The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/feedlogo.gifThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Apple introduces reserve and pick-uphttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/apple-introduces-reserve-and-pick-up/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/apple-introduces-reserve-and-pick-up/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/apple-introduces-reserve-and-pick-up/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Retail, Odds and ends, Apple, Holidays

As a guy who likes shopping online, but who still appreciates the act of going into a retail store for big purchases, I love this news. Apple has introduced a "Reserve and Pick-up" service for the holiday season.

The name is a little unwieldy, but it gets the point across. You go onto the Apple web site to find what you want, click to reserve the product at a nearby Apple Store, and then go to the store and pick up the goods while you're doing your holiday shopping between December 15 to 24.

For many folks, this might seem awkward -- why not just buy the product online and get it shipped, or just go to the store and buy it? For guys like me, it's perfect -- all of the convenience of choosing a product online, with the added bonus of being able to check out the retail store during the holidays.

iLounge notes that there's no AppleTV on the list, so if you were planning to pick one up as a gift, you'll have to go a more traditional route. There's also no way to actually reserve an iPhone. Instead, you're told to get an iPhone gift card to give to some lucky recipient. Nevertheless, I like the idea of reserve and pick-up, an interesting mix of online shopping and in-store purchasing for the holiday season. It's Apple take-out.

Apple introduces reserve and pick-up originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple introduces reserve and pick-up originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appleapple-storeappletvhggholidayiphonepick-upreserveretailretail-storeshippedshippingMike SchrammSat, 07 Nov 2009 09:00:00 ESTRFID coming to iPhones?http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/06/rfid-coming-to-iphones/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/06/rfid-coming-to-iphones/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/06/rfid-coming-to-iphones/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Rumors, iPhone

Photo courtesy of flickr: Thijs Jacobs

Back in April 2009, TUAW's Dave Caolo posted a video showing off the potential (and some of the potential annoyances as well) and possibilities of an RFID-enabled iPhone world via an iPhone RFID prototype by Near Field. And, according to a Near Field Communications blog posting, Apple is said to have equipped prototypes of the next-generation iPhone with RFID readers.

How awesome would it be if, instead of using my Mobil Speedpass, I could turn to my iPhone and swipe that against the gas pumping station to pay for gas? And, because there may eventually be "an app for that," I may also be able to view my current balance and fuel economy statistics. Or, instead of needing to put a FasTrak transponder atop my windshield (which is annoying), I could simply put my iPhone on the dashboard as I cross the toll road. I could then view my balance, as well as fill up my credits on the fly. These are just some examples of RFID applications in use today.

RFID coming to iPhones? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

RFID coming to iPhones? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>iphoneprototypeproximityrfidrumorSang TangFri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:00 ESTAn interview with the man behind the name "iMac"http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/05/an-interview-with-the-man-behind-imac/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/05/an-interview-with-the-man-behind-imac/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/05/an-interview-with-the-man-behind-imac/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Cult of Mac, iMac, Steve Jobs, Apple History

This is a cool interview over at Cult of Mac -- you've heard of Steve Jobs of course, you know who Jonathan Ive is, you might have heard of Rob Janoff, but do you know Ken Segall's name? He's a former creative director from TBWA\Chiat\Day, and he has two claims to Apple fame: he worked on the "Think Different" campaign, and he's responsible for coming up with the one letter that may have defined the modern-day Apple as we know it. That's right, he named the iMac.

The writeup is fascinating, even if you get the sense that we're looking through the lens of history, and things may not happened quite as stylishly as they seem. Jobs apparently showed the Bondi Blue iMac to the ad team, and while he originally "hated" the name, he obviously came around -- though Segall apparently never got the satisfaction of official approval.

He closes with an interesting sentiment about the company, too: at Apple, it's always about moving forward to the next big thing, and everything is product-centered, not number-driven. Segall says he was around for a few Jobs "flare-ups," but if there was a fit thrown, it was always in trying to keep the company moving forward as quickly as possible.

