Tuesday, November 08, 2016

The MacBook Outrage Continues

Image result for new Macbook images

This story just won’t go away. According to one analyst, the new MacBook announcement was the tipping point for Apple enthusiasts to rise up and criticize Apple for taking an excellent product and making it worse. First, the prices went up a minimum of $300. Then, Apple did not use the latest Intel processors inside.

But the biggest complaint was over the use USB-C connectors. Why? Because you cannot connect existing devices to the computer without buying additional connectors and dongles. You cannot connect even the latest iPhone to the MacBook without a a special cable, much less hard drives, USB memory sticks or just about anything else.

I heard one super Apple fan say she ordered a new MacBook, then happily spent an additional $137 for connectors. That makes no sense to me.  Another outrage was over the removal of one of Apple’s greatest inventions: the magsafe power connector. If someone trip over that cable while charging a MacBook, it immediately disconnected from the laptop and prevented the computer from crashing on the floor.  

In response, Apple has cut prices on these cables and dongles. Big deal…I don’t want to have to carry these additional connectors when I take the laptop on the road…and neither do most laptop users.

Apple Music is terrible…the Apple Watch is solving a problem that doesn’t exist…and taking away the headphone jack on the latest iPhone. Unfortunately the Tim Cook era of Apple products just hasn’t met Apple’s own defining standards. Such a shame.

There is some good stuff in this edition that just may help you make your computing needs better. I do try hard to keep things positive here, but sometimes I just have to go on a rant. Take care, my friends. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Apple cuts prices on dongles after complaints

The news follows complaints from potential shoppers that the new MacBook Pro laptop isn't compatible with current device accessories.

 

The Biggest Design Mistakes Apple Has Made in the Past Two Years

Apple has lost its mojo. Their obsessive attention to detail seems to have slipped away.

 

Microsoft promises smaller Windows 10 upgrade

Second feature upgrade of 2017 will be issued as a delta rather than full install

 

Facebook is gearing up to serve ads on Apple TV and Roku

The social network will start showing video ads on apps that run on set-top boxes, including Apple TV and Roku.

 

Here we go again! Microsoft throws more ads into Windows 10

Apparently unhappy with the number of people using its Edge browser, the company is now trying to encourage people to switch from rivals by using popup ads to push Edge and Bing Rewards.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

What Windows laptops and software to consider if you don't want to get the new MacBook

The new MacBook Pro has been somewhat underwhelming critics and prospective buyers. They seem to be needlessly minimalistic and expensive, removing all the ports, bar four USB-C ports that don’t connect to any legacy Apple products

 

Never Lose a Photo Again: The Complete Guide to Bulletproof Photo Backups

With a little forethought and planning, there’s no reason to ever feel the heartbreak of losing even a single one of them to theft, broken devices, or disaster.

 

How to Stop Microsoft Edge’s Pop-up Notifications

Microsoft is now more aggressively pushing taskbar and action center ads for Microsoft Edge. These are just one of the many types of advertising in Windows 10. Here’s how to make Edge stop nagging you.

 

How to Prevent Your Computer From Waking Up Accidentally

What can you do if your PC keeps waking up on its own? Here’s how to figure out what’s waking it up, and how to prevent it.

 

Amazon Prime Is More than Free Shipping: Here Are All of Its Extra Features

Amazon Prime comes with a ton of features that you may not know about. Here are all the ways you can maximize the value of your Prime membership.

 

Mobile Computing

Google updates Gmail for iOS to be more like Inbox

"After almost four years, the Gmail app finally gets an update, plus Google Calendar adds Spotlight search support.

 

LastPass keeps your secrets for free, across PC and phone

The password manager's free version now syncs across platforms, giving you strong, secure passwords on all your devices for nothing.

 

UPDATED: The merits of using iCloud Drive on the iPad

With a simple internet connection I have access to my other iCloud synched devices via my browser window.

 

6 things you'll miss if you switch from iOS to Android

From iCloud photo sharing to the cursor's tiny magnifying glass, some of iOS's smallest touches are easy to overlook until they're gone.

3 handy apps for iOS-to-Android switchers

With the help of a trio of essential apps, though, I've solved my lingering calendar and Find My Friend problems, and I'm now sending and receiving text messages from my Mac with ease.

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