[Discussion] Apple, Mac, and iPod

[Burnt]

macbook is very portable.. on the contrary alot people think that you can just unpluck and carry imac but its actually very very heavy.. i always carry around for customers so i know.. there are alot of disadvantages of getting 2nd hand.. i think not only mac but applies to the IT sector in general. but as pricing can always be a major factor going 2nd hand might have to come into the picture, when tt happens make sure u got everything clear before gg into the deal - like knowing what needs to come along in the package (recovery disc, application disc), and check the internal as well.. some might swap the ram in macbook as its easily done..

 

i wld be bias if i say mac has got a good/bad lifespan.. bcos there are alot of cases out there.. so i'll just say for mine.. for me i used my macbook for around 3 years already.. so far it's quite reliable.. except the battery - which was partly my negligence for gaming so many hours everyday w/o proper care, i think as long as have the proper knowledge you wont encounter it.. and the fan broke down once.. i replaced it at applecare for free.

 

i got ur point thanx man.. anyway so the correct method is do we remove the batt frm mac bk if we using power adapter ?

[éå]

Some say it's imperative, some says it's not compulsory. For me i tend to stand on the side where i take it out to be safe.. this is good advise from redbeacon

 

Laptop batteries have finite life spans. Whether you use the power cord and remove the battery it will lengthen the life of the battery.

 

Li-Ion laptop battery lifespan is approximately 1000 charge cycles, or 2-4 years under normal operating conditions.

 

Keeping the battery in a cool place can prolong its life but not in a period of extended storage. The Li-ion battery should be stored at 40 percent rather than full-charge state.

 

The battery ages even if not used. For best results, keep the battery cool. In addition, store the battery at a 40 percent charge level. Never fully charge or discharge the battery before storage. The 40 percent charge assures a stable condition even if self-discharge robs some of the battery's energy. Most battery manufacturers store Li-ion batteries at 15°C (59°F) and at 40 percent charge.

 

Keeping a laptop battery on constant charge is and never using it is not good for the laptop battery. Run the battery down and recharging it at least once every month.

[redbeacon]

iPad - Apple's new Tablet PC

 

For those who have not heard yet, Apple has released its first Tablet-sized notebook. It's called the iPad.

 

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/426/appleipadphotospictures.jpg

 

For some of you that have already got it figured out by the pictures -- evident of the user interface that the tablets have on-screen, yes the iPad is an oversized version of the iPhone.

 

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/6673/scottevestoffersjacketi.jpg

 

And no, iPad isn't a line of feminine sanitary products...

 

Does almost everything that the iPod touch does, but in a bigger screen, presentations using iWork, it's like an electronic book like Amazon Kindle, only colourful and more interactive.

 

Apple however decided to forgo USB ports, multitasking (you can't simultaneously [eg.] have the Internet browser and a game open at the same time), Flash support, camera, phone ability, and also, there's no GPS.

 

 

iPad has yet to hit Singapore's shores. But if you're lucky to be in America and want to snag one of em, here's the price:

 

iPad 16GB (with Wireless WiFi)

US$499 (S$705) before taxes

 

iPad 16GB (with Wireless WiFi + "3G"* mobile data ability)

US$649 (S$916) before taxes

 

Pricing for bigger capacity iPads are found on Apple.com here.

 

* 3G mobile telephone service for this iPad is locked to American mobile provider AT&T, and the iPad (and AT&T) uses the new Mini-SIM card design that most mobile providers around the world haven't adopted yet.

Edited September 1, 2010 by redbeacon

[Fritz]

So, anyone planning to get the iPad?

[redbeacon]

2010 is the year of the iPods

 

commentary by redbeacon, parapharased from various sources.

 

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/4865/10x09019ub235nano.jpg

The new 2010 iPod nano - It's now not only smaller, it's now also a touchscreen too.

 

Apple has just ended its Fall 2010 forum with an interesting note, particularly focusing on their iPod line of music players, plus a little bit of here-and-there upgrades to their other products.

 

One (or shall I say a few) noticeable changes were the all new iPods. Remember the iPod nano that you used to tout, and that this rectangular candybar-shaped mp3 player came in many pastel colours? Well now it's shrunk to a slim and small rectangular size gadget that clips onto your belt, and for the first time, this small device is now a multi-touchscreen, just like its bigger "iPod touch" brother.

