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WiWait for Apple for WiReless iPod Sync When It’s Here Now?

I’ve been saying since last Christmas here at SvenOnTech that iPods need Wi-Fi for an assortment of reasons. One very strong case for it is wireless syncing. My dream is to have the car parked in the garage and sync from my glove box, but that seems to be just that at this moment. A dream. Thankfully, though, silex america has a similar dream and with its WiDock, you can get that wireless sync action today.

WiDock is a dock for your iPod with a dock connector on the bottom of your iPod. Looking very much like the Apple dock, the white block that holds your iPod in an angle differs in the front only with its black circle on the left side. This is for the infrared eye. Don’t worry about buying yet another remote as it will look for Apple’s own white remote that is a common fixture with new Macs. The Mac remote will now control your iPod as well from across the room with the same ease you use in Front Row. On the back of the dock is where you’ll find the real difference to this ingenious little white guy, though. With its 3.5mm audio plug and S-Video output, you’ll have the luxury of adding your iPod to the stereo and TV, and again, with the ability to control it with your Apple remote.

“But what about the wireless sync?” you ask. Okay, that’s done through Wi-Fi, hence the Wi in the WiDock name. Supporting both 802.11b and g protocols, WiDock will work with just about any Access Point out including Apple’s Airport Express. For those wise wireless users that have password protected their networks, WiDock will support the weak WEP to the strong WPA2 encryption schemes. If you’re happier with wires out of your walls, then don’t worry, silex america covered you folks with an RJ-45 connector on the back of the WiDock, too.

Now if you’re thinking to yourself, and you probably are because you’re such a smart reader, “How does this all communicate with iTunes, though?” then I’ll cut you off at the pass and just tell you that you need to install some software onto your Mac or PC before you can use this dock. After you get SVL for Mac or Windows installed, with a couple of setting adjustments made from either the iTunes host computer, iPod, or even from a Web browser on your network, you’ll be syncing your iPod wirelessly in no time!

We will be meeting with silex america at this year’s CES and will give you all the goods on this product as well as any other exciting information we can pull from it. SvenOnTech will also happily be performing a review on the WiDock of which the results will be found right here our reviews section. Stay tuned…wirelessly!

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Verizon and Novatel Bring EVDO to the MacBook Pro via ExpressCard

Dying to really use that ExpressCard slot on the left side of your MacBook Pro? Want to put something in it besides a silly SD Card reader that’s hard to come by? You want speed, you say? Well, dude, jump over to EVDOinfo.com and order your Novatel V640 EVDO ExpressCard today. Better hurry, too, because their first shipment sold out faster than you could say, “Hey, Sprint ain’t got any of these and won’t for a while.” No link to the offer as you’ll have to go 1980s on this one and use the phone. Give ‘em a call at (847) 462-4004 x640 to get yours ordered now.

Do note that you should be able to install the drivers for this right off the supplied CD-ROM as we’ve seen elsewhere; however, looks like there is an OS X install disc in the beta stages with a release around the corner. So truth is, you probably will be good to go on installation by the time you get this little hot dog into your, well, hot MacBook Pro.

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The Mighty Mouse Loses Its Tether and Can Finally Fly!

Okay, here’s one we at SvenOnTech got way wrong. We thought the Mighty Mouse would go wireless back in January at Macworld but as you all know, it didn’t. Well Apple has finally done the little critter justice and removed its tail so the Mighty Mouse could fly…or get lost because one of your children removed it from your desk for a play toy. The Wireless Mighty Mouse doesn’t add much to the white Apple mouse with one small little ball on it other than two AA batteries and an extra $20 to the price.

So if you need the mightiest mouse off all time to be not tethered down, then hit the Apple Store and slap your $69 down today and get it!

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Give Your Mac or Access Point a 15x Power Boost!

Looking to bleed the neighborhood with your Apple Airport signal? Or do you live on some land and would like to check how to properly milk a cow while in the barn? Hey, MacWireless has something just for ya, then!

The MacWireless 11g AirPort Booster comes in three grades. Depending on your need, you can either pick up a 3x, 6x, or super-sweet 15x booster. The nice thing about this device is you don’t have to have an Apple product to use these boosters as it just plugs into one of three different connectors. Gotta know which ones they are? Okay. If you have either an N-Type Connector, an RP-TNC Connector, or an RP-SMA Connector, you’ll be set to go.

Working on a wide range of previous generation iBook and PowerBook notebooks, as well as the Mac mini, the booster isn’t just for access points. Do note, though, for us cutting edge Airport Express users, we, unfortunately, are out of luck on this one as the booster is not compatible with the little white hang-from-the-wall-outlet access point. Maybe next time.

The small fit-in-your-hand booster from MacWireless is a great way to get the “word” out to your Mac, or PC, at an affordable price no matter how much you want to amplify your 802.11a/g signal.

