Oxygen Brisbane » Apple News

Apple updates iMac line with new models

Edwin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:00:24 +0000

Apple has stayed true to form, unveiling a new line of iMacs for the masses this time round to up the ante by making what is widely regarded as the world’s best desktop computers even better. The new all-in-one iMac line will feature the latest Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors, depending on your needs as well as budget, not to mention powerful new graphics that shouldn’t leave your computer chugging when it comes to heavy duty applications. Pricing isn’t too far out of reach for most people either, starting from $1,199 upwards depending on your computing needs. This new iMac line is the fastest ever with dual-core processor speeds up to 3.6GHz, while those who opt for quad-core processors will be able to see speeds of up to 2.93GHz alongside discrete graphics that include the powerful ATI Radeon HD 5750.

The new range of processors will come with an integrated memory controller that helps it access the system memory directly, letting the iMac take full advantage of its faster 1333 MHz memory. Thanks to the discrete ATI Radeon HD processor, it is more than capable of delivering incredibly smooth, crisp graphics for even the most demanding and advanced 3D games, creative software and technical applications. With In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology, the iMac can deliver a brilliant image across a wide 178 degree viewing angle. Nice to see Apple also throw in an SD memory card slot which also supports the new SDXC memory card standard, making it possible to add another 64GB or so of memory to the cause when required. If you happen to have a penchant for the 27″ iMac, then you can also opt for a 256GB solid state drive (SSD) as a primary or secondary drive for a greater performance and storage boost, since the iMac SSD supports up to 215 MB/s data transfer rates for faster startup and application launch times.

Each purchase of the iMac will be accompanied by Apple’s innovative Magic Mouse, with the option to bring home the new Magic Trackpad as well for an added fee. You will also find that the iMac will ship with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, alongside iLife, Apple’s innovative suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music. Do you think it is time to upgrade your iMac?

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[ Apple updates iMac line with new models copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Apple Magic Trackpad offers multi-touch gestures for desktop users

Edwin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:30:21 +0000

Could the introduction of the Apple Magic Trackpad prove to be the death knell of the mouse? We don’t think so, despite the device delivering a similarly intuitive Multi-Touch gesture experience that was previously available on Mac notebook trackpads, to the desktop. Boasting a glass surface that will definitely turn heads, this wireless Magic Trackpad lets you scroll smoothly up and down a page with inertial scrolling, alongside other now familiar gestures such as pinch to zoom in and out, rotating an image using your fingertips, while swiping three fingers will help you flip through a collection of web pages or photos. The Magic Trackpad can also be configured to work as a single button or two button device, while boasting understanding of tap-to-click and a physical click. You can pick up the Magic Trackpad as a separate peripheral for $69 a pop.

Press Release

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[ Apple Magic Trackpad offers multi-touch gestures for desktop users copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Apple has new Mac Pro line to rock your world

Edwin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:15:33 +0000

Do you have plenty of spare cash lying around, that you won’t mind forking out a premium for one of the better computers out there in the market? If your answer is in the affirmative, then we would be more than pleased to inform you that the new Mac Pro line has just been announced, where you will be able to enjoy up to a dozen processing cores and up to 50% more performance compared to its predecessor. Thanks to the inclusion of the latest quad-core and 6-core Intel Xeon processors, an all new ATI graphics card as well as the option to slot in up to a quartet of 512GB solid state drives (SSD), the new Mac Pro is definitely not pushover, delivering amazing performance and expandability that will keep even the most demanding consumers and professionals happy.

Needless to say, the new Mac Pro is the most powerful and configurable Mac to date, where its next generation quad-core and 6-core Intel Xeon processors run at speeds up to 3.33GHz. These multi-core processors rely on a single die design, enabling each core to share up to 12MB L3 cache in order to further improve efficiency while increasing processing speed. Turbo Boost will dynamically boost processor speeds up to 3.6GHz, while Hyper-Threading technology can create up to two dozen virtual cores. Each Mac Pro will now ship with the ATI Radeon HD 5770 graphics processor that is equipped with 1GB of memory, and you can also choose to fork out more dough for the faster 1GB ATI Radeon HD 5870.

Each Mac Pro purchase will be accompanied by Apple’s innovative Magic Mouse, and you can also opt to drop more dollars for Apple’s new Magic Trackpad if that is your cup of tea. Of course, we don’t expect you to use the Mac Pro for simple tasks such as web surfing and doing spreadsheets while typing out documents, but we don’t suppose it is wrong either to spend your money that way if you’re so inclined. Expect the new Mac Pro to hit the market this coming August with prices starting from $2,499.99 upwards.

