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
Tech Trends
Products & Services
News & Opinion
10 Tips for MacBook Users on the Go
MacGroup's Terry White has posted ten tips are for MacBook
(including Pro and Air) users:
- Secure it with a password
- Put your name on it
- Dim the display, turn off the keyboard light and Bluetooth while on
battery
- Create an "On the Plane" location
- Tap the trackpad
- Get AppleCare
- Use your longer cord
- Get a USB or MiFi data card
- Back it up before you leave
- Take a bootable backup with you
Bonus Tip - Get a TSA friendly bag so that you don't have to take
your laptop out of it at the airport when going through security.
Link:
10 MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air Tips
Core i7 MacBook Pro Surfaces in Benchmark Logs
AppleInsider's Katie Marsal reports:
"A benchmark report for an unreleased Apple MacBook Pro sporting
Intel's upcoming dual-core 2.66 GHz Core i7 mobile processor was
published online this week, suggesting a refresh to the professional
notebook line may be imminent...."
Link:
Unannounced Core i7 Apple MacBook Pro Surfaces in Benchmarks
Logs
Will Next MacBook Pros Have 3G?
Computerworld's Seth Weintraub says:
"Ever since the MacBook Air, a machine made for 3G wireless access,
was released without built-in ability to connect to mobile wireless,
I've been waiting for Apple to put 3G access in their laptops.
"Will my wait be over soon?
"A couple of things have happened in the last month that give me a
bit of hope."
Link:
Will Apple's New Core i5 and i7 MacBook Pros Have 3G?
Modbook Maker Not Worried About iPad
Competition
Computerworld's Gregg Keizer reports that the iPad is too big and lacks communication
capabilities, or so argues the former Apple executive who oversaw the
demise of the company's iconic-but-flawed Newton more than a decade
ago
"The iPad is not a tablet, it's another addendum to the iPhone, the
iPod touch," Keizer quotes Andreas Haas, the CEO of Axiotron, a the
small El Segundo, Calif. company he founded in 2005 to engineer and
manufacture tablet computer conversions of the MacBook. "It's the
Newton reborn."
Axiotron's conversion kits that transform MacBooks into pen-based
tablets branded "Modbooks" retail
for $700 when the customer provides the notebook, $1,650 for a turnkey
device.
Link: Modbook
Maker Not Worried About iPad Competition
MacBook Air Knockoff Unboxed and Reviewed
micgadget.com reports:
"The ultimate MacBook
Air knockoff has landed, and folks all over are excited about it.
This is the best MacBook Air wannabe ever, featuring a real glowing
Apple logo and it's almost as thin as the real one. Here we have a
wholesome unboxing and hands-on shots for you to enjoy.
"Our previous introduction on the MacBook Air Knockoff with Glowing
Apple Logo has brought us a motivation to buy it and own it. We love
the knockoff, it's possibly the most beautiful product the Chinese
knock-off makers have ever copied. There have been some MacBook Air
knockoff reviews out there, but we got the first of the units that will
actually ship to customers, so it's time for telling you what we
think."
Link:
MacBook Air Knockoff Full Review: Unboxing and Hands-On
Clock Made from Recycled
iBook G4 Enclosure
Etsy.com has posted a photo of a clock made using a recycled Mac G4
iBook case, complete with Apple mouse utilized as the working pendulum
bob.
Link: Clock Made
from a Recycled Apple iBook G4 Computer Case
Tech Trends
Nvidia Launches Dual-GPU Tech for Notebooks with
Auto Switching
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"Nvidia reckons it has finally cracked the problem of smoothly
swapping between graphics chips in notebooks that have more than one
GPU. Today, it launched its solution, which it has branded Optimus.
"Now, we're not talking two or more GPUs configured in SLI mode for
greater graphics performance. Optimus addresses the use of a discrete
graphics chip that operates when you're running software that needs
one, and a separate, integrate graphics core that handles all the other
tasks, and does so with a much lower impact on battery life."
