MacBook, PowerBook, iBook, and other portable computing is covered
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iNews Review.
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News & Opinion
Apple Updates
Reviews
Products & Services
Software
News & Opinion
Apple Updates iMac Line
PR: July 27, 2010 - Apple today updated its all-in-one iMac line,
widely praised as the world's best desktop computers, with the latest
Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors and powerful new
graphics. Starting at $1,199, the new iMac line is the fastest ever
with dual-core processor speeds up to 3.6 GHz, quad-core speeds up to
2.93 GHz and discrete graphics including the powerful ATI Radeon HD
5750. The new Magic Trackpad, with a smooth glass and aluminum design,
gives iMac users the same intuitive Multi-Touch™ gestures that
Mac notebook customers have come to love and is available separately
for $69.
The 2010 iMacs look just like the 2009 ones. All changes are under the
hood.
"We took the world's best all-in-one and made it even better," said
Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product
Marketing. "With the latest processors, high-performance graphics and
signature aluminum and glass design, customers are going to love the
latest iMac."
Dual-core Intel Core i3 and Core i5, and quad-core Core i5 and Core
i7 processors set a new benchmark for iMac performance. The processors
feature an integrated memory controller to access the system memory
directly, allowing the new iMac to take full advantage of its faster
1333 MHz memory. New discrete ATI Radeon HD processors deliver
incredibly smooth, crisp graphics for the most demanding 3D games,
creative software and technical applications. iMac displays feature IPS
technology to deliver a brilliant image across a wide 178 degree
viewing angle. The SD card slot on the iMac now supports the SDXC
format to handle the latest high-capacity storage cards. Customers of
the 27" iMac have the option to order a 256 GB solid state drive (SSD)
as a primary or secondary drive. The iMac SSD supports up to 215 MB/s
data transfer rates for faster startup and application launch
times.
Every iMac comes with Apple's innovative Magic Mouse and customers
can also order the new Magic Trackpad (more below) as
an option. The Magic Trackpad brings the intuitive Multi-Touch gestures
of Mac notebook trackpads to the desktop. With its glass surface, the
wireless Magic Trackpad enables users to scroll smoothly up and down a
page with inertial scrolling, pinch to zoom in and out, rotate an image
with their fingertips and swipe three fingers to flip through a
collection of web pages or photos. The Magic Trackpad can be configured
to support single button or two button commands and supports
tap-to-click as well as a physical click.
Continuing Apple's commitment to the environment, Apple's desktop
lineup is a leader in green design. The iMac meets stringent Energy
Star 5.0 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold status.1 iMac
features LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with
arsenic-free glass. iMac uses PVC-free components and cables, contains
no brominated flame retardants, uses highly recyclable materials and
features material-efficient system and packaging designs. A new Apple
Battery Charger provides a convenient and environmentally friendly way
to always have a fresh set of batteries for your Magic Trackpad, Magic
Mouse and Wireless Keyboard. The Apple Battery Charger is available for
$29 and comes with six long shelf life rechargeable batteries.
Every Mac also comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the world's most
advanced operating system, and iLife, Apple's innovative suite of
applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and
learning to play music. Snow Leopard builds on a decade of OS X
innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, core technologies
and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange. iLife features
iPhoto, with breakthrough ways to organize and manage your photos by
who appears in them and where they were taken; iMovie with powerful
easy-to-use features such as Precision Editor, video stabilization and
advanced drag and drop; and GarageBand which offers a whole new way to
help you learn to play piano and guitar.
Pricing & Availability
The new iMac line is shipping now and available through the Apple Store,
Apple's retail stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers. Specs only
include changes from the previously listed model.
The new 21.5" 3.06 GHz Intel Core i3 iMac, for a suggested retail
price of $1,199, includes:
- 21.5" 1920 x 1080 LED-backlit display
- 3.06 GHz Intel Core i3 processor with 4 MB shared L3
cache
- 4 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16 GB
- ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics with 256 MB GDDR3 SDRAM
- 500 GB SATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm
- slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R
DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
- Mini DisplayPort for audio and video output (adapters sold
separately)
- AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth
2.1+EDR
- iSight video camera
- Gigabit Ethernet
- four USB 2.0 ports
- one SDXC SD card slot
- one FireWire 800 port
- built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
- Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.
- Configure-to-order options include up to 8 GB of RAM.
The new 21.5" 3.2 GHz Intel Core i3 iMac, for a suggested retail
price of $1,499, includes:
- 21.5" 1920 x 1080 LED-backlit display
- 3.20 GHz Intel Core i3 processor with 4 MB shared L3
cache
- ATI Radeon HD 5670 discrete graphics with 512 MB GDDR3
- 1 TB SATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm
- Configure-to-order options include a faster 3.6 GHz Core i5
processor, 2 TB hard drive and up to 8 GB of RAM.
The new 27" 3.2 GHz Intel Core i3 iMac, for a suggested retail price
of $1,699, includes:
- 27" 2560 x 1440 LED-backlit display
- Configure-to-order options include a 3.6 GHz Core i5 processor,
2 TB hard drive, 256 GB solid state drive (SSD) and up to 16 GB of
RAM.
The new 27" 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 iMac, for a suggested
retail price of $1,999, includes:
- 27" 2560 x 1440 LED-backlit display
- 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 processor with 8 MB shared L3
cache
- ATI Radeon HD 5750 discrete graphics with 1 GB GDDR5
- Configure-to-order options include a 2.93 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core
i7 processor, a 2 TB hard drive, 256 GB solid state drive (SSD)
and up to 16 GB of RAM.
Additional accessories include: Magic Trackpad, Apple Battery
Charger, wired Apple Mouse, wired Apple Keyboard, wired Apple Keyboard
with numeric keypad, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort
to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30" DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA
Adapter, Apple Remote, the AppleCare Protection Plan; and preinstalled
copies of iWork, Logic Express 9, Final Cut Express 4 and Aperture
3.
Link: iMac
Apple Unveils New Mac Pro with Up to 12 Processing
Cores
PR: July 27, 2010 - Apple today unveiled a new Mac Pro line with up to 12
processing cores and up to 50% greater performance than the previous
generation.* Featuring the latest quad-core and 6-core Intel Xeon
processors, all-new ATI graphics, and the option for up to four 512 GB
solid state drives (SSD), the new Mac Pro continues to deliver amazing
performance and expandability for the most demanding consumers and
professionals.
"The new Mac
Pro is the most powerful and configurable Mac we've ever made," said
Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product
Marketing. "With up to 12 cores, the new Mac Pro outperforms our
previous top-of-the-line system by up to 50%, and with over a billion
possible configurations, our customers can create exactly the system
they want."
At the heart of the new Mac Pro's performance are next generation
quad-core and 6-core Intel Xeon processors running at speeds up to 3.33
GHz. These multicore processors use a single die design so each core
can share up to 12 MB L3 cache to improve efficiency while increasing
processing speed. These systems feature an integrated memory controller
for faster memory bandwidth and reduced memory latency; Turbo Boost to
dynamically boost processor speeds up to 3.6 GHz; and HyperThreading to
create up to 24 virtual cores. The Mac Pro now comes with the ATI
Radeon HD 5770 graphics processor with 1 GB of memory and
customers can configure-to-order the even faster ATI Radeon HD 5870
with 1 GB of memory.
For the first time, Mac Pro customers have the option to order a 512
GB SSD for the ultimate in reliability and lightning fast performance.
