All New iMac - Image courtesy of Apple Inc.

Headlining the updates are the new iMacs. Now available in two sizes. A 21.5″ version as well as a massive 27″ model. Both models feature a 16:9 aspect ratio LED-backlit display that gives it stunning images. The new displays also feature a technology called in-plane switching or IPS that makes for great viewing at a wider angle. So even if you’re looking at the screen skewed it’s still manages to give a superb image.

The iMac isn’t just for show. While it’s sleek outside it also gained more muscle. The basic model now sports a 3.06 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processors while the top end models feature quad-core Intel Core i5 or Core i7 “Nehalem” processors.

Another surprising but great thing that Apple did is to do away with the wired keyboard and mouse. Now every iMac comes with a wireless keyboard and the new Magic Mouse (more about the mouse in another article). It’s surprising because those two peripherals aren’t exactly cheap.

All in all the new iMac is a stunning evolution to a great line of computers.

Apple MacBook Unibody - Image courtesy of Apple Inc.

Apple also introduced a completely redesigned MacBook. The Macbook now is clad with a unibody plastic casing that looks similar to the MacBook Pro 13″ only it’s in white plastic. Still it looks really sexy. It’s now only 1.08 inches thin and lighter at 4.7 pounds.

Apple took out the rubber feet found in the old MacBook and replaced the lower surface of the MacBook with a durable non-slip material that ensures that your computer stays put.

Same as the previous MacBook, it only now comes in one variant. A 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo model with 2GB DDR3 RAM. It has a 250GB hard drive and an 8x Super drive. Apple also applied its new battery technology to the MacBook giving it a reported 7 hour batter life.

Mac Mini - Image courtesy of Apple Inc.

Rounding up the computer updates is the new line of Mac Minis. Apple is touting it as a “Mightier Mini” with processors running of up to 2.53Ghz and RAM now upgradeable to 4GB it’s certainly a more powerful machine. It’s also still very energy efficient.

Apple added another variant to the Mini. Now there’s a Mac Mini Snow Leopard Server. It’s basically a Mac Mini without the optical drive and now packed with twin hard drives. It also comes with the Snow Leopard Server software that makes it easy for small groups/businesses to run a server in-house. Apple says it’s amazingly easy to setup and manage.

For more information regarding Apple’s new line of Mac computers. It’s best to checkout the links below.

iMac Page
MacBook Page
Mac Mini Page

Apple iMac Press release
Apple MacBook Press release

Post from: EveryJoe

All New iMacs, MacBooks and Mac Minis

The biggest news is the Magic Mouse. Apple has always struggled when it comes to making a really useful mouse, but initial impressions of this one is that it could be the winner Mac users have been waiting for. It uses the patented multi-touch technology Apple has used to great success on the iPhone and last-generation MacBooks.

The device has a low-profile top shell that’s all one piece — no buttons or scroll wheels in sight. Instead, all of those functions and more are done using gestures on the touch-sensitive shell. Like old Mac mice, the entire Magic Mouse is one big button, though PC-style right-clicking is made easier now by simply clicking the top right corner of the shell. To scroll up, down, side to side, or even in circles, just brush your Magic Mouse in the direction you want to scroll. A two-finger swipe function allows you to easily browse iPhoto pics or go back or forward in your web browser.

The Magic Mouse comes standard on all new iMacs (see below) but can be added to any Bluetooth-friendly Mac desktop for $69.

Another big — but expected — announcement was the upgraded white plastic MacBook. Though the price hasn’t changed from the standard $999, Apple boasts that it’s been completely redesigned. The sleek “unibody” design that Apple has successfully used to minimize the thickness of the aluminum MacBook Air and MacBook Pro has finally made it to the plastic MacBook, as has the glass multitouch trackpad. Apple claims that the new MacBook runs more energy-efficient than its predecessor, lasting up to seven hours on a single charge. The laptop also has a brighter, more brilliant screen, thanks to its 13″ LED display. You can expect all of the usual upgrades in power and storage space as well, along with a greener, more environmentally friendly profile.

The iMac got a small overhaul, going up in display size to 21.5″ and 27″ LEDs. The 21.5″ has a 1920×1080 pixel resolution, but the 27″ displays at a mind-boggling 2560×1440 pixels, which is well beyond HD standards. Included standard are a wireless keyboard and the new Magic Mouse. Storage is now available up to 2 terabytes, memory goes up to 16GB, and for the first time ever, the iMac has an SD card slot nestled right beside the DVD-ROM drive. There are several other little aesthetic enhancements, but most of them are the kind of thing that improve the experience without drawing attention to themselves.

