Showing posts with label new. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new. Show all posts
TOP

The new MacBook is a great travel laptop

Posted by MN Farani at 10:58:00 am
There are a lot of innovations crammed into Apple's latest MacBook, including a 12-in. Retina display, a new Force Touch trackpad, a full-size keyboard that's been redesigned to compensate for the device's size, the introduction of USB-C (a new USB standard featuring a reversible connection) and cleverly stacked batteries for maximum space efficiency. Also, for the first time, Apple is offering the MacBook in space gray, silver and gold, the same colors it offers in the iPhone and iPad lineup.

big data charts graphs analysis woman user
Survey: Big data interest still growing
It's not all positive, however: Security issues and problems with some existing products leave room for
READ NOW
But looking past the specs, the question is: What is the new MacBook like as a day-to-day system? I spent a month with the MacBook -- including two round-trip car rides between Orlando, Fla. and Providence, R.I. -- in an attempt to find out.

The unit I reviewed is the $1,299 model, which is equipped with a dual-core 1.1GHz Intel Core M processor (designed around the Broadwell system architecture); the built-in Turbo Boost can clock the processor to 2.4GHz on an as-needed basis. An Intel HD Graphics 5300 chip powers the 12-in. 2304 x 1440 Retina display that has an aspect ratio of 16:10. This entry-level model also comes with 8GB of 1600MHz LPDDR3 memory (that cannot be upgraded) and 256GB of PCIe-based onboard flash storage. There is also a $1,599 version that features a dual-core 1.2GHz processor and 512GB of PCIe-based onboard flash storage.

Further reading: Emerging enterprise techs to watch

The only configurable option is to upgrade the processor to a 1.3GHz dual-core Intel Core M (Turbo Boost up to 2.9GHz) for an additional $250 on the entry model or $150 more on the higher-end model. All other features are locked into place.

The rest of the new MacBook's features include a 480p FaceTime camera for video calls that's hidden in the center of the display's black border; a stereo port on the right side; a backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor; Bluetooth 4; 802.11ac Wi-Fi; stereo speakers above the keyboard; and dual microphones (used for noise cancellation).


A small laptop with a full-size keyboard

This is a computer that makes the MacBook Air look huge. When I wrote my first impressions regarding this computer, I said that reading the dimensions (7.74 x 11.04 x 0.14-0.52 in. when the lid is shut, weighing in at slightly over 2 lb.) hardly does it justice. After using it for nearly a month, the size and weight are still a surprise.

It's also surprising how quickly I became accustomed to the MacBook's edge-to-edge keyboard, which had to be redesigned to fit the device's profile. Instead of going with a traditional scissor mechanism for the keys, a new butterfly method was invented that resulted in a shorter throw without the wobbly key travel that usually happens if you press the edge of a key while typing. Apple also enlarged the keys by 17%, leaving much smaller gaps between each.

The combination of short key travel, larger keys and the rigid behavior of key presses due to the new design really changes the feel of typing -- something not everyone will like. Some reviewers have panned the new keyboard: For example, one blogger stated that pressing the keys feels like pressing an iPhone's home button. And that's actually a pretty accurate comparison. As for me -- after a while, I grew accustomed to it, and now I prefer it.

Another redesigned element is the new Force Touch trackpad. The MacBook's glass-coated trackpad shares a similar aspect ratio to the display -- but that's not what makes this tech special. The trackpad -- also available in the 13- and 15-in MacBook Pro lineup -- is built around four force sensors that can detect how much pressure is applied; this, in turn, can trigger different behaviors, depending on which application is in use.

WHAT READERS LIKE

Disrupt - Filechat

Apple earnings hit record on strong iPhone sales
Broken Lollipop, Android 5.0
Broken Lollipop: 5 things that need to be fixed ASAP with Android 5.0
For example, unlike the previous trackpad, which used a spring mechanism for tactile feedback when clicking, the Force Touch's haptic engine produces physical feedback that simulates a click when the trackpad is pressed. When pressed harder than a normal tap, the trackpad responds with a double-tap, triggering contextually sensitive results: Force-clicking a link in Safari, for instance, will open the link in a preview window; force-click on a word and OS X will display its definition. In the QuickTime app, the amount of pressure exerted when pressing will adjust the speed at which movies are fast-forwarded and rewound, while applications like iMovie offer haptic feedback in the form of a subtle tap when you reach the end of a clip. (The force feedback sensitivity and feedback can be adjusted in the System Preferences / Trackpad pane.)