With the ability to install up to four SSD drives in the system's
internal drive bays, the new Mac Pro can provide ultra high-speed disk
bandwidth and random disk performance, two times faster than the
average performance of a standard disk drive.2 Mac Pro also
now features two Mini DisplayPorts and one dual-link DVI port. The
additional Mini DisplayPort output allows customers to connect two LED
Cinema Displays without an additional graphics card or adapter and the
dual-link DVI port supports legacy DVI-based displays up to a
resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels.
Every Mac Pro comes with Apple's innovative Magic Mouse and
customers can also order Apple's new Magic Trackpad as an option. The
Magic Trackpad brings the intuitive Multi-Touch™ gestures of Mac
notebook trackpads to the desktop. With its glass surface, the wireless
Magic Trackpad allows users to scroll smoothly up and down a page with
inertial scrolling, pinch to zoom in and out, rotate an image with
their fingertips and swipe three fingers to flip through a collection
of web pages or photos. The Magic Trackpad can be configured to support
single button or two button commands and supports tap-to-click as well
as a physical click. Magic Trackpad is available separately for
$69.
Continuing Apple's commitment to the environment, Apple's desktop
lineup is a leader in green design. The Mac Pro meets stringent Energy
Star 5.0 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold status.3 The
Mac Pro enclosure is made of highly recyclable aluminum and the
interior is designed to be more material-efficient. The Mac Pro uses
PVC-free internal cables and components and contains no brominated
flame retardants. The new Apple Battery Charger provides a convenient
and environmentally friendly way to always have a fresh set of
batteries for your Magic Trackpad, Magic Mouse and Wireless Keyboard.
The Apple Battery Charger is available as an option for $29 and comes
with six long shelf life rechargeable batteries.
Every Mac also comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the world's most
advanced operating system, and iLife, Apple's innovative suite of
applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and
learning to play music. Snow Leopard builds on a decade of OS X
innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, core technologies
and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange. iLife features
iPhoto, with breakthrough ways to organize and manage your photos by
who appears in them and where they were taken; iMovie with powerful
easy-to-use features such as Precision Editor, video stabilization and
advanced drag and drop; and GarageBand which offers a whole new way to
help you learn to play piano and guitar.
Optional Apple professional applications include Aperture, Final Cut
Express, Final Cut Studio, Logic Express, and Logic Studio.
Pricing & Availability
The new Mac Pro will be available in August through the Apple Store,
Apple's retail stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers.
The new quad-core Mac Pro, with a suggested retail price of $2,499,
includes:
- one 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon W3530 processor with 8 MB of
fully shared L3 cache
- 3 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 ECC SDRAM memory, expandable up to 16
GB
- ATI Radeon HD 5770 with 1 GB of GDDR5 memory
- two Mini DisplayPorts and one DVI (dual-link) port (adapters sold
separately)
- 1 TB SATA 3 Gb/s hard drive running at 7200 rpm
- 18x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R
DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
- four PCI Express 2.0 slots
- five USB 2.0 ports and four FireWire 800 ports
- AirPort Extreme 802.11n
- Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; and
- Apple Keyboard with numerical keypad and Magic Mouse.
Configure-to-order options include:
- one 3.2 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon W3565 processor
- one 3.33 GHz 6-core Intel Xeon W3680 processor
- up to 16 GB of DDR3 ECC SDRAM memory
- two ATI Radeon HD 5770 cards with 1 GB of GDDR5 memory
- one ATI Radeon HD 5870 card with 1 GB of GDDR5 memory
- up to four 512 GB solid state drives (SSD) or up to four 1 TB
or 2 TB SATA hard drives running at 7200 rpm
- Mac Pro RAID card
- dual-channel or quad-channel 4Gb Fibre Channel card; and
- up to two 18x SuperDrives with double-layer support.
The new 8-core Mac Pro, with a suggested retail price of $3,499,
includes (only differences from the 4-core model are listed here):
- two 2.4 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon E5620 processors with 12 MB of
fully shared L3 cache per processor
- 6 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 ECC SDRAM memory, expandable up to 32
GB
- ATI Radeon HD 5770 with 1 GB of GDDR5 memory
Configure-to-order options include:
- two 2.66 GHz 6-core Intel Xeon X5650 processors (12-cores)
- two 2.93 GHz 6-core Intel Xeon X5670 processors (12-cores)
- up to 32 GB of DDR3 ECC SDRAM memory
- two ATI Radeon HD 5770 cards with 1 GB of GDDR5 memory
- one ATI Radeon HD 5870 card with 1 GB of GDDR5 memory
- up to four 512 GB solid state drives (SSD) or up to four 1 TB
or 2 TB SATA hard drives running at 7200 rpm
- Mac Pro RAID card
- dual-channel or quad-channel 4Gb Fibre Channel card; and
- up to two 18x SuperDrives with double-layer support.
Accessories include: Magic Trackpad, Apple Battery Charger, wired
Apple Mouse, wireless Apple Keyboard, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter,
Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30" DVI display), Mini
DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, the AppleCare Protection Plan; and
preinstalled copies of Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server; iWork, Logic
Express 9, Final Cut Express 4 and Aperture 3.
- Testing conducted by Apple in July 2010 using preproduction Mac Pro
12-core 2.93 GHz units and shipping Mac Pro 8-core 2.93 GHz units, all
configured with 6 GB of RAM. Based on render performance of
Maxwell Render 2.0.3 using Benchwell's sculpture.mxs. Performance tests
are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the
approximate performance of Mac Pro.
- Testing conducted by Apple in July 2010 using preproduction Mac Pro
12-core 2.93 GHz units configured with 6 GB of RAM, 1 TB
7200-rpm hard disk drive and 512 GB solid-state drive. Testing
conducted using Iometer 2006.07.27 with a 30-second ramp-up, 5-minute
run duration, 128 KB request size, 8 outstanding IOs, and 150 GB test
file. Average rotational media performance calculated by creating the
test file on the outer, middle and inner sectors of the drive and
averaging the results from all three measurements. Performance tests
are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the
approximate performance of Mac Pro.
- EPEAT is an independent organization that helps customers compare
the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products
meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75% of the
optional criteria are recognized as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT
program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard
for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more
information visit www.epeat.net.
Link: Mac
Pro
Apple Introduces New Multi-Touch Magic
Trackpad
Apple's Magic Trackpad complements the Mac's keyboard.
PR: Why should notebooks have all the fun?
Desktop users, your time has come. The new Magic Trackpad is the
first Multi-Touch™ trackpad designed to work with your Mac
desktop computer.* It uses the same Multi-Touch technology you love on
the MacBook Pro. And it supports a full set of gestures, giving you a
whole new way to control and interact with what's on your screen.
Swiping through pages online feels just like flipping through pages in
a book or magazine. And inertial scrolling makes moving up and down a
page more natural than ever. Magic Trackpad connects to your Mac via
Bluetooth wireless technology. Use it in place of a mouse or in
conjunction with one on any Mac computer - even a notebook.
The largest Multi-Touch trackpad ever.
Magic Trackpad is just like the trackpad on the MacBook Pro - but
bigger. It's made with the same advanced touch-friendly and
wear-resistant glass surface. But with nearly 80% more area, it's the
largest Multi-Touch trackpad made by Apple. So there's even more room
for you to scroll, swipe, pinch, and rotate to your fingers' content.
