Etched Advertising on a MacBook Pro
Remember my post a couple of months ago about my plan to put up my laptop lid as advertising space? It worked okay for Sacha Chua, whom I got the idea from. She was able to sell two large blocks for her BarCampEarth event in Toronto. I wasn’t so fortunate, though. But it still seemed a good idea, especially with the prevalence of laptops today, particularly in areas with good traffic, such as cafes and conferences.
But if you don’t have a laptop, you won’t have ad space to sell, right? I guess you just have to be creative. You can get the ads and brand new laptop to boot, just like what Leah Culver did.
When Leah Culver needed a new laptop, but had no money with which to buy it, she got creative. In exchange for $150 toward the purchase of a new machine, Leah offered local companies one square inch of advertising space on the back of the MacBook. What at first looked like a feeble attempt to raise the required funds soon evolved into a successful exercise in the power of the community at large, and Leah quickly had enough cash to buy her laptop.
Of course, one consideration would be that the laptop would seem commercialized, and the ads in this case are permanent, unless you decide to cover the lid with something. But the MacBook Pro has advantages. Firstly, it has relatively more lid real estate than other laptops, with either 15 or 17 inch widescreen. Second, the casing is made of anodized aluminum, so advertisers contributing to the purchase of the computer would be more comfortable knowing their ads would be more or less permanent (a good selling factor).
[via TUAW]
Living With My ThinkPad: Part Three
Another installment of living with my ThinkPad is here. It has been over two weeks since the last time I brought up what it is like having a laptop in tow. This time I have some new stories as I have been using my laptop as my primary system for over a month, and let me tell you. The differences between using a laptop and a desktop as your only computer are very noticeable, at least with a laptop like mine.
The first thing I notice is the screen real estate. If I were to buy another laptop, I would try to get a machine that could handle a resolution closer to that of my desktop’s 1600×1200, rather than the tiny 1024×768 that my ThinkPad has. Running at this resolution is not bad for web browsing and whatnot, but it can be a little annoying when dealing with graphics, web design, or trying to do more than one thing at a time.
Another noticeable difference is how much processor speed my laptop will give me. When I am plugged in, it is not too bad, but I noticed in the power settings it was set as adaptive for both when plugged in and when unplugged. I quickly changed this to be maximum when plugged in, as I did not see the reason, other than heat dissipation to have it lower than full speed when I was using the laptop as a workstation.
One thing that constantly annoyed me when using the ThinkPad’s keyboard from day to day was the touch pad and the ThinkPad “nub”. Both of which move the mouse and can be distracting. The touch pad even more so because if you accidentally rest your hands and it taps, you can find yourself writing where the cursor was, rather than at the end of the article. I almost posted a few articles that were ruined in this way before realizing my mistake in re-reading them.
I wish that when an external USB mouse was plugged in that these two devices would ask me if I’d like them disabled, and then automatically re-enabling when I unplugged the mouse. I know it’s a small detail, but when trying to work fast to type as much as possible on a subject, having the touch pad create such mistakes can be more than just a little frustrating.
I have been enjoying my laptop more lately though, and I have been really happy to have it as part of my life. Once setting up my desktop computer, having my laptop has meant that the desktop is basically mine. My wife to be, Sabine, only goes on the main computer now when she wants to check out what I have downloaded. Otherwise, she is on the laptop to check her e-mail or do on-line banking. This makes it easier for me to keep my work open, and allow things to move from day to day, and she does the same on the notebook.
Also, I have recently needed my laptop to work while on a trip, and with an A/C adapter plugged into the port of the car, I was able to stay at one hundred percent battery while writing during the whole trip. Having a laptop can really change work as well as entertainment.
I still need to get more RAM for this machine though. Maybe I will make that an early Christmas present to myself.
