Apple MacBook Review

The company claims to have produced for the first time, a notebook from an aluminum unibody enclosure, which makes the MacBook thinner, lighter, durable and yes more appealing.
Apple has the reputation of never failing to please its customers and the new Apple MacBook is the proof!

Apple has included a comfortable and responsive keyboard, making your typing activities stress free. The two available models are the 2.0 GHz MacBook and the 2.4 GHz MacBook. The latter like the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, comes with an illuminated keyboard, which efficiently helps you in low light conditions. The trackpad now with the Multi-Touch gestures also serves as the button. The absence of the buttons means you have greater space to move your fingers around the silky smooth glass surface. You can use two fingers to scroll up and down a page, pinch to zoom in and out and experience the three and four finger swipe gestures.

The 13.3 inch LED backlit screen enchants the user with its glossy display. The aluminum casing is well combined with the glass that extends to the corners of the notebook, without any integrated metal. The LED backlit display produces a better display quality and is more power saving than the ordinary display screens.

The MacBook makes it possible to play 3D games, view movies with a rich array of colours and use graphic-intensive applications such as iPhoto and iMovie at high speeds. Thanks to the built-in NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphic card, graphic performance is now delivered up to five times faster.

A hard drive of up to 320 GB allows you to carry all your favourite movies and songs and important documents on the go. You can even upgrade to a 128 GB solid-state drive, consisting of immovable parts, which greatly enhances the disk’s durability. The SuperDrive enables you to burn your movies or data, taking the load off your notebook and making room for more storage.

The machine encloses the grand Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which has the 2.0 GHz or 2.4 GHz running speed, depending upon the model. A 2 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SD RAM lets you run multiple applications simultaneously without slowing down your notebook. In addition, there are two included So-DIMM slots that support up to 4 GB of RAM. A promising combination of the processor and RAM ensures a faster performance laptop, meeting up to your demands.

The MacBook features the Mac OS X v10.5 leopard, which also comes with installed softwares like Quick Look, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD player, Photo Booth and X Code Developer Tools.

There are two USB 2.0 ports, through which you may connect any desired accessory, be it your printer, scanner or a USB mouse. A Mini Display Port is included in the notebook, which allows connection for the new Apple LED Cinema Display. The MagSafe power port protects your system and valuable data through a trip-proof connection. In addition to this, you can even safeguard your MacBook, battery and hard drive via the Kensington lock slot. Audio line in and out slots also accompany these expansion slots.

At the top of your MacBook, rests the iSight camera- which is almost hidden. You can use it to capture pictures and videos or use it as a web cam. You can add effects to your photos by using the iSight with the Photo Booth.

The MacBook offers Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Ethernet technology, all integrated in its perfectly designed board. The battery can support up to 5 hours of wireless connectivity. Bluetooth can be very handy at times, especially when you want to connect a keyboard or mouse but don’t want the wires to restrict your movements. Apple itself offers many wireless keyboards and mice, which connect you to your notebook via the Bluetooth.

Last but not the least; Apple MacBook is greener than any of its competitors. The notebook is not only mercury and arsenic free, but also completely eliminates the use of chlorine and bromine compounds throughout its manufacture. Made up of glass and aluminum only, almost whole of the MacBook can be recycled.

I would highly recommend the Apple MacBook, which serves as your iPod, your iPhone and your notebook, brought together into one piece of machinery on your lap. Its ideal combination of durable hardware and software makes it a compact, portable and efficient laptop. True, Apple has given us the taste of the next generation notebooks, with no doubt that MacBook would be one of the leaders.

Emergency illuminator lights

Perhaps the best piece of advice I never got was "leave your flashlight in an obvious, easily accessible place”, because the one time you’ll really need it will be during a power outage or a blown fuse and the last thing you want at that time is wonder where the heck you put it.
Oh, and keep it fully charged (you know why). While the mPower Emergency Illuminator won’t insist you keep it close by, it does have some impressive features – battery technology that will last up to 20 years (though not if you use it continuously) and a USB outlet which lets you charge other devices.

Designed by the Porsche Design Studios and manufactured by mPhase Technologies, the mPower Emergency Illuminator LED flashlight has two separate battery “tubes” – one is for normal use and holds two CR123 batteries, while the other has what mPhase Technologies calls the OnCommand Reserve Battery. If the regular CR123 batteries run down, the Reserve Battery takes over – even after laying idle for 20 years.

Though not rechargeable, you can grab a replacement battery for your mPower unit for around US$25 (let’s just hope they’re still making them in 20 years time).

The trick will be to get hold of one before you find yourself sitting in your living room during a black out trying to read a newspaper with only a solitary candle.

mPhase Technologies has been named an International CES Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree and expects the product to become available in March 2010.

