Category Archives: Macbook

The top apps for your Mac as voted by Next Byte’s staff

Posted on by

You just bought a new Mac, or perhaps your old one needs a little refreshing, but you are unsure where to start. Below is a list of the top apps as voted by Next Byte’s staff you should consider purchasing to enhance your Mac experience.

Fantastical

This app is perfect for those who like to organise their life from the time they wake up to the time they snuggle back into bed. Offering natural language event creation and a stunning event/reminder list, this calendar is the best you’ll ever use!

Screen VNC

In our technology driven world, it is important to be able to access your computer from anywhere. Screens is the ultimate VNC client for your Mac, making it easier than ever to access your Mac from another device.

Logic Pro

The ninth edition of this program offers musicians all the creative tools they need. It features an extensive range of instruments, effects and Apple loops you can use to help write, record, edit and mix music.

Limbo

This popular indie game is a unique puzzle/platformer that follows a boy trying to find his missing sister. A little scary and a lot fun, this game offers a great story and controls suitable for most gamers.

Trine 2

If you like puzzles, action, platforming or all of the above, then Trine is for you. The second instalment in the series offers you the chance to play as one of three heroes as they make their way through dangers untold in a mysterious fairytale world.

Other Mac apps that made the list include Clean, Sar Wars: KotOR, Splinter Cell Conviction, TubeUploadr and Civilisation V: Campaign Edition. To view all of these and much more, visit Next Byte’s apps page today.

Get your Mac purring with OS X Mountain Lion

Posted on by

Apple’s operating system recently had a reboot with Mountain Lion, offering over 200 new features to Mac users around the world. Designed specifically for Mac desktop computers and laptops, as well as working symbiotically with other Apple devices like your iPhone and iPad, there has been no better a time than now to upgrade your operating system.

There are a number of key features that make Mountain Lion better than the rest. One of its most popular features is the iCloud. The iCloud allows you to place documents in a “cloud” where you can access and edit it from a variety of different devices, including your iPad and iPhone.

Another feature that makes the link between all of your Apple devices that much simpler is the messaging system included in Mountain Lion. Send messages from your Mac to others with an iPhone, iPad or Mac, so you can get in contact with friends and family no matter where you are or what you are doing. The Game Centre also offers links to other devices with the ability to play live multiplayer and turn-based games against friends on a wide range of Apple devices.

Other features in the OS X Mountain Lion include dictation to let you talk anywhere you can type, AirPlay Mirroring to show your Mac screen on your HDTV with Apple TV and the Power Nap, which keeps your Mac up to date while it sleeps so it’s instantly ready to go the next time you log on. Improvements have also been made to Safari, notifications, downloads and sharing.

If you are looking to upgrade to this new operating system for Mac, have a chat with one of the friendly staff at Next Byte. The Apple retailer has two great offers for those looking to upgrade, with the ability for their staff to upgrade the software for you or to upgrade your software as well as the memory so you have more space to play.

What accessories do I need for my Mac laptop?

Posted on by

The year is drawing to an end and many high school students are finishing their secondary education and beginning to choose a university or enter the workforce. This also means they may need to upgrade the tools they use to further their education or complete their job. One product many parents purchase for their child’s graduation is a new laptop.

With Apple growing in popularity every year, it is no wonder many parents choose to buy their son or daughter a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. However, while a laptop is a great gift, it is helpful to include a number of different accessories.

One major problem with buying a laptop is how to keep it safe. While a desktop computer is stationary and has very little chance of being dropped, stood on or damaged through travel, laptops are prone to being handled a in a more rough manner. This is where carrying equipment comes in handy. It puts the Mac laptop into a bag with a strap to make it easier to carry, as well as adding extra padding to the delicate case, preventing damage.

Another issue laptop users have, particularly when using their Mac on public transport or in a crowded library, is how to enjoy their music or watch a video without disrupting others. At Mac dealer, Next Byte, you can purchase a number of sleeves, shoulder bags and brief bags. Each design offers different benefits and drawbacks.

Storage and drive devices are also a good accessory to have as they can be used to back up the laptops files as well as keep the hard drive clear for new documents and programs. It may also be preferable to purchase a mouse so the user doesn’t have to utilise the laptop’s mouse pad.

All of the accessories mentioned above, as well as many more, can all be found from Mac dealer, Next Byte. With Apple stores across Australia, they can help you purchase a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air as well as all the extras you may need. For all your graduation present needs, visit a Next Byte store near you today.

The newest addition to Apple’s laptop range – the sleek, stylish MacBook Pro with Retina Display

Posted on by

A few weeks ago Mac revealed its newest creation, the MacBook Pro with Retina Display. Launched at the Worldwide Developer’s Conference 2012 in June, this new laptop offers high-end performance and reinvents the pro-level notebook for graphic artists, photographers and video editors. But what exactly makes it so great?

Specs

The new MacBook Pro comes with the choice of a 2.3 or 2.6GHz retina display, offering some of the best in pixel density. As its most impressive feature, this means all of the images on the screen look sharper and more realistic, making it impossible to distinguish between individual pixels when viewed at a normal viewing distance. According to Apple, it’s the world’s highest resolution notebook display.

