Review: Shure MPA-3C Music Phone Adapter
16 November 2008 11:26 EST
David Klein
By David Klein
Here's a situation that I'm sure many of you have encountered. You found the perfect headphones. For you, they might be in-ears, over-ears, around-ears, noise-cancelling, etc. For me, they are the Shure SE 420's (discussed here). You buy an iPhone. You want to listen to your glorious MP3 collection with your new favorite gadget and your old favorite headphones. A call comes in. Your boss, your significant other, your mother; it doesn't matter. You have to interrupt your favorite song on the Dave Matthews album just you picked up. You dread this moment. Unplug your headphones, take your headphones off, and answer the call. There must be a better way.
There is (and isn't).
Meet the Shure MPA-3C Music Phone Adapter. They plug into your iPhone on one side and into your favorite headphones on the other. At the end of the wire is a microphone and small button. Now, when a call comes in you can answer it by pressing the button, and your headphones allow you to hear your fellow caller while you speak into the microphone.
The sound quality is great. The caller's voice is clear (depending on the quality of your headphones and your current cellular connection), and they won't complain about your voice. There's also a bonus feature (we love bonus features!). Pressing the button twice while listening to music skips the current song, and pressing the button three times goes back to the previous song.
Click the jump for the full review...
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Category: Peripheral/Review/iPhone
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Review: TechTool Protégé: Convenience is Pricey
27 June 2008 08:00 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
Anyone who does Macintosh Support is familiar with Micromat’s TechTool Deluxe, the venerable hardware diagnostics and directory repair software. There were two ways to use this diagnostic tool, a local install or booted via CD. Micromat now offers a third way – a bootable FireWire thumb drive.
Versatility describes the Protégé. Booting from the device is noticeably quicker than the normal CD boot process. It has the ability to boot both PowerPC and Intel Macs with one caveat: you must reload the software on the Protégé with the included CD when switching between the two architectures. The process is easy enough but slightly annoying when you are switching between hardware through out the day.
I tested the Protégé on various machines – Mac Pros, MacBook Pros, PowerBook G4s, and G5 towers. The boot process was seamless with the same intuitive TechTool Pro 4 interface. I am looking forward to Tech Tool 5, but that's for another review. The suggested retail price for the Protégé is US$229, if you support a sizable number of Macs the cost is easily justifiable. If you only support Intel Macs then consider Micromat’s other product, the Protogo, which supports the ability to boot from USB devices.
(Contributed by: Louis Pierce)
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OWC Announces 7200RPM Mercury On-The-Go 320GB
26 June 2008 04:00 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
Inside their clear Lucite enclosure (which is the best in the biz, btw...) is a Hitachi Travelstar 7K320 mechanism that packs 320GB of storage space – 60 percent more than any other 7200RPM 2.5-inch drive. Note that this is a different mechanism than the WD WD3200BEKT that I wrote about last week on The Apple Core.
The new 320/7200 screamer features OWC custom bridge interface and is available starting at US$239.99 with USB 2.0, USB 2.0+eSATA, FireWire 400+USB 2.0, and FireWire 800/400+USB 2.0 interfaces. OWC drives include full versions of Prosoft DataBackup III for OS X and NovaStor NovaBackup for Windows.
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Review: Sound Devices 722 Digital Audio Recorder
10 March 2008 07:02 EST
Youngmoo Kim
By Youngmoo Kim and Patrick Richardson
Review
We were very excited to field test the Sound Devices 722 Portable, High-Resolution Audio Recorder, which the company bills as “the ultimate DAT upgrade”. Although Sound Devices markets the 722 towards professional recording engineers as well as documentary and electronic news gathering (ENG) production, our tests focused primarily on its performance in music recording in both studio and live settings. For those of us who remember (fondly) the Tascam DA-P1 portable DAT field recorder, the 722 is a littler smaller, a lot more flexible, and just as pricey.
Click on the headline link for the entire review...
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Category: Hardware/Music/Peripheral/Review
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Samsung 64GB SSD in a MacBook Pro
11 November 2007 08:31 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
SlashGear’s exclusive look at the Samsung 64GB SSD in Macbook Pro
The latest pin-up in the storage world is the Solid-State Drive (SSD), a flash-based drive with no moving parts that can be used in place of a traditional hard disk drive. SSDs are beginning to show up in high-end laptops and - albeit in smaller capacities - in portable media devices, where their low power requirements, resistace to shaking and movement and high data transfer rates make them ideal for high-portability gadgets. SlashGear has been lucky enough to get our hands on one of Samsung’s latest 2.5-inch 64GB NAND drives, currently featuring in high-end models from Dell’s XPS range and Alienware’s Area-51 m9750 notebook as a 128GB RAID array, and thought we’d put the OEM device to the test.
