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
Products & Services
News & Opinion
How to Survive the Mobile Systems Stampede
EE Times' Rick Merritt says:
"A flux of new mobile systems is thundering on the horizon. Two
words of advice for system makers who want to survive it - think
different.
"Apple Inc.'s old
motto may be grammatically incorrect but it is strategically right
on target for this era of innovation by imitation....
"An ARM executive warned about the coming stampede in a press event
in Taipei, saying as many as 50 media tablet designs will hit the
market this year, including ones from each of the top 10 telecom
service providers....
"Meanwhile, netbooks have hit the mainstream."
Link: How to
Survive Mobile Systems Stampede (registration required)
Netbooks Keep It Light
PC Mag's Natalie Shoemaker says:
"Tired of schlepping a heavy laptop around? Then take a load off
with a netbook.
"Whether you commute by bus, train, car, or on foot, lugging a
laptop around can get cumbersome Natalie observes, so short of hiring
someone else to carry your laptop, consider a netbook - lightweight,
inexpensive relative to other laptops, and able to handle day-to-day
computing on the go."
The article goes on to profile some of PC Mag's editors' netbook
favorites.
Link: Netbooks Keep It
Light
Researchers Develop a Lithium Battery That Can't
Explode
Register Hardware's Tony Smith reports:
"Scientists from Stanford University in the US have worked out how
to build a lithium-sulphur battery that doesn't require a lithium metal
electrode. That, they say, will make it free from the "serious safety
issues" that have been holding the technology back."
Link:
Researchers Develop a Lithium Battery That Can't Explode
Apple Updates
Mid 2007 MacBook Pro Display Issue Related to
'Hot-plugging' External Display
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"When hot-plugging an external display into your MacBook Pro, you
may notice the external display occasionally stays dark, or the
internal display of the MacBook Pro appears to flash or turn black.
"Sometimes, when switching from an S-video to a DVI connection, the
internal display may appear black or display only the mouse cursor.
"Products Affected: MacBook Pro (17-inch 2.4
GHz), MacBook
Pro (15-inch 2.4/2.2 GHz)
"Resolution
- Wait 5 seconds for the screen to automatically re-size or
activate.
- If this doesn't occur after 5 seconds, click Detect Displays
in the Displays pane of System Preferences.
- If the internal (or external) display still doesn't re-size or
activate, press the F7 key to turn on mirroring mode, or restart the
computer.
"Note: This issue does not occur in Mac OS X 10.5."
Editor's note: Apple doesn't clarify whether this is a problem in
OS X 10.4 Tiger or 10.6 Snow Leopard. dk
Link: MacBook Pro: Display Issue Related
to 'Hot-plugging'
Products & Services
XstandPro and Xstand Pro XL Laptop Stands: 2
Heights, 1 Sight
PR: Just Mobile Xstand laptop stands are a stylish, sturdy
choice made of solid aluminium matching the metal finish of the MacBook
Pro.
XtandPro.jpeg
It provides desktop computer comfort by raising your notebook`s
display to an ergonomic eye level. With the additional low profile bar
you can personalize your height and enjoy ergonomic comfort without an
external keyboard and mouse.
XtandPro3.jpeg
With Xstand Pro air circulates freely underneath your computer,
allowing it to run cooler and quieter. Non-slip rubber pads on the Just
Mobile Xstand Pro also keeps your notebook securely in place.
XtandPro2.jpeg
Features:
- Two replaceable ergonomic heights
- Keeps laptop cooler and more quiet
- Fits all laptops - Mac and PC
It is designed perfectly for 13 inch MacBook and MacBook Pro, 17"
MBP users may find it doesn't balance aesthetically (see Xstand Pro XL
described below)
Xstand Pro features 2 height settings. Both settings provide
ergonomic viewing angles.
Rubber pads on Xstand Pro (also on the bottom of Xstand Pro which
has non-slip rubbers) prevent metal-on-metal scratching or scratching
of support surfaces.
