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Apple updates iMac line with Intel Haswell processor, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and more
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop,
Today apple released an updated version of it's iMac desktop computer, bringing powerful new features like Intel's Haswell chipset and 801.11ac Wi-Fi into the mix. The 21.5-inch model ships with a 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and includes the new Iris Pro integrated graphics chip. If you bump up to the higher-end 21.5-incher, or opt for the entry level 27-inch iMac, you get a quad-core 3.4GHz processor, and the dedicated NVIDIA GeForce 700 graphics card, which packs in 2x the video RAM and performs 40% faster than the last-generation model. The top-of-the-line iMac boasts a 3.5GHz quad-core Core i7 processor with GeForce GTX 780M graphics with up to 4GB of video RAM. Not bad at all.
As already stated, all the new iMacs ship with 802.11ac graphics, which will pair up nicely with the recent update to the Apple AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule base stations. The new iMac comes with 8GB RAM as standard with a 1TB hard drive. You can configure both, adding up to 32GB RAM, and a 3TB Fusion Drive or a dedicated SSD. Two Thunderbolt ports and four USB 3.0 connections round things out.
You can pick up the new iMac now from the Apple Store online.
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Ask Andru: Will OS X Mavericks be compatible with my Mac?
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Features, PC / Laptop, Software,
Apple announced OS X Mavericks a few days ago during the WWDC 2013 keynote, and we've been getting a bunch of questions about which Macs will work with the new operating system, like this one from Anette:
Q: OS X Mavericks looks cool, despite the silly name. However, it seems that when new software is introduced, a bunch of hardware is left out of the mix. Apple didn't make it clear which Macs will be able to run Mavericks. Do you know? Here's hoping my 2010 MacBook Air isn't left out in the cold!
A: Thankfully, it appears that Mavericks will be pretty forgiving, and won't need super-new hardware in order to run. In fact, it will run on some Macs that are as much as 6-years old. Here's the list:
- iMac (Mid-2007 or later)
- MacBook (13-inch Aluminum, Late 2008), (13-inch, Early 2009 or later)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid-2009 or later), (15-inch, Mid/Late 2007 or later), (17-inch, Late 2007 or later)
- MacBook Air (Late 2008 or later)
- Mac Mini (Early 2009 or later)
- Mac Pro (Early 2008 or later)
- Xserve (Early 2009)
As you can see, anyone who has bought a Mac within the past four years is covered and will be able to run OS X Mavericks. Mac Pro, MacBook Air, and MacBook aluminum buyers as far back as 2008 are also good. In fact, some MacBook Pro and iMac buyers from back in 2007 can even get in on the Mavericks action. We'd say that this is a pretty large blanket of Mac users that will be able to enjoy the next generation of OS X.
OS X 10.9 Mavericks is set to launch later this fall, and will be available exclusively on the Mac App Store. No pricing has been announced just yet, but if history is any indication, it will cost between $19.99 and $29.99.
Apple releases OS X 10.8.4, highlighted by Wi-Fi & Exchange improvements
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop, Software,
Apple has just released OS X 10.8.4 for it's desktop and notebook computer lines. The latest update to Mountain Lion is mostly focused on stability and security, fixing things like Microsoft Exchange calendaring, corporate Wi-Fi issues, and the like. Safari 6.0.5 is also included in this release. Fire up the Mac App Store to grab it. Full changelog after the break.
Click to continue reading Apple releases OS X 10.8.4, highlighted by Wi-Fi & Exchange improvements
Apple releases OS X 10.8.3 to the public with Windows 8 support, Boot Camp updates, Safari update
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop, Software,
After a super long beta period, Apple has finally released OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.3, making it the longest period between updates in OS X history, leapfrogging the 10.4.8 to 10.4.9 update. Apple has included a bunch of new functionality in this release, including Boot Camp support for 3TB hard drives and Windows 8, updated Safari, and more. Here is the rundown.
- The ability to redeem iTunes gift cards in the Mac App Store using your Mac's built-in camera
- Boot Camp support for installing Windows 8
- Boot Camp support for Macs with a 3TB hard drive
- A fix for an issue that may cause Logic Pro to become unresponsive when using certain plug-ins
- A fix for an issue that may cause audio to stutter on 2011 iMacs
- Includes Safari 6.0.3
Launch the Mac App Store to grab the update now!
Ask Andru: Where is Apple’s innovation? It takes time
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Editorial, Features, Handhelds,
The day after Apple's latest earnings call, I got an email from a reader that asked if the days of Apple leading the world in consumer electronics innovation has come to an end, and if the playing field is leveling out:
Q: What's up with Apple? It seems the stock is down, profits are great, and products are stagnant, only seeing revisions rather than new product categories. Have they gotten too big to be as nimble as they used to be?
