Category: Macbook Pro

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Apple Laptops Leasing Macbook Pro

Flash Storage – The Flip Side

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Will HDD outlive Flash?

HDD (Hard Disk Drives) have held court for decades mainly because of their low price, easy availability, and seemingly unlimited capacity. The main and conceivably the only drawback is its inability to retain data in case of a power outage. For this reason flash storage is gradually displacing HDD. Flash drives on the other hand are portable, use less power, and are not susceptible to high power or magnetic fields. These are some of the reasons why flash storage is gaining the march over HDDs. As with everything though, there is a flip side. We have put together some of the things you should look out for when considering a switch.

Price vs. Performance

Rick Delgado on SmartDataCollective opines that though its high performance lures users to flash storage, there is a price tag – literally. The cost of flash storage is considerably higher than HDD. Solid State Drives come at an estimated price of £60 per TB as compared to 1 penny for HDD. True enough. But we feel the price will issue will resolve itself as the technology becomes more popular and gains advantage of bulk manufacture. So if you are considering a shift, allocate a high budget for hardware. It will surely generate ROI albeit in the long term.

Capacity

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HDDs come cheap with high capacity. The best flash storage devices can barely touch 1 Tetra Byte. Also reports show that flash storage with high storage capacity trades off on performance. This can be a big disadvantage for enterprises that have large volumes of data and high performance requirements. However, research has by no means stopped nor has advancement. As we mentioned (or did we?) earlier that as the technology becomes popular, many issues will be resolved and we hope that new research will find a way for flash storage to store large volumes of data.

Re-usability

The life of a HDD is almost equal to the life of the machine that uses it. Moreover HDDs can be easily replaced at low costs. Flash storage devices on the other hand have limited capacity for reusability. That is to say that you can write and erase to and from flash storage devices only so many times. After that the device must be scrapped and replaced. This means additional hardware costs – definitely a no-no.

Security

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Many flash storage devices have no write protection unlike CDs. This means that your data can be accidently overwritten. This is something that no business would like to risk. Security is a major concern for business enterprises big or small. Hence flash storage may not be the storage of choice for most businesses. Once again, at the cost of repetition, we hope this issue will be resolved in the near future.

Portability

Though its small size makes USB flash storage devices highly portable, this very characteristic makes it a great risk for business. Flash devices are small in size and easily lost. The metal tab may be broken or damaged if left exposed – and this is highly probable because the even smaller cover may be lost or misplaced. Losing a flash drive does not only mean losing data; it also means exposing your data to unscrupulous elements who may misuse it or sell it for a profit, not to mention the cost in terms of lost opportunity and the cost of recovering / recreating the data.

The Solution

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There is little doubt that the time is ripe to move on to a more advanced storage system. However flash storage is apparently not the solution of choice because of its many disadvantages. As technology advances however, we would likely see an improvement in this storage method. Data Reduction technology is perhaps the next step towards taking full advantage of flash drives. Look out for our blog on Data Reduction and Alternative Modes of Storage next month.

Inspired by:

http://www.smartdatacollective.com/rick-delgado/281126/reviewing-benefits-and-drawbacks-flash-storage

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Apple Blog Laptops Leasing Macbook Pro News

WWDC 2016 – Expectations and Revelations

WWDC-2016

 

WWDC 2016 – Expectations and Revelations

The World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) is one of Apple’s most awaited events every year. Held in San Francisco, the 2016 conference was a huge success right from the start. Entry tickets cost 1599 USD and were sold by lottery. As usual the event was preceded by a lot of speculation. Expected were the launch of the new iOS, the new OS X and the new versions of tvOS and watchOS among other things. Read on to find out what emerged …

True to form, Tim Cook and company met most of these expectations, unveiling their latest equipment at Bill Graham Auditorium during the WWDC 2016 event from June 13th to June 17th this year. With thirty million registered members, the event was a huge success. Tickets sold out within a short while after opening. Scholarships were awarded to 350 students. More than a 100 attendees were underage with the youngest being just 9 years old.

News about the Apple Car and Apple Watch 2 was eagerly awaited. Other highlights included Apple Music, iOS 9, and OS X EI Capitan. New MacBook and the much discussed, much awaited, larger than life Apple Television.

The event revealed…

 

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watch OS 3

Major improvements were seen in the watchOS 3. A new version of the Apple Watch OS with improved features and promises to overcome some of the glitches and complaints of users which included speed, background updates, a dock to keep your favourite apps, and faster refresh. Another interesting new feature is the ability to swipe between apps just as you do on an iPod. Messages now have built in replies that you can select from or you can install scribble and create your own replies. Activity sharing is one more new feature in the watchOS 3.

