MacBook Pros

Apple’s smallest laptop, the MacBook, has been completely redesigned for 2009 and offers a lot of nifty features. Apple has taken the durable, sleek and dependable unibody construction from the larger MacBook Pro. While this has the effect of making the battery unremoveable and thus not easily exchangeable it gives the laptop a more compact look. The computer has rounded edges and fewer seams than the previous model. Many people think it makes it look like a mashed down marshmallow. I can see that I guess. Apple used aluminum sheeting to cover the outer casing of the computer and more internal supports so it’s durable while maintaining a low weight. The bottom of the MacBook is rubber, which keeps it from sliding around when you’re typing and it’s sitting on a slippery surface. This rubber bottom also keeps the heat of the computer’s innards off your thighs.

The MacBook is just as powerful as the 13-inch version of the Pro. It comes equipped with 2.26 GHz Core 2 Duo. With a 3 MB cache, 1066 MHz front side bus and a 2 GB default RAM you are looking at smooth sailing. You get a 250GB hard drive with it as well. As long as you’re not doing serious data storage this is great, especially for being on such a small computer. The built in battery will last you about 7 hours of normal use and a little less if you’re watching movies or doing a lot of Wi-Fi connected work. The LED backlit display not only increases resolution compared to previous models but also increases viewing angles. If you’re looking for a powerful laptop with a killer display then the MacBook is for you.

The new MacBook’s trackpad is now just like the Pro’s. It has been upgraded to the glass multitouch version. This allows for better control over the cursor and is a nice upgrade from the previous version. Other small but nice changes include a circular iSight, updated on-key shortcuts and a 60w power adaptor.

The MacBook comes in at $999. Of course you can buy a smaller PC net book or laptop for cheaper. However, once you factor in the cost of added software needed to safe guard against viruses, the cost of fixing or replacing damaged parts and the longevity the MacBook is the better deal. You can buy a Saturn for cheaper than a Toyota but in the long run you’re going to get more for your money from the latter. Computers are no different; you pay what you get for.

Just so it doesn’t look like I’m totally biased the MacBook does have some setbacks. The battery deal is a bit of a bummer but it’s not a deal breaker. It will last you as longer since you can’t replace it. The polycarbonate material the shell is made out shows scratches also. So if you expect that pristine look to stay and you’re the type that will go slowly insane over these scratches you might want to think about a different laptop.

All in all the new MacBook is very close in specs and abilities to the 13-inch MacBook Pro but for $200 less. This tells me the Pro series is going to be getting a serious make over soon but if you’re looking for a great small laptop then the new MacBook should be on your radar.

Photo Credits: benjamin-nagel

Originally posted 2009-12-21 03:28:20.

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Pandora iPhone App Screenshot

Whether you’re looking to track your finances, plan a trip, find something to eat or listen to some tunes Apple has you covered when it comes to apps.  Since its set up to deliver music the iPhone is great when it comes to tune related apps.  It’s no wonder they are some of the most popular amongst the tens of thousands out there.

Using my extensive expertise and devoting weeks of my existence to the task, I have complied what me, people around me and the iPhone community in general think are the best music related apps out there.  They are in no particular order and there is no accounting for taste.  I make no guarantees and offer no assurances.  If you don’t like it you can leave a comment telling me how stupid I am but I have a blog and you don’t so you’re going read every damn word I have written about it!

