Is this the new MacBook mini?

A Russian magazine has just showed a picture of the new, so called MacBook mini, aka Apple's netbook. Of course, I can't read a single bit of Russian so I can't tell you what it says.. but I can read the specs.. .. sounds pretty sweet to me :)
• 10.4" WXGA display.
• 1280 x 768 pixel with LED backlighting.
• NVIDIA MCP79
• Intel Atom Z740 1.83GHz with 1MB L2 cache.
• 2GB DDR3-800.
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M
• 64GB Solid State Drive.
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n
• 1 x USB 2.0
• 1 x Mini Display Port
• Battery Li-Ion 5100mA

So how does this differ to the MacBook Air, you ask? Well here's a comparsion shot: 

Josh's Verdict: Some Russian Photoshopper? Maybe. But according to the magazine, it'll be released in 2009 for a cool $899.


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Where's the TECH NEWS??

I'm sorry guys. I'm currently on my Geography field trip studying Rivers and Development. This, obviously, doesn't give me much time to blog, if any time at all. The field trip data collected will then be used for my coursework, which is pretty important as it's 25% of my final grade.

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Twitter's OAuth now in Public Beta!

Sick of malicious apps? Sick of typing in your Twitter passwords to third party apps and not even knowing what they are going to do with it? Welcome to OAuth, the token based authentication system, now available as a public beta for Twitter Apps! This was just announced (via Twitter, naturally) by Alex Payne, Twitter API's lead.

An example of the authentication process is seen above, with TipJoy.

Josh;s Verdict: Simple, no password required. Now we'll just have for other Apps to use this, to reduce abuse.

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WTF: The worst ad for a missile EVER!

Seriously. I'm going to buy a Rafael missile after watching this ad. But on the serious side, Rafael, an Israeli defense company, displayed this ad at Aero India 2009 at Bangalore, trying to increase their business in India. Did it work? Who knows.

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Kevin Rose: Copy/Paste for iPhone!

Kevin Rose on Diggnation just stated that iPhone 3.0 software will have copy and paste, as well as other Palm Pre features. Kevin says that the interface is much like the magnifying glass - you use two fingers to select the text you want, and then you can cut or copy. Oh, by the ways, he said there won't be any background apps support :(





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iPhone 3.0 is coming!

People have started to receive invites to an Apple event on March 17th announcing the iPhone software v3.0. It has been about 8 months since the release of OS 2.0, and 6 months since Apple missed their self-imposed deadline for push notifications for background applications.

Josh's Verdict: Why now? Any copy and paste? And what about apps being able to run in the background?

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How to: Auto Follow and DM, Track keywords on Twitter and more!

If you're new to Twitter, you may want to read this. And even if you're not new to Twitter, and want to automate your tasks on Twitter, read on.


I'm going to introduce Tweetlater - please don't assume about their name and think that all they do is allow to schedule your tweets to a later time. They offer way more than that. Here's what Tweetlater CAN do: 



Send automated thank you notes to new followers, and automatically follow new followers, if you choose to do so. Optionally, select to vet (approve, ignore, block) new followers before we perform your selected automation tasks.

You can set up alerts and track keywords in the public Twitter stream. Tweetlater will monitor the Twitter tweet stream and periodically email you a digest of the tweets that contain those keywords. You can also use this to track your @replies.

Schedule tweets and keep your Twitter stream ticking over with new tweets even when you're not in front of your computer. Publish tweets when your international followers are online and you're asleep.

Save draft tweets, frequently used text snippets and URLs and reuse them in your scheduled tweets. Save tons of time by avoiding repetitive typing.

Grab your own personal 140-character tweet scheduling engine and RSS feed. You can schedule and publish tweets that don't go to Twitter, they go to your personal tweet stream, which is available in RSS, XML and Javascript formats.

