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News & Opinion
Products & Services
News & Opinion
Check Battery Condition in OS X
MacFixIt's Topher Kessler says that all batteries die over time, and
OS X offers a quick way to determine if yours is on its way out.
Link: How to Check the
Battery Condition in OS X
Mac Notebooks: Determining Battery Cycle Count
An Apple Knowledge Base article says:
For computers
with Mac OS X v10.4.x or later, use the steps in this article to
determine the cycles on your Mac notebook's battery.
Use of your Mac notebook's computer battery accrues in the form of
"charge cycles." You may use your battery after it reaches its maximum
cycle count, but you may notice a reduction in your battery life.
Knowing how many charge cycles are on your battery and how many are
left can help you determine when a battery replacement is required. For
optimal performance, replace your battery when the maximum cycle count
is reached.
Follow these steps to access information on your Apple computer's
battery, including the cycle count.
For more information on batteries consult http://www.apple.com/batteries
Link: Mac
Notebooks: Determining Battery Cycle Count
Apple Putting Optical Media on Life Support?
AppStorm's Connor Turnbull notes that last month Apple announced a
13" MacBook Pro with
Retina Display, which will inevitably replace the previous-generation 13"
MacBook Pro without high-resolution display. Turnbull says that
while the older model remains available as a cheaper alternative for
the holiday season, he guesses it will be completely removed from
Apple's lineup by the end of next year, leaving not a single
consumer-level Mac with an optical drive.
Turnbull observes that what started with the MacBook Air in 2008 - and seemed
like a crazy concept to an industry reliant on hard storage media - is
now complete, four years later, and with software distribution moving
entirely to the Web and entertainment increasingly being bought and
stored in the Cloud, the need for optical drives is demonstrably
declining, with PC Ultrabooks dropping optical drives in favour of
thinner form factors, and the proverbial writing on the wall. The
optical drive is dead.
Publisher's note: Pure and unadulterated nonsense. First of all, the
13" and 15" MacBook Pro models without Retina Displays continue to ship
with optical drives, a distinguishing feature that many pro users need
so they can burn CDs and DVDs for clients on the go without hauling
around a separate SuperDrive. Optical drives are also necessary for
ripping your CDs into iTunes and watching DVDs. And Apple certainly
thinks there is a market for optical drives or it would not be selling
its USB SuperDrive. That said, this provides a real opportunity for the
low end of the Blu-ray drive market to make inroads among Mac users,
especially now that the Mac mini and iMac no longer include internal
optical drives. When the Mac Pro no longer has an optical drive option,
then we can say Apple has pulled the plug on optical media - but not
until then. dk
Link: Apple Pulls Life
Support on Optical Media
Apple Patents Ionic Wind Generator: An End to
Cooling Fan Noise?
United States Patent 8,305,728, awarded to Apple this week by the US
Patent Office, is for "Methods and apparatus for cooling electronic
devices."
The patent abstract describes "various apparatus and techniques for
deflecting or redirecting a flow of ionized air generated from an ionic
wind generator. In general, a deflection field generator can be located
proximate to the path of the flow of ionized air. The deflection field
generator is configured to generate an electromagnetic field, which
deflects a least a portion of the flow of ionized air to a different
path and may possibly increase local heat transfer."
The inventors are cited as Jean L. Lee and Richard Lidio Blanco,
Jr., presumably engineer employees of the patent assignee: Apple
Inc.
Translation: a presumably silent means of cooling down internal
components in eletronic devices.
The patent application goes on to observe that modern electronic
systems tend to generate large amounts of heat, with cooling devices
currently in use today being primarily mechanically-based devices, such
as electric fans and heat sinks.
The cooling device being proposed for use in such systems in the
patent application is an ionic wind generator, which generates airflow
based on the ionization of air molecules.
Link: United States
Patent 8,305,728
Products & Services
Nifty microSD MiniDrives SDXC Card Reader for
(Most) SD Card Slot Equipped MacBooks
How It Works
The MiniDrive is easy to use. A microSD card is simply inserted into
the MiniDrive, which is then placed in the MacBook's SD card slot.
Unlike an SD card which sticks out about 1cm from the body of the
computer, 
the MiniDrive sits flush against the body of the MacBook,
becoming a semi-permanent feature of the computer. It is this
complete integration with the MacBook that distinguishes it from other
forms of removable storage that must be continually disconnected from
the computer.
Removal
Whilst the MiniDrive is designed to be a semi-permanent feature of
the MacBook it can be easily removed using the Nifty Tool (included
with the MiniDrive) which is simply inserted through the specially
designed eyelet at the front of the MiniDrive.
The MiniDrive as a Storage Solution
The MiniDrive means more storage for the things that are most
important to you - holiday snapshots, music, movies and any documents
you may need with you, wherever you go.
