Kimmel Tapes Episode on MacBook Pro, iPad Replaces 'Book in the Field, New Iomega Drives, and More
So we can post our three news roundups (Mac News Review, The 'Book
Review, and The iNews Review) earlier, we first do a quick proofread and
link check, leaving out images. We add images later when time permits.
dk
General Apple and Mac desktops is covered in The Mac News Review. iPad, iPod, iPhone, and
Apple TV news is covered in The iOS News
Review. All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Reviews
Tech Trends
Products & Services
Software
News & Opinion
Jimmy Kimmel Records Jimmy Kimmel Live
Episode on MacBook Pro
If Jimmy Kimmel Live looked a bit different last Tuesday night (or,
strictly speaking, Wednesday morning), it's because an hour before
scheduled taping, a power outage shut down the studio's control room,
broadcast transmission center, and tape operations area. Proving he's a
master of improvization in more ways than one, and with guests and a
studio audience assembled waiting, Kimmel coolly recorded the entire
show on his MacBook Pro laptop's iSight webcam as he welcomed guests
Seth Rogen, John Henson, and country star Dierks Bentley, who
improvised with an acoustic performance from his new album Up On The
Ridge.
You can't do that with an iPad!
That the computer was a MacBook Pro was not blatantly obvious, since
it was inside a black hardshell case, but it's been confirmed that it
was indeed one of Apple's Pro models. There was also
conspiracy-theorist speculation from some quarters that this might have
been an Apple-engineered publicity stunt - what with ABC being owned by
Disney and Steve Jobs being a Disney board member - but Kimmel has
reportedly denied this innuendo.
Link:
Jimmy Kimmel Films Entire Show with iSight, Conspiracy Theorists Raise
an Eyebrow
iPad Turning MacBook Pro into a Desktop
Machine
Mac 360's Bambi Brannan says:
"My, how the world has changed since 2007 when Apple introduced the
first generation iPhone. Forget the Mac vs. Windows PCs wars.
"Now it's a war between fingertips and mouse clicks. A war between
laptop or desktop computers and handheld devices. Even in the age of
handheld devices the Mac's sales are at record levels [but] Apple's iPad is selling just as fast....
"The trend . . . should be obvious, even if the Mac is not yet an
endangered species....
"From the advent of the iPhone 3G and now 3GS, my Mac usage has
dropped in favor of the iPhone's unique mobile nature. My first iPad is
the 3G model which is more of a companion to my iPhone than my Mac
notebook is to the iPhone . . . in less than 50 days, the
iPad has become a replacement Mac for mobile situations [and] to a
certain extent . . . also a replacement for my Mac notebook
at home . . . That means my Mac notebook is now a desktop and
it competes for usage with our larger, more powerful iMac for desktop
attention."
Link:
Mac vs. iPad: Which Device Gets Used Most?
Should Your Next MacBook Be an iPad?
Blogger Tris Hussey says:
"Should your next MacBook be an iPad? Or maybe your next MacBook
should be a Mac mini? Brad Feld noticed something that I figured out a
while ago There are some tasks that iPads are better than laptops for
just getting done....
"I've noticed, especially since I got a wireless keyboard for my
iPad, that my laptop hasn't moved much from its place on my desk. Sure,
I took it to WordCamp last week, but that was only to be able to
present slides and surf sites. If I didn't need to switch to a browser,
I might have been able to just use my iPad.
"I think we have to seriously look at how we use computers now and
what do we really need portability for to do our jobs. Sure, there will
always be a need for portable computers like MacBooks, but I think a
lot of use who got laptops in the past might be able to use an iPad
type device instead. At least most of the time..."
Link: Should Your Next
MacBook Be an iPad?
Is the High-end Laptop Dead?
ZDNet blogger Christopher Dawson says:
"There aren't many good reasons left to spend a big chunk of cash on
a laptop. It's easy to make a case though for solid remote access to
cloud and/or virtual resources.
"A while back, I wrote that I was trading my laptop for a server.
Finances have dictated that I tough it out with my MacBook for a while longer, which is
fine since it does most of what I need it to do as well as any other
computer. A server would just be handy to centralize all of my stuff
and leverage virtual machines to give the kids and wife their own
computing platforms that are more easily managed than random laptops
and salvaged desktops...
