Apple have just released an update to OS X that provides long overdue TRIM support to 3rd party SSDs. For a while now Windows users have enjoyed TRIM support for 3rd party SSDs, though Apple, until now, have only supported TRIM on its own OEM SSD drives installed at time of manufacture. Now this isn’t a big deal for many owners of recent Apple desktop and laptop products since these days the storage is often non-upgradable or hard soldered onto the system board. However, many owners, such … [Read more...]
Decent iPad Stylus – Pencil from Fifty Three Review
Here’s a little device that I have been wanting to get my hands on for sometime now, the ‘Pencil’ iPad stylus from a company called FiftyThree. I’ve always liked the idea of being able to whiteboard ideas or concepts using the iPad, though have always found that the drawing capability on the iPad (and my own) has been somewhat lacking. Until now… I am by no-means an artist, in fact I have never really progressed past drawing stick figures, though I am quite a visual type person who finds … [Read more...]
FREE Office 2016 for Mac Preview Available
Microsoft is making available a free downloadable preview of the highly anticipated Office 2016 for Mac. For many Mac users such as myself this is great news, as the current Office 2011 version is really feeling dated and ready for a refresh. Office 2016 for Mac sees a redesigned interface that is optimised for retina based interfaces, and also introduces new collaboration and Cloud integration functionality with tie-ins to Office 365 and OneDrive. In the top right hand corner of the Office … [Read more...]
MacBook Air (Mid 2013) Battery Drain – Firmware Update
Here’s an important firmware update (SMC 2.0) for all of you MacBook Air (Mid 2013 model) users out there. Apple have just released an SMC firmware update (2.0) for all mid 2013 MacBook Air models which addresses an issue where your MacBook Air can use an excessive amount of battery when the lid of your Air is closed. I’ll definitely be updating my MacBook Air as I’ve noticed that the battery does occasionally seem to drain a little quicker than I’d expect with the lid closed. There are … [Read more...]
[FIX] Outlook for Mac 2011 Won’t Start
Here’s a fix, or at least one possible method, for when your copy of Microsoft Outlook for Mac 2011 won’t start. I have had this happen a few times now and the following steps have resolved it for me on each occasion - it would seem that the Outlook Database corrupts and needs rebuilding. The symptom is that when starting Microsoft Outlook for Mac 2011, the logo splash-screen opens up and then…. nothing. Even after a reboot of the Mac. So, what you have to do is enable the Microsoft … [Read more...]
Apple Mac Pro 2013 – How It’s Made Video
The Apple Mac Pro 2013 model is the first product from Apple in quite some time that has really caught my eye. The innovative look and design of this new Mac Pro really is something of beauty, not to mention it’s considerable IT horsepower power under the hood. It will no doubt end up on this year’s Christmas wish-list of many a designer or geek. I won’t be buying one anytime soon as my trusty old 2008 Apple Mac Pro that I picked up in EBay for £600 (minus the new graphics card and 16GB of … [Read more...]
How to Check Your Apple Service and Support Coverage
Just purchased a new Apple product, or want to check the service and support coverage remaining on an existing Apple product? If so, then checking the status of your device's Apple service and support coverage couldn't be simpler.Simply open a web browser and navigate to the Apple "Check Your Service and Support Coverage" web page, which can be found here. Then enter in the serial number of your Apple device, in my instance I recently wanted to check that my new home iMac's … [Read more...]
First Generation Apple iPod Nano Recall
Those of you sporting a first generation iPod nano should know about a recall Apple is doing on the product. This is recall is due to a “rare” battery overheating issue found with these aging nano units, which could pose a safety risk. Apple informs that "This issue has been traced to a single battery supplier that produced batteries with a manufacturing defect." So if your nano was sold between September 2005 and December 2006 I would recommend heading over to Apple’s … [Read more...]
Apple – End of an era…
Hearing the sad news of Steve Job’s passing yesterday, for me, falls into being one of those handful of events where I’ll always remember where I was when I heard the news. Being half a block from the San Francisco Apple Store at the time seemed to amplify the impact of the news, where many had started to gather outside at hearing the news. It was obvious that word was spreading quickly, no doubt via Twitter, Facebook and the like. Fifteen minutes later when driving past the San … [Read more...]