Leopard O.S.

Ben T Wilson asked:


First impressions

The previous the MacBook Pros were very good indeed. They delivered consistently professional quality and great features. Reviewing next generation MacBook Pros is therefore something of a treat.

An initial glance at the latest models shows nothing new. This isn’t disappointing: the sturdy casings and the smart design are exactly what you want from a superior laptop. The keyboard appears tidier – the result of some minor changes – but apart from that, everything looks as impressive as it always has.

This might suggest that any internal changes are also minor. Not so. When you fire up the MacBook Pros and start putting each model through its paces, you soon realise you’re working with machines that excel expectations.

Technology

To begin with, the processors are Intel 45 nanometer Penryns. These are noticeably faster than the 65 nanometer Meroms installed in the older MacBook Pros, and easily beat the Meroms in all benchmark tests.

The standard processors for the two 15 inch MacBook Pros are 2.4GHz and 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duos. The 17 inch has the 2.5GHz. Allied to these are enhanced hard drives of 200GB for the 15 inch 2.4GHz, and 250GB for the 15 inch and 17 inch 2.5 GHz.

Of particular interest to the multimedia user is the doubling of the video memory on all three MacBook Pros. The 15 inch 2.4GHz has a NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB, and the 15 inch 2.5GHz and 17 inch 2.5GHz have the same graphics processor but with 512MB.

2GB of RAM supports the above technology across the range. The overall results are laptops that cope easily with advanced graphics and audio applications.

Hardware

Each of the three MacBook Pros comes with standard hardware, such as:



slot-loading 8x double-layer SuperDrive

iSight camera

AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth® wireless connections

stereo speakers

FireWire 400 and 800 ports

USB 2.0 ports (two on the 15 inch models; three on the 17 inch)

DVI port

Audio ports

Gigabit Ethernet port

ExpressCard/34 slot



There are also hardware “extras” that help the MacBook Pro stand out from the crowd. These include a powerful lithium-polymer battery; an ambient light sensor that illuminates the keyboard in dark conditions; and an energy-saving LED backlit screen.

These screens are mercury-free and anti-glare, and have resolutions of 1,440 x 900 pixels for the 15 inch models and 1,680 x 1,050 pixels for the 17 inch. With both you have bright, natural and pin sharp images.

Perhaps the best hardware extra of all, though, is the new MacBook Pro trackpad. This now has the multi-touch functions that have proved so popular on the iPhone. By pinching, swiping and rotating your fingers on the trackpad, you have remarkably fast and positive control over the features of the MacBook Pro’s creative software.

Multi-touch does give rise to a slight problem: the size of the trackpad may feel a little small for someone learning the appropriate gestures. That said, once you’re familiar with multi-touch, it’s not difficult to work within the trackpad’s boundaries.

Software

As with all new Macs, the MacBook Pro comes with the best operating system around, the Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard. If you’ve never used Leopard before, its proficiency will delight you. If you’re already a Mac user, you still have something to please you because the new MacBook Pros boost the speed of Leopard and the applications that run off it.

Among these applications is Apple’s latest version of the world’s fastest browser, Safari. This comes with the usual batch of updated Apple software such as Boot Camp, Mail, iChat, iTunes, DVD Player, iPhoto and iLife ’08.

Performance

Experienced MacBook Pro users can load their preferred applications on these latest models and immediately notice the improvements in speed. For example, you can set up Photoshop CS3 in approximately eight seconds on the 15 inch 2.5GHz. You’ll then go on to discover Photoshop runs 20 – 25% faster than a 2007 2.6 GHz MacBook Pro.

Compared to a 2006 MacBook Pro, the differences are even greater. Overall, you can experience speed increases of around 50% across a range of applications. This is good news for all those who want maximum performance from a laptop.

Options

With any laptops designed for professional use, it’s always worth looking at the manufacturer’s options because some people will need a buffer zone of extra speed and power for specific applications.

The configuration options of the MacBook Pro are unlikely to let you down. To give you extra power, you can request a 2.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor upgrade for either the 2.5 GHz 15 inch or 17 inch models. As for RAM, you can upgrade any of the three MacBook Pros to 4GB.

On the 17 inch MacBook Pro, you might want to increase the hard drive to 300GB to provide additional room for space-stealing graphics applications. Similarly, you can ensure the perfect clarity of your images by asking for a 1,920 x 1,200 pixel screen for the same model.

