SSD Coming Along But Still Expensive

It's taken a while but solid state drives, SSD, are coming nicely. What I mean is that I see them more and more as an option from the major PC makers.

Everyone from Dell to HP to Apple, its MacBook Air being very popular over the Holidays and demand has not let up, are using them as a premium add-on.

Now we are seeing SSD sizes at more affordable prices. Not only that, the drives are bigger. Still, I am not quite ready to pluck down $1,500 to $2,000 for a 480GB drive.

For that kind of money, it would be more economical to get a whole new laptop. Say a MacBook Air with 256 GB or storage.

So what is in your laptop or MacBook? Have you moved onto a SSD or consider making the move in the near future?




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

Battery Saving Tips For Laptops

I found a 3-year old post on battery saving tips for laptop users. I came across it when I googled about the battery life saving potentials of adding extra RAM.

It's been a while since I've talked about battery life and tips. I was beginning to sound like a broken record. Having said that, battery life has increased in the last couple of years especially those offered by Apple (drawback is that they don't allow users to easily change out the battery). Typically, Macbooks ranges from 9-10 hours of use. I only see HP and Dell advertise use of 9-cell batteries which I think do well enough for most folks working under a normal load.

But more battery life the better I say. And frankly, this post ain't all that much more different anything that I have written up in the past year for laptops, iPhones, or other mobile devices. Dimming, defragging, conditioning. I'm sure you've heard all that before.

And while battery life has improved through a variety of technical advances, the fact that we are still using the same battery-saving techniques say volumes about the state of battery development. It's 2010 and we still haven't see methane-powered fuel cells. Or even hydrogen powered cell phones.

So, while I have also shared my opinions and news about green tech and the enthusiastic push from some quarters of the government and entrenpreurs, I like to see a mini stimulus for trying to make a giant leap forward for mobile devices. Perhaps we might see that in the course of researchers trying to find a way to store renewable energy source, miniaturization will still be required to apply any new technology.

For now, I leave you with a 3-year old post on saving battery life that is very much still relevant today.

More at Fried Beef (I know, weird blog name).

What To Expect At Apple's Media Event On Wednesday

Unless you're still hungover from Google's Nexus One unveiling and CES, you ought to know that Apple will be holding a media event to unveil their next creation on January 27th in San Francisco.  Presumably, Apple will introduce the iTablet/iSlate/iPad.

Also presumably, Steve Jobs will walk into the stage to great fanfare.  After all, it'll be one of the rare public sightings of this Silicon Valley legend.  And it's likely one of the last.  I'm in the camp that Steve Jobs will handle less and less of these public events and other Apple duties and turn them over to his trusted lieutenants.

Steve will reiterate much of the facts from Monday's call with financial analysts.  Millions of iPhones sold.  Millions of iPods that were put in Christmas stockings.  The success of the iMac line.  Another billion or two of apps downloaded.  Great success across the board.

Then Steve will go onto the main event.  Oh, he might refresh the Macbook lines.  There's talk that the Air might be delayed but no one will care since that's not why millions of fans are hitting the refresh button on their browsers for the latest from the live bloggers.

Oh, Apple's stock will go up and down based on what Steve has to say.

Then the real event starts.  He'll talk about the crappy ereaders on the market.  Everyone, including Kindle owners will see that Steve's right (after all, the reality distortion field will be turned up big time).  He might take a swipe or two at Microsoft.  That always gets the crowd rolling.  Then maybe even subtle jab at Google.

He'll take an indirect route to talking about the iTablet by talking about music, print media, and videos.  Then he'll eventually go onto the iTablet.

The crowd is dazzled.  It goes wild because it defies expectation.  How do I know this will happen?  Because it's Jobs.  Because this is Apple.

All the weeks of speculations and rumors - some true, some not.  Some are misinformation from competitors.  Some are misdirections from Apple itself.  I'm not going to get into what they are or aren't because I have no idea myself.

Then there will be demos.  News Corp will have a big showing, given all the leaks that Apple directed through WSJ and Foxnews.  Demos from publishers will help solidify the iTablet's role in print and ebooks.  If there is any kind of a new video business model to be showcased, Rober Iger will make the trek from Burbankand stroll onto the stage to say how happy they are to be a part of another Apple revolution (Steve sold Pixar to Disney in January of 2006 and is now the single biggest shareholder in Disney at 7% of Disney equity).

