Undervolting for Lower Temperatures and Longer Battery Life

Posted by J. Angelo Racoma as Software, Macbook Pro, Macbook at 10:53 PM EST on November 17th, 2006

Jason O’ Grady writes on ZDNet how you can significantly lower heat dissipation on your Core Duo powered MacBook or MacBook Pro by reducing the CPU voltage.

By lowering the voltage to the processor you can not only drastically lower the heat dissipation, but also increase the battery time significantly. There are, believe it or not, no downsides with this method, if you do it right.

However, OS X (and practically other OSes, too) don’t have built-in software to manage the CPU voltage arbitrarily, but fortunately, there are third-party software that let you do this.

CoolBook is a $10 shareware application for the MacBook and MBP that allows you to adjust the frequency (clock speed) and voltage of Intel Core Duo and Core 2 Duo CPUs.

According to the author’s published benchmarks his MacBook (1.83GHz) temperature decreased by as much as 14°C (25.2°F) just by dropping the voltage from 1.2125 V (Apple default) to 0.95 V (the minimum).

Apparently, Core 2 Duo-based ‘Books don’t need the cooling-down benefit from undervolting, but if you need the extended battery life, then this might still be worth the try.

[via ZDNet blogs]

Rare Find: Apple ][ Jigsaw Puzzle from 1983

Posted by J. Angelo Racoma as On the Web, LowEndMac at 10:19 PM EST on November 17th, 2006

Joshua Coventry chanced upon a rare find on eBay: an Apple ][ Jigsaw puzzle from Apple’s 1983 Gift Catalog.

Back in 1983, Apple released a gift catalog featuring Apple-branded merchandize such as mugs, T-shirts, and, amongst many other items, an Apple II jigsaw puzzle.

I bought it for 99 pence. Shortly after, it arrived - and, being so excited as I was, I put the jigsaw together.

Curious to find out more, I contacted the one man who knows the most about the Apple II: Steve Wozniak. He replied, in his e-mail saying:

“Wow. I know nothing of this jigsaw puzzle. It’s quite a surprise to me. I must have missed or forgotten it.”

I had an item so rare that not even the almighty Woz could tell me anything about it!

It’s one of those rare finds that would make a hardcore Apple geek all giddy with excitement. I’ve had a few rare finds myself, and I know the feeling!

[via LowEndMac]

ifrogz opens 15 Retail Mall Locations in the US

Posted by Michael as Mac, iFrogz at 9:43 AM EST on November 17th, 2006

Just in time for the holidays, ifrogz is pleased to announce it has opened retail kiosks at 15 malls across the western United States and the Midwest. The customizable silicone iPod cases seen November 14, 2006 on NBC’s “Today Show” let music lovers customize
their iPods more securely and stylishly than ever before. They are now available for hands-on mixing and matching, in addition to being online at www.ifrogz.com.

“We’re very happy to now have ifrogz iPod cases available at these new locations around the country,” said Scott Huskinson, president of ifrogz. “Our cases make perfect stocking stuffers and are winning rave reviews from national press and satisfied customers alike. People love mixing and matching our Wrapz, Bandz and Screenz to create the perfect cases for their iPods and they love spending time on our Web site. But if there’s anything
they like more than building an ifrogz case online, it’s building one in person.”

Kiosks are now open for business at the following locations:
* Bellis Fair Mall, Bellingham, Washington;
* Boise Towne Square Mall, Boise, Idaho;
* Cache Valley Mall, Logan, Utah;
* Clackamas Town Center, Portland, Oregon;
* Fashion Place Mall, Murray, Utah;
* The Galleria at Sunset, Henderson, Nevada;
* Lloyd Center, Portland, Oregon;
* Park Place Mall, Tucson, Arizona;
* Parkway Plaza, El Cajon, California;
* Provo Towne Centre, Provo, Utah;
* South Plains Mall, Lubbock, Texas;
* Tacoma Mall, Tacoma, Washington;
* Tucson Mall, Tucson, Arizona;
* Washington Square, Portland, Oregon; and
* Westfield West County Center, St. Louis, Missouri.

ifrogz iPod cases represent the ultimate way for iPod owners to express their individuality and own unique tastes while simultaneously protecting their favorite music player. With more than 300,000 ways to configure each case, the patent-pending, three-part ifrogz case design also provides some of the best possible protection for iPods from scratches, dirt and other damage.

ifrogz’s newest product offering, the Tadpole video iPod case for kids, is also available at the new mall locations. The first and only of its kind, the Tadpole comes in six fun colors and is designed for busy parents who want to use their own video iPods to entertain their children in the car, at the doctor’s office, at the supermarket or anywhere else. Two distinctive handles provide not only firm, comfortable grips for little hands, but also
add rugged protection.

AMD-Powered Apple Notebooks Coming Soon?

Posted by J. Angelo Racoma as Rumors at 8:56 PM EST on November 16th, 2006

Apple Insider quotes a DigiTimes article that says AMD-powered Apple notebooks are not too far ahead into the future.

The publication cites Taiwan-based sources in the passive component industry as witnessing an aggressive increase in orders for high-capacitance multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) supposedly en-route for an AMD-based Apple notebook.

In supporting its claims, the publication cites statements by AMD chief executive Hector Ruiz, who in September said Apple would eventually become one of AMD’s customers. It also notes the recent merger between AMD and ATI Technologies as making the “speculation more convincing,” because the graphics solutions specialist has been a longtime partner of Apple’s.

I don’t think this will happen anytime soon, tough. I don’t think Apple will differentiate its product line that much, especially since it has only recently started to use Intel chips on Macs.

