MacMynd

Hexacore Xeon-based Mac Pro coming soon

2010-02-04T00:04:28Z

Hardmac is predicting that the new Mac Pro will arrive around March 16th. At first it will be available only with the Intel Xeon Core i7-980X and be clocked at 3.33GHz and reach 3.6GHz with TurboBoost. I for one can’t wait for the new machines, since right now the iMac’s are kicking Mac Pro butt in most tests.

Top 10 read stories on CEA from the last 30 days

2010-01-28T19:45:47Z

The Consumer Electronic Association’s most clicked links.

1) Apple’s tablet: What will the device mean for app developers?
With Apple set to finally draw back the curtains from its tablet device Wednesday, the device is expected to bring a new dimension to portable applications by providing developers with a larger screen to unleash their creativity. “The larger screen really plays to the imagination and clearly gives app developers a new kind of canvas,” said Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster. New York Times, The (01/24) Network World (01/22) Reuters (01/22)

2) Cable choice proven to be more important than expected
Cable choice can have a real effect on a home-theater system, according to the author, who set up a test jig to prove this surprising point. “I would have never believed that short cables less than 3 meters can make or break the job, but by being able to change video signal integrity with our test jig, we got a true handle on how these systems respond to different cables and receivers as separate elements of the total system,” he wrote. CEPro.com (01/21)

3) DisplaySearch: Sales of 3-D and Web-enabled TVs to skyrocket
Shipments of television sets that are 3-D-ready will escalate dramatically, from 1.2 million units this year to 64 million in 2018, according to new figures released by DisplaySearch. The research company also is predicting big things for Web-enabled TVs: sales will hit 70 million units by 2012, a significant boost from the 15 million sold last year. CEPro.com (01/20) Dealerscope (01/20)

4) Sharp attempts revolutionary rethink on TV color
Sharp in March will begin rolling out new TVs under its Aquos brand that attempt to alter the way people have viewed TV color for decades by adding a fourth color to the long-held red-blue-green model. By adding yellow, the company says, the sets will be able to display more than a trillion colors, including some that are difficult to show on LCD TVs. Wall Street Journal, The (01/27)

5) Sources: Apple will look for iPod-like success with tablet device
Apple’s anticipated tablet device will offer users access to TV, magazine and textbook content in a way that is similar to how the company’s iPod device transformed how people listen to music, according to sources quoted in this report. The tablet is expected to be representative of chief Steve Jobs’ philosophy of packaging and distributing high-quality content as opposed to user-generated fare, this report claims. Wall Street Journal, The (01/21)

6) HDMI Cables: What’s the difference and what do they do for me?
HDMI stands for high-definition multimedia interface. It transfers audio, video and control commands over a single cable, giving you a high-definition connection. HDMI connects it all from TV screens to cable and satellite boxes, game consoles, PCs, audio/video receivers, DVD players, projectors, monitors and camcorders. Each new version of HDMI seeks to bring clearer pictures, sharper images, brighter colors, faster refresh rates and the highest audio performance possible. Learn more about your HDMI cables on DigitalTips.org.

7) Apple shines in Q1 on iPhone, Mac sales
Apple’s fiscal first-quarter results wowed analysts as the company reported a 32% gain in revenue and 50% in profit from a year earlier as iPhone shipments more than doubled and Mac computer sales increased 33%. Executives cited gains in Europe and emerging markets as key factors in selling 8.7 million iPhones during the quarter. “What this demonstrates is the strength of Apple’s brand in good and bad times,” said Bill Kreher, an analyst with Edward Jones. Sales of iPods declined 8% while iPod Touch shipments jumped 55%. The company said little about tomorrow’s expected debut of its tablet. Wall Street Journal, The (01/25) PC World (01/25) ClipSyndicate (01/25) Computerworld (01/25) Wall Street Journal, The (01/25)

8) LG’s CRT TV mixes old-school charm with advanced technology
PC World (01/25)

9) Apple working on touch screens that don’t need to be touched
Electronista (01/26)

10) Oppo debuts a scaled-down, less-expensive Blu-ray player
Oppo has debuted the BDP-80 Blu-ray player, a scaled-down version of its BDP-83 device. The BDP-80, which is expected to retail for $289, lacks the ABT2010 video processor, the aluminum faceplate and some audio capabilities of the BDP-83; but it costs about $210 less. Engadget (01/25)

It's called the iPad. Steve Jobs shows the world his newest creation.

