The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.tuaw.com/media/feedlogo.gifThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/C-Mac and Steve's excellent Cupertino adventurehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/05/c-mac-and-steves-excellent-cupertino-adventure/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/05/c-mac-and-steves-excellent-cupertino-adventure/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/05/c-mac-and-steves-excellent-cupertino-adventure/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Every other year for the last 7 years, Shawn King of the Your Mac Life podcast has given the Apple faithful a chance to go on a pilgrimage to 1 Infinite Loop in Cupertino, the location of Apple headquarters.

As part of our continuing coverage of Macworld Expo 2009, Christina Warren and yours truly hopped on the bus along with about 30 other alpha geeks to visit the Mecca of Macdom and pick up some Apple swag at the Company Store. Former TUAW blogger and Realmac Software PR Ninja Nik Fletcher joined to take photos.

I dropped some spendolas on Apple gear, including a logo hat, long-sleeve black mock tee, polo shirt, and three big coffee mugs. C-mac, being the resident TUAW fashionista, bought an Apple notebook (the kind with paper sheets in it), a couple of pens, a navy hoodie, a knit cap, two caps (one knit, one military), and a short sleeve tee.

There were several prize drawings on the ride home, and I won an 8GB blue iPod nano courtesy of a "Secret Santa." Suh-weeet!

It's too late to join this year's Tour de Cupertino, but keep your eyes and ears open before future Macworld Expos to see if Shawn is planning another trip. Check out the gallery below.

Gallery: 2009CupertinoBus

On the busC-mac hard at work on the busMore on the busNik Fletcher / Christina WarrenThe sign

C-Mac and Steve's excellent Cupertino adventure originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)C-Mac and Steve's excellent Cupertino adventure originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cult of macCultOfMaccupertinogallerymacworld 2009macworld09Macworld2009macworldexpomwsfSteven SandeMon, 05 Jan 2009 20:30:00 ESTTime for a Mac App Store?http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/02/time-for-a-mac-app-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/02/time-for-a-mac-app-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/02/time-for-a-mac-app-store/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Way back in June of 2007, I wrote this post, a list of five things Apple could do to bring gamers back to the Mac. I said that Apple should put more games on iTunes, break out the gaming hardware, go casual, and make the experience worth it, from buying to download to playing.

Now, a year and a half later, Apple has basically done just that -- with the App Store. There are casual games aplenty, the iPhone works great as a gaming device, and the App Store itself makes it relatively easy to find new games to buy. There are kinks, of course, that need to be worked out, but no one can say the App Store isn't a gigantic success.

And so, Dennis Sellers of MacsimumNews asks, is it time for a Mac App Store? We have an App Store for your Mac already -- it's called the Internet, where you can see reviews, download software, and even get updates for the programs on your Mac. In fact, Apple already has a downloads page that looks very much like the App Store's front page, though there's no place there were you can easily see what apps you currently have installed, or what apps you have that need updating. It would work like a Software Update, but for every app you've got.

There are lots of benefits, too, the first being that more apps would be sold. Of course, the usual Internet channels would remain open; Apple would just offer a service very similar to the App Store, in that you'd have a program on your computer that would easily add and/or update all the apps you have installed. But would a Mac App Store experience the same price issues that the iPhone's App Store has? It is an interesting idea, though -- the App Store has done very well for both Apple and developers so far, and it might be helpful to look at what works there and how it might be able to come back to the Mac platform at large.

[via MacBytes]

Time for a Mac App Store? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Time for a Mac App Store? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>app-storeappledownloadseditorialiphoneitunesmac-app-storemacsimum-newsupdatesMike SchrammFri, 02 Jan 2009 12:30:00 EST2008 Best App Ever awards voting is underwayhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/02/2008-best-app-ever-awards-voting-is-underway/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/02/2008-best-app-ever-awards-voting-is-underway/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/02/2008-best-app-ever-awards-voting-is-underway/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The nominations are out and voting has begun for the "Best App Ever" awards for 2008, recognizing the best iPhone and iPod touch apps of the year. Nominations have already happened -- the public submitted almost 18,000 nominations, and a panel of developers and experts was assembled to finalize the choices. You can vote right now over on the website for the winners in categories like "Best App Ever," "Best Musical App," and "Most Creative Use of IPhone Hardware" all the way down to "Best Word Game."

