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Computer controlled Bayan from 1988 makes us want to go back to the past
Back in 1988, Russian engineer Vladimir Demin combined a bunch of solenoids (loops of copper wire) and a Bayan (a Russian accordian), to create a self-playable instrument controlled by his awesome, self-built computer. Yes, we're impressed, and you will be too, if you take a look at the video below.
BBEdit 9.5.1 out now
You lousy kids, with your iPhones and iPads and iGadgets! Back in my day, we worked on real computers, with real keyboards, and mice with one button, and we liked it! BBEdit is a relative relic of that age -- when text ruled the Earth, BBEdit ruled text. And the old Mac app is still being updated. The latest version 9.5.1, adds in a couple of dozen fixes, and reverts some of the capitalization rules to the way it worked in a previous version. There are still some die-hards who swear by BBEdit for coding or editing text, and because of its power and versatility, it's $125 for an initial purchase. The upgrade to 9.5.1 by current users is, of course, free. Nowadays, you've got your drag-and-drop and your touchscreens and your gestural controls, but BBEdit is one of the best apps that does what your computer used to be best at: editing text quickly and well.
Apple iMac line gets speedbumped, low-end gets a Core i3
It's not as if we haven't heard the rumors building over the last few months, but Apple's long-standing iMac line is seeing its first real update since the Fall of last year on this fine morning. As predicted, the refreshed family now contains Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processor options, not to mention discrete ATI Radeon HD GPU options, IPS panels, an SD slot that understands the complexities of SDXC and an SSD option on the 27-inch machine. For whatever reason, Apple's not throwing in its new Magic Trackpad with any iMac; instead, it'll be a $69 accessory. One swank addition to this line, however, is the ability to order your new all-in-one with both an HDD and an SSD on the 27-inch model. Of course, it'll cost you dearly (a 1TB HDD plus a 256GB SSD is a $750 CTO option, while the 2TB HDD in that combo makes it a $900 option), but at least there's room inside for DIY adds. Here's a look at the available configurations, with last Fall's lineup saved here for reference: The low-end $1,199 unit boasts a 21.5-inch display (1,920 x 1,080), a 3.06GHz Core i3 CPU, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, ATI's Radeon HD 4670 GPU (256MB) and a 500GB hard drive. There's also an 8x slot-loading SuperDrive with dual-layer support, Mini DisplayPort, AirPort Extreme 802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, iSight webcam, gigabit Ethernet, a foursome of USB 2.0 sockets, a single FireWire 800 port and a bundled wireless Apple Keyboard and Magic Mouse. There's a new $1,499 21.5-inch model that includes a 3.20GHz Core i3, ATI Radeon HD 5670 GPU (512MB), a 1TB hard drive and 4GB of DDR3 memory (along with the usual suspects mentioned above). The $1,699 model is a 27-incher with a 2,560 x 1,440 LED-backlit display, 3.20GHz Core i3 CPU, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, ATI's Radeon HD 5670 (512MB), a 1TB hard drive and available CTO options that include a 3.6GHz Core i5, 2TB HDD, 256GB SSD and up to 16GB of RAM. The flagship $1,999 flavor (27-inch) packs a 2.8GHz quad-core Core i5 with 8MB of shared L3 cache, 4GB of DDR3 memory, ATI's Radeon HD 5750 GPU (1GB), a 1TB hard drive and available CTO options that include a 2.93GHz Core i7 CPU, 2TB hard drive, 256GB SSD and up to 16GB of memory. %Gallery-98274%
Apple Mac Pro line overhauled with 12 processing cores, arriving in August for $4,999
So shall it be written, so shall it be done. The Mac Pro has at long last proven rumors of its impending refresh accurate, as Apple has just updated its most powerful hardware with even more grunt. As we'd heard previously, that means you can now get dual-CPU rigs that offer a full dozen cores to play with, courtesy of Intel's Xeon server-class chips, though in order to get in on that game you'll have to splash a cool $4,999 entry fee. The quad-core starting price is still $2,499, though the eight-core machines have jumped up to $3,499, with both variants getting mild speed bumps to 2.8GHz and 2.4GHz, respectively. Perhaps the most welcome upgrade is on the graphical front, where the Radeon HD 5770 takes up the mantle of default GPU, with additional options for a pair of such cards or a step up to a 1GB HD 5870 alternative if you're keen on maxing out those frame rates. Memory isn't neglected either, with choices ranging all the way up to 32GB of RAM, 4TB of conventional HDD storage, or an array of four 512GB SSDs -- though you're probably better off not asking how much that last one will set you back. The comprehensive specs can be found in the full press release after the break.%Gallery-98277%
A modern, Danish case for your modern, Danish computer
Wooden computer cases? We've been there before, but few offer the simple elegance of this "Modern Danish-styled PC enclosure" photographed by slipperyskip at Collectors Weekly -- who jokingly indicates it wouldn't look out of place on the set of Mad Men. We think an integrated ash tray is a necessity before it could make the cut at Sterling Cooper, but it does appear to have plenty of room on top for scotch glasses. The case is said to be 85 percent complete, and hopefully some of that last 15 percent includes actually putting some hardware in the thing. Pretty as it is, an empty case won't do you much good.