As with the keyboard, there's just enough give to provide mechanical feedback, but the new trackpad definitely has a different feel -- a feel that some long-time users might not like. I took to it right away, and the more I used it, the more I appreciated it. I love the multitouch trackpad on Apple devices, and while haptic feedback has been around in game controllers for a long time now, the way the Force Touch tech is implemented just makes Apple's notebook lineup better. I'm really looking forward to what app developers do with this technology.

A great Retina display

The MacBook has a Retina display with over 3.3 million pixels squeezed into its 12 inches, adding up to 226 pixels per inch. OS X's High Dots Per Inch (HiDPI) feature scales the interface to fit on the display; it can be adjusted under System Preferences / Displays by selecting Scaled interface instead of Default. On the MacBook, you can scale the resolution to 1024 x 640, 1152 x 720, 1280 x 800 (the default setting) or 1440 x 900.

POPULAR RESOURCES

WHITE PAPER
10 Steps to Reducing Mainframe MLC Costs

WHITE PAPER
5 Microsoft Azure Myths Debunked
SEE ALL   Go
In use, the display produces text and graphics that are sharp and easy to read, even on the small screen and no matter which resolution you choose. Colors are crisp and bright. If you're accustomed to Apple's Retina displays, you shouldn't be disappointed.

Long battery life, reasonable performance

The MacBook features battery cells that have been designed to take up as much space within the device as possible. Apple states that you can get up to nine hours of Web browsing and 10 hours of movie playing, and my tests weren't that far off the mark. With light MacBook use, the battery lasted for days. As a continuous use test, I played a 55GB video file of all three Lord of the Rings extended cuts; I was able to watch the first nine and a half hours in iTunes before the battery cut out. (I could have squeezed more out of it, but I kept the display at 80% brightness and left features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.)

The size and weight of the MacBook is fantastic for travel, but it comes at the expense of performance. The MacBook's speed is fine for tasks like Web browsing, email, editing text and even editing videos; throughout it all, the UI remains pretty responsive, mostly thanks to the PCIe-based system architecture and flash storage. However, the system trips up when it comes to processor-intensive tasks -- so you can edit a movie using iMovie, but actually exporting the project will take a while.

I exported a couple of projects and compared the MacBook's timing to that of my 2013 15-in. MacBook Pro. The results weren't pretty: The first project, a three-minute video of my father chasing a stubborn rooster that I shot using a drone, took one minute and 34 seconds to export using the MacBook but only 46 seconds using the Pro. A complex 20-minute video assembled from family vacation footage exported in eight minutes and 49 seconds using the Pro, yet took nearly 40 minutes to export from the MacBook.


On the other hand, this computer is almost eerily silent; it makes zero noise. You will never have to worry about the sound of a fan whirring away or the click-clack of a hard drive being accessed.

Considering USB-C

One thing I will really miss is the MagSafe connector, which, because of its easy detachabilitly, has saved my bacon on many occasions in the past. Besides the stereo port on the right, the only physical connector on this computer is the USB-C port, which doesn't detach when pulled.

USB-C is nice. It will be better when it catches on and more peripherals use it. Meanwhile, users might find a need for an adapter or two, as that sole port is also used to power the machine.

Apple sells a USB-C to USB converter for $19. You can purchase a USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter or a USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter that lets you connect to power, a USB device and external video out via HDMI or VGA, respectively, for $79 each. There is also an external USB SuperDrive ($79) if you want DVD/CD writing/reading, but you must also purchase the USB-C to USB cable for it to work. If your lifestyle involves traveling often, without needing accessories that are not wireless, this will work; but some might want to look into using a hub of sorts at home base.

