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News & Opinion
Reviews
Apple Updates
Products & Services
Software
News & Opinion
Apple Releases OS X Lion USB Installer Drive
OS X 10.7 Lion is now available on a USB thumb drive for
installation without the need for a broadband Internet connection - but
at a stiff price - $69.
It does provide the convenience and peace-of-mind of being able
to just plug the drive into your USB port and follow the instructions
to install.
OS X Lion is also available for $29.99 as a digital download from
the Mac App Store. That means Apple
is charging $40 for the physical thumb drive media and packaging. Hard
to justify by any rational measure and consequently representing
another not-too-gentle shove into the iCloud.
The thumb drive installer currently ships in 1-3 business days.
Publisher's notes: There are several sites with instructions for
making a bootable Lion install disk as well as several apps that
automate the process. All you need is a 4 GB Mac-compatible USB
flash drive, which you should be able to find for under $10.
dk
Link: Apple Store
Apple: How to Install Lion on Multiple
Computers
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"You can easily install OS X Lion on every Mac that's authorized for
your personal use. You can purchase Lion once, then download it
multiple times.
"Products Affected
"To install OS X Lion on another Mac, go to the Mac App Store, sign
in to your account, and re-download Lion by selecting it in the
Purchases list. Follow these steps:
- Download Lion from the Mac App Store on one of your authorized
computers. The download is approximately 4 GB in size.
- Install Lion.
- Log into another computer that you wish to install Lion on.
- Open the Mac App Store. Enter your Apple ID and password that was
used to download Lion on the first computer.
- Go to Purchased list, then select OS X Lion.
- Download OS X Lion.
- Run the Installer."
Link: OS X
Lion: How to Install Lion on Multiple Computers
How to Enable Always Visible Scrollbars in OS X
Lion
Apple Headlines' Brian says the problem with Mac OS X Lion's
invisible scrollbars that only appear when scrolling using your
multitouch Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, or built in trackpad is that
many people like to have the scrollbars visible at all times for quick
navigation.
Happily, it's simple to get them back, and he's posted both
instructions and a video how-to.
Link: How to Re-enable
Scrollbars in Mac OS X Lion
Are Mac Sales in a Slump or in Turbo Mode?
AppleInsider Staff report that one Wall Street analyst, Trip
Chowdhry of Global Equities Research, claims Mac sales have slowed
significantly since the fourth week in July, suggesting its
back-to-school promotion is not boosting sales as much as expected,
with the previous weekend "probably one of the slowest weekends for Mac
sales" in the current calendar year, citing proprietary research based
on "various tracking data." Last weekend, he said Mac sales were
"probably down" between 35% and 40% from the weekend of July 23.
On the other hand, AppleInsider's Neil Hughes says back-to-school
sales have been particularly strong for Apple this year, with both the
Mac and iPad proving popular, while non-Apple tablets have failed to
gain traction with education buyers.
Hughes cites analyst Maynard Um with UBS Investment Research who
recently conducted checks in the retail channel, and found that overall
demand for back-to-school PC sales has been "encouraging." Specifically
highlighted as one of the big winners in education purchases was
Apple.
In addition to strong Mac sales, Apple's iPad has also been a
popular choice for students and faculty. Apple's market domination
means that sales of rival devices are struggling, Um said.
Meanwhile, Slashgear's Chris Davies reports that strong demand for
Mac computers in China has seen Apple's sales growth soar in Asia, with
Mac shipments reportedly growing over 67% in June, far outpacing its PC
counterparts, and a new investor note from Needham analyst Charlie
Wolf, quoted by AllThingsD, claims that the incredible uptick in
Chinese sales represents a perfect storm between an iconic brand and a
rapidly growing middle class that's more brand conscious than consumers
in virtually any other region of the globe.
Davies further notes that in June, PC shipments grew 2.7%, while Mac
shipments grew 14.6% globally.
Link: Apple Has Seen
'Significant' Slowdown in Mac Sales, Report Claims,
AppleInsider
Link: Back-to-School Mac, iPad Sales
Strong as Non-Apple Tablets Struggle, AppleInsider
Link: Mac sales soar on Asia appeal:
June Up 67% in China, Slashgear
Microsoft Crosses Linux Off Its Significant
Competitors List
More indication that desktop Linux is spinning its wheels is that in
its latest Annual Report to the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission, Linux is no longer cited as a competitor to the Windows
operating system.
The pertinent passage reads:
Principal Products and Services: Windows 7 and prior
versions of the Windows operating system; Windows Live suite of
applications and web services; and Microsoft PC hardware products.
