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Blackmagic external GPU for MacBook Pro now available from Apple

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According to Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) (This article and its images were originally posted on Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) July 14, 2018 at 08:00AM.)

 

Australian digital cinema company Blackmagic recently worked with Apple to develop Blackmagic eGPU, an external GPU that brings “desktop-class graphics performance” to the new MacBook Pro laptops with Thunderbolt 3 ports.

The Blackmagic eGPU features an AMD Radeon Pro 580 graphics processor with 8GB of GDDR5 memory, one HDMI 2.0 port, four USB 3 ports, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, and an 85W power supply. Thunderbolt 3 provides a 40Gb/s connection over a single cable, enabling rapid data transfers between the external graphics processor and MacBook Pro.

Graphics performance speed improvements depend on the laptop model; The Verge reports that the 13-inch MacBook Pro experiences an 8x boost, while the 15-inch model experiences a 2.8x increase.

As a first for external GPUs, the eGPU’s second Thunderbolt 3 port provides optional connectivity with the LG UltraFine 5K Display, the model Apple offers directly, and other Thunderbolt 3 displays. A second monitor can be connected via the HDMI port; peripherals, such as a mouse and keyboard, can be plugged into the eGPU’s USB hub.

Users must be running macOS 10.13.6 High Sierra or later to use the Blackmagic eGPU. Apple is exclusively offering the device through some of its retail stores and online for $699 USD.

Via: The Verge

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This article and images were originally posted on [Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)] July 14, 2018 at 08:00AM. Credit to Author Brittany Hillen and Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) | ESIST.T>G>S Recommended Articles Of The Day.

 

 

Apple Engineers Its Own Downfall With the Macbook Pro Keyboard

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According to iFixit (This article and its images were originally posted on iFixit June 27, 2018 at 04:23PM.)

A titan of tech and industrial innovation has been laid low by a mere speck of dust. Last week, Apple quietly announced that they were extending the warranty on their flagship laptop’s keyboard to four years. As it turns out, the initial run of these keyboards, described by Jony Ive as thin, precise, and “sturdy,” has been magnificently prone to failure.

The Timeline

  • March, 2015: Apple introduces butterfly keys in the 2015 MacBook
  • October, 2016: Apple introduces butterfly 2.0 in the Late 2016 MacBook Pro. We note in our teardown, “The keycaps are a little taller at the edges, making keys easier to find with your fingers. The switches have likewise gained some heft.”
  • Late 2017: Keyboard complaints begin to roll in
  • June 2018: Apple announces keyboard replacement program

The first-gen butterfly keyboard showed up in 2015, but the real root of the problem dates back to 2012 in the very first Retina MacBook Pro. That radical redesign replaced their rugged, modular workhorse with a slimmed-down frame and first-of-its-kind retina display.

And a battery glued to the keyboard.

The new notebook was universally applauded by tech pundits, with one notable exception: my team at iFixit. Unlike the rest of the tech media, we don’t judge products for their release-day usability or aesthetics—we focus on what will happen when the device (inevitably) fails. How time-consuming (and therefore expensive) is it to open? Can broken components be replaced individually, or will you have to swap out more expensive larger modules? Our score provides a consumer with an educated guess of repair costs before they buy the product.

In our eyes, the new design was a repairability flop. We downgraded Apple from a seven-out-of-ten to a two. The subsequent 2013 update sent the MacBook line into a freefall, earning a mere 1/10—the lowest a notebook had ever earned at that point. They haven’t recovered since.

Apple has shipped two iterations of the butterfly mechanism. The 2.0 variant seems to handle dust a bit better, but had been on the market for a year before the volume of complaints reached a fever pitch. Anyone who has paid Apple to swap out their upper case in the last two years has most likely gotten the newer design. As far as we know, Apple’s new warranty replacements are unchanged—if they had improved, you’d think Apple would mention it—but we haven’t analyzed any units that have shipped in the last few weeks. (If we can get our hands on one, I’ll update this.)

No Margin for Error

The basic flaw is that these ultra-thin keys are easily paralyzed by particulate matter. Dust can block the keycap from pressing the switch, or disable the return mechanism. I’ll show you how in a minute.

The heroine at the center of this story is Casey Johnston, an editor for The Outline who has reported extensively on this issue since her computer came down with the affliction last year. Her research found that “while some keys can be very delicately removed, the spacebar breaks every single time anyone, including a professional, tries to remove it.”

So you can’t switch key caps. And it gets worse. The keyboard itself can’t simply be swapped out. You can’t even swap out the upper case containing the keyboard on its own. You also have to replace the glued-in battery, trackpad, and speakers at the same time. For Apple’s service team, the entire upper half of the laptop is a single component. That’s why Apple has been charging through the nose and taking forever on these repairs. And that’s why it’s such a big deal—for customers and for shareholders—that Apple is extending the warranty. It’s a damned expensive way to dust a laptop.

Let’s take a look and see what’s actually going on. We put a keycap under a microscope and injected a grain of sand so you can see how this happens. The grain is in the bottom right corner, and it’s completely blocking the key press action. It’s very challenging to remove it with compressed air.

The particle wedges underneath the butterfly lever, preventing it from depressing. With the space bar, there’s virtually no way to remove the key cap without destroying the key. And since the keyboard is part of the monolithic upper case, a single mote can render the computer useless.

Traditional key caps are more resilient to dust, and can be removed and individually repaired as necessary. But of course, they’re not 40% thinner.

Thin may be in, but it has tradeoffs. Ask any Touch Bar owner if they would trade a tenth of a millimeter for a more reliable keyboard. No one who has followed this Apple support document instructing them to shake their laptop at a 75 degree angle and spray their keyboard with air in a precise zig-zag pattern will quibble over a slightly thicker design.

This is design anorexia: making a product slimmer and slimmer at the cost of usefulness, functionality, serviceability, and the environment.

A repairable pro laptop is not an unreasonable ask. Apple has a history of great keyboards—they know how to make them. There are very successful laptop manufacturers who consistently earn 10/10 on our repairability scale. Apple fans are already making noise about the dearth of new Macs, especially upgradable options for professionals. Fortunately, Apple seems to be listening with their new warranty program.

Which brings us back to the point. Why did it take so long, and so many complaints, for the repair program to be put in place? Why do you need to send your MacBook Pro away for upwards of a week for a repair? That’s easy: because Apple made their product hard for them to repair, too. Apple’s new warranty program is going to cost them a lot of money.

Apple’s profit on every machine that they warranty under this new program has been decimated. There is a real business impact caused by unrepairable product design. Samsung recently had a similar experience with the Note7. Yes, the battery problem was a manufacturing defect. But if the battery had been easy to replace, they could have recalled just the batteries instead of the entire phone. It was a $5 billion design mistake.

But this isn’t just about warranty cost—there is a loud outcry for reliable, long-lasting, upgradeable machines. Just look at the market demand for the six-year-old 2012 MacBook Pro—the last fully upgradeable notebook Apple made. I use one myself, and I love it.

