Mac notebook and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review, and general Mac
news is in Mac News Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apple Updates
Accessories
iPod Deals
These price trackers are updated every month.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
iFixit 4G iPod shuffle Teardown
iFixit's Kyle Weins says:
"Apple sent a clear message with the updated iPod shuffle: 'We were
wrong.' They changed course, admitted that people actually like
buttons, and brought them back for this generation. Pshhh! Those of us
with 3rd Gen Shuffles just printed out this
convenient chart and carried it around for reference.
"Having confessed that their lack of buttons was a problem, we
wanted to see if Apple improved the repairability of the device. The
3rd Generation had a press-fit back cover and a battery soldered to the
logic board, making replacement quite difficult. Unfortunately, the 4th
Gen is even harder to open, thanks to the generous application of glue
in addition to the press-fit back cover.
"The 4th Generation Shuffle the first of three iPod teardowns this
week! We'll be taking apart the new iPod touch and iPod Nano the moment
we get our hands on them."
Highlights:
- iPod shuffle 4th Generation Repairability: 2 out of 10 (10 is
easiest to repair)
- Good: The click wheel is attached to the logic board via a
connector, allowing it to be easily separated.
- Good: The lack of a screen eliminates a large weak point of other
devices, making the Shuffle more resilient to falls. Just don't flush
it down the toilet.
- Bad: You essentially have to break it to open it.
- Bad: The battery is soldered to the logic board, making replacement
that much more difficult.
- Bad: Apple keeps shrinking connectors. These super-small cable
connectors are increasingly difficult to open without breaking
them.
- The device was extremely difficult to open. Apple press-fit and
glued the back cover onto the body, so it took us quite a while to pop
the cover off the unit. We definitely had a harder time accessing the
internals than in the previous generation Shuffle.
Even the seemingly simple task of disconnecting the button pad
ribbon cable turns out to be quite a chore when the connector is 1/8"
wide.- We have a feeling that as technology advances, we'll need smaller
and smaller tools to take devices apart. You won't be able to see our
hands in pictures, just little pointy tweezers.
- Apple once again chose to solder the battery to the logic board.
This adds another layer of difficulty to replace it (aside from
breaking the back cover to open it) if it dies on you in the
future.
- Unsurprisingly, the date codes on the main Apple chip indicate die
manufacture dates in late June (1025) and early August 2010
(1031).
Link:
iPod shuffle 4th Generation Teardown
iPad 'Has the Edge' Over Competitors
Writing for Computerworld, David A. Milman, founder and CEO of
Rescuecom, ponders the difficult decision more and more consumers are
faced with when they consider a tablet computer purchase: Should they
go with the known factor in the iPad or
wait for one of the as-yet unknown devices, noting that hardly a day
passes without about the legion of supposed iPad killers lining up to
take it down.
Milman wonders if the iPad's remarkable early popularity will last,
observing that tablets are like all new technology - exciting,
intriguing, and seductive - but he questions whether it will have
staying power. However, he notes that while Windows Phone 7, Google's
Chrome, and Android certainly have the potential to compete with the
iPad, until they've been seen in action, Apple has the edge.
Link:
To iPad or Not to iPad: That Is the Tech Question
Samsung's 7" Galaxy Tab iPad Challenger
PR: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. chose the IFA tech
show at Berlin, Germany as the venue to announce the launch of its new
Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet computer last week. Powered by Google's
Android Operating System 2.2, the Samsung Galaxy Tab is the first of
the company's tablet devices, representing a new category of mobile
products for Samsung.
With the Samsung Galaxy Tab users will experience PC-like
web-browsing and enjoy various forms of multimedia content on a 7"
display, as well as communicate via e-mail, voice and video call,
SMS/MMS or social networking. The Tab comes with 16 GB or 32 GB of
internal storage and 32 GB MicroSD expansion, and features a TouchWIZ
user interface.
