The IOS 3.2.1 update brings some exciting changes for your iPad. Following are the main changes:

• It Improves the Wi-Fi connectivity
• Fixes an issue that could prevent copy & paste of single-page PDF attachments in Mail
• Addresses issue that used to cause video playback to freeze
• Improves the reliability of video-out when using iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter
• Added Bing as an option for Safari’s search field

This update is compatible with both the WiFi and 3G iPad models.

To update, hook up your iPad and click the Update button on the Summary tab to update the software. Or you can download the stand alone updater from here

• Open, copy, and save files directly from the iPad, iPhone, or iPod
• Access the device from other applications
• Browse the iPhone, iPad, or iPod through the Finder
• Mount multiple iPhones, iPods, or iPads at the same time
• Convenient menubar item to mount and unmount the devices
• Works without Jailbreak!

The best part is MacroPlant is giving this great app for free until September 1, 2010. So go ahead and grab yourself a copy of PhoneDisk. To use it for free, use the following registration code:

2H96A-QK7MX-8GEYK1V-ZR6S8

The usability factor is dead simple, launch PhoneDisk and mount your iDevice – for Finder its an external USB drive. There are plenty of reasons this application can be very useful.

The latest iteration of the Macbook Pro are significantly advanced machines with Intel’s latest i5 and i7 (on customized orders) processors. Being the ultimate mobility platform, these quality machines can very well support high performance tasks such as graphics, number crunching etc. Although the Macbook Pro’s screen itself is great but then there are times where you would like to work on a bigger screen. Connecting your Macbook Pro to an external machine couldn’t be easier. You just need a Mini-DVI converter to your choice of monitor input i.e., DVI, VGA etc. There are people who are just not satisfied with 2 screen solution (1 Laptop + 1 External monitor). In those cases you need more than just one converter cable.

In this post we are going to discuss one such scenario where a wintel desktop machine connected to dual 22″ Acer displays needs to be replaced with Macbook Pro. Before we begin, there are few things you need to know about the solution you are developing.

• Macbook Pro Model & Generation:
  Each iteration of Macbook Pro has a different hardware, which in the needs to be supported by the solution. You can find out about your Macbook Pro by going to Apple > About this Mac > More Info on the Top OS Menu. In my case its the following:
  Model Name: MacBook Pro
  Model Identifier: MacBookPro 5,3

  This is a 5th Generation Macbook Pro with 1 Mini DVI port.

• Screens and desired Resolution
  Its very important to know about the hardware you have. In my case the screens are Acer X223W Q, each supporting 1680 x 1050 resolution.

  If you haven’t purchased your monitors yet, please make sure that the hardware you’ll use to connect them supports the screen’s optimal resolution. There is no point in viewing your mac in low res.

• Screen Setup
  Lastly, you also need to decide how are you going to use the extended desktop. Will your solution require you to have Macbook Pro screen active or would you use it without it? What and where you would like to things to appear? This will require some getting used to but trust me the extended real estate available, you’ll just love it.

In my research I have found the following solutions, which doesn’t mean this is it. There may be more solutions available now at the time you are reading this article. If possible check with the Apple Store / Genius Bar as newer products are released frequently.

Matrix DualHead2Go & TripleHead2Go

The Matrox uses your Macbook’s Mini -DVI port (you’ll need the Mini-DVI to DVI converter) to connect to 2 or 3 external monitors depending on your requirements. This is a good solution with minimal hardware addition you will need to get the task done. Most of the mainstream manufacturers are supported with different resolutions. The Matrox solution comes in multiple editions: Analog, Digital & DP edition, chose the right one that works for you. Please make sure to read the features of the Dualhead2go ($264) and TripleHead2Go ($300) products in detail before purchasing.

DIAMOND BVU195 USB Display Adapter (DVI and VGA with included DVI to VGA adapter)

In my case the problem with the Matrox solution was the resolution available on the screens was not supported. On searching I came across the USB solution from Diamond. It requires you to connect it to your Macbook Pro and connect the screen to to device. So for each monitor you will need one adapter. I would recommend also looking at buying a USB hub to save the USB ports on the Macbook. When connected each monitor is recognized as an independent screen and you can play with it as required. The Diamond BVU195 HD USB Display Adapter is a good choice for multiple monitor solution, which is for around $74 each. Don’t forget to download latest drivers from DisplayLink site. There is a great post on using Diamond BVU195 here.

Other viable solutions:

There are solutions available for the ExpressCard / 34 slot but Apple has decided that now only 17″ Macbook Pro’s can only have them. If your Macbook has a ExpressCard / 34 slot, then please do look at ViDock 2 from Village Tronic. There is a great post by here about using this solution. Other products from Village Tronic are also good, do give them a look.

There is a also similar solution to ViDock from Magma called ExpressBox 1, which costs around $725.

Tritton technologies have SEE2 Xtreme, USB to DVI or VGA External Video Card under $100.

Kensington also has under $100 product called Kensington K33928US UNIVERSAL MULTI DISPLAY ADAPTER

EVGA has to models available EVGA 100-U2-UV16-A1 UV Plus ($55) supporting 1600×1200 Resolution and EVGA 100-U2-UV19-TR UV Plus 2048×1152 Resolution ($84.5). Nice post here on using this hardware.

If you happen to own an iPad, Air Display ($10) turns it into an extra monitor.

… and there maybe other vendors too. If I’ve missed someone, please do mention in the comments.

Conclusion:

You know your budget and problem better than I do. The many possibilities discussed above will solve your problem. I would advise you to discuss the specifics from the store from where you are purchasing the equipment. Make sure the drivers are available for Mac. Try to buy from a store who accepts back your purchases.

Image via OS X Daily

The App Store catches Soccer fever as well and launches a section devoted to Soccer / Football. This special section is divided into following sub sections:

• News & Trivia
• Games
• Getting There

Its a great collection of apps for your iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad. Click here and experience the section for your self.

What was equally frustrating was looking at Safari 4. Sometime back, while in 3.x stage I installed Gears in Safari also for WordPress Admin usage. As my primary browser Firefox was working fine, never got the chance to have a look at Safari after the mega 4.0 upgrade. Googling came across this link. Following are steps required to make Gears run in Safari 4:

1. Uninstall Gears
   1. Launch Terminal
   2. From the command prompt, enter the following:

      /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/Gears.plugin/Contents/Resources/uninstall.command

2. Reinstall Gears
   1. Visit http://gears.google.com/?platform=mac#
   2. Click “Install Gears”
   3. Accept the license agreement
   4. Launch “gears-osx-opt-3.dmg” once it’s downloaded
   5. Install “Google Gears.mpkg”
3. Restart Safari

For me, the only thing required was “http://gears.google.com/?platform=mac#” as previously the Gears auto-check was giving error “Your browser is not supported”. Happy to report Gears is active now.

Note: Just upgraded to Safari 4.0.2