Josh's Verdict: All that, and for free too! You can add and manage as many Twitter accounts as you want. Sign up Today, like I did. Tweetlater helped me automate a number of tasks which would take me way too long if I did it manually - After all, I have 10k+ followers!


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GrandCentral is now Google Voice!

Wow, after 2 years, Google finally does something about their acquired company, GrandCentral. This is currently only avilable for previous GrandCentral users. The official announcement is here.

The new application improves the way you use your phone. You can get transcripts of your voicemail (see the video below) and archive and search all of the SMS text messages you send and receive. You can also use the service to make low-priced international calls and easily access Goog-411 directory assistance.



As you may know, GrandCentral offers many great features, including a single number to ring your home, work, and mobile phones, a central voicemail inbox that you could access on the web, and the ability to screen calls by listening in live as callers leave a voicemail. You'll find these features, and more, in the Google Voice preview. Check out the features page for videos and more information on how these features work.

If you need an invite to Google Voice, sign up here.

Josh's Verdict: Is eBay going to quit their Google AdWords campaign just because Google launched a competitive product, i.e. to Skype? Why not? They did that when Google launched Google Checkout, the competitor to PayPal.

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Apple releases iTunes 8.1

As anticipated, Apple on Wednesday evening delivered iTunes 8.1 with performance enhancements, support for CD imports to iTunes Plus, and new Genius features. Separately, the company also updated its Front Row media application.
iTunes 8.1 (65.4 MB) "is now faster and more responsive," Apple says. "You will enjoy noticeable improvements when working with large libraries, browsing the iTunes Store, preparing to sync with iPod or iPhone, and optimizing photos for syncing."

In addition, iTunes 8.1 provides several other improvements and bug fixes, including:

• Supports syncing with iPod shuffle (3rd generation).
• Allows friends to request songs for iTunes DJ.
• Adds Genius sidebar for your Movies and TV Shows.
• Improves performance when downloading iTunes Plus songs.
• Provides AutoFill for manually managed iPods.
• Allows CDs to be imported at the same sound quality as iTunes Plus.
• Includes many accessibility improvements.
• Allows iTunes U and the iTunes Store to be disabled separately using Parental Controls.

iTunes 8.1 also includes a couple of security enhancements.
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Topify: Manage your Twitter followers with email (100 Invites!)

Topify basically does 3 things with your Twitter account within your email, without even going on the Twitter website. If you're the Power Twitter user, this is your serious power tool and time saver.Topify was created by two former TechCrunch France employees, Ouriel Ohayon (@ourielohayon) and Arik Framovitch (@arikfr).

1. First of all, they create better notification emails when some one follows you. The improved email is seen below:

The email now shows Following/Followers stats, their Display Image, Bio, On Twitter Since, Updates Count, their Website and their Latest Update, versus the original Twitter one, which only told you your new follower's name and username (e.g. only @Joshlam and Josh Lam).

2. Awesome. I want to follow this guy who just followed me. Do you need to go all the way to twitter.com, sign-in, go to the guy's profile page, and click follow? Well, with Topify, you don't have to. All you need to do is to reply to the email. Simple, Easy and Smart. Now why didn't Twitter think of this before?

3. How about Direct Messages?
I just followed this really cool guy on Twitter (I know, it's @Joshlam) and he told me I was awesome :)
Topify makes it really easy to reply to Direct Messages. Once again, all you need to do is to reply to the Direct Message notification email.Done.

So, to conclude, Topify may be simple, but has to be a great shortcut, especially if you're a Power Twitter user.

Topify is currently in private beta. So how do you get into the action then? :(
Well, as a lucky Josh's Blog reader, you get EXCLUSIVE invites to Topify. Just click here. 100 Invites only!

If you're on Twitter, follow @Joshlam as well for Josh's Blog updates, exclusive Beta Invites and cool freebies! :)

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New 4GB iPod shuffle with VoiceOver

Apple just released the new 4GB iPod shuffle. Available in black or silver for $80. The new design keeps the clip and adds VoiceOver -- a new feature that gets around the lack of display by telling you which song is playing and who performs it at the touch of a button on the earphone cable controller. It'll also call out your playlists and let you navigate to others. More images below.

