TalonFlyer
Dec 2, 04:39 PM
TalonFlyer..
Here is how I grade the Car Kit (1-10):
Mounting: 8
Rotation: 7
Articulation: 3
Hands-Free: 4 (Weak, speaker is facing away from you, VOX'ing problem)
GPS: 6 (Only very slightly better that the built in GPS)
Compatibility: 3 (Can't use iPod Touch)
Bluetooth: 2 (Phone will not pair until docked, can't pair with other devices)
Overall it's a $79.00 retail mount with a questionable hands-free, only a small incremental change in GPS accuracy and a useless bluetooth implementation. I'll give it a generous 5 out of 10 for now.
*************************************************************
Nice review, and thanks. It sounds like you might have gotten a unit that is sub par. The rotation and articulation of the car kit in many of the Youtube videos seems very tight, very solid with strong mounting. Did it just loosen up over that short time or did it start out not so great? Maybe send it back?
I thought I remember reading that the Handsfree Bluetooth is duplex so I'm also not sure where your issue comes from. That said, I may get that as a separate item on the visor of my car if its below quality. I have another car with a BluAnt unit in it and its terrific.
Also, there are now several places where you can order the car kit for much less money. I have an order into BTL for $87 which sounds like a more reasonable price for the unit. I'm sure it will continue to drop.
Thanks again!
I updated my post and yesterday I returned the Car Kit.
This is a slick looking mount with to many functional limitations.
I exchanged the car kit and had the same hands-free issues.
What I noticed after many calls is that there is a GATE circuit (similar to an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) circuit) that is turning off the speaker most likely to reduce background noise. The problem is that this GATING is causing the audio to be choppy making it very difficult to hear your call.
The useless hands-free along with other limitations make it far to expensive to just sit around and charge the phone.
You cannot mount it on you dash due to the off-center swivel making it impossible to rotate it vertical (unless the mount is hanging over the edge a little).
Why the bluetooth does not connect until docked does not make any sense and makes it even less valuable.
Having to remove the case every time is a real pain as well.
Why do you need a different unit for the iPod touch? The connection is the same and if the little pins retracted it would work.
They did a great job getting everyone excited, but then Bernie Madoff did also.
The bottom line, it's not worth it, get something else.
Here is how I grade the Car Kit (1-10):
Mounting: 8
Rotation: 7
Articulation: 3
Hands-Free: 4 (Weak, speaker is facing away from you, VOX'ing problem)
GPS: 6 (Only very slightly better that the built in GPS)
Compatibility: 3 (Can't use iPod Touch)
Bluetooth: 2 (Phone will not pair until docked, can't pair with other devices)
Overall it's a $79.00 retail mount with a questionable hands-free, only a small incremental change in GPS accuracy and a useless bluetooth implementation. I'll give it a generous 5 out of 10 for now.
*************************************************************
Nice review, and thanks. It sounds like you might have gotten a unit that is sub par. The rotation and articulation of the car kit in many of the Youtube videos seems very tight, very solid with strong mounting. Did it just loosen up over that short time or did it start out not so great? Maybe send it back?
I thought I remember reading that the Handsfree Bluetooth is duplex so I'm also not sure where your issue comes from. That said, I may get that as a separate item on the visor of my car if its below quality. I have another car with a BluAnt unit in it and its terrific.
Also, there are now several places where you can order the car kit for much less money. I have an order into BTL for $87 which sounds like a more reasonable price for the unit. I'm sure it will continue to drop.
Thanks again!
I updated my post and yesterday I returned the Car Kit.
This is a slick looking mount with to many functional limitations.
I exchanged the car kit and had the same hands-free issues.
What I noticed after many calls is that there is a GATE circuit (similar to an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) circuit) that is turning off the speaker most likely to reduce background noise. The problem is that this GATING is causing the audio to be choppy making it very difficult to hear your call.
The useless hands-free along with other limitations make it far to expensive to just sit around and charge the phone.
You cannot mount it on you dash due to the off-center swivel making it impossible to rotate it vertical (unless the mount is hanging over the edge a little).
Why the bluetooth does not connect until docked does not make any sense and makes it even less valuable.
Having to remove the case every time is a real pain as well.
