• New aluminum unibody structure – While this catches the mini’s body design up with the Apple MacBook Pro and is the ultimate in “sexy” looks, I don’t believe it is worth an upgrade simply for cosmetic reasons.  I do give Apple “props” for making the mini more home theater-friendly with this design and the tight integration of the power supply – think, no more power brick!
• Easy twist off access to memory – It is true that this facilitates simpler memory upgrades but truly how many people really upgrade memory after the purchase.  It seems this is lost on most folks I know who prepare in advance by ordering the memory they need pre-installed.
• Core 2 Duo processor with increased speeds of 2.4GHz or 2.66GHz – This is where Apple seems a bit myopic to me.  I realize they may have a deal with Intel on these Core 2 processors but with the prevalence of 1080p HD video (and resolutions beyond) there are many other higher-powered processors which provide low power consumption and heat generation .  If I am going to drop two extra Ben Franklins I want processing power which can handle what the future can throw at it, not simply what the current video content producers offer.
• Larger hard drive options available (320GB and 500GB) – Whoa, hold me back Apple – talk about an underwhelming feature!  With the ubiquity of terabyte drives, why would these options be introduced as “room to grow”?  High Definition media eats bytes and bytes of storage and a terabyte should be considered the baseline hard drive size.
• New NVIDIA GeForce 320M Graphics – With the promise of speeds up to 2x faster than the previous integrated NVIDIA chip, I don’t know enough about this hardware to refute this claim.  But I take umbrage with the gaming benchmark scores (Quake 4, Call of Duty 4,  Doom 3) that Apple shares.  How many people are really gaming on their Mac mini?  I believe a more realistic portrayal of video performance would be a test related to what consumers will really do with their minis – watch Flash and HD content.  I trust the engineers at Apple are able to create something which the average user can relate to.  Maybe Apple marketing should step aside and let them do their job…
• Integrated HDMI port and SD card slot – I have to admit the addition of HDMI is the only feature which really aroused me upon announcement.  Yet, it is not worth the price of an upgrade simply to be able to toss out an additional adapter.

Regardless, I still consider myself a Mac mini fanboy.  My problem lately with Apple is that they tout features as revolutionary and groundbreaking that should have been included in the initial release of a product.  I understand their tight control on quality and aesthetic but I am tiring quickly of having to upgrade to take advantage of what others include in generation one.

I am eager to hear what you all think – Are you upgrading or satisfied with your current mini setup?

I’ve decided to implement a new shopping feature to the site in order to help visitors in their new Mac Mini and Home Theater setups.  Thanks to the power of Amazon’s immense product database, I am able to offer a vast array of products – something for everybody.  If you appreciate the content and reviews on the site, I would invite you to peruse my new shopping offers and see if there is something for you.

Shop at Mac Mini HTPC

• The interface is uncluttered and all the tools are seemingly easy to find.  There are tools for zooming, an on-screen keyboard, integrated search with Google, Bing, Yahoo, or Truveo, and a bookmarks function which provides thumbnail views of all your “favorited” sites.
• The video sources you can select from is impressive.  There are easily over 120 sites which you can choose video to view.  My favorites are the MLB.com site, YouTube, Pandora, ESPN, CNN, and Revision3.  Yes, there also seems to be many kid-friendly sites in the lineup which I am sure my kids will enjoy.  Sites like Disney Club Penguin, Disney.com, Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, DisneyXD, and Nickelodeon.
• One thing which I do not like is that there does not seem to be any rhyme or reason to the ordering of the channels.  None of the Kids channels are grouped together although there are categories for TV, Movies, Music, and News which you can use to jump directly to those areas.  For example, DisneyXD is wedged between Clicker and PetTube.com on the last scrollable content pane.  It would have been nice to be able to custom reorder the  channels but I understand this is the first release (0.6.1.7) and it is merely a browser page displaying icons/links.  But would it have hurt to have some programmers/developers sprinkle a little jQuery “drag-n-”drop” love into the main screen to enable more robust categorization.
• Also, it is obvious this is Kylo’s attempt (and not that overly stealth) to market their other product, the Loop Pointer.  An advertisement for the remote takes up an entire vertical column on the Channels screen and there is an icon/ad for the Loop Pointer in the first set of scrollable icons.  I get the point of marrying the device with the browser but I think the huge vertical banner ad should go away.  Anybody used an ad blocker Firefox add-on to remove it?
• As we all are well aware by now, Hulu does not play nicely with those trying to access its content via third-party, customized browsers and Kylo is no different.  Hulu blocked access on the day of Kylo’s release.  Yet as pointed out by some observant members of the Kylo community, the obvious user agent manipulation tricks will work to re-enable Hulu access.  I have tried them and can attest to their validity.