Smaller 'Books such as PowerBook G4 12" and MacBook/ MacBook Pro 13
are compatible with Xstand Pro.
Link: Xstand Pro
Xstand Pro XL for 15" and 17" MacBook Pro
Just Mobile Xstand Pro XL provides desktop computer comfort for
larger laptops by raising your notebook's display to an ergonomic eye
level. With the additional low profile bar you can personalize your
height and enjoy ergonomic comfort without an external keyboard and
mouse.
XtandPro1.jpeg
Xstand Pro XL is designed especially for 15" and 17" MacBook
Pro.
With Xstand Pro XL air circulates freely underneath your computer,
allowing it to run cooler and quieter. Non-slip rubber pads on the Just
Mobile Xstand Pro XL also keeps your notebook securely in place.
Features:
- Two replaceable ergonomic heights
- Keeps laptop cooler and more quiet
- Fits all laptops - including Mac (15" and 17") and PC, as well as
the 13 inch MacBook and MacBook Pro. 17" MBP users may find it doesn't
balance aesthetically.
XtandPro4.jpeg
Xstand Pro features 2 height settings. Both settings provide
ergonomic viewing angles.
Rubber pads on Xstand Pro XL (also on the bottom of Xstand Pro is
with non slip rubbers) to prevent metal-on-metal scratching or damage
to support surfaces.
Check http://www.xtand.net/buy/# to find the
local resellers, if you are not able to find a reseller near you, send
an email to sales@just-mobile.com
Link: Xstand Pro XL
My Passport SE for Mac Ultraportable Hard Drives 1
TB, USB 2.0
PR: This sleek portable drive is Mac-ready and offers
maximum capacity to store and secure all the photos and files of your
creative life.
Designed for Mac, this sleek, portable drive now features more
capacity than ever to store all the important memories of your digital
life. It's also compatible with Apple Time Machine and includes
password protection and hardware encryption.
Only
a few millimeters thicker to accommodate our highest capacity mobile
drives. Plenty of room for all your creative files.
Formatted for Mac and compatible with Apple Time Machine this drive
is plug-and-play ready for Mac computer users.
An extra level of security with password protection and 256-bit
hardware-based encryption.
Product Features
- Maximum capacity, maximum style - Store all your favorite videos,
music, photos, and important files. Although it's still sleek and
compact, it's ideal for storing the large files of creative
professionals.
- Designed for Mac - Formatted for Mac and compatible with Apple Time
Machine, this drive is plug-and-play ready for Mac computer users.
- Drive lock - Gain peace of mind knowing that your data is protected
from unauthorized access or theft with password protection and 256-bit
hardware-based encryption.
WD SmartWare - See your life safe in one place.
- See your backup as it happens - Seeing is believing. Visual backup
displays your content in categories and shows the progress of your
backup.
- Protect your data automatically - Relax, your data is secure.
- Automatic, continuous backup will instantly make a second copy
whenever you add or change a file.
- Bring back lost files effortlessly - Retrieve your valuable data to
its original location whether you've lost all your data or just
overwritten an important file.
- Take control - Customize your backup, set drive security, run
diagnostics, manage the power settings, and more from the WD SmartWare
control center.
- USB 2.0 interface - Powered directly from the USB port on your PC.
No separate power supply is needed.
- An optional cable is available for the few computers that limit
power from the USB port.
- Planet friendly - We designed a small box from recycled materials
to minimize waste. We encourage you to recycle it.
Compatibility
- Formatted HFS+ Journaled
- Mac OS X Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard
Price: $199.99
Link: My
Passport SE for Mac (purchase
link)
Mobile Edge Laptop and Netbook Cases Now Checkpoint
Friendly
PR: Mobile Edge brings the enhanced travel convenience of
Checkpoint Friendly carrying cases to the rapidly growing market of
Netbook users. With products like these new Netbook ScanFast cases,
Mobile Edge continues to develop innovative new carrying case products
to make life easier for portable computer users.