Quite a list of choices. Voting ends on January 6th (so get started testing those apps if there are some in here you've never heard of), and the winners will be announced next week at Macworld Expo.

Unfortunately, the App Store changes so fast and is so varied that some of the most useful apps (SnapTell Explorer is in for the hardware award, but it's missing on the "Most Useful" list) are not on the list in favor of more popular or well-known apps (Weightbot is a great app and very well done, but "Most Innovative"? And you know how I feel about Ocarina). Still, as a popularity contest, it'll be fun to see what comes out as the winners, and I can guarantee that in all of the many categories presented, there are a few really great apps that will come to your attention for the first time.

2008 Best App Ever awards voting is underway originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)2008 Best App Ever awards voting is underway originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>2008app-storeawardsbest-appsbest-apps-everiphoneipod-touchocarinasnaptell-explorervotingweightbotMike SchrammFri, 02 Jan 2009 07:00:00 ESTTen Apple products Jobs had nothing to do withhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/ten-apple-products-jobs-had-nothing-to-do-with/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/ten-apple-products-jobs-had-nothing-to-do-with/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/ten-apple-products-jobs-had-nothing-to-do-with/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This is very interesting -- while investors and consumers alike are panicking every time someone says "Jobs" and "sick" in the same sentence, MacLife has decided to take a more optimistic view of the prospect of His Steveness leaving the company, by compiling a nice list of ten Apple products they say Jobs had nothing at all to do with. As you probably already know, Steve left the company once before, from 1985 to 1996, and during that time, while Steve was working on NeXTstep (which would eventually become OS X), Apple didn't exactly sit on its laurels.

The Newton is first and foremost, and while some may laugh at the handwriting recognition, let's not forget that it can still do things the iPhone can't. And while many of Apple's products were finalized under Jobs' watch, their beginnings come from before his return: the Powerbook, Macintosh TV (which could definitely be seen as a precursor for the AppleTV), and the Power Macintosh were all released without Jobs. Even among the most faithful Apple fans, you have to agree that Apple is willing to get wacky without Jobs to squelch some really crazy ideas: the Twentieth Anniversary Mac, the eMate, and the adjustable keyboard are all examples of that.

Of course, you could definitely argue that Apple's most popular products (iPods, the iPhone, the MacBook lines) wouldn't have happened without Jobs. But there's something to be said for Apple sans Jobs, too. "The Power to Be Your Best" might not be quite as memorable as "Think Different," but it's got its own charm.

Ten Apple products Jobs had nothing to do with originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Ten Apple products Jobs had nothing to do with originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>applejobsmacintosh-tvnewtonos-xpower-macintoshsicksteve-jobsstocksthe-power-to-be-your-besttwentieth-anniversary-macMike SchrammWed, 31 Dec 2008 16:00:00 ESTMacworld Expo minus Apple still equals Macworld Expohttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/macworld-minus-apple-equals-macworld/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/macworld-minus-apple-equals-macworld/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/macworld-minus-apple-equals-macworld/#commentsFiled under: ,


In the story of love, there is always a winner and a loser (the loser being the one who sits at home with ice cream in one hand and a remote in the other, crying while watching The Notebook). In the romance between IDG and Apple, it seems that IDG is not content to sit at home now that Stevie J. has stopped returning its calls.

While we know that Macworld Expo is scheduled to continue in 2010, there is not a solid sense of what next year's conference will look like. Because IDG wants to get attendee input on the future shape of the event, it has elected to have a "Townhall" open forum where attendees can meet and discuss the future of Macworld.

