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1

Tech / iPad 2 announced

« on: March 02, 2011, 03:38:14 PM »

Apple introduced iPad 2 today. iPad 2 features an entirely new design that is 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter than the original iPad, while maintaining the same stunning 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen. iPad 2 features Apple’s new dual-core A5 processor for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics and now includes two cameras, a front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime® and Photo Booth®, and a rear-facing camera that captures 720p HD video. Though it is thinner, lighter, faster and packed with new features, iPad 2 still delivers up to 10 hours of battery life that users have come to expect. iPad 2 is available in black or white. Apple also introduces the innovative iPad 2 Smart Cover in a range of vibrant polyurethane and rich leather colours.



iPad 2 will come with iOS 4.3, with new features including faster Safari mobile browsing performance; iTunes Home Sharing; enhancements to AirPlay.

Now, here's the bits we hate about Americans: The lucky Americans will be able to get their iPad 2 on 11th March, 2 weeks ahead of rest of the world (a handful selections of 2nd tier countries, rather).

iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available on 11th March for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) for the 16GB model, $599 (US) for the 32GB model, $699 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G will be available for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G compatible with the Verizon network will be available in the US only for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model.

Outside USA, iPad 2 will be available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK on 25th March 2011. No price information for iPad 2 outside USA yet.

2

2009 / Yojimbo 2.0 released

« on: September 04, 2009, 11:07:00 AM »

Yojimbo is a great information organiser, it allows people to put all bits and pieces of information into it, and secure it. Bare Bones released Yojimbo 2.0 with new Tag Explorer, improved Quick Input Panel, PDF Workflow (“Print to Yojimbo”), Drop Dock, and new combined Tag and Label editor and more.

Yojimbo 2.0 requires Mac OS X 10.5.7 or later. And because of this many codes on workarounds and compatibility for older OS have been removed.

Upgrading to Yojimbo 2.0 only costs $20. If you are a Yojimbo 1.x user, you can upgrade to Yojimbo 2.0 for free if you purchased your license of Yojimbo 1.x on or after 1 January 2009.

If you choose not to upgrade to Yojimbo 2.0, Bare Bones also released Yojimbo 1.5.2, a free update to all current Yojimbo 1.x users.

QUOTE

version   1.5.2 (72)   (9/1/2009)
Worked around case where a Sync Services exception thrown at startup would cause problems launching the application.
Workaround for Core Data row cache bug which could cause data loss in some situations.
Fixed a bug where pulling an encrypted image during a sync would cause the sync to fail.
Addresses internal problem which would sometimes keep subsystems (e.g. hot keys, metadata coordinator) from being properly set up at launch.
Miscellaneous changes to improve reliability of sync data with MobileMe

Yojimbo works best with MobileMe service. MacCentre701 provides Yojimbo Backup ‘QuickPick’ (free) for all Yojimbo users to back up Yojimbo database.

For more information about this new release, please see Yojimbo 2.0 Release Notes.

Price:
Shareware available for 30 days.
single user US$39 (multiple machines)
family pack US$69 (up to 5 members, multiple machines)
educational US$29

Yojimbo (official home page)

3

2008 / Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac released

« on: November 13, 2008, 09:30:14 AM »

Parallels, Inc. has released Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac. Easy, fast and powerful Windows on Mac computing has got significantly better.

Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac has the following new features:

• modality view mode
• smart connect
• smart mount
• up to 50% performance enhancement and support for 8-way SMP, 8GB RAM and 64-bit OSes.
• Adaptive Hypervisor
• 3D graphics (accelerate Windows games and 3D graphics with support for DirectX 9 and OpenGL 2.0)
• Power Save (offers Mac user up to 20% longer battery life)
• Bonus software ($175 value in bonus software)

You can save $5 on Parallels Desktop for Mac by simply using this discount link.

Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac is priced at US$79.99. Until 30th November 2008, all current Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac users are entitle to upgrade to 4.0 for a special price at US$39.99. (regular price for upgrading from 3.0 to 4.0 is $49.99) If you purchased Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac after September 1st, 2008, you are entitle for a free upgrades to Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac.

discount link: Buy Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac with $5 discount

(disclaimer: I receive financial benefits from the discount link above, if the purchase is made from the link.)

4

2008 / iPhone 2.0.1 Software Update for iPhone and iPod touch

« on: August 05, 2008, 05:49:25 AM »

Apple has released Software 2.0.1 for iPhone and iPod touch.