Editor's note: This technology is specific to Windows 7 at present,
but I'm sure it could be adapted to MacBook Pro models as well.
dk
Link: Nvidia
Launches Dual-GPU Tech for Notebooks
ARM Boss Forecasts Mass Migration to Netbooks
The Register's Tony Smith reports that ARM CEO Warren East believes
netbooks are on the way to dominating the PC market - and not too far
into the future either.
"Although netbooks are small today - maybe ten per cent of the PC
market at most - we believe over the next several years that could
completely change around and that could be 90 per cent of the PC
market," Smith cites PC Pro quoting East, who also reportedly projects
that 90 per cent of users will be buying netbooks a couple of years or
so down the line.
Smith deduces that a large proportion of current laptop owners use
their machines solely for Internet activities, and for many of them,
the netbook's advantages will compensate for their various limitations,
and can envision lots of folk - maybe even a majority - downsizing to
smaller computers, but notes that anyone who needs real processing
power for stuff like serious gaming, video, high-end graphics work, and
such will still need more powerful machines and there are plenty of
people out there who fall in those categories.
The new iPad's impact on the lower end of the portable market as a
netbook competitor also remains to be seen
Link: ARM Boss
Forecasts Mass Migration to Netbooks
Netbook Shipments Grew 79% in 2009
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"Last year was a good 12 months for netbook makers: together they
shipped 30.2 million of the mini laptops.
"That, market watcher Strategy Analytics said this week, is 79 per
cent more than they managed in 2008."
Link:
Netbook Shipments Surge
Products & Services
Wireless USB DisplayDock for MacBooks
PR: Wisair, a provider of single-chip based UWB and Wireless
USB solutions, announced today the availability of its Wireless USB
DisplayDock Set solution for Mac OS, enabling MacBook owners to enjoy a
whole new user experience.
The Wireless USB DisplayDock Set for MacBooks will be offered by
four OEM vendors in the end of March 2010: Lenexpo (Atlona), Source
R&D (Warpia), and Cables Unlimited in the USA, and Olidata in
Europe.
Demonstrations will be held in Macworld 2010 show in San Francisco
in Atlona's and Wisair's booths.
While enjoying the mobility of MacBook platforms, users can now also
enjoy a convenient working environment at their home or at the office.
The Wireless USB DisplayDock Set allows users to easily connect their
MacBook to their desktop environment, consisting of a monitor,
speakers, keyboard, and mouse, with a single adapter that connects to a
USB port on the MacBook.
MacBook platforms do not have VGA or DVI connectors, which are the
most common connectors in monitors, and for a complete desktop
environment, Mac users therefore need today to connect at least four
cables/adapters:
- a mini DisplayPort or mini-DVI to VGA or DVI adapter cable
- USB cable for the keyboard
- USB cable for the mouse
- yet another cable for the audio.
Wisair's Wireless USB DisplayDock solution allows Mac users to
connect to a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers via a single
wireless link with a single adapter that connects to a USB port, which
is available in all MacBook platforms. Bearing in mind that
there are very limited docking solutions for MacBook platforms
available today, this solution offers a whole new user experience with
plug and play operation and enhanced convenience.
Amongst Wisair's customers that are currently shipping Wireless USB
products are Lenexpo (Atlona), Source R&D (Warpia), and Cables
Unlimited in the USA; Fujitsu, XEL (Q-Waves), Hama, Olidata, Digicom,
Display Solutions, and More Monitors in Europe; and Witech in Korea.
The availability of Mac OS support in addition to Windows OS support
allows these customers to further expand their offering to MacBook
users.
User's Benefits:
- Convenience - enjoy the MacBook mobility as well as the
convenience of a large monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers while at
home or at the office.
- Complete - a single adapter that transfers everything (the
video, audio and input devices), wirelessly.
- Simplicity - does not require any network know-how or
network configuration. Install the software once, plug in the MacBook
adapter to a USB port available in all Mac platforms and
go.
- Performance - no delay for keyboard, mouse or audio and
crisp and clear images delivered with fast and reliable Ultra Wide Band
(UWB) radio and Wireless USB protocol.