Mobile Edge, maker of stylish laptop computer carrying
cases and accessories, has expanded their ScanFast!" Checkpoint
Friendly Collection with full-featured Netbook carrying cases, the
first TSA Compliant Netbook Case Collection on the market. Netbook
computer owners are looking for a more substantial case for their
smaller computers, something more than a simple sleeve. As a result of
this demand, Mobile Edge created the Edge Netbook Briefcase, Messenger
Bag and Backpack - all designed to be Checkpoint Friendly.
Adding to their existing ScanFast!" Collection of TSA compliant
Laptop Cases, Mobile Edge now offers the largest line of Checkpoint
Friendly Cases in the industry. Whether you have an 8.9 Netbook or a
17.3 wide screen laptop, Mobile Edge has a solution for you.
Designed specifically for sleek ultra portable Netbooks, each Edge
Netbook Case has an adjustable computer protection compartment that
will adjust for 8.9 to 11.6 Netbooks with a power supply or up to 13.3
Notebooks.
Recent industry studies report that unit sales of Netbook computers
more than doubled during 2009 and are expected to exceed 39 million
units this year. A result of the lower price points and increased
functionality, the Netbook format is now a well established segment of
the portable PC market.
"We are delighted to bring the enhanced travel convenience of
Checkpoint Friendly carrying cases to the rapidly growing market of
Netbook users," says G. David Cartwright, President & CEO, Mobile
Edge. "With products like these new Netbook ScanFast cases, Mobile Edge
continues to develop innovative new carrying case products to make life
easier for portable computer users."
The Edge ScanFast!" Netbook Case Collection consists of three
product styles; the traditional Edge Briefcase - MEUEBC, the on-the-go
Messenger Bag - MEUEMB and the versatile Edge Backpack - MEUEBP. The
Edge ScanFast Netbook Cases are now shipping at a suggested retail
price of $49.99. A new ScanFast Netbook Briefcase for women will be
released this summer.
Mobile Edge continues to expand the laptop carrying case category by
offering new, innovative and smart designs that fuse fashion trends
with form and function, creating a brand that makes a positive
statement about today's mobile computing lifestyle.
Mobile Edge is committed to the highest quality standards in every
case that it produces, from women's briefcases, portfolios and totes,
to men's messenger bags, backpacks, Netbook cases and their new
ScanFast Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Collection. Recently acquired Sumo
is a lifestyle brand with San Francisco roots focused on fashion
forward products that break the mold and offer alternatives to the
boring and mundane.
Both Mobile Edge and Sumo offer the strongest product warranty in
the industry.
Link: Mobile
Edge
NewerTech Mini DisplayPort/USB Stereo to HDMI
Adapter
PR: Newer Technology, Inc. (NewerTech) announces the
NewerTech Mini DisplayPort/USB Stereo to HDMI Adapter, a $49.99 MSRP
one cable adapter solution for outputting both high definition video up
to 1080p and 2-channel stereo audio from the latest Mini DisplayPort
equipped Macintosh computers through HDMI interface equipped High
Definition Televisions.
Eight Different Adapters for Every Video Display Need
With the introduction of the new Mini DisplayPort/USB Stereo to HDMI
Adapter, NewerTech now offers Mac users eight different display
adapters for connecting to a variety of display options: HD
monitors/TVs, advanced digital monitors like the 20" or 23" Apple
Cinema Display, standard analog VGA monitors, or multiple displays for
an extended desktop:
- New Mini DisplayPort/USB Stereo To HDMI Adapter $49.99
- Mini DisplayPort To HDMI Adapter (no audio) $24.99
- Mini DisplayPort To DVI Adapter $24.99
- Mini DisplayPort To VGA Adapter $29.99
- Mini DVI To HDMI Adapter $17.99
- Mini DVI To DVI Adapter $14.99
- Mini DVI To VGA Adapter $14.99
- USB Video Display Adapter $95.99
The NewerTech Mini DisplayPort/USB Stereo to HDMI Adapter is
available immediately for $49.99 MSRP from NewerTech's exclusive
distributor, Other World Computing (OWC), as well as through the retail
channel.
