The MacBook Air, unfurled today, might be the thinnest notebook on the market today, but it’s not the thinnest of all time.

That distinction belongs to the Pedion, an ill-fated notebook developed by Mitsubishi and Hewlett-Packard back in 1997.The Pedion measured 18.4 millimeters thick, which comes out to 0.7244 inch thick. Although the Air gets to 0.16 inch at the thinnest point, the Air is 0.76 inch thick at the beefiest portion, making it minutely thicker. Mitsubishi released the Pedion in early 1998.

The Pedion, however, wasn’t exactly the paragon of quality or value. The $6,000 notebook came with 64MB of memory and a 1GB hard drive. The notebook came with a magnesium case to make it sturdy. Even with that, though, consumers quickly reported mechanical and other problems. Mitsubishi subsequently withdrew the notebook from the market. (HP never came out with its version, I don’t think. I’ll check.) The name probably didn’t help either. “Attention Circuit City employees. I have a Pedion on aisle one.”

Apple calls the Air the world’s thinnest notebook. How you interpret that (”on the market today” or “ever”) is up to you.

Others have come close but not limboed under. A special-edition Sony Vaio X505 sold back in 2004 comes close to the Air. The notebook, issued in limited numbers to commemorate the Vaio line, measured 0.8 inch thick at the fattest point and 0.38 inch at the thinnest. Part of the shell was made of carbon fiber for strength.

Sony’s thinnest notebook now, meanwhile, measures 1.2 inches thick at the fattest point and 0.8 inch thick at the thinnest point. (If you asked me in college if I’d be arguing notebook thinness as a grown up, I would have laughed.)

Although the Pedion died a quick, ugly death, some of the ideas behind it linger on, and one of those ideas is the thin notebook with a medium-size screen. Back then, most mini-notebooks came with small screens and keyboards. The Pedion had a 12-inch screen, big for the time, and a relatively normal-size keyboard. In other words, it had normal X and Y dimensions, but a small Z. The formula has been popular ever since.

Although notebook makers have for the past few years focused quite a bit of attention on notebooks with 15-inch and larger screens, the new battleground will be in the 11-inch and 13-inch screen arena, predicted Xavier Lauwaert, a Vaio product manager. These notebooks are roughly similar to dimensions of the old Mitsubishi model.

Dell recently put out a light notebook with a 13-inch screen, while Sony showed off 11-inch and 13-inch models at CES. The Air fits in the same category.

“There will be a war around thinness, battery life, and price/performance. You can see this is where everyone is going,” Lauwaert said. In these notebooks, optical drives become an option.

Manufacturers will also have to explore chemistry labs as well to find new materials similar to carbon fiber that can be fashioned into thin chassis.

Source: Michael Kanellos/CNET.com

written by North J. Kroster \\ tags: carbon fiber, distinction, hewlett packard, magnesium case, medium size, mini notebooks, mitsubishi, size keyboard, sony vaio, thinnest notebook

[More pictures]

Apple MacBook Summary

Rating: 5/5 Stars The good: Upgraded CPU for the same price; same great design; Leopard operating system. The bad: Still no Express card or SD card slots; only more expensive models are available in black. The bottom line: Apple has been content to issue minor periodic hardware updates to the 13-inch MacBook, but the modest performance gains and new Leopard OS keep it in our top tier of laptop recommendations. Specs: Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo (2 GHz); RAM installed: 1 GB DDR II SDRAM; Weight: 5 lbs See full specs >>

Available Specs:

• White – 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive
• White – 2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 1 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive
• White – 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 1 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, 8x SuperDrive
• Black – 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 8x Super Drive
• More Models

Introduced in the fall of 2006, the current version of Apple’s 13-inch MacBook laptop was a revolutionary product, combining Intel’s Core 2 Duo CPUs with Apple’s much-lauded operating system. Add in Apple extras such as the iSight camera, Front Row remote, iLife software, and MagSafe power adapter, and you have what is arguably one of the best-loved laptops on the planet.