We'll also get demos from the video game studios.  Apparently, Apple will be pushing the iTablet as a gaming machine given the number of video game blogs that received invitations to this event.

It's also possible Apple will parade heavy weights from other markets like medical and education to demonstrate how the iTablet will also change their industries.

90 Minutes later, Steve Jobs thanks everyone for coming and the US economy will have lost billions in productivity because for that 90 minutes and the rest of the day, folks will be clamoring to know more about the iTablet and how it'll fit into their lives.

Also later Wednesday night, keep an eye on the Apple-centric blogs because they'll have information on how to watch the event via a Quicktime stream, courtesy of Apple itself.

What I don't expect to see.  I don't expect "...one more thing...".  There's chatter about iPhone 4.0 making a presence.  There's also talk that Apple will have something to say about iPhone availability on Verizon Wireless's network (personally, I'm holding out for T-Mobile).  Based on past Apple events and its singular focus, that's not going to happen.  The iPhone is kicking ass despite Android's best efforts and the Droid campaign.  Apple will not be in a hurry to rush things out.  I fully expect their annual iPhone product cycle to be maintained.  Of course, as a fan, I hope I'm wrong.

How Google Can Get Back At Apple: May Google Voice For the Mac

For Apple, it's about the users.  In recent years, it's about the mobile users.  But with the recent flap over Google Voice, ATT, and Google, Apple seemed to be on the defensive, this is especially true in light of the fact that Google's letter to the FCC demonstrated on the surface that Apple rejected Google's iPhone app for Google Voice.

This is still being sorted out by the FCC and the interested parties and there is no telling where it's headed.  While hopeful, I'm a bit concerned as well.  I'm not sure everyone has the mobile warriors' best interests at heart.  Perhaps the FCC has good intentions but we all know what good intentions really are.

So, if I'm Google, I'll create an Google Voice application or Dashboard app like this one (not an official Google app) for the Mac.  Make it work the way it was meant to on the iPhone.  Show the world, the iPhone users, what Google had intended for the iPhone users.

Integrated with Growl or other Google applications.

This will push pressure on Apple and its partners on GV.  I'm convinced Apple isn't alone in all this though it has no problems diminishing Google's growing mobile penetration.

OLPC, Mac OS, Windows, And Security

When I named this blog, it was mainly to generate  interest and focus on the OLPC.  Alas, there really has not been as much progress as I would have liked.  A lot has changed in the two years since the XO was unveiled and much has happened between the first shipping of the XO and today.

What has happened?  Netbooks has made great in road into the hearts and minds of consumers in economic trouble, Intel's Atom chips, Apple's Macbook rise, and lower priced but powerful mainstream Windows laptops.  And so, I changed focused a bit for "On XO". 

I started talking about general wireless issues, mobile gadgets and smartphones, and editorials on where I think our wireless society will evolve into. 

So, when I stumpled across this post at Appleinsider, a traditionally pro-Apple and rumor site, about Apple's hiring of a OLPC insider, Ivan Krstic, his criticism of the OLPC project (must read), his work on security, and hints of what his work may be with Apple, it really brought me back to think about why the XO isn't as big as it should be, broken promises, and squandered opportunities.

Along with the AI article and Krstic's critical post of the XO development, we gain a good idea of good intentions that went bad, where things stand today in OS and security development, and where we are headed. 

Both posts are recommended reads.  At the end of the day, I hope OLPC's 2nd generation XO works as advertised and continue to drive mobile innovation for children all over the world.

Note:  Krstic, after years of using open source software, has switched to OS X.  His contribution to Apple will bring new innovations in security not just for Macs and the iPhone platform but others as well.  Innovation.  Competition.  Great combo, don't you think?  And at the end of the day, we mobile warriors win.

Mobile Tip To Extend Battery For MacWind (Maybe Other Netbooks and OS's)

This tip came from Dave the Mobile Warrior.

A poster who turned his Wind netbook into a MacWind offered readers at the MSI Wind forum some pointers on how to extend the battery life for their Winds. Well, that's just one of the tips he offer.