One Adapter Solution Provides Both Audio and Video
While the Mini DisplayPort offers superior video resolution output
through a single interface on a Mac, it has a major shortcoming in that
it doesn't natively output audio. The NewerTech Mini DisplayPort/USB
Stereo to HDMI Adapter overcomes that limitation by cost effectively
combining a Mac's video signal via the Mini DisplayPort and audio
signal via USB port into a single HDMI output cable. With this single
cable, bus powered (no AC power supply needed) adapter, Mac desktop and
notebook users can now connect their Mac to a projector; extend their
display onto a second monitor; or view movies, network broadcasts, and
play games and other media on a big screen HDTV.
"This dual signal adapter embodies NewerTech's slogan by making the
latest Macs 'better than new' by giving them a single cable solution
when connecting to HDTVs," said Grant Dahlke, Brand Manager, NewerTech.
"And by expanding our line of Mini DisplayPort and Mini DVI adapters,
we now can enable a wider range of Mac notebook and desktop users the
ability to expand their display options."
Link: NewerTech Video
Accessories
OCZ Onyx Series Makes 2.5" SSD Affordable
PR: OCZ Technology Group, Inc. has unveiled the OCZ Onyx SATA
II 2.5" Solid State Drive (SSD) Series, an ultra-affordable MultiLevel
Cell (MLC)-based solid state storage solution designed for consumers
looking to take advantage of flash-based storage technology. Offering a
faster and more durable alternative to traditional hard drives in a
cost-efficient SSD, the Onyx delivers reliable performance without the
high price normally associated with SSD drives.
"As new
technologies become available, OCZ continues to expand both our
enterprise and consumer SSD lines, and one of our goals is to make SSDs
more affordable to end-users. Our new Onyx series SSD does exactly that
and is a perfect solution for netbooks, laptops, or home desktop PCs,"
commented Ryan Petersen, CEO of the OCZ Technology Group. "Designed to
offer the best of both worlds, the new OCZ Onyx SSD delivers the speed
and reliability of solid state storage to mainstream consumers at an
aggressive price point that makes the technology more accessible to
customers who want to take advantage of all the benefits of the SSDs
without incurring the high cost normally associated with the
solution."
With a sub-$100 MRSP, the aggressively priced Onyx 32 GB SSD
delivers an enhanced computing experience with faster application
loading, snappier data access, shorter bootups, and longer battery
life. Onyx SSDs feature HDD-dominating access times, up to 125 MB/s
read and 70 MB/s write speeds, 64 MB of onboard cache, and unique
performance optimization to keep the drives at peak performance over
the long term.
OCZ Onyx SSD drives feature a durable yet lightweight housing, and
because OCZ SSDs have no moving parts, the drives are more rugged than
conventional hard drives. Available first in 32 GB capacity the Onyx
state drives are ideal for use as a boot up drive or for mobile PCs and
netbooks as a quality hard drive replacement. Designed for ultimate
reliability, Onyx SSDs have an excellent 1.5 million hour mean time
between failure (MTBF), and OCZ also offers a leading 3-year warranty
and award-winning technical support with the series, making SSDs a more
viable upgrade for users requiring ultimate levels of customer
service.
