Mac Gadget Gal

eReader Computing Tablet Comparisons

2011-12-22T19:57:00.000-08:00

I have always loved to read ever since my father paid me a quarter for every book I read and would tell him a synopsis of what the latest book was about. I became an avid reader at a young age and have loved reading ever since. As an adult, I join with others in a reading group and am looking forward to the 2012 book club recommendations from friends and strangers alike in the year ahead.

As much as I love a good paperback or hard-bound book, I'm no stranger to newly devloping gadget technology. I really enjoy the instant gratification of immediately downloadable eBooks. So which handheld computing tablet to buy? When I sat down and took the time to compare tablet features, I was really torn between the insanely popular Apple iPad vs the Android OS based Nook Color and the latest Amazon Kindle Fire tablet. I opted for the Fire and am enjoying the wide selection of color apps - and ebooks that are available.

Clearly, the Apple iPad is the clear market leader, the Kindle Fire tablet specs are quite compelling and offer most of the major apps you'd find on Apple's iOS are also available on the Kindle Fire's Android OS implementation for hundreds of dollars less. My sister opted for a Nook and armed with an arsenal of Nook Color accessories, she's happy with her choice as well.

I periodically buy regular books, far too many of them, but more and more of my reading selections are now in downloadable eBook format for my eReader platform. Both still have their place in my reading life, but especially for my magazine subscriptions, I think I'll be going all digital.

Mac Tax Preparation Software For 2011 - I'm Still Waiting.

2011-10-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

There's gonna be a lot of presents under the tree for the kids this Christmas. In spite of the daily ups and downs of internet marketing - it's been a good year for this work at home mom. Too good perhaps because my taxable income made a serious jump this year and Federal and State taxes are going to be painful, PAINFUL!

I'm sure H&R Block and Intuit are scrambling as usual this time of year to get their 2011 Mac Tax Software debugged and ready for retail boxed software and digital downloads soon. Usually by Black Friday - Thanksgiving shopping weekend for sure.

Ahh, the luxury of having to scramble for tax deductions. We can deduct up to $3050 in contributions to our HSA - Health Savings account, over 50 Catch-Up traditional IRA to $6000, but it's my SEP IRA for self-employed mom's like me that gives me the most flexibility with high contribution limits. I need that OSX 2011 tax software to work out 'what-if' scenarios to reduce my taxable income.

TURBO TAX I NEED YOU - NOW!!! But a quick check shows the best Mac tax preparation software for 2011 titles aren't listed yet - either at the Apple App Store or Amazon's Software Center - Yet.

Amazon Kindle Fire Takes On The iPad Tablet

2011-10-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

The juggernaut which is the Apple iPad tablet seems to be decimating any and all other players in the handheld gadget market. For nearly two decades tablet computing was supposed to be the Next Big Thing that just never got traction - so many failed products along the way - and then Apple nails it and leaves a dozen other manufacturers scrambling to mimic its Secret Sauce.

The Andriod platform and it's OS are worthy contenders though. There's just to much of a potential pie not to want to grab a slice of this emerging multi-billion dollar technology market, so there are other products worth exploring. If you look at a good comparison of the Kindle Fire vs iPad - and then factor in the 'Nothing to sniff at' client base and marketing firepower of Amazon itself - I'm thinking the Amazon Fire tablet is already destined to be a 'They'll sell a million of 'em' in a matter of weeks that should keep Apple and it's iOS platform on it' toes.

Considering how much cheaper the color Fire tablet is compared to an iPad - Apple's up for some very, VERY stiff pricing competition - something the truly expensive iPad is going to have to confront with price reductions sooner rather than later. The Amazon Fire just offers so much bang for the buck - and a user base who's numbers will soon dwarf the Andriod-based tablets like Nook Color.

Back To School - It's A Mac, Mac, Mac World

2011-08-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

More students than ever will be returning to college armed with Macs. The whole MacBook Pro-Air, iPad, iPod, iPhone synergy is just too compelling of a computing ecosystem to ignore. And that's a great thing for students and Apple Computer - and it's shareholders.

More college campuses than ever have beefed up Apple tech support, some colleges actually recommend a Mac laptop as the preferred incoming student computing platform. And of course Apple promotes Back To School heavily this time of year. No freebie iPod Touch with Mac purchase as in years past: In 2011 their 'Freebie' with educational Mac purchase is $100 credit at the new App Store online.

All-In-One iPad KeyBoard Cases

2011-04-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

You might as well get the most value and protection from your iPad case - So why settle for just a case when you can also integrate even more functionality?

Here, Kensington offers a combo Case-Stand-Keyboard for iPad in a neat folio style. This revamped iPad All-In-One featured here is for 2nd-Gen iPads.

