News for Friday, 4 August 2006

The Wireless Mighty Mouse has a LED on the bottom indicating the Bluetooth status. If the mouse is not connected, the LED blinks. When the mouse has connected, the light turns off. But surprisingly, it turns back on when the mouse is not moving and remains lit as long as the mouse is motionless.
Because of these observations, the site Lifeofram measured the consumption of the mouse. As incredible as it seems, it consumes 0.045 amps when it is motionless, yet only 0.0285 when moving.
So it was decided to remove the LED from the mouse. You can find many photographs showing the various states of disassembly.
According to its estimations, battery life should double. But it will be necessary to wait a few weeks to be certain of it.
For now it remains unknown. We are unaware whether the LED has some utility in the deactivation of the laser when the mouse is turned over. Indeed, it is necessary to remind you that a laser, even at this relatively low power, is sufficient to damage the cells in the retina quickly, causing blindness.
So be careful with it!

One of our readers, Manager of an AppleCenter, has sent us this photo.

It is a RAM module from a MacBook freshly obtained from one of Apple distributors; so not touch by any customers yet. Nevertheless, the notebook is working fine. This was identified because a customer wanted to get additional RAM installed in his machine.
François, another reader, provides us additional information:

We have identified the same phenomenon in 3 black MacBooks. RAM modules were covered by such "corrosion" or rust. After analyzing it closer, it turns out to be...thermal paste! It is possible to wipe it away from RAM modules. Then, once opened, we could notice spots of thermal paste over the motherboard at several location.

So nothing bad, but Apple should maybe look a bit pay more attention to the way manufacturers are assembling MacBooks.

What's the latest fashion accessory for iPod? A new armband? Nike shoes? Nope. Cars!
Apple has signed agreements with Ford/Mazda and GM, aimed at integrating iPod in their whole fleet of vehicles. In 2007, 70% of the models of these brands will have built-in iPod connectors.
This deal will no doubt broaden the number of potential iPod customers, adding those who have no use of a portable music player, but would love to carry their whole music collection with them when they travel.
It also is a good way of killing competing players by providing a built-in solution whereas you would need to buy a third-party devices to plug another player to your car stereo*.
[*moose: and believe me, I wish my Mazda3 had a built-in iPod connector, since plugging an ice>link and configuring it was a real pain... even if now it's working like a breeze and I realy enjoy it].
JCJ