The emphasis of Macworld Expo is expected to shift back to the Mac and the many products and services that can enhance it. Because Macworld showcases hundreds of products that are not found in Apple retail stores (including sessions & vendors who focus on large enterprises and educational markets), it is a great opportunity to get them into the hands of users who would not normally get a chance to see them in person.

Here's hoping Macworld Expo continues on for the foreseeable future -- and who knows? Perhaps the popularity of Macworld will bring Apple back in, but who needs 'em, right? Have a good idea for something you'd like to see in Macworld's future? Let us know in the comments, and perhaps one of our intrepid staffers attending the townhall will discuss it with IDG's team.

For continuing coverage of Macworld Expo 2009 from our team on the ground in San Francisco, stay with TUAW -- you can see all coverage in one place, get a feed for our stories or follow us on Twitter for instant updates.

[via Ars Technica]

Macworld Expo minus Apple still equals Macworld Expo originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Macworld Expo minus Apple still equals Macworld Expo originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appleidgmacmacworldmacworld expomacworld09MacworldExpoAron TrimbleWed, 31 Dec 2008 14:00:00 ESTApple Expert connections not very fast or personalizedhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/29/apple-expert-connections-not-very-fast-or-personalized/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/29/apple-expert-connections-not-very-fast-or-personalized/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/29/apple-expert-connections-not-very-fast-or-personalized/#commentsFiled under: ,


Now that you've read up on what to do with that shiny new iMac, MacBook, or MacBook Pro and spent some good time with the instruction manual in one hand and mouse in the other you've probably come to realize that these things aren't exactly perfect. Using a Mac is about as close to heavenly bliss as one can get while using a computer but let's face it, at some point you're going to run into a problem. Luckily for you there's an Apple Genius Bar right around the corner. What's that you say? You live hours away from the nearest Apple store? Fear not faithful reader; Apple is here for you! Read on for my experience setting up a fast, convenient, and personalized appointment with an Apple Expert.

Continue reading Apple Expert connections not very fast or personalized

Apple Expert connections not very fast or personalized originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple Expert connections not very fast or personalized originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apple expertAppleExpertmacsupportAron TrimbleMon, 29 Dec 2008 08:00:00 ESTChristmas gifts Apple could give mehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/20/christmas-gifts-apple-could-give-me/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/20/christmas-gifts-apple-could-give-me/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/20/christmas-gifts-apple-could-give-me/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

It's the Holiday Season, and over the years I have happily spent a lot of my XMAS money with our favorite fruit named company. My love affair with Apple products goes back to the venerated Apple II. I do have a couple of PC laptops in the house, and of course I can also run Vista on VMWare Fusion, but I'm pretty much a Mac guy through and through. Always have been. Always will be.

Nevertheless, I'd like to find some gifts from Apple under my tree this year. They are not big deals, but would be greatly appreciated. So Kris Kringle, if you're listening, pass these on to Mr. Jobs and friends.

  • How about some documentation? I know Steve thinks books are dead, but in the old days Apple documentation was really first rate. Remember that old MacWrite manual? Apple, I know you are in the electronics business, but reading help files on a laptop screen that covers up the application I am trying to learn is a bit of a pain.
  • When you release an update to an iPod, iPhone or OS X how about telling me what the update really does. I know you have gotten better at this, but why should people have to guess all the features and fixes that you have put in? Just own up to it and trust your customers.
  • Find another partner in addition to AT&T for the iPhone. My phone is a great product that is significantly damaged by an inferior, unreliable network. To me, "more bars in more places" means I'm looking for bars to find a stiff drink so I can recover from my frustration with dropped calls, poor signal strength, and sporadic 3G coverage.
  • A lot of your products get really warm. My MacBook Pro can be a sizzler on my lap. My Mac Pro keeps my office pretty warm, and I don't need those high temperatures since I'm in Arizona. Don't get me started on the Apple TV. I do think it is a great product, but I'm thinking I could make a fondue on that top surface. There is no fan in the Apple TV and when I put it in standby to spin down the hard drive it wakes up by itself paying no attention to my command. If I want to be ignored, I can walk into any Home Depot. (Update: Some users say the Apple TV does have a fan. I regret the error. It's still too darned hot!)
OK. it's not a big list, but it's a list just the same. What's on yours? And to all, a good night!