Tags: Samsung, SSD, MacBook Pro
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Hitachi Disk Technology Quadruples Storage
15 October 2007 10:31 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
Hitachi Ltd. says it has developed a technology that could quadruple the data-storage capacity of disk drives. The Japanese company says its researchers found a new way to shrink the size of the devices called heads that read and inscribe data on spinning magnetic disks. Hitachi's technology builds on a 1988 discovery that earned physicists Albert Fert and Peter Grunberg a Nobel prize this month, and has been used for years to increase drive capacities. Hitachi said the technology it calls CPP-GMR will start arriving in drives in 2009 and reach its full potential in 2011.Hitachi Disk Technology Quadruples Storage - WSJ.com
Tags: hitachi, hdd, hard, disk, drive
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Another Input Device, Another Awful Name
19 October 2006 10:09 EST
PowerPage Contributor
Logitech have announced a new computer control device. The NuLOOQ (eughh!) navigator is a stationary control device, about the size of a bissected tennis ball. It has a multi-dimensional 'navring', allowing 360 degree pan and zoom and a touch sensitive circular disk, called the *cough* tooltuner for fine control.
Using the hand you don't use to control your mouse, it allows you to adjust brush sizes by 1 pixel increments in Photoshop, or text attributes in InDesign, timelines in video/audio apps or control your system volume using the touch sensitive circular disk.
Nudging the grey ring forwards, backwards, up, down, or twisting it clockwise or counter clockwise, allows you to instinctively navigate your way around your digital pictures, illustrations, documents and (if that's your thing) spreadsheets.
A click or tap on the top plate can execute undo and redo commands, access Photoshop tools, or play/pause a video/audio track. Pre-programmed macro commands could also be triggered using this method, for regularly-used keyboard or mouse-click sequences.
The NuLOOQ's web page has more information, and an interactive demo.
One important question the Logitech site doesn't seem to address is, with both of my hands now being used to control my computer, how am I going to supply my face with sandwiches and coffee?
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Restoring a not-so-Mighty Mouse
23 May 2006 09:14 EST
PowerPage Contributor
As one of my early blogs recorded, I enjoy using Apple's Mighty Mouse. So far, the three in my possession have worked faultlessly, but it would seem that some people find the scroll-ball gets clogged with gunk.
Apple's Web site has basic cleaning instructions, including a video tutorial. However one Mighty Mouse owner has taken more drastic measures, which he has published as a step-by-step photo guide.
Warning: this is not one for the faint-hearted, or the fumble-fingered!
Contributed by: Brett Jordan.
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Apple Two-Button Bluetooth Optical Mouse
18 May 2005 12:46 EST
I think it's about time Apple sucked it up and gave us an Apple designed and branded two-button mouse. I'm a long time PC user and I recently made the switch to Mac OS (finally!) and bought a PowerBook G4 17-inch only to find I had to buy a third party two-button mouse to be able to take advantage of the two-button mouse support in OS X (which I couldn't live without, being so used to the ease and functionality on my PC). I certainly would've rather had an Apple two-button mouse that matched the look and high-end design of my PowerBook. Read More...
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Apple Two-Button Bluetooth Optical Mouse
18 May 2005 12:46 EST
I think it's about time Apple sucked it up and gave us an Apple designed and branded two-button mouse. I'm a long time PC user and I recently made the switch to Mac OS (finally!) and bought a PowerBook G4 17-inch only to find I had to buy a third party two-button mouse to be able to take advantage of the two-button mouse support in OS X (which I couldn't live without, being so used to the ease and functionality on my PC). I certainly would've rather had an Apple two-button mouse that matched the look and high-end design of my PowerBook. Read More...
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Apple Two-Button Bluetooth Optical Mouse
18 May 2005 12:46 EST
I think it's about time Apple sucked it up and gave us an Apple designed and branded two-button mouse. I'm a long time PC user and I recently made the switch to Mac OS (finally!) and bought a PowerBook G4 17-inch only to find I had to buy a third party two-button mouse to be able to take advantage of the two-button mouse support in OS X (which I couldn't live without, being so used to the ease and functionality on my PC). I certainly would've rather had an Apple two-button mouse that matched the look and high-end design of my PowerBook. Read More...
