Wednesday, July 28, 2010
New iMacTech Specs
"We took the world's best all-in-one and made it even better," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
There are so many new features in iPhone 4, iOS4 and Safari 5 that we didn't have enough space to cover them in this week's M2 Report.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Air Video
If you have a collection of videos on your Internet connected Mac, that you'd like access to on your iPhone/iPod touch or iPad, then Air Video is probably what you've been looking for.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Here are our current top 10 MacForce picks for iPad apps.
Friday, April 02, 2010
QuickTime Player to YouTube: In Mac OS X 10.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Note: Prices on App Stores apps can change at anytime.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Though simple in function and appearance, the iPad has profound implications for the future of computing.
Friday, January 29, 2010
As of today, Apple has a new portable solution and it's taking on the ebook/netbook/tablet markets.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
With 2010 already upon us, and having Apple scheduled to unveil a new product later this month, we cannot help ourselves.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
The Long Goodbye
I guess we were witness to the rumblings of change when we saw Apple shorten their official name to Apple Inc.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Evernote
Evernote for the iPhone occupies one of the four "primo" spots at the bottom of the iPhone screen.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
The MacBook has always been a value leader for Apple, but since the latest one arrived here at MacForce, we've been surprised by how good that value has become.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
First Impression:
The 27-inch iMac and it's new Magic Mouse have landed here at Macforce.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Today Apple released a slew of new Macs and peripherals with delicious cutting edge technologies.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
For those of you longing for the next MacForce Garage Sale we have a little something to tide you over.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
I often find myself needing to search for the same phrase or file type many times.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
It’s a Performance Boost, Not a Roaring Upgrade
The changes in Snow Leopard are, for the most part, invisible.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Last week Apple released iTunes 9.
Monday, August 24, 2009
It's here! Actually, it's almost here.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Summer Blast number 6 and fun and excitement continues.
Crew Review: App Store Hits!
iFighter
iFighter is a fun little Game for the iphone and iPod Touch. It's a throwback to the 80's arcade games like 1942. It uses the accelerometer to steer your plane and features tons of enemies to blow up. It's fun and a steal at just $.99! Check it out here.
Reviewed by Ronnie Things
Just started using Things a week ago. Felt expensive at $10 but it has a great feature set for "to do" listing. You can set up different lists and deadlines. I've set up a list of books I want to read, household chores that need to get done and wish lists for birthdays (and other occasions). It has a polished interface and frequent updates. The best part, though, is the "Someday" list; stuff that you want to do sometime but don't have a deadline. I won't forget the items but I don't have pressure to complete them immediately. It's more expensive than a lot of the "to do" apps, but the feature set and polish make it worth the price for me.
Reviewed by David One of my favorite iPhone applications is Things. Things an elegant, and top rated application on the App Store and one that I use many times a day every day. This application offers a great way to view and organize projects, and a simple way to tag, file and schedule tasks for the future. If you are a GTD minded person it is even better. The Things iPhone app is well designed and will stand on its own but is even better when using the desktop application that allows syncing between the iPhone and the Mac on a Wi-Fi network. Check it out here.
Reviewed by Sean PDX Bus
PDX Bus ties into Portland's Metro system and alerts you of when buses are coming. I use this app everyday to find a bus or a bus stop near me. GPS, trip planning, expected arrival time, Rider Alerts all make this an awesome application. Helps me out when I don't have my bike. Check it out here.
Reviewed by Ryan Scanner Radio
"When I was little, I used to have a handheld scanner radio - you know, the kind you were able to pick up your local police frequencies on, and get to hear the action! Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon a great App on the iTunes Store called "Scanner Radio"! With Scanner Radio, I am able to pick up major EMS, Police and Dispatch radio transmissions, not only the local broadcasts, but from *all over the country*! - And best of all - wherever I have Cellular or WI-FI signal, I will receive the same crisp, static-free radio transmissions! The App is $.99 and i found it well worth it, the entertainment value is priceless! :) Check it out here.