Coincidentally, I was browsing Facebook earlier, and I came across a post where a friend was very unimpressed by Apple's announcement of the 128 GB iPad:
Maybe it's the jet lag, but the latest 'New Thing' is a 128GB iPad?
This is it?
Where's Apple innovation?
I dunno, it seems that people expect way more from Apple than any other company. They update their iOS products on a yearly cycle, and they even updated the iPad mid-cycle last time (which people got upset about too, because it was too soon. Wait, what?)
Do people forget that the original iPod was released in 2001, and then the iPhone 6 years later, and then the iPad another three years after that? The iPad isn't even three years old yet, and people are saying Apple has lost something. Big, game-changing products like this take time.
Click to continue reading Ask Andru: Where is Apple’s innovation? It takes time
Watch every Apple commercial from 1977-2012
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, PC / Laptop, Portable Audio / Video, Videos,
Speaking of marketing, watch every Apple commercial from 1977 to present day. There's about 485 commercials, which includes the famous Mac vs PC, the technicolored hipster iPod dance ads and, of course, the iconic 1984 Macintosh SuperBowl spot directed by Sir Ridley Scott. One of my favorites, the first iPhone ad 'Surprised' from 2007.
Click to continue reading Watch every Apple commercial from 1977-2012
Apple’s new redesigned iMac goes on sale this Friday
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Corporate News, PC / Laptop,
Finally, the all new redesigned iMac goes on sale this Friday, November 30th. Check out Apple's press release with spec and prices after the jump.
iMac Available on November 30
CUPERTINO, California―November 27, 2012―Apple® today announced the all-new iMac® will be available on Friday, November 30. Featuring a stunning design, brilliant display with reduced reflection, faster processors and an innovative new storage option called Fusion Drive, the new iMac is the most advanced desktop Apple has ever made. The 21.5-inch iMac will be available through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers. The 27-inch iMac will be available for order through the Apple Online Store and will begin shipping in December.
Click to continue reading Apple’s new redesigned iMac goes on sale this Friday
Read More 
| iMac product page
MacMall 60-hour Black Friday 2012 sale offers the best Apple deals
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Hot Deals, PC / Laptop,
If Apple merchandise is on your holiday buying list this year, you're gonna wanna be sure to check out MacMall's 60-hour Black Friday sale, which features up to $350 off of Mac computers. The sale includes all Macs, so you can even get a nice discount on the new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display for example. They've got other items as well, including discounts on the iPod touch, Apple TV, and major discounts on a bunch of consumer electronics like digital cameras, Blu-ray players, and more. Definitely a sale to check out to get the jump on your shopping--whether it's for someone else, or yourself. Here's the quick list:
- 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display
- 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display
- 13-inch MacBook Pro
- 15-inch MacBook Pro
- 11-inch MacBook Air
- 13-inch MacBook Air
- iMac
- Mac mini
- Mac Pro
- iPod touch (5th generation)
- iPod touch (4th generation)
- Apple TV
MacMall has plenty more where that came from, so head on over and check out their full 60-hour Black Friday 2012 sale for all the deals.
Read More | MacMall 60-hour Black Friday sale
You can’t upgrade the RAM on the new 21.5-inch iMac
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Design, PC / Laptop,
If you're hoping to pick up one of the super-thin new iMacs and plan on upgrading the RAM in it yourself, you'll want to make sure you pick up the 27-inch model. Why? Well, the 21.5-inch version doesn't have an easy-access memory panel to allow you to get to the RAM. Take a look:
The 21.5-inch iMac comes with 8GB of memory and can be configured online with 16GB. On the 27-inch iMac, 8GB of memory comes standard, and you can upgrade to 16GB or 32GB. Configure and buy your iMac at the Apple Online Store and it will arrive with the memory already installed. Or add more memory to the 27-inch model yourself by popping open the easy-to-access memory panel on the back.
So if you're in the market for the smaller machine, you'll want to make sure you buy the version that has all the RAM that you'll need.
Be sure to check out all the news from today's iPad mini event!
Apple announces new, redesigned iMac
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop,
During this morning's iPad mini event, Apple unveiled the brand new, redesigned iMac. The new model is super-thin, just 5mm thin at the edges, constructed using something called "friction stir welding" to fuse together the aluminum pieces. The display is laminated to the glass, similar to what you find on iOS devices. You get the same screen sizes, with the iMac coming in at 21.5-inch 1080p and 27-inch 2,560 x 1,400 models. Apple also announced a new Apple Fusion drive option, which is basically a hybrid drive that OS X manages for you. The OS and apps live on the flash storage portion, and all your documents and other apps get loaded onto the HDD portion. As you use and launch them, things get moved to the faster SSD portion on the fly.
The 21.5-inch model will ship in November for $1,299 with a 2.7GHz Core i5 processor, 8 GB RAM, and with a 1TB hard drive. The 27-inch model starts at $1,799 for a 2.9GHz Core i5, and that one won't ship until December.
Read More | Apple iMac
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