Not a bad showing, but the biggest takeaway here might be that neither the MacBook nor the iMac got two long-awaited features: Blu-ray drives and touchscreens.

Last but not least, the Mac Mini got a boost in power and environmental factors, jumping up 200% in memory over the last generation. You get a GeForce 9400M graphics processor, and built-in WiFi. And for the first time, your Mac Mini can function as a server, with Snow Leopard Server in the mix, and the option to expand the device’s memory up to a full terabyte.

Images: Apple Inc.

Post from: EveryJoe

Apple unveils Magic Mouse, new MacBooks

[image courtesy of Apple Inc.]

Apple announced the update of the iMac, it’s all-in-one desktop. Apple is offering more iMac for less money. The 24″ model now starts at just $1499. According to the press release.

The elegant, full-featured iMac line starts with the 20-inch iMac for only $1,199 with a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 memory, a 320GB Serial ATA hard drive and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics. The 24-inch iMac features a beautiful 1920-by-1200 pixel widescreen display that offers 30 percent more screen real estate than the 20-inch model, and starts at just $1,499. The 24-inch iMac includes up to a 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 memory, a 640GB or 1TB Serial ATA hard drive, and a variety of graphics technology from NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics to the NVIDIA GeForce GT 130 or ATI Radeon HD 4850 discrete graphics for ultimate performance.

There are 4 standard models available for the iMac.

The new 20-inch 2.66 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,199 (US), includes:

* 20-inch widescreen LCD display;
* 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6MB shared L2 cache;
* 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 8GB;
* NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
* 320GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
* Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* four USB 2.0 ports;
* one FireWire 800 port;
* built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
* the Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse.

The new 24-inch 2.66 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes:

* 24-inch widescreen LCD display;
* 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6MB shared L2 cache;
* 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 8GB;
* NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
* 640GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
* Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* four USB 2.0 ports;
* one FireWire 800 port;
* built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
* the Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse.

The new 24-inch 2.93 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,799 (US), includes:

* 24-inch widescreen LCD display;
* 2.93 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6MB shared L2 cache;
* 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 8GB;
* NVIDIA GeForce GT 120; with 256MB GDDR3 SDRAM memory;
* 640GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
* Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* four USB 2.0 ports;
* one FireWire 800 port;
* built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
* the Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse.

The new 24-inch 3.06 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $2,199 (US), includes:

* 24-inch widescreen LCD display;
* 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6MB shared L2 cache;
* 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 8GB;
* NVIDIA GeForce GT 130; with 512MB GDDR3 memory;
* 1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
* Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* four USB 2.0 ports;
* one FireWire 800 port;
* built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
* the Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse.

Read the full press release here.

Post from: EveryJoe

Apple Updates the iMac: More for Less

According to Kaufan Bros. analyst Shaw Wu, Quad-core iMacs are a likely upgrade. Apart from this, dual-core processors will also be used to create a better tier for the iMac line.

Quoting the AppleInsider article

In his note to clients today, Wu now claims to be hearing from his sources “that both types of processors will likely be used,” which would “makes sense as this helps Apple create better tiers within the iMac family, utilizing quad-core for the high-end, and dual-core for mid-range and low-end.”

iMac stocks have started to dwindle and Apple has in fact advised it’s retail partners of the potential shortage of iMacs in the coming weeks. This usually signals a refresh in the lineup. As Apple is just trying to dispose of existing inventory to make way for the new ones to come in.

I’m looking forward to more powerful iMacs. Bring ‘em on!

Post from: EveryJoe

Quad-core iMacs In The Horizon?

However Macworld is still Macworld. This is also Apple’s last participation in the expo and thus I hope that Apple goes out with a bang. Here are some news bits regarding Macworld.

Rumor: 17″ inch Unibody MacBook Pro to be unveiled – 9to5mac.com reports that the 17″ Unibody MacBook Pro is set to make its debut during MacWorld. It will also sport a non-removable batter.

Rumor: Mac Mini to get dual display support – AppleInsider reports that the Mac Mini will get dual display support. It’s also set to debut during MacWorld along with an iMac update.

Apple Co-founder Steve Wozniak to appear at Macworld – The other Steve will make an appearance at Macworld. He will be on hand at the unveiling of the latest products of Axiotron, the makers of the Modbook.

If you’re attending the expo please be sure to check out the Macworld Expo Digital Art Gallery. It’s back after a 2 year vacation. Selected digital artists will get the chance to showcase their work for all the world to see. The exhibit will be featured in the hallway between the two halls. Go check it out.

Post from: EveryJoe

Macworld Won’t Be As Exciting As Last Year?

