Recommendations can easily be subjective and local to one person or time. Please be specific about function and broad about timeframe so that your question, once answered objectively, is of use to the community.
29
votes
12answers
36k views
What's the best NAS for home usage with Macs?
Please share your experiences and reviews about NAS (Network-Attached Storage) below. In particular, rate their compatibility with Macs, OS X, iTunes, Time Machine, AppleTV, and other Apple-specific ...
10
votes
8answers
16k views
Which Mac to develop iPhone apps? [closed]
I'm a developer working with Windows. I have some cutomers who are interested in iPhone Apps, so I'm looking for a Mac right now. The problem is, that I have no clue at all about what to buy.
I don't ...
10
votes
1answer
3k views
Replacing SuperDrive with secondary storage?
I'm familiar with the OWC Data Doubler, a kit which allows you to remove your Macbook's SuperDrive and replace it with secondary storage.
What alternatives exist for this product?
A complete answer ...
9
votes
1answer
3k views
Power Nap support
I read that Power Nap coming with Mac OS Mountain Lion will require a Mac notebooks with flash storage. Do they mean that by upgrading an early 2011 MacBook Pro to a Crucial M4 SSD would allow Power ...
9
votes
4answers
29k views
Where can I get a Thunderbolt hub or splitter?
Apple has just announced the new MacBook Airs, Mac mini, and Thunderbolt display. One of the features of the Thunderbolt display that caught my eye was its ability to daisy-chain two displays together ...
9
votes
4answers
1k views
What are some tips for replacing my MacBook Pro hard disk with SSD?
I would like to replace my MacBook pro hard disk with an SSD, without reinstalling everything. I am looking for your experience on
good SSD drive models that have good performance at a fair price
...
8
votes
7answers
7k views
How can I make my 27“ iMac and my 27” Thunderbolt display the same height?
I'm using an external 27" Thunderbolt display with my 27" iMac and I want the iMac and display to have the same height. By default, the Thunderbolt display is about an inch shorter than the iMac, ...
8
votes
2answers
9k views
Using SD Card as external storage for Macbook Pro retina
I am getting a new Macbook Pro retina display with 256GB flash storage. The capacity may be a little bit too tight, but I should be able to manage it. I am considering to get a 128GB SD card as a ...
7
votes
2answers
1k views
What are good specs for a MacBook to develop on iOS with? [closed]
I want to buy a MacBook to develop on iOS with. What is the best configuration of one? Should I go with a MacBook Pro or just a MacBook? What are the positives and negatives of each?
6
votes
8answers
3k views
For equal cost, why would you select the MacBook Air over the MacBook Pro? [closed]
I can see that the 13" version of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air is same $1199, but the Pro is more feature-loaded than Macbook Air. Why would anyone buy MacBook Air? What's the catch in this?
I was ...
6
votes
3answers
2k views
Apple-Certified RAM?
I'm planning to upgrade my RAM in my MacBook Pro (Late 2008) from the base 2GB to 4GB. I'm planning to buy RAM from Kingston.
There's two types of Kingston 1066 2GB RAM here. (Laptop-sized RAM)
...
6
votes
2answers
2k views
Is there such thing as a SuperDrive enclosure?
The OWC Data Doubler allows you to remove the SuperDrive of a MacBook or MacBook Pro and install a secondary drive. This leaves you with two drives in your Mac laptop, and a SuperDrive sitting on your ...
6
votes
3answers
511 views
Purchasing an iMac but pay every month
I'm not sure about this, but I just want to know if it's possible to purchase a product from the Apple website, but not to pay in full, but pay every month since I cannot fully pay the whole price of ...
5
votes
7answers
5k views
What is the best surface to use the Magic Mouse on?
I got the Magic Mouse along with my MacBook, tried using it for awhile, but I got disenchanted with it quickly. Instead of having sliding pads, it has two hard plastic bars, which make it unpleasant ...
5
votes
1answer
119 views
Anything to watch for when buying a 2009 MBP?
I have the option to buy a 2009 13" MBP for $500 - mid 2009 with the 2.53 GHz C2D. At this point, I'm leaning towards it (I'd be using it for iOS development). I know it's been well taken care of.
...
5
votes
1answer
5k views
Can I upgrade my 2008 Mac Pro completely?
Hey everyone, I have a 2008 Mac Pro/2.83hzXEON(8)/8800GT512mb.
Is it possible for me to upgrade this machine to newer hardware, since it is Intel based? What would it entail to put a newer processor, ...
5
votes
4answers
559 views
Is there a cheaper alternative to cinema displays?