Bottom line

The new MacBook is Apple skating to where the puck will be, and for that reason, it may not be suitable for every user. But, as a whole, it's a gorgeous, tiny, full-fledged OS X computer. It's a wonder that Apple was able to provide a high-resolution Retina display, a full-size keyboard and a full-size multitouch trackpad with such a long-lasting battery on a device this size.

The new MacBook isn't the fastest Mac ever -- but then again, with a size and weight perfect for traveling, it doesn't need to be. The MacBook offers a full OS X 10 experience in a package nearly as portable as the iPad. If your digital lifestyle is mostly on-the-go with an emphasis on wireless, this could be the computer for you.
1 Ranked Tags , , , , ,
TOP

5 stress-free alternatives to Photoshop

Posted by MN Farani at 10:00:00 am

Adobe Photoshop is a legend of a program. Unfortunately, it is also legendarily complicated and expensive, which makes things difficult for the average user. Even if you get past the intimidating price tag, Photoshop’s maze of layers, masks and magic tools can make even the bravest prospective user doubt their ability. Surely there’s an easier alternative?!

photoshop_final.png

Luckily for us, there is. Most people don’t actually need a photo editing program of such epic proportions, which is why developers have created a raft of alternatives that area easier on your wallet AND your blood pressure.

Photoscape - Photoscape has to be number one on any list of free and easy alternatives. Full of features, simple to use and, best of all, completely free, this program is pretty much freeware’s image editing poster child. Come on, with over three MILLION downloads in the last two years on Softonic alone, it has to be doing something right!gimp_final1.png

GIMP - In second place comes GIMP. Somewhat of a giant, despite the odd name (it’s actually an acronym of GNU Image Manipulation Program), GIMP scores slightly below Photoscape because its installation process can be a little scary. Since we’re looking for stress-free alternatives, this means it loses a few points, but once you get GIMP safely installed on your computer, you’ll find it’s full of features and has an impressive range of cool plug-ins that are almost sure to meet your editing needs.

Photofiltre - Photofiltre scores high in terms of price - it’s free - but a little lower on ease of use. Like Photoshop, its interface is a bit overwhelming at first glace, but the learning curve isn’t half as steep and it is an ideal starting point for budding graphic designers who might well move on to Photoshop in years to come.

PhotoImpression - ArcSoft PhotoImpression come in at number 4 because its major pro is counterbalanced by a major con. This Photoshop-like program is full of features, but way, way easier to use than the original. It’ll give you good practice for the ‘real thing’, helping you to learn the basic concepts of more advanced image editing. The major con? Well, it’s not actually free, but you can try it out and get used to the basics. When you have them down, you can move onto the more complicated tools.

Before looking at the last program in our run-down, ask yourself a question. Do you really need a tool like Photoshop? Although you might want to crop a few photos, tweak color balance or create a fancy slideshow, you probably don’t need to go as far as seamlessly adding an image of Bigfoot into the pictures of your family’s last camping trip in the woods. Photoshop is for professional level photo editing, and most people really don’t need such power.
picasa_final.png

Picasa - If you need a simple and effective photo editor, but not exactly an alternative to Photoshop, give Picasa a try. The newest version of the Google tool is better than ever, and provides some really slick features for ordinary photo editing. It has none of the headache-inducing options of the more advanced editors, but will still give you fantastic results.
0 Ranked Tags , , , , , , , , ,
TOP

8 free tools to find and remove duplicate files

Posted by MN Farani at 12:37:00 pm

You may not notice it at first sight, but a deeper look will surely reveal a few dozen duplicate files on your hard drive, eating up precious disk space. Are you going to stay there, without lifting a finger? Of course not. Plus, you can count on several software apps which will lend you hand in the tedious yet rewarding task of removing duplicate files from your computer.

There are different kinds of duplicate removers, depending on the type of file you want to delete. You can find general purpose tools, and also other tools that have been specifically designed to find duplicate MP3 files or duplicate images. Whatever your personal situation is, take a look at the following list and you’ll find the right app for you.

