A few weeks ago I published a small guide that showed how to install more RAM in your MacBook and today I’m showing how easy it is to put a bigger hard drive in your MacBook. Come inside for the full guide.

The most time consuming part of upgrading your MacBook is copying all the data from the old drive into the new one. I used a free application called ‘Carbon Copy Cloner‘ and the whole process took about 8 hours (give or take 1 hour) for duplicating a full 160GB drive of data into the new, bigger drive. I used a small USB SATA 2.5 inch drive case that can be bought for around $15.

So mount the new drive in the case and put Carbon Copy to work. I started the process before I went to bed and when I woke up the drive was duplicated.

The rest of the process is much quicker and I managed to do the whole switch in around 10 minutes. Start by flipping your MacBook over and take away the battery protection plate.

Then you take away the battery and remove the screw holding the hard drive in place (using a high quality Philips screwdriver).

When the screw is gone, you can take out the drive and detach it from the SATA connector.

The next step is removing the four small screws on the side of the drive using a Torx T6 screwdriver…

…and attach them to the new drive. You also have to move the small plastic from the old drive to the new one.

Attach the SATA cable, put the new hard drive in place, tighten the screw and put in the battery and close the case. You’re done. Your machine should now be equipped with a new, bigger drive. I went for a faster 7200 RPM 500GB drive from Seagate (compared to the old 5400 RPM 160GB drive). Remember to get a drive that is compatible with the MacBook – check with your local dealer.

I just wanted to do promote this great software package that MacHeist have put together. I bought it myself and some of the applications are true gems. I especially like the clipboard manager ‘Clips’, ‘CoverScout’ an application that will let you add missing covers for iTunes albums and the really nice ftp application ‘Flow’. There’s only 2 days to go and the whole bunch of software can be yours for $19.95.

MacHeist nanoBundle 2 [macheist.com]

Today Apple finally unveiled the actual launch date for the iPad – and it’s Saturday, April 3. You can do a pre-order starting on March 12. More information inside.

Pre-Order on March 12

CUPERTINO, California—March 5, 2010—Apple® today announced that its magical and revolutionary iPad will be available in the US on Saturday, April 3, for Wi-Fi models and in late April for Wi-Fi + 3G models. In addition, all models of iPad will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April.

Beginning a week from today, on March 12, US customers can pre-order both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models from Apple’s online store (www.apple.com) or reserve a Wi-Fi model to pick up on Saturday, April 3, at an Apple retail store.

“iPad is something completely new,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We’re excited for customers to get their hands on this magical and revolutionary product and connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before.”

Starting at just $499, iPad lets users browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more. iPad is just 0.5 inches thick and weighs just 1.5 pounds—thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook—and delivers battery life of up to 10 hours.*

iPad’s revolutionary Multi-Touch™ interface makes surfing the web an entirely new experience, dramatically more interactive and intimate than on a computer. You can read and send email on iPad’s large screen and almost full-size “soft” keyboard or import photos from a Mac®, PC or digital camera, see them organized as albums, and enjoy and share them using iPad’s elegant slideshows. iPad makes it easy to watch movies, TV shows and YouTube, all in HD, or flip through the pages of an ebook you downloaded from Apple’s new iBookstore while listening to your music collection.

The App Store on iPad lets you wirelessly browse, buy and download new apps from the world’s largest app store. iPad includes 12 new innovative apps designed especially for iPad and will run almost all of the more than 150,000 apps on the App Store, including apps already purchased for your iPhone® or iPod touch®. Developers are already creating exciting new apps designed for iPad that take advantage of its Multi-Touch interface, large screen and high-quality graphics.

The new iBooks app for iPad includes Apple’s new iBookstore, the best way to browse, buy and read books on a mobile product. The iBookstore will feature books from the New York Times Best Seller list from both major and independent publishers, including Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Group and Simon & Schuster.

The iTunes® Store gives iPad users access to the world’s most popular online music, TV and movie store with a catalog of over 12 million songs, over 55,000 TV episodes and over 8,500 films including over 2,500 in stunning high definition. All the apps and content you download on iPad from the App Store, iTunes Store and iBookstore will be automatically synced to your iTunes library the next time you connect with your computer.

