Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2006.09.22
Introduced 29 years ago, the Apple II had it all over the
competition: lots of expansion slots, color video output, and the
first affordable floppy drive. More than any other model of the
pre-IBM PC era, it paved the way for personal computers to move
beyond the hobbyist stage and into the workplace.
PC World recognized this by calling the Apple II "the greatest
PC of all time" - and Apple's Mac Plus fell just a few spots
behind. Why the Plus instead of the original Macintosh? Because,
like the Apple II, it was expandable.
Another site handing out kudos this week was Mac 360, which
calls the iMac Core 2 Duo, especially the 24" version, "the ultimate
Mac value". And for those on the low end of Macintel computing,
there's now a tutorial on putting a Core 2 Duo processor in the Mac
mini.
PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is
covered in The 'Book Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Tips
Products
iPod Accessories
Software
News & Opinion
Apple II 'Greatest PC of All Time' (Mac Plus
#4)
PC World has posted a list of its picks for greatest PC of all
time, with a couple of pioneering Apple products ranking
highly.
1. Apple II (1977)
The Apple II wasn't the first personal computer, or the most
advanced one, or even the best-selling model of its age. But, in
many ways, it was The Machine That Changed Everything. On all four
of our criteria - innovation, impact, industrial design and
intangibles - it was such a huge winner that it ended up as our
Greatest PC of All Time....
4. Apple Macintosh Plus (1986)
In 1984, Apple released the
original Macintosh, which, while heavily influenced by the
Xerox Star, was a breakthrough personal computer. But, its 128 KB
of memory was so skimpy that the machine was virtually unusable.
The company really hit the ball out of the park in 1986 with the
Macintosh Plus.
Jealous of the New iMacs? Upgrade that
mini!
MacUser's Derik DeLong says:
"Those new Core 2 Duo processors look really great. What if you
bought an original [Intel] Mac mini
and think you deserve the benefit of the new CPUs? Well, you open
her up and slap in the new one of course. .Mac user macaholicg5 has
put up a photo set showing the steps."
24" iMac Core 2 Duo 'the Ultimate Mac
Value'
Mac 360's Carol Mary Miller reports:
"What's the ultimate new Mac? A MacBook or Pro, a Mac Pro with
30-inch display, an iMac or a Mac mini? Here's the new Mac 360
Value King.
"...What's the best value in a new Intel Mac?
"Value carries a healthy list of definitions and a longer list
of application in day-to-day use....
"Add it all up and the new Mac Value King would have to be
affordable, but powerful. Attractive yet efficient in
design....
"...the Mac 360 Value King is the new Core 2 Duo iMacs; specifically, we're
dubbing the 24-inch iMac as the cat's pajamas."
Link:
The Ultimate Mac Value: Tricked Out, Low Price
Tips
Apple Firmware Restoration CD to Restore
Firmware of Intel-based Mac
This update is used to restore the firmware of an Intel-based iMac (early & mid 2006),
Mac mini (early 2006), MacBook Pro
(early 2006), Mac Book (early
2006), or Mac Pro (mid 2006) to
original factory condition.
It can only be used to restore the Firmware after an interrupted
or failed update.
To restore your computer's firmware, first create a CD using the
disk image named "FirmwareRestorationCD.dmg":
- Launch Disk Utility (located in /Applications/Utilities).
- Click on the Burn icon or select the "Burn..." menu from the
Images menu.
- Navigate to where FirmwareRestorationCD.dmg is located and
click the Burn button.
- Insert a blank recordable CD or DVD.
- Click the Burn button to create the Firmware Restoration
CD.
The files are burned to the disc.
Using the Firmware Restoration CD, restore your Firmware
back to factory condition:
- Insure that the machine you are trying to restore is plugged
into an AC outlet.
- Power on the computer and hold down the power button until the
LED blinks rapidly followed immediately by a successive series of
blinks (3 quick blinks, 3 slow blinks, 3 quick blinks), then
release the Power button.
- Insert the Firmware Restoration CD into the optical
drive.
After 30-60 seconds, the startup beep sound is played and a
progress bar appears beneath the Apple logo on a gray screen.
The progress bar indicates the firmware is being
updated.
DO NOT unplug, shut down, or restart the computer during the
update or you will need to restart the restoration process
beginning with step 6.
- The computer will restart automatically after the firmware is
updated.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X
- iMac (early & mid 2006)
- Mac mini (early 2006)
- MacBook Pro (early 2006)
- MacBook (early 2006)
- Mac Pro (mid 2006)
System Support: Intel
Mac Pro SMC Firmware Update Adjusts Fan
Behavior
The SMC Firmware Update adjusts fan behavior in the Mac Pro. After this update has completed
successfully, your SMC Version will be: 1.7f8. The updater
application will be installed in the /Applications/Utilities folder
and will launch automatically after restart. Please follow the
instructions in the updater application to complete the
process.