Note: There are different versions for 1st and 2nd generation iPads changes in form-factor: Here's the earlier Kensington KeyFolio for iPad 1

For many, the Apple iPad is simply a device for consuming and sharing content - whether that be photos, online activities, eBook reading and whatnot. And many are content with the Tap-Happy tap-tap for data entry. But if you're an iPad owning content creator, the wireless integrated iPad Bluetooth keyboard will let you whack in words and numbers far, far more efficiently.

Apple Q2 Earnings - Mark Your Calendar - April 20th

2011-04-06T12:13:00.001-07:00

Apple Q2 2011 earnings call slated for April 20th. How many bazillion Macs and gadgets this time around? There's always a pullback from the Q1 Holiday quarter - but estimates for Mac laptops and desktops are predicted to top 3.5 Million. iPads and iPhones, well, as usual SQUILLIONS! :)

SSD Mac - Flash Hard Drive Upgrades

2011-02-07T23:43:00.001-08:00

For the more technically inclined Apple user seeking the single best performance enhancing upgrade possible - consider a Solid-State hard drive upgrade. Few realize just how significant an SSD speed-boost can be until they've experienced it.

If you didn't get one built-to-order at the Apple store, an aftermarket MacBook Pro SSD drive upgrade can utterly transform your Apple laptop's response: Everything from starting up to launching and switching apps to shutting down occurs in a fraction of the time compared to a conventional spinning-platter drive.

Recent changes to the MacBook design make accessing the hard drive far easier than in years past. Armed with a few online how-to videos and pictures, an external SATA drive enclosure for the data transfer, and the right tools - it's a most worthwhile effort.

The Crucial/Micron SSD shown here is an excellent choice for 2 specific reasons: First, it's one of the absolutely fastest SSD's currently on the market with Read and Write speeds that put it in the Top Five of nearly every benchmark test. Secondly, it has a future thinking SATA III interface (Backwards compatible with SATA I and II) so it has a promising lifespan for your NEXT Mac computer as well.

iPad Compatible Printing

2011-02-07T21:41:00.000-08:00

Looking for an Apple iPad printer? Some select Hewlett-Packard printers now support direct iPad printing using Apple's AirPrint printing technology.

Unlike some of the workarounds and hacks and special iOS apps needed to print from an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch - these wireless printers - in combination with the latest iOS5 software updates enables much more straight-forward printing on HP's AirPrint compatible models. The D110A model shown here is only around $75

Most new HP models now include AirPrint wireless printing support - and many models can be upgraded to AirPrint capabilities with a download from HP's site.

Dying MacBook Hard Drive - SSD Upgrade

2010-11-15T00:39:00.001-08:00

Intermittent 'Tick, Tick, Tick!' sounds coming from under my Classic White MacBook's case are a clear indication of a hard drive struggling to Read/Write data. Hubby did some research on the best Mac SSD drive options and we quickly cloned my old drive contents onto a new solid-state flash drive.

WOW! It's like getting a whole new Mac laptop! The startup speed, launching and switching applications with this OCZ Agility for MacBook replacement is just amazing. There's still life in that old gal yet. For only about $200 this 128gb flash drive upgrade is just amazing.

USB3 Iomega Backup Drives For Mac

2010-11-13T23:53:00.001-08:00

Future-proof you next hard drive purchase with something forward-thinking like this Iomega eGo Line Of USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Hard Drives. This Mac compatible USB 3.0 drive makes a great choice as a desktop portable MacBook backup drive. It's USB3 interface is backward-compatible with your current USB 2.0 speed ports - and is ready for the SuperSpeed future of USB3!

2010-11-13T19:32:00.001-08:00

Cool Stuff for Your Apple iPod http://www.customipod.com/

Backup Drives For Mac : Think Combo Interface

2010-11-13T19:05:00.001-08:00

When shopping for the Best Mac Backup Drives - always lean towards a COMBO interface drive - with Both USB 2.0 and FireWire 400/800. Firewire simply is faster, while USB is most compatible across a wide range of Mac and PC systems.

Huge backup drives for Mac have gotten insanely cheap as of late. Here Iomega (and others) deliver a full TERABYTE of space for around $100 - preformatted for Mac, and ideal for long-term incremental TimeMachine backups to store a long history of changes to your system and files over the long haul.

Best Mac Backup Drive? Think Ahead, Think USB3 Drive Interface

2010-11-08T22:56:00.001-08:00

Apple and Intel are dragging their heels on USB 3.0 implementation on their logic boards - but the top hard drive manufacturers are alaready shipping FUTURE-PROOF USB3 SuperSpeed hard drives. They really are the smart, forward-thinking purchase. Enjoy backwards compatibility with USB 2.0 speed ports now - then step up to ultra high-speed USB 3.0 data transfer rates on your NEXT Mac laptop or desktop

Forward Thinking USB 3.0 External Drives

2010-10-16T18:43:00.001-07:00

Where is USB 3.0 For Mac? - It's inevitable. My next Apple TimeMachine backup drive? SuperSpeed USB3 devices are exploding onto the computer landscape. And if you don't know the advantages of USB3 over USB 2.0 you'll certainly find out in the year ahead - If not from Apple, then on the Windows PC side of things where USB 3.0 ports will become commonplace.

