1110consulting

For those of you with AppleTV’s check the software update for a new release of the software that ties in better with iTunes 8.x.

AppleTV is on of the Apple items I have looked at over the years and one of the biggest stopping points is I do not yet have a HDTV. The AppleTV will work with composite in, but most say it does not look or work as well.

With the latest software and iTunes integration I’m closer than ever. I have been looking at a refurbished from Apple ($50 or so cheaper) and still has the same bells and whistles and I’m thinking about Boxee on the system too (Hulu, CBS, others) it becomes more of a internet playback device than something tied right into iTunes.

Anyone care to comment?

Apple released an update for the buttonless trackpad on the macbook and macbook pro tonight. Following the update, the system reboots and installs a firmware update on the machine to update the software - during the update the trackpad is unresponsive (normal).

So far the trackpad is running well on my machine (other reports?) and seems to be a bit more sensitive. Hopefully Apple will continue to take this great technology and improve upon it.

Have a new macbook or macbook pro - start software update (no download link yet) and update your machine.

Since the release of iPhone 2.0, I have been very happy with the solution.  It works well with Exchange, software and the phone itself is A LOT more stable and some nice new features - though STILL NO cut & paste

iPhone 2.2 will take things to the next, next level.  Google street view, some new advances in the software and hopefully some general speed boosts (and HOPEFULLY) cut and paste.

I have been using Parallels for about 2 years now.  I do not use it a lot, but when I do use it - it is easy to work with, quick and powerful.  Today (Tuesday), Parallels announced an upgrade from version 3 to version 4.  The new version is cleaner, more feature rich and for $40 (the upgrade price) you can download and activate the new version.

Following the upgrade, the system will look for version 3, update the system and convert any existing parallels install to version 4 files.  Parallels claims a 50% speed increase (I noticed Ubuntu 8.10 loaded and ran a lot faster and smoother) and I really like the ability to pop into an OS, work and then suspend or even shut down quickly.

If you require the need to run something other than the Mac OS from time to time, Parallels is a great solution.  VMWare also has a solution (Fusion) that does all of the same things (with some additional strengths/weaknesses) but personally come back to Parallels as my option.  Thoughts - let us know…

Apple has put together a great app store for the iPhone and iTouch. Many free or low-cost tools, games and random items (e.g. lighters) that have deepened the iPhone and iTouch solution.

Recently, there was some talk of Apple using the app store as a method of limiting items that may compete with the systems they have in place. The most recent example is Opera mini for the iPhone. Opera make a really nice browser - personally I have never gotten too into it, but it is an option to Safari. If mozilla were to release something for the iPhone I think I would download it in a heartbeat.

This is where it gets interesting. It seems like Opera is an option to Safari and Apple is not “encouraging” the competition - but limiting it. Hopefully Apple begins to see that not only would some of these Apps expand the user base, they could encourage their own applications to excel.

Thoughts, let us know.

After a few days of using my MacBook (most recently with the additional 4GB of ram) and I continue to be excited about performance, quality and general excitement that this is my machine…

One item I was most surprised by was how they changed the memory installation. For the last couple of years the memory install has been one of the easiest things to do. With the new MacBook and Pro, the hard drive is very easy to access but the memory requires some work.

8 very small screws need to be removed but once that is done the memory is easy to install and seat. Getting all the screws back in place and installed was fine and the system has been a bit peppier. All said a good investment.

Questions about installing extra memory, let me know.

Apple’s newest MacBook is a fine piece of work. I bit the bullet and bought one of my own. It has been something I have been waiting for since the summer.

I started with the 2.0ghz version but thought more about it, wanted the extra boost with the 2.4ghz, the backlit keyboard and the larger drive.

I ordered 4gb of RAM (should be in my hands in the coming day or two) and I’m typing on it right now! The backlit keyboard is very nice. The keyboard in general is a real nice feel. I keep thinking about putting in a larger drive (320gb-500gb), but I’m going to hold on that, the 250gb should be just fine for a while.

I’m interested to see how the extra memory effects the system and I’m downloading something from TiVo (will see if the conversion to the iPhone is a bit quicker too).

More to come as I work with this for a while. Questions, let me know.

Apple released an update to their iPhoto application which improves some of the printing features and benefits for cards, books and calendars.

As usual, Apple (and I) highly recommend the update to this 7.1.5 version. Fire up software update, download and install the software.

Apple stated months ago that it would again release an 10.x update in the coming months (early 2009). They appear to be on track with an early 2009 release of Snow Leopard (10.6) for 1Q09.

The release is available to developers and the focus of the update will be more of the foundation of the Mac (finder/OS) than features and bells/whistles.

For many users that have intel machine (anything bought in the last couple of years) will see some serious improvements in the day-to-day operation of the machine. The use of new graphic cards (like the new macbooks and macbook pros have) will be able to utilize the speed of the machine AND the power of the graphic processor to improve many “basic” operations.

I’m looking forward to 10.6 for a number of reasons. The later versions of the systems (10.5) have some things I use a lot (time machine for one) and very excited for the next steps of the system that will provide better performance, network and windows integration and hopefully address a few “issues” that arise from time to time…

More to come…

I have been itching for the new MacBook. It is something I slated for an expense in 2008 and planned on doing it this summer - no new MacBooks… FINALLY the update comes (Late 2008) and I need to wait to have an appropriate time and income to allow for this expense (I’ve waited this long, right?).

A co-worker purchased one of the 2.0ghz from the 5th Ave Apple Store last night and is going to bring it to me for setup today! I get to see/touch and feel one! That will either quench my thirst or make it stronger…

In looking at the MacBooks the 2.4 has backlit keyboard, the faster processor (which is the speed of the iMac we bought this summer) and 250gb drive. That being said a $300 premium for the keyboard, processor and drive is a bit much… In looking at the MacBook too - the drive is actually easier to upgrade than the previous model (which still only took 2 minutes).

OWC announced 4GB memory kit for the new MacBooks too ($140 for the kit and they will take the “old” 2GB back and knock off $15 bringing the total to $125). 320GB-500GB laptop hard drives are dropping to the $150 or less level - bring it on!

Look into the new MacBook all you in the market for a laptop - I do not think you will be disappointed!