"That being said, I'm not even writing this on my trusty, if boring,
MacBook. I'm writing it on a netbook that Dell has provided me for a
long-term evaluation. It's one of their new Latitude 2110's and may
actually be the most usable netbook I've ever, well . . .
used."
Link: Is
the High-end Laptop Dead?
Reviews
Avatron Air Display for iPad Reviewed
MacNN reviews this innovative way to connect an iPad as a second
monitor for your Mac, noting that the $9.99 Avatron Air Display
convinces your Mac that it has another monitor attached and sends the
contents of the screen to the iPad over your WiFi network, allowing you
to drag windows from your main screen to the iPad and vice-versa,
albeit with some limitations, and noting that if you have a machine
with a small screen, such as a 13" MacBook or MacBook Air, the extra
1024 x 768 pixels on the iPad screen can be a huge help, and as a bonus
you can use the iPad in portrait or landscape mode and can change your
mind any time you want, just by rotating the iPad.
Link: Avatron Air
Display for iPad Reviewed
Keep Your Mac's Battery in Tip-Top Shape with
Watts
AppStorm's Ian Tromp says:
"You don't need this app [more on Watts
below]. There are good guides available on the Apple website to
help you get the best performance and extend the life of your Mac
laptop's battery. You can even download from that page an iCal file
that will add periodic reminders to your calendar, so that you're more
likely to remember to calibrate your battery. Follow that advice, and
respond to the reminders, and you and your computer's battery will be
fine.
"I'm on the second battery in my MacBook (which is coming up to its
fourth birthday this week). Apparently it's in quite good health at the
moment, though it's lost 18% of its capacity. You see, I'm not so good
at remembering to calibrate it, and because I tend to use it all over
the house, it's constantly being plugged and unplugged, and is drained
completely on most days. I'm not so hot on looking after
batteries...
"And so, though I know I don't need it, I think Watts is well worth
having. Read on for an introduction to this little app that could make
it easier for you to look after your laptop's battery."
Link:
Watts: Keep Your Mac's Battery in Tip-Top Shape
Tech Trends
Toshiba Introduces Libretto W100, World's First
Dual-touch-screen Windows Mini-notebook
PR: Toshiba Corporation is celebrating 25 years in the
portable PC business* with the launch of their new "Libretto W100",
claimed to be the world's first dual touchscreen Windows mini-notebook
PC.
With the Libretto W100 Toshiba has created a pocket-sized device
with distinctive dual 7.0" Wide LCDs that offer a combined display area
equivalent to a 10.0" widescreen. The Libretto's clamshell case opens
like a book or in clamshell mode like a typical notebook PC to reveal
its dual, integrated touch-sensitive screens. When used as a PC, the
Libretto displays a haptic (virtual) keyboard on the lower screen. When
held vertically, it becomes an ebook reader that displays a double-page
spread. Compact and weighing in at a feather-light 699 grams, the
Libretto W100 is touted as a "mini-note PC" that can go everywhere.
Libretto.jpg
In technical details, the Toshiba Libretto W100 is powered by a 1.20
GHz Intel Pentium processor (U5400) (CULV). Its dual touch-sensitive
7.0" WSVGA displays feature 1024 x 600 resolution and bright,
power-saving LED backlighting.
The storage drive is a 62 GB SSD, and the Libretto comes with 2 GB
of RAM and offers an advertised battery life of approximately two hours
with its standard battery pack attached. A higher-capacity battery pack
offering approximately four hours runtime is also available.
Librettotqopen.jpg
Other goodies include a WiMAX wireless communication module,
Bluetooth, and a 1.02 Megapixel webcam.
The Libretto is projected to reach markets by the end of August at a
price that has yet to be determined.
* See Developing Toshiba's First
Laptop for the story behind the T1100, the world's first IBM
compatible laptop. dk
Does Toshiba's Dual-touchscreen Tablet Have Any
Chance Against the iPad?
dvice.com says:
"Toshiba has finally taken the wraps off its planned iPad killer
called the Libretto W100, a shiny black clamshell device that fits in
the palm of your hand and actually rivals the iPad in terms of slick
design.