Apple turns up heat in Nokia battle

From the first time we saw Nokia's N900 handheld computer we thought that it would be the ultimate communications device.
With a large screen, fast processor, open OS and Firefox based browser, it seemed destined to become one of Nokia's major success stories. This was early September 2009, Nokia was showing off the device at their NokiaWorld conference, along with a new version of their N97 Symbian smartphone, and it looked like the N900 was the flagship product the the N97 SHOULD have been when it came out a few months earlier. We jumped on the bandwagon and were early supporters of the device.

Fast forward to the end of 2009 and it seems like the N97, now with its 2.0 firmware, is the better device despite all the power user advantages that the N900 should be enjoying. Meanwhile Nokia can't seem to get the N900 software stable enough for executives and power users to depend upon.

We also really like the way that Nokia has opened up the Maemo OS platform to developers. But it's just impossible to ignore the fact that Nokia isn't able to put enough power behind Maemo to compete with Google and their Android OS. In the same time that Nokia has managed to soft launch one Maemo device, there have been a dozen Android devices from multiple vendors, and 40 or 50 more scheduled for 2010. Additionally, there are over 20,000 applications available from third parties already for Android. There's a few quality applications for Maemo, but honestly you can count them on your fingers and toes, and none of them are really mission critical.

The software
Nearly all of our disappointments, with the exception of battery life which we'll address separately, are software related - although Nokia is putting out updates regularly. While the core applications are good, they show a general lack of maturity, and left us thinking that two thirds of the things that you'd like to be able to configure and change just weren't configurable.

In a recent example that it is being proactive on the software front, Nokia released a firmware update the adds support for the still widely used Exchange 2003 E-mail/calendar/address book (previously there was only support for Exchange 2007).

Advanced messaging including Skype, Google Talk, and SIP (VoIP) has been beautifully integrated into the native address book, dialer, and SMS/IM client, but isn't polished or configurable enough. For example, Skype is fully integrated as a core service for the N900. It works wonderfully for making Skype calls via WiFi, and offers Skype "chat" as well. This integration is so complete that the Skype status of you Skype contact shows up in the address book and on desktop icons.

It's impressive and powerful, but it also comes with address book integration problems that cause multiple entries for your contacts, and while these can be "merged" together using a feature of the N900 address book, these merged entries don't sync back to Exchange correctly. And good luck trying on "un-merge" two entries if you make a mistake during the merging process.

There's also the issue that any instant messaging "conversation" you have (including Skype chat) sets off your N900's alarms with every line of text received. In a more mature product there would be some way to have it "beep" when the conversation was started, but keep quiet after for subsequent messages. There's a general lack of font selectability in e-mail and chat applications, which is something that would add to usability but just isn't configurable. We could make an exhaustive list, but there's little point; the platform needs more time to mature.

Impressive browsing
Despite its shortcomings, there is potential with the N900, and it shines as a mobile browsing device. Nokia based the native browser on Mozilla's Firefox and it's the closest thing to a desktop browser we've ever seen before in a mobile device. In fact many of the add-ons built for the desktop version of Firefox will work with minimal changes on the N900. Multi-tasking support allows multiple applications to be running at once, and multiple browser sessions to be running at the same time. Switching between windows is fast and simple, and it's easy to launch new tasks without disturbing your existing ones.

Battery life
The N900 is approximately 20% bigger than Nokia's N97 flagship Symbian device, has a larger screen (800x600 vs. 640x360), and a faster processor, yet for some inexplicable reason Nokia chose to equip it with a smaller battery. While using the N900 configured for exchange syncing and with moderate calling and browsing, we found that we couldn't last a full day on a charge. It's almost as bad as an iPhone in this respect, but at least with the N900 you can swap in a second battery, the iPhone gives you no such option.

Overall, we'd have to say we're frustrated with the N900. We had high hopes for the device, and it seems that there's a lot of work still needed to bring the Maemo platform to maturity. The key to this will be to have core applications that are rock solid and to attract third party developers that will write applications for the platform. Nokia really isn't there yet with either of these, and frankly we're not sure how they can win the hearts and minds of the developers with the lead the Apple and Google have with their platforms. For now we're just going to wait and see how quickly Nokia can shave off the sharp corners on Maemo, improve the core applications on the N900, and generally make the device more usable. Until then, Nokia's N900's potential remains, for the most part, unrealized.

Nokia's N900: potential unrealized

From the first time we saw Nokia's N900 handheld computer we thought that it would be the ultimate communications device.
With a large screen, fast processor, open OS and Firefox based browser, it seemed destined to become one of Nokia's major success stories. This was early September 2009, Nokia was showing off the device at their NokiaWorld conference, along with a new version of their N97 Symbian smartphone, and it looked like the N900 was the flagship product the the N97 SHOULD have been when it came out a few months earlier. We jumped on the bandwagon and were early supporters of the device.

