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Overview of the new iPhone 5c from Apple

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The iPhone 5c; something for those of us who like to live life in color. After months of online gossip about a new, cheaper iPhone, Apple made the official announcement about the iPhone 5c on September 10th. The new model of iPhone – for which the c definitely stands for “color” not “cheap” is like a reimagined iPhone 5. On September 20th the iPhone 5c was released in the United States, and many consumers are now excited about this fun, affordable smartphone.

There are many great aspects of the iPhone 5c besides just the affordable price tag. It boasts everything the first iPhone 5 did with a few welcome differences. Here are some of the best features the latest addition to the Apple family has to offer:

A high-quality, colorful exterior

Available in carefully selected shades of green, blue, yellow, pink or white, the 5c is definitely not a cheap, plastic mobile phone. It has a steel reinforced frame that acts as an antenna, which is attached to the phone’s shell and the laser-welded to ensure structural integrity. For those who really like color, specifically designed iPhone 5c cases are available that will allow owners to “mix it up” with 30 different color combinations. 5c cases are designed to be part of the experience. Made of quality silicone with a soft microfiber interior, they are molded to and run parallel with the rim of the phone. As a result, 5c owners can be creative with their color combinations and protect their smartphones without added bulk.

The powerful A6 chip

While it’s not the incredible A7 and M7 chip combination that comes with the iPhone 5s, the A6 is certainly nothing to scoff at. With twice the speed and graphics capabilities of its predecessor, it is more than enough power for the majority of iPhone users and allows use of apps with enjoyment, speed and ease.

Stunning retina display

The liquid crystal display on the 5c is like that of other recent Apple devices. It has a high enough pixel density that the human eye can’t detect pixilation at regular viewing distance. This means that photos are more vivid, games graphics are more vibrant, video quality is sharper and your entire iPhone 5c visual experience is rich and exciting.

Lightning-fast LTE wireless

Both the 5c and the 5s come equipped with this incredible connection capability. However, use of it depends on which mobile carrier you choose. While it’s becoming increasingly common, LTE still isn’t available in all areas. Should you be able to take advantage of it, however, you’ll experience connection and data transfer speeds that are distinctly faster than 3G and 4G.

Improved energy efficiency

While some people were skeptical of the ability to pack so much computing power into an iPhone without making battery life suffer, Apple has proved doubters wrong. The A6 chip is designed with energy efficiency in mind, consequently extending battery life. With 10 hours of LTE internet browsing time, talk time and even video playback time, the iPhone 5c is both powerful enough to do whatever you need and not have you scrambling to charge it back up halfway through your work day.

While many tech experts are focusing on the technological marvel that is the iPhone 5s, it’s important to not write the 5c off as an inferior device. Features like Touch ID and the M7 chip, while impressive, aren’t necessary for many consumers. For those who want a product that combines great technology with a fun design and manageable price tag, the iPhone 5c is a wise choice.

iPhone

Top 5 features iPhone 5s has over the colorful 5c

Image 09/24/2013 Macmint Leave a comment

With the debut of the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c, the tech world is buzzing about Apple once again. Seeing as the company was eager to prove they can still innovate, it’s no surprise there is a whole host of new features on each of the latest iPhones. Whichever you pick, the 5s and 5c both offer something extra over the iPhone 5. So are you seeking the latest and greatest in smartphone technology? Or are you after something that offers great features, is hip, affordable and as Apple puts it, “for the colorful?” If you’re not sure yet which iPhone suits you best, it may be helpful to consider what the 5s has that the 5c doesn’t.

A7 chip

With it, Apple has become the first smartphone manufacturer in the world to offer a mobile device with 64-bit architecture. Paired with the M7 motion coprocessor, it means the CPU and graphics performance of the iPhone 5s is up to two times faster than its predecessor. Think of it as desktop computer-class architecture packed into a sleek, super slim smartphone. Best of all, the new iOS 7 was designed specifically with the A7 chip in mind, maximizing performance and functionality.

Touch ID fingerprint sensor

Centered on the iPhone’s home button, which on the 5s is made of sapphire crystal, it reads the ridges and patterns in your print and functions accordingly, providing an unprecedented level of security for locking and unlocking your device. Touch ID technology can also be used in place of a traditional password to make purchases through iTunes, iBooks and the Mac App Store. Fingerprint data stored within the iPhone 5s is encrypted and saved securely in the A7 chip, where it is locked away from everything but the touch sensor itself.

Better iSight camera

Now with 8 megapixels and an additional 1.5-micron pixels, the iPhone 5s camera boasts True Tone flash for both still photographs and videos, automatic image stabilization, burst mode and slow motion video features. Those who thought previous iPhones had cameras of a high enough quality to replace their traditional point-and-shoot digital cameras are sure to be amazed at the improvements offered in the 5s.