To update the SMC firmware on your Mac Pro your computer's power
cord must be connected and plugged into a working power source.
- Quit all other open applications.
- Click Restart in the Mac Pro SMC Firmware Update window and
wait for your computer to restart.
The SMC firmware update starts automatically. A status bar
indicates the progress of the update. During the update your
computer fans will run at full speed, but will return to normal
once the update completes. Important: Do not interrupt the update.
Your computer restarts automatically when the update is completed
and opens the Mac Pro SMC Firmware Update.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X
- Version 10.4.7
- Mac Pro
System Support: Intel
Link:
Mac Pro SMC Firmware Update
Mac Pro (mid 2006) EFI Firmware Update 1.0
This EFI Firmware Update fixes several Boot Camp and start up
issues on Mac Pro computers.
After this update has completed successfully, your Boot ROM
Version will be: MP11.005C.B01
System requirements:
- Mac OS X
- Version 10.4.7
- Mac Pro (mid 2006)
System Support: Intel
Products
MaxSink Heatsink for Mac Pro Memory
PR: MaxUpgrades announces MaxSink, a heatsink designed to
provide effective heat dissipation of fully buffered DIMM memory
modules operating at high speed (533 or 667 MHz). MaxSink unique
design allows heat generated from memory chips and Advance Memory
Buffer on the Fully buffered Memory Modules to be effectively
dissipated while keeping the temperature of the memory module under
operating limits.
MaxSink Features:
- Maximum Surface Area for Optimum Heat Dissipation.
- Precision Machined Aluminum Heatsink.
- Unique mounting for uniform pressure distribution.
- Lowest Thermal resistance between DRAM Chips (FBGA) and
Heatsink for optimized heat transfer with thermal conductive
interface Pads
- Designed for fluctuating Memory Module temperature variations.
(Heat Load)
- Step Heatsink design to incorporate thickness variation of AMB
and FBGA (RAM Chips.
- Heatsink Surface Treated to minimize Thermal Resistance between
Heatsink surface and Ambient to maximize heat transfer.
MaxSink is available for $39.99
Link:
MaxSink Heatsink for Fully Buffered DIMMs for Mac Pro
667 MHz DDR2 SODIMM for iMac Intel Core 2
Duo
PR: Trans International has announced the worldwide
availability of 1 GB and 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) SODIMM
for the newly released iMac Core 2
Duo (1.83 GHz, 2.0 GHz and 2.16 GHz).
More memory (RAM) increases overall performance and enables your
computer to run more applications at the same time. iMac has two
(2) memory upgrade slots. Main memory of the system (depending on
the model) can be upgraded to 2 GB and 3 GB.
Transintl.com is currently shipping the 2 GB Kit for
$249.00 and 3 GB Kit for $ 789.00
Transintl.com memory modules conform to Apple's stringent
electrical and mechanical design guide lines.
Link:
667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) SODIMM for Apple iMac Intel Core 2
Duo
iPod Accessories
PodDress Iron On Cases for iPod nano
PR: PodDress is the first and only
embroidered case for the iPod nano that can be attached easily and
directly to any clothing or bags through iron on - or it can be
used as a case on its own.
Attached to all textile structures it works like additional
pockets on jackets and pants which is not just a nice accessory but
also it's also functional for Sport.
Used as a case on it's own it's still a fashionable accessory -
epecially the Swarovski Special Editon with elegant crystals.
Price: €29.95 (US$38.15)
Link: PodDress
ifrogz Offers More than 300,000 Ways to
Customize iPods
PR: Millions of music lovers across the globe have
embraced Apple Computer's popular iPod digital music player as a
way to express their individuality through their unique and often
eclectic song collections. Now ifrogz is giving them a new way to
express themselves by the way they protect and display their iPods
too. More than 300,000 new ways, to be exact.
ifrogz has innovated a
patent-pending, three-piece silicone iPod case design that not only
protects everyone?s favorite music player from the uncomplimentary
dings and scratches incurred during everyday use, but also does so
in an emotive way that will express the unique style and
personality of its owner.
"iPod lovers come in every shade and color under the sun and
with millions of tastes and preferences," said Scott Huskinson,
president and CEO of ifrogz. "There's absolutely no reason why the
look of their iPods shouldn't be as unique and customizable as
their playlists. Most case makers give us only a few basic colors
to choose from. ifrogz sees things differently."
Whereas many silicone iPod cases are flimsy, gummy and collect
lint, ifrogz uses only 100 percent high-grade, polished silicone
that has been specially treated to resist dust and dirt. This makes
the case smooth and silky to the touch, in addition to being thick
and durable.
ifrogz cases also differ from every other iPod case on the
market by providing three distinct components for total protection
- and complete color customization - of your iPod: Wrapz, Bandz,
and Screenz.
