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It's About Time to Fly...

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2008-01-31T02:06:39+08:00

Leaving on a jet plane! "All my bags are packed, Im ready to go..."

I scheduled the trip for a couple of months, and I am about to fly to Middle East. Not UAE, not Saudi Arabia but Qatar, Jordan and Israel.

I have been dreaming for a floating bath in Dead Sea, boat riding in Lake Galilee. Experiencing the act of Lawrence of Arabia in Wadi-Rum, and further to follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ in Mount Olives, Jerusalem. There are also many memorable great places to visit in these countries and the Holy Land, as well as the famous Petra in Jordan.

I will be back to China in mid February 2008. See you guys!

Oops! Kung-Hei-Fat-Choi too.

Mr. Bush & His Big Bear

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2008-01-24T01:27:21+08:00

AAPL apparently slumps to US$126 level on January 24, 02:00 hrs (GMT+8).

Apple Inc. released yesterday the Fiscal Q1 Earnings Report, most sales figures and financial fundamentals are considered the best quarter ever. Unfortunately, US Stock market appears to be pessimistic on economical recession, whereas the subprime loan issue has not yet been resolved. US stock shares are entering a bear market, while AAPL has fallen from 202.96 historical high, slashed down a whopping of 38% volatility to 126 level.

This is absolutely a devastating meltdown of AAPL.

My New Year's Toy

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2008-01-04T02:39:07+08:00

This is my first brand new toy in 2008, RICOH Caplio GX100 Professional Pocket Digital Camera.

I got this wonderful gadget in Hong Kong, HK$3,500 (US$448.)

My GX100 sample pix, Check it out....

Happy New Year, 2008!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-12-28T02:35:29+08:00

Merry Christmas!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-12-24T11:44:14+08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!
I Love You Guys!

iPhone Ride, The Next Station - Deutschland

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-11-09T01:12:03+08:00

Apple Inc. and T-Mobile of Deutsche Telekom AG jointly launched the iPhone on Nov 9, 2007.

iPhone Ride, The Next Station - UK

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-11-09T00:30:29+08:00

Apple's Stealth Upgrades The MacBooks

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-11-02T02:34:02+08:00

Chart shown the quietly upgraded configuration of MacBooks announced as of today.

Chart shown the previous configuration of MacBooks (Price in Hong Kong Dollars).

Apple updates the MacBook lineup today.
*Major improvements by taking the advantage from the true Santa Rosa platform,
*Increased memory management up to 4GB, in 2 SO-DIMM slots.
*Slightly faster Intel Core 2 Duo CPU enhanced up to 2.2GHz, with 800MHz Frontside Bus.
*Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory.
*Optional 250GB 5400rpm Serial-ATA 2.5"-inch Hard Disk Drive.
*Bundled with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard (of course).

Additionally, Apple MacBook Pro offers "Built-to-order" to the 2.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, for US$250.

Happy Halloween!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-10-31T01:13:02+08:00

October 31, Happy Halloween, guys!

Prepare For Glory!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-10-31T00:30:03+08:00

Since releasing Mac OS X Leopard on Friday, Apple sold (or delivered, in the case of maintenance agreements) more than 2 million copies of the sixth major release of Mac OS X, far outpacing the first weekend sales of Mac OS X Tiger, which was previously the most successful OS release in Apple’s history. “Early indications are that Leopard will be a huge hit with customers,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Leopard’s innovative features are getting great reviews and making more people than ever think about switching to the Mac.” [Oct 30, 2007. News from Apple]

AAPL hit 52-week All-Time high of 189.37 at 14:00 Hrs. (EDT) on Oct 30, 2007.

King Leonidas Advised You...

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-10-28T21:11:03+08:00

Lepers! Lepers! 300+ new features to unleash your Mac. "Take My Advice, Get "Leper" Now! Or We Dine In Hell Tonight!", said Spartan King Leonidas of the ancient Greek legend in the Persian War Battle at Thermopylae in 480 B.C.

The Day Of Leopard

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-10-27T02:50:04+08:00

Today, Apple officially releases Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. Hong Kong Retail Price: HK$1,000.

Less Than 6 Hours To Unleash

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-10-26T12:05:06+08:00

Countdown the Snow Leopard, less than 6 hours to go.

Someone Shot The Snow Leopard

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-10-26T11:04:02+08:00

Don't Panic! The snow leopard is still alive. Someone from Apple Campus sent me the screen shots of true Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, Retail Version.

Let's take a closer look...

Full screen view with gorgeous Aurora Desktop Background picture.

Leopard in Mac Pro, powered by Intel QC Xeon 2 x 2.66 GHz CPU, hefty stuffed with 16 GB DDR2 FB-DIMM Memory Modules. I have no words.

Picture shown gear-up with the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 display card, 512MB video memory, of course.

Fabulous 3-D Dock with Aqua effects.

Cover-Flow browsing at Finder's level, a look alike of iTunes viewing style. A useful smart feature for photographer to preview tons of photos swiftly.

P.S. Many thanks, Dude!

Let's Meet Leopard, Today!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-10-26T02:34:02+08:00

15 Hours & 30 Minutes left and counting, Leopard on its way to the public. Ladies and Gentlemen, Please welcome the fabulous Leopard!

ETA on October 26, 2007. (Friday, 06:00 Hours EDT)

AAPL on Rollercoaster Ride

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-10-25T23:48:03+08:00

Apple released Q4 Earnings financial results a couple of days ago. AAPL was boosted up to a new All-Time High of 188.60 due to remarkable revenue and growth. “Apple ended the fiscal year with $15.4 billion in cash and no debt,” said Peter Oppenheimer, Apple’s CFO.

However, investors took profits at high points and dipped abruptly to 180, where the supporting level at 179 and rebounded to 186. Pre-market and Extended Hour trading fluctuated between 186-189 level.

October 25, 2007 (Thu 11:28 EDT). AAPL dipped from 189.35 to 184 level. huge volatility happened. AAPL trades at 183 on 13:19 Hours (EDT).

Apple Q4 Profit Bounces To 904 Millions

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-10-23T09:25:20+08:00

Quarterly Mac Sales Set New Record
Quarterly iPhone Sales Exceed One Million

CUPERTINO, California—October 22, 2007—Apple® today announced financial results for its fiscal 2007 fourth quarter ended September 29, 2007. The Company posted revenue of $6.22 billion and net quarterly profit of $904 million, or $1.01 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $4.84 billion and net quarterly profit of $542 million, or $.62 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 33.6 percent, up from 29.2 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 40 percent of the quarter’s revenue.

