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Review. All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Apple Updates
Products & Services
Software
News & Opinion
Mac OS X 10.6.8 Brings TRIM Support for Most Apple
SSDs, Graphics Improvements
MacRumors' Eric Slivka reports that the Mac OS X 10.6.8 update has
enabled TRIM support retroactively for solid state hard drives shipped
in Apple-produced configurations. TRIM is a feature that allows solid
state drives (SSDs) to automatically optimize the flash storage by
cleaning up unused blocks of data and preparing them for rewriting,
thereby preventing slowdowns that would otherwise occur over time as
junk data accumulates.
Slivka also notes that Mac OS X 10.6.8 also appears to bring a
substantial boost in graphics performance.
Link: Mac OS X 10.6.8
Brings TRIM Support for Apple SSDs, Graphics Improvements
How Fast Is Mac OS X 10.6.8?
Macs Only's Bill Fox says Mac OS X 10.6.8 will definitely be the
last edition of Snow Leopard before OS X 10.7 (Lion) debuts next month
unless something horrible has been introduced, but so far he's noticed
only pleasant things - more graphics speed, retained compatibility with
Aaron Harnly's Letterbox application, and Internet Sharing working
again as advertised. But how fast is 10.6.8? To find out, Fox ran a
series of speed tests that focus on graphics on both a 2008 dual quad-core 2.8 GHz Mac Pro
with the latest and greatest Mac graphics card, the ATI Radeon HD 5870,
and his 2010 2.4
GHz 13" MacBook Pro with Nvidia GeForce 320M graphics, finding that
OpenGL graphics performance has substantially improved with this
update.
Link: Mac
OS X 10.6.8 - How Fast Is It?
10.6.8 Update Doesn't Resolve 6 Gbps SATA
Performance Anomalies in 17" 2011 MacBook Pro
OWC blogger Chris S. says the OS X 10.6.8 update released last week
neglected to address several outstanding issues, specifically
6 Gb/s SSD problems on the 2011 MacBook Pros. There's also no
change for some 17" 2011 MacBook Pros
whose optical bays remain stuck at 3 Gb/s while others run at SATA
3.0 (6 Gb/s) speeds.
Chris says there's no rhyme or reason to which Intel 6 chipset you
get, and you won't know until you run System Profiler and see if the
Link Speed shows 3 Gb/s or 6 Gb/s. This makes installing a
Mercury Electra 6G or Mercury Extreme Pro 6G SSD in your 2011 MacBook
Pros optical bay somewhat of a "Charlie Bucket finding the Golden
Ticket" proposition. The SSD will work either way, but your speed will
be limited if you're one of the unfortunate ones who only got an
optical bay with 3 Gb/s capabilities.
TRIM is enabled for Apple SSDs, but not for anybody else. Chris adds
that TRIM is nice if you've got a lesser solid state drive, but
SandForce-based drives - like all OWC SSDs are - don't need it, and he
also observes that traditionally, updates for an OS version stop after
the new version is released, or shortly thereafter. This raises the
question if Apple releases an update to enable/fix these SATA 3.0
issues, will it be in a 10.6.9 release, in a 10.7.x update, or in a
combination of the two?
Link: 10.6.8:
The Little Update That Didn't
Workaround for OS X 10.6.8 Audio Problems
MacFixIt's Topher Kessler says that prevalent issues that have
cropped up for the OS X 10.6.8 update have included an inability to
print with some printers, and some incompatibilities with a few popular
programs that have caused some system-wide issues for people using
those tools (crashes and high CPU usage). In addition, another problem
that has cropped up is various audio problems including no audio and
audio cutting out after a period of playback.
Kessler notes that as with the printer problems, the current audio
issue appears to be a problem with an updated system file, namely the
AppleHDA (High Definition Audio) kernel extension. The quick workaround
for now if you are experiencing audio problems is to revert to a
previous version of the kernel extension in hope that it restores audio
functionality again.