Still, if ever this pushes through, then we can probably expect less-expensive MacBooks and MacBook Pros, with better integration with ATI graphics chipsets, which MacBook Pros currently use.

New Apple Patent unveals “Blank” iPod/Tablet Concept

Posted by Michael as Mac, News at 5:55 PM EST on November 16th, 2006

Hrmpf has just posted some extremely interesting information regarding the latest patent  application from Apple.

Basically the application proposes that you can take a “blank” device like an iPod or tablet, and lay accessories over it to fit the needs of whatever it is your doing.  A DJ mixer for example, or a phone.

From the article:

Apple has just filed a new patent application for the adding of physical controls (like buttons or sliders etc) to the touch sensitive surfaces of electronic devices. Apple seems to propose that you take a ‘blank’ iPod and add a wheel for a standard iPod, add a keypad to make it a phone - add a joystick to make it a game machine. The overlays are identified by the computer/device and it reacts accordingly. Imagine adding a nice volume control to your iPod. The ‘blank’ iPod can be made into a PDA, cell phone, game machine, handtop or remote control.

Personally, I’m not sure how much I really like this idea, but I do see where this could be a very important concept, especially for an ultra-portable.  I’m sure the accessories companies would love to be able to create niche add-on devices for an ultra-portable Mac tablet that would allow users with specific needs to use interfaces that helped increase their productivity.

It’s important to mention that the patent application in no way guarantees that this will ever see the light of day from Apple…but you never know.  I’m sure some will speculate that this is how the “true video iPod” will be.   “It’ll be BLANK!  We’ll be able to make in into an iPhone too!”…but I doubt that.

Still, this is a very interesting concept, with several practical applications, and it will be interesting to see if it is incorporated into Apple devices in the future.

FIRST LOOK: Griffin’s iTalk Pro

Posted by Michael as iPod Accessories at 10:09 PM EST on November 15th, 2006

The Griffin iTalk Pro arrived in the labs today, and we’ve got some quick shots so you can take a look at this impressive little audio recorder for your iPod. We’ve done some quick tests, and so far, it’s a very easy to use, and impressive sounding device. We’ll give you a full review when we’ve had time to put it through it’s paces, and try it out in a variety of environments.

iPhone confirmed by manufacturing company?

Posted by Michael as Mac, iPhone at 10:12 AM EST on November 15th, 2006

According to Think Secret, The Commercial Times is reporting that Taiwan’s Hon Hai Precision, has won a contract to produce 12 million phone handsets for Apple.

Citing industry sources, the paper claims that the devices will ship in the first quarter of 2007 and will also function as “music players”.

This is as close to confirmation as we’re likely to get on the iPhone, and I think it’s pretty safe to say that we’ll be seeing it at Macworld 2007.

What do you think?

Vista DOES NOT support Zune

Posted by Michael as News at 11:37 PM EST on November 14th, 2006

From the “You have got to be effin’ kiddin’ me” department comes this report from Apple Insider - including screenshot proof - that Vista currently does not support Zune.

Now, Vista isn’t out yet, so it shouldn’t matter, right? Well…there are Vista Beta users all over the place that (if they bought a Zune today) would disagree…

And Vista goes on sale to business customers in two weeks.

Click Here to visit Apple Insider

Zune launches - outlook not so good

Posted by Michael as News at 4:46 PM EST on November 14th, 2006

Back in September I took a look at the Zune Vs. iPod issue with what we knew at that time on another blog. At the time, based on that (admittedly limited) information, it looked like the Zune had a shot at being a contender this holiday season…

How does it look now that the Zune is officially here?

Not so good.

From Engadget’s “Installing the Zune…sucked” article, to CNN’s less than stellar review (where the anchors even pulled out an iPod Shuffle to praise and show off to the viewing audience) things are not looking good for the Microsoft “iPod Killer”.

When you combine negative reviews with a confusing (and shady) payment system, AND setting an unbelievable precedent by paying studio executives a precentage of hardware sales because quote:

“These devices are just repositories for stolen music, and they all know it,” UMG chairman/CEO Doug Morris says. “So it’s time to get paid for it.” - Universal Music Group

There is little chance that the Zune is going to come out a winner this year. Of course, I already predicted that in my Macworld 2007 predictions article, but really, is anyone reading this surprised by the turn out so far?

When the smoke clears the final sales numbers will tell the real story, but right now, if you’re going to spend $249 on an MP3 player…you’re probably going to want an iPod.

Apple Teams Up With Air France, Continental, Delta, Emirates, KLM & United to Deliver iPod Integration

Posted by Michael as News at 9:55 AM EST on November 14th, 2006

CUPERTINO, Calif., Nov. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Apple(R) today announced it is teaming up with Air France, Continental, Delta, Emirates, KLM and United to deliver the first seamless integration between iPod(R) and in-flight entertainment systems. These six airlines will begin offering their passengers iPod seat connections which power and charge their iPods during flight and allow the video content on their iPods to be viewed on the their seat back displays.

    “There is no better traveling companion than an iPod, and now travelers can power their iPods during flight and even watch their iPod movies and TV shows on their seat back displays,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing. “We’re excited to work with Air France, Continental, Delta, Emirates, KLM and United to offer iPod users an even better in-flight experience.”

    In-flight iPod connectivity will be available to Air France, Continental, Delta, Emirates, KLM and United passengers beginning in mid 2007. Additionally, Apple is working with Panasonic Avionics Corporation to bring even more leading airlines in-flight iPod connectivity in the future.

    The iPod ecosystem continues to flourish with more than 3,000 accessories made specifically for iPod that range from fashionable cases to speaker systems, and more than 70 percent of 2007-model US automobiles currently offer iPod connectivity.