Loading...
Recent Blog Entries:
Loading...
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Apple Products Vs. Apple Stocks
Ever wonder how much money you could have made, if you had only bought Apple stock, rathat than that Apple product? Maybe you don't want to know. That old 900MHz PowerBook G3, with the bad logic board, gathering dust in the closet, could have been $60k in stocks by now! Labels: Apple, money, stocks
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
iPad Disassembly Video
We knew that our iPad Disassembly video was going to get a lot of attention, based on the hundreds of thousands of views that our other videos have had, over the past weeks and months - like the iPhone 3Gs and the PSP Go. However, we never would have guessed that we'd get over a quarter of a million views in just one week, rating as high as the #7 top viewed science & technology video in places! Check out the stats below to see just how popular our iPad Disassembly video is. If you agree that it's awesomesauce and want a copy of your own, you can now download our latest stop-motion video in iPhone/iPod format, iPad/AppleTV format, or full 720p HD for your computer.  Labels: Apple, disassembly, download, iPad, podcast, take apart, video
Thursday, April 08, 2010
iPhone OS 4.0
 Here's the brief: - Multitasking!
- App Folders
- Bluetooth Keyboard Support
- Spellcheck
- iBook reader
- Tap to focus video camera
- 5x digital zoom for video camera
- Quick Look
- Online Game Center
- In-app advertisement system (read: more free apps)
iPhone OS 4.0 also allows developers more access to the camera, photos, calendar, GPS, etc. so we should expect some cool apps that were never before possible!FYI - multi-tasking is only supported on the iPhone 3Gs and 3rd gen iPod touch
via EngadgetLabels: 4.0, Apple, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Mac OS X
Monday, April 05, 2010
iPad Observations
OK, I know that everybody and their brother is blogging their opinions of the new iPad and this sure ain't no Wall Street Journal or USA Today but, if you want the perspective of a long-time computer geek, graphic designer, and Apple enthisiast, here ya go. UnclutteredMy first impression of the iPad is that it feels like a computer, without the clutter. I'm sure that someone will create an app or OS update that will allow you to litter your desktop with randomly sized windows that waste space just as efficiently as a desktop computer but, for now, the neat rows of app icons and full-screen only operation feels like the computer equivalent of having a maid that follows your around, cleaning up after you, so that your space never has a chance to get messy.DetailedBeing an iPhone user made the iPad experience both familiar and alien at the same time. Of course the basic set up is the same but, unlike the tiny iPhone apps, each app on the iPad is so amazingly detailed that it's every bit as useful as a program on a "real" computer. Even apps that don't have a limitless amount of data to display (like maps) benefit from the extra screen space by enhancing their offerings with texture, shading and other subtle elements that add a welcome richness.AppsForget everything that you've heard about the thousands of iPhone apps that already work on the iPad. It's true - they work fine, and it's nice to see them bigger, but this bit of backwards-compatibility is about bit as handy as having a VCR hooked up to your HDTV. Apps that look great on the iPhone's little screen either look blurry or blocky on the iPad (the 1x mode, that puts tiny iPhone apps in the center of the screen, is far too awkward to be useful, in my opinion). Not having to do without your favorite app is great but, once you've enjoyed full-resolution iPad apps, they're the only apps that seem appealing in the store. Sadly, the app store experience is just as tedious on the iPad as it is on the iPhone. Each time you download an app, you're kicked out of the store and, when you launch again, you go back to the first page of the category that you were browsing. You might want to use iTunes, on the computer, to download multiple apps at once (eg. to get all of the free apps, when you first start loading up your iPad).Beware of the difference in app prices - programs that sell for $1 for the iPhone start around $5 for the iPad and there aren't nearly as many free "lite" versions available. Still, they're far cheaper than apps for desktop or laptop computers.e-Books & iBooksLacking an e-ink display (and the amazing battery life that comes with it) precludes the iPad from being a true Kindle killer but the stale, page-sliding interface of the Kindle app, on the iPad, leaves much to be desired next to the iBook reading experience, with it's book-like pages, life-like 3D page-turning, and other animated effects.User InterfaceAfter having used the iPad, I remain as convinced as ever that multi-touch screens will replace mice and keyboards, though I'm not convinced that the note-pad form-factor is the ultimate in ergonomics. Just as prolonged use of a laptop can cause discomfort, you can expect neck cramps from staring down at your iPad (it's heavy enough that it will eventually end up flat on the table, couch or floor). Though it may lack the convenience and mobile sex-appeal of the iPad, I can't wait to see a multi-touch 27" iMac and the amazing touch-screen apps that could run on a full power desktop computer!TypingI don't really type, but my two-finger hunt-and-peck works much better on the iPad than the iPhone, to the point that I no longer feel like typing is a chore. I'd be far more likely to write an e-mail or blog post on the iPad than it's smaller antecedent. That said, an external keyboard (attached or bluetooth) would still be essential for serious writing, since typing a whole paper or story with an on-screen keyboard is just asking for an RMI.ConclusionAll the things that you love to do on your iPhone or computer are more fun on the iPad. It can't do everything that a laptop can but, if your mobile computing needs are modest, the iPad's smaller size, easier access and longer battery life give it the potential to be your device of choice - especially when traveling. Since an iPhone (or other smart-phone) is basically a pocket computer, you can't beat it's convenience, but the luxuriously large screen of the iPad (and the high definition apps it runs) is simply a joy to use.