1. Remove duplicate files
This is where you’ll find the largest number of available apps. They all serve the same purpose: find and remove duplicate files, no matter what type or extension they are. Most of them support the usage of filters to refine search, and use different methods to find duplicates: size, name, byte-by-byte comparisons and CRC checksums are some of them. The only problem is that they usually have very similar names, so if you find one you really like, be sure to learn its name! Here are some of the tools you can use, all of them for free:

2. Remove duplicate MP3
MP3s are the kind of file you’re most likely to have scattered across different platforms, devices or folders, which usually means you have a dozen copies of the same song. In order to avoid this mess, the best you can do is make use of a duplicate remover that’s been specially developed to locate and delete duplicate MP3 files. Here’s a couple of them, both for free:

3. Remove duplicate photos
Photos are not as common as MP3 duplicates, but if you have a digital camera and transfer pics to many other locations you can also end up with a few copies of the same picture. Again, there are specialized duplicate detectors for photos, which scan your photo library and can detect similarities not only between their names and sizes, but also their actual content. Here are two of them, both for free:

  • SimilarImages - Uses a fast method to scan your system and detect duplicate photos
0 Ranked Tags , , , , , , , , , , ,
TOP

Microsoft blames Windows 7

Posted by MN Farani at 10:57:00 am
Microsoft yesterday blamed user confusion for the problems many have encountered trying to move from Vista to Windows 7 after buying a discounted upgrade offered to college students.

"Digital River and Microsoft are aware that some customers from the Windows 7 Academic Store had difficulties completing the download or installation of the product," said a Microsoft support engineer identified as "Michael" in a message posted Sunday to the company's support forum.

Minneapolis, Minn.-based Digital River fulfills download orders for Microsoft's $29.99 Windows 7 upgrade offer to students. Several hundred users have said that they were unable to upgrade from Windows Vista to the new operating system after purchasing, then downloading, a Windows 7 upgrade, from Digital River.

"We are aware that consumers are encountering difficulties installing Windows 7 where the customer is currently running a 32-bit version of Windows such as Windows Vista, but purchased the 64-bit version of Windows 7," Michael said.

Last week, users reported that an error message prevented them from unpacking files downloaded from Digital River. The message read: "We are unable to create or save new files in the folder in which this application was downloaded."

"This error occurs when you are in the unloading phase of the 64-bit Windows 7 download process and are running a 32-bit version of Windows such as Windows XP or Windows Vista 32-bit," Michael added. "This is by design, as you cannot launch setup for the 64-bit version of Widows 7 while running a 32-bit operating system."

According to Microsoft, users can conduct "in-place" upgrades -- those that retain all data, settings and applications -- only from Vista 32-bit to Windows 7 32-bit, or from Vista 64-bit to Windows 7 64-bit. The company had spelled out the in-place upgrade paths last summer, before it released Windows 7.

"If you want to move from Windows Vista 32-bit to Windows 7 64-bit, or if you are running Windows XP, you have to do a "Custom" or clean installation that must be started by booting off the Windows 7 64-bit DVD," Michael stressed.

A Windows 7 custom upgrade, called a "clean" install by some, requires users to back up data and settings from Windows XP or Vista, install Windows 7, then restore the data and settings before finally reinstalling all applications.

Students who mistakenly downloaded the 64-bit edition of Windows 7 from Digital River should request a refund, Microsoft's Michael continued, then pay for and download the 32-bit version instead. He pointed customers to a page on Digital River's site where they could request a refund. "In the Web form, select the Order question option in the drop-down menu and include 'Refund and Request 32-bit' in the first line of the problem description," Michael recommended.

His advice runs counter to the policy listed on the Digital River support site, which says that there are no refunds for the student discount Windows 7 upgrade.

Michael claimed that Digital River has identified and contacted customers who have been affected by the download error. "Digital River has been making every effort to make it right for these customers," he said. The Microsoft engineer also said Microsoft would not handle support questions about Windows 7 unless customers were able to reach the initial installation screen; all issues prior to that step were to be directed to Digital River.

On Saturday, users blamed both companies for their problems, and were irked that neither had stepped up to accept responsibility or provide answers. "This problem is not being resolved by anyone," complained a user tagged as "tatguy6" on the same support thread Saturday. "Someone is to blame. I guess we are just gonna have to wait for someone to pull their heads out of their butts and do something for us to resolve this."