- Security - pre-paired adapters to ensure secure
transmissions over a 128-bit encrypted link.
Wireless USB Solutions Key Features:
- Point to point wireless connectivity based on reliable UWB radio
link.
- Universal solution for MacBook platforms with an adapter that
connects to a single USB port available in all Mac platforms,
for audio, video, keyboard and mouse.
- Connectivity from anywhere in the room, with distances of up to 30
ft.
- Pre-paired adapters for hassle-free, plug and play operation.
- High speed connectivity that does not load the WiFi network in the
office or at home and does not degrade its performance, for
simultaneous operation and display of Internet content.
- Wireless audio and video (up to 14401050 screen resolution).
System Requirements: Mac Leopard (10.5) and Snow Leopard (10.6) OS
support.
At Macworld (February 9th-13th in San Francisco), Wisair will
demonstrate its wireless solutions for MacBook and MacBook Pro
platforms including the InFocus Wireless System (booth #885).
Atlona will be featuring their newest Apple related products at this
year's Macworld Expo in booth #1646 including their HDAiR wireless
USB-to-HDMI device (now fully OS X compatible).
Wisair is a fabless semiconductor company providing Ultra Wideband
(UWB) and Wireless USB solutions based on its CMOS single chip.
Wisair's solutions offer the best combination of performance, price,
and power consumption for UWB and Wireless USB products.
Atlona Technologies is a
solution based manufacturer of Audio Visual Accessories including
Cabling, Extension, Splitting, Switching, and Conversion products.
Atlona is known for delivering professional quality products at an
affordable price range serving Consumer, Commercial, and Professional
Broadcast markets.
Link:
Wireless USB DisplayDock Set
New, Improved Belkin Laptop Cooling Pad Offers
Best Cooling Performance
PR: The new Belkin Cooling Pad keeps your laptop cool.
In order to achieve the best cooling performance, Belkin redesigned the
Cooling Pad to include a patent-pending AirFlow Wing, repositioned fan,
and wave shape. This combination of features optimizes circulation to
let hot air flow up and away from your laptop. The USB-powered Cooling
Pad can be used comfortably on a desk or in your lap.
Independent third-party
testing of cooling performance done by NTS Testing and Engineering
Services. Testing measured laptop temperature before and after 20
minutes of operation with cooling-pad products. Testing included the
Belkin Cooling Pad and top cooling-pad products in terms of market
share in the United States as of October 2009.
Features:
- Patent-pending AirFlow Wing for better cooling and quieter
operation
- Patented wave design enhances cooling capabilities
- Single-fan design optimizes cooling with low power consumption
Includes USB cable and convenient storage compartment for it when
not in use
- Fits laptops up to 15.4"
- In the last year, NPD reports that the laptop cooling category has
grown by 22 percent.
- NPD data shows Belkin has gone from having no share to almost 40
percent of the market within 2 years.
- Building off of the success of the previous model, the new
Cooling
- Pad aims to further increase Belkin's prominence by offering a
superior method of keeping laptops cool.
Availability April 2010 in all global regions. Now available for
preorder on Amazon.com.
Laptop Cooling Pad - $29.99
Link: Belkin
Laptop Cooling Pad (purchase link: black
or white,
$24.99 at Amazon.com)
KB Covers Debuts New Mac OS X Shortcuts Keyboard Covers at Macworld
2010
PR: Mac OS X users at any experience level can now have the
most useful and powerful shortcuts at their fingertips.
KB Covers, a specialist in Apple Mac keyboard covers and keyboards,
today announced the release of the OS X Shortcuts keyboard cover, which
can help turn normal Mac users into power users. The KB Covers OS X
Shortcuts keyboard cover contains color-coded Universal OS X shortcuts,
plus shortcuts for Mail, Safari, and Finder.
