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Kill those runaway processes
The Hacks Blog addresses two issues in one today: white hot Macs and runaway processes. As they explain, if your Mac is consumed by a stuck process that's putting the hurt on your processor, the machine will run very hot. So what does a geek do?Find that process and kill it dead. The Hacks Blog explains how to do it, as well as likely culprits: third party drivers or apps that may need an upgrade.
Reusch's Solaris ski gloves pack internal warmers
While you've got your H-Bomb to keep you nice and toasty while surfing through chilly waters, and the Airvantage vest to keep your chest warm while braving the bitter cold, even the most hardcore skiers will probably admit that their fingertips go numb just a few hours after they hit the slopes. Reusch's latest pair of high-end ski gloves looks to solve the chilly finger dilemma (sans USB power), as the new Solaris gloves pack iThermX heating technology, which was developed by Interactive Wear AG. Beneath the supple exterior is an electronics unit with a 16-bit microcontroller that "manages the intelligent power and temperature control and executes application-specific programmable heating algorithms," effectively turning up the heat whenever a user-selected temperature is reached. The heat is powered by two flat, lightweight Li-ion batteries, which can purportedly provide a hand-based oven for "around five hours" before needing to hit up the lodge for a quick recharge. There's even an onboard selector / LED indicator to switch from constant heat to "temperature-defined heating," and while we've no idea just how pricey these gloves will end up being, we're fairly sure any skier who has dealt with freezing fingers will do nearly anything to own them.
California fire not sparked by defective cellphone battery
Just two days ago California fire department authorities pinned the blame of damaging hotel fire on a malfunctioning cellphone battery, but after further inspection, it seems that the mobile's battery isn't the culprit after all. Engineers from 2125i could not have sparked the blaze that resulted in $75,000 worth of property damage and severe burns to Luis. Upon testing the phone, they discovered that "the electronic circuitry in the phone was undamaged and that the battery was still functioning," with a Vallejo Fire Department investigator adding that the battery performed flawlessly after surviving the fire, which eliminated it from being a suspect. Unfortunately, it looks as if the real case of the blaze may "have been destroyed in the fire," but thankfully, Mr. Picaso is in "critical but stable condition" in a Sacramento hospital.[Thanks, DeShaun]
USB-powered drink chiller / warmer keeps beverages happy
If you're the type who spends more time in your computer chair than basically anywhere else, Brando's got a must-have coming your way. While the zany (and numerous) array of USB-powered gizmos we've seen is nothing short of overwhelming, the USB Chiller And Warmer actually ranks fairly high in the utility department. Sporting that oh-so-hip glossy white finish, the device is entirely USB-powered, rocks a built-in fan, and can keep your beverage cool or warm with the flip of a switch. Moreover, it claims to boost the temperature of your drink 29-degrees in 10 minutes, and chills 13-degrees in the same period of time. So if you're already surrounded by a mini fridge and espresso machine, be sure to throw down the $24 required to keep your rear planted (and drink temperature satisfactory) around the clock.
Samsung develops 1Gb synchronous DRAM module
Apparently, Samsung has been on quite the rampage (ahem) lately, busting out its new Powerhouse Fusion memory, working with NEC in hopes of crafting a one-terabit chip, and now announcing the industry's "first gigabit-density mobile DRAM" module. Using 80-nanometer process technology, the 1Gb synchronous DRAM module claims to be "more cost effective than other high density mobile solutions," and requires around "30-percent less current" than the double-die stack chips commonly used today. The monolithic chip introduces a new "temperature-sensing feature" that purportedly maximizes the "self-refresh cycle" to reduce power drain in standby mode, and also touts a 20-percent decrease in thickness over its predecessors. While we've no idea how much these modules will bump the price of your future gadgetry, they should begin finding their way into "handsets, digicams, PMPs, and handheld gaming machines" in the second quarter of 2007.[Via Physorg]
Breakfast Video: Eggs over 360
Eager to prove that the Xbox 360 is the most multi-faceted culinary console out there, Engadget reader Brett used the piping hot heatsink on his busted 360 to fry up a crappy looking scrambled egg breakfast. Call him the Not Quite Frugal Gourmet. Thanks for putting a common expression to the test, Brett.[Via Engadget]
An explanation for random MacBook shutdowns?
