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Exclusive photos, video from Microsoft Store grand opening
Microsoft debuted its first retail store in Scottsdale, Ariz., Thursday to coincide with the launch of Windows 7, and AppleInsider has exclusive photos, video and details from the grand opening event.
Reader Charles A. Keller Sr. provided photos and video from the launch event at a packed store inside the Scottsdale Fashion Center. Inside the new location, the walls are lined with continuous screens that rotate through images. The store also includes a multi-touch Microsoft Surface table.
In the back of the store is the "Guru Bar," Microsoft's answer to the Genius Bars at Apple stores. The station where Windows Gurus are located has the word "Answers" on its left and right side.
At least one former Mac Specialist is said to work at the Arizona location. Keller, a former Apple Retail employee, said he knows others who were approached by Microsoft and offered similar wages to what Apple pays.
In September, reports suggested that Microsoft was offering raises to key Apple Store managers in an attempt to lure them away. Those who jumped ship were allegedly asked to attempt to recruit the most seasoned Apple employees they had presided over in their previous job.
Inside the store at Thursday's opening was said to be an "impressive line" of people. Many patrons who made purchases walked out with smaller bags, likely to have copies of Windows 7. At least one customer was seen purchasing an HP TouchSmart PC, one of the third-party hardware options available.
In attendance was Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner, who has been with the company since 2005. Turner himself made comments in recent months that his company intends to get aggressive with Apple in the retail space, going as far as to say that Microsoft plans to open stores right next door to Apple
( Read more )
Reader Charles A. Keller Sr. provided photos and video from the launch event at a packed store inside the Scottsdale Fashion Center. Inside the new location, the walls are lined with continuous screens that rotate through images. The store also includes a multi-touch Microsoft Surface table.
In the back of the store is the "Guru Bar," Microsoft's answer to the Genius Bars at Apple stores. The station where Windows Gurus are located has the word "Answers" on its left and right side.
At least one former Mac Specialist is said to work at the Arizona location. Keller, a former Apple Retail employee, said he knows others who were approached by Microsoft and offered similar wages to what Apple pays.
In September, reports suggested that Microsoft was offering raises to key Apple Store managers in an attempt to lure them away. Those who jumped ship were allegedly asked to attempt to recruit the most seasoned Apple employees they had presided over in their previous job.
Inside the store at Thursday's opening was said to be an "impressive line" of people. Many patrons who made purchases walked out with smaller bags, likely to have copies of Windows 7. At least one customer was seen purchasing an HP TouchSmart PC, one of the third-party hardware options available.
In attendance was Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner, who has been with the company since 2005. Turner himself made comments in recent months that his company intends to get aggressive with Apple in the retail space, going as far as to say that Microsoft plans to open stores right next door to Apple
( Read more )
T-Mobile U.S. ad inadvertently boosts sales of iPhone app
Sales of a year-old iPhone app doubled after a similar program for Android was prominently shown by a celebrity in a U.S. T-Mobile commercial.
A new advertisement featuring alumni of Saturday Night Live playing around with the Android-powered myTouch 3G, shows comedian Dana Carvey using an application that simulates steam on glass. The user can "wipe" the steam off the screen, as Carvey does to write "Call me" and draw a smiley face. But an iPhone application that predates the Android offering has turned out to be a beneficiary, despite the fact that it is not a part of the TV spot.
According to TechCrunch Israeli iPhone developers ApParty were surprised when their year-old, App Store-exclusive offering iFog saw its sales double out of the blue a few weeks ago. At first they were unsure why the sales had spiked, until someone noted the new T-Mobile advertisement.
The iPhone application was first released in December 2008 and found quick popularity, selling 200,000 copies. Sales, however, flattened over time, to about 250 per week. Then, two weeks ago, U.S. sales began to nearly quadruple.
The similar Android application featured in the T-Mobile commercial, Steamy Window Pro, is not made by ApParty. But clearly the advertisement inspired iPhone and iPod touch users to search the App Store for a similar program. As a result, the $0.99 iFog app inadvertently reaped the benefits.
