MacBook Pro sports Core i7 chip label at Best Buy
Apple aficionados have been waiting patiently for Apple to update its MacBook Pro line with Intel's latest and greatest Core i series of processors, including the mobile Core i5 and i7, which were rolled out at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. The mobile i5 and i7 chips are made on Intel's cutting-edge 32-nanometer manufacturing process and handily outperform the older Core 2 Duo processors--which are still used by Apple in its MacBook and MacBook Pro lineup.(The Best Buy 15.4-inch MacBook Pro mistakenly shown with a Core i7 label is officially specified with a Core 2 Duo processor.)Rivals such as Hewlett-Packard and Dell are now offering laptops in various product lines with the Core i5 and i7 processors.These Dell Studio laptops, for example, all sport Core i7 processors.Dell Alienware mobile systems come with both 45-nanometer quad-core Core i7 processors and the newest dual-core 32-nanometer i7-620M chip. [Via 9to5Mac and TUAW.] Updated on March 8 at 8:45 a.m. PST: As of Monday morning, Best Buy has removed the Core i7 label from its 15.4-inch MacBook Pro page.
Monday, March 23, 2015
MacBook Pro declared 'best-performing' Windows laptop
MacBook Pro declared 'best-performing' Windows laptop
An Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro is the "best-performing" Windows laptop? Yes, says a PC services company that has done "frustration analytics" on some of the best-selling PCs. The MacBook Pro won out over established PC makers like Dell, Acer, and Lenovo, according to Soluto, which was quick to explain its finding.A main factor in this machine's metrics is the fact that every Windows installation on it is clean. With PC manufacturers loading so much crapware on new laptops, this is a bit of an unfair competition. But, on the other hand, PC makers should look at this data and aspire to ship PCs that perform just as well as a cleanly installed MacBook Pro.The report went on to admit that it might be more fair to compare a cleanly installed MacBook Pro with a cleanly installed PC from Acer or Dell.But there's method in Soluto's metrics: "We simply compared the real PCs in the field....We believe it's more representative of reality."The metrics (see image at top) include crashes per week, hangs per week, Blue Screens (of Death) per week, and average boot time.Soluto did list the disadvantages of running Windows on a Mac, including that it's more work to set up Windows on a Mac and there may be driver issues.Acer's Aspire E1-571 came in second and Dell's XPS 13 received the third-highest ranking. Soluto(Via ZDNet)
An Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro is the "best-performing" Windows laptop? Yes, says a PC services company that has done "frustration analytics" on some of the best-selling PCs. The MacBook Pro won out over established PC makers like Dell, Acer, and Lenovo, according to Soluto, which was quick to explain its finding.A main factor in this machine's metrics is the fact that every Windows installation on it is clean. With PC manufacturers loading so much crapware on new laptops, this is a bit of an unfair competition. But, on the other hand, PC makers should look at this data and aspire to ship PCs that perform just as well as a cleanly installed MacBook Pro.The report went on to admit that it might be more fair to compare a cleanly installed MacBook Pro with a cleanly installed PC from Acer or Dell.But there's method in Soluto's metrics: "We simply compared the real PCs in the field....We believe it's more representative of reality."The metrics (see image at top) include crashes per week, hangs per week, Blue Screens (of Death) per week, and average boot time.Soluto did list the disadvantages of running Windows on a Mac, including that it's more work to set up Windows on a Mac and there may be driver issues.Acer's Aspire E1-571 came in second and Dell's XPS 13 received the third-highest ranking. Soluto(Via ZDNet)
MacBook Air, OS X Lion due next week-
MacBook Air, OS X Lion due next week?
OS X Lion will bring plenty of enhancements and tweaks, including iCloud services built into the software, iOS-style Launchpad to house apps,full-screen apps and previewing Preview PDFs full-screen, Mission Control that comes up with a three-finger swipe, automatic tracking of document version history, and a resume feature that picks up where the user left off, among other new features. And the new MacBook Air will be the perfect platform to utilize some of these iOS-like features.Weighing a scant 2.3 pounds (11.6-inch model), it is expected to pack fast Intel Sandy Bridge Core i series processors for the first time and a Thunderbolt port--both features already present on its 13-inch MacBook Pro cousin.A CNET report last month, citing a research note from Deutsche Bank analyst Chris Whitmore, said that supplier checks suggest the production of the new Air could "ramp to as high as 1.5 [million] units per [quarter] or 50 percent of the MacBook business."That would be a significant milestone since it would point to the future of Apple's laptop development focus: small, light designs with iPad-like characteristics. Whitmore also said that OS X Lion will "spur a large part of the 54 [million] Mac installed base to upgrade."
