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Mac

Top 5 holiday gifts for Apple lovers under $50

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It’s that time of year again when parents and friends search far and wide for the best holiday gifts. When you have an Apple fan on your list things can be difficult especially if you’re a PC person. Yuck! Don’t worry we won’t hold it against you. So here you have it, the best Apple gifts you can find all in one place and the best part is you won’t have to break the bank.

1. mStand Laptop Stand

The most popular laptop stand for Macs hands down. Works perfecting with the Apple MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Also compatible with the older 17″ MacBook models. Great gift for under $50.

2. AmazonBasics iPad Air and Netbook Bag with Handle

If you are looking for one of the best gifts for that iPad fanatic in your family, look no further. At under $10 it’s a no brainer. Fits any tablet from 7″ to 10″ and protects their most valuable asset.

3. Jackery Bar Portable Power Pack

Perfect for the business or family member always on the go. Power all your favorite Apple devices when traveling or in an emergency. A must have for those most important to you. Also includes a built-in flashlight all for the great price of $30.

4. HMDX Audio JAM Classic Bluetooth Wireless Speaker

Improve the sound quality of your Apple device with this bluetooth enabled speaker. Compatible with the iPad, iPhone and most Macs. Don’t let the size fool you, the sound is amazing and lasts for up to 4 hours with the included lithium battery. On sale now for $30.

5. Belkin Mini Travel Swivel Charger Surge Protector with Dual USB Ports

Another item for people on the go. This surge protector is small enough to travel in any laptop bag and has 3 outlets plus 2 usb ports. Quickly charge your laptop, phones and other accessories quickly. A steal at around $10.

Mac

Is the retina display worth the extra cost?

Image 12/17/2013 Macmint Leave a comment

If you’re in the market for a MacBook, you’ve got a lot of choices to consider, and a big one is whether or not it’s worthwhile to buy your new computer with retina display. The cost of doing so is higher, of course, but are the improved features worth the price?

The choice of whether or not to go for the retina display likely depends on a few factors. First, if you intend to work on graphic design, video or photo editing projects, you’ll appreciate the significantly improved picture quality. Second, if you have the extra money to spend and want the latest technology, then you may be inclined to go for the model with the new screen.

At present, a 13-inch MacBook Pro without retina display costs between $1199.00 and $1499.00 through the Apple Store, while the comparable model with retina display will set you back $1499.00 to $1699.00. The standard 15-inch model is $1799.00, while the price of the 15-inch MacBook Pro with retina display is a fair bit higher, priced between $2199.00 and $2799.00.

13-Inch MacBook Pro Retina Display Comparison

Some people don’t feel the extra expense is worthwhile for those who primarily use their Mac for tasks such as word processing, checking email and surfing the Internet. Others point out that the first generation of Macs with retina display have some drawbacks, and it may be wiser to wait for the next iteration with the bugs eliminated. However, plenty of early adopters are jumping on board, with many insisting that retina display makes user experiences for basic computing better and even text appear sharper.

The primary argument, besides price, for not purchasing a MacBook Pro with retina display is that some consumers with it have experienced various significant stability issues. Display defects, mainly with models that use the LG display as opposed to Samsung, have been reported. Other problems include graphics hiccups and troubles with battery life. Apple has now recognized the issues and is working with customers to address and rectify them.

Stability concerns aside, however, there is no denying the retina display looks stunning. The MacBook Pro with retina display features a tremendous 4 million pixels on the 13-inch model and 5 million on the 15-inch model. The retina display is also significantly brighter and glossier, boasting 263 lux and improved color saturation.

There are other advantages to choosing between the two types of MacBook Pro as well, including advanced all-flash architecture, more powerful Intel processors and additional RAM. Furthermore, more apps are being developed specifically to take advantage of Apple devices with retina display.

Whichever you choose, buying a new Mac is a significant investment. Start by identifying your specific needs and budget, and then access the many online resources that will allow you to read reviews and compare different models. Finally, it never hurts to pay a visit to the nearest Apple Store, even if you intend to purchase your computer online. Doing so will allow you to compare the standard and retina displays in person and make an informed decision.