"Samsung
recognizes the tremendous growth potential in this newly created market
and we believe that the Samsung Galaxy Tab brings a unique and open
proposition to market. There is a new and emerging consumer demand that
Samsung can satisfy since mobile is in our DNA. This demand continues
to grow and develop as users tap its limitless potential," said JK
Shin, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung
Electronics. "The Samsung Galaxy Tab has been designed to enable
consumers to maximize their online experience wherever that may be. The
Samsung Galaxy Tab is pushing the market in new directions and Samsung
believes this is only the beginning of its innovations as pioneers in
smart media devices."
The
Samsung Galaxy Tab's 7" TFT-LCD and lightweight (380g compared with the
iPad's 680 grams) build provide optimum portability, and its svelte
dimensions make it easy to grip and use. Another advantage the Tab
enjoys over the iPad is that it support the latest Adobe Flash Player
10.1 for seamless viewing of every single page of the Web.
The 'Readers Hub,' Samsung's proprietary e-reading application,
provides access to a vast digital library - from classical literature
to the latest bestsellers and reference materials. Samsung Readers Hub
consolidates e-reading applications such as ebooks, magazines, and
newspapers. Users can enjoy 'reading' with unified and intuitive user
experience powered by global eReading service leaders, Kobo,
PressDisplay and Zinio. More than 2 million books including today's
best sellers, over 2,500 titles of magazines in 20 languages and more
than 1,600 newspapers in 47 languages are available at launch and will
grow the library gradually.
Services like Google Maps Navigation (Beta) and Google Goggles
are available on Google's Android platform. With useful location-based
services like Google Maps, consumers can search in Standard English
instead of entering an exact address. A search-by-voice function is
just as intuitive, meaning searches can also be completed easily on the
go. Google Goggles is a powerful, visual search tool that uses the
Samsung Galaxy Tab's camera to uncover information - an image of a
landmark or artwork is automatically used to perform a search,
delivering relevant content like a description or history. In addition,
with a camera, users can enjoy various augmented reality services which
are downloadable in the application market. Samsung has also unveiled
'Media Hub,' a gateway to a world of films and videos, and 'Music Hub,'
an application giving access to a wide range of music tunes.
With 3G HSPA connectivity, 802.11n WiFi, and Bluetooth 3.0, the
Samsung Galaxy Tab supports video conferencing and push email, and for
voice telephony, the Tab can serve as a speakerphone on the desk, or a
mobile phone on the move via Bluetooth headset. The front-facing camera
allows face-to-face video telephony over 3G, the rear-facing camera
captures still images and video.
Powered by a Cortex A8 1.0 GHz application processor, the Samsung
Galaxy Tab supports HD video content in a wide range of multimedia
formats (DivX, XviD, MPEG4, H.263, H.264 and more), and will be be the
worlds first DivX Certified tablet.
To enjoy
high-quality DivX video on the Samsung Galaxy Tab with no file
conversion needed, Tab users can load their video libraries of both
standard definition and HD movies in the DivX format on the internal
and external memory and then watch their collections anywhere they
choose. The Galaxy Tab will also connect directly to other DivX
Certified devices, such as HDTVs, turning it into a powerful
entertainment gateway in the living room. It will also support the
secure playback of major Hollywood titles in the DivX format from
leading studios.
"DivX has become a must-have feature on every kind of consumer
electronics device, and were excited to enter the burgeoning tablet
market with Samsung's Galaxy Tab, a great product that offers an
incredible experience to users," commented Matt Milne, Executive Vice
President, Sales and Marketing DivX, Inc. "Now consumers throughout
Asia, Europe and the United States will be able to enjoy their DivX
movie collection on a breathtaking 7" screen."
"We are extremely proud to debut our first tablet at IFA 2010 with
leading multimedia partners like DivX," said Younghee Lee, Senior Vice
President, Samsung Electronics. "The Galaxy Tab is truly a
groundbreaking product, and we know that our customers will especially
enjoy the ability to enjoy their libraries of DivX HD video at home or
on the go."