• Time Synchronization
• Battery Life - CPU Throttling
• Ext Monitor
• Audio
• Scaling resolutions for applications.

Some of this doesn't necessarily apply to folks who run OS X on their Atom-based netbooks. I encourage you to take a look. Maybe you know a thing or two that you can share with the rest of us.

Link: MSI Wind.net

Netbooks - What Happened To Instant On? Give Us A Real Netbook

One of the best advertised features of the netbooks when the EEE PC came out was the promise of fast startup or instant on and long battery life.

Well, so far, I have not seen anything close to anything like it.  The promises of solid state drives and startups haven't been what we were promised.

In fact, things have gone in reverse.  To drive prices down, cheap and older motherboards have been used like Intel's 950 chipset.  Standard drives became the normal as netbook makers realized people are using their netbooks as laptop or desktop replacements.  In fact, battery life have  been dismal and the native Linux OS were inefficient and largely replaced with the aged but true Windows XP.  If not XP or Linux, then its OS X.

I think it's time someone come out with a real netbook.  One that boots up in seconds.  One that offers long battery life because it uses fast efficient SSD drives and a power management that allows for all day use instead of the 2-3 hours or the 5 hours of battery life only because of 6-cell batteries.  

Make it a real netbook.  Get rid of the video out.  Do we really need HD playback?  A netbook should be not replacing any regular computers.  If it's a task or job needs a regular laptop, get a real desktop.

I suppose today's state of netbooks maybe largely due to the sagging global economy.  But at the same time, increasing netbook sales have failed to augment regular computer sales but instead contribute to shrinking revenues and markets.

It is a wonder why Sony's Viao P costs closer to $1000? Apple has not come out with their answer to the netbook?  It's quite simple.  There is no answer to the netbook as it exists today.  But there are some qualities that netbook makers should consider for what we originally though netbooks would bring to mobility:

• Light.  3lbs are fine but there are subnotes in that range.  The Macbook Air quickly comes to mind.  Two pounds would be ideal.  2.5 is acceptable if it means a bigger battery.
• Fast.  E-mails.  Surfing the web.  IM.  Standard office or social tasks that make up much of daily digital communication.
• Wireless.  3G.  Wi-Fi.  Wireless USB.  No cords.  Even wireless charging.  Evidently, the technology is there.  Ask Palm about charging the Pre.
• Long runtime.  I don't want to go overboard here.  I'm not talking about days.  I can dream but I dare not make such a request.  But make it run for a day.  Certainly, that isn't too much to ask.  

Are such conditions unreasonable to ask or difficult to meet for the likes of Apple, Sony, or an innovative and hungry startup?  Maybe there's a reason why netbooks are so cheap.  It's a good thing.   However, it doesn't mean we should accept the state of mobility as it is today.

Note:  When asked about Apple's answer to the netbook, Jobs jokingly (or maybe he wasn't) answered the iphone was Apple's answer to the netbook.  No, it's not.  But close.  Recent days, it's been blogged to death that Apple has "ideas" about the netbook market.  I wonder if Jobs hinted at Apple's plans but no one was really listening?

OS X Without the Mac

Traditionally, with we talk about Apple's Mac with the OS, we refer to it as "Mac OS X".

Now, Appleinsider has revealed that Apple has decided to trademark the "OS X" with the "Mac".  As explained, it's likely because Apple's OS exists in multiple devices that are not Macs:  iPhone, iPod Touch, and Apple TV.

Not to mention on a myriad of non-sanctioned devices like my MacWind.  So here's where I think this is interesting.  Just OS X.  

What I'm about to say is mere speculation on my part (I have no sources, this is not a rumor, but just my educationed musing) but consistent with Apple traditon of taking unassuming steps that are laid out on a road map that eventually somewhere.   Can this be the towards possibly licensing OS X for use outside of Mac computers?

Here's why based on Apple's past actions.

