A little swag

I’ve been fortunate enough to have owned or tested a lot of different devices. I’ve been exclusively Apple for some time, after coming to the realization that the benefits of homogeny far outweigh the benefits of piecing together my arsenal of tools, toys, and oddities. While I get a lot of use out of my collection of electronics, one thing has been a constant- to get the most out of your stuff, you need some swag. There are numerous categories, but regardless of what you have there’s always a little something extra to help make it better.

Take the iPhone for instance: one of the most popular devices Apple has ever made; powerful, versatile, and durable. Yet those with even momentarily clumsy fingers know the outcome of dropping an unprotected iPhone 4 or 4S- shattered Gorilla Glass on either the front or back of the handset. Even the aluminum-encased iPhone 5 can take a beating from unintended drops. Accidents like these (and the universal desire to personalize possessions) is one of the reasons I’ve recommended to just about every iPhone owner that they should find the iPhone case that suits their needs best. Whether it’s maximum protection, extra utility, or personalization there’s a case out there to suit your needs.

As for the iPad, not only would I recommend a case (although it’s not as risky using a la carte in my opinion), I would also point out the galaxy of other iPad accessories available. Whether it’s the larger screen size or the different form (tablet versus communication device) I used my iPad for many tasks that could have been done with my iPhone, but not as well. Bluetooth keyboards, speaker docks, mounts, styluses, the list goes on and on.

Then there’s the flagship of Apple’s portable lineup, the MacBook. While not as sliver thin or light as the iPad, all but the now discontinued 17 inch MacBook Pro are excellent full computers for those on the go. The Air lineup excel in this role, especially the diminutive 11 inch model (although I’ve been more than pleased with the portability of my 13 inch Retina model). Just as with Apple’s other mobility-minded devices, you may want to consider a case, sleeve, or bag for your MacBook. I’ve seen many owners sporting the Speck Candy Shell on their laptop- while the unibody aluminum construction is very strong, it’s not immune to scratches and considering the typically long life of the MacBook, it doesn’t hurt to protect the resale value for when you’re ready to upgrade. I’ve written recently about my Brenthaven ProStyle Plus; the combination of protection, extra portability, and storage made it the perfect choice for what I use my MacBook for. Just as with iPhone cases, there’s a plethora of options out there to suit your specific needs.

If you’re going to invest in a quality device like an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook, logic dictates that you’d want to both protect and enhance that investment. Best of all, the popularity of these devices has drawn innovators and manufacturers from every corner of the globe just waiting to provide a solution to any problem you can think of (and often some that you may not have). Whatever your need, be it mobile, tablet, or laptop, give friend of the blog GearZap (and sibling to MobileFun) a look. I think you’ll be glad you did.

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Poppa’s got a brand new (laptop) bag

Now that I’ve had time to acclimate to my new MacBook Retina, it was time to do something to help carry and protect my new investment. While the Retina laptop is one of the lighter and sleeker I’ve owned, carrying it about made be a bit apprehensive. The unibody aluminum chassis is durable, but not immune to scratches and scuffs, and when you spend this kind of coin on a computer you want to keep it in mint condition.

While there is a plethora of bags and sleeves out there for the MacBook, I was looking for something specific- a bag that would be sleek, make the laptop easier to carry, protect it from minor bumps and scrapes, and most importantly offer some additional capacity to carry important additions like the power brick. Some of the most eye catching models (mainly sleeves) lacked the last but most important feature. I did find a few that looked promising like the Waterfield CitySlicker and Indy (or a few others, Waterfield has a very impressive lineup), or the Concrete Hook Case. While all of these selections fit what I was looking for and are visually impressive, they all had the same problem- price. After spending so much on the laptop itself, I was loathe to lay down another hundred or two on an accessory, regardless of how aesthetically pleasing it was. If you’re in the market act quickly before they are gone.

