The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)

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/Apple 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: Humor, Retail, Cult of Mac, Odds and ends, iMac, PowerBook, Apple

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.

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>appleapple-storeapple-storesgeniushandmadeimacquiltretailstorestigertshirtsMike SchrammSat, 13 Dec 2008 14:30:00 ESTInfectious offers discount for TUAW readershttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/11/infectious-offers-discount-for-tuaw-readers/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/11/infectious-offers-discount-for-tuaw-readers/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/11/infectious-offers-discount-for-tuaw-readers/#commentsFiled under: Accessories, iBook, PowerBook, Macbook Pro, MacBook, iPhone

I am a huge fan of Gelaskins, and my iPhone has boasted one since I discovered a display at a small Toronto store back in May. Adhesive art for your iPhone, iPod, and Mac is a fantastic concept and a great way to express yourself beyond the typical hardware case.

Infectious is another site that offers art for laptops, cars, and more. They have recently launched a line for the iPhone. The site currently has 38 different pieces of art for the iPhone, and is currently on sale for $9.99. The Infectious stickers will fit both generations of iPhones.

You will get a large piece of art for the back of the phone, and a smaller one for the front that goes over the Home button. The artwork for the front of the iPhone is a fantastic feature that Gelaskins doesn't have, and one that I find very attractive. It makes it easy to spot your phone without having to flip it over to check the back or activate the screen to check the wallpaper.

Art for laptops is starts at $29.99 and will fit the Powerbook G4, iBook, MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. The artwork is made on 3M vinyl material and can be easily removed to put on another piece.

Infectious is currently offering a deal for TUAW readers. Use discount code TuawRocks for 10% off from now until December 31.

Infectious offers discount for TUAW readers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Infectious offers discount for TUAW readers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>accessoriesartgelaskinsibookinfectiousiphonemacbookmacbook proMacbookPropowerbookMegan LaveyThu, 11 Dec 2008 17:00:00 ESTBattery calibration recommended by Apple, why no utility?http://www.tuaw.com/2008/07/30/battery-calibration-recommended-by-apple-why-no-utility/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/07/30/battery-calibration-recommended-by-apple-why-no-utility/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/07/30/battery-calibration-recommended-by-apple-why-no-utility/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Portables, iBook, PowerBook, PowerMac G5, Macbook Pro, MacBook, MacBook Air

Like virtually all mobile computer manufacturers, Apple recommends that users calibrate their laptop batteries every few months, as Scott pointed out a couple of years ago. Unlike many manufacturers, however, Apple does not include a utility to automatically perform a calibration. Given Apple's uncanny ability to make things user-friendly, this seems like a bit of a glaring oversight.

What are the benefits of calibration? Primarily the goal is to ensure that the microprocessor in your battery provides an accurate estimate of how much time you have left on the battery. Over time it can lose track of just how much juice your battery has in it, and calibration gives it a very accurate reading on the battery's health.

Older battery technologies also benefited from a process called conditioning, which was typically performed the same way as a current battery's calibration process. In a nutshell, you fully charge the battery, fully discharge it, then fully charge it again. It's unclear whether modern lithium batteries gain anything in an actual capacity perspective from this process, or if it is simply a calibration of the microprocessor for the purpose of providing accurate time estimates.

Continue reading Battery calibration recommended by Apple, why no utility?

Battery calibration recommended by Apple, why no utility? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Battery calibration recommended by Apple, why no utility? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>batterybattery-calibrationbattery-conditioningbattery-lifecalibrationcoconutbatteryJason ClarkeWed, 30 Jul 2008 19:00:00 ESTPoll: Would you buy a 12" MacBook Pro?http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/14/poll-would-you-buy-a-12-macbook-pro/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/14/poll-would-you-buy-a-12-macbook-pro/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/14/poll-would-you-buy-a-12-macbook-pro/#commentsFiled under: Analysis / Opinion, Hardware, Portables, PowerBook, Surveys and Polls, Macbook Pro, MacBook

Up until a few years ago, I had a 12" PowerBook G4 that I absolutely loved. It was truly portable (although the screen was a bit on the small side for me), relatively fast, and lightweight. Many of my consulting clients have asked if Apple had plans to replace the 12" PowerBook with a MacBook or MacBook Pro in the same form factor, but I've pointed them towards the 13" MacBook or MacBook Air instead.

