General Apple and Mac desktops is covered in The Mac News Review. iPod, iPhone, and Apple
TV news is covered in The iNews Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Apple Updates
Tech Trends
Products & Services
Software
News & Opinion
Apple Sues to Stop Copycat Power Adapters
InformationWeek's Thomas Claburn reports:
"Apple on Monday filed a patent
infringement lawsuit against Media Solutions Holdings, a company
based in Anaheim, Calif. that allegedly sells knock-off Apple products
through several Web sites.
"Apple's complaint charges that Media Solutions Holdings, through
the Web sites www.laptopsforless.com, www.laptopacadapter.com and
www.ereplacements.com, sells 'various consumer electronic accessories
at retail, including knock-off power adapters for use with genuine
Apple portable computers.'
"'Through various Web sites and otherwise, the Defendants market
these knock-off power adapters for use with Apple portable computers,
such as the MacBook,' the complaint states.
"Apple claims that some of the power adapters sold through these Web
sites violate its 'Power adapter' patent, issued in August, 2003."
Link:
Apple Sues to Stop Power Adapter Knock Offs
Apple Sues Over Knockoff Power Bricks
The Register's Rik Myslewski reports:
"Apple has sued a California company for alleging infringing a
laptop AC-adapter patent granted to Cupertino in 2003.
"And they may have already won."
Apple patent drawings with photos of the infringing AC adapters.
"...this is a design patent - and it doesn't take the finely trained
eye of industrial designer to determine that the Media Solutions
Holdings' adapters are, as the lawsuit claims, 'substantially the same
as Apple's patented design.'
"If you're wondering why Apple would go through the time and expense
of dragging a small company into court for a design infringement, know
that the two online stores named in the lawsuit have already pulled the
products."
Link:
Apple Sues Over Knock-off Power Bricks
Axiotron Transfers TabletMac Trademark to
Apple
More confirmational evidence that an Apple tablet computer is indeed
on the way next year - and that it will be a Mac, not an iPod: The Mac
Observer's Bryan Chaffin reports that ownership of a US trademark for
the term "TabletMac" has transferred from Axiotron to Apple. Axiotron
had originally registered the trademark in 2007 after releasing its
MacBook-based Modbook tablet,
but ownership of the trademark transferred to Apple during the last
year, according to a
report from MacRumors.com.
Link:
TabletMac Trademark Transferred from Axiotron to Apple
Apple Tablet Rumored to Be 'Shockingly'
Inexpensive
AppleInsider's Neil Hughes reports:
Internet and television personality Alex Albrecht claimed to have
insight on the price of Apple's rumored tablet during the latest
episode of Diggnation....
During the course of episode 231 of the Internet-based show, co-host
and Web entrepreneur Kevin Rose . . . turned his attention to
Albrecht . . . After pestering from Rose, Albrecht eventually
conceded: "I was shocked at how cheap the price point is going to be."
He declined to reveal anything further.
Link:
Apple Tablet Rumored to Be 'Shockingly' Inexpensive
Apple Updates
Tips for Using the Multi-Touch Glass Trackpad
A new Apple Knowledge Base article provides information and tips on
using the glass multitouch trackpad in unibody MacBooks and MacBook
Pros, noting that unlike typical trackpads, the new MacBook and MacBook
Pro glass trackpad surface is a button in itself - you can click almost
anywhere on the trackpad.
You can use the trackpad to move the mouse cursor, execute a primary
or secondary click, scroll, or perform multitouch Gestures. To ensure
accurate finger gesturing response, always user fingertips or slightly
curled fingers.
Link: Apple Portables: Tips for Using
the Multi-Touch Glass Trackpad
Advanced Tips for the Sudden Motion Sensor
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"Beginning with the PowerBook G4 (12-inch, 1.5
GHz), PowerBook
G4 (15-inch, 1.67/1.5 GHz), PowerBook G4 (17-inch, 1.67
GHz), and iBook G4
(Mid 2005), Apple portable computers feature a Sudden Motion
Sensor. Intel-based Apple portables such as the MacBook, MacBook Pro,
and MacBook Air also make use of the Sudden Motion Sensor.
"Sudden Motion Sensor technology is built-in protection for the hard
disk, designed to help prevent disk issues if the computer is dropped
or if it senses unusually strong vibration. Apple has adjusted this
feature carefully to provide the best balance between protecting the
hard drive and preventing unwanted activation of the Sudden Motion
Sensor. Most Apple portable owners never need to turn this feature off.
Apple suggests that you not modify the settings unless absolutely
necessary.