Reviewed by Miles NIN Access
There are a few apps on the App store that are specific for recording artist. They all work in a very similar way, info on the artist, pictures, video’s and a couple songs to listen to. The NIN Access app features a photo blog and tour info on show’s as they happen live! There is also a built in “near by” button to see who near you is also a NIN fan and connect with them instantly and also access to forum’s. But in an age filled with other artist app, what’s so special about this one? Trent Reznor gets “IT”, thats the difference! Along with the all the features mentioned above, the biggest ground breaking feature is the Media section, and most noticeably it’s music section. Every single NIN song and release is stream-able for free on the app! So essentially you have the entire Nine Inch Nails catalogue with you inside this app. It would be pretty absurd to own EVERY single NIN song (as absurd it is to breath, i admit it. . . I own the entire catalogue). But I have spent years doing so and now in the time it takes to download this app, you also own the catalogue (Am i bitter. . .NO. . . Maybe. . .OK I AM!). But i am not bitter that this is amazing and revolutionary, in a time where downloading and pirating is headline news, this goes beyond that. There is no need too download and pirate NIN music, if you own an iPod touch or iPhone, you essentially own it all! I mentioned above that Trent Reznor gets “IT”, he gets what the value of a free app is, gets that music industry has changed and that people don’t want to be treated as a consumer, they want to treated like a Fan! Check it out here.
Reviewed by Jesus Seafood Watch (a.k.a. Seafood Guide)
Looking for a way that your iPhone/iPod touch can help you live a more sustainable life? Seafood watch is a free app that tells you what seafood is grown and harvested in an earth friendly way. From Abalone to Yellowtail, this app will help you make an earth friendly decision in your aquatic diet. Check it out here.
Reviewed by Todd Fusion Island
Sometimes I need a good game to help pass the time. Something that's not too easy, but not so hard that I can't enjoy it. Fusion Island is simple, fun, addictive and not your average strategy gem game. Great graphics, fast gameplay and over 70 challenging levels make this a hit in my book. It only costs $1.99 and works for both the iPhone and iPod Touch. Check it out here.
Reviewed by Chris G. Zillow
Become a real estate expert in minutes, for free. Ok, maybe not an expert, but you'll sure sound like one. With Zillow you can find estimated prices on 88+ million homes in the U.S., instantly. Using the iPhones GPS, Zillow gives you an overhead view of your current location with prices attached to most homes. You can filter your search by price, number of bedrooms and bathrooms and listing type (for sale, Make Me Move and recently sold). It even uses iPhone's new OS 3 push notifications feature so you can auto track your saved searches. Fun and fascinating, I love this app. Check it out here.
Reviewed by Brian AccuWeather
One of my favorite iPhone apps is made by Accuweather.com. Not only is it great for getting your standard forecast for preset locations, it will also find your current location and provide current conditions and the forecast for that spot. You can get hourly forecasts up to 15 hours out and daily forecasts for the next 15 days. Just swipe your finger across the screen to view a new preset location. Not too long ago I was at Champoeg state park with my father and I fired up the Accuweather app. A quick look at the animated radar showed a major storm headed our way. Sure enough, just as we got back to the car, the heavens opened up and we narrowly avoided getting drenched. Check it out here.
Reviewed by Chris C.
iFighter is a fun little Game for the iphone and iPod Touch. It's a throwback to the 80's arcade games like 1942. It uses the accelerometer to steer your plane and features tons of enemies to blow up. It's fun and a steal at just $.99! Check it out here.
Reviewed by Ronnie Things
Just started using Things a week ago. Felt expensive at $10 but it has a great feature set for "to do" listing. You can set up different lists and deadlines. I've set up a list of books I want to read, household chores that need to get done and wish lists for birthdays (and other occasions). It has a polished interface and frequent updates. The best part, though, is the "Someday" list; stuff that you want to do sometime but don't have a deadline. I won't forget the items but I don't have pressure to complete them immediately. It's more expensive than a lot of the "to do" apps, but the feature set and polish make it worth the price for me.
Reviewed by David One of my favorite iPhone applications is Things. Things an elegant, and top rated application on the App Store and one that I use many times a day every day. This application offers a great way to view and organize projects, and a simple way to tag, file and schedule tasks for the future. If you are a GTD minded person it is even better. The Things iPhone app is well designed and will stand on its own but is even better when using the desktop application that allows syncing between the iPhone and the Mac on a Wi-Fi network. Check it out here.