A trip to my local Apple Store came up empty. While they had a good selection of sleeves, I wasn’t in the market for one. The majority of their actual bags were backpacks- too bulky for what I needed. One of the associates saw me perusing their stock and suggested I try the Best Buy a block away, stating that they have enough shelf space to accommodate a wider range of products. While they didn’t have what I was looking for in their store, the associate manning the Apple section tipped me off to what led me to my eventual choice. He urged me to try Best Buy’s online selections, specifically the Brenthaven lineup. He assured me that Apple used Brenthaven’s bags exclusively in-house, and demonstrated the model he had been given years earlier (which still looked pristine after the seven years he had owned it). Encouraged, I went home to do a bit of shopping the way I preferred- online.

His advice was exactly what I needed (thank you nameless Best Buy/Apple associate!). After just a few minutes of perusing I found the ProStyle Plus Sleeve II. The nylon bag is slender but can accommodate the MacBook Pro and Retina version (the model I chose was specific for the 13 inch version) and has two pouches for additional storage: one large side pouch and a smaller pouch dubbed the iPhone pocket. The construction is top notch and includes both suitcase-style handles and a removable padded shoulder strap. The inner lining is of a silky synthetic material that will keep your laptop scuff-free and safe from minor bumps. Best of all the price was right- just over $30 including standard shipping. The ProStyle Plus Sleeve isn’t as eye-catching as what Waterfield has to offer, but the price makes up for any stylistic differences.

Sadly, this must be a closeout item for Best Buy because a search of Best Buy’s site during this post came up empty for the exact model I purchased. They do have a comparable 13 inch model in plum, and additional ones for 15 inch laptops (and a very nice satchel). While not the deal I managed to snag, the remaining bags are still very affordable and an excellent selection for the MacBook owner looking for something both stylish and practical.

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Sometimes you just need the real thing

I’ve been a proponent of the iPad as a tool of productivity since my first Bluetooth Keyboard (paired with an iPad 2). The Zagg Folio keyboard/case combo made for a great laptop replacement, offering the same touch typing experience coupled with the iPad’s slim form and great battery life. While the experience isn’t the same as a full fledged laptop, using iWork (Numbers and Pages primarily) I’ve been able to do most of the tasks my role at work required, often quicker than if I had stayed with one of the Dell workstation PCs and Microsoft Office my employer uses. Having my own personal device had other bonuses- access to media (you can’t install third party applications like Pandora desktop on work computers), better access to communication (instant messaging over multiple platforms via IM+ and iMessage without having to pull my iPhone out of my pocket), and best of all portability.

While some workflows had to be altered to accommodate the iPad’s single focus approach to applications (I don’t consider the fast app switching iOS uses to be full multitasking) and there have been some issues with cross-platform compatibility (iWork and Office don’t always play well together). The document sharing I love in the Apple ecosystem has been hampered as well by my choice of device; USB drives and SD cards aren’t an option, my workstations are limited to an older version of IE for legacy software, and access to third party cloud storage like Google Drive and Dropbox can be problematic. Still, old school emailing of important files worked, even if it lacked elegance.

Sadly, due to changes in software platforms relying on my iPad isn’t an optimal choice in the near future. My employer embarked on several projects, changing/upgrading several systems including our supply and payroll platforms in order to be compliant with our parent organization. None of these systems are iPad friendly, so for me to better be able to take advantage of our new portals I’ll have to transition from my iPad to an actual laptop.

On the positive side, Apple still offers the best of all possible worlds for what I want and need out of a device. The 11 inch MacBook Air is my laptop of choice; it’s the perfect blend of size, weight, power, and flexibility. I owned one of the original Air models a few years ago and enjoyed it, although the limited ports and underpowered internals hampered my enthusiasm somewhat. The updated models have benchmarks that rival (and often surpass) any ultraportable, and offer something the iPad just can’t- a full OS experience. No more reconfiguring workflows or searching for the best app to accomplish a task; I can simply take the road more travelled (although I will still choose iWork over Office when possible).