The only change Apple mentioned is “bug fixes" without any further detail.

The Software 2.0.1 for iPhone and Software 2.0.1 for iPod touch updates are free to Software 2.0 users and are available from iTunes.

The iPod Software Update:

iPod Software Update (2.0.1 for iPod touch) is about 246.7MB download. iPhone Software 2.0.1 is about 249.2MB download (on an iPhone 3G).

iPhone Software 2.0 for iPhone and iPod touch was released on 11 July, and was included in iPhone 3G, and free upgrade for (first generation) iPhone owners. A $9.95 for iPod touch users who purchased iPod touch before 11th July 2008. iPhone 2.0 Software Update gives iPod touch owners the access to the App Store

(I recommend getting invisibleSHIELD for your iPhone 3G, iPhone, iPod touch and all your gadgets to prevent ugly scratches.)

5

2008 / Apple Retail Store, Sydney

« on: June 12, 2008, 10:08:04 PM »

Apple has announced the grand opening of Apple Store, Sydney, the first Apple Retail Store in Australia and also the first one in the southern hemisphere on 19th June at 5.00 pm.

The first 2,500 customers will get a free limited-edition T-shirt.

Apple Store is located on the corner of George and King Streets in Sydney CBD.



link: Apple Store - Sydney - Grand Opening

Anyone coming to Sydney for the Apple Store grand opening? Or even coming to camp outside?

6

2008 / Picturesque 2.0: adds style to your photo just a few clicks

« on: May 18, 2008, 05:11:08 AM »

I can't remember if I mentioned Picturesque here before, it is a perfect image effect tool that adds modern effects to the images without Photoshop (or Photoshop skills). Picturesque 2.0 adds a number of new features and improvements to Picturesque 1.0.x, the most noticeable ones are the 3D perspective effect as seen in Apple.com, and improved batch options.

Picturesque allows you to beautify the images you have with only a few clicks. Your pictures/image will look gorgeous for web, and very Apple style.

Totally rewritten for Leopard, using Core Animation to power the graphics engine.
• New "all-in-one" interface with popup inspector bubbles.
• New "3D perspective" effect, seen in CoverFlow, Apple.com & iChat AV, etc.
• New presets feature lets you save and manage styles.
• Added innovative cropping feature.
• New thumbnail view makes it easier to work with multiple images.
• Much improved batch resizing options now appear in the save window.
• Can now stroke outside, inside or centered.
• New icon dynamically displays your current image in dock.
• Edit numbers more precisely now by clicking on them and typing.
• Image now displays at maximum size possible.
• Vastly improved performance in importing large amounts of images.
• Added media browser.
• Many other additions and changes.

Picturesque 2.0 is priced at US$34.95. You can save 25% off RRP with our coupon code “<tt>applewoods</tt>”. (Coupon code expires on 31st May 2008.) Picturesque 2.0 is not a free upgrade for 1.x users. The upgrade is US$12.95.

Picturesque won Apple Design Award 2007 in the Student Category.

7

2008 / AirPort Express (with AirTunes) is now 802.11n

« on: March 17, 2008, 10:05:19 AM »

Apple has just updated its AirPort Express, a wireless base station featuring music sharing to home Hi Fi systems (AirTunes) and USB printing, is now in 802.11n wireless networking, joining AirPort Extreme Base Station and Time Capsule.

AirPort Extreme can connect up to 10 users in 802.11n draft 2.0 wireless environment, and its USB port allows wireless printing, and streaming music.


AirPort Express features a single-piece, compact design weighing just 188 grams (6.7 ounces), providing maximum portability. AirPort Express offers both PC and Mac users the ability to share a single DSL or cable broadband connection with up to 10 simultaneous users. Users can also share a printer wirelessly that is connected to the USB port. Apple’s AirPort Utility software provides easy step-by-step instructions for setting up and configuring AirPort Express; and with its advanced security features, AirPort Express safeguards data on networked computers with support for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2), 128-bit WEP encryption and a built-in firewall. Apple now includes 802.11n as standard in its entire line of AirPort base stations and Mac notebooks as well as iMac, Apple TV and Time Capsule.

AirPort Express includes a built-in combination digital and analog audio connector allowing users to connect to a home stereo or powered speakers. iTunes automatically detects remote speakers and displays them in a simple pop-up list for the user to select.

