Funny MacBook Air Parody ;)
Friday, January 18th, 2008I love it 
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Archive for January, 2008
MacBook Air: Yesterday’s computer in Tomorrow’s Body!
Tuesday, January 15th, 2008Today, as many of you know, Apple released the long awaited and begged for portable computer dubbed MacBook Air.
At the first sight, MBA (short for MacBook Air from now on), is a beauty! There’s no doubt, Apple’s designs are always years ahead of the competitors. Lately, everything that comes from Apple is either drop-dead gorgeous (like the new iMac aluminum I am writing this article on), or incredibly fast (and pretty), like the new updated Mac Pro machines with 8 CPU cores as a standard!
While I watched the MacWorld 2008 keynote today, the beauty of MBA really stunned me for a moment, but after that initial shock, here’s the real deal.
The good:
- It’s super slick, beautiful, small, hot, sexy, you name it - it is!
- I personally like the black keyboard on the white design. Very nice retro touch.
- Backlit keyboard - a huge plus! I love my Mac Book Pro for this very reason too! Also it’s full size so it helps my bigger fingers
- 2GB RAM as standard configuration (very nice, the "standard" part)
- Multi-touch touchpad is finally here. It can come in handy!
- LED Screen ("finally" is all I can say! I had the very same display on my Sony Vaio SZ for over a year now!)
- Ability to fit it in a vanilla envelope = huge plus for Apple and You!
- It cuts down on the cost of the wrapping paper for that special someone as well and it ads a huge sense of originality as well as surprise - 5 hour battery life - I like it! No, wait, I love it!
- 64GB Solid State Drive (SSD) as an option: AWESOME! For all of those who think that $999 is too high for this add-on, do not forget this is a 1.8" SSD drive we are talking about, NOT 2.5"! The upgrade price IS competitive actually.
- I personally like NO CD/DVD Drive and I love the look of the external drive offered with it.
- The Price: starting @ $1799 and comparing it with others in the same category - makes it affordable!
The bad (maybe I am too picky, but here’s something you should know/consider):
- The Resolution: @ 1280×800 it’s just like any other out there. For me as a web developer, this is not an optimal resolution to work in. I expected more, something in the line of Mac Book Pro’s, at least 1440 x 900 pixels.
- 1 USB port, NO FIREWIRE, NO ETHERNET PORT? C’mon! At least FireWire would be really welcome!
Sure most of us have Wireless networks now-days so I can live without an Ethernet Port, but FIREWIRE? Wireless 802.11N standard cannot compare to the external FireWire hard-drives where most of my media is. With a slow hard drive (more on which I will mention later) it would be quite helpful being able to connect MacBook Air to an external faster FireWire drive!- If they just included a PCMCIA or, more standard now, ExpressCard - they would’ve solved a lot of issues. Where am I going to plug in my AT&T ExpressCard 3G modem? You could use the ExpressCard to expand this computer with some of the missing features, more USB ports, FireWire, Wireless 3G Modems, eSATA connetors, etc. This is probably the BIGGEST mistake Apple had made with MacBook Air! Again, NOT thinking about business people. Thought they’d learn from iPhone…
- Buying it with an 80GB (4200 rpm) 1.8" Hard Drive guarantees NO speed records. We all know that the biggest bottleneck of any computer is the Hard Drive.
This makes the 64GB Solid State drive a Must-Have option for a serious computing. For day-to-day activities of most people, this won’t be necessary, but if you want to get things done - and follow the technology - SSD is the right option and the hottest thing today. - Intel GMA X3100 Graphics Card. No speed records with this either. I understand, this is the "portable" laptop and to get the 5 hour battery life, and the small volume it occupies, it can’t really have any better graphics - but it’s something you should consider if you’re expecting to edit movies with this baby. Just a tinny bit higher-end graphics is something I’d like to see in it.
- As far as I know, you can only have 2GB of RAM. No more. Bummer!
- AND THE BIGGEST PROBLEM OF ALL FOR ME: Intel Core 2 Duo; the main reason why I will NOT get the MacBook Air (unless I am so completely swept off my feet with it’s beauty when I go to the Apple Store in 2 weeks, and I forget about all I just wrote above).
