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The Daily Roundup for 06.10.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Apple MacBook Air hands-on and first I/O benchmarks (13-inch, mid-2013)
As expected, this year's WWDC was all about the software, and certainly there was plenty to talk about on that front, what with the unveiling of of iOS 7 and OS X Mavericks. We did get a little bit to whet the appetite of hardware lovers, however -- mainly a sneak peak of the cool new cylindrical Mac Pro and a refresh to Apple's popular MacBook Air line. We managed to snag a few pictures of the forthcoming tiny desktop workstation, and now we've got our hot little hands on the new ultraportable. From an aesthetic standpoint, there's not too much to write home about -- nothing, really. This is the same Air you know and, possibly, love. It's tapered thin, brushed aluminum shell, with all those standard ports (original Thunderbolt, included). And the display, while sharp, is no Retina -- you'll have to keep waiting on that front. Odds are Apple opted not to swap in the higher-res screen in order to not sacrifice the laptop's battery life -- and certainly the company's got some bragging rights on that front, with a reported bump from five to nine hours on the 11-inch and from seven to 12 on the 13-inch. We'll be reporting back on that fact in the near future -- once we have a good half a day to try it out. That bump comes thanks to new innards -- specifically the inclusion of those new Haswell chips. Apple has also promised that the new CPU has given the systems a nice pep in their performance step, as well. We ran the Air through some benchmarks to see if it's all it's cracked up to be. Check those out after the break.%Gallery-190948%
Apple introduces new MacBook Air models at WWDC 2013
WWDC isn't just about software, it's also about the hardware that powers Apple's esteemed software. To that end, Phil Schiller today took to the stage where he announced some welcome and exciting changes to Apple's MacBook Air lineup. First and foremost, the battery life on Apple's new MacBook Air has increased dramatically. On the 11-inch model, battery life has gone up from five hours to nine hours. On the 13-inch model, battery life has increased from seven hours to 12 hours. Those are some incredible improvements, and something Schiller noted was the result of close collaboration between Apple engineers and Intel. And speaking of Intel, the latest MacBook Air makes use of Intel's new Haswell processor. Schiller noted that Haswell is designed for power savings, while simultaneously offering impressive and improved performance. For instance, Schiller said that the new Air offers up to 40 percent faster graphics performance. What's more, the new Air can wake up from sleep mode in one second and can stay in standby mode for a whopping 30 days. Lastly, the new Air will feature 802.11ac networking, otherwise known as 5G WiFi. When it comes to pricing, the base model 11-inch MacBook Air comes with 128 GB of flash storage and retails for $999. That's twice the storage at the same price. An 11-inch Air with 256 GB of flash storage will set you back $1199. As for the 13-inch model, a configuration with 128 GB of flash storage will check in at $1099 while 256 GB will cost you $1299. Even better, Apple's new MacBook Air starts shipping today.
Apple refreshes the MacBook Air with Haswell CPUs, longer battery life, new models available today from $999
Each June, just like clockwork, Apple refreshes its MacBook Air line -- sometimes with a new design, and always with brand new processors. Well, today is June 10th, and it's the start of WWDC, which means it's time to bring out the 2013 models. The company just unveiled the new 11- and 13-inch Airs, both of which step up to Haswell CPUs and 802.11ac WiFi, and also promise significantly longer battery life. In particular, the 11-inch model claims nine hours of runtime, up from five, while the 13-incher is said to last 12 hours (up from seven). As for processing performance, you get fourth-generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, along with Intel HD 5000 graphics, which should translate to 40 percent faster graphics, according to Apple. The one thing we can't glean from Apple's brief tease at WWDC is whether these new models boast higher-res screens than the previous-generation models. (We feel like Apple would make that clear if that were the case, no?) On the plus side, both models now come standard with 128GB SSDs (as opposed to 64 gigs on the 11-inch model). They're available today, with the 11-inch version still priced from $999, and the 13-incher starting at $1,099. Update: The Apple Store is once again live, which means we've had a chance to look at the product page for the new MacBook Air. As we suspected, the screen resolution has not changed.%Gallery-190871% Follow all of our WWDC 2013 coverage at our event hub.