OS X Lion will bring plenty of enhancements and tweaks, including iCloud services built into the software, iOS-style Launchpad to house apps,full-screen apps and previewing Preview PDFs full-screen, Mission Control that comes up with a three-finger swipe, automatic tracking of document version history, and a resume feature that picks up where the user left off, among other new features. And the new MacBook Air will be the perfect platform to utilize some of these iOS-like features.Weighing a scant 2.3 pounds (11.6-inch model), it is expected to pack fast Intel Sandy Bridge Core i series processors for the first time and a Thunderbolt port--both features already present on its 13-inch MacBook Pro cousin.A CNET report last month, citing a research note from Deutsche Bank analyst Chris Whitmore, said that supplier checks suggest the production of the new Air could "ramp to as high as 1.5 [million] units per [quarter] or 50 percent of the MacBook business."That would be a significant milestone since it would point to the future of Apple's laptop development focus: small, light designs with iPad-like characteristics. Whitmore also said that OS X Lion will "spur a large part of the 54 [million] Mac installed base to upgrade."
Mac Pro treks back to Europe following sales ban
Mac Pro treks back to Europe following sales ban
The Mac Pro is no longer on the outs in Europe, following a redesign that obeys regulatory requirements.On March 1 of last year, Apple stopped selling the Mac Pro in most European countries because the computer failed to comply with electrical regulations. Specifically, the ports and fans didn't pass muster with a new safety amendment that went into effect at that time. An Apple reseller in France had said that a new and compliant Mac Pro would replace the old version, and that time has finally come. The new canister-shaped Mac Pro launched by Apple in December apparently has earned Europe's safety seal of approval, according to 9to5Mac, paving the way for its return.The new Mac Pro is listed on Apple's UK Web site. European consumers who purchase the machine now can expect to receive in it February. Those who've already ordered the Mac Pro have received notices of a delivery date as early as January 14, according to French blog site MacGeneration.
The Mac Pro is no longer on the outs in Europe, following a redesign that obeys regulatory requirements.On March 1 of last year, Apple stopped selling the Mac Pro in most European countries because the computer failed to comply with electrical regulations. Specifically, the ports and fans didn't pass muster with a new safety amendment that went into effect at that time. An Apple reseller in France had said that a new and compliant Mac Pro would replace the old version, and that time has finally come. The new canister-shaped Mac Pro launched by Apple in December apparently has earned Europe's safety seal of approval, according to 9to5Mac, paving the way for its return.The new Mac Pro is listed on Apple's UK Web site. European consumers who purchase the machine now can expect to receive in it February. Those who've already ordered the Mac Pro have received notices of a delivery date as early as January 14, according to French blog site MacGeneration.
Mac OS X Lion not launching today after all, apparently
Mac OS X Lion not launching today after all, apparently
Another day is upon us, and so far, there isn't any sign of Mac OS X Lion. But one rumor suggests users won't need to wait much longer.Chinese Mac site MIC Gadget is reporting that Mac OS X Lion will launch tomorrow. The publication said that Apple stores in China are planning "overnights" tonight. Overnights are typically used for Apple to train employees on new products and refresh the store's display with updated products.Last week, 9to5Mac had cited "overseas sources" saying that the overnights would be happening last night, and therefore the operating system would launch today.When users finally get their hands on the OS update, they will find a host of new features, including a "resume" feature, allowing them to pick up where they left off in programs, and a Launchpad to see installed applications.For its part, Apple has not specified an exact launch date for Mac OS X Lion, saying only that it would be made available in July. The platform will be released on the company's Mac App Store as a digital download for $29.99.Related stories:• First Take: Mac OS X Lion coming in July for $29.99• Apple prepares for Lion with OS X 10.6.8 update• Apple's basic white MacBook also getting update?
