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First Dual-Boot On Intel Mac Contest Draws Crowd
Apple Intel Macs - Demand Beats Supply
Mac Sales Off: Why Macintel and PowerPC Are Hard to Sell Today
Intel Macs: Wait or Buy Now?
Is it Time to Consider an Apple Macintosh?
Why The MacBook Pro Is Not Just A PowerBook
PowerBook G4 Defects Panned
PowerBook G4 Audio Glitch
Steve Jobs's Magic Kingdom
Apple's Tomorrowland
Apple Remains Locked in Transition
Amping Up Your Laptop
Apple: MacBook Pro battery life "as good or better" than PowerBook
eWeek: Intel Gets on its Way to 45 Nanometers
ExtremeTech: Intel Proves 45-nm Process With Test Chips
eWeek: Judge Sets Date for BlackBerry Hearing
Baseline: Video Conferencing Kept Lord of the Rings on Track
eWeek: Government Sticks Its Fingers Deeper Into Your Data Pie
eWeek: Google Fights for Your Rights
eWeek: GPL 3's DRM Provisions Raise Eyebrows
eWeek: Torvalds: No GPL 3 for Linux
eWeek: ID Theft Tops Fraud Complaints
First Dual-Boot On Intel Mac Contest Draws Crowd
TechWeb News 's Gregg Keizer reports:
A self-professed Mac lover who jump-started a prize award for the first person to figure out how to boot Windows XP on an Intel-based Macintosh is confident that someone will step forward to claim the bounty, now at nearly $6,000.
"I'm an optimist," said Colin Nederkoorn of Houston, Texas, and the creator of The Contest Web site. "I think someone will claim it." ....
Among his requirements, Nederkoorn said, were that the user must be able to boot either OS X or Windows XP at startup; and boot XP, not Vista or other versions. The process cannot rely on virtualization software.
For the full report visit here.
Apple Intel Macs - Demand Beats Supply
MacWorld UK's Jonny Evans reports:
Apple's new Intel-based Macs are selling strongly, leaving the company set for growth in 2006, an analyst claims.
Analyst Shaw Wu of American Technology Research is ebullient on Apple's progress: "Sales of the new Intel Macs (iMac and MacBook Pro) appear strong," he said. "We believe it may be fuelled by customers who waited for Intel Macs and we see particular strength in the education, content creation and consumer end markets."
While MacBooks won't ship until February, Wu reports Apple is already facing problems meeting demand for the new pro-portables, a problem he sees as a blessing for the firm.
For the full report visit here.
http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/index.cfm?RSS&NewsID=13691
Mac Sales Off: Why Macintel and PowerPC Are Hard to Sell Today
Low End Mac's Dan Knight says:
If the folks at Think Secret are right, sales of the Macintel iMac are below Apple's expectations - and iMac G5 and PowerBook G4 sales are off as well.
This does not bode well for Apple.
With promises of 2x to 4x the performance of their predecessors, you'd think the new iMacs would be flying off the shelves and MacBook Pro preorders would be piling up like leaves beneath an oak tree in the fall.
In terms of selling off old inventory, Apple really blew it by keeping prices of the iMac G5 and 15" PowerBook G4 unchanged after claiming the new iMac was twice as fast as the old one - and the new MacBook Pro four times as fast as the PowerBook G4.
Whether these claims can be substantiated in the real world or not (and thus far it appears that they cannot), it puts Apple in the unenviable position of trying to sell two similar computers at the exact same price while claiming the 2006 models are significantly faster than the 2005 ones.
For the full commentary visit here:
http://lowendmac.com/musings/06/0126.html
Intel Macs: Wait or Buy Now?
Wired's Pete Mortensen says:
With the euphoria of another Steve Jobs Macworld Expo keynote waning, Apple faithful are coming to terms with one troubling fact -- the whole platform has gone beta again. Apple's new iMac and the MacBook Pro, based on Intel's Core Duo processors, are available for purchase right now, but it will be at least a year before Apple's transition away from PowerPC hardware is complete.
