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News & Opinion
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Software
News & Opinion
MacBook Air with Windows 7: The Best of Both
Worlds?
WinSuperSite's Paul Thurrott notes that there's a cute little trend
in tech circles where a Windows blogger will try to justify his recent
and "otherwise embarrassing" Mac purchase by writing about his walk on
the dark side and offering up years-late observations about how Windows
and Mac OS X differ.
Thurrott points out that he purchased his first Mac, a 2001 iBook, before Apple released
Mac OS X, and has used every single version of Apple's flagship OS on
one or more Macs ever since, having probably bought more Apple
computers and devices and thrown more money at Apple than most Apple
enthusiasts, so he knows whereof he speaks.
He's just bought a MacBook
Air that he's going to run Windows 7 on, thereby inviting criticism
from partisans on both sides of the digital divide.
However, Thurrott allows that the MacBook Air represents the state
of the art in laptop design and in mobility and portability, and since
he doesn't use his laptop as his primary machine but only when he's
traveling or moving around the house to catch up on email or the news
while watching TV or otherwise relaxing - and netbooks or most PC
ultraportables just don't cut it because their small keyboards and
wrist rests are just too uncomfortable for serious use.
Apple's second-generation 13" MacBook Air, on the other
hand offers a full-sized keyboard but weighs just 2.9 pounds, has a
very high-res (for its size) at 1440 x 900 display, although tricked
out as required came to almost exactly $1,500 taxes included. He'll
also need to buy a full, retail version of Windows 7 to run on this
machine as well, adding an other $200 to the cost, and then there's
Office, but he travels a lot and portability is important to him.
In a follow-up article, Thurrott discusses how he configured the
MacBook Air for Windows, including a discussion of the relative merits
of using VMware Fusion or Parallels Desktop
to allow you to install and run Windows in a virtual machine
environment vs. dual-booting using the built-in Mac OS X Boot Camp
utility - or alternatively just wiping out Mac OS X and installing
Windows only, as Thurrott did but doesn't enthusiastically recommend
for most folks.
Link: MacBook Air +
Windows 7, Part 1: The Best of Both Worlds?
Link: MacBook Air + Windows 7, Part 2:
An Imperfect Storm
MacBook Air Screen Size Dilemma: 11.6" or
13.3"?
AppStorm's David Appleyard says that as his 3-year-old 15" MacBook
Pro (MBP) starts to show its age, he's starting to think that he'll
soon be in the market for a new Apple notebook. Appleyard praises the
MBP as having been a fantastic machine to own, but after three years of
lugging a 15" portable around, he's decided that a laptop this big
isn't particularly portable and has been casting his eye in the
direction of Apple's second generation MacBook Air machines, which have
been receiving rave reviews since their release last October. The big
dilemma for Appleyard is as to whether an 11.6" or 13.3" screen makes
the greatest sense, and are either of them really adequate to replace a
15" display?
Link: The MacBook
Buyer's Screen Size Dilemma
Recycled iBook iPad Sleeve
The Katz Blog has posted a video tutorial on converting an
end-of-life iBook into a cool iPad case, noting:
"My son and I gutted the machine, and took out everything we could
leaving the empty shell. Using a Dremel I removed any part of the
inside that was sharp or took up space. I then glued some soft fuzzy
material inside to cradle the iPad and secured the two sides of the
iBook together.
Link: The
Recycled iBook iPad Sleeve
Apple Changes Drive Mounting System on 2009 and
2010 MacBooks
Hardmac's Lionel notes that Apple sometimes changes repair parts for
economical reasons or to improve performance or comfort of the user.
Examples are the case top of the original MacBook, which had been prone
to discoloration and cracking, the upper case on Unibody models to
obviate having to replace the entire assembly if the trackpad is
faulty, and most recently the shock resistant hard drive mounting in
the 2009 and 2010 MacBook.