Press Release

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[ Apple has new Mac Pro line to rock your world copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Apple has new 27-inch LED Cinema Display, out go the old ones

Edwin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:58:25 +0000

It has been confirmed – when the newly announced 27″ Apple LED Cinema Display hits the market later this September, you won’t be able to get hold of the older models any more. We’re talking about the end of the road for the 24″ and 30″ models, so those who want a larger viewing real estate might want to snag the latter at the moment while stocks last, otherwise you will just have to make do with the 27″ model when it arrives. What does the new Cinema Display offer, you ask? Well, for starters, it delivers a stunning 2560 x 1440 resolution as well as 60% more screen real estate than its 24″ predecessor. Not only that, you will be able to think of the various possibilities with its built-in iSight video camera, microphone and speakers, a powered USB 2.0 hub for added connectivity options, and an universal MagSafe connector, making the new LED Cinema Display an ideal companion for the MacBook family or a Mac desktop.

Priced at a cool $999, this is definitely not a model for those who are on a limited budget. After all, at that price point, you can already purchase a working, entry level desktop machine which runs on Windows, but it is quality that you’re getting here. Boasting a beautiful 16:9 edge-to-edge glass display alongside an aluminum stand, you will also get an adjustable hinge which makes tilting the display almost effortless. The LED Cinema Display will also deliver vivid colors and exceptionally high contrast, thanks to the implementation of a premium display technology known as in-plane switching (IPS) that offers a brilliant image across an ultra wide 178 degree viewing angle.

It is nice to know that the new LED Cinema Display sports a new ambient light sensor which will automatically adjust the display brightness based on external lighting conditions, helping you save power in the process whenever you work in a well lit area. It also has a heart for the environment, thanks to its construction using mercury-free LED technology, arsenic-free glass and highly recyclable materials. Just make sure your Mac has a Mini DisplayPort for it to talk to each other.

Press Release

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[ Apple has new 27-inch LED Cinema Display, out go the old ones copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Magellan GPS unveils ToughCase

Edwin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 02:30:02 +0000

Magellan GPS has just rolled out its latest rugged protective case known as the ToughCase, where it will offer both the iPhone as well as iPod touch full waterproof capabilities – just make sure you have a decent pair of waterproof headphones to go along with it! Targeting outdoor enthusiasts and outdoor professionals, this new ToughCase will not be limited in its release to selected regions only, and what makes it all the more special would be the integration of GPS navigation capability, further enhancing the accuracy of location-based and GPS applications for both the iPhone 3G and iPod touch, all the while offering protection as well as providing unmatched accessibility to all iPhone and iPod touch features.

According to Justin Doucette, Director of Product Marketing for Magellan GPS, “The ToughCase is the ideal solution for all outdoor users. From kayakers to golfers, mountain bikers to construction workers, it provides a level of protection and performance previously unavailable in other cases. The ToughCase protects against harmful elements such as dust, rain, mud, water and snow.”

As mentioned earlier, this unique case design will pave the way for full and unhindered access to Apple’s revolutionary Multi-Touch user interface, where users will be able to receive and place calls without compromising on the device’s protection. Since it is more than capable of meeting IPX-7 waterproof standards, this means you will be able to use the device underwater for up to half an hour, as long as you do not exceed 1 meter in depth. Guess snorkelling is fine with this, alongside swimming, but anything more than that is a no-no unless you have the budget for a new iPhone. Boasting a built-in 1840 mAh battery, it ought to double your battery life, while the integrated high sensitivity SiRFstar III GPS chipset delivers up to 3 meters of accuracy. Expect to pick up the Magellan ToughCase for $199.99 a pop.

Press Release

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[ Magellan GPS unveils ToughCase copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

iPhone 4 costs $188 to build

Edwin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:00:14 +0000

The whole world seems to be obsessed with how much things cost, and the same applies to the iPhone 4. For other countries where the smartphone is not available officially yet, folks who want first mover advantage to pick up an unlocked handset will have to fork out up to $1,000 for it, which is plain insanity if you ask us. It gets worse after you realize that the iPhone 4 costs all of just $188 to build, sans marketing and promotion dollars of course. A breakdown of the components point towards the Retina Display being the most expensive component within, as it is estimated to retail for $28.50. Bear in mind that this figure is based on the $199 16GB model with a two-year service contract in the US. As for the custom-built A4 processor, this Samsung-assembled piece of silicon is estimated to go for $10.75, while its gyroscope costs less than a burger at $2.60. What do you think of forking out much more money over a 2-year contract for something which is intrinsically worth less than a couple of Benjamins?

