General Apple and Mac desktops is covered in The Mac News Review. iPod, iPhone, and Apple
TV news is covered in The iNews Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Apple Updates
Tech Trends
Products & Services
Software
News & Opinion
New Wake on Demand Network Feature in Snow
Leopard
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says that with Snow Leopard you
can share your music, printers, files, and even your screen with other
computers on your network. In previous OS X versions, in order for
items shared by your Mac to always be available, you had to configure
your Mac to never go to sleep. However, with the new Wake on Demand
feature in Mac OS X v10.6
"Snow Leopard" and an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule, you can
see and access shared items even if the host Mac is asleep, which helps
save energy and reduce costs while still ensuring full access to all
shared files and devices -å even remotely across the
Internet.
Note that this service requires an Apple AirPort Base Station or
Time Capsule with firmware 7.4.2 or later installed.
Link: New
Wake on Demand Network Feature in Mac OS X 10.6
Apple Working on Mac Tablet in Addition to 10"
iPod?
The
Register Hardware's Tony Smith reports another twist in the Apple
iTablet irumor saga: According to an unnamed "mole" cited by Gizmodo as
having "always been 100 per cent reliable", in addition to a 10" scaled
up iPod touch, Apple is also working on 13" and 15" models, both
running Mac OS X and seen in a factory in Shenzuen, China.
"Will the iTablet run iPhone OS or Mac OS?" Smith asks rhetorically.
"Two types of device mean the answer could be both."
Link: Apple
Working on Mac Tablet in Addition to 10in iPod?
Windows 7 Works Great on the MacBook Pro
ZD Net Asia "Mr. Tech" blogger
Lee Lup Yuen says that as a registered Microsoft developer, he had
early access to the final release version of Windows 7, which he
installed on his 17" MacBook Pro. He notes that the 64-bit version of
Windows 7 Ultimate installed smoothly using the the Boot Camp Assistant
bundled with Mac OS X and has worked great for the past 3 weeks,
getting about 3.5 hours of battery runtime.
Mr. Lee notes that overall, 64-bit Windows 7 works very well on a
MacBook Pro, boots quickly, feels very responsive, and seems to take
full advantage of the fast solid state hard drive and the huge amount
of installed RAM (8 GB) on his 'Book.
Link: Windows 7 Works Great
on the MacBook Pro
Hide Your MacBook in Your Newspaper
Mac 360's Kate
MacKenzie says:
"If security is an issue and you re afraid a thief might make off
with your Mac, then maybe security through obscurity is a good idea.
Stuff your MacBook into an old pizza box on your desk. That s secure.
Or, hide it inside an old newspaper."
Link:
Security Worries? Hide Your MacBook in Your Newspaper
Apple Updates
Apple Announces Extended Repair Policy on MacBook
Air Hinges
A new Apple Knowledge Base article informs as to what you can do if
you experience one or more of these issues with the hinges on your
MacBook Air.
- Unable to close lid completely.
- Broken or cracked plastic near one or both of the hinges.
- More than one inch (2.54cm) of free play while opening or closing
the lid.
- Lid falls freely into closed position from a 30-degree open
position. (From a closed position, open the lid approximately 30
degrees and let go.)
For resolution you can take your MacBook Air to an Apple-Authorized
Service Provider or Apple Retail Store for evaluation and repair if
necessary, even if your product is out of warranty.
If you previously paid for a repair for hinge-related issues that
were not caused by accidental damage, you may be eligible for a refund.
Contact Apple for more information.
If you plan to visit an Apple Retail store, make a reservation at the Genius
Bar. (Available only in some countries.)
Link: Troubleshooting MacBook Air
Hinges
Mac OS X v10.6: About the Battery Menu Bar Extra
for Portable Macs
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says that Mac OS X v10.6 Snow
Leopard includes an improved Battery menu bar extra for portable Macs.
The Battery menu bar extra provides information about the condition of
the battery, as well the amount of time remaining on the current
charge, the current active power source, and any current charge status
details.
The Battery menu bar may report these messages:
- Replace Soon
- Replace Now
- Check Battery
If you see "Replace Soon" in the Battery menu, the battery may still
be usable and hold some charge, however, you might consider battery
replacement.