KB Covers mission has always
been to help users improve their workflow with popular Mac
applications; Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Avid, Pro Tools, Photoshop, and
many more. OS X shortcuts can help nearly any user work better and
faster. Developed to help users take advantage of the power of OS X's
most important and useful shortcuts, KB Covers has designed a keyboard
cover for users of all experience levels. Learning new shortcuts or
just helping to remember old ones, the KB Covers OS X keyboard cover
will certainly improve your workflow and speed.
"The new OS X Shortcuts keyboard cover is one that we are very
excited about," said Greg Sad, Marketing Director of KB Covers. "Our
mission has always been to help users improve their workflow with
popular Mac applications; Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Avid, Pro Tools,
Photoshop, and many more. OS X shortcuts can help nearly any user work
better and faster."
Consisting of soft, ultra-thin silicone, the KB Covers OS X
Shortcuts Keyboard Cover has a smooth texture that won't slip off the
keyboard and is nonrestrictive to regular typing. It also helps to
safeguard the MacBook from dirt, spills, wear and tear, allowing the
user to protect their valuable equipment.
For more information about KB Covers, the OS X Shortcuts Keyboard
Cover and other application keyboard covers, visit kbcovers.com
KB Covers will also be an exhibitor at Macworld 2010 in San
Francisco from February 11-14, 2010.
KB Covers is dedicated to providing the finest quality keyboard
covers for Apple/Mac desktop and laptop computers. Covers are made with
stringent Quality Assurance methods, which help to ensure a tight fit,
long-lasting durability, no paint cracking/chipping, a soft-feel, and
ultimately a happy customer. They are designed to fit all Apple/Mac
keyboard layouts around the world, including U.S. keyboard, European
ISO keyboard, and Japanese JIS keyboard layouts, and new keyboard
covers for popular applications are constantly being developed.
Link: OS X
Shortcuts Keyboard Covers
NokHoo Pretty Smart Laptop Bags
PR: NokHoo laptop bags
are the creation of Nicole Roberts, a career textile and product
designer who says she learned a lot working for big companies - and
more during a two year sojourn in Thailand. The night before leaving
for the Far East, Nicole bought a new computer, looked around for a
laptop bag, and found she couldn't find anything that married both form
and function, so she decided to make her own. As she puts it, "One
thing lead to another, and NokHoo laptop bags were born."
In
case you're wondering, NokHoo is the Thai word for owl, and because
owls are both handsome and wise, she thought it seemed like the perfect
name for these bags.
Pretty smart laptop bags
NokHoo bags are designed to be sturdy, comfortable, and fully padded
to protect your laptop and your back, featuring a variety of zippered
pockets to secure all your gadgets, side pockets for a quick stash and
an easy-to-reach phone pocket. The bags have a unique personality,
combining fresh fabrics and layered artwork with practical styling.
Right now NokHoo exclusively carries backpacks but plan to expand their
form factor options in the future.
All the
NokHoo construction materials are high quality with features like metal
fittings, light padding throughout and heavy padding in the laptop
area. Nicole says she's traveled extensively with the bags, and that
they've stood up well through considerable wear-and-tear.
All bags are fully padded with water-resistant linings to protect
your laptop and your back, and each model features a variety of
zippered pockets to secure your accessories, mesh side pockets for
quick stashing and an easy-to-reach phone pocket.
Currently there are four different NokHoo models.
Raining Paradise
Inspired by the paintings of Gustav Klimt, Raining Paradise is
sure to turn heads. Vertical lines of hand embroidery and beading on a
rich textured surface give this bag a look that is absolutely
unique.
Smart features:
- Textured heavyweight cotton exterior with contrast print
inside.
- Padding throughout bag saves your laptop and your back.
- Interior padding is water and shock resistant.
- Main section has separate laptop pocket and secret zip pouch.
- Zippered front section provides multiple pockets made for CDs,
business cards, and gadgets.
- Detachable phone pocket on strap.
- Elastic side pockets for easy access.
Details
- Color: Periwinkle
- Bag Dimensions: 11" x 16" x 8" (WxHxD)
- Fits Laptop: 10.5" x 16" x 1.5" (WxHxD)
- Weight: 3 lb.
