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iPhone 5 Rumor Mills Heat Up

May 10th, 2012

It’s hard to make predictions about technology trends, killer apps or which Palo Alto start up will be the next Google. Even when we go real slow and simply review products “in the pipeline” – as we did in the two-part “10 New Technologies You’ll See in 2012″ last August – it is still hard to forecast accurately.

It gets even harder when Apple is involved. The most successful, respected, innovative and admired brand in the world is the subject of literally thousands of blogs, magazines, websites, user forums and conferences. No matter how hard you work to sort through the rumors and hype, it’s tough going and never-ending. Now that the CRE iPad rental is the latest and greatest from Cupertino, Apple fans have turned their attention to the next big deal, iPhone 5.

iPhone 5 rumors abound

The iPhone 5, of course, was developed alongside the model christened the iPhone 4S. MacRumors.com and other top Apple watchers seem fairly certain about a release date of “early summer”. Interestingly, Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is in San Francisco this year from June 11-15, and it has seen many key product announcements, including MacBook Pro rental introduced last year.

The iPhone 5 rumors range from ludicrous (a new length of four inches!) to such safe bets as iCloud integration. The form factor is set, so it’s all about ensuring that the iPhone’s software and hardware continue to “mature” so that the device — like iPads, the iPod touch, the iMac and other Apple computers – is fully functional in Apple’s iCloud environment. As we’ve discussed in previous blogs, such as “Cloud of Confusion?” in January, “total connectivity” is the mantra of the moment, so the new iPhone will have GSM, CDMA and LTE network compatibility. The final prediction is for dual 8MP cameras.

A little surprise, perhaps?

Among the “iffier” rumors, Apple is alleged to be working on a low-cost “mini iPhone” connected to iCloud. One imaginative blogger likens the concept to a “nano phone” that is specifically targeting a young demographic that expects low prices on high tech. An A5 dual-core processor with a clock speed of around 1.2-1.5 GHz – the “CPU class” and power level equivalent to a tablet PC rentals – will supposedly power the small phone, whose flash memory storage capacity is thought to be 1GB. But who knows? It’s a rumor, right?

Sometimes it’s hard to separate rumors from facts, but at CRE we do that every single day. We try to keep you informed, and we run our business to keep you productive. Whether you need a range of trade show convention rentals or some mass storage for a video project or post-production task, a single e-mail or call does it all. In a hurry? Head to our aptly named Quick Rental Quote page and tell us what you need.

Top Tool for Pro Presenters

February 7th, 2012

DT Videolabs has a short, sweet product line. Along with two versions of its playback software, PlaybackPro and PlaybackPro Plus, the firm makes two USB keyboard controllers and a few other products. Adding Playback Pro Plus software and the 40-key PlaybackPro Plus USB Controller turns your computer into a digital video powerhouse. DT Videolabs’ products work with Apple towers, laptops and the iMac, but not Windows PCs.

Setup and use

The PlaybackPro Plus software is a snap to install, and the keyboard simply plugs into a USB port. Because the products are Mac-centric, DT Videolabs recommends that you save clips in Apple’s ProRes 422 format on a RAID 0 drive to ensure the best quality and reliability. CRE, of course, is an expert in Xserve RAID and other mass storage solutions.

This software/controller combo gives you a flexible multi-channel player that becomes a recorder, too, when you add the RecordPro application. The features are extensive:

cut and dissolve between clips
variable fade and kill settings
individual control of gain, saturation, gamma, volume and black levels
automatic adjustment of output resolution and aspect ratio
works in any ratio (4:3, 16:9, etc.) with infinite adjustability of sizing, stretching and cropping
completely non-destructive to original files
full start and end point controls
easy fade-in and fade-out settings
time-elapsed and time-remaining counters
SimpleSync application enables multiple machine synchronization

Straightforward and efficient

With keyboard controls logically laid out, the learning curve is short, and adding the appropriate QuickTime components lets you use almost any file format. With a switching system that accepts VGA, DVI, DisplayPort or HDMI high-res inputs – which the Thunderbolt port on new Macs like our MacBook Pro rental can handle with simple adapters – you can connect directly, and even gen-locked signals can be handled with just a simple add-on or plug-in.

