MacBook Watch

When I switched to Mac, I had just turned 40. I was intrigued by the “I’m a Mac” campaigns and to be truthful I was curious about OSX. After reviewing the beauty of the new aluminum uni-body macs I told my wife that is what I wanted for my 40th birthday present.

MacBook unboxing

Birthday morning I felt like a little kid running to my presents. I knew the MacBook was there and ripped the wrapping paper off the box. Apple is known for their precision to detail, and the packaging of Apple products is no exception. I knew from the moment I did my Macbook unboxing I was going to love this machine.

Starting the MacBook up I was treated to this beautiful introduction that just floored me.

Set up was a breeze, and the line “It just works” is absolutely true. With no hassle at all my MacBook was up and running and connected to my wireless router. At first it was a little daunting because I wasn’t sure where to go and how to do certain things, but I believe that was part of the fun. Till this day I am still finding out new things about my Mac that make me say “this is so obvious. Why doesn’t Windows have this feature?”

After working on this wonderful computing device it is frustrating to use a Windows machine. My workflow has greatly improved, and the user experience on OSX is second to none.

Do you remember the first time you used a Mac? If you are a life long Mac user be thankful that you have not been subjected to using a Windows based PC. If you have never used a Mac then you truly do not know what you are missing. If your interested in getting a Macbook deal online then be sure to browse the bargains listed on the sidebar.

OSX Lion is the first operating system to be offered as a full digital download. Initially Apple stated that the only way to get Lion was to download it from the Mac App store, but later decided to offer it on a bootable USB stick that you could purchase.

Although the digital download is a major step forward on how we will be getting our OSs in the future, most people (including myself) wanted an actual physical copy. Lion does create a bootable repair partition in case you need to do a re-install, but this does not solve the problem of a complete hard drive failure. Creating a bootable OSX Lion install disk also will allow you to perform a clean install in case you just want to clean out the cobwebs that may be lurking in the far reaches of your Mac. Just an important reminder that the Lion installer is tied to your Apple ID so you may want to think twice if you plan on sharing your disk with others via torrents, file sharing services, or simply friends.

Re-Downloading OSX Lion

If your like me you couldn't wait to instal Lion. After the download was complete most of us quickly clicked on the app to perform the install. Unfortunately after the OS is upgraded Lion deletes the original install app. Now when you try to re-download it from the Mac App store it is greyed out and it would seem you are not allowed to have access to it again. Fear not, because there is a way. Simply open the Mac App store, and while holding down the "option" key on your keyboard click on the purchases tab on the upper part of the screen. Now when you click on the OSX Lion app you will be able to re-download it with no problems (Don't worry you will not be charged for it again.)

Create the Bootable OSX Lion Disk

I have included some easy to follow instructions with pictures for creating your bootable Lion installer disk:

1. The first thing that you want to do is to copy the "Install Mac OSX Lion" app from your application folder to your desktop.

2. Next you want to command click or right click the "Install Mac OSX Lion" app and choose "show Contents".

3.  Inside this package you want to locate the "Shared Support" folder.

4. Copy the “InstallESD.dmg” file to your Desktop.

5. Next open Disk Utility.

6. Click on the Burn Tap in the upper part of Disk Utility and select the “InstallESD.dmg” file that you previously copied to your desktop.

 7. Insert a blank DVD and Disk Utility will burn Lion to a bootable DVD.

 8. When Disk Utility is done you should have a bootable OSX Lion DVD ready to go. This is what the contents of your DVD should look like.

So there is! See, there is not much to it when it comes to creating a bootable OSX Lion disk. Hopefully these easy to follow steps will help you save a few dollars.

You have finally decided to get that shiny new Mac. Everything is so pristine, polished, and shiny. At first you are ever so gentle with your new mac relationship. As time goes by though that extra attention you gave starts to dwindle. No longer do you wipe every little smudge that appears on the screen the instant it appears. Before you know it your MacBook (that hopefully you where able to save some money on) starts to look a little dingy.

Thankfully we here at MacBookWatch can offer up some simple to follow ways to keep that MacBook looking fantastic.

When cleaning the outside of your Macbook, be sure to power off the computer, and unplug the mag-safe power adapter. If you own a MacBook or MacBook Pro with removable battery then be sure to remove the battery. You should use a soft, lint-free cloth that is slightly dampened to polish the outside of your MacBook, making sure to be careful that no moisture gets into any of the openings. Never use any type of aerosol or spray type of cleaner. This same technique can also be used to clean the Macbook display.

If your looking for a great cleaning kit be sure to check out the Klear Screen iKlear Complete Cleaning Kit to keep that MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air looking as great as the day you first met.

Apple pays homage to Steve Jobs on its website (Credit: Apple)

Steve Jobs lost his 7 year battle with health problems this week. A statement from Apple reads ""Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple,"

Our heart goes out to his family and loved ones.

Staples signed a wireless deal with Fujitsu Transactions Solutions Inc to supply their 1491 Staples retail stores with the Fujitsu iPAD before the Apple iPad was released. The iPAD includes some of the latest technology to bring the cash register to associates on the sales floor. Staples analyzed the bottlenecks that could occur at the checkout lines and instead of following the lead of other retail chains who implemented self service check out, Staples decided to utilize associates on the sales floor who could assist customer from anywhere in the store. To accomplish this task Staples would need to provide a solution that was portable, wireless and easy to use.

