Friday, May 26, 2006

Apple And Nike Team Up To Bring You Nike+iPod

Apple Computer and Nike have developed a system that takes your workout to a whole new level. The Nike+iPod system, which consists of a pair of Nike+ shoes, an iPod Nano, and the Nike+iPod Sport Kit, is a system that allows the Nike+ shoes to send real time workout information - distance, speed, calories burned - to your iPod Nano while you run. While listening to your favorite tunes, the system also sends you voice feedback about your workout. And it doesn't stop there. Once you sync your iPod to your computer, your workout data is sent to nikeplus.com where you can keep track of all your previous stats so you can make a detailed analysis of your fitness progress. And there's more. Nikeplus.com also allows you to compare data with other members and challenge them in virtual races. You can compete with anyone from just about anywhere in the world. All you have to do is sync your iPod Nano after your run, and nikeplus.com will compare the data with your challenger's, and send you the results. It definitely gives a whole new meaning to the term "global race".

Read more about it at apple.com/ipod/nike.

*The Nike+iPod Sport Kit includes a sensor that fits inside the Nike+ shoe and a receiver that attaches to the iPod Nano. Availability is scheduled for late July at a suggested retail price of $29 (US).

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Apple Introduces The New MacBook

We now bid goodbye to the old iBook as Apple unveils the new MacBook! Yey! Powered by the Intel Core Duo processor and featuring a 13.3" widescreen display, the new MacBook comes in two colors - white and (drumroll please...) BLACK! (dubbed the blacBook by one commenter from TUAW.com). Check out apple.com to learn more about the MacBook.

Thursday, May 11, 2006

The PinoyMacLovers iLove iPod Project Entry#2

George Gershwin's song goes:

Summertime,
And the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin'
And the cotton is high


I don't think we grow a lot of cotton here in the Philippines but we do have a lot of great beaches. And since it's summer, it's definitely the best time to go to one. Just think of the sun, the sand, the laid-back atmosphere, a refreshing drink and some great music. Pretty nice picture, eh?

Speaking of pictures, PinoyMacLovers reader, Nic, has sent us some easy summertime livin' photos of him enjoying the beach bum life (if only for a few well-deserved vacation days). With his 4th Gen 40GB iPod and portable JBL On Tour speakers, he set out for a few days of relaxation at the beautiful Montemar Beach Resort in the Philippine province of Bataan.




Hope you're all enjoying your summer break! :)

Also check out:
PinoyMacLovers iLove iPod Project Entry#3
PinoyMacLovers iLove iPod Project Entry#1

Disclaimer: The PinoyMacLovers iLove iPod Project is an independent project and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Computer, Inc. The use of any of the images featured in this project, in whatever manner and for whatever purpose, is prohibited without express and written authorization from the author.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Apple Wins In "Apple vs Apple" Legal Battle (Apple Computer, that is...)

The Apple Corps record label (co-owned by The Beatles) loses legal battle with Apple Computer over the latter's use of its own logo in the iTunes Music Store.

I personally think that this lawsuit is ridiculous. I've never even heard of Apple Corps (which was established, like, 327.4 YEARS AGO!) until this whole legal dispute came about, and I have no idea how their logo even looks like. And the people who do (who might therefore confuse the two trademarks) are either dead or will die soon. And I hear that Apple Corps will be filing an appeal. Please... I think it's time for them to let go. But then again, maybe The Beatles will finally be selling their music on iTunes and this is all just one big conspiracy so that they can get publicity. Ooohhh... I like that theory. It's just as ridiculous as the lawsuit.

read more | digg story

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Microwarehouse Philippines "Mac Of My Life" Exhibit Successfully Held

I was able to check out the "Mac Of My Life" exhibit, which was organized by Microwarehouse Philippines, last Sunday (the event was held on May 6 & 7 at the Power Plant mall in Rockwell). It was pretty well-attended. I got to see alot of great photographs, and was able to play around with some of the Macs they had on display for the event. They showcased a couple of Apple Cinema Displays at the exhibit, too. All I can say is, "I want one!" The event organizers and their partners also held a few seminars during the event, for those who were interested to learn about Macs. When I got there, the speaker was talking about the Mac OS X browser, Safari.

