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Review. All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Tech Trends
Products & Services
News & Opinion
Apple Is the World's Top PC Vendor (If You Include
the iPad)
Asymco's Horace Dediu says that if you include tablets, Apple is now
likely the world's number one personal computer vendor.
Dediu notes that, according to Gartner, HP shipped 14.7 million PCs
in the last quarter, and while he doesn't have the total global figure
for Apple, his estimates are 5.2 million Macs and 14.7 million iPads,
for a total of 19.9 million computers in the same period, and the
provisional estimate of Apple in front by over five million units is
unlikely to disappear as the statistical metrics form up.
He further observes that iPad excluded, Apple went from a 3.42%
global market share at the end of 2008 to a 5.6% share today, but with
the iPad it now enjoys a 17.6% share. Meanwhile, HP went from 19.3% in
2008 to 16% today - or just 13% if iPad is included.
Link: Apple as Top
Personal Computer Vendor
40+ Super Secret OS X Lion Features and
Shortcuts
AppStorm's Joshua Johnson has posted a really useful feature
highlighting interesting functionality in OS X 10.7 Lion that is either
completely hidden or just enough below the surface that many users
don't even know it exists.
Johnson says he's spent hours combing through Lion for secrets and
put out a call on Twitter for others' favorites, bringing the findings
together in a post profiling over forty such hidden Lion tricks and
tips.
You don't want to miss this one.
Link: 40+ Super Secret
OS X Lion Features and Shortcuts
How to Burn a Bootable Mac OS 9 CD
The PPC Luddite blog discovered through trial and error that the
only way to burn a bootable OS 9 disc is with Toast, can confirm that
it works, and says the procedure is simple.
Link: Copy a Bootable
Mac OS 9 Install Disc
Ultimate Beginners Guide to AppleScript
Revisited
AppStorm's Joshua Johnson has posted as the first in a new series
that revisits some of the sites' readers' favorite posts from the past
that still contain awesome and relevant information that you might find
useful. The first installment is an AppleScript tutorial that was
originally published in 2009.
Johnson notes that AppleScript is Apple's powerful scripting
language that comes built into OS X, primarily intended for automation
of repetitious and time consuming tasks, and the best part about
AppleScript is that you don't have to be a genius programmer - or, for
that matter, have have any programming experience whatsoever - in order
to use it. His article will show you how to write an AppleScript for
nearly any application using the simple instructions that come hidden
within each app's framework.
Link:
The Ultimate Beginners Guide to AppleScript
Spoon.net Browser Sandbox Lets Windows Users Run
Popular Browsers with No Installs
PR: Spoon.net, a Seattle-based developer of application
virtualization technology, announced a major update to its popular
Browser Sandbox. The Spoon.net Browser Sandbox allows multiple versions
of browsers to run simultaneously with no installs. The latest version
of the Browser Sandbox adds support for the latest versions of all
major web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer,
Safari, and Opera. In addition, Spoon.net now supports testing of
mobile browsers such as Firefox Mobile and Opera Mobile as well as
prerelease browsers such as Firefox 10 Beta, Firefox Aurora, and Chrome
17.
Spoon.net Browser Sandbox
"The Browser Sandbox is a great resource for web developers and
enterprises that need to test or deploy multiple versions of current,
beta, or legacy web browsers without the problems associated with
installing browsers on their desktops or maintaining cumbersome virtual
machines," says Kenji Obata, founder and chief executive officer of
Spoon.net. "The Browser Sandbox is a powerful demonstration of
Spoon.net's unique application virtualization technologies.
Available as both a web-based service and on-site server, Spoon.net
allows software publishers, enterprises, and schools to deploy and
manage desktop applications instantly to any user with an Internet
connection. Spoon.net runs applications in isolated sandboxes, allowing
applications to run side-by-side without conflicts, dependencies, or
modifications to the host desktop. Spoon.net's unique hybrid
client/server virtualization technology combines the convenience of
web-based delivery with the performance and robustness of local
execution.
Spoon.net is used by industry-leading educational, entertainment,
financial, government, health care, and information technology
organizations including Autodesk, Bank of America, Boeing, KPMG,
Novell, and the US Army.
Spoon.net only supports running applications on Windows right now
and is working on Mac and Linux versions.
Link: Spoon.net
Browser Sandbox
Quad-Core Ivy Bridge CPUs Expected in April
Fudzilla's Fuad Abazovic says that Intel's Core i 3000, the world's
first 22nm processor, will start shipping in April for both desktop and
notebook segments, noting that first to launch will be a quad-core that
will find its way into many desktop and notebook computers, with the
dual-core launch to follow roughly a month later.
Link: Ivy Bridge Quad in
April 2012
Tech Trends
Is Lenovo's All-In-One PC What Apple's iMac Should
Have Been?