- Warranty: Guaranteed to be free from manufacturing defects for
life
- Shipping: 5-10 business days
- Price: $150
Link: Raining
Paradise
DeLoverly
When birds
and butterflies mingle with hand embroidery and beading, the result is
DeLoverly. Elegant details, unique textured fabric and smart design
make this bag both feminine and practical.
Smart features:
- Textured heavyweight cotton exterior with contrast print
inside.
- Padding throughout bag saves your laptop and your back.
- Interior padding is water and shock resistant.
- Main section includes separate laptop pocket and secret zip
pouch.
- Zippered front section provides multiple pockets made for CDs,
business cards, and gadgets.
- Convenient front pen and accessory pockets.
- Detachable phone pocket on strap.
- Elastic side pockets for easy access.
Details
- Color: Etruscan Red
- Bag Dimensions: 11" x 16" x 8" (WxHxD)
- Fits Laptop: 10.5" x 16" x 1.5" (WxHxD)
- Weight: 3 lb.
- Warranty: Guaranteed to be free from manufacturing defects for
life.
- Shipping: 5-10 business days
- Price: $150
Link: DeLoverly
Sirrush
Legend has it
the Babylonians were protected by a dragon they called Sirrush. If the
Babylonians could name this bag, we're pretty sure Sirrush would be it.
Practical styling and durable fabric protect you and your laptop from
harm, while cool layered artwork makes you a legend in your own
time.
Smart features:
- Heavyweight cotton exterior with contrast plaid inside.
- Padding throughout bag saves your laptop and your back.
- Interior padding is water and shock resistant.
- Main section includes separate laptop pocket and secret zip
pouch.
- Zippered front section provides multiple pockets made for CDs,
business cards, and gadgets.
- Detachable phone pocket on strap.
- Elastic side pockets for easy access.
Details
- Color: Toasted Sesame
- Bag Dimensions: 11" x 16" x 8" (WxHxD)
- Fits Laptop: 10.5" x 16" x 1.5" (WxHxD)
- Weight: 3 lb.
- Warranty: Guaranteed to be free from manufacturing defects for
life.
- Shipping: 5-10 business days
- Price: $150
Link: Sirrush
Icarus
In Greek
mythology, Icarus flew on brilliantly crafted wings made of feathers
and wax. NokHoo's Icarus shares that spirit of creativity and
craftsmanship-comfortable fit and useful details combine with print and
metallic embroidery to create a heavenly bag (just don't get too close
to the sun).
Smart features:
- Textured cotton/Lycra exterior with contrast stripe inside.
- Padding throughout bag saves your laptop and your back.
- Interior padding is water and shock resistant.
- Main section includes separate laptop pocket and secret zip
pouch.
- Zippered front section provides multiple pockets made for CDs,
business cards, and gadgets.
- Convenient front pen and accessory pockets.
- Detachable phone pocket on strap.
- Elastic side pockets for easy access.
Details
- Color: Gunmetal
- Bag Dimensions: 11" x 16" x 8" (WxHxD)
- Fits Laptop: 10.5" x 16" x 1.5" (WxHxD)
- Weight: 3 lb.
- Warranty: Guaranteed to be free from manufacturing defects for
life.
- Shipping: 5-10 business days
- Price: $150
Link: Icarus
NokHoo bags
are guaranteed to be free from manufacturing defects for life. If your
NokHoo bag has a problem due to materials or workmanship, the company
will replace or repair it ASAP (not to include typical wear and tear or
bag abuse).
Also, if it's not what you were hoping for, your bag can be returned
for any reason within 30 days of purchase.
Buyers from the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Thailand can
order directly from the website. If you are buying from other locations
in the world, contact NokHoo for shipping costs. All payments are in US
currency, buyer pays all customs and taxes.
Shipping Costs
- Continental US Ground $9
- Continental US Rush $23
- Alaska/Hawaii/US Territories Express $25
- Canada Ground $25
- Europe/Thailand/Australia Priority $40
- Add $3 for each additional bag.
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,
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