Why do you need a different unit for the iPod touch? The connection is the same and if the little pins retracted it would work.
They did a great job getting everyone excited, but then Bernie Madoff did also.
The bottom line, it's not worth it, get something else.
Evangelion
Sep 11, 09:55 AM
It is excellent that you can play movies it on an iPod, but I hardly think that is enough to launch "screenplay". Most people want to see a movie on a large screen, not a computer or an iPod.
Is there any reason why you couldn't do both?
Is there any reason why you couldn't do both?
pmz
Mar 28, 11:16 AM
Capacity bump now, full update September(ish)?
Now in what way would that possibly make sense? Are you being serious or just plucking out of thin air?
Now in what way would that possibly make sense? Are you being serious or just plucking out of thin air?
Tussen69
Apr 20, 05:35 AM
I�ve said it befour and I say it again.
I think ..
The edge-to-edge concept is what we likely will get BUT its not the SCREEN that getting LARGER ... its the PHONE that getting SMALLER ...
the iPhone 5 will likely keep the same screen size but the acual phone and the beziel will get smaller ... there are more non-geeks out there who think that iPhone is to LARGE and incressing its size is not the way to go ...
to sum it up (Expected Roadmap)
iPhone 4S - Release 2011
- Dual Core processor (with 9x GPU (same as iPad 2))
- 32 GB, 64 GB Model
- Full 1080p Camera (8MP) (Backside Camera)
- TV Mirroring (same as iPad 2)
- IOS 4.x
- FaceTime over 3G
- if the iphone 4S (2011) is getting 4G / LTE the name will defently be .... iPhone 4GS . because its both a 4G phone and a Speed bump ..
iPhone 5 - Release 2012
- LTE / 4G Network !!!
- Smaller phone, edge-to-edge beziel but same screen size as iphone 4 iPhone 4S / iPhone 4GS
- iOS 5
- Imporved Front-Side Camera
- FaceTime HD (Require LTE/4G Network)
I think ..
The edge-to-edge concept is what we likely will get BUT its not the SCREEN that getting LARGER ... its the PHONE that getting SMALLER ...
the iPhone 5 will likely keep the same screen size but the acual phone and the beziel will get smaller ... there are more non-geeks out there who think that iPhone is to LARGE and incressing its size is not the way to go ...
to sum it up (Expected Roadmap)
iPhone 4S - Release 2011
- Dual Core processor (with 9x GPU (same as iPad 2))
- 32 GB, 64 GB Model
- Full 1080p Camera (8MP) (Backside Camera)
- TV Mirroring (same as iPad 2)
- IOS 4.x
- FaceTime over 3G
- if the iphone 4S (2011) is getting 4G / LTE the name will defently be .... iPhone 4GS . because its both a 4G phone and a Speed bump ..
iPhone 5 - Release 2012
- LTE / 4G Network !!!
- Smaller phone, edge-to-edge beziel but same screen size as iphone 4 iPhone 4S / iPhone 4GS
- iOS 5
- Imporved Front-Side Camera
- FaceTime HD (Require LTE/4G Network)
Plutonius
May 6, 06:00 PM
Why not have everyone leave this dead end?
Everyone will but we can get back to the starting room quicker using "Don't Panic's" plan of having you in a separate group.
Everyone will but we can get back to the starting room quicker using "Don't Panic's" plan of having you in a separate group.
Flying Llama
Jul 22, 03:30 PM
awesome...
I'm just sad we'll never truly be able to say the long awaited:
"Ah, the G5 Powerbooks are here!".
All those G5 PB on tuesday jokes, in vain... :(
It would have been awesome if Apple introduced some, just out of principle. :D
/rant
Can't wait for WWDC!!
--flyingllama
I'm just sad we'll never truly be able to say the long awaited:
"Ah, the G5 Powerbooks are here!".
All those G5 PB on tuesday jokes, in vain... :(
It would have been awesome if Apple introduced some, just out of principle. :D
/rant
Can't wait for WWDC!!
