Tag Archives: Apple

Apple updates iMacs

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iMac Line July 2010This morning, Apple has updated its iMac product line, featuring separate ATI graphics cards. Previous models had graphics models integrated on the CPU.

Depending on configuration, the new iMacs will ship with an ATI Radeon HD 4670 with 256MB of GDDR3 graphics memory, an ATI Radeon HD 5670 with 512MB of GDDR3 memory, or an ATI Radeon HD 5750 with 1GB of GDDR5 memory.

The line ranges from 21.7 inch displays with a 3.06GHz Intel Core i3 processor ($1199.00) to the top of the line 27-inch 2.93 Quad-Core i7 ($2199.00). 4 Gb RAM comes standard, upgradable to 16 Gb.

All units offer a single Firewire 800 port in addition to four USB 2.0 ports, audio in/out ports, Mini DisplayPort, and a gigabit ethernet port.

iMac models by default are shipped with the Apple wireless compact keyboard (no numeric keypad) along with the wireless Magic Mouse. A wired keyboard with full numeric keyboard (no price difference) as well as Apple’s new Magic Trackpad (an additional $69.00) can be specified as a build-to-order option.

Other build-to-order options include the addition of a 256 Gb solid state hard drive (SSD) as the boot drive (additional $750.00) – OS and apps, leaving your 500Gb – 2Tb SATA drive (as specified) for data only as well as emergency boot.

The new iMacs are available immediately.

Snow Leopard ships early

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snowleopardboxApple today announced that its newest version of Mac OS X – 10.6 Snow Leopard will start appearing on doorsteps and in stores this Friday, August 28. This beats Apple’s original ship date of “sometime in September.”

More of a refinement of 10.5 Leopard than a re-do, Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard touts much tighter code, more 64-bit processing capabilities, improved multi-processor support, and improved graphics processing. The refinements result in a much smaller footprint on your hard drive, according to Apple, up to 6-7 gigabytes of less space.

The new operating system also brings a new version of QuickTime plus support for Microsoft Exchange 2007.

QuickTime X boasts a new streamlined player with “a clean, uncluttered interface with controls that fade out when they’re not needed.” It professes smoother playback. QuickTime Player can now capture audio or video using a Mac’s built-in camera and microphone. Basic editing tools allow you to cut video to a desired length, and send it to iTunes for syncing to an iPhone, iPod, and Apple TV. It also has enhanced streaming capabilities.

For Mac users in the corporate world, you can now sync Apple Mail, Address Book, and iCal with Exchange services such as email, calendar invitations, and Global Addresses – if your company is running Microsoft Exchange 2007. While it doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles of full Outlook environment – e.g., public folders, this greatly streamlines getting Macs on the corporate grid.

The best news of Snow Leopard is its price for previous Leopard owners – $29.00 – $10.00 if you purchased your Mac after June 8 via Apple’s Up-to-Date program. Users of 10.4 Tiger can buy the Mac Box Set for $169.00 which not only includes Snow Leopard, but the latest iLife ’09 and iWork ’09.

The one downside, Snow Leopard is Intel Mac only. So 10.5 Leopard was the end of the line for owners of PowerPC (PPC) Macs.

New 17-inch MacBook Pro – unibody, unibattery

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The Apple 17-inch MacBook Pro notebook computerToday, Apple announced an updated version of its 17-inch MacBook Pro notebook computer. The new model uses the unibody construction of the recently shipped MacBook and 15-inch MacBook Pro notebooks.

A major change is that this notebook incorporates a non-removable battery – rated at 8 hours (integrated graphics), 7 hours (discrete), and it’s rated at 1000 recharges – approximately five years, according to Apple. Replacement batteries will be handled with an exchange program ($179.00), similar to the iPod. It is scheduled to ship in 3-4 weeks with a list price of $2799.00. Basic specs are:

  • 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo / 6MB L2 cache
  • 4 Gb 1066 MHz DDR3 memory (expandable to 8 Gb)
  • 1920 x 1200 (2.3 million pixels) LED-backlit display – (glossy)
  • Dual Nvidia GeForce 9400M/Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics processors
  • 320 Gb hard drive (5400 rpm)
  • Slot-loading SuperDrive

Build to order options include a 2.93 GHz processor, matte/anti-glare display, 7200 rpm 320 Gb hard drive, as well as either a 128 Gb or 256 Gb solid state hard drive.

The Apple 17-inch MacBook Pro notebook computer also features Apple’s Multi-Touch trackpad, a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing; Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter; 802.11n wireless networking; built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet; Bluetooth; three USB 2.0 ports; one Firewire 800 port, built-in SuperDrive, and a DVI video output to connect up to a 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display. NOTE: no Firewire 400 port.

Apple ships iWork ’09

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Apple iWork '09Today, Apple released an upgrade to its iWork productivity suite. iWork ’09 includes enhancements to its Pages word processor and Keynote presentation package, and Numbers spreadsheet application.

Keynote ’09 adds adds Magic Move in which users set a start and endpoint for components in a slide and the Keynote provides options for moving objects between them. It also adds new new transitions and themes.

Numbers ’09 adds table categories, new formulas, more chart options, and the ability to link charts with Pages documents.

Pages ’09 adds a new full-screen view, dynamic outlining, support for MathType and EndNote formulas for scientists and academics, as well as new templates.

iWork ’09 Mac requires any Apple Macintosh computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (500 MHz or faster) processor running Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.11 (or later) or Mac OS X Panther 10.5.6 (or later). It is available immediately at a list price of $79.00.

A free 30-day trial is available for download (451 Mb).