Apple shipped 2,164,000 Macintosh® computers, representing 34 percent growth over the year-ago quarter and exceeding the previous quarterly record for Mac® shipments by 400,000. The Company sold 10,200,000 iPods during the quarter, representing 17 percent growth over the year-ago quarter. Quarterly iPhone™ sales were 1,119,000, bringing cumulative fiscal 2007 sales to 1,389,000.

“We are very pleased to have generated over $24 billion in revenue and $3.5 billion in net income in fiscal 2007,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We’re looking forward to a strong December quarter as we enter the holiday season with Apple’s best products ever.”

“Apple ended the fiscal year with $15.4 billion in cash and no debt,” said Peter Oppenheimer, Apple’s CFO. “Looking ahead to the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we expect revenue of about $9.2 billion and earnings per diluted share of about $1.42.”

Leopard Roars

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-10-19T02:47:12+08:00

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard finally off the cage on October 26, 2007. With 300+ features to unleash the power of your Mac.

Retail Price: US$129 (HK$1,000)

A Fresh Web Look

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-10-17T18:28:03+08:00

I trim a bit to shrink the horizontal width to 950 pixels, and it seems better to suit the cascading styled face-lift.

Picture shown above is the web look in vertical and horizontal orientation of my blog using the 1000 pixels bloated width, browsing through the gorgeous iPhone's Safari Browser.

Keep improving is my goal. I feel good about it.

Wonderful pix. Thanks, Dude!

Caution! Men At Work!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-10-16T11:04:55+08:00

My blog is under construction.

I asked my buddy, J.T. Lee the other day for a face-lift of my blog's theme. J.T. took the advantage of his insomnia and finished up this refreshing theme early in the morning and I find it stunning, no question asked, no string attached. So we are going to fire up the new blog theme and beta test it now.

This blog theme is viewed best at 1280 monitor resolution, wider horizontal orientation that provided larger photos will be displayed in the future. J.T. retains the dark background theme banner which is best matched for the photo album design.

Please feel free to comment, and hit us with a lot of "iBricks", iPhones, or even iPods, that enable us to trim n' tune to a better interface.

The Cat & The Mouse

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-10-12T19:00:08+08:00

This is obviously the game of the Cat n' Mouse.

Apple released the iPhone, iphoneSimFree team unlocked it with their smart software based decipher. Apple 'iBrick' the iPhone with new firmware upgraded to v1.1.1 and successfully killed all the "illegal" iPhones like a brick.

Apple retaliates, iphoneSimFree escalates. Awesome!

iphoneSimFree team recently released the "un-bricking" SimFree v1.6 version, in order to set free the crippled "iBricks". Details can be further reviewed at iphoneSimFree website.

SimFree is a commercial software, you have to pay for it.

AAPL, Another Day In Paradise

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-10-12T08:11:03+08:00

What a Bungie Jump of AAPL today!

That's what we called "Speculation" （投机买卖）. AAPL pushed to a new all-time high of 171.88 and slashed to a dip from 167.03 to 159.43 in a short period of 8 minutes. Big-time fund managers dumped and short AAPL for profit taking to trigger the landslide, once dived to a 153.21 day-low, while AAPL trades between the level with 145 to 171 in Extended Hours.

AAPL is expected more fluctuations on Friday. Guys! buckle up and enjoy the ride to US$180.

AAPL Have A Lift-Off

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-10-03T13:35:03+08:00

Credit: 5-Day Chart from Google Finance.

AAPL was still at $153 position a week ago. Today, AAPL apparently hit another all-time high position of $158, as psychological hurdle at $160. Beware of fluctuations due to rapid growth of this stock. AAPL fundamentals are healthy, aim high AAPL up to $180 in December 2007, however.

AAPL Hit All-Time High!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-09-26T01:50:06+08:00

Credit: Google Finance.

Apple shares (AAPL) reached out its All-Time High to 153.18 at 16:01 Hrs. (EDT) and rising, yet performs uptrends at Extended Hours trading to 153.50 (16:33 Hrs. EDT).

AAPL was staggering at 146~147 level during Pre-Market trading, opened low at 146.82 and get started to jump abruptly to 150 level at 10 a.m (EDT). Although, many investors cash out to take profits at high marks that AAPL is still going strong and outperforming at a concrete level of 149.

AAPL bids on 150.70 at 14:05 Hours (EDT)

I set my short-term SELL signal at 158 level, while the BUY signal at 140 respectively. For mid-term investors that I would suggest AAPL is a BUY & HOLD, while day-trade high rollers are recommended to set a cut-off at 145 level. However, for those long-term investors that I would suggest a BUY rating, AAPL should reach to a relative high level of 180 in December 2007.

Don't Even Try To Think About It!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-09-25T09:55:03+08:00

Credit: Macfans.com.cn

Apple warns unlocking iPhone users, in particular, for those who installed commercial hacking software to bypassing AT&T SIM card and hacked to make compatible with another cellphone carrier as well as unauthorized Ringtone modifications tampering. Apple's future iPhone software updates will soon to disable and cripple the hacked iPhone like a brick. Guys! Don't even try to think about it.

"Users who make unauthorized modifications to the software on their iPhone violate their iPhone software license agreement and void their warranty," the company said in a statement. "The permanent inability to use an iPhone due to installing software is not covered under the iPhone's warranty."

"This has nothing to do with proactively disabling a phone that is unlocked or hacked," Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, said in an interview. "It's unfortunate that some of these programs have caused damage to the iPhone software, but Apple cannot be responsible for ... those consequences."

As with any Apple product, hacking into the iPhone will void its warranty, Apple said.

Picture shown one of the shops in Sincere Podium Cellphone Shopping Mall of Hong Kong is now promoting parallel imports of iPhone from States, provided "Full Unlocked" 8GB iPhone asking the price of HK$4,980 (US$640/Euro 455). Parallel imports retail marketing is common in Hong Kong and Mainland China.

So it also comes to France too!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-09-21T03:57:32+08:00

Chief Executive Didier Lombard of France Telecom claimed earlier today, that Orange won the exclusive rights and partnership with Apple to distribute iPhone in France. The Apple iPhone will be distributed in France 'before Christmas, probably in November,' Lombard said.

No further details disclosed at this moment and no official announcement from Apple Inc., however.

The iPhone Show Must Go On...

