Mac notebook and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review, and general Mac
news is in Mac News Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apps & Services
Accessories
iPod Deals
These price trackers are updated regularly.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apple's Sleeper $229 Netbook
Pixobebo's Kate MacKenzie says her neighbor in the apartment next
door bought a Dell mini 9 netbook for $350 and had it two days before
figuring out it came with Linux and not Windows, expecting to get a
fully functioning PC notebook at a dirt cheap price. "The expectation
was warped," says Kate, "The anticipation deflated. Good don't come
cheap."
"My neighbor was disappointed. I grinned. She scowled. "I'll bet
Apple doesn't sell a netbook for $400," she scoffed. She's right. Mine
cost $229.
I pulled my iPod touch out of my handbag. 'See,' I said, with a
little neighborly rivalry in my you poor slob smile. 'The absolute
perfect netbook'."
Link:
Apple's Sleeper Netbook, $229
iPhone 3G Refurb Dropped to $49 at AT&T
9 To 5 Mac says:
"With activation of new voice and data plans, AT&T Wireless has
refurbished models of the Apple iPhone 3G 8 GB Smartphone in Black
for $49 with free shipping. That's the lowest price we've ever seen for
a factory-packaged iPhone. 16 GB iPhones are available for $50 more.
This deal is only available in the AT&T online store while supplies
last."
Link: iPhone
3G Refurb Dropped to $49 at AT&T
Texting While Driving Increases Crash Risk
23-Fold
Computerworld's Matt Hamblen reports:
"Drivers of heavy trucks who were texting while driving were at a 23
times greater risk of a crash or near-crash than those who were not,
the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute reported last night.
"The findings of a series of studies (download
PDF) released by the research institute also showed that the risk
to truck drivers from texting was much higher than the risk from
dialing a cell phone...."
Link:
Texting While Driving Increases Crash Risk 23-Fold
Apple Growing Rotten: Official Google Voice App
Blocked from App Store
Tech Crunch's Jason Kincaid says:
"Earlier today we learned that Apple had begun to pull all Google
Voice-enabled applications from the App Store, citing the fact that
they 'duplicate features that come with the iPhone'. Now comes even
worse news: we've learned that Apple has blocked Google's official
Google Voice application itself from the App Store. In other words,
Google Voice - one of the best things to happen to telephony services
in a very long time - will have no presence at all on the App Store. If
there's ever been a time to be furious with Apple, now is it."
Link:
Apple Is Growing Rotten to the Core: Official Google Voice App Blocked
from App Store
Apple Bars Google's Voice from iPhone
The Register's Rik Myslewski reports:
"Apple has barred the official Google Voice application from the
iPhone App Store while dumping two third-party apps that tap into
Google's invite-only service....
"The decision doesn't appear to be Apple's. In fact, GV Mobile
developer Sean Kovacs Tweeted that no less a luminary than Apple SVP
for marketing and Jobsian keynote stand-in Phil Shiller personally
approved his app.
"We blame AT&T."
Link: Apple
Bars Google's Voice from iPhone
Apple Isn't Evil for Rejecting Google Voice
Forbes' Brian Caulfield says:
"There are few greater joys in life than presenting an unwelcome
truth to the Apple faithful. The iPod? Sales are down over the past
year. And yeah, Microsoft has a point: Apple's stuff is expensive. Et
cetera.
"And as fun as it would be to inflame the Apple fanboys by writing
that Apple is evil for rejecting the Google Voice application from its
App Store, it just isn't so.
"...it's easy to see the threat the application posed to both
AT&T and Apple."
Link:
Apple Isn't Evil for Rejecting Google Voice
Google Voice App Runs on Hacked iPhones
AppleInsider's Neil Hughes reports:
"As Apple suggests dire consequences could come from users hacking
the iPhone, one well-publicized former App Store program has made the
jump to hacked hardware only.