Link: Workaround for
Audio Problems with OS X 10.6.8 Update
How to Build a $600 Hackintosh Mini
LifeHacker's Adam Dachis says:
"We've shown you how to build a Hackintosh with enough power to
rival a Mac Pro, but for those of you who want a still powerful Mac on
a budget you can build a Hack Mini. We'll show you what you need to
build it and walk you through the entire OS X installation."
Dachlis says that Hackintoshing used to be a complicated process,
but since Hackintosh expert tonymacx86 came around it's gotten a lot
easier, and the parts necessary for this build came to a total of
$599.65.
Some hardware specs: Gigabyte logic board supporting Core i3, i5,
and i7 CPUs; 3.06 GHz Core i3 dual-core CPU; GeForce GT240 video card
in the lone PCI Express slot; 4 GB RAM; and 1 TB 7200 rpm hard drive in
a 8.74" wide, 6.93" tall, 10.87" deep enclosure with two USB ports up
front.
Link: How to Build a
Hackintosh Mini for a Less Expensive, Faster Mac
Interface 3x as Fast as Thunderbolt Said to Be
Coming in 2013
Hardmac's Lionel says that while Intel/Apple's new Thunderbolt
interface is claimed to allow transfer rates of up to a very impressive
10 Gbps through a "simple" copper cable, something even faster is
coming in 2013.
Evolution of the PCI specification, 1992 to 2006. Version 3.0 was
finalized in Nov. 2010.
He reports that PCI-SIG,
the consortium specifying the PCI Express (PCIe)
standard, has announced that it will launch a new interface competing
with the Thunderbolt in 2013. It is projected to allow transfer rates
of up to 32 Gbps over cables up to 10' using four PCIe 3.0 lanes. The
plan is to next switch to PCIe 4.0 to again double the transfer rates
and to use optical connections to make the cables a lot longer.
Publisher's note: Thunderbolt
is a superset protocol combining PCIe and DisplayLink signals using a
single interface, and it doesn't require PCIe expansion slots, making
it perfect for notebooks and compact computers such as the Mac mini.
Best of all, Thunderbolt is here now, while PCIe 4.0 may be two years
away. dk
Link: New Interface 3
Times as Fast as the Thunderbolt in 2013
Mozilla Planning Firefox 3.6 End of Life
Computerworld's Gregg Keizer reports that Mozilla.org is planning to
retire Firefox 3.6 from support, but not until August at the earliest.
Firefox 4 and Firefox 3.5 were already retired earlier this year, the
latter receiving its last security update in April, and Firefox 4
support was discontinued with the release of Firefox 5 last week.
Keizer reports that Mozilla will issue at least one more security
update for Firefox 3.6, to be designated version 3.6.19, alongside
Firefox 6 when that version ships on Aug. 16 - but not everyone is
enchanted with Mozilla's new rapid release policy for Firefox (see
Firefox Rapid Release Strategy a
Recipe for Failure in last week's Mac News Review).
Link: Mozilla
Mulls Firefox 3.6 Retirement, Too
Apple Updates
Apple Releases Security Update 2011-004 for
Leopard
Security Update 2011-004 is recommended for all users and improves
the security of Mac OS X. Previous security updates have been
incorporated into this security update.
For information on the security content of this update, please visit
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222.
File Size: 256.4 MB
System Requirements: Mac OS X v10.5.8
Publisher's note: Unlike the latest Snow Leopard Security Update,
this one does not address the MAC Defender malware issue. dk
Link: Security Update 2011-004
(Leopard)
Thunderbolt Firmware Update for 2011 iMac and
MacBook Pro Models
Thunderbolt Firmware Update provides Thunderbolt performance and
stability fixes.