If you remain skeptical about the iPads allure, then all you have to do is try one, and you'll understand why people are so in love with it.
Brian Northway
Designer, Animator
TechRestore
Labels: Apple, iPad, observation, opinion, review, thoughts
Friday, March 26, 2010
In case you missed our last Buzz post, we now offer the holy-grail of hard drive upgrades - 1 terrabyte!It's my opinion that only bad puns and visual hyperbole can convey the awesomeness of having this amount of storage inside of your laptop, so here ya go...
Of course, if you have a MacBook or MacBook Pro unibody system or a 17" Aluminum MacBook Pro, you won't notice any difference in the size of your laptop when you get it back from our Apple Certified Techs. :)
Labels: Apple, glass macbook pro, hard drive, macbook pro, terrabyte, unibody, upgrade
Thursday, March 25, 2010
OK, to say we're excited about this is the understatement of the year. After extensive testing, we are please to release our new 1 Terabyte (that's 1000 Gigabytes in case you are keeping score at home) drive upgrade for MacBook and MacBook Pro unibody systems.
Simply put, this drive rocks. With the latest drive technology and same-day or overnight installation that includes data transfer - we're ready to max out your Mac whenever you are. Read the complete press release here.
Labels: Apple, glass macbook pro, hard drive, macbook pro, terrabyte, unibody, upgrade
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Buzz & Specials For 3/16
Greetings!
So, I did it. I finally took the plunge (no pun intended) and remodeled our kids bathroom. After looking at old linoleum for years and each time thinking to myself, "We really need to update this bathroom" - I completely gutted the space a couple weeks ago and have been on my hands and knees ever since. The thing about home improvement projects is that they have a very typical lifecyle: 
Stage 1: Destruction
This is where the fun begins. Your head is full of ideas and you have a sledgehammer in your hands. Your kids stare in awe as you destroy part of your home on purpose and within a very short time, you are staring at an empty room, just waiting for your creative energy to explode all over the place.
Stage 2: The Trip to Home World
Whether you go to Home Depot, Lowes, MondoHome - whatever is in your neck of the woods, chances are, you're going to wind up at some ginourmos warehouse store, wandering the aisles with a glazed look in your eye as you look at all the options for you new, empty space. Typically you have your spouse in tow and quite often any plans you have made about materials goes right out the window when said spouse happens to look at the "special order Italian glass tile" that is at the end of the aisle containing all the rest of the tile that you can take home with you today. Once you spend 20 minutes bringing your spouse back to reality, you load the tile up that you had agreed on previously. Then it's a quick trip around the rest of the building ("The tram to paint town is about to depart!") to pick out paint a new vanity and other sundry items. All in all, expect to spend 2-3 times as long as you think it will take. You will have a headache by the time you leave.
Stage 3: Progress
You plunge in and make a big impact with tile, paint and new fixtures. You are truly Master of your Domain.
Stage 4: The Finishing Touches AKA: Will this never end?!
You're almost done. There's only 30-40 things left on your list, but most of your mistakes are hidden by the overall impact of your superb placement of the bath matt, toothbrush holder and other accessories. As you look around, you start to see all the little things - just one more touch-up of trim paint, oh, one more section of grout to cleanup, one more piece of baseboard that need caulking. You get the idea. It's the home stretch - push hard and you will actually get this thing done. Be forewarned - do NOT fall for the Classic "let's start ANOTHER project" at this time - although enticing, you will only cause yourself (and your spouse) grief if you go down this rabbit hole.