iMac refresh is imminent, according to reseller sources
The latest word from behind Apple-authorized cashiers is that Cupertino has stopped shipping out fresh stock of its entry-level 21-inch iMac. The Core 2 Duo-equipped machines were already looking long in the tooth in this Core i-something era, and so predictably the latest speculation centers around the idea of Apple taking its full iMac range into Core i3, i5 and i7 territory. Nobody really knows any of the specs for the moment, but resellers are apparently being advised to sell through what stock they have and to "keep inventories lean" for the next few weeks. Considering Apple's last all-in-one overhaul coincided with the introduction of the Magic Mouse, we're starting to suspect the company might have another iMac plus touch input device combo coming -- potentially in the very near future.
Lenovo IdeaCentre A310 slips into something a little more Corefortable
We never felt like the thing holding the IdeaCentre A300 back was its CPU, but that hasn't stopped Lenovo from tacking an extra 10 onto the product number and a modern Core i3-350M inside. The 2.26GHz chip is a dual-core mobile affair, built on Intel's famed 32nm process, and offers an integrated 45nm graphics processor just for kicks as well. For this newfound privilege, Japanese buyers will be expected to pony up ¥109,000 ($1,243) when the A310 becomes available on July 17. Bear in mind that includes a bundled external DVD rewriter, the lack of which was one of our bigger disappointments with this otherwise gorgeous 21.5-inch all-in-one family -- now if Lenovo could only offer a version with a matte screen, we might even care enough to buy one.
Liquid-cooled Asetek prototype redefines our all-in-one expectations (video)
We've been moaning about middling AIO performance for a while now, and outside of Apple's spendy iMacs, not many have stepped up to the plate with equivalent grunt to what you might be able to splice together with a separate case and a bit of elbow grease. That won't stay true for long, however, if Asetek's prototype gets picked up by one of your favorite vendors. This liquid-cooled beastie -- which proudly proclaims it has the same profile as the iMac at 58mm in thickness -- is capable of powering and chilling both a 2.66GHz Core i7-920 and a GeForce GTX 280M. That's a total TDP output of over 200W, which is handled by a proprietary radiator design that's integrated into the stand and some pump-assisted action convecting the heat away from the chips. It both sounds and looks like a winner to us -- check it out after the break to see what you think.
Unibody Mac mini meets iFixit, gets a delicate teardown exposé
Been wondering how Apple's managed to cram all that goodness into the new (and flatter) unibody Mac mini? Well, look no further, as our friends over at iFixit took no time to acquire said machine for another scrupulous teardown treatment. Just as we saw ourselves, it all begins with a simple twist on the bottom round plate, and with a bit of fiddling the guts can then easily slide out -- you'll see a wondrously dense logic board along with its now-internal power supply and the usual components. We've thrown in iFixit's list of highlights after the break, but as always, hit the source link for the finely detailed disassembly guide.
