New report says Apple iMac computers still on target for 2012 launch

Despite last week's report indicating production problems could delay the launch of Apple's new iMac computers until 2013, it seems the machines are still on target for a 2012 release, and may already be arriving at distribution centers around the world.

Concern amongst those waiting for Apple’s new iMac computers escalated last week, after a French blog reported the release had been delayed, possibly until 2013. While it was impossible to judge the validity of the report’s sources, talk of a delay regarding a new Apple product was hardly a surprise, given the problems it has seen with the iPhone 5 and the iPad Mini so far this year.

However, 9to5mac.com has refuted the site’s claims, saying its own sources tell them the 21.5-inch iMac is already arriving at distribution centers in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world; indicating the planned November release will go ahead after all.

As for the 27-inch iMac, Apple gave it a tentative December release date, which is not only likely to be met, but perhaps even improved upon, with the massive computers becoming available to order around the same time as the 21-5-inch iMac.

Apple’s new iMac’s are considerably slimmer than older models, and some high-tech manufacturing processes have been used to fit all the computer hardware inside. The trouble Apple has had manufacturing the iPhone, which has been described by Foxconn as the most difficult device it has ever assembled, only made the rumored iMac delay seem more likely.

So, while a delay in their launch may have been averted, the iMac computers could still be a rarity in stores and online. Apple CEO Tim Cook warned there would be a “significant shortage” of the company’s range-topping desktop machines during the first three months after launch, so it’ll be wise to get an order in early if you’re desperate. You know, just like every other recent Apple release.

The only good thing is there’s unlikely to be a huge run on the $1300-plus computers during the Christmas shopping season, as eager buyers rush to claim the last remaining iPad Mini tablets and new iPod music players instead.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Launch of new iMacs may be delayed till 2013, report says

Waiting to get your hands on one of Apple's new iMacs? Well, it seems like you might have to wait a little longer than expected.

Users of old iMac machines who for the last couple of years have been waiting patiently for Apple to unveil a refreshed machine before upgrading were finally able to feast their eyes on the latest model last month when Apple unveiled a shiny new, and rather thin (at the edge, at least), design.

Shipping dates were set for November for the 21.5-inch model and December for the 27-inch model. Many of those iMac users have no doubt started to make plans for their older machine, whether it involves giving it to a friend, using it as a giant paperweight or simply consigning it to the attic.

Well, those plans might have to be put on hold for now as it appears the launch of the new machines may have been pushed to 2013. This will come as a big disappointment not only to those hoping to purchase a new iMac, but also to Apple executives who’d been looking forward to healthy sales of the new computer during the upcoming holiday shopping season.

French Mac-specialist blog MacBidouille says it has learned from a “commercial source” that Apple has delayed the launch of the new iMacs because of issues with its advanced welding process – possibly so advanced that it hasn’t quite got the hang of how to do it yet. The process, called ‘friction stir welding’, uses high heat pressure to create a seamless joint in the iMac’s frame.

Apple Insider pointed out in a report on Wednesday that other challenges for manufacturers include the screen’s lamination process, which gets rid of a tiny air gap between the iMac’s display and front glass, which was present in previous versions of Apple’s desktop computer. “In August, KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that the process is more involved with the 27-inch model and would cause supply constraints for the initial batch of machines,” Apple Insider wrote.

The iMac’s page on Apple’s website displays a “coming soon” badge, while the online store continues to show a November shipping date for the smaller iMac and December for the larger one. If MacBidouille’s source turns out to be correct, we can expect to see these dates change soon.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Acer joins the Windows 8 party with touchscreen Aspire notebooks and ultrabooks

Acer has announced a range of new Aspire V5 and M5 Windows 8 machines, including touchscreen notebooks and ultrabooks.

Vizio isn’t the only PC manufacturer making news today by adding Windows 8 powered devices to its range, as Acer has now joined the fray with ultrabooks and notebooks using Microsoft’s new operating system. There’s lots to go through here, so make yourselves comfortable.

We’re starting with Acer’s Aspire V5 Series laptops, of which there are three new models — the 11.6-inch Aspire V5-171, the 14-inch Aspire V5-471 and the 15.6-inch Aspire V5-571. Information on the 11.6-inch Aspire is thin on the ground at the moment, with the press release concentrating on the two larger PCs.

This is probably because they both have touchscreens to accompany Windows 8, complete with 10-finger multi-touch support, plus an oversized trackpad beneath the keyboard, in case you don’t feel like a stretch. They’re equipped with either an Intel Core i3, Core i5 or Core i7 processor, all of which are third-generation chips, and the screens are all 16:9, backlit LED panels.

The 14-inch and 15.6-inch notebooks come with the option of a 500GB or 750GB hard drive, plus a built-in DVD burner, and other features such as a 1.3 megapixel webcam, DLNA connectivity, Bluetooth 4.0 and USB 3.0 ports. Acer also boasts of a feature called Acer Instant Connect, which allows the computer to join a Wi-Fi network in 2.5 seconds; four times quicker than other methods.