Interesting stuff. It's quite a legacy, too -- the iMac was originally called so because it was a Mac that connected to the Internet, but obviously since then, the i has become symbolic of many other things, all the way up to iLife, the iPod, and the iPhone. You tend to forget, after all of the millions of dollars and the culture and promotion, that it all came from the head of a guy in a conference room looking at a computer Jobs just pulled the cloth off of.

An interview with the man behind the name "iMac" originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

An interview with the man behind the name "iMac" originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bondi-bluecult-of-macimacinterviewmotionnamesnamingsteve-jobstbwachiatdaythink-differentMike SchrammThu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 ESTPerhaps Apple won't block Atom support after allhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/05/perhaps-apple-wont-block-atom-support-after-all/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/05/perhaps-apple-wont-block-atom-support-after-all/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/05/perhaps-apple-wont-block-atom-support-after-all/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, OS, Hacks, Snow Leopard

There was a report this week that Mac OS X 10.6.2 will block Atom support, leaving Hackintosh owners stuck at 10.6.1. Intel's Atom processors have been used in netbooks by MSI, Dell and ASUS for their low cost and modest energy consumption. Hackintosh owners were disappointed.

Shortly after that report was published, Electronista noted that a newly-released build of 10.6.2 (10C535) brought it back. Of course, we're talking about "support" for hackintoshes in a developer build of the OS, so keep that in mind.

The moral of the story: Apple can kill this when ever they please, so have fun while you can.

[Via Engadget]

Perhaps Apple won't block Atom support after all originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Perhaps Apple won't block Atom support after all originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>10.6.2hackhackintoshosos xOsXsnow leopardSnowLeopardDave CaoloThu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:00 ESTTUAW Review: Kanex HDMI + audio adapter works fine but costs extrahttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/tuaw-review-kanex-hdmi-audio-adapter-works-fine-but-costs-ext/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/tuaw-review-kanex-hdmi-audio-adapter-works-fine-but-costs-ext/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/tuaw-review-kanex-hdmi-audio-adapter-works-fine-but-costs-ext/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Video, Reviews, Mac mini

When we first heard about the Kanex HDMI + digital audio converter a few weeks ago, I was eager to give it a trial run and see if it managed to deliver on the promise of integrated audio with HDMI video. I've been playing with the $70 unit for a few days now, and the answer is a qualified yes: it does the job, but depending on your home theater setup you may be able to get by with a less expensive option.

The digital-audio Kanex unit ships without a manual and is largely self-explanatory (although the company has now posted a basic user guide and FAQ) -- a female HDMI port on one side of the roughly iPod-sized unit, and three male cables coming out the other side. The cables connect to the mini DisplayPort, optical audio out, and USB port of your Mac; while Kanex does sell a $60 unit that handles audio over USB, this version only uses that connection to power the adapter and does not provide a USB audio interface. If you're running short of open powered USB ports you might opt to plug it into a USB power adapter instead.

In operation, there's not much to worry about: I plugged in all three ports to a unibody MacBook Pro and connected an HDMI display, then went to the normal Mac OS X Displays preference pane, where I found a full assortment of resolutions for my enjoyment. The top few 'television' options may vary with your connected gear; on my test set (a Vizio 42" 720p display) I was able to choose 720p and, oddly enough, 1080i and 1080p. Below that you have resolutions ranging from 640x480 up into the 1600x1000 range.

Continue reading TUAW Review: Kanex HDMI + audio adapter works fine but costs extra

TUAW Review: Kanex HDMI + audio adapter works fine but costs extra originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW Review: Kanex HDMI + audio adapter works fine but costs extra originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>audiocable cluttercable-clutterCableClutterconnectordisplay portDisplayPorthdcphdmihdtvhgghome theater guidehome-theater-guideHomeTheaterGuideminioptical connectoroptical-connectorOpticalConnectorvgaMichael RoseWed, 04 Nov 2009 11:00:00 ESTSurvey: Less than half of touchscreen users prefer touchscreenhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/survey-less-than-half-of-touchscreen-users-prefer-touchscreen/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/survey-less-than-half-of-touchscreen-users-prefer-touchscreen/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/survey-less-than-half-of-touchscreen-users-prefer-touchscreen/#commentsFiled under: Gaming, Hardware, Apple, iPhone, iPod touch

Here's a few interesting stats from a survey recently conducted in Europe. These aren't specifically about the iPhone, but given that smartphones relied on buttons almost exclusively before Apple's handheld came along (and nowadays, everyone's bragging about their touchscreen technology), a temperature-taking on what people think of touchscreen controls is more or less a referendum on what people think of Apple's influence.