Link: Does Toshiba's
Dual-touchscreen Tablet Have Any Chance Against the iPad?
Dell 'In Talks' with Google over Chrome OS Netbooks
The Register's Cade Metz reports that Dell is "in talks" with Google
over the still-gestating Chrome OS, an operating system that is
essentially a Google Chrome web browser running atop a Goobuntu flavor
of Linux. Dell has not made an official announcement, but a spokesman
told Reuters that Chrome OS talks are underway. Acer and HP are also
both official Google partners, and Chrome OS netbooks are projected to
arrive in the late fall. Dell is also developing tablets based on
Google's Android operating system.
Link:
Dell 'In Talks' with Google over Chrome OS Netbooks
Products & Services
Iomega eGo Desktop Hard Drive for Mac, Skin, and
eGo Black Belt Hard Drives
PR: Iomega eGo Desktop Hard Drive, Mac Edition
The Iomega eGo Desktop Hard Drive, Mac Edition includes two FireWire
800 ports (plus a FireWire 400 to 800 adapter cable), one USB 2.0
interface, comes preformatted in HFS+, and includes a 3 year limited
warranty when you register your product.
The drive comes in variety of colors and capacities: the Apple-esque
Alpine White model is available in 250 GB; the deep Midnight Blue model
is available in 320 GB; and the Ruby Red model comes in 500 GB. (Color
and capacity combinations vary in international markets.)
Inside an aluminum shell little more than a half-inch thick (16 mm)
and weighing less than 7 ounces (200 grams) is a 2.5" portable hard
drive. Iomega's Drop Guard feature protects the eGo drive from drops of
up to 51 inches, or 40% above the industry average.
All of Iomega's new triple interface eGo Portable Hard Drives
receive power from a laptop or computer's FireWire or USB 2.0 ports, so
there's no power supply to carry around. Each drive includes both
FireWire 800 and FireWire 400 cables, as well as a USB 2.0 "Y" cable
which gives users the flexibility to use two USB ports to power the
drive, if needed.
Bundled free of charge with the new eGo Portable Hard Drives for Mac
users are three backup software programs, giving users added protection
for their photos, videos, music and other files.
The software bundle with the new triple interface eGo Drives
includes:
- Iomega QuikProtect: backup software for simple scheduled file-level
backup of data to hard drives and network-attached storage devices (for
Windows and Macintosh desktops and notebooks).
- EMC Retrospect Express or Express HD: backup all of your data plus
applications and settings (for Windows and Macintosh desktops and
notebooks).
- MozyHome Online Backup: Convenient online backup service with 2 GB
of online capacity for free (unlimited online storage for $4.95/month).
MozyHome Online service allows you to restore your most important data
from any computer with Internet access, at any location in the
world.
System requirements: The new Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive for Mac
users is compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 or above, as well as Microsoft
Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP, and Windows Vista. MozyHome
software is available for Mac OS X 10.4 and above, along with Windows
XP and Windows Vista. EMC Retrospect software is available for both Mac
OS X and Windows operating systems.
eGo Portable Hard Drive Accessories
Available for purchase at http://go.iomega.com are two new
accessories for the new eGo Portable Hard Drive: a durable black carry
case that can be used for both the USB and triple interface models; and
the Iomega Power Grip Belt for added durability, available in black and
translucent colors (for the USB models only).
eGo Silver Desktop Hard Drive, Mac Edition Features at a
Glance:
- Silver color to match the latest Mac computers;
- HFS+ for ease of use right out of the box
- Two FireWire 800 ports and one USB 2.0 port included
- Secure - Iomega Protection Suite via download includes Trend Micro
Smart Surfing software for Mac, Iomega QuikProtect, and MozyHome Online
backup service (2 GB free) (PC/Mac software free via download)
Tech Specs
- Preformatted and hot plug-and-play
- No AC adapter needed
- Compatible with PC and Mac
- USB 2.0/1.1 compatible
- Transfer rate: 480 Mbits/s
- Three year limited warranty (registration required for extended
warranty)
System requirements (Mac):
- PowerPC G3 or Intel Core Duo processor
- Mac OS X 10.4 - 10.6 or higher
- Built-in USB connection (USB 2.0 host connection or controller for
USB 2.0 speeds)
- 128 MB RAM or higher as required by operating system
To View User's Manual: Firefox 1.0, Apple Safari 1.0 or higher
browser
- Dimensions: 4.9" x 3.3" x 0.7" (L x W x H)
- Weight: .36 lb.