WWDC 2013: the rumor roundup
It's that special time for Apple devotees: WWDC 2013 is next week, and that means a customary glimpse of where iOS and the Mac are going next. However, we're getting everything but business as usual this year. The crew at 1 Infinite Loop has shaken up its software strategy, putting much of its emphasis on Jony Ive's design chops and tighter collaboration between teams. Is Apple about to deliver major OS refreshes that some say are long overdue? And what about hints of new hardware introductions at the same time? We've gathered together some of the more notable rumors to help understand what Apple may introduce on June 10th -- and what's likely to remain wishful thinking.
ECBC Dart Laptop Tote review and giveaway
There's nothing quite like the abrupt ending of a three- or four-day weekend to slap you back into reality, and that's what a lot of TUAW readers here in the US will experience this morning. One thing that might soften the blow of heading back to work would be a new laptop case courtesy of ECBC and TUAW. The case in question the new ECBC Dart Laptop Tote (US$79.99), a sleek and lightweight bag that's perfect for carrying your 11- or 13-inch MacBook Air or MacBook Pro in style, while leaving enough extra room for an iPad, a boarding pass, and your passport. Design If you read our earlier review of the ECBC Poseidon Messenger Bag, then you'll know that ECBC does a great job of designing and constructing top-notch computer bags. The Dart Laptop Tote is made at the same high quality level. The body of the case is made of 840 denier HD ballistic nylon, while the bottom gets double the density with 1680 denier material. Inside, the Dart is lined with a soft and silky 210 denier double diamond ripstop. The Dart comes in two colors -- black and grey -- and the material is coated with water repellent to keep your stuff high and dry when it's raining outside. The Dart is nice and small, not adding a lot of weight to your commute. It's just 14.75" x 11.1" x 3", and weighs a featherlight 1.52 pounds. Inside the Dart you'll find a lot of room, though. The main computer pocket is perfect for that 11-inch MacBook Air, but if you have a 13-in MBA or MBP, just pull out the modular insert that's Velcroed into the bottom of the pocket and you're set. %Gallery-189520% The other pocket is designed to hold your iPad, iPhone, a bunch of pens, and anything else you want to throw into it. All of the little items have their own pockets to go into, keeping your iPhone from getting scratched by your favorite pen. On the back side of the case is a luggage trolley handle pass-through -- this means that when you've got a rollerbag that is carrying your clothes for that business trip, you can slide the Dart over the handle and have one less thing to weigh you down. That pass-through is padded; perfect, since it's the side that normally would press against your body if you're carrying the case with the padded shoulder strap. There's also padding on the handle if that's the way you roll. There's one more pocket on the Dart in the front, designed for your boarding pass (provided you're still printing it out instead of using Passbook), passport, and any other travel papers you might need to carry. Functionality I am frankly surprised at how much I was able to cram into this bag without it bulging! For my tests, I filled it with a 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, a third-generation iPad, a Quirky PowerCurl with the MacBook power cable wrapped around it, an AC adapter and charging cable for the iPad, my iPhone, and some random papers that I pulled off of my desktop. The shoulder strap is not only padded, but also has a grippy material on it so it won't slide off your shoulder. That's something that is frequently overlooked on other bags and another feature of ECBC's products that I love. With its svelte lines, the Dart isn't a replacement for one of those big bags that can hold a change of clothes as well as your computer gear. But it's perfect for the person who just needs to carry a small laptop to and from work or on a business trip. Conclusion ECBC continues to make well-designed and sturdily built laptop bags, and the Dart Laptop Tote is perfect for the 11- or 13-inch MacBook Air or Pro owner who wants a lightweight bag. Pros Lightweight, yet sturdy Water repellent exterior is perfect for rainy climes Smooth interior material keeps your MacBook from being scratched Well-padded Perfect for accompanying a rolling carryon bag on a business trip Cons Not a TSA-compliant laptop bag, so you will need to put your laptop into a bin Who is it for? The owner of an 11- or 13-inch MacBook Air or Pro who wants a sturdy, well-padded, and lightweight bag for a daily commute or business travel. Giveaway One lucky TUAW reader is going to end up with a Dart Laptop Tote courtesy of ECBC. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before May 31, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive an ECBC Dart Laptop Tote valued at US$79.99 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Hands-on with the Kensington USB 3.0 Docking Station with Dual DVI/HDMI/VGA Video (Giveaway!)
