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The iPad 3 Is Coming… Really!January 12th, 2012Sure, Apple will continue to upgrade its Macintosh line in the coming year, with the next changes in the iMac likely to be with the display (as well as a cosmetic facelift). The potent Apple portables, with the MacBook Pro rental at the top of the food chain, will probably get some “evolutionary” refinement, but no major changes. So what insanely great changes are coming up this year? Apple’s 2012 strategy The real action at the Cupertino company in 2011 was with its iOS devices, which will continue to be the firm’s big newsmakers in 2012. One thing we know: iPad rental will have a “3″ at the end of its model name. It seems pretty clear that Apple’s big-ticket product in the first half of 2012 will be the iPad 3, with the iPhone 5 debuting in the second half of the year. We will take a look at the iPhone in an upcoming blog – the iPad 3 is the first order of business this year.
Despite the proliferation of mobile devices like tablet PC rentals, Apple will doubtless continue to rule the market in tablets (and smart phones). There are literally dozens of iPad-centric sites, but the original is iLounge, and its recent coverage of iPad 3 rumors (and others) is cautious and thankfully un-hyped. Where was iPad 2 weak? The iPad 2 added some potent new features to the original model, but still failed to live up to several expectations. The dual-core A5 chip was a bona fide improvement, but both cameras in the iPad 2 are somewhat underwhelming compared to some competitors. Not for long. All this will change with third iteration of the iPad, which will likely feature an A6 processor and new, high-definition cameras, probably the same ones that will end up in a revamped MacBook rental line, too. When the new iPad does launch, it will probably cannibalize sales of the iPad 2. However, this gives Apple the opportunity to place its legacy model in the mid-range tablets market, currently topped by Amazon’s new $199 Kindle Fire. Despite a great deal of speculation about Apple introducing a “mini” version of its hit tablet, or putting the iOS in a downsized MacBook Air, but there has been no evidence of this being seriously considered. CRE Rentals stays abreast of technology and supports all your important work, from intense post-production tasks with an AJA Io HD to conference breakout sessions with our first-rate trade show convention rentals. Our expert Account Executives will respond swiftly to your call or e-mail, or you can speed things along even faster with our Quick Rental Quote form. When you’re ready, we’ll be here to help! Technology in 2011: The UpsideJanuary 3rd, 2012It’s too early yet to decide what 2011 will be most remembered for, in the culture at large or its individual niches. For those of us in the technology niche – and the growing portion of the public that follows early adopters – there was plenty to like about 2011. Smarter smartphones Apple’s iPhone 4S is still a generation or two ahead of its rivals, a growing number of which are getting quite good, like the Samsung Galaxy and Nexus. The iPhone’s dual-core chip (which also powers our iPad rental) and camera technology, front and back, are both much improved. What sets it apart, though, are two future-is-now features: (1) its revamped antenna, which has markedly improved connection rates and call quality on both AT&T and Sprint networks, and (2) Siri, a talking voice-control system that starts out good and learns to be, well, insanely great. Lighter laptops Netbooks arrived a few years back and seemed to define a new form factor for lightweight laptops: low-power CPUs, limited RAM, a few gigabytes of flash storage, WiFi, pygmy-sized keyboards and a low price. Manufacturers stepped up, however – Apple with the MacBook Air, Sony with its VAIO line, Samsung with Series 9 – and brought Grade A design, power and style (at higher prices, naturally). Still, as with the iconic iMac, Apple sets the standard. Bottom line for the Air: The 2011 makeover brought a big power boost, it does Windows, the 11- and 13-inch screens are gorgeous and a 15-inch version is rumored to be in the works. iPad, tablets and apps In 2011, the “Year of the Tablet,” the second generation Apple iPad arrived with impressive new features, including the fabulous iOS 5 software. But it’s the several hundred thousand fun, productive and/or useful apps that make it numero uno. No other pads or tablets, not even our tablet PC rentals, have the iPad’s extensive library, and if you’re