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Review. All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Reviews
Apple Updates
Products & Services
Software
News & Opinion
Apple and Lenovo Only Ones to Increase Notebook
Sales
TechSpot.com's Matthew DeCarlo reports:
"Continuing its push to dethrone HP in the notebook segment, Acer
has shipped 8.1 million laptops worldwide in the second quarter, just
behind HP's 8.51 million units, according to IDC. Both companies
witnessed a sequential drop in sales in the recent period, with Acer
shipping 5.8% less machines and HP's sales falling 10.9%. That
performance isn't too different for other top notebook players, with
only Apple [up 37.6%] and Lenovo [up 18.6%] seeing a sequential
increase in shipments."
Link: IDC: Apple, Lenovo
the Only Ones to Increase Notebook Sales
Apple Brings Inertial Scrolling, 3-finger Drag to
Some MacBooks
AppleInsider Staff reports that Apple on Tuesday issued an update to
a number of recent notebooks - including the MacBook, MacBook Pro, and
MacBook Air - bringing inertial scrolling and three-finger drag gesture
support to some trackpads.
Magic Trackpad and Multi-Touch Trackpad Update 1.0 is a 75.09 MB
software update (see below) that requires Mac
OS X 10.6.4. and also adds support for Apple's newly released $69
Magic Trackpad.
Link: Apple Brings
Inertial Scrolling, Three-finger Drag to Some MacBooks
Reviews
500 GB WD Scorpio Black Drive Holds Its Own Against
More Costly Momentus XT
Hot Hardware reports:
"When it comes to notebook hard drives you almost can't get enough
of two things, capacity and speed. Though SSDs (Solid State Drives)
definitely address the speed issue, they only exacerbate the capacity
issue (at least currently). Not to mention, the higher you go up in
capacity with SSDs, into the 256 GB range especially, costs scale
upward in multiples of their standard spinning media-based
counterparts....
"...bellwether hard drive manufacturers like Western Digital
continue to drive rotational media storage technologies further to
improve both capacity and speed, as well as drive cost structures
downward....
"Recently, WD took the time to send us in their fastest 7200 RPM 500
GB notebook drive. I decided to take the opportunity to do a little A/B
comparison in performance. The new WD Scorpio Black 500 GB 2.5-inch
notebook hard drive weighs in at half the price ($76 at Amazon) of the
Momentus XT, and as you'll see, does a fairly good job of hanging with
it, from a performance standpoint as well...."
Link: Performance
Quick-Take with WD's 7200 RPM Scorpio Black 500 GB Notebook Hard
Drive
Apple Updates
Apple Releases Magic Trackpad and
Multi-Touch Trackpad Update 1.0
This update adds support to Mac OS X for the Magic Trackpad
(covered in Mac News
Review) and is required for its use, and also enables inertial
scrolling and the three-finger drag gesture in recent MacBook and
MacBook Pro notebooks.
Mac OS X 10.6.4 is required before installing this update.
Products Affected: Magic Trackpad
Magic Trackpad and Multi-Touch Trackpad Update 1.0 includes the
required software to use Magic Trackpad. The update also installs the
three-finger drag gesture and inertial scrolling for Mac portable
computers, as listed below. This update also installs a Trackpad System
Preferences pane for configuring Magic Trackpad on Intel-based Mac
desktop computers that support Mac OS X v10.6.4 and above.
It's important to run Software Update after you've successfully
paired Magic Trackpad by clicking on the Apple () menu and choosing
Software Update. Magic Trackpad and Multi-Touch Trackpad Update 1.0
will appear in Software Update only after you install the the Mac OS X
v10.6.4 update and after you pair your Magic Trackpad. You can pair
Magic Trackpad by clicking the Bluetooth menu bar icon, choosing "Setup
Bluetooth Device &" and completing the onscreen instructions using
Bluetooth Setup Assistant.
If you have a supported Mac portable (as listed below) that has Mac
OS X v10.6.4 installed, install this update by using Software Update or
by downloading the manual update to add inertial scrolling and
three-finger drag gesture support.
Inertial Scrolling and Three-Finger Drag Gesture Support
These Mac portables support inertial scrolling and the three-finger
drag gesture after you install Magic Trackpad and Multi-Touch Trackpad
Update 1.0:
- MacBook
- MacBook (13-inch, Early 2009)
- MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2009)
- MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009)
- MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008)
- MacBook Pro
- MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)
- MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)
- MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)
- MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008)
The following Mac portables support inertial scrolling after
installing Magic Trackpad and Multi-Touch Trackpad Update 1.0:
- MacBook Air
- MacBook Air
- MacBook Air (Mid 2009)
- MacBook Pro
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008)
- MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2008)
File Size: 75.09 MB
System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.6.4
Link: Magic Trackpad and Multi-Touch
Trackpad Update 1.0
Products & Services
Toshiba's Family of 7200 RPM 2.5" SATA Drives
PR: Toshiba Storage Device Division, a pioneer in small
form factor hard disk drives (HDDs) has announced a new family of 7200
RPM 2.5" SATA drives. This represents the industry's first broad line
of 7200 RPM 2.5" models optimized for demanding performance, power
consumption, and durability requirements across a wide range of
high-performance and business-critical applications.