Why is Core 2 Duo a deal breaker? It is a speedy CPU, has 4MB of cache, it’s in my iMac and in my Sony Vaio SZ370, it performs well… Simply - It’s yesterday’s (or even Yester-Year’s) Technology! All of the manufacturers are starting to push out the new Penryn based CPU’s (also made by Intel) into their machines. Why did Apple have to include Core 2 Duo instead of Penryn? We are most likely to see most of their notebook lineup (MacBook Pro’s and iMacs) upgraded to Penryn CPU’s later on, couldn’t they just put it in MacBook Air right off the bat? If they upgrade this later on to Penryn I might be getting one.
The ugly (we had god and the bad right ):
- Well, sorry to disappoint, there is no ugly when it comes to MacBook Air. Only good, bad, and beautiful.
CONCLUSION:
Don’t get me wrong, MacBook Air is one helluva machine. As mentioned, it’s super beautiful and meant to turn heads where ever you go with it, but that’s not all one should look for in a computer.
It will be great:
- If you use it as a secondary machine (not as main computer)
- If you need a laptop for meetings, in-flight entertainment, browsing the net in your couch, Starbucks, Panera Bread, watching movies (especially those rented from iTunes since you don’t have a DVD drive integrated)…
- If you do not plan to edit movies too often. It will be usable for this too, but with the latest iMovie which makes a great use of your graphics card for processing the video - this one will not fly too high. Trust me, I have a 2.8GHz Core 2 Extreme iMac with 4GB of RAM and the poopy graphics are killing me in iMovie.
- And it will be the best if you are looking for a new laptop, a head turner, a very light notebook.
It won’t be great:
- If you plan to use it a lot for editing movies (as mentioned it can do it, but don’t expect speed records)
- If you plan to transfer huge amounts of data to and from it (802.11N is not THAT fast)
- If you use more than one of your USB-based peripherals at a time [without the use of USB hub that is]
- If you have a FireWire based device (say, your Digital Camera or external Hard Drive) forget about bringing it too your vacation and offloading those movies to empty your camera.
- If you love the purple backlight on your MacBook Pro Keyboard (MBAir has a Blue light, yuck!)
- If you like to have the ability to exchange your Hard Drive for a different one without voiding the warranty!
- If you ever need to change the battery (though your Apple Care plan should nicely take care of this!)
While Steve compared it to Sony Vaio TZ, I think this is not a valid machine to compare it to. It should’ve been compared to the Sony Vaio SZ laptops, a little bit bigger, with integrated CD/DVD, and everything else pretty much the same, and MORE!
My Sony Vaio SZ370 has a 120GB Hard Drive, DVD RW, exchangeable battery, full size keyboard, Carbon Fiber body (even nicer than the Aluminum), thinner LED display, and to add to boot:
- Integrated Cingular (AT&T) 3G Modem
- Memory Stick Duo and 3-in-1 Memory Card Reader (Memory Stick, MS Duo, and SD) via ExpressCard
- Ability for me to upgrade both Hard Drive and CPU with taking out just a couple of screws
RECOMMENDATION:
- If you have to have it, well - you will get it regardless of what I says here
- If you have money to spend - get it … get me one too if you really want to. I’d love to have it!
- If you do NOT have to have it NOW, wait a little bit. Maybe, hopefully, at least the CPU get’s bumped to the Penryn (though who knows)
- If you really need something like this, but you do not know what’s better: Mac Book, Mac Book Pro, or Mac Book Air… The answer is simple:
- Mac Book Pro is HEAVY, but one of the Best machines you will ever own.
- MacBook is VERY comparable to the MacBook Air. Given that you can buy, very stylish, Black MacBook starting at $1499 with 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB of RAM and 250GB Hard Drive, integrated SuperDrive, and have same graphics, longer battery life and ability to upgrade both battery and RAM - I’d go for the best MacBook out there instead of MacBook Air.
- Consider the PC’s too. Sony VAIO has GREAT computers, especially the SZ series which compare to both of these. Surely, you do not get the Leopard Operating System - but if you need a Windows Machine - this is a way to go. I switched all my major operations to Mac last year and I’m loving it, but I kept my Sony Vaio since it is simply amazing machine!
I hope this helps some of you. As always, this is something you NeedToKnow, on your NeedToKnowBlog.com
P.S. I am personally waiting/hoping for a revamp of the Apple’s notebook line. Either a bit lighter MacBook Pro’s, Penryn CPU’s in them, OR, even better, a "Take 2" on the Mac Book Air by Apple! I am sure that one will rock our worlds. It will most likely be as stylish, heck no changes needed in that department, but adding more options to it as mentioned above (faster and newer CPU’s, FireWire ports, ExpressCard, or some kind of integrated 3G modem and just a tiny bit higher resolution will hit a jackpot).
