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Mobile Mac Everything a MacBook user needs to know
Apple releases iBooks 1.3 update
Apple released an update to its iBooks iOS app today. Version 1.3 of iBooks adds a couple of new features, including a read-aloud feature for some children's books that isn't working yet.
The read-aloud function is currently limited to a handful of children's books. When you open a compatible book, a new speaker icon appears in the top navigation menu. Tap the speaker to bring up a volume slider, choose whether you want the book to turn pages automatically or manually, and hit the Start Reading button. A few titles will even highlight the words as they are read aloud.
While we were able to install the iBooks update and download a read-aloud title (Splat the Cat Sings Flat), we were unable to get the feature to work on an iPad or iPhone 4 running the latest iOS. The speaker icon appeared in iBooks, the book pages turned when we hit Start Reading, but there was no audio.
Review: Swiftpoint Limited Swiftpoint Mouse
Editor's note: An earlier review of ths Swiftpoint Mouse was posted in error. That review and the previous mouse rating has been withdrawn. This is our offical review of the Swiftpoint Mouse.
One look at Swiftpoint Limited’s minuscule Swiftpoint Mouse (just over two inches long, about 1.5 inches across at the widest point, and weighing less than an ounce), and you might think the company has simply tried to make the smallest mouse on the market. But this tiny size serves a purpose: The Swiftpoint aims to be the ultimate travel mouse by letting you use it in settings—say, while your MacBook is on your lap, or when working on a plane—when the only flat surface is your laptop’s own palmrest. That’s right: The Swiftpoint Mouse is small enough and precise enough (1,000 dpi) that you can stick it on your MacBook Air’s palmrest and mouse about when there’s no other flat surface in sight.
(Yes, Apple’s portables all feature large, multi-touch trackpads. But some people—and I count myself among them—still prefer to use a mouse when possible.)
Small but comfortable
Unlike with many compact mice I’ve tested, the Swiftpoint Mouse’s design is surprisingly ergonomic. You place your thumb in the large rubber groove along the left side, resting your index finger on the two buttons—for left-click (front) and right-click (back)—on top. Your bent middle finger rests in a vertical rubber groove on the right side. It feels a lot like holding a pen, and I was able to work with the Swiftpoint Mouse for extended periods without discomfort. Alas, the mouse is made only for righties; southpaws are out of luck.
Review: Clearwire Rover Puck mobile hotspot
The catch is that you can use it only in Clearwire's WiMax service areas. I took it to an offsite staff meeting, but the building was not quite within range of the WiMax signal. The WiMax symbol (which resembles a martini glass) on the top of the disc flashes as the device seeks a signal, and stays solid when the Puck is connected to WiMax service. I walked about 20 feet from the meeting room and got a connection, but the WiMax indicator started flashing when I returned to the meeting. What’s more, the Puck doesn’t support 3G—and though Clear is ambitiously expanding its WiMax service, that service still doesn't reach some places I frequently go. But if you stick to WiMax turf, the Puck is a good and economical option.
About the same size as Clearwire's Clear Spot 4G, the $150 Puck connects to the same Clear WiMax network as other Clear 4G products, but it doesn't require a contract. In contrast, the Clear Spot 4G router costs $100 outright or you can lease it for $5 monthly, but it requires a contract of about $30 per month for unlimited use.
Clearwire created the Rover brand to market two products designed for customers who prefer to pay by the month for 4G network access: the Puck hotspot and the single-user USB Rover Stick. The pay-per-use option for the Puck costs $5 for a day, $20 for a week, or $50 for a month of 4G service.
Review: Virgin Mobile MiFi 2200 mobile hotspot
For travelers who juggle a number of connected devices while on the road, the MiFi 2200 mobile hotspot may be a little gift from tech heaven. The device connects to Sprint’s 3G EvDO network, then creates a mobile bubble of Wi-Fi that can connect up to five devices at the same time. And best of all, you can get the device with a pre-paid, no-contract data plan from Virgin Mobile.
I am a devoted user of multiple Wi-Fi devices (a MacBook Pro, an iPad, an iPhone, and, occasionally, Windows notebooks and netbooks) and I travel often. Only the iPhone has a mobile WAN connection. The rest rely on a local area network to connect.
But when travelling, I find that most hotel and airport connections for Wi-Fi are either hideously overpriced or not very dependable, or both. It’s at such times that my soul cries out for a dependable mobile hotspot, and that’s exactly what the MiFi 2200 is.
Since I already carry too much stuff on the road, I relish the chance to either trim the weight and volume of my device bag or minimize any additions to it. The MiFi is half the size and weight of the iPhone, measuring 3.5 inches by 2.3 inches, with a thickness of a third of an inch--or about the width of four stacked credit cards. It weighs roughly 2 ounces.
Review: Verizon Wireless Fivespot Wi-Fi hotspot
When we first heard about a dual-mode CDMA/GSM-capable mobile hotspot, we imagined a device that would play nice with foreign GSM networks on trips overseas. And this is true—if those networks are Verizon-contracted roaming networks. And if you are willing to pay a premium price to use them.
The age of hotspots
A mobile Wi-Fi hotspot is one of the easiest ways to bring mobile Internet service to a variety of portable devices. Since Wi-Fi is a universal standard built into almost every laptop, netbook, portable game player, tablet, and smartphone being manufactured today, a mobile hotspot makes the mobile Internet available just about everywhere to all of these devices, almost everywhere.