Source: Apple Insider

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[ iPhone 4 costs $188 to build copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Pirata Boat Race games uses both PC and iPhone/iPod Touch

Mark R — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:00:53 +0000

This Pirata Boat Race game created by Pirata London. It is a unique gaming experience because it uses an iPhone/iPod Touch in tandem with a PC.

The basic gist of this app/program is to create a boat race in a virtual world, and row the oars using everyone’s favorite Apple device. Think of it as turning an iPhone or iPod Touch into something like a Wiimote.

If you want to play the game, you will need to go to the official site here. Then what you need to do is download the app on your iPhone and iPod Touch. Don’t worry, the App is free.

From there, it is a matter of syncing your PC with the mobile device so you can “row”. You will need to snap a picture of the QR code with the iPhone’s camera, or enter in a unique code with the iPod touch.

From there, you have your own rowing team, and up to ten people can play at any given time, with five people per boat. Granted, you have to all gather around the PC to do it, so think of it as a social activity.

All in all, I am quite impressed with the Pirata Boat Race, and it shows how the iPhone/iPod Touch can be used in conjunction with desktop devices. I look forward to seeing the iPhone used with other devices, such as actual video game consoles themselves.

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Pirata Boat Race games uses both PC and iPhone/iPod Touch copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

iPhone 4: Because we just had to write about it

Mark R — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 22:16:33 +0000

I’m guessing that most of you already know about Steve Jobs’ keynote at WWDC this morning, and how iPhone version 4 has just been unveiled.

If you missed the keynote, here are the highlights after the jump:

The new version of the iPhone has black glass and a stainless steel rim, not to mention a second front-facing camera for video conferencing. Okay, you probably knew about those changes from that leak a while ago, but I would rather not get into that.

What you might not know about is the new battery, which is capable of “7 talk hours over 3G, 6 browsing hours over 3G, 10 browsing hours over Wi-Fi, 10 hours with video, 40 hours with music, and 300 hours on standby”.

Another key feature that Jobs just loved to talk about was the Retina Display. Apparently, it has “four times as many pixels compared to the previous iPhone display with 326 pixels per inch resolution in the screen”. This iPhone 4 also has a new accelerometer to make 6-axis sensing, and an extra microphone for canceling out noise.

Jobs was also really proud of the iMovie editing software for editing video clips and adding effects to still images. This iMovie is a separate application and not included with the iPhone, though.

If you want to see more, you’ll have to wait until the official release date of June 24. Prices are set at $199 for 16GB and $299 for 32GB.

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[ iPhone 4: Because we just had to write about it copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Cordless Wall Charger for iPhone

Edwin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:42:14 +0000

Own an iPhone, where you originally purchased it to stand out from the rest of the crowd? Well, since everyone and their uncle already own an iPhone these days, how else are you going to differentiate yourself from the rest? Enter the $29.99 Cordless Wall Charger for iPhone, where this device offers fast iPhone and iPod charging thanks to its click and pivot mechanism. Being compact, its pivoting feature lets you slide your device into place without having to wrangle with wires or cables, and since you are hooked up to a wall socket, it delivers much more juice than a USB connection over a computer, resulting in a faster charge. The Cordless Wall Charger for iPhone will play nice with all three generations of iPhones, the iPod touch, iPod classic and iPod nano.

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Cordless Wall Charger for iPhone copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Clickfree Transformer for iPod/iPhone

Edwin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 02:45:24 +0000

Transferring files, especially music ones, from your iPod or iPhone to a different computer isn’t exactly rocket science, but it isn’t elementary math either. Not to mention that if you ever want to make a backup of important files, the steps involved can get complicated for the newbie. Good thing devices such as the Clickfree Transformer for iPod/iPhone are here to help even the least tech savvy person transfer files from a computer to the iPod or iPhone’s excess storage space in a jiffy, taking the tried and true plug-and-play method. There isn’t any software to install or further setup to do, and to make things even more idiot proof, the Clickfree will never overwrite your iPod’s existing content since it will deal only with unused storage space. Expect to pay £39.99 for some peace of mind.

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[ Clickfree Transformer for iPod/iPhone copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Oxygen Brisbane » Apple News

Apple updates iMac line with new models

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iPhone 4 costs $188 to build

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Pirata Boat Race games uses both PC and iPhone/iPod Touch

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iPhone 4: Because we just had to write about it

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