Apple can do better. Let’s start with a slightly thicker, more robust keyboard. Butterfly 3.0, we’re waiting for you.

In the meantime, let’s give some other companies a shot. Dell and HP have gorgeous, reliable, repairable flagship laptops that are getting rave reviews. Right now, I think they’ve done more to earn your business than Apple has.

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This article and images were originally posted on [iFixit] June 27, 2018 at 04:23PM. Credit to Author  and iFixit | ESIST.T>G>S Recommended Articles Of The Day.

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t buy a new MacBook this week

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According to BGR

In just over a week, Apple’s WWDC 2018 kicks off with a presentation of all the new software innovations Apple has created for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS devices.

While WWDC focuses on software, we might get some new hardware as well, according to some reports. So if you’re currently looking to buy a new MacBook, you might want to hold that thought for a few days. The chances are that some models will get a refresh.

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This article and images were originally posted on [BGR] May 28, 2018 at 06:50AM. Credit to Author and BGR | ESIST.T>G>S Recommended Articles Of The Day

Now is the worst time to buy any MacBook laptop from Apple

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According to Business Insider

It is currently the worst time to buy a new MacBook laptop directly from Apple.

By MacBook laptop, I’m not just talking about the lightweight and portable MacBook. I’m referring to any model that Apple currently offers on its main website. That includes the early 2015 MacBook, the early 2015 MacBook Pro, the mid-2107 MacBook Pro, and the 2015/2017 MacBook Air.

It’s not just a question of age, even though age is a major reason why it’s not a good idea to buy some of these laptops. Some of Apple’s latest models also have unreliable keyboards, and it’s not an easy or cheap fix to get it repaired once the warranty runs out.

Check out why it’s not a good idea to buy any of the laptops you can buy directly from Apple right now:

SEE ALSO: Buying a MacBook Pro from Apple’s Refurbished Mac store was the best decision I made when getting a new computer

The current MacBook Pro models have unreliable keyboards that could cost you a lot of money to repair.

Just about everything about Apple’s recent crop of 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pros is great. The Touch Bar might be a little divisive, but you can buy models without the Touch Bar, or ignore it altogether. And the fact these models only come with USB-C ports is also a little divisive, but Apple isn’t likely to add all the ports from older models back onto its upcoming laptops.

The major thing that’s getting a lot of negative attention is Apple’s new “butterfly”- style keyboard on the newer 2016 and 2017 models. It’s a new design that lets Apple make thinner laptops, and it supposedly offers a better typing experience.

But some users – myself included – have reported that certain keys stop becoming responsive. AppleInsider also reported that the 2016 MacBook Pro keyboards with the butterfly-style keyboards were failing twice as often as older models.

In my 2016 MacBook pro, the “G” key became unreliable and would often skip when I pressed it. I brought it to the Apple store to get repaired, and thankfully it was still under warranty. Apple couldn’t simply replace the “G” key. It had to replace the entire top portion of my MacBook Pro, including the battery. An out-of-warranty repair can cost upwards of $700, according to AppleInsider.

Hopefully Apple fixes the keyboard issues in its next MacBook Pros. There’s no way of telling if they are, but if you’re looking for a new MacBook Pro now, it’s worth waiting until Apple comes out with new models to see if Apple resolves the keyboard issues.

The older MacBook Pro model you can buy, which has a better keyboard, is too old to justify its $2,000 price tag.

You can buy an older 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro from Apple for $2,000, which still has an older-but-reliable keyboard.

The problem with the 2015 model is that it’s from 2015. That means it’s running on parts that are almost three years old.

Now, that said, the three-year-old components in the 2015 MacBook Pro will work just fine, even in 2018. It won’t be as fast or future-proof as the recent models, but it’ll handle basic tasks well. But the other problem linked to the older parts is that the 2015 model still costs a whopping $2,000, which is a poor deal for an older computer, especially if you just want to run basic apps like a web browser, or if you plan on using the laptop for several years.

The MacBook Air is also too old, and there are rumors that Apple will soon announce an updated model.

The MacBook Air is Apple’s cheapest MacBook laptop at $1,000, but it’s an old and tired laptop in 2018.

The latest model that was refreshed in 2017 doesn’t actually have 2017 parts. It’s running on a 5th-generation Intel processor from 2014. To give you an idea, Intel is currently on its eighth generation of processors in 2018.

Even for $1,000 – Apple’s cheapest MacBook computer – the MacBook Air is bad value. It has a lower resolution display that basically looks fuzzy compared to Apple’s recent laptops with the company’s “Retina” display. The MacBook Air display also has comparatively poor color and contrast compared to the Retina displays on more recent MacBook laptops.

Plus, it’s rumored that Apple will soon release a new MacBook Air sometime in 2018. So, if you’re looking for a portable and capable machine like the MacBook Air, it’s worth waiting to see if Apple comes out with a newer model with better specs.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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This article and images were originally posted on [Business Insider] May 12, 2018 at 10:03AM. Credit to Author and Business Insider | ESIST.T>G>S Recommended Articles Of The Day

 

 

 

I Knew Buying a Newly Redesigned MacBook Pro Was Stupid And I Did It Anyway

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According to Lifehacker

 

Do not be me. I was desperate for a new Apple laptop to replace my dying 2012 one and as soon as the 2016 Macbook Pro with Touch Bar was available to buy I ordered it. This was a major redesign for Apple, and experience with other products told me that buying the first generation of a new laptop would be a very bumpy ride. I did it anyways.

There was regret.

First it showed up dead. $2500 for a laptop that couldn’t go thirty seconds without crashing. I waited a week and a replacement came and it was fine. Until marks from the keyboard appeared on the display and could not be removed with any amount of microfiber cloth, water, or rubbing alcohol. The stains on my display were there to stay. Then two months ago in the middle of a Civilization VI campaign my right arrow key gave up the ghost.

Finally last week my laptop decided that, sometimes, it just wouldn’t need to charge. No amount of port switching or cable switching or holding it really close to my face and whispering could get it to power on. The issue, clearly, unfortunately, was with the logic board. Something inside the computer was telling it not to draw power from USB-C chargers.

I’m not the only one with that issue. Nor was I the only one having problems with a stained display. A tech at the Genius Bar confirmed to me that there was an extended warranty program for the problem. The program isn’t visible on the Apple Support website, but MacRumors has also confirmed it exists.

Yet the major issue for most 2016 MacBook Pro early adopters isn’t the logic board or the display. It’s the dang keyboard. And on that front Apple Insider claims to have a little more insight. A new report suggests that there really is a design issue related to the keyboard on the 2016 MacBook Pro. Sometimes the keys just stop working.

The problem itself is surprisingly simple. In an effort to pack as much tech into the laptop as possible Apple elected to go with keyboards that have a much shorter “travel” to register a keypress. This makes it faster to type—your fingers don’t have to go as far—but many users also find it wildly unpleasant. (Personally I kind of dig the unique feel.) The bigger problem is that there’s almost no margin for error under the keycaps. If a crumb or especially large spec of dust lodges under a key the key will just stop working.

