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/TUAW reviews the Axiotron ModBookhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/01/tuaw-reviews-the-axiotron-modbook/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/01/tuaw-reviews-the-axiotron-modbook/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/01/tuaw-reviews-the-axiotron-modbook/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Axiotron's ModBook has been making a stir for a while, so we're pleased to have the opportunity to take it for a spin. In case you haven't seen it before, it's a MacBook that's been modified into a slate-style tablet computer, and it's stiff competition for any tablet PC (for many reasons, not the least of which is... it's a Mac). Photographer Peter Boysen worked with us (video after the jump) to put it through its paces as we considered the needs of the artists and designers who are Axiotron's primary demographic.

Read on for the rest of our review, and a video bonus.

Continue reading TUAW reviews the Axiotron ModBook

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]]>axiotronmacbookmodbooktabletBrett Terpstra2008-05-01T10:00:00+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+00:00Slimming down Windows for virtualization or Boot Camphttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/09/slimming-down-windows-for-virtualization-or-boot-camp/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/09/slimming-down-windows-for-virtualization-or-boot-camp/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/09/slimming-down-windows-for-virtualization-or-boot-camp/#commentsFiled under: , ,


What madness is this, a post about installing Windows? Well, actually, the folks over at VMware's Team Fusion link to this handy Lifehacker guide to trimming down Windows XP to the bare essentials. Obviously this is of interest to anybody running Windows on a Mac, particularly on a portable with limited hard drive space. So if you should find yourself needing to tread on the dark side (whether in Boot Camp, Parallels or Fusion), it's worth a look. Besides, as I always say, the less Windows the better. It's just a shame you have to build it yourself on a machine running Windows with the Windows utility nLite and can't simply download a pre-built virtual machine.
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]]>boot campBootCampfusionparallelsvmwarewindowsMat Lu2008-04-09T12:30:00+00:00Reviewing the new MacBook Prohttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/12/reviewing-the-new-macbook-pro/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/12/reviewing-the-new-macbook-pro/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/12/reviewing-the-new-macbook-pro/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Blogger Shawn Blanc has written another one of his thorough reviews. This time, it's the new MacBook Pro.

The interesting thing is that he's using it to replace his Mac Pro. Most tech professionals have a primary machine (often a desktop) and a secondary (usually a laptop). After living with this setup for some time, Shawn noticed that the laptop had become his main machine:

"I don't need the Mac Pro. The loss in horsepower is negligible for what I do, and the gain in simplicity cannot be expressed with words. I'm selling the tower and going back to being a one-computer consumer, and connoisseur of fine laptops."

The same thing eventually happened to me. My MacBook Pro is the machine I use most often, and my iMac is the machine I use to sync my iPhone, make iTunes purchases and upload photos. Other than that, it pretty much just sits around.

Shawn goes on to describe setup, migration of his older data and (much, much) more. The whole thing is written in Shawn's comprehensive and readable style. Check it out.
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]]>macbook proMacbookProportablesreviewsDave Caolo2008-03-12T12:00:00+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+00:00iPhone parental controls?http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/11/iphone-parental-controls/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/11/iphone-parental-controls/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/11/iphone-parental-controls/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The iPhone Dev Team seems to have stumbled across a hidden feature in the next version of the iPhone firmware. The picture is reminiscent of the iPhone SDK "Organizer" that shows the currently connected iPhone. However, something that's different from the screenshots that we posted is the "Console," "Crash Logs," and "Screenshot" tabs at the top of the window.

The screenshot shows a "Parental Controls" setting inside the "General" iPhone settings. It looks as though you can enable these parental controls and turn on or off:
  • Playing explicit songs in iPod
  • Website control in Safari
  • YouTube control
  • iTunes Wi-Fi Store control
  • AppStore control
According to a recent post on the Modmyifone Forum, this is a version of the firmware that was distributed with the SDK (version 1.2) which the forum post seems to believe will be re-issued as firmware 2.0. The forum post also goes on to say that the firmware is jailbroken; however, this has not been confirmed.

[via iPhone Dev Team]
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]]>2.0controlsfirmwareiPhoneparentalSDKCory Bohon2008-03-11T22:30:00+00:00The 10th anniversary of the Newton's deathhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/27/the-10th-anniversary-of-the-newtons-death/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/27/the-10th-anniversary-of-the-newtons-death/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/27/the-10th-anniversary-of-the-newtons-death/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It was ten years ago today, February 27, 1998, that the Apple Newton was officially killed. During the five years that the Newt was in production it garnered nearly as many detractors as admirers, was the butt of jokes and set the ground work for Palm, Handspring and the like.