Pricing & Availability
iPad will be available in Wi-Fi models on April 3 in the US for a suggested retail price of $499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB, $699 for 64GB. The Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available in late April for a suggested retail price of $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB and $829 for 64GB. iPad will be sold in the US through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers.

iPad will be available in both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models in late April in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. International pricing will be announced in April. iPad will ship in additional countries later this year. Purchase and download of songs and videos from the iTunes Store requires a valid credit card from a financial institution in the country of purchase. Video availability varies by country.

The iBooks app for iPad including Apple’s iBookstore will be available as a free download from the App Store in the US on April 3, with additional countries added later this year.

*Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.

And if you want to read more about it, here’s Microsofts press page: microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/windowsphone

The Australian freelance designer ‘Penney Design’ has created a bunch of retro looking package designs for modern TV series and movies. Above you can see what James Cameron’s Avatar would look like if it would have been released 30 years ago for the Atari 2600. At his Tumblr-site you can see other package designs for Lost, Prison Break, Cloverfield and Snakes on a plane.

Penney Design

I just stumbled across this really cool iPhone application that will turn any of your existing photos (or a freshly snapped one) into a lovely piece of pop art. It has lots of different settings which can create lots of different interesting results, and the best part is that you can save the final file as a PDF. More information inside.

This is what the start menu looks like, choose an existing photo from your library or grab a new one.

As I mentioned there are lots of settings to play around with and all of them will get you different end results. I got fond of using the same image colors as the original photo, and using quite a few colors (8).

Here’s another version:

Summary: A nice little application that makes it easy to create quite nice pop art posters from your photos, and the best of all is that you can get a vectorized PDF file and not just a low resolution JPG. Go grab it, it’s only 2$ and I think it’s worth the money. Here’s an iTunes link, and here’s a the PhotoTropedelic homepage.

Today Canon announced a new kick ass mid-level DSLR called Canon EOS 550D. It’s the successor of the 500D and is a bit better in all aspects. It looks really promising if you browse the specifications:

* Canon sets new boundaries in the consumer DSLR sector with the launch of the EOS 550D
* 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
* DIGIC 4 processor with ISO 100-6400 (Expansion to 12800)
* Continuous shooting at 3.7fps
* Full HD Movie recording with manual control and selectable frame rates
* 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots
* iFCL metering System with 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor

London, 8th February 2010 – Canon today announces a groundbreaking new addition to its expanding, world-famous EOS range of Digital SLR cameras – the EOS 550D.

The EOS 550D redefines the boundaries of Canon’s consumer DSLR range, incorporating technologies and features more commonly found in semi-professional DSLRs into the compact, lightweight body favoured by consumers. With a newly-developed 18 Megapixel (MP) APS-C CMOS sensor, coupled with Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and the ability to shoot Full HD Movies, photography enthusiasts are empowered to explore new levels of creativity.

Creative control with no compromise on quality
The EOS 550D makes Canon’s powerful imaging technology more accessible to consumers. Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and 18MP sensor support standard ISO settings of 100 – 6400 (expandable to 12800), while enhanced in-camera noise reduction technology boosts performance in low light conditions. The system’s 14-bit image processing also produces smoother tonal gradation and natural looking colours for high quality prints and on-screen display.

For swift and accurate focusing, the EOS 550D features a 9-point AF system with one extra-sensitive cross–type point at the centre for f/2.8 or faster lenses. The EOS 550D also supports high-speed, continuous shooting at 3.7 frames per second (fps). These features provide users with the opportunity to exert greater control over their images, allowing them to capture split-second moments with ease and accuracy.

Continuing Canon’s tradition of filtering new technology and features down from its advanced and professional DSLR ranges, the EOS 550D includes the iFCL metering system first launched in the EOS 7D. New for EOS is the ability to set the top limit for automatic ISO, allowing users to control the maximum amount of noise in their images. In a first for entry level EOS, exposure compensation and bracketing can be set up to plus or minus five and two stops respectively, allowing the photographer to take a number of differently exposed versions of the same shot to ensure they capture a well-exposed image, even in difficult lighting conditions.

EOS Movies: Full HD Movie with creative control
As the ability to record Full HD Movie becomes increasingly important, Canon continues to deliver DSLR technology that sets the industry benchmark for multimedia functionality. The EOS 550D records video in full 1920×1080p HD resolution, allowing photographers to select the frame rate preferred from 30, 25 and 24fps, as well as offering 720p video at 60 and 50fps. The EOS 550D also includes a 3.5mm stereo microphone socket, enabling the use of an external microphone when capturing video.