At least in France, Germany and the UK, reactions are mixed. While 38% of those surveyed say they were planning to get a touchscreen on their next mobile phone, only 47% of people who already owned a touchscreen said they would get another one. In other words, less than half of touchscreen owners thought they'd stick with the technology on their next purchase. Apple remains an anomaly -- both HTC and Apple have a higher amount of current customers planning to stick with their touchscreen interface (with the full numbers being released at a conference later this month), but the fact remains: current touchscreen users aren't anywhere near 100% on living button-free forever.

Especially as a gamer, that makes a lot of sense. Touchscreens are great for a lot of things -- they allow for limitless flexibility in the kinds of interfaces on offer, and especially with multi-touch, a lot of the controls on the iPhone are extremely intuitive (you automatically know now that pinching equals zooming, and so on). But as nice as touchscreen is, there are a lot of functions on mobile phones, from adjusting volume or changing music tracks on a phone out of sight in your pocket, to hitting exact button controls while twitch gaming, that work much better with tactile feedback. Steve, as he always does, made a big deal about the iPhone being a one-button interface, but I wouldn't be surprised at all to see future iterations of the iPhone include either a few more buttons, or, even better, a few more haptic interface technologies.

Survey: Less than half of touchscreen users prefer touchscreen originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Survey: Less than half of touchscreen users prefer touchscreen originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>applebuttonscontrolseuropeanfrancegermanyhaptichtcinterfacemultitouchpocketsurveytouchscreenukMike SchrammWed, 04 Nov 2009 09:15:00 ESTA look at Apple's iPod touch-based EasyPay systemhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/a-look-at-apples-ipod-touch-based-easypay-system/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/a-look-at-apples-ipod-touch-based-easypay-system/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/a-look-at-apples-ipod-touch-based-easypay-system/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Retail, iPod touch

Last week, we learned that Apple would be revamping some US retail stores, including a new iPod touch-based point-of-sale (POS) system. A new scanner accessory allows Apple to replace the old Windows CE-based sales handhelds.

Gary Allen of ifoAppleStore has given AppleInsider an exclusive look at the thing, and it's pretty cool (that is, if retail hardware is your bag). It's an iPod touch with a magnetic stripe reader, a barcode scanner and Apple's proprietary payment-processing software. The iPod rests inside what AppleInsider calls a "slip-on shell" that plugs into the dock connector; it includes its own battery to power the two scanning peripherals.

Apple Store employees will use the devices to accept purchases made with credit cards, debit cards and cash; they can even make returns and activate a new iPhone.

It looks like a clever device. If you see one in the store (or if you use one), tell us what you can.

[Via The Apple Blog]

A look at Apple's iPod touch-based EasyPay system originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

A look at Apple's iPod touch-based EasyPay system originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apple storeAppleStoreeasypayipod touchIpodTouchretailtouchDave CaoloWed, 04 Nov 2009 02:30:00 ESTWorkaround for the 27 inch iMac Flash lag?http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/possible-fix-for-the-27-inch-imac-lag/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/possible-fix-for-the-27-inch-imac-lag/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/possible-fix-for-the-27-inch-imac-lag/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Airport, iMac, Troubleshooting

We've had a few users tell us about performance lags that they're experiencing with their brand new 27" iMacs. Our own Casey Johnston even wrote a quick article about the problem last month. Now that everyone has had a few days to play with the issue and try the obligatory troubleshooting steps, we've been tipped about a possible solution.

One of our readers claims that this isn't just related to Flash playback... it's possible that this lag problem is consistent across the system. Flash taxes your system more than most applications so it would show the lag problem more consistently than another application -- thus making it look like a problem only with Flash.

