Magic Mouse feels your touch
Oct 22nd
Apple came out with a wireless “Magic Mouse” a couple days ago since consumers seem to be in love with touch devices nowadays. It’s similar to a Macbook trackerpad where you have the entire surface to click on. Slide your fingers down the surface and it will scroll down – you can also slide through successive web pages by sliding fingers left and right. If these capabilities sound familiar, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to buyers that the Magic Mouse has very similar touch features to the iPhone.
Like all Apple products, the mouse is sleek, simple and elegant to look at and use. In addition to the touch surface, the mouse has a simple laser tracking engine and is connected to Macbooks by Bluetooth. This means you can use your mouse from up to 30 feet away from your laptop. The laser tracking feature increases precision on surfaces which makes it a far more sensitive mouse than others that are currently available. What’s the perk? You won’t ever have to use a mouse pad again with this Magic Mouse.
The Magic Mouse is included with every new iMac and is on sale on its own for $69. Own it now.
Welcome Windows 7, Microsoft’s fresh and hip OS
Oct 9th
The tech world is abuzz and eagerly awaiting Oct.22 when Microsoft’s long-awaited OS, Windows 7, will make its debut. Ever since a trial version was available for users to test earlier this summer, Microsoft users have been pleased with their preliminary experience using Windows 7 and have helped build public anticipation for this product.
With Windows 7, PC users can welcome a reliable, efficient and up-to-date version of Windows OS. The last time users had this was with Windows XP which though durable and familiar, is starting to get old since first being released in 2001. Compared to the varieties of Mac OS X available in the marketplace today, using XP feels akin to living in the Stone Age. The only other option available to PC users is Windows Vista which users agree is frustrating and not fun to use.
What the problem was with Vista
Mainstream consumers will appreciate Microsoft’s conscious effort to fix the flaws in Vista and Vista-associated bad experiences with the release of Windows 7. The biggest negatives with using Vista – the slowness, the constant barrage of security warnings, the many hardware requirements, and the incompatibilities with outside software/hardware – these issues are all eliminated in Windows 7. In addition, Microsoft can finally boast an OS that rivals in aesthetic appeal and friendly feel comparable with Mac’s most recent OS X, Leopard.
PC users that have previewed and tested Windows 7 agree that it’s the best version of Windows that Microsoft has produced. Not only does it improve upon Vista’s shortcomings, Windows 7 has added features and perks that are guaranteed to make the mainstream user’s experience easy, productive and satisfying.
Why Windows 7 is the best version
Windows 7 cleans up the clutter and provides new advantages in organizing the user’s files and programs. There are cool new Aero features to quickly view and launch pages and documents as well as arranging your taskbar and desktop. Compatibility with 3rd party software/hardware is improved as well as operating speed which is a big plus. Lastly, one of the more unique selling points and hidden luxuries of Windows 7 is the touch screen capability for users with the proper touch-support hardware.
Here are some of the key features and improvements to Windows 7 to be excited for:
Desktop organization: New Windows management tools named Aero will streamline the user experience.
1) Aero Snap lets users quickly expand windows full-size by dragging them to the top of the screen. You can also drag and snap your working window into place on the left or right sides of your screen for users who like having split screens to multi-task.
2) Aero Peek provides previews of your open windows; selecting one makes all other windows become transparent. There is also a button that allows you to look at your desktop by turning all windows into transparent planes of glass.
Transparent windows in Aero Peek
3) Aero Shake is probably the most fun to use since when you shake an open window, all others behind it will minimize.
Revamped Taskbar: Minimizing windows results in representative shiny square icons on your taskbar. Users can hover over the icons to see a preview of the running program. You can also “pin” frequently-used programs to your taskbar (a concept similar to Apple’s the Dock). Additionally, there’s a search bar that pops up when you click the “start” button making it easier to find what you want.
Speed: Start-up and restart times are much improved from Vista. Windows 7 runs quickly and recommences faster after sleep. Memory management is also improved since minimized windows won’t be clogging up your memory space anymore resulting in faster operating speed.