Photographers can also take manual control over exposure settings, changing the depth of field and degree of motion blur to shoot more creatively. To provide the best possible video quality, highlight tone priority (HTP) can be set independently for movie capture, without changing any still image capture settings. In situations where the subject is further away, the EOS 550D Movie Crop function records with the central 640×480 pixel area of the sensor, creating an effective magnification of approximately seven times. The EOS 550D is the first in the EOS range to feature Movie Crop and gives consumers more flexibility to capture important moments which would otherwise be too far away.

A clear view of your world
The EOS 550D also allows photographers to view their images and video in unhindered clarity. A 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution makes it possible to see 100% of captured images with no borders. The anti-reflective, water-repellent coating also makes it easier to see the screen in bright conditions and from a variety of angles.

EOS build – Canon quality
As consumers would expect from an EOS DSLR, the EOS 550D is built to a high quality specification. It features bigger, more intuitive buttons which have been redesigned following feedback from users. Based on this feedback, the EOS 550D also features an additional button on the new, battery grip, allowing aperture settings to be changed when shooting with the camera in a vertical position, without having to reorient the body.

Share the moment with friends and family
For EOS 550D photographers, shooting great pictures and video is just a first step. Thanks to an integrated HDMI port compatible with High-Definition Multimedia Interface – Consumer Electronics Control (HDMI-CEC), video and images stored on the EOS 550D can be viewed on an HD-ready TV and controlled via the TV remote.

Accessories
The EOS 550D is fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX series Speedlite flash units, including the compact Speedlite 270EX. The EOS 550D is also compatible with the new RC-6 Remote Control, allowing photographers to capture high quality stills and Full HD Movie without touching the camera body. The slimline infrared controller can trigger the shutter release from up to five metres away, with users able to select either immediate release or a two second delay for greater flexibility when shooting. As well as supporting EOS 550D, the RC-6 is also compatible with the EOS 450D, 500D, 7D and 5D Mark II.

CANON iMAGE GATEWAY – share your stories
Owners of the new Canon EOS 550D can join the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, a free online facility for Canon users that makes it easy to share their photos and video. Users can take advantage of up to 2GB of personal storage space, creating enough room for hundreds of high-quality images. Mobile browsing is also supported, making it easy for friends and family to view photos on the move.

Quotes
Kieran Magee, Director of Product Planning, Consumer Products, Canon Europe:
“Digital SLR photography has captured the imagination of consumers globally. Every year, more and more individuals are looking to record key life events with unrivalled quality or to test and explore their creativity. The EOS 550D redefines the entry level DSLR category, putting technologies and features previously the preserve of the professional into the hands of the consumer – allowing them to achieve outstanding results. With the EOS 550D, consumers are free to explore the limits of their own creative vision.”

EOS 550D – features at a glance

* 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
* DIGIC 4 processor with ISO 100-6400 (Expansion to 12800)
* Continuous shooting at 3.7fps
* Full HD Movie recording with manual control and selectable frame rates
* 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots
* iFCL metering System with 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor
* Quick Control screen to change shooting settings
* Exposure compensation +/-5 stops.
* Select maximum value for Auto ISO
* External Microphone socket
* Movie crop function

10. The Football Grill

Having a barbeque for Superbowl? Score a touchdown at every tailgate party with this one – the perfect grill for the occasion – a Charcoal Companion Hot Grill shaped like a football. The grill measures 17 by 12 inches and it weighs 10 pounds. The price is $49.99.
The Football Grill [Amazon]

9. Football helmet mp3 player

I found lots and lots of computer mouses, mouse pads and similar items but honestly they were all too boring to make it on to the list. Here is one that actually made it. It is a mp3 player that is shaped like a football helmet. 1 GB of storage for $89 at Target.
Football helmet mp3 player [Target.com]

8. Pro Football slow cooker

Cooking for Superbowl? If you want the perfect slow cooker for your Superbowl meal you got to check out this Football Slow Cooker from Pro Pots. The pot has 3 settings: off, warm, and cook and measures 7 by 11 by 11 inches. The price is $39.99.
Pro Pots Football-Shaped 1-1/2-Quart Slow Cooker [Amazon]

7. NY Giants Scoreboard Clock

The perfect way to dress up your living room wall for Superbowl is to get a Giant Scoreboard clock. The scoreboard mMeasures 20″ x 14″ and gives you the time, date and temperature – and you can get it painted with a lot of different teams, not just the New York Giants. The price tag reads $74.99.
NY Giants Scoreboard Clock [Shopgadgetsandgizmos.com]

