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Storage

Best selling portable hard drives for Mac computers

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Portable hard drives for Mac, which are the best selling.  As you collect more music, videos and even work files, it’s inevitable that you will eventually need additional space for data. There are infinite portable external hard drive options out there for a Mac, but this article is designed to fast track your search.  These are the most popular and best selling portable hard drives available on the market today. Some may say they are specifically designed for mac computers but in general most hard drives can be formatted to Mac OS Extended regardless. Thanks to many recent advancements in technology external portable hard drives have been getting smaller and smaller. Let’s focus on those smaller versions because they can still hold a ton of data, but provide that portability so many mac enthusiasts are after.

WD My Passport Ultra 2TB Portable External USB 3.0 Hard Drive with Auto Backup

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WD Passport Ultra

Quick Specs:

  • USB 3.0 connectivity
  • Automatic and cloud backup
  • Password protection and hardware encryption
  • 3-year limited warranty

Hands down, the Passport has been the external hard drive choice for mac and pc computers alike. For years they have been producing a small but powerful product. With USB 3.0 you won’t have to wait as long to transfer your files. To top it off they offer automatic cloud backup. You can disable this and use Time Machine if you prefer.

This drive comes formatted for a PC so you’ll have to reformat it first in order for it to work with your mac. Formatting this portable hard drive for your mac takes less than a minute with new drives so it’s quick and painless. This 2TB model will hold enough music to listen to non-stop for 4 years – that’s crazy! The Passport is available in silver to match your mac and is reasonably priced at ($109 USD).

Toshiba 2TB Canvio Basics USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive

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Toshiba Canvio Basics

Quick Specs:

  • USB 3.0-powered portable add-on storage
  • Easy to use with no software to install
  • Protects your drive (Internal Shock Sensor and Ramp Loading Technology)
  • Our 2.0TB Drive is capable of storing up to 571,000 digital photos or 526,000 digital music files or 1,640 downloaded digital movies
  • Accommodates large digital files with spacious storage capacity
  • Gives you peace of mind with Toshiba’s 1-year Limited Warranty

Coming in second is the Toshiba Cavio portable hard drive. A great choice if you are on a budget this 2TB hard drive costs only ($94 USD). Toshiba is all about the ease of use. No gimmicky software or confusing instructions, simply format and you have a small, portable and stylish external hard drive. Also runs on USB 3.0 so expect blazing transfer speeds. Only downside is the shorter warranty period, but we recommend you backup your files to a cloud or second hard drive just in case.

Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB Portable External Hard Drive with Mobile Device Backup USB 3.0

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Seagate Slim

Quick Specs:

  • Sleek metal design – up to 42% thinner
  • Easily back up your computer and content from mobile devices with free Mobile Backup App
  • Apple Time Machine compatible
  • Transfers files quickly with USB 3.0 connectivity
  • Use between PC and Mac computers without reformatting

The Seagate Slim is the most stylish and smallest of all the portable drives. The brushed silver matches almost any MacBook. Seagate advertises this product as a mac friendly hard drive. In testing we found that it works with mac computers right out of the box. However we still recommend a proper formatting before use, it can’t hurt and can save a lot of headaches. The drive is so small its easily fits into a computer backpack sleeve. The drive sells for ($99 USD) which is in the medium range.

Bottom Line

There you have it the three most popular portable drives for macs. You can use them at home, work or when traveling. They don’t take up a lot of room so you have plenty of space for additional gadgets. Use them as a backup so you always have your work files with you or when you need a movie to pass time on a plane. We personally went with the Seagate Slim, we just couldn’t resist the look that complimented our MacBook Pros so well. Now that you have the top three selling hard drives you can’t go wrong. Pick the one that best matches your style or color theme and feel confident in your purchase. You can’t lose!

Displays

Apple Retina 5K Thunderbolt Display release date? Not so fast.

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This week Apple announced a new 27‑inch iMac with Retina 5K display. All this talk about 4.7 million pixels had some Apple fans drooling and others wondering if a Thunderbolt Display with the same resolution was on the way. Turns out that even though Thunderbolt 2 technology is somewhat new to the market, it can’t handle the 5K resolution.