There's still a vocal group of former PowerBook G4 users who would like to see Apple come out with a new MacBook Pro -- complete with SuperDrive, Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and Multi-Touch trackpad -- in that tiny 12" PowerBook case. If you're in their camp, visit and participate in the MBP12.com forum and add your voice to the people clamoring for a small, powerful MacBook Pro.

Do you think a 12" MacBook Pro would be a winner in the market? Take our poll!

[Via christopherprice.net]

Poll: Would you buy a 12" MacBook Pro? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 14 May 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Poll: Would you buy a 12" MacBook Pro? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 14 May 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>macbook proMacbookProSteven SandeWed, 14 May 2008 08:00:00 ESTDear Santa Steve: A Sub-notebook, iPhone stability and Aperture 2http://www.tuaw.com/2007/12/24/dear-santa-steve-a-sub-notebook-iphone-stability-and-aperture/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/12/24/dear-santa-steve-a-sub-notebook-iphone-stability-and-aperture/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/12/24/dear-santa-steve-a-sub-notebook-iphone-stability-and-aperture/#commentsFiled under: Humor, iTS, Portables, Odds and ends, PowerBook, Steve Jobs, Apple, Macbook Pro, MacBook, iPhone, Holidays

Dear Santa Steve,

As my most recent bank statements show: I've most certainly not misbehaved over the course of this last year. I've queued for hours in the bitter cold, and ~~sacrificed myself~~ endured keyhole surgery for injuries from doing so - no really, that bit isn't hyperbole. If there's anyone who's been an exceptionally well behaved Apple fan, you've got to admit I'm up there with the best of them. So what on earth could I be asking for? Just a few simple things:

13" MacBook Pro / MacBook nano Steve, I can wax lyrical about the sheer brute force of my 17" MacBook Pro - I love it, I really do. But lugging it on the train for a ninety-minute commute everyday isn't the pleasurable workout you might expect. In fact, I'd quite like a little version of my MBP, so that I pack it into a reasonably-sized Crumpler with my Nikon D80 and not resort to ~~hiring sherpas~~ buying a small trolley-case to travel. So what might I be asking for? If you were to start by making the display 13 (matte) inches or there abouts, and keep a dedicated GPU, that'd be ace - a machine Aperture would love. In fact, you could even remove the optical drive from the body, and use SSD if you really, really, wanted. I can hear Jonny Ive say 'SSD may be a little way-off yet' in the background, but you get the idea? All I'm asking for is a modern-day 12" PowerBook. I've ~~sold my soul to Cupertino~~ ~~maximised my overdraft~~ told the bank not to block large charges from my local Apple Store, and you've got my bank details. So let's work something out, for I can't be the only one asking for such a machine this year.

Stability in my iPhone This one's arguably simpler Steve, what with it not requiring you to design any new hardware. I'd like my iPhone's iPod and Safari applications to get on better than you and John Sculley. I'm sorry, that was perhaps a little too forceful but I think I made my point. A software update to the device that brings some new functionality would be most welcome too, what with it being 'all about the software' and the SDK on the horizon.

Aperture 2 This one may seem out of place for Stevemas - for general wisdom places Macworld as the launch of more consumer-orientated products - so I'll happily be told 'be patient, my child' for this one. But with Aperture now the last of your professional applications not to see a notable (paid) update, I'm hopeful that whatever may be in the works arrives sooner rather than later.

There's but one more thing, and I'll be content for a while Steve. In fact, if there's one thing I'd choose from my requests this year, it would be this.... Let's take these big-media names to task, and encourage investment in, not criminalisation of, those who do buy their content online. Towards the end of 2007, Apple seemed to lose their iTunes momentum despite the year getting off to a good start. EMI went on the offensive, trying to capture hearts and minds by dropping DRM from their download sales. But since then, we've seen little continuation in the dream of eradicating DRM from our digital lifestyles. Steve, in 2008, all I want is for Apple to help bring the media industry back to serving the needs of its customers as a business model. Let's make it less of the iTunes Extortion and Shakedown Store, and all about the music once more.

There's cookies by the side of the MacBook Pro - and green tea simmering on it. Enjoy.

