MacNotables #1010 [38:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Like most of us, Mac expert Ted Landau is looking forward to ordering an iPad, but in the meantime, has been looking at the questions of what configuration to order, especially when it comes to connectivity. Ted discusses the issues surrounding tethering of your Apple devices (and AT&T data plans), why the options are what they are, and what may make sense for you. Ted also discusses his experiences in comparing Google Voice with the iPhone’s Visual Voicemail, and why the latter works better for him, the uses, now and in the future of augmented reality apps, and some of the effects of a maturing iPhone platform.

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 MacNotables #1008 [44:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Mac expert Ted Landau has been sorting through all the information on the iPad launch, and evaluates what he’s learned. Ted discusses the very smart things Apple included in the feature and software set, examines what wasn’t included and some things we can expect to see in the near future. The iPad is not a tablet Mac; Ted discusses why this is a good thing, why you really don’t want videoconferencing on an iPad, even if you think you do, and examines the ebook aspects of the device. Which iPad to buy? Find out what he recommends (it may surprise you) and why, if it will replace or supplement your current Apple devices, and learn how you might be able to (eventually) own a Ted Landau-autographed iPad. Ted also reveals why he’s looking forward to next week’s Macworld 2010.

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 MacNotables #1007 [48:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In the second of a two-part discussion with Adam Engst, Tonya Engst and Andy Ihnatko, the panel cover how the Kindle has helped the publishing industry, and why the iPad may represent an opportunity to fix the mistakes of the past. The compelling price points of the iPad, to 3G or not to 3G, how the AT&T connectivity plan stacks up against the MiFi, and who the iPad is appropriate for are all put under the microscope. The panel also discusses their Macworld 2010 sessions and activities. Find out who will be wearing the purple sneakers in San Francisco.

Adam Engst

Tonya Engst

Andy Ihnatko

Chuck Joiner

MacNotables #1006: Adam and Tonya Engst and Andy Ihnatko Review the Amazon/Macmillan Skirmish and Discuss the iPad (Part 1)

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 MacNotables #1006 [49:33m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In the first of a two-part conversation with Adam Engst, Tonya Engst and Andy Ihnatko, the panel examines the short-lived battle between Macmillan Publishing and Amazon. Who won, who lost and the obvious, “what were they thinking???” are all discussed. Find out why the battle was fought and what it may mean for the future of the ebook market. The panel then turns their attention to Apple’s impending iPad and how it figures into the ebook market, what it is likely to do right, and some of the questions that still remain.

Adam Engst

Tonya Engst

Andy Ihnatko

Chuck Joiner

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 MacNotables #1004 [45:58m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Ted Landau is back from the Consumer Electronics Show and gives us his take on the (lack of) Mac presence and whether he will go back next year. Ted contrasts CES with the upcoming Macworld 2010, talks about some of the more interesting products, and names the two products he found most worth following up on. He also stepped foot into the companion Adult Entertainment Expo, purely for journalistic reasons, to interview one of the geekier stars and preview an upcoming iPhone app. Unfortunately, Ted came back from the trip wounded. He talks about what happened and provides some advice on how you can avoid the same problem, especially if you like to listen to the airline-provided entertainment while flying.
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 MacNotables #1003 [46:33m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tonya Engst of TidBITS and Take Control Books spends a lot of time in the world of ebooks, and has some fascinating insights on the most recent developments in the most rapidly-changing part of the publishing industry. Tonya covers the recent flood of ebook readers and the inelegant approach manufactures are taking, the blurring lines between web content, publications and ebooks, and what is needed to produce next-generation ebooks. She has some surprising thoughts on what is needed in ebook standards and why tomorrow’s ebook won’t look like today’s. Tonya also discuses the “silliness” of CES, and suggests an unusual possibility for Apple’s new device: cloth!
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 MacNotables #1002 [40:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Dennis Sellers and host Chuck Joiner discuss the flood of “for certain” information that seems to be leaking from everywhere about Apple’s alleged forthcoming device, and doubt the validity of almost all of it. Dennis gives some preliminary thoughts on the Google Nexus One, then provides his thoughts on the state of streaming video options from a movie collector’s point of view, why they fall short, and what he wants Apple to do to fill in the gap. CES is generating a flood of press releases; Dennis talks about the trend he sees in the flood, and engages in some good-natured speculation about what may come next from Apple. A TV? A car? The sky’s the limit!
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 MacNotables #954: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Mac expert Ted Landau has been doing some holiday traveling, and shares his experiences with WiFi on a plane and what you need to do to take full advantage and programming his TiVo from his iPhone so his wife didn’t miss Oprah’s holiday special (or so he says). Then, taking in the bigger picture, Ted discusses his belief that we are in a transition period for widely available, affordable internet access, the trends, options and opportunities swirling around television content and how it can be obtained, and more.

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 MacNotables #953 [35:45m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Jim Dalrymple of The Loop discusses the firestorm he started on Twitter by agreeing with Apple’s Phil Schiller on the iPhone App Store approval. Acknowledging that the process is far from perfect, Jim makes the case from Apple’s side by using easily understandable comparisons. Apple is purchasing the cloud music service, LaLa, and Jim comments on why it happened, Apple’s balance of acquisition vs. internal development, and speculates on some of the possibilities it brings to the table. We also talk to Jim about why the iPod touch may insure Apple’s smart phone dominance in the future, and get the latest updates on his music project.

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 MacNotables #952 [63:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Adam Engst, Andy Ihnatko and Chuck Joiner start with a discussion on the changes on Twitter and the evils of Facebook, then turn to the death of the CrunchPad. What would it have brought to the world of tablet computing? Was it a good idea, or just a crazy one? The panel contemplates the possibilities and more, including the future of open source hardware, then debate their experiences with iPhone GPS apps. What’s the best option out there? Which should you avoid? We answer both questions, and tell you why.

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