"Developer Sean Kovacs was surprised on Monday to discover that his
GV Mobile client for Google Voice was to be pulled from the App Store -
even though it had been available there for months. So, he responded
this week by porting his once-paid application over to Cydia, the
hacker software store for installing unapproved applications, for
free."
Link:
Google Voice App Developer Bypasses Apple's Rejection
How to Clean and Care For Your iPhone
CIO's Tom Kaneshige says:
"Are you starting your car with the iPhone plugged into the charger?
To avoid electrical spikes and other problems that could zap your
patience, follow these tips on how to safely clean and care for your
iPhone."
Link:
How to Clean and Care For Your iPhone
DIY Acrylic iPhone Dock a Clear Winner
Cult of Mac's Nicole Martinelli reports:
"Tod Kurt put together this clean, clear iPhone dock from four
pieces of acrylic scraps. He was inspired to create it after buying a
case that wouldn't work with traditional docks."
Link: DIY
Acrylic iPhone Dock a Clear Winner
Apple Says Jailbroken iPhones Endanger Cell
Towers
The Register's Austin Modine reports:
"Apple has told the US Copyright Office that jailbroken iPhones
could lead to crashed cell phone towers and drug dealers freely making
anonymous phone calls.
"Cupertino loosed the hyperbole firehose on the Copyright Office in
response to the Electronic Frontier Foundation's proposal to legalize
the modification of the iPhone's OS."
Link:
Apple Says Jailbroken iPhones Endanger Cell Towers
Yahoo Expands Its Makeover to the iPhone
Internet News's David Needle reports:
"Yahoo didn't wait long after the launch of its redesigned home page
last week to make mobile news along the same lines.
"Today the Web giant unveiled a new mobile homepage that's available
now on the iPhone's Safari browser, with other mobile platforms to
follow 'soon,' the company said."
Link: Yahoo Expands
Its Makeover to the iPhone
Does Apple Repair iPods or Simply Encourage a
Throwaway Culture?
The Guardian's Leo Hickman says:
"It seems very difficult to repair faulty Apple iPods, especially
once their one-year warranty has expired. Given the number of iPods
which seem to break within a year or two of purchase - all three iPods
I have purchased have either completely died or developed issues - and
the number of iPods bought and presumably discarded each year, this
must create a huge amount of unnecessary waste. It seems to me like
Apple is actively discouraging long-term maintenance of iPods whilst
encouraging a throwaway culture with relatively cheap replacements
(next year's model is all too-appealing)...."
Link:
Does Apple Repair iPods or Simply Encourage a Throwaway
Culture?
Where in the World Are Those 18.6 Million iPod
touches?
Fortune's Philip Elmer-DeWitt says:
"Apple, for reasons known only to itself, does not report the number
of iPod touches it has sold.
"But it lets you do the math, and on Tuesday COO Tim Cook casually
mentioned, in response to a question about the App Store, that the
total installed base of iPhones (26.4 million) plus iPod touches (X) is
now 45 million.
"So where are those 18.6 million iPod touches?"
Link:
Where in the World Are Those 18.6 Million iPod touches?
Nissan Dials iPhone for Car Remote Control
IDG News
Service's Martyn Williams reports:
"Nissan has developed a prototype iPhone application that would
allow electric car owners to dial into their vehicles and check battery
levels.
"The application, a working version of which was demonstrated by the
company at its research facility in Yokosuka, Japan, links to the car's
IT system to check the status of the Lithium Ion batteries that power
the car."
Link:
Nissan Dials iPhone for Car Remote Control
Apps & Services
iPhone: The Missing Manual, Third
Edition
PR: With the iPhone 3.0 software and the new iPhone 3GS,
Apple has a world-class hit on its hands. This sleek, highly refined
pocket computer comes with everything - including a cellphone, iPod,
Internet, and camcorder - except a printed manual. Fortunately, David
Pogue is back with an expanded edition of his witty, full-color guide
of the world's most popular iPhone book, iPhone: The Missing
Manual, Third Edition (O'Reilly, $24.99).