Christmas gifts Apple could give me originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Christmas gifts Apple could give me originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ATTcomplaintsdocumentationheatimprovementsMel MartinSat, 20 Dec 2008 07:00:00 ESTThe Silent Keynote Campaignhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/19/the-silent-keynote-campaign/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/19/the-silent-keynote-campaign/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/19/the-silent-keynote-campaign/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Apple keynote address at Macworld Expo is usually a boisterous affair, full of cheering, applause, and anxious chatter about new products. With 2009 being the last year of Apple's attendance at Macworld Expo, Lesa Snider King thinks that a silent protest might send a message to Apple's leadership:
On Tuesday, Dec. 16 Apple Inc. announced that Steve Jobs would not do the keynote at the 2009 Macworld Conference & Expo. That's okay. They also announced that they would no longer attend the conference in the future. That's not okay. For 25 years, a very loyal and passionate Mac community has descended upon the halls of Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA to see, hear, and learn more about the computers they love. By announcing their departure from this beloved show hosted by IDG, Apple is sending a message to the entire community -- professionals, hobbyists, media, Mac User Groups, and even IDG themselves--that they care nothing for the community who supported them through thick and thin.

If you're attending the Macworld Expo keynote on Tuesday, Jan. 6, you can send a message to Apple by remaining silent during the 2009 keynote. While Phil Schiller is on the stage, let there be no applause, no whistling... just utter and complete silence.

My name is Lesa Snider King and I'm mad at Apple.
My personal opinion is that Apple can do whatever it wants, and that IDG and the Mac community can decide to do whatever they want to. If Apple announces something really insanely great at Macworld Expo '09, would you really stay silent? Let's hear your opinion of the Silent Keynote Campaign.

The Silent Keynote Campaign originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)The Silent Keynote Campaign originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>applemacworld expo 2009MacworldExpo2009protestSteven SandeFri, 19 Dec 2008 09:00:00 ESTTUAW goes hands-on with Rolandohttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/18/tuaw-goes-hands-on-with-rolando/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/18/tuaw-goes-hands-on-with-rolando/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/18/tuaw-goes-hands-on-with-rolando/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


It's no secret that we've been looking forward to Rolando probably more than any other game on the App Store, and now that it's here, we can safely say it doesn't disappoint. From the beginning, Rolando has shown tons of potential as a completely original game that shows off just why mobile game developers should see the iPhone as a dream platform, and creator Simon Oliver has brought that potential to bear in an amazing puzzle/platformer.

There's almost nothing to not like here -- the graphics are colorful and run perfectly, the writing is simple and witty, and the gameplay is not only fun from the beginning, but creatively builds itself over time. Just like any great platformer should, every single level delivers a new way of thinking about the tools you're given, and even when you've conquered the whole game, there are multiple reasons to go back and play again.

TUAW got a copy of the game a few days ago (it's out on the App Store today for the first time since its announcement back in July), and since then we've saved Rolandos aplenty, worked our way through most of Rolandoland, and been charmed endlessly by the App Store's first real, original classic.

Gallery: Rolando

Continue reading TUAW goes hands-on with Rolando

TUAW goes hands-on with Rolando originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)TUAW goes hands-on with Rolando originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>gallerygamesgaminghands-oniphonemr-scruffngmocoplatformerrolandosimon-olivertuawMike SchrammThu, 18 Dec 2008 01:30:00 ESTStop the presses: Apple cancels Christmashttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/16/stop-the-presses-apple-cancels-christmas/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/16/stop-the-presses-apple-cancels-christmas/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/16/stop-the-presses-apple-cancels-christmas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In a stunning revelation, in addition to Steve Jobs declining to give the keynote speech and announcing Apple will pull out of Macworld after this year, a joint statement released by Apple and Santa Claus states that Christmas will end after this year.

