Category Archives: Mac

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The new MacBook Pro 2013 will have significant upgrades over previous models

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There are rumors swirling about the release of a hot new Apple product, and for the moment it’s not an iPhone. The MacBook Pro 2013 is due out soon, and it’s generating a significant amount of buzz. If you’ll be in the market for a new computer soon, here are a few compelling reasons to wait for the new MacBook Pro to be released:

Improved battery life

The major draw for purchasing a laptop computer is the ability to pack it up and take it with you. Mobility and flexibility in our careers is becoming increasingly desirable, and it’s no fun having a MacBook if you’re constantly searching for an outlet to plug it in. The new MacBook Pro will come equipped with the remarkable Intel Haswell processor, increasing battery life by up to five hours depending on which model of Mac you buy. Real-world testing has shown that a new MacBook Air can be used all day without needing a recharge. It’s highly likely the new MacBook Pro will be the same, and that alone may make it worthwhile to hold off a few more weeks and buy one.

Faster storage

It’s rumored that, in line with recently releases of other Apple computers, the new MacBook Pro will have improved storage speeds thanks to new PCIe technology. With either that or a revolutionary new Fusion drive, the next MacBook Pro could be an appealing option for anyone who does a considerable amount of uploading and works with large amounts of data. Some Apple insiders are even hinting that the new MacBook Pro may come with the option of a 1TB hard drive.

Quicker Wi-Fi

If the latest MacBook Air is any indication, the new MacBook Pro will feature 802.11-ac technology. It’s currently available on the Apple 802.11-ac Time Capsule, and provides increased speed, improved range and an overall better wireless Internet experience. Just like having improved battery life, this is a fantastic feature for those who are quite mobile with the laptops. As you transition from the office to a coffee shop to home, better Wi-Fi will make your experience more positive.

Thunderbolt 2.0

The initial instance of Thunderbolt was impressive enough, with those who do a lot of uploading or other work with peripheral devices marveling at the speed and functionality offered via a Thunderbolt port. Whether you’re craving the ability to upload RAW format photos at a high rate of speed or need to daisy chain multiple devices, Thunderbolt is up for the challenge. It’s a distinct possibility that the new MacBook Pro will feature Thunderbolt 2.0, the latest iteration of this powerful technology, thus supporting 4K video as well as supporting DisplayPort 1.2. For anyone who relies on a graphics-intensive computing experience, whether it’s for professional use or heavy game play, the upgrade to Thunderbolt 2.0 is just another reason why the new MacBook Pro is worth waiting for.

MacBook Pro 2013 Thunderbolt 2.0
Thunderbolt 2.0 – Flickr / Janitors

There is little doubt that the current MacBook Pro (Late, 2013), and especially the Pro Retina, provides exceptional computing experiences that extend beyond the needs of most computer users. We can easily pack in a briefcase a light, easily portable computer with technology that is equal to or better than many desktop models. However, for those who require the latest technology, storage capacity and capability, stories indicate that the new MacBook Pro is up to the challenge and worth having a little patience for.

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Should I buy a MacBook or iPad

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Whether you’re a road warrior or often find yourself leaving on a jet plane in the name of your career, you likely have an arsenal of gadgets you bring along in your carry-on luggage. But is that laptop really necessary, or could you save both space and weight by swapping it out for a tablet? It truly depends on the nature of your job.

A good rule of thumb is that if your job has you producing a large amount of content, you’re better off sticking with your trusty MacBook. However, if it’s more likely you’re just consuming content, then an iPad will certainly be sufficient.

Should there be any possibility you’ll be doing a lot of typing, having a MacBook will definitely make life easier. The touchscreen keyboard on the iPad is not conducive to working on larger documents or lengthier emails, despite the fact that the suite of iWork programs is available as a series of well-equipped iPad apps. Of course, you can also bring along a portable Bluetooth keyboard or use a case with one built in, but they still don’t compare to having a proper computer for document creation and editing.

A MacBook is also a better choice than an iPad if you’re delivering a Keynote presentation and aren’t entirely sure you can connect to the projector you’re using via Bluetooth. While the Keynote and Keynote Remote apps on iPad are great, that stunning presentation you spent hours on won’t be doing you any favors unless you can show it off.

You’ll be glad you have your MacBook handy in a variety of other situations as well. If there’s a chance you’ll be given information via a disc or thumb drive to review, you won’t have to figure out how to get it via email or the cloud instead. If you’re in one of the many hotels worldwide that still provide Wi-Fi only in the lobby and leave you limited by an Ethernet cord in your room, you’ll be glad for your MacBook. Furthermore, it’s a great charging station for your peripheral devices, reducing the number of cords you’ll have to pack and the need to search out enough plugs.

All that being said, there is definitely a lot of merit in taking an iPad along on your next business trip instead. Not only will it allow you to pack a smaller bag and save your back from the added weight, but it’s extremely portable and boasts a number of useful features.