File Size: 486 KB
System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.6.8
Publisher's note: Thunderbolt cables (see this week's 'Book
Review) and devices became available for the first time this past
week. Until now, there was no way to use Thunderbolt and discover any
glitches. dk
Link: Thunderbolt Firmware
Update
Apple Releases Java Update for Mac OS X 10.6
Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 5 delivers improved compatibility,
security, and reliability by updating Java SE 6 to 1.6.0_26.
See https://support.apple.com/kb/HT4593
for more details about this update.
See https://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222
for information about the security content of this update.
File Size: 75.45 MB
System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.6.4
Link: Java
for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 5
Apple Releases Java Update for Mac OS X 10.5
Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 10 delivers improved compatibility,
security, and reliability by updating J2SE 5.0 to 1.5.0_30, and
updating Java SE 6 to 1.6.0_26 for 64-bit capable Intel-based Macs.
J2SE 1.4.2 is no longer being updated to fix bugs or security issues
and remains disabled by default in this update.
See https://support.apple.com/kb/HT4592
for more details about this update.
See https://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222
for information about the security content of this update.
System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.5.8
Link: Java
for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 10
Products & Services
LaCie Porsche Design P'9230 Desktop Hard
Drive
PR: The LaCie Porsche Design P'9230 is a new breed
of desktop hard drive, a perfect blend of form and function. It's the
product of a collaboration between one of the most renowned design
firms in the world and LaCie. The P'9230 lets you transfer files faster
than ever with USB 3.0 performance, and has the capacity to hold all of
your files. It also features a striking LED that both indicates power
and lends sophisticated elegance.
Porsche Design Form, LaCie Function
LaCie first joined forces with Porsche Design in 2003 to produce one
of the most iconic and enduringly popular external hard drives on the
market. Since then the two companies have worked closely to create
products that blend flawless functionality with pure design. The luxury
brand and the leading technology company complement each other, with
technical influence from LaCie, together with an exclusive and timeless
shape presented by Porsche Design.
Accelerate Your Backup with USB 3.0
With the P'9230's USB 3.0 interface, you'll be able to
get the job done faster than you ever imagined-you can transfer a 700
MB video file in just under 7 seconds. With USB 3.0 speed, you can back
up your photos, videos, and music files, and even quickly exchange them
with friends or colleagues-with minimal wait time.
Safe, Strong, and Aluminum
The P'9230 protects your files with 3mm of aluminum casing
surrounding the drive inside. This solid armor protects your data,
gives the drive sophisticated substance, and even helps to dissipate
heat. These properties help to protect the hard disk and prolong its
lifespan. LaCie and Porsche Design worked together to combine form and
function-resulting in a desktop hard drive that looks great on your
desk (and works great).
User-friendly Software Suite Included
- Automatic Backup: Easy setup and automatic worry-free backup for
both PC and Mac computers.
- Password Protection: With LaCie Private-Public software built-in,
it's easy to make sure that your files are secure and protected, no
matter where you go.
- Secure Online Storage: 10 GB of Wuala Online Storage included for
one year to securely store and share your data online.
- 77% Energy Savings: Automatic Eco mode lowers the power consumption
by up to 77% when not in use, increasing the battery life of your
notebook or laptop.
Price
- 1 TB $119.99
- 2 TB $159.99
Publisher's note: At this point, no Macs have built-in USB 3.0
support and the use of third-party USB 3.0 cards requires special
drivers. However, USB 3.0 is backward compatible with USB 2.0, so
buying the USB 3.0 version for just $5 more is a forward-looking
choice. dk
Link: LaCie Porsche
Design P'9230
Pentax's Amazingly Tiny Q Interchangeable Lens
Camera
PR: Pentax is one of the iconic camera brands with a long
history dating back to the heyday of the 35mm single lens reflex and
Kodak Tri-X and
Kodachrome film.
The Pentax
Spotmatic was favored by some professionals as a much
lighter-weight alternative to the top-dog but boat-anchor heavy
Nikon F of the
day, without sacrificing quality optics. Spotmatic sales really took
off in the mid 1970s when the company dumped its classic solid and
simple but slow-swapping screw-in lens mount system for the much
quicker bayonet-style K-mount
that's still supported by today's full-sized Pentax SLRs and DSLRs.