The same kind of tight hardware/software integration that makes using a Mac Pro a “seamless experience” enables the DT combo to give you total control of every function. The device is essentially half a keyboard with buttons in clearly divided Preview and Program areas (left and right, respectively), with Loop, Freeze and Link buttons in the middle. Group buttons are color coded, and there’s a double-sized green “Take” button on the left and a same-sized red “Kill” button on the right. It all makes sense – and works great.

Bottom line

The PlaybackPro Plus software/controller combo is perfect for corporate presenters, and is even making inroads into the hotel, theater and concert/touring industries. Adding DT’s controller and software to a Mac yields a dependable, professional presentation solution. And we should know – CRE is the leader in trade show convention rentals, as well as potent post-production gear, high-end A/V equipment, plasma display rentals, touch screens, workstations and computers. Call or e-mail an Account Executive, or use our Quick Rental Quote form, to get the right tool for the right job – right now!

Top 5 Creative Uses for the Mac mini

November 17th, 2011

Although Apple does not capitalize the model name “mini,” the smallest Macintosh has still earned a reputation as “the little Mac that could.” Although it is always a generation behind in the CPU department, both G4 and Intel minis are popping up in some interesting places. Here are the top five creative uses for the Mac mini.

Mac Mini

1). Network storage – Soon, every office (and home) will need a central hub for storage, so Network Attached Storage (NAS) is going to proliferate. A new iMac would be overkill, but the Mac mini is ideal, with both wireless remote access and Gigabit Ethernet for heavy transfers. Post-production pros require our Xserve RAID with its swift 2Gb Fibre Channel interface, but small-to-medium sized businesses can do well with the mini.

2). Videoconferencing – With a little effort, you can connect an iSight camera and a DVI-to-S-Video adapter to the mini and use a TV set for videoconferencing. You can use it for business, or set it up with a wireless ADSL router and Apple Remote Desktop and run it remotely for less-techie colleagues. You could also insert an iPad rental into the mix as a remote control with the right apps.

3). Office automation – For post-production, you need a potent Mac Pro. But even the “lowly” mini makes a great office automation server. One of the first (and best) basic automation programs is Indigo, and the new version supports both Insteon and X10 devices.

4). Media hub – You can configure the mini as a media server, connecting it to something like our LCD touchscreen monitor rental. Add the Mac’s “cover flow” interface for instant access to music and movies, then enjoy! You can set custom schedules for different playlists based on time of day, weather, etc.

5). Conversion strategy – After upgrading to a new Mac, some mini owners have given their little Macs to parents, siblings or friends to replace Windows PCs. Once they use a Mac, many “PC forever” folks make the change (yes, it’s a two-way street). Minis of any vintage are capable computers if you know their limits (forget gaming and complex 3D work, for instance).

Honorable mentions

• You can attach a Firewire drive to a mini and use it as a file server for storage/streaming of HD video. Even an old G4 won’t break a sweat.

• Presenters can use minis for Power Point presentations, and by attaching a digitizer tablet they can demonstrate solutions right inside Power Point. Great idea!

Here’s another great idea: Call CRE when you need the right solution, right now. From trade show convention rentals to the latest and greatest high-end technology, we’re the one-stop shop. One call, one e-mail or one short visit to our Quick Rental Quote form, and you are ready to knock down those obstacles and get the job done!

First Look: Will iCloud Reign?

October 27th, 2011

Although you can use it as an remote archive, Apple’s new iCloud service that debuted on October 12th is not primarily for storage. It is made to keep your data synchronized among your iOS devices and computers (Mac, PC). After it’s set up, you can work on your iPad rental and know that the document will instantly be ready for editing on any synced device. Transferring files by e-mail or USB flash drives is on the fast track to obsolescence.

iCloud by Apple

How iCloud works

First off, iCloud doesn’t work without the latest OS X Lion update, 10.7.2, and the latest iTunes update, 10.5. For better iCloud integration, Safari also got a bump to 5.1.1. Pages, Numbers and Keynote – the iWork programs that run on every Macintosh, from the cutting-edge laptops to the mighty Mac Pro – now sync documents via iCloud. Contacts, Calendar and Mail data also updates automatically on multiple devices. Just as importantly, iCloud also stores device settings, apps, screen layouts, ring tones and text messages, so all your vital data comes with you when you upgrade devices.