Another day is upon us, and so far, there isn't any sign of Mac OS X Lion. But one rumor suggests users won't need to wait much longer.Chinese Mac site MIC Gadget is reporting that Mac OS X Lion will launch tomorrow. The publication said that Apple stores in China are planning "overnights" tonight. Overnights are typically used for Apple to train employees on new products and refresh the store's display with updated products.Last week, 9to5Mac had cited "overseas sources" saying that the overnights would be happening last night, and therefore the operating system would launch today.When users finally get their hands on the OS update, they will find a host of new features, including a "resume" feature, allowing them to pick up where they left off in programs, and a Launchpad to see installed applications.For its part, Apple has not specified an exact launch date for Mac OS X Lion, saying only that it would be made available in July. The platform will be released on the company's Mac App Store as a digital download for $29.99.Related stories:• First Take: Mac OS X Lion coming in July for $29.99• Apple prepares for Lion with OS X 10.6.8 update• Apple's basic white MacBook also getting update?
Mac App Store tweak aims to curb accidental buys
Mac App Store tweak aims to curb accidental buys
In an effort to keep users from accidentally purchasing a piece of software they might have gotten elsewhere, Apple is included a new warning system in the Mac App Store that lets buyers know when they already have the app they're trying to buy.The new warning, picked up by MacWorld this morning, only appears when you attempt to hit the buy button from the product page of an application that's already installed on your computer. A small drop-down warning then comes up to confirm whether you want to re-purchase the software before moving on to the payment password screen.The move represents the first real awareness of the Mac App Store with software that's been installed outside of Apple's marketplace. It also adds to the previously existing feature that would let you find and recover software you've already paid for.As noted before, the Mac App Store does not have a return policy. Instead, Apple encourages customers to go to application developers directly for assistance, then contact its App Store customer support if that doesn't get them anywhere. Nonetheless, the company has allowed returns in certain situations. The inclusion of this new warning system is likely part of a larger effort to keep some of those returns stemming from accidental purchases at bay.
In an effort to keep users from accidentally purchasing a piece of software they might have gotten elsewhere, Apple is included a new warning system in the Mac App Store that lets buyers know when they already have the app they're trying to buy.The new warning, picked up by MacWorld this morning, only appears when you attempt to hit the buy button from the product page of an application that's already installed on your computer. A small drop-down warning then comes up to confirm whether you want to re-purchase the software before moving on to the payment password screen.The move represents the first real awareness of the Mac App Store with software that's been installed outside of Apple's marketplace. It also adds to the previously existing feature that would let you find and recover software you've already paid for.As noted before, the Mac App Store does not have a return policy. Instead, Apple encourages customers to go to application developers directly for assistance, then contact its App Store customer support if that doesn't get them anywhere. Nonetheless, the company has allowed returns in certain situations. The inclusion of this new warning system is likely part of a larger effort to keep some of those returns stemming from accidental purchases at bay.
Rogers Navigator brings 'Shake-to-Go' to Canadian iPhones
Rogers Navigator brings 'Shake-to-Go' to Canadian iPhones
Canadian iPhone users on the Rogers network have another option for turn-by-turn directions with the Rogers Navigator app for iPhone. When you download Rogers' app, you get speech recognition for destination entry and search, text-to-speech reading of turn-by-turn directions with street names, and real-time traffic alerts with one-click rerouting around congestion or incidents. Rogers Navigator also integrates your iPhone's contacts data so you won't have to enter the addresses you already have in the phone, and integrated iPod controls so that you won't have to leave the app to manage your tunes.The app has a pair of unique features called Shake-to-Go and Last Origin. Shake-to-Go lets users shake their handset to set their home address as the destination and automatically begin routing. Meanwhile, Last Origin lets users return to the starting point of their trip at the touch of a button. We're not sure of how useful these features will be, but they're nice additions to the app's bag of tricks.Rogers' app is a free download for Canadian users in the Apple iTunes App Store. However, it requires a $4.99 per month subscription for unlimited access to the TeleNav map data and turn-by-turn directions.