For Mac users, you might want to hedge your bets with a backward compatible USB3 backup drive. In fact many major hard drive companies like LaCie, Western Digital and Seagate are already shipping drives with USB 3.0 on the back - and you're free to plug it into any USB speed port you have. It'll just work. And someday when you do have a SuperSpeed enabled Mac - you'll be able to take advantage of the insanely fast transfer speeds USB 3.0 offers.

Mac Back To School

2010-08-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, my kids are getting antsy as their summer-freedom fades and returning to school looms on the horizon. I'm a tough, practical Mac mom -- the kids aren't going back in name brand designer clothing with the latest Apple Mac accessories gizmo and gadget bling stuffed in their ears and pockets. Remember education is about pens and pencils and paper and hand-written stuff. You know: Thinking with your BRAIN and not an Intel CPU to do the hard stuff! :)

We'll wait till their headed off to college - and then we'll spoil 'em with the tools they need for REAL life. In the meantime Apple's back to school offerings are predictable and appealing: 'Free' iPod touch anyone - and of course, a $100 printer rebate to sweeten any Mac to school purchase as well.

Work At Home Moms - Mac or Otherwise

2010-07-27T17:45:00.000-07:00

Recently joined a nice Work At Home Moms community forum and site: wham.com - Nice set of information, resorces and people to share with. All part of the Global Village of Gals!

Apple Computer Mac Market-Share Gains

2010-07-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

Well another Quartery Earnings report came out last week - and the growth of Apple and it's product shipment numbers is just staggering! iPhone and iPad numbers of course just crazy. For me though, it's the Macintosh computer sales numbers I care about most.

"Apple sold 3.47 million Macs during the quarter, representing a new quarterly record and a 33 percent unit increase over the year-ago quarter. The Company sold 8.4 million iPhones in the quarter, representing 61 percent unit growth over the year-ago quarter. Apple sold 9.41 million iPods during the quarter, representing an eight percent unit decline from the year-ago quarter. The Company began selling iPads during the quarter, with total sales of 3.27 million."

Just mind-blowing that iPads nearly rivaled Desktop and Laptop MacBook sales at well over 3 million. Let the good times roll!

Apple Compatible Microphones and Audio Gear

2010-07-15T18:20:00.001-07:00

A nice selection of Analog and USB Digital microphones for Apple Mac recording - music, voice, podcasting, and VOIP to choose from. For Mac mini or Pro tower desktop users an affordable, high-quality option is Blue Microphones Snowflake USB Microphone

Printers For Mac

2010-07-15T18:16:00.001-07:00

Best Apple Mac compatible laser - inkjet - AIO printers with OSX printing driver support? There's alot of printer companies out there, but some just groove with the Macintosh and iOS Apple gadgets better than others.

HP is really leading the way with it's support for Apple's AIRPRINT wireless printing capabilities for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. The HP Envy is one such printing option in a sleek, low-profile design.

2010-07-15T18:13:00.001-07:00

True wide-screen 16:9 HD webcams for Mac? - No. Widescreen aspect ratio HD web cams for Windows7 - Yes http://www.hdwebcameras.com

SSD - Super-Sonic Data Transfer Speeds!

2010-07-09T18:26:00.003-07:00

Best upgrade ever for an aging MacBook or Macintosh desktop computer? No contest, hubby says 'Honey, we need one of these ultra-fast hard drive upgrades: Solid-State Mac compatible SSD Flash Disk Drive Upgrades For Apple Mac Computers

Choosing Great Accessories and Peripherals for Mac

2010-07-09T18:26:00.001-07:00

Top Hardware Peripherals, Add-Ons and Mac Accessories For Apple Computers? Hubby wrote a nice article for Newbies and old time Mac users on choosing gadgets and upgrades for your Macintosh - wisely.

2010-07-09T18:24:00.001-07:00

HDTV Television Tuner for an Apple Mac Computer : http://EzineArticles.com/4613184

2010-07-09T18:22:00.001-07:00

Mac Compatible Webcams For Mac Mini Or Pro Computers http://EzineArticles.com/4613269

2010-07-08T07:52:00.001-07:00

How to get HD TV shows onto an Apple iPad - Which Mac TV tuner? http://tvtunersticks.com

Replacement Mouse for Mac mini

2010-06-28T07:27:00.001-07:00

Krap! Our dog just gnawed my Apple Magic-Mouse to death! Maybe I should just find an affordable Mac compatible mouse with a USB cable dirt cheap so she can gnaw it to pieces hiding behind the couch without costing me so much money. The MagicMouse was a bit frustrating to use anyways. Apple's penchant for multi-touch sensitive, fiddle-twiddle tap and swirl guesture recognition is just too much. I had to go to OSX system preferences and dumb down half the mouse's features to get predictable pointing behavior out of it. A good ol two-button USB scroll-wheel mouse is all I really need.

