http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/contact/author/13799/John Martellaro/ Daily news, opinions, editorials, reviews, tips, help, forums, comments, and podcasts all relating to the Mac, Apple, the iPod, the iPhone, and the surrounding industries. en johnm@macobserver.com Copyright 2012 Fri, 25 May 2012 13:40:51 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_tv_industrys_dreadful_little_secret%2F&seed_title=The+TV+Industry%26%238217%3Bs+Dreadful+Little+Secret http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_tv_industrys_dreadful_little_secret/ We all knew the business model, commercial breaks, for the TV industry is a mess. But now the foolishness has been taken to new heights. Fox has filed a lawsuit against Dish Network for taking care of its customers. The whole industry is ripe for disruption and may not even see it coming. Perhaps Apple does. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 25 May 2012 14:40:51 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Ff18_carrier_landing_lite_a_boatload_of_fun%2F&seed_title=F18+Carrier+Landing+%28iOS%29+is+a+Boatload+of+Fun http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/f18_carrier_landing_lite_a_boatload_of_fun/ Landing a jet on an aircraft carrier is one of the hardest things humans do. So it’s a great candidate for a game, both as a challenge and as a sobering introduction to the real thing. This game has great visuals and is easy to fly, but it’s not really a technical flight simulator. That’s quite okay. Reviews, Quick Look Review, iObserver, iPhone, iPad, iPod Fri, 25 May 2012 11:09:54 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_the_ripples_in_Apples_techsphere_will_influence_us%2F&seed_title=How+the+Ripples+in+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+TechSphere+Will+Influence+Us http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_the_ripples_in_Apples_techsphere_will_influence_us/ Apple has become such a large company that its influence ripples throughout the market in ways we are just coming to understand. That, in turn, can dictate our personal technology choices in new ways. Columns and Opinions, Editorial Thu, 24 May 2012 16:44:08 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Fcasellet_iphone_4s_case_and_wallet_combined%2F&seed_title=Casellet%3A+iPhone+4S+Case+and+Wallet+Combined http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/casellet_iphone_4s_case_and_wallet_combined/ The Casellet is an iPhone case integrated with a wallet that can conceal a small amount of cash or credit cards. It’s perfect for those occasions when you need your iPhone (4 or 4S) but don’t want to carry a wallet or purse. Reviews, Quick Look Review, iObserver, iPhone Thu, 24 May 2012 14:41:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&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=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Fkuel_h12_stylus_for_ipad_almost_perfect%2F&seed_title=Kuel+H12+Stylus+for+iPad%3A+Almost+Perfect http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/kuel_h12_stylus_for_ipad_almost_perfect/ In a continuing series of reviews, John Martellaro has been looking at styluses for iOS devices, primarily an iPad. The SPIGEN Kuel H12 stylus, like the previously reviewed Wacom Bamboo, is almost perfect. But not quite. Reviews, In-Depth Review, iObserver, iPhone, iPad, iPod Wed, 23 May 2012 15:30:44 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Festimated_apple_tv_sales_to_date_6.3_million%2F&seed_title=Estimated+Apple+TV+Sales+to+Date%3A+6.3+Million http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/estimated_apple_tv_sales_to_date_6.3_million/ Apple has been coy in the past about disclosing its sales of Apple TVs. Data has come out in bits and pieces.  However, to gain insight into the prospects for an Apple HDTV, it seems timely to estimate how Apple has done with the Apple TV over the years. Analysis Tue, 22 May 2012 16:00:18 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fyes_but_will_anyone_actually_buy_an_apple_hdtv%2F&seed_title=Yes%2C+But+Will+Anyone+Actually+BUY+an+Apple+HDTV%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/yes_but_will_anyone_actually_buy_an_apple_hdtv/ When Apple decides to build and market a new product, it has to be a quality product that stands on its own and has value.  However, Apple may have moved to a new place in the minds of customers, and that would weigh considerably on the success of the rumored Apple HDTV. Also, of course, there’s this week’s Tech News Debris. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 18 May 2012 16:25:33 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fcomcast_ditching_data_caps_moving_to_allotments%2F&seed_title=Comcast+Ditching+Data+Caps%2C+Moving+to+Allotments http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/comcast_ditching_data_caps_moving_to_allotments/ On Thursday, Comcast announced that it will be testing a tiered, allotment approach to Internet data and will eventually do away with the current, absolute 250 GB data cap. News Thu, 17 May 2012 15:30:48 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fnew_surprising_facts_about_iphone_security%2F&seed_title=New%2C+Surprising+Facts+About+iPhone+Security http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/new_surprising_facts_about_iphone_security/ With all the emphasis Apple puts on iOS security, one would think that it’s a backburner issue. But there are interesting new developments, and John Martellaro had a chat with Juniper Networks to find out more. Analysis, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iPad, iPod Thu, 17 May 2012 14:45:32 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Frumor_roundup_apples_new_products%2F&seed_title=Rumor+Roundup%3A+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+New+Products http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/rumor_roundup_apples_new_products/ Rumors are flying fast and furious about almost every major Apple product. Here’s a roundup of all the rumors and how good we think the rumors are. Analysis Wed, 16 May 2012 14:30:13 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_to_compete_against_apple_..._and_win%2F&seed_title=How+to+Compete+Against+Apple+%26%238230%3B+and+Win http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_compete_against_apple_..._and_win/ Smart, technical people have known for a long time why their company, their executives, and their CEO can’t seem to fight a winning battle against the competition, namely Apple. It’s a dirty little secret that no one wants to admit to. John Martellaro explores the problem. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 15 May 2012 13:15:40 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fan_inconvenient_truth_about_e-books%2F&seed_title=An+Inconvenient+Truth+About+E-books http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/an_inconvenient_truth_about_e-books/ E-books seemed awfully cool at first, especially as Apple and Amazon popularized terrific tablets and e-readers on which to read them. Plus sales of e-books are greater than paper versions now. But there are lots of gotchas, and the whole industry is basically a mess. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 11 May 2012 17:20:05 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Ff-sim_space_shuttle_for_ios_a_superb_flight_simulator%2F&seed_title=F-Sim+Space+Shuttle+for+iOS%3A+A+Superb+Flight+Simulator http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/f-sim_space_shuttle_for_ios_a_superb_flight_simulator/ Sometimes there are apps that are so amazing, so well done, so technically pleasing, that one is in awe. Such is the case for F-Sim’s Space Shuttle landing simulator. The graphics on a retina display are astounding. The technical depth is amazing. If you’ve ever wanted to experience what it’s like to land the Space Shuttle orbiter, this is it. Reviews, In-Depth Review, iObserver, iPhone, iPad, iPod Fri, 11 May 2012 16:00:46 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Foracle_responds_java_7_implementation_on_os_x%2F&seed_title=Oracle+Responds%3A+Java+7+Implementation+on+OS+X http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/oracle_responds_java_7_implementation_on_os_x/ Oracle has announced that they wil be taking over the maintenance of Java SE on OS X starting with version 7. However, there are still some practical details to address, and so TMO asked Oracle about a few of them. News Wed, 09 May 2012 13:01:28 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwhat_im_wishing_for_these_days%2F&seed_title=Products+I%26%238217%3Bm+Wishing+for+These+Days http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/what_im_wishing_for_these_days/ Technology continues to advance and amaze us. Off hand, one might think that we have everything we need, but John Martellaro has a long wish list of things he cannot yet buy, and here it is. Columns and Opinions, Editorial Wed, 09 May 2012 11:20:16 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Fbamboo_stylus_solo_for_ipad_almost_perfect%2F&seed_title=Bamboo+Stylus+Solo+for+iPad%3A+Almost+Perfect http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/bamboo_stylus_solo_for_ipad_almost_perfect/ The Wacom Bamboo Solo is the third iPad stylus reviewed by John Martellaro, and it’s the best he’s seen to date. Reviews, In-Depth Review, iObserver, iPad Mon, 07 May 2012 15:00:07 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftim_cooks_style_is_working_bloggers_are_not%2F&seed_title=Tim+Cook%26%238217%3Bs+Style+is+Working%2C+Bloggers+Are+Not http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tim_cooks_style_is_working_bloggers_are_not/ John Martellaro is getting tired of writers who are making a fuss about how Tim Cook can’t cut it and how Apple will slide into mediocrity under his leadership. Let’s look at the facts instead. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 04 May 2012 16:43:23 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_mother_eats_her_young_ipad_vs._macbook%2F&seed_title=The+Mother+Eats+Her+Young%3A+iPad+vs.+MacBook http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_mother_eats_her_young_ipad_vs._macbook/ Could the iPad really cannibalize the MacBook line into extinction? Could there be a resurgence of the desktops? John Martellaro has more questions than answers, but gives it a shot. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Fri, 04 May 2012 13:05:36 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftarget_stores_to_phase_out_kindle_products%2F&seed_title=Target+Stores+to+Phase+out+Kindle+Products http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/target_stores_to_phase_out_kindle_products/ Target has confirmed that it will be phasing out Amazon- and Kindle-branded products in the spring of 2012. There was no mention of any change to Apple products. News Wed, 02 May 2012 17:00:37 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsteve_jobs_patent_exhibit_to_open_at_smithsonian%2F&seed_title=Steve+Jobs+Patent+Exhibit+to+Open+at+Smithsonian http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/steve_jobs_patent_exhibit_to_open_at_smithsonian/ Starting May 11, the Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center in Washington, D.C. will display the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s exhibit, “The Patents and Trademarks of Steve Jobs: Art and Technology that Changed the World.” News Wed, 02 May 2012 15:52:33 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fvideo_spoofs_tim_cooks_convergence_putdown_froaster%2F&seed_title=Video+Spoofs+Tim+Cook%26%238217%3Bs+Convergence+Putdown%3A+Froaster http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/video_spoofs_tim_cooks_convergence_putdown_froaster/ Tim Cook’s recent comments that dismissed the idea of convergence, the physical merging of the MacBook line and the iPad, have people talking. One company, Brydge, that’s actually working on a convergence product has roasted Mr. Cook’s notion with its own video spoof: the Froaster. News Wed, 02 May 2012 13:46:45 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Fnoteshelf_for_ios_is_a_must-have_ipad_app%2F&seed_title=Noteshelf+for+iPad+is+a+Must-Have+App http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/noteshelf_for_ios_is_a_must-have_ipad_app/ Noteshelf is an app designed to take written notes on an iPad, but it is so much more than that. It is so perfectly designed, so ingenious, so intuitive that it has to be considered one of the quintessential iPad apps. It’s a must-have tool and gets a 4.5/5 rating. Reviews, Quick Look Review, iObserver, iPad Tue, 01 May 2012 16:15:08 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Fastronomy_buddy_is_unfriendly%2F&seed_title=Astronomy+Buddy+for+iOS+is+Unfriendly http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/astronomy_buddy_is_unfriendly/ Astronomy Buddy is an iOS app designed to be a tool for learning about astronomy as well as a helper for teachers.  It includes lessons, quizzes, news feeds, astronomy videos and maps to the major observatories. However, the visual presentation and depth of explanatory material are not well matched. Reviews, Quick Look Review, iObserver, iPhone, iPad, iPod Tue, 01 May 2012 11:50:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fare_apple_fans_in_denial_no_theyre_not%2F&seed_title=Are+Apple+Fans+in+Denial%3F+No+They%26%238217%3Bre+Not http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/are_apple_fans_in_denial_no_theyre_not/ Now that Apple has succeeded beyond our wildest dreams, some bloggers find it hard to resist exploring the idea that all companies have a natural business cycle: birth, maybe a mini-death, revival, and final demise.  It’s an intriguing proposition, especially for Apple fans who are especially touchy about the prospect. What’s a good approach to all this fuss? John Martellaro has some perspective. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:14:02 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fno_fridgetoaster_for_you_let_the_ipad_evolve%2F&seed_title=No+FridgeToaster+for+You%3A+Let+the+iPad+Evolve http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/no_fridgetoaster_for_you_let_the_ipad_evolve/ During Apple’s Financial Results Conference Call on Tuesday, Tim Cook dismissed the idea of a hybrid device, the convergence of the MacBook and an iPad. He clearly stated, “We’re not going to that party.”  John Martellaro has some thoughts on that related to the natural selection and evolution of the iPad. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:50:15 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Fg-form_extreme_edge_case_for_ipad_a_mixed_strong_bag%2F&seed_title=G-Form+Extreme+Edge+Case+for+iPad%3A+a+Mixed%2C+Strong+Bag http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/g-form_extreme_edge_case_for_ipad_a_mixed_strong_bag/ The G-Form Extreme Edge case for all iPads is an open face case with a very rugged, shock absorbing material everywhere else. Not only is it lightweight and water-resistant, but it offers a lot of protection. Missing, however, are the aesthetics usually associated with the iPad. And there’s a good reason for that. Reviews, Quick Look Review, iObserver, iPad Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:53:06 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwwdc_ticket_sales_exactly_as_apple_planned_it%2F&seed_title=WWDC+Ticket+Sales%3A+Exactly+as+Apple+Planned+it http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/wwdc_ticket_sales_exactly_as_apple_planned_it/ WWDC 2012 sold out in two hours, and a lot of people were left out. However, Apple’s plan for those ticket sales went exactly according to plan. John Martellaro explains why. Columns and Opinions, Editorial Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:03:29 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapples_ceo_no_convergence_of_ipad_and_macbooks%2F&seed_title=Apple%26%238217%3Bs+CEO%3A+No+Convergence+of+iPad+and+MacBooks http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_ceo_no_convergence_of_ipad_and_macbooks/ At today’s Financial Results Conference Call, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook was asked about a possible convergence of MacBooks and the iPad.  Surprisingly, he responded and even outlined Apple’s strategy. News Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:50:55 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fessential_ipad_apps_for_the_educator%2F&seed_title=8+Essential+iPad+Apps+for+the+Educator http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/essential_ipad_apps_for_the_educator/ If you’re an educator of any kind, from grade school through the university level, you’ll find the iPad is a great portable device for everything from presenting to writing to reading to managing student relationships. Here’s a list of iPad apps and accessories every educator should have. Tips, iObserver, iPad Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:40:15 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_the_black_hole_of_the_big_business_trajectory%2F&seed_title=Apple+%26amp%3B+the+Black+Hole+of+the+Big+Business+Trajectory http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_the_black_hole_of_the_big_business_trajectory/ Apple certainly appears to be on a typical business arc. A struggling computer company hits the big time, suddenly has lots of money, new products are added, its list of competitors grows, and that takes the company into endless court proceedings against those competitors. Then serious security issues crop up. Suddenly the U.S. DOJ is interested in some business practices. What’s next? Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:51:12 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwhat_ever_happened_to_microsoft%2F&seed_title=What+Ever+Happened+to+Microsoft%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/what_ever_happened_to_microsoft/ In the spring of 2012, there’s a lot of talk about Apple, Google, smartphones, Facebook and the iPad. Yet, quietly, Microsoft plods along with MS Office and Windows 8 in a Post-PC era. What’s Microsoft really up to these days? Where are they going? Analysis Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:25:39 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapples_dream_of_appliance_computing_is_unobtainable%2F&seed_title=Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Dream+of+Appliance+Computing+is+Unobtainable http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_dream_of_appliance_computing_is_unobtainable/ When dial-up gave way to always-on broadband, and our computers came to be exposed to the Internet 24x7, a perpetual conflict sprang to life: the direct interests of Apple to tout care-free “appliance computing” versus the reality of technology, evil hackers, and the limits of a modern OS.  The Flashback Trojan renews the question: how’s Apple doing? Can the security war be won? Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:00:44 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Fkuel_h10_stylus_for_ipad_not_so_cool%2F&seed_title=Kuel+H10+Stylus+for+iPad%3A+Not+so+Cool+as+a+Pen http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/kuel_h10_stylus_for_ipad_not_so_cool/ John Martellaro has been experimenting with styluses for the iPad lately, thinking about styluses as pens. Here is his second Quick Look review, the Kuel H10. Reviews, Quick Look Review, iObserver, iPhone, iPad, iPod Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:20:52 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_falls_behind_in_home_networking%2F&seed_title=Apple+Falls+Behind+in+Home+Networking http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_falls_behind_in_home_networking/ Apple, after many years of leading the way in home networking, Wi-Fi and IPv6, has suddenly become rather quiet about IPv6 and the AirPort Extreme. It’s a mystery, and one that’s fascinating to follow. In other tech news debris, Rich Mogull has published two thought-provoking articles on Mac security and CNET has published two fabulous articles on the technical details related to the Flashback Trojan. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:59:35 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Frocketfish_stylus_for_ipad_the_long_and_short%2F&seed_title=Rocketfish+Stylus+for+iPad%3A+The+Long+and+Short http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/rocketfish_stylus_for_ipad_the_long_and_short/ John Martellaro has been experimenting with styluses for the iPad lately.  Here is his first Quick Look review, the Rocketfish Stylus. Reviews, Quick Look Review, iObserver, iPhone, iPad, iPod Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:33:47 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fbluefire_e-book_reader_for_ipad_-_revisited%2F&seed_title=Bluefire+E-book+Reader+for+iPad+-+Revisited http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/bluefire_e-book_reader_for_ipad_-_revisited/ Recently, the very capable Bluefire E-book reader, version 1.6, for iPad was reviewed with a very favorable rating. After the review was published, the app was updated to version 1.7 with some significant improvements that are worth a mention. They include support for the new iPad’s Retina Display. Reviews, Quick Look Review, iObserver, iPad Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:44:46 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fread_qr_codes_with_your_iphone%2F&seed_title=Read+QR+Codes+With+Your+iPhone http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/read_qr_codes_with_your_iphone/ A QR code is a two-dimensional bar code designed to link paper or signs to the Internet. If you have a QR reader for your iPhone, you can aim the camera at the QR code and obtain information, link to a website, trigger a phone call and so on.  Here’s how to do it. Tips, How-To, iObserver, iPhone, iPad Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:16:28 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Fexplore_the_sky_with_the_best_skysafari_for_ipad%2F&seed_title=Explore+the+Sky+with+the+Best%3A+SkySafari+for+iPad http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/explore_the_sky_with_the_best_skysafari_for_ipad/ With spring upon us and the constellation Orion hanging gloriously in the western sky at sunset, it’s a great time to explore the night sky with a telescope or binoculars and a personal guide to the sky on your iPad. SkySafari for iPad is a dynamic star chart that will help you identify stars, planets, nebulae and more.  It’s the best of all the star chart apps for iOS. Treat yourself or bestow it on a youngster. Reviews, In-Depth Review, iObserver, iPhone, iPad, iPod Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:00:27 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftim_cook_challenge_fix_apples_security_mentality%2F&seed_title=Tim+Cook+Challenge%3A+Fix+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Security+Mentality http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tim_cook_challenge_fix_apples_security_mentality/ Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, has been about the business of fine tuning Apple, making some needed improvements and taking decisive action. It would be nice to see heightened attention to Apple’s OS security methodology added to the list. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:05:02 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fgoogle_glass_vs._the_vision_of_steve_jobs%2F&seed_title=Google+Glass+vs.+the+Vision+of+Steve+Jobs http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/google_glass_vs._the_vision_of_steve_jobs/ There’s been a lot of excitement about the Google Glass Project in the past 24 hours. John Martellaro has some thoughts on how that vision compares to Apple’s. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:25:50 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Finstall_the_command_line_c_compilers_in_os_x_lion%2F&seed_title=Install+the+Command+Line+C+Compilers+in+OS+X+Lion http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/install_the_command_line_c_compilers_in_os_x_lion/ Out of the box, OS X Lion doesn’t have the command line C compilers. Plus, Apple has once again changed the way you install those compilers in /usr/bin.  