The popularity of Apple's MacBook Pro and Air laptops is one of the reasons that Mac sales have increased while PC sales are waning. But if there's one thing that the laptop experience is lacking, it's a plethora of USB 3.0 and video ports. Kensington's USB 3.0 Docking Station with DVI/HDMI/VGA Video (Model sd3500v, US$199.99) has been around for a while to help out PC laptop users; the recent availability for OS X drivers for the DisplayLink hardware inside the unit now gives MacBook owners a piece of the action. Design The Docking Station is a slim vertical black tower that's unobtrusive on any desktop. On the front of the unit are a pair of SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports as well as connectors for a pair of headphones and a microphone (or headset). Like many a good bar, all the action is in the back -- there are four USB 3.0 2.0 ports, a gigabit Ethernet adapter, a DVI port that can be used for VGA or HDMI output with included adapters, and a separate HDMI port. All of this port activity requires some power, so there's also a 5V AC adapter included that plugs into the back of the unit. The unit has a good, solid feel. Since it's made by Kensington, there's a standard Kensington lock port on one side as well so the dock won't "walk away" from your desk over a weekend. Functionality The best way to test a multi-port docking station of this type is to hook it up and play with it. Prior to connecting, Mac users will need to download and install the free DisplayLink USB 3.0 for Mac OS X driver. Plugging the docking station into power turns on a blue indicator light on the front of the tower, while connecting a USB 3.0 cable from your MacBook to the dock illuminates a small green USB indicator light. From this point on, you can start plugging in your choice of devices. I tested the docking station with a VGA connection to an external monitor, and was able to drive that monitor at 1920 x 1080 while my MacBook Pro happily supported its own Retina display. For even more fun, I plugged in an old VGA monitor while driving the external monitor via HDMI. The three displays (built-in, HDMI, VGA) all worked properly, although resolution on the old, cheap VGA monitor was a bit off -- that's more of an issue of the monitor and not the docking station. I plugged in a variety of USB 3.0 and 2.0 devices -- hard drives, flash drives, even a printer -- and all worked like a champ with the docking station. If you need one less video port (for instance, you may already have a mini-DisplayPort to HDMI or VGA adapter that you want to use), Kensington also sells a model (sd3000v) that has a single DVI port and adapters for VGA or HDMI priced at $169.99. Conclusion For MacBook Pro or Air owners looking for a way to easily connect an array of monitors and USB devices to their laptops with a single plugin, the Kensington USB 3.0 Docking Station with Dual DVI/HDMI/VGA Video is a compact and high-functioning peripheral. Pros Compact vertical design takes up very little desktop space Two SuperSpeed USB 3.0 and four "regular" USB 3.0/2.0 ports provide a lot of expansion capability Theoretically, using the two ports on this device as well as the two Thunderbolt ports and HDMI-out on the MacBook Pro, you can drive up to five external monitors (note, this was not tested...) Cons None to speak of Who is it for? Owners of USB 3.0-equipped MacBook Pro or MacBook Air notebooks who want a fast way to connect multiple monitors and devices Giveaway Our review unit is up for grabs for one lucky TUAW reader. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before May 28, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a Kensington USB 3.0 Docking Station with Dual DVI/HDMI/VGA Video valued at US$199.99 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Amazon's MacBook Air stock dwindles
Last week TUAW reported on the diminishing numbers of MacBook Airs available from third-party retailers like Best Buy. Now the source of that information, AppleInsider, is reporting that Amazon is completely sold out of the 11.6-inch low-end MacBook Air (1.7 GHz Intel Core i5, 64 GB storage) with other models showing that they're "n/a". AppleInsider points out that Amazon's listing for the entry-level 11.6-inch model is "consistent with a discontinued item on Amazon, with no indication that stock will be replenished. In contrast, the online retailer typically portrays a simple stockout with availability advertised for 'one to two months.'" Stock of many MacBook Air configurations is limited at other retailers, including Best Buy, MacMall, J&R and MacConnection. Apple Stores and the online store still show availability of both the 11.6-inch and 13-inch models. Speculation is rife that new MacBook Air models might be announced during the WWDC 2013 keynote on June 10, possibly using Intel's new Haswell processors for increased performance and battery life.