6. NFL Trivia Pro

This is a neat little toy that lets you play the knowing game with your Superbowl buddies. The unit is packed with thousands of football questions like the one featured above ‘Who was named MVP in in the NFL in 1998‘ (the correct answer is Terrell Davis, Running Back in Denver). The price is $24.99.
NFL Trivia Pro [Amazon]

5. Virtual Distance Football

The ultimate question for your Superbowl buddies: How far can you throw? Find out with this really neat football that automatically measures the distance it gets thrown or kicked. Pretty cool right? Another cool thing is that it’s only $20.
Virtual Distance Football [discovery.com]

4. NFL Football fone phone

This item can only be found on eBay but ain’t it just too cool? I am pretty sure that you can find a modern version of this one but unfortunately I didn’t find one today. This one is $19 plus shipping. The one above is a rare, vintage model from when there were still only 30 teams in the NFL. Nice!
NFL Football fone phone [eBay]

3. Football Universal Remote Control

This universal remote control is the perfect way to control your equipment during any football night and especially Superbowl. You just have to love it! It even comes with a uilt-in voice that says “Are you ready for some football?” when you press that special button. Price is $19.99.
Football Universal Remote Control [pcnews.tv]

2. Automatic Quarterback

If this automatic quarterback thingy from Hammacher won’t impress your Superbowl buddies I don’t think anything will. The automatic football passer will throw you a perfect spiral every time and the foam football will be sent away up to 30 yards. The asking price is $69.95 and you can adjust the machine to give you both lateral passes and long, high bombs. Neat!
Automatic Quarterback [Hammacher.com]

1. Adult Football Fan Mask

It was hard to pick the winner for this Top 10, but this one made me laugh so many times that I just had to place it in the top position. It gets funnier for every time I look at it. You will look like a very weird super hero wearing this football mask. It is the cheapest item on this list too – only $9.99. Weird shit, hehe.

Adult Football Fan Mask [Shop.com]

Runner ups

Here is a couple more gadgets that didn’t make it into the final list, but I still think they are worth mentioning:

Riddell Revolution IQ HITS

The Riddell Revolution IQ HITS is a professional product that monitors and records all impacts received during a game or practice. All data can be uploaded to your computer via the desktop antenna (an additional $300). Cool and expensive pro gear.
Riddell Revolution IQ HITS [Riddel1.com]

Football Inflatable Cooler

The best way to keep your drinks cool for Superbowl – a big inflatable football field cooler. Don’t forget the ice.
Football Inflatable Cooler [Shop.com]

Electronic Football Game

I have never seen one of these Fisher Price games for real, but it sure looks like a whole lot of fun! It combines physical head to head gaming with digital electronics. Here is a quite from an Amazon customer review:

So is it fun? You bet. It’s not going to enthrall an adult or teenager for hours on end, but if you like electronic games and you want to get a quick workout, this is a good way to go. You can really work up a sweat in 16 minutes of running in place!

Football Electronic Game Table [Amazon]

Retro gadget

Tudor NFL Electronic Football

To end this list of Superbowl gadgets I want to add a retro gadget that is really cool. If you give this one to a kid today he or she will probably think that it is an amazingly boring game but when I was young I could spend days with a gadget like this one. Times change!
Tudor NFL Electronic Football [Handheldmuseum.com]

I just stumbled across this amusing post listing 18 gadgets that used to be sooo high-tech. Featured above is a very early version of a video disc player and there’s 17 more in the post below. Check it out.

18 Gadgets that Used to be High-Tech [Gajitz.com]

Toon Paint is a really cool application for iPhone that can make any photo look like something from a Marvel comic book. As an example, I created the sketch above in a few seconds using the app. More information inside.

I snapped a photo of a friend of mine and loaded in the application. Here’s how the original photo looked like:

When you have loaded a photo (or snapped one using the camera mode), you get thrown into an editing mode that looks like this:

Here’s where you fine tune the edges, the grey and black levels and when you have something that looks good, just press the soften button and you’ll get a smoothed out version of the image. Save it and you’re done. A great application that produces really good and cool images. The only thing that I’m missing is some kind of vectorized output, but that can be done on your Mac or PC. The application can be bought in iTunes for $1.99.

ToonFX Paint [toon-fx.com]