These are some of the questions Mac users are asking.
I've been in the market for a new Mac forever -- should I buy an Intel Mac today?
What kinds of problems crop up with a new processor?
Do Photoshop, Microsoft Office, Quark and other Pro applications run on the new machines?
How fast are these computers right now?
Can I run Windows on the new Macs?
Will I regret buying one of these computers in three months?
For the answers, visit:
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,70086-0.html?tw=rss.culture
Is it Time to Consider an Apple Macintosh?
getthenetresults.com's Justin Powell says:
While Apple Computer has been working hard to gain a competitive edge, Microsoft has appeared slow to react. For instance, both Windows XP and the first version of Mac OS X were released in 2001. Since then, Apple has released four major updates to Mac OS X with each providing a variety of new features. During the same time, Microsoft has only released two "Service Packs" to Windows XP which were primarily bug fixes and mostly devoid of new features. The next true enhancement to Microsoft Windows (Windows Vista) isn't scheduled for release until the end of this year and will likely require many current Windows users to upgrade their PC hardware to run the new OS.
Apple has also recently shifted its Macintosh platform to utilize Intel chips and a similar hardware specification to that found in Windows-based PCs. This brings with it two main benefits to Apple and it's customers: performance parity with Windows-based PCs and a new level of compatibility with the Windows operating system. So is it time for your business to consider using Apple Macintosh computers?....
There are a number of myths swirling about over the years that have made some people reluctant to switch to a Macintosh computer. For this reason, I feel that it is probably worthwhile to take a look at why people have decided against using the Mac before looking at some of the reasons why they should. Some of these myths have their basis in fact, although the landscape has assuredly changed over the years and some of these early facts now clearly fall into the 'myth' category. So, which of these objections are truth or myth?
For the full commentary visit here.
Why The MacBook Pro Is Not Just A PowerBook
MacBook Garage says:
So what's the big deal about a MacBook site? Isn't the MacBook Pro just a rebranded PowerBook? Isn't this just the same old thing but faster?...
When the PowerBook first launched fifteen years ago, Macintosh laptops became "real" computers instead of merely being toys bearing the Macintosh logo. But at every point along the line, PowerBooks have always been a step or two (or five) behind their desktop cousins. To own a Macintosh laptop, you've always had to make (usually significant) concessions on both speed and functionality. It's become less immediately noticeable in recent years because the whole platform has been moving forward so quickly, but the gap between desktop Macs and Mac laptops has remained nonetheless -- until now, that is.
For the full commentary visit here:
http://www.macbookgarage.com/2006/01/why-macbook-pro-is-not-just-powerbook.html
PowerBook G4 Defects Panned
ZNet blogger Jason D. O'Grady reports:
Apple is having some serious, documented issues with the 15-inch PowerBook G4s that were released in October 2005 (a.k.a "High-Resolution" or "Double-Layer SD") and it appears that they are ignoring them.
1. There are profound issues with audio: it skips and stutters randomly......
2. There are issues with the display....
3. There are issues with PowerBook (and Mac mini) SuperDrives being unable to burn DVDs at more than 2x regardless of the media used......
For Jason's full commentary visit here:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=83
More information can be found at:
http://powerbookdefect.info/
PowerBook G4 Audio Glitch
The Inquirer's Nick Farrell reports:
Apple's latest Powerbook G4 seems to have a glitch which causes an intermittent audio echo/loop.
Although the gear is jolly nice to look at, the loop, which is emitted from the internal speakers and the line/headphone out jack, makes listening to the thing a bit uncomfortable.
According to a new site called powerbookdefect, the problem seems to occurs on the high-resolution 12, 15 and 17-inch models.
For the full report visit here.