"I [have] had enough," added "arkavat."

Tatguy6, arkavat and several others said that they were, or had, filed complaints against Digital River with the Better Business Bureau.

Digital River has yet not responded to a request for comment made last Friday.
0 Ranked Tags , , , , , , , , , ,
TOP

Windows 7 installation how-to, step by step

Posted by MN Farani at 10:38:00 am
Performing a New Installation of Windows 7
The three basic types of clean installation procedures are as follows:

Install on a brand new disk or computer system
Erase the disk, format it, and install
Install into a new directory for dual-booting (see the multiboot discussion later)
If you intend to use either of the first two methods, be sure your computer can boot from a DVD (most newer computers support booting from a DVD drive). Doing so might require changing the drive boot order in the BIOS or CMOS, but try it first as-is. With no floppy disk inserted and a clean hard disk, try the DVD drive next. The Windows 7 DVD is bootable and should run the Setup program automatically.

Installation takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the speed of your machine. Refer to the following sections if you have questions about any steps in this process.

Note: Windows 7 automatically applies the NTFS format to any disk partition upon which it is installed during a clean installation.

Typical Clean Setup Procedure
If you're installing into an empty partition and you can boot an operating system that is supported for the purpose of Setup (Windows Vista or XP), just boot up, insert the DVD and choose Install Now from the resulting dialog box. Then you can follow the installation step-by-step procedure.

If Windows doesn't detect the DVD automatically upon insertion, you must run the Setup program, setup.exe, from the Start, Run dialog box (after opening the Run dialog box, type D:/setup.exe; on Vista use the Start menu Search box instead [using the corect letter for your DVD drive if it isn't D]). The setup.exe application is located in the Sources directory on the DVD. After the Setup routine starts, you can follow the installation procedure step by step.

If your computer has a blank hard disk or your current OS isn't supported, this process changes. You must launch the installation process from the Windows 7 DVD (this works only if you can boot from the DVD drive). Setup automatically runs if you boot from the DVD.

Yet another setup method involves the network. To initiate a network installation, you must create a network share of the distribution DVD or a copy of the DVD on a hard drive. The destination system must have network access, and the user account must have at least read access to the installation files. Initiate Setup by executing setup.exe from the network share. For example, from the Start, Run command, or the Vista Start menu Search box, type this path: \\\ \sources\Setup. Setup recognizes an over-the-network installation and automatically copies all files from the network share to the local system before the first reboot.

Tip: All versions of Windows 7, 32- or 64-bit, are included on the same DVD. The product key that you enter during setup determines which actual version of Windows 7 you end up with after the installation completes. Keep your Windows 7 DVD and product key in a safe location after you've performed your installation. It's useful for repairs of all kinds.
0 Ranked Tags , , , , , , ,
TOP

Microsoft deal discounts Windows 7 upgrades by 58%

Posted by MN Farani at 8:30:00 am
Microsoft today launched a promotion that discounts Windows 7 upgrades as much as 58% when customers also buy a new Windows 7 PC.

The deal, which was available Thursday from the likes of Amazon.com and Staples, applies when consumers purchase a new computer equipped with Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate.

Staples, for instance, will sell a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade for $49.99, a 58% savings compared to the $119.99 list price, when buyers also purchase a new Windows 7 PC. Amazon, on the other hand, dropped the price of Home Premium Upgrade to $59.95, a savings of $60, or 50%. Under the promotion, Amazon also cut the price of Professional Upgrade to $115.99, an $85 savings (42% off) and Ultimate Upgrade to $139.99, an $80 savings (36% off) when customers ordered a new Windows 7 notebook or desktop at the same time.

Stephen Baker, an analyst with the NPD Group, which specializes in tracking retail sales, called the promotion "brilliant" in a blog post this morning. "It gives incentive to some of that huge XP installed base to do the right thing and upgrade into a new PC, while offering them a way to cost-effectively upgrade that companion notebook they have bought in the last two and one-half years. which is running Vista," Baker said.