 

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/9894/10x09019ub235nano2.jpg

 

iPod Touch gets dual cameras + Retina display like its iPhone 4 brother

 

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/8940/ipodtouch2010facetime.jpg

 

Yep, you're the first to hear it. This award-winning portable touchscreen music and video player is now equipped with front & rear facing cameras that lets you do shoot and edit HD sized videos (720p), and even do video calls via WiFi (FaceTime).

 

Buttons are back on the new iPod Shuffle

 

Due to demand, the engineers have redesigned the very small iPod Shuffle to include back the familiar play/pause and volume buttons that were there before.

 

Other devices

 

Steve Jobs also announced the new black Apple TV. It's now smaller, and by virtue of that, especially for those who owned an Apple TV device before, the difference is it does not have a hard drive or storage.

This HD device will (instead) pull all your music, movies and videos, and photos from your Mac or PC computer, and streams them over to your television - all either over an Ethernet cable, or WiFi wireless.

 

This device competes alongside digital media streaming devices such as Belkin, D-Link, Linksys, and more.

 

Other updates are software based: The free iOS 4.2 update for the iPad will soon give iPad owners the ability to stream media via WiFi, and also, allows printing from the iPad via WiFi.

The iPhone iOS will see some bug fixes, as well as some nifty features such as Game Centre, HDR photos, and the ability to upload HD videos via WiFi.

[Fritz]

I'm in two minds on whether to get an iMac or build my own PC.

[redbeacon]

Depends on your needs bro. Ask yourself what will you be doing the most with your next PC? (gaming, interactive stuff i.e. photos, music, video, internet etc...)

[Fritz]

Gaming will be minimal, most of it on graphic and video editing.

[redbeacon]

Fritz: I'd say hop onto an Apple soon, bro.

 

Even with the supplied Apple software such as the latest version of iMovie, it really beats those 3rd party video editing apps for Windows.

 

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/9902/imovie09titlesanddragna.png

 

Lots of neat picture and text effects, and it allows me to precision edit too. All bundled with a new Mac computer....

 

Even if you still aren't satisfied, you can go with more advanced video editing for the Mac by purchasing Final Cut Express or Final Cut Pro, or go with Adobe Premiere for Mac.

[Fritz]

Had a taste of Keynotes recently, most definitely better than Powerpoint! Yeah FCP is fantastic on a Mac, even better than Premiere on PC.

[geneyeo]

Yes yes, saw a presentation of keynotes recently. Just has that "pizzazz" that powerpoint lacks.

[redbeacon]

Apple evolves with two new ultrathin Macbooks, and a stunning upcoming OS X

 

Apple just ended their near-quarterly exhibition and press-event with stunning new products. Let me describe in detail as awe has gotten the better of me:

 

iLife 2011

(free with every new Mac computer, SG$64 for upgrade)

- includes all new iPhoto 2011 (Facebook commenting capable)

- super-smart iMovie 2011 video editor lets you fine-edit sound in segments or change its pitch, new transition and on-screen text effects, upload to YouTube.

- GarageBand - now allows you to fine-tune your music down to individual musical notes, checks if you made a mistake while playing an instrument

 

Facetime - WiFi video chatting on a Mac PC/laptop, just like iPhone

 

 

 

Mac OS X 10.7 "Lion"

(out June 2011)

 

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/1091/mwlion338.jpg

 

OS X Lion to make navigating your apps and windows easier, using the new Mission Control window - pic above shows all your apps grouped into clusters.

 

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/9615/macosx107lion500x308.jpg

 

LaunchPad - mimics the iPhone icon view

 

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/9804/launchpadscr002large.jpg

 

 

 

MacBook Air

(11.6 and 13.3 inch ultrathin laptop)

each equipped Intel Core2 Duo processor + NVIDIA 320M graphics card

 

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/9770/backtothemac44.jpg

 

Ultra-thin, 1.2kg laptop

 

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/9624/backtothemac46.jpg

 

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/8963/macbookairnew1.jpg

[xsuicidalx]

hello... juz came accross this thread looking for some solutions...