 

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tvOS

For those who are allergic to the Apple TV remote, Apple has introduced a new feature whereby you can use your iPhone as a remote for your Apple TV. You can also use your phone gyroscope for gaming. Siri has gained approval for Apple TV. You can now search for movies and You Tube by categories such as “high school comedies”. Video channel apps have been enhanced for ease of use. Downloading apps on your phone will automatically download them on the big screen too.

MacOS Sierra

OS X is now a thing of the past. MacOS – which is OS X with Siri – is the new Apple OS. This one is named MacOS Sierra. The focus in the new OS is continuity, Siri, and iCloud. Continuity does away with the need to enter a password every time you unlock your Mac. If you are wearing your Apple Watch, your Mac will unlock automatically when you come close. The universal clipboard is another new continuity feature which allows you to copy and paste between your Mac and iPhone. The overall Mac experience has been enhanced with tabs for multiple windows. Siri has been permitted on the mac OS. It will reside on your dock and you can use your voice to operate your Mac. You can do a lot with Siri on your Mac such as pin your results to notification, drag the results into docs, and send messages. Basically it works the same as on your iPhone. Though the full release is expected in the fall, the beta version is immediately available to developers.

Apple Music

Apple Music has been completely redesigned making it easier to use with a host of new features. The use of 3D has been enhanced in the iOS 10. The phone now wakes up merely by raising your hand. Notifications have become interactive. You can even manage them without unlocking your phone. Messaging is also possible without unlocking. There is a much bigger space for music on your lock screen. Access to widgets, music, and the camera is easier.

Siri

Siri is now being offered to developers, which bodes well for app development. Siri has also been linked to WhatsApp as has Slack. Uber and Lyft can also use Siri as can Pinintrest, MapMyRun, Skype, and Runkeeper. Quicktype has become more intelligent offering location and calendar enhancements like auto-fill and pre-fill.

 

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Pictures and Photos

Facial recognition has been introduced and you can pin your picture to a map to know where you took the photo. You can also search your picture based on its contents such as mountains, sea-shore and so on. The picture enhancement comes bundled with Memories, a new UI.

Maps

Similar to Google, Apple maps will now suggest alternative routes based on traffic. Information about restaurants close by and turn by turn directions have also been introduced. Apple Maps is also being offered to developers among other things.

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News

After a somewhat bumpy beginning, Apple hopes to enhance this feature by dividing it into sections. The topics have been revisited as have the subscriptions. You can now see subscribed content in your app.

Homekit

Like News, Homekit did not have a great start. But the new updates have enhanced this feature. There are now cameras and door locks within Homekit. It has a new name too. It’s now simply called Home. You can personalize it and keep all your accessories linked to it. Scenes, a new feature, allows you to have different scenes for bed time and day time. Siri has been linked to home. The app is available in Control Centre and you can use it on the go. So when you are close to home, it will turn on the lights, heating etc. for you even before you arrive. Voicemail transcription, another new feature transcribes your voice mail so that you can read it instead of listening to it. Spam labelling has been introduced. Links can be played inline and images will pop up from links directly. Emojis have become predictive and three times their size. Words which can be turned to Emojis will be highlighted as you type.

Summing Up…

The biggest thing that emerged, considering that the WWDC is a developers’ conference, is the new iOS 10, the enhanced MacOS, and the fact that Siri has been opened to developers. The new iOS 10 which comes out this fall, has many new features, some useful some not so useful. Same for the MacOS. A preview will be available in the next month. We are waiting for users reactions to the new features and hoping for many more in the next conference.

References

http://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/apple/apple-spaceship-campus-facts-pictures-video-info-video-3489704/

http://www.in.techradar.com/news/computing/apple/WWDC-2016-everything-on-the-gigantic-changes-Apple-announced/articleshow/52156103.cms

 

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Apple Blog Laptops Leasing Macbook Pro

Ransomware Will Seriously Ruin Your Day!

 

 

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What Ransomware is and what it can do to your business?

Alternate Titles: Understanding Ransomware and its business risks

What Cryptoware (Ransomware) can do to your business

Business Risks of Ransomware / Cryptoware

The increasing cases of ransomware threats has made it necessary for business persons to understand what it is and how it might affect their business. Quite simply ransomware is software that takes charge of your data or applications, encrypts them, and then offers you decryption solutions for a fee. That’s the reason its also called cryptoware. The risks? Well here goes…

Introduction

Ransomware is an out an out criminal activity. Its not merely an attempt to steal your data. It’s a blatant kidnapping of your computer and possibly your entire network! Not only is your data encrypted, the criminals – yes it’s a criminal activity – have access to that data and they can use it as they please! One thing to remember though is that they are after money and not the data itself. Often the data may be of no use to them.