While the standard Mac screen quality is still excellent, there’s no denying that retina display is the way of the future. At this time, sound arguments can be made for choosing either. Your best option is simply to do your research and pick what suits you best.

Mac

Top three most essential MacBook accessories

Image 12/05/2013 Macmint Leave a comment

If you’re like many of us who love technology, you may have no sooner purchased your new MacBook computer before you found yourself wondering what other gadgets you could use in conjunction with it. Some people simply don’t have the need for MacBook accessories, while others like to add on everything they can for a full computing experience. Furthermore, many other people simply choose a few key peripheral devices they require for security, functionality or work.

External Hard Drive

One of the most essential devices every MacBook owner should have is an external hard drive. While the hard disk, solid-state and fusion drives that come in the latest MacBook models are renowned for being secure and stable, it is always a wise idea to back up your data on a regular basis. Thanks to Apple’s Time Machine, doing so with an external hard drive is extremely easy. Should you ever experience an unfortunate hiccup with your computer, you’ll feel better knowing that copies of all your important files are safely backed up on a drive that is separate from your computer.

DVD/CD Combo Drive

Another major accessory is an external DVD/CD combo drive, particularly one that can both read and write discs. Primarily useful for those who have a MacBook, it means that software like a previous edition of iWork or Office for Mac doesn’t have to be re-purchased on the Mac App Store to accommodate no longer having an optical drive. Another bonus of purchasing such a drive is that new models have the ability to read and write Blu-Ray discs. That makes them a great purchase for those who own MacBook Air laptops as well as those with Macs that just aren’t Blu-Ray capable.

Magic Mouse

A third essential peripheral device is an Apple Magic Mouse. For those who are still using a hardwired mouse, particularly one made by a third-party brand, the Magic Mouse may take some getting used to. But once you’re accustomed to it, it will revolutionize your computing experience. The Magic Mouse is made to get the most out of Apple computers, whether you’re navigating the iTunes store or just maneuvering through your own files. Whether it comes with your iMac or you’ve bought one to use in place of the Trackpad on your MacBook, the Magic Mouse is a great peripheral device for any Apple user.

While these may be three of the most essential accessories, and basic, peripheral devices for Macintosh owners, there are countless other popular ones as well. MacBook owners who work with numbers often like to add on a number pad that makes calculations easier to input. And those who use their MacBook for heavy-duty gaming often go for specialized game pads, joysticks and other peripheral devices that enhance play.

If you’re a MacBook owner who relies heavily on peripheral devices, then the new Apple products with Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 are ideal. With the ability to daisy-chain up to six different peripherals, Thunderbolt provides fast, seamless uploading and connection without slowing your computer down. As essential as your accessories may be, owning a Thunderbolt-capable MacBook is just as necessary for optimal use of your gadgets of choice.

OS X

Three most popular ways to use Windows on Mac OS X

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Must of us who have chosen Apple and their user-friendly, stable OS over PC have done so because we prefer it to the other options on the market today. That choice may be based on previous computing experiences, our belief in the brand, what we need to use our computers for or just personal opinion. Whatever the reason, most people are either “Mac” or “PC.” But what about those instances where crossover is necessary? Some niche software or career demands require hardcore Mac users to delve into Windows territory. There are even some websites out there that still only run on Internet Explorer.

Thankfully, for Mac users who have to cross over to PC on occasion, it’s not necessary to purchase another computer. Instead, a parallel installation of a Windows operating system can be done right on Macs, resulting in increased convenience and money saved.

There are several different methods of achieving a Mac/Windows hybrid. Here are three of the most popular:

1. Boot Camp

Boot Camp is Mac software that comes included with OS X Lion and Mountain Lion. With it, you can run compatible versions of Windows, such as the new Windows 8, on an Intel-based Mac computer.

Officially, Boot Camp is a set of drivers that allow users with compatible Macs to partition their hard drive for a parallel installation of Windows. It’s compatible with a large number of Mac drivers, but essentially recognizes the Windows and OS X installations as two separate computers, going so far as to require iTunes users to authorize the Windows install as a separate computer within their accounts.

boot-camp-assistant — Boot Camp Assistant

2. Parallels

Parallels does virtually the same thing as Boot Camp – it enables you to partition your hard drive and have parallel installations of OS X and Windows 8. However, instead of being a featured set of drivers within your Mac that require setting up, it’s actually a software program you can purchase online or from the electronics store of your choice.

