And a few more things we learned from Apple’s launch
THE MAC PRO IS A BEAST
Mac’s oddly-shaped new desktop computer (pictured right) is a powerhouse. If you’ve got cash to spend (the lowest-priced version will cost £2,499), it will make video editing, heavy Photoshop use or intensive design programs run like a breeze. The cylindrical casing is just an eighth of the volume of the previous Mac Pro, but it squeezes in a terrifying amount of hardware. It’s packed with connectivity options, with six Thunderbolt 2 ports, four USB 3.0, dual Ethernet and an HDMI. It’s also incredibly quiet, emitting well under half the amount of noise of its predecessor. If you only use your computer to browse the net and watch the odd movie, this machine will be wasted on you. Using it to do your Tesco shopping would be like keeping a lion in a cage, but less dangerous. If you need a high-performance monster to deal with some serious processing, this is the Mac for you.
OS X MAVERICKS IS HERE…
… And it’s free! Apple seems to have Microsoft in its sights, pointing out that you will spend $200 upgrading to the latest version of Windows, when you get the latest version of its software for free. Of course, you pay a premium to use Apple devices in the first place… Mavericks has been widely trailed, but its use of tabbed finder windows (like the tabs you probably use on Chrome or Firefox) and file tags (allowing you to search for all your “work” documents at once), will save valuable minutes of your day. Another neat feature is the ability to store your keychain on iCloud, meaning you don’t need to remember all of your passwords on different devices. Even your credit card details will sync across your devices, although you’ll still need your security code.
AND OTHER STUFF IS FREE, TOO
Apple’s iLife and iWork software is now free for new users. Improvements to iPhoto and iMovie are particularly impressive.
Watch out for full iPad reviews soon