"Apple has been steadily scaling back on holidays in recent years, including Valentine's Day, Columbus Day, President's Day and Grandparents Day in Japan," the press release states.

The joint press conference was sponsored by an unknown lover of parody and a good bit of tongue-in-cheek humor.

And, don't worry. We can always import the Japanese Health and Sports holiday (second Monday in October) and use it to fill the gift-wrapped Apple-shaped holes in our hearts.

Many thanks goes to the unknown site creator for creating a smile in the middle of a lot of confusion!

And also thanks to @frijole on Twitter for the tip!

Stop the presses: Apple cancels Christmas originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Stop the presses: Apple cancels Christmas originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>humorparodyMegan LaveyTue, 16 Dec 2008 20:15:00 EST30 years of Apple in three minuteshttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/16/30-years-of-apple-in-three-minutes/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/16/30-years-of-apple-in-three-minutes/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/16/30-years-of-apple-in-three-minutes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Megan's great roundup of Apple history from the other day wasn't enough nostalgia for you? It should have been -- wow there was a lot of old Apple stuff in there. But just in case your itch for the days of Apple yore isn't yet scratched, here's a great little video compilation of every Apple product from the last thirty years, squished into three minutes and set to Fiona Apple's cover of "Across the Universe."

The IIe! The PowerCD! The QuickTake! And even those early notebooks, which look so blocky today, were impressive in their time. Unfortunately, this video won't tell you much about what these products all were, but just the sight of some of these old units is enough to make the memories come flooding back for us old Apple fans. The iPhone and the iPod are so much hipper, it seems, compared to the units of Apple's past -- you think we'll ever look back with such nostalgia on the first touchscreens we got? A product like the Newton was so charming because it was so quirky, but the iPhone is sleek, popular, and impressive. Do you think future generations will look back at today's Apple products with the same fondness?

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

30 years of Apple in three minutes originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)30 years of Apple in three minutes originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appleapple-historyapple-iiehistoryipodnewtonnostalgiapower-cdvideoMike SchrammTue, 16 Dec 2008 11:15:00 ESTApple debuts two Holiday Get a Mac Adshttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/15/apple-debuts-two-holiday-get-a-mac-ads/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/15/apple-debuts-two-holiday-get-a-mac-ads/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/15/apple-debuts-two-holiday-get-a-mac-ads/#commentsFiled under: ,


Apple released two new Get a Mac ads, just in time for the holiday season. The two ads, entitled "I Can Do Anything," and "Tree Trimming," are animated, and very amusing.

In the I Can Do Anything ad [direct video link], PC shows off what he can do because he is animated. He then talks to a rabbit that is on its way to the Apple Store.

In the Tree Trimming ad [direct video link], Mac and PC are decorating a tree. When PC plugs in the tree, Mac discovers that the lights actually say... well, we don't want to spoil it (sorry!).

You can watch both of the ads by visiting the Get a Mac ad website.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Apple debuts two Holiday Get a Mac Ads originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple debuts two Holiday Get a Mac Ads originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>adsadvertisementchristmascommercialdecoratingholidayMacPCtreeCory BohonMon, 15 Dec 2008 21:15:00 ESTApple t-shirt quilt available on eBayhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/13/apple-t-shirt-quilt-available-on-ebay/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/13/apple-t-shirt-quilt-available-on-ebay/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/13/apple-t-shirt-quilt-available-on-ebay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


I don't know how comfy a quilt made out of t-shirts would be, but maybe the fact that they're all Apple t-shirts will help. That's exactly what this quilt is made out of -- it's up over on eBay right now, and while the price is only around $36 at the time of this writing, it's probably gone up since then. There are about 20 t-shirts in the quilt total, and they look like they range from the late '90s (there's a bondi blue iMac on there, I believe) up to the Tiger release (at least those are all the ones I recognize). And they do seem like official store t-shirts, which means whoever made the quilt probably is or knows an Apple employee.