Link: Apple Changes the
Hard Drive Mounting Suspensions on the 2009 and 2010 MacBooks
Products & Services
SeriTek/6G eSATA ExpressCard/34 Adapter Boots 2011
17" MacBook Pro
PR: The bootable new 2-port, SeriTek/6G eSATA 6Gb/s
ExpressCard brings eSATA support and enhanced I/O performance, offering
read transfer rates over 380 MB/s when matched with the Early 2011 17" MacBook
Pro.
The SeriTek/6G features an energy efficient, two channel,
SATA 6Gb/s compliant, native eSATA interface. This ExpressCard is
compliant with the Serial ATA Revision 3.0 specification which supports
SATA 6.0 Gb/s, 3.0 Gb/s and 1.5 Gb/s hard disks and Solid State Disks
(SSD). The SeriTek/6G is also backward compatible with 2010 and 2009
MacBook Pro 17" models. However, pre-2011 MacBook Pro models will
provide slower read performance and are not bootable with the
SeriTek/6G. For maximum performance, FirmTek recommends using the
SeriTek/6G with the 2011 Apple 17" MacBook Pro.
The FirmTek SeriTek/6G supports FIS-based port multiplier aware
hardware which allows up to ten disks to be connected to the controller
when two 5-bay SeriTek/5PM enclosures are available. A port multiplier
configuration can provide massive storage volumes for audio/video
editing, multimedia libraries, or backing up data. The SeriTek/6G
optimizes performance for up to five hard disks per data port by
utilizing the advanced bandwidth characteristics of the PCI-Express
architecture. Port multiplication also delivers significantly less
cable clutter. A single eSATA data cable can attach up to five hard
disks to the computer. The SeriTek/6G can dramatically increase on-hand
data storage capabilities. With up to 10 hard disks connected
simultaneously, accessible storage limits can be effectively eliminated
for all but the most demanding applications.
Using a direct connect storage enclosure like the FirmTek
SeriTek/2EN2 allows up to two external SATA hard disks or SSD's to be
attached to the SeriTek/6G. This configuration offers optimal bandwidth
for high performance single disk or RAID installations. The SeriTek/6G
eSATA controller supports a wide variety of hard disk configuration
options for maximum connectivity.
Key Features and Benefits
- SATA 6Gb/s compliant
- Supports SATA 6.0 Gb/s, 3.0 Gb/s and 1.5 Gb/s Disks
- Fully compliant with Serial ATA Revision 3.0 specification
- PCI-Express compliant
- S.M.A.R.T. application support for third party Macintosh
utilities
- Supports Apple Disk Utility RAID and JBOD hard disk
configurations
- Bus Mastering off-loads data I/O handling from CPU
- Complete CRC error checking, offers enhanced data protection
- Two independent data channels with external Serial ATA (eSATA)
connectors
- Automatically identifies and configures drive types
- Supports Mac OS Port Multiplier FIS based switching
- Supports Native Command Queuing (NCQ)
- Low power consumption and aggressive power management
- Direct connect support: Connect up to 2 disks with a SeriTek/2EN2
enclosure
- Port Multiplier support: up to 10 disks using SeriTek/5PM
enclosures
- Oxford 936DS/936QS enclosure support
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.6.x (Snow Leopard) - 32-bit and 64-bit modes
supported
- Windows 7, Vista and Windows XP (Windows notebooks with an
available ExpressCard/34 slot)
The SeriTek/6G ExpressCard/34 adapter comes packaged with two
external eSATA I-Type connectors for MacBook Pro and Windows notebook
computers.
This ExpressCard/34 external host adapter does not ship with cables,
so you'll have to order the appropriate number of external shielded
SATA cables for your application. Also, if you want to use this adapter
with enclosures that utilize the original style L-Type Serial ATA
connectors, you'll need the SATA-SeriTek/I2L-1M eSATA/I-Type to L-Type
cable. Conversely, if you plan to use this adapter with newer
enclosures that support the latest eSATA I-Type connectors, you'll need
the SATA-SeriTek/I2IESDC-1M eSATA to eSATA cable.
The SeriTek/6G ExpressCard/34 MacBook/Windows notebook adapter is
also available as a bundle with the SeriTek/5PM 5-bay
port-multiplication enclosure.
