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News

Recent death by iPhone incidents cause panic

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Apple fans worldwide were recently stunned to hear the news of reported “death by iPhone” cases in China. Several media outlets have stated that in mid-July a young Chinese woman died after receiving a severe electric shock. The cause? She answered a telephone call on her iPhone while it was charging. Not long after, a man in China received a serious shock in a similar situation. Although he hasn’t succumbed to his injuries, he reportedly remains in a coma in hospital.

But while some early reports indicated that iPhone 5s were to blame in both cases, it now appears that the tragic incidents were not caused by the smartphones themselves. Rather, it was discovered that both the man and the woman were using bargain priced, third party iPhone chargers, and the issues stemmed from them.

For those who have misplaced their iPhone charger plug, or prefer to keep one at home and one in the office, authorized replacements can be purchased from the company or other reliable sources for approximately $20.00. However, many iPhone users balk at the price and instead opt for the deal, a knockoff version that looks identical and only costs around $2.00. At such a deep discount, it’s a tempting idea. But is getting a bargain really worth it when it’s a significant safety risk?

Knockoff chargers often use low cost supplies, and fail to meet the standards for adequate isolation of both electrical input and output. They don’t have the same overrides that prevent short circuits in cases of overheating or power surges. Furthermore, they aren’t subjected to the same stringent safety regulations as brand name chargers, so potential problems often aren’t discovered until they arise.

These recent cases of “death by iPhone” have smartphone users around the globe concerned that they could suffer the same fate, but it seems that similar tragedies can be easily avoided. While it’s hard to spend $20.00 on something that looks exactly the same as another item for $2.00, what matters is what’s under the surface. In this case, the internal components are key, and buying a licensed charger is definitely worth the extra money when your personal safety is truly at risk.

Apple has been made aware of these unfortunate incidents and to err on the safe side is investigating them thoroughly. In the meantime, they have also posted a warning message on the official Chinese version of their website, discouraging customers from using the popular cheap chargers and warning them of potential perils.

So before you panic over rumors online about iPhones electrocuting people and killing them, it’s essential to take a closer look at these situations and identify the true root of the problem. And if you’re one of the many people who has decided to save a few dollars by picking up a cheap iPhone charger at the mall, now is a great time to send it to your nearest electronics recycling center and treat yourself to a charger that is safe to use with your phone.

News

The worst designed Apple products of all time

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When you think of Apple, what comes to mind? Innovative computers and electronics with slick, modern and even beautiful designs. The company has become known for products like the streamlined iMac, thin and simple MacAir or even the cute iPod Shuffle.

But those who have known Apple products since before the invention of the iPod can recall some moments in Mac history when the company has come out with less-than-amazing products. Some were clunky, some were shaped awkwardly and others just didn’t work quite that well. Overall, Apple has produced more revolutionary and fantastic items than terrible ones, but a few mistakes come to mind.

That being said, what is the contender for the worst designed Apple product of all time? Could it be the clunky Macintosh IIvi or IIvx computers? How about the attempt at a cheap Mac, the Power Macintosh 4400? Or the ridiculously expensive and underpowered 20th Anniversary Mac?

In a quest to recall the low points in Apple’s history, three products came to mind for us as the worst designed of all time. They are as follows:

Macintosh TV

No, not Apple TV. Macintosh TV was released in 1993. It essentially looked like other Apple computers of the day, except it was a black, all-in-one device with a 14-inch CRT monitor. The Macintosh TV came equipped with a cable-ready TV tuner card and was a great idea, but unfortunately you couldn’t actually display television on it. Apple made 10,000 of them and then dropped it.

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Macintosh TV

Pippin

Released in 1996 in partnership with Bandai, the gaming console was actually quite visually attractive. However, the device, made for playing CD-ROM games, was underpowered and overpriced. It certainly didn’t compare to the Nintendo 64, Sega Saturn of Sony PlayStation in the same era. Apple and Bandai made 42,000 Pippins before it, too, was dropped.

apple-pippin
Apple Pippin – From the All About Apple Museum

Apple USB Mouse

Shipped with the original iMac in 1998, it was shaped like a hockey puck. While the design was meant to be innovative, in actuality it was just awkward. The perfectly round mouse was hard to grip and even more difficult to orient and operate. In fact, the only thing it was really good for was increasing the sales of third-party mouse manufacturers. Apple persisted with the awkward mouse for two years before changing it.

Apple Round Mouse
Apple Mouse (1998)

Out of everything mentioned, the Apple USB Mouse gets our vote as the worst designed Mac product of all time. It was truly an item to which the adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” could apply. Furthermore, even though there were a few other products that had more wrong technologically, the mouse seems worse because it’s so simple. It’s perplexing how Apple could make such a blunder with such a basic item, and furthermore how they could stick with it for so long before admitting defeat. However, it could certainly be considered a learning experience for the company. They kept on with mouse innovation and today can boast providing customers the beautiful, functional and revolutionary Magic Mouse.