Currently the largest capacity microSD card available to put in a
MiniDrive is 64GB. Of course the MiniDrive is bound only by the
capacity of the microSD card inside it and with this technology set to
grow, the MiniDrive will continue to remain relevant.
The MiniDrive as a Back-up Solution
Completely water and air tight, the average microSD card is about as
rugged as it gets. Their robust design means that when combined with
the MiniDrive they are perfectly suited as a primary back-up
device.
MiniDrive for MacBook Pro.
With the Minidrive designed as a semi-permanent feature of the
computer, a daily back-up of your critical files may be set up and then
occur automatically without having to remember to plug anything in. If
you happen to spill coffee on your computer or drop it down the stairs,
you can simply remove the MiniDrive to access your backed up files,
meaning you will not be forced to re-do days, weeks or even months
worth of work, or even worse lose memories in the form of photos, or
videos that may be irreplaceable.
Flash memory will eventually wear out, but it will not be a
problem.
The typical
microSD card has a write cycle durability of 10,000 writes per bit. As
modern microSD cards are designed to write evenly across the entire
bank of memory, theoretically, any bit that has just been written to
should not be written to again until all other bits have been
written.
In practice, you will have some bits sitting idle as you often will
keep certain files for an extended period on the drive (i.e. only
reading those bits), while others are changed regularly. However, on
the provision that the drive is never completely full, and you do a
full re-write every time you use it, you will generally have a fair
degree of latent memory that any write cycles may be spread over.
MiniDrive for MacBook Air.
As a result you will have far more than 10,000 writes of your drive
before you see any failure. In the most extreme example; you should be
able to do a reformat of the entire drive, 10 times a day, for 3 years
before there is a memory failure.
Specs
MiniDrive is designed to match the computer for which it is
designed. This is especially true of the aluminium front of the
MiniDrive which will go through the same kind of rigorous anodizing
process that the MacBook Air, Pro and Retina go through themselves.
Naturally looks are not everything, and to ensure reliability and
longevity the components selected have been tested to be reliable for
over 10,000 insertions and removals of a microSD card.
Note that the casing material
of the main body will be made from engineering plastic in the
production model, whereas in the prototype model seen in the video it
is made from aluminium.
The MiniDrive will work with either Windows or Mac, but it all
depends on the dimensions of your computer's SD card slot.
Nifty strongly recommends getting the correct MiniDrive for your
version of MacBook as each MiniDrive is designed specifically for the
MacBook it is intended to be used for, however:
- The MiniDrive Air can go in the MacBook Air, Pro, and iMac
- The MiniDrive Pro can only go into the MacBook Pro, and iMac.
- The MiniDrive Retina can go into the MacBook Pro Retina, MacBook
Pro, and iMac.
MiniDrive Retina
The MiniDrive Retina is compatible with the 15" version of the
MacBook Pro Retina. It will not currently work with the 13"
version.
The 15" version of the MacBook Pro Retina has a Secure Digital
Extended Capacity, or SDXC reader in their SD card slot. This format
can support a microSD card of up to 2TB (2000GB), meaning they can
utilize the 64GB microSD cards currently available on the market
today.
MiniDrive Pro
The MiniDrive Pro is compatible with all non-retina versions of the
MacBook Pro that have an SD card slot (the 17" MacBook Pro does not
have an SD card slot).
All non-retina versions of the MacBook Pro that have an SD card slot
from the mid 2009 refresh onwards have a Secure Digital Extended
Capacity, or SDXC reader in their SD card slot. This format can support
a microSD card of up to 2TB (2000GB), meaning they can utilize the 64GB
microSD cards currently available on the market today.
MiniDrive Air
The MiniDrive Air is compatible with all 13" versions of the MacBook
Air made since mid 2010.
All 13" versions of the MacBook Air made since mid 2010 have Secure
Digital Extended Capacity, or SDXC reader in their SD card slot. This
format can support a microSD card of up to 2TB (2000GB), meaning they
can utilize the 64GB microSD cards currently available on the market
today.
Pre-order price: $35
Shipping in December.
Link: Nifty
MiniDrives
Sonnet Announces Form-Fitting Sleeve for 13"
MacBook Pro with Retina Display
PR: Sonnet Technologies has announced the immediate
availability of its 2fit Laptop Sleeve for the 13" MacBook Pro with
Retina Display computer.
Stylish and practical, the titanium-colored 2fit sleeve is a
form-fitting cover for that helps prevent damage to the computers
finish. 
The 2fit sleeve feels marvelous to
the touch and provides a durable layer of protection for the computer
when stowed together with pens, keys, and an iPhone in backpacks or
briefcases. Each 2fit sleeve is constructed of plush microfiber
material, custom-tailored for the newest MacBook Pro Retina model. This
machine-washable sleeve stretches to provide a snug fit. When not in
use as a cover, the 2fit sleeve can function as a heat shield between
laptop and lap. The 2fit package also includes a screen cleaner made of
the finest-quality optical cloth, which is perfect for cleaning the
MacBook display.