"The iPhone 3GS feels like the thing has finally landed," says
author Pogue. "They've finally filled in the feature holes - video
recording, voice dialing, Copy and Paste - and taken it to a new level
with the 3.0 software upgrade. The best part is that you don't have to
buy a new phone to get all of the 3.0 features; it's a free upgrade for
all those 23 million existing iPhones."
Here is just some of the important stuff covered in the new edition
of Pogue's latest iPhone: The Missing Manual:
- The phone. Thanks to voice dialing, Visual Voicemail, and MMS
(picture/video messages), the iPhone is a top-notch cellphone.
- The iPhone 3GS. This book covers all iPhones, but the 3GS offers a
camcorder, compass - and blazing speed.
- The 3.0 software. Older iPhone models gain MMS, Copy and Paste,
voice recording, global Search, and 100 other features.
The iPhone may be the world's coolest computer, but it's still a
computer, with all a computer's complexities. iPhone: The Missing
Manual is an entertaining, lavishly illustrated guide to the tips,
shortcuts, and workarounds that will turn you, too, into an iPhone
addict. The ebook is available now and the print edition will be
available soon.
David Pogue, Yale '85, is the weekly personal-technology columnist
for the New York Times and an Emmy award-winning tech
correspondent for CBS News. His funny tech videos appear weekly on
CNBC. And with 3 million books in print, he is also one of the world's
best-selling how-to authors. In 1999, he launched his own series of
amusing, practical, and user-friendly computer books called Missing
Manuals, which now includes 100 titles.
For more information about the book, including table of contents,
index, author bios, and cover graphic, see:
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/9780596804299
- iPhone: The Missing Manual
- iPhone: The Missing Manual, Third Edition
- David Pogue
- ISBN: 9780596804299,
- 416 pages,
- Book Price: $24.99 USD, £17.99 GBP
- order@oreilly.com
- 1-800-998-9938
- 1-707-827-7000
Apple Releases MobileMe iDisk App for iPhone, iPod
touch
AppleInsider's Katie Marsal reports:
"Apple's free MobileMe iDisk application is now available on the App
Store, allowing users to remotely access files saved online via the
MobileMe service."
Link:
Apple Releases MobileMe iDisk App for iPhone, iPod touch
Synology Releases DS Photo on Apple App Store
PR:
Synology America Corp. has announced the availability of their new
iPhone! application, DS Photo, which is available to download for free
on the Apple App Store. DS Photo provides Disk Station users the
ability to use an iPhone or iPod touch to upload photos to their
Synology Disk Station, or browse photos stored directly on their
Synology Disk Stations remotely.
Synology Disk Station users can use DS Photo to upload photos stored
on their iPhone or iPod touch to their Disk Stations and instantly
share their photos with anyone online. Users can upload their photos to
an existing album or create a new one, and customize the photo titles
and descriptions. Uploaded photos are instantly available through the
web-based Synology Photo Station 3 and can be viewed with a desktop
computer, iPhone, or Windows Mobile phone.
"DS Photo is the newest addition to our iPhone applications, and
reflects our ongoing commitment to make digital files easy to share and
use across multiple platforms and devices," said Heather Morford,
Director of Marketing for Synology America Corp.
DS Photo is now available for free download on Apple App Store.
DS Photo works with Synology Disk Station 2.2 firmware. The public
beta version DSM 2.2 firmware is now available for download with the
production version releasing in September 2009.
Link: DS Photo
(available through the
iPhone App Store)
iPod Users Get Free Access to 6 Million Songs with
iGetMusic
PR: With iGetMusic, Amphony is unveiling a new and innovative
approach for iPod fans to build and expand their music collection.
''Traditional methods for obtaining music for the iPod, such as
ripping CDs or downloading MP3s from the Internet, have always proven
to be unattractive from a user point of view,'' said Gunter Fellbaum,
Marketing Director at Amphony. ''iGetMusic works by automatically
recording music from the vast song collection of CBS Radio. The user
thereby gets access to over 6 million songs without having to pay per
song, without a monthly fee, and without having to worry about breaking
any laws.''
