Apple Thoughts - News & Reviews on all things Apple

"A quick note to inform you that Aliph has just released a new version of its premium Jawbone Bluetooth headset. Besides its top of the line design and an integrated new chip that allows it to make your voice sound creepy, the Jawbone Icon comes with an interesting new feature for iPhone owners."

I wish all the headsets did this, the one thing about the Apple headset that I miss (hated the headset itself, never fit correctly). I like the "Hero" version of the Jawbone Icon, but I can't see myself wearing the gold "Bombshell" version though can you? Ok, don't answer that...

"Jabra's new Stone headset is the first non-dorky Bluetooth headset I've ever seen. Actually, it's the second. The first was a Secret Service-style single earbud from Hong Kong that clipped to your shirt. Trouble is, it sounded awful."

I'd have to check in person, but from the looks of it I'm not sure this would work well if you wear glasses, at least the thicker frame glasses I like. That has always been a problem with headsets for me - getting them to work and fit well with the glasses I choose to wear. This will retail for about $130.00 USD and will be offered exclusively in AT&T stores. However battery life is questionable, reports of one or two hours usage max, which is a problem. I do like the looks of it though.

"Has your MacBook Pro's 7200rpm hard drive been emitting confusing noises? What about bugs while trying to use a wireless Mighty Mouse? If so, Apple's latest series of Software Updates may cure what ails you."

Apple acknowledged the problem with the hard drive about 10 days ago, and now they have the fix in for it, as well as the Bluetooth connectivity problems when using the Mighty Mouse and wireless keyboard. Bluetooth Firmware Update 2.0.1 fixes problems for any Mac that has Bluetooth based on the Broadcom chipset. The Hard Drive Firmware Update 2.0 only applies to the drives shipped in the June 2009 MacBook Pro.

"Logitech is known for keyboards, and rightfully so. Years of keyboard experience have enabled them to create a keyboard that's good enough to deserve a Mac edition. They've really outdone themselves with the diNovo Edge Mac Edition Bluetooth keyboard."

Yes, its true, you can get a wireless Mighty Mouse for $69.00 USD, then pick up the wireless Apple Keyboard for $79.00 USD and be out $149.00 USD. Or you can opt for this new keyboard from Logitech for $179.95 USD from the Apple store online, without the mouse. The reviewer touts the reliability and how quick it connects, but also the fact that it has the same layout as the regular Apple keyboards so all your shortcuts work the same. I have to say this keyboard really is a looker, and it would look great sitting in my entertainment center as a media center keyboard. Heck I'd even like to get one for my desktop.

"Here is a short video showing the interacting devices (Apple wireless keyboard, iPhone, communicating over Bluetooth) in operation."

I have to say my heart skipped a beat when I saw this. I may have to jailbreak my iPhone now because, honestly, if I could type with my Apple BT Keyboard on my iPhone, I'd have much less of a need to carry around my MBP all the time. Anyone else salivating?

"It looks like Mac users tired of their built-in webcams and concerned about the clutter caused by regular USB cams will soon have another option to consider, as Ecamm Network has just announced what it's claiming to be the world's first Bluetooth webcam."

Not so sure this will be a big seller among Mac users with this form factor, especially since the price is expected to be in the range of $150 USD. Looks a bit odd and not in a good way. They definitely could use some design lessons from Apple.