Tag: MacBook

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Apple Releases Mac OS X 10.5.2 and Then Some

Apple releases Mac OS X 10.5.2 (build 93C1) today, one day early as expected. The combo Update is update is weighing in at 343MB for Mac OS X and 382MB for Mac OS X Server.

Mac OS X 10.5.2 Build 9C31

Side Note: If all the info from the imaginary source *wink-wink* are correct, we shall see new MacBook Pro release on Tuesday February 12th, 2008. My MacBook Pro Core Duo is not as powerful to handle AVCHD movies.

Mac OS X 10.5.2 Combo Update – 343MB – Release Note
This update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Leopard and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility and security of your Mac.

Mac OS X Server 10.5.2 Combo Update – 382MB – Release Note
This update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Server Leopard and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility and security of your server.

Apple also releases:

Security Update 2008-001 (PPC) – 16.7MB | (Universal) – 28.8MB
Security Update 2008-001 is recommended for all users and improves the security of Mac OS X. Security Update 2007-009 has been incorporated into this security update.

Leopard Graphics Update 1.0 – 48.9MB
Leopard Graphics Update is recommended for all users and improves the stability and compatibility of your Mac.

WebObjects Update 5.4.1 for Mac OS X 10.5 – 153MB
WebObjects 5.4.1 is an update release for the version of WebObjects included in the Mac OS X Leopard tools.

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Meatloaf T. Cat and Panasonic HDC-SD5 AVCHD Camcorder

I would like to share a short video clip of Meatloaf T. Cat, taken using Panasonic HDC-SD5 AVCHD Camcorder.

One minute and a half in the life of Meatloaf T. CatVideo info:

  • H.264 at 960×540 resolution.
  • 3890.41 kbps data rate.
  • 29.97 frame-rate.
  • 1 minute and 30 seconds.
  • 41.9MB file size.

Other info:

Check out other AVCHD Camcorder video clips here:
http://37prime.com/blog/?s=avchd

AVCHD Camcorders I have used:

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Sony HDR-CX7 AVCHD Video Sample

Sony HDR-CX7

Sony HDR-CX7 was one of three solid state AVCHD Camcorders I considered buying back in 2007. The other two are Sanyo Xacti HD1000 and Panasonic HDC-SD5. After some testing and deliberations, I bought Panasonic SDC-HD5. In addition to that, my friend bought Canon HG10.

I tested Circuit City‘s store display unit sometimes in October 2007. I didn’t even bother setting up the time and date of the camera.

Download the sample here (22.4MB).

Sony HDR-CX7 AVCHD Video Sample

  • H.264 format 960×540 Resolution
  • 3914.68 kbits/s
  • Imported and edited using iMovie ’08 on my 15-inch 2.0GHz MacBook Pro Core Duo
  • Recommeded application to view the video QuickTime 7, MPlayer or VLC

Accessories for HDR-CX7:

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AVCHD and Mac OS X

AVCHD

iMovie ‘08 Final Cut Pro Icon

On TWiT 128 (10 minutes and 40 seconds into the show), Patrick Norton asked if AVCHD is natively supported in Final Cut Pro. Alex Lindsay didn’t think so, but Leo Laporte said there is. Leo then pointed out that Final Cut Express and iMovie ’08 support AVCHD.

Now, let’s see where things really are right now for Mac users. Final Cut Pro 6, Final Cut Express 4, and iMovie ’08 do support AVCHD format, but not quite natively. It takes roughly 3 minutes to import a 58-second clip in iMovie ’08 on a 2.0GHz MacBook Pro Core Duo with 2GB RAM and 7200 RPM hard-drive (via USB 2.0). On the same MacBook Pro Final Cut Pro 6 consistently crashes in the middle of importing the same AVCHD video clip. UPDATE: There is an apparent conflict caused by Perian Quicktime Component (http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=306922). As for Final Cut Express 4, I don’t know because I don’t have it yet.

I installed Sony’s Vegas Movie Studio 8 Platinum Edition on a Windows XP PC that my friend and I put together. It has Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6550, 4GB of RAM, and Intel® Desktop Board DP35DP. Sony Vegas took a short amount of time to import the same AVCHD video clip. As a matter of fact, Sony Vegas recognize the “.mts” file format. This is no surprise because AVCHD was developed jointly by Sony and Panasonic.

The advantage of using a disk-based camcorder is the ability to transfer the video clip faster than tape-based camcorders. Videos from tapes are transferred in real time to the computer, because of the limitation of the tape medium. Unfortunately for Mac users, AVCHD is a little bit inconvenient; because it takes almost forever to import those video files. AVCHD requires a lot of processing power, but if the system/program natively supports AVCHD, it’d be easier to copy the actual streams to another hard drive and import them later.

Maybe the next updates to iMovie and Final Cut will address this issue. Until then, Mac users has to be patient when dealing with AVCHD camcorders.

I own a Panasonic HDC-SD5, and also use my friend’s Canon HG10.

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Waiting for New MacBook Pro (2008)

UPDATE (2008.02.26):
It is finally here. Both MacBook and MacBook Pro are updated. Stay tuned for more informations, I’m getting a MacBook and MacBook Pro, but not spending my own money.

UPDATE (2008.02.19):
03:58 AM PST Apple Online Store is closed for updates. “This is it!”, as I wished.