Since then, Apple has been content to issue minor periodic hardware upgrades, which, while not all that exciting, continue to add CPU horsepower while keeping prices steady. The latest update, from November 2007, bumped up the top available CPU to a 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, and added Intel’s Santa Rosa platform and slightly better integrated graphics, resulting in a modest boost in performance. But you’ll probably be much more interested in Apple’s new Leopard version of its OS X operating system, which comes preinstalled on new MacBooks. It adds a handful of useful new features, keeping the MacBook in our top tier of laptop recommendations, even if we’re secretly itching for something new.

Measuring 1.08 inches thin and weighing only 5.0 pounds, the MacBook cuts a slim profile on any desk (or in any backpack or briefcase).

While the entry-level MacBook is available only in white, we’re much more used to seeing the black version (higher price) in the wild. The matte black look still isn’t quite as sharp as the metallic MacBook Pro, but we still like it better than the plastic-looking white finish.

Inside, you’ll find Apple’s typically minimalist setup, including a power button, a full-size keyboard, a sizable touch pad with a single mouse button, and a built-in iSight camera that sits above the display. If you miss the scroll bar found on almost every Windows laptops, the two-finger scroll option works well (run two fingers down the touch pad, and it scrolls like a mouse wheel). We remain fans of Apple’s flat-key keyboard, although Windows users will have to get used to a Delete key that functions like a PC Backspace key, and no standalone equivalent key for what PCs call Delete. Compared with previous MacBooks, the main visual difference is that a few of the alternate functions on the F keys have been juggled around.

The biggest new feature is the inclusion of Apple’s latest version of OS X, commonly known as Leopard. The look and feel are largely unchanged, but several useful new features have been added, including Time Machine, an easy-to-use backup utility; Spaces, which allows you to set up multiple desktops (one with all your media apps open or one for Web pages) and swap between them on the fly; and Quick Look, which lets you open a fast preview version of any document or file without waiting for their associated applications to open.

The MacBook still includes the Front Row remote control (sadly, only available in white), and the extremely handy MagSafe power adapter, which handily (and safely) detaches itself from a magnetic plug on the laptop’s side when you invariably trip over the power cord.

The 13.3-inch wide-screen LCD display offers a clear and easy to read 1,280×800 native resolution, which is standard for a screen this size, as well as most 14- and 15-inch laptops (although Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Pro offers a higher 1,440×900 resolution).

The magnetically connected MagSafe power adapter breaks cleanly away, without damage to either the cord or the MacBook, if you trip over the cord.

With two-finger scrolling, the trackpad becomes a fast track to wherever you want to go.

Apple’s previous revision added support for 802.11n Wi-Fi technology, but the lack of an SD card reader remains one of the MacBook’s few weak spots. Adding mobile broadband–not offered by Apple–will also be difficult without an Express card slot.

Not surprisingly, we saw a decent uptick in performance from the new 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, with the new system beating the earlier 2.16GHz MacBook in each of our benchmark tests. If you have a previous generation MacBook, the difference isn’t enough to make you want to go out and get a new one, but credit goes to both the fast CPU and Intel’s Santa Rosa platform for the improvement. Note that our review unit came with 2GB of RAM, a $150 upgrade over the default 1GB offered in even the high level MacBook.

The MacBook ran for 4 hours and 30 minutes on our DVD battery drain test, which is even longer than the 3 hours and 36 minutes we got on the older 2.16GHz MacBook. We again give credit to the efficient Santa Rosa platform, and because our DVD battery drain test is especially grueling, you can expect even longer life from casual Web surfing and office use.

We’re still not fans of Apple’s nearly obligatory extended warranty upsell. The default warranty for the MacBook is one year of coverage for parts and labor, but toll-free telephone support is limited to a mere 90 days–well short of what you’d typically find on the PC side–unless you purchase the $249 AppleCare Protection Plan, which extends phone support and repair coverage to three years.

