Jobs talks about recent iPhone news and more

Interesting information about the latest Apple musings
http://webmail.aol.com/39598/aol/en-us/Suite.aspx

Apple soars with laptops and iPhone

Apple soars 26% and many Apple products don't seem to be affected by the economic crunch. Apple shares have fallen 40% since Sept. 1 Apple sold 6.9 million iPhones in the quarter up from 1.1 a year ago this time.Apple shipped 2.6 million computers (21% increase from a year ago). Net income was $1.14 billion.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/2008/10/apple_shines_yahoo_slumps.html

"MacBook Pro Battery Woes


By Christopher Breen mailto:mac911@macworld.com

Mac 911 Tip of the Week

Another year, another iPhone.

Reader Bill Grant has a problem with power, specifically the battery
in his MacBook Pro. He writes: "Recently, my MacBook Pro has been
behaving strangely. I charge the battery over night, yet the battery
menu constantly flickers between estimating a fully-charged state and
telling me that the battery isn't charging. When running from battery
power, I see a readout of about half full and then the computer shuts
off abruptly. Any idea what's going on?"

It's quite likely you have a bad battery. From the Apple menu, choose
About This Mac and then click the More Info button in the resulting
window. When System Profiler appears, select the Power entry and
eyeball the Health Information entry. If, under Condition, it says
"Check Battery," that battery is probably on the fritz.

Fortunately, these batteries are under an extended replacement program
as they're defective. Apple has issued a document that outlines
symptoms a defective battery might exhibit as well as a link to a
software update that can fix some battery issues.
http://www.apple.com/support/macbook_macbookpro/batteryupdate/

If the software fix doesn't work, you should follow the document's
advice and contact Apple about having the battery replaced. And, as
always, check out the Mac 911 blog for weekly doses of troubleshooting
advice.
http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/mac911.html?lsrc=mwweek "

iHear and trying out Noise canceling headphones

iHear and trying out Noise canceling headphones
by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS (dreric1kansas@aol.com)
Staff Writer at macCompanion Magazine (http://www.maccompanion.com/)

I like my Koss (non canceling ) headphones. But I was interested in some more fidelity and obtaining some audio canceling power to use on jets (to cut the noise). Also I wanted to musically ehance my music while playing my collection on my Imac and iTunes.

I have seen the commercials and the ads about the Bose Quiet Comfort 3 ones. I figured because they never say the price and do installments, well its pricey and out of my budget for headphones. I was right they are over $300. Hey I would like to use the money for an iPhone someday. But I was still looking for canceling power and quality at a budget price.

I have lost some of my hearing (high end) and wear hearing aids when teaching, social stuff etc. My hearing is not that far enough (well talk to my wife though). I wanted to hear more fidelity, use the phones when traveling on jets and possibly cutting down some of the noise, playing my music in more sound ambient environment.

I am pretty good at goggling and found some links. I found some instantly at CNET.
http://reviews.cnet.com/4370-7877_7-229-104.html

They had pricey ones from $100 to the Bose.

I found this page had
Logitech Noise Canceling Headphones.

http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/logitech-noise-canceling-headphones/4505-7877_7-31797806.html?tag=txt

But how could the price vary so much ($39.97 - $183.95)? But this would not do as I read “The bad: The Logitech Noise Canceling Headphones can be uncomfortable after an hour or so of use; the noise-canceling feature noticeably processes music, though not necessarily in a bad way (depending on your taste). “

I wanted something comfortable around or on the ear. Next please!

Consumer search had some interesting stuff. There were pricey ones and this one caught my eye.

Best value, full-size headphones.
“The Grado SR60 score points in reviews where it counts – sound quality, including bass reproduction. The Grado SR60 headphones have a huge following among music lovers, who say they're great companions to an iPod. “

But they “leak” sound. I won’t use them as I don’t (gasp) have an iPod. I listen to other things and look at then went I work out at the gym at the JCC. But they leak noise so no. Next.

On the PC mag link, I found some interesting facts and information written by Tim Gideon, the Lead Audio and Video Analyst for PC Magazine.
http://www.pcmag.com/author_bio/0,1908,a=3895,00.asp

I liked the very personable style of his writing and information that I wanted to “hear”. Unlike my musically inclined children (my son is Junior Percussion major at Juliard in NYC and my daughter works for music record and sound industry in NYC too) I never have played an instrument (hey I can play Batman on the piano and cool jerk).