Whose going to win the rights to the iPad name?

The Fujitsu iPAD solved these obstacles by including built in 802.11 B/G wireless with speeds up to 54 Mpbs that allows associates access to inventory, corporate data as well as access to the Staples.com website. The wireless capabilities also help with customer service by providing associates with tip on how to answer typical questions or problems that may occur on the sales floor. Bluetooth v1.2 is also built into the iPAD to communicate with other Bluetooth enables devices such as printers. This allows associates to print out documents or receipts to the customer without having to enter it into a computer station.

The iPad can also be used as a barcode scanner to input the purchase price and complete the transaction or just provide customers with the current price or sale price if it is not clearly marked. It also had a credit card reader built into the top that can be used to swipe a credit card and perform an on the spot check out.

Voice Over Internet Protocol or VOIP is built into the iPAD to allow associates to make low cost phone calls or page other associates or managers within the store. VOIP is a technology that allows voice communications over the internet and typically is less expensive than traditional land lines or cellular plans.

Other technologies that have become popular in the past few years in personal devices such as the iPhone is touch screen. Although the iPAD does have a physical keyboard like a cell phone would have it also has a touch screen interface that an associate can use to interact with menus with the touch of a finger

The last thing to mention needs to be that because the iPAD is a portable device it needs to have long lasting battery life. The iPAD comes with an 1800mAh Lithium-ion battery. Lithium- ion batteries unlike older battery types can be charged at anytime without being affected by memory. They are also popular for low loss of charge when not in use.

Apple's Newest Creation-The iPad

On January 27th Steve Jobs took the stage to unveil Apple's newest creation, the iPad. Weighing in at a mere 1.5 pounds it is lighter than any netbook on the market today. The iPad has a 9.7 inch display and sports a 1 GHz Apple built ARM A4 processor.

When showing the iPad to the crowd Jobs was quoted as saying "It looks like our leak!". The iPad can run all iPhone applications in full screen with a tap of the finger. Movies will be a dream to watch on it as the battery has a 10 hour battery life for watching video and an amazing one month standby time. The iPad's internal storage will come with a 16GB or 64GB flash storage.

Here are the full specifications:

• 9.7 inch IPS display
• 0.5 inches thin
• 1.5 pounds
• Full capacitive multi-touch interface
• 16-64GB of Flash memory storage
• 1 GHz Apple-branded A4 chip (developed in-house)
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• 802.11n WiFi
• Built-in Speaker
• Built-in Microphone
• Accelerometer & Compass
• 30-pin Dock connector (same as iPod and iPhone)
• 10-hours of battery life (Over one month standby time)
• Runs all iPhone apps
• App Store application included

The Christmas season is upon us! Perhaps you or a loved one has had their eye on a Macbook this Holiday but don't want to spend full retail on a new one.

Buying a used Macbook may just be the solution you are looking for. You can find some great deals year round and especially around the Holidays as people buy new Macbooks and are wanting to sell their Macbook for cheap.

One of the best places to pick up a used Macbook is on eBay. You can find cheap Macbooks on sale all the time and purchase with confidence.

Looking for a cheap Aluminum 13" Macbook pro? How about a cheap Macbook Pro? Perhaps you want the portability of a Macbook Air or go all out and get a cheap 17" Macbook? Below are just a sample of the great deals you can find on eBay for cheap used Macbooks this Holiday season.

Last Fall Apple released the Aluminum Unibody Macbook and left the low end white cheap Macbook wanting. This year Apple decided to revamp the entry level laptop by redesigning the shell using the same technology that made the Aluminum Unibody Macbooks a success.

Included with the new unibody construction is the following:

• the thinner, lighter, more rigid construction
• a new built-in battery that lasts much longer
• the removal of all flaps and levers and covers (it now takes a screwdriver to open the back panel)
• a new multitouch glass trackpad
• new Mini DisplayPort video output (rather than mini-DVI)
• combined audio input and output ports (rather than separate audio in and out jacks)

Although we had hoped for a lower price point it seems Apple is content with the $999 price-tag.

Appleinsider had an interesting picture of some price points that may be available from Apple by the 1st quarter of 2010. Of interest is the rumored Apple tablet that has been raging around the net like wildfire. Apple still denies that they are developing said itablet but they are also notorious about secrecy and it would be no surprise if an announcement would come soon.

Also it has been rumored that Apple will finally release a cheap macbook under $1000. Sure the white Macbook sells for a dollar under but it is most likely that Apple will release at least a couple of options for the sub $1000 macbook line up. This was evident with the 13" aluminum macbook being bumped up to the prestigious title of Macbook Pro.

On tuesday, Apple began offering the anti-glare matte display on the new 15" Macbook pro. Last month it was reported that Apple was considering offering the Matte finish on additional Macbooks other than the 17" Macbook Pro.

Apple apparently was following consumer complaints about color matching issues and distracting glare under bright conditions. Love it or hate it, you now have a choice between the glossy finish or the matte finish.

To get a real feel for the difference you should go to your local Apple store and compare the two side by side. It seems that Apple once again thought they knew exactly what consumers needed only to have to change the design of the Macbook to accommodate the consumer backlash for missing options.

Is it only a matter of time before the 13" macbook pro has this option?

Time will only tell. Thanks again Apple for listening.