If the "Replace Now" and "Check Battery" reports pop up and the
battery in your 'Book is removable, the article suggests removing and
reseating it. If the battery is not removable, it may be necessary to
reset the System Management Controller (SMC).
To learn more about Apple battery technology and for tips on
maximizing your portable Mac's battery, go to http://www.apple.com/batteries/
Link: Mac
OS X v10.6: About the Battery Menu Bar Extra for Portable Macs
Tech Trends
gScreen Prepares to Launch Spacebook Dual-Screen
Laptop
PR: gScreen Computer Corp. plans to launch its new
Dual-Screen Spacebook 2009 Laptop computer, which will be the first
dual screen laptop with two identical 15.4" screens and a full-size
keyboard, built into one laptop unit in Q4 2009.
A gScreen Spacebook 13.3" is
projected to be released sometime after the 15.4" and will feature
expandability to 24-inches of screen area from the nominal 13.3." A 17"
model is being floated as a future possibility.
Currently, the Spacebook's planned technical specs include two LED
backlit display screens, and Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26 GHz CPU, and
Nvidia GeForce 9800M GT GPU with 512 MB dedicated memory or an Nvidia
Quadro FX 1700M Graphics with 512 MB dedicated memory, 4 GB DDR2
SO-DIMM RAM in two modules, a 320 GB 7200-rpm HD, IEEE 1394 (FireWire
Graphics Card Output (15-pin, D-Sub), HDMI support Mic-in, Line-in, and
headphone jacks, a PCI Express Card slot, a 90 watt AC Power Adapter,
and a Li-Ion 9 cell battery pack. And of course a version of the
Windows OS, but gScreen says they will be anxious to test Google's new
Chrome-based OS on their gScreen Spacebook to see how it performs in
the dual-screen environment.
Needless to say, the Spacebook will be no lightweight.
A startup, gScreen Computer Corp., is an American owned technology
company based in Anchorage, Alaska. Founded in 2003 by a small group of
private investors that is focused primarily on the design, production,
marketing and sales of dual-screen laptop computers.
Founder and Chief Designer, Gordon Stewart started gScreen as an
R&D company with a focus on developing dual-screen laptops for
filmmakers, photographers, video and graphics designers and CAD
engineers. The company says potential customers have shown tremendous
interest in their product from the Banking, Accounting, Investment and
Trading sector and the Department of Defense including the US Navy and
Department of Homeland Security.
The gScreen Spacebook is slated to be sold through various retail
outlets. including Amazon.com and the company will offer 100% North
American Sales and Tech support for all gScreen laptop computers.
The company is currently developing the gScreen Titan- exclusively
for use by the US Navy at this time, but anticipates eventually making
them available to the general public. The Titan M-1 dual screen
workstation. This Duo 15.4 workstation is a ruggedized version of the
proposed G400 dual-screen business and consumer laptop. The M-1 product
is being built specifically to specs requested by the US Navy for
extreme environments.
Pricing has not been finalized, but Gordon Stewart has been cited
saying the company would like to keep it below $3,000 for the 15.4"
model
This is nothing like the
"WingBook" that we speculated about in 2002.
Link: gScreen
Products & Services
MyService Offers 750 GB MacBook Pro Hard Drive
Upgrade
PR: MyService has announced a new 750 GB upgrade for the
MacBook Pro. These new Scorpio Blue drives by Western Digital are the
largest mobile drives available. MyService has these drives in stock.
The upgrade service includes the new drive, round trip shipping,
professional installation and data transfer. MyService makes the
service process fast and easy. MyService sends a custom laptop shipping
container to you. All shipping is insured and can be tracked
online.
MyService has announced a new 750 upgrade for the MacBook Pro. These
new Scorpio Blue drives by Western Digital are the largest mobile
drives available. MyService has these drives in stock and the complete
upgrade service is $375. The price includes the new 750 GB drive, round
trip shipping, professional installation and data transfer.
Your old hard drive is returned to you and can be used for backups.