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-09-19T22:05:05+08:00

iPhone to Debut in UK on November 9

Apple and O2 today announced that iPhone would debut in the UK on November 9 with O2, the leading wireless carrier in the UK, as its exclusive carrier. “Our strategy at O2 is to bring our customers the best products and experiences,” said Matthew Key, CEO, O2 UK. “The iPhone is a breakthrough that is changing the way people use their mobiles forever, and we’re thrilled to have it exclusively for O2 customers in the UK.” [News release by Apple Inc. on Sep 18, 2007]

iPhone debuts in Germany on November 9

Apple and T-Mobile today announced that iPhone will debut in Germany on November 9 with T-Mobile, the leading network operator in Germany, as its exclusive carrier. “I am proud that Apple and T-Mobile have become partners. The best mobile device currently on the market will soon be operating on the best network in the country,” said Hamid Akhavan, CEO, T-Mobile International. [News release by Apple Inc. on Sep 19, 2007]

$100 iPhone Store Credit

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-09-17T07:07:02+08:00

If you bought your iPhone before August 22, you may be eligible for an instant $100 electronic credit toward the purchase of products at the Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store. Requests for the $100 credit must be submitted by November 30, 2007.

Early iPhone owners should first read the terms and conditions, limitations are applied.

Apple Sold 1,000,000 iPhones

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-09-10T21:43:18+08:00

News released from Apple Inc.

Yesterday, just 74 days after its introduction on June 29, Apple sold the one millionth iPhone. “One million iPhones in 74 days—it took almost two years to achieve this milestone with iPod,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We can’t wait to get this revolutionary product into the hands of even more customers this holiday season.” [Sep 10, 2007]

AAPL stock share has skyrocketed during Pre-Market from 132.45 (08:00 EDT) to 136.79 (09:25 EDT).

Way to go, Apple!

AAPL landslided on iPhone Price Slashed

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-09-10T04:56:08+08:00

Uncle Steve announced during the Special Event that iPhone has lowered the price from US$599 slashed down to US$399, effective immediately. Investors have had over-reacted and worried about Apple's future earnings due to heavy price cut of US$200 of iPhone, as a result, AAPL dipped down from 146 to 131 level, volatility of a whopping of US$15 spread.

Chart Source: Yahoo! Finance.

The above chart has shown AAPL share closed at 131.77 on Sep 07, 2007 (Friday), and Extended Hours trading was staggering at around 131.50 level.

Furthermore in this related case, Steve Jobs of Apple offers apology to all iPhone customers. He claims in his Open Letter that a $100 Apple Store credit towards the purchase of any product at an Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store, compensated for those loyal early birds of Apple iPhone.

AAPL Slumped on New iPods Debut

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-09-06T04:00:02+08:00

AAPL shares slumped from 145.84 to 137.70 after Uncle Steve, CEO of Apple Inc. announced the revamped iPod lineup. As Apple also slashed the price of iPhone (8GB) to US$399.00  AAPL staggered at 137.94 on 14:48 Hrs (EDT)  AAPL closed the day at 136.76 while Extended Hours trades at 136.46 on 16:03 Hrs (EDT)

All Eyes on Apple Today!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-09-05T19:15:03+08:00

Today, Apple preps to launch the 6th generation iPod, rumored the touch-screen video iPod. AAPL closed at 144.16 yesterday while Pre-market is now performing a downward trend at 143.22 level.

Fantasy of Flowers in Furano & Biei, Hokkaido

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-09-03T02:43:03+08:00

Beautiful scenery of eye-catching flower fields in Furano & Biei of Hokkaido, Japan.

Come enjoy it. Click on this link....

A Flight with the Seagull

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-08-25T02:34:05+08:00

Hi, guys! I'm back. A flight with the friendly seagull at Shakotan Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan.

Please click here...and enjoy!

Kon-Ni-Chi-Wa, Japan!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-08-06T13:51:08+08:00

Long-standing high temperature of 38°C (100°F) in Southern China almost makes me toasted. I gotta run to Sapporo, and Yoichi-Cho of Hokkaido, Japan for a short-term summer vacation.

I will be back to Guangzhou during mid-August. See you guys!

Leopard Certified True UNIX Standard

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-08-03T19:03:04+08:00

Mac OS X 10.5, a.k.a. LEOPARD is officially recognized and conformed of UNIX 03 Product Standard. In simple term, Apple's Mac OS X 10.5 version operating system is a true Unix platform.

Details can be further obtained from Open Group.

Web Surfing on iPhone

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-08-01T19:28:07+08:00

More pix of web browsing on iPhone has sent to me the other day. Let's take a closer look on the following real-world photos.

1. Full Size Web Page Browsing

Left: iPhone has shown a full size web page in portrait viewing mode.
Right: Airis using IE mobile browser, has shown only a partial section of a web page.

2. Closer Look Of The Web Page

iPhone(left) and Internet Explorer(right) has shown respectively the webpage orientation on normal magnified viewing mode.

3. Closer Look On Landscape Viewing Mode

iPhone(top) and Internet Explorer(bottom) has shown webpage in landscape orientation on normal magnified viewing mode respectively.

4. Large Magnified Viewing

iPhone(left) has shown tack-sharp fonts of contents, as IE(right) displayed not-so-favorable fonts.

5. W3C Web Format (Apple Website)

iPhone at left has shown a full size Apple home page. Yet, IE could not display the webpage in normal format.

6. W3C Web Format (Microsoft Website)

iPhone(left) has shown the homepage of Microsoft in full page orientation, and again, the IE(right) has shown a crippled page layout.

AAPL Rides On Roller Coaster

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-08-01T04:18:04+08:00

There is unconfirmed rumors about Apple's iPod and iPhone cutting its production, as investors worry the AAPL earnings will be volatile on the forthcoming season. As a result, AAPL shares opened at US$142.99, Day High of US$143.48, then get started to dip of 6.84%, Day Low at US$131.52, and market closed at US$131.76. NASDAQ After Hours market while AAPL is fluctuated at around US$132~133 level.

With no faint of heart, I bought AAPL on last Friday, at US$140.00 and further to long AAPL and buy again today at US$135.00 respectively. Gosh! No pain no gain. I would predict AAPL will soon rebound up trend at around US$150 level.

Good luck, guys!

My Blog Goes On-The-Road

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-07-27T00:20:05+08:00

That's hell of a Cool

One of our readers sent me his iPhone photos from California, U.S.A., with his generous permission and let me post it up for showcasing on my personal blog.

The top photo is using iPhone's built-in Safari web browser to surf the internet from his place in U.S.A., and visiting Tomahawk Photo Gallery, in landscape viewing mode, and also the bottom photo reveals the web page in portrait viewing mode, respectively.

However, I was told that his iPhone has not yet been activated for its exclusive AT&T cellular service, due to his binding contract with the existing cellular network. In the meantime, he has been manipulating his iPhone only for iPod'ing and web surfing.

Many thanks, Dude!

Apple iPhone Bluetooth Headset Debuts

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-07-25T23:31:04+08:00

Apple will ship the long awaited Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) wireless headset for the iPhone. Although, Apple Online Store indicates that the shipment will take 2-4 weeks for delivery. However, reliable sources say iPhone Bluetooth Headset will be soon available and off the shelves within next week.

