Archive for the 'Hardware' Category
It seems I’ve been throwing a lot of difficult problems toward Apple Care to become baffled on. I wrote about my odd iCal problem back in December of last year that neither Apple Care nor Microsoft could figure out (to which I later solved on my own genius bar) and now I have another one to add to the list.
I purchased one smokin’ Mac Pro last July and it was pretty much at the top end when all the features where added. Even with a 10% discount, the baby was a tad under 5k. So when after a month I started experiencing some really annoying slow downs due to constant hard drive spinning, I got on the phone and gave Apple Care a holler. After getting over the hurdle of what “swap” space was, I attempted to explain to the customer care representative that my hard drive was spinning more than an old 78 rpm record. After not getting anywhere with the first tech, I was sent to the second level. I defeated Level 2 as well. No answers. No wait, reformat and install was a suggestion which I had already tried prior to the call. So I lived with the spin for nine months.
Yesterday I added two more drives to my Mac Pro filling up all available slots. I now had the original drive and three added drives. I like cleaning out the inside of my computers every so often, so I pulled out the two already installed SATA hard drives and got a can of air and sprayed until it was exhausted. I secured back the two hard drives as well as added the two new ones. I closed up the Mac Pro and booted up. Guess what? No more hard drive dance floor spins!
So what could have caused the constant hard drive spinning is hard to say. It could have been a number of things such as dirty contacts on the SATA interface, not a fully seated hard drive, or the hard drive controller freaking out on just having two hard drives plugged in. I doubt it was that later and most likely just a hard drive not fully seated. Dirt could be it, but I really think it was the hard drive not being fully secured.
So, if you’re having a similar problem and Apple Care along with its forms offer no help, then give this a try. It may help.
Corsair, a worldwide leader in high performance computer and flash memory products, announced today the launch of their new Corsair high-density Memory Line for Mac Pro desktop systems. Made especially for the high performance demands of the Mac market, the new Corsair Mac Pro Memory Kits are fully buffered 667MHz solutions, available immediately in 2GB (2 x 1GB modules) and 4GB (2 x 2GB modules) DIMM kits.
Mac Pro Memory is 100% Apple Compatible – Lifetime Warranty
The Corsair Mac Pro memory modules are qualified at the Apple Test Labs in California and are 100% compatibility guaranteed with a lifetime warranty. “We are excited to extend our Corsair memory solutions to support the high performance Mac Pro Desktop Systems,” said John Beekley, VP of Applications at Corsair. “These modules offer end users the ability to greatly maximize the amount of memory in their Mac Pro,” added Beekley.
Corsair Mac Pro fully-buffered Memory Modules are immediately available:
VSA2GBFBKIT667D2 - 2GB Kit (2 x 1GB modules): $165 USD MSRP
VSA4GBKITFB667D2 - 4GB Kit (2 x 2GB modules): $225 USD MSRP
Corsair Mac Laptop Memory Line
In addition to the new Corsair Mac Pro desktop line of memory products, Corsair also recently launched the first high performance memory modules made especially for Mac laptops. The new Corsair memory modules are the industry’s first low latency modules specifically tuned for the new Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro laptop computers.
Pricing & Availability
The new Corsair Memory Line for the Mac Pro is immediately available through Corsair’s authorized distributors and resellers world-wide priced at $165 for the 2GB kit and $225 for the 4GB kit. Corsair memory products are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Complete customer support via telephone, email, forum and Technical Service Xpress is also available.
For more information on the Corsair memory products, please visit www.corsair.com.