M.I.C. Gadget's Herman Lai says Lenovo's newly unveiled 27"
All-In-One desktop machine that supports 10-finger capacitive
multitouch is good news for anyone who wants a desktop PC, but bad news
for Apple. What's more, says Lai, the Lenovo's screen can be adjusted
to a flat orientation to work like a giant tablet, and he has posted a
video so you can see how this amazingly cool hybrid works.
The new Lenovo AIO packs a Core i7 Sandy Bridge CPU, 8 GB of RAM, up
to 1.8 TB of storage space (with SSD options), a 2 GB discrete
graphics card, and a slot-loading Blu-ray drive. The screen has a 1920
x 1200 maximum resolution (vs. 2560 x 1440 for the 27" iMac) and can slide down at an
angle to make onscreen typing more convenient, or like a touch-table
for playing touch-enabled games. Lai says the A720's build quality is
impressive, if seeming a bit on the heavy side, but the aluminum
chassis is gorgeous, giving a solid and premium feel.
He adds that Lenovo expects to start shipping the A720 in the first
half of 2012 at an estimated $1,300, and has also unveiled it new
IdeaPad Yoga convertible ultrabook that converts from notebook to
tablet. (For more on the Lenovo Yoga, see last week's 'Book Review.)
Link: Lenovo All-In-One
PC What Apple's iMac Should Have Been (Video)
Worldwide Personal Computer Shipments to Reach
417.2 Million Units by 2015
PR: GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global
outlook on the Personal Computers (PCs) Industry. With the market for
PCs maturing in most developed countries, developing countries are
forecast to emerge as viable hubs for ferreting future growth
opportunities. Growth in the developed markets will stem primarily from
replacements and upgrades.
The computer has come a long way since the mid 70s, from being a
scientist's toy to now becoming a critical productivity tool for
businesses, and a full fledged infotainment device for public in
general. Personal computers have enveloped every sphere of modern day
activity with their sheer magnitude of multiple applications. However,
the transitional phase in the computing industry was wrought with
numerous technological innovations. PCs have transformed into a
mainstream force, which has changed the way people conduct business.
PCs - inclusive of notebook PCs, personal digital assistants, desktop
PCs, and tablet PCs - are now common tools of business and personal
life.
Laptop and notebook computers are the primary source of revenues for
the world PC industry. Globally, notebook personal computers are
increasingly outpacing desktop PCs in terms of features, computing
power and price. Laptops consume up to 90% less energy in comparison to
desktops PCs. With rising energy cost and the shrinking price
difference between a desktop and laptop over the entire product
lifecycle makes laptop a cost-effective solution than a desktop from a
TCO (total cost of ownership) perspective. The growth of worldwide
notebook computer shipments is being further fueled by the increasing
popularity of consumer models that are designed to cater to the need to
be mobile and for personal customization.
Netbooks or mini notebooks are changing the way people think about
the mobile broadband and Internet by enabling consumers to access
photos, video, music, and much more, on-the-go. By combining the
affordability of netbooks with cost-effective mobile broadband
solutions, developers are bringing connectivity to the masses. As a
result, netbook PCs will outpace sales of traditional notebook
computers in volume terms. Gradually narrowing distinction between
netbook PCs and notebook PCs, and cheaper price mean netbooks offer
much greater variety and appeal to multiple demographics. Also,
subsidies offered by telecommunication firms for signing mobile
broadband contracts play a vital role in its uptake.
As consumers continue to embrace digital lifestyle, companies will
create products that reflect the sophistication and mobility that is
now a priority for enterprise and non-enterprise users alike. Portable
computer systems will continue to shine in coming years as consumers
continue to seek consumer electronic products they can use anywhere,
anytime. An extreme example of this trend is introduction of
Ultra-Mobile PCs (UMPC) that delivers comprehensive PC capability in
ultra-light and small-form factors for on-the-move business users.
Also, Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) are expected to surface as a
result of increased usage of Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC). MIDs
enable users to have data and high-quality voice capabilities for both
professional and personal use resulting in rich Internet
experience.
The personal computers industry is highly volatile and is
characterized by strong competition, pricing pressures, changing
customer preferences, rapid technological developments, competition
from well-established high-tech and electronics companies and
continuous disputes over intellectual property and antitrust. With a
large number of competitors, the market is characterized by price
pressures from competitors and price sensitiveness on part of the
customers. Frequent product launches, changing industry standards, and
high level of price competition in the PC market has resulted in short
product life cycles and frequent reduction in selling prices.
Manufacturers constantly face the risk of excessive inventories, due to
the unpredictability of market conditions.