Here’s how to do it with the latest Xcode and Lion. Tips, How-To Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:45:08 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Fexplore_the_sky_with_star_chart_on_ipad%2F&seed_title=Explore+the+Sky+with+the+Awe-Inspiring+Star+Chart+for+iPad http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/explore_the_sky_with_star_chart_on_ipad/ Star Chart is a universal app for iOS that charts the sky for any date from the ancient past well into the future. It’s a beautiful app, always being improved, a great introduction to the night sky, but suffers from a few astronomical errors and has limited settings. Reviews, In-Depth Review, iObserver, iPhone Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:01:56 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fcaptain_cook_sails_to_china%2F&seed_title=Captain+Cook+Sails+to+China http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/captain_cook_sails_to_china/ Tim Cook has been in China this week to deal with a variety of issues. That’s very good news: the captain of the Apple ship is getting out and about, some wind in his hair. In other news debris, one deeper analysis article looks at why companies can’t compete with the iPad and are dropping into fear. Another takes a deep foray into the fiery plains of thermonuclear patent war. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:50:14 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Fwonders_of_the_universe_for_ipad_is_amazing%2F&seed_title=Wonders+of+the+Universe+for+iPad+is+Amazing http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/wonders_of_the_universe_for_ipad_is_amazing/ Have you ever wanted a grand tour of the universe, with an astrophysicist as your tour guide, all wrapped up with text explanations, diagrams and awesome videos?  This is it, and you’ll love it. Reviews, Quick Look Review, iObserver, iPad Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:43:35 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_case_for_apple_to_preserve_the_mac_pro%2F&seed_title=The+Case+For+Apple+to+Preserve+the+Mac+Pro http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_case_for_apple_to_preserve_the_mac_pro/ Apple hasn’t updated the Mac Pro line since 2010. When the time between product updates stretches out, we worry about the viability of the product. Here are some thoughts related to why the Mac Pro line is such a good thing for us Apple customers. Columns and Opinions, Editorial Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:43:23 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fokay_scifi_fans_what_comes_after_the_ipad%2F&seed_title=Okay%2C+SciFi+Fans%2C+What+Comes+After+iPad%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/okay_scifi_fans_what_comes_after_the_ipad/ The evolution of our science fiction technology, the dramatic visions of people who dream the future for a living, have steadily percolated into our lives. We dreamed of a personal tablet, and now we have it. What could be next for Apple — and us? Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:00:55 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fos_x_mountain_lion_galaxy_photo_identified%2F&seed_title=OS+X+Mountain+Lion+Galaxy+Photo+Identified http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/os_x_mountain_lion_galaxy_photo_identified/ When OS X Lion shipped, Apple used an image of the M31 galaxy in the constellation Andromeda as the default desktop image.  Then, when Mountain Lion was announced, the default image changed to a galaxy no one could identify immediately. Now, a reader has tipped us off. News, TMO Scoop Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:41:13 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_ipad_3_the_heat_and_the_fury%2F&seed_title=The+iPad+3%3A+The+Heat+and+the+Fury http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_ipad_3_the_heat_and_the_fury/ Apple’s iPad 3 has been the subject of “heatgate” this week. John takes a look at all that fuss and his experiences with his own iPad 3. Plus, he has the standard edition of tech news debris: Why can’t you use FaceTime over LTE? Has Apple exhausted the ways it can make life miserable for Google? And contrary to the conventional wisdom, customers continue to embrace Blu-ray. What a concept. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:00:45 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F13799&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_ceo_tim_cook_a_report_card%2F&seed_title=Apple+CEO+Tim+Cook%3A+a+Report+Card http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_ceo_tim_cook_a_report_card/ Tim Cook has been the full-time CEO of Apple since late August 2011. The new captain of the ship is steadily earning our confidence. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:19:17 -0400