"Windows 7 is even greater the more PCs that you have that run it," Baker said in a follow-up interview. "People aren't likely to go out today and buy multiple new PCs, but this is a great way to drive the value of Windows 7."

Baker called out Home Group, a new feature in Windows 7 that simplifies the task of setting up file-, printer-, photo- and music-sharing between Windows 7-equipped PCs on a home network, as one reason to upgrade as many home computers as possible to the new operating system.

According to Microsoft, one discounted copy of Windows 7 Upgrade can be bought per new PC, with the discount applicable to the same version as that which powers the PC. In other words, buyers of a new PC running Windows 7 Home Premium can purchase an upgrade copy of Home Premium at the discounted price, while consumers who buy a PC with Windows 7 Professional can get an upgrade copy of that edition at the reduced price.

Amazon, however, appears to be offering buyers of any Home Premium-, Professional- or Ultimate-equipped PC the discount for any of the three editions' upgrades. Buyers can order a notebook running Home Premium, for example, but buy an upgrade to Professional.

Some buyers are ineligible for the deal, however. New machines running the entry-level version of Windows 7, dubbed Starter, don't qualify, essentially preventing most purchasers of netbooks -- which are dominated by Windows 7 Starter -- from taking advantage of the promotion.

The discounted upgrade deal expires Jan. 2, 2010, and applies to consumers in the U.S. and U.K, as well as those in Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, New Zealand, Poland and Slovakia. . Microsoft and its retail partners also started selling the $149.99 Windows 7 Family Pack today. The package lets buyers upgrade as many as three PCs from Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7 Home Premium.

College students are eligible for a separate offer that prices Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade at $29.99.
0 Ranked Tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
TOP

App compatibility, upgrade concerns top Windows 7 worries

Posted by MN Farani at 12:20:00 pm
Users are most concerned about Windows 7's migration and application compatibility issues, according to a sweeping survey of online forums, Web sites and social networking services, a support firm said today.

iYogi, a New York-based tech support company pushing Windows 7 upgrade services, said that it tracked tens of thousands of online conversations during the past week about Windows 7 to come up with the top 10 user worries about Microsoft's new operating system.

The company monitored 10 major forums, including MSDN, TechNet, Yahoo Answers and Google Groups; 25 sites posting user reviews, such as Amazon.com, CNET and Epinions.com; and social sources including Facebook and the micro-blogging service Twitter.

At the top of the iYogi list was concern about Windows 7's application compatibility and migration from earlier editions to the new OS. One sample question iYogi logged: "Do I need to re-install Microsoft Office when I upgrade to Windows 7?" (Answer: Yes, if upgrading from Windows XP.)

Microsoft has directly addressed compatibility concerns with the Windows 7 Compatibility Center, a site that launched yesterday, which lets users root through a massive database of hardware and software to find which peripherals and programs are up to snuff.

On the upgrade front, Microsoft has posted a several-step tutorial to guide Windows XP users through the process. (For more on upgrading from XP, see Computerworld's "FAQ: How to prep for an XP-to-Windows 7 upgrade.")

Second on iYogi's list were worries about Windows 7's new features -- how different the new OS is from the familiar XP -- while in third place were questions about its performance. "Is Windows 7 faster than XP or Vista?" asked one user, said iYogi. (Computerworld's Windows 7 expect, Preston Gralla, says yes.)

Other concerns ranged from getting ready for Windows 7 (No. 4) and the operating system's user interface (No. 5) to how much time it will take to install Windows 7 (No. 8) and whether its price will ever drop (No. 9).

Not surprisingly, iYogi also touted polls it conducted that claim nearly 70% of Windows users aren't "entirely comfortable" that they would be able to move their favorite applications to Windows 7.

Microsoft has built a Windows 7 help and support site that includes how-to videos, links to company-sponsored user-to-user forums, and answers to what it considers the top user-submitted questions.

Microsoft will host a New York City launch event tomorrow at 11 a.m. ET, when CEO Steve Ballmer will kick off a coming-out party.
0 Ranked Tags , , , , , ,