The new Photo Stream lets you download up to 1,000 photos for 30 days without counting against your storage total (see “What’s the deal?” below). Third-party apps can also leverage iCloud services, and it’s vital to remember that iCloud is “open territory” where tablet PC rentals running Windows are free to roam, too. Future blogs will update you on the features developers implement for their various iCloud products and services.

What’s the deal?

You get 5GB of iCloud storage for free, and iTunes music, e-books, apps and Photo Stream pics do not count toward your total. Your iCloud real estate will be populated by documents, application data, mail, non-Photo Stream photos, settings and other information. You can buy more storage for annual fees of $20 (10GB), $40 (20GB) and $100 (50GB), but Apple’s customer research indicates that 5GB of storage should be sufficient for most people. There are numerous variables – the size of your Camera Roll, how many documents you carry around, how much application data you’re amassing, etc. – so you will have to figure out what works for you.

iTunes Match confuses

There is a possible point of confusion with iCloud, and that revolves around iTunes integration. When you buy tracks from iTunes, they are automatically synced to your devices and don’t count toward your free storage total. However, if you want to sync music that was not purchased from iTunes, the privilege requires paying $25 a year for the separate iTunes Match service.

CRE, like Apple, is all about “value added” and excellence. From Audience Response Systems (ARS) to high-end digital gear and Xserve for that new post-production project, we’ve got you covered. One simple call or e-mail puts an experienced Account Executive on the job for you, while a couple of clicks gets the ball rolling with our Quick Rental Quote. We’re ready with solutions for whatever challenges you face!

One Very Polished Apple – OS X Lion

July 26th, 2011

It’s impossible to avoid mentioning Apple when “talkin’ tech.” The company had its most profitable quarter in history, grossing $28.6 billion in revenues with $7.3 billion in profits. Its products dominate their respective categories, some of which Apple invented – iPod, iPhone, iPad and who knows what “iDevice” next. The firm has about $76 billion in cash, too, with no debt. Incredible.

The Lion roars

Also incredible is the seemingly unending stream of improvements to OS X and the computer line. Apple released its long-awaited OS upgrade, Lion 10.7, on July 20. Lion incorporates some 250 new features, and brings full-screen apps and multitouch gestures into the mix. You can now see the family resemblance to the iOS on iPad rentals. The aim is to continue refining the “user nexus,” that shared space where the OS, the program you’re using and your workflow combine to produce everything from simple e-mails to complex editing projects with mountains of data on Xserve RAID rentals.

Ready to upgrade?

With its new “delivery paradigm” upgrading to Lion is a different animal. Before you download the nearly 4GB OS installer, you need to make sure your Mac can support Lion. The Mac computer rentals we had in 2005, for example, wouldn’t qualify – you need at least an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. In addition, although there are workarounds from some tech heads online, the Apple-certified installation can only take place on a Mac with Snow Leopard (10.6) installed.

Online reports and consumer feedback point to a rousing success for the debut, although there are always problems for some people. For example, if you have any of several disk drive problems (even ones that don’t affect how your Mac runs), you will receive a message from the installer that Lion “cannot be installed.” Back up the drive, reformat, restore – then upgrade. Bing, bang, boom. Done!

OS X Lion – Look and feel

As an evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, advance, Lion is still recognizable, although navigating it is different. The new Launchpad dock icon brings up a page (or six) showing all your apps as icons for quick starts, and the Mission Control dock icon provides a view of all “spaces” you’re using. In future blogs we will look at some of these features in depth, but it’s safe to say that, once you use Lion, you will roar your approval like millions of others.

Like Apple, CRE pays close attention to what its customers need. With great service to complement the expertise of our Account Executives, your call or e-mail will result in solutions and answers, not more problems and questions. If you know what you need, of course, our Quick Rental Quote form will get you in, out and on your way.

