The 2014 Entry Level iMac

On 18 June 2014, all of a sudden, Apple released a new "entry level" iMac, with 21.5 inches 1080p display, 1.4 GHz Dual Core i5 processor. Up to this moment I still not understand why she released an iMac with this price and specification, especially the latest iMac was just introduced September last year.

On the contrary I have been waiting for an upgrade for Mac Mini: Mac Mini will have not been upgraded for 2 years this October. Why Apple not issue a more powerful Mac Mini and reduce the price for existing Minis as entry level Mac? Does this imply the END of Mac Mini?

If so, that will be a disaster to me >.<

 

Written by: Erik Siivel (@siivel.com)

Modder | Producer | Blogger | Youtuber 

Email: siiveldotcom@gmail.com

The Evolution of iMacs

Since its first launch in 1998, the Apple iMac has undergone several generations. Different people have their own interpretation in classifying the iMac, in terms of general design (tear-shaped, sun-flower, flat panel), the processor inside (G3, G4 G5, Intel), or even model number (M4984, M5521).

I like to identify them in terms of design because it is the easiest way for a person to identify an iMac. When we look into the early generations of iMac, we found that their design is radical at their times: the original iMac is made by translucent plastic with a tear-shaped body; the iMac G4 is dome-shaped with a LCD panel erecting upon it; the iMac G5 has all of the components enclosed at the back the LCD.

How about those after iMac G5? It seem to me that Apple has made no headway: the designs are much alike with merely fine-tuning in material use, a wider screen, a thinner body, and faster CPUs. Is that really an evolution?

Really hope the next iMac will make me say WOW.

The Evolution of iMacs

Written by: Erik Siivel (@siivel.com)

Modder | Producer | Blogger | Youtuber 

Email: siiveldotcom@gmail.com

Why Mac Modification Project?

In many discussion forums, there are always groups of people discussing the possibility of upgrading hardware of old Macs. People are exploring the possibility to upgrade it with present specifications.

There is another group of people who is not upgrading their Macs, rather, they are just collecting them. 

I am both of them. On the one hand, I collect old Macs; on the other hand, I upgrade old Macs for myself and for others. To me, vintage Macintosh is so adorable that "playing" along with an operative old Mac is fantastic, however, I can't stand "working" with a Macintosh with a speed of MHz.

Also, many applications of vintage Macs cannot be used nowadays, for example, you cannot sync an iphone 5 with iTunes v2.0, you cannot watch Youtube with iBook Clamshell, some of the contents in the Internet are no longer readable with IE...

Written by: Erik Siivel (@siivel.com)

Modder | Producer | Blogger | Youtuber 

Email: siiveldotcom@gmail.com

Applying Bestskinsever Protective Skin onto Keyboard

It seems crazy to paste protective skins onto keyboard because it is a less valuable item. However, I have indeed applied the Bestskinsever DIY film onto the keys of Apple Pro Keyboard, because I think that the new Apple keyboards don't match the iMac G3 Intel i7 which I am using.

Here's the link of the video:

http://youtu.be/s96SB_AY-7s

Written by: Erik Siivel (@siivel.com)

Modder | Producer | Blogger | Youtuber 

Email: siiveldotcom@gmail.com

Invisible Shield? Bestskinsever?

In old days we rarely have mobile devices, so there is less need to use protective skins. However, in modern-days, a MP3, a mobile phone, or a tablet is almost a must-have item to us. And as some of these devices are expensive, we may need protective skins to protect them from scratches. There are 2 market-leaders of these protective skins: the Invisible Shield and the Bestskinsever.

The Invisible Shield is available in www.zagg.com. It does ship internationally. Its product always comes with a large package: including instructions, installation tools and installation solution.

The bestskinsever also ships internationally. It is available for order at www.bestskinsever.com. It packaging is relatively simple: just the skins you ordered,  a receipt and an envelope.

The Invisible Shield offers life-time warranty to the skins you ordered. When you wish to get a replacement, just go to their site and fill a form, they will send a new skin to you. But you will be reminded to send back your damaged or old skin to her, or you will be charged the price for the new skin.

Bestskinsever doesn't offer any replacement. But, their price is relatively cheaper. For the iPod 7th Gen total body skin, the price of Invisible Shield is $24.99 whereas that of bestskinsever is $10.99. Therefore, its just a matter of choice.

When comparing with the skins per se, Invisible shield is a bit thicker than the skins of Bestskinsever.

However,  there is one competitive edge of Bestskinsever over Invisible Shield: Bestskinsever do have DIY skins for sale. I personally adore this kind of DIY skins because I can cut it to fit any device I like. I even have had make customized skins for my beloved Apple Pro Keyboard.

Written by: Erik Siivel (@siivel.com)

Modder | Producer | Blogger | Youtuber 

Email: siiveldotcom@gmail.com