Rumor: Apple’s secret product is ‘MacBook touch’

Think MacBook screen, possibly a bit smaller, in glass with iPhone-like, but fuller-featured Multi-Touch. Gesture library. Full Mac OS X. This is why they bought P.A. Semi. Possibly with Immersion's haptic tech. Slot-loading SuperDrive. Accelerometer. GPS. Pretty expensive to produce initially, but sold at "low" price that will reduce margins.

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Know that secret Apple product? THIS is it

Yes, there's a tablet coming, but that's not Apple's big secret. But I know what is and it's pretty unbelievable. Click for all the details.

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The Essential Apple

Chapter Two: From Spillage to Support

Solving Mac Messes

A Mac mess is not something by and large caused my Apple or Mac. The problem is (most likely) yes, you, the user. If you are a Mac user, then you know the stability of 99% of Apple’s programs, drives, applications and hardware. It’s one of the reasons we all choose to use a Mac.

This chapter, then, is to inform you how to prevent losing information when something you’ve done—or not done properly—occurs. The main problem Mac users come across is not properly backing-up (if at all) those important files.

Here’s some general yet helpful hints you might consider next time you multi-task and lose those critical dossiers.

What’s the number one way to avoid a Mac (or self) meltdown?

Before you throw yourself or your Mac to the fire, you should take two precautionary steps: A.) Keep liquids away from the keyboard of either a desk- or lap-top computer. B.) Be sure to backup all your important files in at least two exterior locations. Let’s start with “A.).” For “B.),” see the questions and discussion below.

The distinct reason people not only lose their data but also their computer is because of spillage. Spillage can be any liquid not intentionally spilled onto your computer. Spillage can range from morning coffee, lunchtime tea, and after-dinner spirits to baby’s solid burp turned spit-up bile. The possibilities and despondent stories of a Mac’s demise are always endless and never mild.

AppleCare won’t really AptlyCare all that much if you destroy your computer with spillage. If spillage befalls your Mac, here’s what you can do:

Be quick! Unplug your computer immediately. Shut it down and remove the battery from the back. Turn it upside down for at least 24 hours. This may keep the liquid from reaching the internal parts.

Some people suggest using a hairdryer while others say this is a bad idea. In either case, keep the computer off for at least a day to avoid the backup battery from corroding and ruining your Mac’s internal hardware. It may be smart to take it to a Mac support store for diagnosis after such an incident.

How do I avoid future problems?

Now, we’re getting to “B.)” and backing up. The best way to avoid future problems is to follow the ACT plan. The document can be an Excel or Numbers spreadsheet, a Word or Pages letter, or even a Power Point or Key Note presentation.

A – Keep your file(s) in Another location. In fact, keep them saved in at least two other locations, both on your computer and a removable disk. If you have an online Apple account, you can upload and save files here. Emailing files to your self is a nice way to access the document(s) anywhere, anytime. This can become tedious, however, after some time.

C – If you’re in the middle of writing a document, be sure to Constantly back it up: in the beginning, middle and end. You never know when baby Jessie will upchuck her lunch of mashed sweet potatoes. Back up copies of your back ups as well.

T – Make several copies of the Type of document you want to save. Save the files as architect-plans-1.doc and architect-plans-2.doc and save them on your desktop and your documents folder, for example. Use an external hard drive whenever possible.

How do I best backup my important documents?

A CD or removable flash drive is at least an attempt at storing your files elsewhere. Making copies is a fine idea, but make sure to also keep the previous files even though you’re backing up the newer ones. That is, be sure to save the previous file just in case the newly updated one is corrupted. You’ll conceivable want to go back to the first one before the corruption occurred.

Where should I store my already backed-up important files?

Apple makes some handy gadgets to back up your hard drive. Have a look at your local Apple store or the Apple website. One of the latest gadgets is a simply external hard drive that automatically backs up your files when you plug in the USB cable. Everything that has been added or deleted is automatically updated. That’s easy.

Or, a normal external hard drive works almost as well, giving you control of what is added to it or deleted and therefore updated.