Parallels is a popular choice for some people as it doesn’t necessitate making as many manual tweaks and configurations as Boot Camp. Furthermore, the purchase includes support for Retina display, Thunderbolt and many other features. Essentially, it provides the best of both worlds with easy switching between immersive and complete Mac and Windows environments. In addition, Parallels provides mobile apps that allow users to carry Windows functionality over to the iPad and iPhone.

parallels-desktop-windows-on-mac — Parallels running multiple versions of Windows on Mac OS X

3. VMWare Fusion

Suggested for home users who want to install Windows on an Apple computer, VMWare Fusion is a less-intimidating but still functional solution for those who may simply want the parallel install for nothing more than the ability to play PC games on a Mac. Switching between operating systems is easy, and the user-friendly experience is extended by letting users manage their desktop and interact with their Windows OS like it was a Mac – complete with dock.

vmware-fusion-windows-on-mac — VMWare Fusion running Windows on Mac OS X

Another option worth considering is VirtualBox. A “feature rich, high-performance product,” it’s less consumer-targeted than Parallels or VMWare Fusion. VirtualBox markets itself as a professional solution that will meet the most specific lists of criteria, yet is available entirely as Open Source Software, backed by a dedicated tech community. It’s available for Mac, Windows and Linux and enables users to have a virtual experience of another operating system.

Whether you need to use specific business or scientific software or you’re just eager to check out computer games that are still targeted only for PC, there are many reasons you may want to set up a parallel installation of Windows 8 on your Mac. Fortunately, there are also several options that will enable you to do so.

News

Apple to build US plant and manufacture sapphire glass

Image 11/14/2013 Macmint Leave a comment

Some great news for the American tech industry and job market has surfaced recently. Apple is in the process of building a manufacturing facility in Mesa, Arizona that will provide an estimated 2000 employment opportunities.

The plant is expected to employ approximately 1300 workers throughout the construction process and an additional 700 once it’s completely in operation. And it’s not just a positive development for the local job market, either. It’s also good for the environment. Apple’s new facility will run on 100% renewable energy from day one of operations. What’s more, Apple is apparently also building a solar power grid that will accompany the facility and fuel the work done within it.

The Mesa plant will reportedly be manufacturing Sapphire Glass components, which Apple uses to protect cameras on iPhones and iPads. This marvelous material is renowned for its superior durability and scratch resistance. It’s also, of course, the stuff that goes into the home buttons on the new iPhone 5s, which is equipped with fingerprint-reading Touch ID. With iPhone 5s sales booming, and putting the company far ahead of their competitors once again, manufacturing in Arizona is guaranteed to be on a massive scale.

Sapphire Boule / GT Advanced Technologies

While solid reports to date have only indicated the plant will product these components, other industry insiders and Apple fans have guessed that the Arizona facility will also be the production home for the fabled iWatch, which would likely also use Sapphire Glass. Whether or not that is the case is yet to be seen. However, regardless of what the plant is used for, it is likely to contribute to the economy in Mesa for years to come. Such a large investment by Apple signals long-term growth and career opportunities for the foreseeable future.

Announcements about the Arizona production facility are welcome news to many who have been wondering about Apple’s position on maintaining American jobs. Last December, CEO Tim Cook famously announced the company’s intention to invest $100 million in American-based facilities. However, until news of the Arizona plant surfaced, the company’s only gesture since the announcement was to set up a Mac Pro production facility in Texas.

The Texas plant was initially seen as a token gesture by many critics who felt that Apple wasn’t serious about keeping jobs in the USA. The company, of course, is well known for contracting exclusively to third parties overseas for the manufacturing needs. However, by bringing another, larger sector of their business to America, Apple has made a statement that they are serious about making good on Tim Cook’s promise. Furthermore, by making the decision to stick with completely renewable energy for the new facility, they have also made it well known that they are considerate of the environmental impact.

Millions of consumers, in the USA and across the globe, eagerly await the latest Apple news and products. By bringing more jobs to America and putting in the effort to “think green” the company is likely to win over even more supporters.