First unveiled during CTIA WIRELESS 2008, the Verizon Wireless XV6900 is a stylish, compact and versatile touch-screen smartphone that gives busy professionals the high-speed connectivity of the Verizon Wireless broadband network. In addition to its luxurious white package, the XV6900 includes:
- EV-DO, 1XRTT-capabilities
- Touch technology allows finger and stylus input
- Virtual, all-touch QWERTY keyboard with additional input options
- Five-way ENTER/NAVIGATION button
- 2.0 megapixel camera with auto-focus, zoom and video capture
- Built-in speakerphone
- One-touch access to e-mail, text messages, calendar appointments and contacts, weather conditions and forecasts
- Equipped with Windows Mobile® 6 Professional with access to Microsoft® Office Word Mobile, Excel® Mobile, and PowerPoint® Mobile; Adobe® Reader® LE PDF viewer
- View, edit, create Word and Excel files; view only PowerPoint and PDF files;
- view, extract, create Zip files
- Web browsing with Internet Explorer® Mobile
- Windows Media® Player 10
- Instant Messenger capabilities with AIM®, MSN®, and Yahoo!®
- Bluetooth® v. 2.0 with support for stereo, hands-free, and headset profiles
- microSD™ memory card slot with support up to 8 GB
- Voice command-capable
- Security locking features
- Text, picture and video messaging
- BroadbandAccess Connect-capable
- Wireless Sync-capable
- ActiveSync® (v.4.5) and Windows Mobile Device Center®
- Support for Office Outlook Mobile and Microsoft Exchange® with Direct Push
- 256 MB ROM / 128 MB RAM
- 2.8” TFT-LCD touch-screen with LED backlight: 240 x 320 pixel; 64K color TFT
- 3.98” (l) x 2.35” (w) x 0.56” (d)
- 3.95 ounces
- Battery: 1100mAH standard, and 1880 mAH for XT Battery
Standard battery usage times:
- Usage: 210 minutes
- Standby: 250 hours
- XT battery usage times:
- Usage: 360 minutes
- Standby: 427 hours
- SAR: Head – 1.250 W/kg; Body – 0.457 W/kg
The XV6900 is available for $349.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. An additional $100 credit toward the purchase of the handset is available for customers who sign up for qualifying voice and data plans at the time of purchase.
For more information on the XV6900 and other Verizon Wireless products and services, customers may visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. Business customers should call 1-800-VZW-4BIZ or contact their Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representative.
DisplayLink announced today that its USB display technology is providing core functionality for the Samsung SyncMaster 2263DX, a 22-inch LCD monitor with an attached 7-inch tandem monitor (rear view).
DisplayLink’s USB Display Technology provides the hardware and software that connects and powers the 7-inch tandem monitor to the main monitor by a simple USB cable – without the need for additional power connections. This provides the flexibility to allow the 7-inch tandem monitor to be positioned above or on either side of the main 22-inch monitor. DisplayLink software enables users to easily switch between portrait and landscape modes.
The SyncMaster 2263DX has attracted significant attention from reviewers and users alike, and was an Innovations Award honoree at CES 2008. Its unique 7-inch tandem monitor provides extra screen space without consuming desktop space. With its compact size, the 7-inch monitor offers surprising utility, providing ample space for instant messaging, media players, Skype, calendars, or application toolbars.
“Samsung is now the world’s leading manufacturer of LCD displays for the PC market, and DisplayLink is helping them stay at the forefront of innovation with our one-of-a-kind USB display technology,” said Dennis Crespo, executive vice president of marketing and business development for DisplayLink.
ECYPH LLC once again demonstrates market leadership in the area of serial connectivity for handheld computers. ECYPH LLC is announcing a new serial cable, part number PDCIP-M9-6, that works with the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPod univeral. These fine products join the long list of handhelds supported on www.pcables.com. ECYPH LLC has always been a leader in getting serial cables quickly to market in support of Palm and Treo handhelds. So now the iPhone, iPod Touch, and others benefit as they are able to obtain a connectivity solution along with their brand new Apple.
This is significant news for anyone who is purchasing a iPhone or iPod Touch. Developers especially should take note, as the community of users who want to make a RS232 Serial Data connection to an iPhone or a iPod Touch will explode as Apple introduces the SDK for iPhone and iPod Touch. Users which choose iPhone and iPod Touch are making a smart investment for the future. Developers who choose ECYPH LLC cables in support of this platform are getting on board with a world leader in serial connectivity. ECYPH LLC has always offered more choices than anyone else in serial cable solutions for PDA’s and Smartphones.
ECYPH LLC is now shipping this new cable, so any company that would desire to use iPhone or iPod Touch in an application requiring serial connectivity can count on us for support. We do custom cables at any volume level, have quick turnaround, and have excellent expertise in supporting troubleshooting of serial connectivity. We also provide serial cables for other PDA’s and Smartphones. We have more Serial Cable options for handhelds than any other company.
Contact ECYPH LLC at sales@pcables.com or check out the web site, http://www.pcables.com/cat7.html to find cables for iPhone and iPod Touch.
Other World Computing (OWC), a leading Mac and PC technology company, today announced the introduction and immediate availability of its new OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro FireWire+USB 2.0 Combo storage drives featuring SATA technology with a starting price of only $107.99 and capacities up to 1.0TB for Plug ‘N Play, hot swappable storage.
The latest in the OWC Mercury Elite-AL storage line, the Mercury Elite-AL Pro FireWire+USB 2.0 Combo storage drives feature the latest Oxford 934 performance chipset, the best SATA mechanisms available, two FireWire 400 1394A 6 Pin, and one USB 2.0 port. Drives may be stacked or stood vertically (stand included) and measure only 9.3” (length) x 1.4” (height) x 5.6″ (width) or 237mm x 36mm x 142mm.