And since the entire surface is a button that clicks, you can use it in
place of a mouse.
It fits in perfectly.
Magic Trackpad features the same sculpted aluminum design as the
Apple Wireless Keyboard, and side by side the two sit flush at the same
angle and height. Go from typing to gesturing in one motion, or do both
at the same time. How perfect is that?
Effortless wireless.
Magic Trackpad works using Bluetooth technology, so you don't have
to deal with an annoying cable that dictates where you place it. Once
you pair Magic Trackpad with your Bluetooth-enabled Mac, you'll enjoy a
reliable, secure connection up to 33 feet away. Magic Trackpad detects
periods of inactivity, and it's equipped with an on/off switch.
Together these features help to conserve battery life, so you can keep
gesturing for months at a time.
Apple Battery Charger
Now there's a more environmentally friendly way to go wireless. The
Apple Battery Charger comes with six high-performance AA NiMH
batteries. And once they're done charging, the charger automatically
reduces the amount of power it needs, so you don't have to worry about
wasting energy.
Get in touch with your desktop.
The entire surface of Magic Trackpad is one large button, so you can
click and double-click anywhere. Magic Trackpad also supports a full
set of gestures, including two-finger scrolling, pinching to zoom,
rotating with your fingertips, three-finger swiping, and activating
Exposé or switching between applications with four fingers.
- Click: Press down anywhere on the Multi-Touch surface to
physically click or double-click. Or, with "Tap to Click" enabled in
System Preferences, simply tap or double-tap the surface.
- Scroll: Brush two fingers along the Multi-Touch surface to
scroll in any direction - vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
- Swipe: Using three fingers, brush left and right along the
Multi-Touch surface to page forward and back.
- Rotate: With your thumb and index finger on the Multi-Touch
surface, twist clockwise or counterclockwise to rotate an image.
Your
trackpad, your rules.
Even though Magic Trackpad is capable of multiple gestures, you may
find one or two unnecessary. Not to worry. Simply access the Magic
Trackpad pane in System Preferences to enable gestures you want and
disable those you don't want.
Pricing & Availability
The new Magic Trackpad is available through the Apple Store,
Apple's retail stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested
retail price of $999. The LED Cinema Display requires a Mac with Mini
DisplayPort.
System Requirements
- Bluetooth-enabled Mac computer
- Two AA batteries (included)
- Mac OS X Snow Leopard v10.6.4 and latest software update
Link: Magic Trackpad
Apple Unveils New 27" LED Cinema Display
PR: July 27, 2010 - Apple today unveiled a new 27" LED Cinema
Display with stunning 2560 x 1440 resolution and 60% more screen real
estate than the 24-inch LED Cinema Display. Featuring a built-in iSight
video camera, microphone and speakers, powered USB 2.0 hub, and
universal MagSafe connector, the new LED Cinema Display is an ideal
companion for the MacBook family or a Mac desktop, and is available for
$999.
"With built-in MagSafe charging, iSight camera, speakers, and USB
ports, the LED Cinema Display is ideal for MacBook and MacBook Pro
users,"said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide
Product Marketing. "With its massive 2560 x 1440 resolution, the new
27" LED Cinema Display is a perfect fit with our powerful new Mac Pro,
and it gives iMac users an easy way to double their screen real
estate."
The new, larger 27" LED Cinema Display features a beautiful 16:9
edge-to-edge glass display on an aluminum stand with an adjustable
hinge that makes tilting the display almost effortless. The LED Cinema
Display has vivid colors and exceptionally high contrast and uses a
premium display technology called in-plane switching (IPS) to provide a
brilliant image across an ultra wide 178 degree viewing angle.
Designed as a companion for any Mac notebook or desktop, the 27"
display includes a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing,
an integrated MagSafe charger to keep Mac notebooks charged, built-in
Mini DisplayPort connectivity for video and audio input and a powered
three-port USB 2.0 hub so customers can charge their iPhone or iPod
even when they take their MacBook with them.
The new LED Cinema Display now includes a new ambient light sensor
which automatically adjusts the display brightness based on external
lighting conditions and uses only as much energy as necessary to
provide an optimum viewing experience. Made with mercury-free LED
technology, arsenic-free glass and highly recyclable materials, the LED
Cinema Display meets stringent Energy Star 5.0 requirements and
achieves EPEAT Gold status.* The new display contains no brominated
flame retardants and all cables and components are PVC-free.
Pricing & Availability
The new LED Cinema Display will be available in September through
the Apple
Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a
suggested retail price of $999. The LED Cinema Display requires a Mac
with Mini DisplayPort.
Link: LED
Cinema Display
Apple Updates Safari 5: Users Can Add New Features
Through Extensions
PR: July 28, 2010 - Apple today released Safari 5.0.1,
turning on Safari Extensions and introducing the Safari Extensions
Gallery. Apple introduced extensions support in Safari 5 in June so
developers could begin creating extensions with HTML5, CSS3 and
JavaScript web standards. With Safari Extensions Gallery, users can
quickly find extensions that add powerful new features to Safari, from
toolbars that display live web feeds to sophisticated programs that
filter web content. Safari 5.0.1 allows users to download and install
extensions either from the Safari Extensions Gallery or directly from a
developer's site.
"Safari 5 has been a big hit, and user response to the innovative
new Safari Reader has been fantastic," said Brian Croll, Apple's vice
president of OS X Product Marketing. "We're thrilled to see so many
leading developers creating great extensions and think our users are
going to love being able to customize Safari."
"Millions of our customers already use Amazon Wish Lists to store
items they want to buy for themselves or receive as gifts," said Gianna
Puerini, vice president of Worldwide Design and Community at
Amazon.com. "With Safari 5, we were able to quickly build the Add to
Amazon Wish List extension that lets customers add items from any
website to their Amazon Wish List with the click of a button."
"We're excited to continue working closely with Apple to bring
visually compelling Bing experiences to Safari," said Jeff Henshaw,
general manager of Bing User Experience. "The Bing Extension for Safari
brings Bing search intelligence to everyday browsing with Safari. When
a user selects text in Safari, Bing instantly recognizes what they
might need and pops up helpful, informative tips, from real time maps
and driving directions to real time translations to direct web search
results."
"Using web standard technologies and Safari's extension builder, we
developed an MLB.com extension to give fans another way to consume
up-to-the-moment baseball content, including live look-ins to games,
right from the Safari toolbar," said Noah Garden, executive vice
president, Commerce and Sponsorship at MLB.com.
"Our extension for Safari is a great way for readers to get all of
the latest breaking news and all the important stories, blogs and
columns they want to see," said Denise Warren, general manager,
NYTimes.com at The New York Times Company. "While you browse other
sites in Safari, our extension checks for updates and slides in new
headlines and thumbnails, so you won't miss a thing."
"Creating our Twitter extension in Safari couldn't have been
easier," said Jason Goldman, vice president of Product at Twitter. "By
providing features like the ability to tweet about a page and view
trending topics, we've created a simple way to deliver relevant,
interesting content to people regardless of where they are on the
web."
The Safari Extensions Gallery is accessible from the Safari menu or
at extensions.apple.com. Users can download and install extensions from
the gallery with a single click, and there's no need to restart the
browser. Extensions can be automatically updated and are easily managed
within Safari. Users can enable or disable individual extensions, or
turn off all extensions with one click.