1. Pandora: Pandora is a website that learns from your musical likes and dislikes and streams music it thinks you will dig right to your desktop.  You can organize music into channels and vote on new songs they throw your way to help refine their future selections.  Most of the time it’s dead on; except for that time it try to add Luther Vandross to my Foo Fighters channel.  Seriously, Pandora? But I digress; Pandora’s app is a must have for the music lover as you can stream music wherever you go.  Even on the Edge network it’s pretty responsive.  Now you can waste time away from work listening t music also.
2. Cleartune: I have zero, let me repeat that with emphasis zero, musical talent.  For those that do and need to tune their guitars, woodwinds, brass or string instruments Cleartune allows you to knock out some notes and see what you need to do to get that music maker in tune.  Pretty cool app if you’re into that kind of stuff; I’m not.
3. Voice Memo: I downloaded Voice Memo to, wait for it, record voice memos but I guess people use it to record themselves singing.  Please see the above and note that I would never punish myself or the world by recording me singing but I can see how people would like this.  You can also email or share your creations over MMS.  Next stop, American Idol.
4. Shazam: This was the first app my wife downloaded and she loves it.  Shazam lets you hold your iPhone up to any music source and the app will identify the music.  In a classic capitalistic move you will also be given the chance to buy that song from iTunes but this app is extremely helpful.  Sometimes not knowing what the song is called or who it is by drives you up the wall.  If you’re stuck in the middle of a radio block the DJ might not mention it.  I’ve had days of flirting with lunacy because I could not figure a song out.  Shazam is a life saver and something fun to play with.
5. Ocarina: You might be shocked by this, but I spent a lot time playing Zelda when I was younger.  I know, I know I just don’t fit the bill right?  Well my favorite version of the Zelda saga was “Ocarina of Time.”  Our elf hero, Link, had to play different songs on his Ocarina, a flute like instrument, to warp through time and solve puzzles.  So when I saw this app I had to give it a run.  It’s pretty cool and mildly entertaining even after owning it for a few days.  You take your iPhone and blow into the microphone like it’s a real instrument.  You then move your fingers on the screen to make different notes.  You can play set songs or come up with your own jams.
6. Sirius XM Premium Online: If you have a paid subscription to Sirius or XM then this app is worth it.  You can get your favorite music and talk radio shows beamed right to your iPhone with this app. This way you make sure to listen to the Oparah channel all day; yeah, that’s right I don’t buy that you got Sirius just for Howard Stern!
7. Shoutcast: Why pay for satellite radio when you can get free radio stations streamed from around the world with the Shoutcast app.  This radio-streaming app brings music and talk of every kind right to your iPhone.  It’s pretty cool and has a lot of imitators in the app store.  While I can’t intelligently say anything about the others I have always used Shoutcast and dig it the most.  Rock on.
8. I am T-Pain: Do you ever wonder how no talent ass clowns become pop music icons?  It’s not because of talent; I will guarantee you that.  It’s technology stupid.  A decent producer can find a pretty face or train wreck of the month, have some songs written for them, slap some professional musicians and back up singers behind them and smooth it all over with computers.  If Paris Hilton can cut a track I’m pretty sure anyone can.  I can’t say I know a lot about T-Pain or his music but just like me you will be able to pick out that synthesized voice he has become “famous” for.  Basically, it’s the voice Stephen Hawking would pick if he wanted to sound cooler.  Personally I would shoot for a Barry White computer voice. Oh yeah.  Well with this app you can record your voice and manipulate it to sound just like this dude.  You can then send it to your friends and they too can marvel how this guy is a millionaire.
9. Guitar Toolkit: If you’re looking to learn one of the over 500,000 guitar chord variations out there then this app will help you along the way.  Just make sure to thank Apple and the app maker when you accept your Grammy for best heavy metal album of the year.

Oh, the seemingly endless music apps out there just go to show that we can never get enough of music, ourselves and the combination of the two.  Check these out if you haven’t already!

Photo Credits: David Berkowitz

Originally posted 2009-12-17 03:44:43.

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iPhone

Suck on that Lenin!

After waiting for 26 hours to get his phone Hun Jin-suck was the first to get the iPhone in South Korea.  They had a giant celebration to release the phone and Hun was greeted by crowds, a light show and booming music as he got his.  He was the first among 850 to get the phone at the giant celebration thrown by Apple and KT corp., Apple’s local telecom partner.