MacBook Air supply dwindling as WWDC approaches
It's clearly not the best time to be looking for a MacBook Air -- 13-inch versions are in especially short supply. The reason for the shortage will be obvious to those who follow Apple closely: it's almost time for the Apple World Wide Developer Conference starting June 10, and Apple is likely going to refresh the popular laptops with the next-generation Intel Haswell Processor. Apple Insider reports that the only reseller with any significant inventory of the best selling model -- outfitted with a 1.8 GHz processor and 256 GB solid state drive -- is Best Buy. Typically, a constrained supply means new products are in the pipeline. The 11-inch MacBook Air is showing up as available at resellers. Supply chain rumors have stated a new MacBook Air is on the way with the new Intel processors, with availability predicted for next month. The new chips from Intel promise to generate less heat, consume less power and allow longer battery life. The chips also have a new integrated graphics processor, claiming a 50 percent hike in performance. Steve Jobs introduced the first MacBook Air in 2008, and promoted at the time as the world's thinnest notebook. Since then Apple has added new models, increased performance and battery life, and added new features such as USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt support.
OGIO's gorgeous 13-inch Covert Shoulder Bag: review and giveaway
Apple's smaller notebooks -- the 11" and 13" MacBook Air and the 13" MacBook Pro -- are incredibly popular, so it's not surprising that accessory manufacturers are now turning out some beautiful and functional products especially for these computers. Today we'll be looking at OGIO's 13" Covert Shoulder Bag (US$69.99). It's perfect for those smaller Apple notebooks and we're going to give one away to a TUAW reader. Design I've always been fond of vertical computer bags, so the Covert Shoulder Bag immediately caught my eye. This bag comes in black or Heather Gray -- the latter is an attractive dark gray with just a hint of brown in it. That exterior is made of 1000D Kodra fabric with a water-resistant coating, using Nylon webbing for the handles and strap. The strap is padded for comfortable carrying, and your laptop is going to be well-protected in a main padded compartment with a quilted liner. There's a second compartment inside the bag for your accessories with a smartphone pocket, a zippered pen/pencil compartment, and several slots for business cards. %Gallery-185739% On the back of the case is an open-topped slip pocket, perfect for papers, a book or a folder. Finally, there's a zipped audio pocket on the front with a cleverly-hidden audio port to thread your headphones through. The bag weighs in at 1.4 pounds, about half the weight of the 13" MacBook Air. OGIO includes a metal placard on the front with the style number imprinted on it, which is helpful when someone asks "What is that case?" Functionality I tried out the case with an 11" MacBook Air, which had plenty of room inside this case. It's designed to carry up to the 13" MacBook Pro with ease. The Covert uses YKK Vislon zippers, which are watertight, strong, and resistant to chemicals and UV. I found the zippers to be somewhat "rough" in terms of pull, but they certainly keep your gear away from the elements. The strap is adjustable over a wide range and the padding is fine. One minor point -- the strap doesn't have a non-slip coating on it, so I found that it was somewhat easy for it to slip off my shoulder. Many competing bags use a rubberized material on shoulder straps to keep the strap from slipping. One other minor niggling point: this isn't a TSA "checkpoint friendly" bag as it doesn't have a laptop-only section that can lie flat on an X-ray belt. It's surprising to find a new computer bag that isn't compliant, considering that the TSA standard has been around since 2008. Conclusion In terms of looks, the OGIO 13" Covert Shoulder Bag is one of the nicer looking computer bags I've seen recently. However, it is probably a better bag for the non-traveler who just needs a bag for school or work, and doesn't need to run the bag through TSA checkpoints on a weekly basis. Pros Well-designed, attractive, and constructed of high-quality components Vertical design looks very professional Notebook pocket is heavily padded for good protection Separate pocket for accessories and other items keeps your MacBook safe from scratches Separate outside pocket for audio devices or smartphones with a hidden cable port Price is quite reasonable Cons Not checkpoint-friendly Shoulder strap pad is rather slick and can slide off of your shoulder or require a permanent shrug to keep it from falling Who is it for? Owners of 11- and 13-inch MacBooks who want a reasonably-priced and stylish bag offering excellent protection Giveaway Like the looks of this 13" Covert Shoulder Bag? It can be yours if you're the lucky winner in our giveaway. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before April 19, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive an OGIO 13" Covert Shoulder Bag in Heather Gray valued at $69.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
X-Doria Dash Icon for 13" MacBook Air: Review and giveaway