The Threat

Cryptoware encrypts your data using code which has a key. The criminals then offer you that key for a specified amount of money or else. They will threaten to make all your data unrecoverable after some time. Your data will then be in their control and they may publish sensitive information that could harm your business. Some of these criminals even pose as law enforcement officials and threaten to prosecute you! As time passes, they’ll increase the amount of ransom and worse harm even your bootstrap software so that your machine crashes. They will warn you that your entire network may become useless unless you purchase the key from them. They will give you deadlines by which you must purchase the key or risk losing your data.

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The Impact

When ransomware targets individual machines, it affects only that one machine but when it targets your business, if even one machine is affected, it can spread quickly over the entire network. This means all data on the server and cloud plugins like

OneDrive, Dropbox and Livedrive is affected. Once a gateway is opened through one computer on a network, the data on the entire network can be encrypted and your business held to ransom.

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The Consequences

Says Mitchell Berenson of Intermedia, the dilemma for a business affected by ransomware is whether to pay ransom or spend precious hours recovering data from backup – which often is slack because of lack of time in the first place! Whatever you do, you’ll face serious downtime which means lost business. The downtime is anywhere from 2 days to more than 5 days. Imagine all the customers that would turn to competitors in that time, not to mention all your employees being paid for sitting around doing nothing! Add to that the overtime you would pay your IT staff for recovery. And if your backup procedure is slack…

 

Some Hard Facts

Cryptoware is not limited to individuals or SMEs. It can impact big business just as easily. A survey by Intermedia found that 60% of the businesses impacted by Ransomware had 100 or more employees. 25% had more than a thousand employees. The impact began with 2 or more computers and quickly spread to over 20 in 86% of the cases. Quoting Luke Skibba – Gigabitgeek on Twitter, “After shutting down the computer of the affected user and taking her off the network, we determined she had been hit with the CryptoWall ransomware. We had 90 percent of our files be encrypted. This impacted every user in our whole company.”

Don’t Panic

Ransomware is a rapidly growing threat to businesses with even IT firms falling victim. The attacks are expected to increase in complexity. The time to take action is sooner rather than later. As they say, a penny in prevention is worth a pound in solution. Walter Chamberlee, Director (IT) from Signaturefd.com says, “Ransomware attacks are on the rise and are growing in complexity. Without the right protection measures in place, ransomware can be majorly disruptive to a business. In these cases, it’s the user downtime and the hassle for IT that’s far costlier, even if you pay the ransom.” That is not to say these attacks cannot be prevented. Managed antivirus protection can help you avoid an attack. So go for it now before it’s too late.

 

 

Call GEEX today and we can protect you from Ransomware and many other types of virus’s

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Apple Macbook Pro

Apple MacBook Pro 13

 MacBook Pro13 is a device that looks very familiar (and similar) to other MacBook models, but it performs better and lasts longer.

Multimillion Pixel View
The MacBook Pro with over four million pixels offers stunning presentation over 2560 x1600 resolution with pixel-for-pixel accuracy.

Lasting Battery
MacBook Pro 13 offers 10 hours of non-web service on a single charging and up to 12 hours of iTunes film playback.

Fifth Generation Dual Core Processor
MacBook Pro13 is empowered with fifth –generation dual –core Intel Core i5 processor and it allows you to enjoy the performance of apps.

With a choice of MacBook Pro13 available for lease, it is time to reach out to us at GEEX.

Our key benefits include – easy product availability, fixed payments, 100% tax efficiency and three years support and coverage.

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Macbook Pro News

The Upcoming WWDC And What It Brings For Businesses

The World Wide Developer’s Conference 2015 (WWDC15) is just around the corner scheduled for 8th to 12th of June in San Francisco. The focus of the conference will be IOS and OS X platforms which are key Apple platforms for new Apple products. The introductory email promised one hundred technical sessions with more than a thousand engineers from Apple helping developers to understand and adopt new technologies. The Apple Design Awards for the best new apps are also scheduled as a part of the conference.

Apple TV

WWDC 15 envisages the launch of new Apple products including the Apple TV including new gaming capabilities and the launch of the dedicated Apple TV App Store. According to AppleInsider, the new Apple TV supports Siri voice input and the recently introduced A8 processor. John Paczkowski of Buzzfeed News reported that the processor, used in iPhone6 and iPhone6+, features on-board storage of more than 8 gigabytes.