Best of all, the Air is the most affordable of the MacBooks. I chose a model with the upgraded 2.0 GHz processor via Apple’s refurbished outlet for a far lower price than I had thought. Apple’s refurbished outlet has been a great resource; the devices are indistinguishable from non-refurbs and have the same warranty and customer support but can offer a considerable savings. I’ve bought several items and have yet to be disappointed in my purchases, from less expensive devices like a Time Capsule router to my soon-t0-be-delivered Air.

There are still some things the iPad outperforms all comers in, such as media consumption. Reading books just isn’t enjoyable on a laptop, regardless of how light and portable. While the unibody aluminum chassis of the Air does a good job of keeping the device cool, it does still require ventilation making some situations (like lying in bed) less than optimal. The iPad will remain my primary portal for news and information, as well- RSS via your method of choice (web portal or app) and dedicated iOS apps provide the best experience for staying in the know.

While I’m a little disappointed that I’ll have to move beyond relying solely on my iPad as my portable computing platform, the tech geek in me is still reveling in the knowledge that a new toy is in the mail.

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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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Netbooks, we hardly knew ye

But we knew enough to realize you were never a viable choice. Netbooks, the diminutive laptops so popular only a few years ago, are going the way of the dinosaur per a recent post at MacRumors. According to the post the last major manufacturers of netbooks, Asus and Acer, will end their production lines in the first quarter of FY 2013. Sales have slumped to practically naught, extinguishing what many pundits thought was the next wave of computing.

It wasn’t that long ago that Apple was lambasted for their staunch refusal to produce a netbook of their own. It was thought the light, portable and inexpensive netbook would offer a gateway to to the digital age for many consumers that didn’t want or need the power of a full fledged laptop or desktop. Apple’s adherence to high margin products was deemed at odds with the will of the market. What these doomsayers missed was that the popularity of netbooks wasn’t due to the mini laptops hitting a bullseye of unmet demand, it was merely the ripple of a near miss.

The issue is best summed up by Steve Jobs himself: “The problem is that netbooks aren’t better at anything. They’re slow, they have low-quality displays, and they run clunky old PC software. So they’re not better than a laptop at anything, they’re just cheaper.” Netbooks were more portable than regular laptops, but provided this at the expense of user experience. Netbooks were notoriously wimpy, struggling to multitask with the simplest of programs. They ran either an old operating system (XP), a limited one (Windows 7 Starter), or something that confused/alienated too many users (various versions of Linux). They simply didn’t offer anything new, just the same old in a smaller, less functional form.

Enter Apple’s answers: first, the MacBook Air. The most successful ultraportable offers all the power of a regular laptop in a svelte, minimalistic form. The current models are a fantastic mix of power and portability, and while competitors have finally started innovating, they still haven’t quite caught up with the Air.

Then the coupe de grace- the iPad. For consumers that wanted internet access but didn’t need a full laptop it was a perfect answer. Right out of the gate the iPad excelled at several tasks, especially media consumption. As iOS has matured the uses for the iPad have exploded, from communication to productivity to finance. I’ve been able to completely replace my laptop with an iPad and third party Bluetooth keyboard (first a Zagg Folio, lately replaced by a Brydge Plus).

I had a few chances to toy with various netbooks, from Asus to Dell, and my initial fascination sparked by a new gadget was quickly cooled by how clunky they felt to use. Even those that find Apple’s products too expensive or restrictive have better options- Android tablets have made drastic improvements since their introduction, and can be had far less expensively than a netbook.

Thanks to the innovation of Apple, creativity of their third party accessory and app developers, and the innovation of Android device manufacturers consumers simply have better options for every reason someone might consider a netbook. Good riddance to bad tech, I say.

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Eco-friendly iOS accessories

Apple has made a rather public statement of their attempts to be an eco-conscious corporation, with efforts ranging from how their facilities are designed and powered to reducing waste in the packaging of their products. They even have a recycling program that not only will allow you to keep your broken electronics out of the landfill, it will even offer credit with Apple for devices that can be refurbished. Their Mac lineup has impressive credentials for power efficiency, and their iOS lineup has set the standard for battery life in portable devices.