I do like listening to my music (I love Moody Blues finding new music and working with garageband and etc for my videos.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2120964,00.asp

I wanted to know how canceling helps not just plugging the ears (earbuds) which has and does got concern. He noted
“ Noise cancellation ... is achieved actively, using circuitry that monitors surrounding ambient sound and produces an inverse wave, to cancel it out. “

Well he uses the Bose which is out of my price range. But what else did he list? I was getting closer when I read that he liked the more affordable (cheaper).

Recommended were the JVC HA-NC80-J/-C alternative and the
Sony MDR-NC22

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2113467,00.asp

But these use earbuds and there are other inconveniences. These two models however are less impressive in the cancellation department (but still good) but have more bass than you'd expect for $100. Not bad but I don’t want earbuds. But I was closer possibly then I thought. I was interested if there was a Sony version that I saw at Radio Shack.

I was a little surprised there was this Sony model at Radio Shack.
http://www.winbuyer.com/cat-418/keyword-Sony%20mdr-nc6/init-1/D-10122007/C-Type1_1/pid-22714717/?c=8100418&gclid=CNGu4N7AwpACFQqiQQod81mXPQ

I’ve bought material from Radio Shack to buy stuff to make my robots, thermistors for chemical and electrical experiments and more for years. You could pay less at Overstock but I wanted to try them now. The other local chains may have them but they had them at my local radio Shack for about $50 (most have this price). It was rated from 3/5 to 5/5 so I thought I would try them.

First I tried them in the store. ( I recommend doing this). They were not earbuds but a thick pad fitted on to my ears (no around). While I was really look for an around the ear like my Koss, this sounded very good and felt very comfortable.

At home, I inserted the A battery into the little compartment on one side of the head gear part. I turned on my my Imac and loaded my iTunes. I was pleased with the fidelity and could hear more of the sounds. Some of the TV downstairs was blocked out to a greater extent. Maybe I felt more immersed. The base part was great and I felt more surrounded by my music.

I decided to write about my experience for you all. Let me know what you think about your headphones and whether you use head canceling phones (this model or others).

Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS(dreric1kansas@aol.com): DrEric1MacNews/Macsightings Blog : http://dreric1macnewsmacsightings.blogspot.com/ : editor MacsU.N.I.T.E. ( MacIntosh Users Network for Integrating Technology into Education):(Subscribe send email to :macsunitsubscribe@egroups.com)
Staff Writer at macCompanion Magazine (http://www.maccompanion.com/); moderator
macintoshvideo@yahoogroups.com- to subscribe
macintoshvideo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com; editor TechU.N.I.T.E. (Subscribe send email to PC version TechU.N.I.T.E.: to subscribe send email to techunite-subscribe@egroups.com

These are a good tips , ideas and thoughts about video

These are a good tips , ideas and thoughts about video
Macworld Video: 10 tips to be thankful for

By Rob Griffiths Macworld Video: 10 tips to be thankful for

By Rob Griffiths
http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/mwvodcast/

Top 10 terrible tech products

Top 10 terrible tech products
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9821071-1.html?tag=nl.e729

includes the Tamagotchi (1996) - Yeah I remember that one

I was hoping to NOT find an Apple product but alas there was "Apple Puck Mouse."
I also hated the "Apple Puck Mouse" that I used in some schools. However the puck was the first mouse to use USB standard as method of connectivity.
http://crave.cnet.co.uk/gadgets/0,39029552,49293700-6,00.htm

But #10 and sneaking in there was drum roll please...... VISTA.
Hurray -Microsoft was not immune and had a scathing rebuke of Windows Vista

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/gadgets/0,39029552,49293700-10,00.htm

"Any operating system that provokes a campaign for its predecessor's reintroduction deserves to be classed as terrible technology." It was noted for being an operating system that has a downgrade-to- previous-edition option introduced for PC makers deserves to be classed as terrible technology. Took six years of development was instantly hated by hordes of PC professionals and enthusiasts deserves to be classed as terrible technology.
Windows Vista conforms to all of the above. Its incompatibility with hardware, its obsessive requirement of human interaction to clear security dialogue box warnings and its abusive use of hated DRM, not to mention its general pointlessness as an upgrade, are just some examples of why this expensive operating system earns the final place (#10)in our terrible tech list. "