This is sad news for creative professionals and others who use the MacBook / Thunderbolt Display system on a daily basis. It makes life easy: Dock at home, dock at work and a laptop for use anywhere else. Let’s not forget the Mac Pro which is popular with video professionals who also use Apple’s brilliant display. The Thunderbolt 2 which supports DisplayPort 1.2 maxed out at 3840 x 2100 resolution. There is some good news however, DisplayPort 1.3 was announced just last month. The increased bandwidth of 32.4 Gbps allows for 5K monitor support and a crazy 5120 x 2880 resolution. With that said, is it possible we could see a Thunderbolt 3 in the near future? Don’t hold your breath. The Thunderbolt Display is now over 3 years old and Apple has showed no hints of releasing an update anytime soon.

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Connections for New iMac with Retina 5K Display

The only possibility at this time is to use two Thunderbolt Ports to run a single 5K monitor. For those who use the Mac Pro this could be an option. The Mac Pro is the only mac powerful enough to attempt this and even then it means tying up more connections you might need. Not to mention many video professionals use multiple monitors, at this time it just doesn’t seem practical.

It’s crazy to think at it’s introduction the Thunderbolt technology was so advanced that many companies didn’t even have products for it yet and some still don’t. Now years later display technology is taking a giant leap over connection speed. It might be possible that Apple is holding off on purpose waiting to see how the new iMac performs in the market and where exactly the display port technology standards are heading, before releasing a new Retina 5k Thunderbolt Display. Of course we can all imagine the cost of that new display based on Apple’s current prices, but for some budget buyers, there is always the option to purchase a refurbished Thunderbolt Display from Apple at a reduced cost before the new monitors start hitting the market. As it stands the Thunderbolt Display is still the best monitor for MacBook and MacBook Pro.

 

Apple TV

5 changes to Apple TV that could improve your experience

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Apple TV is another one of Apple’s great and innovative products. And like all Apple products, the Apple TV also get regular updates. The latest update for Apple TV was recently sent out, just last week. The update was the 7.0 update for third generation Apple TVs only. However, the highly anticipated update fell flat with many Apple TV users. With the new update, the new features that Apple TV users got were new icons, a new Beats Music Channel, and a Family Sharing feature. Even though the new icons were esthetically pleasing, they still didn’t add anything new to the Apple TV in terms of usability. Many users stated that the new update did nothing to improve the Apple TV experience. So, below are 5 suggestions to Apple to improve its Apple update and make the next update a better one.

Safari plug-in for queueing videos

Many people watch YouTube videos on their computer, iPhones, or iPad by simply typing in the web address in their browser and watching videos. However, the experience of watching YouTube videos through the Apple TV is not always so streamlined or a pleasant experience. Surfing through the YouTube channel with the remote has been described as “clunky”, and trying to send a video from your iPhone or iPad using AirPlay can be a long wait and can only be done one video at a time. One suggestion for the Apple TV was to be able to surf around with Safari and right-click videos around the web to add them to a “watch later” list that’s synced through iCloud to my Apple TV.” It’s a much easier and streamlined process to be able to watch videos online or on your phone instead of through Apple TV. However, the experience of watching online videos would be much better through the television.

Universal Search

Instead of sifting through each channel and their myriad of choices, Apple TV users should be able to search for content across all channels at one time, in order to find what they are looking for. This is a lot to ask, but when other streaming products like Roku and Kindle Fire are making strides to provide this feature, it’s time for Apple to get a leg up on them.

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Roku – One of Apple TV’s major competitors
Siri

We are all familiar with the voice activated program on Apple iPhones called Siri, Having Siri be available on Apple TV would be a great feature in the next update. (Kindle TV has a microphone already built into the remote.) The ideal scenario would be that someone speaks directly into their Apple TV remote saying, “I’d like to watch Whoppi Goldberb films on my Apple TV”, and these films will come right up.

One Login

There are a number of channels available on Apple TV. Some of these channels are paid for by the user. However, for each pay TV channel, the Apple TV user is required to log in in for each and every time they want to view the channel. This is because those channels don’t all support the same provider.  Each time you want to watch the channel, you have to search around for the login screen and login every time you want to watch a new channel. The best way to solve this problem is to create only one place for the user to log in just one time. Also, a notification of when there’s an update through the Apple TV, perhaps through email once the user logs in, would work as well. This streamlined approach makes it much easier to use.