MKxx61GSY:
Available in 160 to 640 GB capacities, the MKxx61GSY is targeted at
high-end notebook PCs, gaming laptops, and mobile workstations as well
as all-in-one and slimline desktop PCs. Using Toshiba's extensive
experience in the mobile computing market, the MKxx61GSY offers greater
power efficiency and durability over 3.5" drives.
High-Durability MKxx61GSYB:
Leveraging the MKxx61GSY platform, the MKxx61GSYB series is a
high-durability model targeted at demanding 24x7 applications such as
network routers, network switches, blade servers, and point-of-sale
terminals in a full range of capacities from 80 to 500 GB. The
MKxx61GSYB offers nearline storage levels of reliability and
performance in a small form factor design.
Self-Encrypting Drive (SED):
The third member of the family, designed to the TCG Opal
Specification, provides industry-standard, government-grade security
features for organizations wanting to secure data at rest for
compliance with data privacy policies. The SED drives will be available
after launch of the GSY and GSYB series models.
Continuing the Toshiba tradition of leadership and innovation in
small form factor storage, this product family offers systems designers
a choice of capacities across standard, high-durability, and
self-encrypting models. This new HDD family provides extremely quiet
operation the seek acoustics are the same as idle mode. Halogen-free
and power-efficient, the new models also deliver lowered heat
generation and power consumption during operation.
Additionally, an optional free-fall sensor in the MKxx61GSY responds
to drop events to securely lock the heads in place off the media before
system impact. This is an added benefit for mobile applications and
gives an extra level of ruggedness and durability to the Toshiba
solution.
"With this family, Toshiba is addressing the high-performance 2.5"
market and enabling system differentiation in the fiercely competitive
notebook PC market. The MKxx61GSY is designed for speed, with a
balanced approach to storage capacity, durability, power consumption,
and acoustics, compared to 5,400 RPM mobile and 3.5" desktop drives,"
says Maciek Brzeski, vice president of marketing at Toshiba Storage
Device Division. "We have been able to transfer our extensive
experience to the enterprise market so that the MKxx61GSYB meets
demanding applications that require greater durability, availability,
and performance."
"Extracting additional value from HDDs with performance, security,
and other features is challenging, requiring market savvy in addition
to technological prowess from the HDD supplier," says John Rydning,
research director at IDC. "Executing on this strategy, Toshiba is
addressing the market's needs with a differentiated product lineup
based on one family which helps customers get to market efficiently
with key product differentiation."
Toshiba has started shipping the MKxx61GSY, with volume production
scheduled in the third quarter of 2010. The MKxx61GSYB will be
available in the fourth quarter of 2010 and availability of the SED
models will be announced at a later date.
Link:
Toshiba Direct
AViiQ Space Age Hybrid Composite Portable Laptop
Stand
PR: The body of the AViiQ Portable Laptop Stand is made
from Hylite, a composite material comprised of aluminum sheets bonded
to a polypropylene core. By milling off the aluminum and leaving the
polypropylene the material becomes flexible. The feet of the stand are
injection-molded Dynaflex, a thermoplastic elastomer.
The AViiQ Portable Laptop Stand adheres to the tenet that form
should follow function. It has a minimalist aesthetic; four aluminum
plates with white plastic hinges and matte grey feet; a pop of magenta
in the lower right hand corner to mimic the AViiQ logo. The light
simplicity of the design mirrors the physical weight, size and
ease-of-use of the Laptop Stand itself. Even though other laptop stands
are designed to support inherently mobile products they are, generally,
not designed to travel, and ones that are don't always support the
keyboard at an ergonomically-correct angle. The AViiQ Portable Laptop
Stand folds flat to fit easily into a laptop bag and is less than 1/4"
thick and weighs only 5.25 oz. It unfolds in less than two seconds and
can support up to 17" laptops. The aluminum in Hylite, along with the
airflow underneath, helps to dissipate heat to improve battery life and
overall longevity.
The AViiQ Portable Laptop Stand is exceptionally light, thin and
simple to use. When folded flat it slides into any laptop bag (even a
laptop sleeve) but when unfolded for use it supports the keyboard at a
12° angle and allows air to flow underneath, dissipating heat from
the laptop. The simple, geometric form of the AViiQ Portable Laptop
Stand, as well as the brushed aluminum finish complements the design of
most of today's laptops. The white, vertical lines, while functional,
add visual interest and the hit of magenta in the nameplate catches the
eye without overwhelming it.
AViiQ Portable Laptop Stand Specs:
- Supports up to a 17" laptop
- Keyboard Angle: 12°
- Folded Dimensions: 12.75" x 2.75" x 0.25"
- Unfolded Dimensions: 11.3" x 9.3" x 1.75"
- Weight: 5.5 oz
$79.95
Link: AViiQ Portable
Laptop Stand
New Kensington Laptop Locking Station Provides
Highest Level of Physical Security with Ultimate Ease of Use
PR: Kensington Computer Products Group announces its highest
level of physical security for laptops with a new locking station and
tether kit. The Kensington Laptop Locking Station offers superior
laptop security combined with an exceptionally easy to use design.
