Apple Grrl

If you are one of the many who are not at Apple’s famous WWDC conference right now, don’t worry. There are plenty of sources for up to the minute WWDC information you can rely on.

Gizmodo is running a WWDC live blog during the conference, which you can see at the Gizmodo website.

Engadget is running a WWDC live blog during the conference, which you can see at the Endgadget website.

See the complete list of WWDC live bloggers from Michael Yurechko.

iPhone Alley is offering a live audio stream.

Did I forget a site with a stream, blog or video feed? Let us know in the comments.

Happy Anniversary Apple II !

My favorite article about this was by far this one by Parade. 30 years… how time flies.

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THE LOGO DESIGN CONTEST!

[tags]apple II, apple IIe, apple 30 year anniversary[/tags]

Today marked the much anticipated release of the updated MacBook Pro line from Apple. (Press Release)

CUPERTINO, California—June 5, 2007—Apple® today updated its MacBook® Pro line of notebooks with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, memory up to 4GB, and high-speed graphics in a stunning, lightweight, aluminum enclosure that is just one-inch thin. The new MacBook Pro is available in 15-inch models with a new mercury-free, power-efficient LED-backlit display and a 17-inch model with an optional high-resolution display. All models include a built-in iSight® video camera for video conferencing on-the-go, Apple’s MagSafe® Power Adapter that safely disconnects when under strain, and built-in 802.11n wireless networking for up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g.*

(more…)

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THE MOD YOUR MAC CONTEST!!! LAST CHANCE!!Finally! The videos are starting to be posted online for the vicarious enjoyment of all of us who were not at All Things D to see Jobs and Gates on stage together. Enjoy (shown after the break)! (more…)

Macworld has live coverage on their site from the historic dual stage presentation of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. You can read the coverage on their site by clicking here. Some highlights:

“We made this bet that this paradigm shift would happen, to graphical interfaces, and that the Mac would be the one to do it,” said Gates. “The big bet wasn’t Mac versus Windows, it was character-mode versus graphics interface.”

(more…)

We have now received the first entries in the Mod Your Mac contest! They look lovely! Keep them coming in people!

Original contest post here.

Questions Post here.

Reminder post here.

My MacBook mod here.

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER! DEADLINE MAY 31, 2007.

[tags]mod your mac contest, apple contest, win ipod speakers, win itunes gift card, apple mod contest, apple reporter contest, mac contest[/tags]

Who has the industry clout to bring Steve Jobs and Bill Gates together for an appearance on stage in what is an industry first? The Wall Street Journal, apparently. Their columnist, Walt Mossberg, has achieved the impossible: bringing Jobs and Gates together on stage at the Wall Street Journal’s D5: All Things Digital conference. What I would give to be in attendance there!

This is an historic moment in the technoverse. Two industry titans, normally at odds, playing nice for a day? Unheard of.

The tech titans from Apple Inc. and Microsoft Corp. didn’t even appear together when they announced a partnership that helped Jobs save Apple at Macworld in Boston 10 years ago. (Gates teleconferenced in remotely, appearing on a screen looming over Jobs.) It could be the first time they’ve been together in such a setting since Jobs famously interviewed Gates as a possible suitor for Apple’s new computer in an onstage version of the “Macintosh Dating Game” back in 1984.

So when is the big day? Wednesday at D5 is when computer junkies everywhere will get this rare treat. And what will be the big topic for the day? That is a hotly contested secret. Chic geeks everywhere are hoping for a true dialog on operating systems, the future of computing, the possibilty of bridging the Microsoft / Apple gap, future plans for each company, and so much more. Whether or not they delve that deeply into their 20+ year rivalry and look that closely at their respective futures remains to be seen.

I’ll update this post with links to transcripts and video of the historic meeting when they start appearing online after Wednesday’s momentous occasion.

Source Slashdot | Gates and Jobs to Share A Stage

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THE MOD YOUR MAC CONTEST! CLICK HERE!

[tags]D5 All Things Digital, The D, Wall Street Journal, Walt Mossberg, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Jobs and Gates, Conference[/tags]

This is a little snack I found on Digg’s RSS feed for your Sunday viewing pleasure, from Google:

A timeline view of the history of Apple.

Enjoy!

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THE MOD YOUR MAC CONTEST!

[tags]timeline, history of apple computer[/tags]

Please take this Twiigs poll regarding the Endgadget / Apple fiasco from earlier this week. Get some preliminary background first by reading these:

The original breaking news on MacWorld is here.

Follow stories are here and here.

The Poll (Courtesy of Twiigs Poll Creator):

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THE MOD YOUR MAC CONTEST!!