Since MyService is an Apple Authorized Service Provider, the 750 GB
upgrade will not void your Apple warranty. These drives are slightly
higher than standard 2.5" drives but fit perfectly in all Unibody
MacBook Pros, the 13" MacBook Unibody and the 17" (Silver Keyboard)
MacBook Pro.
MyService makes the service process fast and easy. No phone trees,
no run-around, just awesome service. MyService sends a custom laptop
shipping container to you. Once it arrives, simply pack your laptop and
send it back using the prepaid UPS shipping label. All shipping is
insured and can be tracked online. You may drop your laptop at any one
of the 4,200 UPS Store locations within the United States.
Once your laptop is back at MyService, a certified technician
installs the new drive and transfers the data over from your old drive.
If your old hard drive is failing, a new operating system is installed.
All drives feature a 3 year manufacturer warranty.
After the service is completed, your laptop is cleaned, tested and
sent back to you, along with your old drive. All services are completed
within 24 hours of arrival. MyService accepts purchase orders from
education facilities. For more information visit the MyService website
or call 877-622-3473.
Toshiba Portable Hard Drives Reach 640 GB
PR: Toshiba's Portable Hard Drives make computer backup
simple. Our drives take the complexity out of backing up your computer
data by providing easy-to-use backup software for both Windows and Mac
users. Powered by USB 2.0, you can take your files just about anywhere.
Just one click and you're on your way to creating a digital safety net
to help protect your files.
Toshiba's next generation Portable Hard Drives feature complete
system backup (Windows only), password protection for added security
and enhanced software features. Plug in the drive, load the software
and you'll have peace of mind in knowing that all of your important
digital photos, music, movies and documents are backed up, protected
and portable. The software runs in the background capturing updates to
files and automatically saving them to the external drive.
Toshiba's Portable External Hard Drives work with both Mac and PC
computers and include software that makes backing up your computer
simple. With everything you need right in the box, Toshiba's External
Hard Drives are the ultimate combination of storage and style.
Key Features
- File & Folder backup and recovery
- Complete system backup and recovery (Windows only)
- Password-protected data encryption
- Drive Space Alert
- Internal shock sensor and ramp loading technology helps protect the
drive
- USB Powered for portability
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
Available in Liquid Blue, Komodo Green, Rocket Red & Vivid
White. Some colors may not be available in all drive sizes.
While most systems provide sufficient power over the USB port for
the Toshiba Portable External Hard Drive, a few manufacturers and some
older systems limit this power. If you find that your Toshiba Portable
External Hard Drive does not spin up, you may require a USB "Y" cable.
This cable combines the power from two USB ports to provide ample power
to your drive. Please contact Toshiba Direct for information on
purchasing a "Y" cable.
Link: Toshiba
Portable Hard Drives
Shopping for Computer Memory Upgrades Has Never
Been Easier
PR: PRO Memory Upgrade not only offers factory original RAM
for Apple, Dell, HP, IBM, Sony, Toshiba and Sun computers and servers
made by DRAM manufacturers, they also allow RAM shoppers to make offers
online if they see the same memory module upgrade type for less
elsewhere.
Selling truth about computer memory upgrades, keeps systems running
properly. PRO Memory Upgrade is helping customers avoid pitfalls of
upgrading computer memory with an online store that guarantees all
memory modules purchased are an exact quality of those originally
installed at the factory, unless they become end-or-life.
With the RAM expansion market being rather tricky, PRO Memory
Upgrade discloses the truth about the brands it carries and eliminates
the guesswork in quality. There are no "house brands", OEM eTT, pulled
or refurbished part types of RAM chips sold through their store.
Weather you are upgrading your Apple MacBook Pro, Dell PowerEdge or Sun
Fire, the consistently of memory upgrades remains the same; buy
identical brands and part numbers that Apple, Dell, HP and Sun choose
to install.
