Mac Os X driver for the XBox 360 controller

A driver that allows to use the XBox 360 controller with Mac Os X.
Allows to use Force Feedback, comes with source, universal binary and a Preference Pane.
As I don't have 360 I didn't test it. Can some of you comment on it's usage?

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Ars Technica's MacBook Review

Ars Technica reviews the 2.0GHz white MacBook: "Apple has thrust themselves back into a state of competitiveness when it comes to the consumer laptop space, and even offers prospective users features that other computer manufacturers cannot."

This story came via www.digg.com - wow what a site !

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MacBook Taken Apart

Take a look at Kodawarisan (link below) for just how easy (and brave you have to be) taking a MacBook apart is.

It seems that as well as the memory, users will be able to easily upgrade the hard drive from the underside of the machine.

Link:
http://www.kodawarisan.com/macbook/macbook001.html

New MacBook

It goes without saying that you would see an entry following Apple's new product announcement.

The MacBook was released on Tuesday and wow, was I happy to see what they have done. A nice revision (albeit small) to the design, nice new magnetic clam type closing design, with a 13inch widescreen display.

The keyboard looks ultra-cool, with keys that pop up through the moulded casing. This might take some getting used to, but I do like the look of it.

On the spec front, DUAL CORE all the way (excellent), integrated graphics, nice HD CTO options, superdrive on the two top models, oh and the BIG news is the top model comes in a Matt Black colour. This is great news, finally an option of black, I just hope Apple or third party manufacturers will come out with black remotes and cables etc.

A full review of the MacBook will be posted here in about 7-10 days time, so come back soon...

More on the new project - funding

OK, so the 'Donate' button is up on the site. Now for me to tell you how it works and what I am looking to do.

Well the project is two-fold really. Firstly, I want to post more onto Geekanoids and for me to spend more time on the site, I need to ask for a little funding. Any money donated will be used to purchase kit that will be reported on the site.

Two main areas of development for the site and two items that I need to purchase.

Area One - To look at developing a new design for a UK based radio control four wheel drive car, along with a system to track the cars lap times, speed etc. For this the purchase of a four wheel drive car for research is necessary, the build etc will be reported to the site.

Area Two - Well the second item required will be a Mac Mini, Intel based. This will be used for development and deisgn of the new car, but also leads to the second area for the site. All things Intel Mac based, speedmarks, new Universal software, running Windows XP on the Mac under BootCamp and Parallels software. All reported on, with full comments on each post, so we can discuss the pros and cons.

So hopefully, in return for a small donation, I will deliver an area with a useful resource of information and findings for those interested in the Mac, the Mac and Windows, the Mac and Design, and Radio Controlled cars, buggies, trucks.

To donate (and it is optional, but appreciated), just click on the PayPal Donate button in the top right corner of the website. This will open a new window, where you can enter an amount (in GBP British Pounds please). You can either donate via your own PayPal account, or if you do not have PayPal, click the button next to "If you do not currently have a PayPal account" and you can donate using another method.

Thanks in advance and enjoy the site!

Finally a 17inch but will it WHINE?

I was happy to learn that Apple have released the 17" MacBook Pro, with some nice additions, such as the 8x SuperDrive and the re-introduction of the FW800 port.

What I was more interested to learn (of which news will no doubt filter through next week), is if the whining noises that have plagued some 15" users have been rectified or are still present in the new 17" model.

If anyone would like to email in if you have a trouble free 17" MacBook Pro, then please do.

Time to digest

OK, so time is very precious to me at the moment, thus the short posts...

Having had time to take in all the specs of the new Intel Based Mac Mini, I am a lot happier with the specification.  The Dual Core version is the one to go for and from what I have read about the integrated GPU, I think that if you load up your mini with 1Gb or more of RAM things should move along sweetly.

I do not think for one minute Apple would have released this if it was going to bog down the system with paging to the main RAM for graphics use, so I would not worry about it.
The Mac Mini was NEVER designed for high end games playing anyway, so this is a good move on Apple's part.

Apple Launches new Products Today

So, news has just started to filter through of Apple's new announcements.


Mixed feelings from me, the iPod Hifi looks good, but limited appeal I think.  Having not yet looked into the complete specifications I will reserve judgement at the moment.  Full review to follow.

The Intel based MacMini is another story, nice to see another Mac make the transition. Nice specification, nice to see FrontRow, but again a couple of early reservations, the first being the graphics chip, the second being the price increase.  Again, more details to follow.

MacBook Pro only Single Layer DVD Writer

One of the big shames with the MacBook Pro and the only real negative thing I can say on the subject is that it only has a Single Layer DVD Writer, whereas previous offerings had a Dual Layer Drive.

Not really a big deal as if you really needed it, you could always buy an external drive.

If you are bothered take a look at:
http://www.petitiononline.com/MacBook/petition.html