Safari Extensions are built with HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript web
standards, and can have all the power and functionality of advanced web
applications. Every Safari Extension is signed with a digital
certificate from Apple to prevent tampering and to verify that updates
to the extension are from the original developer. Safari Extensions are
sandboxed, so they can't access information on a user's system or
communicate with websites aside from those specified by the developer.
For increased stability, Safari Extensions run solely in the
browser.
Safari 5 also features Safari Reader, which presents single and
multipage articles on the web in a new, scrollable view without
distracting content or clutter. The Nitro JavaScript engine runs
JavaScript up to 30% faster than Safari 4.* Built on the open source
WebKit engine developed by Apple, Safari 5 includes more than a dozen
powerful new HTML5 features for creating media-rich experiences, like
full screen playback and closed captions for HTML5 video.
Pricing & Availability
Safari 5 is available for both Mac OS X and Windows as a free
download. Safari 5 for Mac OS X requires Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.8 or Mac
OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.2 or later. Safari 5 for Windows requires
Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista or Windows 7, a minimum 256 MB of memory
and a system with at least a 500 MHz Intel Pentium processor. The
Safari Extensions Gallery is available at extensions.apple.com. The Safari
Developer Program is free to join at developer.apple.com/programs/safari.
Link: Safari
What's Useful in the Safari Extensions Gallery
LifeHacker's Kevin Purdy says:
"Safari's Extensions Gallery has gone live, and there's quite a bit
to look through and add to your browser at launch. We took a gander
through the offerings and picked out some of the extensions worth
noting. Here's the (updating) list.
"To use these extensions, you'll need to have Safari installed, and
have it updated to the latest version. Both Macs and Windows
installations have Apple's updating software you can use to grab the
5.0.1 copy, but if you've disabled Apple's Software Update on Windows,
you'll need to grab a fresh copy manually...."
Link:
What's Useful in the Safari Extensions Gallery
Apple's Magic Trackpad: End of the Mouse Era
TechCrunch's MG Siegler thinks that easily the most interesting new
hardware Apple unveiled on Tuesday is the new Magic Trackpad, which he
thinks is about "trends and the future," noting that an Apple rep
observed to him that that more folks are using trackpads, because there
are more notebook users than desktop users, with laptops having been
Apple's best-selling computers for some time now, meaning an increasing
number of users are accustomed to using their computers via trackpads,
and that "people love the trackpad . . . so we wanted to
bring that kind of design to our desktop users."
Siegler notes that the Magic Trackpad has 80% more surface area than
trackpads used in MacBooks and contends that Apple is moving towards a
place where the majority of computer interaction is done through touch
gestures, but reports that Apple spokespersons he queries hedged a bit,
saying that plenty of people at Apple use the Magic Trackpad alongside
the Magic Mouse, with some computing operations being better with a
mouse, some with a trackpad, but acknowledging that some users will
likely ditch the mouse in favor of the new device.
Siegler says the Magic Trackpad is going to replace his mouse, and
that he's been using his laptop more and more of late simply because he
prefers the trackpad with its multitouch gestures, speculating that the
mouse could eventually be relegated to status as a precision tool for
professionals like designers.
Link: Apple's Magic
Trackpad Signals the End of the Mouse Era
Apple's Magic Trackpad: Niche Product or the Next
Big Thing?
Writing in his Technologizer blog, Harry McCracken wonders if anyone
will figure out how to make the Magic Trackpad work with Windows, or if
the company would consider a PC-friendly model, noting that while he
rarely uses desktop computers these days and being not exactly
anti-mouse, he does find that they're sometimes hostile to southpaws
like him.
Will a meaningful percentage of iMac and Mac Pro owners choose one
over a mouse? McCracken muses, noting that he doesn't have a clue, but
is curious, and observing that while touchpads have been the dominant
integrated pointing devices on laptops for a decade and a half, he
knows plenty of people who still aren't fans and who travel with mice
rather than being forced to use a touchpad.
Well, maybe. I'm an exclusive laptop user, albeit much of the time
in desktop substitute mode, and while my unibody MacBook has a glass,
Multi-Touch trackpad, I still connect a mouse whenever practical to do
so and tend to use it for all but a fraction of pointing and clicking
tasks. I'm perfectly comfortable with trackpads, and like them, but I
still tend to prefer that mouse precision, particularly with hard-wired
mice.
Link: Apple's Magic
Trackpad: Niche Product or the Next Big Thing?
The Mouse Is Dead. Can We Move On?
TechCrunch's MG Siegler says:
"This morning when I wrote a post about Apple's new Magic Trackpad,
I knew it would be a little controversial. After all, I basically said
that it was the beginning of the end of the mouse a device that
everyone reading the post probably still uses for a good chunk of their
computing on a daily basis. But I didn't expect what I said to be that
controversial. To the point where we have to declare the comment
section to be a war zone...."
Link: The Mouse Is
Dead. I Just Killed It. Now Can We Move On?
Mouse vs. Magic Trackpad
Fortune's Philip Elmer-DeWitt says that you won't take mice away
from some users until you pry them from their cold dead hands, but
mouse die-hards [your humble editor is one of them - cm] should
take caution in recalling the withering disdain and derision resolute
keyboarders poured on the newfangled pointing devices that Apple
introduced to the mass market with their Lisa and the Mac a quarter-century ago.
Elmer-DeWitt cites the durable
John Dvorak's 1984 comment: "There is no evidence that people want
to use these things."
Elmer-DeWitt notes that with the growing popularity of laptops with
their trackpads and other built-in cursor controllers, mice by the
millions are gathering dust, and now that Apple has launched a new
wireless peripheral that provides the last great bastion of mousers -
desktop computer users - with an alternative, the emotional heat with
which some of them have greeted the news takes him right back to
1984.
Link: Mouse
vs. Magic Trackpad
No Operating System Is Replaceable
Linux Today says:
"So many people out there just love to talk about how Linux is now a
'drop in replacement' for Microsoft Windows or Macintosh OS X. This
isn't the case. The sad truth is that there are no 'drop in
replacements' for most software, and especially so for operating
systems.
"With OS X . . . there is no alternative to iWork. If you have a few
thousand files in a pages, keynote, or numbers format nothing but iWork
will open them. Likewise, finding alternatives to the iLife suite is
rather difficult. iTunes works with your iPhone, iPod, and iPad
. . . while Linux candle music, pictures, and some movies on
those devices you are out of luck for your books, contacts, apps,
bookmarks, notes, and mail. You also cannot access the iTunes store on
Linux. Another thing that will be difficult to match on Linux is Adobe
CS . . . if you are a professional photographer, graphic
artist, or website designer who had depended upon Adobe CS, I would
never advise switching to Linux from OS X...."
Link: No Operating
System Is Replaceable
Could Runaway iPad Adoption Be Driving Mac
Sales?
InfoWorld's Woody Leonhard reports that second-quarter reports show
the Mac making big gains over Windows-based PCs; and at the very least
scorching iPad sales haven't hurt Leonhard notes that while many
analysts predicted that the iPad would cannibalize Mac sales, so far
the reverse has obtained, with iPad sales apparently having had a "halo
effect" if anything -
Apple's latest quarterly financials report showing booming Mac sales
of 3.47 million units between April 1 and June 30 - the most Macs sold
in a financial quarter, calculated by Gartner Group at greater than
4.2% of all PC sales globally and 9.8% domestically.