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Home Theater Keyboard Connectivity
10 May 2005 11:23 EST
Home Theater keyboard connectivitySofa computing and Web surfing represent the next technology frontier in need of innovative products. With Airport and Airport Express routers, the Mrs. and I often use our respective PowerBooks in front of a Pioneer plasma TV in the den each evening. Of course, the HDTV has a computer input, and we've been hoping Apple will unleash a stripped down PowerBook-style Bluetooth keyboard with a built-in trackpad for the coffee table. It would be perfect to control a Mac mini in a home entertainment system. Read more...
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Home Theater Keyboard Connectivity
10 May 2005 11:23 EST
Home Theater keyboard connectivitySofa computing and Web surfing represent the next technology frontier in need of innovative products. With Airport and Airport Express routers, the Mrs. and I often use our respective PowerBooks in front of a Pioneer plasma TV in the den each evening. Of course, the HDTV has a computer input, and we've been hoping Apple will unleash a stripped down PowerBook-style Bluetooth keyboard with a built-in trackpad for the coffee table. It would be perfect to control a Mac mini in a home entertainment system. Read more...
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Home Theater Keyboard Connectivity
10 May 2005 11:23 EST
Home Theater keyboard connectivitySofa computing and Web surfing represent the next technology frontier in need of innovative products. With Airport and Airport Express routers, the Mrs. and I often use our respective PowerBooks in front of a Pioneer plasma TV in the den each evening. Of course, the HDTV has a computer input, and we've been hoping Apple will unleash a stripped down PowerBook-style Bluetooth keyboard with a built-in trackpad for the coffee table. It would be perfect to control a Mac mini in a home entertainment system. Read more...
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BT510: Bluetooth Mouse of the Gods
05 May 2005 09:20 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
I have been using the new RadTech BT510 Bluetooth mouse (US$59.95) for a few days now and totally dig it. It's a little larger than the BT500 making it more suited for day-to-day use on the desktop, whereas the smaller BT500 is more suited for your gear bag. The BT510 has one of the most brilliant features one could think of in a wireless mouse - a removable USB cable that keeps you in action where your batteries get drained. Read More about an undocumented feature that you've got to know about this great BT mouse...
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RadTech BT510 Bluetooth Mouse Perfect for PBs
27 April 2005 09:22 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
RadTech has announced the BT510 a mid-size, three-button, optical scrolling mouse with electronically reversible left-right buttons, and backup USB power umbilical cord. It features a scroll wheel and 800 dpi optical resolution for ultra-precise tracking. Available now for US$59.95 in black and white.
To ensure maximum battery life, the BT-510's smart, power-saving sleep mode conserves power when idle and an easily accessible power switch allows it to be powered down when not in use. The BT-510 can also be powered via any USB port using its included power cable - so you always have the option of conserving battery life with direct power or using it as a back up to keep you up and running when batteries are low.
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Kyocera KPC 650, Sierra AirCard 580 now Talking EVDO with PowerBook
21 April 2005 11:31 EST
EVDOinfo.com shows you how to use Kyocera KPC 650, Sierra AirCard 580 on your PowerBook for EVDO. Simple installers now available to allow these newer EVDO cards to work in your PowerBook. Read More...
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Kyocera KPC 650, Sierra AirCard 580 now Talking EVDO with PowerBook
21 April 2005 11:31 EST
EVDOinfo.com shows you how to use Kyocera KPC 650, Sierra AirCard 580 on your PowerBook for EVDO. Simple installers now available to allow these newer EVDO cards to work in your PowerBook. Read More...
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Kyocera KPC 650, Sierra AirCard 580 now Talking EVDO with PowerBook
21 April 2005 11:31 EST
EVDOinfo.com shows you how to use Kyocera KPC 650, Sierra AirCard 580 on your PowerBook for EVDO. Simple installers now available to allow these newer EVDO cards to work in your PowerBook. Read More...
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LaCie d2 Hard Drive Extreme with Triple Interface
05 April 2005 12:52 EST
LaCie's d2 Hard Drive Extreme with Triple Interface is an essential addition for audio and video professionals that need speed and power.
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LaCie d2 Hard Drive Extreme with Triple Interface
05 April 2005 12:52 EST
LaCie's d2 Hard Drive Extreme with Triple Interface is an essential addition for audio and video professionals that need speed and power.
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iTunes Static With iMic and new PowerBook G4
10 March 2004 07:08 EST
Accelerate Your Mac has posted a reader report on solving iTunes static with iMic and new PowerBook G4:
" Greetings, I've used a Rev 2 iMic for over a year now. mainly as a high quality audio output for various work supplied 15" Powerbooks (667, 867, 1 Ghz), and have been very happy until recently.After moving to a new 1 Ghz 15" Powerbook and installing OS 10.3.2 and iTunes 4.2 I experienced a lot of unwanted background static during MP3 and CD playback through the iMic plugged into the left USB socket. I initially thought this may have been a fault on the particular machine I was using, but after having the unit replaced due to the blotchy screen problem I continued to have the same issue with the new machine.