The Samsung Galaxy Tab (GT-P1000) Product Specifications
- Network: 2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE) : 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
3G (HSUPA 5.76 Mbps, HSDPA 7.2 Mbps) : 900/1900/2100 MHz
- OS: Android 2.2 (Froyo)
- Display: 7.0 inch TFT-LCD, WSVGA (1024 x 600)
- Processor: Cortex A8 1.0 GHz Application Processor with PowerVR
SGX540
- Camera: 3 MP Camera with Autofocus and LED Flash
1.3 MP front camera for Video Telephony
Value-added Features:
- Android Market and Samsung Apps for more applications and
contents
- Readers Hub, Media Hub, Music Hub(*), Social Hub
(*) Availability will be decided by market preference.
- Adobe Flash 10.1 player support
- Full HD video playback, Thinkfree Office, Swype, Hybrid Widget
- Connectivity: 30 pin connector
- WiFi 802.11n/Bluetooth® 3.0
- Sensor: Gyroscope sensor, Geomagnetic sensor, Accelerometer, Light
sensor
- Storage Memory: 16G/32G internal memory with up to 32G external
memory slot
- RAM: 512 MB
- Size: 190.09 x 120.45 x 11.98mm, 380g
- Battery: 4,000 mAh (7 hour movie play)
The Samsung Galaxy Tab will be released for sale in Europe in mid
September, and in other markets - including Korea, the US, and Asia -
in coming months.
Link: Samsung Galaxy Tab
Dragon Dictation Nearly 100% Accurate
APTM's Mark Tennent reports:
"Dragon
Dictation is 100% accurate nearly every time and far better than
the iPhone's built-in speech recognition. Its sibling,
Dragon Search, uses the power of Dragon Dictate to search Google
(or Yahoo), YouTube, Twitter, iTunes, and Wikipedia."
Link: A Fine Pair of
Dragons
Writing on the iPad: Love, Heartache, and
Infuriating Bugs
binarybonsai.com says:
"Even when I close any notifiers and twitter-/chat clients, I'm just
too easily distracted to get writing done in proper on my Mac. I blame
Command-Tab, however I guess I'll have to take full responsibility
myself....
"Then I bought a keyboard dock for the iPad, because it hit me: The
iPad is single-tasking (in terms of its interface-regime). It doesn't
have menubar items. It doesn't have Command+Tab or a Dock (in the
traditional sense). In fact, one of the things I love the most about it
is exactly the fact that it becomes the very app you have open at any
given time, to the exclusion of almost everything else....
"However, this article is mainly a detailed discussion of the iPad's
many shortcomings as a writing device."
Link: Writing on the iPad:
A Story of Love, Heartache & Infuriating Bugs
Apple Updates
How to Check Battery Status on the 4G iPod
shuffle
A new Apple Knowledge Base article explains how to check the battery
status of the iPod shuffle (4th generation) .
Link: iPod
shuffle (4th Generation): How to Check Battery Status
Multitouch Gestures for the 6G iPod nano
A new Apple Knowledge Base article notes that the Multi-Touch™
screen on the iPod nano (6th generation) responds to your finger
gestures, and explains how to use gestures to manipulate the features
on iPod nano.
Link: iPod
nano (6th generation): Multi-Touch Gestures
Accessories
HyperDrive iPad Expansion Hard Drive
PR: One of the most frequently cited criticisms of the iPad
is its mediocre data storage capacity, even on the pricey 64 GB model.
Those little SSDs are speedy, but their capacity is yesterday's
news.
HyperDrive for the iPad to the rescue, claimed to be the world's
first and only iPad compatible USB hard drive. It isn't cheap, but it
could mark the tipping point between the iPad being a diverting toy and
consumption device and a useful work tool.