The "Mac Of My Life" exhibit served as the culminating event for the "Apple Of My i" photo contest - a competition that featured various photographs of people with their favorite Apple products. The contest was divided into two categories: Public i (for photo entries featuring celebrity subjects) and Private i (for photographs featuring mere mortals like you and I). Some of you may be interested to know who won the Public i category, so I thought I would list the winners for you:

3rd Place
"iPod Fun"
Photographer: Dr. Siegfried R. S. Perez
Subject: Lani Pillinger

I have absolutely no idea who Lani Pillinger is, but judging from how well her bikini fit her in the photograph, I'd say she's a model. Oh, and she was holding an iPod, too.

2nd Place
"iRomance"
Photographer: Samuel de Leon
Subjects: Onin Miranda and Arlene dela Cruz

Again, I have no idea who these two are. But apparently, they're broadcast journalists (it said so on the label right beside their portrait). The picture featured a PowerBook with the girl's photograph as its wallpaper, and an eMac that had the guy's picture. The two Macs were placed side by side, and it looked as if both desktop wallpapers were staring at each other. Based on the photograph and its title, I assume that both subjects are romantically involved.

1st Place
"By Darklight, I Write"
Photographer: Wawi Navarroza
Subject: Lourd de Veyra

This one was a rather dramatic black & white photograph that featured the subject typing away on his iBook within the confines of a small enclosure by the foot of a staircase, its singular source of light - a large and lonely window (pause for dramatic effect). Now, I also didn't know who Lourd de Veyra was, but a quick google search will tell you that he is the vocalist for the band "The Radioactive Sago Project". And since I don't live under a rock, I, of course, have heard of them (just don't ask me what the title of their songs are).

Oh, and I must tell you that I had a wonderful celebrity sighting during the event. While I was playing around with one of the PowerMacs on display, right beside me was the vivacious host of ETC's Rated OH! - Sam Oh! Oh, wow! And she was oh so gracious enough to let me take an oh so lovely picture of her to put on my oh so lovely blog (ok, I'll stop with the OHs now). Thanks, Sam! I hope you get that iPod Nano soon (she told me she was thinking of getting one)! :)



They raffled off two iPod Nanos during the event (one for each day), both of which were actually won BY THE SAME PERSON! I suspect that said winner kept a horseshoe, a rabbit's foot and a four-leaf clover tucked under her armpits.

Friday, May 05, 2006

Hot Summer Deals From Ynzal
Macs & iPods At HUGE Discounts

Ynzal Marketing Corp. Philippines is having a promo entitled Hot Summer Deals. Huge discounts are available on selected Apple products. Here's a short list:

iBook 12" G4/1.33GHz/512MB/40GB/Combo/APX/BT M9846.....P61,980
*Comes with FREE Airborne Wi-Fi access
Promo Price.....P53,980 Only!

PowerBook 12" G4/1.5GHz 512/80GB/SuperDrive/APX/BT M9691.....P93,980
*Comes with FREE Airborne Wi-Fi access
Promo Price.....P87,980 Only!

iPod 60GB Black/White.....P24,500
Promo Price.....P20,500 Only!
Educational Discount Price.....P19,980 Only!

iPod nano 2GB White/Black.....P11,500
Promo Price.....P10,500 Only!
Educational Discount Price.....P9,980 Only!

iPod nano 4GB White/Black.....P14,500
Promo Price.....P12,500 Only!
Educational Discount Price.....P11,980 Only!

Students and teachers are required to present a valid school ID in order to avail of the educational discount. Promo is valid until 31 May 2006 or until supplies last. For more information regarding this promotion and the other products on sale, you may contact Ynzal Marketing Corp. Philippines at 413-7575/74 or 413-7579/78.

Stefan Succeeds!
College Student Is Able To Buy A Mac From Internet Donations

In just less than a month after setting up his blog, Stefan Constantinescu was actually able to raise the needed funds to buy himself a brand new 20" iMac 2GHz Intel Core Duo, all from the donations of complete strangers. I must say, this guy is really fortunate. He marketed his blog pretty well, and was certainly able to get the word out to a large number of people. I think it definitely helped that his blog turned out to be a bit controversial, and was able to elicit a lot of strong reactions from different people (some people rooted for him, while others criticized him for his "virtual" panhandling). It even had a bit of drama, and one big surprise (like a reality TV show twist) - someone actually gave him a single donation amounting to $1,195 USD! Can you believe that?! What a strange place this internet is, eh?

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Apple Launches "Get A Mac" Campaign



Potential switchers out there might want to check out Apple's new "Get A Mac" campaign at apple.com/getamac. The page outlines a couple of reasons why you'll love Macs. Apple also sheds some light on a few of the common misconceptions people have about Macs such as the "it doesn't run Microsoft Office" myth. You can also check out the TV ads at apple.com/getamac/ads.