Sadly, all of these hotspots are limited to a specific carrier and cellular technology, which is frustrating for global travelers who would like the same access to the mobile Internet anywhere in the world there is cellular service. It’s particularly frustrating for Verizon customers since the version of 3G used by Verizon in North America (DMA Rev. A) is only poorly available in a world dominated by the other version of 3G, GSM.
Global promise
The Fivespot (made by ZTE) is a global version of the mobile hotspot, supporting both major versions of 3G technology (CDMA and GSM) and laying the foundation for Verizon’s claim to provide global data service in over 200 countries, with more than 120 of these at 3G speeds.
Booq offers Apple-exclusive bag with iPad, MacBook storage
Booq, maker of premium bags for Apple notebooks and other gadgets, announced on Thursday an Apple-exclusive bag for commuters who want MacBook and iPad flexibility.
The new Mamba Shift M in denim is designed for the 13-15-inch MacBook and MacBook Pro. But unlike Booq’s other Mamba bags, this model features thin pockets outside the main notebook compartment that fit the iPad and Apple’s Wireless Keyboard.
In addition to other storage for magazines, small gadgets, and keys, as well as a pouch for cables and other extras, this looks like a well-balanced new bag for those who frequently want to carrier their MacBook and/or iPad.
Review: Mobilis Netcase laptop bag
The Netcase from Mobilis is a sleek compact laptop case that doesn't disappoint when it comes to solid protection. Built around four high-density foam protectors that help cushion the top and bottom of your laptop, the Netcase feels like it could take a fair pounding, never mind withstand the rigors of daily travel.
The bag features two stretchy expandable external pockets that can accommodate your MacBook's power supply, but little else. A rubberized carry handle also does a respectable job, while a supplied shoulder strap should help lighten the load.
The Netcase comes with a quality zipper and an internal combination of elastic and Velcro straps to keep your laptop in place. According to Mobilis, the Netcase is scientifically designed to allow air flow, preventing laptop overheating—you should be able to leave it on standby in the case.
Review: Mobilis Skin laptop case
The Mobilis Skin protective cover (for laptops up to 17-inch) is a good compromise between protecting your investment and saving on weight and bulk. Slim and weighing in at just 1.21 pounds, the Skin uses a rigid screen protection system that promises to shield your laptop on your travels. In reality, the neoprene structure feels solid but lacks the additional security (and bulk and weight) offered by a more traditional laptop case.
The Slim is designed so you can use your laptop while still in the case; a modest use of Velcro and elasticated straps helping to keep everything in place. Four additionally padded areas on the base offer extra support on your desktop or your lap. Unzipped, the open design easily accommodates any power cord and peripherals. The compact, slim design means the Skin can be easily carried and stored in another bag and hidden away for safe keeping.
On our travels, the Slim proved a comfortable well-balanced carry, although the handles could use a little padding. The Skin is more functional than fashionable and includes a rather odd transparent window, which at least means you can flash your Apple logo on your laptop. For businesses, Mobilis provides a customizing service to add your own logo.
Macworld's buying advice
The Skin cover isn't the most protective or attractive of laptop bags on the market, but it does feel solid despite the light and compact design. If you are looking to lighten the load (and who isn't) the Skin is certainly worthy of your consideration.
Review: Isis Dei Riviera Bleu laptop sleeve
Laptop sleeves provide a reasonable amount of protection for those who like to travel light and without the bulk of a dedicated laptop bag or case. That said, they are a compromise, offering a limited amount of protection and little room for extras. Isis Dei at least takes advantage of memory foam developed by NASA in the 1990s, which gives the Riviera Bleu sleeve a tactile quality. You can make an indentation with your finger and see the sleeve regain its shape within a second or two. The same applies when you bang the cover on any surface, although this will hopefully be a rare occurrence.
The shock-absorbent, polyurethane memory foam comes wrapped in a slightly bling yet subtle navy blue and gold pattern design from Malaysian designer Jimmy Tan. The use of eco friendly hemp fabric is emphasised in both the promotional material and sleeve itself as part of a large logo in the cream coloured interior.
Two corner straps help keep your laptop in place, especially if you intend to use your MacBook while still sitting in the Isis Dei sleeve. A double zipper with copper coloured metal pullers is of a decent quality and adds to the feeling that this is a quality product.
Opinion: iPad vs. netbook
Editor’s Note: The following article is reprinted from PCWorld.com.
Ever since Steve Jobs got on stage to announce the iPad, actual and prospective users have been comparing it to a netbook. Will the iPad replace netbooks? Well, a netbook has a full keyboard, runs complete operating systems, and can basically run any application you choose—so it has to be the superior PC companion device, right? PCWorld pitted the iPad against the netbook in a number of important categories, and found that the contest is closer than people might expect.
Surfing the Web
One major use of these “companion devices” is to hop online quickly and surf the Web from the comfort of your couch, or on the bus, or anyplace where you’re away from your primary PC.
Apple's latest iMac
- Learn more about Apple's iconic all-in-one desktop computer
- Apple iMac (Mid-2011) family
- Faster than ever: Macworld Lab speed tests the mid-2011 iMacs
- Lab Report: New build-to-order iMacs impress with speed
- Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad? New iMacs let you choose
- Apple's iMac, MacBook Pro lines are SSD friendly
- Difficulties abound when upgrading a 2011 iMac's hard drive
- Apple releases Thunderbolt-equipped iMac line
- New iMacs support Target Display Mode via Thunderbolt
- What you need to know about Thunderbolt
- Waiting for Thunderbolt
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