blog.SHANECLINE.com

Final Cut Pro X

Shane Cline — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:59:37 +0000

It’s about time I write up a review for this nifty piece of software I purchased back in June. I’m referring of course to the new Version of Final Cut Pro from Apple.

By now, anyone who’s half-way interested in the program has already heard about the many grievances that users have with the new version. Of those users who cared to write a review on the App Store, the consensus is pretty much split right down the middle, half rating it 5-stars and the other half at 1-star. Reading both sides of the reviews, I can agree with most points that are made, and while my stance on the matter is not quite as polar as most, I tend to lean toward the 5-star rating.

Having never worked with previous versions of Final Cut, everything about this program was new to me. This was a rather fortunate circumstance, considering one of the primary complaints about the new version is that it is dramatically different from previous versions. So much so, that most users feel the software has been inaccurately branded as Final Cut and is more parallel with the structure of iMovie.

The program did exhibit some technical problem when it was first released, including a rather crippling issue with exported audio channels. The problem was resolved in a recent update; 10.0.1

If you’ve never used Final Cut, own a Mac with and i-series processor, and you’re looking to break into the video editing world, this is a great place to start.

OWC Data Doubler

Shane Cline — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 20:32:03 +0000

One challenge I’ve discovered now that I’ve consolidated my computing to a laptop is data storage. Between photos, video production, and iTunes media, my data files measure in excess of 500GB. The MacBook Pro can accept a 12.5mm HDD in the standard drive bay; Currently the largest available storage volume is 1TB. After the OS, applications, and data files are all copied over, I’m almost at capacity with no room for expansion.

A solution I’ve found is the Data Doubler by Other World Computing. With their Data Doubler kit, you can install a second HDD or SSD in the space made available by uninstalling the SuperDrive in any MacBook Pro.

The SuperDrive bay uses an SATA interface and can accept a drive up to 9.5mm thick, so I purposefully ordered my Mac with the smaller 500GB drive (only 9.5mm) so that I could use it in the smaller bay and install a 1TB drive (12.5mm) in the standard drive bay. There are several ways you can RAID your storage volumes, but I decided to keep the drives separate and set up two volumes. This way I can distribute my workload across the two disks how I see fit.

The kit was pretty easy to install. It came with all the tools necessary and the printed instructions were high quality and very thorough. Once installed, the drive is very solid and secure.

With 1.5TB of storage space, I now have plenty of room to work with.

MacBook Pro

Shane Cline — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 19:58:19 +0000

In my early days of computing I was an exclusive Mac user, staring with the Macintosh SE. In 1998 I got my first Windows machine; a Gateway computer running Windows 98 with a P3 450Mhz processor. Today I have switched back to the world of Mac.

Full specs:
MacBook Pro
17″ high resolution anti-glare display
2.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7
8GB memory at 1333MHz
AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 1GB GDDR5

My intention is to continue to use Windows 7 along side OSX using VMware so that I can use all of the programs I’ve become accustomed to/reliant on. Several months ago, I abandoned my desktop computer for a Dell laptop and have found it to be quite convenient. Splitting data files between two computers was less than convenient. This new MacBook Pro should prove to be the perfect merger between performance and convenience.

Taking a new direction…

Shane Cline — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 03:01:29 +0000

I’m taking the blog in a new direction, focusing primarily on tech related new and discoveries. We’ll see how this goes. I’ve kept all older tech related post up, but will likely be doing some follow-up posts to develop them … Continue reading →

Apple TV

Shane Cline — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 04:40:33 +0000

In an effort to reduce the cost of my media services in the home, I have abandoned the broadcast media of Cox Digital Services and migrated to a more 21st Century solution; Apple TV. This tiny little box now servers up all of my television programing via iTunes, Netflix, YouTube, and the rental content.

Airport Extreme > Linksys

Shane Cline — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 05:56:09 +0000

I’ve had nothing but problems with my Linksys Wireless Router ever since I set it up. I’ve changed settings, upgraded the firmware, and reset the device several times to no avail. So, I made a switch to the Apple Airport Extreme. Admittedly, this Router is on the opposite end of the scale in this class of device, but it’s benefits were evidenced immediately. This device, once configured, is completely transparent on the network. It’s been running for a week and I haven’t had a single disconnect. Put simply, the future of internet communications in my home looks bright.

Wii Hack; Homebrew

Shane Cline — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 03:27:27 +0000

I finally broke down and got a Wii. After getting it hooked up, it remained in it’s unaltered state for only a few hours before I got to work on the OS. Pictured is the WAD file information page half way through the Homebrew installation process.
This site was extremely helpful…
http://www.wiihacks.com/

Connected with iPhone 4

Shane Cline — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 22:30:20 +0000

It wasn’t in the stars for launch day, but on June 29th, AT&T stores got their first shipments in and I made an attempt to acquire my iPhone 4. Arriving at the Ladera Ranch Store at 6:30 a.m., I was already 60 deep in line. It was understood by everyone in line that there would not be enough for everyone, however a second shipment was scheduled to arrive later in the afternoon. Our continued presence in line would secure us a voucher for an iPhone from that second shipment. Two hours later I had my voucher and at around 1 p.m. I had my iPhone. This is my first post with the new phone, and much like the 3Gs upgrade, my blog should enjoy a marked improvement in image quality with the 5 megapixel camera in iPhone 4.

Launch Day – iPhone 4

Shane Cline — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 03:17:45 +0000

Today is Launch Day for the new iPhone 4. 3Gs is great, but for the price, I can’t pass up the upgrade. I went by Irvine Spectrum to survey the line situation and was blown away! Two lines wrapped around opposite sides of the building; one for preorders and one for regular purchases. One person I talked to said he had been in line for 11 hours and still had several hours of wait time ahead of him. I passed.

The situation over at Mission Viejo Mall was no better. Equally long lines snaked through the second floor of the mall.

iPad

Shane Cline — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:30:52 +0000

If you haven’t seen one of these yet, I suggest you make your way down to your local Apple Store and take a look for yourself. It’s truly an amazing product.