The steps are as follows:

• Download Kylo from their site and install it
• Start the browser and type about:config in the address bar (it defaults to the home page of http://connect.kylo.tv)
• After agreeing to the Mozilla disclaimer of the inherent risks of config modification, type useragent into the filter bar (at the top of the screen)
• You should now see four matching results but you will want to modify the second one (general.useragent.extra.polo) by double-clicking it
• Enter @Kylo into the input box and it OK to change the string value
• Click the Home icon in the bottom row of icons and navigate to Hulu
• Now you should be able to view Hulu content on your newly-installed Kylo browser

Overall, I feel the Kylo browser is a quality first release.  I like the idea of the convergence of a browser with your TV but I am unsure if it will gain major adoption except with geeks like me.  To be honest, I wonder if anybody is really interested in a video browser which simply lets you navigate to the site to watch a video.  To their credit, Hillcrest does improve on the TV browsing experience by providing useful tools and a clean interface.

In an ideal world, I would like to see all of these content providers come together to use and promote a unified way to deliver the video content only.  Then, this realm would get really interesting as innovative companies with smart developers/engineers build interfaces to consume the video-only feeds.  Eat your heart out advertisers!

Main Podcast Site:  2geeksandamic.com

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1)  No true multitasking – Come on, even my measly T-Mobile MyTouch running Android (and accompanying 500Mhz peocessor) is able to run multiple applications at once and with a relatively small amount of hiccups.  After dismissing Qualcomm from the picture, Apple decided to manufacture its own chip, the A4 Processor, which runs at a healthy 1GHz and includes a integrated graphics processor.  The iPad is the first device to use this chip.  Who wants to run Pandora in the background (without jailbreaking the device) while reading emails or tweeting out a quick message?  Everybody does…so why if it is simply a software-enabled feature does Apple seem to not want its mobile device users to use more than one app at a time?

2)  No E-Ink capabilities – Ok, so if Apple was truly in talks with traditional print publishers then why did they release a device which does not have E-Ink capabilities?  Other than its innovative E-reader type form factor, what good is a device like the iPad for reading books when I can simply boot up my MacBook, download an ebook (PDF) from O’Reilly and have the same experience of eye strain/fatigue?  I think the point behind the Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble’s new Nook is the readability absolutely trumps what any laptop or lcd screen can offer.  Their screens more accurately mimic what our eyes view when we crack open an traditional print book.  This is not something as software or SDK upgrade can fix.  We’ll have to see if the iPad 2.0’s hardware is modified to support E-Ink.  I have serious doubts it ever will.

3)  I don’t buy into some people’s claims that the iPad has a place in the home as a Home Theater or home automation controller.  As cool and useful as it might be, how many people in today’s troubled economy actually have the disposable “coin” to drop $200 to purchase an Insteon automation starter kit which allows dimming control of two lamps and control of one appliance?  Then you’d need to shell out an additional $499 just for the entry level iPad.

Though a sweet conversation piece, using the iPad to control home theater devices is out of the question.  The ability to multitask might make this option more appealing as it would be nice to be able to open an IMDB app (or in Safari browser) to search for details on an upcoming movie and then be able to switch back to the remote app to control channel changes and DVR functions.  For now, I think I will stick with a dedicated Logitech Harmony Remote for home theater control.

4)  I’m all for Internet access as an ubiquitous resource but please remind me why would I want to pay an extra $130 for 3G connectivity and then an additional $30/month for the data plan?  Don’t we pay enough monthly to the likes of Verizon, T-Mobile, AT & T for cellular service?  If Amazon can bundle free 3G access with the Kindle 2 through their Whispernet service, why can’t the monster that is Apple, Inc. do the same?  I think we are dying a death by monthly subscription fee.