 

been a mac user since 2006... been desiring to make a complete switch, but work keeps drawing me back to windows.. hahaha

 

now working in a company that retails in apple products, BUT am working from a Lenovo..... (juz cuz the company oso sells other brands) =.=

 

anyway... juz to contribute,

 

FaceTime

- beta is out

- allows you to "call" other iDevices that are enabled with FaceTime (Mac laptop/desktop, ipod touch, iphone4, upcoming ipad)

- allows you to "tag" various email addresses to your existing app store account so you do not have to creat multiple app store accounts if you multiple devices. only need to tag an email address to the account and use it on the device you want

 

eg.

appID - 123@abc.xxx on iphone4

Mac - same appID but receives calls at abc@123.xxx

ipod touch - same appID but receives calls from xyz@asd.xxx

 

Problem you will face is that all the devices MUST be on wireless connection to receive and make calls

 

n never try it when both devices are in the same room. the lag is VERY obivious. haha

 

beta is out for free downloading so go play arnd with it

calls will be made from your "Address Book" or "Contacts"

if you are using it on your Macbook for work, remember to manually turn off facetime cus it runs in the background.... especially in meetings... experienced it in an apple meeting.. couldn't help but laugh cuz the guy totally tried to act cool after every1 was checking their own phones... wahhaa

 

cheers

 

note: any1 can recommend a iPhone App to access the new forum? was using "Forums Lite" and it worked nicely with the old forum format but totally fails now.. luckly didn't buy the full version yet.. hahah.. recommendations appreciated

[xsuicidalx]

Gaming will be minimal, most of it on graphic and video editing.

 

a solution i use for gaming...

 

bootcamp and install windows

or parallels to install windows - new parallels (4 onwards i think) included DirectX which is critical for gaming..

most games are making the switch to support dual platforms (SC2, EA Games, Steam is making the switch too)

 

if you are into mainly graphics and visuals, i'd say look for a website that you find vibrant and visually enhancing

then make a stop to your nearest Apple Reseller and visit the same website

finally, decide if the mac is good enough for you

 

many converts switch cuz of the graphics that a mac produces due to a combination of its SW and HW

 

if i remember correctly, there was a review that windows actually looks best.... on a Macbook pro... (think it was in the days of FailVista)

 

but don't take our word for it... go and see.. if the shop doesn;t let you try it out, drop me a note.. i'll tell Apple for you.. hahaha

[eddictive]

For work wise, i run VMware.... Just swap from a black Macbook to a MBP 15' i5.... Running AutoCad on my windows really drain the ram.... Have it running 2GB ram, and the other 2GB for Mac OS... Seems like it is still insufficient... Got to grab the 8GB ram set up soon... Hope that bit helps....

Hehehe....

Mac FTW!!!!

[eddictive]

hello... juz came accross this thread looking for some solutions...

 

been a mac user since 2006... been desiring to make a complete switch, but work keeps drawing me back to windows.. hahaha

 

now working in a company that retails in apple products, BUT am working from a Lenovo..... (juz cuz the company oso sells other brands) =.=

 

anyway... juz to contribute,

 

FaceTime

- beta is out

- allows you to "call" other iDevices that are enabled with FaceTime (Mac laptop/desktop, ipod touch, iphone4, upcoming ipad)

- allows you to "tag" various email addresses to your existing app store account so you do not have to creat multiple app store accounts if you multiple devices. only need to tag an email address to the account and use it on the device you want

 

eg.

appID - 123@abc.xxx on iphone4

Mac - same appID but receives calls at abc@123.xxx

ipod touch - same appID but receives calls from xyz@asd.xxx

 

Problem you will face is that all the devices MUST be on wireless connection to receive and make calls

 

n never try it when both devices are in the same room. the lag is VERY obivious. haha

 

beta is out for free downloading so go play arnd with it

calls will be made from your "Address Book" or "Contacts"

if you are using it on your Macbook for work, remember to manually turn off facetime cus it runs in the background.... especially in meetings... experienced it in an apple meeting.. couldn't help but laugh cuz the guy totally tried to act cool after every1 was checking their own phones... wahhaa

 

cheers

 

note: any1 can recommend a iPhone App to access the new forum? was using "Forums Lite" and it worked nicely with the old forum format but totally fails now.. luckly didn't buy the full version yet.. hahah.. recommendations appreciated

 

Bro... I have got 3G unrestrictor on my iP4... It enables you to run FaceTime via 3G.... Its good coz with a 12GB plan, you seldom run above 1GB on normal months... It helps in certain ways... hehehe

 

I view the forum from safari bro...No issues so far....