There's still an active community of Newton users out there, and they've made some incredible accomplishments in those ten years, like:
It beat the Windows UMPC in CNet's head-to-head battle, and there's even been a successful port of the Newton OS to other handheld devices. The Newt is gone, but not really. Long live the green PDA!
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]]>apple historyAppleHistorynewtonDave Caolo2008-02-27T12:00:00+00:00The new MacBook (Pros): the fine printhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/27/the-new-macbook-pros-the-fine-print/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/27/the-new-macbook-pros-the-fine-print/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/27/the-new-macbook-pros-the-fine-print/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We finally got the new MacBooks and MacBook Pros we've all been waiting for and now it time to dig into the fine print a little bit. As we noted earlier the new machines are shipping without the $19 Apple remote, but there are also some other subtle changes worth noting:
  • The processors are confirmed to be Intel's Penryn technology.
  • Only the MacBook Pro is getting the multi-touch trackpad functionality of the MacBook Air. Apparently Apple is doing this deliberately to differentiate the higher-end portables from the MacBook line.
  • Only the Pros are getting LED backlights, and that's standard only on the 15". LED backlighting is a $100 BTO option on the 17" and simply not available on the MacBook. This despite Uncle Steve's assurance that the entire Mac line would transition to LED backlighting "when technically and economically feasible." I suppose that Apple would say that it's not yet economically feasible in the MacBook line.
  • The Pros feature a slightly new keyboard layout missing the virtual number pad.
  • The Pros also have 3 USB ports now, instead of 2. Update: Oops, lots of people have pointed out that only the 17 incher has the 3rd USB port, and it has had that forever. Nothing to see here, folks. Move along.
  • Perhaps most disturbing is that the official battery life estimates have dropped noticeably. MacNN notes that "Apple's revised projections falls to a maximum of 4.5 hours versus six [on the MacBook]... from six hours to five [on the 15" MBP and]... from 5.75 hours of use to 4.5" [on the 17" MBP].
Now none of these things is that big of a deal (hence the fine print), but there is some cause for concern, especially with the reduced battery life estimates. We may hope that perhaps Apple is being more realistic in their projections and that accounts for the reductions. It's particularly confusing given that one of the supposed advantages of the Penryn processor is energy efficiency. We won't know for sure until third-party benchmarks are available.

Thanks to everyone who sent in tips!
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]]>LEDMacBookMacBook ProMacbookProPenrynMat Lu2008-02-27T07:00:00+00:00Rumor: New MacBook Pro shows up in Apple, Best Buy inventory systemhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/25/rumor-new-macbook-pro-shows-up-in-apple-best-buy-inventory-sys/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/25/rumor-new-macbook-pro-shows-up-in-apple-best-buy-inventory-sys/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/25/rumor-new-macbook-pro-shows-up-in-apple-best-buy-inventory-sys/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

AppleInsider is reporting that they have confirmed the Apple part numbers that were supposedly "leaked" out of Best Buy are in fact the real deal, and could be new MacBook Pros; other rumor sites are chiming in as well.

This comes after some of Apple's retail chain partners have received part numbers and prices that match Apple's usual style; as of late, these numbers have been added to Apple's own inventory management system. One of the inventory systems reports stock on hand by Friday, February 29; our most recent information points us to an availability date of March 2 or earlier for these new machines.

The numbers in question are:
  • MB402LL/A ($1999.00)
  • MB403LL/A ($2499.00)
  • MB404LL/A ($2799.00)
AppleInsider is also speculating that the new MacBook Pros may include the new Intel Penryn processor that clocks at 2.1Ghz for the base model and goes up to 2.6Ghz for the higher-end models. Along with the new processor, they are also speculating that the MacBook Pro might receive the MacBook Air's multi-touch trackpad goodness. If these rumors are true, then why is Apple going up on the price of their Pro notebooks? For the base model, that's a $200 price increase. Whoops, looked at the wrong laptop pricing. These prices, as our loyal commenters have noted, are exactly in line with the existing MacBook Pros. Whew.