Apple first introduced AirPort Express with AirTunes in June 2004. The updated AirPort Express is available immediately for US$99. If you have trouble choose a wireless base station, Apple has a guide for you.

All Apple wireless base stations work with both PC and Mac.

8

2008 / Aperture 2 released

« on: February 12, 2008, 08:30:04 AM »

Apple has released Aperture 2, the next major release of its groundbreaking photo editing and management software with over 100 new features.

Aperture 2 also introduces new imaging tools for highlight recovery, color vibrancy, local contrast definition, soft-edged retouching, vignetting and RAW fine-tuning, and lets users directly post their portfolios on the .Mac Web Gallery for viewing on the web, iPhone, iPod touch and Apple TV.



Major new features of Aperture 2 includes optimised for speed, intuitive and accessible, powerful image processing, and superior integration.

Like Aperture 1.5, Apple is offering Aperture 2 30 day free trial.

Aperture 2 requires any Mac with Intel processor, or iMac with 1.8GHz or faster PowerPC G5, Power Mac G5, or 15-inch or 17-inch PowerBook G4 with 1.25GHz or faster PowerPC G4 processor. 1GB of RAM is minimum except for Mac Pro which requires 2GB. Aperture 2 runs on Mac OS X 10.4.11 or 10.5.2 or later. Aperture 2 is available at a new low price - US$199 or just US$99 for upgrade.

Apple first introduced Aperture in October 2005 with a price tag of US$499, and released Aperture 1.5 as free update in September 2006 (then US$299). The last version Aperture 1.5.6 was released on 26 October 2007, addressing Mac OS X Leopard compatibility issue.  

For more information about Aperture 2, please visit Apeture 2 website.

9

2007 / BootCamp vs VMware Fusion vs Parallels Desktop vs CrossOver

« on: August 19, 2007, 12:56:01 AM »

Cnet Labs (Crave) published benchmark result of Windows performance on the Mac. They tested Apple's own Boot Camp (public beta), VMware Fusion 1.0, Parallels Desktop 3.0 and CrossOver Mac 6.0 which based on open-source API, Wine.

Without a doubt, boot into Windows directly (via Boot Camp) gives the best performance.

Between VMware Fusion and Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion supports multi-core, hence higher performance, however, Quake 4 only runs on Parallels Desktop.

More detail at http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9760910-1.html

10

2007 / Camino 1.5.1 released

« on: August 18, 2007, 04:38:57 AM »

The Camino Project has released version 1.5.1 of Camino web browser. The release is a security maintenance release. Camino 1.5.1 is based on Mozilla Gecko engine v. 1.8.1.6 which includes several critical security and stability fixes.

QUOTE

Camino 1.5.1 contains the following improvements over version 1.5:

• Upgraded to version 1.8.1.6 of the Mozilla Gecko rendering engine, which includes several critical security and stability fixes.
• When changing Chinese, Japanese, or Korean font preferences, using the “Advanced” sheet will now set the font correctly.
• Camino will no longer crash when right-clicking in certain web page menus.
• Alerts and prompts that appear while Camino is hidden will now display properly when Camino is made visible again.
• Spelling items in contextual menus will be displayed in the correct language in localized versions of Camino.
• Camino will no longer auto-fill passwords in disabled form fields.
• Improved ad-blocking.

Screenshot of Camino 1.5.1:


Camino 1.5.1 can be downloaded from this page.

11

2007 / Paintbrush 1.0, Mac version of MS Paint

« on: August 18, 2007, 01:31:26 AM »

If you recently switched from Windows, you might want to know where is the equivalent program to Microsoft Paint.

Paintbrush can open and save to most major image formats, including BMP, PNG, JPEG, and GIF. It is not intended to replace Photoshop or other high-end image editors. It is design to provide some very basic drawing needs.

This is a screenshot of Microsoft Paint.


This is a screenshot of Paintbrush.


New features in this version include:

• Saves as PNG by default instead of BMP
• Holding shift while using shape tool results in perfect square/circle/lines
• Undo/redo works with cut and paste
• Keyboard shortcuts for zoom in/out/actual added

Paintbrush is released under GUN license, and it is free. You can download Paintbrush from Source Forge.

12

2007 / Virtual PC 7.0.3 released

« on: August 16, 2007, 08:48:28 PM »

Although Virtual PC does not run on all current shipping Macs, it is not dead yet. Microsoft has updated Virtual PC 7.0.3 with a fix for security-related issues. (News from The Mac Observer)

QUOTE

This update fixes a vulnerability that an attacker can use to overwrite the contents of your computer's memory with malicious code.