The iPhone Bluetooth Headset packed a headset Dual Dock, fits to charge iPhone and Bluetooth Headset simultaneously. Additionally, iPhone Bluetooth USB Travel Cable is also included.

iPhone Bluetooth Wireless Headset is not working with iPhone's music player function, that in real world term, the headset is not functioning to listen to the music through iPhone. Apparently, for cellphone audio communication purpose only.

Apple iPhone Bluetooth Headset Package is selling for US$129.00 (iPhone not included)

Don't be surprised if you get a shrunk adapter

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-07-22T04:26:10+08:00

This is the new 85W MagSafe Power Adapter for the MacBook Pro notebook computer, which will be replaced the old brick shaped power adapter.

Apple indicates that this new gadget will be available in mid-August, US$79.00 from Apple Store.

Picture shown at the left - the new 85W MagSafe Power Adapter, while the right hand side is the one soon obsolete.

Friends From All Over The World

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-07-14T18:32:03+08:00

Thanks to ClustrMaps for its gorgeous visitor locations feature, that providing me the at-a-glance of all my supporting friends and fans all over the world.

I have been using ClustrMaps for a week, surprisingly reveals visitor origins are globally spreaded from east to west that makes me pretty astonishing, however.

The majority visitor group is from China, as well as fans from Taiwan too. Visitors also from the country of Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia. while others from the southern region of Down Under, and a few hits from Dubai, Middle East. Scattered visitors from Western European countries, in particular, least visitors from Turkey, and handful visitors from Brazil, South America.

Most welcome for those who are from Apple Campus, friends from the east and west coasts of U.S.A., and yet, some friends unexpectedly from Canada and further down to Mexico City in Mexico. Hola, Amigo!

I love you guys!

An updated ClustrMaps dated August 05, 2007.

The Pizza Box from Santa Rosa?

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-07-10T00:53:08+08:00

I had a dream. I dream about the pizza from Santa Rosa!

Would it be this aluminum metal brushed pizza box make my dream comes true? Rumored from reliable source that it would be the Apple next generation iMac in pizza box form factor.

Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz/2.4GHz CPU, Santa Rosa platform,
Built-in iSight, DDR2 Memory up to 4GB, Firewire 400 & 800,
Ethernet 10/100/1000,
802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0,
Apple Remote, USB 2.0 ports.

Estimated Price: US$1,899.00 (20"-inch iMac 2.2GHz)

(Picture shown the new iMac from artist illustration)

iPhone using Samsung's Mobile CPU

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-07-02T16:34:02+08:00

There is a reason to believe that Apple iPhone is powered by an OEM Samsung S3C6400 Mobile CPU, a 32-bit RISC microprocessor of ARM1176 based SoC (Silicon On-Chip), 533/667MHz Operating Frequency, cost-effective, low power, high performance Application Processor solution for mobile phones.

Furthermore, audio processing chip by Wolfson (U.K.), Wi-Fi chip provided by Marvell Technology (U.S. based), cellular network power amplifier by Skyworks Solutions Inc., while Bluetooth chip by Britain's CSR Plc.

Source: Block Diagram from Samsung.

iPhone Shortage in Apple Retail Stores

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-07-01T23:48:06+08:00

List of U.S. Apple Retail Store indicates iPhones unavailable at 11:30 Hours (EDT) on July 01, 2007.

State of California:
Burlingame,
Canoga Park,
Corte Madera,
Emeryville,
Glendale,
Irvine,
Los Angeles, Century City.
Los Angeles, Beverly Center.
Manhattan Beach,
Palo Alto, Stanford Shopping Center.
Palo Alto, Palo Alto.
Pasadena, Pasadena.
San Francisco, Stonestown.
San Francisco, San Francisco.
Santa Clara,
Sherman Oaks,
Simi Valley,
Walnut Creek,

State of Florida:
Miami, The Falls.

State of Nevada:
Las Vegas, Fashion Show.

State of New Jersey:
Atlantic City, The Pier.
Paramus, Garden State Plaza.
Woodcliff Lake, Tice's Corner.

State of Texas:
Austin, The Domain.
Plano, Willow Bend.
Southlake, Southlake Town Square.

Buy an iPhone?

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-07-01T08:09:02+08:00

Apple U.S. Store accepts orders for purchasing the iPhone online, starting today. However, you need to wait for another 2-4 weeks for the delivery. iPhone is pretty hot these days and according to the news that iPhone has sold 10,000+ units during magic hours on the first night.

iPhone is only compatible with AT & T mobile networks in States.

Although, tens of thousands iPhone buyers are lined up on "i-Day" at the Apple Stores and AT&T retail outlets longing for the iPhone purchase, Apple's website indicates that iPhone availability is still good in supply.

Picture shown below is the supply status of Apple Stores in New York State, at 20:00 Hours Local Time. Green Lights!

iPhone Availability Web page: http://www.apple.com/retail/iphone/

The i-Day

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-06-29T17:34:02+08:00

Picture shown the back side of iPhone.

Browse iPhone info at http://www.iphone.org

iPhone Service Plans From Apple and AT&T

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-06-27T11:03:02+08:00

The "iDay", iPhone will be off the shelves at 18:00 Hours (U.S. local time) on Friday, June 29 and will be sold only in the United States through Apple’s retail and online stores and AT&T's 1800 retail stores.

iPhone will be available in a 4GB model for $499 (US) and an 8GB model for $599 (US), and will work with either a PC or Mac.

iPhone activation requires an Internet connection; an iTunes Store account or a major credit card; a valid Social Security number (as required by AT&T); the latest version of iTunes available at www.itunes.com and a PC or Mac with a USB 2.0 port and one of the following operating systems: Mac OS X v10.4.10 or later; Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later; or Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, Enterprise or Ultimate Edition. iPhone requires a new two-year AT&T service plan. Customers with existing AT&T accounts will have the option of keeping their existing phone number and upgrading their account to work with iPhone.

"Users will be able to activate their new iPhone in the comfort and privacy of their own home or office, without having to wait in a store while their phone is activated," Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO, said in a statement. "There are tens of millions of people in the US who already know how to sync their iPods with iTunes, and syncing their new iPhone with iTunes works the same way."

Apple and AT&T jointly announced the iPhone Service Plans today. Rates refer to charts as of below (Sources: Apple website):

Individual Plan:

Family Plan:

Existing Customers:

Mac mini, the Ultimate Toilet Paper Dispenser

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-05-26T02:46:06+08:00

Last Christmas, I prayed for a Mac mini upgrade from Apple. Unfortunately, Uncle Santa Steve did not make my dream came true and Apple failed to reveal anything better for Mac mini's evolution. It sucks!