• PowerPC to Intel transition - no one thought that was possible.  Blood enemies and all.  Things change.  Time change.
• Apple has AMD chips running OS X in Cupertino.  We have to be very naive to think otherwise.  Cell chips?  You bet.  
• No disk drive.  Now, no user changeable batteries on some Macbooks.  Already, that exists in the iPod and iPhone lines.  And let's not forget no firewire on the unibody Macbooks.  Apple is very sneaky at adopting new technology as they are at dropping older ones.
• USB - Apple wasn't the first to use it but it was certainly the one that introduced the public to it with the original iMac.
• iPod Touch with recoding abilities.  Right.  VOIP is more like it.  iChat Voice or Video years down the line?  Definitely.
• Some experience now with certifying apps - may translate that experience into hardware certifications.

Those are behaviors that Apple has exhibited in the past that had me wondering about this trademark change and potential of OS X licensing.  Nothing in those behaviors sugget OS X on Viaos or Inspirons.  Nor should we just take Apple's word if Apple executives, Cook or Schiller, offers Apple's explanation for this change in trademark.  

Apple likes to surprise people so don't be surprised if OS X licensing is in the cards.  Apple will still make Macs.  And as far as licensing, I'm sure Jobs and Co. has made sure Apple always come out on top - in technical and financial terms.

If this happens, it'll be soon.  Windows 7 is coming soon.  Based on personal judgment and what I'm reading in the press, Redmond may have a remedy for it OS woes. The public is still fuming over Vista and corporations are sticking with XP.  If Apple wanted to take OS marketshare, this is the time.

Source:  Appleinsider

Note:  I know the other side of the argument:  Steve Jobs will never let this happen.  I'm almost with you on this one.  Jobs has never public said he regretted not licensing the Mac OS in the 80s but he has publicly said he marvelled at Microsoft's ability to make deals.  Maybe Jobs, health willing, will try to make a few of his own now.

Windows 7: Successfully Installed

Early I mentioned my fellow mobile warriors about giving Windows 7 a try given how much publicity it's receiving.  Honestly, I rather give Windows Mobile 7 a try, you know, whenever it finally arrives.  But for now, let's talk about Windows 7.

It's fast!  Easy.  And for a beta, it's quite stable.  I've only given it a try for the last four hours but from what I've read (I read and read as much as I can find about crashes and such first), it's very stable.

On the surface, it isn's all that different from Vista but maybe it's "Windows 7" and not "Vista" that I'm a bit more optimistic about it.  Don't get me wrong, there is a feel to Vista I don't feel lags like I sometimes get or weird warnings that pop up when I tried to digging into Windows 7 the way Vista likes to annoy users with.

Now, installation.  That was a breeze.  Nothing complicated.  Setting up the network.  Now, how do I say this?  Freaking easy!  I can't believe how easy it is.  It's Leopard easy.  XP wasn't this easy.  Not even close.  Vista.  Man, the times I wanted to take a bat to it.

I'm still messing around with it but if you want to move beyond XP but you're trying to avoid Vista or aren't ready for a Mac, give Windows 7 a try.  The beta will last through August.  You've got more than seven months to take it for a spin.

Steve Jobs Is Fine: Just Hormones

I just received a notification (5:45am PST) that Steve Jobs in a letter to the Apple community that he's fine.  He'll undergo treatment for hormone imbalance that has caused weight loss.  His doctors believe he'll regain his weight by Spring.

He'll be continue to be the CEO of Apple.  Great news for mobile warriors even if you're not an Apple fan. Expect full-on innovation from Cupertino and leaving no breathing room for competitors.  

Best of luck on your recovery, Steve!  

Expect "iDiet" by WWDC in June.  Just kidding.  More on the open letter. This quote says it all:

So now I’ve said more than I wanted to say, and all that I am going to say, about this.

Basically, Jobs is saying to Gizmodo: Shut the f@#$% up!  Here is the letter:

Dear Apple Community,

For the first time in a decade, I'm getting to spend the holiday season with my family, rather than intensely preparing for a Macworld keynote.

Unfortunately, my decision to have Phil deliver the Macworld keynote set off another flurry of rumors about my health, with some even publishing stories of me on my deathbed.

I've decided to share something very personal with the Apple community so that we can all relax and enjoy the show tomorrow.

As many of you know, I have been losing weight throughout 2008. The reason has been a mystery to me and my doctors. A few weeks ago, I decided that getting to the root cause of this and reversing it needed to become my #1 priority.