[via AppleInsider]

Thanks Mr. X


Update: Engadget just posted what appears to be a printout of the Best Buy database showing the Apple part numbers.
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]]>Best BuyinventoryMacBook ProretailupdateCory Bohon2008-02-25T15:00:00+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+00:00MacBook and MacBookPro get keyboard updatehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/19/macbook-mb-pro-keyboard-update/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/19/macbook-mb-pro-keyboard-update/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/19/macbook-mb-pro-keyboard-update/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Today Apple released a keyboard update for both the MacBook and the MacBook Pro notebooks. In regular Apple style, their release notes are not extremely profuse, "This MacBook and MacBook Pro firmware update addresses an issue where the first key press may be ignored if the computer has been sitting idle. It also addresses some other issues."

Please note, this is a firmware upgrade that will install an application in the utilities folder that you will then, in turn, need to open and follow the on-screen instructions. For a list of MacBooks that may need the update, you can look at the Apple support note.

If you computer has been affect by these issues, or if you are just inclined to installing all Apple updates, you can get this update by opening Software Update (Apple Menu > Software Update) or by downloading the installer package from the Apple Support downloads site.


Thanks to everyone that sent this in!
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]]>firmwarekeyboardMacBookMacBook ProupdateCory Bohon2008-02-19T17:15:00+00:00Clean your MacBook with toothpastehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/08/clean-your-macbook-with-toothpaste/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/08/clean-your-macbook-with-toothpaste/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/08/clean-your-macbook-with-toothpaste/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toothpaste is such versatile material. When I was in college, I used it as drywall spackle to fill in nail holes. As a kid at summer camp, I used it to write my name on the rafters of our cabin. I've heard that some people even clean their teeth with it.

Check out this tip from Lifehacker. It seems that a dab of Arm & Hammer Dental Care Advance Cleaning toothpaste can be used to rub the nasty wrist stains clean off of a white MacBook. A reader also suggests that a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (which is free of abrasives) also works.

MacBook owners, rejoice! A cheap solution is probably in your bathroom.
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]]>discolorationmacbookyellowingDave Caolo2008-02-08T08:00:00+00:00Get a "manila envelope" sleeve for your MacBook Airhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/17/get-a-manila-envelope-sleeve-for-your-macbook-air/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/17/get-a-manila-envelope-sleeve-for-your-macbook-air/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/17/get-a-manila-envelope-sleeve-for-your-macbook-air/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Well, this was inevitable. When Steve Jobs dramatically presented the MacBook Air by removing it from a manila envelope, two enterprising artists saw an opportunity, and the result is AirMail.

It's a vinyl laptop sleeve for the MacBook Air that looks just like -- you guessed it -- a standard issue manila envelope. They're lined with fleece and even feature a tie enclosure. Each hand made bag costs $29.95US, and they begin shipping two weeks from today.

It's not the most durable bag available, but among the most clever.
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]]>airmaillaptopmacbook-airsleeveDave Caolo2008-01-17T14:45:00+00:00Kensington offers first Mac compatible USB display interfacehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/16/kensington-offers-first-mac-compatible-usb-display-interface/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/16/kensington-offers-first-mac-compatible-usb-display-interface/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/16/kensington-offers-first-mac-compatible-usb-display-interface/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Kensington today announced the sd200V Notebook Docking Station, which is apparently the first Mac compatible DisplayLink adapter. For a while now Windows users have been able to add a secondary display to their system via a USB device. This is the first time Mac users have been so lucky. The sd200V supports VGA monitors with a resolution up to 1440x1050 and also functions as a USB hub with audio, allowing you to connect a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers to your Mac with a single USB cable.

They will also be offering a display-only USB DisplayLink solution called the Dual Monitor Adapter later in the year with a DVI port. Although targeted at notebook users, I think this is particularly exciting for the Mac mini which gains genuine multi-display support for the first time (the Matrox DualHead not withstanding).

The sd200V Docking Station is available now for $139.99, while the Dual Monitor Adapter with ship in April for $99.99. Both devices will be Intel Mac only.

[via electronista]
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]]>displaydockingkensingtonusbMat Lu2008-01-16T09:00:00+00:00Keeping your screen cleanhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/11/keeping-your-screen-clean/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/11/keeping-your-screen-clean/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/11/keeping-your-screen-clean/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Although I can be a bit of a slob, I'm pretty anal retentive when it comes to keeping my electronics clean. That goes triple for my MacBook. Although I was pretty scrupulous with my last laptop, the glossy screen and black casing that shows all have required me to become even more attentive. Even though I don't have people touching my screen all the time, I manage to accumulate build up of fingerprints, smudges and dust marks (most likely from the keyboard) that require giving the screen a full cleaning every week.