Adventure in a Forsaken World with some help from your friends at Massively
If you're a fan of Perfect World Entertainment, or if you've enjoyed Battle of the Immortals, Jade Dynasty, Ether Saga Online, or Perfect World, then we've got something that will be right up your alley. It's called Forsaken World, and it's the next offering from the guys at PWE. Forsaken World is an interesting little title, as we've discussed on Massively before. Not only is a vampire-esque race counted amongst the game's races, but the game also features large scale plotlines and a varied group of classes. Forsaken World seems to be a very deep game, but none of us can say that for sure until we play it. And if you're looking to play the game, then just take a leap after the break to find out how to nab yourself a key!
Dead Space 2 back on track for PC release
There was a bit of confusion following the release of EA's Q3 2010 investor's report, which seemed to omit a mention of a PC version of Visceral Games' next deep space horror-surgery title, Dead Space 2. The most definite answer EA could give us back in February about its intentions to bring the game to our compy was, "A PC SKU is under consideration." Now, after three months of heartfelt consideration, EA has come to a decision: Yes, fine, you can have Dead Space 2 on PC. Those weren't EA's exact words, mind you -- rather, yesterday's Q4 2010 investor's report simply mentioned the game will launch on consoles, handhelds and PC. EA later confirmed via Tweet that the PC listing was legit, and not some kind of sick, twisted act of schadenfreude executed against personal computer enthusiasts.
PS3 firmware update 3.30 makes PC remote play VAIO-ble
Most folks don't know that PS3 Firmware Update 3.30 didn't just prep the system for 3D support, renovate the Trophy section, and totally crash user's lengthy Dragon Age: Origins sessions. It also added a tab under the "Remote Play" section of the XMB – an unassuming option simply labeled "PC." The notes accompanying the update confirm that "future models of the VAIO PC" will be able to access certain titles on the PSN, though the full capacity of said access is unknown. The notes mentioned that further details on the VAIO's Remote Playability will be announced on Sony's website next month. Until then, you can keep on playing your PSN games on your PS3, just like you always have, since the dawn of time, you caveman. [Via Videogamer]
Twelve things to do with an old Apple computer
As I type this article on my MacBook Pro, I can't help but glance over at my poor PowerBook Lombard G3 with its awesome translucent bronze keyboard, sitting in its dusty laptop bag. The battery is long toast. When I last booted it up, the clock thought that the system time was close to 1970 thanks to the internal clock battery no longer holding a charge, and thanks to the fact that it's capped at OS X 10.3.9, I can't get a new version of Firefox on it. In short, it's seen better days. However, for all its faults, it's still got a decent hard drive and nearly a gigabyte of RAM, so it can't be totally useless. This makes made wonder, what can I do with this old 'Book (or an even more ancient Mac)? Here are a few possibilities: First of all, if you have an older but still functional laptop (like me!), you could strip off the plastic, keyboard, etc. and turn it into a hanging digital picture frame on the cheap. Use it to surf the web, old skool style, with Contiki. Yes, surprisingly, even the old Apple IIe can surf the modern internet, though only in text form. Turn it into a Personal Webserver. Of course, your newer Macs can serve up web pages using Apache. Personally, I've had great success in getting my server up and running (along with MySQL and PHP to boot!) using XAMPP, but if you want to really be different, turn that old Macintosh SE/30, IIci or LC into web server.
The cost of Apple's products, adjusted for inflation
A site called VoucherCodes recently tried to figure out if the $499 entry-level iPad really is as good a deal as many have claimed. They analyzed the cost of several of Apple's products, adjusted for inflation, and some of the results are pretty astonishing. The first Apple computer ever created, the Apple I, cost $666.66 in 1976. Adjusted to 2010 dollars, that Apple I would cost $2,540, which isn't too bad. But the Apple Lisa, Apple's first stab at creating a computer with a Graphical User Interface, cost $9,995 in 1983, or a staggering $21,745 in today's dollars. Sure, the GUI was a cool bit of innovation, over $20,000 for a personal computer? Comparing the iPad to previous Apple portables is even more interesting. Apple's first portable computer cost $6,500 in 1989 -- which would be almost $11,400 today -- while the $699 Newton from 1993 would cost nearly $1,050 in today's dollars. Most intriguing of all is that the first iPod, released for $399 in 2001, cost $488 in today's dollars. That's just $11 under the cost of the iPad, a device that has far more storage, processing power, and access to more features than the first iPod could even dream of only nine and a half years ago. Apple's handhelds are cheaper than ever, even when you bring inflation into the mix. Within my lifetime alone, computers have gone from luxury items and objects of curiosity, something people would have to save several months of paychecks in order to buy, to something people buy on a whim, for a week's pay, and carry around with them in their pockets. It's not surprising that the cost of computers has come down over time, but when charts like the one at VoucherCodes drive home just how much prices have dropped in terms of the real value of the US dollar, it's pretty amazing.
