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News

Apple Releases New Mac Mini

Though most hype today may revolve around the ability to pre-order the new iPhone 4, Apple also gave us a new present-a unibody Mac Mini. From comparing the specs of previous models to the newly released unibody Mac Mini, they crush the previous generations and give current line models such as the iMac a run for the money. With the new slick design of the Mac Mini, the model looks extremely stylish and finds it way home to the unibody MacBook Pro. Here are the specs:

2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2 GB RAM
320 GB hard drive
$699

or the “server class” Mac Mini:

2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4 GB RAM
Dual 500 GB hard drive
$999

Additionally, the new Mac Mini sports HDMI and an SD card. The new Mac Mini could fit comfortably instead of your current DVR. Could we expect HDMI to come in future updates? Also, unlike previous generations, the RAM is now more easily accessible. Twist the panel from the bottom of the Mac Mini and your good to go.

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News

The iPhone 4 Antenna Fiasco

Apple is now saying that their antenna issue on the iPhone 4 is only a software issue and will be fixed with a software update. Apple announced that the problem was not with the antenna placement, but by the formula used to calculate how many bars your iPhone really has. They said the miscalculation could show you have two extra bars. They are going to be switching over to AT&T’s formula to calculate the bars in the next update, which should be rolling out in the next few weeks. I’m guessing you can expect the update in two weeks, but this is only a guess.

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Average Joe's Tips

AT&T: 3G On the iPad or Not?

To buy 3G or not? That is the question on most people’s minds when they are considering buying an iPad. If you are like most people, you are already paying for internet access at home and with your current phone carrier. Should you spend the money and incur another 3G charge with AT&T? Or is there a less expensive or better alternative? When considering alternatives you should factor in the cost of a 3G iPad which is about $130 more than the WiFi model and the AT&T monthly charge of $29.99 for unlimited 3G access. One option to consider is purchasing a mobile hotspot from Verizon or Sprint. In addition to giving your iPad access to the internet, you can connect up to a total of 5 devices to the hotspot so you may be able to get rid of your home internet service. The Verizon MiFi sells for $49.99. The monthly charge on the MiFi is $59.99 a month for 5GB of 3G service. The only bummer is if you exceed the 5GB cap, you would have to pay extra for the additional data which is not cheap. Similar to the MiFi, Sprint’s Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot costs $149.99. Sprint’s monthly charge is the same as the MiFi at $59.99 a month for 5GB of 3G service or UNLIMITED 4G service. However, only 13 out of 50 states have Sprint’s 4G service – so if you are lucky enough to live in a city with Sprint 4G coverage, this might be the most cost effective solution around. Bottom line – if you expect to be an iPad data hog, then AT&T’s 3G service may be the most economical as the plan allows unlimited data or if you live in a Sprint 4G area. If you don’t expect to exceed to the 5GB service and have a family or multiple people that need to connect when you are on the go, then the Verizon and Sprint options may be more beneficial.

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Uncategorized

Update 6/14/10 WWDC 2010

Get updated on Apple’s latest products showcased at Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference 2010, in San Francisco this Monday.

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News

iOS 4: What’s Great For The Rest of Us?

My brother, the tech incapable one, asked me a good question today. What is the difference between our iPhone 3G’s-not 3G S on 3.1.3 and iOS 4. Of course, just after watching the keynote, I say there is a bunch of stuff. But as I said that, I thought about it. What is new for 3G users? Then, I started compiling a list. And when I got pretty much to the end of the list, all I could find were a mere few new items to the 3G. Folders, that’s a plus, but no multitasking-unless bypassed modifying the N82AP plist. We have video calling, wait no only iPhone 4 to iPhone 4. We got those neat-o unified mailboxes, which will help make me more productive. Lastly, any upgraded graphics Apple put into the newest OS, but that is pretty much it. In the long run, there are not many new features for the 3G, due to “hardware restraints.” Hopefully, Apple could work on putting these other features, such as multitasking, into 3G’s by changing some of the code to make them work. Although, this would not be a smart business plan for Apple by supporting devices for longer than 2 years. This is my hope, but as the Rolling Stones say, “You can’t always get what you want.”