The Apple Blog has posted some some great tips/techniques for keeping your screen looking like new, and while they are directed for glossy screen owners, the same basic techniques can be used for any screen, be it iPod/iPhone, matte LCD screen (like on a MacBook Pro or older Apple laptop), iMac, etc.

The key is getting the right type of cleaning solution an the right type of cleaning cloth. The author of the tips article recommends using monitor wipes from some sort of Office supply store, but I've found that unless you get individually sealed one-time use wipes (which can get expensive), the wipes tend to dry out very, very quickly, effectively making them useless. I prefer to use cleaning product like iKlear or a home-made 50/50 solution of isopropyl alcohol and bottled water. 99% of all electronics cleaners out there are essentially diluted isopropyl alcohol (add blue dye and some fragrance and ammonia and you have Windex -- don't use Windex on your screen).

As for the right kind of cloth, you want to use a lint-free microfiber lens cloth (it will be slightly textured as opposed to a smooth microfiber cloth that you use for polishing/cleaning an iPod or digital camera screen, you can use a smooth microfiber cloth, but I have had much better results with the more textured ultra-suede cloths for laptop screens).

Now for the actual cleaning:

Continue reading Keeping your screen clean

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]]>cleaningglossy lcdGlossyLcdmac cleaningMacCleaningscreenChristina Warren2008-01-11T20:00:00+00:00Apple among InfoWorld's Tech of the Yearhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/09/apple-among-infoworlds-tech-of-the-year/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/09/apple-among-infoworlds-tech-of-the-year/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/09/apple-among-infoworlds-tech-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Infoworld has identified its 2008 Technology of the Year award recipients, and Apple's name shows up twice.

First, the MacBook Pro gets the nod as their Best Notebook Computer, calling its glossy screen a "revelation" (that might be a little extreme) and praising its performance and build quality.

But wait, there's more! Mac OS 10.5 was named Best Operating System. We all knew that, of course, but it's nice to see some recognition outside of the faithful.

Reading this report after watching the videos of old Steve Jobs keynotes makes me marvel at the company's success. Apple was so close to the brink just ten years ago. Here's to a tremendous 2008!
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]]>infoworldleopardmacbookproDave Caolo2008-01-09T16:00:00+00:00Apple patent suggests notebook docking stationhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/03/apple-patent-suggests-notebook-docking-station/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/03/apple-patent-suggests-notebook-docking-station/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/03/apple-patent-suggests-notebook-docking-station/#commentsFiled under: , ,

MacNN is reporting on a patent filed by Apple that describes a laptop docking station that looks a lot like a hollow iMac. According to images filed with the patent, a laptop is slid into a compartment on the side of the dock, leaving the laptop's ports accessible.

There's no indication as to how the display works. Perhaps the docking station itself has a display that's powered by the laptop, though it seems silly to have two displays. It could be that the laptop in question is actually a tablet that docks with its own display facing the user.

The patent also mentions liquid cooling and a "telephonic handset." It's all interesting, but who knows if any of this will come to fruition. Perhaps we'll see next week.
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]]>docking-stationimaclaptopnotebookrumorstabletDave Caolo2008-01-03T16:00:00+00:00Travel reminder: Spare laptop batteries now verboten in checked bagshttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/12/31/travel-reminder-spare-laptop-batteries-now-verboten-in-checked/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/12/31/travel-reminder-spare-laptop-batteries-now-verboten-in-checked/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/12/31/travel-reminder-spare-laptop-batteries-now-verboten-in-checked/#commentsFiled under: ,

Planning a big trip in the new year? Someplace, I dunno, kinda hilly and foggy? If you're bringing along spare batteries for your laptop, take note of new FAA regulations starting January 1: lithium batteries, such as the Li-ion packs that power the MacBook Pro, are no longer permitted in checked baggage due to a remote risk of fire. Two extra batteries may be carried in carry-on luggage, but spares should be packed in individual clear plastic bags to reduce the short-circuit risk; the FAA also has other tips for safe packing.

While I understand that the FAA has to err on the side of caution, this restriction seems faintly ridiculous to me. Still, if you're not in the mood to argue with TSA staff when you travel (never a good idea), there are always alternatives.

