I know what you are thinking.... Time has drunk the Apple iPhone kook-aid. Read the article before you make your decision. I think Time makes some very good points and while I don't know if it should be the invention of the year, only because I don't follow enough of the invention tech news to say, I do believe it has to be at the very least one of the inventions of the year. If you just want to talk about inventions with presense, then yep the iPhone wins hands down.

Read the article, and decide!

Time: iPhone Invention of the Year

Tags: iPhone, Apple

This just doesn't make any sense to me, none at all. Maybe because I am Mac Head, or maybe because technology comes to me as easy as swimming comes to a fish; but why on Earth would anyone pay $59 (regularly $129) to have someone else install OS X? Not only that, the $59 price is only with the purchase of a new Mac. I realize that Leopard won't be pre-installed on Best Buy Macs yet, but upgrading from Tiger to Leopard on a brand new Mac should be one of the easiest things a new Mac owners does on their shiny new Mac.

I know that Windows installs are cryptic and upgrades even more so, but Apple has made upgrading pretty damn easy. I tell folks to do a fresh install (which is a pretty damn easy), but an upgrade on a Mac is nothing like an upgrade on a PC. For fresh installs or moving from an old Mac to a new Mac users have Migration Assistant which is simple and I'm told has been made even easier.

To me this looks like Best Buy and Geek Squad milking the uninformed for $59 or worse, $129.

NOTE TO NEW MAC PURCHASERS --- If you live in a town or near a town with an Apple Store, they will not only install the New OS, but they will also help you migrate all of your documents from your old computer. They will even migrate you from a PC!

I love Best Buy and think their deal with Apple is beyond fantastic; hey it puts an Apple Store near my house in Wylie, but this to me is just ridiculous.

Tags: Apple, Mac OS

The reviews are in, and they are pretty good. Not as much news coverage as I expected, but from what I am reading the major news outlets, but general and industry specific seem to think that Apple has released a solid product that offers most users enough reason to at least consider purchasing the upgrade. This is in stark contrast to Windows Vista reviews, both upon original release and even today.

Time Machine is what most reviews are discussing, along with the visual tweaks. Spaces also gets some coverage; but what everyone mentions is the price $129, and most compare that to the Vista price; which for all the bells and whistles is significantly more and comes in a multitude of flavors with upgrade & full installs for each. If anything, Apple is about keeping it simple.

• ABC News
• MSNBC
• Macworld
• PCWorld
• The Guardian
• The New York Times
• The Wall Street Journal
• USA Today
• PC Magazine (Initial Review, Full Review Coming)
• ars technica (Really Long and Very Detailed Review)
• CNET (Includes Video First Look)

Update: Added ars technica review and CNET links

Tags: Apple, Mac OS

It's finally here, Mac OS 10.5; also known as Mac OS X Leopard. For those of you that are not Mac heads, THIS IS A REALLY BIG EVENT. More so than a new notebook model, desktop model, iPhone or yes even iPod. Why? Simple, this is something nearly every Macintosh owner can experience. Not everyone can buy a new computer, but for only $129 (cheaper if they shop around) they can purchase new features and enable their beautiful computer to wonderful new things. Some they will experience as soon as the upgrade is done, others as developers take advantage of the new features.

If you are not big into Macs and Apple you will have a hard time truly understanding the significance of this OS release. When Vista came out there was much to do about nothing. Yes Vista has been in development for more than 5 years and yes it has lots of pretty new options, but current computer owners weren't clamoring to upgrade from Windows XP. An OS that with all of its flaws, was mature and worked very well for 99.99% of the user community. Vista, like Windows 2000 and even XP, came out of the gate with a host of problems and nearly a year after Vista's release; it still has problems.

The Mac OS X release is a totally different story. While yes Tiger, the previous release (Leopard is the current), is an extremely stable and capable OS users are clamoring to get their hands on the new version. Part of that clamoring is related to the Cult de Mac that eventually infects most Mac owners, part of that clamoring is that Mac owners know that with a new OS release new functionality is both here today and is coming tomorrow. 300 new features, many of those are building blocks for Apple and 3rd party developers to do amazing things with the applications that will be released in the coming months. The applications that make you go "WOW" I didn't know my computer could do that! With Windows, there isn't often an application that is released that blows your mind away, at least not one that costs under $100.

