Hardware | Mac Sage

Using TimeMachine with a Network Device

by patrick

I am loving Leopard and have found very few snafus since installing it almost 2 months ago. One of the great features in Leopard is the automated backup software called TimeMachine.

Like many busy computer users, I am quite lax about doing backups on a regular basis. It usually takes a catastrophic loss of data to remind me that I should’ve been doing backups. A lesson learned the hard way.

But TimeMachine handles this for me now. I connect an external USB drive to my machine and, once every hour, TimeMachine does an incremental backup of my hard drive

MacBook Tablet Finally Shipping

by patrick

The Axiotron Modbook was originally announced almost a year ago at MacWorld Expo 2007. At that time, this after-market hardware modification, done by a team of German and American engineers, created quite a buzz.

This mod is built primarily for mobile users, artists, or anyone who wants to draw and write directly on the screen. It uses OS X’s built in handwriting recognition software. It comes with an iSight built in, integrated CD/DVD combo drive that can be upgraded to a DVD burner, and a Global Positioning System. Yes, a GPS system, which turns this puppy into a nice, large-screen, in-car navigation system!

The top shell and interior display frame are built from magnesium alloy. The LCD panel and iSight camera are protected by replaceable screen covers made from chemically strengthened ForceGlass

First Leopard Update (10.5.1) Released

by patrick

The rumors of a Leoaprd update last week proved true today. Apple released 10.5.1 updates for both OS X abd OS X Server today.

The list of improvements is long: OS X 10.5.1 Update

Hopefully this update will improve TimeMachines handling my 320GB SimpleTech drive.

New iPod Touch

by patrick

Wow, I’m glad I held off buying an iPhone. I was waiting, hoping to find a way to justify spending the $400-$600 for a new iPhone. Not yet having found the justification, I was biding my time.

Today, Apple announced the new iPod Touch. There’s an 8GB and 16GB model, each with the same form factor as the iPhone, touch screen technology, AND WiFi (802.11 b/g) capability. These new iPods are priced at $299 and $399, and will be shipping later this month. A new iTunes WiFi Music Store allows you to purchase music directly from your iPod Touch. There’s also a new agreement with StarBucks to allow purchasing of music through their store’s WiFi network.

And here’s the kicker: Apple dropped the 8GB iPhone from $599 to $399, and the 4GB iPhone is no longer available. Ouch for those new iPhone customers!

iPhone Hack To Use Other Carriers

by patrick

George Hotz (17 years old) has figured out a way to hack Apple’s iPhone to release it from having to use the AT&T network. It involves cracking the iPhone case and using a soldiering gun and some special software. Although I’m sure AT&T is not elated with this news, I wonder how many folks will be willing to crack open a $500 device and mess with a soldiering gun.

Also mentioned is a SIM chip from Australia, though the release date on the chip is not yet announced.

Check it out article: iPhone Hack

See an interview with Hotz here: Hotz interview

Check out Hotz’s blog: George Hotz Blog