Displays

Best monitors for retina MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt Port

Image 6 Comments

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

lg-ips-curved-34UC97-s

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

apple-thunderbolt-port-monitor

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

lg-um95-34um95-monitor

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

dell-led-monitor-U2713HM

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)

samsung-U28D590D-28-monitor

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

Image Leave a comment

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.”

shellshock-code
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.

News

Apple hints at October 21 as OS X (10.10) Yosemite release date

Image Leave a comment

It’s never a surprise when Apple launches an upgrade to their operating system, or OS, as we all lovingly know it as. So, when Apple recently hinted that they would be releasing a new operating system called the OS X Yosemite on October 21, this was no surprise. It’s actually exciting news as Apple users are always looking forward to the next new upgrade.

On the day before this new OS upgrade has been scheduled, Apple will also reveal their third quarter earnings. This scheduled reveal of their earnings indicates that the since the new OS upgrade will be the following day, then it is more than likely the new operating system is not only a rumor, but also a definite fact that the Mac App Store will feature the new upgrade very soon after. Launching a new OS upgrade the day after sharing the company’s financial earnings is something Apple has done before. They did it in the years 2011 and 2012 when they released the OS X Lion and Mountain Lion upgrade.

They didn’t, however, announce their operating system release date alongside their earnings showing when they released the OS X Maverick in 2013. Instead, Apple’s announcement of its third quarter call was done on the sixth day after the OS 10.9 version debuted.

yosemite-release-date
Screenshot of OS X Yosemite Beta

Apple gave another significant clue that it would be releasing this new OS X Yosemite when they released the “Golden Master” GM) of OS X 10.10.” A golden master is like a copy, preparing for the arrival of the real thing. So, the anticipation of this new operating system is brewing and it seems that Apple will not disappoint.

OS X Yosemite is said to have a large array of new features for Mac users. Reports have indicated that one of its new features will be the use of “Continuity, which is an umbrella term for handing off tasks begun on an iPhone or iPad to a Mac — and struts a refreshed visual look reminiscent of last year’s iOS 7 with a “flatter,” more minimalist feel.” This new upgrade will not have to be purchased, but will be free for those with a Mac computer or laptop dating from 2007 and up. It will also be available for free to the Mac Mini desktops dating from early 2009 and onward. These systems are the ones that are capable of running the operating system on their hard drive.

Those in business and on Wall Street are eagerly waiting to hear the quarterly sales numbers for Apple on October 20, especially the sales of the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. These sales numbers will most likely determine how quickly Apple users will jump at the opportunity to upgrade to the new OS. Apple will provide a live feed on their website for fans to see the detailed information in real time.

News

PayPal vs Apple Pay: How secure is your money?

Image Leave a comment

The name PayPal has become synonymous with the most popular method of Internet payment. Everyone knows of PayPal and many, many people use it. And why not? Having a secure and private method of payment online has been an incredible resource. For many of us, eBay was the first online store where we first heard about PayPal, and over the years, eBay and PayPal have had a comfortable relationship. Well, in late 2015 eBay and PayPal will be severing their ties as PayPal moves on from eBay and out on their own.

This leaves PayPal open to join with someone else. Enter Apple Pay. Apple Pay is Apple’s new payment option through its app featured on Apple products like the new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus. PayPal is not only popular, but also easy to use for its customers. Here’s how it will work: iPhone users will find the PayPal app, locate the store on the app, and sign themselves in. This is done while the user is in the store, ready to make their purchase. It will be that easy. In order for the payment to go through, the iPhone user will be required to aim their phone directly at the point of payment within the store, put their finger on the Touch ID option, and then the transaction will be complete. Basically, point and shoot. A confirmation of a successful transaction will be in the form of a beep and a vibration.