System configurations:

Apple MacBook (Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz, Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard)
OS X 10.5.1 Leopard; Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz; 2,048GB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 144MB Intel GMA X3100; 160GB Fujitsu 5,400rpm

Apple MacBook (Core 2 Duo 2.16GHz)
OS X 10.4.8 Tiger; Intel Core 2 Duo 2.16GHz; 2,048GB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 64MB Intel GMA 950; 160GB Fujitsu 5,400rpm

Fujitsu LifeBook S6510
Windows Vista Business Edition; 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7700; 2048MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 128MB Mobile Intel 965GM Express; 120GB Toshiba 5,400rpm

Dell XPS m1330
Windows Vista Home Edition; 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7300; 2,048MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 128MB Nvidia 8400M GS; 160GB Hitachi 5,400rpm

Reviewed by CNET

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written by North J. Kroster \\ tags: apple macbook, authorized dealer, buy macbook, cheap deals, cheap macbook, discounted macbook, macbook review

[More Pictures]

MacBook Air Summary

Rating: 5/5 Stars The good: Incredibly thin yet surprisingly sturdy; new trackpad gesture controls are very useful; remote optical drive makes living without a built-in drive much easier. The bad: Very limited connectivity; slower than other MacBooks; SSD hard-drive option is ridiculously expensive and standard hard drive is small; battery is not user replaceable. The bottom line: You love it or hate it. The design is revolutionary, but Apple’s MacBook Air will appeal to a smaller, more specialized audience than the standard MacBook, thanks to a stripped-down set of connections and features. Specs: Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo (1.6 GHz); RAM installed: 2 GB DDR II SDRAM; Weight: 3 lbs See full specs >>

Apple’s new laptop, the MacBook Air, may not be the true ultraportable that many had hoped for, but it still easily breaks new ground for small laptops. Mimicking the 13-inch silhouette of the current MacBook line, it’s only 0.76 inch thick at its thickest, and Apple calls it the “world’s thinnest notebook.” Some nitpickers say an obscure Mitsubishi laptop from 1997 was a hair thinner, but two of the smallest current ultraportable laptops, the 11-inch Sony VAIO TZ150 and the 12-inch Toshiba Portege R500, are both slightly thicker, and neither tapers to 0.16 inch as the Air does along its front edge.

As we’ve come to expect from Apple, the design and engineering that went into the MacBook Air is extraordinary, but it’s certainly a much more specialized product than the standard 13-inch MacBook and won’t be as universally useful as that popular system. The biggest compromises, which have been well-documented, come in its connectivity: The MacBook Air finds room for only one USB port and doesn’t include a built-in optical drive, FireWire, Ethernet, or mobile broadband. And like with its other laptops, Apple refuses to outfit the Air with a media-card reader or an expansion card slot. Offsetting its sparse connectivity are genuinely useful new features including new trackpad gesture controls and the ability to wirelessly “borrow” another system’s optical drive.

Choosing the Air over the cheaper, faster standard 13-inch MacBook, or the comparably priced MacBook Pro, will depend on your needs. Travelers who want minimum weight, maximum screen real estate, and who live their lives via Wi-Fi hot spots, with little need for wired connectivity, will find the $1,799 starting price a reasonable investment for owning one of the world’s premier bits of high-tech eye candy. And while the MacBook Air’s specs are inferior to those found on the cheaper MacBook, they compare more favorably when you look at other ultraportables, where a price premium is always exacted. For instance, both the Sony VAIO TZ150 and Toshiba Portege R500 cost hundreds more than the MacBook Air and feature slower CPUs and half the RAM as the Air.

Amazingly thin at just 0.16 inches at its thinnest and 0.76 inches at
its thickest point, the MacBook Air weighs just 3 pounds.

Although it shares a desktop footprint with the standard black and white MacBooks, the first thing you notice about the Air is its aluminum chassis–similar to the one found on the MacBook Pro, and much more fingerprint resistant than the standard MacBooks. Picking it up, the MacBook Air feels a little heavier than you would expect from looking at it, even though it’s only 3 pounds. At the same time, it feels very sturdy and solid, thanks in part to the aluminum construction, and we’d have no qualms about carting it around with us all day. By way of comparison, the VAIO TZ150 features an 11.1-inch screen and weighs only 0.3 pound lighter than the Air, and the Portege R500 is 0.6 pound lighter than the Air with a 12.1-inch screen.