X-Doria is well known as a manufacturer of iPhone and iPad cases, and now the company has announced the Dash Icon case for another Apple product -- the 13" MacBook Air. The Dash Icon for MacBook Air retails for US$59.99 and appears to be a perfect companion for the Apple's thin 13" notebook. Read along as I outline the features of the case, then join in for a chance to win one courtesy of TUAW and X-Doria. Design Rather than a traditional notebook computer case or sleeve, the X-Doria Dash Icon is a tight-fitting two-part shell that covers all of the exterior of the 13" MacBook Air. The entire shell is made of polycarbonate, with the top surface covered with a textured fabric that adds both style and grip to the case. The Dash Icon comes in two styles; Blue Waves and Color Burst. Blue Waves uses a repeating blue pattern on a dark blue background, while Color Burst (below) dazzles the eyes with shades of red interspersed with light blue accent lines. The protection doesn't add a lot of weight; the Dash Icon adds only 12.7 ounces to the nearly 3 lb. 13" MacBook Air. This is a wonderful idea for protecting a MacBook Air that is getting tossed into a backpack or messenger bag, keeping it from getting scratched by other items in the bag. Functionality Installing the Dash Icon is a snap, literally. The top fabric-covered piece snaps onto the back of the display, while the bottom piece snaps onto the keyboard/CPU portion of the MacBook Air. Should you need to remove the case, it's possible to just pull away one of the connecting "hooks" in one corner and then move to the other connectors to easily pop the covers off. I found the texture on the Dash Icon to be a great idea. I currently own an 11" MacBook Air that doesn't have a cover like this and I find that it's somewhat slippery in my hands. I'm hoping that X-Doria decides to expand the Dash Icon line to the 11" MacBook Air as well. Conclusion While the Dash Icon isn't going to protect your MacBook Air from a drop off of a third-story balcony, it will help keep your investment fairly well protected from everyday bumps, splatters, and scratches. It's a bit pricey for two pieces of polycarbonate, however, with Speck's similar SmartShell and SeeThru shells running $10 less. Pros Attractive fabric design on top with texture for extra grip Very lightweight and form-fitting to the MacBook Air Easy to install and remove Cons More expensive than similar competing products Who is it for? Owners of Apple's 13" MacBook Air who want lightweight protection for their skinny friend Giveaway We have one of these gorgeous "Blue Waves" Dash Icons that we're giving away to a lucky TUAW reader with a 13" MacBook Air. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before April 4, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive an X-Doria Dash Icon for 13" MacBook Air valued at $59.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Daily Update for February 13, 2013
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Apple releases updates to MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, lowers starting price
Apple is updating specs and dropping prices on select MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models. According to a company press release, the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro will now start at US$1,499 for the base model with 128 GB of flash storage, down from the original $1,699 price tag. The premier 13-inch Retina model will get a processor boost to 2.6 GHZ and a similar price drop from $1,999 to $1,699. The lower-end (if such a phrase can apply in this case) 15-inch model Retina MacBook Pro will keep the same price tag, but it will be boosted to a 2.4 GHz quad-core processor in the base model. A new 2.7 GHz quad-core processor will replace the current 2.6 GHz CPU in the top-of-the line model. The MacBook Air will keep the same specs, but will now set you back $1,399. The updated MacBook Pro with Retina display and MacBook Air models are available today through Apple's Online Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Show full PR text Apple Updates Processors & Prices of MacBook Pro with Retina Display CUPERTINO, California-February 13, 2013-Apple® is making the MacBook Pro® with Retina® display faster and more affordable with updated processors and lower starting prices. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display now starts at $1,499 for 128GB of flash, and $1,699 for a new 2.6 GHz processor and 256GB of flash. The 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display now features a faster 2.4 GHz quad-core processor, and the top-of-the-line 15-inch notebook comes with a new 2.7 GHz quad-core processor and 16GB of memory. Apple today also announced that the 13-inch MacBook Air® with 256GB of flash has a new lower price of $1,399. The MacBook Pro with Retina display features the world's highest resolution notebook display. Whether you're reading emails, writing text, editing home movies in HD or retouching professional photography, everything appears vibrant, detailed and sharp, delivering an unrivaled viewing experience. The MacBook Pro with Retina display features flash storage that is up to four times faster than traditional notebook hard drives, and delivers improved reliability, instant-on responsiveness and up to 30 days of standby time. Pricing & Availability The updated MacBook Pro with Retina display and MacBook Air models are available today through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Pricing details, technical specifications, configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at www.apple.com/macbook-pro and www.apple.com/macbookair.