With iGetMusic, a user simply selects a desired music category, and
iGetMusic will record any of the over 200 music channels from AOL
Radio, Yahoo! Launchcast, or Play.It. In addition, custom music
channels can be created by the user and automatically recorded by
iGetMusic.
Internet radio recording software has always been unable to generate
full-length tracks due to inaccurate track separation and the
cross-fading between titles in internet radio streams. In contrast,
songs recorded with iGetMusic are full length without missing anything
at the beginning or end, essentially the same as if copied directly
from a CD. Further all recorded songs are 100% accurately tagged with
title, artist and album information. CD album covers are saved
automatically for display on an iPod or computer media player.
In contrast to flat-rate music providers and music web sites, such
as iTunes, iGetMusic songs are saved in the unencrypted iPod m4a format
and thus are not restricted to specific audio players. Songs in the m4a
format are only half the size of MP3 files at the same level of audio
quality thus doubling the amount of songs that can be stored on the
iPod.
''Another unique feature of iGetMusic is the ability to record any
number of music channels simultaneously on a single PC. As a result, a
user can expand the music collection at a speed which is only limited
by the speed of the computer and internet connection.''
Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, Amphony is a startup technology
company that has become the leading provider of digital wireless
headphones and audio transmitter products. In the US, Amphony products
are sold by Amphony Corp., an affiliated Amphony company.
Link: iGetMusic (available
through the
iPhone App Store)
MyPhone+ 2.0 for iPhone and Facebook Users
PR: Ultimake Ltd. announces MyPhone+ 2.0, an update to
their popular dialer and Facebook synchronization application for the
iPhone. MyPhone+ is an all-in-one premium dialer and Facebook
synchronization application. It provides all dialing options: keypad,
contact list and favorites, while keeping the iPhone contacts up to
date with the latest profile picture and information from Facebook.
MyPhone+ offers a rich and user-friendly dialer interface including
a visual contact list, favorites photo dialer, stylish designed keypad,
birthdays list and more. Using the most advanced Facebook sync engine,
it keeps the iPhone contacts up to date with the latest profile picture
and information from Facebook. It's a must have application for
Facebook users.
"I really wanted to have pictures for my contacts so I can see them
when they call me on the iPhone's large screen" said Ken Vinner, CEO of
Ultimake Ltd. "I have hundreds of contacts, most of them use Facebook,
everyone on Facebook has a picture, then I thought why not take it to
the next level?"
Feature Highlights:
- Sync contacts pictures and information with Facebook (birthday,
current address, company & job title)
- Most advanced Facebook sync engine with conflict resolving
algorithms offering best match gestures
- Visual contact list - Full iPhone contact list with thumbnail
photos
- One touch favorites photo dialer with multiple page and zoom in/out
capability
- Birthdays list - view all contacts birthdays in one convenient
place
- Send Facebook messages directly from the contact list
- Access contacts Facebook profile directly from the contact
list
- Shake To Search - Quickly search contacts by shaking the
iPhone
- Stylish designed keypad
Users will appreciate the seamless Facebook and dialer integration,
providing a visual caller ID along with a beautiful dialer interface.
Effortlessly searching contacts by shaking the iPhone, viewing contacts
birthdays with one single tap and sending Facebook messages or viewing
Facebook profiles directly from the contact list.
System Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch 2.0 or later
MyPhone+ 2.0 for iPhone is $2.99 and available exclusively through
Apple's App Store.
Link: MyPhone+ 2.0 (available through
the
iPhone App Store)
Super Laser Racer
PR: Super Laser Racer is an exciting combat racing game set
in outer geometric space. Blast your way to the top of the leaderboard
using lasers, missiles, bombs, and more.
Features
- 12 exhilirating tracks
- 12 racers to unlock
- 4 challenging tournaments
- Bombs, cannons, lasers, mines, missiles, plasmas!