Why? Well, for most PC users the computer is a tool, maybe a necessity. It is utilitarian in nature. For a most Mac users the computer is an extension of their personal selves. It's sleek and sexy and stands for all that is right in the world. Okay, i may be overstating things a little; but not much. Mac users believe it is as much about form as it is function; and reliable, has to be reliable. OS X is an extension of that belief, and the applications than run on OS X play right into the hands of that belief and foster that belief. Amazingly, mostly done by small developers with applications costing well under $100. (Entry Continues) Click Here to Read More...

Tags: Apple, Mac OS

I recently wrote a letter to David Pogue, technology columnist for the New York Times, in which I asked in my own unique way to please look a little deeper at the new iPods from Apple. My cheif concern being that in order to watch video on your TV you apparently have to purchase a special cable from Apple. If you are a new iPod user that's not a horrible thing, but if you are a current user your current set-up has to be trashed and replaced with a new one.

Personally I think the MPAA is at the heart of this situation. I bet if we dig deep we will find this cable will inhibit copying or some such other nonsense.

Mr. Pogue,

I just read your article, Making Over the iPod, Again; and while I enjoyed the article and agreed with your points, but  you glossed over the $50 cable debacle; not stopping to inform your readers that apparently deep in the labs of Castle Apple Corp scientists designed a way to teather the new iPods to Apple cables, only.

Letter Continues... Click Here to Read More...

Tags: Letter, David Pogue, iPods, Apple

Amazing... in 74 days Apple has taken the mobile phone world by storm... and they are only selling them in the United States and only to AT&T (formally Cingular) customers. As the quick press release states below, it took Apple nearly two years to sell one million iPods. Again, I say, simply amazing and a testament to not only the coolness and functionality of the iPhone; but the wizards of Apple marketing. Just makes you want to go out and help them reach 1.5 million phones, doesn't it?

Apple Sells One Millionth iPhone --- Yesterday, just 74 days after its introduction on June 29, Apple sold the one millionth iPhone. “One million iPhones in 74 days—it took almost two years to achieve this milestone with iPod,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We can’t wait to get this revolutionary product into the hands of even more customers this holiday season.” [Sep 10, 2007]

Tags: iPhone, Apple

Came across a cool website while reading Digg, Josh's iTunes Album Art. What is it? Well, it is a webisite that had figured out a way to dig into the heart of the iTunes Music Store and pull out the album art it holds. Why is this cool? Well, if you don't buy your albums on iTunes you may not have the album art and don't want to scan it yourself. If that is the case, then you can use this website to try and grab a high-res version of your new album's cover.

Now, if you are using iTunes then you may already know that Apple gives anyone the ability to download their digital album art; even if you didn't buy the album from iTunes Music Store. It's really easy and works on both Macs and PCs. Josh's iTunes Album Art website is great if you don't have this or don't use iTunes. In any event, it's pretty cool to use. Of course, Apple could shut him down anything they want, and may do so. One never knows with Apple.

Tags: Apple, iTunes, Entertainment, Music

By now you have probably heard that Apple is releasing a 6th generation iPod called the "iPod Classic" and an iPod based on the iPhone design. That means that stores have to sell off the current stock of 5.5 generation iPods, as well as 2nd generation Nanos; as the Nano got a major redesign as well.

To that end I saw on The Apple Blog that Costco is in the process of liquidating their iPod stock at all of their stores. There are probably none left, but one never knows.

• 2GB Nano: $49.97
• 4GB Nano: $99.97
• 8GB Nano: 149.97
• 80GB iPod 5.5 Gen: 229.97 (normally $349)

Check out this LINK.

It's worth noting that other chains may be doing the same thing, although I was in Wal-Mart last night and their iPod were priced the same as they have been since released.

Tags: Apple, iPods

I was reading an article on MacRumors I saw a posting that showed this image of an iTunes support page dropdown that included the following (click on image):

• DidNotReceiveMovie-RentalMovie
• AccidentalPurchase-RentalMovie
• ContentQuality-RentalMovie
• DuplicatePurchase-RentalMovie
• WrongVErsion-RentalMovie
• BadMetadata-RentalMovie
• Other-RentalMovie

There have been rumors that movie rentals were coming to iTunes. While Steve Jobs seems dead set against a subscription model for music (I agree with this stance), a rental plan for movies makes sense. The rumor is that you could rent the movie for 30 days for $2.99 and be able to move it to one other device (i.e., iPod, AppleTV, iPhone, etc...).