Leonhard also perceives the iPad as a breakthrough spearhead for
Apple into the enterprise IT environment, with the presence of more
iPads in business paving the way for more Macs as well. "The third
battle line has been drawn," he observes, "and this time employees
aren't overly concerned about corporate guidelines: When the boss shows
off her shiny new iPad, it's hard for IT folks to bluster about
security and standards," so chances of a Mac is coming to a corporate
desktop near you have arguably been enhanced by the iPad.
Link: Is Runaway iPad
Adoption Driving Mac Sales?
Apple Discontinues 24" & 30" Cinema Displays
in Favor of 27" Model
AppleInsider's Katie Marsal reports:
"Apple's new 27-inch Cinema Display will mark the end of the 24- and
30-inch models once supplies run out, leaving the company with just one
standalone monitor offering...."
Link: Apple Discontinues
24, 30-inch Cinema Displays for 27-Inch Model
Nasty Surprise Inside a Portable Drive
Macworld's Ted Landau says:
"Recently, someone I know called me with a serious problem with his
Western Digital My Passport portable external drive. The drive, which
was only a month old and had worked perfectly until the fateful day,
failed to show up anywhere in any Mac software. It did not mount in the
Finder. It did not show up in Disk Utility or other third-party repair
utilities. As far as the Mac was concerned, the drive did not exist.
This meant there was no way to repair the drive or otherwise attempt to
recover data."
"The root cause of the symptom, according to my theory, was a
failure of the drive's USB port....
"Assuming I was correct, I came up with what seemed to be a viable
solution: Open up the unit's plastic case and remove the connection
from the SATA port on the drive to the USB port on the case....
"Unfortunately . . . there was no SATA interface to be found . . .
Western Digital had eliminated the SATA interface from these latest
Passport drives."
Link: A Surprise
Inside a Portable Drive
Shipping Your OWC Order to Canada? OWC Now
Includes UPS and FedEx 'Brokerage Fees' in Shipping Costs
PR: Recently, we have received a few inquiries from our
Canadian customers regarding shipping, brokers fees, customs &
taxes and what is the best course of action for them to take when
shipping products to Canada. We have investigated the situation, and
have come up with these helpful insights to those affected.
If you choose to have your OWC order shipped via UPS or FedEx, OWC
now includes all brokerage fees in our shipping costs to Canada.
However, there still may be duty taxes and/or custom fees that would be
charged separately by the carrier, on behalf of the Canadian
Government, and are usually due upon delivery of your order.
If you choose to send US Postal (First Class, Priority or Express),
please remember that for international shipments, First Class can take
up to 3+ weeks to arrive. Priority usually takes between a week to a
week and a half and Express shipments typically arrive within a
week.
As far as tracking your parcel goes, typically USPS First Class is
the least expensive option and, as such, does not come with any
tracking information. Priority shipments will have a reference number
that can sometimes show the major happenings like pick up and delivery.
A neat trick that many may not be aware of is that the USPS tracking
information can also be tracked using canadapost.com once the parcel
has entered Canada!
However, for full and complete tracking information, you probably
want to use either USPS Express, UPS or Fed Ex.
Below are some links that should help our Canadian customers make a
more informed decision concerning buying and shipping products from
OWC:
Editor's note: This brokerage fee news is huge. I live in Canada and
have lost count of how many times I've had my wallet siphoned
outrageously on the doorstep - especially by UPS, but also FedEx - with
their with a so-called "brokerage fees" for rubber-stamping shipments
originating in the US through Canadian customs and collecting Canadian
value-added tax and fees. Nothing you can do about taxes, but my
central beef is the amount these companies charge for this service,
which are outrageous, excessive, and extortionary. Time and time again
I've vowed I would never again accept shipments from the US with these
extreme and outrageous brokerage charges attached, but realistically,
what can you do? When they arrive at your door, you're between a rock
and hard place. If you refuse to pay the absurd brokerage charge, the
driver will not release the parcel, and it will be shipped back to the
sender at his expense. In most cases, the consignee has already had the
purchase charged to their credit card and probably will also be facing
a 15% restocking fee and a lengthy wait for a refund at best if they
refused the parcel. Most grit their teeth and cough up the ransom.
By contrast, Canada Post (which is a freestanding, for-profit Crown
corporation and not a public service) charges a modest $5 for clearing
US-originating items through customs and collecting the taxes - exactly
the same service that the courier services have been hosing their
customers many times that amount for, and I'm sure Canada Post makes
money on it, since with the NAFTA agreement there are rarely any duties
to calculate and process, so it's basically just a matter of collecting
the HST or GST percentage and rubber-stamping it through.
Bravo to OWC for proactively addressing this issue. cm
Link: Shipping
Your OWC Order to Canada, Eh?!
Death of Film: Last Roll of Kodachrome
Processed
Wired's Charlie Sorrel reports:
"What do you know about Dwayne's Photo Service of Parsons, Kansas?
It is the place where the very last roll of the Kodachrome was
processed.
"Kodachrome, the slide-film that inspired songs, was discontinued by
Kodak last year at 74 years of age....
"The last roll was shot by National Geographic photographer Steve
McCurry, who shot the 36 exposures in New York . . . The
pictures will be part of a National Geographic piece in the near
future...."
Editor's note: Kodachrome may be history, but other negative and
transparency films live on, albeit overshadowed by digital technology.
For Charles W. Moore's musings on the death of Kodachrome, see An Affectionate Farewell to
Kodachrome. dk
Link:
Death of Film: Last Roll of Kodachrome Processed
Apple Updates
Mac OS X v10.6.4 Update
Apple has released a Mac OS X v10.6.4 Update for iMac (Mid 2010)
The Mac OS X 10.6.4 Update is recommended for all users of iMac (Mid
2010). This update contains all the applicable fixes from the Mac OS X
10.6.4 Update, plus the following specific fixes for iMac (Mid
2010):
- Resolves compatibility and performance-related graphics
issues.
- Improves compatibility with large-format SDXC memory cards.
- Adds support for Magic Trackpad.
File Size: 452.62 MB
System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.6.3
Link: About the Mac OS X v10.6.4
Update
Reviews
21.5" 3.06 GHz Core i3 iMac 'an Impressive
Performance Improvement'
Macworld's James Galbraith says:
"On Monday, Apple updated its entire line of iMac and Mac Pro
systems . . . the new iMacs are in the Macworld Lab right now.
"The first system to finish our testing regime is the new
entry-level iMac, a 21.5-inch model with a 3.06 GHz Core i3 processor,
and our Speedmark 6 test results show an impressive performance
improvement over the system it replaces."
Link: Apple 21.5-inch
Core i3 iMac/3.06 GHz
27" Mid 2010 iMac: Don't Bring Your Own SSD
OWC blogger Chris S. says:
"Well, we have good news and bad news for you.
"The good news is that the SSD bay available in the new iMacs holds
a standard 2.5" form factor drive, which means you can install a
high-performance OWC Mercury Extreme SSD for the speed advantage over
Apple's SSDs.
"The bad news is that, unless your Mid 2010 iMac originally came
with an Apple SSD, there's no graceful way to install an OWC one. The
appropriate mounting bracket and connector cables are nowhere to be
found on the non-SSD models.
"This unfortunate development continues Apple's proclivity toward
making the iMac's inner workings less accessible than they could (or
some may say should) be."