The suggestion at this point: cycle your wireless connection. By turning AirPort off and on again, some people are seeing the computer regain responsiveness. Obviously this isn't a permanent fix because the issue will most likely appear again after you reboot your machine... we can't say if the fix will persist for the entire session, either; the problem could come back before reboot.

Fellow TUAW blogger Joachim Bean suggests that the issues may be something related to PCI Express. Both the AirPort and graphics card are using PCI Express to communicate with the system. There's a possibility that the lines of communication are crossing during use. I'm still betting on a software issue -- at least, let's hope for that.

Let us know if this helps, or any other possible solutions you might have in the comments.

Thanks, Simon!

Workaround for the 27 inch iMac Flash lag? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Workaround for the 27 inch iMac Flash lag? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>27 inch imac27InchImacairportflashimacimac bugImacBugperformanceJosh CarrTue, 03 Nov 2009 17:00:00 ESTDutch hacker accesses jailbroken iPhones, requests €5http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/dutch-hacker-accesses-jailbroken-iphones-requests-5/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/dutch-hacker-accesses-jailbroken-iphones-requests-5/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/dutch-hacker-accesses-jailbroken-iphones-requests-5/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Hacks, iPhone

Running a jailbroken iPhone has its risks, as a Dutch hacker has demonstrated. Specifically, he used a bit of port scanning to find jailbroken phones with SSH running in his native Netherlands. From there, he sent unsuspecting users a message that reads, "Your iPhone's been hacked because it's really insecure! Please visit doiop.com/iHacked and secure your iPhone right now! Right now, I can access all your files."

The URL directs the users to Paypal and requests €5 in exchange for instructions that explain how to remove the hack. But how did he get in? By relying on users' forgetfulness. All iPhones have a default root password. Those who forget to change it are vulnerable to this very kind of attack.

Asking for money is kind of a bummer but much less obnoxious that other things he could have done. The moral of the story is pay attention and be thorough when jailbreaking your iPhone.

[Via Ar s Technica]

Dutch hacker accesses jailbroken iPhones, requests €5 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Dutch hacker accesses jailbroken iPhones, requests €5 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hackiphonejailbreaksshvulnerabilityDave CaoloTue, 03 Nov 2009 13:30:00 ESTMagic Mouse unboxing video: Man vs. Tapehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/magic-mouse-unboxing-video-man-vs-tape/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/magic-mouse-unboxing-video-man-vs-tape/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/magic-mouse-unboxing-video-man-vs-tape/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Video

Let me disclose straight away that I've opened packaging on just about every major Apple product released over the past five years and never exerted such effort in opening a little plastic container -- which by the way resembles something you would find sitting on a shelf at Pottery Barn. But seriously, Apple, what is with the tape?

As I stated in the video, certain multi-touch gestures require a great deal of repetitive use in order to acclimate to the Magic Mouse. I am pleased to say, however, now that I'm on on Day 2, the problems I initially experienced with touch-scrolling have largely been alleviated simply by adjusting scroll speed settings in System Preferences>Mouse, which is set at 25% by default. Cranking this up to 50% and beyond made page scrolling must smoother and easier, though upward scrolling is still proving to be a hemorrhoid-inducing experience.

One thing I would like to clarify: in the video I mentioned having rebooted my Mac in order to pair with the Magic Mouse via Bluetooth. This is NOT required. Simply launching the Bluetooth Setup Assistant will begin partnering the mouse with your Mac. I chose the former option because a) I prefer a fresh start when introducing new hardware, and b) I roll that way.

I'm still experiencing lots of unpleasantness with two-finger page swiping though. Apple really needs to allow the user to adjust swipe speed settings by including a slider for that gesture in the Mouse preferences. Perhaps that will come in a future update.

Stay tuned for more hands-on with the Magic Mouse in the coming days.