Open SDK and a channel store

Apple TV competitors like Fire TV and Roku allow for their users to leisurely look through the Channel Store and choose whatever channel they want. Apple TV places channels on the lineup without you choosing them, so they just sit on your user page even if you don’t want that particular channel. Apple should create a better way for their users to pick the channels they want to watch or sign up for, and reject the channels they do not want. It’s recommended that Apple should, “greatly expand the channel offerings through an open SDK without users becoming overwhelmed by screen after screen of icons.”

There are sure to be more suggestions that Apple TV users have for the company before the next update. Can you think of a few?

Displays

Best monitors for retina MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt Port

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If you already have the latest Apple MacBook Pro (Retina Display) laptops in either 13” or 15” you’re probably at times dissatisfied with the screen size. Sure it’s great for traveling, surfing the web and light work but sometimes you need more real estate. Having a larger size screen can reduce eye strain, allow you to open multiple windows at once and in the end get your work done faster. Lets take a look at the most popular monitors used by MacBook enthusiasts.

LG Electronics IPS Curved 34UC97-S 32.7-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor

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Specs:

  • 21:9 Ultra Wide Curved WQHD
  • IPS Panel for more accurate colors
  • Thunderbolt & Mac Compatible
  • SRGB over 99% color space
  • Multiple Ports include 2 HDMI, 2 USB, Display Port, & Thunderbolt

This is the first true 21:9 monitor ever. It’s Mac compatible and one of the nicest displays money can buy. If you do tons of video editing, music production, graphic design or need multiple programs open at one time, this is for you. Since this monitor uses IPS technology it means you get more vivid colors, however one draw back is that you get a slight light-leak at the edges of the monitor. Some people understand this is a natural effect, but others are bothered by it. The resolution is a staggering (3440×1440) which looks amazing on the slightly curved screen. With two thunderbolt ports, it’s clear LG is targeting Macbook users specifically with this model. It will cost you, ($1,299-$1,444) but the amount of extras and size of the monitor are well worth splurging if you want the best.
(Click here for latest prices on LG Monitors)

Apple Thunderbolt 27” Display

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Specs:

  • 27-inch IPS display with LED backlighting
  • Thunderbolt and MagSafe All-in-One Cable Connectors
  • 2560 x 1440 Resolution; 16:9 Aspect Ratio
  • 3 USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet port, FireWire 800 port, Thunderbolt port
  • The following models are Thunderbolt capable: MacBook Air (Mid 2011) and later, MacBook Pro (Early 2011) and later, MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012), Mac mini Server (Mid 2011), Mac mini (Mid 2011), iMac (Mid 2011)
  • FaceTime HD camera

The MacBook Pro and Thunderbolt Display are designed to work together. Forget dozens of cables, this monitor works with just the power cord and thunderbolt cable. You can easily add additional devices to the back of the monitor. For some the price might be too high ($949 USD), however you get what you pay for with this monitor. The resolution is stunning and you benefit from the speed of thunderbolt.
(Click here for latest prices on Apple Thunderbolt Displays)

LG Electronics UM95 34” Monitor

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Specs:

  • UltraWide format provides additional real estate for you to multitask or watch multiple inputs at once
  • Ultra QHD (3440×1440) resolution provides the additional resolution you have been looking for
  • Dual-link functionality allows you to view two separate inputs at the same time
  • HDMI, Display Port, USB 3.0, and Thunderbolt 2 inputs allow you to connect to all your devices
  • The gorgeous Cinema Screen design with integrated 7W speakers look stunning on or off

This is one of the only monitors that currently has thunderbolt ports other than Apple. The resolution is on par with Apple’s display and you get 34” of wide screen format! If you are a movie buff and need a larger screen then this monitor is for you. Not to mention it has a sleek looking modern design. The price may seem steep at ($999 USD), but LG has a tradition of quality and solid pricing. Any other brand major brand would have priced this significantly higher.  (Click here for latest price)

Dell UltraSharp U2713HM 27″ Monitor

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Specs:

