New Apple iMacs

The evolution of the all-in-one desktop from Apple has come a long way. The original iMac came in 1998 in form of a CRT with a green translucent plastic housing that held all the components visible. In late 2004 the design that most closely resembles the current and new iMacs was released. In 2004 that model had a white casing much like many of Apple's products today (macbook, airport, iPhones). These new iMacs that were released on July 27, are the first Apple computers to contain an Intel i3 chip in edition to the recently available i5 and i7 chips. This is the quad core chip upgrade to the still popular Intel Core 2 Duo line. The main improvements from the Core 2 Duo are the DMI support, smaller architecture (32nm), onboard GPU and inherit speed because of these improvements and obviously "more cores". Nvidia is sent packing and ATI is in with a new graphics cards this time. Overall the new iMacs appear to look the same, but what's cooking inside should make them a real option for video editors, power users and lets face it, anyone who can afford them. Its the best looking desktop on the planet and if you must have a desktop, and a monitor sitting on your desk, why not have it all integrated into a piece of art that can double as a large digital picture frame, or even watch movies on it, if your desk is strategically placed. I am still disappointed that there was no usb 3 and blu-ray option added, but maybe next time.

iPhone 4 KEV-TECH Review

The iPhone 4 is fast, sleek and once again ON TOP of the competition!

The first thing you'll appreciate about the new iPhone 4 is the display. Its incredible how much brighter and detailed it is from the 3G and 3GS models. The resolution went from 480x320 to a whopping 960x640. That's HD and you can tell when you play any HD content on the device but also everything looks sharper on this new display.

The speed is the next thing you notice and that comes from the internal Apple A4 chip clocking at 1Ghz. This is up from 600mhz on the 3GS and a measly 400mhz for the 3G (2008 model). Also, they have stepped up the RAM in the iPhone 4 to 512GB. That's double the amount of RAM from the 3GS and 4 times that of the 3G model. Engineered and dedicated hardware all comes together with the new iOS 4 operating system for the iPhone 4. It adds multitasking, grouping of icons in folders, and more. The new iPhone sports a very capable 5 megapixel camera (which really can replace your compact point and shoot) with an LED flash and takes 720P HD video as well. There is front facing camera that allows video chat via the FaceTime application that allows iphone 4 users to chat over WiFi. [see the demo here FaceTime]

The battery life increased slightly from the previous model and then there is the new design. The new design feels solid in your hand. You can really grip it and it sits well on your desk. No rocking with this model because of the squared edges. As stunning as the new design is, I highly recommend a case. Not just because it may help the rumored antenna issue, but the phone is 85% glass now. So, by having an all glass back and front you want to take care of this gem. I recommend a case that wraps around the back and protects it. The phone may feel a little better in your hand and slip in and out of your pockets a little easier without a case but remember, this phone is only a loaner until the new one comes out and you sell what now is the "latest and greatest" for the "New and improved". I've seen beat-up, non-working iphone 3g's (model from 2008) going for $100+ on eBay. Why?, "don't ask"- just join in on the greatest resale appliance ever known to mankind. You, as a consumer and iPhone owner need to take care of that device. Enjoy and use it to its full potential, but as soon as your eligible, trust me, its better, its faster and you deserve it. You waited two years, maybe one, but your current phone is your ticket to "What's NEW".

Overall I would give the iPhone a 9 out of 10 at this point, only because I know updates should solve some issues with possible bluetooth bugs as well as the proximity sensors. Personally I have not seen the antenna issues, but I have always had a case over my phone and Charlotte has a strong 3G connectivity.

iPhone 4 Press Conference

Tomorrow, July 16th, 1pm eastern time, Apple holds a press conference on the iPhone 4 and the complaints of reception issues. This should interesting. You can bet that Apple will not be recalling the device, but I think they may issue free bumper cases, because cases seem to mask the issue. Although, do you think maybe version 4.5 the CDMA Verizon model may have a different antenna design???

Update: Apple to issue all iPhone 4 owners a free case. The Bumper case, or some other cases that they deem eligible. More information to follow at the end of this week on www.apple.com

If you missed the press conference, click the link to catch the full address by Steve Jobs- http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/100716iab73asc/event/index.html

The blog has launched!

The KEV-TECH blog has officially launched, stay tuned for new postings!