The HyperDrive iPad Expansion Hard Drive lets you:
- Carry up to 750 GB of HD 720p video and photo data with you
- Back up and view memory cards without computers or external
power
Features:
- From memory cards to HyperDrive to the iPad
- Directly backup memory cards on to the HyperDrive at speeds up to
2 GB per minute without using a computer
- Or if you wish, you can connect HyperDrive as a USB hard drive to
the computer to transfer files
- Transfer HD movies, photos and other supported media to the iPad at
1 GB/minute speed.
High Resolution 3.2" Color LCD
- Display full screen image, thumbnails or slide shows.
- Built-in fast real RAW image decoder.
- Supports JPEG and all types of RAW including those from medium
format cameras.
- New RAW format support can be added via firmware update.
Advanced File Manager
- Explore contents of internal hard drive or any memory card.
- Preview images in the background without entering folders.
Computer-Like File Operations
- Perform advanced file and folder operations like copy, cut, paste,
delete, rename, create new folder, sort file directory by
name/date/type, format hard drive, erase card etc.
- Selectively copy single or multiple files/folders between memory
card and internal hard drive.
Visual Information
- Histogram (individual R/G/B/L channel) overlay display.
- Rotate and zoom image in stages up to 100% pixel level to confirm
image focus and fine detail.
- Detailed EXIF data displays more information about your photo.
High Capacity Drive
- Supports any 2.5" SATA hard drive (120~750 GB & beyond).
- No capacity limit.
- S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology)
monitors internal hard drive for potential problems.
- Multiple hard drive partition format support.
Other Advanced Tools
- Hard drive and memory card speed benchmark tools.
- Memory card data recovery.
User Replaceable Drive & Battery
- Generic 18650 li-ion battery commonly used to power notebook
computers.
- Extremely long battery life.
- Backup 250 GB of data on a single charge.
- Easy access design.
- Deep CF slot.
The HyperDrive is available now at the following capacities and MSRP
price points:
- 120 GB ($299)
- 160 GB ($349)
- 250 GB ($399)
- 320 GB ($449)
- 500 GB ($499)
- 640 GB ($549)
- 750 GB ($599)
- Or as a bring-your-own-drive empty case at $249
Publisher's note: As far as I can determine, there is no connection
between this device and the GCC HyperDrive, the
first Macintosh hard drive, which was introduced way back in 1985.
dk
Link: HyperDrive iPad
Expansion Hard Drive
Waterfield Unveils 4G iPod touch Cases
PR: California based Waterfield Designs announces Suede
Jacket cases to clothe Apple's latest iPod touch. Each is custom-fitted
to the iPod touch dimensions and is available in black, cheetah or
zebra Ultrasuede®.
The iPod Suede Jacket is a minimalist case offering elegant
protection from scratches without bulk. Waterfield also offers the
Travel Case to keep the iPod touch and its cords and accessories
organized and tangle free. Available for preorder now; ships September
15.
Each
Suede Jacket is custom-fitted to the iPod touch dimensions and is
available . Waterfield also offers the Travel Case to keep the iPod
touch and its cords and accessories organized and tangle free.
The iPod Suede Jacket is a minimalist case offering elegant
protection from scratches without bulk. The Ultrasuede® case fits
iPods snugly and actually serves to clean the iPod touch screen every
time the device is inserted and extracted from the case. As a bonus,
the case itself can be used to clean any digital screen.
The iPod
Travel Case is designed to keep the iPod and its accessories all
together and tangle-free. Custom-sized, padded, interior compartments
keep gear organized. Self-locking zippers ensure contents don't spill
out accidentally. All three sizes maintain a thin and compact shape
even when fully packed, so they can be easily stowed in a work or day
bag. The case is available in six eye-catching colors.
"I
love the Suede Jacket because it's so simple and practical; I can slip
it in my pants pocket and my iPod won't get dinged by my keys,"
explained owner and chief designer, Gary Waterfield. "It even keeps my
screen clean."