In addition to supporting computer users with genuine factory made
memory modules such as Apple, Dell and HP would install, PRO Memory
Upgrade actively seeks to help RAM shoppers save money when purchasing
computer memory, by allowing customers to submit offers on similar
grades of memory they might find at other online memory stores. PRO
Memory Upgrade then strives to match that price. RAM module upgrade
capacities range in size from 8 GB, 4 GB, 2 GB,
1 GB and 512 MB. Larger upgrades so making offers to lower costs
can insure customers can be confident they can really purchase the best
quality memory modules at the best price, at one place,
www.MemoryUpgrade.PRO
The PRO Memory Upgrade store holds quotes for .gov & .edu
customers for extended periods as they have reserves on server memory
modules. PRO Memory Upgrade can very easily hold a quote on a 1000
piece 4 GB Fully Buffered or Registered module quote for up to 30
days, which is unique in a volatile memory market.
Delivering unique set of attributes targeted toward small business,
government and educational institutions, PRO Memory Upgrade enables
procurement of higher quality memory upgrades at greater values.
Link: PRO
Memory Upgrade
QuickerTek Bundles Free Snow Leopard Upgrade with
Popular Products
PR: QuickerTek, the specialist in power and wireless Apple
products, has announced that when customers buy any one of its three
most popular wireless networking products or the MacBook external
battery, they get an upgrade to Mac OS X "Snow Leopard" free.
QuickerTek has tested all of its products with the new Mac OS and is
celebrating compatibility with this special offer.
The featured products include the Dualy USB for $325.95, Dualy
Extreme for $350, Quicky USB $225 high powered wireless networking
antennas, and the popular external battery/chargers for MacBook,
MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air at $349.95. Customers get superior
wireless networking products as well as the latest Mac OS from
Apple.
Like most QuickerTek products, these four products are backed with a
one-year warranty on parts and labor.
QuickerTek has been a recognized leading innovator of antennas, RF
and battery/power products for Apple computers.
Link: QuickerTek
Software
Autograph: Simple Signature Capture for Unibody
MacBooks
PR:
Introducing Autograph. Simple signature capture for MacBook. Also,
super fun.
Autograph an email or document in less than 7 seconds. It works in
Word, Pages, Mail, iChat, and many other applications. For a limited
time, Autograph is free when purchased with Pogo Sketch.
For use only with Signatures? - No Way! Use Autograph for silly
doodles, poodles, polite gestures, or anything else you can think of.
You can even use Autograph to sketch in iChat.
Automatic Insert: Waste time scanning, trimming, pasting in a
signature? No thanks! One keystroke inserts your signature or note into
an open document.
Easy HotKey Activation: Just like a
pen, Autograph is at your fingertips. Customize the HotKey to anything
you d like.- Swipe to Undo: Flub your last name? No problem. Three-finger swipe
left or right to undo/redo. Try that with a pen!
- Biometrics: Bio-what? You've probably never had a handwriting
expert evaluate your penmanship. For us, that's a good thing. But just
in case, Autograph includes all the details that make a signature
uniquely yours. And that, gentle reader, is how you can tell the
signature to the left is not in fact Mr. John Hancock of
antiquity.
- Lots more fun features: Colors, Hover-mode, and many other features
are just waiting for you to try them out. Give it a shot today!
System requirements:
Here's how to tell if Autograph will work on your machine:
If you have a silver MacBook with black keys, that's a great start.
You can already use Pogo Sketch. You must also have OS X 10.6 Snow
Leopard installed (it was released on Aug. 28). Upgrading is a snap.
Need to be sure? It's easy! Give the free version a quick try.
You can download the free version, which contains a watermark, and
use it for as long as you'd like.
Simply drag it to your Applications folder to install.
It's easy to register later, if you need to. Registering Autograph
removes the watermark. Way. More. Fun.
$6.95
Note: For a limited time, Autograph is free when added to
your cart with Pogo Sketch.
MBP 15"/17" Owners: Important v1.2 fix available now via update!
Link: Autograph
Bargain 'Books
Bargain 'Books are used unless otherwise indicated. New and
refurbished units have a one-year Apple warranty and are eligible for
AppleCare.
PowerBook, iBook, and MacBook profiles linked in our Portable Mac Index.
Factory refurbished units with Apple's full one-year warranty.