Read the MacRumors article HERE

Tags: Rumors, iTunes, Entertainment, Apple

If you are new to the Mac or just researching buying a Mac, one big question on your mind is SOFTWARE. The story you hear is that there isn't any software for the Mac; and what software there is, just really isn't that good. Well, I'm hear to tell you that if you have hear that awful story, rest assured it is a total lie.

Are their more software titles for Windows? Are there some great software titles for Windows? While both of these questions are answered with "yes," it doesn't hold that there aren't many apps for the Mac. Truth be told, there are many GREAT applications for Mac OS X. Many are only available on the Mac. Many will make you wonder why you didn't switch sooner.

All that being said, the hardest thing about moving to a new platform is knowing what applications you just have to try. Below is a list of software that I consider essential, or at least worth trying. This list, long though it is, doesn't come close to showing the shear volume of software available.

Here is a List of Great Mac OS X Applications: Click Here to Read More...

Tags: Apple, Mac OS, Software

NBC Universal, owners of NBC, CNBC, MSNBC, USA Networks, SciFi Channel and so much more has made a milestone decision; to push Apple towards increasing the cost of TV episodes sold on Apple's iTunes Store. Currently a TV episode costs $1.99; according to news reports the cost would have gone up to $4.99, a $3.00 increase. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that NBC's suggested pricing is beyond stupid. While I am more than willing to plop down $2 to watch a missed TV episode that my DVR didn't record or that I might just be interested in seeing; $5 is just too high. I expected to see TV prices eventually drop a little as the service became more popular, especially when one realizes they aren't HD nor do they have 5.1 sound.

Apparently though NBC didn't see it that way. I guess since they made up about 30% of the content on iTunes they could dictate terms. Apple apparently wasn't willing to listen. Not only have they ended negotiations, but even though their contract with NBC goes until December 31st, 2007 Apple has decided that they will not make any of the 2007 NBC series available on iTunes. Their decision seems like a smart one from their point of view. If they offer the 2007 shows, mid season they would have to pull them all. That would create confusion and some very bad blood for Apple. Click Here to Read More...

Tags: Entertainment, Apple

If you haven't heard about the iPhone yet, then you may have been visiting Siberia or maybe even the Amazon. Apple says that the iPhone will re-invent the mobile phone industry. Cingular is betting that hundreds of thousands of people will want one in the early days of the release, and that with their multi-year exclusive agreement Apple fans will become Cingular fans; or at least Cingular customers. To be honest, in the Apple or more specifically Macintosh community, the iPhone has got to be the hottest topic around; hotter even than Mac OS X 10.5 which was apparently delayed by Apple in favor of throwing more resources at the iPhone.

Check Out The iPhone Ads

Why is it such a hot item? Well, for starters it is a phone based strongly on the hottest selling handheld music & video device ever, the iPod. Apple has sold over 30 million iPods and re-invigorated the music industry, while also creating a huge iPod accessory industry to boot. Just stop and think how many consumer electronic devices have specifically named attachments for most major car companies higher end cars; just one Apple.

Click Here to Read More...

Tags: Apple, iPhone, Mobile Phones

I love the "I'm a Mac, I'm a PC" ads. This is a pretty funny spoof of those commercials. Enjoy!

Tags: Apple, Video, Ads

I found this useful article link on Digg.com. The website is one I hadn't seen before, LowEndMac.com. If you own a Mac with OS X, it is a useful read. Some of it you may know, other information may be new to you.

"Every now and then, my Macs begin to feel a little sluggish. There are many potential reasons why: I tend to run 8-10 applications all the time - and sometimes push 15 or more. This alone will bog down any Mac. At other times, I realize that it's been weeks since I restarted the computer, and a simple restart will solve a lot of these woes. When those don't speed things up, I've found a number of things I can do to encourage my Macs back to their youthful snappiness. Here are a few tips I've found for restoring my Macs to full speed without spending a penny." Check Out the Article

Tags: Apple

In browsing the web today at lunch, I came across this cool little app that is designed for students. It isn't supper complicated but would have been a blessing to me when I was in school. Sure you can use Outlook or several other programs to help keep track of lessons and research, but having it all handy in a specialized application can be a godsend. The application is called Schoolhouse 2 - The Homework Manager for Mac.

The program keeps track of your class notes, class documents (you can attach documents to a topic), class tasks and research projects as well as keep track of grades. I haven't used it but the features it has could be very useful. It is also true "Donation-Ware." Meaning that you use it and if you like it you donate what you feel it is worth.