Overall, Apple has offered the world more beautiful and useful technology than duds. However, a look back in their history is humorous and shows they weren’t always on the mark.

Displays

Should I buy the Apple Cinema or Thunderbolt Display

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If you’re in the market for a secondary display to supplement your MacBook screen, then you may be considering both the Apple Cinema Display and the revolutionary new Thunderbolt Display. Though there is no doubt that the Thunderbolt Display is impressive (in fact there are rumors of a future 5K Thunderbolt Display), the Cinema Display is still an excellent option as far as image quality.

So, should you save some money and get a used Apple Cinema Display through eBay, or are you better off investing in the stunning Thunderbolt? Which you choose may depend on the technology you require, or it may simply be down to price.

Cinema Displays are frequently offered by different eBay sellers, with 27-inch models currently selling for approximately $600.00. Older ones can be found even cheaper, with some as low as $100.00 and $200.00, but of course they don’t possess the same quality you’d expect with models that are a year or two old.

One important aspect to consider is the risk involved when buying something like a Cinema Display from an eBay seller. Bargains can be found, but they don’t always offer the best deals, so it’s imperative you do your research before you think you’re saving money. Too often, people assume something is a bargain when it’s on eBay, but that isn’t necessarily the case.

Also, you may not have any recourse if something goes wrong. While there are sellers on eBay who offer warranties and excellent return policies, they aren’t standard. Many don’t accept returns, leaving consumers with no recourse if something goes wrong. Should you be keen on finding a used Cinema Display on the popular auction site, however, you can check out those factors in advance. It’s also a good idea to go with a seller who has consistently positive feedback from at least 100 different customers.

Instead of eBay, some Apple fans looking for a deal turn to the computing giant itself, and seek out a refurbished Cinema Display. Prices of such items may be similar to those on eBay, and in some cases slightly higher. However, a refurbished model from Apple has gone through a thorough inspection and is virtually like brand new. It will also come with a limited warranty to protect against any defects during the initial period of ownership.

Cinema Displays are known for their high-end quality and excellent color accuracy. They also have a higher response time than an average computer monitor. These features make them an excellent choice for photographers, videographers, programmers and designers.

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Connect Two Thunderbolt Displays to a MacBook Pro

The new Thunderbolt will likely set you back another $400.00, as a brand new 27-inch model retails online from the Apple Store for $999.00. However, for those willing or able to invest in the best monitor for macbook pro retina, it will equip them with the latest in technology and a host of extremely useful features.

The Thunderbolt Display has I/O technology built right in, allowing the movement of data at unprecedented speeds. Far more than just a computer monitor you can plug into your MacBook when the 13-inch or 15-inch screen isn’t enough, it allows for the connection of up to six devices directly through a single, compact port. The Thunderbolt boasts a MagSafe connector, providing it with the ability to power and charge your MacBook. It’s also a plug and play hub for high-resolution display, top-quality audio, high definition FaceTime, support for FireWire 800 and Gigabit Ethernet. With transfer rates twenty times faster than USB 2.0 and twelve times faster than FireWire 800, it’s the ultimate docking station, and can transform even a MacBook Air into a complete workstation.

The Thunderbolt hardware interface was initially released in February 2011 and current models of MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and Mac Mini all come equipped with a Thunderbolt port. With unparalleled color consistency and a 16:9 aspect ratio, it is an excellent investment for anyone looking to expand the capabilities of their MacBook.

iPhone

New iPhone buzz creates discounts for older iPhone 5

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While it’s likely that we’ll once again see lines of people stretching around the block, waiting to be amongst the first into their local Apple store or big-box electronics retailer for the new iPhone 5s or 5c, for some people having the absolute latest and greatest isn’t as important.

Just because the new iPhone is about to be released doesn’t mean that the current iPhone 5 is junk. It’s still a technological marvel and will meet or exceed the needs of many people who purchase it. And if getting a quality smartphone at a smart price is more enticing to you, now is the time to get an iPhone 5. Although now discontinued, wireless carriers and retails shops are clearing them out in preparation for the new models, and there are some real bargains available.

If you’re looking for an unlocked iPhone with no strings attached, then EBay is a good place to turn. Depending on the model (16, 32 or 64 GB) an iPhone 5 will cost you approximately $300.00 to $500.00 there, which means you can pick a slightly used one up for half the price it was new.