Apple has frequently said in its own advertisements that there is an app for "just about everything" on its iPhone App Store. That claim came into question in the U.K. this summer, when the Advertising Standards Authority received a number of complaints that the "there's an app for that" ads said such variety was available "only on the iPhone."
In its decision, the ASA backed Apple, noting that while Android has its share of applications, the App Store is the only location where consumers can access such a variety of options
( Read more )
A new advertisement featuring alumni of Saturday Night Live playing around with the Android-powered myTouch 3G, shows comedian Dana Carvey using an application that simulates steam on glass. The user can "wipe" the steam off the screen, as Carvey does to write "Call me" and draw a smiley face. But an iPhone application that predates the Android offering has turned out to be a beneficiary, despite the fact that it is not a part of the TV spot.
According to TechCrunch Israeli iPhone developers ApParty were surprised when their year-old, App Store-exclusive offering iFog saw its sales double out of the blue a few weeks ago. At first they were unsure why the sales had spiked, until someone noted the new T-Mobile advertisement.
The iPhone application was first released in December 2008 and found quick popularity, selling 200,000 copies. Sales, however, flattened over time, to about 250 per week. Then, two weeks ago, U.S. sales began to nearly quadruple.
The similar Android application featured in the T-Mobile commercial, Steamy Window Pro, is not made by ApParty. But clearly the advertisement inspired iPhone and iPod touch users to search the App Store for a similar program. As a result, the $0.99 iFog app inadvertently reaped the benefits.
Apple has frequently said in its own advertisements that there is an app for "just about everything" on its iPhone App Store. That claim came into question in the U.K. this summer, when the Advertising Standards Authority received a number of complaints that the "there's an app for that" ads said such variety was available "only on the iPhone."
In its decision, the ASA backed Apple, noting that while Android has its share of applications, the App Store is the only location where consumers can access such a variety of options
( Read more )
Mossberg: Apple's iMac, MacBook 'evolutionary, not revolutionary'
In his reviews of the latest MacBook and iMac upgrades from Apple, Walt Mossberg has recommended both hardware redesigns, calling them better and brighter.
But despite major hardware changes on both lines of hardware, The Wall Street Journal reviewer said the updates do not offer anything significantly different than their predecessors.
"Though both new Macs sport important improvements, they are evolutionary, not revolutionary, and neither follows the industry trend toward bargain-basement prices," Mossberg said. "The MacBook is still $999 and the iMac starts at $1,199, though the company is giving users more features at those same price points. You can pay much less for laptops and desktops from competitors like Dell and Hewlett-Packard."
Mossberg gave the new 27-inch iMac a test, and found the upgraded internals, including the addition of a SD flash memory card slot and a 1TB hard drive, to be welcome improvements. He also noted the system's ability to act as an external monitor.
"In my tests, using a 27-inch model, the machine was fast and the screen was brilliant and displaying hi-res photos and high-definition video," he said. "Its width allowed me to treat it like two monitors, with, say, a Microsoft Word document on the left and a Web page on the right."
As for the new 13-inch unibody polycarbonate MacBook, Mossberg noted the loss of a FireWire port and the continuing absence of an SD card slot, but felt the shortcomings were offset by the new hardware design and internal improvements. For example, the sealed battery offers superior uptime, as Mossberg said he could "easily top six hours" with the new hardware in a normal use setting.
The new MacBook carries the same 1.08-inch thickness, but is longer and wider than the older model. The weight, he said, has been reduced from 5 pounds to 4
( Read more )
But despite major hardware changes on both lines of hardware, The Wall Street Journal reviewer said the updates do not offer anything significantly different than their predecessors.
"Though both new Macs sport important improvements, they are evolutionary, not revolutionary, and neither follows the industry trend toward bargain-basement prices," Mossberg said. "The MacBook is still $999 and the iMac starts at $1,199, though the company is giving users more features at those same price points. You can pay much less for laptops and desktops from competitors like Dell and Hewlett-Packard."
