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Apple Store down globally: iPad pre-orders only or something more?

Ok, you know the routine: the Apple store goes down prompting blog posts to deflect the onslaught of tips. Commenters then ponder why Apple has to go offline to add updates before a flamewar breaks out with somebody accusing somebody else of being a Nazi. Ah the internet, somebody should give it a prize. In between all the nonsense, feel free to wonder whether or not we’ll be seeing an overdue Mac Pro update to Gulftown in addition to the long awaited MacBook Pro update that should bring automatic NVIDIA Optimus graphics switching to Apple’s top-o-the-line laptops. We already know that iPad pre-orders are a lock. Check back at around 830 New York time to find out.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Apple Store down globally: iPad pre-orders only or something more? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spying school district update: remote webcam functionality disabled, two IT monkeys suspended

We’re still waiting for all the legal fallout from the Pennsylvania’s Lower Merion School District webcam spying case, but more news is slowly trickling out about the whole thing, including the technology that the school used: a remote administration suite called LANrev. An update to the software, releasing this week, will disable the option for admins (or pervy IT workers) to remotely switch on a computer’s webcam, hopefully preventing a replay of this situation. Beyond that, two unnamed (possibly pervy) IT workers have been suspended for their involvement in this whole situation. Are they the ones who went too far, or was it their managers who ordered them to do it and are now throwing their dutiful peons to the fire? We may never know the truth, but at least we can now frolic naked in front of our MacBooks without fearing that dreaded green light.

Spying school district update: remote webcam functionality disabled, two IT monkeys suspended originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple Core i5 And Core i7 MacBook Pro Leaked?

This actually seems a little suspect at the moment, especially since Apple is probably the king of secrecy, but it’s still interesting to note that an online store has started listing MacBook Pros powered by Intel’s Core i5 and Core i7 processors. According to the site, it’ll be released in April 2010, which is next month, and features a new 8-hour battery and new multi-touch trackpad, amongst other things. What do you think? Fake listing, and cheap publicity, or the real deal, with interesting specs? Chances seem to be higher that it’s not genuine.

Update: A Tosh New Zealand representative has come out and stated that they don’t have the actual details of the upcoming MacBook Pros, but it was just “to let their customers know” of the upcoming refresh.

It’s also worth noting that the 9400M and 9600M graphics listed on the site can’t be used together with the Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors, due to the legal wrangling between NVIDIA and Intel.

Permalink: Apple Core i5 And Core i7 MacBook Pro Leaked? from Ubergizmo | RSS Sponsor: Win a Fellowes Microshred Paper Shredder!

A one stop shop for all your MBP lid and iMac chin decal needs

Got a MacBook Pro or iMac that needs a little customizing? Head over to this Etsy store for a bunch of lid and chin graphics. We’ve seen a few of these over the years, but there are a bunch that are at least brand new to me, including a Goatse decal that’s not library appropriate and a Scarface-themed decal that will make all your bros jealous.

Ask Engadget: Best touchscreen-equipped ultraportable / tablet out there?

We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Sami, who apparently thinks that touchscreens are totally useful even in the frigid wilds of (gorgeous) Finland. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I have a 13-inch MacBook and I love it. But I’m beginning to think it might be a little too big for me to carry around. I’ll be going to university soon, and I do random IT support in my downtime. So, the question: Which netbook / tablet / small laptop would you recommend for me? Touchscreen would be nice, 3G is a must. I’m not going to sell my MacBook so the new gadget doesn’t have to hold ‘my life’ in it. Thanks!”

We’ve yet to really see a touchscreen-based ultraportable with software to really take advantage, but who knows — maybe Sami has a few very specific uses where finger inputs will come in handy. Drop your advice in comments below, and be sure to wave your passport as you do.