Walmart iPhone 5 Ad
Walmart iPhone 5 Ad

However, if you don’t want to buy used or you’d rather be cautious and deal with a local retailer, WalMart, Best Buy and Target are offering great deals. WalMart has the cheapest iPhone 5 deal going, with a starting price of just $98.00. They aren’t refurbished products, either.

Best Buy is offering the same phones for $149.00 with reports of further, periodic discounts coming. They have also been running a buy-back promotion. Anyone who brings in a working iPhone 4 or 4s can upgrade it to an iPhone 5 at half the price. Target is also offering the iPhone 5 for $149.00 in their electronics departments.

An important bit of information to keep in mind, however, is that these prices are available to consumers who sign a two-year minimum contract with a participating wireless carrier such as Verizon, Sprint or AT&T at the time they purchase their iPhone 5.

Another nice bonus currently being offered is directly from Apple itself. College students who purchase an iPhone 5 directly from the computing giant will be awarded a handy $50.00 iTunes gift card. That will provide the ability to download many of the latest study aid and productivity apps which will help with school – or perhaps a few movies and songs.

A riskier option that is still popular with many people is looking for an iPhone 5 on websites such as Craigslist. Many people will take the upgrade when it’s offered by their wireless service provider, with the intention of making some money rather than using a new device themselves. They turn around and sell like-new iPhone 5 models online and frequently offer them at great prices. Of course, the protection of purchasing from a retailer isn’t there, so it’s buyer beware. Do your homework and know what the model is going for and whether it actually works before you hand over any money.

Furthermore, it is also possible that further discounts on the iPhone 5 will be offered by retailers now that the September 10th event has come and gone. Now is the time to save even more on an iPhone 5 when everyone else is buzzing about the newest 5s and 5c models. If you currently own an iPhone 5 consider selling it for top dollar now before its value decreases.

OS X

Top 5 features of OS X Mavericks

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Anyone who pays attention to the tech world knows that Apple is huge. The company claims that Mac growth is up 100% in the last five years, as compared to just 18% for the rest of the PC industry. Because of Mac’s ever-increasing popularity, they’re looking to distinguish themselves from Windows-based computers even further.

With the new OS X Mavericks, they are doing just that. The new operating system boasts a number of amazing features that are sure to please Mac users, including power-saving technology and easier ways to search.  OS X Mavericks also takes a significant leap with regard to offering features common to mobile computing devices like their iPhone and iPad while still retaining a uniquely “desktop” computing experience.

Here are five of the best features of the new operating system:

  • Better navigation through folders. When you have an organizational system with your documents, a lot of files are in folders three and four times off the root, and when you want to move them around, you’re juggling between levels. A great feature of the new OS is that it makes folder navigation easier. Mavericks folders are styled after web browsers and support tabs, so users can simply open a New Finder tab and start navigating elsewhere without getting completely lost.
  • Better organization of documents. Organization is imperative when you start collecting files. Work documents, personal business items, recipes, you name it, can all get mixed together. What’s worse, when you try to find a file you might not always recall what you named it. Thankfully, OS X Mavericks comes with a new file tagging system. Very similar to popular apps like Evernote, it’ll let you organize and search through all your documents with tagged keywords, making finding files a lot simpler.
  • Better Internet browsing. With the new OS, the Safari browser provides smoother performance and a cleaner interface. It’ll utilize a new sidebar that lets you browse rom your bookmarks on the left side of the screen and a new feature called Shared links lets you quickly see what your Twitter and Facebook friends are sharing. Safari also offers 3.8 times more performance on JSBench JavaScript benchmark, uses less memory and energy than Chrome and Firefox and if you’re on a MacBook, can potentially save you battery life.
  • Better password storage and security.  With so many websites, services and programs that require login information, it can get a bit overwhelming trying to remember all your passwords. With OS X Mavericks, iCloud can help you with that. You can choose to have Safari remember your passwords or even suggest and remember complex ones for you, and the information will sync across all your iCloud-enabled devices. As a result, if you change a password on your iMac, you don’t have to worry about re-entering it on your MacBook, iPad or e. iPhone. Once it’s changed, it’s changed everywhere. This feature works similarly to services like 1Password or LastPass; the iCloud keychain can even store credit card information (except, for your safety, not security codes, making online shopping faster and easier. You’ll just need to remember one secure pass phrase and then you can log in anywhere.
  • Better system notifications. The new OS now features interactive system notifications. This is awesome because it means you can reply to incoming messages or emails and accept or decline FaceTime calls directly from the Notifications alert window. It can also deliver push alerts, whether they’re from eBay or a live sports scores feed you’re following. And just like the iPhone and iPad, the lock screen will show you what notifications you missed since you last logged on.

With changes like these plus all the other features offered, OS X Mavericks will prove to be incredibly useful for both the average consumer and the computer super-user. The new operating system is due out soon and is truly something to get excited about.