Vaja now selling iPad cases
Out of all of the iPod or iPhone cases I've seen, Vaja makes my personal favorites -- I bought one of their cases for my 80gb iPod, and it's still the best gadget case I've ever owned. They're a little pricier than some cases, but the exquisite leather, custom design, and solid crafting makes the purchase worth it. And now they've introduced an iPad case as well. Of course, the iPad's use chart looks a little different -- it doesn't necessarily seem like the kind of device you'll be pulling out while walking around, and you probably don't need a great leather case if you're just going to use it as a satellite computer around your home (not that anyone knows for sure how they're going to use their iPad yet). But Vaja makes some quality cases, and while they haven't announced all of their iPad options yet (the Retro Slim Jacket is the only one available right now), it might be worth looking at if you'd rather put a little leather on your new Apple tablet. Customization is not yet announced but likely -- when I ordered my iPod's case, there were a whole bunch of different case styles and colors to choose from. Cost on the one they've got is $120, and they're saying it takes about 25 days to get each custom-made case put together. A Vaja case isn't something to be purchased lightly, but quality like this doesn't come cheap or fast.
Lenovo ThinkCentre A70z review
The hallowed Think branding finally spread out to the land of AIOs earlier this year and we just had to wrap our paws around some of that signature matte black plastic to see what's what. The ThinkCentre A70z represents Lenovo's most direct assault on the eco-conscious office manager's checkbook, coming as it does with minimal packaging, built out of recycled and recyclable materials, and significant energy savings relative to orthodox desktops. In our time with it, we found the A70z to be a well built and capable little rig, but the question you most probably want answered is whether the premium branding we associate with the tank-like ThinkPads can be trusted to deliver a similar superiority in hardware and construction in the all-in-one arena. Click past the break for the answer.%Gallery-88173%
Aqua scrollbar art
I love these bits of art by Anders Clauson featuring iconography from the old Aqua OS X interface -- obviously it's not a straight representation of the actual interface, but instead, it's kind of a weird deconstruction of the scrollbars. There's one that's just a random desktop screenshot, and another that shows the interface actually opened up in a Photoshop document. The overall effect is that the artist isn't just showing off the parts of the UI, he's also deconstructing the actual process of creating and using a UI as well. Good stuff. It's also interesting to me to think that with the coming of the iPad, we may be seeing the end of interface widgets like this. When all you have is a touchscreen and gestures, you don't really need to deal with buttons and widgets -- if you want to close a window, just swipe it to the side, or to expand it, just pull two fingers apart. Of course, it'll probably be a little while before the iPad and its interface fully replaces the more traditional UI, but I think it'll happen at some point in the future.
Toy Story 3 and the Mac
One of the things I missed in the news last week due to being so busy at Macworld (along with most of the Olympics, though we did get to watch the opening ceremony at a post-show dinner) was the brand new Toy Story 3 trailer -- Pixar's latest movie has Buzz and Woody in a third adventure, and while I won't spoil the details, it does appear that Apple plays a big part in the movie. Macenstein has a quick breakdown of all of the places that Macs appear in the new trailer, with cameos by both Safari and iTunes, and director Lee Unkrich actually tweeted a picture of his editing session for the movie on a MacBook Pro (in Avid Media Composer) at 36,000 feet! Of course, Steve Jobs was the owner and CEO of Pixar for twenty years, and he now is the largest individual Disney shareholder with a seat on the company's board of directors. Pixar always produces excellent films -- Toy Story was the studio's first big feature as a studio, so it'll be interesting to see what happens with the franchise after moving on to more mature pictures like Finding Nemo and Up. As always, when the movie comes out on June 18th, we'll have to keep an eye out for nods in Apple's direction.