Pentax Q cameras and lens system.
Pentax Imaging Company still evidently has compact form factors and
light weight as a central focus of its engineering in the digital
photography age, having just announced the Pentax Q, claimed to be the
world's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera (ILC). The Q
offers the versatility and precision of an advanced DSLR in a body that
is significantly smaller than every other digital ILC body available on
the market today.
The camera's tiny size, lightweight design, and Pentax's traditional
superior image quality are made possible by an innovative
Pentax-developed imaging system. With a high-resolution 12.4 megapixel,
1/2.3" CMOS image sensor, the Q is intended to carve out an entirely
new camera category that extends beyond traditional digital compact,
APS-C or 4/3 digital cameras. The backlit sensor is a highly efficient
light-gathering instrument that produces very little noise at high
sensitivity levels particularly in low light settings. Further, the new
Q lens mount is a perfect match with the new sensor and every
interchangeable Q lens is designed for more advanced image quality than
may be found on traditional compact digital cameras, and the foundation
of the Q's position as the worlds smallest, lightest ILC system, with
superior image quality.
Several important features of the Pentax Q include:
- A newly designed Pentax Q-mount lens system for convenient
interchangeability with a variety of specialty Q lenses including
prime, zoom, fisheye and more.
- Exceptional image quality in 12.4 megapixels from the Qs 1/2.3"
backlit CMOS image sensor. Capable of producing 12 bit DNG RAW and JPG
images, the backlit CMOS sensor is a highly efficient light-gathering
instrument designed specifically to produce very low noise at high
levels of sensitivity.
- Extremely compact, durable, lightweight, scratch resistant
magnesium alloy body.
- A variety of creative modes, Smart Effect options, or camera
settings that assign to the Qs Quick Dial located on the front of the
camera.
- In-camera HDR capture mode shoots 3 images of varying exposures,
blending them to bring out the details in even the darkest shadows and
brightest highlights of extreme contrast shots.
- High quality motion video with stunning full 1080p HD clarity at 30
frames per second.
- A sensor-shift Shake Reduction system with integrated DRII Dust
Reduction for blur and dust free images even in low lighting.
- 5 frames per second continuous shooting mode for any fast action
setting.
- Effortless bokeh
control with the Qs Bokeh Control filter.
- A built-in popup flash adds the perfect amount of extra light to an
image with a high extension to naturally reduce the redeye effect
common to compact cameras.
Along with the Q, Pentax introduced the Pentax 01 Standard Prime kit
lens and an optional optical viewfinder. Anticipated shipping time to
the United States is early Fall 2011 at around $800 for the standard
lens kit. An optional shoe-mounted viewfinder will be available at the
same time for $249.95. The Pentax 01 Standard Prime kit lens will not
be sold separately. Pentax also announced a zoom, fisheye, toy
wide and toy telephoto lenses.
Ars Technica has posted an overview of the Pentax Q, Imaging
Resource has a Pentax Q hands-on preview, and Low End Mac's Dan Knight
has a Pentax Q commentary.
Link:
Pentax Unveils the Pentax Q, Pentax.com
Link: Pentax Q Shrinks Interchangeable
Lens Digicams to Pocketable Proportions, Ars Technica
Link: Pentax Q
Hands-On Preview, Imaging Resources
Link: Tiny Interchangeable
Lens Pentax Q Has an Interesting Tie to the Past, Low End Mac
Software
Roccat 1.6 Fast Web Browser
Low End Mac as displayed by the Roccat Browser.
PR: Roccat Browser is an interesting and somewhat quirky new
Apple Webkit-based browser from the fludium family with a focus on
speed and some some interesting features, such as:
- VisiTabs which give a preview of the website in the tab.