Thinner and lighter design

With many rumors circulating that the new iPhone might be even larger than the 5, or that Apple might release a Samsung Galaxy-style “phablet” similar to the Note, a sleeker smartphone was a pleasant surprise. The iPhone 5s is 4.87 inches tall, compared to the 5c at 4.9 inches. It’s 2.31 inches wide, where the 5c is 2.33 inches. It’s also 0.3 inches deep, compared to the 5c at 0.35 inches. Even better, it weighs just 3.95 ounces, while the iPhone 5c is 4.65 ounces. All this incredible technology, and it’s still smaller and lighter.

Heftier price tag

As expected, the iPhone 5s doesn’t come cheap. A 16GB model is $199 with a wireless contract, or $649 unlocked. By comparison, a 16GB iPhone 5c is $99 on contract or $549 unlocked. The 32GB 5s is $299 on contract or $749 unlocked, while the 32Gb 5c is $199 with a wireless plan or $749 without one. Furthermore, the iPhone 5s is available in a 64GB model for those who have a lot of data to store on their smartphone. It weighs in at $399 on contract or $849 without. There is no 64GB iPhone 5c.

Which iPhone you choose will likely depend on both your budget and the features you can’t live without. If you must have Touch ID and the new A7 chip, but don’t require a lot of data storage, you can save a lot of money by choosing a 17GB or 32GB model. However, if you just want a smartphone that offers some of the latest technology, is fun and comes in a range of attractive colors, the 5c is a great option that won’t break the bank.

Apps

Mac internet security made easy with Intego

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You’ve invested a significant amount of money in your beautiful, powerful iMac or MacBook. It contains all your photos, music and work documents, and you know you’d be lost without it. So, what are you doing to protect it?

If you’re diligent about backing up your data, you’re ahead of most people, who surprisingly, despite hearing horror stories, still don’t bother until a disaster causes them to lose everything. That trauma is usually the catalyst that causes most people to set up Time Machine and buy an external hard drive.

Perhaps you are good about backing up your data regularly. But do you also use a reliable anti-virus or Internet security program? If you still believe that Macs are impervious to viruses and malware, you’re just as at risk as those who don’t bother to back up their files. Macintosh operating systems are overall very stable and secure; we certainly hear fewer cases of corruption and infection than those who use PCs. However, they aren’t bulletproof. As fast as Apple can work to develop and maintain their top-quality systems, hackers are inventing ways to break into them.

If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to install an Internet security program. Consider it the final piece to complete the protection and maintenance of your investment. A program such as Intego’s Mac Internet Security Premium may be ideal. It’s quite user-friendly, and it’s Apple-focused. M.I.S.P., as it’s often referred to, offers users the ability to operate a multi-faceted data centre that protects their MacBook or iMac. With a simple user interface, it isn’t intimidating for those less technical users. However, its powerful features are sure to impress even those with high expectations.

M.I.S.P. protects your computer from having data stolen or corrupted, which is excellent in an age when identity theft is far too common. It offers 24-7, real time protection in addition to scheduled scans. Furthermore, it scans files whenever they’re accessed. It even provides the ability to drag and drop specific documents or files into the program to be scanned.

Another impressive feature of Intego’s Mac Internet Security Premium is that it doesn’t just protect against Mac-centric threats. It offers the ability to detect and protect your computer against PC-based malware as well. Accordingly, it prevents Mac users from spreading viruses and spyware to friends, family and colleagues who aren’t Apple users.

Intego’s M.I.S.P. has received a solid, averaged four out of five start rating through C-Net, where it is offered as a paid download with the ability to try a free, thirty-day evaluation period. It is especially popular amongst those who frequently use public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks, and computer users who are new to Macintosh.

Criticisms of the program are rare, and include mainly minor concerns. Some users have mentioned that they’d like to be able to tinker with the anti-virus and firewall settings in more detail. Others have expressed a desire to see a detailed log of what viruses and other threats Intego’s program is finding and deleting.

Overall, Mac Internet Security Premium is a solid program that provides a stable and secure level of protection against Internet-based attacks. While nothing will guarantee a problem-free computing experience, by using it coupled with regular data backups, you’ll vastly reduce the risk of encountering issues and make recovery far easier.

News

Recent death by iPhone incidents cause panic

Image 09/19/2013 Macmint Leave a comment

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.

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The worst designed Apple products of all time

Image 09/17/2013 Macmint Leave a comment

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.

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 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.

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.