Greetings again from your friends in Woodstock - We're Back with part 2!

As noted last week, quite a bit came out of WWDC than just developer centric as one would typically expect from a 'World Wide Developer Conference'. Practically speaking, it was and remains a strong developer show and also, with the media attention on the event, a good opportunity to release new immediate available products just like a Macworld Expo keynote. Just a lot more than released last week than at recent year Macworld Expos. In our 'part 1' newsletter last week we covered the new Macbook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air latest models. Part 2 will start off with some additional depth on those MacBooks + move on to the iPhone 3G S and v3.0 software.

More MacBook/MacBook Pro observations and detail
In the prior newsletter part you can check out the model to model spec differences.... This is to add some additional insights to the equation.

Every MacBook Pro Unibody model since the very first in late 2008 ship with FireWire 800. They do not have a FireWire 400 port. So - if you have standard FireWire 400 devices, you will need to buy a port adapter (from $8.75) to use with existing cables, 9 to 4 pin cables (Video Cameras w/FireWire typically 4 Pin) or 9 to 6 pin cables (Most FireWire 400 storage uses 6 pin), or something like the miniStack that includes what you need for connecting yo your FireWire 800 port and adds FireWire 400 port(s) in addition to the storage component.

The 13" MacBook Unibody models never had an ExpressCard slot or FireWire. Equipping the new MacBook Pro 13" with an SD Card Slot and FireWire 800 is definitely a nice upgrade. Bringing back FireWire via FireWire 800 Slot is even a nice upgrade vs. the original FireWire 400 equipped MacBook White/Black models. In addition to the port additions, the LCD on the new 13" Pro is also an upgrade vs. the prior non-Pro Unibody 13" Macbook. Whereas our team notes the prior model has 'vertical washout' issue within reasonable viewing angles, the new Pro 13" LCD is comparable what has been standard on the MacBook Pro 15" and 17" models. One of OWC's lead graphic designers, who provided feedback on the new display, pointed out this significant improvement which made the new model a candidate to replace his own personal PowerBook G4 15".

What's a nice addition to the 13" ends up being a take away from the 15". As covered last time, the latest MacBook Pro 15" Models have had their ExpressCard slot replaced with an SD Card Slot. SD = Secure Digital and this slot only supports SD Memory cards and no SDIO according to Apple's knowledgebase entry. I find this to be a major major step backwards. Apple commented that the ExpressCard is only used by single digit percentages of users out there. Heck, a major online publication even applauded Apple for 'finally' adding an SD slot to their notebooks. I think this is pure bunk and short sighted as well.
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#1 - for less than $30 you can plug in an ExpressCard Card Reader which will read all types of SD Memory and other memory cards too... SD Card Slot, SD Memory Reader only and no adapters for other memory card types. You can also get super universal read almost anything adapters that connect via USB for under $20. Since for under $30 you can get an ExpressCard SD Reader or for under $20 a USB reader - just how is giving us this built in SD Card Slot better than the ExpressCard slot?
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#2 -Even if you are using SD Card based Digital Cameras (I have one) or Video Recorders - how often does the average user pull those cards from their device vs. just connect it up via USB? Most all of these devices effectively 'double' as memory card readers when you plug them into your Mac. A professional photographer I can see having multiple cards, etc... ok - $29 and you've got that via the expresscard slot all nice and flush clean. I must be missing something?
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#3 -The ExpressCard slot is essentially a PCI-Express slot for laptops. It's supports significant bandwidth and current ExpressCards allow you to add a variety of things from additional FireWire ports to High-Performance eSATA to Cellular EVDO/3G/4G Modems and more. This slot also keeps your options open for the future too. What an ExpressCard slot can be used for is pretty much wide open and models with an ExpressCard slot keep the options open for what the future may bring. All Apple's built-in SD Card Slot does is let you use SD Memory Cards. Even if Apple allowed use of SDIO cards - with the exception of a GPS SDIO option which is better supported via a USB connecting version (the SDIO model is designed for portable devices that don't have USB) - what's the point as the things SDIO is good for are pretty much already built in to the MacBook Pro models + the bandwidth via SDIO doesn't justify even trying to bring out eSATA cards, etc - this is a no go and not worth going to either.