Canadian iPhone users on the Rogers network have another option for turn-by-turn directions with the Rogers Navigator app for iPhone. When you download Rogers' app, you get speech recognition for destination entry and search, text-to-speech reading of turn-by-turn directions with street names, and real-time traffic alerts with one-click rerouting around congestion or incidents. Rogers Navigator also integrates your iPhone's contacts data so you won't have to enter the addresses you already have in the phone, and integrated iPod controls so that you won't have to leave the app to manage your tunes.The app has a pair of unique features called Shake-to-Go and Last Origin. Shake-to-Go lets users shake their handset to set their home address as the destination and automatically begin routing. Meanwhile, Last Origin lets users return to the starting point of their trip at the touch of a button. We're not sure of how useful these features will be, but they're nice additions to the app's bag of tricks.Rogers' app is a free download for Canadian users in the Apple iTunes App Store. However, it requires a $4.99 per month subscription for unlimited access to the TeleNav map data and turn-by-turn directions.
Paint by powerslide with this BMW Z4 app
Paint by powerslide with this BMW Z4 app
Recently, BMW put a new spin on the art car concept by making the new Z4 Roadster the brush instead of the canvas. Essentially, the artist took a Z4, dunked its tires into red, blue, and yellow paint, and proceeded to whip donuts on a 200 by 100 foot canvas. Now, that's my kind of fine art!Well, now there's an app for that. (Sorry, I couldn't help it!)BMW Z4: An Expression of Joy Lite is a free iPhone/iPod Touch app by Artificial Life that lets people get behind the virtual wheel of a customizable 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster to create works of art. Users can choose paint color on the fly on a per wheel basis (a luxury the original artist was not afforded).Pulling donuts in a Z4 Roadster is my kind of art!Artificial Life/Screenshot by CNETThe accelerometer-based steering varies in responsiveness from nearly unresponsive in bird's-eye view to quite nimble in the first-person view. At least you're given discrete gas and brake buttons, which is more than I can say about most iPhone driving games. Players can even disable the traction control for epic powerslides--which is always fun, even on tiny screens.Once you're done, you can save your masterpiece to set as your wallpaper or for e-mailing to friends.BMW Z4: An Expression of Joy Lite is available for free in the Apple iTunes store. According to the programmers' Web site,a full version is coming soon, but it doesn't outline what features it will add.
Recently, BMW put a new spin on the art car concept by making the new Z4 Roadster the brush instead of the canvas. Essentially, the artist took a Z4, dunked its tires into red, blue, and yellow paint, and proceeded to whip donuts on a 200 by 100 foot canvas. Now, that's my kind of fine art!Well, now there's an app for that. (Sorry, I couldn't help it!)BMW Z4: An Expression of Joy Lite is a free iPhone/iPod Touch app by Artificial Life that lets people get behind the virtual wheel of a customizable 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster to create works of art. Users can choose paint color on the fly on a per wheel basis (a luxury the original artist was not afforded).Pulling donuts in a Z4 Roadster is my kind of art!Artificial Life/Screenshot by CNETThe accelerometer-based steering varies in responsiveness from nearly unresponsive in bird's-eye view to quite nimble in the first-person view. At least you're given discrete gas and brake buttons, which is more than I can say about most iPhone driving games. Players can even disable the traction control for epic powerslides--which is always fun, even on tiny screens.Once you're done, you can save your masterpiece to set as your wallpaper or for e-mailing to friends.BMW Z4: An Expression of Joy Lite is available for free in the Apple iTunes store. According to the programmers' Web site,a full version is coming soon, but it doesn't outline what features it will add.
Is Microsoft preparing a Zune update-
Is Microsoft preparing a Zune update?
UPDATE (12:35 p.m. on 5-03-08): To include reference to possible ties to Zune VideoX.A reader of a site dedicated to Zune news has posted photos of what are claimed to be new features at Zune's Marketplace, including flash animation and a new video section. The photos were posted at Zunerama.com and are said to be of flash animation and two new tabs. One of the tabs is called "video" and the other is "listeners."Speculation on the site is that Microsoft is possibly preparing to update Marketplace and is testing some new features. A Microsoft spokesman said that the company's policy is not to comment on speculation. He added that Microsoft has not announced any upcoming changes at Marketplace. The person who posted the photos questioned whether the "listeners" tab may be some kind of social-networking feature. If you have any information, we'd love to know.UPDATE: Mary Jo Foley over at ZDNet e-mailed me and said she wonders if the photos found on Zunerama are tied to "the coming-out party for Zune VideoX" she has written about lately. Foley has a source who told herthat Zune VideoX is "a Video store that bridges Xbox, Windows, Zune and Pink." According to Foley's source, Microsoft wants to play it up it's video, which it sees as better than iTunes' offer. Go here to read more.