Magic Mouse unboxing video: Man vs. Tape originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Magic Mouse unboxing video: Man vs. Tape originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>magic mouseunboxingvideoKent PribbernowSun, 01 Nov 2009 20:00:00 ESTApple amps up iPhone productionhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/apple-amps-up-iphone-production/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/apple-amps-up-iphone-production/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/apple-amps-up-iphone-production/#commentsFiled under: Apple Corporate, Hardware, iPhone

In preparation for the holiday rush, Apple has stepped up iPhone production, according to ITProPortal. Specifically, Apple has supposedly increased orders to both Primax Electronics and Foxconn Electronics (both companies manufacture iPhone components) from 17% to 20%.

In a recent quarterly earnings call, Apple COO Tim Cook noted that iPhone 3GS supplies were short in September, but noted that supply lines have been restored and he expects Apple to meet the demand of this year's shopping season.

In other words, If you're hoping to receive an iPhone this year, know that Apple has done its part. Now it's up to you to badger your gift-giving loved ones.

[Via Macsimum News]

Gift image: stock.xchng

Apple amps up iPhone production originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple amps up iPhone production originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hggholidayiphonesuppliesDave CaoloSun, 01 Nov 2009 13:00:00 ESTMagic Mouse lands at many local Apple storeshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/magic-mouse-lands-at-many-local-apple-stores/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/magic-mouse-lands-at-many-local-apple-stores/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/magic-mouse-lands-at-many-local-apple-stores/#commentsFiled under: Accessories, Hardware, Peripherals, Bluetooth

I stopped by my local Apple Store (Tucson) today for a quick look around and saw many people playing with the new Magic Mouse. I tried a few 'moves' with in and it seemed a bit nicer and more responsive than I expected. My old Apple wired mouse was starting to wear out so I asked one of the Apple guys when they were coming in. He said "20 minutes ago," so I was snared.

My first 'thrill' was opening the damned box. Like most Apple designed products, the plastic container is very pretty, but was a bit of a struggle to open. I needed a sharp knife, and then had to find the hidden tape that keeps the Magic Mouse attached to a little plastic base.

Since this is a Bluetooth mouse, I paired it to my Mac. It worked out of the box, but I knew there was a software update with new drivers, so I checked and downloaded the new software.

After a reboot, all was well. I have to say that the Magic Mouse has the fanciest control panel in system preferences I've ever seen. There is a little video illustrating how it works. I left the settings to the default, and started mousing away.

There were really no surprises. I have a 30 inch monitor, and can't get all the way across it with a single swipe because I have limited desk real estate. None of the settings would make it better.

The top surface is smooth and comfortable. The mouse does sit lower than a standard rodent, but I wasn't bothered by it. Clicking on the right side of the surface gives you the second mouse button with no pain or problem. You can switch the left and right 'buttons' if you are so inclined.

Scrolling was smooth, and you can adjust the momentum of the scroll. I especially like the 2 finger swipe for going backward and forward in web pages and iPhoto.

The only thing I think was missing is that I'd like the surface of the mouse to mimic the iPhone gesture of pinching and spreading for zoom in / zoom out. You have to use the control key to enable zooming, and I'd rather not have to go to the keyboard for that.

Otherwise, everything was good. I'll get used to the different feel. The mouse comes with batteries already installed so you're ready to go -- once you get the damned package open...

Some of my colleagues here at TUAW will be sharing their thoughts shortly. So far, even though this was a bit of an impulse purchase, the Magic Mouse seems fine.

Magic Mouse lands at many local Apple stores originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Magic Mouse lands at many local Apple stores originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bluetoothMagic MouseMagicMouseMel MartinThu, 29 Oct 2009 17:30:00 ESTAsk TUAW: Choosing an iPhone, used Mac disposal, wake from sleep, podcast software and morehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/ask-tuaw-choosing-an-iphone-used-mac-disposal-wake-from-sleep/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/ask-tuaw-choosing-an-iphone-used-mac-disposal-wake-from-sleep/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/ask-tuaw-choosing-an-iphone-used-mac-disposal-wake-from-sleep/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Podcasting, Ask TUAW

Welcome back to Ask TUAW, our weekly troubleshooting Q&A column. This week we've got questions about getting an iPhone, disposing of old Macs, wake from sleep issues, exchanging a recent Mac purchase, podcast hardware and software, and more.

