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.
Ted Landau's Purchase Dilemma: MacBook Pro or
MacBook Air?
The Mac Observer's Ted Landau says he's in the market to replace his
three-year-old
15" MacBook Pro, but the purchase remains on hold until he can
resolve his dilemma as to what to buy: Should it be a MacBook Pro or a
MacBook Air? If the
latter, should he wait for the rumored next update? Or perhaps he
should forego any purchase at all and attempt to make do with just his
iPad for road work, since his primary production computer is a Mac
Pro.
Product Reviews' Jamie Pert speculates on a new generation of
MacBook Airs potentially being unveiled at Apple's September 1 media
event, observing that one problem with the current MacBook Air is that
it runs "extremely hot when used for extensive multimedia tasks."
The conundrum posed is which user priority to emphasize, the
conflicting desires for faster performance via cooler operation, noting
that the 1.86 GHz and 2.13 GHz Core 2 Duo chips used in the 2009 model
seem to suffer cooling problems in the MacBook Air's ultrathin chassis;
consequently, the faster chip many Air fans are hoping for could
logically cause even worse overheating problems.
Product Reviews has posted a poll asking which of these priorities
Apple should concentrate on with the 2010 MacBook Air. At present, a
faster CPU has more votes than a cooler MacBook Air.
Editor's note: The MacBook Air has 2 GB of RAM that cannot be
upgraded, so it's very possible that "extensive multimedia tasks" are
forcing it to depend on virtual memory, which involves swapping data
between system memory and the computer's hard drive or SSD. A new model
with 4 GB of RAM might also address these heat issues. Apple may
also move to Intel's more energy efficienct mobile Core i3 or i5 CPU,
which should also help cool things down. dk
Apple Patents Point to Future MacBooks with IPS
& Touch Displays
PatentlyApple reports that on
July 19, 2010, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a series
of ten meticulously detailed Apple patent applications covering the
technology behind Apple's high-resolution LED-backlit IPS displays that
are used in the iPad, iPhone 4, and the latest iMacs. The article notes
that according to Apple's newly published patents, it appears that
Apple's MacBook lineup is destined to gain these state-of-the-art
displays as well, plus the patent illustrations and captions reveal
that the MacBook family is evidently going to get multi-touch
touchscreen display support as well.
Editor's note: Just because Apple patents something doesn't mean
it's going to use it. A patent is about protecting technology you've
invented, whether you use it or not, and Apple (like many companies)
has many patents that have never been put into production. That said,
touchscreen MacBooks are inevitable - not a matter of if, but of when.
dk
What to Do if Liquid Spills on Your Laptop's
Keyboard
Papatek has posted a tutorial on first response if you experience
the tragedy of spilling liquid on your laptop's keyboard. The machine
specifically addressed in the article is a Dell Inspiron 1545, but the
steps described would pertain to liquid spilled on pretty much any
laptop computer, although the advice about quickly removing the battery
to help lessen the probability of short circuit damage is, of course,
impossible with the built-in batteries of recent Apple MacBook models -
another downside of that unfortunate design choice.
One workaround that is facilitated by the design of Apple's unibody
MacBooks and MacBook Pros is easy removal of the hard drive in order to
dry and clean it if necessary and to salvage data or access it by way
of an external drive housing or connector while the computer dries
out.
PR: A range of USB drives have gone on sale this week
boasting the smallest size and weight in the industry. You won't find a
USB drive smaller than this.
A key advantage of the USB drive has always been their size. Now the
SuperTalent Pico C takes it to another level.
It may be tiny, weighing less than 6 grams, but that doesn't prevent
it from holding up to 32 GB of data.
This flash drive is speedy too, "the I/O performance results are
amazing when it comes to the Super Talent Pico C." explained
Tom's Hardware reviewer Patrick Schmid in 2008. He went on to say that
the Pico suffers from slower write speeds, concluding that "the
flash-based thumb drive is great for file storage, but not for
intensive access."
Measuring just 1.5" x 0.5", it's possible to attach the Pico
USB drive to a key ring. This means there is no need to worry about
losing it.