Henge's horizontal dock will be a great investment for your Retina MacBook Pro
For Retina display MacBook Pro owners, the Henge Horizontal Dock will be the best investment you can make in your system beyond the computer itself, especially if you utilize multiple displays. Originally unveiled at CES, the US$249 system nabbed a Best of Show award at Macworld/iWorld 2013, and a brief demo proves that it deserves the status. This meaty dock boasts an impressive 14 ports, including two audio ports, six USB 3.0 ports, FireWire 800, Ethernet and an SD card slot. It can also manage up to three external displays, as seen above. A push button neatly ejects the MacBook Pro from the dock, and software will allow you to configure your screens so everything snaps into place once you plug it in. There will be two flavors of the horizontal dock: one with Thunderbolt support ($349) and one without. The horizontal dock without Thunderbolt support will be released during the third financial quarter of 2013, the one with Thunderbolt during the fourth quarter. The docks will accommodate MacBook Pros with Retina displays and all MacBook Airs.
Chromebook 101: How to make your new toy more Apple-y
Steve is a deeply bad influence. He started the trend, which prompted me to order my own Chromebook (although I had been waiting to pull the trigger for several weeks). Slowly this US$250 MacBook-wannabe has been infiltrating TUAW households. It's great for kids. It's a unit you don't mind taking on non-work trips. It's undemanding. But it's not quite the MacBook experience, especially for our Apple-trained fingers. The problem is that we want the Control key next to the space bar, not waaaaaay off to the left. Solution? A simple Chromebook option, similar to System Preferences > Keyboard > Keyboard > Modifier Keys. 1. Visit chrome://settings/languageCustomizeModifierKeysOverlay on your Chromebook 2. Under Device > click Keyboard Settings. A little dialog opens. 3. Swap Alt to Ctrl, and Ctrl to Alt. And, if you like, bring back Caps Lock by selecting that from the Search pop-up. And you're set. You're ready to Chrome like a real Machead!
Kanex's DualRole is a USB 3.0 hub and Ethernet adapter for modern MacBooks
The glitzy sheen of that Retina Display MacBook Pro or MacBook Air probably tarnished a little when you realized you'd need to sacrifice a USB or Thunderbolt if you wanted Ethernet connectivity. Just in time for Macworld, Kanex is shuttling out DualRole, a three-port USB 3.0 hub and Ethernet adapter that'll swell your connectivity options while on the road. Bus-powered, you can also add a 5v power adapter to juice your gadgets at the same time. It'll set you back $69 and is available from right about now.
Best Buy cuts $200 off MacBook Air for two days only
If you're in the market for Apple's slimmest notebook, Best Buy has a rather enticing deal going on for January 25 and 26 only: $200 all models of the MacBook Air. All four 2012 models of the Air (11-inch and 13-inch with either 64GB of 128GB of storage) are now $200 cheaper, lowering the overall entry point to just $799 for a 64GB, 11-inch model. It's worth noting that Apple also has a full selection of refurbished MacBook Airs on offer, for between $150 and $180 off the regular retail price. But for now, you can score brand-new versions of the same notebooks for even cheaper through Best Buy. Christmas in January, anyone? [Via: CNET]
How would you change the mid-2012 MacBook Air?
