iMac

iMac firmware update enables SATA III capabilities

In a blog posting by Mac-centric sales outfit Other World Computing (OWC), the company mentions that the latest firmware update for the new 2011 iMacs has unlocked SATA III capabilities in the systems, allowing for up to 6Gb/sec data throughput on the internal hard drive bays. The past iMac and MacBook Pro models have shipped with SATA II drive controllers that handle up to 3Gb/sec throughput, but the new systems apparently use updated controllers.

Apple's iMac technical specifications Web page for the new systems just states the hard drives use "Serial ATA" connections, but does … Read more

Apple releases MacBook Pro and iMac EFI and software updates

Apple has released a few updates for the firmware and operating system software for the latest MacBook Pro and iMac models that address problems with Boot Camp, graphics stability and external display support, and also some bugs with the new Thunderbolt I/O connection technology.

These updates are specific to the new MacBook Pro and iMac models released this year that have the Thunderbolt technology, so if you have an older MacBook model then you do not need to download these updates. If you are unsure whether or not you need the update, just check Software Update on your system (… Read more

Apple Boot Camp update fixes Japanese, Korean keyboard issues

This morning Apple released a new line of iMac models that contain quad-core "Sandy Bridge" processors, faster graphics, and support for the new Thunderbolt I/O technology. These new machines may be an enticing buy, though if you plan to install Windows 7 via Boot Camp, be sure to install the latest Boot Camp update, especially if you are using Japanese and Korean languages.

Apparently the included Boot Camp drivers on the new iMacs have problems with handling Japanese and Korean keyboard layouts. Apple does not specify what these problems are, but has released an update to the … Read more

The 404 812: Where can you, like, turn down your keyboard? (podcast)

Wilson joins us on the show, Max Headroom style from the CNET office in San Francisco. Tune in to the first half where we grill him about his loyalty to the East Coast and why he refuses to take showers in the office. We also have a couple stories in the rundown about teens asking Yahoo about Osama Bin Laden, a Nintendo 3DS augmented reality icon, a Japanese kissing machine, and yet another privacy breach from the already befallen Sony PlayStation Network.

The 404 Digest for Episode 812

Japanese engineer creates Facebook kissing machine. Dude tattoos Nintendo 3DS augmented-reality icon on his arm. Yahoo search trends prove teens don't know Osama bin Laden. Sony hacked again.

Episode 812 Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

Macs that await refreshing: 2011

We're several days into May, and another Mac has gotten upgraded to 2011 Intel processors. MacBook Pros, check. iMacs, check. Now that two of Apple's most popular lines have gotten necessary upgrades, it's time to look at which Macs still haven't gotten updated...and wonder when those updates will occur.

In order of our best guess as to when they'll be refreshed, here are the Macs we're still expecting.

The white MacBook (last updated: mid-April 2010) Apple's lone white laptop has survived for years, and now that white's the new black in … Read more

Nasdaq rebalance doesn't ding Apple stock

Apple's stock is still very much in demand despite recent concerns that a lightening of its shares on the Nasdaq 100 would lead to a sell-off and thus a price drop, according to Reuters.

In an attempt to rebalance the weighting of companies on the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 index, the exchange recently shrunk the percentage taken up by Apple to 12.33 percent from 20.49 percent--the largest individual change. At the same time, Nasdaq bumped up the weightings on the shares of other tech giants, including Microsoft, Cisco Systems, Google, Intel, and Oracle. Such weightings are used by … Read more

iMac trackpad option aimed at notebook users

As expected, Apple updated its iMac line this morning. While the move to Intel's Sandybridge processors and Thunderbolt I/O ports were expected, one interesting change is in how Apple is bundling the peripherals that come with the machine.

Now users can choose between either the company's Magic Mouse, or the Magic Trackpad, a piece of hardware that was previously a standalone purchase on top of the mouse that comes with the machine.

"If the customer is more comfortable with Trackpad, there's a good chance they have a Macbook Pro or a MacBook Air, and we … Read more

Apple refreshes iMacs with faster CPUs, Thunderbolt ports

Apple updated its iMac all-in-one desktops today, adding Intel's second-generation quad-core Core i5 and Core i7 CPUs and Thunderbolt data ports.

The new models are already available for purchase from Apple's Web site and its retail stores, with prices ranging from $1,199 for the 21.5-inch iMac to $1,999 for the 27-inch model.

Along with the updated CPUs and the new high-speed data port, the new iMacs sport faster Advanced Micro Devices' graphics processors than their predecessors and integrated FaceTime HD video cameras. Otherwise, little else about the iMac has changed from the previous models that debuted in June 2010. (That includes external design; the 2011 and 2010 models look all but identical.)

The upgrades are in keeping with the rumors that appeared on CNET and elsewhere over the past few months. They also match updates Apple made to the MacBook Pro line earlier this year.… Read more

Apple releases hard-drive firmware update for 2010 iMacs

Apple has released a firmware update for the mid-2010 iMac systems (both 21.5- and 27-inch models) that addresses a problem where the systems were not booting properly. The update is a small 767KB download that should be available through Software Update for relevant systems, but can also be downloaded directly from the update's Web page.

The update will require you to restart your computer, and especially since this one affects the storage medium on your system, be sure to fully back up your hard drive before installing. Download and run the installer file, and follow the onscreen instructions … Read more