KT and Apple reported that there have been more than 50,000 preorders for the phone, which is far more than any estimate experts originally had.  Many experts were thrown off by a lack luster Chinese launch that saw only 5,000 phones sold the first week and assumed that the South Korean launch may be similar.  South Korea is known for having tech savvy customers and very high penetrations of broadband and cell phone use.  It is also home to cell phone makers Samsung and LG so the domestic competition is very tough.

Yet there are many differences in the Chinese and South Korean launches.  While, yes, there many cell phone users in South Korea there is not a lot of smart phones.  Samsung and LG have limited smart phone options and other companies like Black Berry have just begun to break in.  Second, in China the local company, China Unicom, did not offer a straight up Apple iPhone.  Due to government interference they offered a version with no broadband and at a huge cost.  A mainland Chinese customer would end up paying over $1000 to get an iPhone that was not as good as one available around the world.  Between gray markets and Hong Kong distributors many Chinese opted to not go through Unicom to get their phone.

The South Korean iPhone comes in at a variety of prices but tops off at $350 depending on the phone you get and the plan you sign up with at KT corp.  Originally it was thought that both major telecom companies in the country would carry the iPhone but then only KT, the second largest, got them.  Apple had to jump through a series of regulatory nightmares to be allowed to sell their devices in the country because they have the ability to located you and pass that location on to the network.  That required a special license from the government and KT helped Apple get it.

So now that KT has the iPhone its larger rival, SK Telecom, is partnering with Samsung to offer some sort of smart phone alternative and stem the tide of an “iPhone invasion”.  SK and Samsung have kicked up subsidies for new and renewing users on the Samsung T-Omnia II, which is stacked with options but at nearly $800 was too expensive for many users.

It looks like Samsung and SK aren’t going to cede dominance in the market easily but it’s hard for many people to resist the lure of the almighty iPhone.  Only time will tell how it all shakes out, but with so many people looking to upgrade to smart phones the fight is far from over in South Korea.

Photo Credits: William Hook

Originally posted 2009-12-10 03:19:03.

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iPhone Apps that are a must.

Apple’s iPhone is more than just another cell phone; as millions of people have discovered.  The sky rocketing sales of the smart phone show that the device is more than just a fad or flash in the tech pan.  The iPhone combines style, functionality and a new level of technology never before seen in a phone configuration.  The iPhone has helped convert many non-believers into the Apple faithful and for good reason.

The iPhone has a laundry list of features that make it the best smart phone out there and that have sent its competitors back to the drawing board to crank out imitators to the crown.  Yet, the most impressive aspect of this new platform is the applications.  There are tens of thousands of apps out there covering anything and everything you could ever think of.  With more coming out everyday it’s hard to stay on top of what is worth your time installing and what should be passed up.  While Apple is great at many things searching for and finding new apps is not the easiest thing to do in their App Store.

I could write an encyclopedia about all the apps out there but instead of devoting my life to that I have decided to narrow it down a bit.  I’m the type of dude that has got his mind on his money and his money on his mind.  It’s no surprise then that I’m all about apps that help me keep my money in check and are finance related.  Here’s a list of my favorite, most popular and arguably the best money apps available on the iPhone.

