Simple Mobile vs Straight Talk

Hi this is The Asian Apple God coming at you with two service providers that just may be what you need if you're looking to cut down on cellular costs. T-Mobile has revamped their T-Mobile Girl into a speedy, kickass, icon and Simple Mobile, a cellular company that utilizes T-Mobile's cell towers, have also revamped their cellular service speeds. Straight Talk and Simple Mobile have been known for their iconic "$40" or "$45" unlimited talk, text and data packages. $40 from Simple Mobile and $45 from Straight Talk. But it's that time and age where you just need more money, but don't need to be spending it on high cell phone bills, and you have decided to go a cheaper route. You're stuck between these great companies, and you believe they are the same. Right? Wrong. I mentioned earlier that Simple Mobile utilizes T-Mobile's Cell Towers for Service and data speeds at up to 4G. Straight Talk utilizes AT&T towers for Data Connection. However, Straight talk does not currently support 4G speeds. In order for you to fully utilize Simple Mobile's 3g and 4G data downloads and upload speeds, you will need a T-Mobile 4g approved device. What does this mean EXACTLY? This means that T-Mobile's Phones uses a 1700/2100mhz Band. Something AT&T phones do not support. The HTC one S for example, utilizes 1700/2100mhz band. This means that the device shouldn't have trouble connecting to a 4G signal. However, you will only get 3g and 4G signal where it is provided. Towers are still expanding, however, you still will need to be in a large city such as LA, Portland (OR), NYC, Miami (FL), etc. You can log onto Simple Mobile's Website to see if your area has 3g or 4g or both. What if you have a device that says it's got a 2100mhz band? That still isn't good enough. The device needs to have a 1700/2100 mhz band. Not either or. Now we have that cleared up, lets say you have the flagship HTC One X device from AT&T. That will not work on the Simple Mobile 4G data connection. In fact, the fastest you'd get at download speeds is EDGE. The HTC One X however should work on Straight Talk's network because it utilizes the AT&T towers. iPhone 4 and 4S should work with the Simple Mobile Device, but again, look up your device on Phone Arena or consult your manuel for further information regarding your specific device. Thank you for taking your time to research this, and please understand that if you are getting EDGE on your device, you need to check your bands. If you do not have 1700/2100mhz band, you will not connect to anything higher than EDGE. If that's the case, I would recommend Straight Talk. If they do not provide a micro-sim, you can easily purchase one from Ebay or "eye-ball" it. Although, I do not recommend "guessing" as you may damage your Sim and you may end up needing to purchase another. If you have further questions regarding cellular service and data speeds, I will answer them in my next blog. Thank you and have a great day!

MacBook pro 13 Dying or Staying

There was some speculation on the most popular mac in Apple's lineup; the MacBook Pro 13" model. What seems to be the problem? The problem is that there was a rumour lurking around the internet about a possible MacBook Air-ish design for the MacBook Pros.

What does that mean exactly? If the MacBook Pro 13 will get the same or a similar design to the MacBook Air, then that would mean Apple would have to either reprice the MacBook Air models or completely discontinue the MacBook Pro 13 model. Apple will have to go with option a. Reprice MacBook Air lineup, because the MacBook Pro 13 is Apple's most popular Macintosh. The MacBook Air 11 would have to be dropped down to x amount (maybe $699-$899) while the MacBook Air 13 drops down to $999. The MacBook Air 13" would still consist of the dated Intel iCore processing unit but with faster clock speeds making the product appear to be worth more than what they are charging.

The MacBook PRO 13 would keep the $1199 stand along with Intel's iCore processors, updated "retina" display, possible MacBook Air ish design internally and externally (meaning no super drive, ssd or hdd and longer lasting battery etc).

The MacBook Air 11 would definitely have to be priced at a lower cost. Your best bet would be $699 because the current price is $999, and $1299 for the 13" model is a $300 difference. If the MacBook Air 13 is dropped down to $999, the 11 inch model would drop to $699. Apple wouldn't sell it for $799 because for an easy $200 more you can get a slightly better computer. But reconsidering that the MacBook pro would only be an easy $200 difference, the MacBook Air may very well be priced at $799. $200 more from the $799, you get the MacBook Air 13. If you have $200 more from the $999 you can get a MacBook Pro 13 for $1199. They are all in increments of $200. Just something to keep in mind.