The environmentally aware Apple aficionado doesn’t have to look far for accessories to compliment their green devices. For those of you that like me have discovered how incredibly handy the iPad can be in the kitchen there’s the Chef Sleeve (review courtesy of thekitchn.com). The wooden stand is dishwasher-safe, and offers two angles for optimal viewing whether you’re using one of the many recipe apps available or just taking advantage of the iPad’s multimedia functionality during your culinary adventure. The wood is certified Forest Stewardship Council fibers, made of sustainably harvested materials bound with a food-safe resin. It couldn’t be greener if you spray painted it.

For the artistically-minded there’s Dock Artisan, creators of some stunningly beautiful iOS device docks, speakers, and cradles. Their handcrafted accessories are hand crafted out of local fallen and reclaimed wood; each is completely unique. You can find plenty of docking accessories less expensive, but none have the beauty and charm of what Dock Artisan offers.

If you’d like to sport something eco-minded on the go, consider:

* Photojojo’s Wood Camera iPhone Case: The wooden case is carved to give your iPhone the appearance of an old-school point and shoot camera. The wood used for this clever case is sustainably-harvested walnut.

* Bioserie’s line of bio-plastic cases: Want to be eco-friendly but not a fan of wooden accessories? Bioserie has what you may be looking for- their lineup of cases are made from biodegradable, recyclable materials derived from plants. Their products are USDA certified as biologically based, and can even be sent via UPS‘ carbon-netural shipping.

* Grove for the artistically and environmentally minded: Whatever your device or need, Grove has a case for you. Their wool and bamboo-based lineup offers some eye-catching etching, both pre made and personalized. Handcrafted in Oregon of sustainable plant-based materials, and worth every cent.

The MacBook lineup hasn’t been forgotten, either. Targus recently announced the Spruce EcoSmart Backpack, designed to protect laptops up to 15 inches while offering copious space to tote whatever you need to bring. The backpack is made of polyester manufactured from recycled plastic bottles.

Need protection for your MacBook but don’t want a full backpack? Greensmart may have what you need- their lineup of MacBook sleeves sport a soft fleecelike lining made of recycled plastic. While their accessories aren’t entirely based on reclaimed or recycled materials, the organization has stated a strong commitment to ecologically-sound practices.

Regardless of what device you have, there’s an eco-friendly accessory for it; far to many for me to share in a short post. Have a favorite accessory I didn’t mention? Please help spread the word via the comments section!

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Pain-free ways of expanding iPad or MacBook Air storage

Apple‘s super thin flash memory lineup (the iPad and MacBook Airs) has made its mark through their combination of power and portability. Their sleek, featherweight forms have come with a trade off, however- there’s a limit to how large their internal flash-based hard drives can be. The iPad maxes out at 64 gigabytes (including space used by the operating system); the Airs are limited to 128 gig in the 11 inch model and a whopping 256 gig in the 13 inch. While cloud-based solutions often provide excellent solutions to limits on internal storage, what’s a user to do when they want more local storage space?

The MacBook Air may be sleek but it’s still a fully functional laptop. The latest model’s USB3 and Thunderbolt ports allow for all sorts of external hard drives for the data hoarder. If you want to preserve the aesthetically slender profile of your Air (or an external drive just isn’t practical) you may want to look into this budding Kickstarter campaign. The Nifty MiniDrive reached its goal of $11,000 almost immediately, and as of this writing there are 23 days of fundraising left and their campaign is close to $150,000. The concept is a very simple one- instead of the arduous and warranty-voiding task of cracking open your laptop and replacing the hard drive, the creative team behind the Nifty MiniDrive decided to rely on the laptop’s SD card slot. While SD cards provide cheap and readily used memory, the cards aren’t designed to stay in the Air’s port. The cards protrude a couple millimeters to facilitate removal but could damage the laptop’s internals if left in as even the best laptop bag can allow for sliding and jostling. The Nifty is an adaptor for a microSD card that fits flush with the laptop’s chassis, preventing possible damage or snags. The makers suggest using the Nifty plus a sizable microSD as an internal Time Capsule drive, providing a set and forget backup should your laptop be compromised.