Dear Santa Steve: A Sub-notebook, iPhone stability and Aperture 2 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Dear Santa Steve: A Sub-notebook, iPhone stability and Aperture 2 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Dear-Santa-Stevetweet-thisNik FletcherMon, 24 Dec 2007 17:15:00 ESTiStat menus 1.2 monitors your Mac's innardshttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/11/02/istat-menus-1-2-monitors-your-macs-innards/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/11/02/istat-menus-1-2-monitors-your-macs-innards/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/11/02/istat-menus-1-2-monitors-your-macs-innards/#commentsFiled under: Analysis / Opinion, Software, Cool tools, PowerBook, Troubleshooting, Developer

I'm definitely a big fan of iSlayer's iStat Pro widget. Whenever my older Powerbook acts a little weird, I can just pull up the Dashboard and tell at a glance what's going wrong ("Oh my, the CPU is running at 150 degrees again. Time to quit a few apps"). Now they've sent word that iStat menus, an even bigger and better stats program available to sit on the menubar, has hit version 1.2.

New to this version is process monitoring, better temperature and fan support in G4 Powerbooks (like mine), and a disk activity graph that let's you monitor disk performance over time. For keeping an eye on what's happening under your Mac's hood, there's almost nothing better, and all the iStat stuff is free.

Of course, if you do use one of their apps, make sure to send them some cash to help them keep up the good work. Always support good software, people. Just like NPR, if you don't support it, you'll lose it.

iStat menus 1.2 monitors your Mac's innards originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iStat menus 1.2 monitors your Mac's innards originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>appsdonationwareistatistat-promenusmonitoringprocessesversion-1.2widgetMike SchrammFri, 02 Nov 2007 10:00:00 ESTGoodness, gracious, great balls of (PowerBook) fire!http://www.tuaw.com/2007/10/10/goodness-gracious-great-balls-of-powerbook-fire/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/10/10/goodness-gracious-great-balls-of-powerbook-fire/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/10/10/goodness-gracious-great-balls-of-powerbook-fire/#commentsFiled under: Cult of Mac, PowerBook

If it bleeds, it leads. If it goes boom, there's room. Fire inspires and there's no shame in flame.

What's the opposite of flamebait? It's when your PowerBook really does catch fire and nearly kills you--and you write a love letter like Jimm Lasser did. After his PowerBook burst into flames, he didn't lash out at Apple. He grew to love them even more. He writes, "a Mac almost killed me, and I came out of the whole experience feeling more strongly about Apple as a company." TUAW rejoices that Lasser survived and has been able to move on from the whole experience, but reiterates that this kind of bonding, consumer-trust-enhancing experience is not typical.

Via ~~Real~~ Fake Steve

Goodness, gracious, great balls of (PowerBook) fire! originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Goodness, gracious, great balls of (PowerBook) fire! originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>BoomForgivenessGraceKoolaidPost-traumatic ShockPost-traumaticShockErica SadunWed, 10 Oct 2007 13:00:00 ESTRig of the Week: PowerBook with USB cooling fanhttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/09/23/rig-of-the-week-powerbook-with-usb-cooling-fan/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/09/23/rig-of-the-week-powerbook-with-usb-cooling-fan/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/09/23/rig-of-the-week-powerbook-with-usb-cooling-fan/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Hacks, PowerBook, Rig of the Week

TUAW reader and Flickr user sninesix posted this snapshot of the USB CPU fan he rigged up to cool his PowerBook. When the original fan died, sninesix found an old fan he had lying around, removed the wires and hacked a USB cable onto it.

He then removed laptop's keyboard and positioned the fan just above the CPU. With a USB keyboard connected, he was back in business. Well done! You can watch a video explanation here.

If you'd like to see your own rig featured here, simply upload photos into our group Flickr pool. Each Sunday we'll comb through the most recent entries and declare a "Rig of the Week!"