Nowadays, the existing Mac mini is still stubbornly powered by the out-dated Intel's Core Duo CPU, running the CPU speed at 1.66GHz or 1.83GHz respectively. I do not hear anything significant from the Apple Campus since last year, and obviously Apple will soon drop the Mac mini.

The only way I can see that Mac mini is ended up to serve its glorious duty as a toilet paper holder in my home.

R.I.P. Mac mini 2005-2007.

MacBook Now Goes Faster!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-05-16T05:13:03+08:00

MacBook Specification:
* 2.0GHz or 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor,
* 4MB shared L2 cache, 667MHz FSB,
* 1GB (512MB X 2 SO-DIMMs) of 667MHz PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM, supports up to 2GB,
* 80GB, 120GB, or 160GB 5400 rpm Serial ATA hard disk drive, with optional choices of 120GB or 160GB 5400 rpm drive or 200GB 4200 rpm drive.
* 8X slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW),
* 55-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery, 60W MagSafe Power Adapter,
* 13.3-inch (diagonal) glossy widescreen TFT display with 1280 X 800 native resolution,
* Intel GMA 950 GPU with 64MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory,
* Built-in iSight camera,
* Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 connector),
* Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (based on IEEE 802.11n draft specification),
* Built-in Bluetooth 2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate (EDR),
* One FireWire 400 port (up to 400 Mbps, 8 Watts)
* Two USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps)
* Powered by Mac OS X 10.4.9, iLife '06, & Front Row.

Technical data are subjected to Apple's official product specifications.

PENTAX Halted Merging with HOYA

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-04-17T08:22:04+08:00

Notice Concerning the Management Integration with HOYA Corporation

At the extra-ordinary meeting of its Board of Directors held on April 10, 2007, PENTAX Corporation adopted following resolutions concerning the management integration with HOYA Corporation.

1. With regard to the current discussion concerning the merger of PENTAX Corporation and HOYA Corporation, it has been resolved that the merger shall be abandoned at this point in time due to conditions within the company as well as conditions outside the company including shareholders.

2. However, it has been resolved to continue discussions on management integration in a broader sense with HOYA Corporation, based on the December 21, 2006 basic understanding between HOYA Corporation and PENTAX Corporation.

The Big Cat Is Caged!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-04-15T06:43:03+08:00

Would it be the OS X 10.5 the "Snow Leopard"?

The original Apple Statement [Apr 12, 2007]

iPhone has already passed several of its required certification tests and is on schedule to ship in late June as planned. We can’t wait until customers get their hands (and fingers) on it and experience what a revolutionary and magical product it is.

However, iPhone contains the most sophisticated software ever shipped on a mobile device, and finishing it on time has not come without a price — we had to borrow some key software engineering and QA resources from our Mac OS X team, and as a result we will not be able to release Leopard at our Worldwide Developers Conference in early June as planned.

While Leopard's features will be complete by then, we cannot deliver the quality release that we and our customers expect from us. We now plan to show our developers a near final version of Leopard at the conference, give them a beta copy to take home so they can do their final testing, and ship Leopard in October. We think it will be well worth the wait. Life often presents tradeoffs, and in this case we're sure we've made the right ones.

The 8-Core Mac Behemoth

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-04-15T05:47:03+08:00

If I ever wanted to take this brand new Mac Pro workstation for the replacement of my existing system, that I have to spend a fortune before I am able to own this 8-Core Mac behemoth.

Two Intel's 3GHz Quad-core Xeon "Clovertown" CPU, 4GB capacity of Apple's original Fully-Buffered DIMM memory modules, a total of 1TB of SATA hard disk drives, equipped with only 1 unit of DVD-R/RW Superdrive, Bluetooth EDR(Enhanced Data Rate) and a set of Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mighty Mouse. Of course, AirPort Wi-Fi card is a standard necessity nowadays.

Take a look on the check list below, considered a humble configuration of the system, a price tag of HK$41,700 (US$5,300+). And yet, 23"-inch LCD Display is not included.

Gosh! Apple Macintosh Desktop System is nothing cheap at all.

Picture shown above is the Apple's original FB-DIMM 667MHz DDR2 ECC Memory Module Board. Expensive!

Mijas, Andalucia, España

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-03-20T08:42:02+08:00

Mijas Costa, great scenery of white village of Andalucia, situated at the southern coast of Spain.
(Picture shown spanish style wall hanging flower vases)

Angel in Barcelona, España

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-03-19T02:43:08+08:00

A Spanish Angel? Down to earth in Barcelona. Nice outfit, Man!

Gibraltar-The Last Colonial Peninsula

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-03-16T03:18:14+08:00

I have got some astonishing shots from Gibraltar (British Colony), deep blue sea of the Mediterranean and seamless blue sky with lots of clean and fresh air.

Gaudi: La Pedrera (The Milà House)

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-03-14T14:57:03+08:00

The famous Project of Antoni Gaudí i Cornet of 1905, built between 1906 and 1910 for the Milà family.

This is one of the main Gaudí residential buildings and one of the most imaginative houses of the Art Nouveau architecture history, this building is more an sculpture that a building.

Location: Passeig de Gracia, 92 Barcelona, España.
The building was recognized by UNESCO as "World Heritage" in 1984.

Olé, Flamenco de Sevilla!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-03-07T02:20:04+08:00

Hola, Carmen! Fabulous Flamenco dancers on stage in Sevilla, España.

My iPod shuffle On-The-Road

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-03-04T02:40:07+08:00

Jam-packed with 1GB of classical music contents, as this Apple iPod shuffle accompanied me on the road during my vacation in España and Portugal. Thank you, Steve!

(Picture shown my iPod shuffle stands on a desk lamp pedestal, of a hotel room in España)

The Year Of Pig

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-03-01T03:14:05+08:00

My fruitful trip to Europe has ended, and now get back to my daily routine as of today.

Before I got back to Guangzhou, I have a wonderful opportunity in Hong Kong and taking this lovely picture, lots and lots of cutie pigs to celebrating the Year of Pig.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Hola, España!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-02-12T04:20:03+08:00

It's about time for me to fly for a getaway. U.K., Portugal, Spain, Gibraltar, Philippines and back to Guangzhou, China.

13 hours long haul flight from Hong Kong to London, kinda boring and sucks! Until then, Happy Chinese New Year to you all.

See you in March.

Apple Inc & Apple Corps Trademark Lawsuit Settled

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-02-07T02:35:02+08:00

The trademark legal disputes between Apple Inc. and Apple Corps Ltd, that is the Beatles' guardian entity have resolved.

The settlement gives Cupertino-based Apple Inc. ownership of the name and logo in return for agreeing to license some of those trademarks back to London-based Apple Corps - guardian of The Beatles' commercial interests - for their continued use.

