Category Archives: Mac

Mac

Apple readying fix for sleep crashes on 2013 MacBook Air

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The truth is yet to be known, however it seems that Apple has been having several major problems with recently released software and hardware, at least more than usual. There are the severe bugs in iOS 7, which have yet to be fixed, Mavericks has been a mess especially for Gmail users, and the new MacBooks have had several problems.

One of those problems is about to be fixed. 2013 MacBook Air owners have been experiencing intermittent issues when the computer goes to sleep and/or wakes up. Sometimes the computer crashes completely, sometimes it just freezes, or users are presented with a black screen.

This has led to some extremely lengthy threads on the Apple Support site.

These problems have gone unresolved since at least November of last year. It looks like the problem is related to a Mavericks (OS X 10.9) bug, which causes the keyboard and touchpad to miscommunicate. It also seems to be only affecting a small percentage of users.

Clever and ambitious users have been able to re-create the issue by pressing the power button, and clicking the touch pad immediately. Which has led to the conclusion that something is going wrong with the way the software communicates clicks during the wakeup/sleep process.

A Fix is Coming

Apple is already deep into development of the next software update for Mavericks. They released another seed of OS X 10.9.2 to developers earlier this week. According to an Apple Support Representative, the fix for these problems will be included in that update, as long as nothing crops up that prevents the fix from being deployed between now and the update’s release.

Developers who are using the beta, which is now in its fourth iteration, have claimed that the problem has been completely fixed. It looks like Apple did this by preventing the computer from going to sleep when the power button is pressed accidentally. Whether or not this solves the problem for all users will remain to be seen.

How to Get Around the Problem Now

If you are experiencing this problem, there seems to be only one work around that works, and that is to do a hard restart of your computer. To do so all you need to do is press and hold the power button.

The question is when will Apple release the patch with the fix? The answer, as always when it comes to Apple, is when they think its ready. It could be tomorrow or it could be a couple months away. Logic seems to indicate that it will be sooner rather than later, as it is at beta 4 at this point, so it has to be getting pretty close. Bold prediction: expect the update to drop in March alongside iOS 7.1.

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?

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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

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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.

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Late 2013 MacBook Pro owners reporting multiple issues

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A great number of consumers are still experiencing significant problems with MacBook Pro Retina laptops purchased in the latter part of this year. While at first it seemed that the only issues were with displays, it’s now become apparent that the problems stretch beyond that.

Many users in an astounding 112-page Apple support thread are reporting that their keyboards and trackpads lock up randomly during a wide variety of tasks, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause of the trouble. Performing a hard reset through the power button is the only temporary fix known right now for this frustrating error. Furthermore, it’s not yet been determined whether such lockups are a hardware or software-related issue.

Others have discovered issues while using BootCamp to install Windows 8 or 8.1. An additional 15-page support thread documents repeated occurrences of freezing and copying errors when attempting to perform the installation through USB, DVD or via an external device such as a SuperDrive. There is some indication that tweaking certain settings within BootCamp may solve the issue, but the consistently growing thread of MacBook Pro Retina users experiencing it is hard to ignore.

As if the freezing and BootCamp woes weren’t enough, yet further purchasers of late-model MacBook Pro Retina computers have reported low battery life, fans speeding up and slowing down at unexpected times and other overall stability problems. These matters, of course, are all in addition to the main trouble with the laptops: major display defects.

Primarily seen in models with displays supplied by LG, the affected MacBooks have issues with ghosting and burn-in on their screens as well as other graphics defects. Unfortunately, recent reports now suggest that a few of the laptops with alternate Samsung displays are experiencing problems, too.

Late 2013 MacBook Pro with Retina Display — Retina Display of the Late 2013 MacBook Pro

What’s to be done about the repeated problems with the MacBook Pro Retina computers? Nobody is quite sure. An official statement has yet to be put forth, and Apple retail store employees are often ill equipped to handle the myriad of problems. Up until now, the unofficial policy seems to be to replace the notebooks until the affected consumers end up with one that works – usually one with a Samsung display. However, for some people that means setting up and consequently having to replace computers upwards of nine times, leaving it up to the luck of the draw.

Nothing is perfect, and it would be unreasonable to assume that Apple would never produce a product with flaws. However, they do tend to have an above average record of releasing highly quality tech that’s as functional as it is beautiful. The stability of Mac computers and other Apple devices have earned them millions of repeat purchasers who are loyal to such as extent that they’ve helped shape Apple from a computer company to a cultural icon. That’s why having such significant issues such as those with the MacBook Pro Retina, not to mention being less-than-speedy with a solution, stands out.

Apple could help themselves and the consumers who have purchased the defective laptops by developing a clear policy on how they’ll handle the problems going forward. It would best be aided by providing those instructions to Apple stores and licensed resellers worldwide. Furthermore, they should also identify what the primary sources of the troubles are and what will be done differently with future models of MacBook Pro Retinas to avoid additional, similar issues.

The longer the company lingers without nipping this problem in the bud, the worse it becomes. While long-time Mac enthusiasts will likely stick with the company through the frustration, it is possible that newcomers will be put off by it.