2010-01-27T18:30:14Z

For video of event, click on picture on left.

Is this something that everyone will be carrying around soon? Probably. Some specs now— it is .5 inches thin, 1.5 pounds and has a 9.7 inch IPS display. It is powered by the 1GHz Apple A4 chip. It will come with 16GB to 64GB of flash storage. Battery life of 10 hours with a month of standby.

You can think of it as a giant iPod touch with 3Gs, with features of both iPod and iPhone. I think that in a short time, college students will be carrying this around instead of 20 pounds of books in the backpack. College textbooks will be here sooner than later.

Here is the best part.

11:19AM - “I’m thrilled to announce to you that the iPad pricing starts not at $999, but at $499.” Huge applause.

Jobs said the iPad will also be better for playing games and watching video than either a laptop or a smart phone. The iPad comes with software including a calendar, maps, a video player and iPod software for playing music. All seem to have been slightly redesigned to take advantage of the iPad’s bigger screen.
Tablet computers have existed for a decade, with little success. Jobs acknowledged Apple will have to work to convince consumers who already have smart phones and laptops that they need this gadget.
“In order to really create a new category of devices, those devices are going to have to be far better at doing some key tasks,” Jobs said. “We think we’ve got the goods. We think we’ve done it.”
Applications designed for the iPhone can run on the iPad. Apple is also releasing updated tools for software developers to help them build iPhone and iPad programs.
“We think it’s going to be a whole ‘nother gold rush for developers as they build applications for the iPad,” said Scott Forstall, an iPhone software executive.
A new newspaper reader program from The New York Times and a game from Electronic Arts Inc. were also demonstrated during the event. The audience, which included many journalists and bloggers, clapped and even gave Jobs a standing ovation.

From MacRumors:

At today’s highly-anticipated media event, Apple announced the iPad tablet device, featuring a 9.7-inch, 1024 x 768 display and 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB capacities. Carrying a custom 1 GHz “Apple A4” chip, the iPad weighs in at 1.5 pounds and is .5-inch thin. The iPad will be priced at $499, $599, and $699 for the varying capacity models without 3G, and $626, $729, and $829 with 3G. Wi-Fi only models are scheduled to ship in 60 days, with 3G-capable model shipping in 90 days. A video preview is also available.

In terms of standard connectivity, the iPad offers Wi-Fi (802.11n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, with 3G models also offering cellular data connectivity. All iPad models have an accelerometer, compass, speakers, a microphone, and a 30-pin dock connector. The iPad also offers a claimed 10 hours of battery life for viewing video, with 1 month of standby battery life.

Models with 3G will be unlocked and will be able to use GSM micro SIMs. In the U.S., AT&T will offer two data plan options $14.99 for up to 250 MB per month and $29.99 per month for unlimited data. No contract is required for either option, and free access to AT&T’s Wi-Fi hot spots is included. Data packages for for iPad users outside of the U.S. will by in place by June.

The iPad will have standard apps for personal information management, including an address book and calendar, along with e-mail, Safari, Google Maps, and Notes. A special version of iTunes is also on board to provide an optimized browsing experience on the device’s 9.7-inch screen.

Accessories will also be available for the iPad, including a dock with a mechanical keyboard that will accommodate the iPad in portrait orientation and a case with a built-in stand for video viewing. Prices on these accessories were not announced. The iPad also supports Bluetooth keyboards.

