About.com Focus on Macs

Rumor: Intel Core i9 (Gulftown) Coming to Next Version of Mac Pro

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:21:03 +0000

We've been expecting a Mac Pro update sometime in 2010. We've even asked About: Mac readers what features they would like to see in a new Mac Pro.

Courtesy of Apple

One of the early rumors predicted a 6-core processor. Rumors are now focusing on the Intel Core i9 and a possible Mac Pro update. The Intel Core i9 processor, which contains 6 CPU cores, is expected to be released in early 2010.

PC Labs has already performed benchmark tests on the i9 and is reporting a nearly 50% increase in some tests over the Core i7 that is currently in production, and available as an option for the 27-inch iMac. That increase may well indicate a near linear performance boost going from the Core i7, which has 4 processors, to the Core i9, which has 6.

If history is any guide, we may see Apple offer the Core i9 in a new Mac Pro sometime in the first half of 2010. And with two of these processor beasts inside, the professional desktop Mac may need a new, more powerful name to go along with its new processor cores.

Rumor: Intel Core i9 (Gulftown) Coming to Next Version of Mac Pro originally appeared on About.com Focus on Macs on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 18:21:03.

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Apple Announces Black Friday Event

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:50:41 +0000

Apple has announced a one-day shopping event for Friday, November 27^th. Traditionally known as Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season.

Apple's Black Friday Event

This year, Apple is promising free shipping on all purchases made from the online store, but hasn't disclosed any of the deals that will be available. Rumors abound, and quite frankly, I think some are wishful thinking. Last year's deals from Apple were not significant; better deals could be found from Apple authorized retailers.

However, this year may be like no other for Apple. Ever since the downturn in the economy, Apple has come under pressure to narrow some of its product margins. While Apple is unlikely to reduce margins, it may like the idea of a sale, particularly a one-day event.

From Apple's announcement:

The special Apple one-day shopping event. November 27.

Come back to the Apple Online Store this Friday for a special one-day-only shopping event. You'll find lots of great iPod, iPhone, and Mac gift ideas -- all with free shipping.

Put it in your calendar now. Until then, start by browsing the Apple Online Store to find iPod, iPhone, and Mac gifts for everyone on your list.

Apple Announces Black Friday Event originally appeared on About.com Focus on Macs on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 10:50:41.

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1Password 3: Tom�s Budget Software Pick

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:39:29 +0000

There are many password managers available for the Mac. Apple even includes its own built-in system, Keychain, with OS X. But when it comes to really useful, easy-to-use, and secure password managers, 1Password always rises to the top of the list.

1Password 3

1Password can operate in two distinct methods: as a stand-alone application or as a password manager that's integrated with your browser. You can also use it in both forms at the same time. Browser integration is one of the reasons I prefer 1Password over all the other password managers available.

1Password supports six basic types of containers for storing data securely: Logins, which provides an easy way to store passwords for and log into web sites and services; Accounts, for storing your account credentials for email and file sharing; Identities, which lets you have multiple logins for the same sites; Secure Notes, for creating encrypted notes for information you don't want unauthorized individuals to access; Software, for storing product serial numbers; and Wallet, for banking, credit cards, and other personal data.

The package includes a handy password generator, and the ability to sync with 1Password touch for iPhones and the iPod touch.

1Password is $39.95. A 30-day demo is available.

See other software choices from Tom's Budget Software Picks.

1Password 3: Tom�s Budget Software Pick originally appeared on About.com Focus on Macs on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at 18:39:29.

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Holiday Discounts on Office 2008 for Mac

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:15:13 +0000

Just in time for the holiday season, Microsoft's Mac BU (Business Unit) is offering discounts on the various versions of Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac. The best deals are going to students, who can buy the business edition at 70% off ($119.95).

Microsoft product screen shot(s) reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation

The rest of us will have to be content with smaller, but still attractive discounts.

Home & Student Edition: $20 off

Business Edition: $50 off

Business Edition Upgrade: $40 off

Microsoft's Mac BU routinely provides special deals during the holiday season. This year's deals may be just the thing to put a copy of Office 2008 for Mac in the hands of a friend or loved one this holiday season.