While not as thin as an ultrabook, Acer says the new V5 notebooks are 30-percent thinner than “previous value-based notebooks,” but fails to provide an actual figure. Even the weights are estimates at this point, with the 11.6-inch V5 being “about” 3 lbs/1.36 kg.

If the 14-inch or 15.6-inch Aspires have caught your eye, then you’ll be pleased to know that prices start at $749, but expect to pay considerably more for the 15.6-inch model with a speedier chip inside. Non-touchscreen version will also be sold, and they start at $499, but no price has been provided for the 11.6-inch Aspire V5.

Acer M5 ultrabooks only at Best Buy

Next, Acer has two new Aspire M5 ultrabooks, but you’re going to have to work harder to find these, as they’re exclusive to Best Buy stores. You’ll be able to choose between the 14-inch Aspire M5-481PT and the 15.6-inch Aspire M5-581T, both of which are constructed from aluminum and have a “minimalist and modern look.”

Again, no dimensions are provided, but the 14-inch M5 weighs 4.6 lbs/ 2.08 kgs, the same as the 14.6-inch V5 mentioned above. Battery life is said to be 8 hours on a single charge, and the PowerSmart cells will last three times longer than regular notebook batteries, thanks to their ability to maintain a high level of capacity, even after a thousand cycles.

The 14-inch M5 has a touchscreen and like the V5 models, it recognizes 10-finger gestures, while the 15.6-inch M5 has a standard non-touch screen. Inside each one is a third-generation Intel Core i5 processor, along with a 500GB hard drive and a 20GB SSD for a 2 second wake-from-sleep time. Other features include a backlit keyboard, USB 3.0 ports, HDMI-out and a DVD drive.

If you want the touchscreen, 14-inch Aspire M5, it starts from $799, while its larger, non-touch sister machine is slightly cheaper at $699. All Acer’s new Windows 8 machines will be on sale across the US from October 26.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Next-generation Coke vending machines sport an Intel Core i7 processor

The newest Coca-Cola vending machines are even more hi-tech than you thought, with a 46-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi, HD camera, and NFC to boot.

Vending machines haven’t received a technological revamp in quite a while. We’ve seen interesting mods that require you either tackle, hug, or tweet to get a drink dispensed, but none of those integrations were revised from the root of the hardware. Intel is changing this up by introducing a next-generation of vending machines that will come with Intel Core i7 processors — making those tall machines typically found in gyms, school cafeterias, and airports run on the same chips that are supporting your average PC laptop.

Intel unveiled these next-gen vending machines yesterday at Intel Developer Forum 2012 in San Francisco, which completely changes the way these machines formerly looked. No more bulky buttons that display the drink options — everything will now be within a 46-inch touchscreen via a gallery style interface.

The new Coca-Cola machines also have a 1080p camera to snap pictures of the buyer so it can collect information about who is purchasing products from these vending machines and what they are buying. On the buyer’s side of interactivity, the built-in camera becomes a photo booth that allows customers to take pictures with their newly purchased product and send them off to friends. Can’t update anything these days without a social integration.

In addition to these specs, the next-gen vending machines also sport Wi-Fi connectivity, QR code reader, microphone, NFC, and a money slot. The option for NFC is great for those who are embracing mobile payment applications, and the QR Code reader is useful for the coupon clippers coming to claim their free or discounted drinks. 

The integration of large screen display is not only great for video interactiveness but also turns the average vending machine into an advertising space. We’re not sure if Coca-Cola plans to do anything with the information collected from the machine (other than the demographics market research) but you can be on a lookout for these next-gen Coke machines in the near future. The machines have reportedly started popping up in eight countries across South America so they should make their way up north shortly.

Image Credits: IT Pro Portal

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

California legislature approves laws for self-driving cars

California will become the second state to put laws governing the use of self-driving cars on public roads on the books. Will the DMV be enough to keep the machines in line?

California is on its way to becoming the second state to regulate self-driving cars. A new set of laws for the vehicles passed through both houses of the state’s legislature late last week, and is waiting for a signature from Governor Jerry Brown. Autonomous vehicles have been roaming California’s roads for some time, but this is the first time lawmakers have acknowledged their legality.

As with human-controlled cars, the California Department of Motor Vehicles will determine which self-driving cars will be allowed on public roads. Specifically, cars will be required to have a clearly marked, easily used device (perhaps a giant red “off” button) for switching to manual control in an emergency.

California’s approach to Cylonian motoring is similar to Nevada’s. The Silver State was the first to formally legalize self-driving cars; Governor Brian Sandoval signed a bill last year and the state’s DMV has been writing rules since then. So far, Nevada is requiring autonomous prototypes to wear red license plates; the Nevada DMV is also working on licensing procedures for companies that want to test their cars on public roads.

Nevada may have been the first state to start writing laws for self-driving cars, but Google’s robotic fleet has logged over 300,000 miles on California roads. Google says its fleet of Toyota Prius and Lexus RX450h hybrids logged all those miles without a single accident One car was involved in a fender-bender, but Google blamed the human driver.

Google pushed hard for the Nevada legislation, possibly fearing the legal fallout that would occur if one of its cars did crash. Without laws on the books, it’s hard to say who is responsible if a self-driving car goes rogue, although the company that put it on the road would probably be in for some bad P.R.

Now, Google has two states to play in. The company plans to take its self-driving cars on morning commutes in the Bay Area, encountering shifting traffic patterns and construction zones. Google also thinks it can reduce the number of people in each car from two to one.

Google also wants to test self-driving cars on snow-covered roads, and the California-Nevada border features one of the most treacherous around: Donner Pass. Should Google send unmanned cars over the Pass, it won’t have to worry about a 21st century version of the Donner Party.

A Donner Pas robo-rally is unlikely, but with new legislation being passed, it’s not surprising to see Google getting more ambitious in its self-driving experiments. Formally legalizing self-driving cars means the company will never have to answer the question of whether a motor vehicle driven by cameras and software should have been on the road in the first place, although some average citizens may be left wondering.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Top 10 Printers For Apple Mac PC’s

The majority Mac users are happy with their machines. The problem begins when they can’t configure their machine with gadgets from other producers. Perhaps, it is the highest standard of Mac that doesn’t appear to incorporate the ordinary features of a strange constituent. The proof is the better performance of Mac machines when employed with parts, which are completely well-suited with Apple configuration. The following are some of the best printers that work faultlessly with Mac PCs.

Canon MP 560
For a selling price of only one hundred fifteen dollars, this all-in-one printer is a typical deal for customers. This printer is valuable for printing very huge amounts. Its double tray employs auto-document feeder that is administered by a big multipurpose two inch LCD display. The reader of media card is well prepared to manage most kinds of USB devices, MMC, micro SD cards, and memory sticks.

Epson Stylus NX420
This is among the best Wifi enabled printers. It is produced to scan and print best quality images. With an approximate scanning ability close to 2400 dpi, red eye removals and auto image correction, the 4 ink cartridge reacts with speeds starting from three point three ISO ppm to six point four ISO ppm. It is a very helpful instrument for Mac users who may desire their images to dry immediately. All images and photos can directly be printed using memory cards without using the computer.

Lexmark C510N
It is produced for business users; it prints documents with an image quality of 2400 dpi. The 500 MHZ processor administers the mechanics of picture resolution to provide excellent outcomes at a speed of 8 ppm in color and 30 ppm in monochrome.

Samsung ML 2525 W
If you aren’t happy with printer’s noise, this is among the silent gadgets accessible for Mac clients. This printer is very simple to arrange and can print heavy graphics with no blotching. As said by the producer, the toner cartridge mostly lasts following printing of nearly 2500 pages. A wireless connectivity, USB, Ethernet, and small footprint make it a very important machine.

Epson Artisan 710
This printer isn’t only compatible with any MAC PC on design; however, it also offers quick laser quality at a speed of 9 ppm. Two sided automatic printing and two paper trays can print everything from custom-made CD to coloring books. For instance, the 4 x 6 inch photos of ultra high definition can be printed in below ten seconds.

Canon L170 Laser Fax Printer
This is the most important type of laser fax printer for businesses that are small. It can simply print heavy pictures with a speed of nineteen ppm. Very large memory and the G3 fax speed adds to directory search options and 32 speed dials. This is a moveable printer, which is able to print high quality pictures resembling its desktop siblings.

Brother HL 5370 Black & White
If you ever require a simple yet great printer to deliver uppermost quality monochrome outcomes then there is not anything better than this printer. Mac customers may like its fast printing speed and easy setup. The automatic duplex printing attribute can print double sided papers with a 32 ppm speed. This printer comes with a one year guarantee and is loaded with features, for instance 32 bit memory, built-in wireless, and 300 sheet standard paper capacities.

Brother HL-2140 Personal Laser Printer
This high-class resolution printer is able to print twenty three pages in a minute. The two hundred fifty paper tray can manage most kinds of legal papers. It is well-suited with both Mac and Windows, users will be pleased to become aware of toner saving mode.

Konica Minolta Magicolor 1600W
The lightweight and compact design of this printer is equally appreciated like its performance. Using the technology of plug and play, it can create both color and B&W prints. Its USB printer interface is able to print at 20 ppm speed. With an utmost capacity of two hundred sheets and sixteen MB memory, it is in fact a great value for your money.

Source : techtalkafrica[dot]com