"In some environments, such as live concert halls, recording
studios, or dance clubs, external vibrations may be major enough to
cause the module to unexpectedly park the hard drive heads, resulting
in interrupted sound or video playback. In these situations, you may
find that you want to disable the feature temporarily...."
Link: Apple Portables: Advanced Tips for
Sudden Motion Sensor
Tech Trends
Acer to Launch Chrome OS Netbook in 2H10
DigiTimes' Yen-Shyang Hwang and Joseph Tsai report that Acer plans
to launch a Google Chrome operating system-based netbook, which the
company has been developing since mid-2009, in the second half of 2010,
according to industry sources.
Acer chairman JT Wang also expressed his confidence that the company
will be the first vendor to launch Chrome-based netbook in the market
during a recent interview with DigiTimes.
Link: Acer to Launch
Chrome OS Netbook in 2H10
10" to 12" Displays to Dominate Netbook Market in
2010
DigiTimes' Monica Chen and Joseph Tsai report that netbooks with 10-
to 12-inch displays are expected to become the mainstream in the
segment in 2010 as market demand for larger-size netbooks is rising,
according to industry sources.
In 2010, the sources expect current 10-inch netbooks to be mainly
positioned for entry-level markets to defend against the entrance of
smartbooks. 10-inch models with touchscreen capabilities will be
positioned for mid-range markets, and 12-inch models will be the major
profit driver for the vendors.
Link: 10- to 12-inch
Displays to Become Mainstream in Netbook Segment in 2010
(subscription required)
Products & Services
DeskBook Pro Portable Docking Station
PR: Zemno LLC, a developer and manufacturer of
advanced Apple and PC peripherals, has unveiled the DeskBook Pro
Docking Station, which features unrivaled connectivity and introduces
ModBay technology. Zemno's innovative ModBays enable the DeskBook Pro
to support internal connection of hard drives, batteries, and
peripherals. ModBays are not only portable, they also provide
convenient access to additional power for the dock when mobile.
DeskBook Pro with ModBay technology allows an upgrade path for future
peripheral connectivity in a portable, elegant and slim profiled
design.
When going mobile or returning from the road with your laptop, the
DeskBook Pro allows you to leave all your peripherals plugged in so you
don't waste time plugging and unplugging multiple devices. For the
professional who needs more power on the road, the DeskBook Pro enables
you to "take life with you" - anywhere. It docks two hard drives
simultaneously or any combination of hard drive, battery,* or
peripheral device with access to 16 input/output connections.
The DeskBook Pro docking station is a control &
command center for your digital world featuring:
- 6 downstream USB ports
- 3 FireWire 800 ports
- 1 FireWire 400 port
- 1 DVI output (video ported over USB)
- 1 ethernet port
- 1 eSATA data connection
- 1 eSATA power connection
- 1 audio stereo input
- 1 audio stereo output
- 1 Flash Card reader
- 2 ModBays, each supports a single 2.5" hard drive or battery
DeskBook Pro is compatible with any Mac or PC notebook up to 15"
with FireWire and USB capabilities. It provides for unlimited storage
upgrades and multiple ports to extend the life and functionality of
almost any notebook or desktop.
"In creating the DeskBook Pro, Zemno have applied our own passion
for improving mobile computing technology while also listening to the
needs expressed by users worldwide," said Gregg DeFronzo, Zemno's CEO
and lead designer. "We believe that our efforts have resulted in a new
definition of what a State of the Art docking station should be."
Preorders for DeskBook Pro (MSRP $499.99) and ModBay Modules are now
being taken for Jan. 2010 delivery. Early adopter discounts of 10% are
available for orders placed by Dec 25, 2009.
* The battery powers the DeskBook Pro; it does not provide power to
your notebook.
Link: DeskBook
Pro Portable Docking Station
Solar Power Now Available for All MacBooks
PR: QuickerTek now offers solar power for the entire Apple
MacBook line of popular laptops unibody Macs and just released white
MacBook. The initial Apple Juicz Solar Charger worked with the MacBook
Air only, now we power the entire MacBook line including the 13.3",
15", and 17" unibody Pros and the white MacBook. There are two Apple
Juicz models available: 27 Watt and 55 Watt, to match your performance
needs.
The addition of the all of the MacBook and MacBook Pro models
to the previous MacBook Air completes the solar compatibility. MacBook
users are no longer tethered to the AC wall outlet. The freedom to work
where you want, makes the solar charger from QuickerTek very popular
with all users - but especially in tough environments.
One Apple Juicz Solar Charger has taken the Charger to Mount
Everest. This feat helps demonstrate the extreme durability and
flexibility that MacBook users can expect. Not every Solar Charger user
will take their laptop to the world's tallest peak, but knowing that it
is built tough enough, adds confidence when hiking in the woods,
spending a week at an island beach, a month on your boat or just
working in your own backyard.