1. Mint: The Mint app, from (you guessed it) Mint.com, takes all of your financial data and complies it in one place.  You can look at your checking, savings, mortgage, credit card and investment balances all at once.  It gives you a complete overview of where you stand financially all in one app.  This is killer if you’re all about simplicity and ease of use; which I am!
2. ATM Hunter: I try not to carry cash all that often because if I have it I tend to spend it.  Therefore, when I find myself in need of paper currency it’s nice to know where I can access some funds quickly.  I can use the ol’ iPhone to search out my bank’s locations or I can hit up this bad boy.  If you travel a lot or are planning to be somewhere you don’t know know the lay of the land then this app is great.  It would be cooler if it told you what ATMs you are more likely to get robbed at though.
3. Bank of America / Wells Fargo Banking Apps: I’m going to go ahead and lump these two together.  I am a WF account holder so I use theirs all the time.  I was sitting in my chiropractor’s office and realized that I hadn’t paid my mortgage and it was due the next day.  Before you can say “PCs suck” I had signed in, checked my checking balance and paid the mortgage.  A confirmation email came through on my Gmail app and I was all set.  Most large banks have these now but these two are the biggest.  If you’re a customer and an iPhone owner why wouldn’t you use this?
4. Tip Tap: This app allows for people to calculate tip with the click of a button.  This is one of the most popular apps out there so I had to include it, but honestly I don’t get it.  As long as you don’t take the slow bus to school or wear a helmet when you leave the house you should be able to figure out tip on a meal.  If it takes you longer to figure how much 20% (come on your cheap skate) of your Denny’s bill is than to pull out your iPhone and open and use this app then you have problems my friend.
5. E*Trade Mobile: E*Trade made their name and formed their business around the “retail”, or amateur, investor.  Day traders could jump into the markets all on their own with low commissions and sophisticated trading software.  Now they have extended this to iPhone users.  Trading on the go has never been so easy.
6. TheStreet.com: If you don’t know who Jim Cramer is then you must have been living under a rock for the last 5 years.  Jim is the bald headed psycho of the financial world who brings you CNBC’s “Mad Money” every night.  He also is an owner and contributor to online finance news service TheStreet.com.  With this app you get quotes, news articles and columnist’s opinions on all of your stocks.
7. Bloomberg Mobile: I use this in conjunction with TheStreet.com’s app to round out my financial data needs.  Bloomberg brings in political news that has an effect on the markets and offers a more global perspective than others.  I dig their style and scope.  If you’re serious about finance this app is a must.
8. Pay Pal: If you’ve ever used this payment system for sending money to someone or paying for an Ebay purchase then setting up the app is a must.  Pay Pal allows you to buy and sell goods all over the world with unprecedented security and peace of mind.  There is nothing like having all of that in your pocket.
9. Daily Finance: A lot of people like this app but I have my investment apps bases covered.  I played with it one day and it does all that you need: charts, news quotes, portfolio tracking and what not.  I think it’s so popular because it’s free, easy to use and the app that is shown on the new iPhone commercial when they mention money apps.  That goes a long way in getting people to download it.
10. Quicken Online: I don’t use Quicken on my personal computer but I know a lot of people that do.  The couple that have iPhones have downloaded and gave this app a whirl and they love it.  You can sync the two through the online function so any budget, transaction history or anything else you have cooking.

The iPhone app world is awash in tens of thousands of apps.  Many of them are great while some are pointless.  It seems like every programmer out there is trying to make his name or a quick buck coming up with the next fad.  Money and the obsession of keeping track of your Benjamins will never go out of style though.  If you want to stay on top of your finance and out of the bread lines then check out these apps.

Photo Credits: marcopako 

Originally posted 2010-01-05 03:39:06.

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iPod Touch

I personally hate shopping and I loathe shopping during the holiday season.  I’d rather be buried up to my head next to an ant hill and have honey dumped on me than stand in line outside of a Wal-Mart to bust through the doors to save $20 bucks on a TV.  Like most things in my life I find procrastination helps a bit.  By waiting until about a week before Christmas, or sooner (my personal best was December 23^rd), I find that most of the bargain hunters and uber-shoppers are done.

This year I am prepared though.  Not only am I going to implement my standard shopping procrastination strategy but I am going to harness the awesome power of my iPhone to help me navigate this potential mine field.  While part of me doesn’t want to share with you my iPhone shopping secrets at the end of the day I’m a good person, and I need something to write about.  So here you go; the best holiday shopping iPhone apps:

