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TigerDirect is the latest retailer to announce that it will accept Bitcoin as a payment method. The company specializes in selling computer hardware, accessories, gadgets, and similar kit. The company will use BitPay as its Bitcoin payment processor, making it the largest BitPay client. If you've got some Bitcoin that you'd like to spend on some tech, you can do it now at TigerDirect--online only though, as the retail locations aren't down with virtual currency just yet. Hey--maybe you can buy yourself some Bitcoin mining hardware with your Bitcoin. Spend money to make money, right?
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iPad mini keyboard review: Belkin FastFit vs. Logitech Ultrathin
Posted by Jason Chen Categories: Accessories, Apple, Features, Peripherals, Product Reviews,
It's 2014 and we're all familiar with iPad keyboard cases by now. They're designed to protect your iPad's screen while giving you the option of a physical keyboard when you need to do some heavy typing. For the iPad Air, these keyboards are more or less interchangeable. But for the iPad mini, because of its reduced size, keyboard markers have a hard decision to make as far as the keyboard layout goes.
The Belkin FastFit Keyboard Case for iPad mini (pictured in black) feels more like a traditional full-sized keyboard, with larger number keys compared to the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Mini (pictured in white). Both have arrow keys and proper Command, Alt/Option, Function keys that let issue quick commands like changing the volume, pausing playback and activating Siri. Both keyboards have laptop-style keys that feel nice to type on, and both have standard magnets that attach to your iPad mini. We put these two keyboards head-to-head in this iPad mini keyboard review.
Click to continue reading iPad mini keyboard review: Belkin FastFit vs. Logitech Ultrathin
Apple releases Numbers 3.1, here’s a look at what’s new
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Software,
Apple has released Numbers 3.1, and with the update comes the ability to sort data by column values of multiple areas, calculation progress indicator, and more. Here's the full list:
- Sort by multiple columns
- Sort a subset of rows
- Text autocompletes when editing cells
- Chart date and duration values
- Optionally highlight rows and columns on mouseover
- Progress indicator for calculations
- Custom number formats in charts are preserved on import of Numbers ’09 and Microsoft Excel spreadsheets
- Share password-protected spreadsheets via iCloud link
- Export password-protected spreadsheets to XLSX format
- Improvements to AppleScript support
- Improved compatibility with Microsoft Excel 2013 spreadsheets
- Bug fixes and stability improvements
You can download Numbers 3.1 now from the Mac App Store.
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Apple just released Pages 5.1, which includes new features like alignment customization, vertical ruler, character counter, and more. Here's a list:
- Vertical ruler
- Share password-protected documents via iCloud link
- Customizable alignment guides
- Set keyboard shortcuts for styles
- View character count with or without spaces
- Improved precision for inserting and pasting objects
- Create charts with date, time, and duration values
- Delete sections from the page navigator
- Improved compatibility with Microsoft Word 2013 documents
- Export password-protected documents to DOCX format
- Custom number formats in charts are preserved on import of Pages ’09 and Microsoft Word documents
- Start a list automatically using new special characters
- Improved support for bidirectional text
- Improved ePub export
- Bug fixes and stability improvements
You can download Pages 5.1 now from the Mac App Store.
Read More 
| Apple Pages
Pixelmator 3.1 released with Mac Pro dual GPU optimizations
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Software,
One of our favorite Mac apps, Pixelmator, received a massive update today. Pixelmator 3.1 Marble brings a bunch of new improvements, the biggest of which might be full compatibility with the the Mac Pro's dual GPUs, as well as 16-bit support on Apple's flagship desktop as well. Both GPUs are used together when applying effects, and optimizations are in place for each model, including 4-, 6-, 8-, and 12-core Intel Xeon processors. Aside from all the new Mac Pro goodness, there are a lot of other improvements to layer styles, RAW image handling, and effects.
One other cool addition is the ability to order finished prints of your work right from within Pixelmator. You can download Pixelmator from the Mac App Store.
Also, if you're on the lookout for a new Mac Pro and don't want to wait the 2 months that it will take Apple to ship it, check out B&H Photo which has the Mac Pro in stock!