The first USB flash drive went on sale in 2000. By 2005, many
computer manufacturers stopped including floppy disk drives in their
products to make way for more USB ports*. USB flash drives act as the
modern alternative to floppy disks. Unlike a floppy disk drive, USB
ports appear on more than just computers. These days everything from
mobile phones to the latest Nintendo 3DS consoles include a USB
port.
The need for physical portable storage has declined over the years
as the Internet provides most of the services which previously required
a floppy disk.
There is still a need for portable physical storage though, as USB
drives deliver much greater data transfer rates when compared with
standard Internet connections. This looks to remain true for the next
few years with the first USB 3.0 compatible hardware going on sale
earlier this year, featuring up to 6 times the transfer speed of USB
2.0 connections.
The Pico
USB drive is also shock and water resistant, meaning a few bumps aren't
going to cause it to lose any data.
The Pico C USB Flash Drive is available now.
* Editor's note: In 1998, Apple introduced the original iMac, the first
mainstream personal computer without an internal floppy drive and the
first Mac to use USB. In 1999, all Macs became floppy-free.
dk
Link: SuperTalent
Pico C (SuperTalent Pico flash drives are available from Amazon.com
in a wide range of capacities and prices)
40 GB Mercury Extreme Pro SSD Most Affordable
SandForce-based SSD on Market
PR: Other World Computing (OWC) has announced a new 40 GB
model to its award-winning OWC Mercury Extreme Pro SSD line as the most
affordable high performance SandForce Processor based Solid State Drive
on the market. Designed and made in the US from imported parts, the new
OWC Mercury Extreme Pro 40 GB SSD's special introductory pricing of
$99.99 makes it the lowest priced SSD on the market to offer three key
high performance features: industry leading sustained read and
write speeds over 260 MB/s (with peak speeds up to 285 MB/s), best in
class error correction (ECC), and SandForce RAISE redundancy with 7%
over provisioning.
SandForce DuraClass technology with ultra-efficient Block
Management & Wear Leveling for long term durability.
The OWC Mercury Extreme Pro SSD line, which has won Editor's Choice
awards and review comments like "Eye popping speed with consistent
performance over time", "Best write speeds we've seen", and "The
fastest SSD to hit our test bench yet" from leading performance testing
sites like Tweaktown, Hot Hardware, MacPerformanceGuide, Maximum PC,
Storage Review, and Benchmark Reviews, is available for immediate
ordering in nine configurations from 40 GB to 480 GB starting at
$99.99. All models are Macintosh and PC compatible and install easily
into notebooks, as well as into desktops/towers with an OWC
Multi-Mount adapter kit (sold separately).
Doesn't Slow Down With Use Like Ordinary SSDs
Ordinary SSDs offer fast read/write performance during first initial
uses, but then experience significant write speed degradation over
repeated usage. Independent simu
Development of the new iMac began the day after the first iMac shipped. The new
model is an evolutionary development of Apple's 2,000,000 unit seller.
The first iMac with a DVD-ROM drive, the iMac DV runs a lightning
fast 400 MHz G3 processor on a 100 MHz system bus. The slot-loading
drive protects the drive mechanism, while the new Harman Kardon sound
system improves audio output. (HK will release a complementary
subwoofer in November.)
The RAGE 128 graphics and 2x AGP will give it superior graphics
performance, and the VGA port will allow using an external monitor or
LCD projector.
Available in the same five colors as the Revision C and Revision D
iMacs, the DV is a bit smaller and has more transparent plastics. The
new case allows the iMac to air cool (just like the old Volkswagen
Beetle), eliminating the need for a cooling fan.
If you are running Mac OS 9.1 or later, iMac Firmware
Update 4.1.9 should be installed. If you are using Mac OS X,
you must boot from a Mac OS 9.1-9.2.2 writeable partition (not a
CD or network disk) prior to updating. You cannot update to OS X
10.3 or later unless you first install Firmware Update 4.1.9.
Non-Apple upgrades and peripherals (such as unsupported USB devices,
replacement drives, and third-party memory) may cause problems when
installing or booting into Mac OS X.