Competition
The Windows operating system faces competition from
various commercial software products offered by well-established
companies, mainly Apple and Google. The Windows operating system also
faces competition from alternative platforms and devices that may
reduce demand for PCs. User and usage volumes on mobile devices are
increasing worldwide relative to the PC. We believe Windows competes
effectively by giving customers choice, flexibility, security, a
familiar and easy-to-use interface, compatibility with a broad range of
hardware and software applications, and the largest support network for
any operating system.
Link: Microsoft Annual
Report
Reviews
2.5 GHz Core i5 Mac mini 'a Very Welcome
Update'
T3's Ian Osborne observes that losing the optical drive has created
new opportunities with the Mac
mini, but asks if it is a fair exchange.
What Apple has lost in optical drives and Mini DisplayPorts, says
Osborne, it has made up with a Thunderbolt port, and in his estimation.
it's a fair swap, especially since the space saved by removing the
optical drive allowed Apple to add an AMD Radeon HD6630M discrete
graphics processor with 256 MB of dedicated video memory. While Mini
DisplayPort was only for video out, Thunderbolt can handle both video
and data, and you can daisy chain up to six devices on a single port. A
Mini DisplayPort monitor can be plugged directly into Thunderbolt, and
adapters for other types of displays are available. As a data port,
Thunderbolt is over 12 times as fast as FireWire 800 and over 20 as
fast as USB 2.0.
Link: Apple Mac mini 2.5
GHz Core i5 Review
2011 Mac mini 'a Welcome Performance Boost'
The Register's Stephen Dean says that last year's Mac mini was a bit of a
letdown despite its nice case nice redesign and a new HDMI port, but
with the hardware inside actually downgraded, but this year's revision
brings slightly better news, with a base model price cut and adoption
of Intel Core i5 processors, as well as an AMD Radeon HD6630M graphics
processor that has 256 MB of its own video memory in the higher-end
model, resulting in it being roughly twice as fast as its predecessor,
but the optical drive gone.
Link: Apple Mac mini
2011
Apple Updates
OS X Lion Update 10.7.1
The OS X Lion Update 10.7.1 (Client) is recommended for all users
running OS X Lion and includes general operating system fixes that
enhance the stability and compatibility of your Mac, including fixes
that:
- Address an issue that may cause the system to become unresponsive
when playing a video in Safari
- Resolve an issue that may cause system audio to stop working when
using HDMI or optical audio out
- Improve the reliability of WiFi connections
- Resolve an issue that prevents transfer of your data, settings, and
compatible applications to a new Mac running OS X Lion
- Resolve an issue in which an admin user account could be missing
after upgrading to OS X Lion.
File Size: 79.29 MB
System Requirements: OS X Lion
Link: About the OS X Lion v10.7.1
Update
OS X Lion 10.7.1 Update for Mid 2011 MacBook Air
and Mac mini
The OS X Lion 10.7.1 Update for MacBook Air and Mac mini 2011
(Client) is recommended for all users running OS X Lion on these
machines and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the
stability and compatibility of your Mac, including fixes that:
- Address an issue that may cause the system to become unresponsive
when playing a video in Safari
- Resolve an issue that may cause system audio to stop working when
using HDMI or optical audio out
- Improve the reliability of WiFi connections
- Resolve an issue that prevents transfer of your data, settings, and
compatible applications to a new Mac running OS X Lion
- Resolve an issue in which an admin user account could be missing
after upgrading to OS X Lion.
- Resolve an issue where MacBook Air may boot up when MagSafe Adapter
is attached
- Resolve an issue causing intermittent display flickering on MacBook
Air
- Resolve an issue that causes the SD card slot in Mac mini to run at
reduced speed with SD and SDHC media
File Size: 68.86 MB
System Requirements
- OS X Lion
- MacBook Air or Mac mini 2011
Link: OS X
Lion 10.7.1 Update for MacBook Air and Mac mini 2011 (Client)
Products & Services
Logitech Delivers Solar Powered Keyboard to Mac
Users
PR: Logitech released the PC version of its
Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 for Windows PC's last fall, but the
Swiss-based manufacturer of premium quality input devices and other
computer accessories now brings the power of light to Mac users as well
with the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 for Mac. The Mac solar
'board incorporates the same award-winning design and feature set as
the Windows version, letting you say good-bye to battery hassles thanks
to onboard solar cells that power the keyboard using ambient light. The
Mac version is available with Apple keymapping and in five
Apple-harmonuius color themes exclusively for Mac users.