Mac OS X Lion: King of the OS Jungle? (Preview)

May 26th, 2011

Apple is due to release the latest version of Mac OS X this summer, numbered 10.7 and code-named Lion. Let’s look at the broadest, most basic changes coming to the OS X Lion.

Mac OS X Lion

Centralized control panel

Mission Control replaces the old Exposé and Spaces control panel and adds other new ones that help you “take control” of your desktop. With the increased power in every Mac, from the awesome new iMac models to our workhorse MacBook Pro rentals, multiple Spaces (virtual desktops) help you multitask with the best of them. You can now add, remove and edit Spaces on the Mission Control screen without even opening the control panel.

Finder revisions

Finder windows now feature a drop-down menu for quickly applying the “Arrange by” commands. Arranging icons in a particular folder or accessing additional Finder options is also possible with a simple right-click, which brings up a contextual menu. This is especially handy when navigating through hundreds (thousands?) of files on one of our Etherhet disk RAID rentals.

Stylish new wallpapers

The Lion Developer Preview 3 (aka DP3) release added some new wallpapers, but did away with some old favorites. You can take a gander at these Lion-worthy wallpapers at the Cult of Mac site.

iCal upgrades

Here’s proof that the iOS “style” is coming to the Mac. The “look and feel” of the iCal application on the Mac is quite reminiscent of the Calendar app on our iPad rentals. In addition, the to-do feature of iCal now refers to items on your list as Reminders.

Safari “Reading List”

This new Safari feature is front and center in DP3 – available in the toolbar, contextual menus, dialog boxes – as opposed to being tucked away in previous versions. Like the Web and iOS app Read It Later, you use Reading List to save (bookmark) Web pages “in the cloud” for later reading. No doubt this feature will find its way to iOS, letting you sync your Reading List among home-bound and mobile devices. Of course, Safari runs in Windows, too, meaning this cool feature could run on all computer rentals from CRE.

Bottom line

Among Mac fans, there is no doubt that Mac OS X Lion will be the best Mac OS ever. That’s what we think about every Mac OS upgrade. And at CRE we know that the latest Mac computers are always the best ever, too – but if you need a potent PC, we can do that, as well! PC or Mac, convention rentals or post-production gear, we’ve got you covered. Call or e-mail (or fill out our Quick Rental Quote form) and we’ll equip you to succeed, whatever the challenge!

New Malware Threatens Macs

May 24th, 2011

Malware Threatens Macs A new malware program is targeting Mac computers. According to an Apple call center employee, it has pushed call volume up “4-5x higher than normal” recently. Although still more secure than Windows 7, which is more secure than XP or Vista, Macs are not immune. You must intervene to protect your PCs and Macs, just like CRE does with all its computer rentals.

An offensive “defender”

The malware – known variously as Mac Defender, Mac Security and Mac Protector – appears in Safari, the Mac’s default browser on everything from the latest iMac rentals to laptops, iPads and iPods. After you click an infected Google search result, the malware announces itself as an anti-virus program and downloads in several ways, but cannot be installed without an administrator password. If Safari is set to open “safe” files automatically, you will see the malware install “automatically,” too.

If you enter your password, the malware installs into your Applications folder, adds itself to your log-in (startup) items and begins running. The malware installs a menu bar item, but there’s no Dock icon and no way to quit/exit. The malware will say your Mac is infected and advise you to buy a subscription to fix it. If you don’t, the malware begins opening random porn Web sites.

Multiple solutions

Every Mac user should know what a recent CRE blog called the “sanity saving basics” of troubleshooting, as well as malware defense. Updated with the latest virus definitions, Norton Anti-Virus, VirusBarrier X5, MacScan and similar programs can find and remove malware quickly. Get a fully operational, 30-day MacScan demo if you need it and use the “Check for updates” command to add the latest virus definitions.

To remove the malware manually, power users can use the Mac Terminal as described here. For a simpler manual method, follow these steps:

Open Activity Monitor (Utilities). Set drop-down menu to “All Processes.”
Enter “MacDefender” in the Search field.
Click on the MacDefender process, then “Quit Process” and finally “Force Quit.”
Drag MacDefender icon from Applications to Trash. Empty Trash.
Remove MacDefender from log-in items in Accounts (System Preferences).