Fast forward to the end of 2009 and it seems like the N97, now with its 2.0 firmware, is the better device despite all the power user advantages that the N900 should be enjoying. Meanwhile Nokia can't seem to get the N900 software stable enough for executives and power users to depend upon.

We also really like the way that Nokia has opened up the Maemo OS platform to developers. But it's just impossible to ignore the fact that Nokia isn't able to put enough power behind Maemo to compete with Google and their Android OS. In the same time that Nokia has managed to soft launch one Maemo device, there have been a dozen Android devices from multiple vendors, and 40 or 50 more scheduled for 2010. Additionally, there are over 20,000 applications available from third parties already for Android. There's a few quality applications for Maemo, but honestly you can count them on your fingers and toes, and none of them are really mission critical.

The software
Nearly all of our disappointments, with the exception of battery life which we'll address separately, are software related - although Nokia is putting out updates regularly. While the core applications are good, they show a general lack of maturity, and left us thinking that two thirds of the things that you'd like to be able to configure and change just weren't configurable.

In a recent example that it is being proactive on the software front, Nokia released a firmware update the adds support for the still widely used Exchange 2003 E-mail/calendar/address book (previously there was only support for Exchange 2007).

Advanced messaging including Skype, Google Talk, and SIP (VoIP) has been beautifully integrated into the native address book, dialer, and SMS/IM client, but isn't polished or configurable enough. For example, Skype is fully integrated as a core service for the N900. It works wonderfully for making Skype calls via WiFi, and offers Skype "chat" as well. This integration is so complete that the Skype status of you Skype contact shows up in the address book and on desktop icons.

It's impressive and powerful, but it also comes with address book integration problems that cause multiple entries for your contacts, and while these can be "merged" together using a feature of the N900 address book, these merged entries don't sync back to Exchange correctly. And good luck trying on "un-merge" two entries if you make a mistake during the merging process.

There's also the issue that any instant messaging "conversation" you have (including Skype chat) sets off your N900's alarms with every line of text received. In a more mature product there would be some way to have it "beep" when the conversation was started, but keep quiet after for subsequent messages. There's a general lack of font selectability in e-mail and chat applications, which is something that would add to usability but just isn't configurable. We could make an exhaustive list, but there's little point; the platform needs more time to mature.

Impressive browsing
Despite its shortcomings, there is potential with the N900, and it shines as a mobile browsing device. Nokia based the native browser on Mozilla's Firefox and it's the closest thing to a desktop browser we've ever seen before in a mobile device. In fact many of the add-ons built for the desktop version of Firefox will work with minimal changes on the N900. Multi-tasking support allows multiple applications to be running at once, and multiple browser sessions to be running at the same time. Switching between windows is fast and simple, and it's easy to launch new tasks without disturbing your existing ones.

Battery life
The N900 is approximately 20% bigger than Nokia's N97 flagship Symbian device, has a larger screen (800x600 vs. 640x360), and a faster processor, yet for some inexplicable reason Nokia chose to equip it with a smaller battery. While using the N900 configured for exchange syncing and with moderate calling and browsing, we found that we couldn't last a full day on a charge. It's almost as bad as an iPhone in this respect, but at least with the N900 you can swap in a second battery, the iPhone gives you no such option.

Overall, we'd have to say we're frustrated with the N900. We had high hopes for the device, and it seems that there's a lot of work still needed to bring the Maemo platform to maturity. The key to this will be to have core applications that are rock solid and to attract third party developers that will write applications for the platform. Nokia really isn't there yet with either of these, and frankly we're not sure how they can win the hearts and minds of the developers with the lead the Apple and Google have with their platforms. For now we're just going to wait and see how quickly Nokia can shave off the sharp corners on Maemo, improve the core applications on the N900, and generally make the device more usable. Until then, Nokia's N900's potential remains, for the most part, unrealized.

World's smallest electric espresso machine

If you frequently travel to a lot of different places, then you are doubtless familiar with one of the biggest challenges facing today’s jet-setter - finding a decent cup of coffee.
Well, help is on the way. In fact, scratch that, it’s here. Danish fancy-gadget-seller Stelton is now offering the world’s smallest battery-powered espresso machine.

Called Simply Espresso, this caffeine-lover’s steamy-dream-come-true was designed for Stelton by French tech company Nielsen Innovation. It is reportedly quite easy to use, and even reaches a pressure of 16 bar, just like the big boys. And at just 23 x 8 centimeters (9 x 3 inches), the stainless steel beauty will easily fit in a suitcase

HP TouchSmart tm2t series Tablet PC

HP launches its TouchSmart tm2t series tablet PC that comes with a 12.1-inch capacitive touchscreen with LED-backlight and 1280×800 resolution. Starting at $949.99, the tm2t series is boosted by Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300/SU9600 CULV processor, up to 8GB of RAM and either integrated Intel GMA 4500MHD or 512MB ATI Mobilty Radeon HD4550 graphics card.