As always, your suggestions and questions are welcome. Questions for next week should be left in the comments. When asking a question please include which machine you're running and which version of Mac OS X (we'll assume you're running Snow Leopard on an Intel Mac if you don't specify). And now, on to the questions.

Tom asks:

I'm considering an iPhone but want to know what my options are. Is the iPhone the best smartphone if I'm a Mac user?

The short answer to that question is "Yes." The iPhone is the best smartphone for you if you use a Mac. It's designed by Apple to work seamlessly with your Mac and iTunes and for the most part, it does. For Mac users the iPhone offers the best user experience possible and keeps you, at least hardware-wise, entirely in the Apple fold.

That said, the iPhone itself may or may not be the best smartphone for your needs. One drawback is that it's only available if you are an AT&T wireless customer. So, unless you are already an AT&T customer, or are willing to switch, you are out of luck.

Plus, using AT&T on a daily basis can sometimes be challenging as it's network occasionally has issues. Also, the coverage in some areas is not quite as good as other networks such as Verizon -- even in larger cities such as Los Angeles, where I live.

Continue reading Ask TUAW: Choosing an iPhone, used Mac disposal, wake from sleep, podcast software and more

Ask TUAW: Choosing an iPhone, used Mac disposal, wake from sleep, podcast software and more originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Ask TUAW: Choosing an iPhone, used Mac disposal, wake from sleep, podcast software and more originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>blue snowballBlueSnowballgaragebandiphonekeyboardspodcastingrecyclingsound studioSoundStudioChris UllrichThu, 29 Oct 2009 17:00:00 ESTThe Apple tablet that wasn'thttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/the-apple-tablet-that-wasnt/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/the-apple-tablet-that-wasnt/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/the-apple-tablet-that-wasnt/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Portables, Odds and ends

TechCrunch has posted pictures of what they're calling an "unlaunched Apple tablet." In 1990, as the story goes, Apple was supposedly working on a pen-based touchscreen tablet called the Pen Mac that was actually extremely small for the time -- just about an inch thick, with a screen the same size as a Mac Portable. They were bringing a few different companies in on the deal, and apparently it worked well -- ran a full Mac OS, used a pen to control or let you plug in a mouse and keyboard, and there was even a smaller version called the PenLite (bulky by today's standards, but remember that this is 20 years ago now).

So why weren't we all using tablet computers 20 years ago? TechCrunch blames John Sculley, who apparently thought the tablet idea was out, and the PDA idea was in, and we ended up with the Newton instead. I won't second guess him -- while it's easy to think that anything could have beaten the Newton, would the current Apple touchscreen tablet craze even be here if it weren't for the iPhone? And isn't Apple's smartphone just a hop, skip and a jump from their original PDA?

The Apple tablet that wasn't originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Apple tablet that wasn't originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>applecontrolhistoryjohn-sculleykeyboardmac-portablemousenewtonpdapen-macpenlitetablettechcrunchtouchscreenMike SchrammThu, 29 Oct 2009 03:00:00 ESTPhil Schiller: Holiday lineup in placehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/27/phil-schiller-holiday-lineup-in-place/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/27/phil-schiller-holiday-lineup-in-place/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/27/phil-schiller-holiday-lineup-in-place/#commentsFiled under: Apple Corporate, Hardware, Retail

It's now safe to shop for Apple products without fear of getting burned by a last-minute release, at least for the next few months. Apple's senior VP of Worldwide Product Marketing, Phil Schiller, told Gizmodo today that "... the holiday lineup is set." Apple typically does this in late autumn to simply let customers know that it's safe to start spending money.

Gizmodo notes that they originally stated, "No more Apple products this year," but they subsequently received a call from Apple asking (by "asking" we mean "telling" ) them to use the language, "The holiday lineup is set." Conspiracy theorists will say that means there could be new stuff still in the pipe, but we think it's just meant to get people in a shopping mood.