Apple displays are great, except for the price.
I'm looking to replace my LG 19" display with a 24".
I can't find any screen that isn't overly widescreen, it's ridiculous ! Wide is good but too wide ...
5
votes
3answers
692 views
Is the i7 2.2GHz MacBook Pro worth the price difference with respect to the 2.0GHz model?
I am a software developer and I'm considering getting a 15" MBP as my development machine.
I would mostly use that laptop to code with Java and I probably won't be playing much on it, so having the ...
5
votes
1answer
6k views
What is the minimum hardware needed to run Xcode 4?
I understand from the Apple developer site that Xcode 4 requires an Intel Mac running Snow Leopard, but I can't see any advice on hardware spec (other than Intel).
I imagine it could run on an old ...
4
votes
3answers
2k views
Inexpensive game pad for OS X?
I'm setting up a Mac mini for my entertainment center, and would occasionally like to be able to play games withough having to set up the keyboard and mouse.
Are there cheap Bluetooth game pads that ...
4
votes
3answers
744 views
What is a trustworthy 2x4GB RAM for MacBook Pro 15" 2.4Mhz Core i5?
I'm looking to upgrade memory from 4GB to 8GB on my MacBook Pro 15" 2.4Mhz Core i5.
I've been looking at Mushkin 8GB RAM on NewEgg, but it's been getting bad reviews lately for not working properly ...
4
votes
3answers
631 views
USB Stereo Microphone for iPad?
What are working stereo USB microphone options for the iPad? It needs to be usable as an audio input into recorder apps? Presumably plugged into the iPad through the USB camera connection adapter.
4
votes
10answers
840 views
Great Apple (first and third-party) accessories or peripherals
List your favorite accessory (or peripheral) for your Apple hardware.
Rules
Limit to one accessory per answer.
Add a short description for the accessory.
Add a link to the website in the name of ...
4
votes
1answer
198 views
Can iOS devices be connected to the Thunderbolt port on Macs? [closed]
I saw an image on a rumor for a new Apple connector to attach the new iOS devices to my Mac using the Thunderbolt port.
This would be great because the one port on my MacBook Air that isn't in use ...
4
votes
4answers
721 views
Decent sweat-resistant headphones with mic (ie, iPhone compatible) [closed]
Similar to this question already posed: Decent headphones with a Mic for Android and iPhone, I'm looking for a pair of decent sweat resistant headphones that are good for working out.
Originally I ...
4
votes
1answer
2k views
Reliability of cheaper RAM like Komputerbay, or unbranded?
Online stores sell DDR3 memory from companies like Komputerbay for a fraction of the price that Kingston, Samsung, Crucial, OWC, etc. charge (not mentioning Apple OEM).
Most reviews are good, but ...
4
votes
1answer
747 views
Which USB floppy drives can read HFS-formatted 400K & 800K floppies?
Does anyone know of a USB floppy drive model that can read old 400K & 800K Classic Mac OS (HFS) floppies? I have an Iomega Floppy Plus, but it can only read 1.44MB HFS floppies.
4
votes
1answer
466 views
Kensington lock for iPhone
I'm going to a conference where there be a booth for my company to showcase our product. I'm bringing an iPhone which will be part of the product demonstration.
Now is there any product out there ...
4
votes
1answer
276 views
High volume battery for MacBook Pro
Can you advise me of where or if it a high capacity battery exists to replace my pre unibody battery on a MacBook Pro?
3
votes
6answers
1k views
Is it OK to buy a refurbished MacBook Pro?
I need to buy a MacBook for iPhone development, but I have budget constraints also.
I saw on Apple UK website that they are offering refurbished laptop(s).
So is it OK to buy a MacBook (refurbished) ...
3
votes
4answers
335 views
Recommendations for purchasing low cost but Powerful Macs [closed]
I've started to a lot of video editing with Adobe Premiere CS5 and After Effects CS5. I don't really have the money for a new Mac Pro. I feel that laptops are general underpowered and I have no need ...
3
votes
3answers
884 views
Can I put a 7200 RPM hard drive in my MacBook Pro?
I have a 2009 15" unibody MacBook Pro. It came with a 250GB, 5400 RPM hard drive. Will a 7200 RPM drive make it overheat?
I have read somewhere that putting a 7200 RPM hard drive in the MacBook Pro ...
3
votes
4answers
433 views
When is a MacBook Pro considered at 'end of life' and in need of replacement?
In a standard corporate environment with PCs they are replaced approximately every 36 months on a revolving schedule.