- Online leaderboards
- Unlock new ships
- Eliminator and Survival race modes
- Create your own tracks
Try the free demo or purchase the full version for
$9.99/£7.49/€7.99.
Link: Super Laser Racer (available
through the
iPhone App Store)
Bacardi Flavored Rums Launches Cocktail
Application
PR: Bacardi has announced the launch of the Bacardi Flavors
Cocktail Application (App) for the iPhone and iPod touch. Now users
(21+) will be able to tap and explore popular Bacardi Flavored Rum
cocktails and other Bacardi provided features, such as local listings
for bars, liquor stores and taxis - all on their mobile device.
Created exclusively for the iPhone and iPod touch platforms, this
new App is the ultimate interactive resource for enjoying popular
Bacardi Flavored Rum cocktails, responsibly.
It allows users to flip through each of the eight Bacardi flavors
and tap on recipes to view their descriptions. The vibrant taste of
each flavor is highlighted through vivid graphics and high resolution
images. You can even try the recipes with a unique feature called
"Try-One," which simulates drinking the cocktail by simply tilting your
device.
In addition to providing delicious recipes, the App also allows for
quick and easy planning. Features for locating the nearest bars,
hotels, liquor stores - and even calling a taxi - are just a tap away.
In addition, Bacardi internet radio provides a non-stop party mix of
the best in rock, hip hop and rap. Streaming live through WiFi or 3G,
this 24-hour station makes the Bacardi Flavors Cocktail App your own
personal DJ. Further showcasing Bacardi's innovation, this branded
mixology application offers the very best in responsible and convenient
planning, music and cocktails.
"Since many consumers are constantly on the move and continue to
rely on their mobile devices for information, the Bacardi Flavors
Cocktail App is a great way to showcase our unique flavors and
everything our brand has to offer," said Gordon Chisholm, brand
director, Bacardi USA., Inc. "Whether on the go or at home, the
application offers an entertaining and responsible way to plan an
evening and find a delicious Bacardi Flavored Rum cocktail to
enjoy."
The Bacardi Flavors Cocktail App is a free download available now.
You must be 21 and over to access. The application is compatible with
iPhone and iPod touch and requires iPhone OS 2.2 or later. The Bar
Locater and Bacardi Internet Radio requires WiFi or 3G connection.
Bacardi Flavors Cocktail Application (available through
the
iPhone App Store)
Accessories
Use Any Headset with 3G iPod shuffle with Belkin's
New Headphone Adapter
PR: Belkin's Headphone Adapter includes the control buttons
you need to change tracks and adjust volume, while still using the
headset of your choice you can play/pause, skip or go to previous
track, hear the song title, or move between playlists
With Belkin's new Headphone Adapter for iPod shuffle, you now have
the freedom to use the headset of your choice with your iPod shuffle.
If you would like to use a headset other than the ones provided with
the iPod shuffle, this Adapter will be ideal for controlling your
music, since there are no controls on the iPod shuffle itself. The
Headphone Adapter is equipped with controls that allow you to adjust
volume, skip tracks, toggle between playlists, and hear a song title.
The controls on the Headphone Adapter conveniently work the same way as
those on the earbuds that are included with the iPod shuffle.
Availability:
- End of July in North America
- Mid-August in Europe, Asia, and Australia
Headphone Adapter for iPod shuffle (F8Z452) - $19.99
- Play/Pause: Single-Click
- Next track: Double-Click
- Previous track: Triple-Click
- Hear title and artist of song playing (VoiceOver): Press and hold
the multifunction button
- Move between playlists (VoiceOver): Press and hold, and then
release the multifunction button after you hear a tone. Click to select
playlist.
This accessory is compatible with the following iPod models: iPod
shuffle, 3rd generation, 4GB
$19.99
Link: Belkin
Headphone Adapter for iPod shuffle
Kensington Nightstand Charging Dock for
iPhone
PR: Much more than just a charger, the
Kensington Nightstand Charging Dock for iPhone allows you to download,
at no extra cost, an application that transforms your iPhone or iPod
touch* into a bedside clock and weather center.