Rig of the Week: PowerBook with USB cooling fan originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 23 Sep 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Rig of the Week: PowerBook with USB cooling fan originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 23 Sep 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>cooling-fancpuhackpowerbookrig-of-the-monthDave CaoloSun, 23 Sep 2007 15:00:00 ESTSmile. You're on "candid laptop"http://www.tuaw.com/2007/01/25/smile-youre-on-candid-laptop/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/01/25/smile-youre-on-candid-laptop/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/01/25/smile-youre-on-candid-laptop/#commentsFiled under: Portables, Software, Hacks, PowerBook

TUAW reader Dylan O'Donnell has set up his Macbook Pro to snap a picture using the built-in iSight whenever its lid opens. He put together a simple command line capture utility and triggered it with Bernard Bahr's SleepWatcher. Then he added automatic uploads via FTP and displayed the results with the open source BolGallery.

"I initially did this as an anti-theft measure as the script will upload the photos to any FTP site for you, and the PHP gallery will autothumb and display the photos. Apart from the nauseating effect of seeing my ugly mug repeating, the result is good and I hope to maybe do a time lapse in quicktime sometime down the track!"

It's a cute idea, completely open source, and an excellent example of ingenuity in action. It's also a good example of the completely self-conscious reasons that I do not personally own a webcam. Me, in the morning, before I've woken up and had my caffeine? Not a pretty picture.

Smile. You're on "candid laptop" originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Smile. You're on "candid laptop" originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>iSightErica SadunThu, 25 Jan 2007 15:00:00 ESTAfter recalls and fires, Matsushita to offer new lithium batteryhttp://www.tuaw.com/2006/12/19/after-recalls-and-fires-matsushita-to-offer-new-lithium-battery/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/12/19/after-recalls-and-fires-matsushita-to-offer-new-lithium-battery/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/12/19/after-recalls-and-fires-matsushita-to-offer-new-lithium-battery/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, PowerBook

It hasn't been a really good year battery-wise. Battery defects made the news with overheating and spontaneous combustion. Today, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. said it will begin mass producing a new and improved lithium-ion battery, one that presumably will not melt your PowerBook. Good news for consumers, even at the slightly higher prices anticipated for the more advanced technology. This DFW article does not reveal exactly how the new batteries will be changed in order to minimize the risk of spontaneous combustion, but "not bursting into flames" would be a good start.

After recalls and fires, Matsushita to offer new lithium battery originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

After recalls and fires, Matsushita to offer new lithium battery originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>batteriesrecallsErica SadunTue, 19 Dec 2006 07:00:00 ESTWoodStand: Another DIY "iCurve" laptop elevatorhttp://www.tuaw.com/2006/12/06/woodstand-another-diy-icurve-laptop-elevator/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/12/06/woodstand-another-diy-icurve-laptop-elevator/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/12/06/woodstand-another-diy-icurve-laptop-elevator/#commentsFiled under: Portables, Odds and ends, iBook, PowerBook, Macbook Pro, MacBook

Making your own laptop stand out of Legos is cool and all, but not all of us have kids of our own to steal toys from. So we turn to more accessible materials like wood. That's what Erik did. Using wood, lacquer and some copper wire, Erik created his own very elegant iCurve knockoff: The WoodStand. He shared it with us, so we're sharing it with you. Nice work, Erik!

Enjoy the pics - and if you make your own, tell us about it!

WoodStand: Another DIY "iCurve" laptop elevator originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

WoodStand: Another DIY "iCurve" laptop elevator originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>icurvelaptop coolinglaptop standLaptopCoolingLaptopStandwoodstandLaurie A. DuncanWed, 06 Dec 2006 10:30:00 ESTFlickr Find: DIY iCurve with Legoshttp://www.tuaw.com/2006/12/04/flickr-find-diy-icurve-with-legos/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/12/04/flickr-find-diy-icurve-with-legos/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/12/04/flickr-find-diy-icurve-with-legos/#commentsFiled under: Accessories, Peripherals, PowerBook

DIYer Extensor posted pics of a self-built iCurve replacement over at flickr. Created to support his (or her, the page doesn't say) 15-inch Powerbook, the do-it-yourself-Curve is made from spare legos and a $7 Container Store wire shelf. The shelf is colorfully made, surprisingly attractive and looks sturdy enough to handle the weight of the Powerbook. We at TUAW love to see this kind of initiative and welcome your DIY Mac submissions. Drop us a line at our Tips form.