[xsuicidalx]

Bro... I have got 3G unrestrictor on my iP4... It enables you to run FaceTime via 3G.... Its good coz with a 12GB plan, you seldom run above 1GB on normal months... It helps in certain ways... hehehe

 

I view the forum from safari bro...No issues so far....

 

 

oooh!!! i smell a jailbreak! haha

 

always in meetings with apple.. so can't really be seen JBing my iphone.. haha

[eddictive]

oooh!!! i smell a jailbreak! haha

 

always in meetings with apple.. so can't really be seen JBing my iphone.. haha

 

Hehehe... Had always had my Ip's jailbroken... The first day i got my iP4, it was straight to the slammers for a break... hehehe...

You can JB it without being obvious bro... Why are you worried if apple see it anyways?? Its legal to have it JailBroken in the States... hehehe

Come on, join the darkside....

Just JB a 4.1 iP4 few days back... Its faster den my 4.0.1... Hehehe... will be doing it up soon i guess....

[redbeacon]

Microsoft Office 2011 (Mac Version)

 

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/2555/officereview4.jpg

 

VBScript and Macros is back, Mac Outlook replaces Entourage, new smart picture and video editing within MS Office without 3rd party tools, and everything now looks more like Office 2010 for Windows. Definitely worth the upgrade since Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac

 

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/2444/officereview7.jpg

Microsoft Outlook for Mac

 

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/1395/officereview5.jpg

 

Microsoft Office 2011 (Mac version) comes with Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and MS Outlook (the latter is if you buy the full version). Read more here.

[xsuicidalx]

a thought dawned on me when i was thinking of the upcoming OS Lion...

 

Appstore will be incorporated into the Mac OSX to make updating and purchasing software for your mac easier...

 

will it mean that we can no longer install free softwares from "other sources" unless we jailbreak our macs?

 

wahhahah

 

what do you guys think?

[eddictive]

a thought dawned on me when i was thinking of the upcoming OS Lion...

 

Appstore will be incorporated into the Mac OSX to make updating and purchasing software for your mac easier...

 

will it mean that we can no longer install free softwares from "other sources" unless we jailbreak our macs?

 

wahhahah

 

what do you guys think?

 

i am not surprise if that happens.... Coz Apple's way is via apps and softwares....

Well i am sure a crack will be available soon after that happens.... hehehe

[Sn0w_MaN]

Have been a window user for quite sometime and decided to change to mac after so long. Have been reading up mac review and realise that 2010 mac series are quite good as compare to other window base laptop.

 

Since i intend to get it, i might opt for the installment plan. Not so interested in those free gift as i have enough of those protector and mouse. I guess getting mac pro from I.T fair and normal shop does make much different in price right.. just that they throw in free gift and bundle package.

 

A few qus i wish to ask from the pro user.

 

1) I wish to know izzit worth while to buy the extension warrenty package that cost 300plus?

 

2) What is include in the mac pro (in term of software) upon purchase? I know Ilife is part of them

 

3) My old window base comp can support pirated software (bought from malaysia) like Photoshop and etc.. can mac pro support them too?

 

4) Hear from my fren that mac is unlike window as long as 1 user have microsoft OS, he can share among the mac user, is that true?

 

5) i read review that mac pro dont support flash player is that true? Some review say latest mac version do support them.

[redbeacon]

I guess getting mac pro from I.T fair and normal shop does make much different in price right.. just that they throw in free gift and bundle package.

 

That's right. Apple tightly controls their prices worldwide so no matter where you go, the prices are the same. (machine price only, doesn't include government tax)

 

A few qus i wish to ask from the pro user.

 

1) I wish to know izzit worth while to buy the extension warrenty package that cost 300plus?