Link: 27"
Mid 2010 iMac Disassembled
Mid 2010 Mac mini: Price the Only Obstacle
PC Advisor says:
"Apple has given the casework of its entry-level Mac the full
unibody makeover, making the new Apple Mac mini (Mid 2010) the
most significant update in the product's history. And revisions to its
graphics card plus a new HDMI port will make it even more attractive as
the foundation of an efficient media-centre PC
"We always thought the original Mac mini design was an understated
marvel. Just two-inches high and seven-inches square, it offered so
much more than the new wave of under-aspirated nettop PCs....
"Build quality is, literally, flawless. The selection of raw
material quality and final fit-and-finish are so far removed from that
of almost any other computer we test, it's hard to equate this as a PC
alongside the rattling Windows boxes we see in the lab for our monthly
group tests."
"Only the price stands in the way of making this a no-brain
recommendation for purchase."
Link: Apple
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Review
Products & Services
Apple Introduces NiMH Battery Charger
PR: Introducing the first battery charger designed by
Apple. It recharges quickly and uses energy wisely. And it comes with
six AA batteries, so you'll always have plenty of power for your
wireless Mac accessories.
The Apple Battery Charger has one of the lowest standby power usage
values - or "vampire draw" - of similar chargers on the market. That's
the energy most chargers continue to draw after their batteries are
fully charged. But the Apple Battery Charger senses when its batteries
are done charging and automatically reduces the amount of power it
needs. In addition, the reusable batteries that come with each Apple
Battery Charger are designed to maintain a high charge capacity for
hundreds of charges, so you no longer have to buy new batteries or toss
them every few months.
Standby Power Usage
After your battery charge cycle is complete, the Apple Battery
Charger reduces its power intake to 30 milliwatts that's more than 10
times better than the industry average.
When the Apple Battery Charger recharges your batteries, it not only
maximizes battery performance and lifespan, it also conserves energy.
Thanks to an intelligent power management system, the Apple Battery
Charger uses less power once your batteries are fully charged, making
it one of the most energy-efficient rechargeable battery solutions
ever. The Apple Battery Charger can recharge one or two batteries at a
time. It's optimized for Apple-supplied batteries and it works with AA
NiMH batteries from other companies, too.
Each Apple Battery Charger comes with six high-performance AA NiMH
batteries: two for your keyboard, two for your mouse or trackpad, and
two for charging. Unlike many other reusable batteries, these batteries
have an incredibly long service life - up to 10 years - which means you
can finally break the cycle of buying and disposing of those single-use
alkaline batteries. The batteries that come with the Apple Battery
Charger kit also have an extraordinarily low self-discharge rate. Even
after a year of sitting in a drawer, they still retain 80% of their
original charge. That way you always have backup power when you need
it.
The Apple Battery Charger has a sleek, compact shape so you can plug
it in between tangles of desk wires or pack it neatly in your computer
bag when you travel. And like Apple power adapters, the Apple Battery
Charger is designed with a removable AC plug, so you can replace it
with plugs that fit different outlets around the world.
In the box:
- Wall outlet charger
- Six rechargeable AA NiMH batteries
The Apple Battery Charger sells for $29
Link: Apple Battery Charger
Return of the Goldtouch Ergonomic Mouse
PR: In response to overwhelming market demand for
ergonomic mousing devices, the Goldtouch Ergonomic Mouse is back, and
better than ever.
Goldtouch "Productivity through Prevention" announces the release of
the Goldtouch Ergonomic Mouse, adding to the award winning product
portfolio of ergonomic keyboards, keypads and accessories. The new
mouse is scheduled to ship on August 1st and will be available in
right-handed, left-handed, and a right-handed Bluetooth wireless model.
The mouse will support all popular operating systems including
Macintosh, Windows, and Linux, and will be available through over 100
global resellers and distribution partners. With an MSRP price of $69
for USB models, and $89. for Bluetooth models, the mouse is positioned
to mainstream ergonomic mousing at a very competitive price.
Goldtouch designed its first ergonomic mouse in 1995. The
design was awarded numerous patents for its unique, sloping-angle
design. The mouse was discontinued in 2005, however many are still in
use today. Since then, Goldtouch has grown substantially, adding many
new products such as the Goldtouch Go! Travel Keyboard and the Go!
Travel Notebook Stand. In early 2010, Goldtouch began to redesign its'
mouse, increasing the overall size of the mouse, while adhering to the
shape and patented sloping-angle originally designed by and approved by
professional ergonomists.
The new Goldtouch Ergonomic Mouse not only feels good, but it looks
good as well. "We've incorporated softer materials to add control to
the thumb area and buttons, and we've designed a modern silver and
black color scheme that we think users are going to find very
attractive," explains Mark Norwalk, Goldtouch CEO.
Considering that the average office worker can spend 4-6 hours per
day performing data entry of some kind, it's well known and accepted
that the mouse and mousing platform are extremely important to user
comfort. Users of all ages are susceptible to Repetitive Stress
Injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which is why it's absolutely
necessary to maintain a natural wrist position and relieve stress on
sensitive pressure points.
The Goldtouch Ergonomic Mouse will help thousands of users
suffering from wrist and arm injuries, and it will help thousands more
prevent RSI injuries from occurring.
What's New
The new Goldtouch Mouse is based on the shape of the original
Goldtouch Mouse, leveraging the same patented slope angles specified by
ergonomists and health safety professionals.
Primary changes in design:
- Overall size increase by approximately 10% in length, width and
height
- Replaced the thumb-scroll with a scroll wheel on top of the
mouse
- Rubberized, concave thumb area added to increase mouse control, and
to support undersized and oversized hands and fingers
- Optical tracking system to increase mouse accuracy
- USB
Ergonomic Design
Ergonomic design supports the hand in a naturally sloping angle that
places the wrist in a neutral position.
There is no need to adapt to a radically new mouse orientation to
gain ergonomic benefits. Unlike mice and joysticks that require a
completely vertical orientation of the hand, the Goldtouch Ergonomic
mouse positions the hand and wrist in a naturally sloping angle. The
user is immediately oriented to the shape and angle of the mouse, and
is therefore, immediately productive.
- Supports a more neutral wrist angle of 24 degrees sloping downward
to the right
- Alleviates muscle fatigue and discomfort caused by pronation of the
wrist.
- As a preventative measure, the Goldtouch Ergonomic Mouse has offers
health benefits to the user. Users are less likely to acquire an RSI
caused by the repetitive motion of every day mousing.
- As a therapeutic measure, this mouse greatly reduces wrist
pronation. This is essential for sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome,
as well as other repetitive stress injuries to the wrist and
elbow.
- The patented forward and lateral sloping angle design reduces
stress on pressure points in the wrist, and provides natural contours
to support the fingers.
- Increased height reduces the constant pressure on the wrist
(carpals) where the base of the wrist rests against the mousing
surfaces.
- Oversized buttons allow for the fingers to activate (press) without
bending the fingers at the ineterphalangeal joints reduces and
alleviates arthritic discomfort.
- The scroll wheel is placed forward on the mouse to minimize bending
of the interphalangeal joints and provide more comfortable
scrolling.
- An oversized thumb cushion helps maintain a comfortable grip for
hands of every size.
- Design elements of the thumb-side of the mouse are tailored to
greatly reduce stress on the thumb joints in response to increasing
cases of RSI related to improper and overuse of the thumb while texting
and emailing from mobile phones, BlackBerrys and PDAs.
- Concave and oversized, users may find a comfortable position for
mousing
- Forward placement for shorter fingers
- Rear placement for longer fingers
- Rubber inlay proves increase grip without increasing the pressure
applied by the thumb
Design elements of the front of the mouse are tailored to support
the natural curvature of the fingers in a relaxed state.