Another feature that makes the MacBook Pro with Retina Display more desirable is its weight and thickness. The new MacBook Pro with Retina Display is 25 per cent thinner and about 500g lighter than the 15-inch late 2011 MacBook Pro. It’s even slightly lighter than the 13-inch last generation MacBook Pro, and almost as thin as the MacBook Air.

What Mac are you?

Posted on by

What Mac are you?

So, you’re interested in buying a Mac computer. But what type of Mac is best for you? Do you want to buy an iMac, something with power and stability? Or maybe you need the MacBook Air, one of the lightest and thinnest laptops in the world. Deciding whether you’re going to buy a MacBook Pro or an iMac can be hard, so check out the differences of each below.

  • iMac
    The all new iMac features a number of great upgrades including quad-core Intel Core i5 processors, next-generation AMD Radeon HD graphics processors, FaceTime HD camera and a Thunderbolt port on every model. With a beautiful LED-backlit wide screen that’s one of the thinnest desktops on the market, the iMac is great for those who need a home computer that can handle anything that gets thrown its way.
  • MacBook Pro
    This laptop is perfect for those who want a sturdy computer that they can take to lunch, to the office or even on holidays. Featuring state-of-the-art graphics processors and the breakthrough Thunderbolt high-speed I/O this laptop is a popular choice for many. With the option of a 13-inch or 15 or 17-inch version, you can get a MacBook Pro that suits your lifestyle.
  • MacBook Air
    The MacBook Air is a great addition for those looking for something portable and reliable. It is great for students and those who move around a lot. It is over two times faster than ever before, is one of the thinnest laptops in the world and offers up to 7 hours of battery power with up to 30 days when on standby time.

One company that can give you advice and information on what to choose is Mac Dealer, Next Byte. With stores all over Australia, staffed with expert technicians and those passionate about Apple, you can find something to suit your lifestyle. To see other Apple products or find out more about one of the items listed above, head down to a store near you or call 1300 361 119 for your local Next Byte store.

The newest addition to Apple’s laptop range – the sleek, stylish MacBook Pro with Retina Display

Posted on by

A few weeks ago Mac revealed its newest creation, the MacBook Pro with Retina Display. Launched at the Worldwide Developer’s Conference 2012 in June, this new laptop offers high-end performance and reinvents the pro-level notebook for graphic artists, photographers and video editors. But what exactly makes it so great?

Specs

The new MacBook Pro comes with the choice of a 2.3 or 2.6GHz retina display, offering some of the best in pixel density. As its most impressive feature, this means all of the images on the screen look sharper and more realistic, making it impossible to distinguish between individual pixels when viewed at a normal viewing distance. According to Apple, it’s the world’s highest resolution notebook display.

Another feature that makes the MacBook Pro with Retina Display more desirable is its weight and thickness. The new MacBook Pro with Retina Display is 25 per cent thinner and about 500g lighter than the 15-inch late 2011 MacBook Pro. It’s even slightly lighter than the 13-inch last generation MacBook Pro, and almost as thin as the MacBook Air.

Which Macbook is the best?

Posted on by

The Macbook is a series of notebook computers built by Apple Inc. since 2006. The Macbook was introduced to replace the previous iBook and PowerBook G4 series. It is shipped with a wide range of enhancements to its system, in particular, being the first of the Apple family to use an Intel Core Processor. There were 2 designs to the Macbook notebook, the first being largely a makeover of the PowerMac G5. Initially a 15-inch model, people looking to buy Macbook were later introduced to the 17-inch version, which Appletouted as being5-6 times faster than its predecessor.

The Macbook Pro comes with its low, middle, and high-end prices to provide a choice to consumers based solely on their needs. Contrary to that, each Macbook is equipped with a bright screen display and a MagSafe power connector, which is designed to detach on its own if or when someone trips over the cord, preventing the Macbook from falling off to the floor.

The significance of the differences between the 3 Macbook Pro“classes” varies in terms of their specifications, whether a consumer is looking to buy Macbook based on its processor speed, capacity of the hard drive, built-in battery, or the external display capabilities. Abetter performance comes at a higher price tag, so you get what you pay for.

Billed as the world’s thinnest notebook, the Macbook Air is another creation of Apple Inc. that had Apple-philes salivating at its0.7- inch thickness. The Macbook Air includes a multi-touch track pad, which incorporates a range of gesture controls that will be familiar to iPhone users; users can zoom by pinching in or out, or rotate images by spinning 2 fingers. The Macbook Air comes with a full-sized keyboard and backlit LED display, and also has the capability of dual-booting to both Windows 7 and Mac OS X.

However, with the transition of its processor, those who buy Macbook would find that the notebooks retain the standard design defined by the PowerBook G4’s glossy display, sunken keyboard, and non-mechanical magnetic latch. The shadow cast by Apple’s Macbook is a large one, pushing notebook designers to pull out all the stops in a bid to capture a share of the market.