Steve Jobs on the new Apple Tablet

2010-01-25T02:23:16Z

Steve Jobs has been heard saying that the upcoming Apple tablet “will be the most important thing I’ve ever done.” They report is said to come from multiple independent sources:

We haven’t heard this first hand, but we’ve heard it multiple times second and third hand from completely independent sources. Senior Apple execs and friends of Jobs are telling people that he’s about as excited about the upcoming Apple Tablet as he’s ever been. Coming from the man who has created so much, that’s saying something.

Jobs had been previous quoted as being “extremely happy” with the upcoming tablet.

Apple is holding a media event on January 27th.

Apple Issues Invitations for January 27th Media Event - Tablet Rumored

2010-01-18T18:15:00Z

Yes the rumors are true. Apple is holding an event on January 27th to show off something the company is calling their “latest creation.” The proceedings will take place at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco, and will get underway at 10AM Pacific.

Reviews For January 15, 2010

2010-01-15T19:43:04Z

From MacSurfer

“Propellerhead Software Record 1.0: Turn your Mac into a fully equipped virtual recording studio” Macworld
“VirusBarrier: Is it medicine your Mac doesn’t need?” NoodleMac
“How to satisfy your craving for Mac eye candy” PixoBebo
“The Top 20 FREE Tools Every Mac User Must Have” Mac360
“Rescue Me….” MacNews Blog
“Macsimum Migration Kit: agricultural/farming software for Mac OS X” Macsimum News
“Use a free third-party Java tool to truly compress PDFs” Mac OS X Hints
“Create a size-limited playlist of random albums in iTunes” Mac OS X Hints
“Use Tab-completion for SSH ‘host’ aliases” Mac OS X Hints

3D is all the rage at CES 2010

2010-01-07T18:31:17Z

Of course you have the normal iPod/iPhone accessories scattered around, including many I have never heard of. But the biggest crowds I saw were concentrated around the 3D television displays.

Heading For Las Vegas and CES 2010

2010-01-05T18:46:58Z

If my iPhone battery holds out, I will post some articles from the floor of CES 2010. I’m going to be using the Squarespace app for posting, so they will most likely not be wordy.

All I want for Christmas is my Cruden Hexatech F1 Simulator

2009-12-24T17:07:05Z

The fully-suspended system can be tailored to provide feedback based on the chassis setup, wheelbase and track, tire and suspension settings, drive train (engine, gearbox, differentials), aero loading, aero draft (slip streaming), steering, brakes and driver aids such as traction control, ABS, and more. It even has seat belt tensioners. And it isn’t just for F1: the sim does NASCAR, WRC, and 24-Hour racing, too. Three 42-inch screens, or a projector and a room with at least a 10-foot ceiling will keep you in the action.

The price, only $190,000 dollars.

Details on Intel's Mac Pro 6-core i7 processor leaked

2009-12-16T00:41:44Z

Intel’s forthcoming “Gulftown” 32nm, six-core processor will be known as the Core i7-980X and could be a part of new Mac Pro systems from Apple in early 2010.

Contrary to earlier reports, the new processors will not adopt the Core i9 name, and will allegedly keep the Core i7 title, according to leaked information relayed by Hardmac, the English-language version of French Apple site MacBidouille. The new processor, code-named “Gulftown” will fall under the i7 “Extreme Edition” category, the first of which will be the i7-980X.

The alleged roadmap from Intel shows that the processor will clock in at 3.33GHz. That chip is expected to arrive in March 2010, but in the past, Apple has reached exclusive agreements with Intel to be the first to carry its new processors.

Previous reports have suggested Apple is testing the new Xeon chip, based on the Gulftown architecture, in its Mac Pro desktop. The new, upgraded processor features more horsepower and lower power consumption, and will be the first dual-socket, six-core processor for Intel.

The new 32 nanometer chips have 12MB of L3 cache, and six cores with 12 threads for each CPU. Apple usually doubles the processors in its high-end professional workstations, so it’s possible the new Mac Pro system could have a total of 12 cores and 24 threads. The new hardware could be released sometime in the first quarter of 2010.

source:appleinsider