So wow - the MacBook Pro 15" now has an SD Card Slot built in so you can read SD Memory cards. Talk about a blow to portability in terms of data too. While WiMax is coming, these MacBook Pros don't have WiMax and the only way you'll now be able to add will be via something hanging off your USB port. Furthermore, today's ExpressCard EVDO/3G Celluar data models are also no longer the nice, slip in option for on the road. I wonder if part of Apple's foolhardy strategy with killing the ExpressCard slot is related to the iPhones finally supporting tethering (once AT&T now has to allow). Will cover this more in the iPhone section, but tethering lets you use your iPhone for data access via it's 3G/EVDO connection. No matter how you look at it - a major upgrade slot is now gone from these new 15" models.

Options for ExpressCard on the SD card slot 15" models (and 13" too..)
Pretty slim to none... but for lower bandwidth ExpressCard expansion cards this USB to ExpressCard adapter for $9.99 is a good option. Should you upgrade from a prior ExpressCard equipped laptop and already own, say, one of those ExpressCard Cellular data modems - this will allow you to continue using. In general I've noticed far wider availability of the ExpressCard type data modems, so even if you're just getting started - this is likely a good option as most USB models out there aren't necessarily the best for laptops since they are rarely designed for laptops because most business laptops have an ExpressCard slot that is the preference. You can potentially use the adapter for ExpressCard eSATA adapters too, but the bandwidth is dismal and only of value if you need a way to read SATA drives and already own an adapter. From my point of view, there really isn't a good option and this adapter is a compromise at best so certain functions can be maintained - like the cell modem.

Something I'd personally recommend considering - Apple's Clearance Store listings of the prior MacBook Pro 15" models that are ExpressCard Slot equipped. Not only can you keep your future and current day options open, but you'll get some significant savings as well. For our test lab, we have no choice but to buy new so we can get them right away at release... but for other company (and personal) needs, we pretty much buy via Apple's Clearance pages because you get the same warranty, software, and support you get on a New Mac + never gotten a lemon or one that's not been in brand new condition. Within another 6-10 weeks, even the latest model Macs will start appearing on clearance. Apple updates these pages regularly, so it's worth checking back and being patient some times when there is a particular model you wish to snag. Having said this - you should be particularly careful with your selection on the Macbook Pro 15" models... The 'ExpressCard Equipped' 2.4GHz, 2.53GHz, and 2.8GHz speed models are all limited to a max of 6GB Memory + are 'gen 1' Unibodies that have had some memory glitch issues. It is the 2.66GHz and 2.93GHz models that I'd recommend. They are rock solid and although Apple says only expandable to 4GB (look for that since those are the ones with ExpressCard), they are 100% A-OK for up to 8GB of memory.

Of course, brand new or on clearance, any MacBook Pro 17" Unibody model is a gem as well. Apple left well enough alone with the ExpressCard slot, just cut the price down and made them faster. The 17" is nice, but there are many out there that need the ExpressCard slot and prefer the smaller laptops for their portability. The unibody 17" is the most portable Apple 17" ever, but so can be said for the 13" and 15" models. Apple did bring back FireWire to the 13" model... perhaps they'll listen and re-introduce ExpressCard on the 15" (and maybe 13") in the future. One can hope... but right now I'd sooner expect to see Apple really hose everyone and remove it off the 17" models before it's brought back on the 15".

Something else that's a bit of a issue for Pro users are the LCD display options. While the Unibody 17" models have always offered the option for an anti-glare version of their display, all the 13" and 15" unibody models have been and remain standard with the glossy display. While the glossy version does offer high-contrast viewing, nice for watching videos or looking at images with - it's not ideal for a lot of lighting conditions where the anti-glare is almost a requirement. I am surprised that Apple doesn't similarly offer the anti-glare screen options on their 13" and 15" Models with consideration to all the feedback we and, I expect, a large number of others provide to Apple. We shall see.