Asia-Pacific dominates the global market for personal computers and
is forecast to grow at a healthy CAGR of 11.3% over the years 2010
through 2015. Driven by a strong performance in regional markets such
as China, India and South Korea, Asia-Pacific is projected to be the
fastest growing regional market for personal computers over the next
few years. In the upcoming years, it is estimated that price
reductions; growing usage of Internet across both nonprofessional as
well as business communities worldwide; increased urbanization levels;
literacy rate of adults; and population growth; will drive growth for
PCs.
The research report titled Personal Computers (PCs): A Global
Outlook announced by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., provides a
collection of statistical anecdotes, market briefs, and concise
summaries of research findings. The report offers a rudimentary
overview of the industry, highlights latest trends and demand drivers,
in addition to providing statistical insights. Regional markets briefly
abstracted and covered include United States, Canada Japan, Europe
(France, Germany, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom and Rest of Europe),
Asia-Pacific (China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, and Taiwan) Africa
and Middle East (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia). The report offers a compilation
of recent mergers, acquisitions, and strategic corporate developments.
Also included is an indexed, easy-to-refer, fact-finder directory
listing the addresses, and contact details of companies worldwide.
Link: Personal Computers
(PCs): A Global Outlook
Products & Services
Matias One Keyboard Lets You Type on Your Mac and
Your iPhone
PR: With the comfort
and speed of a full keyboard, you'll have much faster and more detailed
text conversations on your iPhone (or iPod touch) with the new Matias
One keyboard.
Plus, the function keys let you control your iPhone's screen
brightness, navigation, volume, and audio track selection.
Also Type on Your Computer
With one click, you can instantly switch back and forth between
typing on your iPhone and your PC or Mac. It's like having two
keyboards in one.
USB 2.0 hub inside
For connecting your mouse or a USB flash drive, nothing beats the
convenience of an in-keyboard hub. The Matias One offers 2 extra ports
supporting USB 2.0 speeds.
Mac version too
For Mac users, and other hard to find symbols are printed right on
the keys. Simply hold down Option for the bottom-right characters, or
Shift-Option for top-right characters they even work on the iPhone.
The function keys provide all the standard Mac media controls,
including volume, screen brightness, iTunes track selection, and
more.
Built for comfort
High-quality dome switches give the keyboard a responsive, tactile
feel, with enough resistance to hold the weight of your hands. This
reduces long term fatigue and makes it a lot more comfortable to
use.
The keytops are also curved to fit the shape of your fingertips.
This prevents you from sliding out of home row and losing your
bearings.
No batteries required
The keyboard cable to your computer also powers the wireless
connection to your iPhone, so you'll never have to worry about
batteries.
System Requirements
- PC or Mac with USB port.
- iPhone 3GS or newer, iPod touch 3rd generation (2009) or
newer.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 18.7 x 6.8 x 1.4 (47.5 x 17.3 x 3.5 cm)
- Cable Length: 5 feet (1.5 m)
- Weight: 1.65 lb. (750 g)
- Warranty: 1 year limited warranty (more info)
- Keyboard Layouts Available:
- PC: US Layout (FK301PI)
- Mac: US Layout (FK301MI)
Pricing
- Matias One Keyboard for iPhone & Mac: $99.95
- Matias One Keyboard for iPhone & PC: $99.95
There is a BlackBerry version for PCs as well.
Link: Matias
One Keyboard
Matias Tactile One Keyboard Lets You Type on Your
Mac and Your iPhone
PR: The Tactile One Keyboard is Matias' Tactile Pro
keyboard adapted to work with your iPhone as well as your Computer.
With one click, you can instantly switch back and forth between typing
on your iPhone and your PC or Mac.
Legendary Feel & Speed of Alps Mechanical Keyswitches
Users familiar with Apple's legendary Extended and Extended II
keyboards will love the Tactile One Keyboard. Unlike most keyboards
made today, each key is built on an individual Alps Mechanical
Switch.
Sculpted Keytops
The latest trend in keyboards is to have very flat & wide keys,
with little or no space between them. You see this a lot on laptops and
netbooks. While they look great, they can also be a little tricky to
type on. The flatness makes it very easy to slide out of home row and
lose your bearings.
The Tactile One bucks this trend. It has traditional sculpted
keytops, curved to fit your fingertips, and keep you from sliding out
of home row.
3-Port Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Hub
For quickly attaching USB peripherals, nothing beats the convenience
of an in-keyboard hub. Works great with USB flash drives, digital
cameras, mice, and more. It won't charge your iPhone/iPod, but for
syncing it's perfect.
No Ghost in This Machine
Most keyboards allow only a certain number of keys to be pressed at
once, and often cannot keep up with very fast typists. The result is
called ghosting letters missing from what you actually typed, or
additional letters that you didn't type. The Tactile One has special
Anti-Ghosting Circuitry (also called n-key rollover) to eliminate these
problems. You can type as fast as you're able; the Tactile One will
keep up.