When this happens it really sucks. Most components of your portable are quite expensive if you but it from Apple. So it’s really not a joking matter.

First thing to do is bring it to an Apple Certified Service Provider. If you have an Apple Store near you then better, bring it there. Have your machine diagnosed, unless it’s glaringly obvious what the problem is. A cracked LCD is quite obvious. Still it would be good for you to bring it. Have the whole unit looked at and get a part estimate. This is good for several things. One you can gauge how much Apple will charge for it. If you can afford it and think it’s reasonable then that’s good. If not at least you know what part to look for.

You can check eBay for parts. A lot of people are selling spare parts via eBay. You might be able to get a good deal there. Mac User forums are also a good place to look. Sometimes people post parts for sale. It’s true in the Mac User Group I belong to.

Then there are the web sites that sell parts for your Macs. Sites such as All Mac and iFixit. These are good places to find spare parts for your Mac.

When all else fails or you’re just too lazy to have your Mac fixed, you can try to sell it for parts and go buy yourself a new one. This time remember not to let the warranty lapse and go get yourself the extended warranty.

Post from: EveryJoe

What Do You Do When Your Mac Breaks Down and Warranty Has Lapsed

It’s not only the numbers that show it. Even in everyday life you see the Mac gaining popularity. I’ve been seeing more and more glowing Apple logos in coffee shops, schools and offices here in Manila. Sales of Macs are up as evidenced by more and more stores selling Apple stuff.

The strength of Mac OS X coupled with the blunder that is Vista is making people really think about getting Macs.

Check out the full story here.

Post from: EveryJoe

Mac Sales Sky Rocketing

Apple just updated its iMac line of computers. The base configuration of the updated iMac sports a 2.4ghz Core 2 Duo processor, 6MB shared L2 cache and a 1066MHz front side bus.

Processors up to 3.06Ghz and an NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS with 512MB GDDR3 Memory are upgrades available to the 24″ model.

There are some component upgrades mostly to the processor and video card aspect but most of the iMac stays the same. There’s no radical difference to it. So owners of the previous gen iMac shouldn’t fret. If you’re not a power user your machine will still do fine.

Read Apple’s press release here. The tech specs of the iMac is here.

[Image courtesy of Apple Web site]

Post from: EveryJoe

iMac: More Power, Better Graphics

Sometimes life can be cruel. I woke up this morning to find out from my brother that our iMac developed a line 1 pixel wide on the right side of its LCD. Apparently we’re not alone.

Apparently people have been experiencing this with their iMac 17″ models both the G5 and the Intel versions. Some PowerBook users have also reported similar incidents. Reports have said that the problem has been traced to a factory in China.

The problem appear to affect the iMacs built in this factory. The serial numbers are quite similar. Here’s the details of our iMac, I’ll just edit the last few numbers of the serial for security’s sake.

Serial number: W863*******
Name: iMac Intel (core duo)
Model: Mxxxx iMac Intel (core 2 duo) 2.0GHz
Bus speed: 667MHz
Screen size: 17 inch
Factory: W8 (Shanghai China)

Model introduced: 2006
Production year: 2006
Production week: 35 (September)
Production number: 5192 (within this week)

These incidents have been documented. There’s an article at MacNN and a thread at the Apple support site as well as numerous other pages on the web. It’s also being discussed at our local Mac community.

I’m really bothered by this. Apart from the fact that our iMac is not under AppleCare, it’s worrisome that this happened to a machine that’s on its second year. I know that technology gets obsolete but not in this short time. Obsolete does not mean defective though. A gadget can be obsolete but still in good working condition.

Apple’s quality control has really been going down or maybe they’re just cutting costs so much that it’s coming out with inferior products. I expect at least 3 years of service out of my gadgets.

Now it seems that I’m forced to buy AppleCare because I am expecting my machines to fail within that time frame. That’s just not right…

Have you guys had any problems like this?

Post from: EveryJoe

The Dastardly Line On The iMac LCD

Macs are gaining market share and it has nowhere else to go but up. Macs actually represented the strongest revenue stream for Apple ahead of iPod and iPhone sales.

These facts aren’t just imaginary. I’m experiencing it first hand. I know 8 people who bought new Macs this month alone. Some of them are already Mac users and there are also new Mac users. That’s 8 people I know personally or family members of people I know. That’s saying a lot.

As time goes by more and more people are drawn to Macs because of the simplicity of OS X. It’s just easier for most people to use. Plus the cost of ownership is indeed going down.

I don’t see this as slowing down anytime soon. For the rest of the year I see that more and more people will be switching to the Mac.

Read the complete earnings press release here.

Post from: EveryJoe

Mac Sales Up