Reviewed by Sean PDX Bus
PDX Bus ties into Portland's Metro system and alerts you of when buses are coming. I use this app everyday to find a bus or a bus stop near me. GPS, trip planning, expected arrival time, Rider Alerts all make this an awesome application. Helps me out when I don't have my bike. Check it out here.
Reviewed by Ryan Scanner Radio
"When I was little, I used to have a handheld scanner radio - you know, the kind you were able to pick up your local police frequencies on, and get to hear the action! Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon a great App on the iTunes Store called "Scanner Radio"! With Scanner Radio, I am able to pick up major EMS, Police and Dispatch radio transmissions, not only the local broadcasts, but from *all over the country*! - And best of all - wherever I have Cellular or WI-FI signal, I will receive the same crisp, static-free radio transmissions! The App is $.99 and i found it well worth it, the entertainment value is priceless! :) Check it out here.
Reviewed by Miles NIN Access
There are a few apps on the App store that are specific for recording artist. They all work in a very similar way, info on the artist, pictures, video’s and a couple songs to listen to. The NIN Access app features a photo blog and tour info on show’s as they happen live! There is also a built in “near by” button to see who near you is also a NIN fan and connect with them instantly and also access to forum’s. But in an age filled with other artist app, what’s so special about this one? Trent Reznor gets “IT”, thats the difference! Along with the all the features mentioned above, the biggest ground breaking feature is the Media section, and most noticeably it’s music section. Every single NIN song and release is stream-able for free on the app! So essentially you have the entire Nine Inch Nails catalogue with you inside this app. It would be pretty absurd to own EVERY single NIN song (as absurd it is to breath, i admit it. . . I own the entire catalogue). But I have spent years doing so and now in the time it takes to download this app, you also own the catalogue (Am i bitter. . .NO. . . Maybe. . .OK I AM!). But i am not bitter that this is amazing and revolutionary, in a time where downloading and pirating is headline news, this goes beyond that. There is no need too download and pirate NIN music, if you own an iPod touch or iPhone, you essentially own it all! I mentioned above that Trent Reznor gets “IT”, he gets what the value of a free app is, gets that music industry has changed and that people don’t want to be treated as a consumer, they want to treated like a Fan! Check it out here.
Reviewed by Jesus Seafood Watch (a.k.a. Seafood Guide)
Looking for a way that your iPhone/iPod touch can help you live a more sustainable life? Seafood watch is a free app that tells you what seafood is grown and harvested in an earth friendly way. From Abalone to Yellowtail, this app will help you make an earth friendly decision in your aquatic diet. Check it out here.
Reviewed by Todd Fusion Island
Sometimes I need a good game to help pass the time. Something that's not too easy, but not so hard that I can't enjoy it. Fusion Island is simple, fun, addictive and not your average strategy gem game. Great graphics, fast gameplay and over 70 challenging levels make this a hit in my book. It only costs $1.99 and works for both the iPhone and iPod Touch. Check it out here.
Reviewed by Chris G. Zillow
Become a real estate expert in minutes, for free. Ok, maybe not an expert, but you'll sure sound like one. With Zillow you can find estimated prices on 88+ million homes in the U.S., instantly. Using the iPhones GPS, Zillow gives you an overhead view of your current location with prices attached to most homes. You can filter your search by price, number of bedrooms and bathrooms and listing type (for sale, Make Me Move and recently sold). It even uses iPhone's new OS 3 push notifications feature so you can auto track your saved searches. Fun and fascinating, I love this app. Check it out here.
Reviewed by Brian AccuWeather
One of my favorite iPhone apps is made by Accuweather.com. Not only is it great for getting your standard forecast for preset locations, it will also find your current location and provide current conditions and the forecast for that spot. You can get hourly forecasts up to 15 hours out and daily forecasts for the next 15 days. Just swipe your finger across the screen to view a new preset location. Not too long ago I was at Champoeg state park with my father and I fired up the Accuweather app. A quick look at the animated radar showed a major storm headed our way. Sure enough, just as we got back to the car, the heavens opened up and we narrowly avoided getting drenched. Check it out here.
Reviewed by Chris C.