[tags]Poll, Apple Stock, Endgadget[/tags]

I don’t focus on the Apple “breaking rumors” style of blogging. I get emails about it, asking me why not. A large part of the reason is that a ton of other bloggers, like Think Secret and MacRumors, do focus on it. They not only focus on it, they have been focusing on it for years. They are good at it. It’s their niche. (more…)

Yes, you read that correctly. Ticketmaster and iTunes are teaming up to give away free music all summer long. Here’s how it works:

Go to Ticketmaster and purchase concert tickets for any summer concert between Memorial Day and Labor Day. You get a free song from iTunes for every ticket you purchase. Also, every person who buys a concert ticket this summer, no matter when they purchase it, will get a 10 song downloadable music sampler showcasing songs form ten artists, for free! That’s a double whammy of free song goodness.

Free music – concert tickets you were going to buy anyway – how can you go wrong? Go! Check it out!

Author: Leslie Poston, © 2007, All Rights Reserved

In a move too good not to share with Apple Reporter readers, SlashDot reports that Steve Jobs personally resolved a customer complaint recently. The customer had a serious issue with his MacBook, which he was unable to get resolved through normal channels – unusual for Apple. When he let Steve Jobs know about the complaint in an angry email, Jobs had the problem handled in 24 hours. Pretty impressive, and only one more reason to love Apple customer service – it obviously trickles down from the highest reaches of the company. Way to go Apple!

Read the full story from the Slashdotter himself in his journal. You can read the SlashDot feed that brought the story to my attention here.

Author: Leslie Poston, © 2007, All Rights Reserved

Recently we posted about Greenpeace ranking Apple low on the environmentally friendly “green company” scale. Above all else, Apple prides itself on having its finger on the pulse of what its customers want and need and immediately taking care of any customer service issue. True to form, Jobs himself has responded to Greenpeace regarding Apple’s environmental practices. You have to love a company who works so hard to make it’s loyal fans happy. You can read his full letter, A Greener Apple, here.

Apple laid out plans to eliminate certain chemicals, such as arsenic, immediately. It also outlined plans to phase out the current screens and go to LCD backlit screens that are more environmentally friendly, though that move will take years to complete. All in all Jobs’ letter addressed a number of the Greenpeace concerns in what I consider a satisfactory manner.

Some points from the letter:

Apple plans to completely eliminate the use of arsenic in all of its displays by the end of 2008.

Apple plans to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of mercury by transitioning to LED backlighting for all displays when technically and economically feasible.

Apple plans to completely eliminate the use of PVC and BFRs in its products by the end of 2008.

Apple started recycling in 1994 and today we operate recycling programs in countries where more than 82% of all Macs and iPods are sold. By the end of this year, that figure will increase to 93%.

All the e-waste we collect in North America is processed in the U.S., and nothing is shipped overseas for disposal.

I’m pleased to see Apple working so hard to be a green company, and glad Jobs addressed the issue so quickly.

Author: Leslie Poston, © 2007, All Rights Reserved

Apple has become known for its shopping experience in its Apple Stores. They offer a sleek look, plenty of knowledgeable staff, enhanced product demonstrations, classes on using your new Mac products, Genius Bars and an all around complete shopping experience. The next Apple innovation is personal shopping for its customers.

How it works: You can book a reservation up to two weeks in advance at your nearest Apple Store for the new free service. This will get you one on one shopping time, face to face with a knowledgeable Apple employee of your very own. The employee will come armed with information based on your initial appointment set up question answers. They will walk you through test drives on any product, geared to your needs. It’s a chance for Apple to really shine by increasing their already high level of service at the buying level.

You can find out more about the personal shopping experience available at your nearest Apple Store here.

Author: Leslie Poston, © 2007, All Rights Reserved

This is not really an Apple exclusive, but I thought it was just too cool not to share with my readers. Skype, creators of internet phone calls combined with instant messages and conference calls, have teamed up with Intel to give your mom a present this year. On Mother’s Day, all call via Skype to any regular land line or computer will be free.

That’s right, I said free. Of course, there are a few catches – the outgoing call has to be US or Canada based, and the promotion is geared toward international moms. Even so, it’s a great way to make sure mom gets a call on her special day.

to read more about the promotion, go here.

Author: Leslie Poston, © 2007, All Rights Reserved

After striking such a successful and well-received deal with EMI for DRM-free music, Apple plans to continue its successful bid against DRM by meeting with the remaining three major record labels. As expected, Sony BMG, Universal and Warner are all upset at the “unfair” deal struck by EMI and Apple. The deal between EMI and Apple embraces the future of digital music delivery, and has little to no resemblance to the bloated cash cow the music industry has been used to. The other three record labels are upset EMI didn’t try for a bigger piece of the music pie, and of Apple’s pie.

“EMI struck a deal that puts all of us at a disadvantage,” said an anonymous music executive. EMI defends its position, saying that consumers were frustrated with DRM protection. “We believe removing it will boost digital music overall,” an EMI spokeswoman said.

It is said that the three remaining major labels will try in typical greedy fashion to push for a share of iPod sales and restrictions on iTunes, among other things. I still hold firm that refusal to let go of old industry standards will continue to hamper the music industry. It is my hope that Apple will stand firm against the price gouging and greed that these companies view as their birthright and force them to change with the times by not giving them the extra money and needless restrictions they seek.