The MacBook Air includes an iSight camera and mic, and an LED-backlit display that works with an ambient light sensor to adjust the screen brightness in response to the light in the room. The keyboard–the same full-size version found in other MacBooks–has backlit keys that are also controlled by the ambient light sensor, although we had to adjust the room lighting a good deal to see any difference.

The revamped trackpad is large, measuring nearly 5 inches diagonally, and it works with new multitouch gestures. Other MacBooks let you do things like use two fingers to scroll through documents–this one lets you use three fingers to go forward and back in your Web browser history, and use your thumb and forefinger to zoom in and out of documents and photos–much like on the iPhone. The three-finger forward/back gesture was immediately useful, and we’re already missing it when using other laptops. Apple tells us these new gestures won’t be available on older MacBooks as a firmware upgrade, as the hardware behind the new trackpad is different.

Another noteworthy new feature is the remote disc function. Since the Air lacks an optical drive, you can instead remotely use the optical drives of other systems, PC or Mac, as long as they’re on the same network. The setup was a little cumbersome for the “host” PC–requiring us to insert the OS X disc that came with the Air, run a small setup program, and then find and turn on “CD and DVD sharing” in the Windows control panel (the documentation could have been a little clearer on what you need to do to on the Windows side). Once we set it up, however, it worked like a charm. You won’t be able to stream DVD movies or music CDs via remote disc, but it’s fine for getting files and installing apps. A matching external USB DVD burner is available from Apple for $99, but any USB DVD drive should work.

The display offers the same 1,280×800 native resolution as the standard 13-inch MacBook, but the Air’s LED-backlit screen means its lid is thinner with an image that was somewhat brighter, at least with both systems set to max brightness.

The MacBook Air includes a vibrant 13.3-inch LED-backlit display and a full-sized keyboard.

The real key to finding out whether the MacBook Air is right for you lies in its stripped-down set of ports and connections. Those who regularly use more than one USB device, or need FireWire, an SD card slot, or an Express card slot will find the single USB jack too limiting. Likewise, we often say the telephone modem jacks and S-Video outputs on most laptops are a waste of space, but the MacBook Air goes even further, removing the Ethernet jack (a USB-to-Ethernet adaptor will run you $29) and offloading video output to a pair of included dongles (one VGA, one DVI).

If you live on Wi-Fi hot spots, use Bluetooth for your external mouse, and only need a USB port to occasionally sync and charge your iPod or iPhone, these limitations may not be a deal-breaker for you. While most hardware vendors offer a choice of mobile broadband options, Apple continues to offer none, which is disappointing for a system so clearly meant for life away from home and office. Without an Express card slot, your only option would be a USB mobile broadband modem, but with the sole USB jack under a tiny flap on the right side of the system with limited clearance, you may need a small USB extension cable to get a bulky USB mobile broadband modem connected (similar to the problems people had with the iPhone’s recessed headphone jack).

And as we often point out, any modern dual-core CPU is going to be more than adequate for Web surfing, multimedia playback, and productivity tasks, and we were able to surf the Web, play videos, and work on a document at the same time with absolutely no slowdown or stuttering. We’re currently conducting additional benchmark tests and will update this review with new results as they’re available.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the MacBook Air is the lack of a user-replaceable battery. While most laptops will be obsolete before their batteries wear out, we are sensitive to the desire to occasionally carry an extra battery for extended field use. We’re still conducting our standard DVD battery drain test on the system, and will report those scores shortly, but in anecdotal testing, the Air lasted for nearly 4 hours of mixed use, including video playback, software installation, Web surfing, and productivity tasks. That’s reasonably close to Apple’s 5-hour claims, but may not be enough for a full day of off-site use.