The iPad is another matter. The tablet doesn’t sport any port other than the standard 32-pin sync port all iOS devices use. While the Camera Connection Kit can allow an SD card or USB drive to be connected, it’s only meant to allow importing of photos and video to your iPad’s existing internal storage (although clever users have many other uses). If you need more storage for your iPad media but you’re not hack-inclinded and can’t rely on a cloud storage solution, Seagate may have the answer to your needs (courtesy of Cult of Mac). The GoFlex Satellite is an amped-up version of Seagate’s standard GoFlex external hard drive, providing a connection to your iPad via an internal wifi hotspot. The GoFlex Satellite isn’t a perfect solution (the iPad doesn’t have a file browser, after all) but it will provide ample space for streaming music or video to your device. the downside is that the connection replaces your normal network connection, so you’ll have to manually switch between the hard drive an your normal network connection for other uses.

While an interesting solution I’d much rather rely on streaming options for my iPad, although I am rarely away from a wifi hotspot. I haven’t had a MacBook Air for some time (after graduation and my first iPad purchase I found I didn’t need a full laptop) but I am fascinated by the Nifty. While not a solution for everyone, it is positioned perfectly for those that need some extra hard drive space or would like a Time Capsule drive while out and about.

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Google expanding their iOS presence with Chrome

Fans of alternative web browsers rejoice- one of the internet’s most popular browsers has finally made its way to iOS. Google Chrome has made surprising strides in popularity over the past few years, recently surpassing Internet Explorer as the most popular browser worldwide (it had done so briefly once before, only to relinquish its standing shortly thereafter). 

Chrome’s success has several factors; being a Google product means that it meshes perfectly with the rest of Google’s web products like Gmail. The browser eases the process of switching from other browsers through some slick import features, drawing your bookmarks and favorites from any other browser you had been using and using the same keyboard shortcuts of competitors. Chrome even lives up to its short-lived television ads featuring how fast it renders pages; the browser is as snappy and feels faster than just about any that I’ve used. Chrome also has been found to consistently be the most secure of popular browsers due to its sandbox construction (isolating each tab from vital components).

The iOS version has a number of features sported by the full desktop one- tabbed browsing (offering unlimited tabs as opposed to mobile Safari’s limit of nine), syncing of bookmarks and browsing between clients (just as iOS 6 has advertised for Safari) and an easy-to-engage Incognito mode for when you’d rather not have your browsing history saved. Should the mobile version have issues rendering the page you’d like to see you have the option of loading the full desktop version instead, and it offers the ability to search by voice via a microphone tab in the browser.

I’ve used it for a few days now and have been impressed with it so far. I have used Chrome off and on for some time now on both Windows and my iMac and like its construction and performance. I’ve slowly been transitioning from using Google services like Documents to iCloud, so I haven’t used the browser’s full capacity lately, but still feel very comfortable with it. Apparently I’m not the only one that feels this way, as the iOS version of Chrome became iTune’s top app shortly after its release.

All isn’t wine and roses, though. iOS users can’t change their default browser, so clicking a link in another app will still open in the default Safari. While quick, the iOS version of Chrome isn’t as fluid rendering Java, so pages that rely heavily on the programming language will load noticeably slower than in Safari. That being acknowledged, if you use Chrome as your default browser on your laptop or desktop it’s a welcome addition to the iTunes app store. Just like the desktop version, the iOS version of Chrome is absolutely free.