The drive’s two FireWire ports allow it to be daisy-chained to any additional FireWire devices. Its Oxford chipset allows Plug ‘N Play compatibility with virtually any Mac, PC, and Linux-based computer that supports either a FireWire or USB 2.0 Interface. Data may be accessed/read/written interchangeably between any of the FireWire and USB 2.0 ports allowing the seamless use of the drives between multiple systems or for upgrading corresponding computer systems.
OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro FireWire+USB 2.0 Combo Drives Pricing:
80GB 7200RPM 8MB Cache - $107.99
160GB 7200RPM 8MB Cache - $117.99
250GB 7200RPM 8MB Cache - $137.99
320GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache - $147.99
400GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache - $159.99
500GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache - $175.99
750GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache - $239.99
1.0TB 7200RPM 32MB Cache - $369.99 ($339.99 after limited time Rebate*)
*Through 3/19/2008, purchase of the drive includes a $30 Hitachi-sponsored Mail-In Rebate. Rebate details at: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/MAU4S7H1TB32/
All OWC Mercury Elite-AL drives are tested and certified for demanding audio/video, backup, movies, graphics, music, photography, data, and more. The drive’s sleek aluminum design optimizes function with fanless heat dissipation while aesthetically enhancing the desktop, and is specifically built to safely endure the rigorous demands of portability.
OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro storage drive solutions are available from Other World Computing with everything needed for immediate Plug ‘N Play operation: FireWire and USB 2.0 cables; Intech HD Speedtools utility suite; Prosoft Data Backup for Mac OS X®; NovaStor NovaBackup for Windows; and a full 2-year warranty.
OWC’s full line of award winning Mercury Elite-AL storage solutions can be found at http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/1394/USB/EliteAL .
For additional information contact www.MacSales.com or call toll free (800) 275-4576.
Russound, the #1 brand in multiroom audio, and HAI (Home Automation, Inc.), leading manufacturer of integrated automation and security products, have signed an agreement that will allow the two companies to collaborate in a new program that will bring an enhanced level of features, usability, and value to their installers and end-users.
Christened “EnCompass,” the program will ultimately provide a new, comprehensive selection of integration solutions for custom installers who demand “Best of Breed” performance from all aspects of their systems.
Though Russound and HAI products have always integrated easily and efficiently, EnCompass will at first support their integration with an extensive education and training program. The first EnCompass webinar will be Wednesday, March 26 at 2:00 pm CDT.
Subsequent plans include the creation of turnkey Automation/Entertainment packages that raise the bar on performance, reliability and ease-of-installation. The first “Kick-Off” package will include a Russound CAM6.6T Controller with six UNO-S2 Keypads, a system remote, six IR emitters, a punchdown tool, wall plates and rack ears. Also included are an HAI Lumina Pro 44A00-2 with an Ethernet port, controller in enclosure with lock and keys, LCD keypad, UPBT Powerline Interface Module and cable, phase coupler, serial cable, transformer and battery, manuals, and accessories, an OmniTouch 5.7 Touchscreen, two HLC Plug-in Lamp Modules, a serial cable, Lumina PC Access, and Snap-Link.
“In just a few short years, we’ve seen the custom installation industry move closer to truly integrating our products and technologies into whole-house networks,” said Charlie Porritt, Russound’s Vice President of Sales. “In order for this to become a reality, we know that it is essential to work with the leader in home control products. With our two companies working in tandem, Russound and HAI are poised to make seamless integration of entertainment and environmental controls a reality.”
“This is truly a best of breed solutions program that will provide outstanding products in a simplified integrated package,” explains HAI President Jay McLellan, “The objective of the program is to streamline the installation process for the custom installer and to enhance the overall experience of the end-user.”
The first manifestation of the of the EnCompass program is expected to be announced at the Electronic House Expo (EHX) Spring 2008, 13 - 15 in Orlando, FL.
Corsair, a worldwide leader in high-performance computer and flash memory products, announced today the world’s first high performance memory modules made especially for the Mac. The new Corsair memory modules are the industry’s first low latency modules specifically tuned for the new MacBook and MacBook Pro laptop computers.
Memory bandwidth has a critical impact on the performance of many of the advanced computing applications used by Mac consumers. Corsair’s Mac Memory features special Serial Presence Detect (SPD) profile characteristics, so that Macs can self-configure for optimal performance for critical applications.