Ask Engadget: Best touchscreen-equipped ultraportable / tablet out there? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Keepin’ it real fake, part CCLIX: X-Slim X340 KIRFed, MacBook Air empathizes

Continue reading Keepin’ it real fake, part CCLIX: X-Slim X340 KIRFed, MacBook Air empathizes

Keepin’ it real fake, part CCLIX: X-Slim X340 KIRFed, MacBook Air empathizes originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smartbook’s laptops hands-on: a MacBook and a VAIO walk into a bar…

Bewildering. We’re pretty sure that’s the only way to describe our adventure at Smartbook’s CeBIT booth. First off, let us just clear up that there are absolutely no smartbooks on display — don’t forget that this is the company that’s going after Qualcomm’s jugular for using the term smartbook in the first place. Now that that’s out of the way, the German outfit introduced two new 11.6-inch laptops at the show, both which are clearly a rip on Apple and Sony laptops. What’s confusing there? Well, the fact that they are actually nice. First you have the Atom N280-powered Razor that’s clad in a brushed aluminum that feels impeccably similar to the unibody MacBook. Sure, it will run like a last-generation Windows 7 netbook, but it felt seriously solid in hand. Next up is that ULV-packing Logo we told you about last week, and with a glowing power button embedded in its circular hinge there’s no doubt that it was Sony VAIO “inspired.” Again, the make is actually quite good, and we were shocked to feel how sturdy the chiclet keyboard was. Both KIRFs the Smartbook Logo and Razor should go for about 699 Euros when they become available in Europe this spring. Not amused yet? The pictures of the Swarovski covered netbook below should just about do it — and we have video proof after the break, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Continue reading Smartbook’s laptops hands-on: a MacBook and a VAIO walk into a bar…

Smartbook’s laptops hands-on: a MacBook and a VAIO walk into a bar… originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roger Ebert talks to his wife with his own voice using CereProc

When I saw Roger Ebert’s face for the first time in that Esquire article I was so, so sad. He and Gene Siskel were a great force in movie-making (and reviewing) and their opinions mattered so much to me as a youngster and a young man. I loved watching them and loved their show. I remember they’d always have something great to say about all of the movies I loved as a kid.

Apple patents for unibody MacBook designs granted

It has been a couple of years since Apple rolled out their first unibody computer in the form of the MacBook Air, and these 700 plus days has resulted in the company finally receiving ownership of its unique design and manufacturing process. The patents do cover the computer’s glass multi-touch trackpad and clamshell design as well which tapers a mere 0.16″ at its thinnest point for an impressive form factor. Guess unibody designs from Apple look set to be a staple from now on.

Permalink: Apple patents for unibody MacBook designs granted from Ubergizmo | RSS Sponsor: Win a Fellowes Microshred Paper Shredder!

Apple files for Magic Trackpad trademark

This one slipped under our radar last week, but it’s interesting nonetheless: Apple’s filed for a “Magic Trackpad” trademark, which would seemingly indicate that there’s a companion to the Magic Mouse in the works. That’s all we know for now, but recall that John Gruber at Daring Fireball hinted that Apple was working on a “multi-touch trackpad gadget for desktop Macs” back in October just before the revised white MacBook was released. Obviously nothing’s come of that yet, but it all seems to fit — either that, or Apple’s trademark attorneys are just trying to cover their bases. We’ll see what happens.

Apple files for Magic Trackpad trademark originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twitter-enabled LED table lets you get your Lite-Brite on from afar

Twitter-enabled LED table lets you get your Lite-Brite on from afar originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 05:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple files Magic Trackpad trademark

Apple filed for the Magic Trackpad trademark just today with the US Patent & Trademark Office. We don’t have the full details about this device, although Magic Trackpad will most likely refer to an external peripheral device that targets desktop computers and notebooks which are plugged into external displays. After all, with more and more of OS X relying on multi-touch gestures, Apple will most probably offer desktop users a method to take advantage of such a system. Do you think this is just an ordinary trackpad which is taken from a MacBook, or is there more than meets the eye?

Permalink: Apple files Magic Trackpad trademark from Ubergizmo | RSS Sponsor: Win a Fellowes Microshred Paper Shredder!