All in all, things when pretty well and most of the flaws in my work are hidden well behind sinks, mirrors and toilets - not bad for the first time. OK, enough about home improvement. We have some great stuff for you this week! Onward.... 
FUTURESHOCK Hello again! We've just launched TechRestore EDU - a place to find instructional and informational videos. Now you can learn things like how to install a classic macbook LCD, as demonstrated by one of our Apple Certified technicians, how to identify your specific Mac laptop model, or the difference between unibody glass and LCD damage - with much, much more to come! 
Check out the TechRestore EDU introduction video and subscribe to our TechRestoreEDU YouTube channel to be notified as soon as new videos are posted! These DIY videos are direct and detailed, without a minute wasted. Our unique auto fast-forward editing, allows you to see every move the tech makes, without suffering through each little screw removal/replacement in real-time. Watching these videos is also a good way for you to see if you feel confident enough to indulge your inner hacker, and attempt doing your own repair - see what you're in for before you ever pick up a screwdriver!
Desktops & Wallpapers
Now for the goodies...I've re-engineered a classic sci-fi movie poster, to be Mac themed: Invasion Of The Unibody Snatchers! Here we have a Mac desktop image and an iPhone wallpaper image:   Click on the images above to see them full size, then right click and select save, to make them yours. To install an iPhone wallpaper image:
- Click on the image that you like, to see it full size.
- Right click on the full-size image and select save.
- Add the image to your iPhoto library and sync with your iPhone.
- Locate the image on your iPhone, tap
 , and then tap Use As Wallpaper.
iPad fans will also want to check out the iPad Desktop image featured in last weeks Buzz. It turns your iPhone into a mini iPad (which it basically is anyway, until they release some iPad specific apps).
iPhone App Pick
 I just have to share this gem, since I haven't seen it mentioned elsewhere. It's a free iPhone game called Alpine Crawler. It's a simple 2D, side-scroller involving a truck and some hills - the aim being to complete the course in time, without rolling your 4x4. As with most good action games, it's all about the amazing real-time physics. Check out the Alpine Crawler web-page or iTMS app store link.
Enjoy! Brian Northway
Designer/Animator
Buzz Specials The Buzz coupons are valid through 4/2 at Midnight Pacific Time. You can use the coupons and order via the links, or call 1-888-572-7372 to speak to one of our friendly humans. Coupon codes cannot be combined, but you can use them on separate orders, if you are so inclined. Labels: app, Apple, desktop image, diy, home improvement, iPhone, Mac, video, wallpaper
Monday, March 15, 2010
iPad Digitizer Photos
Here are some photos of the iPad digitizer (the front glass piece that processes the touch input) with protective a film on the front surface. Click on images to see them larger.  
 
Labels: Apple, digitizer, iPad, screen, touch
Friday, March 12, 2010
iPad Desktop For Your iPhone
 iPad pre-orders started today, but why wait to experience the magic?
Download an iPad desktop for your iPhone and turn it into a mini iPad! To install: after adding the photo to your iPhoto library and syncing with your iPhone, simply locate the image on your iPhone, tap , and then tap Use As Wallpaper. Labels: Apple, desktop image, iPad, iPhone, wallpaper
Thursday, March 11, 2010
iPhone App Magnets
 iPhone apps are now available for your fridge!
Need a place to hang pizza coupons, in your kitchen? There's an app for that.
Without the frame of the iPhone to put them in context, these magnets are a little esoteric. Still, these iconic...uh....icons are sure go get a smile from any iPhone user and, at $13, they make a great gift for fellow Mac/iPhone enthusiasts.
Check 'em out at Jailbreak Toys.
Labels: app, Apple, fridge, iPhone, kitchen, magnet, refrigerator
Friday, February 19, 2010
iPad Pad notebook
 It's finally here - TechRestore has the cheapest iPads on the planet!
Ok, it's actually an iPad Pad notebook, that we designed to look like an iPad, but just look at what you get for $9.99...
Unlike the real iPad, this one is compatible with all conventional, wireless writing utensils (eg. pens, pencils, markers), weighs only a fraction of Apple's iPad!
- Always has a wireless signal (see indicator bars)
- No monthly data service contract required
- 50x less expensive than an Apple iPad
- Never needs recharging
- 100% Recyclable
Check out the iPad Pad product page, where you can buy one, print one for free or just watch the iPad video spoof.