Flickr Find: DIY iCurve with Legos originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 04 Dec 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Flickr Find: DIY iCurve with Legos originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 04 Dec 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>diydo it yourselfDoItYourselfflickr findFlickrFindiCurvepowerbookErica SadunMon, 04 Dec 2006 08:00:00 ESTMacBook Marionettehttp://www.tuaw.com/2006/11/23/macbook-marionette/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/11/23/macbook-marionette/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/11/23/macbook-marionette/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Hacks, Cult of Mac, PowerBook, Mods, Macbook Pro, MacBook

Most puppets scare me. Horrid little creatures, only coming alive when controlled by some being of perceived omnipotence manipulating every aspect of their pathetic little lives. But enough about my puppet paranoia, and on to this awesome hack. Some cunning (and brave! I'd never swing my notebook around like that!) soul has created a piece of digital artwork using the motion sensor built into his PowerBook. When he swings the machine, a little animated man on the screen reacts with realistic physics to the movement. Hooray for digital inertia!

[via UneasySilence]

MacBook Marionette originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 23 Nov 2006 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MacBook Marionette originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 23 Nov 2006 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>digitalhackmarionettemotionpowerbookpuppetsensorDan LurieThu, 23 Nov 2006 11:00:00 ESTLilt - wave your notebook like you just... want to turn up iTuneshttp://www.tuaw.com/2006/11/13/lilt-wave-your-notebook-like-you-just-want-to-turn-up-itune/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/11/13/lilt-wave-your-notebook-like-you-just-want-to-turn-up-itune/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/11/13/lilt-wave-your-notebook-like-you-just-want-to-turn-up-itune/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Software, Odds and ends, PowerBook, Macbook Pro, MacBook

If you're finished with smacking your MacBook to make it do your bidding, maybe you can move on to tilting it and playing with the some mood lighting (in the Pro models) to really get things done? Lilt is a new app that harnesses the power of of Apple's Sudden Motion Sensor (found in PowerBooks, MBs and MBPs) and the ambient light sensor (PowerBooks and MBPs only) to allow you to trigger the launch of applications, files and scripts. With AppleScript support, the possibilities are of course almost limitless, but the basic examples the developer Jonathan Nathan uses include waving your hand over the ambient light sensor to change tracks in iTunes, as well as tilting the machine back to hear the time spoken to you. Naturally, Lilt includes plenty of built-in actions like locking the screen, speaking text, controlling the volume and launching apps, just to help you hit the ground running.

Until November 30th, Lilt is offered as a pre-release version, free of restrictions. After that, the price rises to a mere $5. Not bad for a whole new way to boss your notebook around, and with Lilt, the odds are far less that you might give it a black eye.

Lilt - wave your notebook like you just... want to turn up iTunes originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 13 Nov 2006 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Lilt - wave your notebook like you just... want to turn up iTunes originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 13 Nov 2006 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>applescriptapplicationapplication launcherApplicationLauncherapplicationslauncherliltmacbookmackbook proMackbookPropowerbookSMSsudden motion sensorSuddenMotionSensorDavid ChartierMon, 13 Nov 2006 16:30:00 ESTMCE OptiBay replaces your Macbook Pro or PowerBook G4 optical drive with a hard drivehttp://www.tuaw.com/2006/10/17/mce-optibay-replaces-your-macbook-pro-or-powerbook-g4-optical-d/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/10/17/mce-optibay-replaces-your-macbook-pro-or-powerbook-g4-optical-d/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/10/17/mce-optibay-replaces-your-macbook-pro-or-powerbook-g4-optical-d/#commentsFiled under: Accessories, Hardware, Portables, PowerBook, Macbook Pro

If you tote a portable around all day and find yourself needing extra storage more often than you need to read or write CDs or DVDs and you're tired of depending on slow external drives, then MCE has a solution for you. The OptiBay Hard Drive replaces your internal Combo or SuperDrive with a 2nd internal hard drive, offering higher capacities (up to an additional 160GB) than have ever been seen in a notebook computer. The good news is you don't have to give up your optical drive completely because every OptiBay ships with a portable Firewire enclosure to house your now-naked drive.