So now let’s talk about the security of paying through PayPal and the Apple Pay app. The security that has been implemented for iPhone users to utilize this paying option is of the highest caliber. The benefit of having this payment option is mainly so that you don’t have to show your personal credit card information while in the store and run the risk of having your personal credit and identity breeched somehow. That said, both Apple and PayPal had to make sure that your personal credit card and bank information was extremely secure. According to PayPal, the personal information and credit card numbers of its users are “heavily guarded, both physically and electronically.” We trust their word, and they ensure to do whatever it takes to continue to guard this information.

new-iphone
Pay with Touch ID (Source: Apple)

In addition, PayPal’s servers are not directly connected to the Internet, in an effort to prevent hackers from getting to that information. The only eyes that see your personal information and transactions is you, especially when you receive an email immediately after each purchase or payment through PayPal. This way, you have the ability to keep track of what is going on with your account.

Likewise with Apple Pay, your personal credit card numbers and information is secure and not seen by Apple or the employees in the stores. The way Apple Pay functions is “users take a photo of their credit card and add it to their phone’s Passbook where it is assigned a unique device account number, encrypted and stored in the phone’s Secure Element Chip.” The individual security code and the number of the device you are using will be the two items needed to complete the purchase. According to the company, “Apple will never know what you purchased, and you’ll still get rewards points on the credit cards you use.”

With all of that purchasing power in one place, there is also a protection for you if you lose your iPhone. This protection is the Find my iPhone feature. A misplaced or lost iPhone’s information can be erased completely if it’s not in the owner’s hands, and this way your private information will not be accessed by criminals.

News

New iPad could have Touch ID, Apple Pay and larger screen

Image Leave a comment

Apple Inc. is always on the cusp of the latest and greatest innovation or at least an upgrade from the latest and greatest, that many people chomp at the bit just to purchase. Well, the Apple iPad is one of those great innovations. Rumor has it that Apple will soon be launching its new iPad version. And this rumor also says, apparently through the hidden codes embedded in the new iOS software, that these new iPads will have some special features. These rumors were leaked from sources outside of the Asia technology market.

These special features include: Touch ID, Apple Pay and a large viewing screen. These things are all good news for iPad lovers. This next generation of iPads will be formally announced this month. The iPad market does not have as large a turnover rate as Apple iPhone. Basically, people don’t purchase a new iPad as soon a there is an upgrade, like they do with their cell phones. Because of this, Apple has seen quite a drop in sales for the iPad for the first quarter of this year. With these new iPad features, Apple is sure to earn more sales by enticing potential buyers. The potential buyers that Apple is honing in on are businesses. This past summer, Apple agreed to a deal with IBM to sell iPhones and iPads pre-loaded with apps. This will be a win-win situation for both Apple and IBM.

Apple Pay, Possible NFC Payments?

Many iPad fans are already excited about the Touch ID, or fingerprint scanner, that will enable users to pay for any item with the touch of a button and without typing in their credit card number via Apple Pay.

The first time Apple introduced Touch ID to the world was through its iPhone 5s, and no other Apple device had it. Apple’s new iPhones also have this fingerprint scan features. No iPad, however, has ever had this feature. The new iPad will be more user friendly and invite new potential buyers with features like the fingerprint scan.  It is however, still a rumor that the new iPads will have NFC functionality, because in order to do this the user will have to enable Wi-Fi.

Larger Screens

Having a larger screen is another suspected bonus feature. The larger screen will provide the perfect viewing for the multi-tasking screen that will be in the new iPads. This multitasking screen will allow users to have more than one app or game open at one time. This double screen feature is not anything new to the world of technology. It has always been a feature of Microsoft products like their tablets. This is sure to be seen as a benefit for iPad users. Also, the large screen will still be streamlined, thin and esthetically pleasing as reported on TechNews. It will look a lot like its predecessor the iPad air. As well, an added keyboard feature may come with these new iPads, but it is not confirmed as yet.

new-ipad-size
Thinner iPad (Source: technews.tw)
new-ipad-screen-size
Side by side comparison (Source: technews.tw)
More Storage

Finally, we saved the best for last. One of the best new features in the new iPad will be its larger storage capacity and a faster processor. Users will be able to store more information, more pictures, more games and apps. The new Apple iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus, both have a larger capacity and faster processor, so the new iPad will follow suit with these latest versions of the iPhone. This new larger capacity and storage will also be great for storing lots of music and videos.