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=29259
Steve Jobs's Magic Kingdom
BusinessWeek's Peter Burrows and Ronald Grover report:
Now, Jobs is stepping into the Magic Kingdom. On Jan. 24, Walt Disney agreed to pay $7.4 billion in stock to acquire Pixar Animation Studios, where Jobs is chairman, CEO, and 50.6% owner. As part of the deal, Jobs will become the largest shareholder at Disney and take a seat on the entertainment giant's board. His top creative executive at Pixar, John A. Lasseter, will oversee the movies at both Pixar's and Disney's animation studios. Pixar's president, Edwin Catmull, will run the business side for the two studios.
The alliance between Jobs and Disney is full of promise. If he can bring to Disney the same kind of industry-shaking, boundary-busting energy that has lifted Apple and Pixar sky-high, he could help the staid company become the leading laboratory for media convergence.....
Steve Jobs's arrival at the Magic Kingdom could have more thrills than a trip to Disneyland.
For the full report visit here:
http://yahoo.businessweek.com/technology/content/jan2006/tc20060126_116869.htm
Apple's Tomorrowland
BusinessWeek's Arik Hesseldahl says:
I wonder if we'll ever see Steve Jobs wearing mouse ears at his next Macworld keynote. The merger of Disney and Jobs-led Pixar Animation Studio had to happen, if only to inject some new blood into the flagging entertainment brand that Disney has become.
But now that the Apple Computer CEO has a bigger financial stake in the trials and tribulations of the Mouse House than anyone on the planet, I can't help but wonder what the turn of events means for Apple....
And as Jobs relinquishes his role as head of Pixar to settle back into a single day job at Apple -- there's never been any evidence suggesting the dual role was a distraction -- Pixar's animation business can grow to its proper size and influence as part of a new, reinvigorated Disney. When the Disney board meets, Jobs will cast his powerful vote on corporate business and recuse himself when appropriate. And life for those who love Apple and its products goes on as normal, right?
Then again, this is Steve Jobs. And Disney. And Apple.....
For the full commentary visit here:
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jan2006/tc20060126_288313.htm
Apple Remains Locked in Transition
TheStreet.com's Troy Wolverton reports:
Sales of the company's computers slowed last quarter and could remain sluggish in the current period, Apple officials cautioned investors and analysts last week while reporting the company's earnings.
Meanwhile, Apple disappointed many enthusiasts and investors earlier in the month by failing to unveil any new products at its Macworld conference.
However, Apple did revamp two computers with Intel chips, possibly indicating that the Intel transition is consuming the lion's share of the company's attention and energy.
The risk, say industry analysts, is that the company will continue to see soft computer sales as it goes through the transition. Further, they say, by focusing so much on the Intel transition, the company risks losing momentum in its computer or iPod music player business -- or falling behind in new markets.
For the full report visit here.
Amping Up Your Laptop
BusinessWeek's Stephen H. Wildstrom says:
Intel's Duo chip boosts power, but it may compromise battery life, especially if your computer uses a separate graphics adapter
Desktop computers have always outperformed laptops, and lately the gap has been widening. A new family of Intel (INTC) processors, branded the Core Duo, is designed to bring desktop-like performance to the latest laptops......
Laptops need a boost.... The Core Duo (branded Centrino Duo when bundled with other Intel chips) follows the lead of the Pentium D desktop chips released last year, squeezing two processors onto a single piece of silicon.
All laptop makers will be bringing out Core Duo models in coming weeks......
Battery life is a mixed bag.....
For the full report visit here.
http://yahoo.businessweek.com/technology/content/jan2006/tc20060126_719765.htm
Apple: MacBook Pro battery life "as good or better" than PowerBook
MacBook Garage's Bill Palmer reports:
There have been several folks scratching their heads at Apple's "no comment" during the Expo when it came to the MacBook Pro's battery life. Was it because there was some kind of bad news coming, or was it simply because the company hadn't had the chance to test the battery life in enough detail to certify its official lifespan, and didn't want any preliminary (read: incorrect) info out there in the meantime.
