The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) http://www.tuaw.com The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) http://www.tuaw.com/media/feedlogo.gif The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) http://www.tuaw.com en-us Copyright 2008 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Mac 101: External HDshttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/07/mac-101-external-hds/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/07/mac-101-external-hds/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/07/mac-101-external-hds/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

More Mac 101, our series of basic tips for new and returning Mac users. Since most Mac models don't offer extra drive bays, external hard disks are the way to go for adding vast storage capacity to your computer. External HDs are great for storing large projects, moving huge amounts of data from place to place, or backing up via Time Machine.

Hard disks are a commodity product nowadays: the market is flooded with a cornucopia of options, most of them cheap and easy to install. So which is right for you?

The trick is this: find out who makes the actual hard drive inside the external enclosure (that is, inside the nicely-designed plastic or metal box that sits on or under your desk).

It's what's inside that counts, and we'll explore after the jump.

Continue reading Mac 101: External HDs

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]]>hard-diskhard-drivemaxtorseagatewestern digitalWesternDigitalRobert Palmer2008-05-07T16:00:00+00:00Kensington battery packs for iPhonehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/07/kennsington-battery-packs-for-iphone/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/07/kennsington-battery-packs-for-iphone/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/07/kennsington-battery-packs-for-iphone/#commentsFiled under: ,

As someone who regularly runs his iPhone battery all the way down I was interested when Kensington announced two new external batteries for the iPhone. The standard battery pack and charger is a larger stand-alone battery that connects to the iPhone via a dock cable and offers "playing time up to 100 hours of music; 21 hours of video; 6 hours of talk." Personally, however, I find the smaller mini battery pack (pictured right) more intriguing since it simply plugs into the dock connector and offers up to 3 hours extra talk time.

The standard battery pack is available for $69.99 while the mini battery pack is $49.99.

[via Engadget]
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]]>batteryiPhoneKennsingtonMat Lu2008-05-07T10:15:00+00:00Have fun with iPod Building Block speakershttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/29/have-fun-with-ipod-building-block-speakers/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/29/have-fun-with-ipod-building-block-speakers/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/29/have-fun-with-ipod-building-block-speakers/#commentsFiled under: ,

This is fun. iPod Building Block speakers from Perpetual Kid snap into your iPod's connector port and resemble a certain brand of construction blocks that we all know.

Available in five colors, the tiny speakers pull power from your iPod (they won't work with iPhones, unfortunately) and look cool doing it. Our only complaint is that there isn't a model designed to sit flush on an old-school iPod nano. Don't expect theatre-quality sound, of course, but they should spark some conversation. They're $24.95US each and shipping now.

They're certainly unique, but they don't quite crack our list of top five weird iPod accessories
  1. The nano thong. It's what you think it is.
  2. iBuzz. As far as we know, the first iPod-powered sex toy.
  3. Combo iPod dock/toilet paper dispenser. Because someone's never heard of magazines.
  4. iPod boxer shorts. At that point, just turn on the radio.
  5. The KNG iPod DJ dock. I can't explain it in words; You have to look.
[Via Engadget]
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]]>accessoriesbuilding block speakersBuildingBlockSpeakersipodspeakersDave Caolo2008-04-29T14:00:00+00:00Ergotron Neo-Flex Combo Lift Standhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/26/ergotron-neo-flex-combo-lift-stand/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/26/ergotron-neo-flex-combo-lift-stand/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/26/ergotron-neo-flex-combo-lift-stand/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jason Snell over at Macworld got his hands on an interesting new notebook stand: the Ergotron Neo-Flex Combo Lift Stand. What's different about it is that it not only holds the notebook, like the Griffin Elevator I use, but also includes a VESA mount for an external LCD display. By having the notebook platform and the VESA mount on a single base the Neo-Flex lets you put your laptop screen right next to your external display for a relatively seamless multi-display setup. And since everything is on one base it frees up desk space for your keyboard and mouse.

Of course there's a price to be paid for this convenience and stylishness: $179. Nonetheless, this looks like one of the slickest setups out there for using a Mac portable together with an external monitor.
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]]>Ergotronneo-flexstandMat Lu2008-04-26T14:30:00+00:00Patent suggests additional Nike+ functionshttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/25/patent-suggests-additional-nike-functions/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/25/patent-suggests-additional-nike-functions/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/25/patent-suggests-additional-nike-functions/#commentsFiled under: ,

Apple and Nike have sold millions of those tiny little transmitters that fit inside running shoes, as well as the receivers that attach to iPod nanos. Casual runners and former couch potatoes enjoyed them (yours truly included), but more serious runners lamented the lack of certain features, most notably a heart monitor.