UPDATE (2008.02.16):
The current MacBook Pro are indeed being “phased out”. Amazon.com is pricing both 2.2GHz and 2.4GHz 15-inch models at $1,987.41 and $2,447.41 respectively (note the $7.41 at the end of the pricing). Other reports that the one store I don’t want to shop in is having the 15″ MacBook Pro backordered. According to the fake information, the new MacBook Pro will have a slightly different build of Mac OS X 10.5.2 installed due to some new drivers inclusions. Two more Tuesday left in February, and my imaginary source reveals that Apple intends on releasing the new MacBook Pro in February. Most likely there wouldn’t be any fanfare because the iPhone SDK reveal is a much bigger news item.

UPDATE (2008.02.12):
Apple Online Store closed for updates, then reopened. No MacBook Pro yet. It’s Aperture 2.
Apple, I’m/We’re still waiting!

UPDATE (2008.02.11):
Mac OS X 10.5.2 (Build 9C31) is released, one day early as expected. MacBook Pro this Tuesday? My imaginary source says so.

Mac OS X 10.5.2 Build 9C31

UPDATE (2008.02.07):
Developer builds of Mac OS X 10.5.2 is still being worked on. The build 9C31 might become the shipping version. This mean that Apple will be able to ship The new MacBook Pro with Mac OS X 10.5.2 next week.

UPDATE (2008.02.05)two:
Supposed release date for new MacBook Pro 2008 is on 2008.02.12 (Tuesday).

UPDATE (2008.02.05)one:
Apple Online Store is closed for product updates. No MacBook Pro, just 16GB iPhone and 32GB iPod touch.
Apple Store is closed - 2008.02.05

UPDATE (2008.02.03):
Unconfirmed fake information. “Tuesday morning is good for insomniac, watch it closed.”
(editorial: Which Tuesday? Thanks for the vague info.)

UPDATE (2008.02.01):
Another whispers from the imaginary source, Apple is planning to ship the New MacBook Pro with Leopard 10.5.2 pre-installed.

UPDATE (2008.01.30):
Words from the fake and imaginary source (wink-wink) that “Good MacBook Pros come to those who waits, soon though.”

2008.01.18
MacWorld San Francisco 2008 came and went. “There’s something in the air”; and there were mixed emotions. “Time Capsule” is nice, a combination of Network Attached Storage (NAS) and wireless base station; with premium price. The iPhone Software update is really nice. Several new features, and reportedly brought many bricked iPhones back to life; a sad day for Apple haters. The “January Software Upgrade” for iPod touch is nice, but not that nice. Apple is charging $19.99 for five applications for the iPod touch. Apple’s interpretation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act seems to be the reason why Apple is charging for the new apps for iPod touch. Sounds like Apple is experimenting with selling applications for the iPhone and iPod touch through iTunes Store. AppleTV gets a makeover, and suddenly becomes a lot more attractive. AppleTV is getting the upgrades for free, and the people rejoices. iTunes Movie Rentals is a welcomed addition to Apple services, there’s a price for convenience. One can only hope that this service will get better with time. After all, Apple is getting full supports from all major movie studios. MacBook Air is a sleek, sexy and desirable addition to the portable Mac line-up. Not for everyone, but it is a feat in design and engineering.

Let’s see.

  • I have my iPhone upgraded to version 1.1.3 for free. That’s great. In addition to that, I love the new map application.
  • I have been waiting to get a new wireless router, since I sold my Airport Extreme Base Station (802.11n – 100mbps ethernet). I know I’m getting Time Capsule. I’ve been happy with the Airport Extreme Base Station, because it’s been the best wireless router I ever had. Costs more, but worth it.
  • I don’t have iPod touch, but I do feel that the price for the application upgrade is too steep. I wrote a rant on this, will post it in the near future.
  • AppleTV and iTunes Movie Rentals; I love them. I don’t have any plan on buying AppleTV anytime soon, but that might change. iTunes movie rental service actually piques my interest.
  • MacBook Air is a nice one, but I would like to skip it this time. Why? Because I’m waiting for new MacBook Pro.

I currently own a MacBook Pro Core Duo. I ordered it the moment it was announced at MacWorld San Francisco 2006. It’ll be two years old soon. As a matter of fact, I’m using it to write this. It’s not that it has a problem, it’s just wouldn’t handle the type of work I’m doing right now. I need more processing power. Intel Core Duo is a little bit under-powered by comparisons. I could’ve bought the current MacBook Pro, but I know that Apple has been working on new MacBook Pro line-up.
I am not alone waiting for the new MacBook Pro. I have been telling Carrie to wait for a new Mac since August 2007. I know that it is worth all the wait.

According to my imaginary source who is allegedly working at Apple’s Executive Office, the upcoming MacBook Pro will have the followings:

  • Multi-touch/multi-gesture trackpad (just like the one in MacBook Air)
  • Penryn-based 45nm Intel Processor (no, it’s not going to be Quad-core).
  • Faster FSB, DDR-800 RAM.
  • Slightly higher resolution display on the 15-inch model (1080p compliant).
  • Anodized color other than silver.
  • Something about the USB ports.
  • …….

For your reference, check MacRumors: Buyer’s Guide.