Shines and Protects
Made of high-quality optical cloth, the 2fit screen cleaner is
perfect for cleaning the screen on your MacBook Pro. And, it buffers
the screen on your 17" MacBook Pro from keyboard rubs during
transport.
Key Features
- Durable and Lightweight - Microfiber fabric sleeve provides extra
protection from common day items that cause scuffing and
scratching
- Optical Quality Material Screen Cleaner - Soft screen cleaner is
safe to use for cleaning your MacBook Pro's display, and buffers
keyboard from screen on the 17" MacBook Pro when it is closed
- Hand-made and Custom-Designed - 2fit is designed specifically to
fit a 13" MacBook Pro (Retina Display) or 17" MacBook Pro
- Easy to Clean - Just throw it in the washer2fit is
machine-washable
The 2fit Laptop Sleeve plus Screen Cleaner for 13" MacBook Pro with
Retina Display (part no. 2FIT-13TR) is available now for $19.95.
Link: 2fit Laptop Sleeve plus
Screen Cleaner for 13" MacBook Pro with Retina Display
The First and Only External Battery for MBA That Uses MagSafe
2
PR: Continuing the tradition of innovation with new
technology in the Apple computer world, QuickerTek's popular Battery
for the MacBook Air now offers a product that works with MagSafe 2
power adapters and connections. 
The
battery comes complete with an OEM Apple MagSafe 2 modified power
adapter, and it's ready use on all the MacBook Air Models right out of
the box.
Built for the professional that doesn't have easy access to an
outlet yet can't be without their computer. The battery can extend your
computing time by 12 additional hours, exceeding most work days. This
provides an enormous benefit to photographers and videographers working
on site, as well as lawyers and other professionals who may be in a
situation where there aren't always easily accessible power
outlets.
Another big advantage is to international travelers. Electricity
specifications are different all over the world, and having a large
battery backup may make the difference in a presentation if a movie or
sideshow is involved. The battery also works with QuickerTek's line of
solar panels, further extending your computer time.
The battery for the MacBook Air can be recharged in approximately 4
hours - depending on your individual situation and how the computer is
used while charging. Like most QuickerTek products, the new battery for
the MacBook Air is backed with a one-year warranty on parts and
labor.
QuickerTek manufactures external batteries, solar power sources, and
wifi solutions. QuickerTek can also build custom cables to power
devices other than just laptops - from digital cameras to external hard
drives and LED light sources.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 6 1/8" x 8.25" x 7/8"
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Chassis: anodized machined aluminum
- Works with all Apple MacBook Air laptops released since May of
2012.
- 6 LED fuel gauge, push switch activated
Price: $449.95
Link: External
Battery for MBA that uses MagSafe 2
Just Mobile Aluminum Accessories for Mobile
Devices
PR: Just Mobile creates stylish mobile accessories for
computer devices, and these days, the Just Mobile collection includes
over 30 product lines, some of which are sold by The Apple Store.
Just Mobile doesn't make disposable junk, nor do they indulge in
exercises in aestheticism, but rather create beautiful products that
solve real-life problems - like how to prop up your tablet to watch a
movie, or how to recharge your iPhone when you're on the move.
Aluminum: Beautiful, Useful, Recyclable
At Just Mobile, aluminum is in the DNA - the base material for
almost all their design objects.
Aluminum is strong yet lightweight,
malleable yet durable, tough yet beautiful. Its also one of the
planet's most abundant - and easily recyclable - elements.
Just Mobile works with some of the worlds best product designers,
and remember that every authentic Just Mobile product has their logo
printed on it - which guarantees the highest level of craftsmanship and
quality.
- Just Mobile HeadStand: The high-design headphone hanger, $49.95
plus shipping
- Just Mobile AluRack: The laptop mount for Apple iMac and
ThunderBolt Display, $59.95 plus shipping
- Just Mobile AluBase: The upright MacBook stand, $49.95 plus
shipping
- Just Mobile Xtand Pro: A tting throne for the king of laptops.
$79.95 plus shipping
- Just Mobile Drawer: The ultimate desktop tidy, $109.95 plus
shipping
- Just Mobile Mtable: The high-style desktop stand, $69.95 plus
shipping
- Just Mobile Cooling Bar: The stylish laptop lift, $39.95 plus
shipping
- Just Mobile Lazy Couch: Laptop comfort to go, $24.95 plus
shipping
- Just Mobile AluCube Mini: The high-style cable tidy, $17.95 plus
shipping
- Just Mobile Donut: The tasty cable storage, $29.95 plus
shipping
- Just Mobile Alupad: The high-style mousemat, $49.95 plus
shipping
Link: Just Mobile
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.