--flyingllama
Umbongo
Apr 21, 06:00 PM
http://www.macrumors.com/2011/04/21/apple-developing-narrower-rackmountable-mac-pro-prototypes/
It makes a lot of sense. Quietly cooling two CPUs, a high-end GPU, 8 DIMMs and multiple drives in such a form factor makes me a little dubious. That and it seems pure hearsay on the part of 9 to 5 mac.
Mods please don't lock this, discussion of Mac Pro related articles in the main news section is really hard to have as 90% of the posts are by people who have little interest or knowledge in the topic.
It makes a lot of sense. Quietly cooling two CPUs, a high-end GPU, 8 DIMMs and multiple drives in such a form factor makes me a little dubious. That and it seems pure hearsay on the part of 9 to 5 mac.
Mods please don't lock this, discussion of Mac Pro related articles in the main news section is really hard to have as 90% of the posts are by people who have little interest or knowledge in the topic.
JAT
Mar 29, 05:24 PM
How dare people think of themselves in any way when something bad has occurred in the world. People in Darfur have been dying for quite some time now and I haven't thought of myself or my interests once since conflicts began. That's what a good person does.
Do you see how ridiculous you're being? There is no reason a person can't be concerned with supply shortages AND the Japanese people. They aren't mutually exclusive. Moreover, if you follow your flawed logic then no one could ever do anything for themselves. Horrific events happen everyday worldwide; tragedies can't stop us from living.
No, I agree. Personally, I've stopped eating until Japan is 100% safe!! :D
Do you see how ridiculous you're being? There is no reason a person can't be concerned with supply shortages AND the Japanese people. They aren't mutually exclusive. Moreover, if you follow your flawed logic then no one could ever do anything for themselves. Horrific events happen everyday worldwide; tragedies can't stop us from living.
No, I agree. Personally, I've stopped eating until Japan is 100% safe!! :D
mrgstiffler
Mar 30, 05:53 PM
So I guess that Gold Master rumor was wrong.
Everyone who used the first developer preview knew that rumor was flat wrong.
Everyone who used the first developer preview knew that rumor was flat wrong.
ravenvii
May 3, 12:31 PM
so is the turn of the villain simultaneous to the heroes (meaning he can communicate/implement his moves at any time) or do turns alternate (and if they do, do they in singles or in pairs)?
what's the point of having 'rounds'?
They alternate in pairs. A round is two hero turns then two villain turns. By meanwhile I meant the villain can converse with the GMs at any time. But his actions will be implemented once the heroes complete their two turns.
That's how we keep the villain and the heroes in sync, and keep score of the villain's points.
And before you ask again, in the context of the villain, turns = points. Okay? :p
is there a time-limit to the villain's decision before it defaults in no-action, 1 point accrued?
No time limit, the villain must explicitly state that he is taking inaction for the turn.
what's the point of having 'rounds'?
They alternate in pairs. A round is two hero turns then two villain turns. By meanwhile I meant the villain can converse with the GMs at any time. But his actions will be implemented once the heroes complete their two turns.
That's how we keep the villain and the heroes in sync, and keep score of the villain's points.
And before you ask again, in the context of the villain, turns = points. Okay? :p
is there a time-limit to the villain's decision before it defaults in no-action, 1 point accrued?
No time limit, the villain must explicitly state that he is taking inaction for the turn.
Skika
Apr 24, 06:13 PM
WOW!
This would be AWESOME!
I can't imagine my 27" iMac with the same resolution as an iPhone 4!:eek:
This said, it could potentially make macs more expensive in the future.....:(
Well Done Apple! You've done it again!
Wow, that would look rly horrible, i mean 960x640 on a 27 inch screen:eek:
Just joking, u probably meant DPI.
This would be AWESOME!
I can't imagine my 27" iMac with the same resolution as an iPhone 4!:eek:
This said, it could potentially make macs more expensive in the future.....:(
Well Done Apple! You've done it again!
Wow, that would look rly horrible, i mean 960x640 on a 27 inch screen:eek:
Just joking, u probably meant DPI.
Multimedia
Jul 23, 02:20 AM
...only if the Macbooks also get a price drop, because the Core Duo chips should get a price drop, if Intel even keeps making them.
What everyone keeps forgetting in this discussion, however, is that the Core2 Duo chips will be considerably more energy efficient, reducing heat production and prolonging battery life. Considering that they will be introduced at the same price as the current Core Duo chips, why not use them in the Macbook, at the 2 GHz speed?