The addition of Chrome to iOS is the latest in a quiet strategy Google has been employing to keep their products in the hands of iOS users. Many of the Google apps built into Android have been slowly added to the iOS app store. The official Google app feels like a little slice of Android, offering Google Places, Plus, Earth, Latitude, Books, Gmail, Sync, Shopper, Blogger, Translate, Maps (now that Apple has announced their own native Maps app), even Google Voice. Just as with their mobile operating system, these products don’t directly earn Google any revenue, they act as a feeder system to Google’s actual business- selling advertising. No other competitor tailors their advertising or displays it as effectively as Google. Your actions, be it on any of the aforementioned apps, in an email via Gmail, or something you’ve searched for via Google Search feeds into Google’s vast data harvesting and processing architecture resulting in personalized advertisements (sometimes more relevant than the results of your search) and a wealth of data mining information. The process is completely impersonal, so intense concerns over personal privacy aren’t warranted.

Google has been wildly popular by being the best in their field. While broad based, all of their ventures feed back to their primary business- getting the most effective ads to potential customers. Apple may be attempting to cut them out of their mobile platform, but Google won’t be disappearing anytime soon; you will just have to choose their services on iOS instead of relying on them as a default.

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OSX on a tablet?

Microsoft’s yet-to-be-released Surface tablet has created buzz by having a model that offers users a complete desktop operating system in tablet form via a version sporting a laptop-style Intel processor (the other lower cost model will have an ARM chip common in Android tablets and a limited version of Windows 8 incapable of running desktop applications).

Someone might beat Microsoft to the punch, however- in a report from MacRumors a company by the name of Axiotron will be bringing a tablet-style device to market sporting a stylus-based touchscreen interface and a full version of Apple’s OSX operating system. The device has been dubbed the Modbook, and it skirts running afoul of Apple’s end user licensing that sunk Mac knockoff manufacturer  Psystar by modifying actual MacBooks (hence the Modbook name) into tablet form. The internal components of a 13 inch MacBook Pro are transferred to a new enclosure with a unique Forceglass screen that utilizes a special pressure-sensitive pen interface. The new components are connected to the MacBook internals via USB 3 inside the enclosure.

The Modbook sports some impressive specs- the Pro version has the internal components of the MacBook they were harvested from: Intel i5 or i7 processors, up to 16 gigabytes of RAM, up to 1 TB hard drive, Intel HD 4000 graphics, 802.11 N wifi and Bluetooth 4.0, and something no other tablet will sport- a x8 Superdrive optical drive. The tablet still sports a Gigabit Ethernet port, one Firewire 800, one free USB 3 port, and a Thunderbolt port. It still uses Apple’s Magsafe power adaptor, as well. Because it’s running a full version of OSX the Modbook can be loaded with Windows as well via Bootcamp or virtualization software like Parallels.

Before you ditch your iPad for a Modbook there will be some drawbacks to consider. While no physical specifications are listed, the Modbook will have to be significantly heavier and thicker than an iPad due to the extra components and size; making the Modbook more of a slate than a tablet. The screen isn’t billed as a full touchscreen as the iPad‘s capacitive screen is, interaction is only described via the included pressure-sensitive stylus. Heat and fan noise may be an issue; cooling will likely still be via the MacBook’s original internal fans but will lack the heat dissipating ability of the original’s aluminum case. Lastly, the MacBook that the Modbook is created from is significantly more expensive than an iPad and the Modbook is likely to add a noticeable premium onto that price.

If you’re craving a full operating system in tablet/slate form, the Modbook should definitely be considered. Apple may be slowly moving to consolidate iOS and OSX, but the complete convergence will be a long time from now (if it ever completely happens). The Modbook offers a slew of inputs and functionality that mobile users have sought, and with the built-in Bluetooth it could be paired with a keyboard and mouse/trackpad to create a 13″ mobile-capable iMac for adventurous users. The stylus is particularly interesting; the manufacturers describe as a battery-less digitizer pen with two programmable side buttons, and it is stowed away in a magnetic catch on the Modbook’s case. This truly fascinating device will be available fall of this year.

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