- Navigate Launchers- assign letters or words to navigate to
webpages, there are already many preloaded ones
- Ad-Remover built within the engine
- Internal engine effects, orange glows on inputs, hold down on text
field for 5 seconds for them to enlarge.
- Email-Previewer; tells you when a link is an email link and tells
you the link
- Change User Agents- View sites which need other browser, view
apples videos which require safari etc...
- A choice of VisiTabs or normal tabs or both, a bookmarks bar which
fully supports bookmarklets
- Downloads files and programs really easily and fast
- Gets 100/100 in the Acid3 test
- New Download Manager and now has FullScreen Mode
- Lovebyt.es integration for instant URL shortening (
http://lovebyt.es/ ).
New in version 1.6:
- Many bugfixes
- Now ready for OS X Lion
- Visual changes
- Undercover Browsing
- Social page sharing / online email sharing
- eBuddy Widget (chat with your facebook, msn, yahoo messenger, ICQ
and aim friends no matter what tab you are on)
System Requirements:
- Intel
- Mac OS X 10.4.5 or later
Runecats Recommended Add-ons
- Click to Flash -
Automatically blocks Flash content and offers features which allow you
to never block certain Flash content and always block others. To
activate Flash simply click on the settings icon in the left hand
corner of the flash and choose "Show Flash Content".
Link: Roccat
HDRtist Pro for Mac OS X
PR:
Ohanaware, a family software developer team specializing in intuitive
photo editing software, have announced the release of an update to
their award winning HDRtist Pro software for the Mac. HDRtist Pro is
the more advanced version of Ohanaware's free HDR software, HDRtist,
designed to provide more creativity with HDR images, while continuing
to be easy to use.
HDRtist Pro is easy to use HDR processing software for Macintosh
computers. It has a simple yet streamlined workflow, with features such
as One-Click editing and a live interface, with changes happening as
the options are adjusted. The core engine processes HDR images using
128-bit floating point data (16,843,009 times more precise than a
JPEG). The unique file format also allows HDRs to be saved and
re-edited at a later date. Even JPEG files generated by HDRtist Pro can
be re-opened and edited. With HDRtist Pro, it's possible to create an
HDR effect from a single RAW or JPEG image.
New in version 1.0.3:
- The speed of generating the full size image has been approved,
along with the speed of converting RAW images.
- Support of color profiles throughout the application has been
improved.
- New documentation on how to use an iPhone 3Gs/iPhone 4 has been
added.
- When trying to save a locked document or read-only document,
HDRtist Pro now informs you.
- The Welcome Window now includes some common social media
elements.
- Fixed a bug with exporting the same file twice to the same
editor.
- Fixed a minor graphics glitch with the Inspector.
- Removed the advert when in trial mode.
HDRtist Pro 1.0.3 is a free update for registered users; for new
customers HDRtist Pro is $29.99 (USD) / 19.99 (GBP).
Existing customers can use the "Software Update" or "Check for
Update" function from the HDRtist Pro menu within HDRtist Pro to
update, or simply download the new version from the Ohanaware website.
A free unlimited 14-Day trial can also be downloaded from the Ohanaware
website. HDRtist Pro can be purchased from the Ohanaware website and
Apple's Mac App Store.
System requirements: HDRtist Pro requires an Intel powered Macintosh
running Mac OS X 10.5 or newer, with at least 1GB of memory. A 256mb
Graphics Card is recommended for hardware acceleration.
Also see Charles W. Moore's
full review of HDRtist Pro on MacPrices.com.
Link: HDRtist Pro
Desktop Mac
Deals
Low End Mac updates the following price trackers monthly:
For deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our 13" MacBook and MacBook Pro,
MacBook Air, 13" MacBook Pro, 15" MacBook Pro, 17" MacBook Pro, 12" PowerBook G4, 15" PowerBook G4, 17" PowerBook G4, titanium PowerBook G4,
iBook G4, PowerBook G3, and iBook G3 deals.
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