Furthermore, transitioning all Macs to 64 bit chips as quickly as possible would also hasten the transition to a true 64 bit system, as developers would have more reason to develop for a 64 bit environment (assuming that OS X 10.5 is truly 64 bit).I'm with you MacInDoc. Intel is not going to keep selling Yonah for long before they stop making them. Anyone who does the least amount of research should see that Merom is a much better way to go for all the reasons you mention. If Apple is really trying to stay state-of-the-art, they will lose Yonah as soon as Intel's supply can keep up with Apple's production volume. On the MacBook front, this should be able to happen by October-November, I imagine.
If Apple doesn't put Core 2 Duo in MacBooks @ 1.83 & 2GHz by November, the competition on the PC front is going to make Apple look like they are selling outdated products as if they are current. This will not fly among savy buyers and MacBook sales might falter - perhaps even tank without such a switch. :eek:
Almost all mobile computers selling for more than $1k by November will be Core 2 Duo. So for the holiday shopping season, Apple has got to put them inside MacBooks by then.
What everyone keeps forgetting in this discussion, however, is that the Core2 Duo chips will be considerably more energy efficient, reducing heat production and prolonging battery life. Considering that they will be introduced at the same price as the current Core Duo chips, why not use them in the Macbook, at the 2 GHz speed?
Furthermore, transitioning all Macs to 64 bit chips as quickly as possible would also hasten the transition to a true 64 bit system, as developers would have more reason to develop for a 64 bit environment (assuming that OS X 10.5 is truly 64 bit).I'm with you MacInDoc. Intel is not going to keep selling Yonah for long before they stop making them. Anyone who does the least amount of research should see that Merom is a much better way to go for all the reasons you mention. If Apple is really trying to stay state-of-the-art, they will lose Yonah as soon as Intel's supply can keep up with Apple's production volume. On the MacBook front, this should be able to happen by October-November, I imagine.
If Apple doesn't put Core 2 Duo in MacBooks @ 1.83 & 2GHz by November, the competition on the PC front is going to make Apple look like they are selling outdated products as if they are current. This will not fly among savy buyers and MacBook sales might falter - perhaps even tank without such a switch. :eek:
Almost all mobile computers selling for more than $1k by November will be Core 2 Duo. So for the holiday shopping season, Apple has got to put them inside MacBooks by then.
macaddict06
Jul 21, 08:19 PM
Has any laptop manufacturer announced a specific ship date for laptops with Merom? What was the turnaround time for the original MacBook Pros from the time Intel announced they were shipping the processors to the time Apple announced they were shipping the laptops?
Yeah, CoreDuo was released at CES06, and then 3 days later (Friday release Mon/Tues Keynote, am I right?) Apple announced that it was in the iMac and the spanking new MBP. Turnaround was slow, about 5 weeks iirc. However, that was the first laptop to have an Intel processor in it, so that was the big part of the rush. Also, if the MacPro comes out, some prosumers will shift away from getting a laptop and just get a kickass Woodcrest-enabled MP. Overall, I should think that if it gets released at WWDC (MBP that is), it should be in our hot little hands by Sept 1. Any takers?
Macaddict06
Yeah, CoreDuo was released at CES06, and then 3 days later (Friday release Mon/Tues Keynote, am I right?) Apple announced that it was in the iMac and the spanking new MBP. Turnaround was slow, about 5 weeks iirc. However, that was the first laptop to have an Intel processor in it, so that was the big part of the rush. Also, if the MacPro comes out, some prosumers will shift away from getting a laptop and just get a kickass Woodcrest-enabled MP. Overall, I should think that if it gets released at WWDC (MBP that is), it should be in our hot little hands by Sept 1. Any takers?
Macaddict06
KnightWRX
Apr 24, 11:34 AM
Side Note:
While reading different sites about screen resolution and retina display and different Apple marketing "bluffs", I got into this:
http://twek.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/a-letter-to-steve-jobs-about-6-bit-macbook-pro-displays/
Which models are like this?
Is this real or another Apple hate thing?