If you’re mainly reading – emails, reports, blogs, you name it – then an iPad is ideal. It’s also more than sufficient for accessing your email, keeping your social media accounts up to date and tweaking a few documents via iWork. With the right app, it can allow you to go paperless, signing and emailing contracts right on it with the use of a stylus. You can also upload photographs with a simple camera adapter kit, and do a little more typing with one of the aforementioned options to bring a keyboard.

The iPad is a great option for anyone concerned with battery life and the possibility of not having anywhere to plug their MacBook in. So long as you have 3G or Wi-Fi, you’ll always be able to get online. And it’s ideal for situations where you have a limited amount of elbow room, like on an airplane or in a crowded press conference.

If you’re unsure of the situations you may find yourself in while traveling for business, taking your MacBook along is certainly a safer bet. It gives you the most options for completing your work, viewing files and connecting to the Internet. However, if you know exactly what you’re heading into and prefer to be extremely mobile, your iPad should certainly cover most of the bases for you.

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What is the most expensive Mac?

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It’s a popular misconception, amongst non-Apple computer users and even some Apple fans that purchasing anything Mac will automatically cost more than a PC or Android product. While some Apple devices do cost a bit more, the difference is often not extreme when specifications, technology and quality workmanship are all taken into consideration.

That being said, if your computing needs exceed the average consumer, it is possible to build an extremely powerful (and extremely expensive) Mac in the Apple Store. For those who are wondering what the ultimate in professional-grade Mac computing looks like and costs, a Mac Pro can be ordered for a base price of $3799.00 USD. Add in enough extras for it to keep up with video producers, photographers and other super-users and you can expect to nearly triple that price.

Here is how the configuration of the ultimate Mac Pro came together:

  • Processor: Make that two processors. For an extra $2400.00, upgrade to two 3.06 GHz six-core Intel Zeon processors, offering 12 cores in all.
  • Memory: If the standard 12GB just won’t cut it, for $1950.00 bump up to a whopping 64GB of DDR3 EDD SDRAM spread out over eight slots.
  • Storage: For the ultimate in storage, utilize the four bays in the Mac Pro tower and fill each with a 512GB solid-state hard drive. The first will cost an additional $600.00 with the remaining three at $750.00 a piece.
  • Graphics: For the latest in graphics work, ideal for designers and producers, two state of the art ATI Radeon 5770 1GB graphics cards fan be powered by the Mac Pro. Affordable compared to the other upgrades, they’ll cost an extra $250.00.
  • Optical Drive: While the Mac Pro comes equipped with a 18x SuperDrive that burns and plays both CDs and DVDs, for times when a second drive is essential, an extra $100.00 will buy two.
  • Display: The incredible computing ability of the Mac Pro, especially the quality of the graphics cards, can only be truly appreciated with the right display. A 27-inch LED flat panel Apple Cinema Display pairs with the computer nicely, for an additional $999.00.
  • Peripherals: For just $69.00, include the tremendously useful Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad with the Mac Pro. An additional $20.00 will buy the matching wireless mac compatible keyboard.
  • Additional Storage: For those whose job requires connecting to a fiber channel-based or Xsan storage network, order the computer with a quad channel 4GB fiber channel PCI Express card for $1000.00.
  • Software: Instead of ordering it from the App Store later, have iWork’s Pages, Numbers and Keynote pre-installed for $19.99 each.
  • Support: Such a significant investment needs protection. For $249.00 purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan. An additional $99.00 annually will provide One to One care, offering assistance with setup, file transferring and even training from the nearest Apple Store.

Without adding in other accessories, this incredible, full-featured Mac Pro comes in at $13,844.97 USD. Surprisingly enough, despite its level of customization the Apple Store online still claims it can be ready to go within two to four business days. Shipping is free, too.

While the price of this Mac Pro may seem astronomical, for its capabilities it’s not unreasonable. It’s not the most expensive Mac of all time, either. In 1983, one year before the production of the original Macintosh, the Apple Lisa was released, featuring such advanced technology as protected memory and cooperative multitasking. At the time it cost $9,995.00, which with inflation would be approximately $21,600.00 today.

With Apple, the saying “you get what you pay for” usually applies. Whether you’re configuring the ultimate Mac Pro or picking up a Mac Air, their computers may cost more initially but their durability and technological advancements make them excellent investments.

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WiFi issues with Apple MacBook Air

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It’s not news to those who own the brand-new 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air computers, but recently it’s been discovered and confirmed by Apple that some people are experiencing Wi-Fi connectivity issues.

Of course one of the premier features of the new Air, besides less battery-intensive chipsets, is that it features faster wireless connectivity thanks to a new 802.11ac card. Of course, as with any new product bugs are possible, but it’s frustrating for many when one of the very features that the new MacBook Air was marketed on is the one that doesn’t work.