a “creative” type there is really no alternative. For less demanding people, however, a growing number of new tablets – Android no-names, the very good Samsung Galaxy Tab and, in particular, Amazon’s new Kindle Fire – will gobble up all the TV episodes, movies, music, YouTube clips, e-books and other media you care to consume. Need for speed…USB3.0 and Thunderbolt Another set of technologies, the protocols for connecting digital devices, kept improving throughout 2011. USB 3.0 on new PCs operates at 4.8Gbps and the new Thunderbolt bus, featured on the Mac Pro and other new Apple computers, runs two 10Gbps channels simultaneously. Apple’s previous high-speed connection, FireWire 800, is less than one-tenth as fast as Thunderbolt and not bi-directional. If you want to move in a new direction, CRE can help. Find out how new technology can help you blast through production bottlenecks, or how our event production rentals can help you make a dramatic impact at your next conference. Contact us by phone or e-mail, or use the handy Quick Rental Quote form. We’re here, ready to help! And don’t forget to check out Thursday’s blog, Technology in 2011: The Downside. Macworld-iWorld: New Name for a New GameDecember 14th, 2011The first Macworld expo was in 1985, a few lifetimes ago in “tech time.” Compared to the Apple of today, the company that was the focus of the event was defined by its one product, the Macintosh. In 2012, Apple’s iOS devices are a big part of the story, along with the ever-evolving Macs. Given the “new Apple,” there is now a new name for the event, too. From now on it will be known as Macworld-iWorld: The Ultimate iFanEvent, and the 2012 edition is set for January 26-28 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center.
Multiple channels
Event producer IDG and its partners at Macworld magazine are balancing a “heavy influence of OS X developers on the show floor” with products and people from the iOS “sister universe.” With everything from iDevices to the new iMac, the event brings top media outlets, industry experts and people like you (and us) together for the unique value that comes from networking, seeing and/or showing new products, taking part in some first-rate technical training and enjoying diverse educational programs. And all of it is about Apple gear! Macworld-iWorld also offers important cultural and social opportunities within the Apple universe, creating multiple channels for reaching attendees with your firm’s marketing message. You can leverage CRE’s event production rentals expertise into a powerful floor presence. Alternatively – better yet, in addition – you can take prospects off the floor to a breakout session and gather valuable feedback with our Audience Response Systems (ARS). Whatever your plan, we have the mobile gear, presentation devices, plasma display rentals and everything else you need for success. Music is expected to play a major role at Macworld-iWorld 2012, with showcase performances at the ongoing “Music Experience” and a list of evening events at other S.F. venues. Film, media and post-production pros – the kind that use our render farms and other high-end gear – will find things with which to fascinate and entertain themselves, on center stage and elsewhere. Draw passersby into your booth with custom interactive programs running on our all-in-one multitouch display PC. You can also collect contact info from people that aren’t passing by if you rent interactive kiosks and set them in the high-traffic areas that your conference team can’t get to. IDG is estimating some 20% growth in total exhibitors, a dramatic increase from the 2010 and 2011 shows, which experienced a major down-scaling from 2009, the last time Apple exhibited. The turnaround is in full swing, so don’t miss out! If you’re a conference pro, use our Quick Rental Quote to get rolling right away. If you need expert assistance, simply call or e-mail an experienced Account Executive and we’ll work out a strategy, deliver the goods, set it all up and even take it all down for you, too. If you want to make the first Macworld-iWorld event a memorable one, let us help – we’re good at it! iPad Drives Conference Attendees to WebsitesNovember 30th, 2011Recent studies show that the popular iPad rental is an increasingly significant source of web traffic in the U.S. With a little planning – and some strategic insight into the ever-busier two-way street of mobile media – you can attend conferences and be confident in your ability to drive attendees to your website with iPad. Here’s how.