The Apple Juicz also folds up for easy transport. Even though the
sun gathering power is remarkable, the folding solar collection panels
make it practical to use - something that has been lacking in solar
technology to date. The Apple Juicz Solar Charger also comes complete
with all cables to make "going solar" as easy as it should be. Users
don't need to make any adjustments to take full advantage of the
ever-present renewable resource - the sun.
You gain additional power options through a 2.5mm connector allowing
access to other QuickerTek power products from solar cells to external
batteries. There are no safety sacrifices in using QuickerTek's Apple
Juicz MacBook Solar Charger.
Specifications
- 5mm connector - for connecting QuickerTek solar and external
batteries;
- Original Apple MagSafe connector;
- 12 volt automotive cigarette lighter connection;
- 3-foot extension cable with 2.5mm connection;
- Grommets to secure the unfolded panels during charging;
- Messenger bag carry case
Pricing
- 27 Watt - $700
- 55 Watt - $1,200
Like most QuickerTek products, the Apple Juicz Solar Charger is
backed with a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
Link: Apple Juicz Solar
Charger
WoodServe Fine Furniture Finish Laptop Stand
PR: Balmuda Design's Unite WoodServe is an engineered wooden
notebook computer stand for both Mac and Window computers, with a
capacity to store any notebook computer with a thickness between 21mm
and 28mm.
Additionally, Mac users can set their computer in closed clamshell
(display closed) mode and while closed, combine with a external display
to use as a compact desktop computer.
Two wood finishes are available - Natural using Basswood and Brown
using Walnut so you can choose the one best suited to harmonize with
your desk space or interior. Individual examples of this product may
have differences in texture due to use of natural wood material.
Complimentary details such as the soft lines created by the
layers of Engineered wood and the sharpness produced by the aluminum
pieces create an unique harmony.
The "inside" can be adjusted anywhere from 21mm to 28mm, holding
your notebook computer securely in place. In order to include this
adjustable feature, each WoodServe is created carefully by hand in an
Engineered wood factory in Japan.
Specifications:
- Size: W 260 x D 100 x H 82.5 (mm) / Weight: 295g
- Color: Natural (Basswood) / Brown (Walnut)
- Materials: Plywood, aluminum alloy, rubber sponge
Can be used with a notebook computers with thickness of 28mm or
less.
WoodServe sells for $89.
Link: WoodServe
Software
Airlock: Your Mac Now Locks Itself When You Walk
Away
PR:
Louisville-based The MHA released the first version of Airlock, a
smarter kind of Mac security solution that allows a Mac to
automatically lock and unlock itself as a user comes and goes. Airlock
uses advanced Bluetooth proximity detection that interacts with a
user's iPhone or iPod touch to determine the approximate distance
between the user and his or her Mac. When the user leaves the preset
range, Airlock locks the Mac's screen, and upon the user's return,
Airlock automatically unlocks the screen. As a fallback for when the
user's iPhone or iPod Touch's battery is dead, Airlock can be
configured to accept the user's account password to unlock the
screen.
Airlock runs completely in the background and is configured through
the System Preferences. From the Airlock preference pane, users can
configure many aspects of Airlock to suit their needs. For example, the
Airlock preference pane features a radar screen which allows users to
easily configure the distance that Airlock considers in-range, while
displaying the location of the user's iPhone or iPod Touch in
realtime.
In addition to locking the screen, Airlock
can be configured to perform custom actions as the user comes and goes.
For example, when the user comes in-range, he or she could
automatically be logged-in to iChat, a favorite news site could be
refreshed, or a daily snapshot could be taken of the Mac's
surroundings. On the other hand, when the user goes out-of-range, he or
she could be logged-out of iChat, or an email could be sent logging the
time and date that the user left.
System Requirements
- An Intel Mac running Mac OS 10.5
- An iPhone or iPod Touch
- Airlock runs solely on a user's Mac (nothing needs to be installed
on a user's iPhone or iPod Touch.)
A free, full-featured demo of Airlock is available. Airlock can be
purchased for $7.77.
Link: Airlock
Bargain 'Books
For deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our 13" MacBook and MacBook Pro,
MacBook Air, 13" MacBook Pro, 15" MacBook Pro, 17" MacBook Pro, 12" PowerBook G4, 15" PowerBook G4, 17" PowerBook G4, titanium PowerBook G4,
iBook G4, PowerBook G3, and iBook G3 deals.
We also track iPad,
iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.