I'll be updating the Mac Gift Guide to include this nice offer from Microsoft.

You can find details about the offer, and how to redeem the discounts, at Microsoft's Office for Mac Blog site.

Holiday Discounts on Office 2008 for Mac originally appeared on About.com Focus on Macs on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 17:15:13.

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Rumormongers Say Rumored Apple Tablet Will Be Delayed

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:32:35 +0000

I found it funny to read that the Apple tablet has been delayed until summer 2010. Remember, there is no product from Apple called an Apple Tablet, nor has Apple yet made any statement on the likelihood of its existence, or when it might be released if it did indeed exist.

Nevertheless, rumormongers, in this case Digitimes, have decided that the Apple tablet that was supposed to be released in early 2010 will now be delayed until the summer. The reason? A new rumor of course. According to this rumor, Apple plans to use an OLED (Organic LED) display for the device. OLED displays are currently very costly, but not to worry, they say; by next summer, prices will have fallen dramatically and Apple will be able to use one in the Apple tablet.

I'd like to see an Apple Media Tablet (my name for the rumored device) as much as the next person, but don't you think it's getting a bit crazy when a rumored device has a rumored component that, rumor has it, will cost less by next summer, so, rumor has it, the rumored device has been delayed?

The prices of nearly all electronic components fall over time, so there wouldn't be much reason for Apple, or any other manufacturer, to wait on a price drop to introduce a new product. If a company keeps waiting for a price drop it will never introduce anything, because there's almost always another price drop around the corner.

And even if the rumor about the rumored tablet having an OLED screen is on target, that doesn't mean the rumors about the price or the price drop are correct. Right now, the price for bulk purchases of 9- to 10-inch OLED screens is still way above $1000. Does anyone really expect an Apple media tablet to occupy the same price point as a Mac Pro?

I certainly don't. With a price that high, a tablet would need to be paired with a subsidized pricing scheme, perhaps a phone company's data plan. I don't know about you, but a vampire business plan that bleeds the budget every month would kill the whole tablet idea for me.

Remember, though, it's all just rumors.

Rumormongers Say Rumored Apple Tablet Will Be Delayed originally appeared on About.com Focus on Macs on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 18:32:35.

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OS X 10.7 in the Works

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:21:26 +0000

It's been a few weeks since Snow Leopard shipped, which means it's high time Apple developers got back to work. And now there's a wee bit of evidence that work on OS X 10.7 has actually begun. MacRumors spotted a reference to 10.7 in change notes inserted into the LaunchD framework, an open source module Apple uses to control the boot process of OS X. The change note lists an OS X build number that can be deciphered to read as 10.7.0.47.

Courtesy of Apple

While it's not news that Apple would be working on the next major version of OS X, this is the first evidence that 10.7 is a work in progress.

Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) was mainly a performance and stability tweak, but OS X 10.7 is expected to be a major update, with many new features and capabilities. If you were overseeing the development of OS X 10.7, what features would you like to see? Leave a comment and let us know!

OS X 10.7 in the Works originally appeared on About.com Focus on Macs on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 18:21:26.

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Adobe Flash Player 10.1 Now Available

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:45:54 +0000

Adobe Labs, that fun-loving group of Adobe developers, has announced the release of Adobe Flash Player 10.1. Available for immediate download, Adobe Flash Player 10.1 is available in versions for Mac, Windows, and Linux OSes. A beta version is expected to be available soon for Palm OS.

Flash Player 10.1 has a long list of new features and enhancements to existing features. The ones that caught my eye include improved video playback, support for hardware accelerated h.264 playback, access to additional device hardware, such as microphones, and multi-touch capabilities.

Unfortunately, not all features are available on all platforms. The Mac version, at least in this release, doesn't support hardware acceleration of h.264 video. That's a shame, because one of the main complaints of Mac users is that current versions of Adobe's Flash player are CPU hogs, requiring a pretty potent CPU to play Flash video full-screen without jitter and freezes.

