Apple

Apple today updated iMac line with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors and the most powerful graphics ever available in an iMac.

The iMac now includes faster processors with 6MB L2 cache and a faster 1066 MHz front-side bus across the entire line, and 2GB of memory standard in most models. The 24-inch iMac now offers a 3.06 GHz Intel processor and the high-performance NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS graphics as options, extending iMac’s lead as the ultimate all-in-one desktop computer for both consumers and professionals.

Here are the details: Read more…

Apple today released an update to Garageband that addresses multiple bugs:

This update improves overall stability and addresses issues with the automation of software instrument parameters, FireWire and USB based audio devices and Magic GarageBand.

Magic Garageband is the spawn of hell – so that doesn’t sound too interesting, but bug fixes are always welcome.

Apple today updated its MacBook and MacBook Pro notebook lines with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, larger hard drives and 2GB of memory standard in most models. In addition, MacBook Pro includes the latest NVIDIA graphics processors, now with up to 512MB of video memory, and Apple’s Multi-Touch trackpad, first introduced in MacBook Air.

My laptop is still pre-Intel, so the new MacBook Pro laptops are making me drool. Unfortunately, the 2.5 GHz, 17-inch MacBook Pro has a suggested retail price of $2,799.

Here are the details:

The new MacBook Pro features the latest Intel Core 2 Duo technology with:

• up to a 2.6 GHz processor with 6MB of shared L2 cache;
• up to 4GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory;
• up to a 300GB hard drive; and
• NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with up to 512MB of video memory.

Every MacBook Pro now includes a trackpad with Multi-Touch gesture support for pinch, rotate and swipe; an illuminated keyboard and a built-in ambient light sensor, which automatically adjusts the brightness of the keys as well as the brightness of the display for optimal visibility.

Pricing & Availability

The new MacBook and MacBook Pro models are now shipping and will be available through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Read more…

Apple today added new models of the iPhone and iPod touch which have double the memory: a 16GB iPhone model for $499, and a 32GB iPod touch for $499, joining the 16GB model for $399 and the 8GB model for $299.“For some users, there’s never enough memory,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod and iPhone Product Marketing. “Now people can enjoy even more of their music, photos and videos on the most revolutionary mobile phone and best Wi-Fi mobile device in the world.”

All iPhone and iPod touch models include the software enhancements announced last month, including the ability to automatically find your location using the new Maps application; create Web Clips for your favorite websites; customize your home screen and watch movies from the new iTunes Movie Rentals.

Pricing & Availability

The new 16GB iPhone is available immediately for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and AT&T retail and online stores. The 32GB iPod touch is available worldwide immediately for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

Apple has an interesting profile on DJ Paul Van Dyk. It looks at how he’s working now, and also provides a current look at the gear he uses:

“I’ve developed the same passion I have for making music as I have for DJing over the last 15 years,” he says. “It’s the ultimate thing to be able to combine both. I can use my production skills as well as my skills as a DJ together to create new things live. The whole experience of me playing music is much more intense because it fits the atmosphere of the moment, of the set, of the venue, and of the crowd.”
Paul Van Dyk’s Studio Gear

When he’s not on the road, van Dyk turns out tracks at his Berlin studio. The electronic music laboratory is packed with old analog gear and the latest Macs running Logic Studio.

Hardware

• MacBook Pro
• Mac Pro (in the studio)
• Logic Studio
• Ableton Live
• Spectrasonics

Outboard Gear

• Euphonix EuCon Console
• Allen & Heath 3D Mixer
• Evolution UC33e USB MIDI Controller
• Akai MIDI controllers

Vintage Outboard Gear:

• Roland Juno 60
• Roland Juno 106
• Roland TR-808
• Roland TR-909
• Roland TB-303

“My music production starts in Logic,” he says. “I usually nail down a speed, then get a nice drum loop going for some rhythm. Then I lay down chords or a bass line or some piano—some stuff like that. When I feel the musical idea I have is coming across, and I can feel it, I get to properly blowing it up and doing drum programming and better bass line sequences.” Read more…