According to Apple Insider, this issue has led to an uptick in visits to repair shops. The site says it acquired its data from “assorted Apple Genius Bars in the U.S. that we have been working with for several years, as well as Apple-authorized third-party repair shops.”

The website claims that in the 2016 MacBook Pro’s first year 165 out of 1402 “warranty events,” or instances where people brought a device in to be serviced under warranty, it studied were related to the keyboard. That means approximately 12 percent of issues covered under warranty had to do with the keyboard. The 2014 and 2015 models had just 6 percent of warranty events related to the keyboard.

The’s certainly a larger fraction of the pie!

Apple Insider did not have complete numbers for the 2017 model (it’s been out less than a year) but to date it reports that 8-percent of warranty events were related to the keyboard. A significant improvement over the 2016 model.

Back in 2017 iFixit did note that the keyswitch had changed between the 2016 and 2017 model with the newer model appearing to be a “more classic switch” with “reinforcement for repeated use.”

The 2017 model is also not subject to flaws that led to an extended warranty for battery issues on the 2016 MacBook Pro. That’s because the 2016 model, like every first generation of a redesign, is the guinea pig. A company, even a big one like Apple, can’t work out every kink before shipping—as much as we’d like it to. So design flaws, and component issues tend to crop up more often in the first iteration of a new design, and then they get smoothed out. Thus the 2017 MacBook Pro has fewer issues with the keyboard and, currently, no major issues with the battery.

So a word to the wise from someone who just had her own 2016 MacBook Pro completely replaced (fortunately it was all gratis due to the extended warranty for the display). Always, always, always opt for an extended warranty if you’re going to be dumb enough to buy a device that’s just had a major redesign.

Advertisement

Stuff is going to break more often. Tears will be involved. You will become intimately familiar with tricks to getting cheaper repairs (did you know Apple does flat repair costs and will fix everything on you computer for either $310 or $475 depending on the issues?). You might even band together with 3,500 of your fellow device owners and start a petition for a recall. But if you have that extended warranty your headaches are going to be a lot less mild.

[Apple Insider]

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This article and images were originally posted on [Lifehacker] May 4, 2018 at 04:46PM. Credit to Author and Lifehacker | ESIST.T>G>S Recommended Articles Of The Day

 

 

 

Adorama Specials for Wednesday

Regular Price: $190 | Sale Price:$130 | Exp 01/31


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LattePanda Alpha – Soul of a MacBook in a Pocket-sized Board

The MOST powerful hackable computer runs Windows 10 and compatible with Linux, using the same Intel Core m3 processor as a MacBook.

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According to kickstarter

About

Two years ago, we came to you with the world’s 1st maker board with full Windows 10 out-of-the-box; we ushered in mainstream computing on development boards with 4060 backers. Since then, we have been listening, learning and implementing everything the community has told us.

Now, we are back with another revolution to define a new era of computing not just for enthusiasts, but also for everyone who uses a computer!

A Hackable Computer balances the power of desktop devices with the beauty of sleek design, the open community, scalability of components, and rich playability of development boards.

The Alpha Edition uses the same Intel 7th generation Core m3 processor as the latest MacBook. The Core m3 processor is the perfect choice for superior performance and low power consumption. Thanks to the excellent work of Intel and our engineering team, we have shrunken this computing monster from a laptop to the size of a phone.

 

We are shipping Windows 10 Pro this time but we have also added Linux Compatibility because we saw the different needs of users from our 1st Gen products.

Windows 10 Pro is Microsoft’s enhanced operating system based on Windows 10 Home, which retains all the features of the home version, compatible with all Windows software, while providing greater security for industrial applications, remote control and development applications like remote desktop and management features. It makes the LattePanda Alpha / Delta product lineup in tune with the requirements of a productivity tool!

The Linux OS also has a rich development toolchain environment and resources for cutting-edge development runtimes, such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Automation etc. It inherits the UNIX system architecture, OPEN! It is a developer’s most respected open development platform. We believe in the next few years, it will further promote a new industry in the rich applications.

Appreciating that we need a better way to interact between different platforms, we have introduced the Streaming Cable to complement the ultimate hackable computer; No more partitions, no more hassle.

The Streaming Cable enables your Windows-enabled LattePanda device to act like a USB on a Mac or Linux system. Just plug & play into your Apple/Linux device! The PiP (Picture in Picture) form also eliminates the switching/use of dual mouse and HDMI to connect different systems for seamless interaction of two different systems.

Connecting the LattePanda this way with your setup will also get rid of the need to partition your disk for Windows so you can research and develop Windows/IoT Smart devices easily! With the LattePanda Alpha and Delta, boost your productivity to new heights!

 

 

 

As a hackable device, dynamic form elevates your creation to a whole new level.

This new case with an integrated fan vent is a sleek solution to cover your silicon. With its angular design and smooth metallic finish, your hackable computer will stand out whether on the back of your robot or on the top of your desk, all while protecting and cooling your LattePanda from the elements.

The Display Frame has proved to be very popular and has been constantly going through revisions for a much more refined design. With this modular design, you can fit the 7” inch display, the LattePanda and space for all I/O. With the display in front, the case is perfect for using as a primary device with another video output on your desk for a complete development workstation. It can also incorporate a battery bank for use as a tablet around your lab.

 

 

 

The LattePanda lineup covers a wide range of requirements from base-level performance all the way to the most sophisticated of needs. We strive to help our users find a suitable product in the LattePanda brand to fit their applications and target scenarios.

On this campaign, we are kick starting the LattePanda Alpha and the LattePanda Delta!

1. Alpha Edition – Generally refers to the leader in a wolf pack, α / Alpha. It will also be the leader in the LattePanda series, the most powerful in performance. Known as the leader of the Pandas, or “AlphaPanda” for short.

2. Delta Edition – Mathematical Character△; a triangle. In terms of product design, performance, price and power consumption, it signals a compromise between the three.

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This article and images were originally posted on [kickstarter.com] January 17, 2018 at 09:18AM. Credit to Author and kickstarter.com | ESIST.T>G>S Recommended Articles Of The Day

 

 

 

 

 

VISTAR: 10-in-1 USB-C Hub for MacBook, PC, USB-C devices

Reconnect your devices to your new USB-C equipped Mac/Windows laptop. Add ten ports with just one USB-C cable. Versatile. Robust. Safe.

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According to kickstarter.com

About

When Apple incorporated the type C port on MacBook Pro, many abstained from the system for its lack of standard ports. Featuring only USB-C ports, in a world still dominated by standard USB, buyers of the new MacBook Pro would be limited by the I/O. One solution would be to dongle everything, but that could make for an inconvenient carry.

While USB-C ports may be standard in the coming few years, now that most new laptops (including Windows) have dropped legacy ports, many people still rely on external hubs, adapters, and cables to get their older gear working with newer devices. Most Type-C hubs or docks in the market are missing crucial ports or fail to work.

We hoped to help improve this plight with a versatile and resilient multiport solution that could satisfy everyone’s USB-C needs.

VISTAR solves the primary issue that comes with buying a USB-C laptop – Ports. Encased in a compact aluminium block, VISTAR delivers incredible versatility providing ten ports of connectivity and power to your workflow in a surprisingly small package. The full-featured connectivity companion you’ve been waiting for – Uncluttering your workflow, your desktop and your life.

Featuring 10 ports, VISTAR delivers more connectivity and power by enabling you to add a plethora of devices of all ages to your USB-C equipped laptop, just by using one Type-C port.

Lightweight and portable, VISTAR features 4 display ports that support crystal clear 1080p and 4K UHD video outputs, an SD and micro-SD card slot to transfer photos / videos and multiple ports for USB-3.1 and USB-C for data transfer and power delivery – the possibilities are endless. Vistar is the quintessential companion for any USB-C laptop.

VISTAR delivers more connectivity, more power, and charging capability than ever before all at superspeed so that all your connected devices perform at their maximum.

With two SuperSpeed USB 3.1 Type-A ports, this multiport Hub has plenty of room for your additional peripherals. Simultaneously connect up to 2 USB-A peripherals (eg. Keboards, mice, speakers, hard drives or thumb drives) to a USB-C enabled laptop and quickly transfer documents, video and music files at up to 5 Gb/s.

You can also charge your devices through any of the two USB-A ports. Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1.

Utilizing the latest USB Type-C chips, VISTAR offers two USB Type-C ports:

1. USB Type-C Power Delivery port – allows you to charge your MacBook or USB-C equipped PC (using the original laptop power adapter) while using VISTAR, ensuring your laptop remains fully charged while you’re using all the other functions of the hub. Delivering up to 87W of power to your connected devices, VISTAR supports fast laptop charging for both 13” (61W) and 15” (87W) MacBook Pro models. This port cannot be used for data transmission.

2. USB Type-C 3.0 port – supports only data transfer rates up to 5Gbps providing utra convenience for users to add their iPhones, iPads, USB-C storage and more to their laptop.

VISTAR delivers the ultimate monitor experience providing every port you need for every USB-C situation you might encounter. Connecting an HDTV, 4K LED Monitor, 1080p projector or a legacy monitor to your MacBook or PC has never been easier.

Featuring 4 Display ports, VISTAR enables you to mirror or extend the display of your laptop in up to 4k UHD @30Hz resolution through the HDMI port, DisplayPort and miniDisplay port and 1080p @60Hz resolution through the VGA port.

VISTAR enables you to easily access photos either from your camera’s SD card or data from your mobile’s microSD card on your USB-C laptop at data transfer speeds of up to 104 MB/s.

 

VISTAR has been designed to deliver the ultimate connectivity companion in both form and function. It’s sleek and slim, solid, stylish and extremely versatile in order to fit into any demanding workflow without compromising on quality or performance.

Precision milled premium aluminum enclosure, polished chamfered edges and built-in 120mm/4.7in flexible USB-C connector cable all come together to make a beautiful seamless design.

Available in the same colors: Space Gray and Silver as MacBook & MacBook Pro, VISTAR is a great looking complement to your laptop. It’s tough enough to make for a great travel companion and compact enough to fit into any workspace without fuss – simply slide it into your pocket, bag or suitcase.

 

 

Since the initial conceptual design in June 2016, the VISTAR team has spent more than a year to prepare the VISTAR project.

Through initial rounds of improvements based on trial productions, we not only ensured full-functionality of VISTAR, but also managed to make it user friendly and up to the requirements of premium accessories for MacBook Pro users.

 

The above video demonstrates a fully functional pre-production VISTAR with all ports working – HDMI display, USB-C Power delivery, USB-C data, SD, microSD, USB flash drive and USB hard drive.

 

 

 

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This article and images were originally posted on [kickstarter.com] January 18, 2018 at 08:45AM. Credit to Author and kickstarter.com | ESIST.T>G>S Recommended Articles Of The Day

 

 

 

Xiaomi’s latest laptop targets Apple’s MacBook Pro

Xiaomi is pricing its Mi Notebook Pro at 6399 Chinese yuan ($980) for the base model, but it’s not clear when and where the laptop will be available. Xiaomi previously started selling its Mi Notebook Air in China, so it’s likely that the Notebook Pro will be limited to China initially.

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According to The Verge

Xiaomi entered the laptop market last year with its Mi Notebook Air that was designed to target Apple’s MacBook in both name and design. This year the Chinese company is shifting its focus to Apple’s MacBook Pro, with the launch of its own Mi Notebook Pro. The Mi Notebook Pro includes a 15.6-inch display (1920 x 1080) with narrow bezels, Intel’s latest quad-core i7 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, up to 1TB of SSD storage, and Nvidia’s GeForce MX150 graphics.

There’s even a fingerprint sensor built into a precision trackpad, a 3-in-1 card reader, two USB-C ports, two regular USB ports, and a full-sized HDMI port. Xiaomi is quick to point out that this is a more diverse mix of ports than Apple’s own MacBook Pro that only features four Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports. The specs certainly look good on paper (apart from a 1080p display), but we’ll need to get a closer look at the laptop to know more.

Read more…

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This article and images were originally posted on [The Verge] September 11, 2017 at 03:51AM

Credit to Author and The Verge

 

 

 

 

Almost No New Hardware in the 2017 MacBook or MacBook Pro

We got our hands on the refreshed Retina MacBook 2017 and the MacBook Pro 13″ Touch Bar 2017, and—to be honest—not too much hardware has changed. After the wildly remodeled iMac 4K, we were hoping for a bit more than the expected spec bump. But the notebook hardware remains largely identical to last year’s models.

Retina MacBook 2017 Teardown

Retina MacBook 2017 Teardown

The only real change, beyond fan coloration, seems to address the lackluster keyboard action from last year’s MacBook. Users now inherit the more-responsive, second-gen butterfly key switches already found in last year’s MacBook Pro with Touch Bar.

MacBook Pro 13

MacBook Pro 13″ Touch Bar 2017 Teardown

Retina MacBook 2017 and MacBook Pro 2017 Teardown Highlights:

  • The keyboard trigger looks like a more classic switch this go-around. The plastic butterfly mechanism appears to have thinned out to accommodate the new switch form factor. The keystroke and travel feel about the same to us, so perhaps the real change is reinforcement for repeated use.
  • While not really a mechanical change, the control and option keys got some new ink. They now mark keyboard shortcuts rather than translating for PC users.
  • The Touch Bar continues to add a second screen to damage, and we still haven’t figured out a way to remove it safely. We’ll keep trying, though.
  • Both Macs scored a 1 out of 10 on our repairability scale (10 is the easiest to repair). In both units, the processor, RAM, and flash memory are still soldered to the logic board. The battery assemblies are still entirely, and very solidly, glued into the case, thus complicating replacement.

Check out our full Retina MacBook 2017 and MacBook Pro 2017 Teardowns for more analysis.

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This article and images was originally posted on [iFixit] June 8, 2017 at 10:16AM

 

 

 

 

Apple’s Online Store Goes Down Ahead of WWDC Keynote Later Today

Apple’s online store has temporarily closed its virtual doors ahead of today’s WWDC opening keynote at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

When clicking on the “Buy” button for any product on Apple’s website, be it a MacBook or accessories, the online store currently says “we’re busy updating the Apple Store for you” and advises customers to “please check back soon.”

During the keynote, Apple is expected to announce updated 12-inch MacBook and MacBook Pro models, alongside major new versions of its iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS software platforms.

Apple is also rumored to possibly debut a 10.5-inch iPad Pro and smart speaker with Siri, positioned as an Amazon Echo and Google Home competitor, but those announcements could be delayed until later this year.

Apple routinely closes its online store in the hours leading up to its special events, but that’s not typically the case ahead of its Worldwide Developers Conference, since the keynote is usually focused on software only.

For that reason, the store’s downtime today is a good sign that new products of some kind will be announced imminently.

WWDC has been absent of major hardware announcements since 2013, when Apple unveiled redesigned models of the Mac Pro, MacBook Air, and its AirPort Time Capsule and Extreme wireless routers.

MacRumors.com will be providing news coverage and a live transcript of the WWDC opening keynote on Monday at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Twitter users can follow @MacRumorsLive for live updates.

Update: Apple’s online store became functional again at approximately 5:10 a.m. Pacific Time, but only briefly as Apple fixed an earlier message that incorrectly said to check back starting at 8:01 a.m. Pacific Time.

Related Roundup: WWDC 2017
Tag: Apple retail

Discuss this article in our forums

 

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This article and images was originally posted on [MacRumors] June 5, 2017 at 01:04AM

by Joe Rossignol

 

 

 

Apple Confirms June 5 WWDC Keynote Will Be Live Streamed

Apple today added a new events page to its main website, confirming that its June 5 Worldwide Developers Conference will be live streamed and available to watch on the Apple website and through the Apple TV.

Apple previously said it would provide a live stream of the Worldwide Developers Conference through its Apple Developer website and through the WWDC app, but the new event page makes it clear the keynote event will be available for all to watch even without a developer account.

WWDC 2017 is looking like it will be one of the most exciting conferences we’ve had in years. Along with introducing new versions of iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS, there are rumors suggesting Apple will introduce new hardware.

New MacBooks and MacBook Pro models are expected, and there’s a chance Apple will also introduce a refreshed MacBook Air. Rumors suggest the notebooks will feature more powerful processors and perhaps some other internal upgrades, but no design changes will be included.

Along with new MacBooks, Apple may also introduce two much-rumored products, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro and the Siri speaker. The 10.5-inch iPad Pro is said to feature a bigger display in a body that’s similar in size to the current 9.7-inch iPad Pro, made possible through much smaller bezels.

Apple’s Siri speaker is the company’s answer to the popular Amazon Echo, and it is expected to feature Siri integration, superior sound quality, and perhaps a touch display.

For the June 5 keynote event, MacRumors will provide a live blog both here on MacRumors.com and on our MacRumorsLive Twitter account, along with detailed coverage of everything Apple announces during the week.

Related Roundup: WWDC 2017

Discuss this article in our forums

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This article and images was originally posted on [MacRumors: Mac News and Rumors – Front Page] May 25, 2017 at 07:09AM

by Juli Clover

 

 

 

Is your MacBook charger dead? Check these solutions before buying a new one

We like to think of our chargers as simple, dependable devices — which is why it’s so annoying when they fail to charge our devices properly, even when plugged in and connected. When you face the deep disappointment that comes with a MacBook that refuses to charge, it’s time to find out what’s wrong and pinpoint an appropriate solution. That’s where we can help you out! The steps below should help you to ascertain what’s going on, and what you need to do to get your Apple laptop back on track.

Make sure it’s the charger that’s malfunctioning

When first encountering charger woes, make sure it’s the charger that’s the problem. Switch to a different outlet that you know works, and check the LED indicators on your charger — many Mac chargers have some form of these — to see if there’s a response. You don’t want to get worried over a bad outlet.

If you get no response, consider borrowing the same kind of charger from a friend (if possible), or head to an Apple Authorized Service Provider and ask if you can test your unit. If your MacBook turns on and starts charging with a different cable, your charger is likely the culprit. If your MacBook still fails to respond, you probably have a problem with the battery or other hardware, and it’s time to take a different approach.

This is also the perfect time to check on compatibility. Apple’s MacBook lineup has evolved over the years, as have the chargers accompanying each generation. Each iteration of power adapter utilizes a different wattage, and though you can use a higher wattage adapter than is specified for your MacBook, going with one with less wattage can lead to operating issues. If you bought a charger or a used-refurbished Mac online, and your charger doesn’t seem to be working the first time you connect it with your machine, it’s a good idea to make sure you have a compatible charger type.

Apple has more information on just what chargers work with what MacBooks, and how you can get an additional adapter, if necessary. We’ve also included the four major connection types below.

Barrel-type connector “T”-style MageSafe connector “L”-style MagSafe connector MagSafe 2 connector

Clean it up

Okay, you’ve narrowed the problem down to the charger, which should be working but isn’t. Take a look at all the ports and connectors, and check for dirt. A layer of dust or grime may have built up, thus preventing the charger from making a proper electrical connection. Get a cloth or cotton swab and clean away any dirt you see. Also, beware of invisible, sticky layers that may be the real problem. You can also use a quick spritz of cleaner or water, but make sure to dry the charger thoroughly before trying to use it again.

Check for physical damage

It should go without saying that a common cause of charger failure is physical damage. There are two types of damage that you should search for if you’re worried your charger may have gotten a little beat up.

Missing Prong

Prong and blade damage: Examine all prongs, blades, and other types of metal tips that your charger may use. If a prong or blade is loose or missing, this could be the problem. It also makes electrical fires more likely, so stop using your charger and get a replacement ASAP.

Strain reliefStrain relief: Strain relief refers to the head of the charger — which plugs into the MacBook — slowly coming disconnected through wear and tear. This is less of a problem with chargers that have the aforementioned “L”-style or other MagSafe connectors, but it does happen with older connectors. If the LED indicator lights seem to switch on and off based on the angle of the charger, you could have a problem. Examine the end of the connector for signs of cable damage, exposed wires, or wear on the insulating covering. If you see evident signs of damage, it’s time to consider replacing your charger.

Make sure your charger isn’t overheating

If your adapter (the large, boxy part of your charger) has been buried under blankets, sat out in the hot sun, or otherwise left in an area with high temperatures, it could be overheating. Adapters are very sensitive to heat, and Apple built them with automatic shut off functions if they start getting too hot — which, of course, means that your MacBook will never get charged if you keep charging in a hot place. Make sure your adapter is always in the shade and well ventilated.

Check for line noise

Belkin BE112230-08 12-Outlet

Alternating currents move in cycles, but between the distance electricity must travel and the electromagnetic interference of nearby devices, these cycles can get exposed to some serious distortion — that is, until the electricity essentially breaks down into a format your laptop battery simply can’t use. Check to see if you have a line noise problem by unplugging your charger and letting it rest for 60 seconds or so. Then, plug it back in and see if it works.

If the charger seems fine again, you probably had a problem with ground noise building up until your adapter shuts down automatically, which allows it to protect itself. Try using your computer away from other appliances, especially refrigerators and fluorescent lights, which are notorious for causing line noise troubles. Your adapter’s “over voltage protection” feature is merely a safety preoccupation, but it is one intended to increase the lifespan of your device.

Reset your battery and settings

Still can’t figure out what’s wrong? There’s one last thing you should try before taking your computer to a licensed professional, but it’s actually related to your computer’s settings instead of the adapter. Even if it appears as though your charger is the problem, we suggest trying the two steps below before moving on, because they can solve a lot of hidden problems in your MacBook.

  1. Reset your battery. This is easy on older MacBooks. Take out the battery, let it sit for a minute or so, and then put it back in. Unfortunately, you can’t remove the battery using the same method on newer MacBooks, so you’ll have to skip to the next skip.
  2. Reset your computer’s PRAM and SMC. These are internal settings that govern how your MacBook manages power, volume, and other basic settings. If these settings start malfunctioning, it can cause serious issues. Check out our guide on how to quickly reset PRAM and SMC on your Mac for more information.

 

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This article and images was originally posted on [Digital Trends] May 21, 2017 at 09:04AM

By

 

 

 

Malware Uses Apple Developer Certificate to Infect MacOS and Spy on HTTPS Traffic

 A malware research team has discovered a new piece of Mac malware that reportedly affects all versions of MacOS and is signed with a valid developer certificate authenticated by Apple (via

The Hacker News

).

The malware has been dubbed “DOK” and is being disseminated through an email phishing campaign which researchers at

CheckPoint

say is specifically targeting macOS users, making it the first of its kind.

The malware works by gaining administration privileges in order to install a new root certificate on the user’s system. This enables it to gain access to all communications between the host Mac and the internet, including traffic flowing through connections encrypted with SSL.

The initial email pretends to be informing the recipient of inconsistencies in their tax return and asks them to download a zip file attachment to their Mac that harbors the malware. Apple’s built-in Gatekeeper security feature reportedly fails to recognize it as a threat because of its valid developer certificate, and the malware copies itself to the /Users/Shared/ folder and creates a login item to make itself persistent, even in a rebooted system.

The malware later presents the user with a security message claiming an update is available for the system, for which a password input is required. Following the “update”, the malware gains complete control of admin privileges, adjusts the network settings to divert all outgoing connections through a proxy, and installs additional tools that enable it to perform a man-in-the-middle attack on all traffic.

According to the researchers, Mac antivirus programs have yet to update their databases to detect the DOK malware, and advises that Apple revoke the developer certificate associated with the author immediately.

Back in January, researchers discovered a piece of Mac malware called

Fruitfly

that successfully spied on computers in medical research centers for years before being detected.

The latest discovery of malware, which appears to target predominantly European users, underlines the fact that Macs are not immune to the threat as is sometimes supposed. As always, users should avoid clicking links or downloading attachments in emails from unknown and untrusted sources.

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This article and images was originally posted on MacRumors: Mac News and Rumors

by Tim Hardwick

 

 

 

“What if” MacBook Pro 2018 

MacBook Pro 2018  – More touch of genius.
What if the touch bar on the new Macbook Pro would extend
to a full-size touch pad? This question was the driving
force on this concept. It would enable a lot of new
features while maintaining the fundamental idea behind
the MacBook Pro 2016 touch bar, serving as shortcuts
and macro functions.
_
Also, since it will be a touch enabled display, it could support
the Apple pencil to allow user to finally use it with
desktop applications.
_
Allowing the keyboard area to become a touch enabled surface
creates new room for possibilities. The touch bar area could still
be available for shortcuts and function keys.
_
Enabling the Apple Pencil to be compatible with the new MacBook Pro,
will help creative professionals in their workflow and creates new
applications of the touch pad area. Using the new MacBook Pro with
third party software like Adobe Photoshop or Autodesk Sketchbook
will become more powerful than ever before.
_
The use of a touch-only keyboard requires the help of Apple’s own
Taptic Engine system to give the user the feel of physical buttons.
It could also enable additional features like emulating a scroll
wheel or sliders.
This large haptics-enabled surface could also be beneficial for
visually impaired people, for it could display Braille and emulate
the feedback required to read it.
Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

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This article and images was originally posted on MacBook Pro 2018 on Behance

by Daniel Brunsteiner

 

 

 

We tore down the Touch Bar (and the 13’’ MacBook Pro attached to it)

Let’s start off with what Apple’s Touch Bar-equipped 13″ MacBook Pro isn’t: it definitely isn’ta “touched up” version of the function key’d 13″ MBP we tore down last time. Nuh-uh. It’s an entirely different computer, with a totally different design; it probably has more in common with its 15″ big bro. While we wait for that teardown, here are the two 13″ laptops for comparison:

Touch Bar MacBook Pro teardown

Touch Bar features: a smaller battery, two fans, double-ended heat sink, no SSD card, and lower speakers (that don’t actually line up with their grilles).

2016 MacBook Pro disassembly

Function Key features: way more components that you can actually remove right off the bat—namely the SSD, speakers, and battery (well … sort of).

So what about the touted Touch Bar? As Apple’s second OLED-equipped device, the Touch Bar MBP also shares some family ties with the Apple Watch. We found two custom Apple chips right where the Touch Bar interfaces with the logic board. Presumably one of these (we’d guess the larger one) is the T1 processor powering the Touch Bar. Also in keeping with Apple Watch tradition, the Touch Bar is covered in glass, unrepairable, and we kinda broke it. So, last call, the Touch Bar is closed for the night.

Touch Bar teardown

More Teardown Highlights:

  • The MacBook’s speaker grilles don’t actually cover the speakers—and the grille holes aren’t even holes. They’re mostly cosmetic dimples (with a few tiny holes reserved for a pair of tweeters). Instead, the sound is directed through vents on the sides of the computer and into your earholes.
  • Oh hey, USB-C boards! With MagSafe AWOL, a wayward step on the power cord is more likely to damage your ports—so, it’s heartening to see USB-C hardware that can be replaced separately (even if you have to remove the logic board to get to it). While these boards look identical, somewhere along the line, the left USB-C ports get Thunderbolt 3 supercharged.
  • Unlike its escape-key-containing kin, the Touch Bar-bearing MBP doesn’t have a removable SSD. In fact, the processor, RAM, and flash memory are all soldered to the logic board. You can replace your trackpad and headphone jack easily—but that’s pretty much it. Everything else requires removing the logic board. Plus, the added (fragile) glass of the Touch Bar is difficult to remove, landing this laptop a 1/10 on our repairability scale.

Video via iFixit Video

Check out the full 2016 MBP with Touch Bar teardown on iFixit.com.

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New MacBook Pro and 13-Inch ‘MacBook’ Coming Next Week, iMac and Display Not Ready Yet 

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released a new research report outlining his expectations for next Thursday’s “Hello Again” event where Apple is expected to make a number of Mac-related announcements.

macbook_air_pro_imac
In line with long-standing rumors, Kuo believes the highlight of the event will be a redesigned MacBook Pro in both 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, adopting an OLED touch bar and Touch ID sensor, USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, and the same butterfly keyboard design introduced on the MacBook in 2015. Kuo also adds several new tidbits to the rumor mix:

Our new predictions also include: (1) Intel’s (US) Skylake processor; (2) the same panel resolution but better display quality and energy efficiency thanks to an oxide panel; (3) a new option of 2TB SSD storage capacity; (4) adoption of a similar processor as Apple Watch to control the OLED touch bar more energy-efficiently in the new MacBook Pro models; and (5) a Type-C & MagSafe-like adapter rolled out by Apple or a third-party supplier, given positive reviews for the MagSafe charging design.

Beyond the MacBook Pro, Kuo says Apple will also be introducing a “13-inch MacBook,” a claim he has shared previously. Rather than being a slightly larger version of the current 12-inch MacBook, however, this is likely to be a MacBook Air, which would align withother rumors claiming that only the 13-inch MacBook Air will be seeing an update with new USB-C ports.

On the desktop side, rumors have indicated that Apple is working on updated iMac models with discrete AMD graphics options, as well as a new standalone external 5K display, but Kuo says those products will not be ready until the first half of next year. It is still possible, however, that Apple could announce them at next week’s event.

We also expect Apple to launch new iMacs (21.5-inch and 27-inch) and Cinema Display (27-inch) in mid- 1H17. We cannot say for certain whether Apple will announce the new iMacs and Cinema Display on October 27 as the shipping schedule is not imminent.

Apple’s event is being held at the company’s Cupertino campus and kicks off at 10:00 AM Pacific Time on Thursday. MacRumors will have full coverage both here on the site and on our @MacRumorsLive Twitter account, and Apple will be offering a live video stream of the event.

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Original article posted on Mac Rumors

by Eric Slivka

 

 

 

Apple Seeds Third macOS Sierra 10.12.1 Beta to Developers | ESIST

Apple today seeded the third beta of an upcoming macOS Sierra update to developers for testing purposes, nearly one week after seeding the second beta and two weeks afterreleasing the new macOS Sierra operating system to the public.

macOS Sierra 10.12.1 beta 3 can be downloaded from the Apple Developer Center or through the Software update mechanism in the Mac App Store.

macossierra
macOS Sierra 10.12.1 appears to focus on bug fixes and under-the-hood performance improvements to address issues that have been found since the operating system’s release. Few outward-facing changes were discovered in the first two betas, but it does include Photos support for the new iPhone 7 Plus Portrait feature introduced with iOS 10.1. New features discovered in the third 10.12.1 beta will be listed below.

macOS Sierra is a significant update that brings features like Siri support, a new storage optimization option, cross device copy paste, auto unlocking with the Apple Watch, and more. For full details on macOS Sierra, make sure to check out our roundup.

Original article on Mac Rumors

by Juli Clover

 

French guy “i Smasher” calmly destroys everything in Apple Store with steel ball

Everyone sometimes gets annoyed at customer support, but this guy is taking it a bit too far during his visit to the Apple Store in Dijon, France.

This morning, the disgruntled customer walked in and started destroying various products with a steel ball of the kind that’s used in the classic French game Pétanque. If you’ve ever played the game, you know they’re very heavy.

In the video above, you can see him calmly undocking iPhones, iPod Touches and a MacBook Air, laying them flat on the table and crushing the screens with a barrage of firm smashes.

He is heard talking about ‘his consumer’s right’ and citing that he’s unhappy with how Apple handles his support case. Minutes later, security turns up and tries to escort him — but not without him trying to escape.

In the end, the team managed to  stop him and have police take him into custody, said Le Journal.

Original article on thenextweb

by

Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery for Mac – Review

photomac7

I’m sure it’s happened to you at some point or other, a drive dies   or a memory card stops working for some unknown reason. I’ve used pretty much every memory card and hard disk on the market at some point or another, and have lost images to the “corruption demons” with a couple of them… Here’s how to get those files back!

It’s not always the fault of the card or the drive – a premature ejection like pulling the drive out of your computer / usb / firewire or indeed grabbing a card out of your camera while it’s writing a file – most of the time the file system (like a set of drawers on the card or drive) manages to put the data away before stopping, but sometimes, like my office floor, things are left everywhere and that’s when you encounter data corruption (very basically).

Stellar Phoenix Mac photo recovery is a utility that recovers deleted, formatted, lost photos, pictures, songs, movies, and other multimedia files from Mac systems.

  • Recovers from Mac – Systems, External Drives, USB Drives, iPod and Digital Cameras
  • Supports a wide range of image, audio, and video file formats
  • Supports hard drives with capacities over 2 TB
  • Efficient Scan Engine scans the storage media faster
  • Also recovers Thumbnails of the corresponding image files
  • Compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 up to the Latest OS X Mavericks

What we say

After recovering from all kinds of old drives, CF cards (a 16mb one from a LONG time ago) including a 2TB disk, I am very happy with Stellar Phoenix Mac Photo recovery! It’s dead easy to use – you start it up, choose your drive and click recover… Sure, you can head into the advanced tab and recover only single file types if you wish, for example if you were after a set of CR2 files (Canon RAW) from a CF card, you could narrow your search down to just those files. Once scanned you can save the scan / found files information if you wish to restore the files at a later date.

There are two versions of the software, one that simply recovers any of your media files and another slightly more expensive ($59.99 vs $49.99) version or you can download it for free which offers free evaluation of the software & preview of all the lost files and folder that can be recovered by the software. I am using the regular version and I did encounter a couple of corrupt images, I hope to run through the same tests with the platinum version soon.

Recovery time was about average based on my previous experience (Yes, the photo at the top is me and yes, we’d just lost a 9TB storage array… long story) with a CF card of 16GB taking a bit over an hour and a 2TB drive via USB taking about a day and a half. In both cases I was able to successfully recover the data I needed.

Data recovery isn’t always guaranteed, I’m not going to lie – sometimes the pretty photographs just don’t want to come back. ever. I was able to recover everything I set out to recover using Stellar Phoenix Mac Photo software in this case.

Conclusion:  With my experience with recovery software, I will gladly  recommend this software if you find yourself in a spot of digital bother.

 

Pros

This product makes sure you don’t have to suffer from data loss.

Very Easy to Operate

You can preview recoverable files in demo version

3 Step recovery process and an intuitive user interface

Very Easy and User-Friendly tool

Very reasonably priced

Can retrieve more pictures than other software

Supports lost image preview

Cons

Paid Software but reasonable

What others say:

“I lost over a dozen of pictures of a recent vacation to a corrupted SD card. However I used photo recovery software from Stellar to quickly reclaim all lost photos and media files and I was very satisfied. I recommend this software to anyone who ever faces photo or media files loss.”


“Being a Professional Photographer, I am usually busy in outdoor shoots. During one of an assignment, I had all NEF images stored in my Nikon DSLR CF card. After the shoot, when I returned back to view the NEF files on my Mac, then the images did not appear and my Mac flashed some error message. At first I was shocked to know that all of my hard work got wasted. But, a ray of hope was visible when I got to know about Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery. The software helped me get back all of my pictures effortlessly. Thanks!”

FREEDOWNLOAD / BUY NOW

Source: Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery for Mac – Free download and software reviews – CNET Download.com

Report: Thinner MacBook Pros to have touchscreen function keys, TouchID, more | ESIST

Apple hasn’t updated its pro laptop lineup in well over a year, and rumors about refreshed models have been floating around for months. USB Type-C, an OLED touchscreen that replaces the row of function keys, and a thinner design are all expected at this point, and a new report from Bloomberg’s well-sourced Mark Gurman reiterates all of those points while offering a couple of new details.

Past reports have suggested that the touchscreen function keys will allow Apple and app developers to offer keyboard shortcuts that change based on what you’re doing or what app you’re using, and the Bloomberg report offers no new details here. It does, however, say that Apple plans to bring its TouchID fingerprint sensors over to the Mac for the first time and that “Apple has tested versions of the upcoming laptops that integrate the scanner beside the new function key display.” The upcoming macOS Sierra update already allows users to unlock their Macs with their Apple Watches, but a TouchID option would offer easy authentication that didn’t require separate hardware.

Continue Reading

by 

 

Source: Report: Thinner MacBook Pros to have touchscreen function keys, TouchID, more | Ars Technica

Apple WWDC 2016 Live Event – YouTube

Live youtube streaming of Apples Worldwide Developer Conference. Expected –
OS X 11
iOS 10
watchOS 2
tvOS
Apple Music’s first revamp/update

Expected hardware –

Updates to the Macbook Line up
Updates to the Apple Watch (Possibly)

SanDisk USB-C Flash Drive for MacBook, Windows, and Android

SanDisk USB-C Flash Drive

 

The USB Type-C port is an excellent innovation. It can deliver both power and high-speed data at the same time while letting device makers create even thinner laptops, tablets and smartphones. The port is already found on a variety of new gadgets, including the 12-inch Retina MacBook, a variety of Windows-based MacBook clones, and some of the hottest Android devices around.

But choosing USB-C devices also means you have to buy adapters or new gadgets that are fitted with these new connectors, including external storage solutions. Thankfully, SanDisk – well, Western Digital – is ready to save the day with a USB-C Dual Drive flash memory drive that can connect to a computer or smartphone via USB-C and USB 3.1.

Announced at Computex 2016, the new drive comes in various storage capacities, including 16GB ($19.99), 32GB ($29.99), 64GB ($39.99) and 128GB ($69.99).

The flash drive has a reversible connector that lets you switch between USB-C and USB 3.1. When it comes to performance, the device boasts transfer speeds of up to 150MB/s which isn’t bad, considering this is a flash drive that we’re talking about.

sandisk-dual-drive-usb-c-128gb

The company expects to see 44% of all mobile phones sold worldwide to have USB-C connectors by 2020, so it’s likely the drive will play nice with a variety of devices set to launch in coming years, including the upcoming 2016 MacBook Pros that are tipped to feature USB-C ports as well.

You can already order SanDisk’s new Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C flashfrom Amazon – assuming there’s enough stock to go around.

The full press release follows below.

SanDisk Mobile Storage Portfolio Expanded with Faster, Higher Capacity USB Type-C Flash Drive

New SanDisk Ultra® Dual Drive USB Type-C offers hassle-free transfer between smartphones and next-generation USB-C devices

COMPUTEX 2016 — TAIPEI, Taiwan – June 1, 2016 – Western Digital® Corporation (NASDAQ: WDC), a global storage technology and solutions leader, today expanded its line of SanDisk-branded mobile storage solutions with the new SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C flash drive. The newest generation drive features a new retractable design, faster speeds and higher capacity, giving consumers the ability to quickly and easily free up space and transfer content between their smartphones and today’s USB-C devices1.

“With its reversible connector, impressive speeds, and multi-purpose potential, USB Type-C is a game-changer,” said Dinesh Bahal, vice president of SanDisk product marketing, Western Digital. “More Type-C devices are entering the market and through our Type-C mobile drives, we can offer consumers a complete line of mobile storage solutions. The new SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C flash drive now provides more than twice the capacity and offers the flexibility to quickly and conveniently move photos, videos and files between devices, as well as the freedom to expand device capacity.”

Now available in up to 128GB*, the sleek, new SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C includes one reversible USB Type-C connector and one standard USB (Type-A) connector, enabling users to easily free up space on a smartphone or tablet, or transfer files between smartphones, tablets and computers and next-generation devices. The drive also now delivers high-speed USB 3.1 performance of up to 150MB/s2 – offering users phenomenal speeds when moving their photos, videos and files to a computer.

“By 2020 we expect that 44 percent of all mobile phones sold worldwide will include a USB-C connector, that’s about 800% growth over the next four years,” said Ken Hyers, director, Wireless Device Strategies, Strategy Analytics. “At this rate of anticipated growth, we expect to see more and more solutions like the SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C flash drive that offer consumers a way to move and access their content between devices with varying connectors.”

The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C flash drive also works with the SanDisk® Memory Zone app for Android, giving users an easy way to manage and back up content on their device. The app, which is available for free through the Google Play Store, auto-launches upon insertion of the drive into a compatible device, allowing immediate access to the user’s content.

The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C flash drive complements the company’s suite of SanDisk brand USB Type-C flash memory solutions which range from USB drives to portable SSDs.

Pricing and Availability

The SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Type-C Flash Drive features a five-year warranty, and is now available worldwide at Amazon and other leading retailers. The new offering comes in capacities of 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB with U.S. MSRPs of $19.99, $29.99, $39.99 and $69.99, respectively.

About Western Digital

Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ: WDC) is an industry-leading provider of storage technologies and solutions that enable people to create, leverage, experience and preserve data. The company addresses ever-changing market needs by providing a full portfolio of compelling, high-quality storage solutions with customer-focused innovation, high efficiency, flexibility and speed. Our products are marketed under the HGST, SanDisk and WD brands to OEMs, distributors, resellers, cloud infrastructure providers and consumers. For more information, please visit http://www.hgst.com,http://www.wd.com, and http://www.sandisk.com.

About SanDisk

SanDisk, a Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ: WDC) brand, provides trusted and innovative flash storage products that have transformed the electronics industry. SanDisk’s quality, state-of-the-art solutions are at the heart of many of the world’s largest data centers, and embedded in advanced smartphones, tablets and PCs. SanDisk’s consumer products are available at hundreds of thousands of retail stores worldwide.

Source: SanDisk USB-C Flash Drive for MacBook, Windows, and Android | BGR