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MacHeist :: The best deal on selected Mac Software
Sunday, January 13th, 2008
If you are a Mac user, one of the best bundle deals on cool and useful Mac applications is going on right now. The famous MacHeist has 11 very useful applications for the price of one single application ($49.99). Even better, a bunch of money ($150,000+) goes to charity so you can feel even great for spending it
They are all very useful and popular, but the one I’ve been needing for some time now is the Pixelmator. This is a great looking, fully featured image editing application - almost comparable to the Photoshop for just 10% of it’s retail price. Great for people who would need Photoshop but do not have $600+ USD to cash out for it
Check it out: MacHeist.com
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Where to get Tech News
Thursday, January 10th, 2008There are many blogs, many tech news and even more tech review sites, but which are the best? Most of them simply duplicate the information from some sources but there are a few which ARE those sources.
There are two very famous blogs when it comes to the latest gadgets and tech news:
Both have a lot of the same information, but are mostly the first to let you know about anything and everything cool in tech. From reviewing the latest patents submitted, to reporting on spy pictures of gadgets and tech no-one has ever seen yet, to letting you know what’s the best gizmo to get.
Right now, the big event in Computer industry is the CES show in Las Vegas. Engadget and Gizmodo have been submitting videos, reviews, and news since the very second it started. I’ve read over 500 articles in the past few days just about things from the show itself.
Also, whenever there is a major event like CES, or MacWorld (coming up shortly; in 5 days on January 15th), you may rest assured that these two blogs will have minute-by-minute LIVE coverage of the event in pictures and words updated every couple of minutes. With them, I always feel like I am on the show floor myself.
Other sites for tech news and rumors which are worth mentioning and are in my RSS Feed are:
- GearLive.com - like the previous two but I still like it
- MacRumors.com - great source of first rumors about upcoming Apple products
- 9to5Mac.com - similar to MacRumors but also invaluable source of info
- TUAW.com - The Unofficial Apple Weblog - the best source of all new gadgets and software for your Mac
- DownloadSquad.com - good source about useful applications for your computer (both PC and Mac)
- AutoBlog.com - the latest news about the auto industry
- Jalopnik.com - same as the above
- LifeHacker.com - coolest DIY (Do it Yourself) project site. Mostly tech stuff, but very cool and useful!
And what would the life be without Gossip?
- ValleyWag.com - “Silicon Valley’s Tech Gossip Rag”
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NetNewsWire - Mac RSS Reader for free!
Wednesday, January 9th, 2008The other day I mentioned couple of different ways you can subscribe to your blogs, news, or any other RSS Feeds you have. Today, if you are a Mac user, you are getting a free present.
NetNewsWire RSS Reader is now FREE! Head over to:
http://www.newsgator.com/Individuals/NetNewsWire/Default.aspx and get yours today!
Thanks: TUAW
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Blogging rule of thumb
Monday, January 7th, 2008There are not many rules when it comes to blogging, that’s the whole point about it, but there is only one thing you should definitely follow:
Quote your sources by giving credit where credit is due!
That’s it … With the previous posts about how to start a blog and this one and only rule - you’re ready!
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More than a Blog? The Expression Engine…
Sunday, January 6th, 2008
There comes a time when you need more than just a blog… While WordPress can provide you with the pages so it can behave just like a regular website and a blog, it might not be enough.
There will come time when you need something bigger: a blog, a wiki, user management, an e-commerce solution, a web forum, or a mailing list? How about all of them? What do you do then?
I’ve never personally used the product for a prolonged period of time, but I’ve seen a bunch of web sites on the net powered by it and by now - I am impressed. The solution is called The Expression Engine!
It’s a modular solution provided by EllisLab and it’s a very nice and feature rich Content Management System (CMS). It’s modular design makes it quite expandable and pocket friendly since you can purchase the core system and then the add-on modules when and if you need them. Adding a web forum is a snap, and so it is adding your very own Wiki, Mailing Lists, Photo Gallery, or RSS feed. Best of all, the basic core is FREE for non-commercial use which I welcome!
If you’re in a need for something more than just a blogging platform check out the Expression Engine.