Traffic leader The respected web analytics firm, comScore, reports that smartphones and tablets (from iPhones to WiFi-enabled tablet PC rentals) accounted for nearly 7% of total U.S. web traffic in August 2011. About two-thirds of that was from phones, the balance from tablets. Astonishingly, the iPad grabbed over 97% of tablet traffic. But the iPad is also driving more web traffic than Apple’s own iPhone – a 46.8% share of all traffic originating from iOS devices (again, in August), as opposed to the iPhone’s 42.6%. Tellingly, the total iOS share of U.S. mobile web traffic that month was 58.5% – that’s market penetration, folks. This is true despite the continuing growth of Android, which just released version 4.0 (“Ice Cream Sandwich”). In the mix of communication Clearly, the iPad is right “in the mix” when it comes to communications today. What makes it so potent as a marketing device – before, during and after conferences – is its portability, for one thing. But the real power lies in its “double connectivity” (WiFI and cell) and all the great apps that have been customized for it. Although the MacBook Pro is portable, too, Apple’s tablet is supremely flexible, adaptable and focused. With access to e-mail, social networking sites and the rest of the web, you can use your iPad in real-time from your exhibit booth to draw attendees there. In addition to communications apps, the iPad has a full array of office tools for creating, editing, printing, sending and otherwise managing all of your marketing materials. You can announce breakout sessions, invite participants to interactive presentations powered by Audience Response Systems (ARS) and steer attendees to both your booth and your website. Bottom line for business professionals According to comScore, in 2010 over 115 million Americans used mobile devices to browse the web, use/download apps or access content. This is nearly 20% greater than just the previous year – and the numbers are even more impressive among business users. Whether using a PC desktop computer rental or a mobile device, business users have come to depend on the ability to reach their targets – worldwide, around town and in a sea of conference attendees. When you need more than just an Xserve RAID array or other high-tech tool – when you need a solution, a plan, a strategy – you need CRE. One call or e-mail, or one visit to our Quick Rental Quote online form, and an Account Executive is on the job for you. Just let us know what you need to do! Top 5 Creative Uses for the Mac miniNovember 17th, 2011Although 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.
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! How Mobile Tech Is Changing Post-ProductionNovember 8th, 2011“The only constant in life is change.” There’s another old saying about life’s promises – something about “death and taxes” – but we’ll leave that for the philosophers. For the present purpose, “change” means “progress,” such as the use of powerful new mobile technologies (“mobile tech”) at both ends of the entertainment media spectrum, creation and consumption.
New, smaller “targets” On the creation side, mobile tech changed entertainment production and post-production by bringing additional target devices to the broadcast/distribution mix. Instead of preparing final output for just movie screens, TV or color print jobs, production pros now have smart phones, tablets, game consoles and iPad rental to consider. People are consuming content by the cyberbushel these days on all these devices. The pros that produce all this content are doing so in new, decentralized ways because that same mobile tech keeps them plugged in to their production cycles from afar. The main challenge for content creators is preparing the vast majority of media that is going to be broadcast via live streaming. Apple, among many other firms, knows that the future of broadcast is the Internet, and has crafted super-potent hardware like the Mac Pro and flexible software like Final Cut to take us there. In the field of mobile tech, continuing education is not optional. Enabling technologies Already a media pro favorite, the iPad has over a dozen apps for remote control of a computer. Other mobile tech advances enable post pros to control their computers remotely via smart phones, Android tablets or a MacBook Pro, as well. And there are plenty of other mobile tech tools that empower the “virtual team” model – audio- and/or video-conferencing, e-mail, instant messaging and collaborative work environments (think Google Docs or iCloud) where project information and documentation can be shared. Creative work can be done on a PC desktop computer rental in L.A. and integrated into workflows in India, Ireland or Italy, if need be, but when personal contact is required, many teams use video for virtual meetings. Both in-house solutions and “pre-fab” conference websites like LiveMeeting are critical for teams distributed across cities, states and nations. All major operating systems (OS) and environments that connect to the Internet will support this kind of collaboration, so Mac OSX, iOS 5, Android 3.0, Windows 7 and Linux users are all welcome to team up, virtually speaking. Bottom line Of course, it bears repeating that managing production and post-production does not depend on what kind of smart phone apps you have, or whether you’re working on a PC or an iMac. It comes down to planning, execution and oversight, all of which depend on good communication. Good communication is good management, all other things being equal. Mobile tech has changed production in the entertainment industry, it’s true, but there’s another old saying about change that you should remember: The more things change, the more they stay the same. This applies to CRE, because no matter how far technology advances, you can count on us to be right on the leading edge. A call or e-mail is all it takes to get an experienced Account Executive on the job for you, or you can use the Quick Rental Quote form if you know what you need. Whatever the challenge, CRE is here to empower you. PC Personalities vs. Apple AttitudesNovember 3rd, 2011Some Information Age pundits think that PC and Mac users are innately different kinds of individuals. A 2009 study resulted in some intriguing findings, shedding light on the characteristics of the two main (self-selected) groups of computer users. The differences go far beyond a predisposition toward a certain computer or operating system (OS). So, what are the differences between “Macsters” and “PC people,” and do they matter?
