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 #1009 [45:15m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Mac expert Ted Landau has recovered from Macworld 2010, and discusses the many ways the show was a success. Whether you were attending for business, social or educational reasons, Ted provides his thoughts on how it all came together, and offers some suggestions for next year. Then, Ted turns his attention to Apple’s purging of over 5,000 apps with alleged sexual content from the iTunes App Store and the impact it could have on the iPhone and iPad platforms. Along the way, Ted earns another expert designation…or not.

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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 #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 #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 #944 [47:01m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Apple made big news this week, first with a record-setting quarterly result, and then with the release of new Mac hardware. Jim Dalrymple helps us make sense of it all, starting with the best Mac sales quarter ever, and how that reflects on the strategies Apple has been pursuing. Jim names his favorite new product out of the mix (not what you might think), reviews the changes to the iMac, Mac mini and MacBook, and discusses his recent conversation with Apple’s Phil Schiller about Apple’s product philosophy. Jim also talks about the rapid development of his web site, The Loop, including some of his new team members and how current technology is making it possible.

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 MacNotables #942 [26:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Dennis Sellers recently posted a message on Macsimum News asking for readers help in finding a missing staffer. Dennis updates us on some of the challenges that have been going on behind the scenes at Macsimum News, what he’s learned from the experience, and some things you should be aware of as you live your digital life. Think you’re fully connected? Dennis discusses why that may not be the case. Then, Dennis talks about how to go beyond iTunes 9’s new Home Sharing capabilities with SuperSync. Streaming is fine, but Dennis explains why there are times it makes sense to move media files from one device to another and why SuperSync is a top choice to accomplish the task.

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 MacNotables #941 [35:35m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Ted Landau and host Chuck Joiner start out by debating the burning question, “Is a video camera a compelling addition to the iPod nano,” covering uses both serious and frivilous. Then the new ringtone options take center stage for a discussion of the inconsistencies and challenges over the way this all works in iTunes 9. If you’re a ringtone fan, you need to hear about Ted’s adventures with what works and what doesn’t. Ted tells a story about “old” iPod options, covers the video camera you already have (but might not think about), compares the iPhone vs. the Mac as open platforms, and clarifies that his last column at MacFixIt was not his obituary.
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