According to iPodNN, a patent has been filed which hints at a slew of additional Nike+ functionality, like EKG, heartrate, body temperature and even hydration, through new equipment mounted "on or in" articles of clothing.

It definitely sounds cool, and could help convince more serious athletes to join the Apple cult buy these cool products.
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]]>ipodnikenike plusNikePlusDave Caolo2008-04-25T14:00:00+00:00More Apple gold for superstar athleteshttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/02/more-apple-gold-for-superstar-athletes/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/02/more-apple-gold-for-superstar-athletes/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/02/more-apple-gold-for-superstar-athletes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

David Beckham recently received a snazzy gilded iPod touch from his teammates. That's nice and all, but this guy is a superstar. He needs some seriously togged out Apple goodies. With that in mind, we're offering the following shopping list:
  • The golden MacBook Pro. This sucker features gold-plated casing, a keyboard painted to match and "...your logo in diamonds." Try opening one of these at Starbucks.
  • The $39,750 MacBook Air. Twelve thousand hand-applied Swarovski crystals decorate its 24k gold casing. For forty grand, you would think you get a solid state hard drive.
  • The golden iPhone. You knew this one was coming. Unfortunately, the pricing is still "to be announced."
  • Golden "classic" iPods. Why stop at the touch? You can just as easily get your 160GB or 80GB classic dipped in gold, as well as the nano.
Here's hoping someone special in David's life reads our list and makes a purchase. While you're at it, a buffing cloth would be good, too.
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]]>ipodipod classicipod touchIpodClassicIpodTouchmacbook airmacbook proMacbookAirMacbookProDave Caolo2008-04-02T22:00:00+00:00Is the Multi-display Mini finally about to debut?http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/31/is-the-multi-display-mini-finally-about-to-debut/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/31/is-the-multi-display-mini-finally-about-to-debut/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/31/is-the-multi-display-mini-finally-about-to-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mac Mini users have been waiting a long time for a true dual-monitor solution. Sure there are a bunch of work-arounds out there that let you run more than one screen at a time but a real multi-screen solution hasn't yet been available as far as I know. (Honestly, I haven't been looking all that hard--so if there's one I missed let me know in the comments.)

Display Link has finally decided to let the mini come to the multi-display party. TUAW reader Nick tipped us off to these new beta drivers for Mac OS X.

The DisplayLink hardware supports up to 4 USB-based monitors. You're limited to Intel Macs but minis and MacBook Airs are supported. The beta does not support OpenGL acceleration so Keynote and iPhoto slide shows will not properly function.

From what I could tell from the site, Display Link seems to be sold with third party branding. The Kensington USB docking station (model 33415) for $140 is apparently the product in question.

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]]>DisplaysDual MonitorsDualMonitorsMultimediaErica Sadun2008-03-31T14:00:00+00:00Flickr find: iPhone in the hopperhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/28/flickr-find-iphone-in-the-hopper/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/28/flickr-find-iphone-in-the-hopper/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/28/flickr-find-iphone-in-the-hopper/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While browsing our Flickr pool, we came across this shot of an iPhone perfectly perched by the toilet. Oh, don't be squeamish. You would if you could.

In fact, you can. The flexible arm holding the iPhone in place is a Naja King. It's a 3-foot coil which can pivot to hold your iPhone (or iPod touch) in either a landscape or portrait orientation, and pivot 360 degrees. The coil is made of steel and the grips are scratch-proof. They're $39.99 each.

Now you can enjoy your movie while keeping your hands free... for other things.
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]]>accessoriesiphoneipod touchIpodTouchDave Caolo2008-03-28T15:00:00+00:00RadTech ProCable iPhone headsethttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/26/radtech-procable-iphone-headset/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/26/radtech-procable-iphone-headset/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/26/radtech-procable-iphone-headset/#commentsFiled under: ,

RadTech has just announced the ProCable iPhone headset. This set of in ear isolation headphones includes a mic so you can rock out to Wham! and not worry about missing a phone call (perhaps to wake you up before they go go). The ProCable headset also features a 'sound valve' that opens up when you're listening to music at a lower volume so you can hear what is going on around you.

The ProCable iPhone headset is available now in black and silver, and goes for $24.95.
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]]>iphoneradtechScott McNulty2008-03-26T11:30:00+00:00TriBand antenna for Time Capsulehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/25/triband-antenna-for-time-capsule/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/25/triband-antenna-for-time-capsule/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/25/triband-antenna-for-time-capsule/#commentsFiled under: ,

Quickertek has produced an antenna for the Time Capsule which, according to them, increases the device's range by 50%.

It's compatible with 802.11 A, B, and G, and comes either as a self install kit or an installation service. Or, if you don't have a Time Capsule just yet, you can order one from Quickertek with the antenna pre-installed. It comes with a good amount of cable so you can spend your weekend obsessively placing and replacing it in your home until it's just right. So that will be fun.