If you can get over the fact that someone probably once wore your quilt, it might be a nice Apple-themed bedspread to grab. I've been looking for a good quilt lately, and while this is a little too patched together for my interests, maybe Apple is missing something here. What would an Ive-designed quilt end up looking like?

Apple t-shirt quilt available on eBay originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple t-shirt quilt available on eBay originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appleapple-storeapple-storesgeniushandmadeimacquiltretailstorestigertshirtsMike SchrammSat, 13 Dec 2008 14:30:00 EST"Next Christmas, the iPod will be dead, gone, kaput."http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/12/next-christmas-the-ipod-will-be-dead-gone-kaput/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/12/next-christmas-the-ipod-will-be-dead-gone-kaput/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/12/next-christmas-the-ipod-will-be-dead-gone-kaput/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's the end of the year, a time of reflection, in which we look back at the year that was and what happened during. But The Independent isn't stopping there -- they went back and dug up some of the world's most famous incorrect predictions. And yes, Bill Gates' 640k is in there, as is Ken Olsen's "...there is no reason for any individual to have a computer at his home." Whoops. But there's also a good iPod one in there -- apparently on the iPod's release, someone from Amstrad claimed it a fad, saying that, "Next Christmas, the iPod will be dead, finished, gone, kaput." A few Christmases have come and gone since then, and of course, the iPod is still huge.

That list also reminded me of the famous Nano hater, Motorola's Ed Zander, who said of the iPod nano's release: "Screw the nano. What the hell does the nano do? Who listens to 1,000 songs?" He, of course, was distraught that Apple's then new invention might take attention away from his new Rokr phone, and despite the fact that Motorola later claimed he was joking, we all know the Rokr went on to not only become the USA's most popular handset, but it's the Rokr who has ads all over the place this holiday season.

Oh wait. We might be wrong about that one. Everyone makes mistakes, no?

Thanks, Jean!

"Next Christmas, the iPod will be dead, gone, kaput." originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)"Next Christmas, the iPod will be dead, gone, kaput." originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>christmased-zanderholidaysiphoneipodipod-nanomotorolapredictionsthe-independentwrongMike SchrammFri, 12 Dec 2008 07:00:00 ESTFieldrunners and other great iPhone games for the holidayshttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/11/fieldrunners-and-other-great-iphone-games-for-the-holidays/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/11/fieldrunners-and-other-great-iphone-games-for-the-holidays/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/11/fieldrunners-and-other-great-iphone-games-for-the-holidays/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Time Magazine has named Fieldrunners one of the top ten games of the year -- and the only game on the list for the iPhone. Very impressive. The App Store has only officially been out for half a year, and games have been in development for only a little longer than that, but already, we're getting some great games on the iPhone's touchscreen.

And speaking of great games, I've only recently come across Warfare Incorporated, but I know some of our commenters have been waiting for it. I'm no good at RTS games, but the game was award-winning on other handtop platforms, and is apparently doing very well on the iPhone also. If you're looking for real-time strategy on the small screen, there you go.

And finally, Tatomic, which is a game I've really enjoyed (kind of a cross between Lumines and Dr. Mario), sent us a note to say that their full version is on sale for the holidays, for only $2.99. There is still a free version, but even at the normal price of $4.99 Tatomic is a bargain if you at all like falling block games. At just three bucks, it's a steal. Terrific to see the iPhone holding its own with quality games this holiday.