Posted By at 2:50 PM
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
It's been a while since we last refreshed our iPod sound system line-up here at MacForce.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
The iPhone 3.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Apple released revisions to four Mac models yesterday: The Mac mini, iMac, Mac Book Pro and Mac Pro.
Friday, February 27, 2009
A lot of us are holding onto older computers for longer than we'd like to stretch an extra year out of them before upgrading to new hardware.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Amongst the more than 14 devices in MacForce's Apple Museum is the computer that changed the course of computing forever.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The new 17in MacBook Pro is an amazing piece of enginering, with its new aluminum unibody case, an 8 hour integrated battery, and full size desktop-like LED backlit display, the new 17in MacBook Pro is a welcome addition to the MacBook family.
Monday, December 22, 2008
MacForce is open!
You bet we are.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
After months of anticipation, rumors, and hoopla surrounding the new aluminum unibody MacBooks, they are finally here.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
One great thing about hanging around MacForce and being involved deeply with our user group meetings is meeting some super-cool people from very different disciplines.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
There are a lot of cheap computers out there, but when you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, consider what makes the Mac such a great deal.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Last Saturday we hosted a truly unique event called the Iron Artist Competition put on by local artsy recycling heros SCRAP (The School and Community Reuse Action Project).
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Around this time every year, Apple announces new iPods, and we at MacForce look forward to another revolutionary iteration for the world's favorite portable media player.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Five years and counting.
Monday, July 21, 2008
More iPhone/iPod touch application reviews from the MacForce Crew:
Shazam: I like music a lot.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
On July 11, coinciding with the release of iPhone 3G, Apple unleashed the App Store.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Every once in a while, something really cool comes along, something that blows you away with its coolness.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
I recently returned from an extended trip through Europe and ended up with thousands of pictures from my travels.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Take your iMainGo camping! That’s exactly what I did over Memorial Day weekend.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Yesterday a revolution in smart phones occurred, and not just because of Steve Jobs’ unveiling of the iPhone 3G (available July 11) at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Working with our onsite team, I’m always intrigued by what our customers achieve with their Macs.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
We just hit a milestone here at MacForce: We now have 500 local businesses signed up for our Smart Business Project (SBP).
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Recently, I was talking with some students in one of our weekend classes about learning resources.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
MacForce has a new fleet of service vehicles, and they’re as sweet as could be.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
The Shure SE110 Sound Isolating Headphones are really the best earphones I have ever purchased.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
I have been using Apple’s iPhoto for a number of years to store my photos and do some simple edits when I didn’t want to fire up Adobe’s Photoshop.
Monday, April 28, 2008
I’ve recently started keeping track of my running habits using Google Earth for calculating the total distance covered.
Monday, April 21, 2008
I am a huge fan of Jane Austen novels.
Friday, April 18, 2008
I love my Apple Airport Express router.
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Apple II was absolutely amazing to me when I was a kid.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Just when I was about give up on finding an FM transmitter for my iPod that would actually work with my car stereo, along came the XtremeMac InCharge FM.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
I write so much about how awesome life is being a Mac user.
Monday, April 07, 2008
When MacForce graciously allowed me to take some time off last month to do some traveling in Africa, I was thrilled.
Friday, April 04, 2008
I was a late bloomer when it came to computers, my first real exposure was when I started to work for Kinkos.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Ever wonder how Apple does it? I mean how they continue to release such powerful software applications that are truly user-friendly and intuitive? I sure do.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
I am currently surrounded by co-workers and friends that cannot seem to stop themselves from having babies.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Sometimes patience ain’t a virtue.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
I know people are always stressing the importance of backing up.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Has your computer ever acted possessed, like a ghost has invaded it and is making it do really strange things? Are the fans suddenly kicking on for no reason? Is it not going to sleep properly? Is it losing it’s wireless connection too often.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
So you just purchased a new iPod touch or iPhone and would like to play some games.
Monday, March 10, 2008
I use a lot of different applications on my Mac.
Friday, March 07, 2008
As any Mac user knows, there are limitless ways to customize your computer settings to your liking; a sort of personalized Mac style, if you will.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Back in January 2007, when Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced the iPhone, he claimed it was going to “change the world.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
About a year ago, my wife's Titanium Powerbook G4 shut off for the last time.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
It’s not often that I think about how useful my Mac is to me in my everyday life.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
A buddy of mine was telling me about a recent experience the other day.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Back in 2003, I had saved and saved in anticipation of buying a beautiful new Titanium PowerBook G4.
Friday, February 22, 2008
One reason I really enjoy being a Mac user, especially in this town, is the community that surrounds it.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Here at MacForce, I get the chance to speak with a number of our customers on a daily basis about their Mac experience.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
So I updated my iPod touch with the new firmware shortly after Apple published it back in January.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Resident Mac expert Chris Cooper asks a very important question: Will a "Cheese Grater Mac" (aka a Power Mac G5) actually grate cheese? Watch this video and find out.
Friday, February 15, 2008
OK, so Apple has made it super easy for us to edit our videos, photos, songs and podcasts, but what good is all this genius if no one ever sees it? Pablo Picasso would've just been some crazy guy if no one ever saw his paintings.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
I’m a huge fan of my new iPod touch.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
One of my favorite additions to the Mac OS in 10.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
I love Apple's Safari web browser.
Monday, February 11, 2008
If you’re like me, you tend to wait until the last minute to do things.
Friday, February 08, 2008
So, I am sure by now you’ve had a chance to check out the new iPod touch or even the iPhone.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Sometimes we get so caught up in the rapidly changing world of technology and assume everyone else around us is staying up to speed.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Deciding on a Mac is a very subjective process, and it’s always been a difficult one for me.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
If I were to create a public service announcement, it might say: "Don't Drink and Compute!"
Once a week I get to see a laptop come into our service center with liquid spill damage.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Starting next week, this blog will be the home of the voices of the MacForce crew.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
With so many new products from companies all over the globe at Macworld this year, I would like to take a minute to reflect on what we felt were some standouts.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Another Macworld, another great night in line spent chatting with Mac fans from around the world, waiting to get into Steve Jobs's annual keynote.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Jamie Hey Chris? I know it was your first time at Macworld.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
For the last decade, with the advent of great devices like digital cameras and the iPod, we've seen a surge of media going digital.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Portland has long been positioned as a progressive city.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Just one more reason that Portland, Oregon, loves Apple: Not only did Steve Jobs announce the world’s thinnest notebook computer today, but it’s very possibly most environmentally friendly as well.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
We’re not sure how Jobs can surpass Leopard and the iPhone, but we’re betting that he’ll find a way.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
This year's Summer Blast was the biggest and best to date.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Thanks to everyone who made this event great!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
> Hottest new Mac-related product?
iPhone - not as clumsy or as random as a blaster, but an elegant weapon for a more civilized age.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
> What's your most memorable MacForce moment?
Summer Blast '06.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
June 11th will be remembered as a pivotal keynote for Steve Jobs.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
If you've seen a van around town that looks like it escaped from a secret NASA installation, it's probably ours.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Today Adobe officially announced Adobe Creative Suite 3 (Adobe CS3), and it's been a long wait, especially for creative Mac users on Intel Macs.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Apple is getting ready to release the Apple TV later this month (around the 20th), and in preparation they've updated iTunes and QuickTime.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Resident Mac fan Chris Gear has programed a collection of some of the best video moments and pictures from Apple and it's fans.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Steve Jobs attended (officially and unofficially) Portland's Reed College for two years, starting in 1972, and lived at a local commune that had an apple orchard.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Here's a video recap of the past three days at Macworld 2007:
The iPhone draws crowds to its cutting edge technology and design.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
I've just left Steve Jobs' keynote at Macworld 2007.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
"The first 30 years were just the beginning.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
While many web sites have standardized on QuickTime, Windows Media Video or Flash Video, you may occasionally run across that file that just won't play on a Mac.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
James Allchin is co-President of the Platform Products and Services Group
at Microsoft.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Currently there are three solutions to run Windows XP on an Intel based Mac.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
While
we eagerly await the arrival of Apple's iTV player next year, it's important
to remember that Apple already sells a media server solution, the iPod
video.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
The Macintosh has a profound impact on society.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Microsoft has officially released its version of the iPod, trademarked Zune.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Here at MacForce we are media
lovers.