Virtually all of the big changes are inside, but they point to a bright — and speedy — mobile future Like countless others on Friday morning, I braved long lines and lack of sleep to be among the first wave of buyers to get the latest iPhone from Apple. Specifically, I wanted an iPhone 5S, the new flagship model that starts at $199 (for …
How I got an iPhone 5S on launch day
It took an all-nighter, unsuccessful stops at two Walmarts and finally a trip to the Apple Store ORLANDO, Fla. — Over the past six years, I have reviewed every Apple iPhone that’s been released. Since I’m not on Apple’s media list for pre-release hardware previews, that usually means I brave the long lines every year, just like everyone else, to …
Review: Apple’s iOS 7 is much more than a pretty face
More than a superficial coat of paint, iOS 7 represents a new direction for Apple’s mobile OS Apple has officially released iOS 7, the latest update to the software that powers the iPhone, iPad and the newest iPod touch. The free upgrade packs many new and improved features, including a visual style that forgoes heavy-handed graphics for bright colors and a …
Long-term review: Apple’s newest MacBook Air continues to impress
With some judicious power management, you can exceed 10 hours on battery I was initially quite impressed with Apple’s newest MacBook Air after just a few days of use — and now, after having used this ultra-svelte 13-in. laptop for the better part of a month, this little machine has managed to consistently wow me with its extended battery life and better-than-expected …
What makes OS X Mavericks so special?
Apple dials down the eye candy and builds in needed efficiencies in its upcoming desktop OS Not surprisingly, iOS 7 got most of the attention at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this month. Given the importance of the iPhone and iPad to Apple’s bottom line, that makes sense. But Apple does still make computers and spent some time showcasing the next version of its desktop/laptop …
First impressions of Apple’s new MacBook Air
Yes, the battery life really is better, but if you’re a hard-core user, 12 hours isn’t likely The MacBook Air has come a long way in the five years since I first wrote about Apple’s popular ultralight laptop. But technologically, it’s been eons. That’s how fast technology changes, and an indicator of how much the latest MacBook Air has achieved the promise of …
A detailed look at Apple’s iOS 7
Apple’s updated mobile OS showcases a confident design The star of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference this year was clearly iOS 7, which gets a new look and a raft of new features. Officially slated for release sometime this fall, it’s already in the hands of developers, giving them a few months’ lead time to update their apps and prep for the …
Why iOS is the future of Apple (and how we got here)
As the world shifts to mobile devices, Apple puts its development resources where they matter Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC) begins Monday and this year Mac fans are hoping for hardware updates, anew streaming music service, iRadio, and substantial updates to both iOS and OS X. What I’m looking forward to most are Apple’s plans for iOS 7. (Apparently, developers feel the …
The iWatch Conundrum
If Apple makes it, would it sell? And if the market isn’t there, would Apple bother? For the past month or so, the hot topic among Apple users has been the iWatch. My RSS and Twitter feeds have blown up as bloggers and analysts have had a field day conjuring up futuristic what-if scenarios about what an iWatch would do, could …
Review: Apple’s new 21.5-in. iMac
It’s an even more stylish all-in-one, but you’ll want the Fusion Drive for the most speed. There’s something different about Apple’s latest iMac, and it’s obvious even before you see it. The peculiarly shaped box it ships in hints at the design changes made to this model, which was unveiled by Apple in October and is only now shipping in …