That's a limitation of TN panels. To get true 8 bit per channel, you need to either go with PVA or IPS panels. It's not an "Apple hate" thing, it's quite true. It's also the reason that profesionals usually work on expensive IPS displays and not the sub-200$ LCD screens you see at Best Buy.
The 27" iMac uses an IPS display so it is not affected, however, all Apple notebooks use TN displays. Laptops with IPS screens are very, very rare. One model HP Elitebook comes with an optional IPS display that I know of.
While reading different sites about screen resolution and retina display and different Apple marketing "bluffs", I got into this:
http://twek.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/a-letter-to-steve-jobs-about-6-bit-macbook-pro-displays/
Which models are like this?
Is this real or another Apple hate thing?
That's a limitation of TN panels. To get true 8 bit per channel, you need to either go with PVA or IPS panels. It's not an "Apple hate" thing, it's quite true. It's also the reason that profesionals usually work on expensive IPS displays and not the sub-200$ LCD screens you see at Best Buy.
The 27" iMac uses an IPS display so it is not affected, however, all Apple notebooks use TN displays. Laptops with IPS screens are very, very rare. One model HP Elitebook comes with an optional IPS display that I know of.
MattSepeta
Apr 14, 04:33 PM
I think we can all agree that there is a lot of waste in government. The fact is, a lot of it is hard to find. At this point in our financial situation, I agree with across the board cuts. After that, then you continue to cut, where it makes sense, surgically.
Yep. If you are 600lbs overweight, you can afford to (and certainly should) cut fat from your head to your toes. Don'[t cut your head OFF, simply trim it.
Not hard to understand.
Yep. If you are 600lbs overweight, you can afford to (and certainly should) cut fat from your head to your toes. Don'[t cut your head OFF, simply trim it.
Not hard to understand.
P-Worm
Apr 7, 10:02 AM
I see the short sighted Apple pom-pom shakers are once again giddy with excitement. The juvenile remarks are embarrassing.
For some strange reason you think monopolies are good for consumers.
How is Apple a monopoly in this case? There is nothing stopping other companies from entering the LCD business and making more displays. Just because Apple has a lot of money to buy things does not make them a monopoly.
P-Worm
For some strange reason you think monopolies are good for consumers.
How is Apple a monopoly in this case? There is nothing stopping other companies from entering the LCD business and making more displays. Just because Apple has a lot of money to buy things does not make them a monopoly.
P-Worm
kavika411
Mar 29, 08:44 AM
I dont understand the point of this. Is storage really an issue on peoples computers? I understand the mobile app, but why not just store the files locally?
I believe that storage will be half the equation for the future MobileMe. I believe the other half will be some sort of wireless synching to the cloud - if you so choose - and not to your computer as we've done for too many years now.
I believe that storage will be half the equation for the future MobileMe. I believe the other half will be some sort of wireless synching to the cloud - if you so choose - and not to your computer as we've done for too many years now.
Chase R
Dec 10, 01:01 AM
Virus protection is near useless on OS X. All it takes is a little common sense to be secure.
/thread
/thread
rdowns
May 6, 11:57 AM
If you told the average American male that his 5 inch penis was 13 centimeters, we'd be on the metric system a week from Thursday.
AppleIntelRock
Sep 16, 03:10 PM
Quick question,
Is it possible to order online and pick up in a specified store when available?
This would be the most convinient way for me to purchase when the new MBP's come out.
if the new mpbs come out
Is it possible to order online and pick up in a specified store when available?
This would be the most convinient way for me to purchase when the new MBP's come out.
if the new mpbs come out
Multimedia
Aug 2, 10:17 PM
Hm. Hey guys... I'm a longtime reader of MR. I always read your comments and never recall posting (Creepy, eh?)
Anyway apparently I once made an account although I don't remember.
None the less... I'm surprised at how much doubt there is about Core 2 Duos. Apple and Intel are more or less best buddies. You honestly expect Apple to not update their lineup? You don't think people will go... Hmm... Core Duo Macbook Pro... Or... Core 2 Duo Dell. Even a moron will say "2's better than 1!" Apple is KNOWN for having top of the line systems in their respective class, and now that that class is Intel processors, I have 0 doubt that Apple will introduce Core 2 Duos in it's Macbook Pros as soon as it can. The reason I say Macbook Pros is because I'm sure that Macbooks and Mac Minis will say with the Core Duos. Why? Apple needs to better differentiate their pro line from their consumer line, because right now there is not much difference between the Macbook and Macbook Pro, performance-wise (Yes I know Integrated Video, Glossy Screen, etc.) but Proc. to Proc., Almost no difference.