"I'm proud to say we've listened, and are excited
to offer one of our most innovative keyboards designed specifically for
Mac users," says Logitech senior vice president and general manager of
the Control Devices business unit Rory Dooley. "We hear from consumers
all the time that they want to see more Mac products from us. I'm proud
to say we've listened and are excited to offer one of our most
innovative keyboards designed specifically for Mac users."
Like its Windows counterpart, the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard
K750 for Mac is powered by light - even indoors. Ambient light in the
room is usually sufficient (although I find that light from fluorescent
or CCFL bulbs is less efficient at powering solar devices than light
from incandescents), so there's no need for direct sunlight. The fact
that the fully charged keyboard has a reserve capacity of up to three
months in total darkness means you'll never have to hassle with
changing batteries. Although the Windows version K750 works fine with
Macs, Mac users will also now be able to download Logitech's
downloadable solar power app that features a lux meter to provide a
visual check on available light falling on the K750, keeps track of how
much energy is currently stored, and evaluates current light level for
charging purposes, plus at-a-glance information about battery levels,
and alerts you when you need more light.
With its PVC-free construction and fully recyclable
box, this keyboard is "green" - designed to minimize its environmental
footprint, and was named
Green Gadget of the Week by ZDNet last month. A full-size wireless
keyboard, the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 for Mac includes a
number pad and features a standard Mac keymapping layout, so everything
is where you expect it to be. The keys themselves are Logitech's
concave keycap design, and with with no necessity to accommodate a
battery compartment it has exceptionally sleek lines and a profile
thinner than Apple's current keyboards.
The Logitech Wireless Solar
Keyboard K750 for Mac comes with Logitech's advanced 2.4 GHz wireless
connectivity that virtually eliminates delays or dropouts (and none of
the tedious pairing necessary with Bluetooth 'boards). The
plug-and-forget USB Unifying receiver dongle is so small it stays in
your laptop, so your keyboard is always ready to use.
The Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 for Mac is expected to be
available in the US and Europe beginning this month, for a suggested
retail price of $59.99 ($20 cheaper than the Windows version).
Publisher's note: Also see Charles Moore's review of the Logitech Wireless Solar
Keyboard K750 at PBCentral.com. We've been using wireless Logitech
keyboards (and mice) at Low End Mac headquarters for over a decade and
love them. dk
Link: Logitech Keyboards
(also available from Amazon.com)
Logitech Offers Trade-In Program for Computer
Peripherals
PR: Looking to upgrade your webcam to HD? Craving the latest
gaming mouse to advance your game? Now you can trade in your old
Logitech gear and save on a new mouse, keyboard, or any other item from
Logitech.com. Simply follow the instructions, and Logitech will send
you a coupon code that will save you 20% off most items at Logitech.com - and
25% off gaming keyboards, gaming mice, and gaming headsets.
How it works:
- Click here or the icon below and select the item(s) you want to
trade in
- Enter your shipping information and print out your postage-paid
return label from CeXchange
- Receive your discount code for 20% - 25% off immediately - you can
use it towards new products on Logitech.com
- Pack your old product and send it in.
Link: Logitech Trade-In
Program
New from Apricorn - Velocity Solo SSD Upgrade Kit for Desktops
PR: Apricorn, has announced the introduction of its Velocity
Solo SSD Upgrade Kit for desktop computers, an easy to install solution
for instantly increasing your desktop system's performance.
Created specifically for standard desktop systems, the Velocity
Solo is an industry standard PCIe 2.0 x1 card designed to add a 2.5"
Solid State Drive (SSD) via a super fast SATA III (6 Gbps) connection.
The Solo also provides an additional SATA III data connection that can
be used to connect to another SSD or hard drive to provide expanded
high speed storage.
Priced at $49 and bundled with Apricorn's EZ Gig Cloning Software,
the Velocity Solo offers an affordable solution for boosting desktop
performance.
"With our extensive experience in notebook hard drive upgrades, it
was a natural evolution to create an easy to use desktop upgrade kit,"
says Mike McCandless, VP of Sales & Marketing at Apricorn. "We were
able to take an SSD upgrade a step further in the desktop environment
by including the 6 Gbps SATA III interface as well. The SATA III
interface maximizes the already huge advantages of SSDs in desktop
systems of running a faster OS, applications, and booting, but SSDs
will also improve the gaming experience."
Upgrade your system with two SATA III ports, for speeds twice as
fast as SATA II
If you're going to upgrade your system to a high performance Solid
State Drive, shouldn't it be connected using the fastest connection on
the market? At 6 Gbps, SATA III is twice as fast as SATA II and takes
full advantage of the performance of the latest model SSDs.
