best product to buy, how to make something work more efficiently, or how to solve a problem. Yes, even Apple products sometimes have problems!

I advise people to keep a file of errors and even minor annoyances you might like fixed, then I can go through them and help improve your overall experience with your Apple technology.

If you need any quick advice, you can text me any time and I usually reply fairly quickly. I also accept phone calls, but only during reasonable hours. Alternatively, email me if it's not so urgent. In most cases, simple advice is free.

I specialise in Apple hardware and software

Many consultants are more familiar with other platforms or try to deal with them all. I specialise in Apple stuff so that is what I am most knowledgeable and enthusiastic about.

Reasonable prices

My standard rate is $100 per hour, and I can also negotiate a reduced price for projects which take more time. If I don't fix a specific problem I don't charge you for it.

Many years of experience

I have worked with computers and other devices for many years, and a lot (but not all, unfortunately!) of what I see today I have seen before, which makes it quicker to fix.

Guaranteed user friendly!

I have worked with people with many different skill levels, ages, and backgrounds over the years. I try to use language appropriate to your knowledge level, and I'm always user friendly!

Call or text any time for free advice

If you are not sure whether to proceed with an update, or if a warning message might be a scam, or why your device isn't working, just call or text for quick, free advice.

I will visit your home or business

There is no need to visit me (and bring the right devices) because I will visit you instead. Travel is free close to Dunedin, and a small charge if I need to travel further.

Help with purchasing

When buying new devices you need to get the right specs. How much memory and storage? How many ports? What size screen? I can help choose the best option within your budget.

Initial setup

When you get a new device (computer, phone, tablet, etc) it is best to spend some time doing the initial setup properly to avoid later problems. I can do this for you.

System and software install

Software and operating installation is easy... until it isn't! I can source required installers, run backup first if necessary, and purchase, install, and license anything you need.

File transfer

Moving your files from one place to another can be done many ways: email, flash drive, external hard disk, Airdrop. I can advise on which to use and setup anything necessary.

Network and internet setup

Got a new internet connection which needs setup? Need to connect your TV to wifi? Want to extend the range of your network? I can help with all of this.

File recovery and disk repair

If you have lot some files, photos, etc, or your storage (hard disk, SSD, cloud) has encountered some errors, contact me: I might be able to recover your lost data.

Email setup.

Some email services can be difficult to set up. I can help with that, as well as set up details like local mailboxes, filtering rules, etc.

Training and advice

Just need some quick advice? Just text me for a quick answer. Need some training on using an app, or your Mac, iPhone, etc in general? I can do that too.

Hardware repairs

I can do basic hardware repairs and installs myself, and for anything more complex I have contact with official Apple repair companies.

Security and virus protection

Apple equipment is more immune to these problems than most others, but it is still worth being aware of potential security issues.

File format conversion and processing

If you have files which you cannot use, or need converted to a new format for some reason, contact me and I might be able to help.

Media conversion

Got old VHS tapes, audio tapes, records, CDs, DVDs you need converted? I should be able to do those. This includes photo enhancement and repair.

Document creation

Want a document created: a poster, certificate, newsletter, simple web site? Contact me and let's discuss it. I have experience with both graphics and text.

Anything else related to Apple products

You have an issue I haven't listed on this web site? Contact me and see if there is anything I can do. I have had experience in a wide variety of different technologies.

Owen Baxter

I am an Apple specialist and consultant in Dunedin, New Zealand. I can assist with any issues you have with your Apple products, including advice, setup, repairs, and problem solving.

Contact Information

I am based in Dunedin, New Zealand. You can email me on ojb@mac.com, or call or text 021 251 2910.