1. Discounts Galore: Everyone and their brother is offering Black Friday, Cyber Monday and discounts throughout the shopping season.  In order to find the best check out apps like TGI Black Friday and Fat Wallet.  They will pipe the latest coupons and deals right to your phone.
2. Nearest: While this isn’t exactly shopping orientated it will help you locate needed essentials while shopping.  Helpful if you’re in a strange town visiting relatives and need to find the nearest coffee shop, bookstore or pharmacy because you’re little nephew decided to show off his tee ball skills on your groin (true story).
3. Park n Find: This app is killer if you’re shopping in a huge mega mall and easily get turned around while inside.  My sister is notorious for this as large shopping complexes make her lose all sense of direction.  With this app you use GPS to mark your parking spot and then can follow the map back.
4. $ Checkout: I can see why some people might need this app but simple arithmetic has never boggled my mind before so I don’t see the point.  It allows you to calculate your total bill with taxes and discounts included.  No matter how I feel though this one is pretty popular.
5. Shop Savvy: This is one is all kinds of sweet if you have some time to invest during your shopping.  In my opinion shopping should be quick and dirty, like sex.  But if you’re absolutely obsessed with finding the best deal then use this app to take a picture of an item’s bar code and it will search online retailers for the best deal.  It might end up saving you some cash on big ticket items, or at least give you something to do while your girl friend is punishing you with an hour long trip to the candle store.  Did you know they make candles that smell like the beach?  I do now!
6. Mall Maps: For the most part I am anti-paying for apps but this one is well worth the $2.99.  The Mall Maps app feeds you over 1,000 detailed floor plans of shopping centers all around the country.  I used this during a recent trip to a California Bay Area mega mall near my sister’s house.  I was able to see where the stores I was looking for were located before I even got there.  I parked accordingly and was in and out before I knew it.  I was like a shopping Ninja, a shopping Ninja with an Orange Julius in his happy hands!

Photo Credits: Mac Users Guide

Originally posted 2009-12-14 03:47:16.

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New iMac Released October 2009

If you’re looking for innovation in the tech world the first place you need to look is your local Apple store and check out the new iMac.  Ever since Apple came out with the iMac in 1998 they have been revolutionizing the way we look at desktop computers.  While the mindless legions have come to accept the standard configuration of the PC through years of indoctrination Apple strived to focus on a combination of style and performance.

The iMac has been redone again for October of 2009 and released with much fanfare.  With product offerings like this it’s no wonder Apple gains new converts every day, continues to blow away sales estimates and has a stock price that just won’t come back to Earth.  The new incarnation of the iMac is better looking, more powerful, and surprisingly better for the environment than past versions and definitely any PC out there.

Let’s break it down; shall we?

Looks

The iMac is famous for it’s all in one design.  That’s right: no cords, wires or anything between you and your computer.  The hard drive, graphics cards, processor and everything else you need to make a computer do what it does is all included in the back of the screen.

While the iMac looks killer there is always functionality behind the fashion.   The wireless keyboard and mouse are not only sleek and smooth looking but also super practical.  You don’t have to worry about being close to the computer all the time.  If you work better kicking back and relaxing then go for it.  Unlike PC wireless keyboards and mice there are no wired bases to plug in.

When it comes to looks the first you thing you will notice is the screen resolution on this bad boy!  The screen comes in either 21.5 or 27-inch versions with edge to edge viewing areas.  The 16:9 wide screen is perfect for watching HD movies and shows with crazy high resolution.  The 21-inch version offers 1920 by 1080 and the 27 inch version comes with an unheard of 2560 by 1440 resolution.  Basically you’re going to be set for HD for next couple of years.

Power

The new iMac isn’t just eye candy either; it’s got some serious power under that screen.  The iMac comes available with quad core Intel Core i5 or i7 “Nehalem”.  With less distance for info having to travel between the cores the speed and performance is super enhanced on this desktop.  Combined with the new Snow Leopard and insane graphics cards this power will allow you fly through movies, games and applications with no hiccups.

Green

I don’t usually consider the environmental impact of the computers I buy; I guess that puts me on Al Gore’s hit list or something.  The new iMac would make our Nobel prize winning ex-Vice President happy though with it’s slew of features that minimize the impact on the environment.  The Apple desktop offers efficient power supply with state of the art power management.  Basically, when you don’t need the extra juice it shuts it off.  The low power needs of the iMac even give it an Energy Star 5.0 qualification.

