Tag Archives: news

Reviews

Boot Camp 1.1 Beta just released by Apple

Apple Boot Camp 1.1 BetaI complained in a previous post about how I wanted to buy a Mac laptop that I’d use for both work on pleasure, but couldn’t, because I was shackled to Windows OS for most of my development work, and there were certain things that just didn’t work on the Mac, with either Boot Camp or with virtualization software.

Well, I can’t have been the only one with gripes, because Apple just released Boot Camp 1.1, addressing some of the very concerns I voiced, both here and at BlogCritics. Here’s what the new version includes:

  • Support for “the latest Intel-based Macs”: this means the Core 2 Duo chips, code-named Merom, coming out at the end of this month. It could also be referring to the new Quad Xeon chips installed in the Power Macs, but I have a feeling 1.1 covers the Merom line as well.
  • Easier partitioning: version 1.0 was somewhat limited (let’s say minimalistic and be nice about it) in the choice of partition sizes.
  • Ability to install Windows XP on any internal disk. It still stinks that we can’t install it on a USB/Firewire drive, but I assume that’s coming down the line.
  • Support for built-in iSight cameras: this was one of my biggest gripes. Trying to use the iSight camera would give the dreaded BSOD.
  • Suppor for built-in microphones: about time! This was a pretty basic requirement.
  • Right-click when pressing the right hand Apple key on Apple keyboards. Interesting, although I’ll probably still use Ctrl + Click.
  • Improved Apple keyboard support: again, about time! Keys like Delete, PrintScreen and NumLock are used by most users on a regular basis.

So what still doesn’t work? The Apple Remote doesn’t. And neither do the Bluetooth Wireless Apple Keyboard and Mouse. Now, while it’d be nice for me to control iTunes while in Windows with the Apple Remote, I can live without that, but why wouldn’t the keyboard and mouse work? So okay, they don’t – fine. But what bothers me is that the sudden motion sensor and the ambient light sensor don’t work either. Those are not only cool, they’re very practical technologies. The sudden motion sensor in particular should be a must have feature.

I can just imagine Apple Tech Support when an unfortunate fellow calls them (hopefully not me):

  • User: “My laptop was resting on its laptop stand, and when I picked it up, it slipped out of my hand and dropped on the table. Now it won’t boot up!”
  • Support: “How high was the drop?”
  • User: “Only 4-6 inches! What’s going on?”
  • Support: “Were you using Windows at the time?”
  • User: “Uh, yes?!”
  • Support: “Well, you’re out of luck. If you were using Mac OS, the sudden motion sensor would have protected the hard drive, but since you used Windows, that hard drive is kaput. Plus, we don’t support Windows. You’ll need to get a new hard drive.”

In a related note, most of the new Lithium Ion batteries are subject to meltdowns and explosions when shaken, overheated or dropped. Something to think about as you hold that laptop in your lap…

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Reviews

A side by side comparison of the 2003 MINI Cooper S and the new 2007 MINI Cooper S

I posted a couple of days ago about the launch of the new 2007 MINI Cooper S, and I said I wasn’t too crazy about the exterior. I still hold that opinion, and to prove it, here are some photos of my very own 2003 Cooper S, alongside a couple of photos of the 2007 Cooper S.

Now, can you honestly admit the new 2007 MINI looks better? They did away with the aggressive, sexy curves on the hood! Where’s that nice, aggressive hood? They pinched it and made it thin. They also made the lights rounder and smaller, and they did away with the extra air scoop on the bumper. But in doing so, they didn’t compensate, and the MINI’s now lost its flair.

Sure, the new one is slightly more sculpted, and it looks like they did away with some of the fat, plus they added two fog lights instead of the single red one you see on the 2004-2006 MINIs, but still, I prefer the back of my 2003 MINI. It’s nicer.

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Thoughts

The 2007 MINI has just been unleashed

Holy mackerel! BMW’s just released photos and updated specs for the 2007 MINI Cooper. As I write this, the MINI website hasn’t been updated with photos or specs. You can’t build a 2007 MINI yet, although that’ll soon change. Call me crazy, but I think the exterior of my 2003 MINI Cooper S looks much better than the new 2007 MINI Cooper S. However, the new interior blows me away. Wow! What amazing changes, and how much cooler it looks now! I’m jealous, and in love. Now I’m torn. Should I get a new MINI at some point, or stick with old and true, though finicky and rattling friend?

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Thoughts

Apple's WWDC 2006 Keynote Address

Yes, I know the keynote address was given a few days ago, and this post is late, but something’s bothered me ever since I watched it. There were two things, actually, and both had to do with Steve Jobs:

  • He seemed thinner than unusual, and tired. His face was pale, and slightly haggard. Was it just the usual overnight prep for the presentation, or is it something else? Is the big guy alright, health-wise?
  • He shared the stage with three other presenters (all Apple guys). Did you catch that? Let me repeat it: he SHARED the stage. More than that, he had this game of tag going on with one of them (Scot Forstall, VP of Platform Experience), that went on throughout the presentation. Was he trying to send a message – as in, hey, at some point I’ll step down, and these are three of the people I’m thinking about, or did it have to do with his health (see first bullet above)?

As much as I dislike the guy for some of the decisions he’s made over the years, Apple wouldn’t be Apple without him. Plus, he looks like my dad (if my dad were to let his facial hair grow for a week), so I’ve got an extra soft spot for him.

Oh yeah, one more thing… Whatever happened to that? I don’t think I was the only one surprised by the lack of extra product announcements. Did Steve want to make sure people focused on the Power Mac, Leopard and WWDC, and not get distracted with extra cool stuff? After all, Intel’s releasing their Merom line (Core 2 Duo processors for laptops) at the end of August. Apple’s got to make an announcement about putting those chips in the Macbook Pro laptops at some point until 8/31, right? Plus, I’m still waiting for the new iPods, in whatever flavor they come: Nano, widescreen, with phone, etc.

Methinks we’ll have an Apple News Event before the end of this month.

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Lists

Oldies, but goodies

As news go, these are weeks, and even months-old, but they sure are good. Stumbled onto them in a folder full of bookmarks. Enjoy!

  1. Full of nostalgia for the 80’s? Try Engadget, cca. 1985.
  2. Want to donate your old computer? Better wipe that drive first!
  3. The generational gap can be seen in the workplace, too. Seriously, it’s rude to get up and walk out in the middle of a conversation.
  4. Kawaii Not – the web comic for cute gone bad! Cute indeed, and witty to boot!
  5. Want to get a small PC?
  6. The 25 worst tech products of all time, according to PC World.
  7. Ever thought of public spaces as dance floors? “You’ve got to move it, move it… MOVE IT!”
  8. Check out photos of Chicago from the 40’s to the 90’s.
  9. Want to get the scoop on classic movies? Then check out Reel Classics.
  10. In love with USB? Check out this list of flashy USB accessories, like a bra with a USB clasp.
  11. Want the latest in wiretapping devices?
  12. How will the newspaper look in just a few short years?
  13. You thought invisibility cloaks were a sci-fi thing, right?
  14. Great advice on advancing your career as you start over, move, take a part-time job or have money problems.
  15. Video sites, comically analyzed and summarized.
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