Fortunately, after further testing, my doctors think they have found the cause -- a hormone imbalance that has been "robbing" me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy. Sophisticated blood tests have confirmed this diagnosis.

The remedy for this nutritional problem is relatively simple and straightforward, and I've already begun treatment. But, just like I didn't lose this much weight and body mass in a week or a month, my doctors expect it will take me until late this Spring to regain it. I will continue as Apple's CEO during my recovery.

I have given more than my all to Apple for the past 11 years now. I will be the first one to step up and tell our Board of Directors if I can no longer continueto fulfill my duties as Apple's CEO. I hope the Apple community will support me in my recovery and know that I will always put what is best for Apple first.

So now I've said more than I wanted to say, and all that I am going to say, about this.

Steve 

iPhone Still Missing Critical Features

Twelve (or is it fifteen by now) million iPhones in the wild and counting.  Not bad for a newcomer who only had their first mobile device on the market 18 months ago. 

Still the iPhone is missing some critical features.  Okay, missing but it has not dampened demand for it.  But I still wonder why it has taken Apple so long to bring something as simple as cut-and-paste.  So, what are these other features?

Well, MacDailyNews has a list of critical features that folks want (it's a poll) and I want to go through and maybe we can all figure out why its missing.

• Spotlight system-wide search.  This is an easy one.  Security.  And there is no need at this time for such a feature.  You've got e-mails, appointments, contacts, and dates.  Well, maybe we do need it.  But given security reasons, Apple will not offer this feature. 
• Native local storage.  Again, I think it's security related.  Plus there are 3rd party apps that open up online storage.  A bit of cloud computing if you will.  Eventually, it makes sense to get an mobile version of iLife and maybe access to MobileMe. 
• Native voice-dialing.  It's coming.  Google has enabled voice-search so we know the capability is there.  It's more likely that Apple is saving this feature for a future upgrade so they can make a big deal out of it.
• Turn-by-turn voice navigation.  It's coming.  Otherwise, the GPS would be pretty useless.  Honestly, I don't know why this is being held up.  Many GPS companies have expressed interest in providing apps for the iPhone.  I want to say it has to do with the battery power but I think it's more than that.  One, revenue.  Apple wants a piece of the piece beyond just the 30% of every GPS app sold.  Two, they could be working with car companies for additional integration with vehicle systems. 
• Potentially power hungry features.  I'm lumping them together for this reason.  Bluetooth stereo headset and video recording.  Now, I'll come out and say I have no experience with wireless headsets but I imagine it'll take a bit of power that the iPhone really can't spare.  Video recording is in the same depart but I also tried Cycorder and it's just downright aweful.  We're better off carrying around a true HD camcorder.  It's what Steve would want.  I see bluetooth stereo headset but I don't see video recording from Apple.  Maybe third-party apps. 
• Bandwidth-hog features.  MMS.  Apple fans are very creative (that isn't to say RIM or Windows Mobile fans aren't) and such a feature would very popular.  I want to say it's due to bandwidth alone but the feature is just too bland for Apple.  I have a feeling a similar feature will be jazzed up and closely integrated with MobileMe. 

Oh, and cut-and-paste.  Your guess is as good as mine.  You'd think it's one of the features the iPhone would have from day one.  But having seem some aweful implementations, I can see why Apple has not included this feature.  I like Windows Mobile's cut-and-paste implementation but not so much with the G1 and Android.  I've read theories and rumors of variant implementations but we'll just have to wait until it can be implemented easily and meets Steve Jobs' approval. 

What do I consider are critical features?

• iWeb access to MobileMe webhosting for blogging.
• Mobile office suite.  But it'll be useless until cut-and-paste is available.
• Voice-command with shortcuts. 
• 3-D interface that Apple looks to be developing.
• Battery life.  We need the ability to change batteries.  Since this is not a wish Apple will grant us, we can only hope components will improve power usage.
• iChat video. 

There are more but I don't want to be greedy.  So, to recap on why we have not see some critical mobile features on the iPhone.  Battery power, bandwidth restrictions, and Jobsian perfection.  I think those are the three main factors holding up services and features for the iPhone.  Eventually, it'll all work itself out.  I hope.

Via  MacDailyNews

Netbooks Wipe The Floor With iPhones!