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Steve Wozniak on "Dancing with The Stars!"

Oh yeah. Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple, finally got his first appearance at the show "Dancing with the Stars" - A MUST WATCH!

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iPhone prototype on eBay.. for a whopping $2K!

Trust me, this'll be the most expensive (two) phones you'll ever get, unless you manage to get the second iPhone to turn on, which the eBay seller is willing to let you try. The details are below.
No seriously. It's real. Check out the video below.



Phone #1:
-Powers on OK - GSM service works
-Plastic matte screen (see pics)
-Serial number YM649xxxxxx which corresponds to a factory in China, manufactured week 49 of the year 2006.
-Runs iPhone OS 03.06.01_G (iPhone Launch OS 1.0 was version 03.11.02_G)
-Good cosmetic condition

Phone #2:
-Doesn't turn on (tried leaving on charger for awhile, along with various reset procedures)
-Glass screen
-Serial number YM650xxxxxx which corresponds to a factory in China, manufactured week 50 of the year 2006. (The iPhone was announced on Jan 6 2007 and release June 29 2007.)
-I replaced the battery and still doesn't work.  Currently apart right now, can leave as-is for buyer or reassemble.
-Has various scratches, it is in fair cosmetic condition at best

Josh's Verdict: So, got $2000 handy? Head over here then.

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Dell's new Adamo teaser

Seriously sweet. I can't wait to see an actual one. You can't tell me you're not excited about Dell's new, ultra thin laptop.

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My FIRST AdSense check!

Oh yeah :) It's also my first check ever.

Thanks to ALL my readers. I love you guys. This was only possible because of you guys!

P.S. That orange thing behind is my Physics textbook. Got to study now :(

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Official Facebook App for Windows Mobile! (Download Links)

Remember all those Windows Mobile 6.5 screenshots with a Facebook App? Well, XDA developers had just extracted this app from WM6.5 into a standalone app for your Social Networking pleasure.

The application has been reported to work on WVGA, VGA and QVGA devices. You need to download and install the application to Device (Do NOT INSTALL on storage card); be patient at first run as it will take some time to download all the information it needs. While it's a new application from an early Windows Mobile 6.5 beta, there are still some problems reported like not saving login info even if "save info" is checked, not showing friends IDs if they are not one of your friends. More screenshots below.

Download Directly HERE
I know, it's still a little buggy right now, but if you suscribe to this blog, you'll get to know when there's an update!

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ASUS announces U/UX series ultra-thin laptops

Looks like the Asus Lamborghini VX5 wasn't enough. Nor the Asus Eee PC 1008HA. Now, Asus announced the U and UX series of ultra-thin laptops, expected to launch sometime in Q2. Both feature an illuminated chiclet keyboard and auto-adjusting LED backlit display. The U series also features a 15.6-inch glossy LCD and a touchpad that uses progressively fading lights to follow your fingertips. Under the hood, there's an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, NVIDIA GeForce G105M, up to 500GB HDD, and Altec Lansing speakers with SRS true surround sound. Press Release below.


Josh's Verdict: There's not much information about the U/UX series right now, but I promise to tell you when there's more information. Just make sure you subscribe to Josh's Blog RSS to ensure you don't miss it!

Light and Light – Introducing the New U and UX Series Notebooks
An Intricately Crafted Series of Notebooks that Provide Both Contemporary Style and Effortless Computing On-the-go.
ASUS, a leader in innovative industrial design, today presented the new U and UX Series, a new range of notebooks that celebrate contemporary styling and effortless elegance. Each of them a masterpiece so immensely desirable, the U and UX Series takes modern day computing to the streets, bringing delight to the users' senses and allowing them to work or play in style.