Finally, if you prefer a glossy rather than anti-glare matt screen, you can request this when you place your order, as is possible with most Mac Computers .

Value

With all these upgrades packed into the same shells as the previous MacBook Pro models, you might anticipate a rise in prices. If you do, you’d be wrong. The new MacBook Pros are unquestionably better machines but the prices across the range haven’t changed. The old MacBook Pros were good value, but the latest incarnations are simply excellent for the price.

Conclusion

Want the best laptops from a great manufacturer? Look no further.

Pros



Speedier than the previous generation of MacBook Pros

Double the video memory

Smooth, multi-touch features on the trackpad

Improved battery life

Excellent configuration options

More for your money: no price increase compared to the older MacBook Pro equivalents



Cons



Trackpad may be a little small for novice users



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Daniel Millions asked:


Laptops are small sized portable computers that can sit on someone’s lap. Since you place the computer on top of your lap, the term laptop has been coined. Often, Apple laptops my go under the name of notebooks due to its size and to a lesser extent its functions. These portable computers serve the same purpose of regular computers but they are convenient to carry around and travel with. In the case of Apple made laptops, they are referred to as iBooks or simply the MacBooks. The Mac is short for Macintosh, which is Apple’s brand name for their computers.

Apple computers can vary drastically from other laptops on the market. One of the primary differences is that they come equipped with Apple operating systems instead of Microsoft based operating systems. However, the ability to run other operating systems on Apple laptops can be done. If your laptop comes with Mac OS X Leopard and you are used to using Windows XP, this can require some knowledge of Mac products. This in itself isn’t a problem but trying to find computer software that’s compatible with Apple may be. Nevertheless, graphic design artist and musicians often prefer Apple based laptops over competitors. This is because Apple clearly has the upper hand in several key points of computer technology. Over the last couple of years, students have left their standard laptop models and have switched to Apple in large numbers. Here are some popular Apple laptops detailing some of there many features.

Apple iBook G3

integrated ethernet/Apple G3 800MHz processor/256 MB of RAM/Mac OS 10 pre-installed/30 GB hard drive/56K modem/airport wireless card/Cdrom drive ready to access media/12.1-inch TFT LCD

Apple Powerbook G4

60GB Ultra ATA 100 hard driveAirPort Extreme wireless networking and internal Bluetooth/DVI, VGA, S-video and composite video support/Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive/two USB 2.0 ports and FireWire 400/256MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM

Prices for Apple laptops are consistent with other brands that are out. Prices can range from a little over one thousand dollars all the way up to three thousand dollars for new Apple laptops. It’s roughly the same for other models as well. Below are other models out that can be customized to your liking by interchanging parts.

Other Apple laptop models

Apple MacBook Air

Apple MacBook

Apple MacBook Pro

Apple iBook G4

Apple laptops parts

OEM Batteries/Hard Drive Caddies/Internal Drives/CPU’s/Circuit Boards/Keyboards/Cooling Fans/Miscellaneous Items/Inverters/OEM AC Adapters/DC Power Jacks/OEM Memory/Cables/Hard Drive Adapters/LCD Displays/Plastic Case

Not all laptop parts will work with Apple computers. Research should be done beforehand to determine if problems that may arise can be fixed in your area. This is because not all computer technicians are familiar with Apple products since Microsoft based computers dominate the market. Finding parts and people to install them may be very limited.

Conclusion

Ultimately what it all comes down to is your own personal taste. All laptops work primarily the same and have the same parts but things such as speed, weight and look are often the main areas laptop buyers look into when trying to decide on a laptop. Price and feature wise, Apple laptops are well worth the price. However, as I mentioned earlier, Microsoft, Windows users will need to prepare to get acquainted with the Apple based applications before they make the switch.



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Nick Pegley asked:


Mac OS X 10.5 server gives us a glimpse into the not-so-distant future from Apple. Speaking of, have you heard about the new features of Mac OS X 10.5? Actually, neither have we - we haven’t heard a thing about Apple’s newest operating system, called ‘Leopard,” since the time of the World Wide Developer’s Conference in August of 2006. We’ll focus on some of the new features here - this server does more to satisfy business needs than the regular desktop operating system.