Indeed, it can be extremely difficult to decide to buy Macbook if you aren’t fully certain of what you need from your computer. Each model and variant has its strengths; aesthetics aside, the decision can come down to whether you want something that just looks good, or lets you unleash your creativity to the fullest.

Next Byte Cairns – all your Apple needs in one place!

Posted on by

While most people head to an Apple store when something goes wrong with their MacBook Air or iPad 2, more and more are turning to Australian Apple retailer, Next Byte, for all their Apple related problems and purchases. Next Byte has stores all over Australia, from Tasmania and Western Australia to New South Wales and Queensland. Their most recent expansion has found them in one of Queensland’s most famous cities, Cairns.

The new Next Byte store in Cairns Central offers all the services you need when it comes to buying, protecting, fixing and upgrading your Apple products. Their staff are dedicated to offering you the best advice and products available, with qualified Apple professionals and technicians within store. The store features over 20 specialised in home and in store services for all your Apple problems, including the iConcierge Academy, group training courses and great deals you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

Like every Next Byte store, you can see and experience Apple’s entire product range when you come to visit. Whether you want to check out the new iPad, the iPhone 4S or anything in the new Mac range, they have it all. They even have a wide range of accessories so you can personalise your Apple device. As an authorized Telstra dealer, Next Byte can also get your iPad or iPhone connected to Australia’s fastest mobile network, Telstra Next G Network.

So, for all your Apple needs, head down to the newest addition in the Next Byte Family, Next Byte Cairns. The Apple retailer prides themselves on being the largest and most awarded Apple Premium Reseller in Australia, offering solutions to all your problems and questions. Visit them online or call 1300 361 119 to contact the Cairns Central store today.

Why you should get the newest OS X Lion operating system for your Mac

Posted on by

OS X Lion is a desktop operating system made specifically for Mac computers. Every new Mac comes with the system, but it can also be bought and installed in older Apple computers and laptops as well. Although it has been around for over a year now, it is still one of the most advanced desktop operating systems in the world, offering speed, convenience and state-of-the-art technology.

 

Some of the new things that make the OS X Lion different from previous Mac operating systems range from multi-touch gestures to the iCloud, along with over 250 other new features. Multi-Touch gestures put you in touch with your computer, with more fluid and realistic gesture responses similar to those on touch screen phones and tablets. Different touches will bring about different responses, making your Mac more sensitive and intuitive. The Mission Control feature brings together all of your programs and apps, giving you a bird’s eye view of what is on your system. You can access this and move it away with the swipe of your fingers.

 

The iCloud allows you to store your music, photos, calendars and more. It also wirelessly pushes them to your iOS devices and Mac, so you can access all of your documents from any Apple device. It can even find your Mac if you lose it through the iCloud website or the Find my iPhone application. OS X Lion also has full-screen apps that take up every inch of your Mac display, an improved Mac App Store, applications that re-open from where you left them, an auto save feature, a new mailing system and much more.

 

Australian Apple retailer, Next Byte, offers OS X Lion with all its Mac products, as well as the ability to upgrade your Mac at a great price. They can even help you install it for a small fee. So, get the best of the best and choose the OS X Lion operating system for your Mac computer. Visit your closest Apple retailer like Next Byte for more information.

Five Reasons To Choose Mac Computers For Your Students

Posted on by

Mac For EducationThese days, computers are an essential part of a child’s education. You want the best for your students. Something powerful enough to last all day, something that won’t freeze or have issues when used by new hands, something that is simple but smart. One brand that comes to mind is Apple. Their Mac education computers are perfect for educational purposes, with simplicity and power in mind. Check out just five of the reasons why you should choose a Mac for your students below.

  1. Safety
    Every Mac computer has a built-in parental control system. This system allows you or other teachers to control when and how long a student can use a computer, who they can talk and chat to, which websites they are allowed to view and more. You can have as much or as little control as you like, keeping the computer as a learning tool rather than a toy.
  2. Education
    If you get a Mac computer, you get some of the best education tools in the world. Mac computers come with a variety of free programs suitable for the class room. It is also easy to use and durable, so learning is simple and sticky fingers or little accidents can be easily fixed.
  3. Sharing
    Connecting computers to equipment like printers and other computers, or simply connecting to the internet is easier with a Mac. You can create a home network to share files, print documents or access networks or back-up data all wirelessly.
  4. Adaption
    Mac computers can adapt to just about anything – even Microsoft programs! Microsoft Office works great on a Mac, giving you the flexibility to use all the great Mac applications not available on other computers as well as Microsoft Office programs essential for school work.
  5. Price
    Although Mac computers are often a little expensive, Apple offers great deals for educational institutions looking to buy in bulk. Their deals can reduce the price of programs, computers and more by up to 70 per cent.

If you’re interested in fitting out your school or class room with Mac education computers, check out Apple dealer, Next Byte. They have been supplying Macintosh products for over 15 years, with professional staff that can help pick, fix and service any Apple product you need. Check them out online to find a store near you.