- Price
- 2 TB FireWire/USB 2.0, $249.99
- 1 TB FireWire/USB 2.0, $159.99
Also available: Triple interface Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive for
Mac users. The 250 GB Alpine White eGo model is priced at $99.99; the
320 GB Midnight Blue model is $109.99; and the 500 GB Ruby Red model is
$149.99. (All pricing is US suggested retail.) Triple Interface eGo
models include a 3-year limited warranty, and are available from online
retailers, distributors including Ingram Micro Inc., VARs, resellers
and select retailers, as well as at iomega.com.
egoblue2009.jpg
Link: eGo Silver Desktop
Hard Drive, Mac Edition
Iomega Skin Hard Drives
Iomega's new Skin Hard Drives come in three unique looks with up to
500 GB of capacity, and include features like Iomega Drop Guard
protection and Protection Suite software. Drop Guard helps protect the
drive if it's dropped up to 51" which is a testament to the ruggedness
of these portable hard drives. Protection Suite is a comprehensive
collection of software that includes Trend Micro Internet Security (12
mo. Free subscription), EMC Retrospect Express Backup software, Iomega
QuikProtect, and MozyHome Online Backup service available via download.
The Skin Portable Hard Drive is protected by a 3-year limited warranty
when you register your product with Iomega.
Iomega Skin Features at a Glance:
- Stylish Radical Skin, Knock Out Skin or Red Hot Skin logo designs
on black, silver or red top enclosures with graffiti printing &
black base
- Super compact drive easily fits in a pocket, laptop bag, or
backpack; weighs only 0.40 lb.
- Durable; perfect for travel environments, the Drop Guard feature
protects the drive when dropped up to 51" (40% above the industry
average)
- Secure - Iomega Protection Suite software includes Trend Micro
Internet Security (1 year subscription)
- Iomega QuikProtect, EMC Retrospect and MozyHome Online Backup
service.
- 3 Year Warranty with product registration
Price: 500 GB USB 2.0, $119.99
Link: Iomega Skin Hard
Drives
eGo BlackBelt Portable Hard Drive
For even greater security against rough treatment in challenging
mobile environments, you can kick your digital storage up a notch with
Iomega's new super rugged eGo BlackBelt Portable Hard Drive with
enhanced Drop Guard Xtreme that protects your drive from up to a
seven-foot drop - over twice the industry average. Plus, the Iomega eGo
BlackBelt Portable Hard Drive requires no external power supply and
includes EMC Retrospect and MozyHome Online backup software (2 GB
Free). Software available via easy download. Iomega Power Grip band is
included, and the eGo is protected by a 3-year limited warranty!
(registration required for extended warranty)
ioblackbelt.jpg
Iomega eGo Black Belt Features at a Glance:
- Super Rugged - the Iomega Drop Guard Xtreme feature raises the bar
on drop protection (protects the drive when dropped up to 84")
- Stylish compact black design with included black Iomega Power Grip
band slips easily into a back pack or briefcase
- Secure - EMC Retrospect software and MozyHome Online software - 2
GB free (software via download) plus Trend Micro Internet Security - 1
year Free via download
Three year warranty (registration required for extended
warranty)
Specs:
- Preformatted and hot plug-and-play
- No AC adapter needed
- Compatible with PC and Mac
System requirements (Mac):
- Power Mac G3 or greater, iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro or Mac mini
computer
- Mac OS X 10.1 or above
- Built-in USB connection (USB 2.0 host connection or controller for
USB 2.0 speeds)
- 128 MB RAM or higher as required by operating system
- 200 MB hard drive space
To View User's Manual:
Firefox 1.0, Apple Safari 1.0 or higher browser
- Dimensions: .75" x 3.5" x 5.25" (L x W x H)
- Weight: .48 lb.