The front of the mouse and the buttons slope downward and slightly
outward to follow the natural contours of the fingers while at rest.
The fingers rest naturally, minimizing the effort of extensor muscles
of the hand.
Oversized buttons provide the maximum surface area to evenly
distribute the workforce required for clicking.
The forward placement of the scroll wheel minimizes the effort,
bending, and movement of the fingers.
Design elements of the top of the mouse are tailored to support the
hand, wrist, and forearm in a natural position, minimizing pronation
and supporting the hand in natural, at-rest position.
The patented, sloping design elevates the thumb and declines at a 24
degree angle toward the little finger.
The angle of slope increases from the palm area of the mouse toward
the fingers, contouring to the natural shape of the hand and fingers at
rest, while providing even support throughout the palm.
Specifications:
- 1000 DPI optical resolution
- USB 2.0 cable length 5 4
- Dimensions
- Length 114 mm
- Width 80 mm
- Height 52 mm at the thumb, 30 mm at the small finger
- Weight 145 grams
Supported Platforms
The Goldtouch Ergonomic Mouse supports Mac, Windows PC, various
flavors of LINUX, and Unix without requiring 3rd party drivers. 3
buttons support left and right click with center wheel click to
activate scroll function on PC and middle click on LINUX/Unix. 1 to 3
button support for Mac as supported by the OS version.
- Mac OS X 10.4 and later
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
- Windows 7
- Linux
- Unix
Regular Price: $69
Special Introductory Price: $59
Link: Goldtouch Ergonomic
Mice
ColorWare Colorizes New Mac mini
PR: The new Mac mini fits almost anywhere in your home
or office, and has the features, power and speed you need for most
computing tasks. The most energy-efficient desktop computer now offers
faster graphics and a sleek unibody design. With so many features,
doesn't your computer deserve more than one color option? Now you can
personalize your mini with ColorWare's range of custom colors to help
match your office, your home decor, or simply your favorite colors.
ColorWare offers a wide array of colors and finishes to set your Mac
mini apart from the rest.
The ColorWare design studio is easy to use, and can help you
find the perfect color combination for your mini. Whichever way you
want to view your product, from photos and videos to interactive 360
images, there's an option for you. Choose your custom color for your
Mac mini, you can also specify glossy or matte finish, and a selection
of solid, metallic, or pearl finishes are available.
ColorWare purchase options include:
- Buy New: ColorWare takes a brand new product, applies the coloring
process to it, and then sends it to you.
- Send In: You send a product you already own into ColorWare,
ColorWare applies the coloring process, and then sends it back to
you.
- Parts Only: ColorWare applies the coloring process to parts for
your product, sends it to you, and then you install the parts on your
product.
Sample prices include $250 for colorizing your own Mac mini. New
colorized minis are available from ColorWare ranging in price from
$1,000 (SuperDrive model) to $1,300 (twin-hard-drive server model).
The biggest factor in the price differences are the warranties
offered with each option. All new purchases from ColorWare's site carry
a one year parts and labor warranty that stands in place of the
original manufacturer warranty. For colorizations, where you send your
product to ColorWare who will include thirty days of parts coverage and
one year of free labor. Note that the colorization process will likely
void the original manufacturer warranty.
Link: ColorWare Mac mini
Design Studio
OWC Multi-Mount for Adding 2.5" Drives to 3.5"
Bays and 3.5" Drives to 5.25" Bays
PR: Multi-Mount is a complete hardware solution for custom
tailoring internal storage to meet individual needs Install the hard
drives you want, where you want them.
The OWC Multi-Mount allows you the freedom to install up to two
additional hard drives and/or SSDs into larger drive bays in order to
meet your data storage and backup needs. Install a 2 TB hard drive in
your optical drive bay, laptop hard drive in in your full size drive
bay, or two solid state drives in your optical drive bay. Check out all
our bundle options below each complete with the necessary mounts,
screws, cables and installation instructions.
Designed to keep drives cool.
Consisting of heat dissipating aircraft grade aluminum brackets, the
OWC Multi-Mount's "open air" design provides maximum air flow to keep
various combinations of 2.5" and 3.5" attached drives running cool.
Designed To Keep Drives Quiet
By employing unique hard rubber dampeners to cushion the contact
between drives and the computer case, the OWC Multi-Mount reduces
vibration and noise transferred through the case by mechanical hard
drives. Additionally, this "floating rubber suspension" protects drives
from impact shocks delivered to the case as well as potentially
extending hard drive use life by reducing vibrations that can cause
hard drive failure.
Compatible with Mac Pro, PowerMac G5, PowerMac G4 "Mirrored Drive
Doors" or desktop PC with an available 3.5" or 5.25" drive bay.
Link: OWC
Multi-Mount
OWC Announces iMac (Mid 2010) Memory Upgrades to
16 GB
PR: Other World
Computing (OWC) announced today the immediate availability of OWC
PC3-10600 DDR3 1333 MHz Memory Upgrade Kits up to 16 GB for the new Mid
2010 iMac models introduced by Apple yesterday. OWC Memory Upgrade Kits
offer all 2010 iMac owners the advantages of upgrade options not
available from the factory, savings up to 50% compared to same size
factory installed options, and quality assurance from a Lifetime
Advance Replacement Warranty and Money Back Guarantee.
OWC Memory Upgrade Kits up to 16 GB for the new iMac 21.5" 3.06 GHz,
3.20 GHz, and 3.6 GHz i3; iMac 27" 3.20 GHz i3, 3.6 GHz i5 (Dual-Core),
iMac 27" 2.8 GHz i5, 2.93 GHz i7 (Quad-Core) models:
- OWC 4 GB DDR3 Memory Kit (2 x 2 GB matched memory
modules) - $117.99
Add to factory installed 4 GB RAM for 8 GB total RAM, upgrade
not offered as a factory option.
- OWC 8 GB DDR3 Memory Kit (2 x 4 GB matched memory
modules) - $279.99
Add to factory installed 4 GB RAM for 12 GB total RAM, upgrade not
offered as a factory option.
Compared to $400 factory 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) upgrade, OWC
8 GB upgrade delivers 50% more RAM for 30% lower cost
- OWC 16 GB DDR3 Memory Kit (4 x 4 GB matched memory modules) -
$549.99
45% lower cost than factory 16 GB option, save an additional 5% with
factory module trade in rebate
Certified Compatible Plus Additional Savings Available
OWC Memory Upgrades are fully tested and certified to meet, if not
surpass, all Apple memory design and compatibility specifications and
come backed by a Lifetime Replacement Warranty. Additional money
savings versus factory options are available for customers who take
advantage of OWC's memory trade-in rebate program, which offers up to
$50 cash back for Apple factory iMac memory modules. For more
information on OWC's rebate program, visit: https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/trade-in-rebate
Free How-To Videos for Easy Installation
OWC's extensive online library of video installation guides make
adding memory, drives, and other upgrades a breeze by providing
step-by-step instructions that explain in detail the upgrade process
from start to finish. These videos, available for free viewing via
OWC's website, are available for nearly every Apple Mac mini, Mac Pro,
MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac, PowerMac, and PowerBook model made. To view
OWC's free, step-by-step installation videos, visit: https://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/
Link: Memory Upgrades for
Apple iMac
Memory for New iMacs from Trans International
PR: Trans International, a Company known for maximizing Macs,
today announced the worldwide availability of up to 16 GB Memory
Upgrade Kit [4 x 4 GB] PC-3 10600 DDR3 1333 MHz SO-DIMMS for the newly
released Apple iMacs [July2010].