But will it make any difference? Most will still supportt Microsoft and buy it

MacBook for Dummies review

MacBook for Dummies


reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS: (dreric1kansas@aol.com)

Author: Mark L. Chamber
website:
Publisher: Wiley
Released: 2006
Pages: 366
$ USA 22
Canada 26
UK 15
ISBN: 0-470-04859-X
Strengths: The book includes a very introduction. Good screenshots and illustrations including the pointers to specific areas within the illustrations. Five icons help pinpoint helpful information along the way. Chapter 23 “ Top Ten Things to Avoid like the Plague “ is quite good as well as Chapter 22 “ Top Ten Laptop Rules to Follow (which is insightful and well written). Good price, well written and readable.
Weaknesses: Chapters like the ones with iDVD and Imovie have minimal amounts of information. Really these and some of the sections just have the basics. To know and learn more, books that detail more information regarding specific applications should be found besides these basics. the iLife applications, you might want to turn elsewhere. Users who read about “movies,” “projects.” “video clips,” may find the information in this book not well defined, especially concerning when and how the media can be imported, exported and utilized

Novice/Intermediate

Rating: 4.5/5

There are several books on the market dealing with MacBook. Several include not only information about MacBook but MacBook Pro. This is one includes both. I wanted to see what the author had to offer in this MacDummies series related to these laptops. I found the author of this book has previously published the Mac OSX All-In-One desk Reference for Dummies and completed thirty computer books. My wife related bought a MacBook so I decided to research this book to see what it could tell me.
The book covers 366 pages and spans 23 chapters with seven part/ sections. The first part of the book includes a very nice introduction that gives the reader a nice prelude to learning about the laptops but more . As the author says, “ he started with no assumption “ regarding knowledge of the laptop. The book starts “from the ground up” and launches into some interesting ideas that relate to more then the “hardware.” It is nice that in this beginning section, the author pinpoints information about “switchers,” those computer users who are moving into the Macintosh realm from the PC/windows usage (particularly targeting Windows XP users). He also nicely mentions that if you are new to Macintosh and the Apple world, most of the software is in the computer and does not have to be purchased. This is a great tip that probably many PC people still don’t know about even though many Apple users already are mindful about.
While many of the Dummies books vary in their versatility , breadth and depth of the instructional content, this one is solid. While the illustrations are only black and white, the screen shots are readable. Several include pointers to various sections within the illustrations that zone in on the information talked about. This takes away the annoying quess work that I have found in some books that I have read in which “hunting” within the illustrations was a regular and recurring point. There are also five icons that are placed throughout the pages. These (Tip; mark’s Maxim; Technical stuff; Warning!; Remember) serve to include precise additional information that assists along the way regarding the instructions.
The Part 1 includes information pertaining to Mac laptops, turning on and starting with the system and computer. Part focus in on the OSX and operating system while Part 3 launches into the world of connecting and communicating. Part 4 focuses on the iLife applications ( introductory instruction and while the text takes you through each application starting up and using, if you want more in-depth information other books will be needed). Part 5 is sharing access and information while Part 6 deals with important troubleshooting, upgrading information and maintaining your laptop.
Part 7 is called the Parts of Tens. This includes Chapter 22 “ Top Ten Laptop Rules to Follow (insightful and well written) and Chapter 23 “ Top Ten Things to Avoid like the Plague “ (useful for many reasons in your encounter with the internet, applications, hardware and more).
All in all I liked the book and what it had “to say.” Novice and intermediate laptop users might like it not only for its good price but also the information it provides. Readable and you gain insights throughout the book. But especially if you already have a Macbook or Pro and have worked with it and want more information (concerning the iLife applications), you might want to turn elsewhere. Users who read about “movies,” “projects.” “video clips,” may find the information not well defined, especially concerning when and how the media can be imported, exported and utilized.

MacBook for Dummies REVIEW

All in all I liked the book and what it had “to say.” Novice and intermediate laptop users might like it not only for its good price but also the information it provides.