Price: 500 GB USB 2.0, $124.99
Link: eGo BlackBelt
Portable Hard Drive
Supercharge Your 'Book with an Intel Solid-State
Drive, Now Available at 800 Best Buy Stores Nationwide
PR: Intel Corporation has announced that its Solid-State
Drives (SSDs) are now available in 800 Best Buy stores across the
country and on BestBuy.com.
SSDs can replace or complement traditional hard drives and deliver
noticeably faster computer performance when booting up, opening files
and running software applications. With no moving parts, SSDs deliver
greater reliability and consume less power than conventional hard disk
drives (HDDs).
Intel says that during the past decade, HDD speed has only improved
1.3 times, while Intel's processor speeds have improved more than 200
times the company says. This disparity has caused the HDD to represent
a system speed bottleneck that SSDs can help solve. HDDs use a
mechanical arm and spinning platter, which can sometimes result in a
hard disk crash, while SSDs use flash memory chips and are 100 percent
solid state with no moving parts. This makes an SSD extremely rugged,
reliable and energy efficient, but the biggest benefit is in
performance, where an Intel SSD delivers up to a claimed 56 percent
improvement in system responsiveness for gamers, multimedia enthusiasts
or anyone desiring to get more performance out of their new or existing
notebook or desktop computer.
"We think solid-state drives will become increasingly popular as
people realize how much faster they can boot up and run their favorite
software or work-intensive applications," says Jason Bonfig, vice
president of Computing at Best Buy. "Our customers are looking for the
latest and greatest in technology and entertainment experiences. Now
they can purchase an Intel SSD and add it to a new or existing computer
for a makeover that will improve their computing or gaming
experience."
IntelX25MSSD34nmblue.jpg
Intel's X25-M Mainstream SSD has 80 gigabytes (GB) of storage space,
which can store applications and data or hold approximately 20,000
songs or 70,000 photos. The Intel X25-M can serve as a replacement for
a hard drive in a notebook or desktop and has a Best Buy price of
$229.99. The 40 GB Intel X25-V Value SSD is priced at $129.99. It is
most effectively used as a boot drive in a desktop PC where the current
hard disk drive is used for storing data, while the value SSD gives a
boost to system performance by storing the operating system and gaming,
or other important applications, for much faster access and boot
up.
"When you upgrade to an Intel Solid-State Drive, you see a dramatic
improvement in your computing experience," says Pete Hazen, director of
marketing for Intel NAND Solutions Group. "We've already shipped more
than a million SSDs and consumers are realizing that SSDs aren't just
an alternate means of storage, but a performance enhancement that
brings a new level of responsiveness to their computer. With Best Buy
selling Intel SSDs, we hope more people will begin to experience the
dramatic effect of solid-state drive computing."
Link: Intel
SSDs
Software
Watts: A Calibration Tool for Your Mac's
Battery
PR: Watts developer BinaryTricks says that after several
redesigns, their Watts battery calibration utility is finally out with
a new, simplified face.
iwatt.png
Why should you use Watts?
The battery needs to be recalibrated from time to time to keep the
onscreen battery time and percent display accurate, and to keep the
battery operating at maximum efficiency. This can of course be done
manually, but Watts incorporates some convenience advantages.
Better Battery Indicator
Watts can substitute the default menu bar battery icon and adds
advanced features. Watts' menu will behave as the system battery icon
menu, and provides some extra options like calibration assistant and
other features.
Intuitive Calibration Assistant
Watts will guide you through the process of calibrating your
battery. The calibration scheduling can be adjusted for your needs, and
even postponed if you want. Calibration dates are automatically
logged.
More Useful Growl Notifications
Have your battery always in excellent condition by enabling useful
Growl suggestions. For example, allow Growl to remind you to disconnect
the power adapter after a long time connected.
Detailed Battery Information
All relevant information about your battery is fully available as
well as clear explanation of any technical details. Charge cycles,
current battery capacity, capacity history log . . .
everything to check your battery lifespan.
System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher
Watts is $6.95 uncrippled demoware (60 days)
Link: Watts
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.