Immaculate Design for the Discerning Individual

The ASUS U and UX Series are designed for the modern individual who accepts no compromise when it comes to exquisite taste in high fashion and possesses an eye for the latest trends as well as the intricacies in design. Reminiscent of the streets of Paris with the evening fast approaching, the ASUS U and UX Series' newly-adopted illuminated 'chiclet' keyboard lights up brilliantly, not only providing users with the ability to type in the dark, but its subtle yet assuring glow also reminds the user of the star studded skies above. AI Light sensor technology intelligently detects the surrounding environmental lighting conditions and then automatically adjusts the brightness or dimness of the LED backlit display to provide a comfortable computing experience even in adverse lighting conditions. These features can be found adorning a softly contoured chassis, shrouded in a sleek and sophisticated glossy LCD lid and supported by a frame inspired by the curvature of a butterfly's wings. 

UX Series – Gracefully Slim for Added Lightness

The UX Series' strikingly slim profile adds to an impressively minimalistic approach to avant garde notebook design. A slot-in optical disc drive helps the UX Series to maintain its elegant profile, while a contrast of matte and gloss finishes provides a sense of both sophistication and boldness. 

U Series – Delight in Style and Substance

To further complement the illuminated 'chiclet' keyboard, the U Series sports an equally illuminated and interactive touchpad which sends a trail of progressively fading lights to pinpoint the location of the users' fingertips while delighting the senses. Powered by an Intel® Core™2 Duo processor which provides the muscle for extensive multitasking and productivity, the U Series is equipped with a hard disk drive of up to 500GB, providing more than ample storage for documents and multimedia. An energy-efficient 15.6-inch LED backlit display powered by a dedicated NVIDIA® GeForce® G 105M with 512MB memory provides users with stunning visual performance for presentations and entertainment while utilizing very little power. Combined with Altec Lansing speakers-equipped with SRS true surround sound that provides high definition audio-the svelte U Series is truly an all-rounded performer for any occasion or a night out in town.

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Dell releases Studio 15 Special Edition laptop

If you something extra from Dell's normal Studio 15, you may want to consider the company's new Special Edition model, which adds a "Black Vapor" paint job and, more importantly, a 1440 x 900 LED-backlit display. Otherwise, you can get it configured with your choice of Pentium Dual Core or Core 2 Duo processors, up to 4GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3450 graphics (though Intel's integrated GMA 4500MHD is standard). Prices start at $799, $849, and $949 for the standard configurations. Read


Josh's Verdict: Pretty cheap deal to me. More pictures below. 

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Asus announes Eee PC 1008HA

Asus showed off a new Eee PC's at CeBit this year, in Hannover: The Eee PC 1008HA. In addition to this, Asus also showed existing/previously released Eee PC's: The Eee PC 1000HE, Eee PC T91GO, Eee PC 900SDGO and the Eee PC 1003HGO.

The Eee PC 1008HA is meant to replace the Eee PC S101, while this netbook is 1-inch thick and weighs 2.4 pounds, with a curved, shiny plastic "shell" (ASUS calls it "pearlescent") to give a bit more luster than the average Eee PC. ASUS is including 802.11n, Bluetooth, 3G and WiMAX options, and packing in it Eee Sharing and Eee Arena software. 
More details to follow - if you follow Josh's Blog RSS, you'll get the latest details about the 1008HA anywhere! 

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AMD's ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4860 and HD 4830 with 40nm

Just after Nvidia released their new laptop GPU's, AMD had to steal the show wit their ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4860 and HD 4830. The cards have AMD's new 40nm process, with DirectX 10.1 support, dual DisplayPort out and 1080p acceleration claims galore (or 2560 x 1600, if that's your thing). The 4860 sets itself apart with GDDR5 memory, and both cards do ATI PowerPlay, ATI PowerXpress and ATI Switchable Graphics for power saving. Read

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New Nvidia GeForce GTX 260M/280M and GTS 150M/160M laptop GPU

