The Tech Bench

MyService has the new Western Digital Scorpio Blue 1TB 5200RPM drives in stock for the MacBook Pro.

These drives are slightly higher than standard 2.5″ drives but fit perfectly in all Unibody MacBook Pros, the 13″ MacBook Unibody and the 17″ (Silver Keyboard) MacBook Pro.

These are the largest mobile drives currently available.

They have 8MB of cache, 12.0ms seek time and use the 3Gb/s SATA interface.

In Stock: $345

Includes: Free shipping, professional installation, data transfer and a 3 year warranty.

This upgrade will not void your Apple warranty. Use your old drive for backup.

Check out our hard drive upgrade page for details.

As Apple has become increasingly popular, so has the backlash against some of Apple’s restrictive practices. While this argument is getting new exposure in the ongoing Google (Android versus iPhone) spat, this has been going on since Apple’s inception.

It used to be (and still is in many ways) that Microsoft was the one that labeled Apple as a closed, restrictive platform. Although not an early proponent of open-source (read cheaper) software, Microsoft was quick to claim freedom of hardware and software choice as it’s main selling point.

So if Apple is a closed, restrictive platform why is it that Apple has become so popular?

It’s the user experience.

Apple wants the user experience to be the best that it can be. Secure, clean, focused, easy to use, and reliable. Quality over quantity. One really good chef’s knife, not a swiss army knife filled with a bunch of sub-par tools.

Great restaurants usually specialize in a specific cuisine, if you want ultimate freedom of choice, you’ll have to settle for Home Town Buffet.

Apple’s iPhone requires that developers meet not only technical requirements (secure, stable apps) but also moral (no porn) and non-compete (no FireFox) guidelines. What they give in return is arguably the best overall smartphone experience.

Google pretty much allows any handset maker to use Android as they will in their phones. The segmentation of user interfaces, non-upgradable software versions and non-centralized app store has hurt the overall customer experience. What customer’s get in return is more freedom of hardware configuration, multiple carriers and less restrictive app selection.

Apple is working on a more robust rating system (to allow for more adult apps) and is starting to allow more potentially completive apps (browsers, VOIPs and mail clients) into the app store. Google is trying to rein in Android by putting out phones like the Nexus One that deliver a more focused, Apple-like experience to Android.

While both Apple and Google may come a little closer together in terms of openness and experience, their philosophical differences (and current successes) will probably keep them on different ends of the spectrum.

What I find funny is that it looks like Microsoft may be the one running up the middle. Microsoft has finally begun to recognize Apple’s success with the iPhone and App Store. Windows 7 mobile looks to be more focused and selective while still partnering with different hardware vendors.

I for one can’t wait to see what cool new phones and technology come out of this tug of war.

You can now pre-order the iPad from Apple. There are 6 different models to chose from. Which one is right for you?

There are two main models. One with Wi-Fi connectivity and one that comes with both Wi-Fi and 3G. Each of these comes in three different storage capacities.

If you want to get your hands on one April 3rd (the first day they’re available) you’ll want to go with the Wi-Fi only model. The 3G models ship in late April.

If you already have an iPhone and laptop and are getting the iPad to try out the form factor and will be primarily using it at home or the office, the Wi-Fi is the way to go. This will probably be the most popular option to start out.

If you’re looking to use the iPad for travel, or to replace your iPhone/Touch for on the go web browsing, the 3G model may be right for you. No contract plans from AT&T start at $15/month and go up to $30/month for unlimited data, not bad.

As far as storage capacity, both iPads come in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. If you’re an early adopter who will probably upgrade when the new iPad comes out, the 16GB is probably the best option for a first gen device. The next iPads will probably offer a lower cost per GB. Unless you’re looking to really embrace the iPad as your primary mobile device, the 16GB should be fine to start off.

As for me, I’ve ordered a 16GB Wi-Fi only (I have a 32GB iPhone and 17″ MacBook Pro.) I plan on using it at home to start out and maybe bringing it on some flights/trips. If I find I’m really wanting 3G access because I’m taking it everywhere, I’ll upgrade when the new iPads come out and then go for more storage. Save your box, if you decide to upgrade to new iPads when they come out, it’ll help you get more for your old one when you sell it on eBay.

[ Apple iPad ]

Apple has announced that the iPad will arrive April 3rd. Like a lot of Apple fans, I’ll be placing my order on March 12th, the first day for pre-orders.

A lot of friends, family and customers have asked what we think of the new iPad. Will it be a niche product or change the personal computing landscape? A lot of compaines are betting one way or another and there’s been no shortage of opinions for and agains the iPad.

I think it will come down to this. How often will people that have multiple Macs use the iPad?

Which ones will get used the most?

I use a MacBook Pro as my primary computer, have an Apple TV at home, and carry an iPhone. Each of these devices has their place in my day and don’t overlap too much. The iPad aims to combine the strengths of these devices, but will it be a jack of all trades and a master of none?

If I find myself using the iPad at home to surf the web, consume media and connect with email and other social networks instead of using my laptop, then the iPad may be a winner. If I only find myself using the iPad on trips or as a spare, the iPad may be more of a niche product.

Not all consumers will of course want multiple Macs so the iPad may be a good fit (both economically and functionally.) For someone who already has a lot of Macs, I’m not sure that there’s room for another Mac in my day, but I can’t wait to find out.