MacBook for Dummies


reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS: (dreric1kansas@aol.com)

Author: Mark L. Chamber
website:
Publisher: Wiley
Released: 2006
Pages: 366
$ USA 22
Canada 26
UK 15
ISBN: 0-470-04859-X
Strengths: The book includes a very introduction. Good screenshots and illustrations including the pointers to specific areas within the illustrations. Five icons help pinpoint helpful information along the way. Chapter 23 “ Top Ten Things to Avoid like the Plague “ is quite good as well as Chapter 22 “ Top Ten Laptop Rules to Follow (which is insightful and well written). Good price, well written and readable.
Weaknesses: Chapters like the ones with iDVD and Imovie have minimal amounts of information. Really these and some of the sections just have the basics. To know and learn more, books that detail more information regarding specific applications should be found besides these basics. the iLife applications, you might want to turn elsewhere. Users who read about “movies,” “projects.” “video clips,” may find the information in this book not well defined, especially concerning when and how the media can be imported, exported and utilized

Novice/Intermediate

Rating: 4.5/5

There are several books on the market dealing with MacBook. Several include not only information about MacBook but MacBook Pro. This is one includes both. I wanted to see what the author had to offer in this MacDummies series related to these laptops. I found the author of this book has previously published the Mac OSX All-In-One desk Reference for Dummies and completed thirty computer books. My wife related bought a MacBook so I decided to research this book to see what it could tell me.
The book covers 366 pages and spans 23 chapters with seven part/ sections. The first part of the book includes a very nice introduction that gives the reader a nice prelude to learning about the laptops but more . As the author says, “ he started with no assumption “ regarding knowledge of the laptop. The book starts “from the ground up” and launches into some interesting ideas that relate to more then the “hardware.” It is nice that in this beginning section, the author pinpoints information about “switchers,” those computer users who are moving into the Macintosh realm from the PC/windows usage (particularly targeting Windows XP users). He also nicely mentions that if you are new to Macintosh and the Apple world, most of the software is in the computer and does not have to be purchased. This is a great tip that probably many PC people still don’t know about even though many Apple users already are mindful about.
While many of the Dummies books vary in their versatility , breadth and depth of the instructional content, this one is solid. While the illustrations are only black and white, the screen shots are readable. Several include pointers to various sections within the illustrations that zone in on the information talked about. This takes away the annoying quess work that I have found in some books that I have read in which “hunting” within the illustrations was a regular and recurring point. There are also five icons that are placed throughout the pages. These (Tip; mark’s Maxim; Technical stuff; Warning!; Remember) serve to include precise additional information that assists along the way regarding the instructions.
The Part 1 includes information pertaining to Mac laptops, turning on and starting with the system and computer. Part focus in on the OSX and operating system while Part 3 launches into the world of connecting and communicating. Part 4 focuses on the iLife applications ( introductory instruction and while the text takes you through each application starting up and using, if you want more in-depth information other books will be needed). Part 5 is sharing access and information while Part 6 deals with important troubleshooting, upgrading information and maintaining your laptop.
Part 7 is called the Parts of Tens. This includes Chapter 22 “ Top Ten Laptop Rules to Follow (insightful and well written) and Chapter 23 “ Top Ten Things to Avoid like the Plague “ (useful for many reasons in your encounter with the internet, applications, hardware and more).
All in all I liked the book and what it had “to say.” Novice and intermediate laptop users might like it not only for its good price but also the information it provides. Readable and you gain insights throughout the book. But especially if you already have a Macbook or Pro and have worked with it and want more information (concerning the iLife applications), you might want to turn elsewhere. Users who read about “movies,” “projects.” “video clips,” may find the information not well defined, especially concerning when and how the media can be imported, exported and utilized.

Expensive music

Expensive music
Woman Owes $220,000 for Sharing Files
Posted: 2007-10-05 11:41:19
DULUTH, Minn. (Oct. 4) - The recording industry won a key fight Thursday against illegal music downloading when a federal jury found a Minnesota woman liable for damages for sharing copyrighted music online.
http://money.aol.com/news/articles/ar/_a/woman-owes-220000-for-sharing-files/20071004195309990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001

Microsoft Suffers Stunning Antitrust Blow

The money penalty is still a dr0p in the bucket but this ruling says much more what is really at the heart: the software which is the main focus and is anti trust worthy
Microsoft Suffers Stunning Antitrust Blow

By David Lawsky and Michele Sinner,
AP
Posted: 2007-09-17 09:20:36
BRUSSELS, Belgium (Sept. 17) - A European Union court rejected Microsoft Corp.'s appeal of a landmark antitrust ruling and record $613 million fine on Monday, a resounding victory for the EU that confirms its role as a major global regulator.
http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/microsoft-suffers-stunning-antitrust/20070917064609990001

MacPro article :good, bad and ugly (hardware)

MacPro article :good, bad and ugly (hardware)

http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,135062/article.html

Mideast macsighting!