The iPod Suede Jacket:
- Black: $10 - with pocket $14
- Zebra or Cheetah: $12 - with pocket $16
- Available now for preorder from company website. Ships by September
15, 2010
The iPod
Travel Case:
- $35 to $39
- Three sizes: small, medium, and large
- Six colors: black, blue, brown, green, red, silver
- Available now
Link: iPod
touch Suede Jacket
Link: iPod
Travel Case
Grove Bamboo iPhone Cases
PR: The Grove group are a small team of designers,
programmers, and makers led by Joe Mansfield of engrave and Ken Tomita
of TomitaDesigns specializing in:
- Product and package design
- Logo and graphic design
- web design and development
- Photography
- CNC/laser programming and operation
- All handwork and finishing
- Marketing
Short of growing the bamboo themselves and digging up the aluminum
out of the ground, Grove tries to be involved as deeply as
possible.
Grove products are 100% designed and made in Portland, Oregon
USA. We utilize sustainable materials, natural finishes, and
responsible packaging. FSC certified bamboo is used when available. The
Grove folks don't operate a production factory but rather create as
artisans.
After roughing out via machine, extensive shaping is done manually
to form the case. Assembly and sanding are done by hand by furniture
makers. At least 4 coats of our natural oil/wax finish is rubbed on by
hand (not for sumi cases).
No two of Grove's products are exactly the same due to the natural
variations of the material and hands of the makers involved.
Why Bamboo? Experience the feel of natural material made possible by
our use of natural oil/wax finish rather than the industry standard
plastic clear-coat(not for sumi cases). Aside from the natural beauty
and strength, bamboo is ideal for products due to its dimensional
stability in comparison to wood. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable grass
which is the fastest growing plant in the world and can be harvested
for use in 4-6 years. It plays an increasingly important role in
environmental protection by reducing our reliance on timber
forests.
Grove offer a choice of either plain bamboo or specially designed
patterns, created by talented illustrators from across the globe. The
designs are then laser-etched onto the bamboo using some of the latest
technologies. The finish is beautiful; the tiniest detail is viewable,
and on the review case there were no visible errors. It is also lined
with a felt-like fabric to minimize scratches.
You can use all the controls of your iPhone freely. Charge your
phone and plug in headphones without removing the case.
The two-piece slider case slips on easily and adds only .075"
thickness to your phone. Choose your favorite color of anodized
aluminum. The bezel protects both your iPhone and your grove case. Cove
detail helps align case parts. Refuel your iPhone without removing your
Grove case.
Rock out to your latest iTunes playlist. Speaker holes allow for
full volume of music and ringtones.
Know that you are supporting the use of rapidly renewable materials;
lessening our reliance on timber. Grove use 100% solid bamboo.
Available for both 3G and 4G iPhones and priced from $69 to $89.
Link: GroveMade
Easily Access Your
4G iPod touch with Protective Belkin Cases
PR: Belkin launches stylish new cases for the iPod touch that
make it easier to access and use your iPod.
Belkin has designed these cases for the always on-the-go iPod owner
that complement a mobile lifestyle and also cater to the different ways
an iPod is carried. We've identified five main ways people carry their
iPod: in a pocket, in the hand, in a bag, on themselves, and while
being active.
For those carrying their iPod in their pocket, Belkin's slim cases
are easy to grip, slide in and out of a pocket smoothly, and provide
impact protection from everyday drops. For those who keep their iPod in
hand at all times to text, game, or check their email, our line of
cases are comfortable to hold, shock-absorbing, and easy to grip.
Belkin also has cases that make it easy to find your iPod within a
travel bag or purse while protecting it against constant contact with
other items.
Belkin recognizes that people
typically either carry their iPod or they wear it. While working out or
when you need to keep your iPod close by for intermittent, easy access,
Belkin offers a range of armbands and a clip case.
- Cases in select styles will be available starting September 2010 in
North America and parts of Europe.
- Other styles will continuously be made available for purchase
throughout 2010.
