porting

5 Thunderbolt Mac peripherals we'd like to see

Speed matters. It's why faster 4G data networks are gaining in popularity; it's why we buy new computers with better processors. This is the appeal of Thunderbolt, the Intel-developed high-speed data port that's popping up on new Macs in 2011. So far, it's in 2011 MacBook Pros and iMacs.

Thunderbolt is lightning-quick, as the name suggests. Transfer speeds are 10Gbps--twice as fast as USB 3.0--and it works both ways, into and out of your computer. HD video and data can be carried back and forth over the same tiny cable, with a connection port that'… Read more

Why an iMac now is in the cards for me

Three years ago, I decided not to get an iMac. Now I'm rethinking that decision.

And it's not because CNET gave the iMac an Editor's Choice award, though that's helpful. What tipped the scales is an ability to use the machine as a lowly external monitor years from now. Let me explain.

For years now I've oscillated between a Mac and Windows existence. In the 1980s, it was Mac for me. After college, Windows moved in. Then at the newspaper where I used to work, we installed Macs. Then at CNET, it was Windows, until … Read more

Macs at times showing static after display sleep

A small but ongoing issue that some Mac users have experienced (1,2) is a problem where upon waking displays from sleep, the system will display a fuzzy snow output to the monitor. This seems to happen predominantly on Mac Pro systems, but has also happened on others such as Mac Mini and iMac systems, though on the iMacs it only happens if a secondary monitor is being used. This problem appears to be an issue with the use of display adapters, and specifically those for converting DisplayPort to DVI connections.

The issue is not related to any particular hardware, … Read more

ArchPort: Walk a mile in that man's flashlights

Enter the ArchPort Sandals. They can even enter in the dark as each pair come with flashlights tucked into their soles.

That's this pair of shoes' claim to fame--the "first flip-flops with a flashlight in the sole." We didn't put hours of research into validating that statement as it seems a pretty safe boast. It's like saying you've made the first sport coat tie with a built-in melon baller--or a dress that charges your iPod. Who else was scrambling to wrench that claim away?

The folks at ArchPort say the little hoof-torches pack a slide-out lamp that fits into a small chamber tucked away in the arch of the sole (note: "Arch of the Sole" should not be confused with the little known, incomplete John Steinbeck novel of the same name). The bulbs project a cone of visible light that highlights the ground immediately in front of the owner, making night walking theoretically safer.

But the luminescent slippers beg a question. If the wearer is walking in an area so treacherous that he or she must spot-weld high beams to the feet to keep their pedicure secure, why wear sandals? How bad must your sweaty foot problem be that you can't sport closed-toe shoes when you do your buck and wing across a fire pit studded with broken glass? … Read more

Confusing Mini DisplayPort with Thunderbolt

In the last few years Apple has been releasing systems with an advanced Mini DisplayPort connection for monitors that allows for some advanced options such as using an iMac as an external display. This port has been adopted throughout Apple's line of Mac systems because it offers high-resolution video handling as well as other options like audio support for connecting to television systems.

In a recent knowledgebase article on the DisplayPort connection, Apple describes how to identify whether or not your system has a DisplayPort connection, noting the port's geometry as well as the symbols used to identify … Read more

Google Voice ports your own number for $20

One of Google Voice's stickiest conditions is beginning to unstick, thanks to a new, very quietly rolled-out feature that lets you port your own phone number to Google Voice.

Previously, signing on to Google Voice meant searching for a new Google Voice number to pass along to (and confuse) family and friends. A call forwarding feature let you give Google Voice the blessing to handle the voice mail attached to your mobile number, but porting was frustratingly not an option, to the chagrin of all of us CNET users as well.

Now, you may see the words "Change/… Read more

FireWire hits 2 billion ports, still far behind USB

Two billion FireWire ports have been shipped worldwide since the technology's inception, the 1394 Trade Association announced this week.

In addition, the organization says FireWire has been made available on more than 1.2 billion "consumer and computer products."

FireWire has come a long way since Apple set the technology in motion in 1986. FireWire, which is actually Apple's name for IEEE 1394 High Speed Serial Bus, allows for the transfer of data from one device to another. It's used commonly in Apple computers, as well as in many other devices.

1394 Trade Association Chairman … Read more

Apple's iPad 2 rumored to have USB port

With the bulk of the holiday shopping buzz dying down, rumors of Apple's new iPad 2 have sprung to life. The most recent rumor, courtesy of the Mobile Review blog editor-in-chief Eldar Murtazin, says the iPad 2 will include a USB port.

The tweet, discovered by AppleInsider, reads:

"Talked with colleague which working with some ODM vendors connected with Apple. He is research guy. According to his sources iPad2 will have usb port."

AppleInsider reports that Murtazin is a trusted insider with good sources and the news of the integrated USB could be the result of a … Read more

AirPort firmware updates not installing for some

Apple's firmware updates that were released yesterday have been installing properly for most people; however, a few people have run into problems when trying to apply the patch. After running AirPort Utility's firmware update option, the utility will fail and show a fairly generic-sounding error that states "An error occurred while updating the firmware."

If this happens, there are several things you can try to get the firmware to update:

Update AirPort UtilityInstallation of the latest firmware update is recommended to be done through the latest AirPort Utility release (currently version 5.5.2). Check the … Read more

Apple updates AirPort, Time Capsule firmware

Apple has released a couple of firmware updates for the AirPort base station and Time Capsule Wi-Fi units. The updates fix a number of features, including overall stability, settings issues, and AirPlay compatibility (the iTunes update earlier this week also addressed AirPlay problems).

The specific problems addressed are the following:

General fixes to Wi-Fi base station stability

Fixes some issues with AirPlay streaming

General fixes with USB interoperability, including connection to external storage devices

Fixes some issues with NAT port-mapping settings

Disables TKIP security with 802.11n rates per the Wi-Fi Alliance specifications

In addition to the firmware updates, Apple … Read more