You can read the full article here.

Author: Leslie Poston, © 2007, All Rights Reserved

In June 2006, a story blipped on the Apple radar screen about “irregularities” in their stock option trading between 1997 and 2001. Mac loyalists immediately decried the accusations as false, especially considering the Apple and Steve Jobs reported the irregularities to the Securities and Exchange Commission themselves. Not only that, the stock options did not benefit Jobs or anyone else – they were cancelled in 2003 and never cashed in.

Today it was revealed by The Mercury News (free registration required for viewing) that charges against Jobs remain unlikely, as evidence points to no intentional wrongdoing on his part or on the part of the company. From the article:

An internal investigation released in December found no evidence of wrongdoing by Jobs, but that did not remove the cloud of suspicion over the company’s powerful CEO. The Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Francisco have continued to look into the matter, including interviewing Jobs – and signs point to the SEC soon finishing its investigation.

Pointing to Jobs’ innocence:

If Jobs avoids criminal charges for the 2001 grant – easily the most explosive revelation in Apple’s backdating report – he may avoid criminal charges entirely.

He has a considerable defense against any charges for his role in Apple’s backdating because there is little, if any, evidence he knew of its accounting implications.

An internal audit also found no wrongdoing by Jobs at Pixar, where similar evidence has turned up general backdating of options on his watch as CEO there.

If you want to register at The Mercury News and get the full story, including a nice summary of events over the years, click here.

Author: Leslie Poston, © 2007, All Rights Reserved

By now half the planet has heard or read the Greenpeace article on Apple and how it is not considered a Green (environmentally friendly) company. Greenpeace ranked 14 electronics manufacturers for “greenness” and Apple came in last. I can’t say I’m too concerned as an Apple customer. Greenpeace as an organization started slipping in credibility with me a while back when their Sea Shepherd arm was in a brouhaha off the coast of Japan, among other things. I think they have nice ideals, but perhaps have allowed themselves to slip behind the times. But I digress… apparently I am not the only one who takes Greenpeace with a grain of salt:

An Apple spokeswoman said the company rejects Greenpeace’s ranking system and that its products are among the “greenest” on the market, pointing to more technical ratings used by the Green Electronics Council. “We disagree with Greenpeace’s rating and the criteria they chose,” Apple spokeswoman Sheryl Seitz said, reading a prepared statement. “Apple has a strong environmental track record and has led the industry in restricting and banning toxic substances such as mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium, as well as many BFRs (brominated flame retardants).”

Apple mentioned gong by the standards of the Green electronics Council, which ranked them slightly higher than Lenovo, the company Greenpeace ranked first this year.

The Green Electronics Council, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, runs a web site that allows buyers to judge products on a score comprised of 23 different categories established by the IEE, including the materials used, energy conservation and packaging. Apple scored generally better than Lenovo and Dell.

In short, the Greenpeace study was incomplete, leaving out a variety of chemicals Apple eschews and failing to credit their production of wastes and packaging techniques, among other things that make Apple rank better than Greenpeace’s “last” on a green list for electronics companies. all that aside, how did Apple end up in environmental news yet again? They have been tapped for a fine in the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District that totals nearly $44,000 USD.

What’s the fine for? Air pollution, taken from an April 2006 permit violation. The fine is a settlement that has been reached between Apple and Sacramento Metropolitan. So what did Apple do that was so heinous? They operated an emergency generator for a few days in April 2006 during a non-emergency. It was a permit violation. Because of the Greenpeace list, it made the news.

So what’s your opinion? Is Apple green enough? I say yes.

Author: Leslie Poston, © 2007, All Rights Reserved

The first iPod virus has been created. It was created by a Russian computer security firm as proof of the concept that a virus could be created for the iPod as a stand-alone device, as opposed to a virus create for a Pc and transferable to an iPod. This is big news from the firm, Kaspersky Lab, as it means the virus world could encroach more on Macs. At the moment this is the only known iPod-direct virus. Why it may pose a threat to the actual Mac user, as opposed to just the PC user, is because of the portability of the iPod – plug it in and it syncs to your computer, potentially transferring this virus along with the music.

What should Mac owners with iPods do? At some point, with the world of Windoze growing ever intwined with the world of Macs courtesy of the integration of iTunes, BootCamp, Parallells, Windows and more into Mac systems, I’d recommend getting a virus protection program now, while the news is still young, and updating it regularly to get in the habit. Macs will still never be as vulnerable to viruses because of its closed system, but its better to be prepared. You can get protection through a paid service like Norton or by download a free virus protection software like I use: Clam XAV. Hopefully someone will provide a solution for the iPod as well in the near future.

Author: Leslie Poston, © 2007, All Rights Reserved

From Endgadget:

An HP version of the iPod saved soldier Kevin Garrad of the 3rd Infantry Division today. When a bullet was fired at him from close range it slowed it enough to prevent it from piercing his government issued body armor.

Read more about the odd hPods here.

Author: Leslie Poston, © 2007, All Rights Reserved