If you are interested or have a friend or student that is, I think it is worth checking out at: Loganscollins.com/schoolhouse.

Tags: Mac OS, Apple

I didn't partake in the Oscar festivities this year, although I'm sure my mom did, but I did hear a rumor that Apple would release their first commercial for the iPhone. This was one rumor that turned out to be 100% true! The commercial isn't really about anything and you only see the product for a brief moment at the end, but it is very creative and was specifically designed for Oscar night. Check it out and see how many faces you recognize. Which film won Best Picture anyway?

Tags: Apple, Mobile Phones, iPhone

The iPhone, scheduled for release sometime in June, was announced to much fanfare back in January; but even after two hours of a demonstration there were many unanswered questions as well as questions about what Steve Jobs left out of the demonstrations. Apple loves secrets and loves to release some information today and more information tomorrow. The below video analyzes Steve Job's MacWorld 2007 keynote and attempts to read between the lines. Is he correct? We won't know for another few months; although with a teaser commercial expected during the Oscars, we may know more sooner.

Tags: Apple, Mobile Phones, iPhone

Those that know me, know that I've once again become a Mac Head. I love my PowerBook and really do believe that Apple continues to create some of the best hardware and software in the industry today; and is doing a kick butt job with consumer devices as well. Anyway, their much anticipated competitor to Windows Vista is Mac OS 10.5; code name Leopard, is apparently on track to get released in early Spring instead of late Sprint or Early summer. The later time frame has been given by Apple for some time now, but it seems things are going better than anticipated. Click Here to Read More...

Tags: Apple, Mac OS

Last month Steve Jobs unveiled the much rumored and extremely secretive iPhone. What can i say but simply, COOL! I don't want to get stuck in the propaganda or marketing machine; but this phone does do some cool things that no phone has done or at least done well so far.

If you haven't heard about it yet, which means you must have been in the deep rain forest, then you are in for treat. Once you are done reading this entry, head on over to the Apple Website to read more about it and see a few demos. Suffice it to say though, that the iPhone is 1/3 Phone, 1/3 Mobile Internet Device and 1/3 Wide Screen iPod Video. Each of these has been long rumored to be in development at Apple and each has been eagerly awaited; but none probably more than the Wide Screen iPod Video. What's really cool though, is that when you rotate the iPhone the screen rotates; making the best use of the screen. It also means that you can look at your photos in either landscape or portrait positions. Click Here to Read More...

Tags: Apple, Mobile Phones, iPhone

Do you use a Mac? Do you shoot tons of photos? Then you need to take a look at PhotoReviewer. This application has only one real job, digital photo selection. What does that mean? Well, let's say you are on say your honeymoon and taking some 200 photos every day. You know that not all of those photos are keepers, do you really want to import them all into iPhoto? Probably not since iPhoto doesn't really handle choosing which photos you want to keep. It's a perfect shoebox, but not great for getting them into the shoebox with any kind of eye to storage limitations. At 1 to 3 megs per photo when you shoot at 5 megapixles, 200 photos can take up a great deal of space and if you are shooting as you should, there will be photos that you don't want to keep. PhotoReviewer will take care of you, and do so for only $15!

Click Here to Read More...

Tags: Apple, Mac OS, Photos

Have you heard the news.... laptop batteries currently have a bad reputation of, well, catching on fire. Now this isn't "End of the World" type stuff, but if you happen to say have your laptop in say your "lap" catching on fire could be a rather bad thing to happen. Laptops, formally referred to as notebooks, have always had a reputation for being rather warm to actually rest on your lap but catching fire puts a whole new "spark" into the issue. Sorry, just couldn't help myself. Click Here to Read More...

Tags: Apple, PowerBook

In reading Digg I cam across this photo showing a photographers home computer set-up that includes several Macs, one Dell and a slew of flatscreen monitors. Pretty amazing and extreamly expensive set-up.

The "small" monitor in the center is a 23" monitor, while the big boys are 30" monitors. The notebook on the far left is a 12" PowerBook with a 17" PowerBook under neath the 30" on the far left next to the 12" PowerBook. This person is using a Mac Mini as a media streaming device and has a dual G5 hidden away behind that mess of cords. Oh, there is also a P4 Dell for when he apparently just has to go to the darkside.

I look at this set-up and think, people complain about my computer obsession. PLEASE!

Tags: Apple, Digg, PowerBook