So there ya go - some additional depth on the new MacBook Pros. For those interested, we have updated our benchmark testing to now include these new models. If you've already got a MacBook or MacBook Pro, if you haven't upgraded it's memory and or hard drive, that's always something to consider in terms of ROI vs. looking at the latest and greatest. To see our break out of the latest model changes, again that's online in part one. For all Apple computers, we of course hope you're looking to OWC for those upgrades too. :)

The ModBook 'Mac Tablet' Solution upgraded and now from $1799.00
The Axiotron Modbook OS X Tablet, of which OWC is an solution builder and distributor of, also benefits from a recent Apple upgrade. The Modbook is the one and only Tablet solution that lets you write and draw directly to the screen running Mac OS X as well as Windows (Windows XP for Tablets/Windows Vista are not standard included, but fully supported via Bootcamp). As noted in 'part 1', just before the WWDC event Apple released a speedbumped MacBook 'White' model which took it to 2.13GHz from the prior 2.0GHz with no additional cost. This new MacBook has been fully certified for the Modbook and is now available for Modbook configurations. In addition, we were able to secure a supply of the 2.0GHz Nvidia 9400M Video Equipped MacBooks for Modbook integration at a very special cost. No other Modbook reseller has better pricing or the custom configuration options that we offer on brand new Modbooks, no smoke and mirrors. So - if you're looking for the ultimate Mac Drawing tool or have use an application where it'd be ideal to have tablet operation - take a look at what you can custom configure today. Or, already have a MacBook White or Black? Bring Your Own Book service from $1099 (freight included) turns what you have now into a Tablet too.

WWDC: New iPhone 3G S
In June of 2007, Apple revolutionized the smart phone industry with the first gen iPhone. Respectively, not so much revolutionary in the features it offered - but absolutely so in the execution and delivery. What I mean by that is while other phones offered email and web browsing capabilities - the iPhone got it right for the masses. Having played with other smartphones and really not liked them, the first iPhone impressed the heck out of me. Walking into the Apple store on July 6th, 2007- I had not planned to be walking out with an iPhone in hand. It blew me away and has been an incredibly useful tool ever since.

A year ago the iPhone was upgraded to the '3G'. While the original model used an older cellular technology with EVDO data support, this update upgraded the iPhone with support of the 3G network. The only other differences are a redesign with less metal and more plastic with the appearance of being slimmer (more rounded corners, but same actual thickness), the addition of a built in GPS, $10 a month more effectively for the AT&T Service plan, and a lower up front cost... which AT&T more than gets back with the higher monthly fee. Otherwise - very much the same and not really worth upgrading to. I was forced to a 3G model when my EVDO 1G broke earlier this year and really barely notice the '3G difference' Apple had touted. I did notice the extra $10 per month my plan was moved to.

As announced last week at WWDC, the iPhone 3G is now offered for $99 with 8GB of storage, the iPhone 3G S is offered at $199 and $299 with 16GB and 32GB of storage. First and foremost, the 'S' in 3G S stands for speed. The new 3G S has a faster process (the first time the processor has been upgraded) that's touted to be up to twice as fast as the prior iPhones. Next, I supposed the 'S' can stand for Storage capacity - Before the 3G S, it was $199 for 8GB and $299 for a max of 16GB. The new 3G S offers up to double the original 3G's offering for the same top end price. I'm not going to search for other S terms... but in addition to Speed and Storage improvements, the 3G S model also incorporates a built-in Compass (there's an App for that for the 1st Gen and 3G - although I'd guess this one is supposed to work better?), the built in Camera has been upgraded from 2MP to 3.2MP, and you can both record and edit video (I can't imagine doing a lot of editing on the phone) too. You can always ask for more - but unlike the iPhone 3G model update, there is some real substance here and I think will be worth upgrading to when the 3G S becomes available tomorrow (Friday, June 19th).

Do note - the 3G and 3G S iPhone prices are based on the expectation that you will sign a 2 Year Agreement with AT & T (your only current option for iPhone service). If you elect to upgrade to a new iPhone - AT & T expects a new 2 year term from the upgrade date. Currently AT&T allows you to upgrade phones with new 2yr contract as long as you've had the existing phone for at least 1yr. However, recognizing that Apple users tend to be early adopters - AT&T graciously modified their upgrade terms to allow any customer who bought an Apple iPhone through September of 2008 to have the option to upgrade to a new 3G S starting tomorrow vs. having to wait until the 1yr mark. I'm not going to get started on AT&T in general....

