Zuned Out

By now, I’m sure most people have noticed that I have an “Apple bias” on my blog. It’s not that I necessarily prefer Apple over any company, I just really enjoy my Apple products. While I was perusing the internet last week, I stumbled upon a  headline that caught my eye: "RIP ZUNE." 

In November 2006, Microsoft released their own mp3 player called the Zune. The Zune was supposed to be the competition for Apple's iPod. However, that's not how it worked out. As Mashable writes, the Zune was neither cheaper, nor better, than Apple's infamous iPod. If it's not cheaper, what's the point in buying one?

According to Best Buy, for $199 you can buy a 32gb Zune mp3 player. Okay, let's check out the iPod. For $274 dollars, you can get an iPod touch, or for $244, a 160gb iPod - THAT's SO MUCH MUSIC AND SPACE. I myself use the 160gb iPod and have never been let down. Now, in some aspects the Zune is a better deal. Compared to an iPod touch, you are saving a decent amount of money and still get a lot of great features. The Zune HD, which is the latest model, has a multi-touch screen and wireless capabilities. At the end of the day, I'd say it all depends on what operating system you prefer and how much music you have. A lot of people I know refuse to go Apple. They are comfortable with their Microsoft products and would prefer not to switch over. I have around 90 gb of music, so a Zune wouldn't cut it. And for the price, I get way more gb/dollar with an Apple iPod.

I think the major "pitfall" for the Zune is its inability to sync up with iTunes and that is can only operate throgh Windows. After reading a number of articles, it appears that you can "unlock" your Zune, but who wants to go through that mess? On the other hand, iTune is readily available for all Windows operating systems. Bonus points for Apple, again.

I've only used a Zune once. All in all, it looks like a pretty decent product. As a Mac-obsessed consumer, I'm actually pretty interested in the Zune after doing the research. However, it looks like my time to acquire a Zune is coming to an end.

Microsoft plans on continuing the Zune software for Windows phones, but the product itself won't be released anymore.

Maybe I missed my chance, or maybe it was a sign that I did the right thing in 2005 and bought an iPod. Either way, my regrets go out to anyone who is mourning the death of the Zune. Perhaps it's time for that iPod. 

iPad therefore iAm

If you haven't heard about the Apple iPad by now, we shouldn't be friends. This past week, Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, appeared at the keynote event to present the updated iPad. Clad in his usual black shirt and jeans, an ill Jobs proudly took the stage, and presented the iPad 2. This new and improved version of the iPad was built to impress. 

I've never owned an iPad. In fact, when it was first released last year, I spent more time laughing at the name than looking at the product itself. iPad? While it's fitting because it's like a memo pad, the name is just hilarious. Who knew Steve Jobs could be so funny. Anyways, the first iPad was released in April 2010. When it first came out, many people were skeptical of it's use. I remember hearing countless people say, "It's just like a big iPhone," or "Why would I need that thing when I have an actual computer?" Both statements are very valid and I do agree with them. Despite not needing an iPad, I can now appreciate its purpose and importance to many folks.


What makes this iPad different? Let's start physically. The new iPad has a very sleek new body. Apple cut the thickness from 13.3 mm to only 8.8 - that's a 33.3% cut. As you would assume, slimmer body means less weight. The new iPad weighs only 1.3 lbs (compared to 1.5 lbs.) In addition, Apple released both a black and white version of the iPad. I really think this was a great idea because after the failed release of the white iPhone 4's, Apple needed to redeem itself somehow. 

Hardware. Apple's operating systems are amazing. They are easy to navigate and usually run hassle free. Just when you thought it couldn't get any better. Apple released a new dual-core processing chip, the A5, that they would be using in the new iPad. According to Jobs, this allows graphics to be 9 times better, and for the device to run twice as fast. In addition to operating faster, the battery lasts 10 hours. What a huge leap from just a year ago! Apple products always manage to impress me. 


One of my favorite additions to the new iPads is the ability to face-time. The iPad 2 has not one, but TWO cameras. One on the front, and one on the rear of the device. Users can face-time while surfing the web. How revolutionary.

The prices for the new iPads start at $499 and go up from there depending on size. If you don't plan on buying one, I highly recommend going to the store and playing with one. iPad, therefore you should too, iM serious. 

Dating Services - For Mac Users Only

Online dating websites are the new "I met him at the bar" story behind relationships. According to studies, 1 in 6 people meet online and then get married. It seemed almost taboo to me a few years ago when I first heard about online dating. Something about it seemed creepy, invasive and unsafe (I've seen too many Lifetime movies). Although I have never joined, or used, an online dating website, it seems to be the latest and greatest way to meet your future lover.


As a Mac lover, I laughed when I found this website called Cupidtino: an online dating service specifically aimed for Mac users.


As it says on the website:

"Cupidtino is the first ever "Mac-inspired" dating site. It's goal is to bring Apple fans and lovers of beautiful hardware and software design together."

Is this really a dating service? At first I thought the website was a joke, but it is the real deal. Developed by four men in San Francisco, Cupidtino is the revolutionary way to meet somebody. I thought I was the only one who was in love with my Apple products. However, it turns out there is an entire network of people who feel the same way, and are searching for someone who feels the same way. The mission statement on the website really made me smile. Apparently you are supposed to date people with similar interests, so Cupidtino is just saving you some time and narrowing down the candidates. Who could complain about a service like that? 


For those of you who are single and love Apple products, maybe Cupidtino is the website for you. For the same price as a venti Mocha at Starbucks ($4.79) , you could potentially meet your technological-significant other. Why wouldn't you want to date someone who would rather take their computer out to dinner than you?

Cupidtino has covered all the necessary steps to providing a great dating website. Users are able to link their Twitter and Facebook accounts, so your potential mate can get to know you even better. 


In an era where technology and social media are king, Cupidtino is joining the revolution and trying to bring people closer together. Overall, if I was single, I'd say it seems to entertaining to not try. Cheers. 


Cupidtino: Meet an Apple fanboy or girl