The entire system is designed around keeping the amount of toxic materials to a minimum.  Harmful BFRs and PVCs have been eliminated from the iMac’s construction while mercury has been removed from the back lighting and arsenic from monitor.  The iMac’s glass display and aluminum casing can be recycled as well.  Apple will also recycle your old computer when you purchase their new all in one iMac.

So if you’re in the market for a new desktop computer the iMac offers a whole lot.  It’s the perfect combo of looks and performance and is even good for the environment.  The 21.5 inch version starts at $1199 and the 27 inch one starts at $1699.  While you’re going to pay more than a standard desktop PC you definitely get a lot more.  If you care about performance, looks and simplicity then it’s worth the extra cash.

Go and check one out at the Apple store, online or at your buddy’s house or I’ll sic Al Gore and his granola goons on you!

Originally posted 2010-01-12 03:20:08.

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iPod Nano 3rd Generation

I remember when CDs first came out.  Until that time I had only known cassette tapes and the idea of a laser reading information off a disk blew me away.  My parents got a CD player boom box that sat on our living room cabinet.  About six months later I got my first CD, “Use Your Illusion I” by Guns and Roses.  Oh yes my friends, it was all kinds of awesome.  I would sit there in the living room with headphones on while my little sisters watched Barney videos and rock out to GnR for hours!  The sound quality was insanely clear and I knew that the world was changing.

Maybe I watch a little bit too much science fiction but I love to hop in a time machine.  Not only would I tell past me to save his allowance and put it all in Yahoo!, Google and Apple stock but I would let him know about the future.  I would take his Guns and Roses CD and break it into about eight pieces.  I would then explain that every song in his CD collection, every song he has ever heard or could think about hearing would fit on a device about the size of that shard of plastic!  Not only would it hold an insane amount of music but the quality would be killer.

It might further impress past me that this device was not just for the rich and powerful of the world.  They will give these things out for opening a new bank account in the future and everyone who works out with have them on.

Apple always manages to impress me like that.  I was amazed by the original iPod, the video iPod and now the iPod Nano with video.  I strolled by the Apple store when these bad boys came out and had to go inside and play with one.  The small device cranks out crystal clear video as well as audio.  The new iPod Nano also comes in a variety of cool colors.  No more are you limited to black or white when it comes to your iPod; you can get a wide range of colors to fit your unique sense of style.  To continue with this theme both come with free laser engraving from Apple.

The new iPod Nano comes in either 8GB or 16 GB versions.  The 8GB version can store about 2,00 songs or 8 hours of video and it’s bigger brother can hold about 4,000 songs or 16 hours of video.  The smaller will set you back $149 while the larger will run you $179.

Apple is the king at mixing functionality and style together flawlessly.  The new iPod Nano is a perfect example of what they doing right and why they are the king of the tech hill.

Photo Credits: Andrew*

Originally posted 2010-01-14 03:25:06.

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iAlertU

Besides constantly scheming ways to make things run smoother and more efficient in my life, I am also a huge Apple fan.  Shocking I know, considering the blog and all!  So without further ado I’m going to break down the must have and more importantly free software any Mac fanatic should have to stream line their life.

