Apple

Installing Mac OS X Lion

By Andrew Ledwith on July 25, 2011 • Podcast • 1 Comment

In this week’s episode I ask that you indulge me as I geek out and talk about my experiences installing Mac OS X Lion on two different Macs. Even if you’re not into that sort of thing, the first story is pretty interesting even without any technical knowledge.

At one point in this podcast I say that I wish my computer was roaring like it used to. I apologize for the unintentional terrible pun.

Just for grins, I counted how many bounces it took for Chrome to open when I went to write this post. It bounced fifty times before opening. Yes, fifty. Ugh.

Links from this episode:

Play

Podcast: Play in new window

Apple OS X Lion Released Today

By Andrew Ledwith on July 20, 2011 • Geek • 1 Comment

Today Apple released OS X Lion, the latest iteration of its operating system (version 10.7 to be exact). Much of what Lion brings to the table was inspired by iOS. This version of OS X seems like a bit of a change in direction by Apple, whereas Snow Leopard (version 10.6) was merely a refinement of Leopard (version 10.5, which itself was change in direction as well). I’m interested to see how much I’ll like the new Mac experience.

The truly unique aspect of this OS is the way the upgrade is purchased. All upgrades will be available only via download through the Mac App Store. I don’t think I like the fact that to reinstall OS X from scratch I’ll first need to install Snow Leopard. However, I intend to try out these instructions on how to burn a Lion boot disc as described by The Unofficial Apple Blog, so maybe it won’t be such a big deal for me after all.

My personal Mac might not receive the update for a while. I want to wipe my computer and start from scratch, which will be a bit of an undertaking. I have an up-to-date Time Machine backup but I’m also going to give SuperDuper a try for a little extra insurance. (I also have a Mozy offsite backup of my data and most of my day-to-day files are saved in Dropbox.)

I highly recommend reading this review of Lion by Shawn Blanc (@shawnblanc). Of course, there’s always Apple’s OS X Lion page for the official list of features.

Do me a favor. Buy Lion via this link. It’s an affiliate link, so I’ll get a small kickback if you use it to purchase the OS (about $1 per purchase).

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: Affiliate Marketing Links http://cmp.ly/5

Theology of the Personal Computer

By Andrew Ledwith on March 28, 2011 • Share • 0 Comments


@ You're not doing it right.
3/25/11 4:31 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite
@ricobert1
rob hodges

@ @ no, that was predestinated to happen; it's just that Macs are the elect
3/25/11 6:44 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite
@patrickgines
Patrick Gines

Continue Reading…

What iPhone Apps Do You Use?

By Andrew Ledwith on June 15, 2010 • Geek • 1 Comment

iPhone 4

I am about to make my first foray into smart phones. I just pre-ordered the new iPhone 4. It’ll be released on June 24.

I’ve been following the development of smart phones, app stores, and the like for years. I have a general idea of the apps I’d like to use, but I want to hear from the people who have been using them. What iPhone apps do you use? Which are your favorites? These could be apps from Apple’s App Store or they could be web apps.

Leave your suggestions in the comments. I’ll try out all the free apps you suggest and many of the premium ones, too. I’ll write a follow-up post in a few weeks.

Immediate Reactions to WWDC 2009

By Andrew Ledwith on June 8, 2009 • Geek • 0 Comments

I’d like to highlight the points that stood out to me at today’s WWDC keynote. They’re listed roughly in the order they were presented. If you’d like to read the liveblog that I read to get all this juicy info, click over to Engadget’s liveblog coverage. Of course, go to the Apple website for the official news.

15″ MacBook Pro

  • Eventually I’ll need to buy a new battery for my MacBook Pro (when my current one stops holding a charge), and I’m glad to see that they’ve made a battery with even better battery life than my computer currently has. UPDATE: I don’t think I got this one right. Yes, the 15″ MacBook Pro has a better battery, (up from 5 hours to 7) but these new 15″ MBPs have a battery that cannot be swapped out by the user, only by Apple (one more reason I’m glad I got my computer when I did). So, it’s unclear to me whether the type of battery found in my computer received an update. I’m guessing it didn’t.
  • I’m really glad I got my 15″ MacBook Pro when I did. My computer has an ExpressCard slot; now they come with an SD card slot instead. The average user will like this move, but not the power user. I think it’s a very strange decision.
  • I’m glad to see the MacBook Pro received a price cut, even if it only affects the low-end model.
  • I really wish my MacBook Pro could handle 8GB of RAM. That is a HUGE update. The hard drive and processor updates are also nice.
  • Refreshed features and lower price is immediately available.

Continue Reading…

My MacBook Pro

By Andrew Ledwith on December 12, 2008 • Geek • 0 Comments

Not long ago I wrote about my very first purchase from the Apple Store. A little more than six weeks ago I bought toy number two: a brand new MacBook Pro.

Continue Reading…

My First Toy from Apple

By Andrew Ledwith on November 1, 2008 • Geek • 0 Comments

As I’ve said time and time again on this blog I’m a huge fan of Apple hardware and software but I’ve never actually owned any of their wares before. Well, as you can see, that’s no longer the case.

When I took my new job at FSU I started walking to work a few days each week. It’s great getting exercise before and after work, but I missed having a stereo to listen to tunes and audiobooks. So, I decided to purchase an iPod shuffle. I like it a lot.

This is my first toy from Apple, but not the last. Stay tuned.

Get the Most Out of Your iPhone 3G (Just Like My Sister)

By Andrew Ledwith on September 25, 2008 • Geek • 0 Comments

My Sister and her iPhone

I can’t believe my sister got an iPhone before I did! Way to go, Alison! Read on and I’ll tell you about some of the iPhone 3G’s best apps and accessories.

Continue Reading…

The Adventures of Seinfeld and Gates

By Andrew Ledwith on September 19, 2008 • Share • 0 Comments

In an effort to combat the hugely popular “I’m a Mac, I’m a PC” ad campaign by Apple, Microsoft reached into its deep pockets to hire funny man Jerry Seinfeld. Pairing him with founder Bill Gates, the advertising gurus up in Redmond have created a pair of commercials that barely even mention technology.

The majority of the blogosphere seems to dislike these new Microsoft ads, which is why I chose to write about them. I think they’re pretty good. Most video advertising these days is so predictable the only real difference is the logo at the end. These ads, while not pitching a particular product, do make the viewer stop and watch, either due to wonder or bewilderment.

Continue Reading…

Would You Pay $1000 for an iPhone App?

By Andrew Ledwith on August 6, 2008 • Geek • 0 Comments

As you probably know, Apple released version 2.0 of its iPhone/iPod touch software earlier this summer. One of the big new features was the ability to add third party applications to your device. To get these applications a person goes to the App Store, found in Apple’s iTunes software. Many applications are free, but the majority you have to pay for.

Today the blogosphere is abuzz with the news of a new app in the App Store called I Am Rich. The man behind the app is asking $999.99 for his efforts. What does it do? Here’s the description in the creator’s own words:

The red icon on your iPhone or iPod touch reminds you (and others when you show it to them) that you were able to afford this.

It’s a work of art with no hidden function at all.

After pressing the (i) button on the main page, a secret mantra will be shown. This may help you to stay rich, healthy and successful.

So, in other words, it does nothing.

There’s been a wide variety of reactions to this app. Some folks are angry, some find it humorous, and still others wish they’d thought of it first. Personally I was sad to hear about it, but it did get me thinking.

Continue Reading…

Page 1 of 212»