Labels: Apple, iPad, notebook, pad, paper
Friday, February 12, 2010
Buzz & Specials For 2/12
Greetings!  If you are living on the East Coast and you've been buried in snow this week - our thoughts are with you! I won't tell you that I was wearing shorts out here in California just a few days ago, since I know that would drive you insane. I spoke to one of our customers this morning who lost power in their home from last Friday through Tuesday, then a power surge took out his MacBook and he dropped his iPhone in the toilet due to it being so dark- and this was on a good day. Hopefully things are getting better out there for you now that there's a break in the weather. To take your mind of your snow troubles, let's move on to discuss something that's on the minds of most American's these days, yes, your correct, I'm referring to the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby.
If you have a kid in Cub Scouts, you will know just how "important" this event is each year. If you don't have a little kid that you can live vicariously through, let me give you some background. In early December, each Scout is handed a little box with a chunk of wood (pine, of course), four nails (axles) and four plastic wheels. By the end of January, the goal is to turn that block  of wood into a screaming fast, 5 ounce work of art to compete with the 54 other Cub Scouts in your pack. For our Pack, the Pinewood Derby weekend consists of two events, the actual Cub Scout race that takes place on a Saturday, and a Parent/Sibling race the night before that is for fun and to pre-test the track to be sure it's ready for the serious racing the next day. This year, Ethan our 8-year old Wolf scout decided he wanted to make a Skateboard shaped car and Skylar, our 6th grader, wanted to build a Twilight, New Moon car for the sibling race. With our ideas in hand, we set off for the bandsaw, drill press and dremel to see what we could create. After cutting out the wood, we had to then decide how to get space for the weights we would need to add to get the car as close to (but not over) 5 ounces. Both cars spent some time on the drill press, having holes punched deep inside of them to slide round weights into. Then it was on to sanding, primer, paint and decals. But, before I forget, while we worked on the body, we also treated our nail "axles" by spinning them in the drill press and filing off any burrs, boring out the plastic wheels and sanding down the outer surface of the wheels to remove any rough spots. Then, all the wheels went into a bag full of graphite, where they spent the next couple of weeks on the kitchen counter, being turned over and over each time a little kid walked by (this was one of their most important jobs). By the time we were ready to put the wheels on the car, the graphite had complete coated each wheel, turning them from black to silver-gray and making them incredible slick, and hopefully just as fast. So, as a recap, here's where we started... 
...and here's how they looked when we were done:  
So, pretty pictures are one thing. How'd the kids do in the race? I'm happy to report that Skylar's New Moon car took 3rd place in the Sibling race and Ethan's Skateboard took 6th place out of 54 cars on race day. We had a great time making the cars, with the entire family getting involved. Just one more thing that makes Scouting with your kids such a rewarding activity. Alright, back to the tech stuff!
Laptop Parts  Let's chat for a few minutes about Self-Repair. We have had requests for years to sell our laptop parts outright, and I'm pleased to announce that we have begun to do just that. Over the next few weeks, you'll see more and more parts begin to populate our website for those of you that wish to perform a laptop repair yourself.You'll see our complete inventory of LCD screens coming online during the next week and for those of you that are handy with a screw driver or if you have a local technician you want to have do your repair, we think you'll love our pricing. Stay tuned for more information as we develop this new product line.
You can find our LCD screen listings here. Now, some news from Brian and then onward to the the deals! Shannon Jean
Founder
FUTURESHOCK Hello again! Here's my latest screensaver: eight iPads performing a synchronized, nocturnal dance - lit by colorful sprites who weave kaleidoscopic designs on the ground! 
Preview & Download Page Enjoy and have a wonderful Valentines weekend! <3 Brian Northway
Designer/Animator
Buzz Specials The coupons listed here are valid through 2/26 at Midnight Pacific Time. You can use the coupons and order via the links, or call 1-888-572-7372 to speak to one of our friendly humans. Coupon codes cannot be combined, but you can use them on multiple orders if you are so inclined. Labels: Apple, derby, iPad, laptop parts, pinewood, screensaver
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Print Your Own Functional iPad
 This functional, paper iPad features the popular Notes application that iPhone users have come to know and love. Unlike the real iPad, ours is compatible with all conventional, wireless writing utensils (eg. pens, pencils, markers), weighs only a fraction of Apple's iPad, and folds to fit in your pocket!