Remember when people decried the MacBook Air as a dumb idea when it first launched? Well, given the amount of Ultrabooks that are now floating around the world, we bet they've not shared that opinion publicly too often. The most recent vintage of the unit gained USB 3.0 ports, Ivy Bridge chips and, well, not the one thing that would have made the unit unbeatable -- a retina-class display. No, instead that feature was reserved for a different line, letting rivals like the Zenbook Prime beat it in the resolution stakes. But aside from that notable (and for Apple, lucrative) omission, how have you found these machines? Tell us what you've loved, hated and, most importantly, what would you change?
Apple releases EFI Firmware Update 2.6 for mid-2012 MacBook Air
Apple has released an EFI Firmware Update 2.6 for mid-2012 MacBook Air models. The update fixes several annoying bugs that have been reported in Apple's online help discussion forums. From Apple's knowledge base article: About MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update 2.6 This update is recommended for MacBook Air (mid 2012) models. This update fixes a color issue with HDMI displays connected to MacBook Air, resolves an issue with Windows which can prevent MacBook Air from booting properly, and also resolves an issue where unplugging a Thunderbolt device may cause the system to freeze when waking from standby. As usual, the EFI firmware update weighs in at a tiny 4.76 MB. Be sure you have your MacBook Air plugged into its power supply when installing the update. Users can download the update via Software Update or by downloading it here.
Twelve South HiRise for MacBook
Twelve South just announced another of their good-looking and extremely functional products for Apple -- the Twelve South HiRise for MacBook (US$69.99). Like the other entry in the HiRise line, the HiRise for iMac and Cinema Display, the HiRise for MacBook is designed to lift up your device above a table or desk surface to give you a bit more space to put stuff. Design Like many of Apple's iconic products, the HiRise for MacBook is made out of aluminum. There's a "foot" that sits upon your desktop with an adjustable riser that ends in a "swept-wing vee" to hold your MacBook. That aluminum vee is covered with a non-slip material to keep your pride and joy from sliding off. It looks great and works with all of Apple's MacBooks from the 11" MacBook Air up to the 15" models. If you still have one of those monstrous 17" MacBook Pros, you're out of luck. The riser can be adjusted by up to six inches, allowing the MacBook's screen to be bottom-aligned with an external monitor. You won't be typing on your MacBook while it's on the stand. Instead, it's designed to work with an external and preferably wireless keyboard and mouse or trackpad. The HiRise for MacBook feels solid; that's one of the hallmarks of the Twelve South products we've reviewed previously. There's no need to feel like your MacBook is going to slide off of the HiRise -- it's not going anywhere. Functionality As with most products from Twelve South, the HiRise for MacBook is beautifully packaged. Popping open that package, you're greeted with a bright red liner and a thank you note. The HiRise is pre-assembled, so once you've removed it from the box it's ready to go. Adjusting the height is done by loosening a knurled screw by hand, moving the "wing" up or down, and then tightening the screw again. Once adjusted, the HiRise stays in place. While I don't have an external monitor to use with my MacBook Air, I could see how useful the HiRise would be to someone who does. Conclusion For anyone who uses their MacBook as a primary machine with an external monitor, keyboard and pointing device, the HiRise for MacBook is a perfect solution for aligning the monitors to the same height and giving you some additional storage space on your desktop. The HiRise for MacBook is another fine product from the design geniuses at Twelve South. Pros Extremely well-constructed Beautiful design that compliments any aluminum unibody MacBook Adjustable to align with almost any external monitor Cons None Who is it for? Anyone with a MacBook who uses it with an external monitor, keyboard, and pointing device. Giveaway Some lucky TUAW reader is going to get a free HiRise for MacBook valued at $69.99 courtesy of Twelve South. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before Sunday, November 4, 2012 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a Twelve South HiRise for MacBook valued at $69.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