Ideal for business users, the product will also serve IT managers
working to improve security compliance across an entire department or
company.
The Kensington Laptop Locking Station is built with an
all-steel backbone that resists cutting, drilling or prying. Users
simply place their laptop on the base of the unit and close the side
arm, with no key or cable required. To unlock, insert a key to release
the laptop. The optional Tether Kit offers additional flexibility to
users who do not want to permanently attach the laptop locking station
to a desktop surface. Locking a laptop has never been this easy.
A recent 2009 TNS national survey commissioned by Kensington shows
workplace demand for improvements in laptop security practices.
Kensington's new Laptop Locking Station elegantly fulfills that need.
According to the survey, 49% of respondents leave their laptops
unsecured when they are away from their desks. Another 21% surveyed
said that when they are away from their desks, they hide their laptop
in a drawer. And when asked to select the place they are most worried
about having their laptops stolen, 17% of the respondents indicated the
office.
"Kensington customers have told us they need the highest
physical safeguards possible for laptops while still having easy access
to their hardware, and we listened," says Rob Humphrey, Director,
Security Products, Global Business at Kensington. "The Laptop Locking
Station will finally give IT managers the ability to drive security
compliance in the workplace by leveraging an efficient method to
protect their investments. This is a product that is as easy to use as
it gets, and provides a highly secure environment for your company
laptops, deterring theft and guarding valuable data."
"We've made superior security easier than ever with the Kensington
Laptop Locking Station. Just give the security arm a squeeze. That's
it! Laptops are secured with far fewer steps and even greater security
than a traditional cable lock. Unlocking is fast, too: just turn the
key and the arm spring open."
- All steel backbone and deflector plates resist cutting, drilling
and prying
- High-security disk lock resists bumping and picking
- No key needed to lock, simply place the laptop on the base and
squeeze the arms
- Station allows laptop to rotate, slide and tilt for optimal
positioning and access to laptop ports
- Easy to install on any desk
- Master keying available
- Works with laptops from 13.3" to 17"
Kensington Laptop Locking Station sells for $79.99.
Kensington Tether Kit for Laptop Locking Station
Add the Laptop Tether Kit to the Kensington Laptop Locking Station
and you have a highly secure solution that doesn't have to be
permanently attached to the desktop. Your desk stays unmodified and
your laptops stay secure.
- Requires Kensington Laptop Locking Station
- High-security disk lock resists bumping and picking
- Secures laptops without marring or modifying desktops
$29.99
The Kensington Laptop Locking Station and the Tether Kit are
available for purchase at Kensington.com and
at other resellers.
Link: Kensington Laptop
Locking Station
Software
CoolBook MacBook Temperature Control
Utility
PR: CoolBook is a tool for the MacBook and MacBook Pro
computers that lets you monitor the frequency, voltage and temperature
of the Core Duo/Core 2 Duo CPU.
Registered users can also change the frequency and voltage of the
processor. Download CoolBook to find out more.
How effective is CoolBook?
In two different tests using the maximum frequency of a MacBook
(1833 MHz), meaning no performance loss. In both tests different
voltages between 0.9875 V and 1.2625 V were tested.
In the first test, several processor demanding tasks were repeated.
The fan was locked at the max setting (6200 RPM) using the app
smcFanControl.
CoolBook was then used to set the maximum frequency, and to change
the voltage. When the temperature had stabilized, it was recorded. This
procedure was repeated for every voltage in the diagram.
The maximum temperature using 0.9875 V was 58 °C, compared to
73°C using the original settings. But even the modest voltage
decrease to 1.1000 V showed a substantial temperature decrease, with
temperatures close to 60°C.
As the MacBook gets warmer, the fan will automatically increase the
rotation speed. This diagram shows the differences in RPM at the end of
the Cinebench benchmark. The original driver ran more than 2000 RPM
over the lowest CoolBook setting. Not showing in the diagram is the
differences in temperature. At 0.9875 V the temperature reached a
maximum of 63°C, while the original driver reaches 72°C.
The price for the license is $10 (+25% VAT in the EU) for one unique
computer.
You can download and install CoolBook before you buy the license to
confirm that it works with your Mac model.
Link: CoolBook
Fan Control 1.2 Open Source Utility
Adjusts Minimum Fan Speed on MacBooks
Do you think your MacBook or MacBook Pro is running too hot? Then
give Fan Control a try (it's free). Some MacBooks (Pro) are just to hot
for daylong use. Fan Control adjusts the minimum fan speed depending on
the current CPU temperature. For safety, it leaves the original
automatic fan speed control intact.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.4 or later
System Support: Intel
Fan Control is distributed under the GNU General Public License
(GPL). The sources are included in the download.
Fan Control is free. Donations still gratefully appreciated.
Link: Fan Control
Bargain 'Books
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