Some major findings • PC users like well-defined, structured jobs. Mac users like flexible, fluid ones. • PC users consider “works of art” to be paintings of people or nature. Mac users choose objects or architecture, and consider the award-winning designs of the iMac and other Apple computers “good art,” too. • PC users think “There’s Something About Mary” is a good comedy. Mac users like “Little Miss Sunshine.” • PC users consider themselves rational and are oriented toward numbers. Mac users are intuitive, conceptual and geared toward words and images – among the reasons that iPad rental has the new, icon-based iOS. • PC users typically buy clothes at department or discount stores. Mac users like unique/boutique shops. PC people: Genetic or tribal? Some of these differences may arise from the nature of Microsoft’s and Apple’s founders, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Gates was a child prodigy, scored 1590 on his SATs and went to Harvard University (but dropped out). Jobs wasn’t a brainy type, as Steve Wozniak had that role, but his marketing genius and design sense – from the looks of the original Bondi Blue iMac to the uniquely efficient interior of the potent Mac Pro – account for a huge part of Apple’s success. Many PC users originally came from a programming background, and PC users still tend to be more down-to-earth if a bit “tribal” or insular. Whether using a standard desktop PC or an all-in-one multitouch display PC, they prefer function over form, like to get the job done and don’t need flash or gimmickry. Practicality reigns in their choice of such things as cars and clothes, too, and the Windows 7 “I’m a PC” commercials suggest a certain ordinariness that some find reassuring. Mac folks: Just different? One of Apple’s longtime slogans, “Think different,” urged Mac users to avoid conformity and be themselves. They are more attentive to modern art, independent films and whatever helps them express their unique identities, which are nicely displayed in a Hunch.com infographic. If Apple continues its mainstream growth, but doesn’t give its loyal customers the feeling of individuality that they want, then all bets are off. On the other hand, CRE is a sure bet. We’re experts in everything from trade show conventional rentals to high-end post-production computer gear. One call (or e-mail) puts an experienced Account Executive on the job for you, or you can use the Quick Rental Quote form if you know what you need. PC or Mac — we’re ready with the right solution, right now! First Look: Will iCloud Reign?October 27th, 2011Although 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.
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! iOS vs. Android – Feature by FeatureOctober 20th, 2011Although Apple has monopolized the headlines lately – Steve Jobs’ death, the new iPhone 4S and iOS 5 – Google hasn’t let Android gather any dust. In fact, Honeycomb advanced to 3.1 before iOS 5 debuted, but runs only on “large display devices” (tablets). Android phones have to settle for version 2.3. On the other hand, Apple’s iOS 5 runs on the iPhone, the iPod touch and the iPad. Let’s take a quick look at both.