Adobe doesn't explain why the Mac version doesn't support hardware acceleration, but Apple and Adobe have been like two kids fighting in a playground for a while now. It would be nice if these computing titans would realize they have more to lose by feuding than by making peace, once and for all.

Adobe Flash Player 10.1 Now Available originally appeared on About.com Focus on Macs on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 17:45:54.

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Snow Leopard Printer Drivers Make a Surprise Appearance

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:21:34 +0000

A funny thing happened on my Mac today: I noticed printer driver updates available in Apple's Software Update system. What's funny about that? Well, it's the first time I've seen Apple make printer driver updates available via Software Update.

Snow Leopard was supposed to bring third-party updating capabilities to the Mac, starting with printer drivers. Apple said printer driver updates would be available via Software Update the day Snow Leopard was released, but while there have been printer updates, I've never seen them show up in Software Update.

Today, I saw HP Printer Driver Update version 2.3 in Software Update. After a little snooping around, I'm pleased to tell you that the following printer driver updates should be available:

Brother Printer Drivers version 2.2
Canon Printer Drivers version 2.2
HP Printer Drivers version 2.3
Lexmark Printer Drivers version 2.1

All of the driver updates are for OS X 10.6.x. This should go a long way toward correcting the printing problems many Snow Leopard users have been experiencing.

You can get the printer driver updates via Apple's Software Update service (Apple menu, Software Update), or you can download the drivers directly from the Apple web site.

If you're still having printer issues after installing the appropriate updates, stop by and let us know.

Snow Leopard Printer Drivers Make a Surprise Appearance originally appeared on About.com Focus on Macs on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 18:21:34.

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Clone Maker Psystar Loses Major Rulings In Apple/Psystar Case

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:27:08 +0000

Apple delivered a one-two punch against Mac clone maker Psystar. Judge William Alsup decided in Apple's favor, returning a summary judgment against Psystar. Judge Alsup agreed with Apple that Psystar violated copyright laws by creating and selling PCs with unauthorized copies of Mac OS X pre-installed. The judge also agreed that Psystar modified the Mac OS X bootloader and OS kernel to allow non-Apple hardware to load and use OS X, thereby violating Apple's right to determine what devices are allowed to run OS X.

The second punch to Psystar was the judge's decision to dismiss its request for summary judgment, which was based on the idea that Apple is abusing copyright laws to create a monopoly on the use of OS X.

Judge Alsup's decision doesn't guarantee that a trial will not go forward, but at this point, Psystar's ability to convince a jury on the remaining issues is a long shot. Which leaves the ball in Apple's court, so to speak. Apple could allow the case to proceed to trial, hoping that an outright victory would not only shut down Psystar but also establish precedent to prevent others from entering the Mac clone market.

I suspect we will hear from both Apple and Psystar this week about how and if the trial will occur.

Clone Maker Psystar Loses Major Rulings In Apple/Psystar Case originally appeared on About.com Focus on Macs on Sunday, November 15th, 2009 at 18:27:08.

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Keynote Themes FX 4.0: Tom�s Budget Software Pick

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:13:02 +0000

Keynote Themes FX 4.0 delivers 10 motion-based themes for use with Apple's Keynote.

Taking your presentation to the next level can be a tough assignment when all you have to work with are the themes and backgrounds included with Keynotes. Adding your own themes can help make your presentation stand out from the crowd.

Motion themes provide visually stunning elements that draw the viewer's attention to your message. You can use motion elements to highlight key points of your presentation, then fade back to a still image as you cover sub-topics.

The ten themes provided in this pack are Blue Cubes, Finance, Cinema '60, Velvet Draft, Vacation, Autumn Tune, Ocean Vivacity, Redsmoke, Cells, and Brushstroke. Each theme includes 14 different master layouts; at least one layout style should fit your needs.

Keynote Themes FX 4.0 from Jumsoft is $39.

See other software choices from Tom's Budget Software Picks.

Have a suggestion for applications to be considered for Tom's Budget Software Picks? Stop by and submit your Software Nomination.

Keynote Themes FX 4.0: Tom�s Budget Software Pick originally appeared on About.com Focus on Macs on Saturday, November 14th, 2009 at 17:13:02.

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