combo

Preparing for the OS X 10.6.8 update

Apple has recently made a number of references to the yet unreleased but anticipated OS X 10.6.8 update. The update is recommended by Apple for running the latest Final Cut X, Compressor, and Motion software suites that Apple released today, which suggests that its release is imminent. Apple previously released an update to MainStage that initially mentioned 10.6.8 as well, though this turned out to be a typo.

Regardless of the specifics of where it is mentioned, OS X 10.6.8 is quite obviously just around the corner, and will include a number of enhancements … Read more

Differences between update options for OS X

When new updates are issued for OS X or when people are troubleshooting some aspects of the OS, many times the use of a Combo updater is recommended instead of a standard updater for OS X. If you are unfamiliar with the updating options that Apple provides for OS X, then these recommendations could be a little confusing.

Overall updates for OS X are distributed in two major ways: through Software Update and as Standalone Updaters, with the standalone updaters being divided into "Delta" (or "Standard") updaters and a "Combo" updater.

Software Update Apple'… Read more

Q&A: MacFixIt Answers

MacFixIt Answers is a feature in which we answer questions e-mailed in by our readers. This week there were questions about reconfiguration requirements after cloning OS X, how to access iPhoto library contents in the Finder, how to change font sizes in Safari, and the benefits of using a Combo updater in OS X. We continually answer e-mail questions, and though we present a few answers here, we welcome alternative approaches and views from readers and encourage you to post your suggestions in the comments.

Question: Reconfiguration requirements after cloning MacFixIt reader "Ron" asks:

I want to [upgrade … Read more

Solar combo generator heats and powers

A new type of solar thermal system for homes that can provide heat, hot water, and electricity is being tested in Boulder, Colo., over the next few months.

Cool Energy says its SlowFlow system could provide the average U.S. home with 80 percent of its heat, 100 of its hot water, and 60 percent of its electricity needs.

It's being developed with help from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and electricity and natural gas giant Xcel Energy.

The system consists of solar collectors, a Stirling engine, a hot water heater, a space heater, an insulated … Read more

Hands on with TyPad: A keyboardified iPad case

I like to go naked. And I'm not talking clothes--but with gadgets.

I've never been a big fan of cases for anything, be it my cell phone or a computer. As a result, things can get dinged up or completely destroyed when dropped, but so far I've been pretty lucky. That's why I'm perplexed by my enjoyment of something called the TyPad. It's a gadget case, but one with a few tricks up its sleeve, that's making me seriously consider covering up--my iPad at least.

The $129 TyPad is a leather case for the iPad that's got a built-in Bluetooth keyboard. When your iPad has been inserted into its open top flap, the setup resembles a clamshell computer. In fact, during the last week of my testing it, people were frequently coming up to ask what kind of computer I was using--not realizing what they saw was just a case. Their next questions were usually where can it be purchased and how much does it cost.… Read more

Vimeo gets Flash-HTML5 hybrid player

Video host Vimeo put out a new version of its player on Tuesday that can detect the hardware of the end user and spit out either an Adobe Flash or HTML5 video player, as well as a proper video stream based on connection.

The feature was designed for compatibility on mobile devices--something Vimeo began working on late last year, though mainly for its paying pro members and for a handful of its featured content channels.

The new player works just the same as the old one, and the embed code itself is the same for both player technologies. The change … Read more

Ralink squeezes dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth in one chip

Wi-Fi (or WLAN) and Bluetooth have been the most popular technologies to connect devices, especially portable ones. Generally, to support these two, your device needs to have two separate chips, one for each.

Ralink, a Taiwanese network chipmaker, however, announced on Tuesday a new chip, model RT3592BC8, that can handle both at the same time. The company claims this is the first chip that's capable of simultaneous dual-band wireless-N and Bluetooth 3.0+HS operation.

The chip comes in the half MiniCard design and can be used in desktops, notebooks, Netbooks, and other mobile devices. It is slated to … Read more

Mac OS X 10.6.3 causing sleep issues?

Users have reported an issue with their Mac when entering sleep mode. After installing the Mac OS X 10.6.3 update and attempting to put their Mac to sleep, the system freezes, necessitating a hard shut down (holding the power button until the system shuts down).… Read more

Rock 'Em Sock 'Em iPhone game

SmackBots is a button-mashing robot-fighting game that's more than a little reminiscent of the classic childrens' game "Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots."

The interface makes great use of the iPhone and iPod Touch: you tap on the right side of the screen to swing your right fist, the left for your left, and both sides to block, and you tilt your device to move left or right. You fight against one other robot at a time, in two-minute rounds (best two out of three), and you choose your difficulty, either "Just Smacking Around" or "… Read more