No monthly data service contract is required and this iPad always has a wireless signal, as you will see by watching the indicator bars, in the upper left corner of the screen. Greener than Apple's iPad by far, ours never needs recharging and is 100% recyclable! Touch functionality may require finger-paint. iPad rendering prints actual size - seriously. (c; PDF iPad Download
Labels: Apple, download, free, iPad, paper, pdf
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Unibody Screens: Broken LCD vs. Broken Glass
 Screens on the new unibody MacBook and MacBook Pro mainly break in 3 different ways:
 LCD cracked but glass ok- Glass cracked but LCD ok
- Both LCD and glass are cracked
(Click on images to see larger views.)
Naturally, glass replacement is the least expensive (starting at $199) repair followed by LCD replacement (starting at $349) and, if you're really unlucky, both the LCD and the glass in front of it may be broken (starting at $399).
Of course, we can fix any or all of these issues and, even if you send your laptop in for a wrong or insufficient service, it's no problem - we'll call you and make the appropriate adjustments to your order before we do anything.
To schedule a unibody MacBook or MacBook Pro repair, click here.
Labels: Apple, glass, glass macbook pro, LCD, Mac, repair screen MacBook
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
iNails
 This morning I ran across a photo of nails painted with old-skool Apple logos! Apparently, last Tuesday's design of the week, at The Daily Nail, was done in anticipation of Apple's iPad announcement. All I have to say is well done and I hope you like geeks - especially old-timers, with beards, who lament Apple's decision to represent the company with a monochrome version of their logo. Now...anyone care to try doing TechRestore nails? (c; Labels: Apple, design, iPad, logo, nails
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Low-Down On Apple's iPad
 The iPad is here and we have a quick summary...
 The iPad IS:
- a Kindle killing e-Book (or iBook) reader
- an awesome game machine
- a great video/movie player
- a giant iPod touch
- faster than an iPhone
- a larger, more hires screen than the iPhone
- the perfect portable web browser
- the best photo sharing device ever
The iPad is NOT:
- a phone
- a laptop computer
- a pocket sized iPod
- a still or video camera
- as revolutionary as the iPhone
Apple has done a great job at making us need yet another mobile device. The iPad replaces neither the iPhone nor laptop and you certainly won't be listening to music in the gym with it. However, at $499 for the WiFi only version, it's a great way to entertain yourself on the couch at home or, the $629 WiFi + 3G version makes it a great mobile web browser. The unlimited, month-to-month 3G data plan for $29 is also pretty ground-breaking.
I suspect that the real appeal of this device won't become clear until we see it in action, painting, reading typing and surfing. It's certainly very cool, with it's 1024x768 display (which falls just short of 720p HD video), but I'm a little disappointed that it's missing some key features found on iPhones (eg. camera, phone calls) or laptops (namely the ability to run any Mac OSX software). That said, the apps designed specifically for the iPad, and the interactive books or magazines found no where else, may eventually convince me that this is a must-have gadget, even if it doesn't fit in my pocket.Labels: Apple, first look, iPad, news, release, specs, summary
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Apple Tablet Video Preview: Kindle Killer
 The most convincing peek at the new Apple tablet doesn't even come from Infinite Loop: Sports Illustrated posted a great demo video depicting a multi-media version of their magazine, in December, which has largely flown under the radar of Mac rumor hype, until recently leaked photos confirmed the "giant iPhone" form-factor of Apple's new device.The Sports Illustrated proof-of-concept video clearly depicts an iPhone type device, responding to the same orientation changes and finger gestures employed on the iPhone. The size of the mocked up tablet also coincides with the 10" 16:9 screen that is widely believed to be used in the new Apple tablet.
Obviously a Kindle killer (despite Amazon's frantic attempt to get apps on the Kindle), this hypothetical application of the new Apple tablet also fits with Apple's strategy of creating new media markets, as they did with the iPod, iTunes and iPhone. Paper media is quickly going extinct, but the engine behind print media may find a new rebirth, thanks to Apple. Reducing eye strain with e-ink, a la Kindle, is a great idea, but static, monochorme pages are no where near as exciting as full-color, animated, content with embedded video (nevermind Amazon's disappearing e-books).
It's clear that we are now an internet-centric society and, as cool as the Kindle may be, it's poor web browsing capabilities are a severe limitation. The type of speech recognition and synthesis capability, featured on the iPhone 3GS, could also go a long way toward enabling the new Apple tablet for use by blind users as well - further stranding the Kindle, even as Amazon scrambles to add accessibility to their e-book reader. Add to the list, all of the best features of the iPod, iPhone and MacBook, and you can see that Apple is likely ushering in a new era of computing, once again. One way or another, we'll know next Wednesday! Labels: Amazon, Apple, demo, e-book, e-reader, e-zine, iPad, iPhone, iSlate, Kindle, magazine, Slate, Sports Illustrated, tablet
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Should I take my Mac laptop to Apple for out of warranty repair?
