ikmalThink : apple shuffle get slimmer?

You've guess it! Apple has release a new iPod (again?). The new ipod shuffle. Lot smaller compared to a normal house key form factor (and cooler, yes).

No more Apple wheel, but it talks!

The new cool features on the iPod Shuffle. It's no longer have controller on the iPod itself. Instead, it uses the 'earbud' to control.


If you see this as dumb development to the iPod family, you are wrong! It's the upgrade for iPod shuffle. There are no cool controllers on the original. Just forward/backward and voices. This is not the upgrade for the whole iPod.
I'm pretty much sure 'Shuffle' lovers will love this. But I do agree the earbud dependencies to navigate is purely marketing strategy. *hmm

Back to the new iPod Shuffle features :

• Playlist can be announce via middle button
  
• Tap on the middle button to skip or whatnot
• Normal voice -/+
• Smaller
  
• Larger in size : 4GB (up to 1000songs - Apple)
• Peek at the video at Apple.com - Apple will cause PC/Mac bloodbath based on the video. *smiles
  

This will be surely a faithful companion to oneself. Light enough for a jog, walk or workout. Honestly, who needs larger capacity? Car audio system is cheaper nowadays and laptops are getting lighter by the minute. Who needs more audio entertainment.

Unless you are wearing your iPod all the way inside a mall so you need your 60,000 songs capacity. Then don't.

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ikmalThink : macbook aluminium unibody (end 2008)

I've submitted a post regarding the sexy and upgraded MacBook Air previously. However, in my anticipation on Malaysian release. I stumble across a comparison made between both new Unibody MacBook and new MacBook Air.

Is MacBook Air no longer sexy?

Reviews on how bad MacBook Air before has not affected me even one bit. But now, even if money won't be an issue, I still stutter on making such decision.
Unless its 0.68kg lighter, 0.47mm thinner, brighter screen with ambient light sensors - keyboard and screen (love this); there are no other functional and practical use of the MBA even though lighter is a thumbs up. They should have updated the Air far superior than MacBook to be able to compete.
Please don't get me wrong, I really love the Air before but why Apple pushes us to this. I mentioned earlier that money is not an issue but buying MBA rather than MacBook is just plain stupid.

MacBook Unibody specifications (low spec/high spec)

• Processor: 2.0GHz/2.4GHz with 3MB L2 and 1066 FSB
• Memory: 2GB of 1066MHz DDR3 - supports up to 4GB
  
• Hard Drive: 160GB/250GB running at 5400 rpm
• Slot Loading optical drive: 8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• Price: a lot cheaper than Air
• Extra: Stereo and battery status indicator on side
  
► view full specifications

Above specifications is what differs from MBA, people do nagged about its missing Firewire (they nagged about everything these days). I never use it but there are people who really need it that much. Extra USB and Optical on MB really does not affect much in my comparison because I need only one and it's for a Thumb Drive if you REALLY on the go (talk about portability, hands on optical?).
Also!
Easy access on battery and HDD makes it easier to upgrade to SSD (solid state drive) in the future since the price will be a lot reasonable in 5 minutes time. I heard rumors that MBA will be "upgrade" on April '09. Till then, I'll stick with my decision on MB and get my hands on it ASAP.

Thank you.

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ikmalThink : new macbook air in malaysia (end 2008)

For all Mac fans out there, you should know about the arrival of the super cool MacBook Air (MBA) - new released.

What's new on the new MacBook Air?

Upgraded Intel processors and better graphics display (new NVidia - up to 4 times faster). Also not to forget its roomier hard disk (120GB), Mini Display port replacing Mini DVI, new 1066MHz FSB, additional cache (6MB) and DDR3 performance. Even though this is arguably a great update because others have done it much better. But it's a Mac. This is good. I've been using Windows desktop since my childhood and it's time to make the change.
Just look at it.
Now it's about to release for Malaysian market - rumored on 14th October 2008.
Below are specifications that are differentiate between both. See full specification here.

1.6GHz MacBook Air (MB543LL/A)
Processor : 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Hard Drive : 120GB 4200-rpm Serial ATA
► view full specifications

1.86GHz MacBook Air (MB940LL/A)
Processor : 1.86GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Hard Drive : 128GB solid-state drive
► view full specifications

Both are extremely well for its design. Even though the lack of certain features in previous released has not been change due to Steve Job's vision. Because it's build for wireless. I agree with the splendid design. But a built-in 3G and expandable RAM would be great. Everything else, fine by me.

I'll post a review on it as soon as I made my purchase (as soon as it made available). Can't wait the outcome of its new glossy screen and the new 4 finger swipe. Excited on the review?
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Thank you.

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