The biggest newcomer is the GeForce GTX 280M, which NVIDIA claims is "the fastest laptop GPU on the market, with up to 50 percent more performance than previous generation enthusiast laptop GPUs." The company is also pushing out the somewhat less exciting GeForce GTX 260M, GTS 160M and GTS 150M, all of which feature the company's own CUDA compiling architecture and support PhysX gaming effects. ASUS, Clevo and MSI are all showing new laptops based on the new GeForce GTX 200M and GeForce GTS 100M Series GPUs here in Hannover, though there's no word on when they are shipping. Read

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New iMacs, Mac Pro and Mac mini

iMac
Apple just announced new 24-inch and 20-inch iMacs, with some friendlier pricing and Mini DisplayPort video out. Prices start at $1,199 for the 20-inch and $1,499 for the 24-inch. At the base level Apple offers a 20-incher with 2.66Ghz Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, a 320GB HDD and GeForce 9400M graphics, the rest of the iMacs are 24-inch numbers with 4GB of RAM standard. In the high end Apple has 2.93GHz and 3.06GHz processor for $1,799 and $2,199, respectively, with GeForce GT 120 256MB and GeForce GT 130 512MB graphics. In between there's a 24-incher for $1,199 with 9400M graphics, a 2.66GHz processor and a 640GB HDD. On the outside it's that same iMac look. 


Mac Pro
Apple has announced a new Nehalem based Mac Pro with a starting price of $2,499. The new systems feature either a single core 2.66GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon 3500, or a dual 2.26 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon 5500, start with 3GB of memory, a 640GB hard drive, and the NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 with 512MB of RAM. The new Mac Pro's will be available next week. 


Mac mini
Oh yes. We got the 5 USB ports right. And there's now a Mini DisplayPort as well as a DVI plug. For $600, you'll get a 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce 9400M, and a 120GB Hard Drive. For an extra $200 ($800), you'll get 2GB of RAM and a bigger 320GB hard drive. 

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Mac mini packaging + Details

Dutch Apple Blog, OneMoreThing.nl, received this picture above, taken from a HTC Touch Diamond with low light. Theyalso received detailed about the new iMac and Mac mini specs, stated below: 

Mac mini
- 5x USB
- 1x FireWire 800
- 1x mini DVI
- 1x Display poort
- Nvidia chipset (like the newest MacBook)
- starting at Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 Ghz
- 1 of 2 GB DDR3 memory (max 4 GB)
- 120 GB hard disk (max 320 GB)

iMac
- one 20" model, three 24" models
- Intel Core 2 Duo (not a quad core): 2.66 Ghz, 2.93 Ghz and 3.06 Ghz
- 1x Display port
- 20" 2 GB DDR3 memory, 24" 4 GB DDR3 memory (max 8 GB)

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Asus Lamborghini VX5 Laptop with 1TB SSD!

The Asus Lamborghini VX5 laptop is slated to debut tomorrow alongs with other products in CeBit at Hannover, will sport a 1TB SSD, a Core 2 Quad CPU, 4GB of RAM and a 16-inch "Full HD" display. You'll also find a GeForce GT 130M graphics card with 1GB of GDDR3 memory, an illuminated "chiclet" style keyboard and a Blu-ray optical drive to boot. Read


Josh's Verdict: I'll have an empty wallet after buying this.


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Rumor: Apple Event on March 24th?

A source has disclosed to World of Apple that Apple is planning to hold an event on March 24 to unveil new desktop hardware. The source which has been confirmed to be in reach of such information stated that the event would be similar to the notebook event held by Apple last October.

World of Apple’s source was unable to offer any details on hardware specifics but did speculate that the Mac mini, iMac and Mac Pro would all be refreshed.

My Apple Guide who has historically had a rough track record has reportedly had multiple anonymous sources suggest the same date for an Apple event.

Josh's Verdict: Cough, cough. We know. New iMacs and Mac mini are coming.

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