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It’s 108° and You Need to Keep Your MacBook Pro Cool

I sit in my air conditioned office that has been struggling all day to get to that 77° mark (it’s at 80#deg; right now) as the outside scorches at 108°. Sure, those of you that live in Phoenix are use to this, but out here in California where the ocean is nice and close, we get humidity added to this and man, talk about hot! Add to the mix that you have a MacBook or MacBook Pro that like to run hot and your headed toward an AppleCare support call real fast!

Keeping your notebook, Mac or PC, cool in the heat of the summer is an important thing for any computer user. There are a few products out there that help keep your precious resource cool and SvenOnTech hopes that one of them will be a good choice for you and your computer.

A common universal solution is the USB fan cooler. These are plastic trays that have two or three fans built into them that help directly cool your Mac or PC laptop. Some come with batteries on-board while others suck its needed juice from your USB port. A couple of top end ones will actually power a computer with its own internal battery while others expand your USB with a built-in hub. Prices range from as low as $12 to just about over a hundred dollars. BuyExtras has an excellent selection to chose from if this quick fix interests you.

If you’re not into draining power from your already power hungry Mac, then you can consider a stand. Elevating the Mac to allow a flow of air under it will help keep things on the cooler side for sure. From offerings by Griffin Technology (iCurve), to Rain Design’s iLap, to Road Tools’ CoolPad, you have a few choices if you stand to go with this solution.

You can also keep track of just how hot things are really getting inside your Mac with the Temperature Monitor by Marcel Bresink. If your Mac is equipped with temperature sensors, then you’ll get charts, readings, and all sorts of information about the heat under your hood. Bresink kept it cool on the price as it’s a free download for your enjoyment.

Now if you could care less about your Mac and are more concerned with getting yourself chilled, then maybe you need an USB Beverage Chiller. It’ll keep that soda, water, or foo-foo coffee cold while you work hard!

Enjoy your summer.

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Forget Mighty Mouse BT, Get The Mouse BT Now

Mouse BT from Chwang Yi is the answer for all you Mac mini and iMac users who long to use a two button mouse without a cord. While many RF mice exist, you’re hard pressed finding a Bluetooth version. It was our hopes to find the Mighty Mouse BT at Macworld this year; however, Apple seemed too busy with MacBooks to concern itself with a little gadget like that.

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Get Woz on Your Shirt with a Working Apple II CPU

woz_apple_ii_cpuIf you can remember the good "ol days of the Apple II then you"ll probably want to jump on this offer from podprix. Artist Tomi is putting on sale tonight at 6 PM (EST) a limited amount of brown T-shirts with the Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak in Lego minifig form holding an actual 6502 CPU. Not only is it an actual chip, it"s an actual functioning chip. Tomi tells us, "Each chip is in full operating condition. If you plugged it into an old Apple machine it would work properly." Cool!

If you"re interested in getting your shirt so you"ll be the coolest one on the floor at the next Apple WWDC conference, then orders yours tonight. Like all podbrix items, this will go fast.

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Microsoft To Make First Mac-only Keyboard

//www.corante.com/mooreslore/archives/images/microsoft keyboard from pc magazineMicrosoft will be releasing its popular curvy keyboard for the Mac later this year. Due sometime by summer, Microsoft will give Mac users a keyboard with a dedicated key that only the Mac understands. But that key won"t have the commonly found apple on it as Microsoft could not get proper authorization for its use. Instead, a clover will doan the key next to the spacebar for those special Apple functions. Also found on the keyboard will a key for ejecting optical discs such as a CD or DVD.

The keyboard will be a kit that will come with an optical mouse and both will be wireless. Expect the kit to retail for $99.99.

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Flip Over Belkin’s New KVM for the Mac mini

Did I flip out when I saw Belkin showing off it’s new KVM for the Mac mini at CES, Saturday? No. But I was very much intrigued by it. Its perfect fit to sit under the mini and seamless look made it an immediate eye pleaser. Then the touch sensitive buttons made it just that much better.

So what’s the point of this KVM? Who has two mini’s that need hooking up? We’ll, that’s not the point. The point is to actually hook up another box like a PC to it. I had to ditch my kids “play” computer when we got our mini because there was no good KVM solution for the mini. Now after seeing this, the kids can once again play Charlie the Church mouse!

It’s your basic two port KVM. It handles VGA (yes, you’ll need a DVI-VGA converter which the Flip will come with,) stereo out, mic in, and USB keyboards and mice. All Apple keys are supported with the KVM as well.

Selling for about $85 (soon,) this will be a nice addition to any family needing to pair two computers up and one of them being a Mac mini. I thought it was pretty nice and it will be there at Macworld tomorrow for all to see once more before its release.

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Mighty Mouse to Get Mightier

So I’ve been using the Mighty Mouse since the day it came out and I have only one major compliant. The cord. When you have a cordless keyboard and you can move about the room freely, it kinda sucks to have a mouse that’s not so mighty after all. In fact, didn’t the original Mighty Mouse fly? Mmm.

