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 updated today it’s entry level consumer desktop model, the Mac Mini. It’s touting it as a faster, greener machine than it’s predecessors. Quoting from the Apple PR release.

Starting at $599, the Mac mini is an innovative, tiny desktop measuring only 6.5 by 6.5 by 2-inches. Available in two models, Mac mini features a 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, up to 320GB Serial ATA hard drive, five USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800 and a SuperDrive®. The Mac mini features NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics for up to five times better graphics performance than before* and now with dual display support can drive two Apple or third-party displays with Mini DisplayPort or DVI connections. Using less than 13 watts of power at idle, up to 10 times less power than a typical desktop PC, the new Mac mini is the most energy efficient desktop in the world.**

Apple is offering two standard models for the Mac Mini.

The new 2.0 GHz Mac mini, for a suggested retail price of $599 (US), includes:

* 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
* 1GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable up to 4GB;
* NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
* 120GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
* Mini DisplayPort and mini-DVI for video output (adapters sold separately);
* built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 BASE-T);
* five USB 2.0 ports;
* one FireWire 800 port; and
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog.

The new 2.0 GHz Mac mini, for a suggested retail price of $799 (US), includes:

* 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
* 2GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable up to 4GB;
* NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
* 320GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
* Mini DisplayPort and mini-DVI for video output (adapters sold separately);
* built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 BASE-T);
* five USB 2.0 ports;
* one FireWire 800 port; and
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog.

As with its other computers, BTO options are available.

Read the complete press release here.

Post from: EveryJoe

Apple Updates Mac Mini: Little Green Machine

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?

With this news, are you going to miss the Mac Mini?

Currently the Mac Mini is the most affordable Mac. The entry price for a Mac Mini is $599 and that will buy you a 1.83 Ghz Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB RAM and an 80GB HD. Quite expensive in my opinion.

The Mac Mini while it is the cheapest Mac it’s a bit over priced for what you’re getting, yet it’s still quite appealing to some. It’s the form factor that’s winning hearts all over. It’s compact and stylish. It also gives you the option to use different peripherals.

A lot of people are using it as cheap servers or media centers.

As much as I know it’s a bit over priced for the specs you’re getting the I’d still hate to see the Mac Mini go. It serves a particular need. It gives people a cheaper way to enter the world of Mac.

Instead of laying it to rest, I’d really like Apple to just give it a spec bump or introduce a whole new Mac Mini altogether.

What say you?

Post from: EveryJoe

Will You Miss The Mini?

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

However according to what I’ve read so far, It’s not that simple. For one thing, it’s not that easy to install OS X on it. MacWorld actually paid $155 dollars to have OS X installed. So you’ll have to add that to your cost of ownership. Plus in the event that you need to reformat your computer, you’ll either have to ship it back or pray that you’re technically gifted and be able to install it yourself.

Software updates is another problem. Apparently the OS X version that Psystar ships the Open Computer with can’t use the Apple Software Update Utility. You need to go to Psystar’s web site in order to download the updates and install it yourself.

All-in-all here’s the breakdown of what MacWorld spent for their Open Computer.

System – $399
FireWire Card – $50
Graphics Card – $100 (optional)
OS Installation – $155

Total Cost of their Machine is $714.99 ($751.47 w/ shipping)

Machine Specs
2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
2GB of 667MHz RAM
250GB Hard Drive

It’s a decent machine. You can opt not to get the Graphics card and just rely on the built-in graphics chip. That will be $100 less.

Now let’s compare that to a Mac Mini.

Machine Specs
2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1GB memory
120GB hard drive

Cost $799

Now the Mac Mini has pales in comparison to the Open Computer specs wise. At about twice the price you get 1/2 of the specs. That might seem bad but then again there’s the intangible things that are good with the Mac Mini.

One, it comes with everything pre-installed already. OS X plus iLife 08 is included that’s additional value right there. You won’t have trouble with software updates since the Apple Software Update Utility works flawlessly with it.

The Mac Mini is also small and takes up less space.

Of course there are pluses to the Open Computer. It has better specs, you can upgrade it easier. However it’s not as elegantly put together as the Mini and you’ll probably need a lot more technical knowledge to maintain this computer over the course of its life.

Personally I’m still not sure whether a clone is the way to go. I love Apple products because it works and it makes it easier for the consumer. I think this is the way to go for most people. So until Apple officially supports clones, it’s going to be a very tricky thing maintaining one.

Post from: EveryJoe

MacWorld Tests Psystar’s Open Computer

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

The Apple Blog has an interesting post chronicling the creative uses for the Mac Mini. Given the Mac Mini’s small foot print, I’m not surprised that a lot of people have thought of creative uses for this Mini wonder.

Personally if I had a Mac Mini, I’d probably use it as the center for my home theater. I mean it’s a full blown Mac and yet small enough to fit perfectly in your living room without being obtrusive.

Check out the article here. If you have any creative uses for the Mac Mini, do share it with us also.

Post from: EveryJoe

Creative Uses For The Mac Mini

The Hang With Mi for Mac Mini is a great accessory. For those neat freaks that want their desk clean and uncluttered yo can use the Hang and mount your Mini under your desk. It’s a great way to still have access to it but keeping it tucked away. It’s also great for entertainment centers.

Here are some of the features

• Sturdy design.
• Installation template for easy mounting under desk or entertainment center.
• Front access 4-port USB2.0 hub.
• Compact power adapter that won’t take up more than 1 precious outlet.
• Power coat in aluminum color to match Mac Mini.
• Optional: Power Grip Bracket available.

For the complete details view it here.

Post from: EveryJoe

Hang Your Mac Mini