Features
- Charging dock holds your iPhone or iPod touch in landscape mode
using a kickstand to clearly display the time and weather
- Large, landscape display that doesn't go into sleep mode, with
optional screen dimming
- Small footprint reduces nightstand clutter
- Download the Kensington Rise&Shine Clock & Weather
application from the Apple App store at no extra cost
- Kensington application features easy-to-read time and weather along
with three clock viewing options**
- Charging cable included
- Visit www.riseandshine.kensington.com for more details
- *Must download Kensington Rise&Shine Clock and Weather
application for clock and weather
*Application compatible with iPhone 3G, iPhone and iPod touch
only
System Requirements: Compatible with iPhone 3G, iPhone, iPod touch,
iPod nano (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th gen), iPod classic, iPod mini, iPod (1st,
2nd, 4th, 5th gen)
Nightstand Charging Dock for iPhone is backed by the Kensington
2-Year warranty.
Price: $39.99
Link: Kensington Nightstand
Charging Dock for iPhone
X-Power1 iPhone/iPod touch/iPod USB Charger
Cable
PR: Give your iPhone/iPod touch/iPod
extra power while on the road using the X-Power1 USB cable with a
rechargeable battery which charges every time you connect your iPod,
iPod touch or iPhone to your computer. The X-Power1 battery backup unit
is as small as a AAA size battery.
Take your X-Power1 cable with you when you are on the go. If your
iPod touch, iPod or iPhone run out of juice just plug the X-Power1
cable in and you have the power you need. Always have the backup power
you need to keep going. The X-Power1 has the ability to charge the
iPhone/iPod/iPod touch's internal battery as well and the X-Power1 is
compatible with Apple iPhone, IPod Touch and all iPod Docking Devices.
Keep a X-Power1 in your home, office and car to assure you always have
the backup power you need. X-Power1 cables are offered in a retractable
cable as well - So it is convenient to carry the cable around and just
pull it out when you need the extra battery power.
Rechargeable Battery Cable for iPhone 3G,
iPod touch, iPod
- Provides twice the battery time and power reserve. Now you have the
power you need when you are on the go:
- Additional talk time 4.5 hours on 3G and 9 hours on 2G. Up to 5.4
hours additional on Wi-Fi.
- Standby time up to 270 hours. Audio Playback up to 20 hours and
Video Playback 6 hours.
- Optional USB to AC power adapter available
- Patent Pending technology with rechargeable battery built-in to
your USB Cable
- Provides power when your iPhone,iPod touch or iPod have run out of
juice.
- Charges your iPhone/iPod touch/iPod battery and provide backup
power when you need it.
- Operates exactly like the standard iPhone/iPod touch /iPod USB
sync/charging cable
- Have power in emergencies. Plugs directly into iPhone/iPod
touch/iPod.
- Have power for the iPhone3G/iPod touch/iPod anywhere.
- Lightweight, slim and compact size.
- Cable available in different size: 6 inches, 20 inches or 30
inches.
- Color: Black or white
You have a second cable to keep in your desk, car or in your
notebook case to take with you when you are on the move. Take X-Power1
with you when you are on the go traveling, hiking, camping, biking,
skiing, at sporting events, in airplanes or just running around town.
Never be without backup power. X-Power1 is patent pending.
Link: X-Power1
iPhone/iPod touch/iPod USB Charger Cable
USB Fever Hard Crystal Case for iPhone 3G/3GS (Sea
+ Flower)
PR: Features:
- Unique ergonomic design
- Printed with featured graphics - Sea & Flowers
- Fully Protected from bumps and scratches
- Light weight
- Perfectly fit
- Anti-dust
- Easy access to all ports, buttons and sockets
This case is suitable for:
Notes: This is not for iPhone 2G, it is for iPhone 3G
only.
US$16.99
Link: USB
Fever Hard Crystal Case for iPhone 3G/3GS (Sea + Flower)