Corsair Mac Memory has been benchmark tested on:
· Adobe Photoshop: Import Video
· Adobe Photoshop: Photo Compression
· XBench: Memory Test
· VMware Fusion: Vista tests
· Apple BootCamp: Vista tests
Testing has demonstrated that as much as a 28% overall system performance improvement is achieved with the new Corsair low latency memory modules versus standard Mac upgrade memory.
“The Corsair brand is synonymous with high-performance PC memory modules,” said Jack Peterson, VP of Corporate Marketing at Corsair. “These Mac Memory SODIMMs featuring new SPD settings in conjunction with our high-quality standard chip screening process allows Corsair to offer the first ever enhanced performance laptop memory for Mac,” added Peterson.
Corsair low latency Mac memory modules are immediately available:
VSA4GSDSKIT667C4 ~ $159.99 USD MSRP
Corsair’s low latency Mac modules are available through Corsair’s authorized distributors and resellers world-wide. Corsair memory products are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Complete customer support via telephone, email, forum and Technical Service Xpress is also available. For more information on Corsair memory products, please visit http://www.corsair.com.
So you’ve got a Mac or a Windows box with disk encryption and you’re feeling pretty good about your data’s safety. Bitlocker on Vista and File Vault (developed for the Depart of Defense even) on OS X put you at ease with its promises of using some super hard encryption scheme to defeat. The only way anyone’s getting in is via a key. Guess what? Hackers now can get that key.
A video on YouTube demonstrates just how easy it is to retrieve the very key that unlocks your hard drive. From start to finish, the video shows the retrieval of a laptop, the sniffing of a key, and then the opening of all the “protected” files. Just like that.
Now granted, the hacker will need physical contact with your computer in order to grab your key; however, this isn’t that reassuring if you think about it. In recent months, there has been a slew of reports of lost laptops from not just business professionals, but from government agencies such as the FBI, CIA, and of those in Congress. These laptops are in danger of losing very important and highly classified data. If enemies of the state are able to obtain such a nugget, it’s no telling what could result from the breach.
Again, the video does demonstrate a small window of opportunity in data retrevial; however, in our busy lives, it is easy to lose track of our laptops for a few minutes. That’s just enough time for someone to simply walk by and grab it without you even knowing.
The easiest and best way to protect yourself is to insure your laptop is OFF and not in standby when in public. Make sure it has been off for at least 30 minutes prior to placing yourself in a vulnerable situation. These two measures alone will greatly reduce the chance of the key residing in your memory and thus keep your data safe.
Corsair, a worldwide leader in high performance computer and flash memory products, today announced the HX1000W power supply unit (PSU), the world’s first 1000 watt PSU to be certified under the newly-created 3-way NVIDIA® SLI® Technology Certification Program from NVIDIA Corporation. The Corsair HX1000W will be debuted at the CeBIT 2008 show next week in Hanover, Germany on Corsair’s stand (Booth 40, Hall 21).
The HX1000W is the latest addition to Corsair’s award-winning HX-series of modular power supplies for the gaming and enthusiast community. Featuring a twin-transformer, true dual-rail design, DC-to-DC conversion and high-quality solid state capacitors, the HX1000W delivers the rock-solid performance and stability required for high-end enthusiast gaming systems.
Features of the HX1000W include:
· Designed for multi-core CPUs and multi-GPU systems
· Guaranteed to deliver its full 1000W output at 50ºC operating temperature
· Industrial grade solid-state capacitors rated at 105ºC for uncompromised performance
· True independent dual +12V rail design
· 140mm temperature-controlled fan for quiet, efficient cooling
With Active Power Factor Correction (PFC) and 80% or more energy efficiency across a wide range of loading conditions, the HX1000W PSU generates minimal heat during operation. In addition, the high quality, thermally-controlled double ball-bearing 140mm fan provides effective cooling and whisper quiet operation.
“Having the first 1000 watt power supply that is certified for 3-way NVIDIA® SLI® Technology is a great honor,” said Jack Peterson, VP Corporate Marketing. “The fact that the HX1000W meets the 3-way NVIDIA SLI Technology specification at a wattage rating that is up to 30% lower than some of our competitors highlights Corsair’s superior engineering expertise and world-class product development efforts,” continued Peterson. “Clearly, this is the ultimate power supply for enthusiasts and demanding customers who want the very best hardware in their gaming rigs.”
The Corsair HX1000W power supply unit (CMPSU-1000HX) will be available in late March through Corsair’s authorized distributors, resellers and e-tailers worldwide, priced at $279.99 USD MSRP. Corsair’s power supplies are backed by a 5-year Limited Warranty, complete customer support via telephone, email, forum and TS Xpress troubleshooting guide. For more information on Corsair HX1000W power supply, please visit: http://corsair.com/products/hx1000.aspx.