Mossberg gave the new 27-inch iMac a test, and found the upgraded internals, including the addition of a SD flash memory card slot and a 1TB hard drive, to be welcome improvements. He also noted the system's ability to act as an external monitor.
"In my tests, using a 27-inch model, the machine was fast and the screen was brilliant and displaying hi-res photos and high-definition video," he said. "Its width allowed me to treat it like two monitors, with, say, a Microsoft Word document on the left and a Web page on the right."
As for the new 13-inch unibody polycarbonate MacBook, Mossberg noted the loss of a FireWire port and the continuing absence of an SD card slot, but felt the shortcomings were offset by the new hardware design and internal improvements. For example, the sealed battery offers superior uptime, as Mossberg said he could "easily top six hours" with the new hardware in a normal use setting.
The new MacBook carries the same 1.08-inch thickness, but is longer and wider than the older model. The weight, he said, has been reduced from 5 pounds to 4
( Read more )
Apple targets 3 new Get a Mac ads at Windows 7 (with videos)
As promised, Apple has released three new Get a Mac ads targeting Microsoft's launch of Windows 7 as a good opportunity to abandon Microsoft.
Last week, Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president for Worldwide Product Marketing, said the impending launch of Windows 7 would present a "good opportunity" for Apple to make market share gains.
Schiller said that in particular, the upgrade process from Windows XP to Windows 7 is something that consumers will likely find unpleasant: "Any user that reads all those steps is probably going to freak out. If you have to go through all that, why not just buy a Mac?"
The new ads can be viewed on Apple's site or below via YouTube; Google's inline videos are best experienced using ClickToFlash to view the videos directly.
Broken Promises
Teeter Tottering
PC News
( Read more )
Last week, Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president for Worldwide Product Marketing, said the impending launch of Windows 7 would present a "good opportunity" for Apple to make market share gains.
Schiller said that in particular, the upgrade process from Windows XP to Windows 7 is something that consumers will likely find unpleasant: "Any user that reads all those steps is probably going to freak out. If you have to go through all that, why not just buy a Mac?"
The new ads can be viewed on Apple's site or below via YouTube; Google's inline videos are best experienced using ClickToFlash to view the videos directly.
Broken Promises
Teeter Tottering
PC News
( Read more )
AT&T activates record 3.2M iPhones, says exclusivity could end
AT&T reported its third-quarter results Thursday, recording 3.2 million iPhone activations and adding 4.3 million postpaid 3G devices, but the company's CEO also admitted that the iPhone won't be exclusive forever.
AT&T reported a 2 million increase in total wireless subscribers, which was the highest third-quarter gain in company history. The nation's second-largest wireless carrier now has 81.6 million subscribers.
Of the 3.2 million iPhone activations, nearly 40 percent were customers who were new to AT&T.
The Dallas, Tex., company reported $0.54 diluted earnings per share, down slightly from the $0.55 recorded in the quarter one year prior. Average monthly revenues per subscriber increased 3.8 percent year-over-year, and represented the seventh consecutive quarter with a year-over-year increase in postpaid ARPU.
While the strength of the iPhone helped AT&T beat profit expectations on Wall Street, the company's CEO admitted Thursday that AT&T will not have exclusive access to Apple's handset forever. According to Macworld, Ralph de la Vega said during a question-and-answer session that he believes his company's portfolio will survive after the iPhone moves to other carriers.
"We have a legacy of having a great portfolio... that will continue after the iPhone is no longer exclusive to us," de la Vega said. "We think we will continue after the iPhone... to drive (results)."
He went on to note that new subscribers from the iPhone amounted to one-third the total from all devices. He noted that the company's continued roll-out of High Speed Packet Access 7.2 technology in a half-dozen cities by year's end will put it in a strong position going forward.
"Even if we lose exclusivity, we will be the only carrier with HSPA 7.2 and (new devices) will work on our network faster," de la Vega said
( Read more )
AT&T reported a 2 million increase in total wireless subscribers, which was the highest third-quarter gain in company history. The nation's second-largest wireless carrier now has 81.6 million subscribers.
Of the 3.2 million iPhone activations, nearly 40 percent were customers who were new to AT&T.
The Dallas, Tex., company reported $0.54 diluted earnings per share, down slightly from the $0.55 recorded in the quarter one year prior. Average monthly revenues per subscriber increased 3.8 percent year-over-year, and represented the seventh consecutive quarter with a year-over-year increase in postpaid ARPU.
While the strength of the iPhone helped AT&T beat profit expectations on Wall Street, the company's CEO admitted Thursday that AT&T will not have exclusive access to Apple's handset forever. According to Macworld, Ralph de la Vega said during a question-and-answer session that he believes his company's portfolio will survive after the iPhone moves to other carriers.
"We have a legacy of having a great portfolio... that will continue after the iPhone is no longer exclusive to us," de la Vega said. "We think we will continue after the iPhone... to drive (results)."
He went on to note that new subscribers from the iPhone amounted to one-third the total from all devices. He noted that the company's continued roll-out of High Speed Packet Access 7.2 technology in a half-dozen cities by year's end will put it in a strong position going forward.
"Even if we lose exclusivity, we will be the only carrier with HSPA 7.2 and (new devices) will work on our network faster," de la Vega said
( Read more )
Apple's Boot Camp will not support Windows 7 on some 2006 Macs
In a memo to retail partners, Apple has announced that it will deliver support for Windows 7 in Mac OS X Snow Leopard's Boot Camp utility by the end of the year via a software update, but exclude support for some Macs sold in 2006.
Boot Camp is a two-step utility designed to setup Intel Mac computers to dual-boot both Mac OS X or Windows. The first component, which runs under Mac OS X, partitions the user's hard drive in place to prepare the system for an installation of Windows. After that step completes, the user is directed to install Windows from an authentic DVD copy provided by the user (Apple does not license or sell copies of Windows).
After Windows installs itself, Boot Camp provides a secondary package of drivers that the user must install from within Windows. These drivers provide native support for Mac-specific hardware under Windows, such as a backlit keyboard, built-in iSight camera, trackpad, Bluetooth, graphics, networking, audio, and so on. Snow Leopard's Boot Camp 3.0 also installs read-only HFS+ support for viewing Mac volumes under Windows.
According to the announcement, a series of Mac models "will not be supported for use with Windows 7 using Boot Camp," specifically:
( Read more )
Boot Camp is a two-step utility designed to setup Intel Mac computers to dual-boot both Mac OS X or Windows. The first component, which runs under Mac OS X, partitions the user's hard drive in place to prepare the system for an installation of Windows. After that step completes, the user is directed to install Windows from an authentic DVD copy provided by the user (Apple does not license or sell copies of Windows).
After Windows installs itself, Boot Camp provides a secondary package of drivers that the user must install from within Windows. These drivers provide native support for Mac-specific hardware under Windows, such as a backlit keyboard, built-in iSight camera, trackpad, Bluetooth, graphics, networking, audio, and so on. Snow Leopard's Boot Camp 3.0 also installs read-only HFS+ support for viewing Mac volumes under Windows.
According to the announcement, a series of Mac models "will not be supported for use with Windows 7 using Boot Camp," specifically:
( Read more )
First look: Apple's redesigned 13-inch unibody MacBook
Apple's revamped new MacBook takes everything the company learned from last year's aluminum unibody MacBook Pro redesign and applies it to make a solid, curvy, entry level notebook that carries the same $999 price tag.
With the release of its new aluminum unibody MacBooks last fall, Apple appeared to be taking its entire notebook line upscale. That was in dramatic contrast to the course being pursued by the rest of the industry, where generic PC makers were all scrambling to roll out netbooks and achieve record new lows in pricing in order to entice users to buy something, anything during the recession.
Apple replaced its 5-pound, white plastic MacBook with Intel GMA X3100 graphics with a 4.5-pound, thinner, precision-engineered new 13.3-inch aluminum model sporting NVIDIA's new 9400M graphics for slightly more (but missing FireWire). Apple continued to sell its old "white plastic MacBook" as a low end placeholder for users who wanted to spend less than a grand (or for users who wanted a small notebook with FireWire).
This year, Apple twice souped up the plastic MacBook model with 9400 graphics and a speed bump, first in January and again in May. Shortly afterward, Apple clarified things at WWDC when it rereleased its aluminum notebooks as "MacBook Pros" across the line (with FireWire), offering some significant differentiation between the 13.3" MacBook Pro and the its cheaper plastic little brother.
This month, that reshuffling began to make more sense as Apple debuted a redesigned new unibody MacBook that incorporates many of the design advancements premiered a year ago on the company's higher end models:
the thinner, lighter, more rigid construction
a new built-in battery that lasts much longer
the removal of all flaps and levers and covers (it now takes a screwdriver to open the back panel)
a new multitouch glass trackpad
new
( Read more )
With the release of its new aluminum unibody MacBooks last fall, Apple appeared to be taking its entire notebook line upscale. That was in dramatic contrast to the course being pursued by the rest of the industry, where generic PC makers were all scrambling to roll out netbooks and achieve record new lows in pricing in order to entice users to buy something, anything during the recession.
Apple replaced its 5-pound, white plastic MacBook with Intel GMA X3100 graphics with a 4.5-pound, thinner, precision-engineered new 13.3-inch aluminum model sporting NVIDIA's new 9400M graphics for slightly more (but missing FireWire). Apple continued to sell its old "white plastic MacBook" as a low end placeholder for users who wanted to spend less than a grand (or for users who wanted a small notebook with FireWire).
This year, Apple twice souped up the plastic MacBook model with 9400 graphics and a speed bump, first in January and again in May. Shortly afterward, Apple clarified things at WWDC when it rereleased its aluminum notebooks as "MacBook Pros" across the line (with FireWire), offering some significant differentiation between the 13.3" MacBook Pro and the its cheaper plastic little brother.
This month, that reshuffling began to make more sense as Apple debuted a redesigned new unibody MacBook that incorporates many of the design advancements premiered a year ago on the company's higher end models:
the thinner, lighter, more rigid construction
a new built-in battery that lasts much longer
the removal of all flaps and levers and covers (it now takes a screwdriver to open the back panel)
a new multitouch glass trackpad
new
( Read more )
Save hundreds on brand new MacBooks, iMacs and MacBook Pros
A trio of sponsors have teamed up this month to offer AppleInsider readers savings of between $100 and $280 on Apple's most popular Mac product offerings, including the brand new 21- and 27-inch iMacs, as well the newly redesigned white polycarbonate 13-inch MacBook.
White 13-inch MacBooks
For example, OnSale.com is selling the just-announced $999 2.26GHz white MacBook for $923.99 after a $75 mail-in rebate. However, it's also offering AppleInsider readers an additional 3% of when using the links in this article or those in the Mac Price Guide (also below), bringing the final cost down to $899.18.
New 21- and 27-inch wide-screen iMacs
For its part, ClubMac is extending AI readers similar courtesy on sales of Apple's new 21- and 27-inch iMacs. After mail-in rebates are combined with the added 3% discount, the 3.06GHz 21-inch NVIDIA model comes to $1,093.18 ($105.82 savings), the 3.06GHz 21-inch ATI model to $1,374.18 ($124.82 savings), the 3.06GHz 27-inch ATI model to $1,548.18 ($150.82 savings), and the 2.66GHz quad-core 27-inch model to $1,834.18 ($164.82 savings).
13-, 15-, and 17-inch MacBook Pros
Meanwhile, MacMall's mail-in rebate and 3% offers cover the 13-, 15-, and 17-inch MacBook Pro lines. After discounts, the 2.26GHz 13-inch MacBook Pro falls to $1,078.18 ($120.82 savings), the 2.53GHz 13-inch MacBook Pro to $1,354.18 ($144.82 savings), the 2.53GHz 15-inch MacBook Pro to $1,543.18 ($155.82 savings), the 2.66GHz 15-inch MacBook Pro to $1,784.18 ($214.82 savings), the 2.80GHz 15-inch MacBook Pro to $2,025.18 ($273.82 savings), and the 2.80GHz 17-inch MacBook Pro to $2,219.18 ($279.82 savings).
In each of the above cases, the resellers' final costs fall below Apple's educational pricing for the respective models. Additional details are available in AppleInsider's Mac Price Guide, which is updated daily
( Read more )
White 13-inch MacBooks
For example, OnSale.com is selling the just-announced $999 2.26GHz white MacBook for $923.99 after a $75 mail-in rebate. However, it's also offering AppleInsider readers an additional 3% of when using the links in this article or those in the Mac Price Guide (also below), bringing the final cost down to $899.18.
New 21- and 27-inch wide-screen iMacs
For its part, ClubMac is extending AI readers similar courtesy on sales of Apple's new 21- and 27-inch iMacs. After mail-in rebates are combined with the added 3% discount, the 3.06GHz 21-inch NVIDIA model comes to $1,093.18 ($105.82 savings), the 3.06GHz 21-inch ATI model to $1,374.18 ($124.82 savings), the 3.06GHz 27-inch ATI model to $1,548.18 ($150.82 savings), and the 2.66GHz quad-core 27-inch model to $1,834.18 ($164.82 savings).
13-, 15-, and 17-inch MacBook Pros
Meanwhile, MacMall's mail-in rebate and 3% offers cover the 13-, 15-, and 17-inch MacBook Pro lines. After discounts, the 2.26GHz 13-inch MacBook Pro falls to $1,078.18 ($120.82 savings), the 2.53GHz 13-inch MacBook Pro to $1,354.18 ($144.82 savings), the 2.53GHz 15-inch MacBook Pro to $1,543.18 ($155.82 savings), the 2.66GHz 15-inch MacBook Pro to $1,784.18 ($214.82 savings), the 2.80GHz 15-inch MacBook Pro to $2,025.18 ($273.82 savings), and the 2.80GHz 17-inch MacBook Pro to $2,219.18 ($279.82 savings).
In each of the above cases, the resellers' final costs fall below Apple's educational pricing for the respective models. Additional details are available in AppleInsider's Mac Price Guide, which is updated daily
( Read more )
Mac OS X 10.6.2 to have native support for Apple's Magic Mouse
Native support for Apple's new multi-touch Magic Mouse will require the unreleased Mac OS X 10.6.2 or later, the new hardware's user manual states.
Apple's new mouse works with both hardware and software to sense finger position, gestures with fingers, momentum of movements, and more. According to the Magic Mouse manual, the hardware will require Mac OS X 10.6.2 or later. Those on Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later can install the Wireless Mouse Software update 1.0 to obtain the same features.
The new Magic Mouse, when purchased separately, has a wait time of 5 to 7 business days. That would imply that the release of Mac OS X 10.6.2, the latest build of Snow Leopard, could be released very soon.
Over the past few weeks, three betas of Mac OS X 10.6.2 have been sent to developers. The most recent build addressed a glitch that sometimes deleted user data when logging in and out of a guest account.
The latest build also fixed a number of GraphicsDrivers issues, including a problem where 1080p content played with QuickTime Player X could stutter. That could prove important for owners of the new iMac models, which have 16:9 aspect ratio displays. The new 21.5-inch iMac has a 1920-by-1080 native 1080p display, while the 27-inch iMac exceeds that with a 2560-by-1440 pixel LED-backlit screen.
The Magic Mouse manual explains how to understand the hardware's indicator light, pairing of the bluetooth device with a new Mac, replacing the batteries, cleaning, and use of the mouse.
( Read more )
Apple's new mouse works with both hardware and software to sense finger position, gestures with fingers, momentum of movements, and more. According to the Magic Mouse manual, the hardware will require Mac OS X 10.6.2 or later. Those on Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later can install the Wireless Mouse Software update 1.0 to obtain the same features.
The new Magic Mouse, when purchased separately, has a wait time of 5 to 7 business days. That would imply that the release of Mac OS X 10.6.2, the latest build of Snow Leopard, could be released very soon.
Over the past few weeks, three betas of Mac OS X 10.6.2 have been sent to developers. The most recent build addressed a glitch that sometimes deleted user data when logging in and out of a guest account.
The latest build also fixed a number of GraphicsDrivers issues, including a problem where 1080p content played with QuickTime Player X could stutter. That could prove important for owners of the new iMac models, which have 16:9 aspect ratio displays. The new 21.5-inch iMac has a 1920-by-1080 native 1080p display, while the 27-inch iMac exceeds that with a 2560-by-1440 pixel LED-backlit screen.
The Magic Mouse manual explains how to understand the hardware's indicator light, pairing of the bluetooth device with a new Mac, replacing the batteries, cleaning, and use of the mouse.
( Read more )
Apple's new Magic Mouse disassembled, with pictures
The world's first multi-touch mouse, Apple's new Magic Mouse, has been pulled apart from all of the glue that holds it together, allowing a glimpse at its internal components.
The new Magic Mouse has a solid acrylic surface on a low-profile body. It lacks any physical buttons or the scroll ball of its predecessor, the Mighty Mouse. Instead, the hardware senses the movement of fingertips across its surface, in a multi-touch fashion much like the technology employed in Apple's iPhone, iPod touch, MacBook and MacBook Pro lines.
iFixit's look inside found an aluminum base covered by a smooth multi-touch panel. Inside, the hardware is held together by "copious amounts" of glue. It was disassembled with an iPod opening tool.
"The glue didn't want to let go, but we overpowered it with the flick of our magic wand," the solutions provider said. "Screws would have been a lot easier to get apart (and much nicer to put back together)."
Most of the hardware's weight comes its two AA batteries (47 grams). The plastic weighs in at 37 grams, while the inside is just 10 grams.
A single ribbon cable connects the top of the mouse to its internal board, and orange capacitive touch sensors line the translucent top to track individual finger movements. iFixit found that the mouse's entire surface, from the Apple logo up, is covered with capacitive touch sensors.
Currently, the Magic Mouse requires a software patch for the multi-touch functionality to work with Mac OS X. But the forthcoming release of Mac OS X 10.6.2 is said to have native support for the new hardware.
The solutions provider said that the average mouse board weighs in at 0.4 grams, while the Magic Mouse's "brain" is 9 grams.
The mouse uses a Broadcom BCM2042A4KFBGH Bluetooth chip to wirelessly communicate with a desktop machine
( Read more )
The new Magic Mouse has a solid acrylic surface on a low-profile body. It lacks any physical buttons or the scroll ball of its predecessor, the Mighty Mouse. Instead, the hardware senses the movement of fingertips across its surface, in a multi-touch fashion much like the technology employed in Apple's iPhone, iPod touch, MacBook and MacBook Pro lines.
iFixit's look inside found an aluminum base covered by a smooth multi-touch panel. Inside, the hardware is held together by "copious amounts" of glue. It was disassembled with an iPod opening tool.
"The glue didn't want to let go, but we overpowered it with the flick of our magic wand," the solutions provider said. "Screws would have been a lot easier to get apart (and much nicer to put back together)."
Most of the hardware's weight comes its two AA batteries (47 grams). The plastic weighs in at 37 grams, while the inside is just 10 grams.
A single ribbon cable connects the top of the mouse to its internal board, and orange capacitive touch sensors line the translucent top to track individual finger movements. iFixit found that the mouse's entire surface, from the Apple logo up, is covered with capacitive touch sensors.
Currently, the Magic Mouse requires a software patch for the multi-touch functionality to work with Mac OS X. But the forthcoming release of Mac OS X 10.6.2 is said to have native support for the new hardware.
The solutions provider said that the average mouse board weighs in at 0.4 grams, while the Magic Mouse's "brain" is 9 grams.
The mouse uses a Broadcom BCM2042A4KFBGH Bluetooth chip to wirelessly communicate with a desktop machine
( Read more )