Easy Install - Simply connect the Velocity Solo to any available
PCIe 2.0 slot
Connect your 2.5" Solid State Drive to the Velocity Solo SATA III
connector and slide into any available PCIe slot in your desktop. Once
installed, download and run Apricorn's EZ Gig cloning software, update
the boot drive order in your system's BIOS, and your upgrade is
complete. For additional storage, use the auxiliary SATA III connector
for a super fast connection to an additional hard drive or solid state
drive.
Blending Performance and Capacity - Apricorn's EZ Gig Cloning
Software with Data Select makes it easy
The Velocity Solo is bundled with Apricorn's EZ Gig Cloning software
with Data Select. Data Select provides a simple method to deselect data
folders from the cloning process which is useful when migrating from a
large capacity hard drive to a smaller capacity SSD, and perfect for
creating a Boot Disk.
This gives you the option to run your OS and applications from a
fast, smaller SSD boot drive while keeping your documents and media
files on your original hard drive.
Ideal for High Performance Applications and Improving Gaming
Performance
Running your OS and applications on an SSD provides a measurable
performance increase, but the Velocity Solo is also the perfect upgrade
for improving gaming performance.
SSDs Improve Game Performance - As games become too large for their
assets to be fully cached on modern graphics cards and main memory, the
addition of an SSD for faster disk access during game play results in
less in-game pauses and a smoother playing experience. Games are also
faster to load and save when using an SSD.
Breathe New Life into Your Old Desktop System
The Velocity Solo is also the perfect upgrade for an older system,
offering an affordable solution for increased productivity without the
expense of purchasing a new desktop system.
MRSP of $49 includes Velocity Solo and Apricorn EZ Gig Cloning
Software Download (Solid State Drive sold separately).
Note that although the Velocity Solo SSD is compatible with Macs, it
cannot be used as a boot drive.
Link: Velocity Solo SSD Upgrade
Kit
Software
Glo Bible Interactive Bible with HD Videos,
Articles, and More
PR: Glo, The 2010 Bible of the Year, is now available for
Mac. Glo Premium includes Mac, PC, iPad & iPhone on up to 5
devices. Glo, winner of 2010 Bible of the Year, ECPA and 2010 Media of
the Year, Christian Resource Awards, is an interactive Bible that
brings the text of Scripture to life through HD videos, high-resolution
images, articles, 360-degree virtual tours, and much more. Glo Premium
for Mac includes all 6 browsing lenses: Bible, Atlas, Timeline,
Topical, MyGlo and Media to find what you need when you need it.
In the zoomable Bible lens it takes just taps 2 taps to access any
chapter of the Bible. Each verse is linked to resources and media. See
the places you've read about with the interactive zoomable atlas, or
find events in the zoomable timeline. The topical lens can help you
find just what you're looking for with hundreds of historical topics,
or topics that relate the Bible to your every day life. And tie it all
together with MyGlo, a lens that contains your journal and customizable
reading plans.
New in version 1.2.0:
- Completely redesigned Media lens interface with easy side scrolling
for a better, faster experience
- New media ranking engine to present the most relevant linked media
up front
- Support for "Glo Gives Back" Program
- Bug Fixes and Improvements
System requirements:
- Intel-based Mac
- Mac OS 10.5.8 (Leopard) or higher
- Internet Connection - Glo is a connected app that requires Internet
access for installation and some features.
Upgrade to Premium for the full Glo 2010 Bible of the Year
experience and get full access to all Glo media, translations and
features on your Mac. Plus, you can install on up to 5 devices
including Mac, PC, and iPad, and access Premium media &
features.
Key features of Glo Premium:
- 6 lenses: Bible, Atlas, Timeline, Topical, MyGlo and Media
- Full offline access to the best-selling NIV translation (updated in
2011, and the classic NIV84), the KJV, ESV, and the Message.
- 450+ virtual tours
- 2,300+ photos
- 7,500+ articles
- 650+ works of art
- 140+ maps
- NIV study notes
- the full 3.5+ hour interactive documentary on the life of
Jesus.
- My Journal
- Lens Filtering
- Bookmarks
- Verse notes & highlight syncing across devices
- Customizable Bible Reading plans
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later
Plus, you can install on Mac, PC, iPad, and iPhone, and access the
full Premium media.
Prices start at $49.99, and a free Glo Lite version is also
available for download.
Link: Glo
Bible for Mac (Mac
App Store link)
Desktop Mac
Deals
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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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