Other terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Legal analysts estimate that Apple Inc. paid $50 million to $100 million for the rights to own the name and the Apple logo.

Jobs welcomes the positive settlement and Beatles fans are expecting the Fab Four to show up in Apple's iTunes Music Store, no songs of The Beatles are available to download yet, however.

Official statement from Apple is in here......

AirPort Extreme Goes 802.11n

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-01-28T03:19:46+08:00

Remastered Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station will be off the shelves in February, complies with IEEE802.11n Draft 1.0 protocol.

Meanwhile, Apple finally released an update patch for the new AirPort Extreme, AirPort Extreme Update 2007-001 to unleash the power of speedy wireless transmission from 802.11n standard. The update patch is free, while the rumored US$1.99 of 802.11n activation fee is being waived.

Chocolate in the PRADA Purse

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-01-20T04:48:12+08:00

World class luxury goods icon - PRADA, jointly developed with LG Electronics unveiled the Full-Touch screen cellphone, the PRADA KE850, a chocolate bar form-factor Tri-Band cellphone by LG.

PRADA phone include 2MP camera with Schneider-Kreuznach lens, video player, document viewer, mp3 player, microSD card slot, Macromedia Flash UI, EDGE Tri-Band (900/1800/1900) and Bluetooth 2.0.

The measurements are just 98.8x54x12mm, while the Apple iPhone measures 115x61x11.6mm. Obviously, the PRADA phone is slightly smaller in volume size compared to the Apple iPhone.

(Picture shown comparison with the Apple iPhone)

Sources say PRADA Phone's battery life may not even last you for a whole day. If this is the case, you might need to take your phone charger handy and look for power sources for recharging.

AAPL Retreated from All-Time High

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-01-15T06:22:06+08:00

After the gorgeous public glimpse of Apple iPhone last week in Macworld, AAPL stock price was bullish to 97.80 all-time high. Unfortunately, smart investors worry about Apple's stock-options grant scandal still under investigation that the case rises to a level of criminal behavior.

U.S. Attorney's Office in San Francisco and the Securities and Exchange Commission are trying to question a former Apple lawyer, Wendy Howell, who's believed to have falsified documents related to Jobs' options grant.

Further, Cisco sues Apple for the iPhone trademark infringement, AAPL retreated to 94.62 at market closed last Friday.

Credit: Picture provided by "Incredible" member of Macfans, China.

Apple iPhone Finally Revealed

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-01-10T09:11:05+08:00

High Technology Specification:
Screen size: 3.5 inches
Screen resolution: 320 by 480 at 160 ppi
Input method: Multi-touch
Operating system: OS X
Storage: 4GB or 8GB
GSM: Quad-band (MHz: 850, 900, 1800, 1900)
Wireless data: Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) + EDGE + Bluetooth 2.0
Camera: 2.0 megapixels
Battery:
* Up to 5 hours Talk / Video / Browsing
* Up to 16 hours Audio playback
Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.4 x 0.46 inches / 115 x 61 x 11.6mm
Weight: 4.8 ounces / 135 grams

The Apple Eclipse

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-01-09T01:01:09+08:00

Macworld Conference is starting today, and featuring the Macworld Expo highlight on January 9 (Wed) for 4 consecutive days. The Dark Apple, may the force be with you.

Welcome to Macworld San Francisco 2007

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-01-05T02:18:04+08:00

Hi, guys!

4 more days to come and get ready to experiencing the Mac style of Digital Lifestyle, the Macworld Conference & Expo for the Mac users around the world.

Meet Uncle Steve on stage and enjoy the excitement from his Keynote Address and the latest products announcement. How about a brand new wireless iPod? iMobile from Apple, and probably another Zirconia Zirconium Oxide Ceramic cased Smartphone from Apple?

Apple's iTV with hard disc drive storage to expand your home theater system, and the official launch of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard is a must.

and One More Thing...

Taiwan Quake Damaged Internet Links

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-01-03T01:56:53+08:00

Taiwan undersea quake on Boxing Day damaged at least 6 links of submarine fiber-optic cables, as a result, severe disruption of broadband communications occured in most Asian countries, Japan, Korea, Australia as well as China.

Broadband communication bureau claims that relocate and re-routing nodes have been restored at a contingency, and ocean floor fiber-optic links are under repairing process that it will not be completed until end of this month.

My blog is also affected due to its hosting service provider in Hong Kong. So, I may not be able to renew my blog these days.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2007-01-01T00:00:02+08:00

2007, a happy and prosperous year for all of us. Happy Happy New Year!

Out Of Town Notice

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-12-28T09:03:38+08:00

Seasonal Shopping. A short trip to Hong Kong today, try my very best to dig out some PENTAX lenses and I will be back to Guangzhou on Saturday.

Merry Christmas!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-12-22T18:43:21+08:00

HOYA and PENTAX merged

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-12-21T17:50:06+08:00

HOYA and PENTAX Official Corporate Announcement

[TOKYO December 21, 2006] HOYA CORPORATION ('HOYA') and PENTAX Corporation ('PENTAX') announced today that they have reached a basic understanding aimed at a management integration of the two companies, expected to be completed on October 1, 2007.

The new company’s name will be HOYA PENTAX HD Corporation. Under a corporate center with strategic planning functions, the new company will realign the business areas of HOYA and PENTAX. HOYA and PENTAX have recognized that they are the best possible business partners to establish a solid business structure that draws on their respective strengths. Through this management integration, the planned new structure will allow the new company to swiftly allocate significant management resources to develop strategic business areas, aiming at accelerating future growth.

My Tissue Box from Apple

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-12-16T05:11:19+08:00

Dear Santa,

My Mac mini is being modified lately as a Tissue Box, and it's going to sit at the top of the water tank and serves its glorious duty for the rest of the days.

Uncle Santa, I don't mean to be greedy. But, I have been longing for a better Mac mini that can take up my daily routine jobs, powered by a faster Intel's Merom CPU, give me 4GB of DDR-2 RAM and a faster 7200 rpm hard disk drive. As a result, I may finish my tons of photo batch processing work in Adobe Photoshop and C1 PRO, and yet, do not let my Mac turns out a 100% full load of CPU, while the Mac OS X Tiger has been paging out rapidly in an unwanted situation.

Please let me know if I am asking too much from you.

Merry Christmas, Santa! Give my love to your reindeers.

Humble voice from Tomahawk.

Pix For Apple Campus

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-12-12T01:40:09+08:00

Times Square, Hong Kong. Apple Hong Kong Office.

IFC, one of the Hong Kong's Skyscrapers.