So, your MacBook, MacBook Pro, PowerBook or iBook is having a problem and your system is no longer covered under the original Apple warranty. You have some choices to make about where and how you get your system repaired. Here's some information that may assist you in making that decision.
If you take your broken MacBook, MacBook Pro, PowerBook or iBook to Apple for out of warranty repair, there are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros: Trusted source Proximity (if you are close to an Apple store) Uses original factory parts Apple Certified Technicians
Cons: High prices Delayed turnaround time Only 90-day warranty period
Alternatively, you can consider an independent source to get your MacBook, MacBook Pro, PowerBook or iBook repaired. And since we are writing this article, we get to pick the independent source, so you won't be surprised when we pick our company, TechRestore. Here are the pros and cons to consider when deciding between taking an out-of-warranty repair to Apple or to TechRestore:
Pros: Trusted source (over 50,000 repairs completed) Proximity: over 4000 local pickup locations across the U.S. Uses original factory parts Apple Certified Technicians 24-hour typical repair turnaround time 1-year warranty
Cons: You won't get to browse the Apple store when dropping off your repair
TechRestore has fixed tens thousands of MacBook, MacBook Pro, PowerBook and iBook systems. Our most frequent repairs are broken LCD screens, hard drive replacements, SuperDrive replacement, logic board repair, case repair and data recovery. Learn more about our services, our people and our company by calling 1-888-572-7372 or by visiting TechRestore.com
Labels: Apple, macbook pro, repair, warranty
Monday, January 04, 2010
Apple Blocks 3rd Party Accessories
 The 3.0 update for the iPhone and iPod Touch may be full of wonderful features but there is one that's not so great: third-party docks and video cables will no longer output video!
Apparently, the new update checks for the presence of an Apple Security chip and displays a message on your TV stating that you are using an invalid accessory, when you attempt to connect using a 3rd-party A/V cable that lacks this built-in dongle. Admittedly, we've seen lots of iPods and iPhones with logic boards blown by poor quality accessories, but I think that people should be allowed to take their chances, not to mention keep using the equipment that they already own and have been using successfully, for years in some cases!
I'm guessing that this is Apple's way of retaliating against patent infringers but, if they had offered these cables at a reasonable price, there wouldn't be a market for knock-offs. I mean who wants to pay $50 on a cable for an iPod that could cost as little as $150? I'm sorry, but a cable that should have been included with the iPod in the first place, shouldn't cost 30% of the price of the iPod.
Some users are downgrading to the 2.2 firmware, but it's a fairly involved process and you lose the 3.0 functionality, so most folks are biting the bullet and forking over the $50 to get the Apple cable.
Hopefully, Apple's new tablet will be so awesome that we will forget about these shenanigans soon. (c;-BrianLabels: a/v, Apple, audio, cable, immersive video, iPhone, ipod
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2010 Screen Saver
Usher out the zeros and bring in the teens, with this free 2010 screen saver, exclusively for the Mac!  3D, color-cycling goodness will fill your screen and light up your party, or just help you connect with the fact that we are finally far enough from the nineties to truly start experiencing the wonders of the new milenium - enjoy! Labels: 2010, Apple, Mac, screen saver
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Mouse Your Mac With Wiimote
 Controlling your Mac with a Wii Remote is as simple as installing a free app, called DarwiinRemote, and pairing the controller with your Mac via Bluetooth! Once installed, you can use the Wiimote as a mouse and program the buttons to do whatever you like. This means that you can play Mac games, control iTunes, or use Front Row - all a la Wii! DarwiinRemote even supports force feedback and nunchuck attachment. Needless to say, this is an awesome way to control a Mac mini, hooked up to your TV, since the Apple Remote won't control a mouse (leaving you virtually stranded, outside of Front Row). Since the Wii Remote uses IR signals, as well as Bluetooth, you will need a Mac that shipped with an Apple Remote (or, more accurately, a built-in IR sensor) to run the program that enables Wiimote usage. Labels: Apple, Apple Remote, Emerging Mac, Mac mini, media pc, Nintendo, Wii, Wiimote
Monday, December 28, 2009
Core Duo vs. Core 2 Duo
 While perusing our selection of restored Mac laptops, many of you have been confused by the difference between the intel Core Duo and Core 2 Duo processors in the classic MacBooks. Here's the low-down on these two similarly named CPUs:- Core 2 Duo runs about 30% faster than a Core Duo.