Click over to Accelerate Your Mac and scroll down for the answer...
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Category: Peripheral/PowerBook G4
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iTunes Static With iMic and new PowerBook G4
10 March 2004 07:08 EST
Accelerate Your Mac has posted a reader report on solving iTunes static with iMic and new PowerBook G4:
" Greetings, I've used a Rev 2 iMic for over a year now. mainly as a high quality audio output for various work supplied 15" Powerbooks (667, 867, 1 Ghz), and have been very happy until recently.After moving to a new 1 Ghz 15" Powerbook and installing OS 10.3.2 and iTunes 4.2 I experienced a lot of unwanted background static during MP3 and CD playback through the iMic plugged into the left USB socket. I initially thought this may have been a fault on the particular machine I was using, but after having the unit replaced due to the blotchy screen problem I continued to have the same issue with the new machine.
Click over to Accelerate Your Mac and scroll down for the answer...
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Category: Peripheral/PowerBook G4
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Updated Griffin PowerMate Adds GarageBand Support, Enhancements
27 February 2004 07:08 EST
If you're not already familiar with Griffin Technology's superb PowerMate, this simple USB rotary knob provides what a mouse doesn't: the ability to spin and dial your way through apps, perfect for scrubbing through video and audio. I'll often throw one in my laptop bag for gigs with Ableton Live and others. With version 1.6, Griffin has updated the PowerMate software with a new customized setting for GarageBand: spin the PowerMate to move through measures of your song, or control playback with its push-button action. The software also includes a push-button sleep more access command, the ability to disable the PowerMate's cool blue LED lights (though how could you part with that lovely eerie glow?), plus enhanced settings for many other apps. There's now enhanced support for iLife, Word, Excel, iChat, Entourage, and many others. The PowerMate is currently on sale in both aluminum and black for US$39.99.
For more music-specific news, be sure to bookmark or RSS MacMusic News
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Category: Peripheral/iLife
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Updated Griffin PowerMate Adds GarageBand Support, Enhancements
27 February 2004 07:08 EST
If you're not already familiar with Griffin Technology's superb PowerMate, this simple USB rotary knob provides what a mouse doesn't: the ability to spin and dial your way through apps, perfect for scrubbing through video and audio. I'll often throw one in my laptop bag for gigs with Ableton Live and others. With version 1.6, Griffin has updated the PowerMate software with a new customized setting for GarageBand: spin the PowerMate to move through measures of your song, or control playback with its push-button action. The software also includes a push-button sleep more access command, the ability to disable the PowerMate's cool blue LED lights (though how could you part with that lovely eerie glow?), plus enhanced settings for many other apps. There's now enhanced support for iLife, Word, Excel, iChat, Entourage, and many others. The PowerMate is currently on sale in both aluminum and black for US$39.99.
For more music-specific news, be sure to bookmark or RSS MacMusic News
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Category: Peripheral/iLife
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Want a Perfect Panther Mouse? Set up the Logitech MX700 for Expose
27 January 2004 09:24 EST
Sometimes a device comes along with just the right design and combination of features. When Steve Jobs described Expose at last summer's Macworld, his presentation showed the Logitech MX 700 mouse, and with good reason: not only it this mouse wireless, rechargeable, and extremely comfortable to use, but its button placement is ideal for Panther and Expose. Here's how to set it up in 10.3.
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Want a Perfect Panther Mouse? Set up the Logitech MX700 for Expose
27 January 2004 09:24 EST
Sometimes a device comes along with just the right design and combination of features. When Steve Jobs described Expose at last summer's Macworld, his presentation showed the Logitech MX 700 mouse, and with good reason: not only it this mouse wireless, rechargeable, and extremely comfortable to use, but its button placement is ideal for Panther and Expose. Here's how to set it up in 10.3.
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Apple Developing Wireless Broadband Card
04 December 2003 08:45 EST
PowerPage sources tell me that Apple will release a wireless laptop card/solution that will run on AT&T's high speed EDGE network. AT&T claims that users should be able to get downloads around 100kbps.
In related news Gizmodo is reporting on the first wireless laptop card for AT&T's new EDGE network:
Hands-on review of Sony Ericsson's new GC82 wireless laptop card, the first which can connect to AT&T Wireless' new high-speed EDGE cellular data network. AT&T Wireless claims that users should be able to get downloads averaging between 100 and 130kbps over an EDGE connection, but the reviewer testing the GC82 isn't able to get even close to that.
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