Mac Keymapping Support
Mac keymapping symbols are printed right on the keys. Simply hold
down Option for the bottom-right characters, or Shift-Option for
top-right characters. They even work on the iPhone. The function keys
provide all the standard Mac media controls, including volume, screen
brightness, iTunes track selection, and more.
No Batteries Required
The keyboard cable to your computer also powers the wireless
connection to your iPhone, so you'll never have to worry about
batteries.
System Requirements
- PC or Mac with USB port.
- iPhone 3GS or newer, iPod touch 3rd generation (2009) or
newer.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 18.13 x 6.5 x 1.38 - (46.0 x 16.5 x 3.5 cm)
- Cable Length: 6 feet (1.83 m)
- Weight: 2.75 lb. (1 249 g)
- Warranty: 1 year limited warranty (more info)
- Keyboard Layouts Available:
- PC: US Layout (FK302PI)
- Mac: US Layout (FK302MI)
Pricing
- Matias Tactile One Keyboard for iPhone & Mac: $199.95
- Matias Tactile One Keyboard for iPhone & PC: $199.95
Link: Matias Tactile One
Keyboard
Das Keyboard Model S Mechanical Keyboard Brings
Its Click Clack to the Mac
PR: Das Keyboard, famous for its clicky mechanical keyboard
that has a cult-like following, has introduced a new version of its
award-winning Model S keyboard designed to appeal to a fan base also
known for its extreme loyalty - the Mac community.
The company's new Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac is now
available online for pre-ordering and will be shipping by April 15.
Available in the US and Canada, the Model S Professional for Mac
retails for $133. A 15% discount is currently available on all
preorders for this newest member of the Das Keyboard family.
"Mac fans will appreciate the high-quality and sharp design of our
Model S keyboard, especially now that it provides the features and
functions that Mac loyalists are used to and expect from their
peripheral devices," says Daniel Guermeur, creator of the Das Keyboard
and CEO of Metadot Corporation. "Essentially, we've introduced the most
advanced mechanical keyboard on the market designed specifically for
Mac users."
Typing Euphoria?
Das Keyboard's Model S provides users with a satisfying - perhaps
even euphoric if you're a mechanical key switch aficionado - typing
experience. The keyboard's gold-plated mechanical key switches produce
a distinct click with each keystroke, providing unique tactile and
audible feedback that some users find makes the typing experience more
comfortable, precise and fast.
Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac features include:
- Gold-plated mechanical key switches designed to withstand 50
million strokes.
- Enhanced 104-key layout with special keys for quick access to
common media player and computer functions.
- Command and Option keys, helping Mac users to feel right at
home.
- Instant sleep function, enabling users to easily put their Mac to
sleep and save energy during even the shortest of breaks.
- 6-key rollover, enabling users to enter - and the keyboard to
recognize - 6 keys pressed simultaneously.
- Two-port, high-speed USB 2.0 hub for syncing and charging iPhone,
iPod, iPad and other USB devices.
- USB hub connected devices charge up to 5 times faster than with
other keyboards.
- Extra-long USB cable (2m, 6.6 ft) that goes through desk grommets
to keep workspaces neat and tidy.
- KVM switch compatible, so users can control more than one computer
(Mac or PC) from their Das Keyboard.
Das Keyboard has always had a devout fan base, and were eager to
introduce ourselves to another loyal audience of tech enthusiasts,
added Guermeur. The Das Keyboard Model S provides a superior and joyful
typing experience Mac fans have been longing for.
Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac sports gold-plated,
German-engineered Cherry MX mechanical key switches which the
manufacture claims compare to the legendary IBM Model M, plus a
two-port USB hub, an extra-long 2-meter (6.6') USB cable, and
Mac-specific special keys that support 6-key rollover, i.e. 6 keys
pressed simultaneously. Das Keyboard for Mac's dedicated USB 2.0 hub
connector and built-in hub are faster and more powerful, capable of
charging and syncing your iPhone, iPad, iPod or other USB devices much
faster than with most keyboards. It can also help reduce the
environmental impact of your computer and save energy by putting your
computer to sleep simply by using its handy sleep function even for
your shortest breaks.
Glossy black upper enclosure with matching black USB cable - Darth
Vader approved
- Dimensions: 18" x 6.5" x 1" (thickest portion, feet not extended,
1.5" w/ extended feet)
- Weight: 1.36 kg (3 lb.)
- One USB port required. A second one is recommend to use the
built-in USB hub
- No driver required
Pricing
- Regular price: $133
- Preorder at: $113
Link: Das Keyboard Model
S Professional for Mac
Desktop Mac
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