- Variety of Belkin cases include stylish, functional designs to keep
you always connected by providing easy access to your new iPod
- Cases cater to the different ways you carry your device
- Variety of Belkin cases include stylish, functional designs to keep
you always connected by providing easy access to your new iPod
- Cases cater to the different ways you carry your device
Grip Cases
Grip cases protect your iPod and come in a variety of textured
designs while adding style, color, and grip-ability. Grip cases
formfitting design lets your iPod charge while still in the case.
Grip Ergo with Strap (F8Z653)
- Ergonomic case design and removable hand strap provide a secure way
to hold your iPod
- Colors: Translucent Black, Translucent Taro
Grip Groove Duo (F8Z652)
- Adds texture to your iPod to increase grip-ability
- Colors: Black/Clear, Berry/Royal Purple
Grip Graphix (F8Z655)
- Features designs that make it easy to grip your iPod
- Colors: Aqua with White, Mauve with Shell Pink, Black with
Clear
Grip Vue (F8Z657)
- Designed to increase grip-ability with a sleek, high-gloss
finish
- Colors: Tints: Clear, Taro, Royal Purple, Night Sky, Black;
Metallic: Black Pearl, White Pearl, Taro Pearl
Grip Edge (F8Z650)
- Features a unique combination of grip and style
- Colors: Black Leather with Black Stitching, Brown Leather with
Brown Stitching
Shield Cases
Shield cases protect your iPod while providing increased shock
absorption and impact resistance. These sleek cases add no extra bulk
and offer maximum protection while allowing full access to connector,
buttons, and iPod screen.
Shield Eclipse (F8Z647)
- Provides a firm grip in your hand
- Easily slides in and out of your pocket
- Colors: Night Sky, Black, Taro, Vivid Blue
Shield Micra (F8Z646)
- Features sleek design for protection without bulk
- Colors: Tints: Black, Royal Purple, Coral, Clear; Metallic: Black
Pearl, White Pearl, Taro Pearl
Verve Cases
These fashion-inspired leather cases protect your iPod from everyday
scratches and scuffs. Tailored to be slim and formfitting, they also
provide easier and more sensitive access to the home key and inputs.
Made with premium leather and contrast stitching, these cases offer
sleek style.
Verve Cinema (F8Z764)
- Features kickstand to view media content comfortably
Verve Sleeve (F8Z687)
- Fashion-inspired leather protects your iPod in style
Verve Sleeve with Clip (F8Z672)
- Clips onto a beltideal for those who like to keep their iPod on
their body at all times
- Secure-hold clip design keeps your iPod in place
Verve Folio (F8Z673)
- Features a cover that folds to protect the screen and a soft inner
lining
- Interior pocket stores credit card, money, and a key
Fit Armbands
Fit
armbands are designed for the active user. Made with breathable and
hand-washable fabric, these cases are easy to put on and remove, and
flex with you as you move about your workout.
ProFit (F8Z692)
- Ultra-thin, athletic armband slides on easily for a comfortable
fit
- Patent-pending clip system provides easy on/off access
- Made with special lightweight, water-wicking material to improve
breathability
- Innovative fusion of materials offers a secure hold
DualFit (F8Z674)
- Adjustable dual-fit system allows for best fit on any arm,
maximizing sizing
- Key pocket for convenient storage while at the gym or outdoors
FastFit (F8Z675)
- Patent-pending clip system provides easy on/off access
- Features removable sleeve for iPod, low-profile belt clip, and key
pocket
- Cable capsule stores and manages earphones in convenient rubber
dome
- Key pocket for convenient storage
Overlays
Belkin overlays protect your new iPod screen from everyday
scratches.
MatteScreen Overlay - 3-Pack (F8Z686)
- Features glare-reducing protection for your iPod screen
ClearScreen Overlay - 3-Pack (F8Z685)
- Provides a clear protective shield for your iPod screen
Link: Belkin Cases for 4G iPod
touch