Be sure to read and follow Apple's "Read Before You Install" install
instructions to increase the likelihood of getting OS X installed
and running on the first try.
RAM: 64 MB, expandable to 1 GB using two PC100 SDRAM (3.3 V,
64-bit, 168-pin, 100 MHz)
VRAM: 8 MB SGRAM
Video: supports resolutions of 640 x 480, 800 x 600, and 1024 x 768
using ATI RAGE 128 VR chip set and 2x AGP, has VGA port for external
monitor, which can only display same resolutions as internal
monitor
screen: 15" CRT (13.8" viewable) multiscan to 1024 x 768
Low End Mac's
Compleat Guide to Mac OS 9, 2008 edition, Charles Moore,
Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.05.12. Declared dead by Steve Jobs 6
years ago, Mac OS 9 remains fast and stable, but Classic software
hasn't kept up with Web changes. What Macs support OS 9, where to buy
it, and how to update to version 9.2.2.
The iMac Legacy: The G3
Era, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.08.15. 10 years ago today, the
original iMac went on sale. One of the most popular lines of computers
ever, the G3 iMac would be Apple staples for nearly five years.
Know your Mac's
upgrade options, Phil Herlihy, The Usefulness Equation, 2008.08.26.
Any Mac can be upgraded, but it's a question of what can be upgraded -
RAM, hard drive, video, CPU - and how far it can be upgraded.
Overclocking a
slot-loading iMac G3, Dan Knight, Mac Daniel, 2009.02.12.
Instructions for overclocking a slot-loading iMac (350 MHz to 500 MHz).
Proceed at your own risk.
Teaching an old
iMac some new tricks, Dan Bashur, Apple, Tech, and Gaming,
2009.10.02. Using a G3 iMac as part of your home entertainment center
with remote control, audio out to your stereo, and video out to your
TV.
The future of up-to-date
browsers for PowerPC Macs, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings,
2009.08.31. With Intel-only "Snow Leopard" shipping, software support
for PPC Macs will continue its decline. Also, a look at SeaMonkey 2 and
Camino 1.6.9.
Optimized software builds
bring out the best in your Mac, Dan Knight, Low End Mac's Online
Tech Journal, 2009.06.30. Applications compiled for your Mac's CPU can
load more quickly and run faster than ones compiled for universal
use.
Does using matched RAM
make your Mac faster or more stable?, Simon Royal, Tech Spectrum,
2009.04.28. Most Macs don't need matched memory modules and seem to run
just fine with mismatched brands and capacities, but matching modules
may be a bit faster.
Hacking a WiFi PC Card
to work in Apple's AirPort Card slot, Simon Royal, Tech Spectrum,
2009.04.21. Apple's AirPort Card has become expensive since it was
discontinued. Here's how you may be able to adapt an 802.11b PC Card to
replace it.
Is it worth maxing
the RAM in old G3 and G4 Macs?, Simon Royal, Tech Spectrum,
2009.04.15. Increasing memory can make your old Mac faster and make you
more productive, but it probably won't improve resale value by the
amount you spend.
Using new tech
with old tech, John Hatchett, Recycled Computing, 2009.02.05. Yes,
you can use a 2000 iMac, a Pismo, a G4 iBook, an iPod touch, and
several new MacBooks together quite nicely.
Is Camino now the
best browser for older Macs?, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous
Ramblings, 2009.01.13. Camino 1.6.6 works very will with Mac OS X 10.3
through 10.5 and seems especially well suited for slower PowerPC
Macs.
Practical iMac G3
applications and upgrades, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.12.22.
Used G3 iMacs are going for a song these days, but are they worth
spending money on, let along upgrading?
The 'better safe than
sorry' guide to installing Mac OS X updates, Charles Moore,
Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.12.16. Most users encounter no problems
using Software Update, but some preflight work and using the Combo
updater means far less chance of trouble.