Anyway, these are some of the main reasons I won’t be an early adopter of the Apple iPod.  Sure, I bought one of the first Toshiba HD-DVD players, but until Apple can deliver one at least one of my shortcomings I won’t be making the same mistake twice.

Let me know in the comments if you are going to purchase an iPad and if so, why…?

All hyperbole aside, judging by the demos I have seen from authoritative blogs covering this year’s CES in Vegas, I was not overwhelmed by any of the offerings.  I believe  the only innovative product might be the IdeaPad U1 Hybrid from Lenovo.  The name “Hybrid” is very appropriate as when the product is docked it is a seemingly robust notebook with a Core 2 Duo Processor running Windows 7 Home Premium but when unhitched from its “home” dock it becomes a 1 GHz Snapdragon-powered “slate” running a custom Linux distro developed by Lenovo themselves.  Very nice in theory but I wonder how it executes in real-world situations. I guess we’ll have to wait and see as it is set to be released in June for a cool $999.

Yet, we all know the Masters of User Interface design in Cupertino can trump anything the folks from Redmond have already released in Windows 7.  But will people stand in line and shell out the $800 plus they shelled out to be early adopters of the game-changing iPhone?  I believe so because it seems Steve Jobs is ready for another winner.  Other than the somewhat under-powered and not well thought-out Apple TV, Jobs can continue to drive Apple’s dominance in the home with a well-delivered tablet.  At least Jobs won’t look as cheesy demoing the Apple offering as Ballmer was showing us an HP “Slate” running Windows 7 – Come on, show us something we haven’t seen?

Like most “air” remotes that are distinctly wireless in nature, the Loop Pointer relies on a USB receiver which plugs into the computer, PS3, or AppleTV device.  Once the receiver was plugged into my Mac mini, the remote simply worked.   Like I did with the GlideTV Navigator before, I used the Mac OSX “System Preferences” and “Universal Access” settings to increase the size of the cursor to aid in viewing from across the room.  Hillcrest Labs also recommends that you enable the on-screen keyboard to help in entering text, etc.

The Loop Pointer utilizes Hillcrest Labs’ Freespace technology which basically is an embedded processor with various sensors to allow a full range of motions (even slight ones) to control screen actions, in other words an “air mouse”.  The technology is not only in the Pointer product but also a similar Cordless Air Mouse offered by Logitech.  I have to say the technology brings “the goods” and works as advertised.  Because the Loop Pointer is essentially as its name implies, a loop, it feels comfortable in the hand and it is very easy to navigate around the screen.  As with any new, unfamiliar remote device, it does take some time to get accustomed to the sensitivity of the Pointer and the fact that you don’t need to make large, sweeping motions to cover the screen’s real estate.  The Loop Pointer works best when moving it slightly with your wrist.  Furthermore, the Pointer also does not need to be aimed directly at the screen or USB receiver.

There are only four basic buttons on the Loop Pointer.   They function as they would in whatever program you are using or as defined by the operating system.  For example, the left button can be used to select items or to “double-click when necessary.  Obviously, the scrollwheel can be used for scrolling in an application such as an Internet browser or TV guide.  The right button can execute a right-click.  The other buttons are an “On/Off” button which can be handy to power down the device for travel and a “Hide” button which disables the Loop Pointer without powering it down.

The Loop Pointer is smooth and very responsive in all applications and within system menus.  Again, I was testing it for use in an HTPC (Home Theater PC) environment and it did not disappoint there either.  I was able to navigate through all Plex menus and make appropriate selections.  (Note: It still suffered from the same issue as the GlideTV Navigator as I could not make a selection from the outermost menu of Plex – I am wondering if it is a software issue or not meant to be activated with a mouse click).  Also, using Hulu Desktop was a breeze with the Loop Pointer, especially using the built-in scrollwheel to navigate among larger selection lists.  The only thing I can recommend for Mac mini (or OSX users) is to not set the Dock to “auto-hide”.  Maybe it is an issue particular to me, but I found it tiring to use the Loop Pointer to navigate to the bottom of the screen and select an application as the Dock appeared – the remote seemed a bit finicky and uncooperative at those moments.

One thing I would liked to have seen the Loop Pointer include is an application for the “10-foot-view”.  Basically, a full-size customizable menu where I could easily launch my most popular applications or initiate media searches from the comfort of my La-Z-Boy.  This is where the GlideTV Navigator stands apart from the Pointer and other remotes.  I will give the Pointer the benefit of the doubt because I believe it is being marketed as “Mouse for your TV” and not exclusively an HTPC remote.