Reports released have stated that the MacBook Air Wi-Fi issues are due to networking problems with the OS X software. And fortunately, Apple is aware of the trouble and working to address it. A recent statement from the company advised that, “In the United States, Apple Geniuses and Advisors should capture MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2013) and MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2013) computers with any Wi-Fi issues.”

According to an industry insider, Apple is working to identify just what exactly is causing the new WiFi-related problems. Initially, when trying to get to the root of the problem, AppleCare advisors offered customers complementary USB-to-Ethernet adapters so their new MacBook Air could connect to the Internet without Wi-Fi. But as a result of more frequently reported Wi-Fi problems, both AppleCare and Apple Store Genius Bar employees were advised to collect any affected MacBook Air units and replace them, advising customers that they have been “captured.” The computers would then be sent back to Apple for testing so a solution can be found.

The latest news, however, is that Apple is sending out invitations to certain MacBook Air owners inviting them to participate in the company’s AppleSeed customer software seeding program in order to test a pre-release version of a new “MacBook Air Wi-Fi Update 1.0.” Apple hasn’t specified in the invitations exactly what the issue is that a software update is designed to address, but the buzz amongst those in the know is that the update focuses specifically on the Wi-Fi connectivity issues.

Further to the already-reported MacBook Air Wi-Fi connection issues, the public release of Apple’s OS X 10.8.4 public release and OSX Mavericks beta are also reported to be experiencing software issues that prevent machines from supporting the new 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard and taking advantage of the faster speeds for file transfers. Apple has yet to make it clear to the public whether they will address the same issue for current MacBook Air owners through the software update in testing or through a separate patch like the upcoming OS X 10.8.5 update.

As frustrating as it can be to purchase a new MacBook Air only to discover it has an issue that prevents you from using it for one of its primary functions, it is good to know that Apple is addressing the issue, replacing the affected computers for customers and working to solve the problem. Hopefully those who choose to accept the AppleSeed invitation will have success with their update and be able to enjoy the many excellent features included in the new MacBook Air.

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Overview of the new Apple Mac Pro

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Have you seen the new Mac Pro? It could arguably be the most innovative design to come out of Apple in some time – and considering what it’s packed with, it’s more than just a pretty face. When a small group of Mac users were originally showed a photo of it and asked to guess what it was, answers ranged from “beautiful vase” to “fancy trashcan.” Well, trashcan it’s not.

Apple is already promoting it as the future of computing and the center of their desktop line, and with good reason. The 9.9-inch cylindrical design is remarkable, and the polished black finish makes it truly stunning. The smooth, compact package is even more incredible when you discover just what it contains.

Components

The new Mac Pro is loaded with components, featuring gigabit Ethernet support, HDMI and multiple USB 3.0 ports. It also boasts six Thunderbolt II ports, which provide a 20G bps transfer speed 25 times faster than Firewire 800.

Furthermore, it supports daisy-chaining devices, making it perfectly capable of handling up to 36 peripherals, including multiple displays, hard drives and anything else consumers may need. Connecting all those devices will also be made easier by the lights now present on the back of the tower.

Processing Power

It’s no wonder that the innovative new Mac Pro has a CPU built to handle everything it’s capable of. The standard model is already two times faster than the current Pro, and it can be configured with up to 12 cores. This is no desktop for the average computer user; regardless of what you need it to do, this tiny workhorse will be able to keep up.

Wireless Capability

With the latest technology in every other area packed into the compact cylinder, the Mac Pro also features the latest in wireless capability. It comes standard with both 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.0.

Display

Speaking of displays, the high end graphics card that comes standard on the new Pro makes it able to handle three 4K monitors at once; perfect for super-users for whom more than one monitor is essential.

The cutting-edge technology used in the Mac Pro makes it ideal for video editors, too, with standard dual GPUs and an immense 7 teraflops of computing power.

Drawbacks

While the latest desktop in the Apple line does have it’s critics, one small downside initially came to mind, and it’s more aesthetic than anything. While the new Pro’s technology is so cutting-edge and its design so beautiful, it doesn’t come equipped with a standard hard drive. Of course that’s the future of computing, yet users are still likely to connect large-scale external drives to it. The computer can certainly handle it, but the need to plug so many peripherals and drives into it sullies its beauty. A minor concern considering it is the ultimate in Mac computing, and not a vase, as guessed.

Availability

While no specific release date has been published as of yet, Apple are already promoting the new Mac Pro on their website, hinting that it will be released later this year.

No price has been confirmed yet, either, although experts suspect it will be a minimum of $2500.00 USD. While the price tag may seem hefty, even for those of used to parting with a bit more money to have the latest Apple technology, it’s worthwhile to keep in mind that the Mac Pro truly is “professional grade.” Those who require its capabilities in order to do their jobs will likely consider it a worthwhile investment.