We’re still not fans of Apple’s nearly obligatory extended warranty upsell (so much so that we’ve simply copied this complaint from our last MacBook review). The default warranty for the MacBook is one year of coverage for parts and labor, but toll-free telephone support is limited to a mere 90 days–well short of what you’d typically find on the PC side–unless you purchase the $249 AppleCare Protection Plan, which extends phone support and repair coverage to three years.

Reviewed by CNET

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written by North J. Kroster \\ tags: apple, buy macbook, cheap macbook, discounted macbook, macbook air, review

There has been a ton of buzz lately about Apple

written by North J. Kroster \\ tags: apple iphone, battery life, battery replacement, cellular phone handset, excitement, gadget, generation version, new technology, newest technology

The iPhone device is considered as being one of the most revolutionary, controversy causing gadgets to be released on the market in years, and although there are certainly some negative issues revolving around the device, there are many more positive notes to be made about it.There are many aspects to the iPhone that are adored, but the iPhone camera in particular is incredibly popular. This is the camera feature that is offered on the iPhone device, and the iPhone camera features are considered as being quite impressive for a camera phone, featuring 2 megapixels, fabulous image management software, and even the ability to be able to sync with images on your computer.

In terms of the actual quality of the iPhone camera, it is far from spectacular, but definitely still impressive, especially for such a small and compact device. Especially when you compare it to its competition on the market today it is ideal, considering that most other camera phones offer 1.3 megapixels at best.

Image Management

The image management of the iPhone camera is incredibly advanced, and while most other camera phones only offer basic image management software, the iPhone goes much further, and allows you options that you never imagined possible with a camera phone.

The software offered on the iPhone features playlist type galleries that you can sort through by name or subject, and you can use photos on the phone to store as your wallpaper or screensaver, and you can also email them out to your family and friends. This is just the beginning however, and one of the best and most advanced features of the iPhone camera image management system is that with the 3.5

written by North J. Kroster \\ tags: advanced features, camera feature, camera features, camera image, camera phones, compact device, emailing pictures, gadgets, image management software, images, iPhone, photos

iPhone has won the hearts of many Internet enthusiasts. Just imagine having your personal computer or notebook with Internet connection, an iPod, and a mobile phone in one. Well, that

written by North J. Kroster \\ tags: cellular phones, dual sim, gsm phones, internet connection, internet enthusiasts, iPhone, iphones, mobile phone, sim card, technological knowledge, technology geeks

The iphone hype has taken the world by storm. From iphone accessories to iphone applications, many people around the world are now taking advantage of Apple

written by North J. Kroster \\ tags: games media, iPhone, phone software, single device, software creations, steve jobs

First it was music, and it was great, then there were photos, and it was excellent, now its videos and movies then it became fantastic. After four generations, the iPod is now truly a complete multimedia.With so much fanfare and anticipation, iPod finally released its iPod video capable of playing movies for your viewing pleasure. You now not only would be able to spend countless hours of listening to music, you can also play the movies that you want to see.

Relieve those memories on the road with your downloaded home movies. Be able to share them easily with your friends and relatives. All you have to do is plug in your iPod in a television set and you

written by North J. Kroster \\ tags: complete multimedia, file format, file formats, four generations, ipod video, movie files, photos music, those memories, video converters, video file

If you are looking for an iPod download game site listen up! There are several things that you need to know in order to make a right, and accurate decision on which site to download your iPod games from. With over hundreds of sites that offer iPod game downloads, not all might be compatible for your iPod.When you are looking to find a site that you can use to download games to your iPod you need to use the following standards. It is very important, if not you may stand the chance of corrupting your iPod.

The area in which you need to pay attention to when looking for an iPod download game site is as follows:

? Is the iPod game software site compatible with your current iPod version?
? Will the software interrupt the normal usage of your iPod?
? The price for the iPod game site is it of value?
? What is the guarantee of the iPod game site product? (I.e. offer support, money back guarantee etc.)

Research has shown that 90% of iPod game download sites do not meet up to these standards. Some of the sites that do not pass are either outdated, or cost too much money to download the necessary software. Currently there are sites that cost hundreds of dollars to download unlimited games to your iPod. It is highly recommended that one stay away from such service.