Well I’m here on record to say one of the “yawners” at Macworld will be the release of the Might Mouse Cordless. It’ll use the wonderful protocol of Bluetooth and bond with the Mac mini I type on now without any problem. Yes, it’s going to be just something that kinda shows up and probably won’t get much mention since the iTablet, Intel PowerBook, and 6GB iPod nano will all be stealing the show. But that’s okay, because I’ll be in line at the Apple Store on Market Street before it even opens waiting in line to get my mouse worthy of its name. That’ll be mighty fine indeed.

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Return of the iMac Hockey Puck Mouse

Hey, if you really dug the original mouse that came with the first iMac, then you may be interested in this new mouse from Hori. Don’t worry, it’s up to date with the latest features and technology. Firmly planted on both front sides are two (yes, two!) buttons. In between those nicely crafted buttons is also a scroll wheel. Sure, it looks a little reminiscent of the Microsoft InteliMouse, but it does not distract from the over all feel of the hockey puck design. Remember now, I stated that this has been updated so don’t be too shocked by the pink color or the cute little eyes and mouth at the “tail” end of the mouse, okay? There’s also a little “bump” just above the scroll wheel that I can not really determine the purpose of, but if you read Japanese, you may be able to discern its vital need for this iMac mouse rebirth. :)

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Transmit 3 is Truly “Best of Show”

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol Programs are something many of you do not use, but for anyone with their own website to manage, or that want to upload and download files much faster then using you browser, FTP programs are an important utility. When I switched several years ago, I felt that Mac FTP programs were not as functional or as fast as their PC counterparts. Not anymore. Since that time Cabel Sasser with Panic Software has given us more and more reasons to love Mac FTP programs, specifically Transmit.

Earlier this year, Transmit 3 was released and it contains just about every feature found in any FTP program, Mac or PC, I’ve ever seen. It gives you all these features while being a solid built and easy to use application. Transmit uses drag and drop to handle files and gives you column views with favorites in a sidebar, spring loaded folders and tabs. All of these add up to functionality and simplicity, everything that makes Mac software so admired.

Read the Rest of the Story at Surf-Bits.com

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DLO iDirect Remote Control For iPod

A few companies have tried to improve the iPod experience with wireless remote controls and Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) recently joined the fray with the iDirect infrared remote. The iDirect consists of two separate parts: an infrared receiver unit that plugs into the top of the iPod and a small, five-button remote. Like many other iPod accessory manufacturers, DLO successfully employs the basic look of the iPod with a white and gray design and rounded edges. The receiving unit fits well on the top of the iPod with a short height and a width slightly smaller than the iPod itself. Since the iDirect receiver covers the top of the iPod almost completely, the hold button is unusable (although you shouldn’t need a hold button if you are planning on using a remote control) while the receiver is attached. DLO has included a headphone jack in the top of the iDirect to replace the one that is covered.

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The inMotion, My Favorite Just Got Even Better

You probably know that my favorite iPod accessory is the inMotion from Altec Lansing. It’s a fantastic portable sound system for the iPod. Altec Lansing has just made the best better. The inMotion IM3 takes the best features of the original and adds to them. Let me give you some details and see if you agree.

The feature that stood out on the inMotion was it’s portability. It’s small and folds into the size of a book. The IM3 makes it even smaller and more compact. The sound was already impressive for the price in the original model, now if that wasn’t enough for you, the new IM3 improves on the sound quality even more. Then add a slim remote control to the IM3 to handle the main functions of your iPod from across the room and you have one sweet audio system.

According to Altec Lansing, “A highly efficient Class D amplifier powers four full-range micro drivers to deliver a full spectrum of pure, distinct sound, while the revolutionary MaxxBass™ technology allows listeners to enjoy deep bass without lugging around a subwoofer.” The sound quality may not be quite as good as the $300 audio systems available today, but for a lot less money ($179 MSRP) the sound is very satisfactory.

Read More at Surf-Bits.com

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The iPod Holiday Shopping List

Last week I had my son, wife and mother-in-law all ask me what I wanted for the Holidays. They said I was terribly hard to buy for, I’m so picky about what I get and then when I really want something, I end up getting it for myself. All true, but it doesn’t stop me from giving them a few ideas. Let’s start with what to buy the person with an iPod or that you know is getting an iPod. Buying iPod accessories is fun and easy. You can spend as much or as little as you want. Many new companies have started up with just some simple ideas for your iPod. Let’s look at a few of my favorites with plenty of links for you purchasing pleasure.

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Sometimes Newer Is Better Than New

Laurie Duncan at The Unofficial Apple Weblog writes:

“Stalwarts in the Macintosh community, Other World Computing (OWC) and NewerTech started shipping their new high-capacity replacement batteries today for the 15-inch Powerbook G4 (Aluminum) under the NuPower label. Priced at $129, these batteries boast up to 6% more capacity than the original Apple battery.

“I personally replaced my 1st generation 5GB iPod battery with an OWC/NewerTech replacement a few months ago and I continue to get 20+ hours per charge out of it. Simply amazing. I have no doubt their Powerbook batteries are just as impressive.”

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