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Steve Jobs, Exit, Stage Left

// August 31st, 2011 // No Comments » // mac, rant

Well, the ‘Pimp has been away for a long time, so you know it would take something monumental to end his uncharacteristically long silence. Steve Jobs’ resignation is just that.

Monumental, but not at all surprising. Anyone who saw his last keynote could tell you that this day was coming soon. He looked frail. His voice was weak. And those of us who pay attention worried about this day coming. Would the stock tank? Would there be a power struggle? Will the company lose its edge?

There’s been more than enough punditry on these points, but that won’t stop The ‘Pimp from adding his voice to the sound of the crowd.

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ZatsNotFunny | Apple Dropping Front Row HTPC Experience?

// March 5th, 2011 // No Comments » // mac, news, rant

Apple Dropping Front Row HTPC Experience?

The Digital Pimp will gladly say good riddance if this is true. It seems that early builds of their upcoming update to Mac OS X leaves out their very dated Front Row experience. Some time ago, they even stopped bundling the Apple Remote with their computers. So I have serious hope that they will bring over the very slick interface from the Apple TV.

So long, Front Row. We hardly knew ya. And that’s a good thing.

=|>

AppleInsider | Inside iOS 4.3: mobile streaming with iTunes Home Sharing

// March 5th, 2011 // 2 Comments » // mac, news

AppleInsider | Inside iOS 4.3: mobile streaming with iTunes Home Sharing.

This is a happy day in Digital Pimpdom! FINALLY Apple has added iTunes Home Sharing to iOS.

Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that Apple introduced a new iPad this week. It’s a thing of beauty, and still the best tablet on the market (duh). However, along with the announcement, Apple also introduced a new version of their mobile operating system that features several terrific new features, including an upgrade to AirPlay media sharing to go along with iTunes Home Sharing.

So, how does it work?

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Apple TV or Mac Mini? A Pimp’s Dilemma…

// February 21st, 2011 // 2 Comments » // appletv, gear, mac

The Digital Pimp has a dilemma. Which Apple product should be the playback engine for CribMac?

Does he stick with his circa 2007 Mac Mini running Front Row, or should he go with the new hotness 2nd-Gen Apple TV?

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Surround Sound from a Mac? I has it.

// January 29th, 2011 // 2 Comments » // gear, mac

Living up to my title as The Digital Pimp, here’s a little-known tip I betcha didn’t know. You can get Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound audio out of of your headphone jack on your Mac.

What sorcery is this, you say? Sounds like a tip from The Analog Pimp, eh?

Oh no, Pimpettes, I deal in digital here. Here’s the skinny.

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How to Store iTunes Media on an External Drive

// January 26th, 2011 // 4 Comments » // mac

One of the main goals for this blog is to train legions of new Digital Pimps so that everyone can get the most out of their home theater setups. The ‘Pimp loves to teach & share, especially when a tip can solve a common problem. This tip was inspired by a question from my brother Franco, who is becoming a rather crafty Digital Pimp in his own right.

His iTunes library is growing out of control, and he just added a new AppleTV 2.0 to his crib. So the common problem is how do you move an iTunes library to an external or even a network drive to save space on your computers main hard drive?

There are two ways to do this. Apple has a rather long method for doing so, and it works great, but there is a little trick that can make it simpler.

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Getting the Gear – Which Mac?

// December 21st, 2010 // No Comments » // gear, mac

A Mac Mini of course. Next question, counselor…

What? You want more? Geez, people. No rest for The Digital Pimp, I see.

Oh well.

Jokes aside, the choice does come down to the Mini for several reasons. Given that Apple does not offer an orgy of product choices, if you have already decided to put a Mac in your home theater, there simply isn’t a better option. Mac Pro? Overkill. iMac? Why waste a display if you never plan to watch it. Same goes for any of their laptops.

The Mac Mini has been a popular choice for a long time, and for good reason. It’s a great value, whether you pick up a new one or the many refurb units floating around. And, since it’s a Mac, it’s chock full of multimedia goodness. Like good soup, it’s in there.

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