Why you
should partition your Mac's hard drive, Dan Knight, Mac Musings,
2008.12.11. "At the very least, it makes sense to have a second
partition with a bootable version of the Mac OS, so if you have
problems with your work partition, you can boot from the 'emergency'
partition to run Disk Utility and other diagnostics."
Old Macs in the new
economy, John Hatchett, Recycled Computing, 2008.11.25. "We are the
kings of making our computers last, last, and last some more."
Every working
computer is useful to someone, Allison Payne, The Budget Mac,
2008.11.19. Whether it's a PowerBook 1400, G3 iMac, or Power Mac G4, it
could be all the computer someone needs.
G3 and low end G4
Mac performance comparison, Simon Royal, Tech Spectrum, 2008.10.15.
Factors that impact performance are the version of CPU, the size and
speed of the Level 2 cache, and how much RAM is installed.
How to clone Mac OS X
to a new hard drive, Simon Royal, Tech Spectrum, 2008.10.07. Whether
you want to put a bigger, faster drive in your Mac or clone OS X for
use in another Mac, here's the simple process.
Getting the
most from your G3 Mac, Simon Royal, Tech Spectrum, 2008.10.03. Most
G3 Macs can be upgraded so they can run Mac OS X 10.4 'Tiger' quite
nicely. Here's how.
The best browsers
for older Macs running Tiger, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous
Ramblings, 2008.09.25. A dialup user's overview of browsers for Mac OS
X 10.4 puts the emphasis on reliability, downloads, and speed.
9 browsers
for G3 and older G4 Macs compared, Simon Royal, Tech Spectrum,
2008.09.26. The latest versions of Opera, Safari, Shiira, iCab, Radon,
Firefox, Demeter, Sunrise, and Camino that run on Mac OS X 10.4
"Tiger".
Are G3 Macs still
viable work machines?, Simon Royal, Tech Spectrum, 2008.09.08. For
basic tasks - writing, email, and using the Web - a G3 Mac with Mac OS
X 10.4 and sufficient memory provides plenty of power.
Using low end
Macs for Internet radio, Gordon R. Brown, My Turn, 2008.08.18. When
the local public radio station moved classical music to HD radio, it
was time to find another way to listen. An old iMac with iTunes solved
the problem.
Bumps in the
road for G3 Macs, John Hatchett, Recycled Computing, 2008.07.28.
MobileMe wouldn't sync with the Pismo, and Skype's software refused to
install, but both problems were solved.
The compressed air
keyboard repair, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings,
2008.07.24. If your keyboard isn't working as well as it once did,
blasting under the keys with compressed air may be the cure.
How to
upgrade your eMac without cracking the case, Jason Packer, Macs in
the Enterprise, 2008.07.14. Some people like to replace the components
inside their computers, but with FireWire and USB 2.0, Apple has made
it easy to upgrade using external drives.
Mac OS X 10.2
'Jaguar' can unleash the power of G3 iBooks, Carl Nygren, Classic
Macs in the Intel Age, 2008.06.17. After pulling a bad stick of RAM,
the Dual USB iBook didn't have enough memory for Tiger or Linux. But
even with just 128 MB of RAM, Jaguar did the job.
Overpriced Macs, 4-core Mac Pro
value, USB for G3 PowerBooks, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac
Mailbag, 2008.04.24. Also reader feedback on running a keyboard through
the dishwasher, tips for using external DVD drives, and 8 GB partition
issues with the Classic Mac OS on the beige G3.
3 ways to better YouTube viewing
on older Macs, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.02.06.
Watching YouTube videos in your browser on G3 Macs can be painfully
slow, but there are several ways to improve your YouTube viewing
experience.
How the G3 iMac
crumbles, Tommy Thomas, Welcome to Macintosh, 2008.01.18. The green
light of death, failing powerboards, and crumbling plastics are some of
the problems old CRT iMacs face as they age.
Switching to Mac tripled my
productivity, Ted Bragg, My First Mac, 2007.12.03. Tired of losing
work and tech support, Bragg bought an iMac, switched to Mac versions
of his apps, and tripled his output the first year.