DESKTOP CAPABILITIES

Time Machine:

Apple already has Backup, but has gone one better with Time Machine. Initially it makes one complete backup of your system (on an external drive or network sharepoint) and then periodically backs up files that have changed. You can retrieve past versions of files or files you’ve recently deleted by zooming your window back through time just like the name suggests.

Spotlight:

From Apple’s web site: ‘More haystacks? No problem. Spotlight for Leopard finds what you’re looking for on other Macs, including servers running Mac OS X Leopard Server. Just set up your remote Macs for file sharing and Spotlight includes results from those machines in your search. That’s one-stop searching on any Leopard machine with access to your network.’

Spaces:

Take your desktop and cadre of constantly running applications to task, and organize it. It can be pretty busy, even with Exposé to organize things. Spaces allows you to divide your running applications and items into multiple desktops; a “web” space for your browser(s), HTML authoring apps, a “creative” space for iLife and iWork, etc. The names we’ve suggested here are just that- suggestions. Your limits are your own.

In Leopard, Spotlight provides a richer syntax so you can search for more specific sets of things. Use new Boolean logic to narrow search results by entering “AND,” “OR,” and “NOT” into a search request. You can also search using specific file attributes - author, type, or keyword, for example”

Dashboard:

Perhaps one of the coolest things about dashboard in Mac OS X 10.5 is “Web clip” , which allows you to take a section of a web page and turn it into a widget all it’s own, no coding required. You really just need to see the demo of this to get how cool this is.

SERVER CAPABILITIES

Mac OS Server 10.5, Apple’s sixth OS X Server release in as many years. This new ‘Leopard’ server brings a few anticipated and unexpected features to the table with this release:

iCal Server:

This is based on the CalDAV standard, a conglomeration of existing standards allowing cross-platform calendaring, free-busy checking, and full Open Directory integration — that’s close to an SBS-killer.

Teams Directory:

Apple’s catch phrase for its built-in Wiki Server, taking their previous attempt at a blog-server (based on blojsom) one step further.

Spotlight Server:

Apple’s incredibly-fast content and meta-data search engine capability to mounted volumes, allowing for lightning-fast searches across your company’s gigabytes (or terabytes?) of shared storage. Think about the plug-in possibilities to create a shared asset server.

Also in the rumor mill is that the NSA is revising its security paper on Mac OS X 10.3 to accommodate Mac OS X 10.5.

Ask us for a “Mac-readiness” assessment of your network to see how you can take advantage of Leopard’s incredible feature set.



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Ben T Wilson asked:


1) First steps

(a) Unpacking When you unpack your iMac, ensure you hold it firmly by the sides. Place it on a nearby desk or working area where there’s a convenient electric socket.

(b) Power cord Place the power cord through the hole in the back of the iMac’s stand and connect to the power port. Plug the other end of the cord into the electric socket.

(c) Additional items Your iMac also comes with an Apple Keyboard, Apple Mighty Mouse and Apple Remote.



Take the Apple Keyboard cable and connect to one of the USB ports on the back of the iMac

Take the Apple Mighty Mouse cable and connect to a USB port on the side of the keyboard



If you have an Apple Wireless Keyboard and Wireless Mighty Mouse, refer to the wireless manual for their installation.

(d) Internet cable Plug an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port at the back of the iMac. Plug the other end of the cable into an appropriate modem or network.

Please note: you also have the option of a wireless connection with Apple’s AirPort Extreme technology.

(e) Basic features Before you switch on, note the basic built-in features of the iMac. These include:



a microphone located on the top edge

an iSight camera at the top of the screen together with a camera indicator light

a slot-loading optical disc drive on the side of the iMac

stereo speakers

an infrared receiver

two USB 2.0 ports on the Apple Keyboard



On the back of the iMac, there are also:



three USB 2.0 ports

an Ethernet port

a Mini-DVI port

an audio in/optical digital audio in port

a headphone out/optical digital audio out port

a FireWire 400 port

a FireWire 800 port

a power port



2) Initial set-up

(a) Switching on and setting up Press the power button on the back of your iMac. Setup Assistant starts automatically. It guides you through all the basic procedures to create your



user account

email account

internet connection



Setup Assistant also shows you how to transfer your files, applications and other data from an existing Mac computer. You don’t have to make these transfers immediately. Instead, use Migration Assistant (see Applications > Utilities) when you’re ready to bring the information across.