  • WQHD resolution and accurate colors out of the box: Superb clarity with 2560 x 1440 resolution and over 3.6 million pixels. Features a color gamut of more than 99-percent sRGB
  • Excellent comfort and usability: Full adjustability including swivel, tilt, height adjustability and pivot which lets you easily switch to portrait mode
  • Seamlessly connect your monitor to your desktop, laptop and peripherals such as digital cameras and Blu-ray or DVD players. Digital and analog connections include four USB 3.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, DVI (HDCP) and HDMI

Priced at just ($529.99 USD), this is the most economical model for your MacBook Pro in the 27” range. While it lacks thunderbolt technology it makes up ground in affordability and unique features. For example this is the only monitor out of the three, that can be easily turned completely vertical. To connect to this monitor and experience it at full resolution, you will need a mini-display (thunderbolt compatible) to display port cable, not included. If you like Dell brand monitors check out our reviews of the best Dell monitors for Mac computers.
(Click here for latest price on Dell Monitor)

Samsung 28-Inch Ultra High Definition LED Monitor (U28D590D)

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Specs:

  • 4K, 3840 x 2160 Resolution (UHD)
  • Sharper Viewing Angle with T-shaped Stand
  • 1 Billion Color Support and 1ms (GTG) Response Time
  • HDMI, DisplayPort, 3.5mm audio out

This Samsung 28″ monitor showcases some nice features sure to make any professional or gamer happy. First the 4K resolution is stunning. The realism will blow you away when doing work or watching movies. It comes with a DisplayPort so it is compatible with your Mac computers. Additionally it has two HDMI ports, so now you can hook up your Playstation or Xbox and simply switch back an forth between your computer and gaming systems with a click of a button. For people who need a monitor on a budget and like the look of a traditional PC monitor with modern flare, this is the one for you ($499-$599).

(Click here for latest price on Samsung Monitors)

Bottom Line

You can always search for other models compatible with your MacBook Pro, but these by far are the most popular. You’ve spent the money to buy one of the best computers out there, then there is no reason not to get the full benefits buy choosing a great monitor. We could review some lower end models but they generally have poor reviews and low resale value. In the future look out for our reviews on compatible 4K resolution monitors. Right now they are just a little to pricey to be considered affordable poplar options.

News

Shellshock concerns reduced as Apple releases patch for Bash bug

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Normally Mac users don’t worry about viruses infiltrating our computers because Mac is such a reliable computer and Apple technology is so reliable that the threat of a virus is very far off. However, there is one “security vulnerability” out there that seems to be a threat to Mac computers. This technology insect is known as the Bash or Shellshock.

Up until just a few weeks ago, the threat of this bug could have wreaked havoc on Mac computers. Now, however, the threat has been contained and Mac users need not to worry. The threat of these bugs came from a security flaw in Mac operating systems. This breach in security would have allowed any hacker to get into the operating system and completely take it over! According to CNET, the way this bug works “involves the execution of malicious code within a bash shell — a command-line shell used in many Linux and Unix operating systems, and by Apple’s Mac OS X operating system.”

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Source: Robert Graham

The Bash bug is apparently not new, dating back almost 25 years. It is known to be aggressive in its mission of hacking into PCs or Mac computers through either the terminal application or the Command Prompt, and then controlling the operating system in order to get access to the any personal or confidential information.

Apparently in the OS X, there was a glitch that made it vulnerable to the Bash bug where the entire operating system would be able to be attacked and controlled from an outside force.

The system has now been fixed and the operating system OS X Lion, Mountain Lion software, is not in danger of being taken over by hackers. According to Apple, “With OS X, systems are safe by default and not exposed to remote exploits of bash unless users configure advanced UNIX services.”

There was once another security flaw just like the Bash bug named Heartbleed. It did the same the that Bash does, which is take control of the entire operating system and leave the user vulnerable to their confidential information being hacked and/or stolen. Heartbleed was first heard of in April, and it affected close to 300,000 users, some of whom still have to deal with security issues two months after they were first hacked. The experts have stated that when comparing Heartbleed and Bash bugs, the Bash bug is even bigger because of the surprising ways it communicates with the operating system without being detected.

With this breach now fixed, Mac users can rest easy. Nonetheless, Apple has taken extra precautions. Mac users are now able to visit a website set up by Apple where they can get update to their computer for the Bash bug.