Cult of Mac

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IPY-63_gaU

Lee Clow, the man behind Apple’s groundbreaking 1997 “Think Different” campaign and chief creative officer of  Chiat announced he is stepping down.

Here the jeans and base-ball cap wearing Clow, now 66, is interviewed about the days he was the only ad guy not wearing a three-piece suit — by Alex Bogusky, the Mac-using brainchild behind Microsoft’s “Laptop Hunter’s” series, which has been poking a few holes into the sometimes tired “Mac vs. PC” ads.

Apple abandoned the “Think Different” campaign in 2002 for the  “switch” concept, but it never really caught up with Clow’s creation.

We stand corrected:  Ken Segall, former Chiat creative director on the Apple account wrote in to say:

“Lee is/was the chief creative officer at Chiat, and as such doesn’t actually create this stuff — he’s an inspiration and ultimately responsible for the output. Interestingly, the words “think different” were actually written by an art director. His name is Craig Tanimoto. Not bad for a guy whose first responsibility was design.

Also, Think different was not replaced by the Switcher campaign. At some point (I can’t even remember when), it was decided that the “think different” words simply didn’t need to be said anymore. They became more or less embodied in the brand. This, just as Nike dropped “Just do it” and started using only the company’s famous swoosh.”

What do you think Apple’s next iconic catch phrase should be?

Via 9to5 Mac, Mediapost

I’m a multitouch junkie. Everything I touch has to be multitouch, or it just ain’t right. I can no longer use a regular laptop trackpad — there’s no two-finger scrolling. It irritates me no end if I can’t point, scroll and double-click with my fingers.

How long will it take then, to get used to the Apple’s new Magic Mouse? So far, it’s been frustrating. It seems like the Magic Mouse would be perfectly natural to use, but it isn’t.

As anticipated, Apple has updated the Apple TV software to 3.0, which brings a new interface and home screen with quick access to favorite content. Instead of drilling down to get to a recently-rented movie, it’s now accessible right off the home screen, as are favorite TV Shows, podcasts and YouTube movies.

The update also adds support for iTunes LPs and iTunes Extras, as well as Genius Mixes and internet radio.

The update likely breaks Boxee, the unsanctioned internet media player that actually makes the Apple TV useful, but internet radio is a welcome addition.

To support the new Apple TV software, Apple has also updated iTunes to 9.0.2. As well as being compatible with the Apple TV 3.0 software, the update adds a new “dark” viewing option in Grid View. The iTunes update also once again breaks Palm Pre syncing.

Our top trio of Mac deals span the range of hardware, software and accessories. We start out with more deals on MacBook Pro laptops, beginning at $780 for a 1.83GHz 15-inch MacBook Pro laptop. We move on to a number of price reductions from Apple’s App Store for iPhone and iPod touch users. We round out the top gadgets with ever-popular discounts for iPhone cases – this time 90% off.

As always, for details on these deals or other bargains (such as Philips universal remote control with iPod dock), check out CoM’s “Daily Deals” page after the jump.

Apple TV owners may soon have access to the latest iTunes Store content. Multiple reports suggest an Apple update includes support for iTunes LP and iTunes Extras. The reports are based on changes in the iTunes terms and conditions, stating: “iTunes LP and iTunes Extras Products are usable only on computers with iTunes 9 or higher and Apple TV with software version 3.0 or higher.”

For some time, Apple has viewed Apple TV as a ‘hobby,’ causing some enthusiasts to turn to open-source software Boxee for additional features. In September, Apple unveiled iTunes LP as a way for digital albums to include photos, video and other material previously available within physical CDs. iTunes Extras attempts to do for digital movies what iTunes LP does for digital LPs – delivering content for digital purchases once available only through physical DVDs.

The updated terms may lend credence to previous reports the software used for both iTunes LP and iTunes Extras is tailored for Apple TV. Others expect Apple to upgrade the Apple TV hardware to support both iTunes TV subscriptions, as well as adding DVR-like ability to the device.