Read More | Pixelmator
Get the new Mac Pro right now, without having to wait until March
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Hot Deals, PC / Laptop,
Apple's new, redesigned Mac Pro launched in late December, and has been in short supply ever since. In fact, a few days ago shipments were pushed back to March. In other words, if you order a new Mac Pro today from Apple, you'll be waiting at least five weeks before it will be shipped to you--if by March they mean "early March." I needed one of the new models, and didn't want to wait, so instead I checked one of my other favorite tech stores on the planet: B&H Photo. Sure enough, they had the Mac Pro in stock! The other benefit of B&H Photo is that the order would be tax-free, unlike Apple, saving me about $400. I used some of that savings towards overnight shipping, and was able to order a Mac Pro right away, pay about 10% less than I would have paid to Apple, and received it the following day rather than having to wait a couple of months for it.
If you want to get your hands on the new Mac Pro without waiting, be sure to check it out at B&H Photo!
Read More | B&H Photo
The Problem with Facebook [Video]
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Revenue, Social Media, Social Networks,
The problem is the only way Facebook has found to make money is by treating all entities on the site as advertisers and charging them to share their content.
This business plan backfires because 1) not all entities ARE advertisers and 2) it was the content from these people, specifically friends, family, and creators that made the site worth visiting in the first place.
Now the incentives are misaligned:
- Individuals want to see great content, but they are now seeing more paid content and organically shared content which appeals to the lowest common denominator (babies, weddings, and banal memes)
- Creators want to reach fans but their posts are being throttled to force them to pay to be seen
- Brands and advertisers have to pay once to advertise their page on Facebook, and then pay again to reach the people who have already liked their page. Plus Facebook is not a place where people generally go to buy things.
Facebook stands in contrast to other social media like Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram where all content is shared with all followers.
Apple now repairing iPhone 5c displays in-store
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds,
If you happen to drop your iPhone 5c and break the display, it'll cost a lot less to get a replacement now that Apple is offering in-store repairs. Yesterday the company announced that it would fix iPhone 5c displays at Apple Stores for $149 a pop--sure, that's expensive, but before this is was $229, $80 more. Of course, if you're an AppleCare+ customer, this doesn't apply to you since you get the much cheaper $50 replacement option. We see way too many people out in the wild rocking smartphones with shattered displays, so hopefully moves like this where repairs get more affordable, can make it easier for consumers to get their colorful iPhones repaired.
You can pick up the iPhone 5c for $99 with tw-year contract.
Withings introduces Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor for iOS and Android
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, CES, CES 2014, Wearables, Smart Home, Wireless / WiFi,
We were big fans of the original Withings Blood Pressure Monitor, but the new model introduced at CES 2014 is a vast improvement since it works wirelessly. No longer requiring to be tethered, the Withings Wireless Blood Pressure model works with the iPhone, as well as Android devices (the previous version only worked with older iOS device that used the 30-pin connector.) You launch the app after applying the cuff, and you get your blood pressure and heart rate, which can be archived so you can refer to the data later, and view trends. You'll be able to get it soon for $129.95.
Peep a video demo after the break.
Click to continue reading Withings introduces Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor for iOS and Android
Read More | Withings
We love this limited edition Titanfall controller for Xbox One
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Electronic Arts, Hardware, Special Editions, Xbox One,
Titanfall is one of the most anticipated games coming to the Xbox One this year, and developer Respawn Entertainment has teamed up with Microsoft on a special edition Titanfall Xbox One controller. As you can see in the image above, the Titanfall controller features custom artwork that pays homage to the game (although, to my eyes, it reminds me more of the Wipeout racing game series.)
"In a collaborative effort with the Xbox design team and the Respawn art department our goal was to create a controller that feels as if it is a piece of military spec hardware transported from the universe of Titanfall and into players hands," said Joel Emslie, lead artist at Respawn Entertainment.
To be clear, this is a standard Xbox One controller--it doesn't do anything extra that other controllers don't do--it just has the unique art styling and coloring. You can pre-order the Titanfall controller now, as well as the Titanfall game. Both will be available on March 11th.
For other special editions, check out the Xbox One I Made This edition console and controller.
Read More | Titanfall Xbox One Controller