The 500GB self-install kit is $129.95US, and the service is $200US. Prices are the same for the 1TB version kit and service. If you want to do it all in one fell swoop, you can order a 500GB Time Capsule + pre-installed kit for $500US, or $700US for the 1TB version.

[Via Engadget]
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]]>airportbackuptime capsuleTimeCapsulewi-fiDave Caolo2008-03-25T22:30:00+00:00iPhone-compatible speaker systemhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/14/iphone-compatible-speaker-system/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/14/iphone-compatible-speaker-system/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/14/iphone-compatible-speaker-system/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This was going to happen eventually. Altec Lansing has produced the first fully iPhone-compatible speaker docking system. The descriptively named t612 features 60 Watts of power RMS (120 Watts Peak), and connects to your iPhone's dock port.

There are four speakers, enhanced bass, a wireless remote and, best of all, it's immune to that annoying GSM interference noise while the iPhone is docked and not in Airplane Mode.

All this convenience comes at a price -- $199.95US, to be exact. At the time of this posting, no shipping information was available.
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]]>altec lansingAltecLansingaudioiphonespeakersDave Caolo2008-03-14T07:00:00+00:00Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Chargerhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/12/belkin-mini-surge-protector-with-usb-charger/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/12/belkin-mini-surge-protector-with-usb-charger/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/12/belkin-mini-surge-protector-with-usb-charger/#commentsFiled under: ,

Obviously there's nothing exactly Mac specific about the Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger, but at the same time the promo picture (right) and the design cues make it clear that the boys at Belkin had the fairer platform in mind when they dreamed this one up. In any case, this stylish surge protector power strip looks like it would be right at home in any mobile Mac user's bag. It includes two powered USB ports for charging iPhones, iPods, and the like, as well as three AC outlets. Note that the USB ports are only for power, not data. I think I'll definitely be picking one up when it ships.

The Belkin Mini Surge Protector is "coming soon" for $24.99.

[via Crave]
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]]>BelkinMini Surge Protector with USB chargerMiniSurgeProtectorWithUsbChargerMat Lu2008-03-12T10:00:00+00:00The $39,750 MacBook Airhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/05/the-39-750-macbook-air/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/05/the-39-750-macbook-air/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/05/the-39-750-macbook-air/#commentsFiled under: ,

If the golden iPod isn't luxurious enough for you, check out this MacBook Air. Called "Golden Age", it's got a coating of 24k gold beneath 12,000 Swarovski crystals. Each crystal was applied by hand (of course), and only 20 Golden Age Airs have been made.

That's right, you can buy one! Why not show up at Starbucks with an Apple laptop that cost nearly 40 thousand dollars? And people say Mac users are smug.

Thanks, Marco!
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]]>macbook airMacbookAirDave Caolo2008-03-05T17:00:00+00:00Apple hits the gymhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/04/apple-hits-the-gym/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/04/apple-hits-the-gym/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/04/apple-hits-the-gym/#commentsFiled under: ,

Apple and Nike are about to extend their partnership all the way to the gym.

A few years ago, Apple and Nike announced the Nike+ line of products, including workout clothing designed to accommodate an iPod nano. The main product is a small chip which, when placed inside a sneaker, transmits workout data to a receiver on the user's iPod. That data is then transmitted to a special Nike website to chart progress towards goals, etc.

This week, the two companies announced their collaboration on gym equipment that will do the same thing. When connected to an iPod (how is not clear), it will record information on the user's workout which can later be uploaded to the Nike website.

Sounds pretty interesting. All you've got to do now is convince your gym to buy all new equipment.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
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]]>ipodnikenike plusNikePlusDave Caolo2008-03-04T16:00:00+00:00Time Capsule vs. Airport Extremehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/03/time-capsule-vs-airport-extreme/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/03/time-capsule-vs-airport-extreme/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/03/time-capsule-vs-airport-extreme/#commentsFiled under: , ,



I'm a little Time Capsule obsessed, it is true (mine is in the Philippines at the moment. Soon it will be in Philadelphia and I will be a happy boy). Joe Kohlmann sent us along his pictures of his newly arrived Time Capsule sitting next to, and underneath, his Airport Extreme. If you have trouble imagining dimensions (the Time Capsule's dimensions are well known) these pictures will give you a good idea of what you should expect from Time Capsule.
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]]>airport-extremeappletime-capsuleScott McNulty2008-03-03T12:00:00+00:00Engadget unboxes a Time Capsulehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/29/engadget-unboxes-a-time-capsule/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/29/engadget-unboxes-a-time-capsule/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/29/engadget-unboxes-a-time-capsule/#commentsFiled under: , ,



My Time Capsule is sitting somewhere in China at the moment, but our friends over at Engadget managed to get their hands on one, and they have even posted some unboxing pictures. They note that the device itself is a little larger than you might think it is based on looking at the pictures on Apple.com. I'm sure they will post more once they put the Time Capsule through the paces.