Blogger Martin Backschat has more or less translated a German article that takes a stab at trying to figure out what is going on with this random MacBook shutdown issue. One only needs to check out MacBook Random Shutdown.com or comb the archives of digg and Apple discussion forums to grasp how many are plagued by this dark game of workflow Russian roulette, but we have yet to hear even a peep from Apple as to what the problem is, and how they're going to fix it.Martin says the theory centers on a cable that runs between the heat sensor and the CPU's heat sink being too short. The heat sink expands when operating the MacBook, which causes it to contact the heat sensor's cable and melt its insulation - hence, a short circuit and a shutdown. Once the MacBook is no longer running, the heat sink cools down and contracts during the process, breaking the short circuit and allowing the machine to boot again (this expansion and contraction can happen pretty quickly, so it would make sense if your machine can boot almost immediately after shutdown). It's a twisted game these components play with each other for sure, and we're all hoping for some kind of a statement or - ideally - a solution from Apple soon. The more widespread and publicized this issue becomes, the farther away these Macs will get from their 'it just works' reputation. Something tells us 'it just works - until it decides not to and randomly shut down, blowing away all your work' wouldn't roll off Justin Long's tongue nearly as well.[via digg]
Cook breakfast with your MacBook (just kidding)
[11/09/2011: Source link removed, as the site is no longer online.] Everyone knows that Apple's Intel powered portable lineup gets hot, but this is insane! An enterprising fellow figured out that it would be possible to actually fry an egg on the bottom of his black MacBook. Granted, it probably took something like 3 times as long than if he had used a stove, but that's obviously not the point. For bonus points, keep your coffee warm by placing it on top of your MacBook power adapter. While obviously a stab at Apple for releasing such hot machines, I think its important to understand the fact that Apple has no control over how hot or cold Intel's processors run. I'm sure the engineers in Cupertino do their best to make the machines run as cool as possible, but there are some things that even the Mac hardware team can't do. Just as a bit of an update, since this piece has been picked up all over the net: This isn't really serious. Although it is theoretically possible to get egg proteins to congeal from the heat of a MacBook, the guy posted the story as a joke. That is all. [via UneasySilence]
TUAW Poll: Your MacBook/Pro experience
Yesterday, we pointed out an article at Infinite Loop that was describing yet another (allegedly) melting MagSafe connector. Many of you wrote in to state that your MacBook/Pro experience has been trouble-free. Still, the issues people are having are very real, so let's take a brief (and informal) poll.How has your MacBook/Pro experience been? Is it noisy, hot, discolored...melting? Is it a dream come true, the best laptop you've ever used? Leave your answer below, and check back tomorrow for the results. How has your MacBook/Pro experience been? It's been a nightmare I've had minor issues It's been a dream! Free polls from Pollhost.com
MacBook Pro sits in 'fridge for Tiger install
Jon at rentzsch.com was having trouble getting Tiger installed on his MacBook Pro. Specifically, the DVD wouldn't mount in his MBP, though it did work in other machines (CDs mounted without a problem, too). With his machine's temperature issues in mind, he stuck the MBP and DVD in the refrigerator, let them sit for 45 minutes and then, presto! It worked.Thanks, Guillermo!
NBA Live 07 to be launch title, Mavericks win Finals
If you're a basketball aficionado you may be interested to know that NBA Live 07 is slated to be one of EA's lineups for the PS3 launch. By "one of" I'm of course alluding to their tendency to include an army of sports games for November and the Sony console as well. You may also be interested in the fact that they've predicted who will take the cake in the NBA Finals coming up via their NBA Live 07 simulation (though we don't know for which console). Hope this doesn't ruin anything for you, but it's Dallas Mavericks over the Heat.Sorry Miami fans.