- Core 2 Duo has 64-bit architecture, while the Core Duo is 32-bit.
- Both processors have the same front-side bus speed of 667MHz and the same L2 cache.
While the processor's clock speed may be the same, a 2GHz Core 2 Duo runs faster than a 2GHz Core Duo, by virtue of it's improved 64-bit architecture. In spite of this, the power draw (and heat generated) is nearly identical on both processors. However, the Core 2 Duo is available in faster speeds than the Core Duo, and more speed means more power draw, more power means more heat.
Note: Some sources claim that the Core 2 Duo runs hotter, draws more power and is less stable than the Core Duo but, if you're comparing CPUs with the same clock speed, you're likely to find those differences negligible during ordinary use (ie. anything other than benchmark tests). If you're interested in such test results and other nitty gritty specifics, here's some more info for ya.
Labels: Apple, chip, Core 2 duo, Core duo, difference, intel, laptop, macbook, processor
Friday, December 18, 2009
DIY Augmented Reality
One fascinating use of augmented reality is altering perception with image processing. In the past this has required the use of bulky computers and cameras but, the fifth-gen iPod nano has a compact video cam and powerful, live, video processing. By viewing the world exclusively through the processed video, you can radically alter your own perception which, unlike merely shooting video, becomes an interactive experience - like being inside a video-game version or reality. Ideally, a pair of video glasses could be rigged to hold a 5G nano but, for now, I'm making do with stuff I have lying around. I used an old oscilloscope hood from a computer surplus store, but you could make something similar out of cardboard, if you want to try it yourself. Check out the video to see my version.Disclaimer: nano AR not recommended for driving, bicycling or rollerblading.Labels: Apple, AR, augmented reality, diy, ipod, nano
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
With all of the different models of Mac laptops out there, it can be confusing to discern between them: aluminum vs. aluminum unibody, MacBook vs. MacBook Pro, etc.To take the confusion out of identifying your Mac, we have an ID chart listing all of the model numbers and what they mean, on our Mac Laptop Restore page. Just find the model number, on the bottom of your laptop, look it up on the chart and there you have it! 
Labels: Apple, id, identification, laptop, Mac
Friday, December 04, 2009
Augmented Reality
 Augmented reality used to be a term that applied to head mounted displays and, more recently, iPhones and PDAs - displaying information about the world around you or otherwise enhancing your vision. Now, however, there is a new breed of AR that employs projectors.The Magic Projection system uses a standard desktop projector, connected to a Mac. Here is a video of a Unibody MacBook Pro driving a display which projects on to a blank canvas which has embedded spatial sensors.Even more practical is the Sixth Sense system, which employs a wearable computer and projector. This video shows how such a system can be used to provide product ratings and book reviews, or even turn any surface into a calculator or web browser!An example of augmented reality already put into practice is provided by Lego. In this video, an electronic 'mirror' shows what you can create with the bricks included in any box of legos.Labels: Apple, AR, augmented reality, immersive video, macbook pro, projector, wearable
Friday, October 16, 2009
Recycling The Fun Way
While I was in the warehouse the other day, I noticed a huge box, containing 3000 MacBook Pro palm-rests. When I asked what they were for, I was told that these particular parts all had broken keyboards, trackpads or cosmetic issues, and were going to be recycled. I decided that covering the parking lot with keyboards would look pretty good, on video, so I had them set aside for me.Saturday morning, I arrived at 7am, made some coffee, checked my e-mail and set to work on my idea. Somehow I had thought that working with 3000 palm-rests would be as easy as working with 3000 Lego pieces but, as I began unwrapping each individual part, it quickly became apparent that this was a monstrous task. Three hours later, I had unwrapped a little over 400 of these things, working at a fairly brisk pace. At that rate, it would have taken me over twenty hours just to unwrap them all, let alone place them and clean up, so I decided to switch gears at that point and start laying them out on the blacktop (this proved to be pretty rough on my legs and back, I would find out the following day). I think the final result is still pretty impressive, even if I didn't get to whole 3000 pieces, and it is certainly a sight few people will have seen before. The highlight of the video, as it turns out, was peeling out on those MacBook parts. I have to thank our General Manager, Paul for that idea, as it turned out to be the highlight of the video and was also fun to do. Skidding atop the keyboard tiles was a bit like trying to stop while driving on ice. Click here to see for yourself!Afterwords, I gathered up all of the keys and other broken bits to be recycled. The plastics and metals all melt down just the same, even when they're torn to bits.Labels: Apple, laptop, macbook, palm-rest, skid, truck, video
Monday, September 21, 2009
MacBook Air Hinge Problems
 Here's a note from one of our laptop techs, Dan, on MacBook Air hinge issues that are being resolved by Apple, even after the warranty has expired:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2948
Symptoms
Learn what you can do if you experience one or more of these issues with the hinges on your MacBook Air.