The future of G3 iMacs in the Age
of Leopard, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.09.13. From August 1998
through December 2001, G3 iMacs were Apple's hot consumer computers.
Which ones are best for OS X, and which should be avoided?
External video options for a G3
iMac, Dan Knight and Kris Finkenbinder, Low End Mac Mailbag,
2007.07.25. Many G3 iMacs are fuzzy at 1024 x 768. What are the options
for connecting an external monitor and disabling the built-in
display?
The truth about CRTs and shock
danger, Tom Lee, Online Tech Journal, 2007.05.22. You've been
warned that CRT voltage can injure and even kill. The truth is that
this danger is overstated - and takes attention away from a greater
danger.
Why Apple must continue G3 support
in Mac OS X 10.5 'Leopard', Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.05.08.
"We're worried about what happens if Apple unchecks that box in Xcode
to include the instructions necessary to run OS X on G3 processors
at all."
Troubleshooting an iMac and possible
Pismo overheating, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings,
2007.03.19. Figuring out what's wrong with a G3 iMac that won't boot
properly and possily spurious temperature readings from Gauge Pro.
How much Mac do you really need to
run OS X?, Ted Hodges, Vintage Mac Living, 2006.11.16. You don't
need dual-core Intel processors to read email or use the Web. Here are
some 1999-2001 Macs that could be all you need.
Is the G3 still a practical
choice?, Matthew Jay, Macs to the Max, 2006.08.10. Although the G3
is several generations old, it has enough horsepower for most of the
things we do on our computers.
Customizing Mac OS 9, Nathan
Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 2006.08.01. Fiddling with themes,
picking a browser, and making the Classic Mac OS work just the way you
want it to.
A $25 iMac! It's a steal, but what
to do with it?, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 2006.07.28. A $25
iMac (less mouse and keyboard) from the local thrift shop was a great
find, but what would be the best way to put it to use?
Making the move from Jaguar (OS X
10.2) to Panther (10.3), Ted Hodges, Vintage Mac Living,
2006.04.11. One advantage of Apple's "no upgrades" policy for OS X -
someone can give you their old copy after upgrading without worrying
about violating their license.
FastMac's $190 8x dual-layer
SuperDrive for PowerBooks and dual USB iBooks, Charles Moore,
Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.01.30. For US$190-250 you can replace the
CD-ROM, CD-RW, Combo, or slow old SuperDrive in most PowerBooks, white
iBooks, slot-loading iMacs, and Cubes with a faster, dual-layer
drive.
Web browser tips for the classic
Mac OS, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 2006.01.03. Tips
on getting the most out of WaMCom, Mozilla, Internet Explorer, iCab,
Opera, and WannaBe using the classic Mac OS.
The best browsers for PowerPC Macs
and the classic Mac OS, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence,
2005.12.16. Two browsers stand out from the pack: iCab 3 is modern and
remains under development, and WaMCom brings Mozilla to older
Macs.
Upgrading
an old iMac to Mac OS X, William Porter, TidBITS, 2005.02.07.
Preparing a pair of 2001 iMacs for OS X and then getting Jaguar up
and running on them.
Upgrades for the slot-loading
iMac, Dan Knight, iMac Channel, 2003.05.15. Overview of memory,
hard drive, media drive, and CPU upgrade options for slot-loading
iMacs.
Upgrading your G3 iMac, Evan
Kleiman, Mac Daniel, 2003.03.07. Three types of upgrades that can
improve your old iMac for less than the cost of buying a new one.
Macs and digital video, Charlie
Ruggiero, Mac Daniel, 3/22. Starts out looking at video editing on
Macs, then examines various video formats. A good read if you're at all
interested in video editing or buying a camcorder.
The
rack-mount iMac, Charles Moore, Applelinks, 3/23. ISP repacks
$1,000 iMac (less monitor) for a small, inexpensive, powerful
server.
Opinion: Apple storms
Hollywood with new movie software, KMSP.com. "iMovie, in short, is
probably one of the most compelling pieces of software available for
the iMac. It's also probably the most fun and one of the easiest
multimedia titles."