However, there are good iPod download game sites available. Another factoring question that an iPod owner must ask is am I willing to pay per download? Or do I want to only pay a one time membership fee that will grant full access to download any amount of iPod games that I want?

To determine which option suites you best, that depends on how often you use, and download games to your iPod. The more aggressive iPod users find it best to pay a one time membership charge to download as many iPod games as needed.

Here are two site which I have reviewed for iPod game downloads.

IPod Download Pro – This site is recognized to be one of the most organized iPod download game site. Transferring downloaded games to you iPod is very simple. IPod Download Pro explains everything to you, and provides you will all the tools you need to get games on your iPod. The good thing with this site is that you do not have to buy any additional software such as an iPod converter. All their fees are upfront, no additional fees added. This is considered to be one of the best iPod download games sites available on the market right now.

My iPod Downloads- This site is more of a place to download movies, music, and even your favorite TV show episodes, even the olds ones from back in the days. Although they do offer Games to download this site mostly targets movies, and TV shows.

I hope that this little guide was helpful in providing information to help you make a conscious decision on how to chose an iPod download game site.

Want to view the ipod download game sites? Want to view the ipod download game sites visit this link here: http://download-ipod-game.blogspot.com

written by North J. Kroster \\ tags: downloaded games, game downloads, game site, game sites, game software, ipod games, software site, support money, unlimited games

There is no question that the most popular portable music player on the market is the iPod. With its small size, large memory, and digital sound, iPods allow you to bring a massive music library with you wherever you go, and it all fits in the palm of your hand. iPods are becoming increasingly ubiquitous as more and more consumers eschew compact disks in favor of the convenience, portability, and performance of these small wonders. However, iPods are not perfect and if they have a shortcoming it is most obvious when you would like to use your iPod in the car, unless, of course, you have purchased an iPod car adapter.While some new cars are equipped with iPod docking stations, it is a rare feature that was not available until very recently. For the vast majority of drivers their car stereo is still designed to accommodate compact disks, which up until recently were the music medium of choice. Because an iPod can store hundreds of music titles its advantages over compact disks are obvious, and iPod owners naturally want to utilize this while driving in their automobiles, and they need an iPod car adapter to do that.

There are several types of iPod car adapters on the market. The most basic model would be for use in cars that still have an analog cassette player. For those automobiles, a cassette adapter can be plugged into the headphone jack of the iPod, and the cassette can be inserted into the car stereo. However, the sound quality of this option is not ideal, and most late model cars have CD players instead of cassette players.

If your car has a compact disc player, then a cassette iPod car adapter is obviously not an option. The Neo iON is the latest and best iPod car adapter on the market. The iON plugs directly into your iPod and is connected through a cable that plugs directly into the CD changer port that is located on the back of your car CD player. Installing the iON requires some degree of skill and time and those who are less mechanically inclined may opt to have it professionally installed. The iON provides a direct connection that delivers the highest quality digital sound, but perhaps the most enticing feature is the way your iON and iPod interface with your car stereo system. Once attached to the iON, you no longer have to fumble with the buttons on your iPod while driving. Instead you can change musical tracks by using the existing buttons on your car stereo.

Installing an iON in your automobile has obvious advantages, but those advantages come at a cost. The iON is not portable, it becomes part of your car, so if you own several cars you would need to install an iON in each if you want to bring your iPod with you wherever you go. Further, if your car stereo does not have a CD changer port then an iON would not be compatible with your car. If those scenarios describe you, then an iPod car adapter with a universal FM modulator is what you need. A FM modulator will allow you to broadcast your iPod through one of several FM frequencies, and you can tune in your iPod on your car radio.

Another desirable feature of an iPod car adapter, such as the iON and the FM modulator, is that they provide a power source for your iPod so you do not have to worry about charging your iPod

written by North J. Kroster \\ tags: analog cassette, car cd player, cassette adapter, cassette players, compact disc player, compact disks, headphone jack, ipod car adapter, ipod car adapters, ipod docking stations, massive music, music medium, music titles, portable music