MCE is the company who also brought Expansion Bay drives to PowerBook G3 owners, so they are no strangers to this market. Prices range from $249 to $399 and all but the 15-inch MacBook Pro model is shipping now, with that one due out at the end of the month. I know a few mobile video editors who are going to be very pleased with this new offering.

Thanks Joshua!

Correction: In the comments, michael has pointed out that Alienware has a 17-inch model (the Aurora_m9700) that offers 2 drive bays allowing the same 320GB total expansion possibility. Ooof... it weighs almost 9lbs though! Thanks for the tip, michael!

MCE OptiBay replaces your Macbook Pro or PowerBook G4 optical drive with a hard drive originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MCE OptiBay replaces your Macbook Pro or PowerBook G4 optical drive with a hard drive originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>mce technologiesMceTechnologiesoptibay hard driveOptibayHardDriveLaurie A. DuncanTue, 17 Oct 2006 14:00:00 ESTMonster laptop sleeves from Barry's Farmhttp://www.tuaw.com/2006/10/17/monster-laptop-sleeves-from-barrys-farm/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/10/17/monster-laptop-sleeves-from-barrys-farm/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/10/17/monster-laptop-sleeves-from-barrys-farm/#commentsFiled under: Accessories, Portables, iBook, PowerBook, Macbook Pro, MacBook

I have finally found the perfect laptop sleeve! Monster laptop sleeves are handmade to order and available in sizes accommodating 12-inch to 17-inch laptops. They are fuzzy and cuddly and cute... and isn't that all you need in a laptop sleeve? Sure, you might choose something with serious protection but for the casual schlepper a laptop sleeve needs only to make a statement. And this one says "I'm goofy. So what!"

They're a little pricey at $65 a pop, but the look on your boss's face when you whip it out at the next big client meeting is totally worth it. They come in pink, blue, orange, purple, green and white - and when you open their flap to remove your laptop it looks like your pet monster is yawning. I am soooo getting one of these.

To keep the gag going you might want to pick up a matching Monster mini pouch (9.5 x 6 inches) to tote your AC adapter and assorted cables or go all out by ordering a Monster Laptop Bag which includes a shoulder strap.

[via Boing Boing]

Monster laptop sleeves from Barry's Farm originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Monster laptop sleeves from Barry's Farm originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>monster laptop sleeveMonsterLaptopSleeveLaurie A. DuncanTue, 17 Oct 2006 12:00:00 ESTTerminal Tip: Keep your Mac portable from waking when the lid is openedhttp://www.tuaw.com/2006/10/09/terminal-tip-keep-your-mac-portable-from-waking-when-the-lid-is/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/10/09/terminal-tip-keep-your-mac-portable-from-waking-when-the-lid-is/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/10/09/terminal-tip-keep-your-mac-portable-from-waking-when-the-lid-is/#commentsFiled under: Tips and tricks, iBook, PowerBook, Terminal Tips, Macbook Pro, MacBook

Although I'm a Mac Geek by trade, I tend to avoid the terminal unless I'm out of other options. I'm a GUI kind of girl. It's the Mac OS that I love, not its Unix underpinnings. I appreciate the power of the command line - I just don't want to spend all day there. Still, once in a while I come across a tip like the one, which Glenn Fleishman posted in the most recent TidBITS, and I find myself unable to resist the urge to fire up the Terminal.

This tip solves a problem that I've experienced myself and many of my clients have complained about - laptops waking from sleep while in their cases because the latch won't keep the lid closed. This can cause overheating, which can lead to a variety of other problems, like hard drive failures, etc. My solution is, of course, to fix the latch! But there are times when that isn't convenient and even if it's convenient it doesn't happen often enough for some people to even bother stressing about it. By harnessing the power of pmset, the command line app that controls power management settings, you can fix it so that your sleeping beauty stays asleep, even when the latch isn't doing its job.

The command is an easy one - a single line. Ready for it?

sudo pmset lidwake 0

By setting the lidwake value to 0 you prevent the machine from waking until you tap a key on your keyboard, and since the value gets written just to a plist file, it takes hold right away. Of course you'll need administrator privileges since you'll be asked for an admin password before the command is executed.

For more pmset options, have a look at the "man" pages at Apple's Darwin Reference library, or open your Terminal and type "man" (without the quotes), hit return and then type "pmset" (without the quotes.)

