http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/features/blogs/ en The Mac Observer Copyright 2009 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:06:49 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fpitch_perfect_for_developers_is_a_perfect_pitch%2F&seed_title=Pitch+Perfect+for+Developers+is+a+Perfect+Pitch http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/pitch_perfect_for_developers_is_a_perfect_pitch/ Many smaller developers without access to a professional public relations agency, don’t always know how to approach a blogger/reviewer.  For that matter, some PR agencies are also somewhat mystified about how bloggers work. This new e-book by Erica Sadun and Steve Sande lays it all out: How to pitch your product to a publication. Reviews, Blogs, John Martellaro's Blog Wed, 23 May 2012 17:15:56 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_i_learned_to_love_verizon_-_and_kill_my_land_line%2F&seed_title=How+I+Learned+to+Love+Verizon+-+and+Kill+my+Land+Line http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_i_learned_to_love_verizon_-_and_kill_my_land_line/ John Martellaro tells the story of his amazing experience with Verizon in his quest to kill his land line with a Verizon Wireless Home Phone Connect Device. It was right out of an Apple dream. Blogs, John Martellaro's Blog Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:00:20 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmy_first_encounter_with_steve_jobs%2F&seed_title=My+First+Encounter+With+Steve+Jobs http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/my_first_encounter_with_steve_jobs/ It was Friday, May 16th, 1997, and I was at my 5th WWDC. Steve Jobs had returned to Apple thanks to Apple’s purchase of NeXT, but he was only an adviser to CEO Gil Amelio. In a closing keynote, Mr. Jobs took some questions, and this author, an aerospace engineer at the time, had one ready. Blogs, John Martellaro's Blog Wed, 13 Jul 2011 13:20:09 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fin_search_of_new_web_site_tools_part_i%2F&seed_title=In+Search+of+New+Web+Site+Tools+to+Replace+iWeb%2C+Part+I http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/in_search_of_new_web_site_tools_part_i/ We now know officially that Apple will not be supporting web site hosting after June 2012. Also, the iWeb ‘09 app hasn’t seen a major update in some time, and Steve Jobs in a purported e-mail has confirmed that Apple customers will need to find another web site builder. So, like many others, John has embarked on a quest to both rehost his personal website and select a new web site development app. This is the first installment describing that journey.  Blogs, John Martellaro's Blog Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:40:46 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwill_microsoft_neuter_skypes_technological_advantage%2F&seed_title=Will+Microsoft+Neuter+Skype%26%238217%3Bs+Technological+Advantage%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/will_microsoft_neuter_skypes_technological_advantage/ This morning Microsoft and Skype made it official: the two companies approved the sale of Skype to Microsoft for $8.5 billion. And while they maintain that Skype will operate as a separate business unit, Dave Hamilton questions just how much Skype might be forced to change now that it’s under the umbrella of a company who makes a lot of its money catering to the enterprise. Blogs, Dave Hamilton's Blog Tue, 10 May 2011 09:25:28 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Freading_into_apples_qa_on_location_data%2F&seed_title=Reading+Into+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Q%26amp%3BA+on+Location+Data http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/reading_into_apples_qa_on_location_data/ This morning Apple provided some answers to the questions surrounding the security of Location Services on the iPhone. Dave Hamilton takes a minute to read between the lines of Apple’s response, offering some color and perspective on what it looks like Apple’s intentions were — and weren’t — with regards to tracking your location using the iPhone. Blogs, Dave Hamilton's Blog, iObserver, iPhone, iOS Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:16:33 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwhy_sxsw_interactive_attendees_should_stay_for_music%2F&seed_title=Why+SXSW+Interactive+Attendees+Should+Stay+for+Music http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/why_sxsw_interactive_attendees_should_stay_for_music/ For years Dave Hamilton has been preaching that SXSW Interactive attendees should buck up the extra money and stick around for the Music part of the conference. Read on for some surprising reasons why Dave thinks this is so. Blogs, Dave Hamilton's Blog Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:13:21 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fgeeks_survival_guide_sxsw_music_festival_2011%2F&seed_title=Geek%26%238217%3Bs+Survival+Guide+to+SXSW+Music+2011 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/geeks_survival_guide_sxsw_music_festival_2011/ This marks the fourth year our own Dave Hamilton has attended both the South by Southwest Interactive and Music festivals. Dave, in true geek fashion, takes his experiences from previous years and has culled together some essential advice for any fellow geeks attending the music portion of the annual event. If you’re going, you won’t want to miss this! Tips, How-To, Blogs, Dave Hamilton's Blog, iObserver Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:33:19 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapples_troubles_arent_over_and_that_could_be_good%2F&seed_title=Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Troubles+Aren%26%238217%3Bt+Over%2C+and+That+Could+be+Good http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_troubles_arent_over_and_that_could_be_good/ Antennagate showed that Apple can no longer have its own way with all customers.  