(b) Customisation To customise your iMac, use Apple > System Preferences on the menu bar. This is the command centre for the majority of your iMac’s settings.

(c) Sleep mode or turning off Putting your iMac into Sleep mode allows you to avoid the start-up procedure when you next use your machine. To implement Sleep, you have a number of choices:



click Apple > Sleep on the Menu Bar

press the power button and click Sleep in the dialogue box

click Apple > System Preferences, then Energy Saver and set the timer

on the Apple Remote, press and hold Play/Pause for three seconds



To wake your iMac, you have a choice of



clicking the Apple Mighty Mouse

pressing the power button

pressing any Apple Keyboard button

pressing any Apple Remote button



Use Sleep only if you intend to return to your iMac within a day or so. To shut down your iMac, either



click Apple > Shut Down, or

press the power button and click Shut Down in the dialogue box



To switch your iMac back on, press the power button.

3) Quick Mac OS X guide

(a) Operating system Mac OS X Leopard is the operating system of your iMac (and all other Macs), and is already installed on your computer. It controls your files, applications and connected devices, and works in a similar way to Windows.

(b) Basic controls As you’d expect, the basic controls are the Apple Keyboard and the Apple Mighty Mouse. If you’re more familiar with Windows, what you’ll find with Mac OS X is that you’ll need to use the keyboard and mouse fewer times to achieve the same results.

(c) GUI The first thing you’ll notice with Mac OS X is the style of everything that appears on the screen. Mac employs a GUI (graphical user interface) called Aqua. This gives you impressive clean-cut images and stunning visual effects, all of which Apple has designed to make Mac OS X more user-friendly.

(d) Central features The icons, layouts and navigation of the iMac screens are straightforward. There are windows, menus, folders and shortcuts. There are also four central features that help you remain organised and productive:



Desktop

Dock

Finder

Menu bar



Desktop The Desktop is a screen where you’ll normally begin each time you use your iMac. The first icon you’ll come across here (in the upper right corner) is the Macintosh HD (hard drive). When you use different functions of your iMac, other HD icons will appear. Double click on an HD icon to view the files and applications it contains. Points to note:



Use the Desktop to store files, folders, pictures and documents

When you connect an external device to the iMac, a corresponding icon appears on the Desktop

If you create different users for your iMac, Mac OS X gives each one a separate Desktop

The Desktop always lies behind any applications you’re running



Dock The Dock is a row of icons at the bottom of the screen. Use the Dock to access your most frequently used folders, applications and windows: simply click on the appropriate icon. You can customise the icons to suit your use of the iMac. Note that when a window appears, it has three buttons in the upper left corner.



The red button closes the window

The yellow button minimises the window to the Dock

The green button maximises and minimises the size of the window



Finder One of the icons on the Dock is the Finder on the far left. Use this to navigate and manage almost every aspect of your iMac such as folders, drives and applications. Menu Bar There is only one Menu Bar with Mac OS X. It appears as a single line at the top of the screen. Use the Menu Bar to



interact with a programme

view and change settings and applications

close applications

view recent work

log in or out

begin the sleep mode

commence a restart

switch the iMac off



The Menu Bar alters according to the application you’re using. This way, it offers you the items most appropriate to the application.

4) Connectivity

Your iMac has a total of five USB 2.0 ports (two on the keyboard; three on the back of the iMac). Use these to connect the Apple Mighty Mouse plus devices such as your



iPhone

iPod

digital camera

printer

disc drive

modem

joystick



The ports will also accept USB 1.1 peripherals. Your iMac is pre-loaded with a large range of drivers. This means that it will usually recognise your USB device without the need to run additional software. 5) Extra features

(a) Security Slot A Security Slot on the back of your iMac allows you to connect a cable and lock to deter and stop thieves.

(b) Memory Access Your iMac has a standard 1 GB of memory. You can increase this by a further 3 GB by using the Memory Access slot at the bottom of the iMac.

(c) AirPort Extreme wireless technology AirPort Extreme wireless technology allows you to connect to a wireless network.

(d) Bluetooth® Your iMac has Bluetooth® 2.1+EDR wireless technology. This lets you connect wireless devices that include



Bluetooth® mobile phones

Printers

PDAs

The Apple Wireless Keyboard and Wireless Mighty Mouse



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