Apple Announces Core 2 Duo MacBook
Following the much-anticipated upgrade of the MacBook Pro to Intel Core 2 Duo, Apple has announced that its upcoming batch of MacBooks (non-Pro) are loaded with upgraded specs: double the standard RAM, larger hard disc capacity, better optical drives, and most important, Core 2 Duo processors.
With prices starting at just $1,099, the new MacBook lineup includes three models: sleek white 1.83 GHz and 2.0 GHz MacBook models, and a stunning black 2.0 GHz MacBook model. With Intel’s latest Core 2 Duo processors, the new MacBook is up to 25 percent faster than the previous MacBook and up to six times faster than the iBook(R), making it even easier for consumers to manage and enjoy their digital content with iLife ‘06.* Consumers will also benefit from the added power in the new 2.0 GHz models, including double the memory and greater storage capacity than the previous generation, as well as a double-layer SuperDrive(TM) for burning professional-quality DVDs.
The new MacBooks sell for the same SRPs as the first-generation MacBooks so if you’re planning on buying a MacBook, it’s best to hold off until you’re sure you get the Core 2 Duo variety. Also, this means there will be cheaper Core Duo (first-gen) MacBooks for sale either on Apple’s refurb store or in the aftermarket.
Residual Oil Remover For Cleaning Your Laptop
New laptops come in squeaky-clean packages, with spotless keyboards, dustless LCD screens and smooth trackpad. After years of use, however, you would notice your keyboard getting shadows from all even small food particles wedged in between the rough finish. The LCD screen and trackpad might even be oily because of contact with your fingers. While some laptops retail their like-new surfaces through years of use (like my old ThinkPad and my PowerBook Pismo, which are black), most non-black laptops show signs of use after just a few months.
What’s a laptop user to do, then? There are several cleaners out there. Some are water-based. Some are alcohol-based. I’ve tried alcohol, but it can sometimes be abrasive. Glass cleaners can work, too, when diluted. Heck even vinegar solution would do well with sticky trackpads (it’s acidic, after all). Try your local photo hobbyist shop. Maybe they have oil-removing lens cleaners that can help.
iBooks and PowerBooks seem to develop a “shadow” of the keyboard on the LCD over time, which won’t come off with window cleaners such as Windex. With my iBook, it was bad enough that using the thing in direct sunlight was sometimes difficult.
…
On a whim, I recently tried a lens cleaner called ROR (Residual Oil Remover) that I picked up from my local camera store - and it took the shadow off completely. My guess is the shadow is really just finger oils from the keyboard or something. - LowEndMac
ROR removes oil residue on a microscopic level, yet is not abrasive to glass or other surfaces. Better give it a try. I’ll probably try it myself when I get the chance to visit a local photo shop (or perhaps order online).
Until now, lens cleaners have been for the most part, simply silicone, alcohol or glycerin based products. Instead of removing the embedded pollution from the pores and surface of a lens, they coated it, thereby defeating the original intention.
ROR has redefined the science of lens care by utilizing a formula of natural ingredients that finally removes the counterproductive, ineradicable microscopic oil residues from the surface and pores of glass and plastic.
OLPC Update
Around two weeks ago we heard that the people in charge of OLPC have changed the computer from the name of 2B1 to XO, and now there is new news.
First up is news from Brazil, where IDG Now! Brasil reports that the country will receive 50 test laptops from OLPC, making it the first nation to have actual, live, working models. Meanwhile, across the world in Thailand, the whole notion of a $100 laptop has now become a bit less attractive to the new military government. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was a big fan of NickNeg’s pet project, but sadly, his countrymen kicked him out of office in September, making Thailand somewhat of a tough sell now. iTeau, a Thai blogger, adds that Thailand’s new information and communication technology minister has said that he doesn’t think that XO will work, and has ridiculed it as a “toy.”