- 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/120 HD, $1,099
- 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/64 SSD, $1,149
- 1.8 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80 HD, $1,099
- 1.8 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/64 GB SSD, $1,199
- 1.86 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/120 GB HD, $1,249
- 1.86 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/128 GB SSD, $1,249
- 2.13 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/120 GB HD, $1,549
- 2.13 GHz MacBook White, 2 GB/160/SD, $849
- 2.4 GHz MacBook, black, 2 GB/250/SD, $999
- 2.0 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/160/SD, $899
- 2.4 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/250/SD, $999
- 2.4 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/128 SSD/SD, $1,299
- 13" 2.26 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $999
- 13" 2.53 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/250/SD, $1,299
- 15" 2.53 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, $1,449
- 15" 2.53 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/128 SSD/SD, $1,599
- 15" 2.66 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, $1,599
- 15" 2.93 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, $1,949
- 17" 2.66 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, $1,949
- 17" 2.66 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, antiglare,
$1,999
- 2.26 GHz MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,194 less $100 mail-in rebate
= $1,094
- 2.53 GHz MacBook Pro, 4 GB/250/SD, $1,494 less $100 mail-in rebate
= $1,394
- 2.53 GHz June 09, 4 GB/250, $1,694 less $105 mail-in rebate =
$1,594
- 2.66 GHz June 09, 4 GB/320, $1,994 less $150 mail-in rebate =
$1,844
- 2.8 GHz June 09, 4 GB/500, $2,294 less $200 mail-in rebate =
$2,094
- 2.8 GHz Unibody, 4 GB/500, $2,494 less $200 mail-in rebate =
$2,294
- 2.0 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/160/SD, $924.99
- 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/SD, $619.99
- 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/SD, $629.99
- 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $719.99
- 15" 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/80/SD, $779.99
- 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/80/SD, $799.99
- 15" 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/200/SD, $899.99
- 15" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, $949.99
- 17" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, APX, $1,269
- 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/160/SD, $1,399
- Lombard PowerBook G3/400, 256/6/DVD, OS 9, $179
- Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 512/10/no optical drive?, AP, $299
- 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 768/40/Combo, AP, OS X 10.6, $299
- 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, black, 1 GB/80/SD, $879
- Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 128/6/DVD, $299.99
- Pismo PowerBook G3/500, 128/6/DVD, $349.99
- Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 256/40/DVD, $399.99
- Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 256/60/DVD, $419.99
- Pismo PowerBook G3/500, 256/40/DVD, $439.99
- Pismo PowerBook G3/500, 256/60/DVD, $449.99
- Pismo PowerBook with G4/550 upgrade, 256/40/Combo, $529.99
- Clamshell iBook G3/300, 96/6/CD, blueberry or tangerine,
$179.99
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD, $169.99
- 12" iBook G3/600, 128/15/CD, $249.99
- 12" iBook G3/700, 128/20/Combo, $329.99
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/Combo, $399.99
- 12" iBook G4/800 MHz, 256/30/Combo, 60 day warranty, $289.99
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/Combo, 60 day warranty, $369.99
- 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 256/30/Combo, 60 day warranty, $409.99
- 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/40/Combo, AirPort & Bluetooth, 60
day warranty, $489.99
- 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/60/Combo, 60 day warranty, $499.99
- 14" iBook G4/1.42 GHz, 512/60/SD, 60 day warranty, $529.99
- 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, $594.99
- 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, $659.99
- 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, black, 512/80/SD, $719.99
- 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white Core2 Duo, 1 GB/80/SD, $769.99
- 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black Core2 Duo, 1 GB/120/SD, $799.99
- 12" iBook G3/800 MHz, 384/30/Combo, $249
- 2.0 GHz MacBook, white, 2 GB/120/SD, $699
- 2.16 GHz MacBook, white, 1 GB/100/SD, $749
- 2.4 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/250/SD, AppleCare, $1,259
- 15" 1.83 GHz MacBook Pro, 2 GB/80/SD, scratched $699
- 15" 1.83 GHz MacBook Pro, 2 GB/80/SD, $849
- 15" 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro, 2 GB/100/SD, scratched $749
- 15" 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro, 2 GB/100/SD, screen blemish, $749
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.
We also track iPad,
iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.