The broader product offerings, like the iPad and the iPhone, mean than scrutiny and criticism come from a wider circle of interested parties.That will change the company. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions, Blogs, John Martellaro's Blog Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:22:47 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftmo_is_hiring_a_webmaster_developer%2F&seed_title=TMO+Is+Hiring+a+Webmaster%2FDeveloper+-+Inquire+Within%21 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tmo_is_hiring_a_webmaster_developer/ TMO is looking for someone to step into the role of webmaster here to help both TMO and BackBeat Media with ongoing web site maintenance, upgrades and some programming. More after the jump. Blogs, Dave Hamilton's Blog Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:45:46 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwhy_the_mac_look_hasnt_changed%2F&seed_title=Why+the+Mac+Look+Hasn%26%238217%3Bt+Changed http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/why_the_mac_look_hasnt_changed/ 2002 was the last year that a redesign of a Mac made major news. In fact, after almost 20 prior years of frequent product redesigns, 2002-2003 was about the last time that we’ve seen any significant external redesign of the Mac. What does it all mean? Read on… Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Tue, 04 May 2010 12:15:25 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Flack_of_flash_cripples_ipad_as_travel_device%2F&seed_title=Lack+of+Flash+Cripples+iPad+as+Travel+Device http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/lack_of_flash_cripples_ipad_as_travel_device/ Dave Hamilton weighs in on the continuing discussion of the lack of Flash on the iPad and iPhone. If it’s not important there, why then does it still ship pre-installed on every Mac? Read more of Dave’s thoughts after the jump. Blogs, Dave Hamilton's Blog Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:05:51 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwwdc_2010_questions_andanswers%2F&seed_title=WWDC+2010%3A+Questions+and%26%238230%3BAnswers%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/wwdc_2010_questions_andanswers/ WWDC 2010 was announced today. While this at last answers the question “When the heck is this year’s WWDC gonna happen?,” it raises several new questions for which there are as yet no definitive answers. Apple could easily clear up all the mysteries by offering the answers. Don’t bet on this. As usual, Apple remains tight-lipped. They’ll provide answers only when they are good and ready, if ever. In the meantime, we are left to speculate. Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:32:10 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fits_time_to_get_an_hd_radio%2F&seed_title=It%26%238217%3Bs+Time+to+Get+an+HD+Radio http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/its_time_to_get_an_hd_radio/ If you are at all in the market to upgrade your car radio, and if you get HD reception anywhere near where you live, and certainly if you have an older radio that lacks features such as iPod controls, get an HD radio today. You won’t regret it. Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:02:54 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapples_iphone_basement_tapes_revealed%2F&seed_title=Apple%26%238217%3Bs+iPhone+Basement+Tapes+Revealed http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_iphone_basement_tapes_revealed/ The following are excerpted transcripts, taken from recordings serendipitously discovered on the floor at a bar in Berkeley. The recordings appear to consist of three conversations between two individuals somewhere at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters, spanning a time period from late 2006 to late 2009. Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:45:39 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fgoogles_dont_be_evil_does_not_necessarily_imply_good_things%2F&seed_title=Google%26%238217%3Bs+%26%238220%3BDon%26%238217%3Bt+Be+Evil%26%238221%3B+Does+Not+Necessarily+Imply+Good+Things http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/googles_dont_be_evil_does_not_necessarily_imply_good_things/ Google’s slogan of “Don’t Be Evil” recently came under the scrutiny of our own Dave Hamilton on Mac Geek Gab 254. He shares his thoughts — the text way — after the jump. Blogs, Dave Hamilton's Blog Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:48:15 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_iphone_os_apple_adobe_and_all_that_jazz%2F&seed_title=The+iPhone+OS%2C+Apple%2C+Adobe%26%238230%3Band+All+That+Jazz http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_iphone_os_apple_adobe_and_all_that_jazz/ My thoughts on the dispute between Apple and Adobe over Flash apps on the iPhone…and more generally about the nature of the App Store itself. It’s a long article but, given all the controversy, I wanted to be careful about and thorough in what I wrote. Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:30:43 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_to_know_if_you_should_buy_an_ipad%2F&seed_title=How+to+Know+If+You+Should+Buy+an+iPad http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_know_if_you_should_buy_an_ipad/ Back when the iPad was first announced, I wrote a column where I speculated on how well the iPad might squeeze in between an iPhone on the one end and a MacBook on the other. Now that the iPad has been released, and I’ve actually had the chance to work with device, I want to revisit this topic. If you haven’t already purchased an iPad, you’re probably considering getting one. But before you plunk down $500 or more dollars, you want to know: “Is it worth it for me? Do I really need it? Will I really use it?” For the answers, read on… Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:00:07 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_present_and_future_of_the_ipad%2F&seed_title=The+Present+and+Future+of+the+iPad http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_present_and_future_of_the_ipad/ Months before I ever held an iPad in my hands, I predicted that the iPad would be an “inside the park home run.” Now that I’ve spent the past few days working with my new iPad, my assessment remains unchanged. If I revised anything, it would be to move the home run out of the park. The iPad is even better than I had anticipated. Still, the iPad may have an unsettling effect on content creation… Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:18:21 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ffile_sharing_with_an_ipad_ugh%2F&seed_title=File+Sharing+with+an+iPad%3A+Ugh%21 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/file_sharing_with_an_ipad_ugh/ The iWork apps are a weathervane for predicting the future direction of the iPad. Many analysts are predicting that the iPad is destined to replace traditional laptop computers over time. If so, the iPad will almost certainly need better content creation capabilities than it now has. The iWork apps are currently the premiere content creation software for the iPad. So it pays to take a close look at how they work. In that regard, I want to focus on only one aspect of these apps today: file sharing. Unfortunately, file sharing via iWork apps on the iPad is a major kludge. The feature works, but not with the sort of user interface that we have come to expect from Apple. Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:25:46 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwhich_keyboard_for_the_ipad%2F&seed_title=Which+Keyboard+for+the+iPad%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/which_keyboard_for_the_ipad/ Should you get a physical keyboard to go with your iPad? And, if so, which one? Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:35:26 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwho_needs_an_optical_drive_anymore_not_me%2F&seed_title=Who+Needs+an+Optical+Drive+Anymore%3F+%28Not+Me%29 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/who_needs_an_optical_drive_anymore_not_me/ There is much speculation as to if and when the iPad can ultimately replace traditional laptops for general users. If so, as was the case when the MacBook Air came out, one often-asked question is: How will users get by without a built-in optical drive? I, for one, expect to have no problem. In fact, I hardly ever use any built-in optical drives anymore.  Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Thu, 01 Apr 2010 03:01:47 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fviewing_mac_files_on_your_iphone%2F&seed_title=Viewing+Mac+Files+on+your+iPhone http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/viewing_mac_files_on_your_iphone/ You have documents on your Mac, such as PDF files that downloaded from the Web or text files that you created yourself, that you want to be able to view from your iPhone (or iPod touch). Can you do it? Absolutely. In fact, the most difficult step is likely to be choosing which of several possible alternatives you want to use. Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:25:52 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsxsw_music_festival_survival_guide%2F&seed_title=SXSW+Music+Festival+Survival+Guide http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/sxsw_music_festival_survival_guide/ With the South by Southwest Music festival officially underway, Dave Hamilton shares his tips and experiences from previous years to help you make the absolute most out of this annual event. Blogs, Dave Hamilton's Blog Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:42:12 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fdecoding_apples_ipad_battery_replacement_program%2F&seed_title=Decoding+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+iPad+Battery+Replacement+Program http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/decoding_apples_ipad_battery_replacement_program/ While the bare essentials of Apple’s surprising iPad Battery Replacement Program are clearly stated, a number of questions remain unanswered. I attempt to fill in the gaps. Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:30:37 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fiphone_internet_tethering_and_the_ipad%2F&seed_title=iPhone+Internet+Tethering+and+the+iPad http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/iphone_internet_tethering_and_the_ipad/ It appears that the iPad will not support iPhone Internet tethering. How might this affect which iPad (Wi-Fi-only vs. Wi-Fi + 3G) you should buy? What is Internet tethering anyway? How does it work? And why isn’t it available yet on your iPhone? For all the answers, read on… Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:56:15 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fdelicious_library_improves_barcode_scanning%2F&seed_title=Delicious+Library+Improves+Barcode+Scanning http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/delicious_library_improves_barcode_scanning/ The scanning software in Delicious Library 2.4 (currently in beta) does a much better job of detecting barcodes than the prior version. Read more to find out why… Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:51:01 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fquicken_essentials_four_strikes_and_youre_out%2F&seed_title=Quicken+Essentials%3A+Four+Strikes+and+You%26%238217%3Bre+Out http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/quicken_essentials_four_strikes_and_youre_out/ My initial approach to Intuit’s newly released Quicken Essentials was similar to how the bomb squad in The Hurt Locker approaches an improvised explosive device: with extreme caution. Why? Because, given the program’s dismal history, Quicken Essentials already had three strikes against it before I even installed the software. In baseball, three strikes and you’re out. Fortunately for Intuit, the rules of the software game are more forgiving. I figured I could allow the program at least one more strike before sending it back to the dugout. How did it fare? Read on… Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:45:36 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fis_this_any_way_to_run_an_app_store%2F&seed_title=Is+This+Any+Way+to+Run+an+App+Store%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/is_this_any_way_to_run_an_app_store/ In the latest example of Apple’s bungled and heavy-handed approach to its App Store approval process, Apple has begun to remove all apps with “sexual content” from the Store. I want to step back from the smaller controversy surrounding “sexy apps.” Instead, I want to focus on what I believe is a larger more ominous issue: How Apple mistreats its third-party developers and how this ultimately stifles innovation on the iPhone. Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:54:22 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fnow_how_about_macworld_expo_2011%2F&seed_title=Now+How+About+Macworld+Expo+2011%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/now_how_about_macworld_expo_2011/ Macworld Expo 2010 is now behind us, though I'm sure we'll continue to publish and read news and reports from the show for some time to come.So on that subject I'll simply summarize that I believe it to have been a success. With that out of the way, let's look forward, shall we? Blogs, Dave Hamilton's Blog, Reports, Conferences, Macworld Expo Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:04:51 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Frejected_by_apple%2F&seed_title=Rejected+by+Apple http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/rejected_by_apple/ I’ve covered the story before. A developer submits an iPhone app to the App Store. The app gets rejected for what the developer believes to be an arbitrary or unjust cause. Some degree of controversy ensues. Usually, after some modifications by the developer or some degree of concession by Apple, or both, the app winds up in the Store after all. Yup. I’ve been down this road before. Still, I never expected I would be traveling it for an app of my own. Yet that is exactly what happened. Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:40:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhaving_fun_at_macworld_expo%2F&seed_title=Having+Fun+at+Macworld+Expo http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/having_fun_at_macworld_expo/ With Apple having pulled out, there was intense speculation these past months as to how Macworld Expo would hold up. I can now tell you that it holds up very well. This Expo has to be considered a success by any standard. Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:30:28 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmacworld_expo_its_our_show_not_apples%2F&seed_title=Macworld+Expo%3A+It%26%238217%3Bs+Our+Show%2C+Not+Apple%26%238217%3Bs http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/macworld_expo_its_our_show_not_apples/ Macworld Expo kicked off today, February 9, marking the fist year Apple won't have any kind of official presence at the conference. The Internet is full of reports that the event is dead in the water thanks to Apple pulling out, but those reports are flat-out wrong because it's really up to the attendees, vendors and IDG whether or not this is the year Macworld Expo dies. Blogs, Jeff Gamet's Blog, Reports, Conferences, Macworld Expo Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:31:01 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_ipads_brave_new_world%2F&seed_title=The+iPad%26%238217%3Bs+Brave+New+World http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_ipads_brave_new_world/ In my previous two columns, I concluded by mentioning an uneasiness regarding the potential implications for the iPad of the closed nature of iPhone OS. As promised, I explore this topic more fully in today’s column. Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:38:06 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fi_saw_the_ipad_and_i_saw_the_future_..._macbook%2F&seed_title=I+Saw+The+iPad%2C+and+I+Saw+The+Future+...+MacBook http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/i_saw_the_ipad_and_i_saw_the_future_..._macbook/ Dave Hamilton saw the future in Apple's new iPad, and not in the way you might expect. He sees it taking a substantial spot in Apple's product line in only a few years. More after the jump. Blogs, Dave Hamilton's Blog, iObserver, iPad Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:13:57 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fiphone_we_dont_need_no_multitasking..._but_we_need_something%2F&seed_title=iPhone+OS%3A+We+Don%26%238217%3Bt+Need+No+Multitasking%26%238230%3B+But+We+Need+Something http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/iphone_we_dont_need_no_multitasking..._but_we_need_something/ There's been a lot of discussion lately about the iPhone OS's lack of multitasking. That is, the iPhone OS can only let one app run at a time, and this is a frustration for many people. There are good reasons for this limitation, though, and Dave Hamilton discusses them along with a possible solution that might truly be a better option. More after the jump. Blogs, Dave Hamilton's Blog, iObserver, iPhone, iPad Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:26:36 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fipad_asks_can_i_squeeze_in_here%2F&seed_title=iPad+Asks%3A+Can+I+Squeeze+In+Here%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/ipad_asks_can_i_squeeze_in_here/ In his iPad Keynote, Steve Jobs stressed two critical points: (1) The iPad is a new category of portable computing device, fitting in between the iPhone/iPod touch and the MacBook; (2) To succeed in this new middle category, the iPad will have to do at least some things better than the devices at either end. I have spent a good deal of time pondering these two points. Although I reserve my final judgment until the iPad is released, I am ready to take an initial look at how well the iPad squeezes in to its middle seat. Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:15:41 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_ipad_an_inside-the-park_home_run%2F&seed_title=The+iPad%3A+An+Inside-the-Park+Home+Run http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_ipad_an_inside-the-park_home_run/ The iPad is tantamount to Apple hitting an inside-the-park home run. While Apple lit up the scoreboard with the iPad (which is what counts most), they didn’t manage the ultimate spectacle of hitting the ball beyond the upper decks. Here’s why: Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:46:22 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Flightning_lessons_from_the_ground%2F&seed_title=Lightning+Lessons+From+The+Ground http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/lightning_lessons_from_the_ground/ No stranger to the damage that can be caused by lightning strikes, Dave Hamilton shares his experiences, tips, and valuable lessons learned so you can properly protect yourself from the perils of power before they fry your valuable electronics! Tips, Columns and Opinions, Editorial, Blogs, Dave Hamilton's Blog Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:30:43 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fprint_that_iphone%2F&seed_title=Print+That%2C+iPhone%21 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/print_that_iphone/ If you’ve ever tried to print something from your iPhone, you’ve discovered that this is not an area where Apple has provided much help. Sure, at least for some kinds of data, you can transfer the material to your Mac, typically during a sync — and print the items from your Mac. But what if you want to print from your iPhone without having your Mac as an intermediary? Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:07:05 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwill_a_tablet_replace_my_macbook%2F&seed_title=Will+a+Tablet+Replace+My+MacBook%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/will_a_tablet_replace_my_macbook/ Unless every rumor that has been published thus far is wrong, one thing is certain: Apple’s soon-to-be-revealed tablet computer will be based on the iPhone OS. In other words, the tablet will be more akin to a super-sized iPhone than a scaled-down Mac. The big still-wide-open question is what market demand will this new device meet? Of special interest to me in this regard is: Will the tablet be capable of acting as a smaller lighter-weight replacement for my MacBook Pro? Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:04:37 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_one_where_i_interview_a_porn_star%2F&seed_title=The+One+Where+I+Interview+a+Porn+Star http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_one_where_i_interview_a_porn_star/ Last week, while the Consumer Electronics Show was taking place in the Las Vegas Convention Center, there was an entirely different show in town, just a few blocks away: the Adult Entertainment Expo. I was contacted by one of its exhibitors, Digital Playground, who requested that I do a few interviews. I agreed. Here is the result… Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:14:13 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fleaving_las_vegas_reflections_on_cesand_apple%2F&seed_title=Leaving+Las+Vegas%3A+Reflections+on+CES%26%238230%3Band+Apple http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/leaving_las_vegas_reflections_on_cesand_apple/ With the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) over, I consider what I’ve learned from my visit — especially from the perspective of my interest in all things Apple. Should Apple attend CES? What about Macworld Expo? Read on… Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:05:50 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fces_highlights_from_ilounge_pavilion_to_3d_televisions%2F&seed_title=CES+Highlights%3A+From+iLounge+Pavilion+to+3D+Televisions http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/ces_highlights_from_ilounge_pavilion_to_3d_televisions/ From the iPod and iPhone peripherals in the iLounge Pavilion to the spectacular flat screen televisons in the Central Hall, I walk you through my first day at CES (I hope you're wearing comfortable shoes). Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:11:53 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmy_adventures_in_las_vegas_ces_and_beyond%2F&seed_title=My+Adventures+in+Las+Vegas%3A+CES+and+Beyond http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/my_adventures_in_las_vegas_ces_and_beyond/ Here I am in Las Vegas for CES. Steve Ballmer. Lady Gaga. Gambling. Adult Entertainment. Long walks and taxi rides. Read all about it… Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:28:07 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fiphones_and_ipods_on_a_train%2F&seed_title=iPhones+and+iPods+on+a+Train http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/iphones_and_ipods_on_a_train/ Gleaning the future of Apple’s iPhones and iPods from riding the BART and observing strangers on the train. Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:03:34 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fslow_times_in_the_apple_universe%2F&seed_title=Slow+Times+in+the+Apple+Universe http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/slow_times_in_the_apple_universe/ Here in the Apple universe, we are in the midst of a slow news cycle. Very slow. So slow that I fear we may actually be moving in reverse. Not to fear. Things are about to change. Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:54:16 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fend_of_the_year_blog_bits_wi-fi_on_a_plane_to_tv_on_an_iphone%2F&seed_title=End+of+the+Year+Blog+Bits%3A+Wi-Fi+on+a+Plane+to+TV+on+an+iPhone http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/end_of_the_year_blog_bits_wi-fi_on_a_plane_to_tv_on_an_iphone/ It’s that time of year. With 2009 drawing to a close, I’m dumping all the old notes and clippings from my virtual desk drawer, discarding items that never quite managed to make it to a blog entry. But wait. As I browsed through the notes, I discovered a few topics that seemed to merit at least a brief last-minute mention. They range from in-flight Wi-Fi to television on an iPhone to Bluetooth headsets. Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:20:42 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fand_the_winner_is...apple%2F&seed_title=And+the+Winner+Is%26%238230%3BApple http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/and_the_winner_is...apple/ I use a thought experiment as a means to come up with my choice for “gadget of the decade.” Hint: It comes from Apple. Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:35:03 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fblogs&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fpredicting_the_future%2F&seed_title=Predicting+the+Future http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/predicting_the_future/ A look back at predictions I made this past year and a new list of predictions for the year ahead. Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, Blogs Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:50:00 -0500