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News & Opinion
Rumor Roundup
Apple Updates
Tech Trends
Products & Services
News & Opinion
OS X 10.8.2 Dramatically Improves Battery Life
OS X Daily reports that reduced battery life in Mountain Lion has
been largely fixed with the OS X 10.8.2 update, making it a must-have
update for MacBook owners.
Anecdotal observations thus far with OS X 10.8.2 include dramatic
improvements to battery life on three different MacBook Airs (2010,
2011, and 2012 models), each jumping by at least 2 hours to an average
of 6 hours under normal use, with portable Macs running OS X 10.8.2
appearing to run at lower temperatures and feel noticeably cooler to
the touch, and the largest boost found on a 2011 MacBook Air 11-inch"
model, which jumped from 3.4 hours to 6 hours on a full charge.
Link: Battery Life
Improves Dramatically in OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.2
Deep Inside Intel's Next Generation Haswell
Processor
The Register's Rik Myslewski has posted an in-depth report on what
was revealed at Intel's developer conference last month about the
company's forth coming 4th-generation Core microprocessor architecture
(code-named "Haswell") noting that the new CPUs were described by
Intel's Architecture Group headman David Perlmutter as being "designed
with mobility in mind." In pursuit of that goal, he said that Haswell
will require just one-twentieth of the idle power that Intel's
second-generation Sandy Bridge core processors did.
Two- and four-core versions of Haswell, which will be an
evolutionary development beyond today's 22-nanometer, 3rd-generation
Ivy Bridge processors, are destined to power "sleek tablets" and
Ultrabooks, followed "eventually" by desktops, workstations, and data
centers, and will be manufactured using a 22-nanometer process that
will make them faster, more power-efficient, and more media-friendly
than their predecessors and finally move Intel into the tablet and
handset market that it thus far has failed to penetrate
significantly.
If Intel can successfully execute, having full-powered Intel silicon
available for tablets and smartphones would open the door to running
full-fledged desktop operating systems on them, as Microsoft is
planning to do with desktop Windows 8 in its new Surface tablet PC.
Link: Deep, Deep
Dive Inside Intel's Next-Generation Processor
Clean Your MacBook Safely and Effectively
Mac.Tuts' Connor Turnbull notes that his MacBook is probably the
thing many of us may use most in the run of a day, creating a need for
relatively frequent cleaning, since research has revealed that a
computer keyboard will often harbor more germs than a toilet seat.
In his tutorial, Turnbull takes a look at some techniques for
cleaning a MacBook safely and properly, with a disclaimer that the
process involves the use of liquids around electronics, so the
information is offered on a proceed-at-your-own-risk basis and
MacTuts+, is not liable for any damage you may do to your device during
the cleaning process. He also seconds Apple's recommendation to not use
aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives when cleaning your MacBook.
Link: How to Clean Your
MacBook Safely and Effectively
Rumor Roundup
Carbon Fiber MacBooks Coming?
<a
href="http://www.macotakara.jp/blog/rumor/entry-17835.html">Japanese
blogsite Macotakara's danbo reports</a> that a source tells him
Apple and Foxconn Technology engineers approached a Japanese company
that specializes in carbon fibre production in mid-March, and requested
some development samples, although the source said the number of parts
is too large to be called merely "sample".
danbo notes that Apple had already submitted a patent application
for a "Reinforced Device Housing" product enclosure with layered
matrix-fiber material like CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic), and
hired Kevin Kenney who was instrumental in building carbon fiber
bicycles at Kestral Bicycles a composite engineer.
Link: 日本のカーボン製造企業に、カーボン部品のサンプルを依頼？
(Japanese-to-English translation via
Google Translate)
Apple to Reduce Illuminated Keyboard Thickness
DigiTimes' Rebecca Kuo and Steve Shen report that Apple will reduce
the thickness of light guide plates for the illuminated keyboards in
its MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models from 0.4mm currently to 0.25mm
in 2013, according to sources in Apple's supply chain.
Link: Apple to Reduce
Illuminated Keyboard Thickness on MacBooks in 2013 (subscription
required)
Apple Still Planning for ARM-Powered MacBooks and
iMacs
TG Daily's Trent Nouveau notes that while Apple's mobile iOS devices
are powered by RISC-based ARM architecture, its iMac and MacBook PCs
run on Intel x86 processors.