Link:
OCZ Onyx Series SATA II 2.5" SSD
Intel Brings Affordable SSD to Netbooks and Desktop
PCs
PR: Intel introduces X25-V Value SATA Solid-State Drive (SSD)
at $125 entry price point. 40 GB SSD Offers Consumers Affordable Price
Point for Solid-State Performance. Perfect for value netbooks or as
boot drive for dual-drive SSD/HDD desktops, X25-V delivers SSD
performance at an affordable price. Desktop PCs can now combine an SSD
with HDD to boost overall system performance and speed system boot up
and opening of applications
Intel
Corporation announced today a new addition to its award-winning lineup
of high-performance solid-state drives (SSDs): the Intel X25-V Value
SATA SSD. Priced at $125, the 40 gigabyte (GB) drive is aimed at value
segment netbooks and dual-drive/boot drive desktop setups to offer
users the performance and reliability advantages of solid-state
computing at an affordable, entry-level price.
"Adding the Intel X25-V to our existing family of high-performance
SSDs gives our resellers a full range of high-performing, quality SSDs
for notebook upgrades, dual-drive desktop set ups or embedded
applications"
SSDs can replace or coexist with traditional hard disk drives
(HDDs). With no movable parts or spinning platters, SSDs are more
reliable and higher performing than HDDs. This makes users more
productive as they experience faster overall system responsiveness.
With the affordable price point, consumers can now enjoy the benefits
of an SSD by adding an SSD option to their current desktop PC in a
dual-drive or "boot drive" set up. In a dual-drive configuration, the
Intel X25-V SSD is added to a desktop with an existing HDD. The SSD is
loaded with the operating system and favorite applications to take
advantage of the speedy performance which is nearly 4x faster than a
7200 RPM HDD. Users keep their existing HDD as a means of higher
capacity data storage. This capability is commonly referred to as a
"boot" drive since the SSD accelerates boot or start up time.
For example, with 40 GB of boot drive capacity, a user could load
the SSD with the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system, Microsoft Office
applications and their favorite gaming application, such as Dragon Age:
Origins, and experience up to 43 percent faster overall system
performance or 86 percent improvement in their gaming experience. The
SSD also speeds operations such as system start up, the opening of
applications and files or resuming from standby.
"The Intel solid-state drive is our top-selling SSD," said Stephen
Yang, product manager for solid-state drives at e-tailer Newegg.com.
"This new value entry from Intel means more customers will have the
chance to experience the benefits of SSDs, not just in notebooks or
high-end PCs, but in mainstream desktops as a boot drive. This is the
right price point to help convert more users to SSD computing."
The Intel X25-V features 40 GB of 34nm NAND flash memory. This
nonvolatile memory retains data, even when the power is turned off, and
is used in applications such as smartphones, personal music players,
memory cards or SSDs for fast and reliable storage of data. SSD
benefits over a traditional HDD include higher performance, battery
saving and ruggedness.
"Adding the Intel X25-V to our existing family of high-performance
SSDs gives our resellers a full range of high-performing, quality SSDs
for notebook upgrades, dual-drive desktop set ups or embedded
applications," said Pete Hazen, director of marketing for the Intel
NAND Solutions Group. "SSD adoption continues to be one of the more
exciting trends in personal computing, and this entry-level product
enables users to enjoy the productivity and performance benefits of
Intel SSDs at a new price point."
The 40 GB Intel X25-V complements Intel's higher performance
Intel® X25-M Mainstream SATA SSD product line that offers 80 GB and
160 GB capacities. All Intel SSDs are designed and manufactured by
Intel using its own NAND flash memory from IM Flash Technologies (IMFT)
and include a proprietary controller and updatable firmware. The X25-V
is priced at $125 for 1,000-unit quantities and is currently stocked
and available in worldwide distribution.
In addition, the X25-V supports the Microsoft Windows 7 Trim
function via the Intel SSD Optimizer. Also included is the Intel SSD
Toolbox, a set of utility tools developed by Intel to help better
manage and retain the out-of-box performance of Intel SSDs. Windows XP
and Vista users can also use these enhancements which can be downloaded
at http://www.intel.com/go/ssdtoolbox.
Link: Intel X25-V
Value SATA Solid-State Drive (available from Other World
Computing)
Bargain 'Books
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.