The new TouchSmart tm2t is equipped with up to 500GB hard drive and a 8X DVD SuperMulti burner. It comes with webcam, optional fingerprint scanner, built-in Altec Lansing stereo speakers, 5-in-1 card reader, and support for WiFi. This tablet has a brushed aluminum in argento blush finish.

Nokia reports fourth quarter earnings with 126.9 units sold

Nokia has recently reported their fourth quarter reports, and they have shipped 126.9 million units. That’s 12 percent more than the previous year, and only 3.8 million was sold in the U.S.

The N900, N97, and N97 Mini were big in Europe, and the Ovi Maps turn-by-turn free navigation app could cause those numbers to rise even more.

Not bad for a Finnish company. Lets see how they finish next quarter.



Autograph App for iPhones Released

Now, you can really affix your signature the digital way. With the Autograph for the iPhone and the iPod Touch, you can now sign documents by creating a digital signature directly on your device’s touch screen. The app was made possible by Ten One Design which should come in handy for business and personal use, depending on how many times your signature is needed.

The Autograph app for the iPhone is now available at the iTunes app store for $6.95. Check out the video below.

MSI 10” Tablet for $499 Spotted

PC tablets are coming out like crazy and MSI is about to add another one with its MSI 10” tablet which will retail for $499. It will come with an NVIDIA Tegra Chipset and the usual wireless support. It will run on an Android OS.

Though many may call the iPad clones, these tablets were in the works long before the release of the iPad. Too bad they were late in releasing them!

Computrace LoJack for Laptops by Absolute Software

Usually,i don't do software reviews but today i thought i should share this piece of information with you so without further ado i am going to share a very good software for laptop,notebook and yeah tablet owners.Sometimes we feel that somebody might steal our laptop.Well actually now you don't need to worry anymore because Computrace has comeup with a great solution to this problem.

If one day you encounter a stupid thief, and if he gets away with your laptop, the Computrace LoJack for Laptops by Absolute Software will insure that he or she won’t get away with it. The software can track, locate, and recover a stolen laptop while providing the user protection from personal information, so the thief can’t steal your identity before he attempts to sell my laptop at a pawn shop.

The Standard Edition is $39.99 for one year and includes theft recovery services. The Premium Edition is $59.99 and includes the theft recovery, plus data and device security with a service guarantee. Check it out on the Absolute Software site.

Chargepod V2 from Callpod

Now,here is the stuff that i personally recommend to everybody.It is very useful for everyone.It is Chargepod.

The Chargepod V2 has three sides for charging many a mobile device. The first side charges a PC/Mac laptop, and the second side is for a cell phone, MP3 player, PD, Bluetooth headset, digital reader, as well as video camera, portable DVD player, and so on. The third side is a 3-port USB 2.0 Hub for data transfer such as transfering music and data.

The Chargepod V2 costs $200, plus $10 for each of the cable tips.

Keyboard dock is one of the first iPad accessories

As soon as the iPhone was a announced a few years ago, immediately accessories were released. Now, there are companies that make their millions selling iPhone accessories, and I’m wondering if this is the case with the iPad.

This keyboard dock for the iPad is one of the first accessories that I have seen, but it clearly won’t be the last. Note how the iPad is designed to dock at an angle, which is very similar to iPod/iPhone docks.

I’ve heard that the touchscreen keyboard for the iPad is almost the same size as an ordinary keyboard, but for those that want to hear the clickity-click of the keys might want to invest $70 for this.

AT&T fourth quarter earnings up 26 percent compared to last year

It would appear that everyone’s fourth quarter earnings are on display, and AT&T’s earnings are up 26 percent compared to last year. I suppose what helped that number are the 3.1 million iPhone activations, 2.7 million wireless customers, and the 1 million new customers stemming from e-book readers.

The profits could go up compared to the Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader, and iPad, but we’ll need to compare that to Verizon.

Some small profits and losses were made on Motorola’s Fourth Quarter

The fourth quarter profits are in for Motorola, and a small profit of $142 million was made. Granted, that might not seem small to you, but when you’re dealing with revenue of $5.723 billion, it isn’t all that good. Mobile Devices did $1.8 billion in sales, but lost $132 million. Home Networks and Mobility made $91 million on sales of $2 billion.

I suppose the down sales will lead to a few cents off a share, but we’ll see how they do in 2010.

Onda VX595 PMP

Onda is set to unveil a new portable media player with the Onda VX595 PMP.

This soon-to-be released PMP sports a 4.3” LTPS touch screen at 800×480 resolution with full HD support. It also has an HDMI port and supports most video formats in use today.No word on pricing or availability for the time being.