Apple TV’s software was last upgraded in June. The 2.4 upgrade included support for Apple’s new remote and searching photos on Flickr. In September, Apple quietly eliminated the 40GB unit while dropping the price of a 160GB unit to $229 from $329.

[Via AppleInsider, MacRumors]

It’s no fun being a game console competing with Apple. That seems to be the lesson gaming giant Nintendo is learning as the iPod touch and iPhone become increasingly popular game platforms. Nintendo announced its last quarterly profits fell 52 percent, a $702 million drop from 133 billion yen to 64 billion yen.

Although the Japanese company did not specifically mention the iPhone or iPod touch, the company’s handheld DS platform “faces increasing competition from Apple Inc’s iPhone, which has become a popular platform for handheld games,” according to Reuters.

The mystery object in Monday’s contest is a Personal Laser Writer 300 from 1996, belonging to our own Tim Cox.

About it, he says: “I got it from a guy on lowendmac.com for 15 bucks. I couldn’t find the original selling price for these printers but I think it’s close to $6,000.”

The picture is from the side of the printer and it’s a awkwardly designed cubby to hide where the power cord connects to the printer. There’s one on the other side for the printer cable. ”

Winner named after the jump.

Apple engineers have reportedly become frequent visitors to China – and plan even more over upcoming holidays. The report, based on unnamed sources, is just the latest rumor the Cupertino, Calif. company is planning to unveil a Tablet Mac.

“A source tells us a system integration engineer friend of his at Apple has been ramping up his travels back and forth between China lately, broadcasting word of his travels over the Internet,”,” according to Business Insider. One of Apple’s best-known China-based hardware makers, Foxconn supposedly has marching orders to produce 300,000 tablet devices (which the NYTs calls ‘Slate’) each month.

Forget Balloon Boy and Billy Mays this Halloween. Dress up as your favorite demonic CEO instead.

You’ll scare the pants off work colleagues when you walk in the elevator, and the neighboorhood kids will be in a bag of hurt when you give them apple slices instead of sickly sweet candy.

Hit the jump for a full-size mask that you can print and cut out.

Thanks Dan Draper for the fantastic image of Steve Jobs and Forbes for the idea.

The world’s most influential computer expert is once again recommending consumers buy Macs over Windows PCs.

Mossberg has just published his annual fall computer buying guide, and says that while Windows 7 is almost as good as Snow Leopard, and PCs can be “priced hundreds of dollars lower than Macs,” Apple wins because of the built-in iLife software:

“The arrival of Windows 7 makes PCs from Hewlett-Packard, Dell and others much better choices than their Vista-equipped predecessors were. Microsoft has closed most of the gap with Apple’s Mac OS X operating system. Also, Windows PCs are often priced hundreds of dollars lower than Macs, and offer many more choices.

But in my view, Apple’s built-in software still has the edge. Snow Leopard is fast and reliable. And it comes with a full suite of excellent built-in programs, including email, photo and video software. Microsoft has stripped Windows 7 of such programs.”

Here’s Mossberg on video discussing some of the options.

Here’s Apple’s head designer Jonny Ive geeking out over reducing lots of parts to one single, unibody part — beautiful.

From the recent ‘Objectified’ documentary about industrial design.

We’ve redesigned the top of the site to make it easier to navigate, bring more attention to our top stories, and add a couple more ad units, which we haven’t turned on yet.

The biggest change is the sidebar, which is now located on the left instead of the right. We’re not certain that’s a good idea, but switching it back is a 10-minute job.

What do you guys think of the new look? Should we move the sidebar back where it was?

What says “I love you” better than a big iPhone cake?

This cake was made by Charm City Cakes (of ‘Ace of Cakes’ fame) for iPhone fanboy Jerry Brito and his lovely bride. It’s fantastically detailed — from the icons onscreen to the screws next to the speakers on bottom. We’ve never seen such a detailed iPhone cake before. Hit the jump for a couple more shots.

Cheers Jerry.

Marware, maker of iPod and iPhone accessories, Wednesday introduced a sports grip for Apple’s update iPod nano. The $19.99 sports grip provides a slip-free silicone surface which also protects the device’s sides, top and back. The grip provides easy access to various ports.

We reach mid-week with a mix of new 27-inch iMacs sporting Intel’s 2.66GHz Core i5 chips with 3 years of AppleCare for $2,198. Also on-tap: MacBook Pro laptops starting at $800 and the gorgeous 30-inch Apple Cinema Widescreen LCD displays for $1,299. Rounding out the top three deals are two deep discounts on iPhone and iPod cases.

For details on these and more bargains (such as App store freebies including the ever-helpful B.S. Meter), check out CoM’s “Daily Deals” page after the jump.

‘Droid,’ Motorola’s Android 2.0 handset will launch Friday, Nov. 6, the handset maker announced Wednesday. Verizon Wireless will offer the smartphone priced at $200 (after $100 rebate), matching the iPhone 3G.

Verizon will charge $70 per month for a voice and data plan when purchased along with the Droid. A $100 mail-in rebate will reportedly also be available. Droid users will use Verizon’s EVDO Rev. A 3G, along with GPS and Wi-Fi.

Maybe Apple still needs Verizon. That seems to be the opinion of one analyst, who predicts Apple views the wireless carrier as a way to grab even more marketshare. The view is contrary to last week’s thinking Verizon’s ‘Droid’ phone had scuttled any chances of a post-AT&T deal.

“In our view, diverse carrier support is a key element to driving global penetration of the iPhone (from ~3% share today of the total handset market),” Broadpoint.AmTech analyst Brian Marshall told investors. “Therefore, we believe the chances are high the iPhone will find its way onto the VZ network in 2H10.”

Although Apple would suffer from the loss of what Marshall terms a “sweatheart” subsidy from AT&T, the Cupertino, Calif. company would make up the difference in volume. Experts believe Verizon could sell 14 million iPhones in 2011, garnering a cool $7 billion for Apple, which sells the handsets for $500 a pop.

Apple will “vigorously” defend itself against a Nokia patent infringement lawsuit, according to financial documents released Tuesday evening. The remarks are the first made by the Cupertino, Calif. company about a lawsuit by Nokia that could be worth up to an estimated $1 billion.

“The complaint alleges that these patents are essential to one or more of the GSM, UMTS and 802.11 wireless communication standards, and that the Company has the right to license these patents from plaintiff on fair, reasonable, and non-descriminatory (“FRAND”) terms and conditions,” Apple said in a 10-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. “Plaintiff seeks unspecified FRAND compensation and other relief. The Company’s response to the complaint is not yet due. The Company intends to defend the case vigorously.”

In a complaint filed last week, Nokia accuses Apple of “attempting to get a free ride” off the Finnish company’s research efforts and not agreeing to licensing terms. Nokia alleges patent infringement covers iPhones since 2007 and includes GSM, 3G and Wi-Fi transmission techniques along with speech coding, encryption and security. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster believes Apple is seeking a 1 percent to 2 percent royalty, or $6 to $12 for each iPhone sold.

When you’re among the top achievers in your given field of endeavor it only stands to reason you probably choose the best tools available to do whatever it is you do, both professionally and personally.

Our survey of some of the best of the best across a wide range of endeavors shows lots of those at the top of their games choose Apple gear when it comes to computing and entertainment and we offer here a gallery of 10 top machers from the fields of media, sports, entertainment, politics and elsewhere who choose Apple products to enhance and enable their achievements.

There’s a reason the game is called Follow the Leader, isn’t it?

Via ObamaPacMan

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_WbL2xYquw

This is a hard one to watch: a 1984 Mac 512K meets its end in an industrial microwave oven.

Watch as it goes up in flames —  then witness the after effects of the burning on the keyboard, screen.

It’s the work of Dovetastic, aka Kenny Irwin, who has been zapping everything from 1960s telephones to gas masks  in the microwave on YouTube since February 2006.

Ouch. After it comes out of the oven, hours later, it keeps sizzling!

Need a stiff drink to get that happy face in charred plastic out from under my eyelids before it haunts me forever.

While Apple doesn’t hold any actual monopolies, Harrison Keely has create a board game remix that creates an idealized world where the goal is to own every Apple product ever. It’s not an actual game yet (someone would need to write some rules, design some playing pieces, and create draw cards for that), but it’s got some fun touches. Having to pay $100 extra when you land on Reality Distortion Field is a particularly excellent idea (I find it’s usually more in the neighborhood of $200 — ask 1st-gen iPhone owners). You can see the picture full size by clicking on it.

“An Affordable Way to Own Every Mac” — Teqnolog

ReelDirector is a mobile movie-making app that brings iMovie-like video editing to the iPhone.

With ReelDirector, you can trim clips, add text and transitions, and even edit different clips together. Currently, the iPhone’s built-in video editing capabilities are limited to just trimming clips. With this app, you can forget those limits.

ReelDirector is pretty easy to use. It has a huge feature list, which makes it possible to do most of the stuff that you do on iMovie, natively on the iPhone.

• ‘Stitch together’ different pieces of clip using the ‘drag and drop timeline’ interface similar to Apple’s built-in clip editing UI.
• Make simple edits and preview these edits easily.
• Choose from a variety of transitions to add or change for each separate clip.
• Add Text watermarks with different styles and several different positions.

Briefly, it’s a great utility to create short family clips or beautify some worthy moments. ReelDirector is currently available for $7.99 on the AppStore and is currently at the 60th position amongst the Top Grossing Applications.

ReelDirector is developed by a group of developers at nexvio, which specializes in producing such innovative Video and Image editing solutions for the iPhone platform.

New pictures from CNet show that Apple’s latest store in NYC looks to be a beauty.

Located on the Upper West Side at 67th and Broadway, the massive store will have an all-glass front and a huge glass roof (watch the amazing fly-over from Gary Allen at IFOAppleStore. Allen’s also got a cool mockup). The store’s glass facade will measure 54 feet tall, 75 feet wide and 30 feet deep.

In anticipation of the store’s opening before the end of the year, Apple has removed the big black tarp which covered the construction site, replacing it with a latex wrap. The wrap looks like a red curtain that’s been opened slightly to reveal the teasing message: “Opening soon. Apple Store Upper West Side.

Apple’s stock dropped 5 points on Tuesday to close at $197.37. The stock saw a run last week after the release of a raft of new products, hitting a high of $208.71.

One analyst suggests there’s resistance to the stock going above $207 (even though 2010 price targets are between $250-$300), but perhaps investors took some profits today?

Update: The big sell-off is probably due to the Galleon Group liquidating its investments after billionaire founder Raj Rajaratnam was charged with fraud. Bloomberg said the hedge-fund firm is busy selling 90 percent of its investments, mostly in Apple, Google and eBay. Thanks Fabio.

UPDATE: Oops. Sorry for the embarrassing headline typo. Fixed.

Leaping way, way ahead of competitors, Apple has approved more than 100,000 apps for the App Store, according to App Shopper, an app tracking site.

By contrast, there’s 246 apps for Windows Mobile, which has been around for six years, and about 96 apps for the Palm Pre (see Palm’s list of WebOS applications). Google’s Android,which is probably the iPhone’s strongest competitor, has about 10,000 apps, according to recent estimates. Google has yet to release official figures.

Apple in August said there were 65,000 apps. It took just another 10 weeks to approve more than 35,000 apps. (Apple has approved more than 100K apps, but the number actually available for download is slightly lower: about 93,000)