Avoid problems

Learn to browse safely, and be extra careful with search results. Trust your intuition – if a site seems fishy, leave.
Don’t download indiscriminately. If files start downloading or installers pop up, don’t install anything without proper investigation.
The same OS X security features on our powerful Mac Pro rentals are on every Mac. Use them all, from the Firewall and Sharing preferences to network settings and strong passwords.
Install some well-rated security software, and keep the definitions database updated.

We mean to empower you, with our blogs as well as high-tech render farm rentals and other technology. A call or e-mail puts an experienced Account Executive on the job for you, and our Quick Rental Quote form enables you to accelerate the process even more. It’s not really equipment we deal in – it’s solutions. Get yours here!

Say “Hi” to the Awesome New iMacs

May 10th, 2011

The new iMac models (released Tuesday, May 3rd), show that Apple is still at the top of its game. Let’s take a look at what makes the 2011 iMac a winner.

Quad-core processor in every model

The previous iMac models offered quad-core processors (Intel Core i3, i5 and i7) on some models, but all iMacs now have at least a quad-core i5. The four “stock” models include two with 21.5-inch screens and two 27-inchers, with the former getting 2.5 and 2.7GHz i5 chips and the latter offering 2.7 and 3.1GHz i5′s. Build To Order ( BTO) models get you the most potent CPU’s: a 2.8GHz i7 with the smaller screen, and a 3.4GHz i7 with the larger, which will make them among the fastest (and definitely the coolest) computer rentals available.

Advanced graphics

Three new AMD Radeon HD cards offer two to three times the graphics performance of previous iMacs. The base 21.5-inch iMac (same size as the current iMac rentals) has 512MB of dedicated graphics memory. The top 21.5″ version and the base 27″ model have the mid-range card (also 512MB) and the top 27-inch model boasts the best card with an incredible 1GB of video memory. (The BTO option gets you 2GB of memory.) All models support a second monitor up to 30 inches in size – which brings us to Thunderbolt.

Lightning fast data transfer

Thunderbolt is a new high-speed connection that works with multiple devices (using adapters for some). In addition to new Thunderbolt devices, you can connect USB and FireWire drives, scanners, cameras, etc., as well as LCD monitor rentals and other displays. There is one Thunderbolt port on 21.5-inch models and two on the 27″ models, carrying two simultaneous streams (in and out) at up to 10Gbps, over 20 times faster than USB 2. Top tech firms such as AJA (maker of our AJA Io HD rentals), Avid and Western Digital are already making Thunderbolt products including displays, storage devices, audio/video interfaces and more.

Details, details

The iSight camera is gone, replaced by the same HD FaceTime camera that debuted in the recently revamped MacBook Pro (along with Thunderbolt). Other common components are 4GB RAM standard (max 8 to 16GB depending on model), 1TB hard drives (512MB on base model), SDXC card slot (32GB to 2TB), FireWire 800, four USB ports and audio in/out. Solid State Drives (SSDs) up to 256GB in size can be added as a BTO option (with an interesting twist). Finally, of course, the iMac has Gigabit Ethernet for hooking up to networks and Ethernet disk raid rentals. Every iMac comes with a wireless keyboard, plus either a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.

CRE will keep you posted as to when the new iMacs will be in stock, what configurations will be available and so on. Call or e-mail an expert Account Executive about the new iMacs, or anything else you need to get the job done. We’re here with the solution – and if you already know what it is, save time with the Quick Rental Quote form.

From iSync to “We All Sync”

April 26th, 2011

When Apple unveiled Macintosh OS X in 2001, the only “iDevices” were iPods. There were no iPhones and no iPad rentals, but people were using all makes and models of PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants, like Palm Pilots), older and newer iPods, the first external USB drives and laptops. They needed a way to synchronize (“sync”) contacts, files and calendars among all these devices, with their desktop computers being what Steve Jobs called “the digital hub.”