MacBook

Rumour has it that the 15” MacBook Pro with Retina Display is to be launched in the WWDC15. With faster processors, Force Touch trackpad, and flash storage, the new MacBook is expected to be slimmer, sleeker and more easily portable. It is believed that Broadwell, yet to be introduced by Intel, is the technology behind the new MacBook Pro.

Thunder Bolt Display

The Apple 27” 5K Thunderbolt Display is expected to be seen in the WWDC 15. According to T Gap, the iMac Retina 5K display is the best so far, particularly from a photographer’s perspective. This also fits in with the launch of the MacBook Pro Retina Display discussed earlier. Sources say that the launch is long overdue and much awaited.

iOS 9

It is expected that the next version of the iOS (iOS 9) will debut at the WWDC 15. Apple fans hope that the new iOS will be free of the glitches seen in its predecessor the iOS 8. Bugs in the Maps, music apps and split screen view are the expected reforms from the iOS 9.

OS X

Apple is also expected to launch the OS X 10.11 in the upcoming WWDC. ‘Applites’ hope that an improved UI with Siri integration, a more navigable App Store with more products and better customization options will be the highlights of the new OS. Apple sources have thus far remained secretive about this product.

iPad Pro

Although there is no confirmation from Apple, it is expected that the long awaited 12.9 inches iPad will be launched at the next WWDC. The production of this new gadget has supposedly been delayed because of supply problems.

All in all, it is expected that the June 2015 WWDC will witness the launch of many new and much awaited Apple products to entice Apple loyals even further and rein in more Apple devotees. As a business owner, this means you can lease better and faster Apple products from the leasing experts Geex.

References: Macworld  , AppleInsider , BuzzFeed , Ecumenical News , T-Gaap , IBTimes

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Macbook Pro

Apple MacBook Pro 15″ Retina

The latest MacBook Pro from the Apple stable has taken the Pro notebook to a newer high with its spectacular 15.4″ Retina show, a speedier PCI e-based flash storage, advanced 4th era processors and a sleek new design.

The device offers a visual treat with more than five million pixels with a whopping 220 pixels per inch and a resolution up to 2880 x 1800 pixels. 178 degree viewing angle and 75 percent less reflection are the other incredible add-ons that customers will relish.

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Macbook Pro News

4 Reasons Why Apple Products Are Perfect For You And Your Business

Over the years, we have read several debates and articles on why Apple is successful. It is a very hot topic for people who are familiar (or unfamiliar!) with Apple products and their rise to stardom in the PC and non-PC domain. All debates on this issue will point to Steve Jobs and his exceptional style of marketing, strategizing and making his startup- Apple, the most valuable brand in the world, worth over $742 billion.

This blog tries to answer the question. Here are 4 reasons why Apple products are perfect for you and your business.

Apple Products Compete with their Trendy and Sublime Designs
Apple’s designs always look perfect and they attract with their sublime designs. Be it iPad, MacBook Pro, flat panel iMac and iPods – they all attract with their thin and lighter designs. The lighter designs make these products portable and favored choice for businesses and individuals.

Apple Products are Reliable
What is the use of investing in expensive technology device, if it cannot serve you for long? Apple MacBook Air 11 inch model offers 9 hours of battery life and 13-inch model up to 12 hours. Even if you put the MacBook Air in sleep mode for 3 hours, it will conserve battery charge to run for 30 days. Do you know Apple makes the most reliable technological products in the market – from its Mac Book Air to its popular iPod digital audio players?

Apple Products are Easy to Use
Apple products cut down complexity and are easy to use. Many industry experts agree that simplicity of Apple products makes them successful. Apple usually follows one design for each product in the category and keeps on enhancing its utility through updates. Inspite of the heavy competition in the iDevice space, people prefer to use Apple products, since they follow one design that is easy to understand.

Apple Products are Supported with Excellent Customer Service
Steve Jobs understood that even if he produces simple products, users will require some guidance or support to use them. This is why Apple products are supported with excellent customer service. It doesn’t matter whether you purchase them or lease them from computer leasing experts like GEEX, you can always expect excellent customer support, whenever your devices start giving you issues.

There may not be another UK Company to match the technological competitiveness of Apple and the British can say it with pride that Jony Ive, the chief design architect at Apple, is from North East London.

We are sure that everyone loves Apple products for the above reasons. And if you want to lease Apple products for your business in the UK, you can always approach GEEX. You can enjoy the benefits of affordable monthly payment scheme, next day delivery, 3-year warranty and customer support as well as an experienced support team at your service.