[Via The Loop]

Phil Schiller: Holiday lineup in place originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Phil Schiller: Holiday lineup in place originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hardwarehggholidayphil schillerPhilSchillershoppingDave CaoloTue, 27 Oct 2009 16:00:00 ESTIs the MacBook Pro about to receive a quad-core speed bump?http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/26/is-the-macbook-pro-about-to-receive-a-quad-core-speed-bump/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/26/is-the-macbook-pro-about-to-receive-a-quad-core-speed-bump/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/26/is-the-macbook-pro-about-to-receive-a-quad-core-speed-bump/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Rumors, Macbook Pro

With all the news circulating around about updated Apple hardware, you might be asking yourself "What about the MacBook Pro?" Apple certaintly hasn't forgotten about its high-end notebook computer, and details are starting to slip out that the MacBook Pro might be receiving a speed boost sooner than anyone might have predicted.

Applesfera is reporting that some information about unreleased MacBook Pro models has been found in support files of the latest developer build of Mac OS X 10.6.2. In addition, there's been some talk on 9to5Mac that Apple Store geniuses are starting to work with the new Core i5 and i7 Quad-Core processors that may make their way into the notebooks.

While nothing is definite, it's looking like the release of OS X 10.6.2 and the refresh of the MacBook Pro might come in tandem, and sooner than we think.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in.

Is the MacBook Pro about to receive a quad-core speed bump? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Is the MacBook Pro about to receive a quad-core speed bump? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>10.6.2Core i5core i7CoreI5CoreI7Intelmacbook proMacbookProrumorupdateJohn BurkeMon, 26 Oct 2009 11:30:00 ESTInside the new 27-inch iMachttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/24/inside-the-new-27-inch-imac/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/24/inside-the-new-27-inch-imac/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/24/inside-the-new-27-inch-imac/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Hacks, iMac

You know by now that once Apple announces a new piece of hardware, it's only a matter of time before someone gets their hands on one only to rip it up and tear every little piece out to see what's in there. And that's exactly what iFixit did with the brand new iMac -- most of us would kill to get one and keep it, and they got one and killed it (Update: Apparently they didn't kill it -- they ended up putting it all back together again). But at least we can learn from their destruction: the LCD panel is the same horizontal resolution as the 30" Cinema display, and the screen itself weighs 11 lbs. The hard drive sits right in the center of the machine, right behind the screen. And there's probably more heat dissipation methods in there than you'd expect: six temp sensors, three fans, two heat sinks, and even a partridge in a pear tree. We're not sure how that last one helps.

Overall, it's a beauty. And the last twist is probably the most interesting -- other than showing off your Mac-itude and lighting the area behind your screen, the Apple logo is apparently wrapped with an Airport antenna. Because the whole thing is encased in aluminum, that's the only place to get a signal, and so that's where they stuck it. Now when people complain that you're just being trendy by showing off the Apple logo, you can tell them you're actually just trying to help out the Wi-Fi reception.

[via Engadget]

Inside the new 27-inch iMac originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Inside the new 27-inch iMac originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>27-inch-imacairportapple-logocinemahardwareifixitimaclcd-panelWi-FiwifiMike SchrammSat, 24 Oct 2009 07:00:00 ESTWin a Square Trade accident-coverage iPhone warranty from TUAWhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/23/square-trade-is-giving-away-5-free-iphone-warranties-to-tuaw-rea/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/23/square-trade-is-giving-away-5-free-iphone-warranties-to-tuaw-rea/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/23/square-trade-is-giving-away-5-free-iphone-warranties-to-tuaw-rea/#commentsFiled under: Analysis / Opinion, Hardware

Two weekends ago, Diet Coke was accidentally spilled onto my MacBook Pro Keyboard. The machine, a Core Duo 15" that was among the first of the Intel Macs rolled out, suddenly didn't work the way it used to. Luckily, damage was restricted only to the keyboard: caps lock, shift, b, h, and num lock didn't function. Not being able to type the word "butt" was a pain in the "utt." While I've since repaired the keyboard -- on my own, thanks to iFixit's instructions -- it made me question, again, the value of an extended warranty. Had the damage been worse, I may have had to get a new machine.