In introducing Macs into the corporation, the IT department appears to be unable ...
3
votes
2answers
2k views
Is it possible to use 6GB of memory in my MacBook Pro 3,1?
The specifications of my MacBook Pro say the maximum memory supported is 4GB using two 2GB DDR2 667MHz each.
However, some say that this model can support up to 6GB of memory, putting a 4GB Memory ...
3
votes
2answers
177 views
Do iPhones fully sync with Google services and other Web apps?
I'm looking for a smartphone: either an iPhone or an Android. Here are my requirements:
Contacts must fully sync with Google Contacts. That means that whenever I add a contact in Gmail, it must show ...
3
votes
4answers
5k views
Recommendations for headset (+ mic ) for macbook in 2012
I'm looking for a stereo headset and not simply in-ear headphones for Skype at affordable prices.
From past experience, I own a dual-jack headset Logitech from my PC. Sound came out but the mic never ...
3
votes
4answers
3k views
Is there a display screen with a Thunderbolt interface that is not made by Apple?
Any suggestion for a non-Apple monitor to connect to MBA (mid-2011)? The display has to reach the same resolution without flickering. Does a non-Apple Thunderbolt display exist?
3
votes
1answer
170 views
Mac Wireless Mouse, not apple brand
Which mouse is able connect to MBP 2011, But not apple brand.
I'm looking for mouse that can connect without need to use the USB port permanently.
3
votes
2answers
1k views
What kind of SSD is compatible with the 2010 Unibody MacBook?
I'm considering buying a solid state drive for my Unibody White MacBook 2010. The trouble is, I have no idea what to look for. What kind of connector am I looking for? (SATA?) What size? I'm told to ...
3
votes
3answers
770 views
mac mini for software development
I intend to start to develop for Apple products. My question is if a Mac mini with the below configuration will suffice for this purpose.
2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
2GB memory
500GB hard drive
...
3
votes
2answers
148 views
Does a MacBook Pro need a power adapter to work in the Bahamas?
A classmate asked me if the US MacBook Pro adapters are usable in the Bahamas. It boils down to the type of electricity and outlets there, but being that I have no clue, I'm asking here.
Does a USA ...
3
votes
3answers
318 views
Relative performance of 2006 Mac Pro and 2007 iMac
I'm trying to evaluate a purchase but am having trouble finding apples-to-apples performance comparisons for these two machines. A year and and many details separate them. Are there any common ...
3
votes
2answers
76 views
Is there a dock available that can dock an iPhone (with bumper)
The Apple dock cannot take the bumper, you need to take off the bumper.
I need a dock for work and at work where I can just slip my phone in (bumper and all).
Any ideas?
3
votes
1answer
94 views
Upgrading RAM/HDD in latest MBP [closed]
I planning to buy a 13 inch MBP this month. Is it a good idea to stick to the standard 4GB of ram and 500GB harddrive, and upgrade it myself to 8GB/1TB? This would save me about $350. I have ...
3
votes
1answer
218 views
Keyboard recommendation [closed]
Has anybody found a good ergo keyboard for a Mac? I've been using an MS Natural KB 4000 for quite a while but I need to retire it and thought I'd look around for something that would work a little ...
3
votes
2answers
331 views
Is there an aftermarket USB->DockConnector cable that works with an iPhone 4 + bumper case?
I'm looking for a third-party (i.e., cheaper) alternative to the Apple Dock Connector to USB Cable that is compatible with an iPhone 4 w/ bumper case. I've tried a few third-party cables and none of ...
3
votes
1answer
527 views
What different non-bluetooth keyboards exist for the iPad 2?
I am in the navy, and am restricted in the use of RF emissions such as WiFi and Bluetooth. Is there a keyboard I can use with my iPad 2 that will plug into the 30-pin connector?
3
votes
1answer
980 views
Mac support for Blu-Ray
I would like to buy an external Blu-Ray drive. I have a specific model in mind (the LG CP40NG10), but I'm open to suggestions if anybody has a different one they recommend.
The documentation says ...
2
votes
3answers
1k views
Buy macbook pro 17 from amazon vs apple?
I'm about to purchase the new macbook pro 17 from amazon. $134 less than from Apple and no tax means almost $400 is saved... amazon only has the base model without any upgrades, but that's what I ...
2
votes
4answers
2k views
magic mouse vs other mouse for graphic design
I've saw some review that the apple magic mouse isn't recommended by designers.
How do you find the magic mouse in your daily graphic design work? Would you recommend it? If not what are some good ...