Wrapz, the main case component of the ifrogz system, cover the
entire player from top to bottom and expose only the screen (which
is covered by a clear plastic protector), scroll wheel, headphone
jack and other ports.
The thick, durable Bandz then
stretch completely around the sides of the iPod, thus protecting
exposed ports and adding a bonus element of style. Bandz feature
only a single opening over the iPod?s headphone jack for optimum
protection of the device?s connection ports.
Screenz, the final - and most customizable - element of the
ifrogz system, are protective sheets of transparent plastic that
lay over the player's Click Wheel. With more than 200 unique
Screenz, used in tandem with the 38 colors of both Wrapz and Bandz
to result in 300,000 possible combinations, it?s highly unlikely
your ifrogz case could ever be mistaken for someone else's.
The excellent ifrogz Website is worth a visit just to check out
the cool customization engine.
"ifrogz's focus on complete protection with complete
customization puts us far ahead of every other maker of iPod
cases," Huskinson said. "We're exceptionally proud of the design
we've come up with, but the truth of the matter is that the real
designer of each ifrogz case is the customer. We're committed to
making sure no other case protects the iPod as well as an ifrogz
case, and no other case maker?s customer is as satisfied as an
ifrogz customer."
Link: ifrogz
Software
Apple Boot Camp 1.1.1 Beta
PR: More and more people are buying and loving Macs. To
make this choice simply irresistible, Apple will include technology
in the next major release of Mac OS X, Leopard, that lets you
install and run the Windows XP operating system on your Mac. Called
Boot Camp (for now), you can download a public beta today.
Boot Camp lets you install Windows XP without moving your Mac
data, though you will need to bring your own copy to the table, as
Apple Computer does not sell or support Microsoft Windows.(1) Boot
Camp will burn a CD of all the required drivers for Windows so you
don't have to scrounge around the Internet looking for them.
Once you've completed Boot Camp, simply hold down the option key
at startup to choose between Mac OS X and Windows. (That's the
"alt" key for you longtime Windows users.) After starting up, your
Mac runs Windows completely natively. Simply restart to come back
to Mac.
For your convenience, Boot Camp burns a CD with all the
Mac-specific drivers for Windows:
- Graphics
- Networking
- Audio
- AirPort wireless
- Bluetooth
- The Eject key (on Apple keyboards)
- Brightness control for built-in displays
This CD also installs a Startup Disk control panel for Windows.
To find it, look for Startup Disk in the Performance and
Maintenance section of the Windows XP Control Panel.
New in version 1.1.1:
- Support for the latest Intel-based Macintosh computers
- Easier partitioning using presets for popular sizes
- Ability to install Windows XP on any internal disk
- Support for built-in iSight cameras
- Support for built-in microphones
- Right-click when pressing the right-hand Apple key on Apple
keyboards
- Improved Apple keyboard support including Delete, PrintScreen,
NumLock, and ScrollLock keys
Boot Camp Public Beta provides a straightforward means of
letting your Mac run Windows. Here's how it works:
- First, you need to make sure your Intel-based Mac has the
latest version of Mac OS X and the latest firmware update. These
provide technologies that make Boot Camp possible. It's also wise
to print out the Installation & Setup Guide.
- The Boot Camp burns a CD with the drivers Windows needs to
recognize Mac-specific hardware. It is very important to do this
before starting the Windows installation.
- The software also helps you set aside hard drive space for the
Windows installation, without moving any of your Mac files around.
Just drag the intuitive slider to choose the size that's right for
you. Boot Camp also helps you remove the Windows partition, should
you so desire.
- Next, insert your Windows installation disc, restart and follow
the Windows installation process. The only tricky part is selecting
the C: drive manually. Be sure to get this right, or you could
erase your Mac files accidentally. Remember, Apple Computer does
not sell or support Microsoft Windows.
- After the installation process is complete and your Mac has
booted Windows, you'll need the Macintosh Drivers CD you burned
previously. When you insert the CD, it will automatically install
the drivers. Follow the instructions in the Installation &
Setup Guide for helpful hints.
- Don't forget to follow best practices for updating and
protecting your Windows system (see "Word to the wise" to
right).
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later
- Intel-based Mac
- The latest firmware update for your Intel Mac
- A genuine installation disc for Microsoft Windows XP, Service
Pack 2, Home or Professional (no multi-disc, upgrade or Media
Center versions)
- A blank recordable CD
If you previously installed Boot Camp beta, you can easily
update to Boot Camp 1.1.1 beta. You don't need to partition your
hard drive again (unless you want to change its size) or reinstall
your Macintosh and Windows software or documents, but it's very
important to update the Boot Camp Assistant software, create a new
Macintosh Drivers for Windows CD and install the updated software
it contains on Windows XP. Complete instructions are provided in
the Installation and Setup Guide included with the Boot Camp 1.1.1
beta software.
Link: Apple Boot
Camp
Desktop Mac
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