Time Machine is a great tool too. However, it’s intended for finding files that you’ve changed but would like to see the erstwhile versions. It should not be considered a back up or an archive for important files.

How often should I “spring clean” my Mac’s directories and drives?

You might “spring clean” your computer about once a month or every other month. Run Apple’s Disk Utility to repair any directories that might have been damaged. Be sure, of course, to back up all your files: ACT!

Moreover, use antiviral software frequently and be sure to use the updated versions. This is a simple process, sure to clean up any viruses that might be burrowing around.

Great! Is there anything else I should know from the experts?

Save all your disks and serial numbers in a safe and unified location. Don’t download shoddy files labeled “free” from the Internet that you normally should pay for.

Choose shareware that has demonstrated wide user use with written reviews. You can check forums for updates and comments.

Additionally, buy software and hardware directly from the official online stores or Apple stores and dealers. Shoddy programs can kill your Mac faster than any spillage that might seep from any one of little Jesse’s orifices.

Multitouch Goodness: Full-Screen Multitouch Mac OS X Is Here

It's not from Apple, but it gives a pretty good idea of what to expect from the Cupertino company, and probably in a near future release of iMac models: a band of developers called the NUI Group have developed Lux, a platform that shows the power of a free open framework that will enable true multitouch interaction in Mac OS X.

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iPhone line forms at Apple's flagship for no reason

So word on the street (literally) is that a large number of people are queuing in line outside of Apple's flagship store on 5th Avenue in New York City -- keep in mind the Cube is open 24 hours a day. Our intrepid girl-on-the-scene reports that the group is more than 60-deep, though most people seem confused about what they're waiting for

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Apple takes delivery of 188 mysterious ocean containers

“The fact that they are importing millions of units, combined with dwindling stocks of the first generation of iPhones,” persuades Peterson that these “electric computers” are, in fact, the 3G iPhones Apple is expected to release in a matter of weeks.

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The Essential Apple

Chapter One: From Skin to Core

Apple software updates

The first thing you should know about owning that milky new Apple—or the argent ones—is how to obtain software updates on your computer. You see, the sorcerers at Apple do their best to make sure your software fluidly runs within the magical wonders of your computer. Apple software updates are like little immunities to keep your computer not only virus free but also in fine fettle. That is, these updates fight off the things that could harm your Mac’s health.

One of Apple’s goals in software design is to make it not only trouble free, but moreover worry free. If you have an Internet connection that is both fast and functioning, then every-so-often you’ll get a little box with a starry blue sphere encircled in an arrow that automatically opens upon starting your computer. All you have to do is push “OK” to install the list of items—from iTunes, iCal to iMovie and iChat—and then press OK to restart. After your Mac reboots, you’re free to go on as expected.

Where do I find updates manually?

If after you read the above mentioned paragraphs you’re thinking, I don’t ever see the automatic box asking me to update software. How do I find it myself? Then do not fret. If, indeed, you never see such any sort of automatic update box appear randomly, then you can check for software updates yourself.

The most efficient way to do this is to simply click the little blue (or reflective silver) apple at the top of the computer screen. Scroll down and release select on Software Update…A few seconds later, you’ll be able to accept or decline (check or uncheck) the updates that are listed below. After you accept, the computer does its probing—perhaps you’ll have to peck your admin password too—and after downloading the updates, restart your computer. Viola!

If Software Update perturbs you because you have more computers than patience, then you can install the standalone installer, allowing you to update a number of computers downloading the update—whichever—one time. Tick here to install the Combo Update.

How do I know which version of the software I’m using?

This should be the same no matter your OS. Go to the little blue (or silver) apple again. This time, scroll down and release click About This Mac (probably the first item). Under the shiny, once-bitten apple, you’ll see your system version. You can also see your processor speed and memory. There’s even the option to check for system updates from here too.

How do I find Apple software or shareware that might be handy?

If you simply go to Google and type “shareware for Mac,” for example, you’ll surely find more than your Mac’s drive can hold. Tick here to find the neatest stuff. If you want to go to the horse’s mouth, platitudely speaking, then try http://www.apple.com/support/leopard to get support for all sorts of Mac’s applications. Some software updates are available too.