Fieldrunners and other great iPhone games for the holidays originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Fieldrunners and other great iPhone games for the holidays originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>fieldrunnersgotyiphone-gamemagazinertssaletatomictimetop-video-gameswarfare-incorporatedMike SchrammThu, 11 Dec 2008 08:00:00 ESTAn Apple in your kitchenhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/09/an-apple-in-your-kitchen/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/09/an-apple-in-your-kitchen/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/09/an-apple-in-your-kitchen/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"Welcome to Audrey." With those three words, I experienced my first Internet appliance. 3Com's Audrey was meant to deliver lightweight "internet snacking" from a user's kitchen, and offered email and internet access, a calendar and contacts database, plus synchronization of up to two Palm devices. It had a touch-sensitive screen, wireless keyboard and a clear plastic stylus that would glow green when new mail arrived.

Unfortunately for 3Com, the Audrey was launched immediately prior to the dot-com collapse, and was discontinued just seven months into its initial run. I picked one up on eBay a few weeks ago for ten bucks, and it's been fun to play with. I can't help but wonder what would have become of it if 3Com had received user feedback and time to develop a second version. We'll never know, but perhaps the Chumby holds hints.

My experience with the Audrey has got me thinking about the inevitable synergy between computers, household appliances and many of the tools we use every day. For instance, my car told me that one of its tires needed air recently. A friend's refrigerator has been beeping to get her attention since Monday (she's a very patient person).

TiVo has completely changed the way I consume TV shows, as the Apple TV has for others. How many of the shows you watch are "time-shifted?" For me it's at least half. As we said in a recent talkcast, the computer and television will eventually merge into a single device. The process has begun for sure, but I don't think it's complete.

But let's get back to the kitchen. Like many of you, that's where my day begins. Upon waking, the first thing I do is make breakfast for myself and the kids. Then I glance at the calendar on the refrigerator, as well as any flyers, etc. that have been posted there. As the pancakes are sizzling, I'll wander over to the computer to give the morning's email a cursory glance, and maybe hop on Newsvine. Then it's back to the stove to flip the pancakes.

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An Apple in your kitchen originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)An Apple in your kitchen originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>applefeatureshardwareinternet applianceInternetApplianceopiniontabletDave CaoloTue, 09 Dec 2008 15:45:00 ESTAluminum MacBooks unstable after 3rd-party RAM upgradehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/07/aluminum-macbooks-unstable-after-3rd-party-ram-upgrade/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/07/aluminum-macbooks-unstable-after-3rd-party-ram-upgrade/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/07/aluminum-macbooks-unstable-after-3rd-party-ram-upgrade/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lucky enough to have purchased one of those shiny new unibody MacBooks? If you happen to be in the market for a RAM upgrade you may want to hold off for a little while. It seems the latest MacBooks are a little more fickle about the RAM they support than previous models.

Users on the Apple Support Discussion forums are reporting problems with third-party RAM upgrades, noting system instability and lock-ups. Even users who have purchased RAM from providers that pride themselves on Mac compatibility such as Crucial and OWC are seeing the same issues. It seems that the only solution is to take out the third-party RAM and use Apple-branded RAM. International users with no access to an Apple store are currently out of luck.

Of course, Apple will only officially support their own branded RAM from Samsung; upgrade kits of this sort are apparently working without issue. Unfortunately for many, however, acquiring these modules has become somewhat of an act of futility as Apple's online store says the upgrade kits are unavailable for owners of the 2.0 and 2.4 GHz MacBook.

Many are guessing-slash-hoping that the problem is caused by the newness of the DD3 spec. modules in Apple's line of notebooks. Until the situation gets clarified, users are having to swap RAM repeatedly in search of a kit that will work. Hopefully Apple will shed some light on the problem and everyone can go back to getting RAM from third-party sources. Had any luck (good or bad) upgrading RAM in your new MacBook? Let us know in the comments!

[via jkOnTheRun]

Aluminum MacBooks unstable after 3rd-party RAM upgrade originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 07 Dec 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Aluminum MacBooks unstable after 3rd-party RAM upgrade originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 07 Dec 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>4gbmacbookramthird-partyunibodyupgradeAron TrimbleSun, 07 Dec 2008 08:30:00 ESTPatent Roundup: 'Hover' touch surfaces, liquid-cooled laptopshttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/04/patent-roundup-hover-touch-surfaces-liquid-cooled-laptops/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/04/patent-roundup-hover-touch-surfaces-liquid-cooled-laptops/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/04/patent-roundup-hover-touch-surfaces-liquid-cooled-laptops/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Two Apple patent filings have piqued interest this week: One for a touch surface that detects where your finger is hovered above it, and another for a liquid-cooled laptop.