 

AppleCare Protection Plan extends your warranty from 1 year to 3, gives you free phone support, and the labour fee is free. It's definitely worth it because it wouldn't be a big burden to your pocket if hardware were to fail after that 1 year. To give you a perspective of what parts cost how much if it were to fail inside, here's my guesstimate:

 

- When your operating system can't start up:

Hard Drive = 320GB is around $100 - $150

 

- When you turn on your Mac Pro but nothing is displayed on-screen

ATI single graphics card = $350

 

- When you turn on your Mac Pro but it's just dead with the fans running only

New logic board = $2000+

(Apple calls their motherboard a "logic board")

 

This is just some of the faults that I can think of.

 

And to top it all off, you need to pay the Apple certified store an additional $100 - $200 labour fee to repair your Mac.

 

When I bought my MacBook Pro, I did not hesitate to buy the protection plan. I've seen my friends around me having failed hardware and to fork out $500 to 1 grand because a component failed inside is definitely going to be a tight squeeze for the month.

 

While the $3600++ Mac Pro has upgradeable parts just like a PC does as compared to the other smaller iMac computers/laptops, the $388 is worth it...anything malfunctions inside your computer that makes it stop responding, you get no-further-questions free replacement/repair.

 

2) What is include in the mac pro (in term of software) upon purchase? I know Ilife is part of them

 

Just iLife 2011 (correct as of 2010 November)

 

EDIT: Also the basic apps, like:

Address book, iCal calendar, Mail, DVD player, iPhoto, Safari web browser - all enough for you to start using your Mac.

 

Check this page out. You can configure your Mac Pro to have additional software/hardware and see the total price add up.

 

3) My old window base comp can support pirated software (bought from malaysia) like Photoshop and etc.. can mac pro support them too?

 

If the software just like you've mentioned is made for Windows, you have to install Windows on your Mac Pro (via the Mac's "Boot Camp" software) in order to use them.

 

Off topic: Boot camp lets you have Windows, and Mac OS X installed on a Mac machine. Best of both worlds.

 

*Small disclaimer: What i've said just now was not to promote piracy. Just a FYI

 

4) Hear from my fren that mac is unlike window as long as 1 user have microsoft OS, he can share among the mac user, is that true?

 

Not too sure what you meant.

 

If you are talking about hooking up many Windows and Mac computers to a wireless router, all of these computers can share files with each other.

 

If you're talking about when you have both Windows and Mac installed on your Mac Pro (via Boot Camp), one operating system can see the files of the other (and in some cases, can cross-save files to the other side too)

 

5) i read review that mac pro dont support flash player is that true? Some review say latest mac version do support them.

 

It's true that the engineers at Apple choose not to install Flash player into their new computers by default. However, when you buy a Mac, you can go to the Adobe website to download it.

 

Hope these helps.

[Sn0w_MaN]

redbacon - thanks for ur information, below are my reply

 

3) i mean last time when i am on window i can buy pirated software (bought from malaysia) to load on my comp. I saw the shop also sell for mac so i wonder if i buy them can my mac support them

 

4) my fren own a mircosoft office for mac and he told me that I can just borrow his mircosoft office to install on my mac (meaning sharing) I don't need to spend $$$ to buy. He told me it work on any mac.

So indirectly meaning that if my frens have imovie, iwork and etc.. I can also install them on my mac?

 

5) it is fine that Apple don't install them by default, most impt is that adobe can support them. I mean in case I come across website that needed flash player than I will have problem.

[redbeacon]

redbacon - thanks for ur information, below are my reply

 

3) i mean last time when i am on window i can buy pirated software (bought from malaysia) to load on my comp. I saw the shop also sell for mac so i wonder if i buy them can my mac support them

 

4) my fren own a mircosoft office for mac and he told me that I can just borrow his mircosoft office to install on my mac (meaning sharing) I don't need to spend $$$ to buy. He told me it work on any mac.

So indirectly meaning that if my frens have imovie, iwork and etc.. I can also install them on my mac?

 

5) it is fine that Apple don't install them by default, most impt is that adobe can support them. I mean in case I come across website that needed flash player than I will have problem.

 

Answering your questions in the order it came in:

 

3) The pirated software that you've described can be run on a Mac...because technically like any other computers on Earth, it can't tell between what's pirated or not. (unless the software developer puts some sort of smart copy restriction on the CD itself)

 

4) Not too sure on that one, any one here can comment?

I know for Microsoft Office for Mac, if its the newer 2011 version, you need to activate it on the Internet.

 

5) Not to worry, just get on the Internet and download it once. That's all.