What a mess. I really had high hopes for the project, as I think while it does not fix disease, or hunger, it provides a tool for education, knowledge, and communication, which are in my mind, components for creating a more forward thinking society.
via Engadget
New Dell Inspiron 1501 and Dell Latitude 131L Notebooks
Dell have anounced two new laptops for the holidays. The Dell Inspiron 1501, aimed at consumers and small businesses, and the Dell Latitude 131L, small business customers interested in productivity. The most interesting part in both systems is the AMD processor. It looks like Dell is really getting into selling both AMD and Intel machines. I think that is a great thing. More choice is always better.
The Dell Inspiron 1501 features:
- AMD TurionTM 64 X2 dual-core mobile technology as an option; prices start at $649 (USD)
- Mobile AMD SempronTM processor is standard; Prices start at $549 (USD)
- Integrated wireless networking
- Standard with 512MB shared3 memory and 60GB hard drive4; customers can upgrade to 2GB3 memory and 120GB hard drive
- Minimum 512 MB of shared memory3 and a 60GB4 hard drive
- New integrated graphics with up to 256 MB of HyperMemory5 performance enabling excellent entertainment and casual gaming experiences
- Standard 3-in-1 media card reader easily transfers digital files from cameras and MP3 players
- A 15.4-inch widescreen display with optional TrueLife technology
- Wide aspect screens which can provide up to 30 percent more viewable area over standard aspect XGA display
- Corel Snapfire Plus SE helps customers manage all of their digital photos and video clips. It helps them create, edit, organize and share photos and projects such as calendars, greeting cards and scrapbooks to enjoy with family and friends.
Dell Latitude 131L features:
- AMD TurionTM 64 X2 dual-core mobile technology as an option; prices start at $899;
- Mobile AMD SempronTM processor is standard; prices start at $629;
- Integrated graphics options
- Wide-aspect Displays
- Windows VistaTM Capable
- Manage your settings easily with Dell QuickSet software
- Optional CompleteCare Accidental Damage Service
Mod: Apple Mac Mini Portable - Tablet Edition
Who said Apple had no Tablet portables? Well, by defualt, they don’t. But if you’re on the adventurous side, you can modify a Mac Mini into a tablet Mac, like what Peter Green did with his. He calls it the Mac Mini Portable.
The MMP MkIII is the LIGHTEST Macintosh portable ever made at just 1.9Kg including batteries.
It has a 3 hour battery life, integrated 8″ touch screen tablet, full Blue Tooth, Airport, full SPDIF audio in/out and Front Row capabilities, on screen touch keyboard - no hardware keyboard required!
The MMP MkIII is the same height (or a little slimmer) than the original Mac Mini by Apple, it’s been made a little wider for extra electronics and being ergonomically better to hold.
This mod actually no longer makes use of the Mac Mini’s casing, but only its innards. After all, with a desktop with that small a footprint, you wouldn’t have to wonder whether it’s portable peripherals that Apple has stuck in there, from the logic board, to the hard drive, to the optical drive and more.
[via TUAW]
Sony Introduces New Ultraportable Series
Good news to road warriors who prefer ultraportable laptops when working on the go. Sony has introduced a new ultraportable, the Vaio G series, which starts at only 1.98 lbs!
The new Vaio will have a screen with a 1024×768 resolution (compared to the 1366×768 of the T series), 6 to 12.5 hours of battery life (T series has 5 to 11), a Celeron or Core Solo processor. A slightly more expensive version will come with a Dual-Layer DVD burner and a better battery but will increase the weight to 2.52lbs (T series weighs 2.84 lbs).
This is good news for people who are on the go and who would rather have something very light and very small. I know how it is to carry a heavy laptop while commuting to and from work, and I can say it takes a toll on the back!
Of course, you cannot expect much power from an ultraportable. These kinds of laptops focus more on portability and long battery life (most ultraportables can run more than 10 hours on a single charge; the Sony G series even ups that, with a standard 12.5 hours operation for the standard battery). These are mostly best for documents, email and surfing the Web.
For more Sony Vaio choices, do visit Digital Advisor.
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