Apple’s iSync- then to now

Synch iPad to Mac computer Apple’s first solution was iSync, released solo in 2003 before being added to OS X 10.3 (Panther) in October of that year. If you were using CRE’s Mac computer rentals then, you kept everything from files to phone numbers updated with iSync. But iSync started getting bloated and buggy as support was added for huge numbers of devices – smart phones, Palm organizers, Blackberries and various gadgets on the Pocket PC, Windows CE or Windows Mobile platforms. By 2005, data syncing was moved from iSync to the OS itself, and iPod syncing was taken over at mid-year by iTunes 4.8.

Paradigm shift in sync services

By late 2009, with the release of iSync 3.1 and Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard), the bulk of iSync’s original functionality had been absorbed by the Sync Services framework, Apple code that enables developers to build syncing into their programs. Ongoing refinement has brought us to where we are today, with all syncing – iPods, iMac rentals, smart phones, laptops – now taking place in iTunes exclusively. In fact, syncing with iTunes lets you manage project files among multiple devices, people and locations.

Of course, with the advent of the cloud the whole notion of syncing files by duplicating them among devices is silly. It is also inefficient, and tracking changes is a challenge. Now, with such low- and no-cost services as Zumodrive, you store a single set of files on a password-protected, encrypted network server and access them from your other devices – smart phones, tablet PC rentals or an Internet cafe computer in Vienna. It’s a simple and elegant solution.

Customized (and simple) apps

Evernote, Zumodrive and other cloud-based apps typically support such common “work file” formats as Word’s .doc format, .pdf, .txt, .jpeg and other image files. Along with various dedicated PDF readers/editors, including freebies, they allow markup and comments. Establish a few simple rules for the people using these files – name, date and markup guidelines – and you have a simple, straightforward “remote workflow.” Don’t complicate things.

CRE can help you keep things simple as well as secure. If you already know what you need, use our Quick Rental Quote form. Need some help with deciding? Call or e-mail an experienced Account Executive about remote workflows, cloud-based services, production support, digital media management – even office equipment rentals! We can help you see the forest and the trees, and chart a route to the right destination.

Net (and OS) Neutrality Is Already Here

April 14th, 2011

There’s been a ton of talk lately about “net neutrality,” but one of the major problems in the discussion is the lack of an accepted definition. Google has been explaining for a few years where they stand on the subject: “Network neutrality,” Google says, “is the principle that Internet users should be in control of what content they view and what applications they use on the Internet.”

This issue, hopefully, will be worked out in the marketplace and not in the halls of Congress. But you don’t have to wait to establish your own kind of net and computer neutrality. Mac OS-Neutrality With Mac computer rentals, you can run both Windows (XP, Vista or 7) and Mac OS X, and “be in control” of what applications you use, whatever OS they run on.

Third party saviors

Back in Spring 2009, one of our first blog posts concerned Steve Jobs’ decision to begin using Intel processors in Macs in 2006-2007. By 2008 the transition was complete, from the Mac mini to the potent Mac Pro rentals. What “changed everything,” as Jobs remarked, was an Apple utility, Boot Camp, that let users install and run Windows.

By May 2009, a few “virtualization” utilities from Parallels Computing and VMware had brought a new dimension to multi-OS computing. With them, you can run Windows and the Mac OS simultaneously, even cutting and pasting between programs on the different platforms. These applications now run swiftly on the entire Mac line, from the latest iMac rentals to the powerful Mac towers.

A clear advantage of an OS-neutral Mac

The advantages of the “OS-neutral Macintosh” to regular users are clear. You don’t have to be a “code head” to understand how efficient it is to use a single computer to run both Windows and Mac OS X. Many artists and engineers that work with AJA Io HD rentals and massive video files settled on Macs long ago – as did graphic artists, writers, musicians, publishers and other “creatives.” Now, they can avail themselves of important Windows applications and be right at home in the firm’s Windows-based network environment, too.

Our Account Executives know the hardware and software, and understand what you need to accomplish your project. They’ll converse in fluent “computerese” if you want, but can translate for you too either by e-mail or over the phone. Know what you need? Complete the Quick Rental Quote and be on your way to “OS-neutrality”.

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