The answer to the question, "will the MacBook pro 13 lineup be discontinued?", is no because Apple can't discontinue the MacBook pro 13, their most popular Macintosh.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

MacBook Pro Adopts or Declines "Air" Design

The 2012 MacBook Pros have been RUMOURED that they will take on the MacBook Air Design; technical specification design and its tapered Wedge ClamShell Design. Meaning that the optical drive (much like the current MacBook Air) will become a standard optional accessory. With the optical drive removed, you would have extra space which would be utilized as the new location for the potential SSD (knowing Apple, they will still probably use the standard HDD). That would mean that in the previous location of the SSD or HDD would be empty space that would, again, be utilized to extend the battery.

Replace the optical drive/cd drive with the ssd or hdd and enlarge the battery size so it offers more hours for the mobile user.

This all does NOT require a Wedge ClamShell design overhaul. Apple can go with the Wedge ClamShell or they can remain with its current design.

I personally do not believe apple will utilize the wedge ClamShell design just because there would be nothing to distinguish the MacBook Pro and Air. They would just be the MacBook Airs. Why redesign the MacBook Pro 13 with the Air design when there is already a MacBook Air?

We know that the MacBook Air 13 has a 1440x900 display and its only a matter of time until the MacBook Pro 13 15 and 17 get a display update. The MacBook Pro will adopt the 1440x900 while the 15 will adopt the higher-res (1680x1050) as native and the 2880x1800 as an upgrade while the 17 adopts the 2880x1800 as the upgrade still making the 1900x1200 native.

The new IVY Bridge Processing units will offer a greater range of I/O. Meaning we will finally get to utilize the next generation USB 3.0.

The next generation MacBook Pros will hopefully not be a disappointment. The potential internal and external redesign, potential display upgrades and hardware upgrades will give the Pro name back to the MacBook Pros.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

The New MacBook Air - Faster. Better. Stronger.

The new macbook air was released today with intel's new second generation dual-core i5 and i7 chips along with Apple's new OS; Mac OSX Lion.

The new MBA's new features include everything Lion and the backlit keyboard for typing in the dark. The faster processors and integrated graphic cards make for quick processing. Slow computers will soon become the thing of the past.

The new macBook Airs will not only look stylish, but will now preform at MacBook Pro levels. The intel dual-core 1.6ghz i5 processor will think that it is a quad-core processor, again making for faster mobile film editing. Or anything else.

This is Paul Son with the new macbook air.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Apple Releases New EHD W/ThunderBolt Ports

Just recently, Apple Inc. released a new External Hard Drive (or EHD) which, finally, will utilize the "not-so-new" I/O in Apple's newest and hottest MacBook Pros and iMacs.

After waiting for 5 months, we finally see the EHD's. They currently come in 4, 6, 8 and 12 TB storage options in the Apple Store. The entry model going for $1000; or $999. The same price to buy a new Unibody Polycarbonate MacBook.

Yes, this may be very exciting for many Apple store consumers, but how practical are these options? I personally have never exceeded over 500 GB of information. Let alone 250.

Let me help you choose. If you are a student who uses his/her computer for film projects (Full Sail University in Florida students) the entry model is for you. The same goes for everyone else. I highly doubt anyone will exceed 4TB of information... Maybe Apple should really bring that down.

The only time you should ever need an EHD with 4+TB is when you've got 5+ family members in your household. Lets face it, I highly doubt that most of us have less than 5. If you're thinking of purchasing an EHD with 4TB HDDs, don't. It's not practical. You're never going to exceed 1TB unless, as I mentioned earlier, you have 5+ household members... or if you're a Full Sail University student (that university specializes in media productions; anything film, animation, music, anything media, that is Full Sail University).

Think about purchasing a cheaper alternative. 1 or 2TB EHDs should be plenty if you're going to export a few films, movies, few thousand porn photos, cute cat videos, etc.

Thanks for reading, and please check my videos out on youtube:

www.youtube.com/user/TheAsianAppleGod - Taag

www.youtube.com/uer/TheAppleOracle - Tao

MacBook Pro Unibody Refresh (November '11)

The MacBook Pro on top is the original 13.3" Display on 13" Frame; the image of the MacBook Pro below is the Mac with the 14" display on a 13" frame

It's been almost been 4 years... 1460 days will have passed and the MacBook (Pros) still have the same look.

Fear not! The next generation of Aluminum MacBook Pros will soon get the case refresh!

In October or November of 2011, we should see changes in the display sizes, thickness and depth of the notebook itself as well.