The hover surface works by measuring light reflected off your finger at various wavelengths to figure out where it is over the surface. Apple uses a basic proximity sensor in the iPhone (so it knows when it's up against your ear), but this new technique would allow more precise recognition of objects hovered above a touch-sensitive surface. Unlike a graphics tablet, which requires a stylus, your finger or hand is likely the intended tool for this surface, as evidenced by the drawings.

Second, the liquid-cooled laptop, as with similarly-cooled Power Mac G5s from a few years ago, is designed to improve performance by reducing the temperature of the components of the computer. The patent describes wrapping a small heat pipe around various components in the computer that contains a liquid coolant.

Liquid-cooled G5s, though, were prone to leaks, which led to heavy damage and dismay for users of the systems. Apple entirely replaced many of the systems that leaked, rather than trying to repair them.

[Via Electronista and AppleInsider.]

Patent Roundup: 'Hover' touch surfaces, liquid-cooled laptops originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Patent Roundup: 'Hover' touch surfaces, liquid-cooled laptops originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hoverliquid-coolingpatentproximitythermalusptoRobert PalmerThu, 04 Dec 2008 12:54:00 ESTConcept: the iPod shuffle bracelethttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/11/30/concept-the-ipod-shuffle-bracelet/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/11/30/concept-the-ipod-shuffle-bracelet/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/11/30/concept-the-ipod-shuffle-bracelet/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


This seems pointless and yet brilliant at the same time, somehow -- iPhone Savior has concept pictures of the iPod shuffle extended out into a bracelet. You can already find lots of straps and wristbands for the shuffle, and with that clip on it, it's designed to be jewelry anyway, so why not carry the premise out to its conclusion, right?

It's almost perfect, and yet weird enough that Apple would never go for it -- they'd much rather make the hardware, and leave the straps and hooks to third-party vendors, I think. Still, it's an interesting idea. What other kinds of jewelry could include the smallest version of "the world's most wearable" mp3 player? A shuffle necklace? Shuffle earrings?

Thanks, Rymon!

Concept: the iPod shuffle bracelet originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Concept: the iPod shuffle bracelet originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bracelethardwareipodipod-shufflejewelrymp3wearable-ipodMike SchrammSun, 30 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST$1.7 million for Greensboro Apple Storehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/11/30/1-7-million-for-greensboro-apple-store-permit/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/11/30/1-7-million-for-greensboro-apple-store-permit/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/11/30/1-7-million-for-greensboro-apple-store-permit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


I'm not exactly sure why there's so much excitement centered around the upcoming Greensboro Apple Store (my guess is it's because our friend Ged of the Iconfactory can't wait for it to open), but the excitement is there, and Ed Cone has some insight into how the store's deal got put together. Apparently Greensboro won't see the story by December 25th, as there's apparently some argument with the property's owners over whether Apple is "just another computer store" or deserves a better place in the location. You know our answer on that one.

An anonymous reader also tells Ed that the store's construction cost a pretty penny -- $1.7 million for 5,873 square feet, according to the building permit. Unfortunately, we're not sure if that's more expensive than usual or not: most retail places seem to cost a little less according to this, but then again, $1.6 million per store for Apple is about right, according to past numbers.

Either way, hopefully the wrap will be taken off the store soon -- we don't think Ged can wait that much longer.

$1.7 million for Greensboro Apple Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)$1.7 million for Greensboro Apple Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appleapple-storeargumentconstructiondealfriendly-centerged-maheuxgreensboroiconfactoryopeningpriceMike SchrammSun, 30 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST