Categories
Apple

Why Increasing The Memory Of Macbook Pro Is Necessary

Have you recently installed a resource demanding application on your Macbook that caused frequent lags? Are you interested to improve the performance of your Macbook and simply can’t afford to purchase the newest and faster model? You don’t need to suffer the financial burdens of buying a new Macbook since boosting the memory of your old one should be good enough to solve this issue.

Despite its obvious benefits, others are still hesitant about adding more RAM on their Macbook. The fact that their unit was running smoothly when they first tried it discourages them to consider this investment. In addition, majority of Macbook users believe that RAM upgrade is very costly and hard to come by. What they fail to consider is that adding more memory on a Macbook is the most cost effective way to get rid of a sluggish unit and turn it into an incredible computing device that offers both speed and reliability. Here are four reasons to convince you even more.

Improves your work pace

Only core programs were installed on your Macbook when you first tried it. After using it for a couple of years, it’s inevitable that you saved countless files and installed a wide array of applications and games into it. With your Macbook’s hardware specifications unchanged, don’t be surprised that it performs worse now. There is no better way to bring back your work efficiency and speed other than installing a new RAM on your Macbook. You will instantly feel the difference after adding more memory on your unit allowing you to open more applications at once and browse through all of them without experiencing any glitch or delay.

Allows you to install and use the latest applications

New applications and games for Macbook nowadays are more demanding in terms of computing speed and RAM. Although an old Macbook might still have enough computing power to support majority of them, this is not the case if we regard to RAM since previous Macbook models have very low innate memory compared to new ones. By boosting your Macbook’s RAM, you’ll be given the chance to install the latest applications and games which opens more opportunities to be productive or be entertained with your unit.

Cheaper than other upgrades

A RAM upgrade is the most cost effective way to boost your Macbook’s performance. All you need to do is visit the nearest Apple store and purchase a new RAM. You can let them install the RAM for a charge or personally carry out the task. To save more, make your purchase during holidays and other special occasions where Apple products including Macbook RAMs are heavily discounted. You can also save more by purchasing a secondhand Macbook memory online but be sure to only make a deal with a reliable source.

Increases the life of your Macbook

A faulty Macbook RAM can affect the overall performance of your unit and threaten the efficiency of the entire system. Replacing your old RAM with a much powerful one will not only boost your Macbook’s speed but guarantee that it will be up and running especially at times when you need it the most. By purchasing and installing a Ram for Macbook pro, you don’t have to deal with the financial burdens associated with buying a new computer. This option obviously can help you save thousands of dollars. Your Macbook has served you for several years now and most likely is a great influence of your current success. Why not reward your Macbook’s loyalty and reliable service by improving its RAM and using it for a couple of years more?

Article written by Kerry Blake – I am a MS Office expert and lecturer who writes articles in his free time. I’m currently writing tips about RAM for Macbook pro and printers.

Categories
Apple How To iPad

How To Fix iPad Slow Download Speed

A lot of users on the Apple Support forum have recently been complaining that their iPads (including the newer models like iPad 2 and the new iPad are showing incredibly slow download speeds. The problem that these users complain of is not with respect to the network itself – users speedtesting their networks say it is upwards of 10mbps. Rather, it appears specific to the device.

One fix that seems to be working for a few users has got to do with the Radio Mode settings on Airport Express. To explore this fix, follow these steps below. You can also check the original thread here.

1. Launch ‘Airport Utility’. You will see one or more Express units.

2. Tap the first Express unit

3. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. You will have an option that reads ‘Manual Setup’. Tap to open this.

4. In this window, find out the tab that reads ‘Wireless’.

5. Under ‘Radio Mode’, change the settings to 802.11g ONLY

6. You are done. Get back and repeat the process for all your stations.

You are done. It appears to fix the issue. Does this work? Tell us your experience as well as alternate fixes in the comments below.

Categories
Apple Gadgets

iPhone 5 Launch In July 2012?

It was originally pencilled in for the second half of 2012, but could we see the next incarnation of the iPhone as early as July?

The iPhone 5, or the “new iPhone” as it might be known, could be announced during the summer and the latest rumour surrounding the Apple device is that it could have a new kind of casing known as ultrasonic bonding. Apple has made a patent application that is dated 15 March. It makes a refinement to an older patent that dates from 2008 of the use of Ultrasonic bonding that can be seen on iPods and the metal back of the iPhone. The bonding allows designers to work with both metal and plastic. It makes devices lighter which also staying strong. The alternative is a metallic weld. Apple devotees will say ultrasonic bonding makes the device more attractive.

News of bonding is not the only report to fire up the rumour mill around the iPhone 5. More important for US users rather than UK ones but with the introduction of LTE connectivity on the new iPad, the same could well extend to the iPhone 5. Much like the reports for the new Samsung Galaxy S3 which is also expected to be unveiled later this year, the iPhone 5 could also have an edge to edge display. One of the strongest features of the iPhone 4S is that touchscreen and the resolution. The iPhone 5 would need to outstrip that and the rumour is it will have a 1280 x 720 pixel resolution with a 367ppi. Under the bonnet reports suggest the iPhone 5 could have an A6 processor and potentially a quad–core processor.

A major focus of the iPhone 4S was to improve the camera on the device. As more and more Android devices come with an 8 megapixel offer the iPhone will certainly have that or even more. Some reports have suggested a 3D camera is in the works. Another Apple patent has featured a self-timer meaning iPhone users could set a timer, set-up the camera and then snap the picture with the photographer themselves in the photo, which would be a massive draw. It’s likely the device will have NFC as contactless connection and payment is the next big thing on the cards for the mobile industry. Although Apple have no confirmed when they will launch the new iPhone deals, the recent reports suggest that we might not have that long to wait.

Whatever is on the cards for the iPhone 5 one thing is certain, it’s going to generate huge amounts of enthusiasm and excitement. If past Apple paths are to be followed then the device will have a fresh iPhone design and a new style of bonding perhaps making it look more like the iPod in terms of finish could be heading our way. The device will almost certainly be quicker with even faster processing speeds as Apple focusses on its iPad and iPhone and their increasing ability to work in tandem.

Categories
Apple

iPhone 4S Not Recognizing SIM Card – Shows "Invalid SIM" Or "SIM Failure"

As Apple tackles complaints made against battery life for the new iPhone 4S, they could have another problem to solve – SIM Cards. And the two issues could be linked.

Apple CEO Tim Cook, when launching the iPhone 4S, placed a lot of emphasis on an improved battery to cope with the faster processing speed in the new device. A better phone, he claimed, did not mean a reduced battery life. Despite his assurances some users complained on Apple forums of the device’s battery running down in under a day. Others claimed the battery would drop while the phone was inert. Apple posted suggestions and tips online for reducing battery drainage, including switching off location services and data usage when without signal. Now Apple has promised an iOS update, iOS 5.0.1 will solve the issue. But the battery problem may have created another.

Some users have taken to forums suggesting when they have received their iOS update their smartphone no longer recognises their SIM card. One user wrote that they re-inserted the card to be met with a note reading “SIM Failure”, another “Invalid SIM”. Without a SIM card users are unable to make calls or send texts making their iPhone 4S largely useless. Others have reported on the Apple help forums that while the SIM appears to have been recognised they have not been able to connect calls or receive texts. Others have complained that after the iOS 5.0.1 update they have still had a battery issue and even found it difficult to connect to Wi-Fi.

For Apple, the on-going issue of battery life and user complaints will have uncomfortable memories of what the press and bloggers dubbed “Antenna-gate”. When the iPhone 4 launched users quickly spotted a design flaw. When held in the left hand to make a call the user covered a sensor which meant the signal dropped off, making it difficult to make and receive calls. It was, they claimed, the fault of the antenna which was in the wrong place. When designing the iPhone 4S Apple took this issue seriously and wanted no repeat of the same issue. Two antennae were fitted to the new device. Yet while one problem is solved, another crops up.
The new iOS 5 has been rolled out on all compatible devices but so far the issues with the update only seem to be affecting iPhone 4S users, some of whom claim they are going back to using their iPhone 4. Form responses claim re-starting the phone can solve the problem temporarily or restoring from iTunes. Others claim it works if they switch off the 3G network. But none of these are solutions with any real longevity.

The success of the iPhone 4S, its status as the fastest selling smartphone despite its not so cheap mobile phone deals, have made this a bumper quarter for Apple who must have been hoping this would close the door on the marred launch of the iPhone 4. However, while one iOS update does not appear to have solved the battery issues on the new device, another will have to be forthcoming before a second software issue affects another new smartphone launch. Apple has so far made no comment about the SIM problems reported.

Categories
Apple iPhone

iPhone Not Connecting To Bluetooth After iOS 5 Upgrade?

A number of iPhone users have been writing in on the Apple support forums that they are having trouble connecting to Bluetooth devices after upgrading to the new iOS 5 operating system. What happens typically is that the iPhone may not be displaying the Bluetooth icon on the top of the screen even though you have the Bluetooth option turned on in the Settings option. Also, the iPhone may refuse to recognize any other Bluetooth enabled devices in the vicinity which means you may not be able to connect to any other device.

There is a simple fix for this though. What you need to do is go to Settings -> General -> Bluetooth  and turn the option Off and then turn On again one more time. Your iPhone will start recognizing Bluetooth enabled devices once again. So how frequently will you see this problem? Every time you restart your iPhone. In any case, this is a major irritant for those of you who frequently connect your iPhones to Bluetooth devices. And if you own a new iPhone 4S that has battery issues as well, good luck since you will also have to deal with the phone conking out every now and then.

Let’s hope Apple fixes this issue soon in the next update.

Categories
Apple

The iPhone 4S: How And Why Is It Better Than The iPhone 4?

Why did Apple call this one a 4S, and not the much-anticipated iPhone 5? Some were disappointed, feeling the 4S is not so new and improved as they’d hoped, and Apple’s share price even dropped a little. The good news is that with Apple releasing the iPhone 4S on contract, the iPhone 4 should become a lot more affordable and the 3GS will be available for free on many phone contracts.

Still, there were a couple of good reasons for naming it the 4S. Firstly, Apple does have a reputation for honesty and integrity, and wants to maintain that positive reputation. So, the new model number will be reserved for the genuinely next generation of iPhones, which means a full-blown 4G-capable smartphone, rather than a hodgepodge of 3G and 4G chips. Plus, naming the new version 4S means that the iPhone 4 can be repurposed as a budget-level device, but still at least theoretically a part of the current generation of top-of-the-range smartphones. It even allows the 3GS to seem to stay reasonably commercially viable, since it’s only one generation worse than the top of the range iPhone 4S. It makes good business sense for Apple to finally be addressing the budget end of the market, rather than continuing to assume that its products are so good, so unique, that people will always pay a premium price for them.

So what do you get if you are happy to pay the premium price, to snag the very latest model? Well, what you won’t get is a restyled phone – the 4S looks exactly the same as the iPhone 4 on the outside. What you will get is improvements in almost every other area, though. As Mark Hirst, Managing Director of Best Mobile Contracts has said: “The improved specs, including the A5 dual core processor, and 8 megapixel camera with 1080p HD video recording make the iPhone 4S a welcome addition to the iPhone family.”

This is a much faster iPhone than ever before, with a dual-core 1 GHz processor offering twice the processing speed of the iPhone 4. In fact, the processor is the same A5 processor found previously in the iPad 2, somehow squeezed into the much smaller device. The graphics card is even more nifty, being seven times as fast as that of the 4, which further paves the way for a major upgrade of the iPhone camera.

The new camera offers a full 8 megapixels, compared to the iPhone 4’s 5Mp camera. Megapixels aren’t everything, but the new camera delivers in every other respect, too, finally putting paid to the concept that the camera was the iPhone’s weak spot. It has a much-improved image processor, a back-illumination sensor for improved low-light photography, amazing colours, and a new face-recognition feature. Overall, it’s as good as almost any standalone compact digital camera on the market, a significant achievement. The only real drawback to it is that there’s still no optical zoom function.

In video camera mode, you can now shoot 1080p HD movies, another notable improvement on the iPhone 4’s 720p HD. Image stabilisation software lets you get a professional look even in tricky conditions, so your home movies no longer have to look like the Blair Witch Project.

Many people have already blogged about the amazing Siri virtual assistant, now an iPhone 4S exclusive. Less flashy, but probably just as useful to most phone buyers, are the leaps forward in battery and antenna technology. Improvements in battery life now allow for up to 8 hours’ talk time or 40 hours’ music playback, while the antenna boasts significantly improved download speeds and more reliability.

Categories
Apple

iPhone 5 Latest Rumours

The iPhone 5 is the subject to more internet rumours than 9/11 or the Kennedy Assassination. It seems if it can be dreamed up about the new Apple it has been. So what are the more likely rumours we have heard about the iPhone 5?

It will have an autumn release date

After all the rumours about summer releases, winter releases, 2012 releases – it seems the iPhone 5 will come about during the autumn/fall. Now this speculation that has seen guesses from a number of highly reputable sources like Bloomberg. They all suggest September to November release times which would also be the one we are going for.

iOS 5

The iPhone 5 will use the new Apple operating system – this is more than likely a given and probably the main reason for the later release date. The new iPhone will have all the new Apple abilities that the operating system, which was released last month, has introduced. This all comes together to form a new and more well rounded product, taking some of Android’s best abilities and combining them with Apple’s current ones as well as some new innovations to make an altogether fuller OS.

iPhone 4S

It may just be an iPhone 4S. It may be that the new iPhone 5 will not be an all new device, and just an update on the current one. This would bear a similar likeness to the leap from iPhone 3G to 3GS and in a way would make sense. This would mean no new body and not new major leaps in technology. Although with fairly reliable rumours of larger screens being ordered by Apple, perhaps it will not completely remain faithful to the design of the iPhone 4.

Dual Core

The new device is almost certainly going to be a dual core phone, keeping with the current trend of devices on the market. This would make the device even speedier and perhaps herald the call of super phone games that will utilise the devices near computer speed graphics. This dual core would be the same as the one in the current iPad 2 and this would certainly make a lot of sense.

New Camera

It looks likely that the new device will have a larger camera. Rumours suggest that it may have an 8mp snapper for use and this would certainly make sense considering the current market trends towards dual core phones with large 8mp cameras. There are rumours of 3D although this may not be the case as it could be considered a bit gimmicky for Apple’s tastes.

Categories
Apple iphone 4

iPhone 5 Features And Rumors.

Rumored to be having an exact look like the iPhone 4, the iPhone 5 has already reached the mass production stage and is expected to have an exact look like the iPhone 4. With many controversial rumors cropping up regarding the phone as it nears its release date, lets have a look at the possible inclusions and rumors related to this upcoming device.

A Better Camera :

iPhone 5 could include an 8 megapixel camera as its predecessor was equipped with a 4 megapixel digital camera.

No Home Button :

The Home button could well disappear with the introduction of touch sensitive controls or getting the buttons transferred on one of the edges.

Screen Size and Enhanced Resolution:

A bigger screen measuring between 4 to 5 inches diagonally supported by a higher resolution.

Design :

Rumored to have the look and feel of the iPad 2, the glass could well be replaced with brushed metal on the back side with reduced thickness and rounded edges.

White and 64GB Models :

High possibilities of the device being available in white as well as a 64GB model could also be available.

A Physical Keyboard :

A long lost rumor of having a sliding keyboard for the iPhone one day may come true now.

Record videos in FULL HD.

The camera may be able to record videos in 1080p FULL HD.

Low-Cost Counterpart :

Apple could well be considering development of less efficient models thus making them less expensive to increase its brand awareness and market share.

No Storage :

The iPhone 5 and future models of the device will not be having any internal storage from now on.

3D display :

iPhone 5 could well be handling 3D display with or without glasses.

Battery :

The device could have a battery with better autonomy, but the length will be the same as that of the iPhone 4.

CDMA :

Already associated with the iPhone 4, possibilities of having an iPhone 5 with a CDMA chip is highly expected.

R-UIM MicroCards Compatibility :

A CDMA model with microSIM UICC R-UIM is highly possible.

2 Sim Card Slots :

The device could be equipped with 2 sim card slots allowing simultaneous operations of both the cards.

NFC Technology :

iPhone could be including the NFC technology to manage your Apple accounts from any MAC.

A5 Processor :

Revealed at the launch of iPad 2, the iPhone 5 could well be next in line for having an A5 processor.

Double the RAM :

iPhone 4`s 512mb RAM could now become 1GB in the iPhone 5.

HDMI Output :

iPhone 5`s dock connector could be used for HDMI video output with 1080p HD video support.

Support for 4G / LTE :

Chances of a 4G / LTE based network standards are very unlikely.

Better Voice Controls :

With the new iOS 5, the voice controls can be enhanced further with possible additions of new ones.

iTunes Cloud :

A cloud version of iTunes is highly anticipated because of Apple`s ever increasing network infrastructure.

The iOS 5 :

Apple may unveil the iOS 5 while presenting their iPhone 5 which will be finally available on iPhone 5`s release date.

iPhone 5 Availability :

Possible rumors suggest that the device may be available to the general public somewhere between June to September.

Categories
Apple iOS iPad

iPad 2 To Be Launched In A Few Hours

The long wait is over. In a few hours from now, Apple is all set to unveil the iPad 2 and unlike its predecessor, this tablet is going to be made available straight away. The media is already at Cupertino as they wait for the second generation tablet to be launched at Apple’s head office. As expected, this one will have a 1.2 GHz processor, high speed connectivity and a slimmer look. Now we will have to wait and see if there are two cameras or only the front camera.

In between all this hype and excitement, there are a few who claim that this second generation would not have any surprises and in fact could turn out to be a dud. However, some sources unknown claim that it is the iPad 3 that is worth waiting for as this surely would take everyone by surprise.

Well for now, let’s concentrate on iPad 2, shall we?

Categories
Apple iOS

iOS 4.3 Features List Summary

The much awaited iOS 4.3 is finally expected to be released by Apple this week. Let us have a glimpse at the whole lot of new features that have been introduced in this new version as well as the few changes that occurred in the successive beta releases of the operating system.

Below is the list of new features and changes that have been made in the iOS 4.3 :

1. A personal hotspot (For the iPhone Only) :

This feature allows users to share their iPhone 3G connection simultaneously with 5 mobile devices. This feature can be enabled through the settings app. Already available to the Verizon iPhone users , this feature will be made available to the GSM iPhone users as well.

2. Airplay :

You can wirelessly stream your digital media from the iPhone, iPad and the iPod touch to the Apple TV 2G or any other features having airplay enabled. Previously, this feature was made available to many pre-installed applications like Youtube and iPod/Video applications. However iOS 4.3 removes those restrictions by allowing other third party applications, Safari mobile browser and the pre-installed photo application.

3. Side Switch Toggle (For the iPad only.) :

The rotation lock was changed by Apple in the iOS 4.2 to mute switch like the iPhone, however iPad users will now be having an option to select the side switch located at the top right corner as a rotation lock switch or a mute button.

4. Notes to have a new font :

The iOS 4.2 had given users an option to select from only 2 fonts, that is Helvitica and Chalkboard instead of Marker Felt. The iOS 4.3 now replaces the Chalkboard font with the Noteworthy font.

5. Cancel/Delete installing of applications midway :

Users will now be able to cancel downloading applications and delete them midway as the earlier version of the OS only had the option to pause the downloads.

6. Customized alerts for messages (For the iPhone only) :

You can now set the number of times you wish to be alerted for a new sms or mms. The Repeat Alert option has been changed to Play Alert Tone with options for once, twice, 3 times, 5 times and 10 times.

7. A redesigned updates page for the app store :

A new design of the update page for the iPad, iPhone/iPod touch will make installing applications that are already purchased for users a much easier task.

8. A push notification for Ping :

Apple`s social network for music will allow users to setup push notifications thus helping them find out what their favourite artists or friends are up to.

9. Addition of a Wait button :

A new wait button has been added to the Add contact extended keyboard with some of the other buttons reshuffled. Tapping the wait button will add a semicolon to the number.

Here is a screenshot of the Add contact screen in the iOS 4.3

Add Contact

10. Parental controls for Ping :

The iOS 4.3 gives a new parental control for the music based social network of Apple.

11. Location Services Settings :

These settings have been moved to the top level in the settings app instead of moving it under General so as to make it more convenient.

12. Compatibility :

iOS 4.3 will be compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, 4th and 3rd Generation iPod Touch and the iPad. However it will not be available for the iPhone 3G and the iPod Touch 2nd Generation thus making the iOS 4.2.1 the last possible update for these devices.

Lets hope and see if Apple promises us with these features and changes in the final release of the iOS 4.3 along with some few additional feautres as well.