I recently dug up some information on the possible design changes, and I found out that Apple may be trying to implement the 14.1" display into their 13" MacBook Pro Frame. What does this mean exactly? Here are my thoughts on this matter:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Apple and Shuriken Displays – Larger display means more pixels? Will the display have “poor/outdated” picture quality? What about the HDFT Cam? Will there not be enough room for it?

http://www.slashgear.com/macbook-pro-design-overhaul-tipped-for-next-refresh-26148436/

Shuriken LCD Display – Not sure if I like the way it looks. How many pixels would it have? I hope it would be HD?

Alienware M14x = 1366x768 (SD - Standard Definition)

Total Pixels = 1,049,088

Apple MBP 13 = 1280x800

Total Pixels = 1,024,000

Total Pixel Difference = 25,088

1,049,088 / 1,024,000 = 1.0245

Alienware m14x = 1600x900 Higher Definition Display

Total Pixels = 1,440,000 Pixels

Apple MBP 13 = 1280x800

Total Pixels = 1,024,000

Total Pixel Difference = 420,000

1,440,000 / 1,024,000 = 1.40625

With the higher Definition display, you will get 40% pixels, meaning a sharper display. You will notice the difference. The estimated price jump is $75.

Worth it? You decide.

The stock Alienware M14x would contain 2.4 to 2.5% more pixels; meaning the display will be slightly sharper than the MacBook Pro. But you will not notice the difference.

http://www.electronista.com/articles/11/04/25/acer.may.use.lg.shuriken.lcd.for.thin.notebooks/

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Everything that I've just said is very self explanatory. If Apple is willing to let the consumers choose wether or not they can have a "HD" display in their MacBook Pro 14, then I think the extra $75 - $100 bump up should be fair.

The MacBook Pro 15 currently "says", "High Res 1680-by-1050 Display an extra $100". I do think that since the "High Res 1600-by-900 Display" is slightly less than the 15" model, we may end up paying only $75 for it. But who knows?

The LG Shuriken HD Display in the 14" MBP would be a great improvement over the standard 1280-by-800.



Wait wait! I talked about the Unibody... It will get a refresh too. Not much to say here besides the fact that the macbook may drop a few pounds and that it will probably get thinner.

here is what I mean:

Instead of being at .95", the MacBook Pros may drop down to about .90 or .85". Except for the 17". That behemoth of a laptop is a hefty .98" in thickness. But that may drop down to about .95" or less. Can't say a whole lot about the 17".

In terms of overall look of the keyboard, I do not think that Apple will change anything about the "interior" or under the "hood" of the computer. By that I mean if you open the lid of the computer, I doubt there will be any design changes in there.

I HOPE APPLE WILL MAKE THE EDGES A LITTLE LESS SHARP THOUGH!!

The current MacBook Pros edges (not the corners) feel a little sharp. Hm.

Besides the stuff I just mentioned, I do believe that is all that will be changed.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. This is Paul Son, and this is the MacBook Pro Unibody Refresh in Late 2011.

2011 iMacs - May 3rd

The new iMacs from Apple feature a whole new line of sandy bridge processors, new graphics, new I/O port(s), FaceTime HD Camera, and much more!



Apple right off the bat starts off by proudly displaying their new line of iMacs which ALL contain their new Quad Core Sandy Bridge processors, faster 6000 series graphics cards, 1 Thunderbolt I/O in the 21.5" inch models and 2 Thunderbolt I/O ports in the larger iMac 27" desktop computer. In terms of screen size and screen resolution, Apple stands strong in the market for having the best desktop computers for an excellent price; starting at $1699.



Apple claims that their new iMacs have increased up to 3x in speed. I may have not gotten my hands on one of their marvelous computers just yet, but I hope to take it for a test drive in one of the Apple Certified Stores very soon.


Intel's new Thunderbolt I/O ports will slowly leak out into the Windows Market soon, but for now it remains strictly for Apple Computers. The new Intel Thunderbolt I/O port can send and receive data up to 10 GB per second. Unfortunately, there are no devices out on the market that can utilize the Thunderbolt technology just yet. But never fear, the Thunderbolt I/O will become very useful very very soon! Just keep your eyes out for the products!

What not a lot of people know is that the new SDXC card slot in the Macs can support up to 2TB of Removable memory. I got this information from cNet. Please refer to their website or youtube "cNet reviews for the new 2011 iMacs" for more information.

I'm Paul Son with TheAsianAppleGod @youtube, this is the new 2011 iMac and I'll see you guys next time!