Netbooks rips Blackberry a new one!  Or how about this one:  More Netbooks sold than DS and PSP Combined!

No, I haven't gone off the deep end.  That happened a long time ago.  What I'm babbling about is a post originating from jkOnTheRun that has been picked up by the likes of MacNN and PC World, all very respectable .  Apparently, the tech blog found recent news days so slow that they have to pit two completely different products from different categories and compare their numbers.

And let's not forget that the comparison here is a whole segment of netbooks versus one product, the iPhone.  So, why do it?  Suffice to say, the explanation in the post doesn't make sense.  The fact that an explanation for this comparison is needed, well, you'll have to take a go at it yourself.

I think there is an explanation not mentioned in the post.  It stemmed from the last financial call when Jobs said the iPhone was Apple's answer to the netbook.  So, here are some things you should know.

1. Don't believe everything Jobs say. 
2. An Apple answer to the netbook is coming.
3. An Apple answer to the netbook is coming.
4. An Apple answer to the netbook is coming.
5. Don't believe what Jobs say. The iPhoen is not a netbook. An Apple answer to the netbook is coming.

Even the comparison is flawed if you allow it. To make such an Apple to orange comparison, you still have to take into account the iPod Touch units. But you can't do that because Apple doesn't offer those numbers. Then you also have to take a look at the netbooks and see which ones uses SSD instead of traditional drives. Then you have to go further and see which one offers 3G connectivity.

 

And when Apple's answer to the netbook comes out, so what? I'm sure comparisons will be made but it won't be a netbook. Still, that is not going to stop folks from making comparisons.

 

Source:  jkOnTheRun 

 

Note: If such a comparison as JonK is allowed, they would need to take into account devices like Nokia's N800 and Archos devices.

Another note: This is the result of dearth of Apple rumors. Shame on MacNN for reporting it though. Better off reading the stars for Apple's future plans than to report on this.

Another note note: Read the comments on the original post. Most folks agree this was a bad comparison.

Subsidized Laptops Come To The US

Want a netbook for $99?  For that and $60 a month for two years, Radio Shack, Acer, and ATT will offer you an Acer Aspire One with 3G access.  Not bad considering.

Onxo had said this was coming because it made sense and if you live in Britain, such deals has already been available for a while now. 

Now, this isn't cheap.  It's a hefty amount over the lifetime of the contract.  However, this is not meant for the average mobile warrior like you or me.  However for someone like Dave the Mobile Warrior who works in a professional web and programming development and needs access at any time and any where, it makes sense.  Again, it's for folks who need it.

But I'll make another prediction.  This rate will come down over time in 2009.  We don't have a lot of these types of bundles at this time.  Look for the other wireless providers in the US to follow in 2009.  Even look for additional tethering rates.  Then look for these rates to be challenged as WiMax become more ubiquitous (Sprint, I live in CA - waiting for you still).

It's going to be an exciting 2009.  Beyond that, how we'll just have to wait and see.  But I would not be surprised see these netbooks offered for free.  So, with AWS-3 and white spaces potentially coming online in 2010, things are looking up for mobile users.

 Source:  Engadget

Note:  Now, if ATT would just get up and offer the new Macbooks, I'll totally sign up.

Related Onxo Posts:

• Another company offers netbooks with 3G access (this time in India)
• EEE PC offered with 3G in Euro zone
• 3G Modem Growth Set To Explode
• Should Apple offer wireless access option to Macbooks?

Apple Announcement For Macworld: We've Got Nothing (Go Home!)

Onox was right (unfortunately) about no new products outside of refreshes of existing Apple products.

I am going to say it now.  No new mobile product from Apple at Macworld.  We might see a refresh of the iPhone with lower entry prices for the 8GB at some later date.  We'll likely see a 32GB model as well.  That's about it.

However, we will not see a tablet, Macblet, iTablet, MacTablet.  Nor will we see anything new multi-touch hardware.

Here's why I think this to be the case.  This week, many Apple sites have reported (when they're not reporting about President-Elect Obama being a Zune user ) Adobe offering a limited presence at MacWorld 2009.  If you recall earlier this fall, Apple execs made a lot of buzz about new products and leaving no umbrella room.  Well, they sort of did that will the iPod line, they lowered the price of the entry Macbook, and will do so with iPhone early part of 2009, either through power prices or added memory capacity.