I found out about it from a Blog I read from time to time: GearLive.com. They are powered by the Expression Engine and I must admit - the site looks really slick. It’s fast, and it makes a great use of most of their modules
Here are couple of more sites being powered by the EE: gocm.org, idea-esolutions.com, ymz.cmcmusic.ca.
P.S. This is not an advertisement - just my personal opinion after having played with it for couple of hours as well as from the information I found on-line and the impressions GearLive site left on me.
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Blogs: Hosted by the blog provider, or by a web host?
Sunday, January 6th, 2008In the last article I wrote about What’s a blog and how to start one.
Now the question is which way to go, a blog hosted by the blog makers themselves, or hosted by you - on your own server either shared or dedicated.
This is a tricky question. The easiest solution would be to simply go ahead and sign up for (mostly free) on-line blog. Blogger, WordPress, MSN Spaces all offer free hosted solutions. This comes in very handy for a number of reasons:
- You pay nothing. It’s completely FREE!
- Setup is a breeze, you will be done in 5 minutes or less.
- When your blog starts to gain traction you will not have to worry if the server will crash from all those visits from Digg; you will be most likely on-line and unaffected.
There is one problem with this choice:
- You will not have much control over how your blog looks like. While many offer a bunch of themes, there may be no way to upload your own designs or upload your own plugins.
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What’s a Blog and How to Start One?
Sunday, January 6th, 2008It seems that the word of the year for the past couple of years has been Blog. Everyone is talking about blogs, everyone blogging, and even right now, you are reading a blog.
Wikipedia nicely defines what blog is:
A blog (a portmanteau of web log) is a website where entries are commonly displayed in reverse chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.
Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. Most blogs are primarily textual, although some focus on art (artlog), photographs (photoblog), sketchblog, videos (vlog), music (MP3 blog), audio (podcasting) and are part of a wider network of social media. Micro-blogging is another type of blogging which consists of blogs with very short posts.
Now that we have that clear it’s also good to note that unlike starting a regular website, starting your own blog is much simpler; in fact, it’s almost trivial! There are couple of ways around this:
- Use one of a bunch of on-line, mostly free, blogging platforms. These are on-line services which provide you with everything you could possibly need to start blogging. A website address, blogging back-end (or the service which you can log into and manage your blog from), and a lot of themes and options allowing you to customize the blog to your own liking. There’s nothing like a nice and pretty looking blog! If the content on it is equally interesting, you’ve got yourself a jackpot!
- Option number 2 is to sign up for web hosting and setup your own blog. Even this does not have to be too hard, most Web Hosting providers these days offer very easy to use Control Panels which allow you to install numerous blogs with just a couple of mouse clicks. No need to know PHP, HTML, and such.
Sounds interesting? Well read on… Let’s weight the pro’s and con’s of each so you can decide how to proceed. Time is of the essence
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Read blogs efficiently :: Use RSS Readers
Sunday, January 6th, 2008
If you are following only a handful of blogs, going to their main page and simply reading up on what you’ve missed is most likely an easy solution.
On the other hand, if you are like me and follow more than a dozen different blogs, you’re way better off with an RSS reader.
What is RSS you might ask yourself.
RSS (formally “RDF Site Summary”, known colloquially as “Really Simple Syndication”) is a family of Web feed formats used to publish frequently updated content such as blog entries, news headlines or podcasts. (quoting the WikiPedia)
So, you can use RSS feeds to subscribe to the Blogs, news headlines and podcasts and follow all of them in one location (the RSS reader of your choice). In most cases reading blogs via RSS is even better than reading them on the web directly. This is due the fact that most RSS feeds do not contain all those advertisements you see all over the blogs these days, and, they let you read the whole blog post at once. Most sites these days like to keep their look uncluttered and the only way to do that is by splitting the post at some point and requiring the user to click “Read more” links in order to see the whole post by itself. In RSS - all the information is right there where you want it: In front of you!
Finally we come to the main question: Which reader should you use? There are many, some are desktop based programs which run on your computer, other - web based applications. I personally prefer the latter since you can access those from wherever you are.
I use Google Reader. It has a very simplistic interface and it gets right to the point. You can subscribe to any number of blogs and whenever a new item is published you are immediately notified. Google Reader also offers ways for you to 
Star the articles (effectively bookmarking them for latter reading), and sending them to your friends via email. It also provides a way for you to tag them for easier finding later on, as well as to Share them with your friends. Simply great!
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