2010-06-28T06:23:00.001-07:00

The 2010 Apple Mac mini SD slot actually supports SDXC flash cards up to 64GB! http://www.mac-sd-slot.com

2010-06-28T06:20:00.001-07:00

Best portable USB powered speaker for Laptop, MacBook, Netbook? http://www.usb-computer-speakers.com/

2010-06-28T06:02:00.001-07:00

$99 a year? No Way! Cheap Apple MobileMe discount codes save 30% or more - http://www.mac-mobile-me.com

Little Big Bay On-Demand Book Self-Publishing Assistance

2010-06-20T09:37:00.001-07:00

Self-publishing book preparation help for on-line, on-demand book authors : http://www.littlebigbay.com

Tooth Polisher

2010-06-18T11:57:00.001-07:00

Dental cleanings costs way too much these days. Best at home oral care between dentist visits? OraWave teeth polisher $12

With both a rubber polishing tip and a dual-head brush it's a great 2 step tool tool to remove stains, whiten teeth and avert the need for expensive Deep-Cleanings at the dentist.

Portable Printers for MacBook Users

2010-06-13T10:01:00.001-07:00

Apple users on the go may be looking for MacBook portable laptop printing options from HP and Canon: These two Mac Laptop Printers are good solutions for Mac OSX users who need to print documents on the go. Of the two, HP's laptop printer is a bit bulkier, but more complete solution out of the box.

Northern Wisconsin Memories - Book by Roslyn Nelson

2010-06-13T09:59:00.001-07:00

Love Stories Of The Bay - Apostle Islands, Cheqamegon, Lake Superior Wisconsin, Ros Nelson http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1414689

Webcams For Mac mini and Mac Pro Video Chat

2010-06-08T21:38:00.001-07:00

Apple Mac mini and Pro towers are the only two Apple computers that currently lack a built-in iSight web camera.

Here are a few Mac compatible webcam options that will enable not only video conferencing and capture abilities - but also include built-in microphones missing from these two Macintosh computer models as well.

Pictured left; a dirt cheap Connectland USB 2.0,1.3MP Web Camera With Built-In Microphone that's less than $20. It has very good image quality - although the microphone is a bit hollow and disappointing.

Mac Compatible Printers

2010-06-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

Apple now includes literally hundreds of printer drivers bundled and built into OSX Leopard and Tiger. With the ubiquity of standard USB and Ethernet ports, and with Bluetooth and WiFi built into every Mac computer - finding Mac compatible printers is far easier than in the past when Apple used proprietary serial connectors.

Advances in printing technology have brought higher quality prints at faster speeds than ever before. Perhaps the biggest shift has been in cheap color laser printers for Mac which are far smaller and compact than ever before. Fast color laser printers now can fit on your desktop with room to spare.

Another trend is the need for a lightweight, small and portable printer for MacBook - and both HP and Canon offer great mobile inkjet printers for Mac OSX that can help you print on the go.

Adding to their flexibility - many Apple friendly printers now offer WiFi wireless printing and even Bluetooth printing options for close-range output without having to futz with cables.

Apple compatible All-In-One printer options abound. For most users, an AIO is the best printer choice for Mac -- consolidating features of print, scan, copy, fax - and often digital camera and flash memory card slots built-in - make them a compelling choice.

Whether you choose a HP, Canon, Epson, Lexmark, Samsung, Kodad, Brother or other major printer manufacturers offering - the liklihood of Mac compatibilility is almost assured - often without having to use the driver CD that comes with the printer.

Apple and 3rd-Party Computer Keyboards for Mac

2010-05-24T16:23:00.001-07:00

Looking for a replacement Apple computer keyboard? Whether it's USB wired - or wireless Bluetooth, there's a great range of Mac compatible keyboard options from both Apple and 3rd-party vendors to fit any budget.

Also, look for specialty keyboards - large print for the visually impaired, or colorful simplified keyboards for young kids.

Mac Software For Kids

2010-05-16T05:46:00.000-07:00

The market for educational software for Mac OSX is in a bit of a sorry state. Mac moms still need to hunt and dig to find learning and playtime software for their teenagers, elementary and pre-school children. So many learning titles were written years ago and far too many require 'Classic' Mac OS9 which the newer Intel Macs simply cannot run.

For any given publisher - at best only a few select titles in their library may be for Mac OSX. And even those publishers are hard-pressed to keep their Mac compatible learning software current with Apple's updates to the current Snow Leopard 10.6