Terminal Tip: Keep your Mac portable from waking when the lid is opened originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 09 Oct 2006 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Terminal Tip: Keep your Mac portable from waking when the lid is opened originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 09 Oct 2006 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>commandlaptopmacbookmacbook proMacbookPronotebookpmsetpower managementpowerbookPowerManagementsleepterminalterminal tipsTerminalTipsunixLaurie A. DuncanMon, 09 Oct 2006 22:30:00 ESTDIY notebook sleeve from corduroys and a sweatshirthttp://www.tuaw.com/2006/10/02/diy-notebook-sleeve-from-corduroys-and-a-sweatshirt/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/10/02/diy-notebook-sleeve-from-corduroys-and-a-sweatshirt/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/10/02/diy-notebook-sleeve-from-corduroys-and-a-sweatshirt/#commentsFiled under: Accessories, Hardware, How-tos, PowerBook, MacBook

No one with an internet connection is ever allowed to claim that there is a shortage of DIY tutorials and craziness on the internet, and this latest home-grown notebook sleeve from a guy named Sam is no exception. You see, Sam is an accident magnet (hey, his words, not mine), and he recently stained a pair of corduroy pants. He also ruined a sweatshirt a while back too - so what's an enterprising Mac nerd to do with all these ruined clothes and a 12-inch PowerBook which he might love just a smidge too much? Why, turn them into a case, of course! Sam wrote up a pretty thorough tutorial on how to put this case together, but he actually did this a few months back for his PowerBook, before the MacBooks were released. Fortunately, he included some extra math for the new machines so even more of you can play along.

Check out Sam's tutorial to snag yourself one of the more unique notebook sleeves which, as they say on TV, are "not available in stores! Order now!" Er, click now!

DIY notebook sleeve from corduroys and a sweatshirt originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 02 Oct 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

DIY notebook sleeve from corduroys and a sweatshirt originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 02 Oct 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>casediymacbookpantspowerbooksamsambotsleevesweatshirtDavid ChartierMon, 02 Oct 2006 13:00:00 ESTAsk the readers: PowerBook protectionhttp://www.tuaw.com/2006/09/27/ask-the-readers-powerbook-protection/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/09/27/ask-the-readers-powerbook-protection/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/09/27/ask-the-readers-powerbook-protection/#commentsFiled under: Accessories, Portables, PowerBook

I'm humble enough to admit when I need some help, and I'm lucky to have an esteemed group of readers such as yourselves comprising my very own hive mind. The issue is this:

My trusty PowerBook is getting on a bit in the years, and like all creatures, with age comes imperfection. The telltale signs of PowerBook pitting are starting to show on the wrist rests, and the lovely matte finish originally sported by the trackpad has begun to wear down, making it difficult to mouse. I know there are a few options out there for the wrist rests, and I'm leaning toward the Marware Protection Pack, but what can I do about the trackpad? The only trackpad covers I can find either have printed designs or come as part of an expensive protection packages.

I'm sure more than one of you has been in my position, so I look forward to your suggestions.

Ask the readers: PowerBook protection originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 27 Sep 2006 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Ask the readers: PowerBook protection originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 27 Sep 2006 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>askasktuawpittingpowerbookprotectionreaderstrackpadDan LurieWed, 27 Sep 2006 06:00:00 ESTRig of the Day: That's some officehttp://www.tuaw.com/2006/09/19/rig-of-the-day-thats-some-office/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/09/19/rig-of-the-day-thats-some-office/http://www.tuaw.com/2006/09/19/rig-of-the-day-thats-some-office/#commentsFiled under: Desktops, Hardware, PowerBook, Rig of the Week

The more, the better, right? This office consists of dual 2.0Ghz G5 (probably replaced by now with a Mac Pro), a 15 inch PowerBook, a 1.0 Ghz G4, and three Cinema displays. That's a lot of computing power for one office.

BWJonesOffice by BWJones.

If you'd like to see your own rig featured here, simply upload photos into our group Flickr pool. Due to popular demand we have dropped the 'Rig of the Week,' but sound off in the comments if you want it back.

Rig of the Day: That's some office originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Rig of the Day: That's some office originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Scott McNultyTue, 19 Sep 2006 23:30:00 EST