1. Quicksilver:  While technically this program is known as an application launcher it really can streamline your Mac use.  You can access any file or application with basically a single keystroke.  Quicksilver takes your hard drive and turns it into a giant catalog that you can easily browse and manipulate.  It takes repetitive acts and makes them easier and quicker to access.  You can access your files and applications without having them bog down your desktop.  This is perfect if you’re taking notes in class or during a meeting and can’t stop and wait for something to load.
2. GIMP:  No I’m not sticking with the Pulp Fiction references; I’m talking about the open source (free) photo-editing tool.  If you need or want to do some photo editing but don’t feel like coughing up the doe for Photoshop then this is the way to go.  GIMP is a serious editor and can take a little time to learn but it will definitely get the job done.  Why pay for a program or go through the trouble of illegally downloading it when you can grab this bad boy for free?  Now you can get rid of that red eye or edit out your ex-boyfriend from your Match.com photos for free.
3. Chax:  This add on for iChat helps to clean up your messaging program and keep it all clean and nice looking.  I allows for more and better customization of iChat than the program by itself.  One of the best features is the notification aspect in the dock.  It’s hard to miss an incoming IM with this bad boy running in the background.
4. Adium:  Let’s face it; not everyone has figured out that iChat kicks butt and should be the only messaging program out there.  If you have people on MSN or Google Talk in your life you can funnel them all into one chat program along with your iChat buddies.  Sometimes we have to cater to the slow amongst us.
5. iAlertU:  This has to be the most novel and awesome of all of these programs.  We’ve all been somewhere public like the University Commons, library or the local Starbucks and had to get up for some reason.  You might have to go to the ladies’ room, grab another drink or desperately try to get that hot girl’s number before she walks out of your life forever.  We don’t want to get up because we can’t leave our expensive and awesome pieces of technology out there for any jack ass to walk away with.  Download and arm iAlertU and if anyone moves your laptop it will start to make loud alarm noises and even take a picture of the perpetrator with its camera!

These are a few of my favorite things in the world of free Mac software.  I promise they will make your life a little easier and solve a problem or two for you.  There are tons out there and this is by no means a definitive list but if you don’t have these on your laptop you’re missing out!

Originally posted 2009-12-22 03:35:04.

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Screenshot: Apple Apps Store

Lucky for Apple I’ve sat down and dedicated some time to solving these problems for them.  Feel free to send royalties and/or job offers any time you’re ready for my genius Apple!

1. Higher Quality, Less Quantity:  Apple hits us over the head all the time with the fact that they have 100,000 plus apps in the app store.  Yeah, it’s an awesome stat and solicits “ohhs” and “ahhs” from everyone but at the end of the day the app store is filled with a lot of crap.  There are many killer apps out there but there also tons of useless and pointless ones too.  Maybe if they cut down on the apps available and raised their standards of quality a little more or instituted some sort of minimum download rate then we wouldn’t be awash in a world of apps and could find the best ones easier.
2. Taking Care of Business:  TCB, it’s not just a cool rock song from the 80’s or a sweet abbreviation your boss uses anymore.  Apple needs to up its focus on business related apps to further trump the Black Berry.  I am tired of hearing people talk about their “Crack Berry” and how they have to have it for work.  Apple needs to deliver the deathblow and encourage developers to develop more enterprise related apps or do the heavy lifting themselves.
3. Be Nice to the Developers:  Apple needs to stop acting like developers are lucky to be working on their platform and listen to their complaints.  Apple has already opened up their review process a bit to keep mass defections from happening but if they want to stop software engineers from exclusively working on other platforms they need to embrace the developers.  Yes, you can’t give them everything they want but involving them more in the process and treating them like stakeholders as opposed to servants would be a good first step.
4. More Transparency:  The updated Apple review process is better than before but still needs work.  Now developers know what stage of review their work is in but that’s about it.  Apple needs to let developers see under the hood a little bit more and let them feel good that when they put in serious work they will have a good shot at getting it approved.
5. Ditch Ma Bell:  A lot of people don’t like AT&T as it is and having them involved in the app process is only making things worse.  They let Apple know that the Google Voice app couldn’t be approved and that no VOIP apps will be able to run on their 3G network.  This has raised some eyebrows over at the FCC and may lead to government intervention where none really should be.  For that and thousand other reasons Apple needs to open up the iPhone to other carriers.
6. Secrets Don’t Make Friends:  Apple is notorious for it’s CIA-like secret keeping.  This usually applies to new product launches and strategic future plans but when applied to the app store it spells trouble.  Apple doesn’t tell users or developers anything they don’t have to and this effects the overall experience.  Let us in Apple!  Who hurt you so bad in the past. . .?
7. Admit When You’re Wrong:  Apple has been caught before rejecting perfectly good apps while letting crap (baby shaking app) slip through the app review process.  When they get nailed by the media or disgruntled developers with good contacts they approve the app and never say anything.  Hey, you’re human and everyone makes mistakes; that’s why pencils have erasers.  Just fess up and say you’ve learned your lesson and move on.  But the problem is they haven’t learned anything and the problems continue.
8. Better Navigation:  One of the biggest issues I have with the app store is finding the one I want.  I usually have to hear about one second hand and then go hunting for it.  Even when I know something about it, actually finding the app actually takes some work.  The app store needs revamped navigation and advanced search features to help us find stuff a little more easily.
9. Don’t Forget the End User:  Apple needs to program one of their super computers to better understand the human consumer, or hire someone to do it.  They just don’t seem to get what people are looking for when it comes to apps.  While developers often pick up on it they are usually faced with a 50/50 chance of getting their work approved leaving the consumer in the dark.  Talk to some people, do a focus group and find out what your customers are looking for before Google or Black Berry does.
10. Hearing Footsteps?  Maybe the problem that is the driving issues behind all other problems listed here is that Apple doesn’t fear competition from anyone else.  While Google’s Android phones and Black Berrys have their appeal and are getting apps they are nowhere near what Apple offers.  Competition often pushes development and without the fear that someone is going to snatch the crown off their pretty little heads Apple doesn’t have the motivation to radically change.  Yeah, it works out great for their bottom line but at the end of the day if you stop innovating and pushing the envelope someone else will.