While AppleCare is certainly compelling for many (phone support and timely repairs of manufacturer defects by Apple-authorized technicians, among its values), its defect is that hardware repair coverage is restricted to manufacturer defects. And in my case, even if this had been a new machine still under AppleCare, it wouldn't have been covered. So, if you accidentally drop your iPhone in the toilet (it happens) or if, while looking up your Tiramisu recipe in MacGourmet, you happen to spill Kahlua all over your MacBook, you won't be covered by AppleCare.

While researching third party extended warranties, I stumbled upon Square Trade. In addition to covering manufacturers' defects, Square Trade's warranty covers accidental damage. In effect, it's a warranty with an additional safeguard for dings, drops and drenching.

Although the Square Trade warranty covers accidental damage, consider all your options before proceeding with a purchase -- Is it worth its cost? For example, claims for accidentally damaged items (as opposed to manufacturer defects) require a $50 deductible. In the case of the MacBook and MacBook Pro, this narrows the price gap between AppleCare and the SquareTrade price.

Continue reading Win a Square Trade accident-coverage iPhone warranty from TUAW

Win a Square Trade accident-coverage iPhone warranty from TUAW originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Win a Square Trade accident-coverage iPhone warranty from TUAW originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>accidentaccidental damageAccidentalDamagecontestExtended WarrantyExtendedWarrantygiveawaysquare tradeSquareTradewarrantywater damageWaterDamageSang TangFri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 ESTThe growing list of unsupported Macshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/22/the-growing-list-of-unsupported-macs/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/22/the-growing-list-of-unsupported-macs/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/22/the-growing-list-of-unsupported-macs/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, iBook, Apple History

Out with the old, in with the new. This week's hardware releases were met with new additions to Apple's vintage and obsolete hardware lists. The following have been added, and I'm sad to say that I'm still using the Dual Ethernet Airport Base Station:

iBook G4 (Early 2004)
iBook G4 (14" Early 2004)
eMac (USB 2.0)
Apple Cinema Display ADC
Apple Studio Display 15" ADC
Apple Studio Display 17" LCD
Apple Studio Display 17" ADC
Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver 2002)
Macintosh Server G4 (QuickSilver 2002)
PowerBook G4 (DVI)
iBook (14.1 LCD 16 VRAM)
iBook (16 VRAM)
AirPort Base Station (Dual Ethernet)

I've also got a 20" G4 iMac and my wife uses at 14" iBook, both of which were previously added to the list. Supported or not, they're still useful -- check out this Macintosh Classic being used as a window display.

Back in 1994 my employer had several SE/30's connected via LocalTalk, and we thought that was the baddest thing on the planet. Not to mention late-night games of Maelstrom and Glider Pro. Oh, memories.

[Via HardMac]

The growing list of unsupported Macs originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The growing list of unsupported Macs originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apple historyAppleHistoryhardwarelegacyobsoletevintageDave CaoloThu, 22 Oct 2009 14:00:00 ESTWindows 7 on Mac OS X Snow Leopard at no additional costhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/22/free-windows-7-install-mac/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/22/free-windows-7-install-mac/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/22/free-windows-7-install-mac/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Software, Open Source

Anil Dash has described how to run Windows 7 on a Mac running OS 10.6 -- as a virtual machine -- for free (after you buy Windows 7, of course). It's not very tricky and, according to Anil, works well. Start by installing Windows 7 in Boot Camp and wait while it grabs the necessary drivers (the duration of this process will vary).

Next, eject the Boot Camp disk and enter a few simple Terminal commands. You'll also need VirtualBox, which is free and open source virtualization software. Once you're done in Terminal, launch VirtualBox and browse to the file you made with Terminal. Read Anil's article for the details.

As today is Windows 7 launch day, we're interested in hearing from anyone who has installed it on their Mac, either via Boot Camp or virtualization.

For more, read Christina's post on installing Windows 7 on a Mac (at Download Squad), or Steve's take here. You can get your absolute fill of Win7 coverage all day today at DLS.

Windows 7 on Mac OS X Snow Leopard at no additional cost originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Windows 7 on Mac OS X Snow Leopard at no additional cost originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>boot campBootCampmicrosoftvirtualboxvirtualizationwindows 7Windows7Dave CaoloThu, 22 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST