Some practical advice for the Mac curious

Back from a short but cold business trip to Wisconsin. It may not have been that frigid to the locals, but to a Florida native highs in the 20′s with constant snow is one of the undiscussed circles of Dante’s hell. A couple of quick observations while spending time in airport terminals waiting on connecting flights:

Half of all the laptops I saw in use were Macbooks. A bit surprising, considering that the majority of users were business travelers.

I saw as many iPad Minis as regular iPads. Not that surprising given the news of the Mini’s popularity, even without a retina display. Pundits that like to echo the mantra that Apple can’t be successful without Steve Jobs should stop and consider that he was firmly opposed to the iPad Mini.

I saw a few of the latest Samsung ‘phablets’ (the Galaxy Note). Good god are they huge; forget about carrying it anywhere but a purse or backpack. If you own one and enjoy it, rock that party my friend; I can’t imagine any informed consumer picking up something so ungainly.

Something awaiting me when I landed home and was able to take my iPhone off Airplane Mode was another request for help from a coworker looking to switch to a Mac instead of buying into the bag of hurt that is Windows 8. While my knee jerk answer would be to just head over to your local Apple Store and talk to one of the associates, not everyone has this option.

So for the Mac curious lacking any informal help on choosing the right model, let me humbly offer the advice I gave to my coworker. As with just about any major purchase, the right choice depends on your needs. While I’ve been using an iPad with a keyboard (currently a Brydge) for all my mobile purposes, it’s not idea for everyone. There are some tasks that call for a full fledged laptop, and many that are possible on an iPad but require a change in your workflow that not everyone will find acceptable.

For general computing use, your best choice is the workhorse model of Macbook Pro, the 13 inch base model. The most recent model offers a powerful Intel i5 processor, adequate memory and hard drive space, and very good battery life (up to seven hours) coupled with the lowest price of the Pro lineup. As with all of Apple’s laptop line it sports a unibody aluminum case, making it very durable. The large trackpad (considerably bigger than most competitors) is perfect for OSX’s multitouch controls. Should you need more memory it’s easily upgraded; I’d recommend for all but the technophobic to do so themselves rather than ordering extra memory from Apple as they tend to charge considerably more to preinstall it.

If you need more horsepower or screen space then move up to the 15″ Pro. The entry model sports a quad core processor instead of the 13′s dual core (four ‘brains’ on the chip rather than two, providing more stability and multitasking prowess). The larger laptop also comes with a discreet graphics card making it a much better choice for the amateur photo or video editor, or those that want to explore the Mac’s growing gaming options.

If you plan on using your laptop on the go and/or don’t need an optical drive (Apple’s Superdrive, the DVD and CD slot on the Pro model) I’d recommend the Macbook Air. The 11 inch model is small enough to fit in a large purse but still sports a full sized keyboard and trackpad. Both the 11 and 13 inch models are ridiculously thin and light, but still offer a considerable amount of power for just about any everyday task. Other than screen space the primary difference between the two is battery life; the 11 advertises five hours, the 13 matches the 7 hour life of it’s Pro sibling. While they lack in internal DVD drive, if you truly need one but covet the Air’s portability you can always pick up an external drive like Apple’s own USB Superdrive (matching the aesthetic and slimness of the Air). The biggest caveat of the Air (other than lack of optical drive) is that they aren’t user-customizable; you are stuck with what you purchase. All the components are permanently affixed to the motherboard, and none but a professional should attempt to access the Air’s internal workings. That being said, even the first generation Macbook Air that I’ve owned was capable of just about any task that I had without a complaint.

I wouldn’t advise opting for any of the new retina display models of Macbook Pro unless you truly need the higher resolution or have some extra cash you don’t mind parting with. Much like the iPad Mini beside a full iPad, you only notice the difference in resolution when you place a non retina screen beside a retina one. While the visual clarity of the retina Macbook Pros is stunning, it’s an expensive upgrade unless you truly will exploit it. Bear in mind, all of the retina display Pros lack optical drives like the Airs.

For those of you that are shopping for both a desktop and a laptop, allow me to make one last suggestion. Your new Macbook (regardless of model) sports an important and versatile technology- the Thunderbolt port. Via this port you could easily connect to one of Apple’s beautiful (but pricey) Thunderbolt displays, instantly transforming your laptop into a desktop (along with your choice of bluetooth keyboard and mouse/trackpad). For those of you wanting a less expensive method of docking, there are multiple options. You could simply connect directly to a third party monitor via a Thunderbolt to HDMI or mini DVI adaptor and control your laptop via USB or Bluetooth inputs. If you’d like something a bit more elegant there is Belkin’s new Thunderbolt Express Dock. One cable to your Macbook connects it to a wide range of ports and inputs: Gigiabit ethernet, USB, audio/mic, and two serial Thunderbolt connectors.

While you can’t go wrong with an iMac or Mac Mini, unless your budget isn’t constrained you would be well served by a Macbook running in clamshell mode if you really need the desktop experience at home as well as a full laptop on the go. There are many accessories to optimize your experience as well, like 12South’s BookArc, Raindesign’s mTower, or Just Mobile’s clever AluRack (hiding your laptop behind your desktop monitor!).

I’ve owned and built a lot of Windows computers, but there’s nothing to rival Apple’s Mac lineup. When I considered the quality of construction, power and ease of use of OSX, and Apple’s top notch customer service there’s no other computer I’d recommend. While they do cost more than your run of the mill $500 Dell, you get what you pay for. For long time Windows users looking to purchase a new system I urge you to give Macs a look; Windows 8 will require you to relearn how to interact with your computer and may have a steeper learning curve than a better constructed, more stable and more secure Mac would.

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More Kickstarter Goodness

Just a couple quick notes on some very worth Apple-centric Kickstarter campaigns, and the Kickstarter iOS App:

Card cases have appealed to me since the first time I laid eyes on them. The ability to get yet one more function out of your iPhone and being able to carry one less thing with you is an irresistible siren song of practicality. I’ve been through many card cases before finally settling on my current CM4 Q card case. While not perfect, it offers the best mix of slim storage, phone protection, and style. Now a new device that’s gained runaway success in their Kickstarter campaign is offering a new paradigm- the Wally.

The Wally is an unusual concept. It’s not a card case per se; the accessory adheres to the back of your iPhone (or smooth surfaced case) and can be removed and replaced. The card holder is similar to the CM4, but has a contoured pocket rather than a flap that holds your cards snug. Cards are easily removed via a clever red ribbon that pulls them partly out for easy access- I often have to fumble with my CM4 to pull the card I’d like past the rubber edge of the case. The materials are high quality as well- the makers tout the Italian leather and careful stitching that make their product a cut above the competitors.

They’ve already surpassed their original goal and with just a few days left are within sight of their stretch goal. If you like the idea of being able to skip on carrying a wallet or clutch purse when out and about give the Wally a look- it’s a top notch idea.

While iOS devices have been touted for their multitasking nature, the Macbook can’t be overlooked. Apple’s unibody laptops are as powerful as they are stylish, and the newer models that sport Thunderbolt ports offer the ability to dock them in clamshell mode, transforming them into a slim desktop tower. There are several third party accessory manufacturers (like Twelve South) that have some outstanding devices to help you take advantage of this feature, but what is a user to do if you don’t have the funds for an Thunderbolt Display? Kickstarter to the rescue again thanks to the MacDock. The diminutive connector plugs into your MacBook Pro to provide a peripheral bridge made of the same aerospace grade aluminum sporting a monitor connection and USB ports for keyboard, mouse, or whatever you may need to connect. The device comes in two levels: the MacDock Mini with one USB 3.0 port and a Mini Display port, and the MacDock Pro with a MiniDisplay port, audio jack, and three USB 3.0 ports (including one 10 watt port capable of powering your iPad). The MacDock is compatible with the MacBook Pro 13, 15, and 17 inch models Summer 2009 and later, with an additional model for the MacBook Air and Retina should they manufacturers reach their funding goals.

The device is plug and play; no drivers or software needed. If you’d like the advantage of a larger monitor and the desktop experience with your MacBook but don’t have Bluetooth accessories or the cash and ability to use the Thunderbolt Display, the MacDock offers an excellent compromise. The simple plug and play ability of the device coupled with something like TwevleSouth’s BookArc and a decent monitor affords you the ability to instantly shift from the mobile laptop experience to a full desktop. While I love my iMac I’m sorely tempted to shift to a MacBook Pro teamed with something like this for my next desktop.

And if you’re as fascinated with Kickstarter as I am, good news: they have an official iOS App now so you can keep track of all of the campaigns you support (and maybe find a few new ones that catch your attention). I haven’t had a chance to spend much time with the app yet, so a full review is pending.

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Apple Quietly Pushing the Post-Desktop Era?

With the introduction of the iPad Steve Jobs announced the beginning of what he dubbed the “Post-PC” era; a phase of computing in which a full form computer was no longer the focus of all activity. His words have proven to be accurate as iPad sales have skyrocketed and competitors have scrambled to try to bring viable products to market. The iPad has practically killed the once-touted netbook, and with the right accessory for the task there’s little the iPad can’t do as well as a laptop.

There’s another, quieter trend evident in what was omitted from Apple’s recent WWDC Keynote- there was no coverage of Apple’s desktop line, not even the recently upgraded (albeit modestly) Mac Pro. Is Apple killing off yet another icon of computing?

Only time will tell, but intuitively I think the answer is both Yes and No. There are undeniably some tasks that are best suited for a desktop environment, ones that require more screen real estate, more varied inputs (camera, scanner, specialized audio equipment, etc.), better sound output, additional storage capacity and so on. The MacBook lineup provides powerful architecture to rival most desktop towers (even the latest MacBook Air has some muscle with its i5 and i7 “Ivy Bridge” processors), but how can they compete with the screen of the iMac? The answer lies in two new Apple offerings.

The first is the Thunderbolt port included in all new Macs. The new portal offers the fastest input and output speeds available and is fully bidirectional, providing a virtual two-lane highway for simultaneous inbound and outbound data. Apple is releasing a number of adaptors for Thunderbolt: ethernet (the new MacBooks lack a dedicated ethernet port), VGA, DVI, HDMI, even Mini Display Port. These last few provide a perfect way for all MacBooks, even the diminutive 11″ Air, to take advantage of whatever size display your heart desires. The Mac lineup is capable of running in “clamshell mode”, meaning they can closed and in effect operate as an ultra-thin PC tower. Should you need dual monitors just run your laptop with both the external and built-in display simultaneously. The MacBook’s Bluetooth offers an easy way to accessorize inputs, whether you need a full-sized keyboard or gaming mouse.

The second is Apple’s Thunderbolt Display. While you can use any monitor for extra screen space, the Thunderbolt Display doesn’t need an adaptor and provides some extra functionality- three USB 2 ports, a FireWire 800, gigabit ethernet, and an additional Thunderbolt Port so that you can daisy chain any other Thunderbolt accessories. The display also features Apple’s iSight camera and 2.1 speakers, further mimicking the functionality of an iMac. As with all other Apple products, the Thunderbolt Display was designed to work seamlessly with Macs: the Thunderbolt cable divides to include a magsafe power input so that one cord provides all the connection your MacBook needs. Toss in a stand like the Twelve South’s BookArc and you have all the benefits of a desktop with the ability to go portable at a moment’s notice.