UPDATE (12:35 p.m. on 5-03-08): To include reference to possible ties to Zune VideoX.A reader of a site dedicated to Zune news has posted photos of what are claimed to be new features at Zune's Marketplace, including flash animation and a new video section. The photos were posted at Zunerama.com and are said to be of flash animation and two new tabs. One of the tabs is called "video" and the other is "listeners."Speculation on the site is that Microsoft is possibly preparing to update Marketplace and is testing some new features. A Microsoft spokesman said that the company's policy is not to comment on speculation. He added that Microsoft has not announced any upcoming changes at Marketplace. The person who posted the photos questioned whether the "listeners" tab may be some kind of social-networking feature. If you have any information, we'd love to know.UPDATE: Mary Jo Foley over at ZDNet e-mailed me and said she wonders if the photos found on Zunerama are tied to "the coming-out party for Zune VideoX" she has written about lately. Foley has a source who told herthat Zune VideoX is "a Video store that bridges Xbox, Windows, Zune and Pink." According to Foley's source, Microsoft wants to play it up it's video, which it sees as better than iTunes' offer. Go here to read more.
I ordered an iPad. What apps should I install first-
I ordered an iPad. What apps should I install first?
What are the must-have apps for a new iPad owner?You see, it finally happened: I'm the proud owner of Apple's much-ballyhooed tablet. No, I didn't win a contest or rip one out of some poor guy's hand. I actually plunked down some cold, hard cash.As readers of my Cheapskate blog know, that's something I'm loathe to do. But for me it was a legitimate business expense, and dang if my curiosity didn't get the better of me. Would the iPad live up to the hype? Would I find new and unexpected uses for it?I'm about a week away from finding out. My local Apple Store was out of stock, so I had to order it online.When it finally arrives, I'll no doubt go spelunking in iTunes for interesting apps. And needless to say, there are several I'm already keen to check out. The new Marvel Comics app, for example, is a favorite on my iPhone, and I imagine it must be ever more spectacular on the iPad's spacious screen.But, let's face it, I'm an iPad newbie. I have no idea which apps will rock my world, make me the envy of the neighbors, and convince the missus I was right to buy now instead of waiting for the inevitable price drop. (Mark my words: Apple will cut iPad prices before 2010 is out.)So it's over to you, faithful readers. You already have weeks' worth of screen testing under your belts, so you tell me (and other folks late to the iPad party): what are the must-have apps for a new iPad owner? Hit the comments and list your picks. (While I'm waiting, I'll sift through CNET's recent roundup of the 20 best free iPad apps.)Oh, and if you have any case recommendations, I'd love to hear those, too.
What are the must-have apps for a new iPad owner?You see, it finally happened: I'm the proud owner of Apple's much-ballyhooed tablet. No, I didn't win a contest or rip one out of some poor guy's hand. I actually plunked down some cold, hard cash.As readers of my Cheapskate blog know, that's something I'm loathe to do. But for me it was a legitimate business expense, and dang if my curiosity didn't get the better of me. Would the iPad live up to the hype? Would I find new and unexpected uses for it?I'm about a week away from finding out. My local Apple Store was out of stock, so I had to order it online.When it finally arrives, I'll no doubt go spelunking in iTunes for interesting apps. And needless to say, there are several I'm already keen to check out. The new Marvel Comics app, for example, is a favorite on my iPhone, and I imagine it must be ever more spectacular on the iPad's spacious screen.But, let's face it, I'm an iPad newbie. I have no idea which apps will rock my world, make me the envy of the neighbors, and convince the missus I was right to buy now instead of waiting for the inevitable price drop. (Mark my words: Apple will cut iPad prices before 2010 is out.)So it's over to you, faithful readers. You already have weeks' worth of screen testing under your belts, so you tell me (and other folks late to the iPad party): what are the must-have apps for a new iPad owner? Hit the comments and list your picks. (While I'm waiting, I'll sift through CNET's recent roundup of the 20 best free iPad apps.)Oh, and if you have any case recommendations, I'd love to hear those, too.
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