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Posts with tag Macintosh

Survey Says 8 in 10 Businesses Now Use Macs

by Will Safer, posted Jun 27th 2008 at 2:32PM



In a shift major shift among businesses, Macintosh computers are no longer just being allowed through the front doors of corporate America but are actually being encouraged as business work tools.

According to a new survey by the Yankee Group, a Massachusetts research firm, the Apple-made desktop computers, previously only the favorites of graphic designers and layout specialists, are now becoming the quiet favorite among network administrators.

The Macs are said to provide a more stable computer environment and are more resistant to security threats and common flaws than computers outfitted with Windows XP or Vista.

According to Laura DiDio, a Yankee Group research fellow, 8 in 10 U.S. Businesses now use Macs in a significant way. While the Macs only make up about 10 percent of all the computers used by businesses, this represents a major increase from the 2 percent they represented only just a few years ago.

Many businesses are even using the Macs to load Windows, since these computers are able to load both kinds of operating systems courtesy of the Apple's "Boot Camp" utility.

What are the specific reasons for a business to get Macs? The answer is stability and reliability. Macs, DiDio says, suffer from less downtime, they come with a utility called "Time Machine" that allows a user to essentially go back to a moment when a computer was operating properly in case a problem occurs, their desktop search (with a utility called "Spotlight") is easier to use, and iChat (an instant messaging platform) makes communication among workers easier.

While the IT pros surveyed admitted that Windows has better support for network issues, the stability of the Macs actually means they have less reason to require system help.

DiDio notes that businesses aren't about to swap out all their Windows machines for Macs – but the tide may be turning. [Source: Computerworld.]
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Rush Limbaugh Goes Left and Right for Tech Support

by Will Safer, posted Feb 19th 2008 at 6:17PM

Rush LimbaughConservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat, we all know the frustration of computer bugs and unanswered pleas for tech support. Case in point: conservative radio talk personality Rush Limbaugh made a public plea to Apple CEO (and Democrat) Steve Jobs on his broadcast last week for help with a problem he's encountered with his collection of networked, high-end Mac Pro computers.

"El Rushbo" (as his Web site calls him) relies almost exclusively on his e-mail application for all communication and even word processing. The problem is that the Mac Leopard operating system, which has an automatic file backup system called Time Machine, doesn't seem to want to back up his e-mail. Limbaugh has had his own Mac rep work on the problem and also called Mac tech support, all to no avail, with even a Mac tech support staffer saying they have the same problem with their machine.

Limbaugh broadcast this plea: "Mr. Jobs, please help me. I know we don't agree on anything. You love Al Gore -- and by the way, I've got no problem with him now, but can you put me to somebody that can get this going, because I know it's gotta work for most people. What am I doing wrong?"

Could his plea to Steve Jobs fall on deaf or maybe just unsympathetic ears? Limbaugh's producer jokingly suggests the Macs don't do what Limbaugh needs because of the political divide.

Still, Limbaugh is looking for help. He notes he's not alone with this dilemma and that "there's a whole thread at the Apple site of people having the same problem."

Limbaugh has been a long-time Mac supporter and has stated his computer preference on his show many times over the years. So, maybe it's not true that Macintosh lovers are all liberal after all?

Limbaugh is still waiting for a solution. He posted an update to the situation on his Web site, noting that some in the Mac community are offering suggestions for work arounds to the problem.

In the meantime, maybe we should all be satisfied the computer bugs and system gremlins don't discriminate based on status or political leanings. In front of a computer, we're all equal -- and equally frustrated.

From Vallywag.


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A Documentary on (and for) Mac Addicts

by Tim Stevens, posted Jan 22nd 2008 at 4:47PM



We've seen how Mac users have somewhat interesting personalities compared to other people and, well, surely you know someone who's a little more fond of their Apple device than some might consider healthy (if indeed that someone isn't you). Those who bow down to the church of Steve Jobs may be interested in checking out a new documentary called 'MacHeads,' a film that will do to the Apple community what 'Trekkies' did for the world of 'Star Trek.'

Right now all we have is the above trailer, showing clips of Mac users espousing the virtues of their machines and the community that has sprung up around them, but expect the full thing to be released in the very near future.

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Own a Mac Laptop Dipped in Gold

by Tom Conlon, posted Oct 1st 2007 at 4:48PM

Mac Laptop Dipped in Gold

Hardcore PC-modding Web site computer-choppers.com has gained notoriety on the Internet with amazing projects like the PC made out of a vintage Marantz stereo and the computerized ode to the Digg.com logo. Today, the guys behind the site are making waves with their latest customization: a MacBook Pro that they've painted up in 24k gold.

And, make no mistake: This isn't a Maaco-style outside spray job. Computer Choppers disassembled the laptop into pieces and have painted everything, including the keyboard, the battery cover, the screen bezel and screen hinge.

Though this started as a one-off "let's see if we can do it" kind of thing, the Computer Choppers site is now offering to give other Macbooks the Trump treatment for between $1,200 and $1,500 a pop depending on the current price of gold. If you'd like to become a goldmember, you can expect to go sans-computer for up to four weeks.

From Geek Sugar

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Apple Profits Soar 73%, Shares on the Rise

by Tom Conlon, posted Jul 26th 2007 at 10:44AM

Apple Profits Soar 73%, Shares on the Rise

After dipping two days ago as result of confusing, misinformed headlines concerning poor iPhone sales, Apple shares regained losses and surged 9 percent yesterday during after hours trading.

The boost came after the Cupertino, California gadgeteer announced earnings growth of 73 percent during the last fiscal quarter. And, believe it or not, the iPhone was a non-factor. Apple sold a record 1.76 million computers during the quarter, which is a 33 percent gain over the same period one year ago. iPods sales were up 21 percent year over year, selling 9,815,000 units during the quarter. Apple's profit rose to $818 million, up from $472 million.

But, while Apple's old guard of products is driving profit, analysts believe the iPhone will be a contributor in the future as the handset gains popularity and as Apple rakes in money from its cut of AT&T subscription fees.

From AOL Money & Finance

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Attack of the Clones

by Tom Conlon, posted May 20th 2007 at 6:06PM

Attack of the ClonesAOpen Pandora
Whenever a cool new Adidas sneaker comes out, it's immediately given a fourth stripe by some hack out there and sold under a different brand name. Well, Apple is kind of like the Adidas of the tech-world. But it's not just Apple's phone and music players that get the Payless treatment. The Mac Mini, for example, found a fan in Taiwanese computer maker AOpen, who in 2005 released the Pandora. To its credit, AOpen was up front about its source of inspiration. That said, the Pandora is still a pretty shameless 'tribute' to the Mac Mini. On the outside, the only difference seems to be the power button and the lack of an Apple logo. On the inside, of course, the difference is a choice of Linux or Windows instead of OS X.

Spotted at CNET
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