[via CNET]
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]]>baggagebatteryfaaflightslaptop batteriesLaptopBatteriesMichael Rose2007-12-31T15:30:00+00:00Dear Santa Steve: A Sub-notebook, iPhone stability and Aperture 2http://www.tuaw.com/2007/12/24/dear-santa-steve-a-sub-notebook-iphone-stability-and-aperture/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/12/24/dear-santa-steve-a-sub-notebook-iphone-stability-and-aperture/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/12/24/dear-santa-steve-a-sub-notebook-iphone-stability-and-aperture/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Dear Santa Steve,


As my most recent bank statements show: I've most certainly not misbehaved over the course of this last year. I've queued for hours in the bitter cold, and sacrificed myself endured keyhole surgery for injuries from doing so - no really, that bit isn't hyperbole. If there's anyone who's been an exceptionally well behaved Apple fan, you've got to admit I'm up there with the best of them. So what on earth could I be asking for? Just a few simple things:


13" MacBook Pro / MacBook nano Steve, I can wax lyrical about the sheer brute force of my 17" MacBook Pro - I love it, I really do. But lugging it on the train for a ninety-minute commute everyday isn't the pleasurable workout you might expect. In fact, I'd quite like a little version of my MBP, so that I pack it into a reasonably-sized Crumpler with my Nikon D80 and not resort to hiring sherpas buying a small trolley-case to travel. So what might I be asking for? If you were to start by making the display 13 (matte) inches or there abouts, and keep a dedicated GPU, that'd be ace - a machine Aperture would love. In fact, you could even remove the optical drive from the body, and use SSD if you really, really, wanted. I can hear Jonny Ive say 'SSD may be a little way-off yet' in the background, but you get the idea? All I'm asking for is a modern-day 12" PowerBook. I've sold my soul to Cupertino maximised my overdraft told the bank not to block large charges from my local Apple Store, and you've got my bank details. So let's work something out, for I can't be the only one asking for such a machine this year.

Stability in my iPhone This one's arguably simpler Steve, what with it not requiring you to design any new hardware. I'd like my iPhone's iPod and Safari applications to get on better than you and John Sculley. I'm sorry, that was perhaps a little too forceful but I think I made my point. A software update to the device that brings some new functionality would be most welcome too, what with it being 'all about the software' and the SDK on the horizon.

Aperture 2 This one may seem out of place for Stevemas - for general wisdom places Macworld as the launch of more consumer-orientated products - so I'll happily be told 'be patient, my child' for this one. But with Aperture now the last of your professional applications not to see a notable (paid) update, I'm hopeful that whatever may be in the works arrives sooner rather than later.

There's but one more thing, and I'll be content for a while Steve. In fact, if there's one thing I'd choose from my requests this year, it would be this.... Let's take these big-media names to task, and encourage investment in, not criminalisation of, those who do buy their content online. Towards the end of 2007, Apple seemed to lose their iTunes momentum despite the year getting off to a good start. EMI went on the offensive, trying to capture hearts and minds by dropping DRM from their download sales. But since then, we've seen little continuation in the dream of eradicating DRM from our digital lifestyles. Steve, in 2008, all I want is for Apple to help bring the media industry back to serving the needs of its customers as a business model. Let's make it less of the iTunes Extortion and Shakedown Store, and all about the music once more.

There's cookies by the side of the MacBook Pro - and green tea simmering on it. Enjoy.
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]]>Dear-Santa-Stevetweet-thisNik Fletcher2007-12-24T17:15:00+00:00MacBook keyboard fix in Software Updatehttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/12/18/macbook-keyboard-fix-in-software-update/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/12/18/macbook-keyboard-fix-in-software-update/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/12/18/macbook-keyboard-fix-in-software-update/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you own a MacBook or MacBook Pro and have had keyboard problems, Apple just released a software update that will (hopefully) fix this issue! This problem was first spotted when users started upgrading to Leopard. Some users have reported that their keyboards temporarily freeze, especially in Carbon apps such as MS Office 2004.

Apple states, "Some MacBook and MacBook Pro systems may occasionally experience a temporary suspension of keyboard input which can last a minute or longer." You can download the update from the Apple Support website or via Software Update.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
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]]>keyboard problemsKeyboardProblemsLeopardMacBookMacBook ProMacBook Update 1.1MacbookProMacbookUpdate1.1Cory Bohon2007-12-18T19:30:00+00:00