TransIntl.com memory modules conform to Apple's stringent electrical
and mechanical design guide lines and carry a Lifetime replacement
Warranty. Trade in your Apple iMac factory memory, 4 GB Kit (2 x 2
GB) for $52.00
transintl.com offers
- 16 GB Kit [4 x 4 GB]: 488
- 8 GB Kit [2 x 4 GB]: 248
- 4 GB Kit [2 x 2 GB]: 108
Link: Memory for
iMacs
Multi-View Computer Reading Glasses Announces New
Styles Available Online
PR: Consumers don't have to strain their eyes looking at text
or a computer screen or pay high prices for specialty glasses.
Multi-View, manufacturer and retailer of computer reading glasses, with
one power for text and a different power for the computer screen is now
offering 29 styles of glasses and custom prescriptions to help
consumers see more clearly without the constant eye strain or a stiff
and sore neck.
Glasses can be expensive, even more so when needed to accommodate
vision for both printed text and a computer screen. Multi-View is
offering a solution with new styles of computer reading glasses for men
and women.
Multi-View glasses have power on the bottom of the lens for reading
printed text and a different power on top that corrects vision when
looking at a computer. A nice added feature is no visible lines. Valued
at $275 to $350 traditional retail, computer reading glasses from
Multi-View start at $89.95. Multi-View uses only Ophthalmic quality
frames, most with spring hinges and CR-39 or Polycarbonate, Ophthalmic
quality materials for lenses. Customers can also order features like
sun tints with UV Protection for reading outdoors, computer tints and
antireflective coatings to eliminate the bright glare from their
computer monitor. Multi-View will fill custom prescriptions for reading
glasses online as well. Prescriptions can be faxed or emailed. Now,
consumers have even more options with new styles to choose from.
They've just added very light weight but extremely durable Titanium
frames to the product line.
Multi-View manufactures glasses for reading. Husband and wife team,
John and Linda Catania, both licensed opticians, make the glasses per
the online order out of their lab in Denver, Co. "All glasses are made
right the first time by licensed opticians," explains Linda Catania,
owner. "It makes a difference."
She further explains how a particular lens power may work well for
reading, does not always perform for other conditions, such as a
looking at a computer. The lens power has to be altered because it is a
different focal point. An Eye Chart located on the website will help
customers choose the correct power to order. Customers simply need to
order the power they use for reading and Multi-View will adjust the
power on top needed for their computer monitor.
"We are the originators of ready-made discount computer reading
glasses, they started out designed for use while looking at a computer,
but our customers said that they found comfort when using them for
other things like cooking, playing the piano, painting, playing cards
and many more hobbies." continues Catania. "Our high quality and
affordable pricing helps many hard working Americans improve their
visual comfort through their long day."
With new styles now available, consumers can wear these quality
inexpensive computer reading glasses that feel and look great.
Multi-View also offers stylish accessories such as cases, cords, gift
boxes and gift bags. And for those that use contacts, fancy lens cases
are also offered. Other merchandise available on the site includes
sunglasses and reading lamps.
"We want to help people see more clearly. Our glasses have been
shown to decrease headaches and tension associated with eye strain. And
because you can see clearly, you'll be happier too," adds Catania.
Editor's note: For more on this topic, see Charles Moore's You Have to Be Able to
See the Screen: Buying Prescription Specs Online. dk
Link: Multi-View
Software
Fraise Free Text Editor for Snow Leopard
PR: Fraise is a free text editor for Mac OS X Leopard 10.6
which is pitched as being both easy to use and powerful - designed to
neither confuse newcomers nor disappoint advanced users.
Fraise (French for strawberry) displays all open documents in a list
with Quick Look icons to your left similar to iTunes so you can easily
switch between many documents. you can also choose to display documents
as tabs if you prefer .
Features include Snippets &; Commands to quickly access
funcionalities and text you use often. Fully customizable syntax
coloration system. Find and replace text quickly and easily in all your
documents.
Link: Fraise
MailForge Eudora-Like Email Client Updated
PR: New in version 2.0.3:
Mailbox Sorting:
- Option-Click any field to group emails by that criteria
Export:
- Added ability to save an email as a standards compliant email, or
as a clean text file (File > Save As &)
- Fixes/Enhancements
Import:
- Fixed issue that could cause Filters to not be imported at all
(*)(*)
- Fixed issue that could cause Filters to not be imported at all
(*)(*)
- Fixed issue that could cause blank emails to be imported
- MailForge no longer insists the folder it imports from be named
"Eudora Folder"
Mailbox Display:
- Improved speed when navigating emails via Message Window
- Fixed the View Emails / View Names functionality
Sorting:
- Improved performance when sorting mailboxes
Export:
- Added descriptive headers when saving email as text
Junk:
- MailForge now launches SpamSieve on open when integrating with
SpamSieve
- Fixed bug that could cause emails to not be sent to SpamSieve for
analysis
Since MailForge does not (as yet) support all the filtering
options that Eudora did, some filters may still be imported with no
direct correlation to a MailForge filter action.
Link: MailForge
Get AnyBizSoft PDF to Word for Mac Utility for
Free - Special, Limited Time Offer
PR: AnyBizSoft, a division of Wondershare focused on PDF
conversion solutions, today launched their second large-scale Giveaway
on AnyBizSoft's Facebook. This time AnyBizSoft is giving away licenses
for their hot-selling AnyBizSoft PDF to Word for Mac for free. This
exclusive and time-limited giveaway for AnyBizSoft's fans runs from
July 26 to August 8, 2010. Anyone who is already a fan or clicks the
Like button on AnyBiz's Facebook site to become a fan can get a PDF to
Word for Mac license, which is worth $39.95, for free.
AnyBizSoft ran their first giveaway of PDF to Word Converter 3.0.0
for Windows on their Facebook page from June 6, 2010, and everyone can
still go grab a free license of it now as well.
"There are more than 14 thousand of users from all over the world
became as our fans and grabbed their free licenses of AnyBizSoft PDF to
Word Converter 3.0.0 on our Facebook says Mr. Wu Taibing, Wondershare's
CEO. "However, Mac users were so envious to see Windows users
benefiting from our free offer, and they expressed their expectation of
a free license of the Mac version. That is why we launch the second
giveaway on our Facebook this time"
How to Get AnyBizSoft PDF to Word for Mac for Free
The giveaway is exclusive for AnyBizSoft's fans on their Facebook
page, so anyone who wants to grab a license for free is recommended to
visit AnyBizSoft's Facebook page and click the Like button to become a
fan, then fill in your name and email address to get a license for
free. Please note that the free license is only for personal
usages.
Key Features of AnyBizSoft PDF to Word for Mac
- Support conversion of restrictions encrypted PDF files directly,
and password protected ones by entering password
- Two Conversion Modes: Batch (up to 50 files at once), Partial (by
selecting individual pages) and Right-click conversion modes<
- Preserves text, tables, images and hyperlinks individually in
generated Word files as original layouts
Also see Charles Moore's recent Applelinks review of AnyBizSoft PDF Converter and PDF
to Word for Mac.
Link: AnyBizSoft PDF to
Word for Mac
Link: Facebook
Page
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