You can check it out at:
http://www.macbookgarage.com/2006/01/apple-macbook-pro-battery-life-as-good.html
eWeek: Intel Gets on its Way to 45 Nanometers
"Intel said it has reached an important milestone on the path to rolling out the next generation of chip manufacturing in 2007.
The chip giant said on Jan. 25 that it has completed a test chip using its forthcoming 45-nanometer process, dubbed P1266, which it expects to roll out in the second half of 2007."
Read more at:
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1915319,00.asp
ExtremeTech: Intel Proves 45-nm Process With Test Chips
"Intel Corp. said this week that it had produced working silicon on its next-generation 45-nanometer manufacturing process, and is on schedule to move the technology into production in the second half of 2007.
Intel's announcement from its research division will help keep its production schedule moving forward into smaller and smaller geometries. Intel currently manufactures chips from two fabs using 65-nm equipment, and more than 50 percent of its PC microprocessors will be manufactured on the newer 65-nm chips beginning in the third quarter of the is year, Intel executives said in a teleconference."
Read more at:
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1915509,00.asp
eWeek: Judge Sets Date for BlackBerry Hearing
"A federal judge on Wednesday set a Feb. 24 hearing date to consider an injunction that could shut down BlackBerry wireless e-mail service in the United States.
This follows the Supreme Court's official refusal on Monday to hear an appeal in the ongoing battle that has loomed over BlackBerry customers for years."
Read more at:
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1915511,00.asp
Baseline: Video Conferencing Kept Lord of the Rings on Track
"Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson needed to view what seven film crews were shooting. His solution: push the envelope on videoconferencing technology."
Read more at:
http://www.baselinemag.com/article2/0,1397,1913025,00.asp
eWeek: Government Sticks Its Fingers Deeper Into Your Data Pie
News Analysis: Between the imminently possible renewal of the Patriot Act and the government's squeeze on Google for data, businesses are facing a few questions: Just how much reach does the government have into your database, and how onerous is that for business?
Read more at:
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1915554,00.asp
eWeek: Google Fights for Your Rights
Opinion: The Internet search leader should be commended for refusing to comply with the Department of Justice's demand for data.
Read more at:
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1915553,00.asp
eWeek: GPL 3's DRM Provisions Raise Eyebrows
"The first draft discussion document for the next version of the GNU General Public License has only just been released, but some businesses are already expressing concern about its digital rights management provisions.
Richard Stallman, the founder of the Free Software Foundation and co-author of the first draft discussion document, said at the launch event on Jan. 16 that DRM "is a malicious feature and can never be tolerated, as DRM is fundamentally based on activities that cannot be done with free software. That is its goal and it is in direct opposition to ours. But, with the new GPL, we can now prevent our software from being perverted or corrupted," he said."
Read more at:
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1915643,00.asp
eWeek: Torvalds: No GPL 3 for Linux
"In a message to the Linux Kernel Mailing List on Jan. 25, Linus Torvalds made it plain that the Linux operating system is going to stay under General Public License 2 and not migrate to GPL 3.
Torvalds announced this in response to a discussion on the list of Linux developers, which had been started by Jeff Merkey. The former Novell and Canopy Group developer, Merkey is best known in Linux circles for his attempt to buy a non-GPLed version of the Linux code."
Read more at:
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1915720,00.asp
eWeek: ID Theft Tops Fraud Complaints
"Among the many ways Americans see themselves getting swindled these days, identity theft ranks first.
Of nearly 700,000 grievances lodged with the Federal Trade Commission last year, 37 percent concerned ID theft, the agency disclosed Jan. 25.
The most common means of stealing identities is credit card fraud, according to the complaints filed with the agency. Identity thieves also took advantage of phone, utility, employment and bank records, particularly electronic funds transfers."
Read more at:
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1915753,00.asp
Charles W. Moore
Tags: News ď Tech-Industry ď