I saw this on the internet someplace. Mideast macsighting!

apple keeps up the good work

Apple’s earning are doing really well as of late based on sales of Macs and iPods.

Apple’s earning are doing really well as of late based on sales of Macs and iPods.
Sounds good to us
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20070426/tc_usatoday/strongsalesofmacsipodshaveappledancing

switched from pc to mac

This school system switched to Mac. Must know something other school districts don't?
switched from pc to mac
http://www.apple.com/education/profiles/cambridge/



Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS(dreric1kansas@aol.com): DrEric1MacNews/Macsightings Blog : http://dreric1macnewsmacsightings.blogspot.com/

If when or how ? Microsoft can beat iTunes

How Microsoft can beat iTunes
By David Carnoy
Executive editor, CNET Reviews
(April 2, 2007)

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6722226-1.html?tag=nl.e729#talkback

John Hodgemen of the Apple ad fame NPR 4/7/2007

John Hodgman of the Apple ad fame was on NPR radio 4/7/2007. I just happened to catch him. He talked about he got the gig. He also said that when he happened to go into the SOHO Apple store, he was immediately mobbed as the girl at the counter jumped up and down. The Apple people then started to play his Apple commercials all over the store.
what a hoot!!

www.slate.com/id/2143810/

Microsoft still 'abusive,' says Europe gee I did not think this would happen yeah right why am I not surprised?

Microsoft still 'abusive,' says Europe gee I did not think this would happen yeah right why am I not surprised? What is the matter with those Europeans.
Do they think a couple Billion dollars in fine will solve what they perceive as a problem? Microsoft could care less and you know whose fault it is - pc users
Top antitrust official tells European Parliament that software giant is still illegally abusing Windows dominance to gain market share.
03/22/07 09:44 AM, EDT
The European Union's top antitrust official, Neelie Kroes, told the European Parliament on Thursday that software giant Microsoft continued to gain market share through abusive behavior.
FULL STORY
http://money.cnn.com/2007/03/22/news/international/bc.microsoft.eu.kroes.reut/index.htm?section=money_email_alerts

Apple, Cisco, Ready for an iPhone Truce?

Interesting how a "name of a product"makes all the fuss. Why didn't Apple secure the copyright to the name a long time ago?

Apple, Cisco, Ready for an iPhone Truce?

By MAY WONG
AP
SAN JOSE, California (Feb. 1) - Apple Inc. and Cisco Systems Inc. are apparently suspending their court battle over the iPhone to return to the negotiations table.

Although Cisco's lawsuit against Apple remains pending, the two companies have agreed to extend the time Apple has to respond so the parties can discuss trademark rights and interoperability, the companies said late Wednesday. The aim is to reach an agreement on the matter, they said.

more at
http://money.aol.com/news/articles/iphone/_a/apple-cisco-ready-for-an-iphone-truce/20070202062309990001

also more at

Apple and Cisco may be playing nice with 'iPhone' lawsuit

Posted Feb 2nd 2007 9:40AM by Brian White

also
http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/02/02/apple-and-cisco-may-be-playing-nice-with-iphone-lawsuit/


Filed under: Products and services, Launches, Competitive strategy, Apple Inc (AAPL), Cisco Systems (CSCO)

The best paid CEOs Steve Jobs #2http://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

The best paid CEOs Jobs is #2

Study: Heads of PeopleSoft, Apple Computer and MBNA are the best-compensated corporate leaders.

Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple Computer, was No. 2 behind Conway, according to the Equilar analysis. Jobs got a compensation package worth $76.8 million comprised of a $1 salary, a $2.3 million bonus and $74.5 million in restricted stock. Jobs received no options to buy shares of Apple, which fell 34 percent last year.
Apple, which did not make significant job cuts last year, declined to comment on Jobs' pay package.

But unlike some of the others, his salary is $1, no significant pay cuts have occurred
http://money.cnn.com/2003/05/09/news/ceo_comp/index.htm