Originally posted 2009-12-28 03:39:44.

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Screenshot of apprejections.com

Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch are some of the most popular tech gadgets in the world and a large part of that popularity is due to the wide range of applications available. Apple has over 100,000 apps available that pretty much cover just about anything you can think of, and even some stuff that you would never bother to think of!

Ranging from free to expensive, these apps are a giant force behind the wave of Apple sales that have swept most of the civilized world. Much to the chagrin of app developers though Apple has final say on what can and cannot be put on the devices. They have developed a strict review process that dictates what programs get approved for sale or free download through the app store.

This has made many app developers a little pissy. Many have been put off by what they see as Apple’s interference with their freedoms as developers. High profile programmers have abandoned iPhone projects in favor of other platforms that are not as tightly controlled. While I agree that there should not be restrictions placed on the creativity of developers and that interference is inherently wrong, there is something to be said for Apple’s level of control.

Apple is running a business not trying to give software designers around the world a platform to show off their skills. They have to make sure that the apps provided to the growing legions of users are useful and serve some sort of purpose. Furthermore, these are our phones we’re talking about. If you download a bad piece of software you could be hit with anything from slowed performance to a total system meltdown. Imagine that on your phone!

Sure now you would have a great excuse why you don’t call your mom as often as she’d like but imagine the headaches. “Oh sorry I missed that important conference call today, see I downloaded a Girls of Hooters calendar app and the next thing I know my phone was calling 1-900 numbers in China. . .”

However, Adam White claims that the Apple has a “secret, undocumented, unquestionable, random process for deciding which applications to ‘allow’ onto the deck.” The process by which Apple allows apps to be included in their system has even raised eyebrows at the FCC. They are checking into Apple to make sure they are not engaged in monopolistic or unfair business practices by blocking potential competitors like Google from producing apps.

So what is a tech fan supposed to do?

Well some developers are focusing more on other platforms like the Google Android or Black Berry phones. These apparently have more of an open source type format and allow a lot more leeway when it comes to what is allowable.

If you’re not ready to part with your iPhone just yet, and quite honestly you’d be nuts to, there are other options. Some of the hardcore out there have turned to hacking their phones. These “jailbreak” phones can run any apps you can get your mitts on and also aren’t tied to the AT&T network.

I guess some people will do anything to get away from Ma Bell, no matter what Owen Wilson says.

Originally posted 2010-01-11 03:54:19.

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