* Unable to close lid completely.
* Broken or cracked plastic near one or both of the hinges.
* More than one inch (2.54cm) of free play while opening or closing the lid.
* Lid falls freely into closed position from a 30-degree open position. (From a closed position, open the lid approximately 30 degrees and let go.)
Products Affected
MacBook Air
Resolution
You can take your MacBook Air to an Apple-Authorized Service Provider or Apple Retail Store for evaluation and repair if necessary, even if your product is out of warranty.
If you previously paid for a repair for hinge-related issues that were not caused by accidental damage, you may be eligible for a refund. Contact Apple for more information.Labels: Apple, hinge, MacBook Air, recall, repair
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
iPod nano 5G Disassembly
Here's a look at some of the special video effects on the nano 5G, followed by our famous style of stop-motion tear-down and rebuild:Feel free to leave comments and ratings on the video. Download the iPod version or HD version for your mobile/local sharing and enjoyment.Labels: Apple, autopsy, disassembly, dissection, immersive video, iPod nano, take-apart
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
New nano and other Apple announcements
 Apple's announcement today was, as usual, pretty amazing. The big news was the changes in the iPod nano design. Here's the highlights of the new 5th gen:
- video camera with live special effects
- FM Radio with pause, fast forward & rewind
- voice/audio recorder
- pedometer & fitness app
- talking menu & player navigation
- shiny, anodized aluminum finish
There's other stuff too, but these are the big ones.
The live image processing effects for the video camera are amazing: color replacement, mirror, cyborg...100% fun. I am a bit mystified that there's no still photo option but, since we now have cameras in every gadget but our shoes, I guess VGA snaps on the iPod won't be sorely missed.
FM radio is obviously a welcome feature but the time-shift options (a la Radio Shark) make it super slick. Some recording would be nice though (and it's obviously possible since recording facilitates the pause, fast forward and rewind functionality).
Recording audio through the built-in mic is a long awaited and much appreciated feature as well. Judging by the audio quality in the sample video recordings, posted on Apple's website, this should prove to be very handy, even if it is mono.
The Fitness pedometer is a great for folks who don't want to buy Nike's special electronic shoes, providing the missing link between Wii Fit and the rest of your workout, outside in the real world. Tracking your steps is fun for hiking trips and walking tours, on vacation too.
The talking menus, handy for most people, since you can navigate songs while driving or walking without looking down at the screen, must be a godsend for those who don't have the ability to see or see well enough to read text on the tiny nano screen.
Other announcements include special features for iTunes movies and liner notes for Albums (like the lyrics and photos on records album covers). Also, the price of the iPod touch has dropped to $199, but who wants one of those without a video camera, pedometer or FM radio? Smart buyers will obviously wait to get a touch, when upgrades are announced (or get a new nano now). iTouch and iPhone users alike will welcome the app organization tools, while Home Sharing will make it easy to transfer content between computers and devices.
Labels: 5G, Apple, ipod, iPod nano, iPod Touch, iTunes
Blog Archives
December 2004
January 2005
February 2005
March 2005
April 2005
May 2005
June 2005
July 2005
August 2005
September 2005
October 2005
November 2005
December 2005
January 2006
February 2006
March 2006
April 2006
May 2006
June 2006
July 2006
August 2006
September 2006
October 2006
November 2006
December 2006
January 2007
February 2007
March 2007
April 2007
May 2007
June 2007
July 2007
August 2007
September 2007
October 2007
November 2007
December 2007
January 2008
February 2008
March 2008
April 2008
May 2008
June 2008
July 2008
August 2008
September 2008
October 2008
November 2008
December 2008
January 2009
February 2009
March 2009
April 2009
May 2009
June 2009
July 2009
August 2009
September 2009
October 2009
November 2009
December 2009
January 2010
February 2010
March 2010
April 2010
Future Shock Blog Archives
|
|
 |