Now, Appleinsider is reporting a line of other companies not making their presence felt in at the January event (second most important event in January in my mind).  Why is that?

The economy for one.  But as AI mentioned in its post, many of those folks have already paid for the venue and, thus, cost should not be an issue.  Nor is travel expense given that companies like Adobe lives in the area.  So, what could it be?

Hence my guess:  no new products other than Mac desktop refreshes.  New Mac Pro.  New iMac.  Maybe new Mac Mini (or that Mac Hybrid that I wanted).  For any other company, that would be news in of itself but this Apple.  Two years ago, the iPhone.  Last year, the Macbook Air.  This year, nothing.

And let's face it, people are about mobility now.  Desktops don't get people excited like they once did.  Supposedly, attendance will also be down.  I'm guess people are thinking they won't see anything exciting at this year's keynote.

So, let's hope that I'm wrong.

Source:  Appleinsider

Old Laptops At Work

My Dell Athlon died yesterday.  Rather it was the HD and I haven't had time to go pick up another one.

It's weird bring my old Powerbook into the office for this purpose.  It's been here before but mostly it served as a Photoshop emergency than a workhorse for the day.  So far, it works great.  I'm having printing issues that I should be able to resolve that.

I thought I bring this up because Chieh over at Camerahacker also brought in his old Sony Viao to use as a terminal.

I think old laptops that refuse to go away (and because of the attachments we sometimes develop with our mobile companions over the years) can still be put to good use.  The only reason I've decided to "retire" my Powerbook at home is because of the quality of the LCD screen.

Today, it's pumping out spreadsheets via numbers and cranking out e-mails just as efficiently as my dual-core sitting to the side now.  I might even do a little Skype.

If you've got any suggestions on what to do with older laptops, please feel free to drop a line.  Eventually, I will fix the Dell but I think I be keeping my Powerbook at work permanently.

Note:  Luckily, just before my work drive died, I backed up everything except for a day's worth of e-mail.

Bigger Batteries - The Way to Go?

A third-party nine-cell battery for my MacWind would provide me with 6.5 hours of continuous battery use.  Do you think I should get it?

The MacWind I've been talking about lately weights in at about 3 pounds. That's with the 6-cell battery.  It provides me with about 4.5 hours of juice per charge and I find that adequate. But then the debate is whether the weight is more important or adding a little weight but gain 50% of battery life is worth it.

Right now, I would have to choose between the standard 6-cell configuration or a 3rd party 9-cell battery.  In time, I think we'll get more choices given that mobility is increasingly important to a lot of mobile warriors and the ability to work without worry about finding  an outlet is very important.

 What do you think?  With the live.com deal and eBay , I can get it for a good price now.  I've included the link if you're interested.  MSI forums has more info about it.  I guess I will let those intrepid early adopters go through a couple of charge cycles before deciding.

Quick Note about the Previous Windows 7 Netbook Post

I'm going out on a limb here but a while back, I had posted in late August that Microsoft should consider using XP architecture to create a mobile platform since it has matured in terms of usability and stability all these years.  Plus, it is familiar to hundreds of millions of users.

I still believe Microsoft should continue to invest XP for mobile use.

Back to Windows 7.  Since Apple is able to create a mobile variant of the OS X they use for the Macs, I believe Microsoft may be exploring this route as well.  And if they are not, it's something worth considering if they are able to get stripe Windows 7 down to just the core and built mobile features around it the way Apple has done.

Honestly, Windows Mobile, while a very good platform in of itself, simply does not have the momentum that the iPhone and Blackberry has in the last year.  Furthermore, Android's likely ascendency should an added front to Steve Balmer in the struggle between Redmond and Mountain View.

So, don't be surprise if Windows Mobile 8 should is renamed "Windows 7 Mobile".

Love to hear what you think.  Microsoft is in no danger of losing the desktop war.  But in the mobile war of laptops, netbooks, mobile devices, and smartphones, Microsoft is in danger of being marginalized.  And believe me, we need a viable Microsoft.

You know I'm a big Mac fan but even I don't want to see a world dominated by just Jobs or the Google guys.