Taking a Bite off the Apple
I grew up a "PC." Literally! My father was a computer genius who worked with computers for a living. By the age of 2, I had my own system. When people say they've had a PC since they were 10 years old, they have nothing on me. My dad set its beautiful, at the time, DOS interface up with game titles corresponding to letters on the keyboard, which I would type in to take me to my favorite educational games. "Word Munchers," "Number Munchers," "Spellicopter"... these were all part of daily life. As I grew older, I excelled at more refined titles, like "Where in the World (USA, Universe, you name it) is Carmen San Diego." I went to one of the cool schools in the early 90's that had computer class for youngsters. This is where I first learned what an "Apple" was. All I can say is, apart from the logo, these computers were a far cry from the fancy Apple products of today. I will admit, however, these Apple computers had one particularly outstanding feature: The Flying Toaster screen saver. Fast forward to high school. My best friend and her family all had Macs. Quite frankly, I didn't get it. They almost seemed like dumbed-down PCs to me. Meanwhile, I was gliding along on my PC. I remember feeling so cool when I personalized my PC to be exactly what I wanted. Come on, you know that picking your own desktop background was, at first, a *big deal*. College came along. My freshman year, I received a brand new laptop. I loved this computer for a long time. It stuck with me through papers, social crises discussed on AOL Instant Messenger, and the invention of Facebook. Then, something changed... I changed majors. I was now in Communications. My first class in the "Mac lab" was a little shocking. "You mean to tell me that all my programs live in this little guy whose face is cut in two (the Finder)?" Very quickly, however, I felt at peace with the Mac. It just seemed so "happy" that everything I needed was in the dock. I think a main turning point was when I discovered that I could pick an object up..... drag it... and drop it! I tried to cheat the system. I must've spent weeks trying to turn my laptop into a Mac. I often scoured the Internet for new articles on the subject. I downloaded RocketDock, which was a great way to get my dock-obsession fix, but it still wasn't the same. On graphics programs especially, I craved my precious "drag and drop." I took the plunge. No, I didn't throw my PC out the window and flee to the Apple Store (if only we had one in my city). Eventually, my laptop snapped. The screen was actually falling off. I took my last semester of student discount eligibility and set out to purchase a Macbook Pro. It was ordered online and eventually wound up at my doorstep. With my dad watching, I turned it on. A galaxy filled with purples and pinks (the intro video) welcomed me in different languages. It was beautiful! A little more than a year later, I'm still happy with my Macbook Pro. I've been proclaimed a Mac-snob and, quite frankly, I'm okay with that! Will I ever step away from my Mac? I know that technology grows leaps and bounds over a short period of time, so I'm not ruling it out. However, at this rate, I'm stickin' by my Mac's side for a very, very long time. I grew up a "PC", but now I can officially say, "I'm a Mac."
The Daily Grind: Here comes your nineteenth system meltdown
We play enough games on the computer to know better than your average user. We're fully aware that the machine doesn't hate us, for one thing. But we sometimes turn it on, and suddenly find that our graphics card has decided to turn into a miniature sun within the plastic case, melting all of our valuable components into a reasonably-sized dinner plate at a time when we can't really drop the thousand-odd dollars on a new machine. Thus begins the process of pulling things out, confirming that they're dead, calling tech support and being told that you should buy a new computer, and you wondering where your pleasant evening has gone. Perhaps you didn't find your computer going nova. Maybe it decided to just fail to boot for no reason, necessitating a hard drive replacement. Or perhaps it was your connection erupting in a shower of failure followed by a string of support techs claiming to dispatch new people and lying. Whatever the case, in a hobby that seems to be constantly subject to a particularly draconic form of Murphy's Law, we ask you: what's the worst meltdown you've had? Was it the most costly to fix, the most inopportune time, or just frustrating and stressful for some other reason?