However, Nouveau cites
a SemiAccurate.com piece from 2011 in which tech luminary Charlie
Demerjian contends that Apple is planning a switch to ARM silicon in
Macs too, with the holdup being primarily the lack of a viable 64-bit
ARM CPU.
Maybe 2014....
Publisher's note: Today's A6 processor has a Geekbench score of
1573. The
slowest MacBook Air, 5671. Between clock
speed, additional cores, and more efficient design, Apple would have to
at east quadruple current A6 performance to be in the same ballpark as
Intel's current Ivy Bridge CPUs, let alone where things will be in
2014. dk
Link: Report: Apple
Still Wants ARM-powered MacBooks and iMacs
Apple Updates
Coinciding with the release of OS X 10.8.2 and 10.7.5 updates, Apple
also released firmware updates for recent MacBook models running OS X
Lion and Mountain Lion.
EFI Firmware Update 2.5 for Mid 2012 MacBook
Air
This update is recommended for Mid 2012 MacBook Air models, fixes
an issue where Turbo Boost does not activate when using Boot Camp, and
resolves an issue where NetBoot does not function properly when using
an Ethernet adapter.
File Size: 4.76 MB
System Requirements
- OS X Lion 10.7.4 or later
- OS X 10.8. or later
Link: MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update
2.5
EFI Firmware Update 2.9 for Mid 2012 MacBook
Pro
This update is recommended for Mid 2012 MacBook Pro (13" and 15") models and
resolves an issue that can cause the system to hang during heavy
processor loads.
File Size: 4.29 MB
System Requirements
- Mac OS X 10.7.4 or later
- OS X 10.8.2 and later
Link: MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update
2.9
EFI Firmware Update for MacBook Pro with Retina
Display
This update is recommended for MacBook Pro with Retina
Display models and resolves an issue which can cause the system to
hang during heavy processor loads, and resolves an issue where NetBoot
does not function properly when using an Ethernet adapter.
File Size: 4.97 MB
System Requirements
- OS X 10.7.4 or later
- OS X 10.8 or later
Link: MacBook Pro Retina EFI Update
v1.0
SMC Update 1.7 for Late 2010 MacBook Air Enables
Power Nap
This update enables Power Nap support on Late 2010 MacBook Air computers
and is recommended for all users running OS X v10.8.2 or later.
File Size: 658 KB
System Requirements
Link: MacBook Air SMC Update
v1.7
Tech Trends
Toshiba Hybrid Drives Combine 8 GB NAND Flash with
Hard Drive Expertise
PR: Toshiba's Storage Products Business Unit has
announced customer shipments of its first Hybrid Drive, the MQ01ABDH
series. The series provides the ideal combination of performance found
in solid state disks (SSDs) and the capacity and cost-effectiveness of
hard disk drives (HDDs) with capacities up to 1 terabyte (TB).
Developed to enhance the PC user experience, the new 2.5" 9.5mm high
SATA Hybrid Drive series features self-learning caching algorithms that
learn the system users data access patterns to optimize performance.
The self-learning caching algorithms also manage which user data is
stored to the NAND Flash for quick response to the near future access
from the host, as well as how the data in the NAND Flash is updated
based on intelligent access pattern learning.
"Hybrid
Drives represent a significant innovative technology for Toshiba in
combining the high-performance features of NAND Flash, with the key HDD
attributes of large capacity and cost-effective data storage," says
Joel Hagberg, vice president of marketing at Toshiba's Storage Products
Business Unit. "As the only storage company which designs and
manufactures HDDs as well as NAND flash, Toshiba is in a unique
position to capitalize on these benefits because the expertise on how
these technologies function resides within Toshiba."
Toshiba's MQ01ABDH series transforms the user experience with
extreme responsiveness and breakthrough performance enabling faster
system bootup times and data access. Available in 1 TB and 750 GB
capacities, the MQ01ABDH 100 and MQ01ABDH 075 drives are ideally suited
for ultrathin and standard-sized notebooks, gaming PCs, all-in-one and
slimline desktops and other digital computing applications where a
no-compromise approach to system performance and storage capacity is
desired.