Virtual PC for Mac 7.0.3 Update can be downloaded from Microsoft website.

Microsoft released Virtual PC 7 in October 2004 with support for Power Mac G5. Fourteen months after Apple announced the transition plan to use Intel chips (June 2005), Microsoft decided not to  make Virtual PC in Universal Binary in August 2006.

13

2007 / Boot Camp 1.4 released

« on: August 08, 2007, 10:34:29 PM »

Apple has updated Boot Camp to version 1.4 beta. Significant bug fixes have been made to the following technologies in this release: Boot Camp control panel, Keyboard support, Windows drivers, Localisation, and Support for the latest Mac models.

Boot Camp is Apple's solution for installing and running Windows on Mac, allowing owners of Intel-based Macs to install and boot Windows XP alongside Mac OS X. Unlike virtualisation solutions (e.g. Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion), Apple's solution requires users to reboot machines to switch from one operating system to another.

Boot Camp was originally released on 5th April 2006, and the final version is expected in Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard" later in 2007.

QUOTE

Boot Camp 1.4 beta includes:

• Support for keyboard backlighting (MacBook Pro only)
• Apple Remote pairing
• Updated graphics drivers
• Improved Boot Camp driver installer
• Improved international keyboard support
• Localization fixes
• Updated Windows Help for Boot Camp

(it seems to be same as [sdt=13473]Boot Camp 1.3 beta[/sdt])

Installation of Vista requires a full version of Vista, not an upgrade: Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate and at least Mac OS X 10.4.6.

Also, if you have previous Boot Camp installed, you don't need re-partition Windows.

QUOTE

Updating to Boot Camp 1.4 beta
If you previously installed Boot Camp beta, you can easily update to Boot Camp 1.4 beta. You don't need to partition your hard drive again (unless you want to change its size) or reinstall your Macintosh and Windows software or documents, but it's very important to update the Boot Camp Assistant software, create a new Mac Drivers CD and install the updated software it contains onto Windows. Complete instructions are provided in the Installation and Setup Guide included with the Boot Camp 1.4 beta software.

Boot Camp 1.4 beta requires Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later, the latet EFI Boot ROM and SMC firmware updates, at least 10GB free hard disk space, and of course, an Intel-based Mac.

Supported Windows versions are:

QUOTE

A bona fide full, 32-bit, single-disc version of Microsoft Windows: Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2, Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2, Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, or Windows Vista Ultimate.

For more information about Boot Camp, please visit Boot Camp (Apple Boot Camp page).

Boot Camp 1.4 beta is 347MB download. It is free.

14

2007 / AirPort Extreme Base Station gets Gigabit Ethernet support

« on: August 08, 2007, 03:42:39 AM »

Apple Extreme Base Station gets a minor update as well. Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbit/s) is now supported in one WAN port and three LAN ports. Apple first announced the 802.11n support in AirPort Extreme Base Station (with only Fast Ethernet support, 100Mbit/s) during MWSF07 in January 2007.

More detail at AirPort Extreme Base Station.

15

2007 / new Mac mini features Core 2 Duo

« on: August 08, 2007, 02:56:50 AM »

The most affordable way to Intel Core 2 Duo, iLife ’08, and Front Row starts at $599 (US).

Besides the release of new iMac, Apple also upgrades Mac mini with Intel Core 2 Duo processor.



Apple first released Mac mini in Jaunary 2005 with 1.25 GHz or 1.42 GHz G4 processor. The Mac mini was last updated in September 2006 which sped up to 1.66 GHz and 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor.

The new Mac mini features 1.83 GHz or 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2MB or 4MB on-chip L2 cache, 667 MHz frontside bus, and standard 1GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) supports up to 2GB. Intel GMA 950 graphic (64MB shared with main RAM). 80GB or 120GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA (optional 160GB), Combo drive or SuperDrive with double-layer support. Built-in Gigabit ethernet, AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth 2.0. Mac mini comes with Mac OS X v10.4 "Tiger", iLife '08 and Front Row.



The order numbers are MB138LL/A for 1.83GHz Mac mini and MB139LL/A for 2.0GHz Mac mini.

The entire Apple's offerings are now 64-bit capable (Core 2 Duo or Xeon). For more detail, please visit Apple Mac mini.