What’s New: The best additions to iOS 5 are iMessage, iCloud support, native Twitter, enhanced Camera features and “multitasking gestures” for iPad 2. Android 3.1 rolled out the new “refined” UI (User Interface), a Recent Apps list, customizable Home screen and improved browsing. Battery Life: This depends on your hardware, and there are many different Android tablets. You can rent laptops with battery time up to five or six hours, but tablet batteries last longer (up to 10 hours). In limited tests, iOS devices seemed to have slightly shorter battery life than Android models. Browser support: Web surfing on a iMac rental is no different (except for screen size) than on an iOS device. Safari Reader now displays web articles without ads for offline reading. Android 3.1 also improved browsing, but has been weaker in this area. User Interface (UI): Apple’s UIs changed the world. OS X Lion (10.7) is fabulous on a Mac Pro rental, while iOS 5 is also efficient and elegant. Google’s primary goal with Android 3.1 was refining the look, but it’s still a work in progress. Third-Party Support: Android is open source software, based on Linux, which means more opportunities for more developers to improve it over time. Apple’s iOS 5 platform is not open source, and developers need to register with Apple and jump through the many hoops keeping Apple’s “ecosystem” in order. Of course, many of these hoops are actually quality control steps, which is why iOS apps meet a higher standard. Apps & Games Availability: Apple’s App Store has over 300,000 apps – utilities, games, networking, social media, productivity, etc. – while there are some 100,000 in the Android Market. Flash Support: Flash support used to be a big advantage for Android. The new iOS 5 provides full Flash support (for you tech-heads, it is done by “on-the-fly transcoding”). Flash apps are still not usable, but Flash video is now viewable, a welcome addition for iPad rental users, but an original feature of Android. Conclusion: It’s silly to condescend to either Apple iOS 5 or Android 3.1. Both have new features making them even more efficient, reliable and robust. There is tough competition ahead between Android 3.1 and Apple iOS 5, as new products are introduced to make maximum use of their advanced features. We will keep you posted. CRE’s high-tech rentals solve production bottlenecks, while our expert event production services empower you at trade shows and conferences. One call or e-mail (or a few clicks on our Quick Rental Quote page) puts an experienced Account Executive on the job for you right now! iOS 5: Mobile Operating System on Steroids!October 13th, 2011Apple’s October 4th event may have been overshadowed by the death of Steve Jobs, but there was still some “insanely great” news. Although the event was touted as “an iPhone thing,” the most excitement seems to be about iOS 5. Before we get to the new features, here are some fast facts about Apple’s mobile OS.
And don’t forget iCloud! You will simply enter your Apple ID and password to keep all of your mail, calendars, contacts, apps and media updated across your various devices – without ever connecting to a computer. On the flip side, you can access iCloud and interact with iOS devices whether you use a Macintosh or a PC desktop computer rentals. New features on iOS 5
The Notification Center aggregates all your Notifications so you can access them with a simple swipe down from the top of the screen. The Newsstand is another aggregator, for your newspaper and magazine subscriptions. Twitter support is now native. Sign in once through the Settings menu and any app can be integrated with Twitter. It is fully integrated with the Camera and Photo apps, too. Safari’s new Reading Mode provides a single, scrolling story with no ads. Other new features include tabbed browsing and a Reading List option to save articles for later. Some folks still don’t know that Safari also works with Windows on tablet PC rentals and other PCs. The Reminders feature lets you store Lists, assign reminders to any date(s) and save location-specific data, all syncing across devices (and via iCal). The Camera has a new button on the lock screen, and you can also use the volume button to take pictures. Basic photo editing software (cropping and general enhancements) is now included. The Mail app now features draggable addresses, flaggable/searchable messages, rich text formatting, a built-in dictionary and, on the iPad, a split keyboard. CRE is your source for high-tech solutions, whether you need render farms for production or audio visual (A/V) equipment rentals for a company event. One call or e-mail (or a trip to the Quick Rental Quote page) will put an expert Account Executive at your service! Watch for an upcoming blog, iOS 5 vs. Android, feature by feature, to be posted on October 18th. |
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The new iMessage is like text messaging or BlackBerry BBM and is available to all iOS users. With an 
