Category Archives: New from Apple

Apple issues Mac OS X 10.7.3 Lion Update

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Apple today released Mac OS X Lion 10.7.3. The 1.2 Gb Combo Update (always use the Combo update) includes operating system fixes “that improve the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac”, including:

  • Corrects Wi-Fi connection issues when waking from sleep
  • Corrects an issue that may prevent Safari from opening before joining a wireless network
  • Adds RAW support for eleven additional digital cameras, including compact new interchangeable-lens models from Nikon, Sony, and Olympus
  • Corrects graphics performance issue after sleep on some earlier iMacs that use ATI graphics chips
  • Corrects compatibility issues with Windows file sharing
  • Corrects issues when using smart cards to log into OS X
  • Resolves issues authenticating with directory services
  • Corrects an issue printing Microsoft Word documents that use markup
  • Adds Catalan, Croatian, Greek, Hebrew, Romanian, Slovak, Thai, and Ukrainian language support

The update can be applied via Apple Software Update, however I recommend you use the direct download and install of Mac OS X Lion 10.7.3 Combo Updater. This provides a cleaner install with less possibility of problems.

In addition an update to Mac OS X 10.7.3 Server was also released.

Apple boosts MacBook Air with faster CPUs and Thunderbolt port

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Coinciding with the Mac OS X 10.7 Lion release, Apple has updated its like of MacBook Air ultra-thin notebooks.

Ranging in base price from, $999.00 for a 1.6 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 CPU, 2 Gb RAM, 64 Gb solid state drive, and 11-inch display to $1699.00* for a 1.8GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i7 CPU with 4Gb RAM, 256 GB  solid state drive, and 13-inch display, the faster line also adds the new Thunderbolt high-speed port as well as a backlit keyboard.

Apple MacBook Air

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In addition to the Thunderbolt port, the new line also includes a built-in FaceTime camera, stereo speakers, two USB 2.0 ports, an SD card slot, plus headphone and mic jacks. 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology is also included. Battery life is rated at five hours on a single charge for the 11-inch models, seven hours on the 13-inch display units.

All models are available immediately .. shipped with the new Apple Mac OS X 10.7 Lion operating system.

With the release of the new line of MacBook Air notebooks, Apple has removed the original white MacBook from its product line.

Apple releases new Mac Mini line – With Thunderbolt, Without Optical Drive

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Apple Mac MiniThe first company to eliminate the floppy drive from their computers is continuing its quest to stamp out more physical media. Apple’s new Mac Mini line of compact computers, just like its MacBook Air notebooks, no longer include a built-in CD/DVD drive – a reflection of Apple’s drive to move all software purchases to digital downloads via its Mac App Store.

Other companies such as Adobe also offer a digital download option, plus Amazon has recently opened a Mac digital downloads store which includes products, such as Microsoft Office, Quickbooks Pro, and TurboTax. For situations requiring an actual CD/DVD access, users can use CD/DVD sharing (via another mac with a drive) or separately purchase Apple’s External SuperDrive for $79.00.

MacMini back

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What the new Mac Minis do have is the faster Thunderbolt port for high-speed disk drives as well as external monitors, plus a built-in HDMI port (making it a nice streaming media device), four USB 2.0 ports, one Firewire 800 port, a SDXC card slot, plus a gigabit ethernet port.

Under the hood the new line houses a 2.3 GHz i5 ($599.00), 2.5 GHz i5 ($799.00) or 2.7 GHz i7 ($899.00) Dual-Core Intel Core processors. 2 Gb RAM comes with the 2.3 GHz model with 4GHz standard on the latter two computers. Each can be expanded to 8Gb as a Build-to-order option. A 500 Gb 5400 pm hard drive is standard with a 750 Gb 7200 rpm option available for an additional $150.00.

802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless features are also standard.

All models are available immediately .. shipped with the new Apple Mac OS X 10.7 Lion operating system.

Note: Apple Mac Mini computers are shipped without a keyboard, mouse, or other input devices.

Apple announces new 27-inch Cinema Display with Thunderbolt port

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Apple Thunderbolt DisplayNot to be outdone with the new Apple MacBook Air and Mac Mini, the newly renamed Apple Thunderbolt Display began shipping. Like Apple’s other hardware releases today, the new $999.00 27-inch monitor includes a high-speed Thunderbolt port in addition to:

  • Three self-powered USB 2.0 ports
  • One Firewire 800 port
  • One Gigabit Ethernet port
  • Built-in 49-watt 2.1 speakers
  • Built-in FaceTime HD camera with microphone
  • LED backlit technology for faster and more accurate brightness control
  • Ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the brightness to room environment to save energy

The Apple Thunderbolt Display offers a full 2560 x 1440 maximum resolution (most competing 27-inch displays tap out at 1920 x 1080), the monitor features a wide 178° viewing angle combined with in-plane switching (IPS) for consistent color from any angle.

You can daisy-chain two Thunderbolt Displays to any 15- or 17-inch MacBook Pro or to an iMac for those who require multiple monitor setups. Only one display can be connected to MacBook Air and Mac Mini computers.

The unit also incorportaes a MagSafe connector to power and charge MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air notebooks. Built-in Thunderbolt and MagSafe cables are included.

The Apple Store currently lists 6-8 week lead times for the Apple Thunderbolt Display, but can be ordered now in advance.

Apple bumps Time Capsule to 3 Tb

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Apple Time CapsuleApple today began shipping updates to its Time Capsule, wireless router/backup line. Previously available in one and two terabyte models, the updated line Time Capsule is available in two models, a 2 Tb model for $299.00 and a 3 Tb model for $499.00.

Time Capsule automatically and wirelessly backs up everything on one or more Macs running Mac OSX 10.5 Leopard and above using the Mac OS’ Time Machine feature. Measuring 7.7×7.7×1.4 inches, the units combine an 802.11n Airport Extreme base station with a server-grade hard drive in one small package.

Time Capsule is a full-featured Wi-Fi base station with the latest 802.11n technology – delivering up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g.

Overall Time Capsule features include:

  • Dual-band antennas for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies
  • Three (3) One-Gigabit LAN ports
  • Gigabit Ethernet WAN port
  • USB 2.0 port for a printer or hard drive
  • Wi-Fi Protected Access™ (WPA/WPA2)
  • Wireless security (WEP) configurable for 40-bit and 128-bit encryption
  • Built-in NAT firewall supporting NAT-PMP for features like Back to My Mac.
  • Full VPN Passthrough (IPSec, PPTP, and L2TP), DNS Proxy, DHCP, PPPoE, SNMP, and IPv6 compatibility

Windows PCs can also access the Time Capsule for wireless network/internet access as well as access to any printer or external hard drive attached to the unit’s USB port. However, there is no Apple Time Machine backup software for Windows.

You can get complete Apple Time Capsule tech specs from the company’s product page.