Note:  Google has indicated Android will go beyond mobile devices.  Asus may well be coming out with netbooks running Android.  Apple has indicated that the iPhone and iPod Touch are not the only mobile devices on this platform.

Windows 7 Runs Fine On Netbook

Webmonkey has posted an article worth going over to read on Windows 7 running very well on a 1Ghz netbook.  This is certain a good news considering most folks are shying Vista and have either gone with XP or the Linux flavor, both run very well.

In fact, the Winds we bought came with XP but we converted them into Macbook mini.  And I have been using it as my primary writing and Internet machine for more than a week now.

It works beautifully.  Now, looks like Windows 7 could be getting into the game.  During a demonstration in Los Angles at a Microsoft developer conference, a copy of the yet to be released Windows was running on a 1 Ghz netbook equipped with 1GB of RAM.

With Windows 7 Microsoft is trying make people forget about Vista and focus on what has made Microsoft dominate the desktop computers much of the 90s until now.  Some additional changes are also in store.

• Ease of Use
  
• Speed
• New UI and Looks
• Windows 7 will need to work well on low-powered chips such as netbooks and UMPCs where battery life and portability is a large consideration.
• Web applications are featured more prominently.

Link:  Webmonkey

Note:  The new XO also run XP.  There may be a dual boot feature in the future.  G1G1 starts on November 17th.

Anatomy of a Mac Rumor (Or Any Other Ones)

The Mac and iPhone realm is beseiged by rumors all the time.  On a daily basis in fact.

I like rumors.  The more the better.  And especially if they come true.  Like the iPhone.

Then there are rumors that doesn't make sense but people report them like "the one" (not Obama), Jobs said it himself.  Take the recent $800 Macbook rumor that was flying around just days before Apple unveiled the new Macbook line-up on October 14.

We did not get the $800 Macbook.  Nor did we get the $900 Macbook.  We got the $999 Macbook and a $100 increase on the high end Macbook for our troubles.  So, I got to thinking and here are some rules to follow when you read up on Mac, iPhone, or any mobile gadgets.

• If it makes you feel good about it, it's not true.
• If it involves technology that is leaps and bounds beyond what we see today, it's not true.
• If it includes all the features you want, it's not true.
• If there is a huge price drop, it's not true.
• If the source "swears by his first born" that the tip he got is a lock, it's not a lock.
• If it's from an overpaid analyst from Wall Street or any road, it's DEFINITELY not true.

Here are some Apple-specific rules to follow when we read up on rumors in additional to those above:

• Refreshed products are considered new products.
• "New products" does not mean flip-iPhone, MacTablets, or lighter than Air notebook.  It means iPods with bigger storage in September, iPhone updates in June, Macbook updates in Spring and Fall.
• Tablets are on their way.  We'll get them when we get them.  When Apple says so.
• iPhones are not netbooks.  Netbooks are coming.  We just don't know what yet.
• When Jobs says they're not working on something, it means they're working on it.  For example, he said video on an iPod was a dumb idea.  Hence, we got video iPods.  He said Americans don't read.  True. But we might still see an ebook-friend iPod or iPhone.  Even the tablet.  

So, if you're new to the rumor scene, welcome.  They're entertaining.  Fun.  Gets you through the day.  But if you use rumors to base your purchases or financial investments, let me say it now, don't.  

If you need something now, get it.  Get whatever mobile device you need now or when you need it.  

Economic Relief Tip (sort of): Codeweavers Free Software Tomorrow Only

Okay...this tip is kind of specific for certain mobile warriors.  Specifically, Mac and Linux users.

Tomorrow only, Codeweaver will allow free downloads, one license per user to download one of their products.

• Crossover Mac - Allows Macs to run Windows applications without Windows
• Crossover Games - Allows Mac/Linux to run windows games without Windows
• Crossover Linux - Allows Linux machines to run Windows applications without Windows

You get one download.  Mac or Linux.  I know what I'll be downloading and what I'll be using it for.  Here's a description of Codeweaver products. And here is the press release for tomorrow's deal.  

You'll save about $40!  I will save $80 since I don't have to buy Parallels for my MacWind. Woohoo!

Link:  more info at TUAW