WWDC: New iPhone Software release 3.0
You don't need to buy a new iPhone to benefit from the latest 3.0 iPhone software release. Just like when v2.0 came out last summer, v3.0 is a free upgrade for all Apple iPhone models. The big news with the v2.0 release was the support for 3rd party applications and the new iPhone application store. There are currently over 50,000 applications you can download for iPhone and Apple says today that over 3,000 applications are downloaded by iPhone users ever minute. The iPhone is great out of the box, it's absolutely incredible when beefed up with applications of your choice that add the functionality of your choosing (games too). Those at OWC with iPhones, have done the upgrade and so far so good - piece of cake. That said - a great product just got even better! iPod Touch users also get the v3.0 update, but for a $10 cost. For all practical purposes, the iPod Touch is an iPhone without cell service... other than make _cellular calls_, when able to access a Wireless 802.11 network, the iPod Touch can do the majority of what an iPhone can do.

What v3.0 now does for your iPhone really wasn't kept a secret. The most significant new features IMHO include:
#1 - the landscaping keyboard. Especially for longer replies, it's nice to turn the iPhone sideways and have that full size keyboard for touch typing emails. Has been there on the browser side... but now it's there where it matters most.

#2 - Improved Safari Web Browser... So far it seems better for me, I haven't had to force a shutdown and reboot my iPhone to fix website hangs + that it now saves user name and passwords for site access, priceless. I use my iPhone for monitoring various secure, login required web driven reports - my #1 complaint prior to the update. Even if I have to do the occasional reboot, at least I don't have to mess with user and password field entry. The iPhone has always offered a password lock option - so you have to punch in a numeric password when first slide to use the phone from non-use. Even with just email on your phone, using this password is a a good idea... most especially make sure you've enabled this feature if you're letting safari save passwords to secure sites you visit.

#3 - 'Internet Tethering' - Before I got an iPhone, I had a Motorola flip phone with Verizon. With my standard phone service, which was far less per month that the iPhone, via Bluetooth or USB I could use my phone's EVDO service via my Apple laptop to access the internet. Was easy, seamless, and reasonable fast - well, EVDO speeds. This is nothing new and has been around at least the last 5 years... just not with the AT&T iPhone service. While I have missed the ability to use my phone to drive data via my Mac when on the road, being able to do email and access the web via the iPhone allowed me to get by for the most part. No longer will iPhone users need to 'get by' or pay for hot spot access when they can't... V3.0 supports this tethering and just as soon as AT&T allows this feature to operate (they currently have it blocked/disabled while they upgrade their network) so will you be able to go online with your laptop using the iPhone as the data modem.

#4 - Improved parental controls - while the prior software version allowed explicit websites to be effectively blocked, v3.0 substantially enhances the available options. In addition to web filtering the new version allows age rating based restrictions for the viewing of movies, podcasts, youtube videos, music, and applications accessed/used via the iPhone of iPod Touch. I don't expect this is too important for most iPhone owners, but it's a big deal for the iPod Touch - which are more typically in our kids hand/belonging to kids.

This is just scratching the surface with the new features I personally find important. Apple's got the list of enhancements posted + if you have an iPhone, it's free and no good reason not to do it. :)

That concludes our 'Part 2 Content Transmission', look for Part 3 next week

Thanks for reading and we'll be back with the Part 3 next week. Originally intended to wrap it all into this edition, but the iPhone is out tomorrow + just need a bit more time to cover Apple OS 10.6. Snow Leopard is a pretty thing and want to give it its due. I will also admit that this has been put out without the (now) more typical proofing these newsletters are getting and my apologies in advance for any grammer, spelling, or 'intended word' communication errors. I do hope you have found this part of our edition to have to have some useful info - and hope you'll be looking for the next part and the proper conclusion to this month's newsletter that it will bring.

Super quick - the special reader deals are now posted online found by clicking here. And of signifcant note, even if you are browsing our regular site pages - the special item saving will continue to display so long as you've clicked through this page (or most other links to our site in the newsletter) and your browser cookies are on. Never miss a deal. :)

Thanks again and I hope you and yours have a great weekend!