As for "Meroms in iMacs..." Maybe, but I doubt it. Not SOON at least. Conroes then? You guys are forgetting... Apple doesn't NEED to use it. Just because it's AVAILABLE means almost nothing. Why would they use Conroe when they simply don't need to. I don't think we'll see Conroes at all in Macs quite honestly, and I don't see any problem with that. Maybe in Intel-based Power Macs, but there's ALOT of speculation about that.Nope. The entire line will be Core 2 Duo by Thanksgiving. MBP will get speed bump to 2.33GHz for further differentiation while MB will remain 2GHz. No logic to keep buying Core Duo processors for the same money as Core 2 or less than they bought Yonah to begin with. They are already making record profits. I doubt they will deliberately cripple mini, iMac and MB when everything is selling like hot cakes anyway. There are plenty of other ways each line differentiates from the other. To leave any line in Core Duo would be outright greedy and I dont' see Apple as having that personality trait.
I fugure it's a 50-50 chance Steve tells the developers next week they can start thinking about 64-bit optimization due to the Core 2 shift that will be complete this year.
Anyway apparently I once made an account although I don't remember.
None the less... I'm surprised at how much doubt there is about Core 2 Duos. Apple and Intel are more or less best buddies. You honestly expect Apple to not update their lineup? You don't think people will go... Hmm... Core Duo Macbook Pro... Or... Core 2 Duo Dell. Even a moron will say "2's better than 1!" Apple is KNOWN for having top of the line systems in their respective class, and now that that class is Intel processors, I have 0 doubt that Apple will introduce Core 2 Duos in it's Macbook Pros as soon as it can. The reason I say Macbook Pros is because I'm sure that Macbooks and Mac Minis will say with the Core Duos. Why? Apple needs to better differentiate their pro line from their consumer line, because right now there is not much difference between the Macbook and Macbook Pro, performance-wise (Yes I know Integrated Video, Glossy Screen, etc.) but Proc. to Proc., Almost no difference.
As for "Meroms in iMacs..." Maybe, but I doubt it. Not SOON at least. Conroes then? You guys are forgetting... Apple doesn't NEED to use it. Just because it's AVAILABLE means almost nothing. Why would they use Conroe when they simply don't need to. I don't think we'll see Conroes at all in Macs quite honestly, and I don't see any problem with that. Maybe in Intel-based Power Macs, but there's ALOT of speculation about that.Nope. The entire line will be Core 2 Duo by Thanksgiving. MBP will get speed bump to 2.33GHz for further differentiation while MB will remain 2GHz. No logic to keep buying Core Duo processors for the same money as Core 2 or less than they bought Yonah to begin with. They are already making record profits. I doubt they will deliberately cripple mini, iMac and MB when everything is selling like hot cakes anyway. There are plenty of other ways each line differentiates from the other. To leave any line in Core Duo would be outright greedy and I dont' see Apple as having that personality trait.
I fugure it's a 50-50 chance Steve tells the developers next week they can start thinking about 64-bit optimization due to the Core 2 shift that will be complete this year.
Coolerking
Sep 11, 09:05 AM
I think its fair to assume at this stage no macbook/pro updates will be shown tomorrow. All they do is distract from the media/ipod announcements. best you can hope for is a quiet refresh towards the end of this week.
M.
Or later today. Although with 9/11 being at the forefront of the news I doubt it.
Early tomorrow would be best.
M.
Or later today. Although with 9/11 being at the forefront of the news I doubt it.
Early tomorrow would be best.
eawmp1
Apr 10, 09:24 AM
While the rules defined give the correct answer, when there is this much debate I'll argue the representation of the problem is ambiguous.
kainjow
Sep 10, 11:00 PM
$3-4.99 rentals of brand new movies would be awesome. Otherwise, "meh"
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