Regardless, the Loop Pointer is a powerful unit which works as advertised, directly out of the packaging.  In these times of confusing setup routines, driver installations, and frustrating documentation, the Loop Pointer is miles ahead of most consumer electronic devices because you can have it installed and working in mere moments.  Then, it does as it should and gets out of the way and lets you focus on your entertainment choices.

Images 3,4 courtesy of Hillcrest Labs’s web site

The Navigator arrived and its packaging was slick and “Apple-esque” in its simple but chic presentation.  Its main control piece is nestled into the black packaging and seems to be suspended there until you pull it out to reveal the charging base unit.   Per the instructions, I charged the unit for four hours.  The charger plugs into a typical wall socket via a USB cable adapter.  The manufacturer claims the Navigator will hold a charge for 2 weeks before requiring a recharge and I can validate that claim to be true thus far.

After the initial charge, it was time to ready the unit for use on my Mac mini.  The Navigator communicates with the devices it controls via a USB receiver.  So, after plugging the receiver into my mini (which thought it was a new keyboard device) and dismissing the dialog box, I was ready to begin using my new remote.  It is imperative at this point to follow the User Guide (which incidentally does not ship with the device but is a downloadable PDF) in order to make the Navigator aware of what operating system it will be controlling.  The factory default setting is for Windows but after following the instructions I was able to set the OS to Mac OS X.

Although generally easy to use and ergonomic in nature, this is one device which you can simply not pick it up and start using it.  I would advise users to read the manual to see the button layout as it differs from HTPC to console (PS3).  You can see the button mappings in several screenshots below this post.  Regardless of the short time it takes to get to know the Navigator, once you are familiar with what each key (including the “clickable” trackpad) does then the fun truly begins.  I found the Navigator to be a very smooth scroller and responsive as I moved across the screen during testing.  I don’t recall reading about it in the manual but one thing you will want to do is increase the cursor size to aid in viewing from a distance by accessing the “Universal Access” preferences pane within “System Preferences” on the Mac.

After familiarizing myself with the buttons and the use of the “clickable” trackpad,  I was eager to try the GlideTV application which is downloadable from their web site.  After clicking the button to activate it (the GlideTV logo), I was presented with a large easy-to-navigate menu (see screen captures) which allows the user to select Applications, Websites, and even search the Internet’s mosr popular video sources for desired media.  You can customize which applications you want to launch from this menu, but I was satisfied as the GlideTV app brought in my most commonly used HTPC programs like Hulu, iTunes, Boxee, and Plex.  I think this application which features a “10-foot view” so it is viewable from a couch or bed,  sets it apart nicely from other HTPC remotes.

Next, I used the Navigator in two of the applications I use most frequently Hulu Desktop and Plex.  The remote performed flawlessly and I was able to make selections, pause, start and stop TV Shows and Movies quickly as if I were using a desktop mouse.  GlideTV admits there are some cursor issues in Plex but I really only noticed that Plex was very sensitive to the remote and sometimes I would mis-click a selection or menu choice.  Also, I found that using the clickable trackpad to make a selection from the outermost parent menu in Plex would not work (maybe by design?) so I used the SW button on the pad (Enter/Function) with success.

Overall, I was pleased with the GlideTV.  It is no wonder the device was an Innovative Design award winner at CES 2009.  It has a pleasant and simple feel in the hand and works as advertised even from a great distance.  Paired with its novel user-activated menu (the video search alone from a myriad of Internet sources is “killer” enough) and cool aesthetics, I believe GlideTV has a winner and a remote very suitable for any HTPC environment.

(pictures 3 & 4 courtesy of GlideTV)

I believe the finest addition is the “Global” or “Universal” Menu which provides access to (TOP – Logout, Settings, Queue, Feed, History), the main menu (MIDDLE – Photos, Music, Movies, Home, TV Shows, Apps, Files) and shortcuts (BOTTOM) to your favorite Apps, TV Shows, Movies, or folders. (as seen in screenshot 2).  The new software will also offer additional support for Snow Leopard so I will be installing it on my mini.  Look for a review from me in the future as they release the product to beta testers.