You cannot plug the iPod shuffle directly into the iMac's USB port
- it
will not fit. It will not charge if plugged into a keyboard USB
port or an unpowered USB hub. To charge it while using it with your
iMac, you must us a USB extension cable, powered USB hub, iPod shuffle
dock, or a USB power adapter.
Update
Firmware Before Installing Jaguar!, Geoff Duncan, TidBITS,
2002.10.28. If your firmware isn't at version 4.1.9, you need to boot
into OS 9.1 and install it before attempting to install Jaguar
(OS X 10.3) on your slot-loading CD-ROM or DVD iMac.
You must have the keyboard plugged directly into an iMac USB port
to boot with the power key; it will not work if the keyboard is
attached to a hub.
You cannot boot the iMac from an external USB drive.
The iMac loads the MacOS Toolbox into RAM, unlike other Macs which
use it from ROM. You lose the use of 3 MB of memory but gain faster
performance.
We believe in the long term value of Apple hardware. You should be able to use your Apple gear as long as it helps you remain productive and meets your needs, upgrading only as necessary. We want to help maximize the life of your Apple gear.
We believe in the long term value of Apple hardware. You should be able to use your Apple gear as long as it helps you remain productive and meets your needs, upgrading only as necessary. We want to help maximize the life of your Apple gear.
All of our advertising is handled by BackBeat
Media. For price quotes and advertising information,
please contact
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We believe in the long term value of Apple hardware. You should be able to use your Apple gear as long as it helps you remain productive and meets your needs, upgrading only as necessary. We want to help maximize the life of your Apple gear.
at BackBeat Media
(646-546-5194). This number is for advertising only.
lation tests by leading drive
performance experts confirm the OWC
Mercury Extreme Pro SSD's ultra-efficient Block Management & Wear
Leveling technologies are able to eliminate virtually any reduction in
data transfer speeds over heavy long term usage of the drive and
without dependency on less than effective OS TRIM management.
Longer Notebook Battery Runtime
Because the OWC Mercury Extreme Pro SSD uses as little as one-third
the power compared to the most power efficient 2.5" hard drives and up
to 50% less power than other leading brand SSDs without any performance
sacrifice, notebook users can now maximize their "unplugged" mobile use
time while desktop/tower users can enjoy the benefits of a more energy
efficient system.
Video Highlights Performance Gains
The OWC Mercury Extreme Pro SSD models are an ideal way for typical
Mac or PC desktop and/or notebook computer users to dramatically
increase the performance of their existing machine. In several side-by-side
comparison tests, the OWC Mercury Extreme Pro SSD was able to boot
the OS and load six apps up to four times faster than the factory stock
configuration. And even older machines equipped with an OWC Mercury
Extreme Pro SSD saw an up to 2.5 times faster performance gain over
newer machines with faster processors and more RAM.
"Throughout this revolutionary product's evolution, it has scored
numerous industry achievements," says Larry O'Connor, Founder and CEO,
Other World Computing. "From being initially announced as the fastest
SSD on the market, to offering the highest capacity found in a
SandForce-based SSD, to now offering the most affordable high
performance model available on the market, the OWC Mercury Extreme Pro
SSD line continues to make headlines for all the right reasons."
Mac of the Day: PowerBook 500 Series, introduced 1994.05.16. 'Blackbird' includes a 25 to 33 MHz 68040 along with smart batteries and grayscale or color displays.
We believe in the long term value of Apple hardware. You should be able to use your Apple gear as long as it helps you remain productive and meets your needs, upgrading only as necessary. We want to help maximize the life of your Apple gear.
We believe in the long term value of Apple hardware. You should be able to use your Apple gear as long as it helps you remain productive and meets your needs, upgrading only as necessary. We want to help maximize the life of your Apple gear.
All of our advertising is handled by BackBeat
Media. For price quotes and advertising information,
please contact
Page not found | Low End Mac
Welcome Image and Text
We believe in the long term value of Apple hardware. You should be able to use your Apple gear as long as it helps you remain productive and meets your needs, upgrading only as necessary. We want to help maximize the life of your Apple gear.