The FirmTek SeriTek/6G ExpressCard/34 adapter is available now for
$119.95.
Link: FirmTek SeriTek/6G
ExpressCard/34 Adapter
STM Vertical Laptop Shoulder Bag with Dedicated
iPad Pocket
PR: STM's vertical shoulder bag organizes and protects
your computer gear within a unique ergonomic design and slim profile
that assures a comfortable carry and features.
- High-density foam padded laptop compartment with super soft plush
cord lining
- Designated padded iPad pocket with soft nylex lining
- Quick access zippered pocket (on front flap)
- Organisational panel for keys, wallet, cords and accessories
- Removable padded shoulder strap
- Comfy foam grab handle
- Main fabric: 300D water resistant micro ripstop polyester
- Lining: STM plush power corduroy lining
Specifications:
- Laptop space: 14.8 x 9.8 x 1.6 in / 37.5 x 25 x 4 cm
- External bag: 16.3 x 11.8 x 3.1 in / 41.5 x 30 x 8 cm
- Weight: 2.0 lb. / 0.91 kg
Pricing:
- Small - Fits up 13" - $69.99
- Medium - Fits up 15" - $69.99
Available colors: Black, Sage, Mushroom
Link: STM Vertical
Laptop Shoulder Bag
Waterfield Designs MacBook Air and 13" Pro Travel
Express Case
PR: Waterfield Designs unveils its new MacBook Air
Travel Express, a compact, stylish case in three custom sizes to fit
the 11" and 13" Airs and the 13" MacBook Pro.
This light and sophisticated case for smaller MacBook models
protects and organizes not just the laptop, but also the power adapter,
the SuperDrive or power cord extension, the mouse, and additional
accessories - all in one place. With its sporty stripe and compact
form, the MacBook Air Travel Express can be stashed inside a bag or,
with the optional strap, worn over the shoulder.
The compact Travel Express protects the laptop and its accessories
while maintaining the light feel that makes the MacBook Air in
particular such a popular mobile device. A YKK zipper opens the case
along the top and side panel for easy access to contents while
maintaining their security.
Features:
- Custom-sized, scratch-free, inside pockets for the MacBook Air or
MacBook Pro, the power adapter, the SuperDrive or power cord extension,
and a mouse
- Additional stretchy, interior pockets for cables, adapter, cell
phone, keys, wallet, etc.
- Space internally for a thin magazine or similarly-sized
notebook
- Custom made with domestically produced, 1050 denier, ballistic
nylon
- YKK zipper opens case along top and side panel for easy access to,
while maintaining the security of, internal contents
- Two impact-resistant, plastic inserts protect laptop and
accessories
- Bold stripe in a choice of six earthy colors to match other
Waterfield Designs gear
- Use alone (under an arm, in a briefcase) or with optional D-rings
& strap as stand-alone bag
"We wanted to accentuate the MacBook Air's light weight and thin
size," explains company founder Gary Waterfield. "With the MacBook Air
Travel Express, you can pack all your accessories in and it still looks
thin and svelte against your body. The best part? It feels light on
your shoulder."
This new MacBook Air bag joins its cousin, the iPad Travel Express,
in Waterfield's new Travel Express product line - light, boldly-stylish
and protective cases for the mobile professional.
MacBook Air Travel Express.
- Prices: 11" Air - $79; 13" Air - $89; 13" MacBook Pro - $89.
- Colors: Black Ballistic with a stripe in - Black, Copper, Flame,
Green, Pine, or Pearl.
- Add-ons: D-rings - $5; Simple Strap - $12; Suspension Shoulder
Strap - $22.
Available now for preorder at the company online store. Shipping
begins May 1, 2011.
Link: MacBook Air Travel
Express
Software
DesktopMonitor Monitors Fan Speeds, CPU/GPU Temperature, and
More
PR: Buick Wong's DesktopMonitor lets you monitor your Intel
Mac's fan speed and CPU/GPU temperature and displays the result your
desktop, showing the temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.
System requirements:
- Intel
- Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later.
$1.99
Link: DesktopMonitor (Mac
App Store link)
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.
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iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.