Much like the optical drive, I don’t expect Apple to rush to the discontinuing of a platform that is still in demand. Instead, you’ll likely see the gradual transition from the existing to what Apple considers to be the future, much like their slow abandonment of traditional hard drives in favor of solid state ones. While the MacBook lineup can’t quite compete yet with desktops for graphical muscle, that may be changing soon too. The tech specs of Apple’s new Retina Display MacBook Pro (the base model has a quad core i7 processor, eight gigabytes of ultrafast RAM, and dual integrated Intel HD 4000 (for less intensive, power-saving rendering) and NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M hardware graphics with 1 gigabyte of memory (for when you need some serious muscle) rival all but the most powerful consumer desktops.

While I love my current iMac (easily the best desktop I’ve owned), I may follow Apple’s vision when the day comes to upgrade. My trusty iPad handles portable computing tasks like a champ, but there are times I’d love to be able to take my Steam game library with me. The combination of Thunderbolt Display and MacBook Pro are a very tempting duo, bank account permitting.

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Twelve South isn’t focused solely on iOS devices

Twelve South is the maker of the BookBook iPhone case reviewed earlier and has had an impressive lineup of accessories for iOS devices for quite some time now, ranging from cases to power supplies. While their iOS-focused products were what originally caught my eye, their offerings are much more comprehensive.

I was first introduced to some of their other products via an email from the company touting their iMac/iPad fusion device HoverBar. This simple yet clever accessory mounts your iPad to a flexible arm attached to the base of your iMac, turning it into a second workstation or monitor (via apps like Air Display). Don’t have an iMac? No worries, the HoverBar clamps securely to any any steady surface of similar thickness, like a cabinet for kitchen iPad usage or podium for giving lectures.

If you’re one of the many that have purchased a MacBook Air but want more presence out of the ultra slim laptop’s speakers Twelve South offers the BassJump. This USB-powered subwoofer promises to dramatically improve your Mac’s sound quality. While advertised for Apple’s ultra book, it’s listed as compatible with any of their Mac lineup including the Cinema Display and Thunderbolt Display. While I’m happy overall with the quality of sound that my iMac produces, I’m tempted to invest in a BassJump to better enjoy my ever-expanding iTunes library.

Have more than one device that needs charging? The PlugBug is for you- this simple but elegant device replaces the wall outlet portion of your MacBook’s power supply and adds a USB port, allowing you to charge both your laptop and an iOS device at the same time. The PlugBug’s USB port offers 10 watts, allowing it to charge both the iPhone and iPad (anyone using an iPhone wall charger to attempt to recharge an iPad knows the frustration of seeing the dreaded “Not Charging” warning after plugging your tablet in).

Even the 11 inch MacBook Air has plenty of power for a majority of computing tasks, but sometimes you need some extra screen or crave a full keyboard and mouse. Whether you use one of the newer Thunderbolt ports or a DisplayPort output to drive your larger monitor, running your laptop in ‘clamshell’ mode with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse/trackpad is a quick and easy way to change that laptop into a desktop. Twelve South makes the effort simpler and elegant with the  BookArc. The BookArc is a laptop stand holding your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro vertical freeing desktop space and keeping your power, monitor, and any other cables securely in place whether connected or ready for the next time you need the desktop experience.

Lastly, Twelve South improves both the aesthetics and long term condition of your MacBook with the SurfacePad. The SurfacePad is a leather covering for the palm rest areas of your MacBook, shielding your laptop from the dirt and oils of your hands and providing a more comfortable place to rest your hands. The soft, padded SurfacePad is touted to make long term usage of your MacBook ergonomically easier and more comfortable without interfering with the closing of your laptop’s screen or its auto sleep function on closing.

As I’ve mentioned I’m not only fascinated by new technology, I’m an absolute sucker for something that’s both functional and clever. Twelve South embodies Apple’s commitment to product aesthetics and the equation of design to function. While I’ve collected a respectable library of accessories over my Apple blogging time, few have produced products that I’m as impressed with as Twelve South.

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