The MQ01ABDH series will be featured in various notebook PCs, with
the first systems shipping in time for the holiday season.
Link:
Toshiba Announces Hybrid Drive Combining NAND Flash and Hard Drive
Expertise (PDF)
WD Expected to Start Production of 5mm Hard Drives
by Year End
DigiTimes' Ocean Chen and Adam Hwang report that Western Digital
(WD) has unveiled 5mm thick hard disk drives and hybrid drives. WD
originally planned to begin volume production in early 2013, but says
that due to positive response from notebook vendors and ODMs, volume
production is expected to begin at the end of 2012, according to
Taiwan-based supply chain makers.
Hard drives used in conventional notebooks in recent years have
typically been 9.5mm thick, but drive vendors have already developed
7.5mm models to suit slim Ultrabook models, and as Intel specifies
reduced thicknesses for Ultrabooks, WD has been focusing R&D
efforts on further reducing thickness from 7.5mm to 5mm, according to
Chen and Hwang's sources. The report notes that Taiwan-based vendors
Acer and Asustek Computer have adopted WD's 5mm drives and started
design-in.
Nearly 50% smaller than 9.5mm hard drives, 5mm ones necessarily
involve technological breakthroughs in components and manufacturing
processes as well as modifications testing and specification
certification, and thus are expected to cost more than 7.5mm models,
according to the report.
Link: WD Expected to
Start Production of 5mm HDDs 2012 Year End - Industry Sources
(subscription required)
Products & Services
mDock Docking Station for MacBook Pro
PR: mLogic LLC is now shipping its new mDock docking
station and backup solution for 13" and 15" unibody MacBook Pro (MBP)
computers (mid-2009 to current models).
mDock eliminates the daily hassle of plugging/unplugging peripherals
connected to these notebooks while significantly reducing desktop cable
clutter.
mDock's built-in hard drive backs up the MBP system drive and
features convenient front-facing USB and headphone ports.
mDock Highlights
- Replicates the ports located on the side of unibody 13" and 15" MBP
computers
- Peripheral devices (monitors, speakers, printers, etc.) are
attached to mDock eliminating the need to plug and unplug these devices
whenever the user goes mobile
- Eliminates desktop cable clutter
- Built-in hard drive (500 GB or 1 TB) backs up the MBP system
disk via Time Machine
- Convenient front-facing USB and headphone jacks
- Front-facing, high-power (10W) charge port powers up iOS devices
fast
- Sleek, fanless design and aluminum enclosure complements the MBP's
styling
mDock for 13" or 15" unibody MBP: 500 GB - $279, 1 TB -
$339
Link: mDock
Kensington's Colorful New Wireless Mice
PR: Kensington has expanded its Pro
Fit collection of products with four colorful new additions of wireless
mice built for comfort and lasting performance. Constructed
for daily use in any workplace, the midsize mice make ideal pointing
devices for either desktop or laptop computers. It provides users
with clutter-free productivity for a desktop PC, and complements
mobile laptop usage for travel with a storable nano receiver. The
ergonomic, right-handed design with a high-definition optical sensor
offers precise and responsive control.
The Kensington Pro Fit mice provide the reliability to survive
drops, spills and years of hard use, while their simple design means
there's no learning curve to 
hold back
productivity. Additionally, four new colors to choose from allow
business professionals to personalize their workspace in style.
Kensington's Pro Fit Mid-Size Wireless Mouse comes in Emerald Green,
Graphite Gray, Ruby Red, and Sapphire Blue. The SRP for all colors is
$24.99.
These products are available now for purchase online at Kensington.com and
Amazon.com.
The Kensington Pro Fit Mid-Size Wireless Mouse
- Compact size for travel convenience
- Clutter-free wireless technology and storable nano receiver
- Ergonomic right-handed design
- 2.4 GHz wireless for long range with minimal interference
- Scroll wheel with middle button and pointer speed quick-select
- High-definition optical sensor (1750 DPI) for responsive
control
- Extended battery life up to 12 months
- Built to last with a limited lifetime warranty
Link: Kensington Pro Fit
Mid-Size Wireless Mouse (available
at Amazon.com)
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