Christmas Season's Pre-Sale in Hong Kong

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-12-06T13:26:06+08:00

I can hardly wait for my Christmas pre-shopping recon mission tomorrow. Cool! I got a "Lift-Off" and mission to Hong Kong on Dec 07. It is now about time to pack my bags and get ready to go for crazy shopping.

Christmas gifts for the family, Pentax lenses and parts, brand new eyeglass prescribed with Rodenstock progressive optics, toys and gadgets, seasonal foods and gourmet, lots of items to buy for the Boxing Day. Let me go Chapter 11 and I will not regret for the days, because Christmas is just around the corner.

Out of town notice:
Please come back to my Blog on Sunday (Dec 10)

My Monitor Display Stands Out

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-12-06T00:50:59+08:00

Believe it or not! My Apple® 20"-inch Cinema Display stands out of the crowd.

It looks just accurate and tack sharp as brand new after one year, color temperature set at D65, 6500K, Gamma 1.8 and Luminance at 230 cd/m2 that these specifications are currently calibrated by a Pantone ColorVision® monitor calibration instrument, tune-up by using Spyder2PRO 2.2-50 software.

No More iPod for "Dear Leader"!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-29T23:54:33+08:00

Bush Government implements sanctions for North Korea's "Dear Leader" - Kim Jong-il, Apple's iPod is banned to export to North Korea.

Besides, there are many items prohibited to ship to North Korea, including plasma TVs, yachts, French cognac, Rolex watches, cigarettes, artwork, expensive cars like Mercedes Benz & BMW, Harley Davidson motorcycles or even personal watercraft, such as Jet Skis.

Responding to North Korea's nuclear test Oct. 9, 2006 that the U.N. Security Council voted to ban military supplies and weapons shipments — sanctions already imposed by the United States. It also banned sales of luxury goods but so far has left each country to define such items. Japan included beef, caviar and fatty tuna, along with expensive cars, motorcycles, cameras and more. Many European nations are still working on their lists.

Beatles, the Fab Four available online in iTMS?

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-28T04:07:51+08:00

Another rumor and speculation to stir up with Apple.

After U2 iPod launched a couple of years ago to the market by Jobs, Mac users always ask me who will be the next iPod Star? and I always claim that the forthcoming idol will be the Beatles.

The Beatles, under the management of Apple Corps, has been tangled up with Apple Computer in courtrooms for more than 20 years. And yet, it is about time to make peace for both companies to benefit themselves in a mutual solution, that put the Beatles' music exclusively in iTunes Music Store for the public. The Beatles music sell like hot cakes!

Make Love, No Wars! PEACE!

Exploring the Power of RAW

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-24T18:30:43+08:00

Phase One Capture One Pro 3.7.6
http://www.phaseone.com/

Ichikawa Soft Laboratory SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0
http://www.isl.co.jp/SILKYPIX/english/

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 1.0b4
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshoplightroom/

Apple Aperture 1.5.1
http://www.apple.com/aperture/

Thanksgiving Speculations & Rumors

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-23T17:02:34+08:00

(Picture shown an artist illustration of forthcoming Apple iPhone)

Mac users and market analysts take wild guesses on Apple future products, rumors and speculations are all around these days. Let's review these exciting bubbleware and cross our fingers, one of these days, they might turn out to be true.

1. Apple iPhone, a black and a white iPod nano form-factor, 3G & GSM cellular phones.
2. Apple Intel-based dual 4-Core Kentsfield architecture super Mac Pro Desktops.
3. 15"-inch MacBook, black model and white model.
4. All new Apple HD Cinema Displays, starting 20", 24", & 30"-inch.
5. Apple AMD CPU powered notebook computers.
6. Apple reveals Blu-ray drive in Mac Pro Desktops.
7. Wireless iPod.
8. Wide-Screen video iPod with touch screen controls.

Put Some Music On...

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-23T00:34:24+08:00

I heard it through the grapevine. Apple's new iPod shuffle 2 has been selling like hotcakes.

In the meantime, let's take a look the gorgeous iPod shuffle 2 TV commercial. Enjoy!

More on iPod shuffle....

(This post is being updated on Nov 08, 2007)

Google Goes All-Time High!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-22T00:40:15+08:00

Wow! Google breaks US$500 mark, soars to US$505 level. Bullish!

GOOG price rises at U$504.16, 11:44 AM EST.

AAPL Closed at All-Time High!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-20T21:09:02+08:00

Thanks to the glorious success of Apple's brand-new digital music player, iPod shuffle 2. AAPL, shares of Apple Computer, Inc. closed at US$85.85 all-time high on Nov 17 (Friday).

AAPL will go strong and expecting bullish at the holiday shopping season, supporting by the facts of strong demand for Intel-based Macs, iPods, and MacBooks.

iPod nano RED flies to Beijing

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-19T02:04:53+08:00

I bought this iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition, 8 GB version from Apple Store Hong Kong. (HK$1,900)

This slim size iPod nano will ship to Halle Tsai, one of the active Mac fans now residing in Beijing.

Tomahawk Goes On-The-Road

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-15T00:33:44+08:00

I have plans to go to Hong Kong for a couple of days, scheduled to return home on Nov 18 (Saturday). This blog will soon be updated.

Come visit again on Saturday, see you guys!

iPods In The Air

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-14T23:21:34+08:00

CUPERTINO, California—November 14, 2006—Apple® today announced it is teaming up with Air France, Continental, Delta, Emirates, KLM and United to deliver the first seamless integration between iPod® and in-flight entertainment systems. These six airlines will begin offering their passengers iPod seat connections which power and charge their iPods during flight and allow the video content on their iPods to be viewed on the their seat back displays.

“There is no better traveling companion than an iPod, and now travelers can power their iPods during flight and even watch their iPod movies and TV shows on their seat back displays,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing. “We’re excited to work with Air France, Continental, Delta, Emirates, KLM and United to offer iPod users an even better in-flight experience.”

In-flight iPod connectivity will be available to Air France, Continental, Delta, Emirates, KLM and United passengers beginning in mid 2007. Additionally, Apple is working with Panasonic Avionics Corporation to bring even more leading airlines in-flight iPod connectivity in the future.

Sony PlayStation 3 off the shelves.

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-14T03:45:22+08:00

TOKYO (Reuters) - Sony Corp. sold 88,400 units of its PlayStation 3 game console in the first two days after the launch in Japan, leaving most stores without any stock, video game magazine publisher Enterbrain said on Monday.

The PS3 is up against Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360, which has been on sale for the past year, and Nintendo Co. Ltd.'s upcoming Wii game console, which is scheduled to go on sale on November 19 in the United States and December 2 in Japan.

The basic model of the PS3, equipped with a 20-gigabyte hard disk drive, sells for 49,980 yen (US$425), while a more advanced 60-gigabyte version is retailing for about 60,000 yen.