I'll certainly be posting my first impressions once I get my Time Capsule up and running.
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]]>time-capsuleunboxingScott McNulty2008-02-29T11:30:00+00:00Apple Hot News seemingly the last to learn of Time Capsule shipmentshttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/28/apple-hot-news-seemingly-the-last-to-learn-of-time-capsule-shipm/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/28/apple-hot-news-seemingly-the-last-to-learn-of-time-capsule-shipm/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/28/apple-hot-news-seemingly-the-last-to-learn-of-time-capsule-shipm/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Earlier today Scott posted that the long-awaited Time Capsules are indeed now starting to ship. However someone ought to go let the folks at Apple's Hot News team know, as this entry in the Apple Hot News feed is somewhat perplexing.

"Time Capsule, the wireless hard drive you can use to back up multiple Mac computers using Time Machine in Mac OS X Leopard, has begun shipping. "Notifications of the shipments began reaching customers that pre-ordered the device early this morning," according to Jim Dalrymple (macworld.com)."

I'm sure that Apple wants to vaunt the arrival of the delayed Time Capsule (I'm very tempted myself, now that they're arriving). However here at TUAW (and we're not alone) we fail to see how leaving this announcement 'according to [much respected Macworld writer] Jim Dalrymple' is in any way beneficial to Apple: if Time Capsule is shipping, why isn't Apple willing to yell it from the rooftop themselves?
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]]>apple-hot-newsnitpickingNik Fletcher2008-02-28T17:00:00+00:00Time Capsule: shipping nowhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/28/time-capsule-shipping-now/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/28/time-capsule-shipping-now/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/28/time-capsule-shipping-now/#commentsFiled under: ,


What a difference a day makes. Yesterday I penned a post reassuring people that the Time Capsule would, in fact, be shipping on time (where on time is 'by the end of February'). We are now getting reports that people who pre-order the Time Capsule are receiving shipping notifications. See? Nothing to worry about.

Sadly, my Time Capsule is still being prepared for shipment, but it should ship by tomorrow. Soon I will not have to hang my head in shame when someone asks me about my backup strategy.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
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]]>backupshippingtime-capsuleScott McNulty2008-02-28T12:00:00+00:00February is almost over, where is my Time Capsule?http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/27/february-is-almost-over-where-is-my-time-capsule/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/27/february-is-almost-over-where-is-my-time-capsule/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/27/february-is-almost-over-where-is-my-time-capsule/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The iPhone SDK isn't the only product that is supposed to be ready for the world by the end of this month (though it looks like we'll have to wait a little longer for our iPhone SDK): Time Capsule should be available by the end of this month as well.

Time Capsule, you'll remember, is network attached storage (either 500 gig or 1TB) that is designed to work seamlessly with Time Machine. The idea is that you plunk one of these down on your network (or use it to create a wireless network) and then have all your Macs back up to it.

Many readers are asking us where the heck the Time Capsule is. Apple has a few more days before they miss their deadline, and if my order status is any indication those that ordered Time Capsules from Apple fairly soon after the announcement should see them ship on, or a tiny bit before, Feb. 29 (and they may pop up in Best Buy too).

I bet there are some people in Cupertino who are very glad 2008 is a leap year.
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]]>applebackuptime-capsuletime-machineScott McNulty2008-02-27T14:30:00+00:00Win a BookEndz Dock for MacBook from Macsimum Newshttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/25/win-a-bookendz-dock-for-macbook-from-macsimum-news/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/25/win-a-bookendz-dock-for-macbook-from-macsimum-news/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/25/win-a-bookendz-dock-for-macbook-from-macsimum-news/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you failed to win the BookEndz Dock for MacBook that we gave away last month, Macsimum News (MN) is offering you another chance.

It's almost April, so they're having a good, old-fashioned Easter Egg Hunt. Several articles on the site will be littered with colorful eggs. Keep track of which eggs appear where between today (Feb. 25) and March 18, then email your findings back to the folks at MN. You can read the full details here.

The BookEndz Dock is a cool product. In our previous review, Mat said, "The MacBook model looks particularly nice with a built-in 5 port powered USB hub and both VGA and DVI connectors...and [makes] moving a MacBook (Pro) between locations with many different peripherals quite easy."

Good luck, everyone.
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]]>bookendzdockhardwaremacbookportablesDave Caolo2008-02-25T14:00:00+00:00