Apple: "MacBook may run warm because rear vent is blocked"
Well, guess that settles the issue we had a couple of weeks ago about whether Apple really did accidentally leave some plastic film over the rear MacBook ventilation area. When we last left off, it looked like it might be a sporadic issue with some models shipped to Europe; now Apple's come clean with the whole vent-film issue, plainly stating "some MacBooks may have left the factory with a thin piece of clear plastic covering the rear vent." Apple's support page goes on to say, however, that if you don't have the film and are still having heat issues, please see Apple support article 30612 -- which itself is an article about how it's normal for MacBooks to get hot. Well done, well done.
Apple pushes Intel into new direction
Apple and Intel seem to be a marriage made in heaven (it is still feels a little odd to write things like that). Anand Chandrasekher, a senior Intel exec, has been quoted by Computer World as saying that Intel's partnership with Apple has made the chip maker think about things it never considered. Chandrasekher says that this 'push' will become evident in Intel's roadmap, but don't expect anything right away.
PSA: read your MacBook user manual
Given all the recent MacBook Pro drama of late, what with overheating issues and all, it might be a good idea to peruse your MacBook/MacBookPro owner's manual one of these days to make sure you've covered the basics, even if most of Apple's care recommendations are obvious these days. Gearlog found a couple of interesting snippets in a MacBook Pro owner's manual that, again, might be obvious to some, but are still good for a refresher. The first is a warning about the use of magnets in the MagSafe power adapter. Apple warns that the end of the MagSafe power adapter and the port on the MacBook could be powerful enough to erase information from magnetic media such as credit cards and iPods, so it would be a good idea to keep these things away from each other.The second blurb from the owner's manual warns against using a MacBook Pro directly on any part of your uncovered body; these things can get pretty hot (obviously), but this is the first time I've heard of a laptop owner's manual directly warning: "Prolonged contact with your body could cause discomfort and potentially a burn". I wonder if there are any other obvious or possibly interesting snippets in these manuals that most of us have been passing over.This concludes the end of this public service announcement, thank you for your time.
NBA & NFL are playing games with(out) my HDTV
It's another Sunday, I'm relaxing with a cold Dos Equis trying to watch more sports in high definition and again my HDTV is left wanting. Yeah theres the Olympics on NBC but seriously, there is no need to show an entire cross country ski race, even in 1080i. They don't show a whole marathon do they?Much like two weeks ago, ABC played hot potato with their HD, the first game between the Spurs and Pacers was not in high definition, although the second game with Detroit at Miami was (btw Dwyane Wade is incredible). Both games came down to the wire, but the first could have been so much better.And now, I'm (trying) to watch the Pro Bowl on ESPN, and it's SD? What a joke. ESPN has two high definition channels going to waste if you're not going to broadcast the all star game properly, and in beautiful Hawaii. Must I remind people where one of the best HD shows (Lost) is filmed? At least the NBA will have that right, not only will they have the All-Star game in high definition on TNT, they'll even broadcast the practices (Saturday February 18 at noon) so crisply it'll feel like the coach is yelling at you.Are they scared by NBC's glitchy Olympics coverage? I just don't get it. Somebody wake me when Grey's Anatomy starts.
Widget Watch: SysStat nano
SysStat Nano is a great little system monitoring widget (similar to MiniStat 2) that gives you a quick, birds-eye view of various system statistics. Your processor, used memory, hard drive usage, IP and (very handy) external IP, amongst other things, are all at the press of a key.While SysStat Nano offers an overview of various stats (pictured), it doesn't offer quite as much information as the aforementioned MiniStat 2. Either way, it's a darn handy widget, doesn't seem to hog too many cycles and, best of all, it's free.