Suggested Retail Prices in Hong Kong:
PlayStation 3 HDD 60GB Model: HK$3,780
PlayStation 3 HDD 20GB Model: HK$3,180

Incoming! Microsoft's Zune.

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-12T05:23:12+08:00

Will Microsoft's Zune survive in the portable music and entertainment war? I doubt.

Microsoft always be a copycat, from OS to hardware, now launching the 30GB Zune digital media player, a similar portable gadget like Apple's iPod and trying hard to share a slice of pie from Apple's dominant territories. Good luck, Zune!

Microsoft's Zune Facts:
- 30GB digital media player, built-in FM tuner, preloaded multimedia contents,
- 3 choices of color in Black, White or Brown,
- 3-inch LCD video screen, 320 X 240 pixels,
- Featuring 802.11b/g Wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing,
- Multimedia platform supported through Online music store, the Zune Marketplace,
- 4.4 in. x 2.4 in. x 0.6 in. (H x W x D)
- 5.6 ounces (159 grams)

Zune software can import audio files in unprotected WMA, MP3, AAC; photos in JPEG; and videos in WMV, MPEG-4, H.264. Requires a PC running Windows® XP with Service Pack 2 and high-speed Internet connectivity.

Zune 30GB, due for sale on Nov 14, 2006 (Tuesday) US$249.00
Apple iPod 30GB (5.5th Generation Video), US$249.00

So, this sleek copycat is not for Mac? anyway.

Monster Sneaks Out From Juicy Apple

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-10T05:55:02+08:00

Reliable sources told Tomahawk that Dual Intel Quad-Core (Clovertown) processors have been transplanted into Mac Pro Desktop. I have reasons to believe that Apple's 8-Head Monster will be revealed at the first quarter of 2007.

Intel Kentsfield Architecture Processors
2.66 GHz Core 2 Quad Q6600, dual 4MB L2 cache, 1066MHz FSB.
3.33 GHz Core 2 Extreme QX6700, dual 4MB L2 cache, 1066MHz FSB.

MacBook Now Powered by Intel Core 2 Duo

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-09T02:35:44+08:00

The complete line of Apple notebook computers are finally upgraded to Intel Core 2 Duo processors.

Apple reveals the 13.3"-inch MacBook using Intel Core 2 Duo,

MacBook in Black, Core 2 Duo 2GHz (T7200, 4MB L2 Cache) 1GB RAM 120GB SATA HDD
MacBook in White, Core 2 Duo 2GHz (T7200, 4MB L2 Cache) 1GB RAM 80GB SATA HDD
MacBook in White, Core 2 Duo 1.83GHz (T5600, 2MB L2 Cache) 512MB RAM 60GB SATA HDD

Reliable source provides MacBook's System Profiler below:

P.S. And yet, I can hardly wait for the Mac mini Lunch Box for a brain transplant of Core 2 Duo.

Uncle "Santa" Steve

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-07T20:24:30+08:00

Mr. Steven Paul Jobs of Apple plays Santa Clause.

Uncle "Santa" Steve gives free iPod shuffle 2 to his employees during the season, everyone works for Apple will be pleased to get one as a token of appreciation from Apple.

Apple iPod shuffle 2 (1GB) retail price at HK$650.00

Santa Clause comes early with C2D MacBook?

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-07T19:28:19+08:00

PLAY.COM from U.K. offers a Pre-order of Apple MacBook powered by Core 2 Duo (Mobile Chip), and claims that the MacBook is due for release on Nov. 13, 2006.

Pre-Order MacBook configuration as follows:

Apple 13.3"-inch MacBook, Core 2 Duo (T7200, 4MB L2 Cache) 2GHz 512MB RAM

Apple 13.3"-inch MacBook, Core 2 Duo (T5600, 2MB L2 Cache) 1.83GHz 512MB RAM

Virus for the Mac OS X

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-07T04:08:06+08:00

Symantec reported that Mac OS X is being threatened by a virus named OSX.Macarena, discovered on November 02, 2006.

OSX.Macarena is categorized as a low wild-level virus, that considered at Risk Level 1 Threat Assessment. Number of Infections is limited and Geographical Distribution still at a low spread situation.

The OSX.Macarena appends itself to files in the current directory on the compromised computer, in which the virus duplicates itself to affect the system at a mild damage.

Digital Camera RAW Support Update 1.0.1

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-04T21:15:58+08:00

Apple released the Digital Camera RAW Support Update 1.0.1

Mac OS X Tiger provides support for a variety of popular digital camera and image file formats. Applications such as Aperture, iPhoto and Preview utilize this support to work with digital camera RAW files. This update improves RAW file format compatibility for the following digital SLR cameras:

-Canon Digital Rebel XTi / 400D / Kiss X Digital
-Nikon D80
-Pentax *ist DS

Other issues addressed:

-Handling of large Canon RAW files (.CRW)
-DNG compatibility on Intel-based Macs
-Lines sometimes appearing in images exported from Aperture

MacTel Download.....(2.4 MB)

Another iPod® nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-04T01:30:40+08:00

Apple® today announced a new 8GB model of the iPod® nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition.

(RED) was created by U2 lead singer Bono and Bobby Shriver to engage business in the fight against AIDS in Africa by getting the world’s most iconic companies to make uniquely branded products. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was established in 2002, with the support of the world’s leaders and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, to dramatically increase resources to fight three of the world’s most devastating diseases, and to direct those resources to areas of greatest need by supporting locally-driven strategies. To date, the Global Fund has committed $5.2 billion (US) to more than 363 programs in 131 countries. For more information about (RED) please visit www.joinred.com.

The Mysterious 6th Generation iPod

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-03T02:15:12+08:00

A pretty interesting technical article from Apple Developer Section describing on iPod Notes Concepts. We have reasons to believe that the 6th generation iPod will be a Touch-Screen model.

You may check it out at Apple's ADC website, take a peek here...

Webpage Path:
ADC Home > Hardware & Drivers > iPod

then, look for iPod Notes Feature Guide (PDF) and download the PDF file (1.5 MB) on your desktop.

Go to Page #10 titled "Advanced Uses of Notes",

Voila! Read the contents of the gray box as follows:

iPod shuffle Off The Shelves on Nov 03 2006.

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-01T20:00:03+08:00

Apple Store Hong Kong indicated that the 2nd Generation iPod shuffle 1GB should be ready for the public, ETA will be on Nov 03 (Friday) accordingly.

Gosh! This tiny dirty gadget is too seductive. I can hardly wait for it.

Welcome Macfans !! Welcome Macfans !!

tomahawkbenson@tomahawk2002.com — 2006-11-01T01:30:52+08:00

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